Kino #2
Lion Forge Comics 2017
Written by Joe Casey
Illustrated by Jefte Palo
Coloured by Chris Sotomayor
Lettered by Todd Klein


     Major Alistair Meath of Britain's Royal Air Force helped save the world and is now using his amazing kinetic energy powers to fight evil as the superhero called KINO. But the British intelligence agency, MI6, has sent agent Devlin Gilmour on a worldwide hunt to recover Meath's corpse. How can the most amazing hero in the world be alive and dead at the same time?

     I really like the direction that Joe is taking this book. It is coming from a direction that is unexpected, interesting and with the potential of something that could go in so many ways. What is happening to Meath is almost unconscionable and yet fits right into what this world is offering those fallen Astronauts who caused the Event. At the same time we’re also seeing what is going on with Devlin so it’s a weird look at it but totally kind of innovative at the same time.

     Mister Assante now has possession of Major Meath and what he’s doing with him well you’ll have to see to understand and believe it. Alive and Dead at the same time genius indeed. I suppose something like this would be more inclined for a coma patient, wait what oh okay then. Sneaky I guess but hey the things we think about when we’re actually writing this down is pretty amazing. So now we’ve got Lorena and Foresight, the MI6 and whomever Assante works for if not himself and I got to say that I'm digging the way Joe’s expanding this world.

     Surprisingly the story keeps shifting focus and it’s extremely well done. Joe manages to bring us looks from three different perspective, well four in reality, and somehow doesn’t make any of it feel like it’s crammed in, too much too soon or even glossed over in any way shape or form. This is some extremely high class storytelling and the ebb & flow of what we see, the structure of the book all of is just impressive to me. You have to be able to do something which produces that IT factor nowadays or else you’ll be lost to obscurity and let me tell you something Joe’s got it and he’s got it in spades!

     Jefte does some work here that I find on the simpler side of things. it’s not terribly detailed but it still has this nice interesting factor to it. He does have a nice eye for storytelling as we see through the use of page layouts with the angles & perspective in the panels. I’m big supporter of the utilisation of backgrounds so even if they are simple that’s okay they do what they need to do and expand the story. I also like the way that the “classic” adventure of Kino is portrayed. That work has such a different feel to it and it’s got that great effect. There is some nice creativity and imagination on display as well as Kino fights the alien race intending to invade earth. Still it’s my humble opinion that a superhero book should have more detail to it.

     So with three different story arcs happening at the same time here it’s kind of a race to see who will end up with Meath next. Will Assante be able to continue the work he’s been doing, albeit rushing it far too quickly, or will Lorena’s people hire someone to get him back and then there’s MI6 and Devlin who after suffering what he considers a defeat is more determined than ever to retrieve the body and return him home.

     So far none of them have any kind of altruistic intentions, they all want the man as weapon for themselves. So what is going to happen when Meath regains consciousness again? Who will be the man that wakes up and what will he be apt to do? So many great questions here and so little clues as the reality of what’s going to happen.

     Stunning storytelling that makes the mind race as fast as the pulse and all because there’s a race against time that no one realises.

The Demon in Hell is Earth #2
DC Comics 2017
Written by Andrew Constant
Pencilled by Brad Walker
Inked by Andrew Hennessy
Coloured by Chris Sotomayor
Lettered by Tom Napolitano


     As Etrigan and Jason Blood adapt to their new forms in the hell zone engulfing Death Valley, they find themselves in the presence of a seemingly psychic child, otherwise unaffected by the nuclear hell blast. But before they can address the mystery of this child, they must fight their way to an old companion, Madame Xanadu, who is trapped in a roadside hotel of hell. As hell continues to spew into Earth, Blood must try and contain an unhinged Etrigan, capable of harming everyone around them, including his companions.

     Well in the eternal words of the Ramone’s “second verse same as the first” in the manner that this issue is just as good, strong and interesting as the first one was. I love that this iteration of the Demon is the one we are so familiar with and that it doesn’t feel like re-imagining more like a back to basics. Even better is the fact that Demon Knights was mentioned here, so yeah that might have been the New 52 but it’s also one of the better books to come out from that. It would seem that Andrew is finding a very smart way to incorporate his all his prior appearances into one cohesive easy to follow timeline.

     I like the switcheroo here with Etrigan being the main man and Jason being the conscience. Not the first time if my recollection is correct and honestly I think it’s a great way to go what with the bomb falling and the area being turned into some version of hell. I’m a firm believer that there are no coincidences in life and them being here right with the girl and having to search for Madame Xanadu was the universes way of bringing them together. By way of a villainous plot of course because that has to happen, in the Demon’s case anyway.

     I love Brad’s work on laying down the interiors here. He’s also got some very experienced folks finishing his work. Together this team makes seeing this come to life a fun time. The attention to detail here is wonderful to see and not just in the characters themselves but in the backgrounds that we see in play. While yes I’d like to see more of them in use I won’t quip because the quality of the work here is just that good. The use of page layouts and they way angles and perspective are utilised make the flow of the story seem so natural.

     The way this is structured is extremely well done and the ebb & flow of information revealed and the plot advancement which includes some very fine characterisation is one of the reasons this book is as good as it is. While Jason does what he can to try and keep the Demon’s rage under control and from acting in ways that are detrimental we see just how complicated their symbiotic relationship is. The two of them eternally linked and forever changed by the other this is what we want to see amidst the action. Oh and there’s plenty of action to be had and in such we see the Demon enjoying himself and doing what he does best.

     This young woman that is with them who Xanadu used to bring them to her is someone I’m not sure I trust. I’m kind of with Etrigan on this one I mean its too convenient that she survived, has these visions and is leading them to the heart of the fight. It could be she’s just a gifted girl or that she was saved from the blast for altruistic reasons, see her meta-gene activating, or she’s an instrument being used to destroy them by leading them to where they are wanted. The forces waiting for them seem overwhelming and I don’t know. Nicely done by Andrew really I mean not only am I wondering her role in this but I’m questioning everything. This is how you draw your readers further into a story.

     This is the kind of book I want to see from DC. Strong writing, excellent interiors and just some good old fashioned, classic style storytelling.

Back to the Future: Tales from the Time Train #1
IDW Publishing 2017
Story by Bob Gale & John Barber
Written by John Barber
Illustrated by Megan Levens
Coloured by Charlie Kirchoff
Lettered by Shawn Lee


     It's 1893 and at last, Doc Brown fulfills his promise to Clara as he's completed the project he's been working on: the Time Train! But where in time and space will the Brown family go on their inaugural trip? And what could possibly go wrong if and when they get there?

     I’ll be the first to admit I have thought of Back to the Future in a long time. I grew up with the first run films seeing them in the theatre and while they were enjoyable when they were done I was done. So I am not really sure what made think to read this, perhaps it was because it’s the first issue but I’m kind of glad that I did. This takes what I remember and expands upon it in a fun all-ages kind of way.

     The book focuses on Doc, Clara and the boys Jules and Verne as they use the time train and travel. The structure of the book is easy to follow, the ebb & flow is solid and the characterisation is pretty darn spectacular. While Doc is well established and thinking is easily simulated it’s really the boys that grab your attention. What they guys do here is fun, they’ve got very distinct and separate personalities and while one takes after dad the other takes after well Marty of all people. I’d like to say Clara but really the younger one, Verne, he’s the rough and tumble type as he acts without thinking and is gung-ho to stop villainy.

     So there is a nice amount of story, characterisation and action within the opening and it’s more than enough to pique the curiosity leaving the reader wanting more. I wasn’t sure what to expect or why the supposed future looked like something out of a steampunk adventure or what happened after that. Though I will wholeheartedly admit when you can travel through time why not go somewhere or when it would be safe enough to take children? Overambitious and overactive children to say the least who when left unsupervised will wreck havoc. It is certainly very much fun to read and experience.

     Megan has a very all-ages style to her artwork which is well suited to this style of storytelling. Her use of page layouts plus the angels and perspective we see in its panels showcase a strong eye for storytelling. Backgrounds come and go as are wont for this kind of story though in all honesty I do think they should within every panel as they expand the story beautifully. The characters have a charm and charisma to them that make and keep them likeable.

     Marty and Jennifer make a brief appearance as does Einstein but that’s okay this isn’t a series that centres around them. It’s all about Doc and his family and their adventures aboard the time train. So the way this story ends is promising as it shows off how the series is going to progress. Tooling around time would never be enough there has to be some sort of both history lesson as well as danger and adventure to keep things fresh and interesting.

     For lovers of the film franchise or those that just enjoy a good uncomplicated time travelling through history this is going to tickle the funny bone. It has has the adventure and excitement that goes along nicely with everything else we see. This is a great first issue that has a lot of promise and this could be one those great escapes for a nice afternoon.

Hawkman Found
DC Comics 2017
Written by Jeff Lemire
Pencilled by Bryan Hitch
Inked by Kevin Nowlan
Coloured by Alex Sinclair & Jeremiah Skipper
Lettered by Clayton Cowles


     I was super thrilled that a Hawkman book was coming out. I mean let’s face it his origin and how he should be handled is beyond most people’s comprehension. Meaning people are afraid to tackle the character so he goes away for long stretches and ya know he is one of the more well recognised characters DC comics has. He needs to have his past fixed once and for all, the Thanagar policeman on Earth worked well for so long when he was merged with the Earth 2 Hawkman suddenly things changed and it all got effed up. Like Donna Troy, Carter needs a streamlined origin and a monthly series one that I wouldn’t seeing him with Adam Strange.

     Still any chance to see Hawkman again is a welcome sight. I do wish this wasn’t a one-shot though a limited that ties into the whole Metal business. So to use this to tie him into that series is disappointing because I’m not going to buy that just for Hawkman. Jeff is one of today’s most interesting writers and there isn’t a genre or person that he can’t write about. His take on this in just this issue is one I want to see more of. I knew who those around him were even if he didn’t recognise them and to see them sparked something inside me.

     This feels like the beginning of bringing Carter Hall back to prominence. Jeff manages to take most of what makes Carter Hawkman here and uses it in way that has that interest factor. This feels like rebuilding a character from the ground up and using everything we’ve seen before as it’s base to create something new. Earth 2’s version of Hawkman was based on all the resurrection while Earth 1’s was based on this Hawk god and his people on Thanagar so from what I can see here it’s like this blending of the two or at least use of the two to create something solid. Also the nod to Northwind and his people well that’s just icing on the cake. The man, the myth, the warrior it’s all here and it makes me want to see more.

     Bryan is in rare from here and he’s got some solid talent finishing off his work. I mean the hair the beard, the chest hair and the way the whole page is used with panel placement is Bryan’s eye for storytelling shining through. The attention to detail here goes beyond superb and that he puts that kind of attention into the backgrounds as well just puts this over the edge. I mean wow this is visually stunning and it’s like Bryan went to a new higher level with this and it makes me want to see him and Jeff tackle a new monthly series.

     I think the story here takes centre stage even with the amazing interior artwork. This gives me hope that someone knows what to do with the convoluted history Hawkman has. It feels like the beginning of a return to that status that he held for so long. While I’ve been a fan of his for years thanks to the Justice League of America in the 70’s and 80’s which caused me to read is original series that co-starred the Atom. He’s a great character, underused and largely forgotten and that Jeff sees the potential in revitalising him and making him a prominent character again is promising.

     If this was the beginning of a new series I would say that it’s fast tracked for a breakout hit. So hopefully DC will see the that potential in what these creators can do and will end up letting Jeff take the reigns and bring back Hawkman to the DC universe and let him shine again. All around this is probably the best Hawkman story I’ve seen in the last decade.

Bonehead #01
Top Cow Productions 2017
Written by Bryan Edward Hill
Illustrated by Rhoald Marcellius
Coloured by Sakti Yuwono
Lettered by Imam Eko & Jaka Ady


     This year Top Cow really stepped up to the plate and started bringing us new stories and new creators alongside some of their established ones. The result has been a plethora of wonderfully solid, interesting and visually stunning work. Bonehead sneaks into 2017 with the last of the new releases for the year and what do they say about the best for last?

     Right off the bat I have to talk about the interior artwork here. It really is the first thing we see and it determines whether or not we’re going to keep looking at a book. So with rather bright colours and some very interesting imagery there’s an immediate connection to some readers that says 1980’s.

     That isn’t a bad thing because big bold colours is what comics kind of were and why people gravitated towards their allure. Then we really get see Rhoald’s attention to detail which if you know me is incredibly important and he that he makes almost seems secondary is amazing. The level of talent I see in these pages it mindbogglingly good. The use of page layouts, the angle and perspective used in the panels all of it demonstrate such a beautiful and strong eye for storytelling. Then the creativity and imagination on dis-play and that whole Japanese Manga appeal, like this is an Anime film only amped up or on adrenaline yeah it’s really takes you there.

     So “56” has a mask on and he doesn’t talk much, whether he can or can’t is kind of undetermined and we kind of see emoji style responses from him and while I imagine that will happen it keeps a mystery surrounding him. His talent however is on display and he’s being put to a test by Aleph. Then these folks open up on us and suddenly we’re seeing what 56 can do, I guess we can call him Bonehead. It is very much like this combination of Parkour and Gymnastics only set high above the city streets. It is breathtaking, exciting and juices up the adrenaline while giving us a look at Bonehead and what he enjoys but still keeping everything about him hidden.

     We are also introduced to a variety of characters and among them are Gladiators and Gladiators Headquarters where we see Bonehead being noticed, being given and identification and a slew of offences levelled against him. Nice to see in this version of a future that corporations are still the enemy of man who think they can dictate the way people live. Their enforcers are something we get a look here as well. The Gladiator is kind of like a law enforcement agent only he’s got gear to use as weaponry. Non-Lethal as far as we know and it doesn’t appear cybernetic in nature so it doesn’t augment the body in any way. It’s intriguing idea because it kind of makes look a little warhammer-ish.

     Also in this issue are two rival gangs. Cobwebs and Ravetors. This is also when we get our first piece of information on who Bonehead could be or come from. So now that interest or intrigue factor rises through the roof. Also while Bonehead may have made enemies out of the Ravetors he’s made a friend in Pumpkinjuice, that’s his tag and well yeah he screams Halloween to me. So with a new friend and new enemies Bonehead seems to branching out much to his partners chagrin.

     So basically what we have here are elements of the present pushed into a future direction that combines a few things and suddenly we have this playground full of folks. Street gangs vying for territory, the Gladiator people who police the streets and Bonehead. We have so little information on Bonehead and what he’s about and why he’s here. However the intrigue and mystery surrounding him is guaranteed to keep us coming back. This is an explosive first issue that shows us a world on the verge of chaos and that’s one train wreck we will definitely need to rubberneck.

Trespasser #4
Alterna Comics 2017
Written by Justin M. Ryan
Illustrated by Kristian Rossi
Lettered by DC Hopkins


     This is an emotional roller coaster of a story. Yes it does reach into the darker realm of things that we tend to fear with very little hope of light in sight. But then again this wouldn’t be such a wonderful story if it hadn’t gone there. A house secluded in the woods where a man and his daughter dwell. A house they have refused to leave when the aliens came to earth so they toughed it out until the father did something who’s repercussions were nothing like what could have been expected.

     That Justin has been able to tap into such a primal fear that we have, the seclusion and isolation and not being able to fight back against an unseen force this is something the kind of story that we would pay money to see in a theatre. I do like that we we see the range of emotion with this and the contrition that he feels at having his daughter cursed as he was. Then to do what he thought impossible well it just feels right.

     The way the book is structured is extremely well done. The ebb & flow leaves a wonderful mark upon the reader. As we see the characters going through what we think are the last of the motions here the time for reflection and growth as well as find a reasonable and plausible way to conclude the story. I cannot give away the ending though I’d terribly like to. That would be unfair so I will continue to say of how this unfolds as it pertains to my experience.

     I am pretty impressed with how intense Justin is able to keep this story. Not only intense but also very much in that whole frightening, creepy and terrifying way when one thinks they are to die. it’s got all this great tension and suspense to it that you can actually feel in your bones. The way this is translated to the page is exceptionally well done and I love that feeling of creepiness and the want to look over your shoulder. The last time I was reading something did that to me was Anne Rice’s The Witching Hour so Justin is in very acclaimed company.

     When they say that less is more and you don’t quite believe it then look at the interiors here. The darkness, the use of blacks and all around is impactful in all the right ways. It also means that sometime backgrounds aren’t needed or needed to be as detailed as I usually call for. There are some small details that stand out in this and I really appreciate those alongside Kristian’s handling of angles and perspective which alongside the utilisation of page layouts show a strong eye for storytelling.

     This is a true throwback as Alterna publishes their books on newsprint paper and the artwork and the story itself all conspire to have that effortless throwback feel to it. That and it is a great example of what I’ve talked about time and again, small press companies not only need but deserve your support. There’s a plethora of fine stories being told today and some of the better ones don’t come from names you recognise.

     Trespasser is a story of anger, solace, fear and attrition and all of has a very palpable feel. This will touch you in ways you may not expect. Good storytelling is like a drug and you want it and crave more of it and honestly that’s what this story has done to me. I want more from this creative team and I want to see it from Alterna.

Centipede #5
Dynamite Entertainment 2017
Written by Max Bemis
Illustrated by Eoin Marron
Coloured by Chris O’Halloran
Lettered by Taylor Esposito


     Dale's life has been nothing even close to normal since a flying monster descended on his planet and destroyed it, but things get even weirder as he discovers the Centipede's history, in what can only be described as a psychedelic trip down the creature's memory lane.

     So this is the final issue and it’s time for Dale and the Centipede to have their battle royal as it were. Everything he’s been through being alone and just with his thoughts and speaking aloud slowly going insane. Well I’m not so sure about the slowly part because he seems pretty far gone and those mushrooms sure didn’t help any. That dream where he and the Centipede mated yeah that was a trip alright. Though at this point I am not so sure it wasn’t a trip or dream as much as it is one of those symbiotic kind of moments and that’s how Dale’s mind processed it. Okay yeah I might be overthinking this but that’s what happens when Max wants you to be super involved in a story he’s writing.

     I think what Max does with this with the little references here like the controls of the ship he’s in are fantastic. That he was able to work in the old gaming system and keep it feeling like fits right in is why I enjoy his writing. Also that after all this time hiding and going out and killing spiders you’d have thought that Dale might have flown in one of the planes that were still on the ground. Apparently that’s not the case as we see here but I must admit that the bit of characterisation that comes with all this is sensational. He continues to surprise me as he finds new angles and experiences for Dale.

     The battle with the Centipede is well choreographed. It is fun to see unfold and shows off the fact that Dale is serious, for a change, and how crazy he has become. This is how you do some great characterisation while in the midst of action. Also I will say one thing that the visitor that comes to him during his moment of need isn’t whom I thought it would be. After all while love is love it’s very much not the person I had hoped he would need.

     Eoin and Chris’s work here is superb. I love the way the city looks as Dale goes for his flight. The use of angles and perspective in the panels that are used in the page layouts here show off a beautiful eye for storytelling. That we see so much attention to detail in all this and that page where we are looking down on the round building is superb. Then there is the whole deal with Dale being inside the Centipede because that takes some creativity and imagination and Eoin has plenty of that as we’ve seen.

     That Max is able to continue to surprise me with what happens here is beyond me. Just when you think you may have things figured out he throws curve-balls into at you and the unexpectedness of that while maddening is also very delightful. The ending here is both a nice ending to the current arc and a welcome sight that may lead to another one in the future. So while Dale may have overcome all his fears and inadequateness in this arc they still linger, he’s too fragile of a man.

     The fact that he now believes in himself more is a nice sign of things to come. In the meantime this was an unexpectedly fun read based off a popular video game from 1980 and it makes me believe that Atari is finding new life here at Dynamite in ways that entertain and thrill people once again.

The Realm #04
Image Comics 2017
Created & Written by Seth M. Peck
Created & Illustrated by Jeremy Haun
Coloured by Nick Filardi
Lettered & Designed by Thomas Mauer


     There are plenty of after the world end scenarios out there and yet none quite like this one. Orcs came to Earth and war ensued and now there are bands of Orcs hunting humans who have banded together to create new communities to protect themselves. Our group of travellers consist of hired guides and the party it leads. So with the decimated United States as the backdrop here let’s follow their course and see what happens next.

     Well the young man they met who was all alone was skewered by a makeshift spear, which is some of that old twisted steel bar from a building. That is where we pick up here with the boy falling to the ground and what look like zombies attacking them. Well if zombies were able to wield weapons. I love it though because it feels kind of like this Dungeons & Dragons game to me and yeah I’d play in this world any day of the week.

     I am really enjoying seeing Eldritch being put in his place by his lord of darkness. A man who has big ambitions is usually only loyal and faithful as long as it suits them. Once they obtain the power they seek their mindset, already fowled by delusions of grandeur, become even less stable and I look forward to seeing how Seth decides to take Eldritch on his journey here. Will he remain loyal, seek to improve his position and act of his own accord or will he tow the line and be able to be kept in check. Doesn’t matter which way it goes since any of them will extremely fun to watch.

     Future visions are a double edged sword. On the one hand it’s interesting to see how things are to play out but the future is ever fluid and one small act can cause that ripple effect which will change it all. Plus depending on the person who does cast the vision isn’t there always a slight edge to their version of what they want to unfold? Okay Seth has me thinking way too much about this but ya know that means he’s writing this in such a way that gets the reader involved on so many different levels. It is this fact that makes this such a strong read for me.

     Good grief Charlie Brown what has Jeremy gone and done now? This might be some of his finest work to date and if he keeps bringing us work like this then how much better can he get I mean I think he’s shattered the glass ceiling so what’s next? The attention to detail here is exceptional and even in the backgrounds or the little details like the zombie types or the twisted steel rod it all makes a huge impact on how we see and feel reading the story. The use of page layouts through the way angles and perspective are seen in the panels show such an eye for storytelling that is stunning. Whether we see the orcs, humans or the dead they all have this aura about them that kind of represents their personality and it’s quite impressive.

     I really like the structure of this book. How the ebb & flow moves through the pages weaving in and out of the various plots and groups and yet you can still see the strings that bind them all together. With the addition of Zach to group it would seem they now have someone with them who in some way shape or form is more valuable than anyone yet realises. However time will tell how he plays into all this in the bigger picture but I have to say I love him as an addition here. This group needs someone like him, new blood and mystery about them that is.

     Unique and original story in the world after it’s fall that reads like a gaming groups exploits it really couldn’t be any better than it is right now.

Dark Ark #4
Aftershock Comics 2017
Created & Written by Cullen Bunn
Illustrated by Juan Doe
Lettered by Dave Sharpe


     Shrae's Ark is in turmoil. What more would you expect upon a vessel populated by the worst monsters in all of creation. Now, however, the Ark has attracted the attention of powerful forces—vengeful angelic forces serving the will of the Lord.

     God I am loving this book from a sheer creative standpoint. I mean all those things that go bump in the night or hide under the bed, the things we are taught to scare us into behaving all on one ark in the ocean keeping pace with Noah and those that travel with him. Only a human and his family are in charge of this Dark Ark and though a sorcerer he may be, chosen for this task by what cannot be named he is still just a man. Therein lies the meat of the story, just a man and his family.

     With manipulation and treachery Nex has sewn the seeds of dissent and his kind have attacked the ark. That is where we pick things up here. I really like the way Cullen continues to surprise me through the course of action here. When Nex bites Shrae with the intention of draining him dry the fun begins and it doesn’t let up. This is a full on vampire attack from inside and from underneath and they have the numbers now so how do the denizens of the Ark plan to survive this attack?

     I actually like that this attack is happening now because these creatures desperately needed to be reigned in and shown who’s boss. Also those who survive this attack will find themselves united in a way that Nex could not have imagined. After all there is a strange bond between survivors and it can act as something that makes them all understand they need to work together to survive. I will be interested in seeing how the outcome of this impacts all the different beings left on board. With Cullen I cannot say with any kind of certainty where he intends to go so I’m going to anxiously wait to see.

     I hate to sound like a broken record but seriously as much as Juan is trying his damnedest he really needs replacing here. Seeing Nex after he bit Shrae I kept thinking to myself what the hell am I looking at? The angle was horrid and the stretched out face out of proportion and I thought perhaps something was wrong with him but who could tell he seemed like a cartooned out fun-house mirror Joker, or at times a Scooby Doo villain at times. These beings really need to come across as threatening, scary and of evil intent and instead they feel like prizes won at the carnival or from those claw machines. Also did he google what a Manticore even looks like because where is it’s stinger? I am completely underwhelmed by what I am seeing and I don’t feel it matches in any way shape or form. It is what keeps this from being the book it should be in my humble opinion.

     So Krull is still an enigma to me, he has a mate yes but they don’t seem to get along and he has this whole fascination with Janris that has this whole inter-species romantic side that is creepy yet fascinating. His loyalty and motives may remain a mystery but the way Cullen keeps showing us bits and pieces make him one of those we want to see more of.

     There will be consequences to the vampire attack that won’t know about till much later, thinking about those bit and drank from but not killed, as well as how they’ve dealt with Nex. I love Cullen’s writing and how he’s bringing this look at the dark side of life and whether they make it to the land that remains or when the waters recede is up in the air but in the meantime I’ll be here to see what he does with these passengers aboard the Dark Ark!

Made Men #4
Oni Press 2017
Written by Paul Tobin
Illustrated by Arjuna Susini
Coloured by Gonzalo Duarte
Lettered by Saida Temofonte


     Previously: Jutte Shelly—formerly Jutte Frankenstein—brought her murdered teammates back from the dead. (Just following the family business.) They’ve been given a connection to their murders: Detroit Chief of Police Hubert Grange. So while Ex, Leo and Gemini committed some light breaking and entering, Hadry was trailing Grange at his usual hangout (a night club), and Jutte was securing a mole in the police department (by sleeping with a cop). Unfortunately there’s another player in the game who’s got their sights set on Jutte and her crew.

     Paul is an amazing writer and the concept behind this one and its execution has made my top ten every time it’s out. The structure of this story is extremely well done and the way the action flows through the story becoming an essential part of the story, as much as the advancement of said story through dialogue and narration. Not only that but the nature of the story itself is something extraordinary as it’s a take on the Frankenstein story that is unique, different and compelling. Paul manages to take the idea of the Frankenstein family tree and make it into something that you never would’ve thought of before.

     The characters are as diverse and unique as the story itself. So the characterisation that comes along with it is also some amazing work. Jutte is a complex character, confident (possibly overly so) and as a leader well she’s just a take charge kind of gal. The idea of Leo while more out there and crazy and the fact that he can’t speak but we can see his actions and discern his nature well that’s enough. Hadry well she’s an interesting one as a lesbian who has been around since 1894 well she just adds this flair to the story that we don’t expect, mainly because she’s unique and not just a resurrected cop.

     Gosh the ebb & flow of the books is so gosh darn good. From learning of the past and the legacy of the Frankenstein name to Hadry’s past as Luisa Falconetto to the present where the story advances in ways that are fun, interesting and have a few twists and turns that make the unexpected something to fear.

     Arjuna’s work on the interiors here is sublime. This series is my introduction to his work and I’m a huge fan already. There is this flow to the work, some whimsy as well as some serious badass moments. That he can make Leo believable is superb and his people are beautifully rendered and the anatomy is as close to real life people as you can get. His use of page layouts including the angles and perspective in the panels show a very strong, solid eye for storytelling. Also I am a fan of backgrounds and that Arjuna can use them this effectively so to expand the story and the moments not to mention add to the characterisation well he’s a top notch illustrator.

     Jutte seems to be a woman on a mission and that mission is revenge. This can make one a little sloppy to be so single minded. She’ll need to be careful not to fall into that trap and more so since they now know there’s another player in the mix, after that sniper tried to take em all out. Though Jutte and Larkin at the pizza joint having a chat that was some dialogue that showcases why I love Paul’s work. Brazen, bold and all kinds of this is my world, my rules things going on that really are both impressive and make you want to call her out as the bitch she is. Beautifully done and it’s like this throughout the book, series thus far.

     This is one of the best, strongest and purely original series to hit stands this year. This is a guaranteed top five book of the year, don’t agree with me that’s fine but you’re wrong or if haven’t read it yet well it’s about time you did. It doesn’t get better than this!