Dual Review: The White Suits #3

In this dual review two writers, in this case Samantha and Dustin, will take a look at the issue and give a score of: Buy, Borrow or Pass. Before we begin here’s what the issue is about from Dark Horse Comics: Mob war erupts in Chinatown! In a desperate final gambit, New York’s criminal underworld and their Russian mercenaries draw the murderous White Suits into a deadly ambush, with ex-Suit Prizrak and FBI agent Sarah Anderson as hostages. With no way out but death, who will survive the “Kill Box”?

Samantha: BUY

I can’t get enough of this comic visually. It captures my every attention when reading. I love the literal splashes of color, the very dark setting, and the low color range. All of it makes me want to jump inside the story. I mean dude, the one scene set up of the camera roll introducing our players and the city picture of Chinatown. It was awesome!

There is a time difference between our two stories that makes for some real fun. Anderson and blank are being harassed about the events that happened last issue. While simultaneously the two have teamed up to take the Suits on a rooftop. So we go from planning the event and the actual event during the course of the comic. I always like these double stories.

Although I like the beginning of this story, it seemed very one-sided with its plot. I feel like this issue hit us with real potential for a full-fledged thriller, but then at the same time especially with the ending, disappointed in that department again.. Anderson and her partner, which let’s face it that is what they have created, are out for revenge. They enlist the help of some not so friendly people, but hopefully it will get the job done. I went very back and forth with this issue thinking something was developing with all secrets being kept by the Suits. Then we get slapped in the face with not finding anything at all. We only have one issue left, and I feel like there is so much to cover. It seems like we may be rushing through the plot with our next installment.

I did still give the issue a “buy” because I am still intrigued with what will happened. I haven’t lost interest quite yet. I really hope we don’t rush through, and this comic can wrap with not only the cool artwork, but also lay out an even plot of who the Suits are.

Dustin: BUY

The true success of any mini-series is being able to have each issue/chapter of the mini stand on its own. The White Suits does just that as each issue tells a complete part of the story whereas a lot of mini-series will have an awkward issue that feels like the extension of another issue. I hate that; so to see Frank J. Barbiere execute it perfectly makes me wonder why more writers can’t?

I was actually describing this book to someone who hadn’t read it yet the other day and I realized the story itself is pretty simple. It’s a revenge tale, but of course the charm of the story is the unstoppable, seemingly unkillable, White Suits and the over the top cast of characters. But that’s kind of it because the star of the story is the artwork.

I don’t know if I would enjoy this series as much if it wasn’t Toby Cypress. His command over the visuals is wonderful. At times it’s amazing artistic and captures the principles of design, but then at the same time it’s jammed full of nerd/geek style which can be seen on the cover with the skull and crossbones over the bodies faces. That’s actually used inside the issue as well and it’s really cool. It’s cool element like that, that Cypress brings to the series.

Yes you should buy this book. Shit just looking at the last page would be enough to convince me to buy it again, it’s that freaking cool. If you’re a trade waiter you better be a pre-orderer as well because this book is definitely purchase worthy.

Score: BUY IT!

Writer: Frank J. Barbiere Artist: Toby Cypress Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/16/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital

Trailer Time: X-Men: Days of Future Past - Wolverine’s Team vs. The Sentinels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsjtg7m1MMM Lolz at time code 1:56 with Colossus gets jaw jacked like a punk bitch!

The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. The beloved characters from the original "X-Men" film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from "X-Men: First Class," in an epic battle that must change the past -- to save our future.

X-Men: Days of Future Past arrives in U.S. theaters on May 23rd, 2014.

The Hong Kong Massacre Looks Like a Hotline Miami Jr.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcBOUie-LyA We all know how awesome Hotline Miami is. If you haven't heard of it or played it, you really should do yourself a solid and hook it up. It's a great game. As for The Hong Kong Massacre, it has been clearly influenced by Hotline in presentation. The twist is the Hong Kong cinema inspired ascetic. Despite the improvements on the technical side such as richer shadows, textures and a very cool slow motion effect, I belive that the game will need that cool narrative that Hotline had to really stand out. Or not, what the hell do I know? Regardless, I will play the shit out of this whenever it comes out!

New Walk of Shame Trailer

I was already pretty sold on this movie, but this newest trailer put me over with it. Sure it looks like this trailer reveals a lot of the story, but I was kind of okay with that. There's some pics after the trailer along with the synopsis and such. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_Q2L8u2TcA

WALK OF SHAME In Select Theaters & VOD on Friday, May 2nd, 2014

The outrageous comedy WALK OF SHAME stars Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games, Pitch Perfect) as a resourceful reporter whose one-night stand with a handsome stranger (James Marsden of Anchorman 2) leaves her stranded the next morning in downtown Los Angeles without a phone, car, ID, or money - and only 8 hours before the most important job interview of her career.

From Lakeshore Entertainment and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, WALK OF SHAME also stars Gillian Jacobs (Community), Sarah Wright Olsen, Kevin Nealon, Ethan Suplee, Bill Burr, and Willie Garson (White Collar). Written and directed by Steven Brill, the movie is produced by Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, and Sidney Kimmel. The executive producers are Eric Reid, Ted Gidlow, Jim Tauber, Bruce Toll, Matt Berenson, and Peter Schlessel.

Focus World (www.focusfeatures.com/focusworld), the alternative distribution initiative owned and operated by Focus Features, has scheduled a day-and-date release on May 2nd in theaters and on VOD.

IDW To Release America’s Army #9 And Special Edition #0 Comics This Week

IDW Publishing and the U.S. Army announced today the digital release of AMERICA’S ARMY COMIC ISSUE #9 and the availability of a printed special edition AMERICA’S ARMY COMIC ISSUE #0 for fans at the upcoming WonderCon show in Anaheim, CA. The America’s Army comics series is available through IDW on the web and virtually every digital platform including the IDW Comics app, ComiXology, Kindle Fire, Nook, Apple iBooks, and Kobo - http://bit.ly/1m5VwF0 In the latest issue, U.S. Army Captain Carl Reed and the Mustang squad have infiltrated a Pipeline facility looking for clues as to why enemy forces have returned to the derelict structure. But when Czervo Special Forces arrive at the facility in droves, the danger of the team being discovered sky rockets in America’s Army Issue #9 - Into the Wolf's Den.

At WonderCon, fans will be treated to a printed copy of the special edition America’s Army Comic Issue #0, a recap of the first eight issues.  America’s Army writer M. Zachary Shermanwill be signing comics and collector’s edition posters at IDW’s booth (#309) on Friday, April 18 from 3:00-4:00pm and onSaturday, April 19 from 11:00am -12:00pm.

The America’s Army comic series is based on the highly successful America’s Army PC game (www.americasarmy.com) and provides an inside perspective into the world of Soldiers in the U.S. Army, their assignments and the challenges they face. Follow American forces deployed to the small nation of Czervenia where President-General Kazimir Adzic and his advanced army set upon a campaign of annihilation in the neighboring country of the RDO, setting in motion a mysterious plan that could change the course of world power. A Coalition led by America’s Army must form new experimental combat teams and fight to stop the General's plot before time runs out.

Review: Bad Ass #4

At some point this became a four issue mini-series which I wasn’t aware of or paying attention to. It’s a shame because the story unfortunately comes to a conclusion and not a very satisfying one. There’s been a lot of buildup on what Jack’s powers are and why the fuck he has a flaming basketball on the side of his mask. Both questions are actually answered, but it leaves you with a “that’s it” type feeling. With so much building up to this issue it’s a shame that it’s over and done with at the drop of a flaming basketball. The entire issue is just a build up to answer those two questions so I won’t be summing up a lot. The gist is that we see Jack visit the man who ran him down to basically rub it in his face that he’s taken his life and is better than him at everything he loved. He then kills him with a paper clip which was pretty cool.

In the present timeline with see Dead End going up against Black Snake still and it turns out in Jack’s favor of course. There are a few cool things about this scene that are action related. The story then does one more bounce to the past to answer one of the questions and then again to the present to answer the other.

To be honest I don’t really understand the explanation that’s given for Jack’s powers. I mean I understand, but it doesn’t make sense with the rest of the story. For instance it’s mentioned by several characters that Dead End was in a prison, but that’s counter to his “powers” and really counter to everything we’ve read in the series. I can buy luck powers, but I can’t really buy the explanation presented here. As for the flaming basketball, it was more underwhelming than anything. It was just a logical yet dumb reason.

The art continues to be the star of the show and while the story didn’t live up to its own buildup the art continued to deliver. The action was still over the top and gruesome at times, but always easy to follow. We see more superhero archetypes in this issue and they’re some nice homage to other characters. The coloring, oh the coloring; it really gives this book a sharp look and it’s played a huge role in the art’s success. The coloring really brings this entire story to life.

It sucks that this is the last issue. I didn’t expect it to go on forever, but it would have been nice to have a few more issues or at least twelve issues. Maybe it’ll return for a second volume, but the story would have its work cut out for it to deliver an interesting story. This issue on the other hand… is an ending. It does what it needs to in order to close the series, but it buckles under its own buildup.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Herik Hanna Artist: Bruno Bessadi Colorist: Geatan Georges Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/16/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital

Review: A Voice in the Dark #6

I would like to start this review by offering up a little disclaimer. The first six issues of A Voice in the Dark could possibly be some of the most intense storytelling out in the comics world today. Larime Taylor's little tale of Zoey Aarons, an up and coming serial killer who is trying to find her way in the world blends in all the elements of good suspense and drama, and turns it up a notch by making our serial killer, likable, appealing, and innocent. If you met her out on the street, you would see a lady who exudes a quiet coolness and likeability factor. She is friendly, intelligent, attractive, and really looks like she is in control.  That's the outside. On the inside, she is battling an urge. But this urge is strong and beginning to to take her over as events and persons around her are drawing that urge out. Once out, we really don't know what will happen to Ms. Aarons.  But as a reader, I do know this...It has me wholly curious and interested. Everything about the story is rich and full. There is the primary story of Zoey, trying to break the desire to kill, but also slowly working to embrace it as she has determined her victim and is preparing for the deed with gusto and confidence. Events happening within this issue actually might (will) add to the body count. The reason we know this is that we already know that she will kill. Part of the story takes place after the act. But the bulk of all the issues work to lead the reader to how she gets there. It's a really creepy effect and works perfectly in adding a dark element to what is being presented.

We also have a side story of another serial killer that is stalking the town, killing coeds, and taking pictures of his brutal exploits. He started in the last issue getting a little bit closer to Zoey by calling into her show. With issue #6, he creeps even closer to Zoey. But where that will remains to be seen as Taylor intentionally withholds information until the appropriate time. A true master stroke if I do say so myself.

A Voice in the Dark continues to addresses some heavy life issues with each passing installment Subjects like female self-image (mind and body), bullying, family dysfunction, college social dynamics, etc. help to add additional texture to tale. We get a new one to ponder here in this one and it will strike some to their core. But it is just another element that adds to the realness that is portrayed.

Hmm, I think that is a good description of the whole arc. A Voice in the Dark is Realness. It is believable and that is where it packs its punch. Everything that happens within these pages can and do happen. Maybe not as much of the serial murdering part. But all of the heady issues do. Everyone reacts differently to them. As for Zoey, well she kills off those things that threaten her being. It is real emotion pinned out on a real landscape. It's Realness, pure and simple.

Taylor's writing is masterful and his art? Yeah it's Realness too. It just blows me away that he renders these drawings without the use of his hands. His tones are smooth and flowing and combined with the writing, you get the Realness factor all over. It's really good.

I have previously mentioned the use of non color and how it works for this story as it gives a grainy detachment to its portrayal. It leaves the reader with an emptiness that captures what is going through Zoey's mind too. After reading some of the letters at the end of this one, it is becoming apparent that others are digging on the non color too. So much so, that Taylor is pondering if the next arc after this one should be done in color. My only advice to Mr. Taylor is to follow his heart on it. He has not had one misstep at all within this arc and I trust his judgment wholeheartedly. The man is a genius, A brilliant mad genius that has me craving each issue like some Pavlovian dog. Woof man, I say, woof. More please.

Score: 5/5

Writer/Artist/Creator: Larime Taylor Publisher: Image/Top Cow Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/16/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital

Review: The X-Files – Annual 2014

Disclaimer: The events of this issue take place during Mulder and Scully’s first stint in the FBI. And that has everything to do with its quality. If you’re reading this review to find out if this annual issue is anything like the show, then you are in luck, because I touch on that specific thing. The X-Files Season 10 is in its eleventh month, but it hasn’t really been the easiest series to read. Mulder and Scully have been brought back without any real reason, and if you followed the show, you were under the impression that it would take an act of God to get these two people back on the government’s payroll, especially Mulder. Personally, I was a little surprised that this attempt was even made. It also hasn’t really been good throughout. I don’t really think that this subject matter really translates to print that well. So I guess that I’ve been reluctantly reading every month with pretty ‘meh’ types of feelings. But I did say that I would be touching on whether or not this issue was anything like the show. It is most definitely an exact copy. I didn’t feel like I was once reading a comic book. When I opened this up I was instantly taken back to the days of watching The X-Files. Every word, every gesture, every spooky moment had that classic 90’s television feel to it. Obviously this is the reaction that they were going for, because it matched so closely. And I think that I know why this issue reads so much better than the rest of the series. You can’t tell the kind of story that The X-Files Season 10 does in parts, or in twenty-something pages. Apparently you actually need to read from beginning to end in one sitting or you just lose interest. Especially when there are so many other comic books out there that thrive on cliffhangers. The X-Files Season 10 doesn’t work that way. An episode was forty-four minutes. Each issue should be forty-four pages. Since we all know that the comic industry will never agree to that, we are stuck with cliffhangers that fizzle out after a month of anticipation. But this annual issue was something different. This is how it’s supposed to be.

A man has returned from the dead with a warning for his wife. This has classic written all over it. When the agents investigate, a very interesting priest crosses their path. Is there a connection to the strange case that Mulder and Scully have been sent to close? It wouldn’t be The X-Files if there isn’t. Also in this issue, the backup “Talk to the Hand”, by Dave Simms.

The script was pretty good. Like I said earlier, it was a lot like the show. That’s really all I wanted it to be. I’m not sure if The X-Files still holds up after all of this time as a well-written show, I really don’t know, but I’m glad that I could experience it like this.

I wasn’t really a huge fan of the art. I guess that it wasn’t that I wasn’t a fan of the art itself, not really, but I don’t think that it was a good fit for the book. Mulder and Scully are cool characters, I don’t want to look at smeary and blurry depictions of them. I felt like I was reading Arkham Asylum. Of course, I didn’t like the art in that book either. That was a mess. Anyway, it was cool to look at, I guess, but I was distracted by it.

So my official, final word is that I liked it. It wasn’t amazing, it didn’t blow me away, but it did make up for the series that is currently on the shelves. Of course, it’s not that I think that the current series is bad, but it just needs a new format. Something that keeps me caring about the endings of each arc. But I’m also not eager to pay $7.99 every month either. Maybe The X-Files Season 10 could be bi-weekly. I would probably be on board for that. Actually, I definitely would. There’s some free advice, IDW.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Frank Spotnitz & Various Artist: Stuart Sayger & Andrew Currie Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $7.99 Release Date: 4/16/14 Format: One-Shot, Print/Digital

Review: Adventure Time #27

Last month, I thought Ryan North had tragically ended our heroes but they’re back! Well sorta, in ghost form.  Finn and Jake got tired of their old bods and decided to change things up a bit. So they became ghost pals. Seemed like a pretty good idea at first but as this issue goes on, I think our heroes regret giving up their solid structures. I really thought that the storyline was going to falter after that last transformation but here we are. North just oozes creativity and continues to bring hilarious stories alive.

Let me just elaborate on the comical antics of issue 27. We pick up right where we left off last month with BMO discovering Finn and Jake as ghosts. Usually, BMO is pretty cool about things like this but BMO just flips his/her shit. So much so that Jake has to override BMO’s programming so that BMO is no longer afraid of ghosts. BMO is completely unaware that she/he had ever freaked out. Kind of a Men in Black move, Jake.

Anyways, so Finn and Jake want to take advantage of their ghost bods and do some good; which consists of pranking Ice King. Things get weird fast but honestly, that’s what I love about the series. BMO becomes Ice King’s practice date and BMO is actually enjoying it; I kind of feel like they would make a good power couple.  To Finn and Jake’s dismay Ice King is not even fazed by ghosts. He actually turns the pranks into a delightful date with BMO.

Finn and Jake give up on Ice King and head towards the Candy Kingdom. Things go down south fast, when their attempts of activating “ghost powers” go awry. They even try communicating with Princess Bubblegum but she’s not down with ghost. And takes matters into her own hands by hiring a team of professionals to rid the Candy Kingdom of paranormal pests. So much for being rad ghosts, huh guys?

I can never get enough of Adventure Time. It deserves all the recognition and awards ever, like right now. North has done an amazing job at bringing Pendleton Ward’s creation alive.  Oh, and I can’t forget the brilliant illustrations of Jim Rugg. Seriously man, you know your way around a comic.

Also worthy of mention is this month’s guest story. Jelly Wars, features two princess jelly filled doughnuts declaring civil war against each other. Strawberry jelly versus grape jelly, sounds like a breakfast table dispute but these princesses aren’t messing around.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Ryan North Artist: Jim Rugg Publisher: KaBoom/Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release date: 4/16/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital

Review: The Mercenary Sea #3

Probably the best part of this series it that it looks like a kick-ass cartoon. The series has successfully captured the pre-World War II era, a time ripe with danger and mystery. Our hodge-podge crew has taken a job they’d prefer not to have as it involves them in the war that is beginning, but they have no choice if they want to maintain their submarine. Their British Intelligence Agent has joined them as they head for their rendezvous to pick up his agent, but they run into trouble as they encounter a Japanese ship. What’s worse is that it’s a ship that they are very familiar with. Wulf even pays the Captain of the ship a compliment by saying that he’s “very good.” That is the charm of this story and the world that it’s set in. Honor and respect are something that people have even for their enemy. The rival captain is even referred to as “Honorable” when his name is given.

Of course they get out of the situation because that would be a crappy issue to just drop the plot line there, but what’s interesting is Jack’s comments. Everything seems to be too easy or too cleared out making him wonder about the mission. What’s worse is that once they arrive to the extraction point… the agent is nowhere to be found.

How can anyone not like this world? It’s like the pinnacle of classic war and adventure stories that were once a staple of the comic industry. This issue is very plot focused so there isn’t any character development per say, but that didn’t make it less thrilling to read. The cat and mouse game between the battleship and sub battle was intense, but not in an overplayed way. The concept is obviously nothing new, but Kel Symons avoids making it typical of the genre. As someone who doesn’t like any story involving a submarine, that’s saying something when I liked the scene.

As interesting as the world is and well-plotted the story, the art is the lynchpin that makes everything spectacular. Mathew Reynolds continues with his dynamic style that looks like a golden era movie poster and a cross with Archer or the many styles that inspired Archer. I really could just gaze upon Reynolds art and be happy. As I said in the beginning it’s like an animation that’s been transferred into a comic book it’s that incredible and detailed looking.

Now that we’ve established that the art is wonderful let’s talk about how brilliant the coloring is. Really it’s the coloring that makes Reynolds art so powerful, but without his solid foundation and distinct pencils the coloring wouldn’t pop as much. The color hues are gorgeous and bring the different scenes and settings alive.

This continues to be a series that you shouldn’t miss. The charm of Image Comics is that everyone has their top books at the company. Frankly I’m kind of tired of them always hogging the spotlight so I hope that people pay attention to The Mercenary Sea, because it deserves the attention.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Kel Symons Artist/Colorist: Mathew Reynolds Publisher: Image Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 4/16/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital

Review: Stray Bullets - Killers #2

Stray Bullets: Killers #2 is the most devastating comic you’ll read this month, even counting Invincible #110. David Lapham has perfected the art of luring you into a quaint slice of life, something that could happen to anyone, letting you into these peoples’ lives and then doing the worst possible thing to them. This issue felt like where the series could have started, if they so chose. We saw the backstory of Eli in the issue previous to this, but this feels like the beginning of the actual story, tying it for sure into the main Stray Bullets story. Virginia Applejack is still on the run, and Eli is another stop on the journey. I don’t begrudge the first issue, but a lot of what happens feels like it gets covered again in this issue, which eats up a couple of pages. It doesn’t feel repetitive per se, but in retrospect, it makes the first issue feel... extraneous.  Does that make the first issue actually extraneous? I can’t say at this point, but I trust Lapham to bring us back around to where we started with Eli’s home life and make it all tie together.

What I’m tracking in this series has become less about whether the established killers from the main series can continue to be a presence in these peoples’ lives and more about what defines a “killer” and who can actually be one. This issue seems to say that the answer is that literally anyone can be a killer. I find that extremely fascinating, and it’s one reason I’ll be sticking with this miniseries until the end, to see all the ways that people can end each others’ lives. In the last issue, it was very much about the deliberate ending of life by people who have proven themselves to be dangerous. In this issue, Lapham takes the people we think we can trust, the innocents, and makes them into the dangerous people that we should be afraid of. Isn’t that the way of life, after all? Sometimes the people who are the most damaging to us are the ones we want so badly to be able to trust.

Lapham’s major artistic statement has always been, “people are dangerous.” All the people you meet have dark secrets, they can hurt anyone if they so choose, and sometimes, they choose to. It’s what I think the eponymous stray bullets refer to; these people who shouldn’t be that dangerous, who aren’t aimed in a specific direction, but they can still maim or take a life. In Killers, he’s distilled that artistic statement, and it’s becoming a great way to hop into the greater thesis of the series.

The art in this issue is strong, but it feels more empty than normal. It doesn’t feel like Lapham finished crossing all his t’s and dotting his i’s, as it were. It still solid art, but it isn’t quite the top notch that we’re used to. I really can’t say anything more detailed than that... maybe he’s not filling in his inking as much as he used to? Who’s to say.

This miniseries promises to be a classic, and if you’re not reading it yet, it’s not too late to jump on. And I’m begging you: jump on.

Score: 4/5

Writer/Artist/Creator: David Lapham Publisher: Image/El Capitan Price: $3.50 Release Date: 4/16/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital

Review: The Shadow Hero #3

In case you missed it, First Second has been releasing all of Gene Luen Yang and Sonny Liew’s upcoming graphic novel The Shadow Hero in digital chapters leading up to the July 15^th release of the *ogn. Additionally, the story is based on the first Asian superhero The Green Turtle. Yang and Liew’s take on the character and the new world that they’ve built has had a great start, but now our main character Hank has entered the superhero business and it’s not going too well for him. His first encounter with thugs sidelined him and now his father is nursing him back to health. No big deal until they hear four knocks at the door. Hank explains that every month his father takes an envelope of money to a run-down shop and knocks four times on the door before giving the envelope to the man who answers. Hank’s dad realizes that he’s forgotten to make his payment and so he quickly runs down to greet Mock Beak. Beak tells Hank’s dad that he owes double for being late with the payment even though he has the money and just didn’t remember to deliver it. Hank doesn’t help the situation as he gets involved and the traditional jade piece that his dad wears is taken from him. All of this of course happens just before Hank’s mom arrives home from work.

As much as I would like to I can’t spoil the rest of the issue. It’s an important chapter in the story for sure because it acts as the catalyst for everything else to come. Now with the unique structure of this series and the fact that in some ways it’s a deconstructed graphic novel, this issue ends up being really good. It’s unfair to compare it to the previous two issues because they’re different parts in the story. All three are very good in their own way, but if you’re following these individual issues then this one will stand out the most for sure. If you wait for the graphic novel you’ll pause after this chapter because so much happens in the story.

It’s strange because usually I would say “Yang continues writing a well-plotted story” which is true, but it’s a story that’s already done. I think the true testament of Yang’s writing is the fact that it’s so well constructed that it can be split up into individual issues and those issues can stand on their own and feel as if they’re adding an equal part to the overall story. Not many graphic novels can say the same.

Probably my favorite part of the story was watching Hank connect with his mother. For once in his life he wanted to make her happy and missed her attention when previously he hadn’t noticed that it wasn’t there. They’re back and forth conversation was classic mother and son and while it seemed like a comedic moment it was also a bonding moment as well. This scene also shows the strong collaboration between the creators as both narrative and art play a role.

One thing I rack my brain with on this series is how Yang and Liew work together. Not that I think there’s drama, but with both of them being skilled storytellers and illustrators I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when they were collaborating. Liew is a master at facial expressions. When Hank’s mom arrives home to find both men beaten and the store damaged the disappointment on her face is very real. It was so real I thought she was ashamed of me and I was just trying to enjoy the story.

There are several action scenes in this issue/chapter and Liew makes everything easy to follow, but never sacrifices the intensity of the scene. There are also touching moments like the one I mentioned previously, but others I can’t tell you about. Let’s just say that Liew really pulls on the heartstrings with his illustrations.

Part of me didn’t want to keep reading the individual chapters like this, but I couldn’t resist. How could I stop reading a book that I already know is so incredible when presented with more to read? If you’re waiting on the graphic novel I can’t say I blame you because once The Shadow Hero has its hooks in you, you won’t be able to stop reading.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Gene Luen Yang Artist: Sonny Liew Publisher: First Second Books Price: $0.99 Release Date: 4/15/14

*OGN = Original Graphic Novel

Review: The Pain #1

It’s been a while since I snuck in a Comixology Submit release, but I figured why not. I was drawn to this book due to the simple yet effective cover layout and the title. The Pain just sounds interesting doesn’t it? Unfortunately the story I found inside offered little in way of interest. Don’t get me wrong I get the contents of the story; a woman is being abused by her boyfriend, a man is looking for love but too afraid to find it. When the women is abused by her boyfriend on this particular evening, the man looking for love that has never meet her… feels her pain. I mean physically feels her pain and he has no idea what is going on. The woman leaves her shitty abusive boyfriend and happens upon the man that’s been physically feeling her pain and they recognize the same injuries on each other and bam… they lock eyes.

I might assume that this is a statement about abusive relationships and that by the love sick man feeling her pain that it goes the against the abusers statements of “you’ll never find anyone better” or “you won’t find anyone that understands you.” But that’s a lot of assuming on my part. I could just be projecting that onto the story because it doesn’t imply any of that.

The thing is that you never really connect to the woman being abused. Without being able to connect it’s hard to understand any of her struggles other than shitty physically abusive boyfriend that she’s going back to. What’s worse is that it down plays real abuse by just having her find her soul mate in a way. I’m sure that wasn’t the intention, but that is how it comes across considering how easily she breaks the cycle of abuse and moves on.

While the art on the cover drew me in, it put me off when I made it inside the book. It’s an extension of the cover so the same solid coloring and simplicity. It’s a good cover, but reading nineteen pages filled with simple details and solid colors is numbing. While the art isn’t bad, it doesn’t add the emotion needed for this story. It sadly comes off goofy at times which based on the subject matter isn’t a good thing.

I went in blind on this issue and while it’s not terrible, it is very basic. The heavy lifting of the meaning and connections of the narrative are left for the reader to create while the story marathons through. There’s something called the rule of three that applies to storytelling, you get two opportunities to show her getting hurt and him feeling the pain. By the third time it should be resolved in the story and the connection revealed to the reader. This story just continues to show it over and over and that’s what prevented me from taking it seriously.

Score: 2/5

Writer/Artist: Troy Becker Publisher: Light Studio Price: $0.99 Available on Submit

Review: Skinned #1

Skinned is a book full of archetypes masquerading as characters, and oddly, that’s what makes it kind of sort of work. In this world, everyone from newborns to the elderly wears a contact lens called Occup-eye, which allows them to customize the way they perceive the world. The mother in labor for some reason chooses to see the world as an Arabian harem; her grown daughter chooses to see herself as a punk rocker chick surrounded by metalheads and tweakers. It’s very strange in that the world itself in the comic has no sense of place. There is no one true version of this world, or if there is, it is given to us in small enough chunks between other perspectives that we don’t know what we’re seeing until it’s gone. Our hero is an Aladdin-sort who can hack and change everyone’s perspective in the Occup-eye, and he’s thrust into a world of palace intrigue by a princess (maybe? Her parents created Occup-eye, which is probably the equivalent of royalty) who hates the concept of forcing people to live in a created reality. It’s an interesting moral debate on either side, so at least that drama will pull me through a bit.

The art and writing are both fairly good; they’re elevated by the fact that they’re working on a really cool concept. Daniel’s and Holt's writing zig-zags between overly cliché and overly opaque to an outsider. They've got this great idea for a comic book, and it seems like they're having trouble inhabiting the world to tell the story, because their either telling it in generalities from outside, or their far too deep inside, trying to send up smoke signals to the readers. Gowdy’s art is fun, and he does a great job delineating between the different Occup-eye perspectives. One of the big failures of the issue, though, is that every time we switch to an Occup-eye perspective, there’s no good way for us to figure out whose world we’re living in. There are captions on occasion from IRIS, the computer system that runs the Occup-eye system.

Where this comic took me by surprise (in a good way) is the streamlining of the concept of the issue itself. I’m about to get all metatextual up in this motherfucker, so buckle your seatbelts and keep your elbows in the vehicle. When a comic book is published, we critique it in terms of the art and the writing inside the issue, but we rarely talk about the way a comic is packaged and sold to us, unless they’re very specific comics that break the traditional book mold, ala Chip Kidd or Chris Ware (e.g. Building Stories). In Skinned, Daniel and Holt have created a comic that, from the credits page to the “next time on Skinned” section, plants us firmly in the world where Occup-eye exists.

What I can’t wait to see more of in this series is how they can take this cohesive aesthetic of the book’s design and stretch it. It’s a digital comic, and it’s built for Comixology’s platform, which certainly still gives it limits, but its limits are more elastic than, say, a 24-page floppy monthly comic. My plea to you, creators of Skinned: you’ve built a world where people are constantly immersed in their own reality. I want you to run with this idea and figure out how to fuck with the reality of every single person reading this book on the internet.

Skinned #1 isn’t perfect. It may not even be that good. But it shows a hell of a lot of promise in the concept, and I’ll be back for it next time.

Score: 3/5

Writers: Tim Daniel, Jeremy Holt Artist: Joshua Gowdy Publisher: MonkeyBrain Comics Price: $0.99 Release Date: 4/16/14 Format: Digital Link to Buy

Review: Inferno - Age of Darkness

Just from the cover of this issue, you know you are about to see some bat out of hell action. And then literally you meet Mercy, who just visited hell in order to save her sister. Man what we do for family. Mercy had to get sister out but like any good devil, she had to give something to Lucifer in exchange. Mercy must now work for Lucifer and hunt down demons who have escaped hell. It sounds like a good hook, so I thought I would give the comic try. I have been enjoying Robyn Hood so much that maybe Zenescope could offer me something else. At first, I got hooked. Mercy has that same attitude as Robyn, where she talks to her reader in that funny sarcastic tone.  Chasing down hell ridden people doesn’t sound like fun but hey they deserve to be there, so her job isn’t too bad. I am not going to lie, it got weird when we entered hell though. I really thought the comic would deal with more Lucifer coming to earth instead of the other way around, but mostly focus on Mercy. It is totally opposite. Once I got over the servants horns and tails though, it came together.

So pretty much Lucifer is a huge part of the story. She and Mercy get along nicely, again not what I thought would be the case. They discuss things and even have some common ground. Lucifer needs Mercy to capture an eye. This eye holds power that not anyone can handle alone. Lucifer’s father, Maleci, wants the eye all to himself to take over all the realms. Now it is Lucifer, Mercy, and another recruit named Masumi job to save him from taking all the power. It sounds so strange having Lucifer be so... responsible. But I like the different view point of her.

Like any Zenescope issue, we get plenty of action. But it is perfectly placed and doesn’t take away from the story. It was fun seeing the girls fly around. I loved the difference in weaponry too. Mercy with her long jacket, reminds me of a Cake song, and  her guns bring in all the rights to bear arms. And then Masumi brings the white jumpsuit and the swords along. The balance of the two make for some jokes in between them and some cool moves for all. As you can see the art gives us lots of costumes as well. Whether it being their character or all part of an act, I love when we get so many changes in characters. It makes it feel like a real mission impossible story.

All and all, this one shot has some benefits to offer. The whole Age of Darkness storyline isn’t really for me, but I wanted to give it a shot. I think the review is though. If you want some hellish things in your life then check this comic out. It offers a solid story with some intertwining action from all sides.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Ralph Tedesco Artist: Sami Kivela Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment Price: $5.99 Release Date: 4/16/14 Format: One-Shot, Print/Digital

Review: X-O Manowar #24

In this prelude to Armor Hunters, Aric contends with the alien sporting half a Vine X-O armor.  Despite bearing only a fraction of the firepower, the creature Malgam still packs a wallop.  The two duel in space as Colonel Capshaw watches from below. After a bit of intervention from Shanarra, Aric overpowers Malgam and turns the creature over to Capshaw’s custody.  The displaced Visigoth returns to his new refuge and his love, Saana to enjoy the modern luxuries of four walls, cold running water, and hot girlfriend.

In the conclusion we find out why Malgam was so banged up.  And that’s very bad news for Aric.

The rogues gallery continues to grow for this comic series.  Malgam proves to be a worthy foe, yet his presence is diminished by the crew of hunters searching out ‘infections’ of the Vine armor across the universe.  The stakes are raised higher than ever before, and there looks to be no way for Aric to survive the upcoming battle.

Good thing he’s got 48 pages in an anniversary issue to do so because he will need every one of them to handle the crew coming to get the X-O from him—dead or alive.

I have explained the story elements that make this comic a must-pull every month, so now I will highlight the dialogue.  Robert Venditti drafts some great discussion, particularly in battle.  At one moment, Malgam chides Aric that he has “…only fought with the armor.  You [Aric] will never understand how powerful it is—Until you spend a life fighting against it.”  The gravity of such a statement lies in a two-fold interpretation.  First, we know that Aric has only begun to fathom the power of the weaponry he’s bonded to.  Second, what if that sentient armor wants control—total control?  Here’s proof that the writer of this comic is putting forth an outstanding effort to make a multi-dimensional character with threats greater than the opponent opposite Aric.  One day that threat will be the power that has kept him alive so long.  What a hell of a battle that will be.

When Aric asks the creature for his hand in peace, the monster responds with violence.  Aric cuts off his arm.  Malgam, regenerates the limb as Aric did previously.  Malgam states, “You want my hand?  Have it!  HAVE THEM BOTH!”  And then the creature strangles Aric.  Here again is a brilliant way of making dialogue mean something more than the textual level.  For this reason, among so many others, you must read this book monthly.

I tend to favor the writing from my English background, but I must say the art proves to be consistently strong.  If not Cary Nord, other talent like Diego Bernard brings Aric to life with fine detail work and energy bolts that crackle off the page.  The character designs of the Armor Hunters and their ship will prove the point further.

For as long as I have reviewed this title, it has been outdoing itself on all aspects.  Next month’s 25th issue will be big, but don’t wait until then to start treating yourself to one of the most deliberate and potent action comics that has the audacity to be brilliant.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Robert Venditti Artist: Diego Bernard Publisher: Valiant Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/16/14

Review: Curse #4

I’ve found over the last few years that getting excited for the ending of any miniseries is a mistake. It either doesn’t end the way that you think it should, or it ends in a way that confuses everyone, but customers just don’t want to admit it. Now let me touch on the “the way that you think it should” thing for just a second. An ending isn’t bad because of that, but you can tell that the writer is trying to surprise you. The writer is trying to put in a twist. I think that surprise and shock should come naturally. If the reader is at all put off by an ending, that means that they call bulls***. At least that’s what I’m thinking. Now, if I look at this werewolf story realistically, it’s not really about a werewolf, it’s about a father’s desperation to protect his son. So you have to ask yourself, what would a father do to protect his son? The answer is anything. I understand that, I really do, but if you finally reach the part where the decision has to be made on what needs to be done, this story could have been about anything. Is it because werewolves and vampires and the occult are kind of all the rage right now? I would have rather just read a dramatic story about a desperate father making mistakes and dusting himself off and trying again until he found a way that worked. I honestly think that a desperate bank robber would have worked better. Or a desperate teacher, or a soldier in some kind of organized crime syndicate or mob family. The werewolf story was a mask. If it’s a story about a real issue, then make it about real people, the comic book reading public has enough respect for artists in this industry to see it for what it really is. We don’t need you to dress it up. But here’s a little synopsis for this issue. The werewolf emerges and the Sheriff is closing in. Laney Griffin is running out of options and more importantly, time. What will he do to prove his innocence? What will he do to save his son? And is there time to do both? The climactic ending to this miniseries by the creative team of Michael Moreci, Tim Daniel, and Riley Rossmo comes to you from Boom! Studios and hits shelves today.

Regardless of what I thought of the story as a whole, I found the script to be extremely strong. It was very well written. I almost feel like if it had been about anything else, I would have eaten it up with a spoon. The dialogue was good, even though there wasn’t much of it, and the narration was just as good.

The art looked really tight and completely awesome throughout. Especially the last couple scenes at the end; they really had some magic in them. If I had to point out any specific area of this book that impressed me each month, it would have been the art. It really was beautiful to look at.

I wrote last month that I thought that I may have known where this was going, but I was wrong. But that’s okay, I didn’t want to be right. However, I didn’t want to be disappointed either. I really think that I made a good opening argument to why I feel the way that I do. If you need to be reminded, and aren’t eager to instantly hate me for disagreeing with you, please re-read my opening. But I still wish this team all the luck and success. Maybe I’m the only person that feels this way.

Until next week.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Michael Moreci and Tim Daniel Artist: Riley Rossmo and Colin Lorimer Publisher: Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/15/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital

Review: Skyman #4

It's over man. It's over. This very well done little miniseries completed as a part of Dark Horse Comic's Project Black Sky line of new superhero offerings has been a very welcome addition to an already good product that brings the reader back to legendary characters of yore making them relevant again. It has been a real nice tie in with the Captain Midnight franchise adding substance to an already well done character. And after reading this mini with some of the other Black Sky offerings, I have to say that writer Joshua Hale Fiakov and artist Manuel Garcia have really blown up this story making it as good as the Captain Midnight stories themselves. Skyman is hands down my favorite other Project Black Sky other than the good Captain himself. I sincerely hope to see him more as this Dark Horse experiment with superheroes continues.

Skyman has followed the adventures of war disabled Sergeant Eric Reid who has been selected to be the face of what had been a secret underground "super" program used to conduct black ops and other shady practices after the disappearance of Captain Midnight in the 1940s. The group had been secret, that is until the previous Skyman went on a public rampage followed by some other not too good PR related to the program.  Reid was selected because of his service and toughness and has become the face of the organization. But underneath lies the true nature of the program that continues their covert ways and are none too happy with Reid and his uncompromising commitment to the service of good. They want him dead and began the process in Issue #3. Rescued and assisted by Captain Midnight, preparations began for a battle between our heroes and the whole of the Skyman program. Issue number 4 is what happens next and concludes the series. As to what happens, we get a super sweet sky battle for the ages that tests our heroes and shows the reader what duty and courage is all about, even in the face of superior numbers opposition.

Like the whole series, this issue continues at a brisk and entertaining pace from start to finish. Joshua Hale Fialkov writes Skyman for what he is, tough as nails, heroic, and with no fear for consequences when what is right is on the line. Reid is heroic. And here, as he battles the other Skymen alongside of Captain Midnight, we are seeing glimpses of what will be one seriously kick ass team in the future as Project Black Sky continues to reveal itself. The tone has been set and we get an awesome battle with an equally nice surprise in the end that will definitely make certain that things will remain hot for some time to come.

Manuel Garcia has done something impressive to me here. He has taken the art in Skyman and really drawn it on an equal level as the Captain Midnight artwork. We get stoic with a nice modern touch making this other old school character absolutely contemporary. He kicks it. And the action sequences here are top notch. It would have been easy to render distance shots throughout, but Garcia focuses on all aspects of the battle, even drawing some very precise up close and personal combat.

As I come to a close of this series, I find myself a little bit sad. I have been enjoying this run, and now it's over. I have discovered really good talent in Fialkov and Garcia and I really hope to see some more of them as time will only tell where Skyman will go next. Here's to hoping that he won't stay gone long.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov Artist: Manuel Garcia Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 4/16/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital

Review: Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Cry of Shadows #5

With the last issue I felt like my ass was left hanging out in the wind. The issue itself fit in nicely with the overall story, but it felt like a rope bridge tying the series together. This issue, which is the final in the series, delivers powerful storytelling that I have come to expect from it. Now with this being the last issue there is of course the expectation that you’ve read the rest of the series, but Tim Siedell’s writing is so powerful that it reads like a one-shot. This series has been about two characters of course; there’s Hock and Vader. Some might argue that the series has never been about Vader, but I would encourage you to read this issue before saying that. You may not have realized it, but this entire story has been building Vader’s character and showing how scary he is. You will fear Vader by the end of this story and if you don’t then you’re full of it.

The story picks up with Hock facing off against Kaddak, but he’s not the monster that we were once shown. In fact he looks like a fucking hero compared to Hock. It’s strange because you’ve really felt (or should have) for Hock up until this point, but watching him fight Kaddak you wonder who’s the monster exactly? Since their battle dictates where the story goes I will have to leave it there, but again… Vader will earn your fear.

Now you might think that Siedell knows Vader better than anyone else, but that’s not quite true. If it were then you wouldn’t get what he’s done with the character. What is true is that Siedell knows what fans expect and want from the character. The sequel/prequels unfortunately diminished the character, but here Siedell has built him up and made him the scary ass villain from the original trilogy. He gives you a reason to be scared upon his arrival and it’s not just because he’ll force choke you, it’s because he’ll then go and kill your family and anyone that happens upon his path on the way to and from killing your family. Siedell delivers the Vader we all want and that’s why it’s so good and entertaining to read his Vader tales.

All of this hinders on the art of course and Gabriel Guzman has gone above and beyond with this series. This issue in particular delivers some iconic scenes; scenes that I will not soon forget. Accompanying Guzman is Michael Atiyeh on colors and Atiyeh adds to iconic pages. There is a scene in which Vader is entering the city that’s now on fire and crumbling. We see him from behind with his cape flowing in the wind and his saber drawn and slightly pulled behind him. It’s a powerful visual that needs both artist and colorist to make possible. The glow of the saber illustrates how bloody Vader’s hands are. At that point it’s not so much glowing as it is a representation of the blood he’s spilled that day.

As always with this series I could go on and on, but at this point you’ve probably already decided to read it or not so do that. I don’t know if Siedell will be back with another Vader series, but I certainly hope that he has one more in him before the license passes to Marvel who will utilize it to produce “Star Wars Variants” for their monthly titles like they do everything else.

If you did like this series I would suggest checking out the other Vader titles and seeing the character development that Dark Horse has put into Darth Vader. They have in fact picked him up after his creation and prepared him to be the character we find in the original trilogy. I’m not going to argue if licensed comics are good or bad for the industry, but I will say that the entire industry should be founded on the notation of storytelling and Dark Horse’s Vader run has told an incredible story with real development for the character and nowhere is that illustrated more than with this series.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Tim Siedell Artist: Gabriel Guzman Colorist: Michael Atiyeh Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 4/16/14 Formant: Mini-Series, Print/Digital

Review: Translucid #1

Claudio Sanchez and Chondra Echert are back this month with Translucid and they brought along promising newcomer Daniel Bayliss. This issue is an excellent lead-in to a limited series, and I’m excited for the places they can go with it. In Team Translucid’s version of New York City, crime is ruled by The Horse and his lessers, the Apocalypse 3 (The Colonial, The Noble Savage, and The Monarch), and the force holding back their tide of villainy is a man known as The Navigator. Our story begins with The Horse getting released and exonerated after a short stint on the inside, and going back to take what’s his—and teach his nemesis a little something about what makes them tick.

The story itself is better than I expected. We as readers get pretty jaded about this kind of story and think it’s just going to be a rehash of The Killing Joke with fairly obvious Batman and Joker stand-ins, but Translucid moves beyond that. They inhabit a very real and recognizable city, which makes it just that much more believable, if the gadgets and the outfits are a little less so. It’s also not quite so insular as the other stories like this; it seems like it will play out to be a two-hander between The Navigator and The Horse, but it shows glimpses of other lives throughout the city, it gives us breathing room.

I’ve never been nearly as sold on Sanchez’s writing as his music. I found the Amory Wars comics to be, if anything, more confusing than the lyrics in Coheed & Cambria’s music. I’ve never read his writing with wife and writing partner Echert, but I enjoyed it a lot in this issue. They’ve got a pretty good handle on getting exposition out of the way in favor of action, and they do a good job setting up the whole story while telling a contained issue, which is a skill unto itself.

I don’t really know what the endgame is with the child they flash back and forth to in this issue. The way it’s put into the issue in terms of the pacing, I think we’re supposed to believe it’s The Navigator, but I’m also not sold on that. I have my own suspicions, but the final panel makes me think that maybe it’s not related in any significant way, but more of a thematic tether from the Horse/Navigator arc into the real world and the way it affects every day New Yorkers.

What really jumped out and grabbed me was Bayliss’ art. I’m a stranger to him, but fellow Bastard Steve pointed me in the direction of “The Deal,” a Batman and Joker story Bayliss illustrated and put on his blog last November. His art in Translucid is a lot more polished, while dealing with similar themes, and I just love the way he’s attacking it. His color palette is entirely unnatural, with lots of neon pinks and hi-liter yellows; his character designs are loose where they need to be and incredibly detailed on things like The Horse’s head. Speaking of character designs, it strikes me that the character I kept seeing in the previews for this issue who I thought was The Horse actually turned out to be The Navigator. For a hero, he’s very menacing, with a mask shaped more like a stylized, eyeless skull, and a cape that’s ragged at the edges and has certainly seen better days. Meanwhile, The Horse wears a meticulous suit and a lot of whites. It’s a cheap artistic choice, but it’s one that works here very well.

This explosion ends about a panel too late for me, leaving me with a final image that I don’t quite know what to do with, or how to extrapolate from it. In terms of the issue as a whole, though, I’m intrigued where they’re going to take this. The Horse made some moves that he can’t possibly take back, and The Navigator let him do it for his own sake. It’s a moral quandary, and it’s one that I can’t wait for Team Translucid to tackle.

Score: 4/5

Writers: Claudio Sanchez, Chondra Echert Artist: Daniel Bayliss Publisher: Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/16/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital