Dark Horse Offers Up A Preview of Gene Ha's Mae #1

Well it's Gene Ha so I'm going to check the fuck out of this book. I love me some Gene Ha artwork. I don't know if I've ever read anything Ha has written, but I'm super curious about it since the world instantly captures your attention.

MAE #1

The Kickstarter sensation continues in comics!

When she was just a girl, Abbie discovered a portal to a fantasy world and for the last couple of years has been having great adventures there: defeating horrible monsters, power-mad scientists, and evil nobles. She was a celebrated action hero! But when she turned twenty-one it all came apart and she decided to return home. Her sister, Mae, has had no idea what happened to Abbie all this time. Her tales are too hard to believe; that is, until the monsters and other terrible creatures start to cross over to our world . . .

* A new series from four time Eisner-winning artist Gene Ha!

Review: Tokyo Ghost #6

Remember when you were a kid and you would rush downstairs on Christmas morning, eyes wide with excitement and anticipation? You’d pick up that beautifully wrapped parcel in your hands, watch how the light would catch the paper just perfectly, and reflect on the sheer joy of the moment as it practically burst out from inside you? Do you remember how you felt after tearing through the parcel like a rabid dog, only to discover that your 'dream-gift' was in fact nothing more than just a ruddy pair of black socks? That’s exactly how I would sum up the most recent issue of Tokyo Ghost: disappointment wrapped in a pretty package. Both Rick Remender and Sean Murphy closed out the first arc in brilliant fashion and hopes were high that they’d pick up right where they left off. It would appear for now that what finished on a roar has returned with a whimper - so let’s take a moment and discuss! It’s been six months since the death of Kazumi and the devastation of New Tokyo. Led Dent has returned home to New Los Angeles and is responding on Flak’s behalf to a terrorist media broadcast, sent out by Miss Muffet and Little Jack Horner of the Infantilized Nostalgic Nursery Justice Warriors (I know, WTF?). Jack and Miss Muffet are threatening to kill all of Flak’s highest executives (in song and limerick no less) and reveal Flak’s true intentions to flee NLA for the now debunked haven of New Tokyo. As if out of nowhere, crashing through the ceiling appears relapsed tech-junkie Const. Led Dent to neutralize the terrorists and ensure that Flak’s name doesn’t get caught up in any kind of controversy. After a job well-done, Flak sends his prodigal soldier to ensure safe delivery on a shipment of emo-packs: a mind-numbing tech-drug that allows the user complete control over their emotions - instant gratification. At the docks lying in the shadows, a haunting figure of Led’s past is waiting to enact retribution. She’s deadly, she’s dangerous – she is the Ghost of Tokyo.

Is it just me or does Rick Remender need a hug? I mean seriously, as of late the guy makes Schopenhauer look like Sesame Street. His inner monologue of rebellious cynicism oozes flagrantly through even his most tertiary of characters and it makes for a truly boring, preachy and unexcitable read. Tokyo Ghost has always been an outlet for Remender’s disdain towards the integration of technology in our daily lives but seriously – pump the brakes. There is one particularly disturbing and confusing sequence that shows Flak giving a television interview, totally naked below the waist. He finishes giving the interview and the reporter, so moved by the brilliance and empathy of this ‘great man’, sets himself upon Flak’s rock-hard cock - completely enveloping himself in it. This is clearly a very crude commentary by Remender towards news media as a whole, one that’s hard-to-miss: “they’ll swallow anything that those in power feed them and be thankful for it.” I know Remender never denies himself or his characters the opportunity to rage against the machine or climb up on a cross but he needs to dial-back; lose the anger and edge. Make an attempt to rediscover the characters and stop treating Tokyo Ghost like his own personal diary entry for everything that he feels is wrong with the world.

Equally disappointing is the artistic effort put forward by Sean Murphy. Lately SM has been cranking out some of the most incredibly creative panels of recent memory – many of which can be found in Tokyo Ghost back-issues. His most recent contributions however show a noticeable lack of effort and quality (sad because the dude has some of the most epic sequences in comics that I’ve ever seen). It's almost as if he exuded all of his efforts on the cover-art, a few select panels towards the end of the issue, and then decided to completely phone-in the rest. The character rendering is so skewed and incomplete that I first wondered if I was looking at a dream-sequence or perhaps seeing through the teched-out eyes of Led Dent; sadly neither outcome proved true. Suffice it to say this is Murphy's most regrettable effort in the series to date and only serves to compound both a lackluster story and weak dialogue.

Matt Hollingsworth’s beautiful colour pallet is truly the most redeeming quality of the issue; lucky that it’s on every page. He has a knack for making Murphy’s art really pop and his distinction and range when using dark solid colours and backgrounds might be unparalleled. Flip to the final two pages of the issue and you’ll get a good example of what I’m talking about: hues of brilliant pink and electric-blue, draped over a backdrop of midnight-black helps to really add to the emotion of the situation. He does all he can to breathe life into the panels but it’s not nearly enough to resuscitate.

This definitely has been the biggest letdown of the year, so far for me. I still have tremendously high hopes for Tokyo Ghost but I no longer wait with bated breath; my expectations are lesser. Remender and Murphy left on such a high-note before the hiatus that the return simply comes up wanting in comparison. Several technical reasons attributed to an overall lack off success but at its root this was just a bad issue. When you forego the fundamentals the result will always be a half-cocked attempt of your true potential. Remender and Murphy have a lot of ground to cover to get Tokyo Ghost back in high regard but I am confident that in the issues to follow we will see them begin to settle back in to their winning ways.

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Tokyo Ghost #6

Writer: Rick Remender

Artist: Sean Murphy

Colorist: Matt Hollinshworth

Publisher: Image Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 4/20/16

Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital

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MANIFEST DESTINY maps out all-new story arc SASQUATCH

Writer Chris Dingess and artist Matthew Roberts return with their biggest MANIFEST DESTINY story yet, the 6-issue "Sasquatch" arc, featuring America's most legendary monster. The adventure begins this May from Image/Skybound Entertainment. Previously, deep in America’s heartland, Lewis & Clark’s expedition lead to the discovery of a civilization unlike any they—or anyone else on Earth—had yet encountered, and it pushed their men to the brink of mutiny.

In MANIFEST DESTINY #19, readers return to the story as Lewis and Clark pick up the trail of the legendary Sasquatch, AKA Bigfoot. Huge pieces of the series' mythology will be revealed by arc's end.

MANIFEST DESTINY #19 Cover A by Roberts and Gieni (Diamond Code MAR160544) and Cover B by Harren (Diamond Code MAR160545) hit stores onWednesday, May 18th. The Final Order Cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, April 25th.

MANIFEST DESTINY, VOL. 1 (ISBN: 978-1607069829), is available now. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond Code: MAR140546 or on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Indigo.

MANIFEST DESTINY, VOL. 2 (ISBN: 978-1632150523) is available now. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond Code: OCT140631 or on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Indigo.

MANIFEST DESTINY, VOL. 3 (ISBN: 978-1632153975) is available now. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond Code: NOV150682 or on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Indigo.

Magnetic Press Earth Day Fundraiser for World Wildlife Fund

This Earth Day weekend, Magnetic Press and the creators of the Eisner Award nominated LOVE wildlife graphic novel series, Federico Bertolucci & Frédéric Brrémaud, are holding a three day long #LoveThePlanet fundraising sale and social media competition for the World Wildlife Federation. From 12:01AM Friday morning to 11:59PM Sunday Night  (4/22 - 4/24), Magnetic Press will donate 90% of all profits from the sales of Love: The Tiger, Love: The Fox, and Love: The Lion that are made through Magnetic Press' webstore, where they will be offered for 30% off the regular cover price.

To help spread awareness, Magnetic Press is also holding a social media contest all weekend long. From Friday to Sunday, Magnetic Press will post special #LoveThePlanetdrawings by Federico Bertolucci. Anyone who shares, retweets, or regrams any of the drawings using the #LoveThePlanet hashtag on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, will be automatically entered to win a set of 3 limited edition, signed and numbered LOVE prints and bookplate signed by Federico Bertolucci. One winner per social network will be chosen at random.

One lucky grand prize winner will be chosen to receive a set of all three books plus AN ORIGINAL SKETCH BY FEDERICO BERTOLUCCI HIMSELF!

Share as many (or all!) -- each new image you share gets you another chance to win!

For more info, go to Magnetic Press' Love The Earth webpage.

Image Comics at BEA/BookCon 2016

Image Comics is pleased to return to Book Expo America and BookCon this year, from Wednesday, May 11 through Saturday, May 14. Image First Compendiums will be available free of charge at the Image Comics booth (#2134) during BEA. Stop by to pick up the first chapters of our best-selling series—and to meet some of our amazing creators! Full list of appearances below.

Additionally, a range of trade paperbacks will be available for sale during BookCon onSaturday, May 14 at the Image Comics booth #2134. Plus, more creator appearances!

SIGNINGS HOSTED AT IMAGE COMICS BOOTH (#2134):

FRIDAY, MAY 13TH:

11:00 - 11:45 AM    Marjorie Liu 12:00 - 12:45 PM     Skottie Young 1:00 - 1:45 PM    Ed Brubaker

SATURDAY, MAY 14TH:

11:00 - 11:45 AM    Ed Brubaker 12:00 - 12:45 PM    Skottie Young 1:00 - 1:45 PM    Marjorie Liu 3:00 - 3:45 PM     Michael Moreci

Preview: Norman #1 from Stan Silas and Titan Comics

Norman is a blue-eyed, blond-haired psychopath. He's also a little kid. And he really likes to kill people. Queen Bee of the Schoolyard, Grace, seems to have a knack for it, too. But she's nothing like Norman! He's a sicko. Grace is just... enacting a little vengeance. That's all.

NORMAN #1 WRITER/ARTIST: Stan Silas PUBLISHER: TITAN COMICS PAGE COUNT: 32PP PRICE: $3.99 RELEASE DATE: June 8 Cover A: Stan Silas Cover B: Roman Dirge

Review: Kiznaiver – E.02

This episode picks up right where the last one left off. The thing is… it’s not just a simple pick up and go let’s figure this thing out team. No, instead our crazy student council person decides that it’s time for them to play a game that will help them all get to know each other better or die. Kacchon finds himself strapped to a table and electrocuted whenever the team gives a wrong answer, which is a few times. The reason being is that the question is vague, “Introduce yourself”, but the answer is complicated. Eventually they figure out that it’s the secret about themselves that they have never shared and would never say out loud. For instance, that Mad Dog is actually afraid of dogs and has gone so far as to research where all the dogs are in town and what their schedule is so he never crosses paths with them. Or that the girl who believes in fairies doesn’t actually believe in fairies and just wanted to be eccentric so that people wouldn’t hate her for being rich and perfect.

I’m pointing those two out because it just goes to show what the Trigger team is doing with this story. By embracing the typical anime tropes they’re using them, but then improving on them so that by the end they’re so different that you have to wonder if they’re even technically using them. I’ve lost count of how many characters in anime that have been exactly like “Mad Dog” and yet they added depth to him. They showed this analytical side to him that comes about due to his overwhelming fear of dogs. They also showed that he can be terrified, which is a rarity. His character reminded me a lot of Ranta from last season’s Grimgar, but it didn’t take an entire season to build and develop the character… just two episodes.

That is the brilliance of the writing at Trigger. Unlike shows Mayoiga which rely on slowly and painfully building the story up and hitting every story beat associated with the genre, Trigger introduces familiar elements and pulls from the collective experience with those elements to condense the build up and move forward. If this had been any other team, we would have spent two to three episodes with the characters figuring out their connection and doing the secret reveals. Hell, that’s typically six episodes right there because we would have spent so much time with them proving that they’re this character type or the other. Instead, we’re on episode two and all of that is out-of-the-way. Even Kacchon’s character has changed and develop; I hate to say it again, but if it were a different series he would remain the same until damn near the end of the show to have his big growth moment.

The art is of course fantastic. There are five or six really, really good anime this season and this is one of them. I couldn’t rank them if I tried, but this would be near the top. The way the characters moved when they were running looked really good. They stumble, but not too much and at just the right moments. That and ridiculous goons dressed as cartoon characters are a nice touch to this overly serious world.

Frankly you’re probably already watching this show and waiting for the third episode to drop whenever it is that it drops. If you’re not watching it though then you’re missing out on one of the best series thus far. Sure we still have several episodes before I go handing out a crown, but it’s looking good so far.

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Kiznaiver – E.02

Official Website

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Review: Mayoiga – E.03

I should probably refer to this series as “The Lost Village” since that’s it’s English title, but I always seem to pick wrong. I refer to the English title and everyone else on the internet will use its Japanese name and like Mayoiga, vice versa. But I will for the sake of this review be using the title The Lost Village so I can make the following joke:

“The Lost Village, more like lost my interest!”

I know, I know… feel free to use that one. At any rate, that’s what has happened with this series. There are technically no confirmed deaths in this episode which means that the gore and horror of it all is probably waiting for episode five and six which is the typical formula for most anime. It’s unfortunate though because I won’t be sticking around for much more. I think by the time the shit double hits the fan I will probably be so numb to these characters that I won’t even be happy that they’re dead. Worst case scenario is that most of them live which would put off this show in a heartbeat.

It is the characters that I absolutely can’t stand. I find nothing to like about any of them. Even our little puppy dog main character is an unlikable douche. The only reason I put up with him in the least bit is because he actually shows human emotion on occasions, but then is quickly squashed by the rest of the herd. None of these people are acting realistically. They’re all still too friendly and too polite for the situation they’re in and it’s all because they think they’re going to be living with each other for the rest of their lives. News flash, you can still not like someone and spend a lot of fucking time with them. I mean that’s basically every job ever so I don’t buy all these asshole maintaining their internet façade while the story waits to surprise them so they can all drop them at once.

We do see some cracks in this episode as we learn a bit of the backstory behind the guy that’s always fucking yelling and telling everyone to be series. We learn this as he’s choking out the grad student that received a fucking email telling her where the town was. He eventually let’s go, but it was just a dumb fucking scene and what makes less sense is that the mentality he and the others are displaying is the same as the people that fucked him out of society.

The other two cracks come from Jack, still my favorite character due to lack of lines, as he attacks the guy that’s claiming that he’s stealing his “style.” This is the asshole with the eyepatch and weird fucking chin that looks like a pirate from a bad Disney animation in case you forgot one of the thirty plus characters. Jack tries to kill other Jack and gets locked up. This sets off the crazy fucking woman that wants to execute everyone and she tries to kill puppy boy by drowning him and he gets a boner because he sees her bra. Was I supposed to laugh? I didn’t, but I’m wondering if that was an attempt at dark humor?

This story should be serious and thrilling, but the art isn’t a good match for it. It’s all too bright and the characters are all too generic. I get that there’s danger because the story basically says there is, but there’s no sense of dread. I’m not scared for anyone nor am I scared watching and I really think with this type of story I should be. I should be worried that one of the characters are going to die, but I’m not. In fact, I’m hopeful that they will. I’m rooting for the bad guy and I don’t even know who they are. It’s not good when your entire bloated ass cast of characters all have go-away heat. What also tells me that the tone and maturity just isn’t there is the implied rape that happens between the second and third episode. Sure they mention it, but it’s not shocking and it’s glazed over like it’s no big deal which is probably the most distasteful thing about this episode and series to date.

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Mayoiga – E.03 Official Website

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Read Double Takes First and Second Issues Now

This is actually a nice prelude to a podcast we're going to be doing with a couple of the Double Take guys. In fact, if you have questions then let us know in the comments. Otherwise this is a good opportunity to catch up on all ten of their first issue and all ten of their second issues. If this is your first time on the site then you don't know that I've reviewed all twenty issues... actually I've reviewed all thirty issues, but the third issues aren't on their comic book player yet. As for the player, its browser friendly so you won't be reading the entire page, but rather going panel by panel. The artists for each book really keep both print and digital in mind while creating the book so you won't see any awkward arms hanging out the side or any of that crap.

If this is your first time with a Double Take title then perhaps some additional info is needed. This shared comic universe takes place in the world of The Night of the Living Dead. Don't go looking for the issue that rehashes the film because it doesn't exist. There are some overlapping characters and scenes from the movie recreated, but its the event and setting that's important to this world. Since I also have the benefit of having read the third issues I will go one step further and explain that there are several comics that break from the traditional mold of storytelling. You'll find in books like Spring and a few others that characters tell seemingly random stories instead of narrating point by point to. This is intentional as it would be rather dull to explain what's visually unfolding in the issue, instead they build characters with these stories. I think that's important to know off the bat because if you don't like it, then skip it and make it a silent issue. It won't change the plot, but they are interesting and sometimes funny stories.

Perhaps at this point you're interested in more info about Double Take, in which case I would encourage you to check out there site... here.

Again, we welcome any questions you have for the Double Take team and if you have any problems with the player just let us know, otherwise happy reading!

*So the player doesn't work to well on mobile so if you're having problems then definitely head over to Double Take's site where you can read the titles in the same web-friendly format.

Dark Horse to Publish “The Art of Metal Gear Solid V”

Part of me is like support this its Dark Horse and they do great art books, but then the other part of me is like fuck this it's Konami and they treat people and fans like shit. You decide for yourself, but the latter outweighs the former in my opinion.

Dark Horse proudly announces the newest video game art book in its long line of best-selling, award-winning titles with The Art of Metal Gear Solid V!

Witness the concept and design behind the genre-defining science-fiction military action and drama of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain!

Chronicling the development of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain by Konami Digital Entertainment and featuring hundreds of pieces of never-before-seen art, this beautifully assembled volume is an essential addition to any gamer’s collection. Dark Horse is proud to offer a piece of gaming history with The Art of Metal Gear Solid V!

In addition to the standard release, The Art of Metal Gear Solid V will also receive a limited edition of four hundred copies packaged in a tactical slipcase featuring an exclusive fine art print by superstar illustrator Ashley Wood!

The Art of Metal Gear Solid V is in stores November 2, 2016. Preorder your copy today at your local comic book store or favorite online retailer:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Indiebound

Eisner-nominated editor Drew Ford announces the launch if his new imprint IT'S ALIVE! and the release of a limited edition print

IT'S ALIVE is the brainchild of Eisner-nominated editor Drew Ford. A new imprint that will continue his mission of getting long out of print comics and graphic novels back in print. The imprint will also publish new English translations of foreign material, and unique original projects. Along with the publication of graphic novels, IT'S ALIVE will also be releasing a series of limited edition signed and numbered prints, and other unique collectibles.

First up, they have released the first ever limited edition print from comic book legend Sam Glanzman.  The image on the print is the cover to KONA #17, which was illustrated by Glanzman back in 1966.  Each print will be embossed with the artist's initials, and will be signed and numbered by Glanzman himself.  The edition is limited to 50, and they are being sold ONE PER CUSTOMER.

To grab one for yourself, please visit the store here: http://itsalive.bigcartel.com/

More news about future publishing plans from IT'S ALIVE coming soon, including a big announcement about a new hard cover edition of a graphic novel illustrated by Sam Glanzman, which has been out of print for over 17 years!

Brag It: Social Media for Cosplayers and Otaku

A new generation of social media application made exactly for Otaku and Geek fans out there! Nex2global Co., Ltd., a Digital Marketing Company that specializes in mobile applications, introduces Brag It, a social media lockscreen application made for Cosplayers, Anime fans, and Geeks all over the world! But here’s the catch ­­ You can earn rewards like Paypal cash or Mobile credits to support your Geek lifestyle! Users of Brag it can share their work of art, cosplay creations, and even the geekiest photos for the community to enjoy. Brag your awesome images on the application’s lockscreen and earn more! It’s time to be rewarded for the things that are worth bragging for! Unlike any other social media (that rhymes with kilogram o), Brag it provides a place for your special photos in their lockscreen in the belief that something their users worked hard for in creating, should be shown and shared to the world (and not for free!)

Brag It! offers a fun way to earn mobile load or cash, through photo sharing. The candy (cash point) you collected, can be redeemed for mobile or Paypal credits. There are so many fun ways to earn with Brag I! You can swipe your lock screen every 30 minutes, explore the App Play in Candy shop for awesome activities and rewards, brag your best photos and be featured! Gotta catch them all candies!

Brag It is not your ordinary social media application. With their Boards and Categories, you can follow and discover awesome contents curated just for you! It’s over 9000 and it is highly recommended to explore! Unleash your creativity, Connect with millions of Geeks around the world, embrace your uniqueness, redefine yourself! Unleash the Geek within you!

Download Brag it now for your Otaku, and Geek haven and receive $1 (2,000 candy) instantly.

Download the app for FREE now at the Google Play Store, click here!

Find out more about Brag It!: https://www.facebook.com/BragItMobile https://www.BragItMobile.com

About the Publisher

Nex2Global is an Online Marketing Company that specializes in doing effective, and efficient global Marketing for mobile games and applications. They give out quality service, that continuously and constantly change to make way for new and innovative processes in the market. Some of the popular projects they handled are Revolt 2: Multiplayer, Kingdom of Legend, Hello Heroes, and Baraha tayo.

eigoMANGA and hoopla digital Distributes Digital Comics To Libraries

eigoMANGA announces an agreement with hoopla digital that enables libraries to offer eigoMANGA's comic titles to their patrons through hoopla digital's platform. hoopla digital is a category-creating service that partners with public libraries across North America to provide online and mobile access to thousands of Movies, TV Shows, Music, eBooks, Audiobooks and Comics. With hoopla digital, patrons can borrow, instantly stream and download dynamic content with a valid library card. All content is accessible via hoopla digital's mobile app and online at www.hoopladigital.com.

hoopla digital offers patrons a unique eigoMANGA experience by providing an expansive collection of thematically curated digital comics.

"It's great to work with hoopla digital and release our comics to libraries everywhere", states eigoMANGA's Publisher, Austin Osueke. "Libraries have always been an important entry-way for new readers to discover comics, therefore we hope for great things to come from this partnership".

eigoMANGA graphic novels such as 'Danity Kane' can be found on hoopla digital at https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/11554432

What's Next For Zenescope’s Robyn Hood?

After four years, long-time writer Pat Shand is finishing his run on Robyn Hood with a special issue: Robyn Hood 2016 Annual, celebrating Robyn Locksley, Marian Quin, and all of the friends and foes that have joined them on this journey. Scheduled for release in late May 2016, Larry Watts, original artist of the Robyn Hood trilogy, returns for this final tale that cuts to the core of what Robyn has gone through, what she is, and what’s next for her. Following the Robyn Hood 2016 Annual, a new creative team consisting of:

Writer - Lou Iovino (Red Agent), Artist - David Lorenzo Riveiro (Grimm Fairy Tales, Oz: No Place Like Home), and Colorist - Grostieta (Red Agent, Oz, Grimm Fairy Tales)

Will usher in a new chapter in the life of everyone’s favorite female archer with Robyn Hood: I Love NY #1 (to be released June 2016). And will include cover art from David Lorenzo Riveiro, Jarreau Wimberly, David Nakayama, Mike Mahle, Richard Ortiz, and many more!

In the first issue of this twelve part mini-series, Robyn is on her own for the first time in years, going back to what she knows and loves… taking cases that pay little and make her life a living hell! New villains… new adventures… and a new creative team bring you this can’t miss new series that will show Robyn as you’ve never seen her before.

Review: Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World E.03

We made it. We reached the checkpoint. Finally, Subaru was able to not only get through the day, but he was also able to keep everyone alive, including himself. I guess that’s a spoiler for the episode, but if you’ve been watching the show then not really because it's the only logical outcome for the show. It couldn’t have happened at a better time because as much as I enjoyed watching this episode, I realized that I couldn’t bear to sit through this chunk of time one more episode. It needed to end and it was rewarding in the way it happened.

As we saw in the last episode our white-haired half witch that gave Subaru the name of a hated witch (still not sure why) showed up at the loot house ahead of time. Things begin playing out different and Felt attempts to flee, but the Bowel Hunter shows up ahead of time as well.

Let’s pause for a minute… Bowel Hunter.

I don’t even know what to say to that. Not The bowel hunter, but A bowel hunter. Okay let’s get back into it.

First Emilia, the white-haired half-elf (lots of hyphens), starts a fight with Felt which is then interrupted by Elsa… a bowel hunter. Due to Subaru’s heightened awareness of the situation he calls Puck to protect Emilia. No one has questioned this yet because it’s a fight for your life moment and everyone is just hyper aware of the battle going on. Emilia and Puck do some damage to Elsa… a bowel hunter, but it’s not enough and Puck has to go to sleep. Thankfully Reinhard van Astrea shows up and wouldn’t you know it he’s an amazing bad ass. I have to say, he’s actually got a pretty cool power set and what little of his personality is revealed seems different and potentially useful to the story. He didn't just come across as the polar opposite of Subaru.

The battle is great, but it’s all about the final moments of the battle and the parts that happen when Subaru is passed out. I won’t spoil that, but it’s clear that there’s a bigger story coming soon. Mostly because of Reinhard’s ominous statement about this being their last chance to calmly look up at the moon.

The animation remains great. They go all out for this episode, just like they did for the two-part first episode and the second. It’s a great looking series, but thankfully it has a story to back up that quality and isn’t a dud like Bungou Stray Dogs. I’m marking this one very high and looking forward to following it for the rest of the spring season as it’s already in my top five.

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Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World E.03 Official Website

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Review: Joyride #1

Imagine if you never saw a single star. No planets. No satellites. You don’t even know they exist. Mankind has always had a fascination with space but in the universe of Joyride acting on the fascination is illegal.

Joyride #1 follows the story of Uma, a free-spirited teenager who wants to explore life beyond our planet. She’s never seen it because in this future the government has shut down all space exploration. The view of the stars is hidden by a giant dome that surrounds the world. People are told through propaganda that the purpose of the dome is for protection, but Uma doesn’t buy it. She’s very much like The Little Mermaid and develops a plan to escape the confines of Earth. To complete her plan Uma recruits her fearful friend Dewydd on the mission. Obstacles pop up. One of them is the Private First Class, another is a teenager who’s bored by her uneventful job but dedicated to her duty.

The writing in this issue is fun and action packed. The teenage characters are all well-written in a way that sounds authentic. It’s interesting to read a story about teens that are inspired by the things like space that we take for granted. Uma and Dewydd are the perfect Ying and Yang duo throughout the story. Uma is full of enthusiasm and bravery and Dewydd is full of reluctance and fear. Private First Class (whose real name you have to read the book to find out) is the responsible one who takes life too seriously. There’s something for everyone on this journey.

The artwork succeeds at setting up this high-tech futuristic world. Artist Marcus To draws in a unique style and makes the vibrant world pop on every page. My favorite images are the backgrounds of the galaxy. The way the sky scape of stars is drawn makes for stunning visuals.

Everyone can relate to wanting to explore outside of the world they know and Joyride #1 makes me excited for what happens next. As the characters discover more and more about the unknown the journey will keep getting more fun to read.

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Joyride #1 Writer: Jackson Lazing, Collin Kelly Artist: Marcus To Publisher: BOOM! Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/20/16 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital

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Review: Startup #1.2

Startup is for anyone that reads superhero comics and instantly says, “the tone is too dark and the story too mature.” Because the bulk of comics from the big three are exactly like that. It’s a known fact and while that has chased readers off over the years for the large part no one cares. No one cares until they have a kid of their own and realize that maybe letting them read X-Men or Batman isn’t such a good idea. But how can you let them read the watered-down rehash kids versions that both publishers like to release? You can’t. Because no one becomes a fan of comics by reading something that talks down to them. All of this is to illustrate the point that if you want a super hero comic that will appeal to you and your kids, then it’s Startup. Now, I will tell you that I don’t like reading superhero comics. I’m just not interested in the genre, but due to the amount of independent superhero comic books we get sent to the site it ends up being a genre that I read a lot. Frankly it’s too the point that I don’t that I pass on a lot of them because they offer nothing new. They’re just portfolio pieces to get work at a publisher and I’m frankly not interested in seeing it any more than an editor at publisher.

So what makes Startup different?

The world is already created and populated by heroes and characters. Maybe some of them are homages or share similar powers, but we don’t know that. We’re instead following one character as she’s thrust into the hero spotlight.

As we saw in #1.1 of Startup, Renee went from an overweight single mom, to a thin knockout with super speed. She reveals this to her son and we learn that even while Renee is skinny she still weighs the same and more importantly when she’s not concentrating she reverts back to her former overweight self. While the story doesn’t explicitly say, “hey this stuff is important” if you’ve read enough comics then you should be able to pick up on the fact that these details will be important to the story at some point. After that we see Renee debut as her new thin self and step into the role of a hero.

While there’s more to the story only one aspect of it is important to my review as a villain figures out her identity on her first day. Frankly this a breath of fresh air because it tells us as readers that the world and characters are not stupid. We don’t look right at Superman and see Clark Kent later and go, “nah, different guy.” Our villain is smart and while not all villains are, as we see in this issue, at least it’s believable that there’s some intelligence happening there.

What I really like about this story and the writing is that Renee alludes to the fact that she knows she should have hidden her weight loss to protect her identity, but she couldn’t resist. That’s very human of her. Probably more human than Spider-Man because we’re all a little vain and if you woke up looking like a bombshell how could you hide it? Obviously Renee is going to be faced with a hard decision if she can make it out of her current predicament intact.

The art fits the story and is quite good. It has a classic comic book style, but with a modern flair. Hopefully that makes sense because that’s really what I see when I look at it. It’s not photorealistic, but it’s detailed. It’s bright and colorful in a way that non-comic book readers would probably expect, but still pleasant to people who do read comics. That art gets the story and compliments it.

I have lost track of how many independent superhero comics I’ve read since the start of the year. It’s been that many. Startup stands out in the crowd and gives me hope that there can be other independent superhero comics to read.

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Startup #1.2 Writer: Darin Henry Artist: Craig Rousseau Colorist: Glenn Whitmore Publisher: SitComics Price: $1.99 Release Date: 4/20/16 Format: Ongoing; Digital

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Review: Snowfall #3

The inspector has taken out the White Wizard and now focuses her sights on the lab, Dr. Reasons’ lab. She seeks the formula and technology he uses to make and control snow. She has no idea what she will actually find. Anthony Farrow is also there.

Snowfall #3 has turned away from the overbearing in-world sci-fi talk and traded it for confusing metaphorical talk involving Farrow, the Wizard, and the girl inside the bubble. It seems like it’s all supposed to be crumbling away from the good guys as the Inspector goes and digs into their motivations and takes them away from them. But not much of that is carried through because of the amount of vague, off-beat talk that happens without explanation. Inspector Deals (last names are killing me) goes through Dr. Reasons’ (they really are) memories and recreates what seems to be an event that happened to her daughter that made her unconscious and made him put her in at giant bubble in a room full of snow globes. There is still no reason as to what happened to her, why that room exists, or why she is so important and magical, but the story goes on assuming we’ve figured it all out. Inspector Deals begins to explain what happened there but stops right on her tracks, to switch her dialogue from explanation to 90s action hero dialogue, “he had a family, dammit!”

Anthony Farrow, who I believe is supposed to be the protagonist is not relatable, barely existing, except when the seeming plot needs him to say something vague that pretends to be insightful. I’m still not sure of what he wants, why he’s there, or why the little girl is talking to him. Towards the end it seems Dr. Reasons is angry at him for something important he himself caused in the last issue.

Art is consistent, but a problem is starting to sneak in to the issues, and that is the problem of monotony. When there is a story about everything being arid, always dry sun without rain or clouds, the coloring won’t have much to play around with and the pages will begin to blend together. The quality of the art hasn’t lowered at all, but the setting of the story, particularly of these last two issues isn’t giving much room for panels that will grab the reader.

This will be my last review of this title. While it barely had a grasp on me on the first two issues, it quickly let go of it by the second one, and this one being confirmation that I am no longer interested in this story. Snowfall #3 Is a confusing issue, not because of the actions taken in it, but because everything is left in the air, nothing is defined, and the conclusion doesn’t make one continue reading.

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Snowfall #3 Writer: Joe Harris Artist: Martin Morazzo Colorist: Kelly Fitzpatrick Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/20/16 Format: Print/Digital

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Review: Godzilla: Oblivion #2

My introduction to Godzilla comics was James Stokoe’s Godzilla: Half-Century War. After reading Orc Stain, I was immediately drawn into his highly detailed, psychedelic fever dreams. Half Century War lived up to the hype and made me think that maybe a Godzilla comic could be amazing. Stokoe does variant covers for Oblivion, and once again I was lured to his art, recalling the best moments of his own Godzilla book. Fialkov and Churilla’s take on Godzilla is slightly more straightforward. Oblivion lacks the cool that Stokoe brought to the franchise, but it still delivers the action that Godzilla fans have come to crave.

Much like any Godzilla film, the plot here doesn’t matter at all. The human elements are just there to take up time until the monsters get the chance to rumble. Most, if not all of the characters are flat, one-dimensional, and annoying. The plot itself is fun, though: scientists built an extra-dimensional portal that goes to another world. It just so happens that that world is a “what if” if Godzilla and his monster buddies took over the planet. It’s a post-apocalyptic wasteland brought on by perpetual monster battling and Godzilla is the king of them all. The comic begins with the scientists opening the portal only to realize they want nothing to do with this other world. Unfortunately, King Ghidorah gets through and begins to destroy their monster-free world. Two weeks go by and the Eastern Seaboard of the United States gets completely demolished before the military decides to go back through the portal and get Godzilla to solve their problems. After risking their lives to lure him through a newly constructed portal, Godzilla finally emerges, ready to fight King Ghidorah and hopefully take him back home.

I’ve always thought that Godzilla movies were dumb. Not dumb in a bad way, just something to watch while eating pizza and drinking beer. Some things you don’t need to think about to enjoy and Godzilla is one of those things. The majority of the Japanese films revolve around waiting for the monsters to appear and then duke it out. They’re fun, but don’t exactly make you exercise your brain. Much like the films, this comic series stays true to that style. The plot is thin, but who cares when you know you’ll get to see Godzilla blast some monsters to bits? Comics are an excellent medium for franchises as weird as Godzilla, because unlike film which is limited by budget and effects, comics can do whatever they want. Nothing is impossible in a comic. Godzilla traversing dimensions to save America from King Ghidorah? Fuck it, it’s done. It only kind of works, but if you’re looking for a monster fix or a ten-minute break from reality, grab a copy.

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Godzilla: Oblivion #1 Written by: Joshua Fialkov Art by: Brian Churilla Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: Print: $3.99 Release Date: 4/20/16 Format: Print/Digital

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