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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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The Black Ghost #4

12/31/2019

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The Black Ghost #4
ComiXology Originals 2019
Written by Alex Segura & Monica Gallagher
Illustrated by George Kambadais
Coloured by Ellie Wright
Lettered & Designed by Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios


     The city is abuzz about a mysterious new vigilante - claiming to be the new Black Ghost! But can Lara keep her new side gig a secret as she quickly realizes that the tentacles of the Creighton underworld fight back? Ragged and desperate, Lara must call every ounce of her reserves to uncover the truth behind the mysterious figure pulling the strings of the city's criminal landscape - and what they really want.

     There is something interesting and ballsy to pass the mantle of the Black Mask to an alcoholic like Lara. Sure she followed him around and reported on his actions that was her beat and to step in when Ernesto was in trouble gained her a life long friend in him. Getting sacked and all her drunken celebrating her new identity, yeah that was smart, continues to demonstrate just how far her downward spiral is continuing to go. Will she be able to pull herself long enough to make a difference or will her dual identity be done before it even get a chance to really start?

     I like the way that this is being told. It has a smart edgy take to the super hero genre that is as unexpected as it gets. The story & plot development as we seen through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is really nice to see. The character development that we see is phenomenal. We see Lara going through so many different phases in this single issue and it's not just her either, Ernesto, Maggie and even that “old friend” of hers all of them get their moments to be seen and understood, well mostly. The pacing is great and as it takes us through the pages we see how the twists and turns come at us all and how everything creates that ebb & flow which we enjoy so much.

     There are a few things that we see this issue that I saw coming the moment it happened. I mean c'mon now blondie is a good person. Lone is the only enigma here and I have my own sneaky suspicion on who it is but I am probably wrong still it's one of those things that keep us coming back for more. Mainly we want to know, though knowing isn't always what we need so that identity can remain anonymous. There is someone else in this city that's pulling strings and whether Lone is that person or knows who it is that whole ordeal with the setup well that should've set off alarm bells more than it did. So should Ernesto ending up where he does, these are messages and whether it's realised or not this is way above her league.
Yes the interiors may be simple and backgrounds need a lot more attention but they still remain cute. Attention to detail could be utilised more as well because what I am seeing doesn't always add up and some brickwork in the buildings we see would go a long way in making it feel more alive rather than a colourforms backdrop. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show the storytelling eye here. The colour work is a bit flat as well. It feels simple and even when there are moments when it tries to show weathering or age it feels one dimensional. Though I do love the page where Lara breaks in the conversation is seen in a broken glass pattern and that kind of originality is what I would love to see throughout.
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     I cannot wait to see how this is going to play out next issue. Was Lara giving Molly a clue when she left? Will Lone show itself or is there another trick up Lara's sleeve to get herself out of this and still somehow manage to save the day? Who knows and if I am honest I am not sure which direction if any I prefer I am more interested in seeing what we're going to get from these guys. I love this book, strengths and flaws in all of it is what makes the world go round. ​

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Relics of Youth #4

12/31/2019

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Relics of Youth #4
Vault Comics 2019
Written by Matt Nicholas & Chad Rebmann
Illustrated by Skylar Patridge
Coloured by Vladimir Popov
Lettered by Andworld Design


     Is it all over? Serena’s forces have laid claim to the Fountain of Youth, as Nat confronts the reality of Derek’s terminal cancer. With Queen Adela launching a last bid assault on the pirate intruders, Nat and the other teenagers are faced with a choice: Leave one of their own to die, or embrace their destiny and protect the Oshtia Island from the true nature of man.

     Last issue wasn't my favourite but this issue more than makes up for that. The story itself has been really solid and there have been quite a few mysteries building of which answers haven't really been forthcoming. So all in all this first arc in a franchise has me excited with the possibilities of things still to come. I love Vault and what they do and how they find these stories because I really like that these voices and talent get to be seen.

     Now that we've met the natives it's time to get the entire gang together and do what their bloodline is supposed to do. Protect the island. How well we'll see but the kids have powers now and it's amazing what a fight for your life can do to your learning curve. Still there are a lot of moving parts in this book and they are all starting to coalesce in some fantastic ways. So we finally learn what connects the kids to one another as well why they were able to find the island. Also it should be noted that Ponce de Leon while was looking for the fountain shouldn't be considered a good man. After all look what the Spanish did the Maya and Inca's and the rest of the South American continent. Still I love seeing the references to that period and that the island has been inhabited for so long by these folks that their memory of the events are pretty much fresh in their minds.

     The way that this is being told is marvellous. The story & plot development as seen through the sequence of events unfolding and how the reader learns information is laid down superbly. The character development here is great as we see the characters grow, change and evolve with the situations and circumstances they find themselves in. Nat is a great one to watch go through all her emotions and actions throughout the book. The pacing is good and strong as it takes us through the pages and brings us the twists and turns is so nice to see. The overall ebb & flow of the book highlights how well the book is structured.

     The interior artwork here is really nice to see. The one big thing I would say is that we need more backgrounds, this is an island and it has such a myriad of life on it and we should see that. While we get a good amount of them it still feels like it's enclosed and not as open as it should feel. The linework is great and I like how the attention to detail is brought to us through the varying weights. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a strong eye for storytelling. The colour work is fantastic! From the camo that the elder wears and the pattern of her skirt to the way we see the grey hues and tones in the stone all look spectacular. There is a some great shading, highlighting and shadow work happening here as well and the mix of blending and colour blocking works well here.

     While the entire arc is a set-up for the kids to meet, come to understand who they are and come from it still leaves a lot of things unanswered. This is great because the interest factor is still there and we want to know more. We want to see more. The classic cliffhanger style ending sealed the deal for me because that blew my mind completely. This whole idea has bloomed and blossomed through these four issues and the roots are strong to carry this franchise into the future. The writing, the characterisation and the interior artwork work well in bringing this to life.  ​

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Afterlift #3

12/31/2019

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Afterlift #3
ComiXology Originals #3
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Illustrated by Jason Loo
Coloured by Paris Alleyne
Lettered by Aditya Bidikar


     Call a car, what's the worst that can happen?
     So this is one of those books that you read and you like and then think about later and it stays with you. It stays with you in some great ways so that you feel the need to come back to it, reread it and try to figure what it is about this that you can't shake. I am not sure there is some way to find that as Chip is creating this amazing tale of a woman who for reasons she cannot fathom decides that she is going to take matters into her own hands and change another woman's fate. This is why I love comics because people like Chip think up these amazing ideas and then are able to bring them to life and it's just magical.

     The story & plot development here as we see the sequence of events unfold and how the reader learns information is exceptionally well done. We see the introduction of new characters and how these situations arise so naturally that make the books structure so impressive. The character development here is awesome. How we see the characters change, grow, evolve through their encounters and how they deal with the situations keeps them feeling like people we can relate to or emphasise with. The pacing is great and it really takes us on a journey through the pages and reveals these twists and turns which create a superb ebb & flow to the book.

     The mix of personalities here is utterly marvellous and when you have this many demons in one book it's going to be a laugh riot whether intended or not. Demons, devil's whichever you consider them, when they deal with one another and seeing their actions well even thieves at least have honour among them. So this place they are in is like limbo, they aren't in hell nor heaven and the denizens here range in who and what they are and what they do so what we end up seeing is so delightfully eclectic. Also I think the atmosphere in Limbo kind of dulls everyone's senses so that everything feels hopeless and there are no real options just the inevitable. Which is dangerous and when you lose yourself to thinking like this you might as well be dead because no one should live that way.

     Jason's work on the interiors here have been getting better to my eye. I think the more sequential work one does the better the job they do and it's nice to see. The linework here is nicely rendered and how the varying weights are utilised to create the attention to detail is nice to see. I do really appreciate seeing the backgrounds here. When we see them in full force the sense of size and scope of the story and it's emotional impact really are strong. Within the composition inside the panels it creates depth perception and brings us this scale that is nicely done. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a good eye for storytelling. The colour work is beautifully rendered. While I wish we'd see more utilisation of the various hues and tones what we do get and more so in the purging with those beautiful array of blues and whites is stunning.

     Comixology Originals proves that there is a good market for great storytelling in digital comics. This is just one example of a new outlet for storytelling and with this wider range of places to go for it, this should be one of your stops. You don't have to give up physical copies, I certainly won't, but it's okay to go digital too and with stories like this it's worth it.

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The Plot #4

12/30/2019

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The Plot #4
Vault Comics 2019
Written by Tim Daniel & Michael Moreci
Illustrated by Joshua Hixson
Coloured by Jordan Boyd
Lettered by Jim Campbell


     The cold, ashen hands of what once was reach into the now… and give a little push.

     So I don't know how long this series is going to go but I will say this right here and right now I want it to go on as long as humanly possible. I feel like we are just getting started here and as the players in this little drama keep finding themselves embroiled further and further into the madness that surrounds them. The boys and their storytelling here is utterly mindbogglingly good and I just find myself more and more impressed with each new issue. As this continues to unfold I keep seeing elements of classic films of which I can see their influence in this. Also the fact that we never really see anything happen, death or dismemberment, and instead in the tradition of Hitchcock letting it all happen off page so the readers' own mind takes over is far and away one of the most brilliant tactics ever to be employed.

     I love the opening here. Reese relating to Magnus her first kiss and his reaction sums up everything we'll ever need to know about him as a man. I don't care that he's Sheriff and what is issues are as they are all not relevant to anything else that happens. He is the kind of man who wants things his way, he won't see anything outside his opinion and I hate these kinds of men. Hate may be a strong word but that's okay because we all need someone to hate. Magnus will do anything he wants to to be rid of Chase rather than believe what is in front of his nose and every good story needs that villain. That we've got some kind of supernatural craziness is the crux of the story sure but it's how the humans react to it that matters.

     The story & plot development here is hauntingly good in how we see the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information. The character development is superb and that there is a moment when we see Chase being human, an uncle and a caring man to his nephew and niece well it gives hope. The pacing is so good in how it takes us through the pages as it reveals those twists and turns the help to create the story's ebb & flow. These guys work so damn well together and this story is pretty effin unique in how it comes to life that it is hard not to think of this as one of Vault's best books ever.

     The interiors here are wondrous to behold. Most of the time I feel this throwback to those old House of Mystery types of books and it warms my heart. The old horror comics, The Witching Hour, Ghosts, Unexpected and Weird Mystery, all helped shape my tastes in the horror genre. So that Joshua has his own style and is able to apply that to this and still remind me of those times is damn well perfectly done. His linework and how he utilises it to bring us this attention to detail as well as some ambiguity to the creatures makes the hair on the back of neck stand up. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this absolutely incredible eye for storytelling. How backgrounds are utilised could be better, could be worse but when it counts it's there giving us this fierce full force feel. The colour work here is exquisite. The way we see various hues and tones within any given colour utilised to create the shading, highlighting and shadows is literally gorgeous. How the darkness and the light illuminating portions of it serve to enhance the linework in all the right ways.
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     This book is damn near perfection and how it's being told is stupidly mindbogglingly brilliant.

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Josie and the Pussycats in Space #3

12/30/2019

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Josie and the Pussycats in Space #3
Archie Comics/ComiXology Originals 2019
Written by Alex de Campi
Illustrated by Devaki Neogi
Coloured by Lee Loughridge
Lettered by Jack Morelli


     Josie and the Pussycats are the hottest band in outer space! But with fame and fortune comes turmoil as internal conflicts are threatening to tear the group apart. But that's nothing compared to the alien horrors they're about to encounter as they find themselves adrift in the vastness of space! Even if the Pussycats manage to stick together as a band, will they be able to survive the horrors that await them in the final frontier?

     Oh this is so good, I love what Alex is doing with the story. I mean the girls were in stasis for four years while the crew that was piloting the craft was taken by what the substance was that the stuffed animal was actually made of. To awaken and discover the horrors that await them has been brilliantly displayed. While it has all the familiar elements of a big budget horror franchise what we see is kind of this blending of the old school girl band cartoon but reworked for a modern horror/thriller tale. I wish this were something I could actually hold at some point because I will be damned if it's not something I would want in my bookshelf.

     The story & plot development that we see through the sequence of events unfolding as well as how the reader learns information is laid down with such skill and talent. The character development that we see is so great! Getting to see Valerie using those smarts and being able to use science and such to do her part and then some against these creatures is brilliant writing. For far too long we've forgotten the girl is super smart. So with each of the in what I would think of as their signature personalities makes this that much more memorable to me. Not only that but we have Alan, Alexander and Alexandria, who lo and behold has a cat in ship, so literally the gang is all here. Sure they might not all be traditional but I gotta tell ya that is part of the brilliance of this story. The pacing is sensational and how it takes us through the pages on this journey revealing the twists and turns is marvellous. All of this works in sync to create one of the best ebb & flows I have seen.

     Devaki's work just grows on me. She has a great eye for storytelling and to see the linework and it's varying weights being utilised as they are to bring out this attention to detail is extremely well done. How she utilises backgrounds and how the detail in them create that sensation of a confined space as well as bringing us depth perception, scale and that size and scope to the book is amazing to see. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels is another notch checked off here. I really am enjoying the creativity and imagination on display within these pages with how this alien thingie looks and the effect it has on the reader, as does it's effect on those it infects I mean that face was totally gross. The colour work is nice. How we see the light sources utilised consistently is a well rendered. The colour blocking is good though I would like to see some more shading and highlights in the colours being utilised.
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     Alex has proven herself as one of today's top writers time and time again and I am proud to be among her followers. What she continues to do and how she tells stories amazes me in the best ways possible. I hadn't known what to expect when this started but when it got underway I knew there was no way I could miss one single issue.

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The Marked #3

12/30/2019

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The Marked #3
Shadowline/Image Comics 2019
Written by David Hine & Brian Haberlin
Illustrated by Brian Haberlin
Coloured by Gierrod Van Dyke
Lettered by Francis Takenaga


     Liza’s Sphere of Power is opening up rifts between our reality and the dark dimensions that lie beyond. Karuman, the ancient leader of The Shangen, gives Mavin an ultimatum that forces her to lead The Marked in an ill-fated attack on Shadowgate.

     Oh these guys know how to work together and they know how to create some stunning stories and this one is amazing. With each outing they manage to get better and better and at a certain point you have wonder if there is a ceiling to reach or plateau to reach. What I am really impressed by here is the fact that from the get-go I have been misled in the best of ways. I would have thought that this book would spotlight the Marked coven and while we're getting there seeing what Liza is up to and the entire revelations with that well Halleloo! (Shangela's contribution Halleloo! is the best thing she ever did).

     I love the way that this is being told. The story & plot development we see through the sequence of events unfolding as well as how the reader learns information is laid down spectacularly. The way that we see this unfold is amazing to me and the fact that I am continually surprised by what I see only serves to heighten the experience. The character development is stellar and to see how Liza gets with all this power and the phrase “absolute power, corrupts absolutely” has never been said more accurately. All around though I really like getting the feel for who these characters are. The pacing is great and as it takes us on this journey through the pages it helps create this ebb & flow that pulls you like a black hole and you don't want to leave.

     I think the fact that the kook, Simon, has kept isolated and out of the loop after bringing Liza into the fold and his development has been a highlight for me thus far. Now seeing him and Benis together and what they can do. Here's hoping that we get to see more of Simon and that he becomes a prominent player in this saga. With the continually evolving story here though nothing is set in stone so who knows what will happen to any of them at any given moment. Again another reason to love this book.

     The interiors here are utterly fabulous! The linework is exquisite and how the varying weights are utilised to bring out this quality and level of attention to detail blows my mind. I mean seriously this is top of the line talent here that you wish you saw in every book you read. There are some truly magnificent moments like when we see the Machtsphäre or Simon's shirt that stand way out from the crowd. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a stupendous eye for storytelling. The utilisation of the backgrounds and how they work in the composition of the panels as they bring depth perception, scale and this beautiful sense of size and scope. The colour work is simply divine and how the various hues and tones and how they create shading, highlights and shadows, particularly when it's utilised to show highlight the facial features. This is some truly amazing work.
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     This book just gets more and more impressive with each issue and the way that new characters are introduced and established ones continue to grow and evolve in some spectacular ways. That they manage to keep on my toes and though I know to expect the unexpected I am still surprised delights the hell out of me.

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Un/Sacred #2

12/29/2019

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Un/Sacred #2
Ablaze Publishing 2019
By Mirka Andolfo
Localisation by Marguerite Bennett
Lettered by Fabio Amelia Arancia Studio


     The spicy daily adventures of Angelina (a voluptuous angel) and Damiano (a mischievous devil) continue! Mirka Andolfo brings to life a Heaven (and a Hell) filled with humour and lovable characters, as only she can, in Un/Sacred.

     Oh I have to admit that these are pretty brilliant. These meaning the segments and the overall book itself of course. It does remind me of Little Annie Fanny that were in my father's Playboy Magazines, which is a huge compliment by the way, and the humour is delicious and timeless. The lovesick pair waiting until marriage because that's what Angelina wants and Damiano being so in love with her that he's actually willing to wait it's just incredibly endearing. I absolutely adore the way Mirka's mind works because she understand that being sexy, voluminous or busty doesn't mean that sex has to be involved. Flirting, relationships and everything that comes with it is so incredibly fun and funny when it's seen this way.

     This doesn't have your traditional story & plot development which to me is even more impressive when you think about it. That we get such a complete moment in these vignettes is stellar writing in my humble opinion. Not to mention that the sexual innuendo and double entendre that we see throughout is the kind of humour that I usually make myself. Also while I have never gone to a restaurant and done what he did, it's on my bucket list, I laughed hysterically at the whole thing. Which of course comes back later in another form, another story. Who knew that this was going to be one of the most incredibly charming and sensual books around?

     That we see some of Angelina's friends be extremely jealous of her as we do, Michela for example, take those little potshots so she'll feel better about herself is what happens in real life among friends lol. While I have never talked to straight men about porn or the actors/actresses in them and if any of them would ask for an autograph if they saw them out in the real world. All of these little vignettes tie together in the long run or at least they have these references later on. It really is some of the most wonderful writing that takes great skill, talent and ability to pull off as well as Mirka does.

     The interiors are phenomenal! They have that cuteness and edge to them that mixes the sensuality with the mundane so that the overall effect continues to delight. The linework that we see is superb and how it's varying weights are utilised to bring out the attention to detail is marvellous. Also I like how we see backgrounds being utilised as well and how they help to bring us this depth perception, scale and that sense of size and scope to the book. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a stupendous eye for storytelling. The colour work is absolutely delightful. The way that we see the hues and tones within colours to create the shading, highlights and shadows is extremely well rendered.

     There are a number of times in this book alone where I wanted to laugh until I pissed a little. And when those moments occur you know that you ware reading something that is so well thought out, executed and delivered. Signed, sealed and delivered I'm yours. The writing, the pacing, the characterisation here is so good and shows so much talent that's only matched and furthered by the fact that Mirka's does the interiors as well. Ablaze doesn't mind taking risks and the choices being made by Rich are extraordinary so you need to make sure that you and your shop are getting these titles.

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Rise of the Tyrant #2

12/29/2019

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Rise of the Tyrant #2
Amigo Comics 2019
Written by Massimo Rosi
Illustrated by Luca Panciroli
Coloured by Pamela Poggiali
Lettered & Logo by Monkey Typers


     Everything falls into a spiral of panic. Alien invasion is wiping out our planet's resources and spreading a pandemic that could make Humankind extinct. The only thing that stands between annihilation and us is... just a family and the giant combat robot they designed: The Emerald Tyrant.

     There are a few things I can be sure of, Amigo Comics will always put out strong interesting books and Massimo never disappoints me. I love the idea behind this story and as we see the Golem's attacking and absorbing cities and people alike with no idea what it really is well that's how a writers imagination and creativity comes to life. The idea that they are a virus is one that intrigues me and it engages me. How so you ask?, well by thinking it's a virus I run scenarios through my mind as to what their purpose would be. Like are they cleansing the planet for another race to come in and settle the planet? There are more but that's just one example of how my mind, imagination and creativity comes to life thanks to what I see on the page.

     The way that this is being told is kind of brilliant. The opening with the diary of Dr. Malcolm Winston Campbell and his fervent plea or declaration to help save the world, or what's left of it, as he pledges all the resources he and his family have is fantastic stuff. I can't help but wonder what the ulterior motive behind it is, however, as no one is this altruistic even in the most dire of times.

     The story & plot development that we see through the way that the sequence of events unfolds and how the reader learns information is laid down extremely well. The different places, people who have various wants and needs is a lot to handle but here it's done with such aplomb. The character development is marvellous to see being revealed. As the characters get more time on the page they get those moments where we see more of what they are about and with that it means we want to see and know more. Particularly if we aren't one of their fans. The pacing is solid and the way it takes us on a journey through the pages it reveals those twists and turns that take mind in a myriad of directions. The ebb & flow that is created here is really rather extraordinary to experience.

     The interiors here are gorgeous. The linework is incredibly strong and how we see the varying weights to bring out this level of attention to detail is fantastic. Now I will say I kind of applaud seeing some familiar faces here, Sean Connery, Christopher Walken, James Brolin and Danny Glover in roles that are perfect for them is amazing. It brings this true cinematic feel to the artwork and I have to say it's an unexpected quality that isn't what you think is going to happen. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a very strong and talented eye for storytelling. The utilisation of backgrounds and how they work within the composition inside the panels bring us depth perception, scale and a sense of size and scope to the book. The colour work is sensational! That plaid pattern in Ryan's shirt makes me want one of my own in those exact colours. The way that we see the hues and tones within the colours create the shading, highlights and shadows are done by someone with a gorgeous eye for colour and how they should be utilised.
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     As the tension mounts within the story and we see how characters act and behave we begin to see how humanity isn't able to come together in times of need. Luke, who looks incredibly odd, for example can't seem to stop harassing Ryan and this will lead to a confrontation be disastrous down the road. I love how the story engages the reader, so we feel what the characters do and how it's able to form connections between readers' and characters. This is one of those must not miss series that's flying under the radar.

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Ray #2

12/28/2019

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Ray #2
Markosia 2019
By Ezequiel Rubio


     The sleepy town of Dellwood is burdened with many secrets. But unlike the town in which they were birthed, secrets never sleep. They fever and fester, they ache and grow heavy, wanting release, pleading to be heard, to be disclosed. Hawk knows this only too well, for he is a teenage boy with more than his fair share of secrets to safeguard. As he starts to use his abilities selflessly, and the FBI, hot on the trail of his past misdemeanours, close in on him, Hawk finds, even for a boy with super powers, keeping a secret is a battle easily lost.

     This is one hell of a book folks. I am so glad that I have been going through my list of books that I have which need to be reviewed because finding this issue is definitely the highlight of my night! Part of me feels like this is that middle ground between Superman and Brightburn, where we see a kid with his powers doing what needs doing or just doing what he thinks is right. No matter how you slice it this is a refreshing and honest portrayal of a boy who is caught up in life and is just trying to get by. I am thoroughly entertained, completely engrossed and engaged in ways I wasn't expecting and overall in love with this book that Ezequiel is bringing to life.

     The story & plot development that we see through the sequence of events unfolding as well as how the reader learns information is laid down amazingly well. The narration feels as if we're privy to Hawk's thoughts and in a mixture of thinking back and lost in the moment it has this extremely powerful effect on me as a reader. The character development we see here is astounding. From Hawk, Captain and Zoe that's to be expected but to see Hawk's mother and learn more about her and to be frank and honest it almost breaks my heart to see how much he loves her and looks out for her. Then again by the same token or the flip side of that coin as it were Zoe's father the Cop, if Hawk's right well that breaks my heart for a different reason. The pacing is solid and as it takes us on this journey through the pages showing us the twists and turns while also highlighting the ebb & flow of the book is rather impressive.

     The interior artwork here is another wow factor. The linework we see is phenomenally well rendered and how we see the varying weights bring out is simply gorgeous. Sigh from the first page through the last the attention to detail that is shown rivals anything I have ever seen done elsewhere. The fur, hair or heck even the rain and lightning, no matter what we see it all has this precision to it so that Ezequiel is able to get the most impact possible by what we see. The composition inside the panels with the way we see backgrounds as they show us this depth perception, scale and bring this sense of size and scope to the book is astounding. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a masterful eye for storytelling. Then there's the colour work which we see. How the various hues and tones in any give colour is utilised to create shading, highlights and shadows shows someone who innately understands how colour works. The flesh tones and how fur or hair is showcased are just impressive as all hell.
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     This is such powerful storytelling in it's purest form and it is without a doubt one of the most unexpected and thrilling delights you will find to read. I keep telling you all that the best stories come from the most unexpected places and Markosia is one of those places that consistently releases such high quality work.  ​

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John Carpenter's Tales of Science Fiction: Redhead #2

12/28/2019

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John Carpenter's Tales of Science Fiction: Redhead #2
Storm King Comics 2019
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Illustrated by Jason Felix
Lettered by Janice Chiang


     What do you do with a girl like Marnie-who involuntarily kills anyone who steps into her personal space? Do you try to cure her? Imprison her? Weaponize her? Marnie, meanwhile, desperately wants to stop killing innocent (and not-so-innocent) people, which means a mad scramble through a police blockade and into the only empty areas left in San Diego... which aren't as empty as Marnie thinks!

     Okay first I am a huge Duane fan personally and professionally so that he's writing one hell of a weird science fiction story that is completely and utterly amazing should come as no surprise. Not only is this out there but it's so “out of the box” in it's thinking that it is more than just a little creepy. This is that fine line between horror and fascination where things blur just enough to be a part of both and yet still remain in their own lane. It is easier for you to read this and understand what I am trying to say because finding the right words to describe it aren't as easy as one would think.

     The opening here is great as we see some news outlets trying to cover Marnie's story and a YouTube nobody spouting about The Grays. It's kind of funny when you think about it as it shows that anyone with a platform will say anything they can think of as an explanation or what is happening. For a world that's so connected to their devices we've become far less intelligent than we were before all this technology. When we see the officer approach Marnie and he actually starts to listen to her I began to think that maybe he's a good guy after all. Kind of good looking too, it's just too bad men are so damn stupid and always think they are in the right as she warned them what would happen and in their haste and air of superiority well we knew what was going to happen next.

     Speaking of Duane really nails the whole white male privilege here as we see Foulkrod wanting to gun her down and as a late middle aged white man he's no regard for anything other than what HE wants and thinks should happen. God help us from politicians like that. Still the characterisation here is so damn good that we understand who's who and what role they play in a matter of moments. The story & plot development we see through the unfolding of the sequence of events and how the reader learns information is expertly laid down. The pacing is super strong and how we see this flow through the pages and bring us the twists and turns is superb. All of this creates this ebb & flow to the book that makes this such a joy to read.

     Jason and his computer generated interiors showcase what is capable of being done these days. The characters all have this great body language and movements to them that is so natural looking and feeling. The faces and facial expressions are beyond any kind of expectations and that they look people you'd meet on the street blows my mind. That cop, Secor, is handsome and not just that oh he's nice looking but real world handsome in his face and that is both creepy as hell and marvellous at the same time. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such a strong and talented eye for storytelling. The way backgrounds are utilised in the composition in the panels bring us depth perception, scale and this sense of size and scope to the book. The attention to detail isn't skimped on here either. Then there's the colour work and how the various hues and tones within any given colour bring us this level and quality of shading, highlights and shadows, I mean damn.
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     John Carpenter's Tales of Science Fiction has been a revelation since the first issue came out and each subsequent story arc has gotten stronger and more interesting. That this encompasses so much in the science fiction realm and the real world scenarios is something that is truly monumental in today's capability for storytelling. This should always be on your reading list, anything from Storm King really there standard, see quality and level, for storytelling is among the highest you'll ever see.

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