Review: Star Wars: Legacy #14

Just a small disclaimer before we start here. I watched a documentary about hecklers/reviewers/critics this past weekend. People in the entertainment industry have no respect for their critics, especially when the critics don’t have any professional experience in the industry. And even more specifically when critics are being intentionally negative. A negative review could potentially start a chain-reaction that does damage to or ends career. I get that, but I strive to be a conversation starter rather than a critic. I never intentionally try to beat any series down. Even if I don’t like it. And if I don’t like it, I give reasons why, and my most used reason is that it just isn’t my cup of tea. Of course, I’ve passionately disliked comics before, but if the creator was hurt after, that wasn’t my intention, and I hope that it was taken as a single opinion. I take my position as a writer very seriously, I even use it sometimes to pick up women. They love writers for some reason. Makes me look smarter, I guess. Especially when I’m not wearing my contacts and I have my hipster glasses on. Anyway, for all of you writers/artists out there who have the best jobs in the world, I salute you, even if I think that your book is garbage. That being said, Star Wars: Legacy #14 isn’t garbage. It’s far from it. And I say that for the entirety of the series. I’ve never read an issue of this book that was below a four star rating. I’ve only reviewed one of them, but I’ve been a fan since the beginning. I give a big thanks to this creative team for making my job really easy.

Now for the good stuff.

This bounty hunter is determined to deliver Ania dead or alive, without the alive part. I wouldn’t want to be up against this mystery lady. That whip is nasty. Plus, who is Ania Solo? Looks like the answer is coming sooner rather than later.

This series is full of good content. The dialogue is some of the most interesting and poetic in the industry right now. Everything flows so smoothly, that it always seems like such a fast read. I’m glad to say that I always look forward to reading it. None of the New Comic Book Day release excitement has worn off, even though I am reading advance copies. That’s tough to get over. Some of the books that I review have lost their luster. But I’ve devised a plan to keep that from happening. Keep my reviews random. But I probably won’t stop reviewing this one, I like it too much. I mean, glass rain? Who came up with that one? Crazy.

Now, I just want to point out that I’m trying really hard to stay positive, even though the Blue Jackets lost tonight in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That was a freaking heartbreaker, man. But by the time that you read this review, it will be Game 4. With a better outcome, I hope.

And you really can’t say anything negative about the art in this book. I’m not going to say that the art gets better throughout the series, or any crap like that, but man is it good. It always is. Consistently. Gritty, colorful, and focused. A perfect fit for the book overall. Bravo.

I’m not going to keep you anymore. Read this one on New Comic Book Day.

Writer: Corinna Bechko & Gabriel Hardman Artist: Gabriel Hardman Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 4/23/14

Review: The Manhattan Projects #20

Historically speaking, it’s been difficult for the creative team behind The Manhattan Projects to suitably and satisfactorily follow an Oppenheimer Civil War issue with its regular fare, a feat made all the more difficult this time, given that the aforementioned conflagration has finally come to a halt. I am happy to report, however, that Hickman and Pitarra have happily bucked that particular trend this time, because The Manhattan Projects #20 is one hell of a comic book! The entirety of this issue is dedicated to finally finding out what happened to the original Albert Einstein since his “evil” cross-dimensional doppelgänger, Albrecht Einstein, knocked him out and traded places with him on our world pretty early on in the series. For regular fans - hey guys! - this is a moment that has been a long time coming, and I’m ecstatic that Nick and The Hick have given it the breadth of a full issue, because hot damn, was this excellent.

Fact is, there are so many great things about this issue: Albert’s colorful yet harrowingly-told jaunt between dimensions alternatively inspired by Dune, He-Man and M.C. Escher, the fantastic rivalry that developed throughout them (which of course led to the shocking end of last issue) and of course, the quiet nod to the crown jewel in Jean Claude Van Damme’s celebrated body of work.

Back to the point, Albert’s life on and subsequent escape from the magically savage, medieval fantasy alternate earth took the bulk of his story’s retelling, and as you would expect in a section which sees Albert Einstein wielding energy shields and mad-hot kung fu against his enemies, it was spectacular. I’m not sure how many times I’ve looked over that part alone, but if my math checks out ... it’s a lot.

However, I think my favorite part about the story itself isn’t necessarily what Albert went through, but what he does about it in the end. Given the pretty fiery retribution going on all over this book for the past ... ever, you might think he would act as swiftly, and indeed as deadly, as he reappeared.

But the great thing about Albert, Albrecht and everyone else in the Manhattan Projects, is that as quick as they are to respond with ruthless aggression, it is their weaponized use of reason that is more terrifying, not to mention entertaining. When Albert sees his evil twin, he doesn’t see a foe, but rather a unique opportunity, and the stories that are bound to follow with the variant Einsteins promise to be just like the two themselves, which is to say, “gangster as fuck.”

My one gripe with this issue is how peaceful and comfortable all the members of the Projects seem following their ordeal of being imprisoned for so long by a traitor amongst them, and then being hunted by a bloodthirsty inter-dimensional alien beatnik. I guess the point is that life goes on for these guys and, as I celebrated above, nothing really phases them, but this seemed almost too extreme a transition.

What isn’t up for debate is Nick Pitarra’s art this issue. I’ve already grown quite fond of this guy’s immediately-recognizable style, but when he gets a break from it for a month (as he did this time), it always seems like he comes back to bring the freshness.

Joined by Bellaire’s positively gleaming palette this issue, Pitarra absolutely murders each and every single panel in this book, regardless of whether it includes a snake, knife and axe-fueled dungeon fight, or just two parallel versions of the same historic genius sharing a quiet drink. I want Pitarra on more books, forthwith!

I am so happy to see The Manhattan Projects back on track again, with this and last issue leading the charge into what is shaping up to be a very interesting arc indeed.

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Score: 4/5

Writer: Jonathan Hickman Artist: Nick Pitarra Colors: Jordie Bellaire Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 4/23/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital

Review: Harbinger #22

The problem with issues you enjoy too much is that occasionally they feel like they’ve taken forever to release when really they haven’t. I feel like I’ve been waiting two months for this issue even though I know that’s not possible. I just wanted to read it so damn much and oh man is it good! Let’s start by stating the obvious which is that there may be a spoiler or two here, but nothing about the death of the Renegade… because no one dies here. Let’s continue with that then huh? Joshua Dysart fucks with the reader so many times throughout the course of this issue that you really don’t know how the pendulum is going to swing. Now he does swing the blade towards Faith and Torque a lot, but part of me thinks that it’s a distraction from the real person that will die. That is the beauty of Dysart’s writing, you just don’t know until you read it. Still my money is on one of them dying.

The issue itself starts off with a look at the tragedy that helped shape Faith… her parent’s car accident that resulted in their death. It’s a short and powerful scene, but it goes right into the main story as well. The story then picks up with Faith and Torque lying in bed together… with no sheets on the bed! Oh man who has to be kind of rough on the ass, just saying. The two share a fantastic moment that lays the ground work for some of the best character development with Torque since his first appearance.

After that we check in with the entire crew as they walk us through their “plan” of attack. In the last issue we learned that Harada’s people found the Renegades thanks to Monica Jim. So how will the plan go down now that Harada’s on to them? And what really is the plan as it seems like only a few of them actually know what’s going on. And is @X trustworthy yet?

There’s a ton of character development in this issue. Dysart is a master at sneaking the development in while producing a big story at the same time. Faith and Torque grow exponentially, but there’s sparks for the rest of the team. There could be some interesting developments between Peter and Flamingo which could complicate the team; and also we see Monica Jim communicate making her more than just a bit character. Monica Jim and @X remain the “X-factors” of the story as they’re alliances and motives are still hidden from the reader.

Clayton Henry delivers another spectacular issue. The opening with Faith as a kid actually looked different from the rest of the story due to the intense details and coloring from Brian Reber. Granted the scene has a very different setting that the rest of the issue, but it stood out a lot more than the rest of the issue.

Where Henry excels is capturing the human moments between the team. Faith and Torque’s intimacy is sprinkled throughout the issue and more so in the visuals rather than the dialogue. He also brings back Harada’s dog form which was very cool to see again since he hasn’t had a use for it since the first story arc. Tip of the hat to writer and artist for that one.

This series instantly shot back up to my top five. It’s going to be very hard for other series to top this because of how well constructed the story is and how fantastic the art is executed. In comics a company has a title that they measure the success of all their other comics to; for DC its Batman, for Marvel it’s either X-Men or the Avengers. Sure it’s a bar set by sales, but for me that bar is Harbinger at Valiant. This is their best series and I will continue to say that for as long as it remains true. If you haven’t read it, there’s no better time than now to begin.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Joshua Dysart Artist: Clayton Henry Colorist: Brian Reber Publisher: Valiant Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/23/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital

Review: Mind MGMT #21

Perhaps more than any other issue, Mind MGMT #21 shows why this series is so appropriately named, and simultaneously so goddamn great. Unlike any that has preceded it, this book is filled not with a shared dialogue between characters, but rather the personal thoughts of each as he or she fights for his or her life against opposing Mind Management agents. Whether it’s “good” guys, “bad” guys or anyone in between, Kindt makes his characters’ thoughts (and only their thoughts) readily available to the reader in the form of a blur of excitement, fear and foreboding, making the entire experience feel disconnected and incoherent in the cleverest of ways.

In such that not only is this issue one big, no-frills brawl of knives, guns and fists, but also that each participant is, for various reasons, bereft of his or her natural talents, this is arguably the biggest formulaic unravelling of Mind MGMT’s own mind management.

Admittedly, it does feel choppy and discombobulating - more so, even, than usual - but it also feels somehow pure or oddly un-muddled by the tricks usually employed by the cast of this book. Quite simply, at its core, this is a recorded telling about the potentially last thoughts that go through the heads of vulnerable people as they fight for their lives. Yes, there is magic, conjoined assassins and immortal men, but to me, even these pale in the flurry of moments that Kindt illustrates.

As Brendan Wright, um, writes in the interestingly-placed introductory letters section (the header of which is brilliant in its clandestine plea), “Only Matt [Kindt] would write a ‘silent’ issue with more text than a normal one!” Too true, and as with everything this writer/artist does, that approach is done with purpose; the only thing more verbose and confusing than Man’s dialogue with the world is of course that which he shares with himself, and I think Kindt captures that very well here.

The type that snakes up the left-side gutter this time comes in the form of an excerpt from one of Perrier’s “automatic type sessions,” and in a way similar to what Joyce does in Episode Seven, “Aeolus,” of his novel Ulysses, it’s an exercise in both obfuscation and enlightenment.

Kindt uses Perrier’s words here not just to quasi-pre-cognitively narrate the action and possible resultant aftermath of each scene, but also to imply that, as I suggested last time, Mind MGMT is self-aware; a story about manipulation currently in the process of being manipulated by a grand and as-yet unseen manipulator.

Kindt’s art is one that I am very happy to say I have developed the requisite acquired taste for since picking up this series, and it continues to be absolutely perfect for this story: the visual representation of a dim memory, shifting in and out of its own solidity. However, never before have I seen it this turbulent, which stands to reason since, again, it really is one big, multi-pronged street fight.

His painterly style is a great contributor to why this issue works so well, sometimes splattering, at others shattering his panels, but everywhere both exceeding and undermining the structural integrity of his pages.

No other comic book is this purposeful, gorgeous or grotesque in its visual narrative, and if it’s anything that its 21st issue proves, it’s this: there is simply nothing quite like Mind MGMT. And there probably never will be.

Score: 5/5

Writer/Artist: Matt Kindt Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Date: 4/23/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital

Review: The Eltingville Club #1

I’ve only had one encounter with Evan Dorkin’s The Eltingville Club and that was one of his short stories in the pages of Dark Horse Comics Presents. I don’t know how many previous stories there have been and I’m not going to look it up because I imagine a lot of people will be in the same boat as me with this issue either having little to no exposure previously. The story follows four stereotypical nerds. We’re talking about the type of nerds that give nerdom/fandom a bad name. The story intentionally makes these characters annoying and unbearable at times. Why is that? Why would anyone write a story in which their main characters are not only the worse of the worse stereotypes, but then also make them unbearable people at the same time? The goal of the story is commentary. Commentary on comic fans, on nerds and on the culture that has grown around nerdom in general; it doesn’t stop there though as it also makes a statement about the culture that’s sprung up since comics and nerd culture has become more mainstream. The true fans versus everyone else that enjoys the same hobby and you better believe that Dorkin touches base on the “fake” nerd girl debate that never seems to go away.

There is something dangerous about this book. I don’t know if everyone that will read it will understand that Dorkin is ribbing the fanbase that’s reading it. While I’d hope that most people would understand that it’s satire, others might dislike it because they don’t get that characters and miss the fact that they talk exactly like them, while the others may in fact agree with every absurd thing said in this story.

We begin by following one of the “friends” as he starts his first day at the local… and only, comic book shop in town. The owner Joe seemingly lives there as he opens the door in his underwear and a wife beater. Joe is sadly a pretty spot on example of a comic shop owner. I’ve had the privilege of meeting a few good owners in California, but sadly I’ve meet more than a few Joe’s in my lifetime. Our member of the Eltingville Comic Book, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror and Role-Playing Club is named Bill and he’s had a falling out of sorts with his friends. They don’t know about his job and he’s basically waiting to spring it on them when they enter the shop as he knows they eventually will.

Sadly I think that most male comic readers will associate with the people of this tale on some level; be it the customers or the members of the Eltinville Club themselves. For me I’m sure I can count myself among the many that have met these four in real life and hell some might even say that I remind them of one of the members based on my constant dickery towards the “big two” comic companies. Yes I’ll admit that I am not always the positive everything is awesome nerd, but while I may be jaded on superhero comics I am far from jaded on comics as a medium. The question is, will you be as honest with yourself after reading this comic?

Dorkin’s art doesn’t need me ranting about it. His style is at a point where you’re either going to love it or hate it. In the same way that the dialogue makes the characters very believable, the art has the same effect. Dorkin captures nerds of all shapes and sizes and most importantly he recreates one of the more common comic shop store designs… cluttered and messy. One of the best scenes in the issue is also ripe with commentary about the comic industry as Bill day dreams about female cosplayers waiting on him because get this… he works at a comic shop, but that’s not the commentary it’s the way that Dorkin has illustrated the women. All of them have busting chests and ridiculous stances that reveal their ass and boobs at the same time. That’s right; this issue never lets up on the commentary be it a creator or fan.

While this is a great issue I don’t know if I would every read it again. It’s definitely worth reading and I would actually encourage people to read it bearing in mind that it’s satire and not meant to be taken seriously. Sadly the people who should read it the most… probably won’t and if they do the point will likely be missed on them. One thing is clear though, Evan Dorkin is bold.

Score: 5/5

Writer/Artist/Creator: Evan Dorkin Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/23/14

Review: The 7th Sword #1

I enjoyed 7^th Sword much more than I thought I would. I’m generally leery of post-apocalyptic world comics where things have descended into wasted-resources chaos. Mostly, I would say it’s a consequence of the fact that I still don’t believe the first two Mad Max movies can be topped (come at me, Thunderdomers). So when 7^th Sword begins on a post-apocalyptic tanker full of precious, precious gasoline, Inner Me groaned with the knowledge of what was coming. Except it changed. And it changed so good.

This book has more in common with a Zatoichi or Yojimbo sensibility than a Mad Max, it just happens to be set in a slightly more civilized version of Mad Max’s world. The man who is introduced as a space samurai is living in a city on a space colony inhabited by space pacifists who hate him for his violent ways, but will require his protection from the local warlord. If you take the word “space” out there, this story could be told anywhere. It’s archetypal, which makes it easy to fake, and tough to really knock out of the park. Fortunately, Raffo, Blake and McCaig are all knocking it out, handily.

The story flows well with just enough surprises to keep you intrigued. Just when you think you’re seeing a trope you know, Raffo throws you a curveball and you’re back into the story to see where he’s going. It’s a deft trick, and I applaud him for it. This is a spare book, in terms of the narrative, but there’s a sense of propulsion to it, a sense that things are moving forward and not stagnating. He’s nailing his dramatic beats. My only complaint is that there could stand be a little bit more of emotional core, especially with Cray and his young charge, but Raffo’s hooked me on the adventure of the story enough to wait.

Blake and McCaig need to be talked about together, because they’re each feeding off each other in such a spectacular way. There’s a scene with the hero, Cray, walking away from a sunset, burdened with a loss of everything he has known, and even his sword. This sunset deserves to be talked about. This whole sequence, really, if I had more space, but this sunset particularly. This is a perfect emotional beat. It’s a wordless page filled with archetypal images, things we’re familiar with from centuries of media, but they still resonate, because Blake captures the facial features of our characters in a stark amount of detail, and McCaig colors the living shit out of it. It’s gorgeous.

I gotta say, when IDW announced this new imprint (Darby Pop Publishing) with their title lineup, I wasn’t impressed. Nothing seemed fresh, and they seemed like a cheap way to launch a new imprint. But if the rest of them are just having as much fun with the medium as 7^th Sword is, I’m gonna have to catch up on all of them. This comic is good clean fun for everyone, and it’s having a good time doing it’s own thing. Whether it’s sustainable for an ongoing is yet to be seen, but this is as promising a start as any I’ve seen.

Score: 5/5

Writer: John Raffo Artist: Nelson Blake II Colorist: Dave McCaig Publisher: IDW/Darby Pop Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/23/14

Review: Sheltered #8

If you’ve been reading my reviews for this series it’s pretty apparent that I have a soft spot for Sheltered.  I’m always one to root for the underdogs, and having two guys who were relatively unknown (compared to someone who’s a household name like Robert Kirkman at least) on a book that’s this good definitely makes me root for them even more.  Not surprisingly, issue #8 does not disappoint and breaks new ground while doing so. First off, how awesome is that cover?  I’ve had it as my background on my phone since the solicitations for April were released.  Anyway, to the story.  On the first page we see Justin and Curt pulling up in a truck to a house which is presumably the closest one in proximity to Safe Haven.  Lucas told them to stake out this house.  He probably did so because if Cliff gets through the woods, this is most likely the house he will see and try to call the cops with a phone inside.  Even though Lucas ordered them to just stay in the truck and stake out the house, of course Curt rebels and knocks on the door.  He claims that he and Justin are having car problems, and the old man who lives there has no problem letting them in.

Meanwhile, Victoria has Lucas at gunpoint and is done with being quiet in the bunker.  She lets everyone know they’ve been lied to on many accounts.  Her main point is that Lucas killed Chris, thanks to Tab’s evidence since she saw it.  Even with this proof, some of the kids still are brainwashed by Lucas and won’t believe Victoria since she’s new to the group and is even called an “outsider” by Joey who’s trying to stand up for his friend Lucas.  Tab is infuriated by this and kicks Lucas while he’s down (literally).

We then see Cliff who’s impressively survived this far in the wintry woods by bandaging his gunshot wound up.  The three kids aren’t after him anymore, as they try to get Robin back and keep him alive since he was shot by Cliff.  This breaks up Victoria’s attempt to set everyone straight, and she says he needs to go to a hospital or he’ll probably die.  This starts more drama, as Lucas yells at Vic, saying she’s an idiot for thinking to do that since they’d all be found and given up.  Nancy, a girl in Safe Haven, says her mother was a nurse and she learned some things from her, including how to handle gunshot wounds.  Nancy tries to save Robin’s life while most of the kids are on Lucas’s side, even still.  Lucas claims Victoria is out of control and somebody’s going to die because of her.  Joey joins in the pandemonium, saying she killed Chris and is willing to let Robin die.  At this point, Vic has had enough and grabs Lucas at gunpoint and threatens to shoot him if anyone gets any closer to her.

That’s all I really want to recap without spoiling anything, but this is a very important issue and is not one to miss if you’ve been following Sheltered.  I love how we finally get to see Victoria fight back again and hear what she has to say.  But is it too late for her to gain trust from the other kids?  Would it be better for Victoria and Hailey to go off on their own?  I’m not sure, but I can’t wait to answer these questions and many more as this story unfolds further.  I would like to see a bit more character development and get in the heads of a few of the other kids, but I trust that more psyches will be revealed as the story goes on.

The art was great as usual and it’s clear that some of the kids aren’t willing to sit around passively anymore-they’ll probably either want Lucas gone or Victoria gone, or possibly even worse.  Tab’s fury when she yells at Lucas and kicks him was very strong and surprising since she seemed mild-mannered.  Things are spiraling into chaos thanks to Lucas, and if the kids can’t trust Victoria as a leader, it’ll be every man for themselves.  In the situation and shape they’re in, that’s the last thing they should be doing.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Ed Brisson Artist: Johnnie Christmas Publisher: Image Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 4/23/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital

Review: Jack Hammer #3

It has been forever since I have opened a Jack Hammer comic. It took some time to get into the swing of things too. The comic opens with investigation sort of stuff. It is always difficult to make these exciting, and I felt like the whole issue started on a bad foot. Jack is working with Ramona to open some files that are blocked. Yeah it even sounds a little snoozy. Jack Hammer isn’t about all the hard hits, but still we needed something to stay focused. Jack is investigating a crime. It all started when some big company hired Jack to find Eddie Newman. Jack didn’t know what they wanted him for and probably figured he could solve this problem once he found him. Jack was a tad too late though and ending up finding Newman with a hole in his chest. Clearly done by some superhuman. He had to report back to his big bad boss. It always leads back to the rich companies. I mean seriously they are always at fault. Jack, like any curious man, got too close, so now some superhumans are after him. Jack’s mission revolves around the secrets of whoever killed Newman is trying to hide.

His first stop is to get information on Newman. Clearly his wife will have something to say. Jack immediately speaks with her, but finds out later she has gone missing. Well I could have told you that one. That is like Detective 101.

As a reader, we know that Mr. Beltram is behind it all. He is as high up as we have seen. Maybe there are more above him, but this is a start. That is about all the more information we know. We now must follow Jack in order to see where all this is headed. After a slow start, the issue picks up with Jack finding an abandoned warehouse that our huge company, Technotrends, may dump their dirty laundry. Mr. Beltram doesn’t wait around for Jack to catch him either. He confronts the situation head on by meeting him at the building. I like villains who don’t just sit around and wait. Newman’s wife is there too. Probably the bait for it all, and Jack has no idea.

What I especially love about this comic is the art provided by Ionic. I love all of the rough edges given to the people. It makes each character look like he has a chip on his shoulder. The vibe it sets up is perfect for the story. So there were definite ups and downs in this issue. I think the overall attitude was too wordy, but still had some good plot development. I would love to dive into more of the superhuman stuff. It seems that Jack has a connection with these people and may have even been one himself. Hopefully we can get some more of that plot development and let the action take some of the long drawn out speaking roles.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Brandon Barrows Artist: Ionic Publisher: Action Lab Entertainment Price: $2.99 Release Date: 4/23/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital

Review: Ash and the Army of Darkness #6

We open issue six with a flashback that reveals how Ash has been fated to deal with the Army of the Dead.  Since childhood he experienced nightmares that portended his future plight. Still stuck in the age of sword and sorcery, adult Ash reminisces on his paternal conflicts and the realization that his life has led up to this battle.  A beer in hand and some time to kill, the memories roll in.

And he gets a sword to replace the chainsaw to fit the harness for his limbless right hand.

Ash quests to free the abducted (and possessed) Lady Sheila.  While Arthur and Henry whish to help, this is a journey Ash must make on his own.  All the while the evil Sheila has been busy amassing parts to reconstruct an even greater army of Deadites.

Venturing into the dark forest, Ash comes across the acolytes who worship him.  The loyal, handless followers explain that a woman name Sulevia lives a hermit’s life yet knows all about Ash’s exploits.

At the castle Henry and Arthur flee with their followers to safety.  Ash doesn’t have it so easy; he crosses paths with a hulking brute that offers challenge.

Nacho Tenorio illustrates some great details into this comic.  For one, he puts the face of the demons into the moon outside young Ash’s window in a flashback.  Also, the last panel of the comic takes on Ash’s perspective as he looks directly at the Sulevia’s boobs.  That’s a classic Ash maneuver, and it translates well into the visual depiction.

The low point for this book is the writing.  In the films that begat the title character, Ash possesses a gallows’ humor.  He’s snide, flawed, and bratty.  That’s part of the allure that makes him a unique anti-hero.  In the comic, he comes off as a jokester with jokes that fall way flat.  “The only thing wise about my dad was the chips he ate,” Ash retorts while thinking back about his childhood.  This line made me groan because it’s a poor attempt at a joke that few people will get.  Also, it’s uncharacteristic.  Ash says things like “primitive screw-heads.”  He’s mean and bitter, not comical and pun-wielding.

Also, the writing suffers from a lack of activity.  Arthur and Henry move their citizens from the castle on a nice day with plenty of time to reflect.  There’s no sense of urgency or fear.  Evil Dead worked because it balances horror with comedy.  We readers aren’t getting the horror so perfectly conveyed in the film versions.

Steve Niles can be a great writer.  He just doesn’t have the vision that this comic needs to make it the best translation of the source material.  And, unfortunately, the comic suffers for that.

Score: 2/5

Writer: Steve Niles Artist: Nacho Tenorio Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/23/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital

Review: Evil Empire #2

I am going to make every attempt to approach this review from a completely politically neutral position. Mainly because of how interesting it is as a story, rather than the content’s effects on the general public, whatever those may be. Also, because I never talk about politics or religion. Both of those topics are social suicide. You know why? Because this is just a story, a political one, but a story nonetheless. I know how easily people are affected by the entertainment industry’s very powerful influence. Whether it’s trying to influence them or not. Sometimes we just get carried away with stuff. I’m just here for its entertainment value. I doubt that Max Bemis is trying to spread his own political propaganda in the form of entertainment to fool us. From the look of this series, he’s way too intelligent to think that that kind of thing would be so easily camouflaged. I will admit that I hope nothing like this ever happens though, but I am extremely fascinated by this book so far. I read the first two issues back to back. I wanted to make sure that I had the idea fresh in my head before I sat down at my computer and was expected to speak on it intelligently. Whether or not this review seems to be written by an intelligent person or not, I would want the person or people reading this to think at the least, that I’m not a total moron. But maybe I am, and I’m just trying to cover it up by reviewing this book instead of some other book that I won’t mention to preserve feelings.

The sands are shifting in America’s public consciousness. One action has torn the country apart in a debate over the meaning of right and wrong, and Reese is not about to stand by as the American people support the rantings of a mad man. But how far will people go to take a stand for what they believe in? Source

I remind you that I am an advocate for well-written books with engrossing dialogue. This is one of those books. I don’t know how Max does it. This is some compelling stuff. And the cast of characters is pretty impressive so far. Very memorable. I’m liking this. I hope that he can keep this series at least this strong for the rest of the first arc. That will make it easier to keep it in my pull list for longer. So many books tend to lose steam after the first arc, like basically any Marvel or DC reboot (sorry, folks). Except Thor: God of Thunder. That book is outstanding. But I digress. This book has a very Garth Ennis feel. I mean that in the best possible way. I know that some writers/artists don’t like being compared to other writers/artists, but If someone compared me to Miley Cyrus even, I’d be pumped. And I don’t mean that as a slight to Miley Cyrus, she’s kinda sexy.

And Getty’s art is really great. His art is perfect for the feel of this book. It wouldn’t work nearly as well if the characters had a less realistic look to them. You have a mature story being told, you need mature looking characters to match. I don’t think that indie, gritty, “kinda crappily drawn on purpose” style would work for this book. I’m not really a fan of that stuff anyway.

I would only recommend this book to certain people. I’m not exactly sure how big the fan base could possibly be for something like this, but it’s good. I really like it. It might have to be one of those comics that you just take a chance on because there’s this really awesome reviewer online telling you to. This review is for all you people out there who were totally intrigued by the cover and wondered what it was all about, like me.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Max Bemis Artist: Ransom Getty Publisher: Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/23/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital

Review: Danger Girl - Mayday #1

This opening was set up perfectly. Almost like a TV show. I just love how we got introduced to all these new characters and plot line. We have no idea what is going and then bam! We meet our new contender. She comes back from the dead and we have some splash pages with lettering of introductions and credits. Again, it was like a movie scene or TV show. I wanted more. Actually the whole comic is sort of set up this way. It is really just an introduction of something. But that something seems to be big. Danger Girl: Mayday offers just about everything you would expect from the girls. It has got action with more action, and oh yeah lots of bodies. Yes lots of revealing bodies. I have to say that although this isn’t my favorite thing, I think Danger Girl does this whole sexualized bit with style. I don’t feel weirded out by the girls, and I can still enjoy the story. I really do just love these mission impossible girls, and think it is a throwback to those old detective shows such as Charlie’s Angels. It has that old-time feel. The stories are simple but fun.

With Mayday though it did feel like the issue didn’t introduce a real story. Yeah I think the story will develop, but I was confused on why this issue was put out first. We meet up with a crew that has clearly taken over another ship. The ship contains weapons. Not just a small pile either, but enough to start a war. The ships have this pirate feel to them, not some rich people drifting. To be honest I am not even sure who the Danger Girl is. We have April and she leads the crew onto the pirates’ ship. Her goal is to find out where the ship is going. She wants to know who would order all these weapons. Sounds like Danger Girl trying to save the day, and she has her style, but there are some signs that point to her not being the Girl.

Then, as I said, out of nowhere some chick comes up from the ocean. She is presumed dead and yet all the pirates go into a packet seeing her body. April knows this girl has got to be important. Again, maybe this mystery woman is the Danger Girl. Who knows. April is determined to revive this woman while all the others are scared to death of her. Upon her waking up, the girl doesn’t remember a thing about her past life or even knows who she is.

Not a lot happens in the issue, but it was still a fun read. I haven’t had my Danger Girl fixed in a while. I would have loved some more story detail. I don’t need to know who the mystery woman is, but give me some information or at least a mission detail. For now, I will have to wait until next month. But it is nice to have the ladies back.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Andy Hartnell Artist: John Royle Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/23/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital

Review: Shotgun Wedding #4

I told myself that I was going to write at least one review for this series on its release date so here it is. I’ve actually done a great deal of talking about this series with my friends which is a sign that it’s stuck with me. In fact after describing it one friend described it as Kill Bill meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith, which I can’t say is wrong. I can say that Shotgun Wedding is the perfect marriage (pun intended) of those two stories, but with the fat trimmed off of both… especially Kill Bill. How does the final issue stack up? Well it ended the way I expected it to, which may or may not be the way you expect it to. To keep it short we finally learn what it was that made Mike run away from Chloe, but then we also see them hash out the feelings and details involving the decisions they both made.

That’s all I’m going to say about the story because it is the ending and you’ll want to read it for yourself. I was satisfied by the ending and though I expected the outcome that was delivered it was entertaining. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people complained about it, but it’s clear that the story was written as a whole and divided into issues. With that said someone who reads it from beginning to end as a trade will likely enjoy it more than someone who followed it weekly. I still don’t understand the weekly thing since it didn’t improve the ending or anything.

William Harms stays on point with the story and again I say that it’s screaming for a screenplay. Hell it even has the potential of a TV show if the concept was expanded. Anyway, Harms has crafted a well thought out world and populated it with interesting characters that you should care for… even Chloe.

Edward Pun delivers one final, knockout blow with this issue. This issue definitely has the most action and Pun makes it look easy. The joy of reading or watching an action sequence is seeing the kills and Pun delivers the awesome with this final issue. Not all of them are masterpieces, but they’re believable and entertaining for the story.

Hopefully you’ve been reading Shotgun Wedding from the beginning, if not I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to pick up the entire series now. I’m curious what the sales will be like and if the weekly release ended up helping it or not. It definitely makes for a good all-in-one read so if you’ve been saving them, now is the time to pull the trigger and catch up on one of the best action titles that Image/Top Cow/Minotaur Press has ever published.

Score: 4/5

Writer: William Harms Artist: Edward Pun Publisher: Image/Top Cow/Minotaur Press Price: $2.99 Release Date: 4/23/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital

Review: Conan The Avenger #1

As a disclaimer here, I’ve never read a Conan comic or story, and I only saw the movie once as a small child. I constantly misquote that one line about hearing the cries of the women and victory and whatever it is. So I’m jumping headfirst into Conan the Avenger knowing nothing about Conan except that apparently his word for God is “Crom,” which is kind of cool. Here goes: There’s a lot of backstory in this issue. Like, a lot of backstory. Enough that there’s only really one incident that happens in this issue, and the rest of it is people talking about what has happened previously, with the kind of proper nouns that make me wish I had a glossary at hand for the universe. I don’t know if this storytelling pace is because this is how Dark Horse does their books, as several series of mini-series, but if it isn’t, I’ve made a huge continuity mistake.

This is a very strange way to kick off an ongoing series, honestly. Conan spends a large part of the issue getting drunk and trying to forget a dead girlfriend, some other characters hunted down a witch who cursed a nobleman’s wife, and those plot threads come together, predictably. We get very little about him as a character, and a lot about the place where he is, which seems backwards. Is Conan assumed to be a cultural absolute who needs no title anymore? I mean, you tell someone it’s a Batman story, everyone knows Batman. But does everyone know Conan? I legitimately wondered this the whole time I was reading.

Van Lente doesn’t give you a lot of introduction, especially for an issue one. He drops you right into the middle of the world, but he doesn’t do much in the way of bringing you up to speed, he just keeps right on moving. It’s ballsy, it’s a legitimate way to tell this story, and I’m sure for the fan of Robert E. Howard, this all makes sense; for me, I’m just lost with a character for who I have no frame of reference. The series is apparently based on an unfinished synopsis Howard left behind, and it’s been previously published as a finished story by other authors, including some Marvel dudes back in the day, so this isn’t the first time it’s seen the light of day. That alone makes me wonder what they hope to accomplish with this series since the last time it was produced as a comic, it was only two issues. If this is going to be an ongoing series, there’s going to be some serious decompression going on.

Brian Ching is someone whose art I’m not familiar with, but I like where he’s taking this world. He’s straddling a good line between Frazetta and someone like Matteo Scalera, with great character designs and sketchy linework. He does good work with the script he’s given and the characters who populate the issue. I could have done with more detail (and explanation) on Conan’s cosmological tattoos, but that’s their call. I have no complaints, which may be me damning the art with faint praise.

I didn’t love this comic, but I certainly didn’t hate it. If it’s the sort of thing that you like, if you’re a fan of what Dark Horse has done with Conan, I can only assume this is more of the same, but it didn’t do much for me. Honestly, I spent a lot of the issue trying to figure out why it was called Conan the Avenger since he mostly mopes and gets mad about stuff, and doesn’t seem to really be avenging anything. If this is the set up for a larger story about Conan, I didn’t get that sense from the writing. If this is going to be a series of small stories told in one ongoing, it’s hitting that mark fairly well. But the cliffhanger doesn’t leave me with an emotional beat to hook on to, it just leaves me with an action beat, which could have been anything and it would have functioned the same way.

I don’t think I’m the target audience for this issue. It was extremely capably drawn, and the dialogue was dense, but not wooden. These are capable artists who seem to know this world, I just couldn’t seem to crack it myself.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Fred Van Lente Artist: Brian Ching Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 4/23/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital

Review: Eternal Warrior #8

Ah, Eternal Warrior. Our battle continues. I’m still not sure what to make of this book, with its cyclical quality and my resultant fluctuating interest in it. I’m just not sure I’m down with this story anymore; it’s not that it isn’t adequately-produced, it’s just not hugely gripping or appreciably different from other stories like it. That said, I don’t want it to sound like I hated this issue or anything. I didn’t, and in fact found a lot of cool things in it, but I’m just not sure that the potential of this book is enough to keep me reading it.

This issue sees YOUR Eternal Emperor, Gilad Anni-Padda, leading his fellow denizens of the year 4001 A.D. in a laser gun-equipped charge against the “death cult of Nergal,” not just because our white-bearded champion has an historic hard-on to kill these jokers, but because they are currently attempting to seize and/or destroy the future’s anti-cancer potion, which will help heal Gilad’s people of their radiation poisoning.

So, excepting maybe the whole cancer angle - which falls pretty flatly thanks to the immediate and easy means of a cure - at its heart, this comic book wants to be metal as fuck. And sometimes, Eternal Warrior #8 even unzips its leather pants and throws down its savage (narrative) membrane.

Throw a few more shadows and a darker palette on that wordless splash of Gilad and his crew capping death-worshippers in their grillz, for example, and you’d have one hell of an album cover. There’s even a scene that looks like a mosh pit with metal dogs and a gang of dudes with skeletons tattooed on their faces! And let’s not neglect to mention the nuclear battle mechs pounding assholes into jelly. Mustn’t forget them!

Those scenes this issue were phenomenal, with the bulk of credit going to artist Robert Gill, who clearly had a giggle illustrating them. In fact, Gill does a lot of the heavy lifting this issue, and does a pretty darn good job of it. There are moments of inconsistency, for sure, but none that are overly egregious; more rushed and unpolished. When he does bring it, though, he brings it hard!

As for Pak’s writing, it’s good, but it’s far from his best or most interesting work. I continue to enjoy the dialogue he is writing between Gilad and his granddaughter Caroline, which here takes a noticeable bump in its evolution and bodes potential disaster on the horizon. But that’s really the only thing I liked. Gilad is a hardened badass, willing to kill anyone to keep his people (especially his granddaughter) alive, but as I mentioned about the cancer above, it all just seems too easy for him.

The conflict is large and brutal, yes, but its narrative punch is still kind of weak. It feels like Pak has been holding back too long on the revelations in this arc of his story. I know that sounds like I have an instant gratification problem, but really I think it’s an indicator that the pacing is off.

There are some great hints at a revelation at the end of this book, and it will be interesting to see where those would go. This feels decisive, but far too abrupt. And I’m not sure that I personally care to continue the journey. It was fun while it lasted, Eternal Warrior, but this is where I check out.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Greg Pak Artist: Robert Gill Colorist: Guy Major Publisher: Valiant Comics Price: $3.99 Date: 4/23/14

My Pull List For 4/23/14 - Neil Rodriguez

Another week of books is coming and this week there is a strong selection to go through. Some good indies are out there to read as well as books from the big two. Here is this week pull list.

Conan The Avenger #1

With Brian Wood series ending, Fred Van Lente picks up the mantel of the Barbarian continuing from where the Wood series ended. I have been reading his Archer and Armstrong for a while now and it has been fantastic. I am picking this number one just to see what Van Lente has in store for the beloved Barbarian.

Red Lanterns #30

 

Red Lanterns has been up and down since I have picked up. Guy leading the Reds initially sounded cool, but after reading a couple of issue with Guy as the Leader I am bit torn of him leading the team. He seems to be a little overwhelmed at times and it has made for some really meh issues. Recently they have tried to make this series interesting with the integration of Supergirl as a Red which has been really fun so far, and now finally Atrocitus is back and he isn’t all too happy to be taken down as the Reds leader.

UnderTow #3

Image has been on a roll with their books, From ongoing series like Ratqueens, and East of West to their miniseries in Pretty Deadly, it seems like whatever Image throws out is a big success, and Undtertow is another example of Images great run of comics. This series has been one of my favorites this year and I am looking forward to see how the crew gets out of land after being discovered by the humans. One of the years bests minis in my opinion.

Daredevil #2

The reboot of Daredevil continues, and the first issue was real good. I thought that moving Daredevil from Hell’s Kitchen was a mistake, but after reading issue one I was pleasantly surprised by the issue. I am very intrigued to read how Daredevil will adapt in his new home.

Elektra #1

Marvel is bringing back the assassin, and Marvel promises that everything you knew about her will change. I’ll give this a shot just to see what changes Marvel will bring to the character.

Check Out This Dragon Age: Inquisition Gameplay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO2h4qUNJ60

A cataclysmic event plunges the land of Thedas into turmoil. Dragons darken the sky, casting a shadow of terror over a once-peaceful kingdom. Mages break into all-out war against the oppressive Templars. Nations rise against one another. It falls to you and your allies to restore order as you lead the Inquisition and hunt down the agents of chaos.

I'm not going to lie; I'm a big Dragon Age fan. So even if this game sucks, I'll probably still think it was okay.  I guess we'll all find out on October 7, 2014.

Want To Watch 30 Mins of Wolfenstein: The New Order

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g89eEoJb60s Twitch and Bethesda teamed up at PAX East to show off some gameplay for the up coming FPS. Soak it up because it's something.

Wonder Con 14: This Batman Beyond Short Is Cool

To keep the Dark Knight's 75th anniversary party going by showing off Darwyn Cooke's Batman Beyond short. It has Kevin Conroy and Will Friedle reprising their roles as everyone's favorite future Bat...men.

So yeah, pretty cool right?

Episode 129: Milk Play

Hey guys, on this week’s episode of the Comic Bastard’s CPMFP we cove the drama with Bryan Singer. Then it’s off to the new Teen Titian’s beef. We chat over the Eisner’s and then we cover DC’s Earth 2 World End, Justin Jordan’s Spread and so much more.Books that we cover:

• Sinestro #1
• Ultimate FF #1
• Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #1
• Maximum Carnage TPB
• Drag Bandits
• Translucid #1

Extra: After the skit we talk about: The Dirty Triangle *Warning very explicit!

Here's our last two episodes in case you missed them and our newest episode of Life Support!

Artistic: I Know That Feel, Bro

Illustrator Chris Gerringer has a cute and funny series called "I know that feel, bro" in which he pairs up video game, comic book and other fictional characters that well... share similarities. Can you spot them all?

Source