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Today's reviews!

Reviews for 19-12-21 
​Reviews for 18-12-21 Reviews for 17-12-21 Reviews for 16-12-21
​Reviews for 15-12-21 Reviews for 14-12-21 Reviews for 13-12-21
​Reviews for 12-12-21 Reviews for 11-12-21 Reviews for 10-12-21
​Reviews for 09-12-21 Reviews for 08-12-21 Reviews for 07-12-21
​Reviews for 06-12-21 Reviews for 05-12-21 Reviews for 04-12-21
​Reviews for 03-12-11 Reviews for 02-12-21 Reviews for 01-12-21

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Lord of Gore #5

12/31/2018

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Lord of Gore #5
Devil’s Due Comics 2018
Written by DB Stanley
Illustrated by Daniel Leister
Coloured by Carlos Alberto Moreno Diaz
Lettered by Crank!


      Ending up on the wrong end Reed Daniels’ shotgun while trying to approach him at his farmhouse, Danny and Abby are marched to the barn to explain themselves. Fortunately for them Reed turns out not to be the Headsman that attacked Danny in the parking garage. Unfortunately for them, the homicidal, real world Headsman has hunted them down, and trapped them in the barn….

     I am continually impressed with this series. DB has a great mind when it comes to writing and how he is able to structure a book and make it flow seamlessly through it’s pages. The concept here too is utterly marvellous and we’ve seen a “B-movie” horror film franchise brought to life in the real world without it being cheesy or camp is a huge feat. The creativity and imagination required to make this a real life whodunnit and why is something that any die-hard fan can get behind.

      There are aspects of this story that separate it from your normal slasher film tropes, aside from the fact that this was a film franchise that came to life in the form of the main character slashing up people who are associated with the franchise. First there is an actual story here one that involves our teenage sleuthing trio, a kind of modern day Three Investigator’s (Alfred Hitchcock Presents for a good chunk of the novels), as they try to track down clues and find out who’s really behind this and if what the VHS tape claimed was true. It is a race against time to find the evidence and put the real mastermind behind bars but can they do it and remain alive is the real question!

      The characterisation here is pure dynamite in my humble opinion. From dialogue through their actions the characters are fleshed out beautifully and we’ve really had that chance to see them grow, change and become either more likeable or even sleazier than we could have imagined. Yes DB fleshes everyone out with the same zeal regardless of who they are. I am sorry but Matt’s attack in the barn with that dialogue yeah I am kind of in love with him right now. He is so the definition of fanboy geek that to see him try and save Reed and his friends well and still having the wherewithal to use that kind of language makes him aces in my book.

     Daniel’s work here is quite good. His linework and the way he’s able to manipulate the varying weights to create the attention to detail that we see is impressive. He has grown a lot as an artist and while we still see his signature style it’s tighter, more crisp and clean and looks like a much more solid hand was used on this. I want to see more backgrounds in use however, the barn while on fire and smokey should still have more than a fire coloured inspired background more so since we see it having been shown in more detail already. Also in the office while it’s nice to see her nipple, unfortunately not his penis (hmm) she’s on the floor at his desk that shouldn’t have been white. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a nice eye for storytelling. The colouring here is magnificent. From using the fire as a light source for the shading or highlights to the brightness of the office it all stands out beautifully.
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     There are twists and turn in this story that are wonderfully used to keep us guessing. There are layers here making the story more complex and intriguing for the reader as well as engaging them to see what is beyond the page. Supposition and second guessing what is going on here just means that we are invested in the story, it’s characters and where it is going next. This was on the cusp of what I wanted on my end of year list because of how solidly the story is built and nice the interiors are. This is one that I urge you find in the New Year and see what I’m fussing on about.

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Tap Dance Killer #3

12/31/2018

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Tap Dance Killer #3
Hero Tomorrow Comics 2018
Written & Lettered by Ted Sikora
Pencilled by Nikolaus Harrison
Inked by Chris Arieswendha
Coloured by David Baf Gallart & Bryan Valenza


     Nikki's acting skills take her to the seedy part of town where she gets the lowdown on a drug house with business that's booming! Sir Terror, Punchline, and Uzi Clown join in on a plan to take them out... but threats against the Vaude-Villains are blooming like poppies in a field!

     This series just blows me away with new issue it gets better and better. You never know what Nikki is going to be up to and that she initially got into this gig to raise money after breaking out of jail. Now she looks as if she is in this for the fun of it just as much as getting back at those who put her in jail to begin with. The more I see her in action the more I fall in love with her she’s just hoot. It isn’t just her either the entire gang and those they hunt or are being hunted by showcases some excellent characterisation in progress.

     Okay the opening here is sensational as we see the aftermath of what happened when Nikki went to her folks place and tried talking to her mother. That encounter and the one that we see here is what I feel is what is happening to her. That the mother and I are on the same wavelength if freaky to me and I wonder if I should be worried lol.

     I love the way that this book is structured. The overall ebb & flow of the book really is sensational and I like how the transitions from plot thread to plot thread feel. Sometimes transitions can be hard things to get to flow together but here Ted makes it look easy. Also if you haven’t had the opportunity to read this yet and you pick this up you can read it and you’ll get everything up to now so it is new reader friendly. It is also a fantastic look at the characterisation and how much more intensely it gets. It also gives us to see Nikki in action as she does some detective work which is a side of her to be honest I hadn’t seen. Her acting skills we have seen and are seeing in ways that really do show off her background.

     I am a huge fan of the interior artwork here as well. I love the way we see how the linework is done to create the attention to detail through it’s varying weights. The ability to create such great faces and facial expressions is wonderful to see, more so when we see so many different genders, races and the clowns themselves have to be shown. The creativity and imagination we see on display and as we see the clowns, outfits and creations are complete wow moments. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels showcases a sharp eye for storytelling. Backgrounds are utilised nicely, doesn’t mean we couldn’t see more though. The colours here are incredible to see and I love how they are utilised. From the costumes and their uniqueness to the gradation, use of highlights and light sources warms the reader from the inside.
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      Okay hello Gaspard in that kilt and Hercules inspired boots and the dialogue between him and Nikki sigh oh yeah this is among the reasons why I have named this one of my Top 20 books of 2018. Forget all those books that feature a so-called Anti-Hero because this one has em all beat hands down. Costumes, crazy characters and some really intense characterisation, plot & story development and interiors to match perfectly yeah just watch 2019 will be the year Hero Tomorrow Comics makes a name for themselves!

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Live/Work #2

12/31/2018

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Live/Work #2
AdHouse Books 2018
By Pat Palermo


      Mazel Tov! It’s all hands on deck as the LIVE/WORK crew scrambles to restore an artwork before a major exhibition— while house-hunting! Also in this issue: Ben gets an important letter! Rich meets a mysterious man! Ronnie plays hardball! Abiline has phone trouble! Mike yells at someone!

      This book is amazing I love the Padre, he’s preachy but the story isn’t preachy at the reader and that is a stupendous thing to see. Just the way that Pat is able to write a story and how us how the characters act, behave and believe without offending the reader or trying to influence the way they think. Instead we get people living their lives and the reader gets a chance to see that unfold before their eyes. The trials and tribulations of how lives unfold before us feels like more than a slice of life book.

      The way that this book is structured is incredibly well done. There are chapters that feature different people and yet somehow they all manage to flow through one another beautifully. That along with the level of characterisation that we get is astonishing to me and it’s very easy to see a myriad of people and personalities in the folks that we all have in our own lives. There really isn’t that many feel good kind of books out there that detail the lives of people who are obviously mentally unstable but this somehow manages to make it one. It feels like a modern day Rent in a lot of ways which to me is worth the price of admission alone.

      I have to say that I am so enjoying things here and seeing the relationship between Omar, see Padre, and Carmen whom I will venture to say is his sister. His story weaves it’s way through the book as well and how it ends well we’ll see but I do like the full circle effect that is going on here. The weird simple things that you never think about that could happen but do and more so in city like New York and Brooklyn in particular. It might be a big crowded place but you’d be surprised how tight each borough really is.

      Let me just say that I LOVE Ezekiel Ben-Haig and while I feel like he’s a fictional creation, yes I googled and couldn’t find him but that don’t mean much, so more of him and his crazy antics cause that is one unique ass mo-fo for damn sure.

      I love the interiors here! Once upon a time I would’ve looked at this and passed immediately now I can find and see the charm of it. The way Pat can bring his characters and this world to life in such great detail is fantabulous! The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off such a seasoned eye for storytelling. The way we see backgrounds being utilised and fleshing out the moments and bringing the size and scope to us. The house hunting and the map are genius as was the whole how to build… section. I love the black & white work happening here this just wouldn’t be the same if it were in colour.
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      There is so much to love about this book, the story and Pat just makes everything flow. It almost has this Anna-Nicole train wreck quality to it that means we cannot look away because we’re too fascinated by what is going on here. All these looks at love, life and work surrounding a group of friends that truly represents us (NO Friends didn’t count that wasn’t close to real) facing daily struggles, insecurities and dealing with our love life and sexual indiscretions. This is so solidly written and it’s bloody marvellous from top to bottom and side to side. You can get lost in this in ways that you will welcome with open arms and realise there are whole styles and genres of books out there that you’ve been missing. 

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Lucifer #3

12/30/2018

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Lucifer #3
Vertigo Comics 2018
Written by Dan Watters
Illustrated by Max Fiumara & Sebastian Fiumara
Coloured by Dave McCaig
Lettered by Steve Wands


     Lucifer is in misery. No longer able to heal his broken body, escape seems further away than ever...until hope arrives in the form of a mad poet. Meanwhile: a tome of prophecy is found among the cookbooks, and a finger or two are lost down the side of the couch.

     There is something about this that manages to charm the socks off you. Whether it’s the two Lucifer’s and trying to figure if either one is the real one or if they are two parts of one whole. Either way the strength of the story that we unfolding is amazing to watch. It isn’t easy to show both sides of the man and yet Dan manages to really do some excellent focus on the characters at all times. As a matter of fact the way things open up here I have to admit I would never have thought I’d be happier watching Lucifer as a crazy old coot.

     Dan does an excellent job with the way this book is structured. The way that situations arise and how the characters deal with them keeps the ebb & flow on a nice even keel. Which when dealing with these folks should almost be like using a row-boat with only chopsticks as oars. As Lucifer bemoans his predicament and we see the state of his legs things take this crazy turn. I mean okay I get Lucifer is essentially human and subjected to all the things that befall us. While I am pretty sure I shouldn’t be laughing I couldn’t help myself because it really feels like a comedy of errors.

     When Bill Blake enters the house and tries to get Lucifer to behave like himself, or at least the version they are all used to, I honestly thought that perhaps Abel had come to pay a visit. Sigh that would have been a thing of wonder to see. As it stands Bill turns out to be a brilliant character in his own right. The way he is woven through this story is marvellous to see and I love that there are twists, turns and mysterious connections are among the reasons why I am love with what Dan is doing with this series.

     The interiors here are just as finely tuned to the story as the characterisation is. The linework here is gorgeous and to see how the varying weights are being utilised to show us this level of attention to detail is stunning work. Also the way that different moments or parts of the arc have a style of artwork that separates it from each other is delightful beyond reason. The creativity and imagination that is on display here is mind boggling fun. Also the short haired control of his personality Lucifer is sexy as well Hell! Also was I supposed to find that visage erotic when he approached William when he was alive? Because I did. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective we see in the panels shows off an amazing eye for storytelling. I wish we had more backgrounds being utilised but I won’t quibble. The colour work is astounding and throughout it just enhances the feelings, tone and mood that we see and experience.
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     The way that these three separate arcs flow through these pages and all of them connected by this thin thread, at least for now, all just moving forward like a clock whose arts don’t see each other is like a well oiled machine. With the resurgence of the Lucifer as seen on TV and the relaunch of Vertigo Comics this was only a natural series to make sure was brought back. The writing is among the absolute best on stands and the interiors help make this stand alone in the crowd.

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American Carnage #02

12/30/2018

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American Carnage #02
Vertigo Comics 2018
Written by Bryan Hill
Illustrated by Leandro Fernandez
Coloured by Dean White
Lettered by Pat Brosseau


       Richard Wright is a white-passing African-American FBI agent operating in a white-nationalist gang, and his mission to solve the murder of a fellow agent is already going off the rails. While Richard’s target, the industrialist Wynn Morgan, discovers some potentially deadly dissension in the ranks, Richard is challenged by Morgan’s rebellious thugs to prove his loyalty to the movement in the most dangerous way possible.

      Social commentary aside there are a number of things going on in this book that I absolutely love. Bryan’s ability to craft, create and bring characters to life is so amazing to me. What we see him doing here both overtly, in your face and loud, or subtlety with the small moments we see but don’t necessarily pay attention to, all of this really makes this such a fantastic read. While I know Bryan wants to concentrate on film and television in the new year but this gift that he has I wish he’d continue with in this medium.

      The way this is structured is utterly sensational as we open here with Richard having been taken to the compound and then left to his own devices (I was a lonely boy, no strength, no joy, In a world of my own). There is so much to like about this aside from the obvious fact that he’s being tested by them. He is no pushover and yes he’s damaged, probably as much as those currently around him, so it’s as much about his strength of character as anything else. The set-up and execution of what we are seeing here is so well done and it captures you with this intensity that doesn’t let go, it also lasts through the entire issue and well past it.

      There are a lot of characters that we see here with very distinct personalities and all of them seem to have their own agenda. These agenda’s don’t mesh with one another either so what this does is open up a myriad of avenues that can be explored. That we see them could mean a couple of things and I wouldn’t put it past Bryan to show some as misdirection or a smoke screen for something else. Still here I am taking what could be or other possibilities that aren’t even remotely in play but Bryan has engaged my mind in such a way that I am excited for everything that is possible.

      The interiors here are definitely interesting. There is a mix attention to detail with more abstract or purposeful lack thereof. The shadowy world this takes place in is at times literal in the work and it’s well done to the point of almost changing the whole tone of the book. I don’t know if it’s intentional but the Noir and Horror elements that we see because of how moments are presented visually are gripping to say the least. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a very solid eye for storytelling. The utilisation of backgrounds is wonderfully done. Then Dean’s colour work as I've mentioned involving the shadows and the light we see behind it can really elevate those moments as incredibly creepy and it’s mad good stuff.

      Sheila sigh. She’s a woman on a mission and it makes her inpatient and angry and it’s putting stress on her body, not to mention my nerves, so we’ll see how this all plays out with her but she’s way too high strung right now. She’s the wild card in my book and we need to watch her and hope she doesn’t do something stupid while Richard’s undercover which is entirely all too possible. Again I am seeing way beyond what’s on the page and it doesn’t matter where in the book you are you’ll do that time and time again.
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     This is a brilliantly done thriller top to bottom. The writing is utterly phenomenal and the interiors are oddly compelling making this one of those unexpected sure fire hits for the new year!

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Honor-and-Curse #1 Advance Review

12/29/2018

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Honor-and-Curse #1 Advance Review
Mad Cave Studios 2018
On Sale Feb 20th 2019
Written by Mark London
Illustrated by Nicolas Salamanca
Coloured by Tekino
Lettered & Logo by Miguel Angel Zapata


     Orphaned as a young boy, Genshi Sakagura was adopted by the Iga clan after witnessing the murder of his parents. Now, Genshi is a promising young shinobi with dreams of marrying Lord Haruki's beautiful daughter, Akemi, and leading the Iga clan warriors into battle. Genshi's future was promising, until his past came back to torment him in the form of an evil mountain spirit known as a Tengu. This demon relentlessly haunts Genshi's dreams and bends reality around him, but nothing compares to when the Tengu consumes him; Genshi transforms into an unstoppable force of nature incapable of remorse!

     Well the opening here is definitely dramatic, eye catching and what I am guessing is part of the ending. No offense to Mark but personally I am tired of opening with the ending its cliché and shows a lack of imagination. So this my friends, allies and frenemies is the only even remotely negative thing I can say about this book. Personally I would have opened with page 4 where we see the events of 9 years ago as Genshi’s family is attacked and his parents murdered before his very eyes. Then I would like to have seen where the Iga clan came in and found him then brought him into their fold. Literally the only thing I would change.

     When we get into the main story and Genshi is a young man, in desperate need of a haircut—yes I understand the culture, and his best friend Takeshi the story begins in earnest. I am impressed with the structure of the book as well as it’s pacing and while it almost has this fast feel to it, that’s just the amount of information we learn as well the missing time, which is easily forgiveable as we see the reasons for those moments. There is also what seems like a glossing over of a few things but to see his training drawn out would be excessive and a waste of time when this condensed version is so much nicer to see. It gives the reader a great look at what the boy is capable of with concentration and skill and I must admit it’s mighty impressive.

     I am a fan of the interior artwork here as well. It very much mixes the what one might consider Manga with a more western influence to it. The linework we see is smooth and it’s varying weights are spectacular to see as they bring this to life with some stunning attention to detail and a beautiful sense of movement. There is an unexpected power and grace in the strength of the artwork here that undeniably draws you into it’s spell. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a superb eye for storytelling. The way we see backgrounds being utilised here works well in expanding the moments and showing a size and scope to the story, The colours here as well are absolutely delightful and how light sources are used and the colour gradation and shading are beautifully done.
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     The story is one that is both familiar to any of us who have read similar Samurai stories. While it may have a familiar aura it’s still very much it’s own original story. I think that the way the characters were introduced is extremely well done and doesn’t overwhelm the reader. The fact that Genshi has a missing brother is something that I dearly hope is part of what is to come as Lord Haruki fears, the invading army of course. That along with the dramatic twist ending, though who didn’t see that coming heh, make for a stellar debut issue to a new series.

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X-Force #1

12/29/2018

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X-Force #1
Marvel Comics 2018
Written by Ed Brisson
Illustrated by Dylan Burnett
Coloured by Jesus Aburtov
Illustrated by Juanan Ramirez
Coloured by Brian Reber
All Letters by VC’s Cory Petit


     Cable is dead…and now, the original X-Force team of Domino, Cannonball, Shatterstar, Boom Boom and Warpath. must hunt down the murderer of their former leader! The mutant militia are hot for blood…but when their target is the time-traveling younger version of their fallen mentor, is there a line they absolutely cannot cross? And what does Deathlok have to do with all of it?

      Ed Brisson writes one hell of a story here and it’s one that I really think finally suits what the whole idea of what I think X-Force should be. Well at least from what I am seeing so far that is. I will say one thing this version of the team is one I think Empath would do well on so just throwing that out into the universe.

      I like the way this is structured and the opening is a great example of why. We start off with something dramatic, interesting and familiar which is both good and bad all things considered. Though we wouldn’t have much of a theme if they didn’t. Still this what catches your eye and while reading it makes me want to know more and see where this is going.

      I am going to say this Dylan is a perfect example of Quesada’s viewpoint that artists don’t sell books but in reverse. This is the kind of interior artwork that kills a book. It really is just so horrid to me and is absolutely nothing that would represent this team. I wanted to throw-up in my mouth when I got my first look at Warpath here. That head on that body it looks like it comes out of a scene in Beetlejuice. I want to read this series and I want to enjoy it but with this work on the interiors I would just as soon pass. I am not going to spend my money on garbage artwork. Yes all opinions are my own and some will disagree with me but Warpaths conehead look and the overall way we see people in this makes me shudder.

        Transia is a country whose President has made a trade agreement where the only condition was that the country be a safe haven for Mutants. Of course this is a great thing in theory and that we see the President very adamant that this be adhered to is a great. However not everyone in the Transian Federal House is pleased by that deal. A good inner struggle makes for great reading and this country is going to be the centre of attention for hopefully a decent amount of time. Plus we get a glimpse at the Science and Research Department and that’s definitely an area I would like to see more of. It appears to be rather advanced and that alone bears further investigation.
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       How the final two members of what is going to be this team all come together was interesting to see as well. I do like how this all comes about and Ed really knocked this out of the park in getting everyone together, oh except for Boom Boom but then that’s the back up story here. The pacing, the story & plot development and the characterisation are absolutely sensational and make me happy that these characters are together.

      The back up story here is all about Boom Boom and why she wasn’t where she was supposed to be. Now why couldn’t the main story have this artwork in it? This level of work here is what the entire book should’ve been. Regardless Ed once again nails the personality we know and love when it comes to Boom Boom. She really is among the most powerful of the mutants around but is kind of flaky and totally underrated oh and let’s not forget acting without thinking sometimes.

     Ed makes this the X-Force we want, add Empath, to be seeing on stands. If only the interiors looked like the back up and honestly that’s the only thing that is keeping me from loving every moment of the story.  

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Megaghost #1

12/29/2018

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Megaghost #1
Albatross Funnybooks 2018
Written by Gabe Soria
Illustrated by Gideon Kendall


      Can life get any weirder for junior occultist Martin Magus? Living in the haunted city of Dunwich Heights is strange enough for a kid investigating the unknown, but when he comes into possession of a bewitched ring, he discovers that he now has the power to summon Megaghost, a giant supernatural robot sworn to defend the world against the creepy things that go smash in the night!

      Okay so I totally loved this! It felt every bit the Saturday Morning cartoon in the vein of Scooby-Doo and the likes (Jabberjaw, Speed Buggy or my fave the Funky Phantom) and that alone thrilled me. Add into the mix the bad kids and suddenly that merges with a whole new set teenage problems and honestly I found myself even more intrigued. I will say though that I found this to be pretty much all-ages in nature and I would encourage that you pick this up and share with your kids or nieces and nephews or whatnot and let them explore and discover.

     The way this is structured is sensational! The opening where we get to meet The Real Kool Kultists Magic Club members and their mysterious benefactor is done to perfection. I like that we immediately know they aren’t the good guys in this story and that they are cock, arrogant and smarmy without apology it makes them something we want to see more of. They are the idiots who get in over their heads but we can’t help enjoy seeing them whenever they appear.

      When we meet the main character Martin he’s having a proper row with Fausto, by that I mean with words. It is a fantastic conversation and I adore the fact that this Fausto is one of those who likes to bully others and when he’s called out suddenly he’s a coward so yeah I am enjoying it and should we keep seeing him I do hope that Martin keeps drawing him into the adventures whether he likes it or not. The characterisation here is brilliantly done and we get to know these kids awfully fast and that help draw us and want to see more of them. This encounter is also a great way to get the real story started and it has a very normal natural flow to it that showcases why I like how this is structured.

      The artwork is phenomenal to see. It has that creepy feel to it while still maintaining this all-ages feel to it. The linework is sensational and the attention to detail is marvellous to see. Faces and facial expressions help flesh out their personalities and then there is this whole style of dress or hairdo’s that really set the characters apart. Also seeing the inside of the house where Martin is exploring after the door slammed shut on it’s own is a true stand-out moment in the book. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a very strong eye for storytelling. The colours here too are a treat to see. The choice in who wears what and how they show diversity is beautifully done, personally I want Fausto’s outfit for myself now.
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      This is utterly delightful and it is so beautifully written and illustrated. The pacing, story & plot development along with the characterisation is engaging. The introduction of characters and who and what this Megaghost is well that’s a reveal you’ll have to see to believe! Suffice it to say that Albatross Funnybooks is now among one of the company’s you NEED to be reading. The imagination and creativity on display here both through words and visuals will thrill kids and make adults feel like a kid again!

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Cloak and Dagger in Negative Exposure Chapters #1 & 2

12/28/2018

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Cloak and Dagger in Negative Exposure Chapters #1 & 2
Marvel Comics 2018
Written by Dennis Hopeless
Illustrated by Francesco Manna
Coloured by Giada Marchisio
Lettered by VC’s Travis Lanham


      CLOAK AND DAGGER ARE BACK TOGETHER as a team of super police consultants! However, TANDY and TYRONE are another story, as each find themselves embroiled in new relationships… Will they finally be able to move on or will the tension of watching their ex with someone new be enough to break their newly reformed team apart? PLUS, something strange is occurring in L.A.’s underground reservoir system and when Tandy goes to investigate she finds herself face to face with an old nemesis!

     When Cloak & Dagger first appeared I was an instant fan and from Spider-Man through their own series and the shared Strange Tales I formed an unbreakable bond with these two. Their team-up/appearance in the New Mutants and Tandy’s run as a Marvel Knight brought me huge joy, so it’s a shame she isn’t in the current Marvel Knight's book. There’s a reason I bring all this up and that is Dennis manages to incorporate their history into the feeling of this book. It feels familiar and yet is totally brand new and the combination for me showcases why Dennis is a writer whose work I gravitate towards.

     This issue makes me feel like I have missed something in their story so far and that is a shame and I hope that while it’s a “digital exclusive” (don’t get me started) people still need to know they are still having new stories done. I love seeing Dennis taking on these characters as I feel that he excels at showcasing “forgotten” heroes. The man can structure a story like no one’s business and the way we see that here is sensational. Right from the opening which is in the middle of a fight it grabs our attention, piques the curiosity and makes the reader want to see more.

     So while the pair have been around a while, a fact we tend to forget, seeing them at this stage in their lives has opened up a myriad of new avenues to be taken. Tandy’s boyfriend and their private and professional lives being so intertwined is bloody brilliant in how we see it on the page. Dennis’ characterisation here is phenomenal and it doesn’t matter which character or person we see they all have the same treatment given in fleshing them out so to make them feel complete. I also love how the dialogue we see is used as much for story & plot development as it is in bringing them to life.

     Francesco and Giada do some absolutely stunning work on the interiors here. The linework we see here is stellar stuff and how it’s been manipulated through it’s varying weights to bring us these big bold and over the top moments filled with such attention to detail is utterly marvellous. There is a confidence in the work that shines through to a confidence we see in the characters or in things like the motorcycle which is extraordinarily detailed. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a stupendous eye for storytelling. The way that backgrounds are utilised expand the moments and bring us a size and scope to the story. Then there’s the way we see the colours being from Tandy’s light powers or Ty’s darkforce or my personal favourite their old friend and every time they appear sigh.

     The story is strong, the introduction of a girlfriend for Tyrone is a double edged-sword for me and I don’t want my feelings about her to be right but we’ll see. I’d like to see him have some true happiness for a while at least. There is nothing about this oversized issue that doesn’t make the reader happy, thrilled, excited and leave you wanting so much more. The writing is bloody brilliant all across the board and the interiors feel inspired I just wish this were a print book.
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     Marvel needs to learn how to promote books outside the X-Men and the Avengers because this is what a solid series should look like. With the show entering season two this should have advertising everywhere so I guess I’ll do it. This book has a team of creator’s in a league of their own here!

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I Am Hexed #1

12/28/2018

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Picture
I am Hexed #1
Self-Published 2018
Written by Kirsten Thompson
Illustrated by Christianne Gillenardo-Goudreau
Lettered by Tylor Esposito


      Witches have been a part of the political fabric of Washington D.C. since it was founded. It’s only since the 1960s that witches stood together and fought to take back the word “Hexed”. A movement was ignited when witches came out of the shadows and proudly showed off their broomsticks. Now with the struggle for equality ongoing, Charlotte Helm, a junior staff member for Senator Royce, has been thrust into the murky and dangerous waters of political games between witches and their adversaries.

      There are times that I am so happy be known and recognised by creators who send me their books in the chance I'll do a review. I will also wholeheartedly admit that I make some snap judgements and while I wasn’t thrilled with the interiors and let that guide me until I sat down and really gave it a proper read through. The opening is great and I like the narration which leads to that television interview where a man sits and tries to justify his antiquated point of view. Anytime that a government feels as if there are those out there that are different they have this innate need to control it, why is that?, well because we’ve got a government full of old white men who spout family values while cheating on their wives (usually with men) but that's another story.

     While this isn’t the Salem Witch Trials it does feel an awful lot like a modern day version. In this day and age you cannot just kill folks, much to some chagrin, so I do like the moments of mystery and intrigue that infused into the story. I am mixed that we meet a witch named Charlie because it makes me think of Charlie on Supernatural but that’s just how my messed up mind works. Her introduction though is superbly done and thinking about it there really isn’t any moment where we are introduced to someone new that isn’t superbly done. The structure of this and it’s pacing are so strong and well done that it’s a joy to read and the flow feels fast but then that’s okay it makes it feel like a small screen pilot episode.

     I am really impressed with the characterisation here as well. We get this lovely sense of those we meet where first impressions are made so that we either want to see more of them or we don’t. This will undoubtedly change as the story progresses because this is the first issue and personalities aren’t fully formed yet. So the initial base here is crafted beautifully.

     The interiors remind me of Cathy though much more detailed. It has a very all-ages feel to it which borders on a Sunday Newspaper Comic Strip. It isn’t really a style I care for too much but it most definitely fits the book and gives it that overall tone and feel it needs. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels is very nicely done and seeing Rachel the way we do shows a nice creativity and imagination. The colours are nicely done as well and the way that light sources are used to show shading and highlights along with the effects of the magic make for great moments.
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     Once Charlie gets in over her head as her client has some kind of past or present that she doesn’t quite know enough about. I can’t wait to see a Male witch though after it’s said they exist too it’s nice not to hear them referred to as Warlocks to boot. So as we see just how deep into this Charlie is and how unaware of her situation she is we have drawn into this past the point of no return. This is incredibly charming, cute and utterly fascinating and once you read it you’ll wonder how we’ve not seen this until now.

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