Review: TMNT- New Animated Adventures #2

Watching the TMNT show they never really end the evil Snakeweed’s story, so it is totally rad finding his ending told through this new medium. I always think it is wise to incorporate the two genres and here they mix so perfect it is hard not to get hooked. Reading the first issue I thought most readers could get by with not watching the show. I have changed my mind and decided that in order to fully grasp the personalities and the story line you kind of have to watch the show. I think this is a benefit especially when the show takes breaks. This is only one of many reasons why I love this comic, but probably the most important one is that any age can enjoy this read. Sometimes with me being so cool and mature (not), it is tough to find or enjoy younger generation comics that I can give out to kids. Here, I can recommend this series to anyone, young and old, with the results being the same; they love it. The stories are just so cute and I find myself reading the characters in different voices, this is all done in my head though.

Dario Brizuela brings a fantastic art style that copies the show perfectly. The Turtles are adorable and appeal to the kids with their innocent look while also appealing to the adults with their ninja butt kicking moves. Heather Breckel does an amazing job coloring the comic bringing in the rich colors from the show. I am just as entertained reading this as I am watching all the action on television. I also think it is important that a writer from the show is also doing the comic to keep the same flow of things. I really just have to give a shout out to this team because they seem to have a good handle on things keeping the show and comic relatable with one another.

The Turtles find themselves in a bit of a weed infested New York when Snakeweed is trying to take over their town. The boys decide that he must be destroyed, but only after Shedder gives them word of advice that nature helps to bring everyone together, so be cautious in bringing down this terrorist of that very thing. Leonardo takes this advice to heart seeing that he doesn’t fully understand nature’s powers. The best part of this issue is April taking over Channel 6 News to get her face on TV. It is a cute play on her future character.

All the characters are pretty much the same which shouldn’t sound like a bad thing. It works surprisingly well, but Mikey brings home the cake with his one liners. He and Raphael couldn’t be a better comedic team. I couldn’t see kids and parents not getting hyped up about this series. It offers everything the show does and gives the opportunity to let the kids read a little.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Kenny Byerly

Artist: Dario Brizuela

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: Chin Music #2

To be frank (“but your name’s Steve!”), when I first read Chin Music #2, I didn’t dig it. I’m not sure why; you’d think a story about otherworldly vigilantes set in prohibition era Chicago would immediately appeal, especially when you see the names attached to it. But when I put it down, something felt choked or clunky about the story, like it was having a hard time keeping up with the dynamism of the art. However, on subsequent readings for this review, I have to say that this issue has grown on me, and provided it doesn’t take another three months for its successor to come out, I think I can see myself really getting into Chin Music ... which is my new favorite euphemism for oral sex by the way.

This issue follows Eliot Ness as he investigates the seemingly impossible assassination of big Al Capone, who tragically passed away after complications from the magic bullet head wound he contracted last issue. All of Ness’ evidence points to the mysterious private detective Shaw, who we last saw, in his previous life, moonlighting as some kind of mummy genie zombie thing. Featuring a bit of tasteful cunnilingus and not a small amount of slaughterous mafioso reprisal, Chin Music #2 is a sexy little supernatural ride through an already dangerously interesting period, and it works pretty damn well.

The writing here is simple and hits with a blunt thud, like a slapjack to the back of the skull. It may not be too pretty, but it also doesn’t need to be. This is street-level stuff here; sure there are powers at play both higher and lower, but so far this book is still huddled beneath its cracked asphalt exterior, and that’s okay. Any gap in text is completely swallowed and forgotten within the real star of Chin Music, Tony Harris’ art.

Fuck me, this guy’s stuff has some proper stink rubbed on it, huh? Visually, this book pops large while casting a vast shadow. I love how his characters and their world have this hand-blown glass texture about them, and how he challenges each of his pages with daring composition, vacillating through a broad range of blistering, aggressive color. You’d be forgiven for thinking that at any minute, bullets and blood might come tumbling from the page.

Altogether, it’s a dizzying visual experience, and it comes together like magic throughout most of the book, only occasionally sacrificing a measure of clarity and flow. I was particularly baffled by the scene which features Shaw’s penis quite prominently. Is that actually him? I assume so, given what else happens, but if so, where did all of his tattoos go? It could be an astral projection or something, I’m not sure, but I admit it threw me for a loop. It was one of the rare times I felt a little lost in this book, but I was easily able to jump back on with a valiant cry of “eh, whatever.”

I’m a changed man from Chin Music’s first issue and Image can officially count me in as on-board. Last time was an ill-plotted, convoluted mess without much help in its backstory, but in this, its second issue, the series seems to have found its footing. I’m hoping that the third issue will see the art and story congealing more organically and that Niles continues to more purposefully chart his course, as he has done here. If they do, I’ll be making sweet music with this book again, sooner (hopefully) rather than later.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Steve Niles

Artist: Tony Harris

Publisher: Image Comics

Price $2.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: Dinosaurs Attack #2

While I thought the concept of this comic to be an enticing bit of camp akin to Mars Attacks, the execution in issue #1 left me a little unsatisfied.  The title dinosaurs did not make an appearance until the last pages.  When they did, they wreaked the havoc I was expecting. Issue two picks right up with the dinosaurs causing commotion and damage that has the ripple effect of more damage like a scene from a Final Destination movie.  Additionally, the art style resembles the primary color laden panels of a 70’s comic book.  The overall enjoyment of reading this comic resembles the nostalgia one would feel opening up an old pulp novel or science fiction terror comic.

The book slows down considerably when the dinosaurs are not on the page.  The pacing grinds to a halt as dense word balloons reveal humanity’s reaction to the invading monsters.

But the mayhem and carnage of the marauding dinosaurs resumes, as does the fun.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Gary Gerani

Artist: Herb Trimpe/Flint Henry

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: Revival #13

Here’s how much I enjoy this series; I started to read it and put it back down… twice. Not because I thought it was going to be a bad issue, but because I was too excited to read it. It gives me chills when I start a new issue and that’s incredible. There are few other series that can do that, but Revival manages it every month. The last issue was a bit of a break for the series and in typical fashion the story has progressed a little without us; as with every new story arc we’re given a bit more of the mystery to solve and also some reveal. It’s interesting because at this point it’s pretty clear that Seeley has laid out what it is he wants to reveal to us and then begins going about revealing it throughout the arc, but then at the same time has created new aspects that to fill in for the revealed mysteries. It’s a great way to build the story as it always keeps the reader's interest, but also makes for a satisfying mystery.

It’s Valentine’s Day and that has to be awkward for the town. Em is babysitting Coop and Jordan a little girl that’s also a reviver. Dana is getting ready for her date with Ibrahaim, but she’s nervous about everything. Dating her partner, leaving Coop alone after the situation with the Brothers and then there’s Em… yeah you’re going to have to read the previous story arc if you don’t know what that’s all about.

We’re not done checking in with character though as the story touches base with Em’s professor and our hospital crew, along with Em’s triple date! They’re all great scenes so I’ll save you the recap and you can read them for yourselves.

This continues to be one of my favorite comic series published and it gets better with every issue. Seeley layers this story so well and because it has a supernatural element you sometimes forget that it’s a soap opera. It really is and while that slows down the overall pacing of the world to the point that only a few days are covered in a story arc, you’re grateful for it. It’s very rewarding to be invested in so many characters and all of them to come off as fleshed out people. By now you should know everyone’s quirks and anticipate their dialog. You may not like each of them or have the same investment level, but you’re able to decide that for yourself and that’s incredible.

You know in TV shows when characters are talking and they bring up other characters and the story cuts to them and we as the viewer/reader see something else important because of it. That’s what Norton does. He helps build the layers of the story visually with every scene. Everything is intentional and the back-and-forth it creates in wonderful. The opening with Dana and Em is one of the strongest scenes of the issue. There’s a clear tension between the sisters and it ends with Em drawing blood. There are so many ways I could interrupt this scene. Is it foreshadowing Dana’s death at Em’s hands? Does it represent Em’s disconnect from humanity as she becomes more and more comfortable with her seemingly indestructible body? I don’t know if it’s either of those and it could be me reading into it too much, but again everything is intentional in this series. Norton is incredible and this is definitely one of his biggest masterpieces.

At the very least you should get this issue because Doom Tree is in it. What’s crazier is that Doom Tree has come up on my shuffle twice since I started writing this review. That’s beyond awesome in my book. Seriously though, if you’ve been missing out on this series then you need to pick it up. For my money it’s the best thing that Image is publishing. That’s right I would put it up against any other series, new or old and I think it would come out on top (at least in my book). This is a great issue to begin with if you haven’t check it out yet. Sure you’re going to miss a bit of the history, but like I said each story arc only covers a few days at a time meaning we’re all in this for the long haul. There’s plenty of mystery left in this series as it continues to find new ways to improve and amaze.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Tim Seeley

Artist: Mike Norton

Publisher: Image Comics

Price: $2.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: Dream Thief #4 (of 5)

Okay, here’s the thing: I hate poker. To be clear, it’s not the game itself that pisses me off, so much as it is society’s fascination with it to such a degree that it has actually become a televised spectator sport. When in the name of stupid shit did that happen? I’m not completely sure, but I have a theory that it coincided with the rise in popularity of Larry The Cable Guy. I fully admit that poker as plot device does have its place, but usually this is generally relegated to your James Bond movies and back-alley grifting. You can imagine my surprise, then, when I read Dream Thief #4 - the bulk of which is set at a riverboat-style poker tournament in Elvis Presley’s automobile museum - and really, really enjoyed it. Again, I couldn’t give less of a shit about poker as the driving force behind this story, but the way it was used here as a stage on which to allow our hero, John Lincoln, to strut his collected stuff was brilliant.

Once again Lincoln wakes up having been possessed by a vengeful spirit (via an aboriginal mask) and surrounded by men who are dead or dying by his unwitting hand. This time, however, he finds hope with a one Father Tommy, a shady clergyman who says he can help Lincoln with his preternatural predicament, if only the masked misanthrope would be willing to use the talents he has recently acquired from a murdered card shark named Frank Best to win the holy mother church some “serious fucking coin,” as the Pope might say.

The lead-up to the poker game alone is very well done, changing the “aimless vigilante” dynamic of this story to one where the protagonist is willing to get more proactive about his condition. If anything, Lincoln’s character has been trudging along thus far, just going through the motions, and while that has been fun, there’s a bit more fire in his belly this time about figuring out what the actual hell is going on with this doofy mask and getting head-banged by a gaggle of ornery caspers.

I’m always happily surprised how well Nitz structures the events in Dream Thief, and issue four was no exception, using as a card game to show off Lincoln’s increasing command of his abilities. In that, this was the perfect setup. I love how he uses his talents here by oscillating between them, not necessarily for each ghost’s “very specific set of skills,” but for each of the spirits’ body language, which he uses in tandem with Best’s card sharkery to win money, but more importantly, some story-altering information.

The background of this particular misadventure follows a Memphis mafia infested with loan sharks, unpaid debts and misplaced faith, and while I didn’t find it nearly as emotive or personal as those in the issues leading up to it, you can’t help but appreciate the complexities of the case, which wrapped-up well with the series’ feel good vigilantism, if not a bit predictably.

However, the “true” end of this issue is the real kicker, and was anything but predictable. In its final four panels, this thing wraps up around a completely new twist, as well as a character who looks like he could be a very interesting foil for our hero. Something tells me Lincoln’s about to have his Negaduck moment, which I agree is a random reference. That ending gets me all kinds of titillated, particularly as this is the penultimate issue of the miniseries.

Smallwood’s command over his page layouts is well-honed and most welcome, taking subtle, yet measurable chances. While shaping the panels into, say, a large exclamation point on the page can confine the art to a smaller scale, it also establishes a unique breathing space for the story which I think works really well in dissipating its dense content. The negative space in this story is between panels rather than in the art itself, and I think that opens things up while allowing the art to relax in its dark, detailed nuance.

Even though this issue suspiciously taps into Man’s love affair with (now televised) card games, Dream Thief #4 exemplifies what makes this series so good: a dark yet absurd premise, a robust cast of characters and a continuous barrage of surprises that always keeps me coming back. Dream Thief’s final repose next issue is geared up to be bittersweet and fitful, and I for one can’t wait for the rude awakening.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Jai Nitz

Artist: Greg Smallwood

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

GamesCom: Killer Instinct - Chief Thunder Revealed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnuWhTraBnA What's good for fighting games, is good for fighting games, that's all I'll say. Also this video is pretty dull so just watch the first part and call it good.

GamesCom: Sony Reveals inFamous Second Son 'Fetch' Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-B40rzJHOY This looks way better than the launch trailer. It still looks as if they're making you do a lot of the same stuff from the first two, but now it has a lot more Prototype to it.

Review: Judge Dredd #10

Dredd left us fighting for his sane mind in a mirror maze set up by Woodrell and his boys. He escapes to find an unlikely partner, Dannn. We met Dannn a while back and didn’t really know what part he would play in the comic. All we know is that he has eyes all over his face that see the different outcomes of the future. Pretty cool talent if you didn’t have eyeballs sitting all over your face. Makes for some challenging staring contests. I quite enjoy Dannn and his unique qualities. Dredd decides to use him in order to help fight back Woodrell. Since this issue ends the whole Woodrell experience I thought it would be more of a bang. It left me wondering why they even went back to explore/finish this plot line. The story felt disconnecting with last issue. I think they wanted to bring Woodrell back in order to build the relationship with Dannn and Dredd. That worked but it left the rest of the story open for dullness. I guess that is what I am trying to say. All comics have boring issues, and here I felt bored reading this issue. I wasn’t entertained and I never can get into anything that seems like a chore to do.

Both Dredd and Dannn want to get back at Woodrell, so they get back to the amusement park late at night in order to mess with the rides. Dannn must find a DNA sample of Woodrell, while Dredd fights off the disfigured boys. Dredd fights off some of the boys, but it was more of him having flashbacks as to what Dannn told him would be the ultimate outcome; Dredd dies. Dredd thinks long and hard on what to do in order to bring the unexpected result. Dannn makes a weird ass discovery about Woodrell and why the park is full of his followers. It is pretty messed up, but most times with comics the more messed up it is the cooler it is. Honestly, this part interests me a lot, but they sweep over the story too fast. I wanted an explanation to how this was happening and why it is happening. Trust me, once you read this you will know what I am talking about and be wondering the same thing.

Last review, I mentioned that Dredd may be wandering between different groups out in limbo and I think my prediction has come true with how this issue ends. Looks like he is going to be in limbo for a while. I do wish the story would mention every once in a while why he is in limbo, because his purpose is fading and that is so unlike Dredd; to not stay focused. Next week’s cover features Judge Anderson though, so they should be bringing back the true purpose and hopefully her character. I have missed their interactions. Although I do enjoy this new partnership with Dannn. He is funny which offers something different in the Dredd world. All together I would pass over this issue because I don’t think anything that happened relates to what is about to happen. It is tough to have that horizontal flow in the entire comic.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Duane Swierczynski

Artist: Nelson Daniel

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: B.P.R.D. #110

Written by Guest Contributor: Jordan North BPRD #110 takes things to a macro level in what is one of the more refreshing issues in recent memory. Now, I’m all for monster killing, s’one of my favorite things to do in video games, watch on film and television and perhaps more importantly read in comics. But I’ll be the first to say when I realized that this issue broke the formula of having a few supernatural privy agents trudge through another cityscape I was excited and pleasantly surprised. In this issue we’re not just seeing how this outbreak affects a small group of experts, but how much devastation it’s caused the entire world.

Moments stand out like the BPRD agents discussing which cities to save and which aren’t worth it. There are even a few, like London that may as well not even be on the map at all. The balance of scale in this issue is what really elevates it. The grand spectacle of jets getting destroyed and big-wigs arguing in the mail room is given just as much time as when we follow a nameless young punk girl and her Rottweiler as they travel—if for sentiment than anything else- to seemingly the last place the girl was truly happy. It gives us the feeling that this is a big world and so many things, both large and small, are happening as a result of this outbreak. That the planet is really experiencing all this disaster all together. It’s damn good pacing and does a good job of establishing immersion.

In another exciting turn of events we get to see Liz Sherman for the first time in a long time, granted she’s bedridden and far from kicking ass and taking names at this point, but it’s okay because Mike Mignola and John Arcudi use this opportunity to really flesh out Liz as a person. Her flirtatious dialogue and relationship with her doctor really are the highlight of the issue with tight back-and-forths lending the oddest shades of something you’d see in a cute rom-com amidst all the chaos and devastation in the main story. It works, and Liz ends up shining above even characters we’ve been traveling with for issues now. A moment where the Doc smiles as he eavesdrops on Liz talking to a patient that he’s told her needs cheering up, is as cute as it gets in books featuring heavy dismemberment.

We’re also introduced to a strange and heterochromic new villain in a mysterious scientist who, in a nasty, nasty experiment with a maggot-cat demonstrates he can bring dead stuff back to life somehow. From his introduction that paints for us an obsession with demonic life and extremophiles to the brilliant juxtaposition of the experiment itself where a Pro-humanity pastor speaks out and our scientist listens on while there, in his lab, completely bastardizing the message playing out on-screen.

As with anyone on Mignola’s team Tyler Crook does wonders on art using trademark thick lines and varied-yet-muted colors to bring this post-apocalyptic vision to life.

Being a reader of Mignola’s Abe Sapien title I’ve never felt more like these two books are connected than in this issue, where Abe usually favors a more intimate approach to the disaster and those that inhabit the world after it, BPRD tends to focus on a team and scale things on a city-wide level. This issue of B.P.R.D. gives us the best of both worlds mixing those types of moments. The continuity established here is impressive and I look forward to more refreshing departures from the established framework and storytelling experimentation.

Score: 5/5

Writers: Mike Mignola and John Arcudi

Artist: Tyler Crook

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.50

Release Date: 8/21/13

My Pull List For 8/21/13 - Jordan North

Written by Guest Contributor: Jordan North J.R. Christ has it been a week. Prepping for school, working on various projects and killing members of a shadowy ninja clan have all taken their toll on me this week, resulting in a man who has time/energy for little else than drinking Dr.Pepper, smoking liberally and finally finishing Alan Wake on his Xbox. In between that I fit in a smattering of gratuitous napping and chipwich experimenting. And then, and only then do I engage in my other favorite pasttime—comics. Yes, Nerdy America`s favorite sport is the slack off activity I engage in between slack off activities but it cant be said I don’t do so diligently, never missing a single week (though that heavy Doritos-pastrami pairing on Monday a few weeks back almost had me laid out on pull day) heres what`ll be getting me off this week. Long live sloth.

B.P.R.D #110

Ah Mike Mignola you brilliant bastard. At any given time i`m reading almost all that Darkhorse turns out related to Hellboy and his motley crew of monster hunters. Of all those perhaps B.P.R.D takes the cake. A crew of hunters wade through the massacred cities of America searching for...like, people who haven’t been partially digested or something in a comic set after giant mutant moth-egg beats attack and mutate the shit out of most of the world (evil always has illogically destructive goals). Its fun, refreshing, dumb fun and with an issue focusing on a larger world as a whole and tying some other books back in, B.P.R.D is better than ever.Oh and also, John Arcudi kills it with bold, simple art that's worthy of the Hellboy name.

Dream Thief #4

I spend hella time confused by the plot so then, why can't I put Jai Nitz Dream Thief Down? Maybe its the ridiculous plot itself, revolving around a tiki mask that allows our hero to get body hacked as he sleeps and then access that ghosts memories by day. Cool right? Maybe its the ultra realistic world that the story is set it, the maturity and thoroughness of which make me feel like all this crazy shit is really going down. Maybe its spot on facial work and overall art by Greg Smallwood. Or the amazing post-story art that the book so awesomely puts at the end of every issue. Whatever it is, Dream Thief is a book that has got its hooks on me and even for its imperfections, I can't turn away.

X-O Manowar #16

A book I just started X-O Manowar is just strange. Featuring a medieval knight gone alien-race slaying space demigod, X-O is never short on originality. Ripe with space action the entertainment value here alone is worth purchase. And with our Metriod-esque hero returning to Earth recently with about two millennium of time-lag. X-O Manowar is set and primed to be as great a time as ever.

Thunderbolts #14

Marvel's Thunderbolts features a crew of bad, bad men with large guns being far more kickass than they have any right to. Red Hulk, Venom, Punisher and Electra have proven throughout comic canon that they have serious cajones and now someone had the balls to put them all in some pages together to FSU. Seeing these characters together in panel is enough to induce squees.

Daredevil #30

Do I need to say anything? Mark Waid`s current Daredevil run is legendary in quality with no signs of letting up. Featuring a better time than most darkness-obsessed comics on shelves these days and old-school sensibilities, Daredevil is as beloved as still-running titles get. Chris Samnee does things on art that`ll make you swoon.

Venom #39

I love Venom, always have, always will. The story, the costume, even when he's been a straight villain I’ve been a fan. The only bust I have of a comic character in my room is Venom (it's really a piggy bank—shh!) and now that he`s a hero that carries automatic weapons? All the better.

Wonder Woman #23

Another recent read, Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang`s Wonder Woman has been critically enough acclaimed that I figured now is a better time than ever to jump on and learn a little more about a character I’ve always been curious about. Featuring a fast paced (more of a blessing than you realize in the big 2 these days) and compelling plot line and a sleek, stylish update on princess Diana herself that never strays from the original character and isn’t afraid to explore any facet of what that character may be, Wonder Woman is a must read for fans new and old. It doesn’t hurt that Cliff Chiang`s art looks like David Aja on beautiful, beautiful steroids.

Animal Man #23

God Damn do I love Animal Man. Another ongoing classic, Animal Man is in the middle of a ridiculous run with Jeff Lemire at the helm. Equal parts horror and hero Animal Man just keeps getting better and better. Last issue I almost cried at a conversation Buddy Baker had with a giant spider-lady. Seriously. Also, Steve Pagh is one of the sickest artist out there right now and is perfect for the surreal darkness of the title. One of the best and maybe my favorite on the list.

Batman Beyond Universe #1

I haven’t read this title yet, but Batman`s Beyond universe has always been a favorite of mine. Born in a strange year, the tale of Terry Mcguiness teen hero was almost as impactful to me as the original animated series was and ever since watching it as a kid I’ve had an infatuation with a dystopian Gotham city and that smooth-ass red and black suit.

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Alright you bastards good day and good luck. I hope you got some ideas to add a little zest, a little swordplay, a few scares, or whatever gets you going to your pull list this week. You'll need all the good stuff you can get to help you stay sane as the school year nears again. Have fun. Be lazy. Read comics.

Review: X-O Manowar #16

We open in the past, a time when Aric learned to wield his blade and to understand how nature can affect battle.  Gilad, the Eternal Warrior, is his teacher.  The story then jumps to modern day Bucharest.  Here, Aric, now the armor-weapon wielding anachronistic King, has settled the slaves from the Vine colony.  Gilad continues the lesson with his brash pupil.  The two spar as one would expect—in brutal and unyielding fashion. Aric has been one of the most intriguing characters due to his situation both in the past with the Visigoth backstory and with the modern day tale of a warrior in a nigh-invincible suit of armor.  Now the warrior has, by default, ascended to his throne by means of the liberated slaves he leads.  Like Robert E. Howard’s Conan, Aric’s role has shifted tremendously from fighter to ruler.  This has been expertly plotted over the course of a mere fifteen issues.  You will be hard pressed to find a comic book that can expertly build such dynamic characterization in so few installments.

As Gilad and Aric tussle, Aric smashes the Visigoth crown he held in such regards.  Lee Garbett brilliantly illustrates a moment of pure pity as the man who has such great power couldn’t keep his crown from being destroyed.  The visual metaphor depicted in the panel foreshadows the conflicts facing the displaced hero.

The last panel teases something so cool that I dare not write one more word lest I ruin and fun.

Also, an Eternal Warrior backup story finishes out the book.  Look for Gilad to get his own spot ion the racks in November.

Once again, X-O proves to be a book that you need to make space in your pull box for on Wednesdays.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Robert Venditti

Artist: Lee Garbett

Publisher: Valiant Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: Star Wars – Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #5

I’m very sad to see this book go. I know people think and say that when a mini-series ends, but then ultimately forget about it the next week, but not this series. I’ve been waiting for its return and I really hoped that it was a six issue series. I’m going to genuinely miss Tim Sidell’s corner of the Star Wars universe because it is some of the best storytelling the franchise has ever had. That’s right, ever and I’m including the films in there as well. The cover tells you everything you need to know about this issue so I’m not going to give my usual recap. The thing about this issue is that while the opening and battle are spectacular, the ending is the best part. There is hardly any dialogue, it’s just Vader proving why he’s one of the fiercest Sith/Jedi to ever wield the force, but when he does speak… it’s powerful and almost poetic.

Sidell pours personality into Vader. It sounds simple, but considering his face is hidden behind a mask and he hardly talks it’s actually no small task. Sure he had plenty of personality in the original trilogy, but he was also old and tired there so it’s not quite the same. Here he is young, skillful and no longer a whiner. That’s factually the best thing about his character in this series, he’s cocky and arrogant. In fact he’s so cocky he knows he’s not arrogant. What’s even crazier is that Sidell actually gives his character glimmers of Anakin from the prequels and you’ll like him for it.

The art has been fantastic on this series and that’s with a rotating cast of illustrators. Iván Fernández actually returns to the series having last illustrated the third issue. He’s definitely one of my favorites and he has a monumental task in this issue… make the final battle everything it’s been built up to be. In true Star Wars fashion the battle isn’t that long, but it does live up to the buildup. The thing about the fight is that it doesn’t start when Vader draws his light saber; it actually begins the minute he steps out of the temple. The brilliance is that the Ninth Assassin doesn’t know that and in fact most readers won’t catch that fact either.

Part of me wants to continue on and on about this issue and this series in general, but I really think that you should just read it. It’s the best Star Wars comic I’ve ever read and I’m not exaggerating that point. Hopefully Sidell and crew will be back for more Vader “the early years” because they’ve reignited a passion for this character that I thought was dead. If you missed out on this series then do yourself a favor and grab the issues from Dark Horse’s digital story or hit the back issue bins at your local shop. This series deserves your support so check it out.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Tim Siedell

Artist: Iván Fernández

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.50

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: Suckers #0

Some of us hate the sissification of vampires lately. Where’s the blood, where’s the allure, and what about just the monster of what a vampire is. This story deals with what fellow vampires think of said sissification. It’s entertaining, but written for the masses. John and Chad want to bring fear back to the vampire name after what Moonshade has brought to it. John being the stereotypical vampire has a long pointy nose and ears, fang teeth and gothic clothes (very Nosferatu). Chad on the other hand is a total frat boy tool. Moonshade is the embodiment of the Twilight series and with his movie painted a different image of vampires, giving them emotion and having them wanting to love. This makes John sick and he keeps destroying TVs because of it. After a game of blood pong they are fresh out of bodies and go out into the night looking for their next victims at a club. Moonshade happens to be filming the next chapter of his franchise at the club. John and Chad see an opportunity to take out Moonshade and bring the fear of vampires back.

Moonshade kicks the crap out of them multiple times and warns them not to mess up this good thing happening. Through this whole sequence all the girls just think John and Chad are the villains for the next movie.  John and Chad enlist in some help to take down Moonshade.

Well I say this is entertaining in the way of it holds your attention, but that’s about it. It feels like it’s written for the masses to get your attention and if you’re a total bro or chad. These stories are good late at night or sat afternoon to waste time. It’s simple with no meat to the story, but entertaining as it plays a lot off of pop culture.

The art shines because of the cartoony animated feel. The black and white gives it a classic horror story feel with the modern art.  The art blends classic vampire looks with the newer vampire designs.

This issue just sets up what’s to come with the series, but doesn’t exactly leave you needing more. It’s a mindless read and at the end you’re left where you started.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Pat Shand

Artist: Ian McGinty

Publisher: Zenescope

Price: $.99 (Digital Only)

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: Numbercruncher #2

Review by: Kevin Reilly The reprint of Si Spurrier’s Judge Dredd feature continues this week with Numbercruncher #2. If you haven’t read the series, it follows a world in which the afterlife revolves around numbers. The main character, Bastard Zane, is an employee of the Grand Calculator in the afterlife.

Without spoiling the continuation of the plot too much, Numbercruncher #2 is just about as good as the first one. Zane is now on the hunt for the Mathematician, who came back to the real world too late but lived a second, good life either way. It’s a high concept that works better than imagined. Again, a lot happens in the book that I’d rather not go out and say, but if you liked the first one it’s a must-read.

The art and coloring of the book are really smart as well. Scenes that take place in the real world are presented in conventional, full color. The afterlife is darkly penciled, and in black-and-white. The slightly unfinished look gives a really nice contrast to the real-life stuff, whose heavily inked and clean look quickly recalls Chris Samnee’s recent work on Daredevil. In the black and white sequences, there’s an incredible amount of gore that’s really well-rendered.

Numbercruncher is a really, really strange book that quickly reminds me of something we’d see a place like Vertigo publish in the mid nineties. It’s fun, it’s weird, and it gets graphic when it has to. It’s a miniseries, so I recommend waiting for the paperback collection coming out at the end of the year.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Simon Spurrier

Artist: P.J. Holden

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: Conan The Barbarian #19

Written by Guest Contributor: Jordan North Conan is just… disjointed. Things don’t tie together or have any bearing on one another really. The stories jump randomly and don’t seem to care about any continuity or greater narrative. Even the characters are inconsistent and seem to be written around the situations they’re in rather than as actual characters. In this issue, Conan, who seemingly fights against oppression and evil where he finds it boards a boat, laughs at a man’s faith and then kills and leaves the crew for dead.

This is a huge departure from what we’ve seen the character do in the past and the fact that the lead, who the damn book is named after, I know no better than when I started reading is a testament to how bad the writing is. I don’t know, because Brain Wood doesn’t know. The sword and sorcery climate is exciting and after a couple of issues you still like the series but after a few, you begin to realize how scatter-brained and dare I say pointless everything seems. Nothing has any consequence, plots exist for novelty and our main characters have so few stable traits as to not feel like characters at all.

How am I supposed to root for Conan and Belit who, as the book keeps on telling me, are these romantic star-crossed lovers when both of them are kind of assholes? Eh. This issue starts part one of Black Stones, another slightly supernaturally tinged storyline that feels like another filter thrown over a “let’s give Conan a reason to kill people” type plot. It’s stale admittedly but if I turn off my brain completely I’m able to enjoy it on the basis of simple mystery and intrigue, even though it’s hard to care.

Honestly it’s mostly Paul Azaceta’s artwork that keeps me around. Every life Conan claims is a joy to behold, his bold line work and a great understanding of how action is supposed to look and simple but effective face work really holds this thing up. Character design is also top-notch as everyone who appears in a panel, even small parts, have a look all their own. Unfortunately it’s hard to hold up anything all on your own. I hope his abilities with a pencil get some attention and some day he can get on a book on par with what kind of stuff he can turn out. Dave Stewart also does a brilliant job on colors making just the right things stand out at just the right time.

Conan is sinking. It’s not horrific but damn is it vanilla. I read it and, outside of the art I just can’t think of many reasons to come back. The novelty of a jacked guy with a broadsword is a powerful thing, but all charms have their limits.

Score: 2/5

Writer: Brian Wood

Artist: Paul Azaceta

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.50

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: TMNT Micro - Karai #5

Karai is probably one of my favorite characters in the TMNT universe. The way she has been revamped to be related to Shedder makes for a more dynamic character. So this was probably the villain issue that I was most exciting about. I don’t know much history on Karai in this new world, so I thought there would be some pretty big reveals with her character that would also relate back to the TMNT comic. Sometimes when the company decides to do these micro issues they don’t ever seem to mention the issue in the original comic. Here I feel differently. I think TMNT fans must read these villain micros. I think they all show more of the motivations behind these characters. I also truly believe that this issue in particular will relate back to the series. Kudos to Cory Smith for his art in this issue as well.  I totally dig Karai’s look and think he offers a more mature look for Karai as well as the perfect amount of feminism. Drawing female badasses is hard work; especially when you want to give them big boobies that don’t get in the way of a 360° flip kick. Yeah doesn’t really work out. Plus you have got to keep those puppies in line so you don’t injure yourself with the hit back.  I also like how Leonardo is done here. He is a super dark character which matched his transformation.

Ok yes you read this right; Leo is in this issue. That alone should give you some incentives to buy this micro. Karai, having just learned that Leo is Shedder’s second in command, heads to an old trainer of hers for advice. The whole issue is narrating by Karai. I like how most of this issue have been that way. They should be in order to fully understand their perspective. The issue is slow-moving. When you think of a Karai story you picture high action, so I was taken aback by how slow it was here. I read though it though and enjoyed the slowness of her character. She has a lot to say. We learn so much of what she has done for Shedder and the Foot Clan. I keep thinking Shedder has some purpose for her, even if it is that she leaves the Clan. I don’t know what this would serve, but Shedder always has plans for everything.

Leonardo shows up and this issue shows a huge change with him. I am excited for readers to see what that is. It gives you hope for the Turtles. Karai will be such a huge part to what is going to happen with Leo and the gang. She has power over the Turtles. They have no idea how much and it can only bring about more exciting battles between good and evil; and maybe even some evil vs. evil. TMNT are building some pretty big villains along. For teenage turtles, a rat, some chick, and an ex-hockey player we have got some work to do guys.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Erik Burnham

Artist: Cory Smith

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: The Red Ten #4

Did you ever have that friend that always nagged you to read a comic that he or she loves? Well let’s just say I’m that friend and The Red Ten is that book! With the death of the team’s resident speedster, Throttle, there are seven heroes of the Alliance left. In his private jet, Kingston Lear the wrangler for the Alliance team receives news that Master Mage and Throttle are dead and Androika is offline and that the island that the team is on can’t be found. Mr. Lear demands that his team finds the Island and makes plans a visit to The Puppeteer.

As Throttle lies dead at the Alliance’s feet Red’s sidekick Crimson starts to lose his cool and turns against the team with allegations of murder. Stating that one of the Alliance’s own may have turned on his mentor, Red. The team recounts where they were the night of her murder.

Fed up with all the bullshit and having zero interest in being murdered on an island, Orion turns his back on the team and heads back to space. Before he can wrap his mind around the situation, Orion is placed under arrest and is attacked by officers of the Omniverse Protectorate. Orion declines to go peacefully and gives them a piece of his mind.

Meanwhile the team splits into two teams to scour the island for more clues. In Swanstown a representative for Mr. Lear looks for The Puppeteer in his shop. In space Orion is put on trial for being an imposter to the Kemlor belt (basically a Lantern Ring).  Orion is stripped of his power and dismissed.

One of the best things about Comixtribe’s The Red Ten is it simply gets better and better with each issue. It takes its time to slowly expand the world and that only makes the experience richer. By adding more depth to the characters within their interactions you gain a greater sense of them, thus making the deaths more intense. That’s a very important thing to do because if it’s not handled correctly the reader will treat it like a horror story just looking for a cheap death with a “who cares let’s just see who is next” mentality.

Tyler James and Cesar Feliciano have something really special here. If you are a comic book fan in any way shape or form then you need to get this book. Demand it at your local shop or get it from Comixtribe. Just do whatever it takes and get one of most entertaining comics out there bar none.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Tyler James

Artist: Cesar Feliciano

Publisher: Comixtribe

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: Kiss Kids #1

If the Muppets can profit on an infant version of themselves, so, too, can Kiss. Broken down into a series of shorts, Kiss Kids covers fun events like getting new shows, birthday parties, and back to school shopping.

This comic is aimed at children, and one can tell with the wide-eyed and cartoonish depiction of the characters.  However, so many of the little in-jokes are aimed at those who know the band.  There will be some difficulty in the general public (outside the Kiss Army) finding a reason to buy this book.  Yes, the stories are good, but parents would probably pick up Peanuts or another better-known family oriented comic.

So if you are a Kiss fan with a child, pick up this book and laugh at all the great nods to the Greatest band in the world.  Everyone else, be aware that you might not like the book since you don’t know why something like The Demon’s boots eating things would be funny.

Score: 3/5

Writers: Chris Ryall and Tom Waltz

Artist: Jose Holder

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: The Bounce #4

If nothing else, The Bounce by Joe Casey does what it says on the tin. It bounces around ... a lot, and without much direction. That doesn’t necessarily make it a “bad” book, but it does make it feel confused and uncentered, like Casey hasn’t figured out what he wants it to be or say yet. With a fairly uninspired premise (thus far) and over-produced characters, this title has deflected into what is a frustratingly aimless ricochet. That’s a shame, really, because I thought issue three was the beginning of a rebound for the book, after a noticeable injection of some interesting character poignancy and a renewed narrative direction, but now it feels like it’s running in place again. In issue four, we continue to follow slacker-hero Jasper as he explores what is behind the world’s increasing number of super-people, and how he fits within that emerging social dynamic.

This time, he fights a big, Spanish-speaking rock monster and talks to a psychic named Silver, both of which end with ambiguous results. Speaking of which, the book’s “big bad-elect” - Mr. Darling - continues to simmer just behind the curtain, while his technological attempts to “do something” (still not sure what) repeatedly fail. And that’s about it: with nothing ventured and thus, nothing gained, The Bounce remains a fairly  plodding origin story with little foundation or urge to surge forward.

Slow builds are fine if they actually bring something new to the table, but in this case, flawed, slacker superheroes have been around in comics for years, as have recreational drug use and so-called “alternative lifestyles.” In trying to capitalize on these already dated “edgy” themes, this book feels kinda pedestrian and out of touch, making a hell of a lot of noise without saying anything fresh or interesting. What pisses me off most, though, is that it could! This creative team is legit as shit, but this particular collaboration continues to frustrate by squandering its potential.

This book should be good, or at very least better than it is, but it lacks focus and drive, and seems content to be one more nondescript superhero book, lost amongst the indy shuffle. It sort of echoes the drive of the main character (or lack thereof), but not in a good way. Saying that, I have an idea where the team is going in this story, and if I’m right, when they do bridge that gap (so to speak), it could be a very, very interesting one. Until that happens, though, this continues to amble through cliché, which bleeds into the characterization in the book.

Every character in The Bounce comes burdened with purpose, but each is ultimately shallow, built with transparent quirks and tics that come across as forced and awkwardly hemmed into the story. The evil Mr. Darling drinks chocolate milk for example - that’s his thing - while our hero Jasper smokes a ton of pot and his roommate enjoys a spot of cross-dressing. That’s all well and good, but it’s like giving a character a scar, eye patch or sweet goatee, just because it looks cool and not because it defines them in any particular way. I’m still hoping that these small facets of the story will come together in some greater confluence, and again, I feel like these guys are capable of doing that, but given how long this book is taking to get to its point, I’m also beginning to have my doubts.

Most of the artwork remains solid, but this issue did show a bit of slack in the line, like it’s starting to feel rushed. Apart from a few weak costume designs, though, I thought the art was good. Another particular bright spot came from colorist Giovanna Niro, whose control of contrast between rainbow energy and bloody viscera is even-handed, while her colorful manifestation of new (and pretty random) character, The Vamp’s abilities was subtle and well-manicured.

The Bounce #4 ends with yet another hollow cliffhanger, and while I sometimes seriously contemplate dropping it altogether, I want to stick with it to see if Casey can turn it around. I want to like this book SO MUCH, but unless it picks up the pace and draws in its focus, The Bounce is going to end up falling flat.

Score: 2/5

Writer: Joe Casey

Artist: David Messina

Colorist: Giovanna Niro

Publisher: Image Comics

Price: $2.99

Release Date: 8/21/13

Review: Oz #2

The second issue of this series was a bit underwhelming. There was some anticipation on my part for this issue after reading the first. I did give it a “buy” on our group review and while it didn’t blow me away, it had at least enticed me. This issue though just felt like sexy violent Wizard of Oz to me. The elements added to the story weren’t terribly original compared to the piles upon piles of other comic adaptations of the same work. For me the biggest stunner is the art. It was decent in the first issue, but the second issue has already dipped in quality. Here’s the thing about this book, we all know what it is: sexy Oz. I mean look at those covers. If you don’t get half a chub looking at them then you need to get your eyes checked. The oozing with sex on the cover and frankly that’s fine, but if you’re going to do that on the cover then you need to spend the money on an artist that can deliver that on the inside and that’s where this book takes a wicked turn.

Smack dab on the first page we’re given the Wicked Witch of the East and some purple goons launching an attack at Dorothy. Then we’re given a shot of Dorothy looking like she just smoked a lot of pot or something and her head has grown. For two of the sexiest women in the series they sure do look weird and not sexy.

After the witch launches her attack the wolf defenders her while some munchkins rush to the battle. Low and behold the Good Witch of the North arrives looking good and kicking ass. Now she looks good, but she’s not sexy either. All of the women basically just have big boobs and small figures, but there’s nothing sexy about them. Even the painted on dresses fail to highlight the sex appeal that the covers capture.

After the good witch helps out Dorothy uses the thing she’s been holding since arriving, to destroy the witch of the east. After that she passes out. When she wakes up we’re given tons of exposition about the state of Oz. The first issue skipped all this and was better for it. Show me the state of Oz, don’t make the characters stand around and explain it to someone who just wants to go home because that’s how I end up feeling. Think about every time you’ve just wanted to leave and people were giving you a lecture… did you listen? You probably heard just enough so that they wouldn’t repeat themselves and that’s how this felt.

Also what the fuck happens to the dog after the third page. You have a giant fucking wolf dog that happens to know how the sword handle got into Dorothy’s possession and you just forget to bring it along. I was like, someone talk to that dog it understands English we saw that in the first issue.

It’s an average issue and just barely, which is a shame. It had potential to be more or at the very least just be sex in Oz without showing it. It’s a simple formula and it works for Manga so what’s so difficult to figure out. I doubt I’ll be back for the next issue since I know the interior is never going to come close to the covers. I would rather have one sexy cover with sexy interior art to match, than the six covers that this issue has.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Joe Brusha

Artist: Rolando Di Sessa

Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/21/13