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Today's reviews!

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Wailing Blade #1

12/27/2018

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Wailing Blade #1
ComixTribe 2018
Written by Rich Douek
Illustrated by Joe Mulvey
Coloured by Chris Sotomayor & Jules Rivera
Lettered by Taylor Esposito


      Wailing Blade is high-adrenaline fantasy adventure, in the dark future of mankind. When his father is sentenced to death at the hands of the legendary Headtaker, bandit prince Tychon must find a way to save him, or fall to the Wailing Blade himself.

       I haven’t gotten my hands on a physical copy of this yet if it looks as good as this does on the laptop on paper then oh my goddess. Rich brings a very interesting, dynamic and intriguing story to us here. The setting for this is great and that there are still people who remember the before time and that some technology still works I find a unique twist. In some aspects I found myself thinking this would make a great RPG (role playing game) as we have the right mix of villainy and heroes with some great scenarios and a built in map, though that made me wonder because while I am not sure what part of the world we’re seeing is it felt at least Spain was there and if it is a section of Europe then there’s an even wider world out there to explore.

      The opening here is sensational! This is one that really made my mind go into overdrive as I was trying to understand how whatever event occurred was able to chance plant and insect life while also allowing folks to remember the before time. All this while we’re looking at our introduction to the Headtaker. I do like this town we see and how the buildings are covered in moss and it feels like everything here is repurposed so that it all kind of work without electricity. It has a very almost Medieval feel to it which I found a little more than fascinating.

     I am enjoying the way that this is structured. The overall ebb & flow that we get here is is great and the way that information is given and characters are introduced has this just easy peasy feel to it. Nothing in the story forced or feels out of place in the story which I really appreciate. I like the characterisation here as well as each of the characters is fleshed rather nicely so we get a sense of who they are and what drives them but at the same time there’s still a bit left behind so the mystery of them is still present. Rich is really telling a rich multi-layered story that has a nice complexity to it and yet also has this simplicity at the same time.

     Joe does some excellent work on the interiors here as well. The attention to detail that he’s bringing to this is rather stunning. The way he’s able to use the varying weights of the linework to really makes everything shine and really use the entire page and panels to flesh out the story visually so we can get lost in this world. Though I have to wonder why is she blue? That shouldn’t really be possible right as it isn’t that far into the future ah but I digress. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a stellar eye for storytelling. The way backgrounds are utilised thrills me to no end. The colouring here too is simply divine stuff and add a vibrancy to this world.
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     This is so much better than I could have hoped for not that I really expected anything less. It has been way too long since ComixTribe been bringing us books. While Sink is amazing I miss Scam and Oxymoron I am so very happy that something else of that high quality standard is available. With some super strong writing and magnificent interiors this is definitely one you have to make sure local comic shoppe orders!

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John Carpenter's Tales of Science Fiction Twitch #1

12/27/2018

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John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction: Twitch #1
Storm King Comics 2018
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Illustrated by Richard P. Clark
Lettered by Janice Chiang
Cover by Tim Bradstreet


      The desert above Los Angeles is a harsh, unforgiving place. The heat does something to people's brains--or so thinks Lieutenant Ron Pinkerton, who is investigating a series of shockingly violent crimes perpetrated by the most unlikely suspects. Meanwhile, just a few miles away, astrophysicists at the Mount Wilson Observatory are grappling with another kind of threat, one that threatens to extinguish humanity in the time it takes for your eye to twitch.

     YES YES YES all day YES! Oh my god you know what this reminds me of? Old science fiction horror films which unfortunately you find on Mystery Science Theatre 3000 these days. Still without those we wouldn’t have modern day tales and here because Duane is a writer of par excellence he really makes this blend of classic and modern work on so many levels. Even concept wise this is something that has been touched upon before but never like this and that’s another area in which Duane stands out.

      The opening is intriguing for a few reasons and the narration is a large part of that. It almost feels ambiguous so that it could mean any number of things and the visually speaking we aren’t sure what exactly is happening. That is what makes the reader want to see and learn more. Seeing how it does start this whole thing off later in the story is very well done. So how the book is structured shows that seasoned hand, well in this case mind, that he has.

     That we see this crazy scene unfold before us and it too is pretty intriguing because your like what’s going on here? I will say this gotta give a shout out to Janice because the balloons and the font in the lettering stands out and catches the eye and attention nicely. Honestly this sequence of events would have also made one hell of an opening of it’s own so it could be considered a second opening and one that starts off the adventure in earnest.

      So at Mount Wilson Observatory we meet Dr. Stringfellow or just Marissa. Now I don’t know how, why or when this all happened but that’s part of the mystery that is occurring here. Though thanks to Marissa we see some kind of aftermath that has left much of the Observatory in quite the state. So I do so hope that at some point this is a flashback sequence, after all when the truth all comes out it’s going to have to be recounted.

     I really am enjoying the interiors here. Richard has a very nice grasp on how to manipulate the varying weights of the linework in order to bring such attention to detail to his work. The lines are strong, sure and confident feeling to me which is something that a reader feels but doesn’t always recognise. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a really great eye for storytelling. That we see backgrounds utilised as we do is great to see as they really flesh out and expand moments and show a size and scope to the story. Also the colours here equally as impressive I love the red and blue lights, the red inside the Observatory and the overall shading and use of light sources is nicely done.
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     The introduction of characters here is so well done and the pacing of it all has this incredibly natural feel to it. When I finished reading this I cannot accurately describe just how I felt because I was filled with so many emotions. Above all however was how classic this felt and how original and thrilling it is. Duane has written a stellar first issue to his arc and the pacing, story & plot development and characterisation alongside these sensational interiors make this better than an episode of the X-Files.

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Meth the Immortal vol.1

12/26/2018

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Meth The Immortal vol.1
Millstone Press 2018
Created & Written by Kevin Miller
Illustrated by Kierston Van de Kraats


      Methuselah, Meth for short, is a pig who accidentally gained immortality—and a whole lot more—back at the beginning of time, and he's been trying to figure out what to do with his special abilities ever since. All that is about to change.

      I hate to say this but we all judge and most of the time by sight so we tend to pass on a few things and the idea of a talking pig was kind of eh. However once you get actually start reading those books I’ll be damned if we don’t change our minds and chastise ourselves for doing that. What I found here was an utterly charming, fascinating and unique story that I have read in quite some time. I mean it isn’t everyday that we meet a talking pig, that isn’t Wilbur, let alone an immortal on at that.

      I adore the opening here and the fact that it’s all narration boxes so he’s “talking” about this while he writing it so it’s existential like. It has this decidedly delicious black humour about it that I usually call British humour because you have to think about it and it makes you laugh. Kind of sarcastic at times with a little irreverence thrown in for good measure. Meth is funny that way and the opening here is more than enough to get the readers attention and make them want to read further.

      So in order to understand Meth we need to know where he comes from and how he got this way. This is one of the few times that I appreciate the “origin story” coming so soon. I am not going to give that away but dayum if that wasn’t unexpected but a totally genius explanation. The journey that Meth undertakes is rather remarkable and extremely interesting to see unfold. With how he got this way and then all he’s seen, being immortal tends to make one cranky after all, it is no wonder that he has decided that his life story needs to be written down.

      I really do like the overall ebb & flow here is incredibly well done and shows off how well the book is structured. I have to say that Meth’s life seems lonely with few folks to talk to as the other pigs sense he’s different and follow him but still it looks like a lonely life to my eyes. So when we see where he is and what he does next I am rather astonished and instantly intrigued! So well done by Kevin and it’s that with every page I turn to it just seems to keep building.

     Kierston does some wonderful work on the interiors here. I love black & white work, with many shades of grey naturally, because it really shows off the strength of the artist and how the linework is utilised to create such wonderful attention to detail. I mean I love that we see Meth the same throughout the book even if we don’t see any eyes. So that Methuselah is a male pig and having been well wild all his life shouldn’t he have the tusks like a boar, because well a wild pig is a boar? Regardless I love the look and feel of this Large Black Pig with the ears always covering his eyes. There really is this wonderful representation. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a great eye for storytelling.
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     This is so much more than you’ll ever expect it to be. If you know who Methuselah is then there’s a clue for you. Seriously you really need to find this, order it and spread the word on how utterly delightful this is!


     You can pick this up digitally on Comixology or Amazon and you get print copies at https://www.kevinmillerxi.com/

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John Aman Amazing Man #1

12/26/2018

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John Aman Amazing Man #1
Gallant Comics 2014
Written & Coloured by Barry Gregory
Illustrated by Steven Butler
Amazing Man Created by Bill Everett
Horace Googer Created by Jack Kirby


      How Sharper Than a Dragon's Tooth Part One of Six
     John Aman and the mysterious Dr. Vampire are routing a nest of the undead when Sylvia Manners, operations chief for the X-Bureau --a shadowy government agency that monitors super-human activity, arrives with bad news. Zoe Henderson
--investigative reporter and Aman's close friend--has gone missing. Zoe's last known whereabouts were at the controversial bio-weapons lab known as Googer Industries.

     For someone who loves the older forgotten heroes I have to wonder how on Earth I missed this when it was first published? I mean come on this is literally right up my alley and the fact that Gallant is (or was) based out of Michigan means I should’ve seen them at Motor City Con so seriously how is the universe this cruel? Anywho I am in love with this already as the book has this great feel to it that harkens back to seventies and eighties era of comics.

     The overall ebb & flow of the book is very nice to see and the way it’s structured is sensational. The opening is precisely what it should be as it garners interest, piques the curiosity and makes the reader think about what this is going to mean. The narration alongside what we see is a great way to engage the reader and introduce the world to a new series. As we get to the main story there is that sense of old school, see aforementioned era’s, married with today’s world. It’s extremely well done and I instantly felt recognition and sense of something new and amazing.

     While you never expect to see an “origin” story happen in a first issue however I really am impressed with what Barry is doing here. I love this impromptu interview that Zoe Henderson is doing with Dr. Emmelman at Googer Industries. There is quite a bit of narration and dialogue which might look overwhelming it isn’t it really is beautifully done and with the imagery we see while we are “hearing” what is going on is stellar stuff. At one point in the walking, talking tour Zoe is receiving things take an unexpected turn, for her and Emmelman, and we learn more than we bargained for. It has that element of the capable female reporter being taken and used a lure which might be a comics trope or cliché but honestly it’s also one of the most effective way to get whom you want to come to you.

     The interiors here are utterly sensational. The way that we see the attention to detail and that it has the most beautiful example of varying weights of linework and yet still makes me think of the Justice League of America or Perez’s New Teen Titans is beyond what I could’ve hoped for. While it’s reminiscent it’s still uniquely Steven and that is remarkable. I mean I really cannot get over just how good this linework is as it you can see a sure, steady and strong hand behind it. The creativity and imagination on display is amazing as well and being able to bring this life the way it is definitely a wow factor. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a damn good eye for storytelling. The way we see backgrounds utilised and how the colours are so vibrant and the gradation and highlights that we see made me happy as a clam.

     The introduction of the characters and how we see the situations arise and how they are dealt with is really something special.  I also found the sheer amount of story that we get feels this is more like a giant double sized issue than a "regular" one so we really do get to see a lot of the characters and their personalities. The pacing here is marvellous and the writing is so strong with the story & plot development alongside that immense characterisation and flawless interiors make this something that should be an ongoing series that’s on everyone’s lips. This is quintessentially what comics are about and what they should be.
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      P.S. you get yours here in either digital or print formats-- http://www.indyplanet.us/gallant-comics

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Artifact One #3

12/25/2018

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Artifact One #3
Aspen Comics 2018
Created & Written by J.T. Krul & Vince Hernandez
Illustrated by Romina Moranelli
Colours by Enrica Eren Angiolini
Flats by Cassandra Peirano & Sheena Marie B. Bofill
Lettered by Dezi Sienty


     Izarik and his frightening Akolouth tighten their noose on the kingdom in search for Remi and like-minded heretics. And their pressure may lead to someone close to Remi revealing her whereabouts! However, Remi is faced with an even deadlier current predicament, as the mysterious creatures she discovered launch a full scale attack on her and her new ally, Elgrove!

     I keep getting more and more impressed with this book with each new issue. The boys have a great history when it comes to writing some great stories so it’s only natural to enjoy this one but this is a different kind of story from what I am used to seeing from them. It also doesn’t hurt that things that happen in this story keep getting weirder and weirder while still reminding us of how religion can be used as a force for controlling a populace. The Crusades and other events could have turned Europe into a state controlled by the Pope and that’s a scary thought all of it’s own.

     The way this book is structured is very well done indeed. I like that we are seeing more of Remi as a little girl learning from her father. The lessons of her childhood served her well into adulthood and that is something we get to see in these pages. I love that the boys pick and choose which moments to show us and how they relate to what she is experiencing in the present. Sometimes we see writers trying to do it and it feels forced like it was something that they HAD to do whereas he it is more natural like it was something they wanted us to see. This kind of understanding is among the reasons why I love reading their work.

     The characterisation that we see here is pretty marvellous. I love seeing her scared as a girl compared to now where she’s taking charge and trying to help Elgrove escape their current encounter with this strange beast. So Remi has been and continues to be fleshed out beautifully the real surprise for me is the evolution of Elgrove’s character. His role in this issue is another one of those surprises that I hadn’t expected and yet the boys work seamlessly into the story in ways that keep the reader involved and invested.

     I am am a fan of the interior artwork here. Aspen has never been short of amazing illustrators and Romina is no exception. The way she’s able to utilised the varying weights in the linework to create her attention to detail is sensational. The creativity and imagination in these faces and creating facial expressions on a not so human humanoid is just amazing to see. Of course there is also the symbols that we see, including one that’s terribly familiar, as well as the creatures visages there is no shortage of places the eye goes where there isn’t something new and different to thrill at. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows us a very nice eye for storytelling. The way backgrounds are utilised expand the story and really bring the world to life. Enrica’s colour work continues to impress me with her use of shading and light sources, I wish there were a little more gradation but not going to quibble.
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     That we see the Akolouth in the role they are is interesting and what was said in the office after the message was received speaks volumes. The way this is written really packs a punch and it’s story & plot development alongside the characterisation and these beautiful interiors show us why Aspen has celebrated it’s 15th year publishing excellent books.

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Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince #3

12/25/2018

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Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince #3
Titan Comics 2018
Written by V.E. Schwab
Illustrated by Andrea Olimpieri
Coloured by Enrica Eren Angiolini
Colour Assists by Viviana Spinelli
Lettered by Rob Steen


      STORY SO FAR
      Troubles arise for Prince Maxim when the notorious ship, the Iron Grip, docks at the Blood Coast. He discovers that in the past, Arisa, the Pirate Queen, has sadistically assaulted the local royal soldiery, leading to the demise of any troops that opposed her, and leaving only Isra alive. Maxim further learns that not only is Arisa a wielder of powerful forbidden bone magic, she is also Isra’s aunt. Under the cover of night, Isra moves alone to put an end to the Iron Grips moving into the town, but is stopped by Maxim. Together they venture into Verose in search of Arisa and her gang. In the Black Torch tavern, Arisa announces that she is holding a tournament in which the winner will earn a place on her ship, providing they first survive a match with her. In a moment of high tension, Isra loudly proclaims that she will join the tournament – for the sole reason of bringing Arisa to her knees…

     I have become so enamoured with this series. That V.E. knows her characters so well after using them in novelizations it’s no surprise that the characterisation is so splendid. However while this isn’t an adaptation for someone like myself who’s not read them this is very new reader friendly. Everything, well not really everything, we need to know we learn through this amazing story & plot development as well as the dialogue between characters. Plus this setting is sensational as it’s part of Maxim’s realm that his father rules however it’s also so far away that what happens here is a far cry from what is expected. So there really is this delicious balance where a royal is to be amused while the citizens largely ignore him and go about life that they are accustomed to.

      By the shores of Tripoli the characters that have been and continue to be introduced to us are simply stunning. Their complexity whether they are around for the long haul or just meant to be cast-off's doesn’t matter in the slightest. Also that we continue to see the characters bond with one another and garner respect is nice to witness. Maxim came with his preconceived notions and royal training, training that here is ineffective as here it’s play to win, see kill, and to watch him listen, learn and evolve has been incredibly to watch.

     Andrea does some absolutely wonderful work on the interiors here. Somehow he has managed to find and master that attention to detail with a more abstract approach, see all his scratchy lines, to create this beautiful look. There is something about it that just seems to instantly mesmerise you while drawing you and almost lulling your senses as you become a part of the story. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a wonderful eye for storytelling. I do wish we saw more backgrounds being utilised they have so much to add to the moments we see and the ability to show the size and scope of the story. Huge shout out to Enrica and Viviana for the colour work here. The way we see not only the power or magic which is utterly gorgeous and makes every moment pop but also the subtle molments as well as we see Maxim’s outfit and the self-proclaimed Queens. These are details that we see and often just take for granted.
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     The creativity and imagination that is on display in these pages is so wonderful. Forget Alice and her Wonderland or Peter and his Isle I’d rather be here.

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Call of Duty Zombies #3

12/25/2018

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Call of Duty Zombies #3
Dark Horse Comics 2018
Written by Justin Jordan
Pencilled by Andres Ponce
Inked by Mauro Vargas
Coloured by Dan Jackson
Lettered by Nate Piekos of Blambot


     Amidst the throes of the Mexican Revolution, an international spy and legendary lover finds himself drawn into another conflict--one that may decide the fate of humanity itself!

      I complain all the time that there are no original ideas out there as we see so many remakes and re-imaginings. For me this is something that is both established yet completely original because it’s set in the video game world but since they don’t have the elaborate stories this is completely a stand alone story. Whomever decided to start the trend should be awarded something because it does open up that avenue for unique and original storytelling. Also who better to do something like this than Justin?

     I don’t care what era, century or whatnot a story is set in when there’s a dashing ne’er-do-well spy type character I want to see him seduce men and women in a story. After all sometimes it would seem appropriate for that to happen but we never see it so even just ONCE I'd like to see it happen. I say this because Señor Necall is that almost ideal version of that Latin lover whose appeal is universal to say the least. He is one of the most interesting characters I have seen lately and the whole idea of him permeates the book every time we see him. So the characterisation here is just beyond anything we should expect and levels above anything I’ve seen elsewhere.

      I am enjoying the way this is structured as we experience the ebb & flow of the book. Starting with that opening which is so gosh darn classic, seduce the girl steal the plans and then make your daring escape upon being discovered. It really does tell you pretty much everything we need to know about him as it also introduces the story beautifully. The way we see the introduction of characters, good or bad or anything in between, has a nice rhythm to it. It gives just enough clues about what is going on without giving anything away. Justin whom I already adore has taken this to a new level and I cannot get over how much I love what I am seeing here.

      Andres lays down the pencils here and he’s got Mauro and Dan putting the finishing touches on it so that the interiors shine and compliment the story beautifully. The attention to detail here is sensational and that we see such a strong sure hand manipulating that linework through it’s varying weights to achieve that makes me happy. I had forgotten how good an artist Andres was and that’s a shame because we really need to see more of it. That the backgrounds we see have that same level of detail and attention to them helps expand the moments perfectly while also expanding the size and scope of the book. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off Andres superb eye for storytelling. Dan is one of the best colourists in the business and when you see Señor Necall in all his glory with that yellow, orange and brown with the highlights and light sources sigh. Also that everyone else seems pale in comparison is beautifully done.

      Bring on the journey and adventure as Alistair Rhodes tries to find this supposed great power. If this necklace is a map as he claims it to be then I hope this turns into an Indiana Jones style story as the religious zealots and zombies try to stop him from making the world safe once again. Now while Diego has claimed to not be interested in being his companion I hope and pray he changes his mind.
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     I don’t know if there is a descriptive term above extraordinary to describe the writing here but if there is then someone more articulate than I should share it with us. The plot & story development, the pacing and the characterisation really stunningly spectacular and with interior artwork that matches perfectly it makes this a book that should take the lead in your reading pile.

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KISS in Blood and Stardust #03

12/24/2018

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KISS in Blood and Stardust #03
Dynamite Entertainment 2018
Written by Bryan Hill
Illustrated by Rodney Buchemi
Coloured by Adriano Augusto
Lettered by Troy Peteri


     The resurrected KISS lends their protection to an innocent whose destiny puts her in the sights of the deadly Illuminati. KISS will put their new abilities to the test when they fight the most powerful foe they’ve met yet, while trying to save the girl and letting her fulfil a prophecy that spells trouble for the evil cabal!

      With each issue of this that comes out Bryan keeps impressing the hell out of me. I have always enjoyed his work and his versatility but this combines every last thing you could think of and it works in ways that are surprising. I love that Alicia is this small town girl with an almost awe shucks attitude is meant to be the one to kill Derek Moonson and fulfil some prophecy. Now because I am a cynic and we’re dealing with Lilith I am not so sure there really is a prophecy regarding Alicia. Instead I feel as if there is a major feint or misdirection taking place and I cannot wait to see if I am even remotely in the ballpark.

     The way that this is structured is extremely well done. That this issue we see how KISS are talking to Alicia about everything that has gone down s far. So if you haven’t picked up the first two and flip through this one you can totally read it and not feel like you’ve missed everything. While it is completely new reader friendly I would suggest picking up the first two issues just because you should, and you won’t be disappointed.

       I think the way that the transitions work in this issue. Seeing Derek was not something that I had expected to see, well not like this anyway. I hate to say this, no actually I don’t so sorry not sorry, but he looks like a bad guy from a Scooby-Doo cartoon episode. I love the purple and green together but that blue eyeshadow, that horrendous cape and those platform boots/shoes oy veyesmere. Still what we see here contains a lot of interesting characterisation and some revelations that will make for some choice moments in the future.

      One aspect of the book that I do very much appreciate is the fact that the boys aren’t familiar with their newfound powers. So this is a learning on fly experience for them and that they don’t succeed right off the bat works well in my opinion. So seeing that works on a few levels here and again the characterisation is sensational in ways that I wasn’t expecting.

      The interior artwork here is so damn good. I mean the way that we see the attention to detail through the varying weights of the linework is masterfully accomplished. The way the guys are brought to life in these outfits and their faces, or chest hair in at least one, bring out the fanboy in me through so many avenues. The creativity and imagination that we see here is marvellous and this thing that was Kristin yeah that’s something else. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a superb eye for storytelling. Personally I am a big fan of how we see the backgrounds utilised now if we just saw that in every panel. Where Lilith appears those floating lights seems weird I know they are lampposts but seriously that needed more work.
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     Seeing how the boys work together and play off one another is sensational. The writing is so strong with amazing pacing, story & plot development and characterisation alongside some stunning interiors help me to change to Make Mine Dynamite!

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Night Moves #2

12/24/2018

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Night Moves #2
IDW Publishing 2018
Written by V.J. and Justin Boyd
Illustrated by Clay McCormack
Coloured by Mike Spicer
Lettered by Shawn DePasquale


      A horrific encounter with a possessed gangster changes everything for Chris and Alexis, leaving them both looking for revenge.

      I am a big fan of the way that this is being told. We open up this issue with Chris once again sitting in his home, an older man, telling this story to the boy. While a bit cliché this works really well and it provides a fantastic way to pique the curiosity. Also this sets up the potential for us to see more of these adventures as the boy likes to help himself in coming in and eating cookies and listening to Alex’s life. Aside from providing a great opening it provides us with the hope of what’s to come as well.

      I love the way that this is structured. The overall ebb & flow of the story has this nice feel to it and the pacing is darn near perfectly done. We get back to the story where Alexis, Chris and Jackson being tied up by O’Reilly. These are our major players here and what comes next I wasn’t prepared for and that excited and thrilled me beyond belief! I can’t believe that was prelude to what else is coming I mean if we this is now I am on the edge of my seat waiting with baited breath for what’s still in store for us!

      The brothers Boyd have not only come up with a great story but that they were able to infuse the supernatural into this and make us beg for more of that. The writing is so strong and we see that not only in the plot & story development and the pacing but the characterisation is sensational and the fact I can see Chris’ personality in the present and the past resemble each other so distinctly that the recognition is instantaneous. As a matter of fact going back and seeing Alexis and how strong her personality is and how she’s able to shine throughout makes me love her character. That whole yes it happened, yes it effed up my life and I have nightmares from it but I'm not going to let that stop me attitude is stupendous!

     The interiors here are spectacularly done. I like the way that the linework is utilised through it’s varying weights in order to create this attention to detail. The way it’s also able to evoke the kind of emotion from the reader as it does is rather remarkable as the strength of what feel took me by surprise. I have to say something else that I love about this too is the way we see the backgrounds being utilised. They expand every moment and show off the size and scope of the story and it feels like no stone left unturned kind of stuff. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a great eye for storytelling. Then there’s the colour work that Mike does. The attention in how we are supposed to see something like Jackson on the television screen having the right tone or the grass as well as the demon we saw it’s like a kaleidoscope of colour that is perfect with every turn. Oh and thank you both for the visage of Smalenski being recognisable as it is was a highlight of pure joy.
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     The strength of everything we see is almost astounding to me. When we see Chris talking to Alexis about O’Reilly and Jackson well that exchange with the dialogue that we see really is extraordinary. Actually throughout the story their exchanges are what make this story what it is for me and that they have no fear saying what they need to to each other regardless of who’s around. This is extraordinarily well written and it’s interior artwork matches and sets the tone beautifully. IDW stuck gold with this when the crossed the streams.   

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Quincredible #2

12/23/2018

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Picture
Quincredible #2
The Lion Forge 2018
Written by Rodney Barnes
Illustrated by Selina Espiritu
Coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Lettered by AW’s Tom Napolitano


     There is nothing in this world that Quinton loves more than superheroes. But it's one thing to adorn your walls with pictures of your heroes and another thing entirely to step up to the plate and try to BE one of them. Quin's about to get a lesson in the school of hard knocks, but lucky for him, he can take a punch.

     I am finding myself enjoying this a whole lot more than I thought I would. Which is saying something considering how I felt after reading the first issue as I was floored by that. I think the approach being taken to Quinton here is so incredibly good and almost kind of perfect. I like that he thinks he wants to be a superhero, that he’s invulnerable is only power so he must think what he needs to do around that. Some folks would say he’s got a power he suddenly knows how to fight etc. but that’s not right and seeing this done as it is here makes me long for the days when things happened slowly or with trial and error.

     The way this book is structured is strong and well thought out and executed. The opening for example piques the curiosity, grabs hold of the readers attention makes you think. It also opens up another avenue that story line will go into eventually. One of the things that I like and am somewhat surprised by is that at first glance Lorena has nothing to do with this and the potential for someone new with some impressive resources has come along. See what I am doing, I am thinking beyond what is on the page and that is the sign of good storytelling.

     Quin’s dad had me busting out laughing this issue when he saw his son’s bedroom. Teenage boys have a habit of not cleaning up their rooms so the whole thing made me laugh and think of my bedroom growing up, that my parents wouldn’t go into. I hit upon a few things earlier but I really do like the way that Quinton is approaching things here. Sure they won’t work they way he wants them too but just the fact this happening brings a sense that Rodney is writing this in a way that is approachable and relatable to. The dinner table scene was priceless.

     The interiors here are rather well done too. The linework is solid and the attention to detail is extremely nice to see. That backgrounds are utilised as they are work wonders in expanding the story and honestly seeing that kind of back-splash in the kitchen or at school helps show the size and scope of the story. I only wish that there weren’t so many blank backgrounds. I don’t know who Kobra is but here’s hoping we’re going to see more of him as his outfit looks great. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a solid eye for storytelling.
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     The pacing here is great it has a really nice and natural flow to it. The care that is being put into this story so that it is easily accessible to readers of any and all ages is really well done. Lion Forge continues to expand their line of superhero books and universe in ways that are smart, staggering the release of new books and not flooding the market for example. Also they introduce us to new creators who showing us that there really is room for everyone who wants to make good comics.

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