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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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Highspot #2

12/28/2019

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Highspot #2
Perfect Storm Publishing 2019
Written & Illustrated by Rob Jones
Pencils pages 2-7 Dick Giordano
Lettered by Joe Gutenberg


     In this issue, Kate and the gang are on their way to find the remains of Alexander the Great. But what kind of adventure would it be if that was simple?

     I am actually really glad that the holiday meant so few books would be hitting stands. It gives me a chance to go through what I have and do reviews for those books that have been sitting there patiently waiting for their reviews. I had forgotten about this one and when I opened it up I got kind of excited as I remembered rather clearly the first issue. That is a sign of just how good a book is when you see it, you remember it so clearly and you excited to read the issue. Plus pencils from Giordano on pages inside mean you know it's going to have some good stuff waiting for you!

     I am pretty impressed with the way that this is being told here. We open up where we left off, which is great because the whole jumping forward is something writers tend to do when they aren't what is needed in that moment. It is also a perfect opportunity to learn what it is that's going to happen next. Now since they are looking for the remains of Alexander the Great they are going to need a refresher course in his history. Personally I love him and know his history so to see it here is utterly fantastic and with Giordano's work bringing it to life, sigh.

     The character development we see here is amazing, even with Alexander who does not say a word, and the more we see the cast the better we get to know them. So the interactions and dialogue is really well put together and enjoyable. The story and plot development we see through the sequence of events unfold and how the reader learns information is laid down really well. It has this strong presence about it this issue that captures the readers' mind and engages them in the story in some really good ways. This is the coalescing that I wanted to see and it's coming together beautifully. The pacing is strong and how it takes us through the pages revealing the twists and turns is extremely nice to see. All of these aspects work so well together to create the books ebb & flow as it also highlights the way this book is structured.

     The interiors here are really great. While Rob does the wraparound Dick's work and it's a totally different style the two work extraordinarily well together. My biggest complaint, or only one really, is utilise backgrounds and since they are in a plane I should feel like they are in a confined space and I don't which is a little off putting. So when we see Alexandria wow that panel is what I want to see throughout the entire book. The attention to detail and how well the characters have their distinct looks is rendered incredibly well. Also the action sequence is done in a way that shows movement, but utilise the room so what we see is even more impressive. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective show a good eye for storytelling. The colour work is laid out solidly, it could do with a few more hues and tones within the colours to create more shading, highlights and shadows like we see with the blues outside the window.
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     So how the sequence of events reveal that the group seems to be on the right tack and that a group of folks wish to impede their progress means troubles a brewing. There really is an air of excitement surrounding the book and while it has some issues it's still a learning and growing process. I saw the talent last issue and I see it working even better here and that comes from doing it. You'll never grow and evolve as a storyteller without actually getting it done and the more you do the better you get. Rob's got some talent here and I love watching him come into his own. Plus the final page oh god that is gorgeous!

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Sharksquatch #02

12/28/2019

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Sharksquatch #02
Handwritten Entertainment 2019
Written & Lettered by Shawn Gabborin
Illustrated by Sergio Rios
Coloured by Rosa Colon


     After tracking down the Sharksquatch, have Chance, Val, and Chief gotten themselves in over their heads? Blood, guts, and lots of insides on the outside are waiting for you..........

     Sometimes you have to be careful with ideas and story's like this one that you don't go too far over into pure kitsch. Too silly and you veer into not being taken seriously as a writer, at least from my point of view. What Shawn manages to do here though is take a silly concept of a cryptid that doesn't exist and make it into something that we want to see more of. I will say it's akin to any of those made for SyFy movie, only better. Better is better and it has this personality , walk, personality, talk, with personality, smile, with personality, charm, personality, love, personality.

     I can't give anything away here but I will say this, Shawn blew my mind with the story within these pages. I wasn't expecting nor prepared for what was going to happen at all. I was going to say something else but when you read this, and you really damn well should, you'll understand what I am talking about. Just the overall way that this is being told and how we get to see the events unfold grabs you by the ears and doesn't let go. Strong and interesting beyond belief this is what we all want to see in our comedic horror and make no mistake there is this dark adult black humour to this as well.

     The story & plot development that we see through the sequence of events unfolding before us as well as how the reader learns information is extremely well done. The way we follow the characters through their adventure and see their actions add this action/thriller aspect to the book. The character development that we see is phenomenal and as the the book keeps moving forward we see more and more what makes these people tick and the motivations for what's behind their actions. The pacing is strong and solid as it takes us through the pages and the myriad of twists and turns along the way. All of which work so seamlessly together as they are weave through each other to create a spectacular ebb & flow to the book. The overall structure of the book is done extremely well and it nicely showcases Shawn's skills as a writer.

     The interiors here are interesting for sure. The creativity and imagination on display in bringing this to life is fantastic. I mean creating a new mythical cryptid is a dream gig right and it comes across beautifully on the page. The utilisation of the varying weights to bring out the attention to detail here is fantastic. When we see backgrounds being utilised in the panels they do such wonders in expanding the moments, bring us a sense of depth perception, scale and size and scope to the story. So I would like to see them further utilised in more panels. Also thank you for giving Chance that masculine makeover heh or at least kind of stripping him down for action it's nice to see this on a guy these days. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a solid eye for storytelling. The colour work is nice. We could do with seeing more variation in the hues and tones of the colours we see to create the shading, highlights and shadows. This would benefit the musculature we see greatly.
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     There is a lot going on here and I have to say that the way Shawn is able to really bring this about and keep it all moving forward without feeling like it's too crowded is sensational. This is pure unadulterated fun and if you want to call it a guilty pleasure then go right ahead because this is definitely in that category alright. You can head over to Handwritten Entertainment at https://squareup.com/store/Handwritten-Entertainment/ to order this and more.

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Far Sector

12/27/2019

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Far Sector #2
DC Young Animal 2019
Written by N.K. Jemisin
Illustrated by Jamal Campbell
Lettered by Deron Bennett


     Rookie Green Lantern Sojourner “Jo” Mullein’s investigation of the first murder in 500 years hits a snag when the murderer is murdered. Whatever is going on, it’s something to do with Switchoff, a highly illegal genetic cocktail that restores dangerous feelings to the emotionless citizens of the City Enduring...

     Until I had learned this wasn't in the mainstream my interest got piqued. The first issue was superb and I was hooked instantly. There is something unique to the way we see this story and it has this intelligence behind the writing that makes it such a standout stellar read. Usually we don't get such a cerebral mystery in comics any longer and even in Detective it isn't about his detective skills. So that we see Jo out of her element and out of her depth as she learns to adapt and change to her environment is sensationally well done.

     The story & plot development that we see through the sequence of events unfolding and how the reader learns information is impeccable. It has to be pretty daunting to be stationed so far away from what is considered known space surrounded by species that haven't been explored before and that they have emotion dampening within the city itself. So yeah how we learn information is provided in a way that makes us feel as if we're learning alongside Jo. The character development is pretty amazing to witness. We know Jo is a human which comes with all the emotional trappings we ourselves experience. So to meet these emotionally neutered folks as well as who is on this Switchoff proves to be immensely interesting. The pacing is perfect and how it takes us through the pages and reveals the twists and turns to the story thus creating the ebb & flow for the book is great.

     The way that this is being structured and how the book itself feels to the reader has this immeasurable factor to it that just excites, engages and entices the reader to think. How we see the events and how our minds work to grasp the meanings and significance of them is exactly how a writer wants to engage their readers'. From her discussion with Councillor Thorn to her coffee with Syzn what we glean and learn from these encounters continues to really flesh out this world beautifully.

     Jamal's work on the interiors here is marvellous. The imagination and creativity involved in coming up with and maintaining brand new species is something he makes look so easy. The linework is gorgeous and how the varying weights are being utilised to bring out this attention to detail really is mindbogglingly stunning. Page 12's full page pin-up is a perfect example of his talent, skill and just how good his mind and strong and steady his hand is. That page alone is utterly gorgeous and I could spend hours looking at and the techniques utilised to bring it to life. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a masterful eye for storytelling. The way that backgrounds are being utilised and how they work within the composition in the panels bring us depth perception, scale and an overall size and scope to the book. The colour work is equally as marvellous. There are some beautiful muted colours as well bright and bold ones and everything in between. To see the hues and tones within the colours utilised to create shading, highlights and shadows shows such good understanding of how colour works.
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     While my initial instinct to roll my eyes at another human Green Lantern this has more than proved it's worth and weight in gold. Incredibly good, solid writing with dynamic characterisation with some truly stupendous interior artwork wrapped out them this is what comics should be like.   ​

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Apocalypse Girl #1 Advance Review

12/27/2019

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Apocalypse Girl #1 Advance Review
On Sale Jan 29th 2020
Source Point Press 2020
By Les Garner


     Upon returning from the makeshift foxhole where her Papa sent her to hide from raiders, Anna finds his tattered body, ripped apart in a manner she recognizes to be the work of creatures he referred to as "hunter-fiends", thrusting her into the position of now having to fend for herself while balancing the lifelong lessons from Papa with her own desire for retribution.

     There are many stories that occur during, around and after the Apocalypse though more than a fair share centre around zombies. So that this one being set after the event, whatever it was, happened from the viewpoint of a young woman who was born after the event well it's something different. I like that we don't see what happened, I like that while her Papa told stories about the before time, she didn't pay much attention to it. This way we get to experience this world alongside Anna and it allows Les to really form a connection and bond between the reader and the character. Plus I am not a fan of the over explanation as to why things are what the are instead here's what is and we're moving forward which is fully support.

     I like the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see through the sequence of events that unfold as well as how the reader learns information is extremely well done. The fact that so much happens to Anna so quickly sets the stage beautifully for what we will see coming down the pike. The old saying “when the going get tough....” is pretty apropos and she's gonna have to learn to toughen up awfully fast. The character development we are seeing is superb as she goes from a young woman dependent on her Papa to being in the world alone, lost and adrift is a great starting point. This way everything she goes through moving forward is what will shape the woman she'll become. The pacing is good and strong with how it takes us through the pages bringing us the twists and turns. All of this naturally works in sync to create the ebb & flow to the book highlighting how well the book is structured.

     The interiors here are really rather exciting to see. The linework is extraordinary and how the varying weights are being utilised to bring out the attention to detail is amazing. What I love about Les bringing his vision to life is the fact that he utilises the entire panel in his work. Not only are the clothes very hodgepodge, considering what's available, but the way backgrounds are utilised and how they work with the composition to create depth perception, scale and bring this sense of size and scope to the book. Also I love the way that the ruined buildings are seen here because that is the staple of the backdrop to the entire story. Plus the city becomes a character in it's own right and that's stellar work. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show as beautiful eye for storytelling. I like the colour as well. The way that we see the various hues and tones within the colours utilised to create shading, highlights and shadows is so nicely rendered.
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     Part of me does wonder why women have to be seen in such revealing clothing where the men don't but it's a part of the culture in some ways. I get the one leg chap but seeing the bottom of her breasts I am not convinced is necessary. Still if I see men's arse-cheeks then perhaps I will change my mind. Regardless this really is well written with a very specific goal, getting to Abraham and of course staying alive in the process. I look forward to watching Anna grow into her new life and remember what she's been taught alongside things she never knew she needed to know.

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The Kill Lock #1

12/27/2019

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The Kill Lock #1
IDW Publishing 2019
By Livio Ramondelli
Lettered by Tom B. Long


     Each found guilty of an irredeemable crime, four robots find themselves banished from their home world and bound together by the Kill Lock—a programming link that means if one of them dies, they all will. Now a soldier, an addict, a murderer, and a child find themselves forced to protect each other while in search of a cure to survive.

     From it's description I wasn't quite sure what this was going to be about or like. Then I read the issue and I was completely impressed by every single moment of this. From the computer generated art, which I'll go into further detail later, to the writing, dialogue and direction of the story there is literally nothing about this NOT to enjoy. Smart move for all involved in putting this out in a week that sees so few other books on stands enabling it stand out from the crowd.

     I like the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see through the sequence of events which unfold as well as how the reader learns information is nice to see. I like that we don't see a trial or know anything about them before now and instead they've already had their banishment and it's up to them to tell us why. The character development we are seeing is definitely intriguing to me as I can find parallels for three of them and the child remains a pure mystery and that's exciting. The pacing is really good here and the way that it weaves through the pages taking us on a journey with it's twists and turns. All of this conspires to work together to create a marvellous ebb & flow to the book and highlights how well constructed the book is.

     There are some really interesting stand out moments throughout this book. Some of them obvious and other rather subtle but they all really do something interesting when it comes to know the characters within the pages. This is a very strong debut issue for a new series and it really does leave such a strong impression upon the reader. That I can't take this and put into any shape that we currently have is great and this kind of amalgamation of genre's and ideas come together like a work of art.

     The interiors here are absolutely stunning. Over the last few years we've seen folks set high standards for what can be done with computer generated artwork. What I see here rivals anything and everything I have seen to date. The first one we meet oh I will be damned if he isn't the creepiest, scariest and most horrifying thing I have ever seen. So naturally I want to know about him. Actually that we see such four different characters with four distinct personalities that somehow manage to match their looks is extraordinary to see. The weathered approach to the metal is phenomenal and the overall designs are breathtaking. The colour work we see is simply stellar how he's able to utilise the hues and tones within the colours to create shading, highlights and shadows is beyond expectation. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a stupendous eye for storytelling.
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     What this has effectively done is create a scenario that we, as readers', want to see and know more of. Now that the we have met the four individuals who will be starring in this ragtag adventure trying to outrun the fate that is supposedly in store for them. Exciting, exhilarating and completely enthralling this is the next generation of the combination of RPG's in storytelling formats.  ​

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Kidz #1 Advance Review

12/26/2019

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Kidz #1 Advance Review
On Sale Jan 18th 2020
Ablaze Comics 2020
Written by Aurélien Ducoudray
Illustrated by Jocelyn Joret
Lettered by Carlos M. Mangual


     These KIDZ are foul mouthed, raising hell and doing battle with the living dead! It's been three months since a terrible epidemic turned the population into zombies hungry for fresh meat. Only after devouring almost all of humanity, the undead themselves begin to wither and fall from famine... Somewhere in a suburban town, Ben, 10 years old and still traumatized by the death of his parents, forms with his friends the last bastion of humanity. And between hunting zombie survivors, expeditions to amass food, toys and comics--all filmed by the aptly named Spielberg--life flows rather peacefully in their world. Until something worse than a nuclear disaster or the 4 flashing red rings of death on an Xbox 360 hits their small community: two girls! Accustomed to chilling by the pool, eating chocolate bars and playing video games...how will the boys react to Polly's bizarre new customs and little sister Sue?
     Aurélien Ducoudray and Jocelyn Joret bring you the zombie apocalypse from a kid's point-of-view in this pop culture mash up brimming with an 80's vibe. KIDZ is Stranger Things meets Welcome to Zombieland on a Gorillaz soundtrack!

     European comics repackaged for American audiences is the wave of the future from the looks of things and Ablaze is more than happy, proud, to be a focal point for this. While this may look like an all-ages title but the reality is far from that, though if you know kids today then really this is pretty much spot on -point for how they are. Here's what I like about what I see, this is months after the world turned into a chaotic mess. There's no hint of a flashback to what happened, the kids don't really know so why hypothesise over it. Instead we get to meet the group like a program already in progress and I couldn't be happier with this decision. This is what it is and what it is is the kids taking of business the only way they know how.

     I love the way that this is being written. I mean these are kids and they are resourceful, intelligent and capable of anything they set their minds to and this is sensational to see. The story & plot development here as seen through the unfolding of the sequence of events as well as how the reader learns information is extremely well done. Learning through experience generally tends to be the best way to learn by the way. The characterisation here is phenomenal to see. The kids all have their own distinct personalities and I adore that plus well whether they mean to or not their humour also tends to be bullying which again is what kids do. The pacing is pretty damn amazing here and as it weaves through the pages of the story we see the twists and turns come about. All of which work together to create a superb ebb & flow to the book.

     The interiors are interesting to say the least. I really do like how we see the backgrounds being utilised here and how they add another dimension to the story. The composition inside the panels do a great job in bringing us a sense of size and scope, scale and depth perception. The linework is gorgeous and I like how the varying weights are utilised to bring us attention to detail. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a talented eye for storytelling. The colour work is gorgeous as well. The telly in the house with lights works thanks to a generator is great. I like how we see the hues and tones within the colours and how this creates the shading, highlights and shadows.
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     I think that the way that Ablaze is going about their release of books is being smart. The fact that this is the third of their books I have read and I have enjoyed them all immensely means they've picked the right ones to bring to us. This is some incredibly solid storytelling happening here and it is definitely something you'll want your local shop to order!

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Dr. Strange #1

12/26/2019

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Dr. Strange #1
Marvel Comics 2019
Written by Mark Waid
Illustrated by Kev Walker
Coloured by Java Tartaglia
Lettered by VC's Cory Petit


     The impossible has happened! Doctor Strange’s hands have been healed, restoring his surgical skills - but now he’s being torn between his obligations as the Sorcerer Supreme and as a neurosurgeon. And when he’s forced to choose which vows to uphold, who suffers most for it? After all, magic always has a cost…Be here for a brand new era of magic…and horror!

     I don't get why Marvel needs to cancel then bring back its series like this. I am all for a Dr. Strange book that keeps going, through creator changes, regardless of asinine company crossovers or any other reason to be thought of. Maybe it's just me but I think slapping a #1 on it is going to make a difference. Now that my mini-vent is done onto the show.

     Oh how I enjoy the Mark writes a story. This particular issue has a number of surprises in store not just for Stephen but for us as well and it has me excited for what's going to come. The dual opening here is great stuff and while the first introduces us to his new double life, double duty as Surgeon and Sorcerer Supreme, is done really well. That Mark walks him and us through the hospital to enable the reader to understand how he sees the world versus how we see the world has some impact. Then for those of you just joining the Dr. Strange thrill ride there's a nifty recap of his life. By no means is it complete but it covers the basics so no one should feel left out or overwhelmed by reading such an iconic character.

     The way that this is being written is extremely well done. The story & plot development we see through how the sequence of events unfold and how the reader learns information is as solid as it comes. Plus the introduction of his new life as well as the new characters that come with it are handled with such a natural feel to it. The character development is interesting to me. I like how now that he's able to be a surgeon again we see some of the old cocky, arrogance that cost him his hands to begin with returning. It adds dimension and a different depth to the character. The pacing is good, solid and strong and the way it enables the twists and turns to come about is impressive to see. All these things work in concert with one another to create the books ebb & flow and it feels almost like a fast read even if it's far from it.

     To be brutally honest I am not a fan of Kev on this book. The interiors are much too weak, the faces lack consistency, heading into his office he looks J. Jonah Jameson, in the midst of battle it's like JrJr being channelled and not in a good way. There are times when the shape of the upper lip makes the moustache seem to disappear. I am not a fan of the lack of backgrounds. It just feels like a mishmosh of styles that are laid down in a rudimentary fashion. The saving grace for the interiors is the colour work. You can tell looking at the first page that Java knows their way around the colour palate and boy is it marvellous to see. The way he is able to utilise the hues and tones within any given colour to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is utterly brilliant. To see the colour in Stephen's magic or the person he is facings power it's just perfectly rendered.
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     Problems with the linework aside this is a great story that shows a lot of promise. Mark's ability to weave a tale and to reunite Stephen's two lives here is going to be extremely interesting to watch. Not to mention have more characters added along with a new hospital administrator. I am more than ready to see where Mark is going to take this next!

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The Death-Defying Devil #004

12/25/2019

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The Death-Defying Devil #004
Dynamite Entertainment 2019
Written by Gail Simone
Illustrated by Walter Geovani
Coloured by Adriano Augusto
Lettered by Simon Bowland


     The secret to Winslow House nears its revelation! ‘Devil continues his defence of the tenants against thugs working for a mysterious villain! Things continue to get weird!

     Oh Gail you beautiful, deliciously twisted woman you are a treasure. Whatever magic it is which you possess I hope it is something that you never lose. What you have done here is create not just a story that centre's upon Bartholomew Hill but you created a place for him to belong, regardless how much may he protest to the contrary, given him a new purpose and the beginnings of a new series. You cannot stop here you've started something special and it's high time someone went ahead and treated theses characters with a newfound respect that I have been dying to see.

     The way that this is being told is utterly delightful. The story & plot development we see through the sequence of events and how the reader learns information is laid down extremely well. I also love how Hill keeps spending time in each of the units as he and us get to know more and more about these people. The way this is being done is really superb and I like how he both listens, talks and learns. The character development is sensational to see. Not only are these people being fleshed out beautifully but Hill is finding himself a new purpose here and as he slowly remembers his life he's coming to realise that maybe, just maybe he's been running for all the wrong reasons. The pacing here is great and as it takes us through the pages on this journey we see the twists and turns that help create the books ebb & flow.

     It has been a long time since the Death-Defying Devil has had an opportunity to really shine like this and now that we've seen what Gail is capable of doing with him I would love to see her keep going with it. Gail knows how to write complicated individuals and utilise their strengths and weaknesses in giving them new life. I haven't been this excited of any of his stories like I am with this one here, hence my desire to see more of him by these creators.

     I like the interiors here a whole heck of a lot. Walter's linework is incredible and to see the varying weights being utilised like they are to bring out this attention to detail is fantastic to see. That group shot makes me want to see more of these characters. There is a creativity and imagination that is on display here that is marvellous, like those Goblins. The way that backgrounds are utilised here and how they help the composition inside the panels to show depth perception, scale and bring a 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 really strong eye for storytelling. The colour work is sensational in it's own right. The patterning in that wallpaper is is phenomenal and I love it and want it! The way we see the hues and tones within the colours utilised to create shading, highlights and shadows is rendered incredibly well.
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     Well I kind of knew what was coming between the Devil and the girl but to see it right here presented by that last person you want to see it from well that's kick in the rubber parts that's for sure. Still I have to say that this is continually proving to be one delight after another.  ​

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Money Shot #3

12/25/2019

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Money Shot #3
Vault Comics 2019
Written by Tim Seeley & Sarah Beattie
Illustrated by Rebekah Isaacs
Coloured by Kurt Michael Russell
Lettered by Crank!


     While half of the XXX-plorers search for the big-balled seer whose orgasm could power their teleporter forever, Chris and Omar must seduce the malevolent warlord of planet Dry Reef in time for the livestream. But are they ready to trade the hottest tag-team in the universe for the fate of a world? Plus, the secret origin of Team Money Shot comes to a close!

     While I really do like this book and it unconventional approach to space travel I can do with less of the F word and that little flying robot camcorder thing responding to the word is getting old. Other than that I am extremely happy with this book and how it's going and finally we see a penis in these pages. For a book that focuses on sex and science we are certainly seeing a lot of sex if not in the science department. Still I thing what we see and what it represents to each individual is what's important.

     The way that this is being told is fantastic. The story & plot development that we are seeing through the sequence of events unfolding and through how the reader learns information is extremely nice to see. Also the layering in the story that we see and the unexpected results of the threesome is something that captures the readers' imagination as well as engages them in the story. The character development is awesome and the flashbacks to like a week ago when they were all getting their experiments on it really went a long way to fleshing out who they are as people more. The pacing is strong and as it weaves a path for us through the pages bringing us the twists and turns it helps to create a very intriguing and interesting ebb & flow to the book.

     I really like a few moments in this book that actually take not only the reader but the other characters by surprise as well. I loved the other reaction to what they were seeing and to what they were streaming and the viewers reactions mirrored their own. If these guys could think that about what's happening it's almost a shame we didn't get to see it happen, but then again our imagination is a powerful tool in it's own right and to become engaged in that manner yeah.

     The interiors here are stunning to me. The linework that we see is strong, confident and show a great sure, steady hand. How we see the linework and it's varying weights utilised to bring out the attention to detail is incredibly well done. The creativity and imagination that we see and how the sea life had evolved to take on a humanoid form that's impressive. The composition in the panels, which still could use more backgrounds, are able to show us depth perception, scale and bring a nice 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 such a great eye for storytelling. The colour work is extraordinary to see and how the hues and tones within any given colour are utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadows shows exemplary skill, talent and knowledge of colour.
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     While I wouldn't be adverse to seeing some more science in these pages, last issue's bit with the kiss and the spit was a start we need to see more of, what we do see is pretty much horny travellers screwing their way through the universe trying to rack up the views and the money that comes with them to fund this little expedition. Still the more we learn the more I want to learn and this really is something utterly delightful to behold.

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Mountain Head #3

12/25/2019

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Mountainhead #3
IDW Publishing 2019
Written by John Lees
Illustrated by Ryan Lee
Coloured by Doug Garbark
Lettered by Shawn Lee


     Everything in Mountainhead has been building to this chapter! On the road to Canada, a driver makes an ill-fated roadside stop. In Braeriach, the townsfolk are behaving strangely, animals are disappearing, and Theo Halbot seeks to share some good news with his family. And in the skies over Mount Rector, a storm is brewing. In this pivotal, must-read issue, secrets are revealed, blood is spilled... and the other shoe drops. Don't miss the comic everyone will be talking about!

     John continues to impress me with each new issue that I read, of his world all around. He has such a keen mind and sees the potential and possibilities and seems to let them play out as the characters want them to. It's a damn nice thing to have in your bag of holding. To be able to tell a story and have it feel that you are just chronicling the characters lives and making their actions up well to me is mighty impressive indeed.

     The opening here is certainly not what I was expecting it to be and that alone thrills me. It took a minute or two to realise the identity of the officer in question and then to see more of the lengths that he will go to is a reminder of all not just his love of his son but how incomplete he feels without him and that kind of love is powerful, dangerous and delightful to see here. The second opening we see that I rather enjoyed was when he brought the kids back home. Nolan seems kind of scary and yet I have that feeling his bark is much worse than h is bite. Still what this leads to in terms of confrontation between Abraham and his mother and what a freakin dozy that one is.

     The story &plot development we see here through the sequence of events unfolding as well as how the reader learns information is superbly laid down. The character development we see is off the charts here. This woman who is supposed to be his mother oh I'd have slapped that bitch fifteen ways to Sunday if she spoke to me like that. I try to see this from her point of view but she's non-relenting in her views and refuses to entertain the idea that he was happy and raised by someone who loved him. She's not a stable person and no one will be able to prove me otherwise. The pacing here is incredible it is strong and it takes us through the pages and with all the twists and turns it brings out creating not just a fun, interesting ebb & flow to the book but also keeps the reader glued to their seat.

     Ryan has a very unique and distinct style of illustration and at first I wasn't all that sure about it. The more we see it the more it grows on you. I think the faces are utterly charming and at times have a puppeteer's look about them and other times it's almost stop action animation that we only see in the old Christmas Cartoons. Either way what he's bringing to the table visually here is rather extraordinary in it's own right. The way he utilises backgrounds is beyond what I could've hoped for and with them in the composition we see in the panels show us this great depth perception, scale and brings us this 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 really nice strong eye for storytelling. The colour work we see is gorgeous as well. I am fan of how we see the light sources utilised to create the shading and shadows while his choice of colours and the hues and tones within them bring the shading, highlights and shadows to life beautifully.
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     The layering within the writing and how we see this come across in ways that foreshadow things to come is excellently laid down. The characters and their characterisation that we see is mindbogglingly good as we see them continue to prove the kind of folks they really are. If you aren't reading this then you've done a huge disservice to yourself because the next generation of creators have already arrived and John's leading the charge.

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