Greetings guys and gals, this week we cover some casting news with Fantastic Four and Gotham. Then it’s off to the Guardians of Galaxy trailer and Valiant comics. Books that we read this week are:
Here's the previous two episodes!
http://vimeo.com/48839674 Well that's a pretty damn cool fan trailer. The Akira Project is a crowd-sourced project that wants to create a bigger fan film to show that it doesn't have to be "White Akria" like the one Hollywood wants to make. Check it out, it's pretty cool.
You can blame Justin Wood for showing me this video. I thought it was awesome. I may actually buy or rent it to see the rest because it intrigued me. It's violent, it's weird... yeah it's right up my alley. Check it out for yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO_4eaZKdjg
First off... someone owes Damien Sandow some money since they jacked his "You're Welcome" line at the bottom. I kid because I was actually using that myself, but don't see that happening anymore after this poster. I mean... it's a poster. It' has the same color hues as Avengers, but not as dark. It's a poster... I wonder when they're going to explain what the movie is about?
Frankly it scares me that America is handling a new Godzilla film; that's been my stance since the beginning, but much like the first attempt I'm willing to give this one a shot. My biggest gripe with the marketing and such is that... I don't understand how big he is. Some marketing shows him eye to eye with skyscrapers and others, like this new poster, show him towering over the entire city. I mean if he can destroy the city in five minutes that's troubling right? That's my biggest hold up for this movie right now is the context of his height... clarify that and maybe I'll start putting some eggs in the excitement basket.
One of the wonderful unexpected surprises that I had on this week of new release comics was a mini from the creative team of Dan Jolley and Jamal Igle on the Dark Horse label. Going back to the early days of The Terminator franchise, Jolly and Igle in Terminator: Enemy of my Enemy have written a delightfully action packed tale that takes place right around the time of the first movie. The opening title line states, "There's a new T-800 in Town and No Kyle Reese to Stop It". That would seem like a problem, but after you read through a few pages in this story, you realize... Eh, maybe Kyle Reese not being there isn't such a big deal. After all, who needs Reese when you have Farrow Greene.
Ms. Farrow Greene, ex-CIA operative, current mercenary, all bad-assed and ready to take care of business against anything, including a T-800 is what she is. In fact, Ms. Greene does quite well against the aforementioned mechanical man in their first encounter as they are both trying to apprehend a mousy doctor who apparently is in demand both in the 1985 present as well as the future. Greene not only holds her own, she lays this T-800 out. If it weren't for his cybernetic make-up, he would have been wasted. What makes Greene so hardcore is that even seeing what she sees against the T-800, she is unfazed. She may be curious, but I don't think that there is an ounce of fear in this lady. Jolley writes her with power and passion that is befitting of this quite memorable character that I am looking forward to reading more about in the coming months.
Adding to her seriousness on top of the writing, is Jamal Igle's artistic depiction. This woman is ripped, Ms. Olympia ripped, lots of tight sinew. There is a frame in the story where you see her in a tank top with all her glorious muscularity...Well, you just know that she means business. And this isn't the only frame depicting her sheer toughness. Igle has it all over the place.
If you haven't read Terminator: Enemy of My Enemy, this issue #1 is well worth reading (see review). Likewise, if you are looking for an interesting female characterization that is tough and can compete with the big boys while still not being sexually over the top, but written and drawn in a respectful way, then I offer you one Ms. Farrow Greene.
Unless you came to the site via this article you probably just saw an article about the sales of "Hooked on a Feeling" soaring because of the Guardians of the Galaxy trailer. Well Vanilla Ice's single "Go Ninja, Go" did not share in the sales bump, but it does appear on Kraft mac and cheese commercial for their TMNT shaped noodles! Fuck yeah! Here's the commercial and no offense to Ice, but he looks like he's stocked a few grocery shelves in his day or he could just be method. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-lT1oOU7b4
And if that wasn't enough watch the "behind the scenes" video where V-Ice explains how his cameo in TMNT II: Secret of the Ooze was the pinnacle of his career!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISlupo4tlpY#t=31
I have been slacking on playing the newest episode of The Wolf Among Us, but damn if this trailer didn't convince me to put some time aside... I'm going to go do that now actually so enjoy this trailer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juuG8rsDCqo&feature=youtu.be
The last issue of Peter Panzerfaust moved on to Tiger Lilly’s segment of the story. It really is an underappreciated story device that Kurtis Wiebe is using to tell the individual character stories, but to use that to also keep the time line of the overall plot. The way he’s crafted the story is so that each character’s role of importance actually pops when it’s their turn in the spotlight. This saves the reader and subsequently Wiebe, from back tracking over scenes the story has already covered. Again, it’s underappreciated in the fact that Wiebe pulls it off so flawlessly that most people probably don’t even notice it or give it the credit it deserves. Our lovebirds continue on their mission of avenging Lilly’s father’s death. Julian is there to support his wife and do whatever she wants, but he understands that these kills are hers to take. On their way to the next target they run into a surprise checkpoint and Julian lays on the charm. He switches to German to make the solider feel more comfortable and even after winning the solider over, they’re asked to step out of the car. For once though something goes to plan and the solider just wants a picture with Julian and his wife to remember them by. It’s strange, but it was almost admiration from the Solider that Julian and his wife could live the way they do. Lilly even comments that Julian was changed by the situation.
The rest of the issue can only be described as an intense hunt as Lilly stalks her prey. It’s not easy, but you’ll see the fierce side of Lilly and it’s something to behold for sure.
What sets this arc of the series a part is that future Lilly isn’t narrating her story like the other Lost Boys have done. We know that she made it out of the war and is still happy and married to Julian, but instead the narration is her raw emotions captured in a diary that she kept at the time. Wiebe even explains that this diary isn’t out of character for her as she stopped speaking as a child when her mother died and then to a diary helped her cope.
The usage of the diary narration is something that works very effectively in the comic medium. There are countless other comics that have used it in some form or another and likely all of them are just as successful. Here Wiebe uses it to show the two sides of Lilly. If you only saw the angry revengeful hunter side of her you’d forget who lost and emotional she is on the inside. The journal shows that softer side of her and reminds the reader that she’s not just a killer. The final pages are truly some of the best that Wiebe has written for the series and again capture how fierce and determined Lilly is.
It’s a rare thing in comics to watch an artist grow on a series. Often times the artist becomes locked in a pattern because comic fans want and expect a consistent experience from issue to issue. Tyler Jenkins has for the most part kept a consistent style on the series since the beginning. His character designs, most notably the hair styles, remain in large the same. The trick is that he’s made micro improvements with each issue. One after the other the newest issue of Peter Panzerfuast is always his best issue.
Perhaps it’s colorist Kelly Fitzpatrick that does the colors for this issue and frees Jenkins to work more on the breakdowns and details of each issue, but on the page it looks like dedication; dedication to making this series special. Wiebe gives the book its heart with his story and plot, but Jenkins supplies the blood and life of the series.
In comics, fans love their powerhouse partnerships. The combination of a writer and artist producing a lengthy body of work that is consistently great is somewhat the foundation of the industry; while I don’t know if Wiebe and Jenkins will go down as one of those duos, they did make this reviewer a fan of their work. I was a harsh critic in the beginning of this series and while I still stand by those criticisms, it’s amazing to see where this series has gone. And it couldn’t have gotten there without time and support; the support being very important because without it, this series wouldn’t have had the time it needed to grow and become what it is today. It makes you wonder what other comic book series could be like if they were just given the same.
Score: 5/5
Writer: Kurtis Wiebe Artist: Tyler Jenkins Colorist: Kelly Fitzpatrick Letterer: Ed Brisson Publisher: Image/Shadowline Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 2/19/14
I’ll admit that the appearance of Doc Holliday in the last issue was a head scratcher. I also didn’t like it at all, but thankfully this issue explains why he’s involved in the story. It’s of course comical due to the nature of the overall story here and it works. It’s still really strange though. This is still a fun series to read, but I’m running out of things to stay about it since really it’s a complete story broken up into perfectly paced chapters. Each issue hits certain beats and because of the mystery of the overall plot each issue ends with a cliffhanger to bring you back for more.
This issue Krampus finds Jack Frost and a chase breaks out. It’s very anti-climactic and since we know that Jack isn’t involved it seems a bit pointless. Jack does prove useful as he removes the blood from the paper that Krampus has been carrying around with him. This reveals a woman’s name and Krampus pays her a visit and even though she’s a shitty landlord he lets her go. Here we also see a snowflake tattoo on her that Krampus swears he’s seen before. The woman gives him an address to a remote desert location and there Krampus finds the snowflake symbol again and runs into Doc Holliday.
Really by now you’re both reading and appreciating the holiday spirit that’s been continued via this series or you’re not. It’s an entertaining story and it’s incredibly consistent. The writing is solid the distinct character voices are maintained even as we jump back and forth between scenes. The art looks great and Dean Kotz’s line work is just wonderful to look at.
I wish there was more to say about the issue, but there’s nothing that I haven’t already said in previous reviews. You can check out the first issue and second issue on the site, but again if the premise of Krampus saves the Santas sounds like your thing than it probably is.
Score: 3/5
Writer: Brian Joines Artist: Dean Kotz Publisher: Image Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 2/19/14
As luck would have it, sometimes you just pick up that comic that was meant to be read by you, that was amazingly enjoyable, and the act of picking it up was just all by random. Archer Coe hit every chord that I love about comics. It had that old time feel even though the comic is set in present day. I think the black and white colors made me dive right into this feeling. The comic’s plot entails a murder mystery through and through. I can’t help but be grabbed by each and every loop hole the writer throws at us. Also, I get to learn about a trait that I was never interested in; hypnosis. And last but not least, Archer loves talking to cats. Seriously, these little shits come out of nowhere to give Archer advice. Now clearly these cats are just strays, and no one else speaks to the felines. But they speak to him as his moral compass. Clearly, he doesn’t listen to the cats, because like any sensible person knows, cats are all liars. We begin the story the same way we end it; hypnotizing the audience. What a cool profession to explore. I never got into hypnosis, but find it fascinating that these people can pick up on other people’s habits. Archer isn’t just a prank though; he really possess the power of role playing with minds. Archer’s first subject is a cat sitting on a park bench. Already I was hooked. We then move on to Archer’s show. He proves to his audience that his power is real, and soon a man decides to put the fate of his marriage into Archer. This man is Jonathan Midland. He is a big name in the town and very wealthy. His wife, Hope, seems frigid towards him. So he wants Archer to figure out why. Doesn’t sound very murder mystery, but believe me it gets there. When Jonathan or Jack, as they call him, goes missing, the police’s first suspect is Archer Coe. Now he must prove his innocence to them.
His alibi is Hope which makes it even more suspicious. What is so intriguing about the comic is that Hope knows exactly who Archer is. She knows everything about him. Archer doesn’t seem to remember her but is drawn to her beauty. So the whole time, the reader is really wondering what the hell is going on with Hope instead of why Jack is missing. She even acts like Archer knows her too. She is oblivious to the fact that he clearly needs some background knowledge of her. Well I won’t say oblivious but more secretive.
We get lots of mind games going on in this comic. We jump through memories, and instances that don’t seem real, so the whole comic is very trippy. I couldn’t get enough of the mind games being played on me. Just when I thought I had figured it out, I got slapped in the face. The thing is you never really figure out the truth. I would love to reread this comic over and over, because I would get a different ending every time. It opens the doors to a creative ending. I haven’t had many comics that make me think about what has happened in the end. A lot are cut and dry. Any comic that can make multiple endings in the reader’s mind is genius.
Score: 5/5
Writer: Jamie S. Rich Artist: Dan Christensen Publisher: Oni Press Price: $19.99 Release Date: 6/11/14
There is no secret that I love reading The Strain: The Fall. I have been consistently following it for the last several months and I even got to catch up on previous storylines with the release of 3 trade paperbacks last week. It was nice going back. But but we now have a new installment, and things haven't changed a bit. It is still dark. It is still morbid. It is still awesome. From the creative minds of Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan, writer David Lapham has taken their novel and ran with it, adapting this creepy trilogy of terror into the comics format. It is likewise coming to a television set near you this summer. Stay tuned.
The Strain tells the story of a vampire virus that started in Manhattan and has spread at an alarming rate. Efforts to keep things quiet were futile and now everything is out of control. Our heroes who have been in the fight since the beginning of this tale, have found some relative safety on a tugboat. They also have an ancient manuscript in their posession that may hold the key to stopping the end. But it all might just be too late as The Master has unleashed his final plan of dark design and he will not stop until everyone is destroyed. No one is safe. Not even regular vampires.
Issue #8 covers the discovery of elements of The Master's plan from our gang as well as actions from The Master himself. All I can say is that he's a bad man. We also get some adventure in the form of subterranean suspense within the subway tunnels of New York City. Zack and Nora are stranded and the vampires are coming, including Zack's infected mother. It all leads up to yet another intense and great issue.
The visual imagery by Mike Huddleston continues to instill a sense of doom and hopelessness. I compare it to much of the work of Mike Mignola who draws these stories of evil with a "doom" sense that reaches you to your core. It makes the story exceptional.The cover art also leaves you with a sense of realness to the story. It is pretty disturbing.
David Lapham’s script continues to be episodic in nature and it plays so well to the action and intrigue being played out. It's like watching a television show. It is very addictive as you flow. But Lapham does much more and he generates a level of deepness to the characters. As the action progresses, you really begin to understand the different characters,their motivations, and how their reactions to events around them demonstrate their experiences. It is a rich experience. Of course, The Strain is also good old time horror as well. So dim the lights, cozy up with a blanket, and read a copy today. It is good fun and devastating horror.
Score: 4/5
Writer: David Lapham Artist: Mike Huddleston Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 2/19/14
Written by Guest Contributor: Jordan North Ghosts have a hard-on for Jackson Winters. Those fuckers just won’t leave him alone.
Picking up where we left off Jackson Winters has been thrown into the fray again, this time to find the missing (and allegedly possessed-- go figure) grand-daughter of the super spookily named Wenona Blood Crow. Spirits appear, guts fly and we get a great dynamic between Jackson and the ill-fated Russian Anderson who will protect Winters from the grave but only until the circumstances for it are, “glorious”. Ha ha. This is an issue that doesn’t falter on balls, fun or creativity, and I’ve come to expect nothing less from this series.
Action starts right off as Winters and his gang have a run-in with the demon fetishizing Brotherhood of the Closed Book. Turns out they may have the girl and are most likely doing super creepy black magic cult stuff to her or as it turns out actually, she’s just as happy as a clam doin’ her thang in a giant orgy and actually isn’t too down with being saved at all. Gunfire and knife-play are heavy here as are macho put downs and scantily clad debutantes and the whole book really just all around captures the same “super-natural kick-ass heist/espionage” niche really well all over again. I’m truly impressed with the consistency of quality of this comic. Were back into the thick of it again with Winters and a whole new zany set of circumstances and I feel just as raring to go for the material as ever before. Every issue of Ghosted just has a knack for feeling like a classic pulp adventure and so in that way it stays fun and fresh. This thing has a lot of ideas.
David Gianfelice kills on art that is ever solid, be it faces, action or “set pieces” the guy makes it all look pretty spiffy. Plus, the man draws a mean pissed off malevolent spirit. Miroslav Mrva uses colors to make sure that everything that should catch your eye, does.
This is a series that dives headlong into whatever suits it, regardless of how cray that thing seems. I mean, “Soviet ghost woman beheads pair of devil orgiers?” Sure why not? You know who says sure why not to an idea like that? A person with brass balls that’s who, a guy like Josh Williamson. Ghosted #7 is a blast, just like the six issues before it. If you don’t read Ghosted, do. If you’ve ever enjoyed Indiana Jones, Cowboy flicks or haunted houses you will enjoy this comic. If you don’t enjoy a single one of those things? The door is that way...
Score: 5/5
Writer: Joshua Williamson Artist: David Gianfelice Publisher: Image/Skybound Entertainment Price: $2.99 Release Date: 2/19/14
The Midas Flesh is the first released title through the Boom Box line of Boom Studios. Boom Box is a comic line that will allow talented folks to release original material with no supervision outside of its own creative team, allowing writers and artists to explore original thoughts and ideas not seen in the traditional comic lines before. Basically, Boom Box is an independent title with a major comic distributor who has no editorial authority. The Midas Flesh is a planned eight issue series by Ryan North of Dinosaur Comics and Adventure Time fame. Illustrations for the story are rendered by Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb. Following the story of Joey, Cooper, and Fatima, this diverse team of two human females and one male dinosaur are exploring a strange planet not listed on any maps or even recognized by The Federation, an evil galactic empire who rule their part of the universe with a draconian hand. It is believed by the team that on this planet lies the potential for a weapon that would put The Federation on its knees and allow for freedom and peace to occur. They have spent the previous two issues exploring this planet in which everything has been turned to gold. Everything that is, but one person. A king with the name of "Midas" on his crown who is not only not turned into gold, but he is perfectly preserved. Even though it is believed that the golding event occurred hundreds, maybe even thousands of years ago, Midas simply looks phenomenal. This issue begins with the study of the King as well as an attack from Federation bad guys who actually have some back story with another team member.
I must admit that the more I have read of The Midas Flesh,the more I am beginning to like it. Ryan North as a writer has always been solid. He writes in smooth flowing tones that are easygoing and never rushed. His dialogue is playful, but can be serious when he needs it to be. My biggest complaint with this title has been that it is part "Goonies" type kid adventure with a "Star Wars" sense of melodrama. I had trouble relating as I typically want one or the other. I felt that North was trying to have it both ways. I am beginning to believe however that North had that design in mind all along. He wants to write this as a coming of age tale on the backdrop of a true life or death struggle for victory or defeat. I am beginning to see some complexity to the writing that is leading us to explain why such young "kid" types were sent on such an intense an important adventure. It's getting deep.
Paroline and Lamb's art has blended nicely with North's story, but it likewise suffered from the same problem of being part kiddie tale and part adult drama. But just like the writing, here in Issue #3, the maturing process of the art is beginning to occur. The features are getting a little darker and the "cuteness" that has been liberally spread throughout is getting a little rougher around the edges. The jokes are still there and the team, minus Cooper the Dinosaur,are still just kids, but they are beginning to grow up fast both in story and art. And it looks like they are going to have to be growing up fast, as things are getting serious.
I have liked The Midas Flesh, but not really falling fully on board with the first two issues. Something had been missing for me. That something it would seem was Issue #3. It is beginning to show the method behind the mayhem and things are beginning to become clearer. I am fully on board now and am ready to see these kids become adults as the struggle against the Federation.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Ryan North Artists: Shelli Paroline, Braden Lamb Publisher: Boom Box/Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 2/19/14
To start off this is not your typical comic book you would see featured here on Comic Bastards but hey why not? So let me say this is a children’s book with a moral; I mean you probably could have guessed from the title. I think this book is a great way for young children to understand how important the environment is and the harmful implications humans have on it. I remember watching Fern Gully as a kid and that whole tree has feelings scene really resonated with me for years to come. As being an Environmental Science and Policy student, I am continually being challenged to find ways to get others aware of issues and I think this book helps children at a young age begin to really think about their relationship with the physical world.
So let’s talk about what this story is about: Michael goes to a restaurant but finds that it has been deserted since there are no fish left since the dreaded pirate Bootleg Peg has been over fishing. In reality this is a huge economic and environmental issue since the introduction of advanced fishing technologies that has allowed commercial fisheries to capture large quantities. Well anyways Michael with this help of his friends must defeat pirate Bootleg Peg in order to restore balance.
I think that Ellie Patterson did amazing job of capturing an important message and presenting it to a young audience. Alexandra Colombo’s visuals are so bright and alluring. I think kids will love all the details and cartoon characters.
Also just want to throw out there that I love that this book supports the Environmental Justice Foundation. Just in case you don’t know who they are: EJF is an organization based in the UK that works to protect the environment and people, since everyone deserves the right to have a safe environment. EJF include projects such as save the sea to helping refugees that have been affected by natural disasters.
Score: 5/5
Writer: Ellie Patterson Artist: Alexandra Colombo Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $17.99 Release Date: 2/19/14
I love how Ben 10 is like an engineering comic. This boy is super creative and when I was kid, I loved seeing heroes push their creativity instead of their pure strength to get the job done. I appreciate having cartoons that allow these kids a more creative outlet. So I would totally recommend this comic for children. Not only is it fun to read, but kids will be reading this comic not even knowing that they are reading. The best of both worlds in my opinion. Ben is still after the Ssserpent! This dude is one mean snake and like all villains is seeking to control a larger area, the ocean. Ben has a new crew under his rule. This includes Lorelai and her other mermaid friends. The Queen of this underwater colony was taken hostage by Serpent. It is now the job of Ben and his newly developed crew to reclaim the Queen and stop these snakes from destroying the ocean. I have said this a thousand times, but this Queen freaks me out. I feel like there is something she is not telling us. I wonder if the kid readers suspect this as well.
I love how the comic brings these two worlds from land to sea. The understanding of the two worlds definitely has some undertones of how children should learn to understand other cultures and fight for the good of all people...mermaid or not. Lorelai is at the heart of it all. Ben and Lorelai make a great team and again show respect for each other’s differences.
Anyway, when Ben discovers that the Serpent’s hideout is just a sham, he quickly must come up with a plan to save the city. Again, I just love how Ben is this little engineer. It shows kids that they can use this power tool to solve problems. It is called a mind.
The comic has some higher vocabulary for kids to read and will certainly make them science savvy when it comes to understanding the subject. But along with some education, the comic is just plain fun. Ben 10 has got tons of action. The visuals are fun to see unfold. Not every detail has to be taken so seriously, so it allows for the writers for some fun… like riding whales through the ocean.
All around, I think some good stuff can come from this comic so grab your kids an issue and watch as theirs eyes expand to absorb all that is Ben 10.
Score: 3/5
Writer: Jason Henderson Artist: Gordon Purcell Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 2/19/14
Last month we saw the last of that love obsessed gum devouring the land Ooo; so if you thought that was the last of that Adventure Time arc you are wrong because our heroes are still around to infect your day with puns and friendship. At first, I began to question if I was even reading Adventure Time. This issue begins with hilarious dinosaur banter and rock formation demonstrations narrated by a gem but our heroes are nowhere in sight. Ryan North packs this issue full of comic relief start to finish. The gem narrates this issue and takes us back to when the Candy Kingdom was just a dream for Pebbles.
Anyways, as in the last few issues of Adventure Time the focus is the friendship of Marceline and Princess Bubblegum. Those two have a long history! Well that gem and its companion end up in magic best friend amulets that PB made. Turns out she weaponized those amulets; which were infused with lasers and the ability to bring robots to life.
Oh and guess who is back again?! Ricardio! When Finn and Jake discover Marceline’s amulet Ricardio comes out of nowhere to be a jerk and steal the friendship amulets. He even turns their treehouse into a robohouse. Sounds cool in theory except Ricardio is the one commanding it. Will the power of pal-time be able to defeat Ricardio? Oh who am I kidding? We all know that none of the bad guys in Adventure Time get away without being served a slice of justice pie.
Adventure Time never disappoints, I literally always go back and reread pages and it’s still funny. Adventure Time is for all ages, you don’t need to be a kid to love it.
Most of the art is this issue is different than what we are used to seeing. It helps separate flashbacks and present time though. There were various artists featured in this issue, Jeffrey Brown even worked on it. Amazing variant covers included art from a multitude of brilliant illustrators including Matt Cummings to Michael Dialynas. Nice work, guys.
Score: 5/5
Writer: Ryan North Artists: Various Publisher: KaBoom/Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 2/19/2014
Dark Horse Comics unveiled their Project Black Sky line of comics last year creating a new focus on classic superhero types to go with their eclectic array of interesting titles. Always being students of history, Dark Horse created the Project Black Sky line utilizing Golden Age heroes within the public domain, creating something completely new based on titles of old. They started with Captain Midnight and have added others. There are still others on their way as well. It looks like Project Black Sky is beginning to cook. And judging from what I read in issue #2 of Skyman, it might be time to strap yourself in as it is going to be one hell of a ride. Skyman, or at least a version of Skyman appeared in Captain Midnight Issue #4. It was not a very good portrayal of this program of super secret soldiers who were created to replace Captain Midnight after he disappeared in 1944. Lots of destruction ensued and if not for Captain Midnight, there would have been loss of life. Now known to the public, the Skyman Program is in seriously in need of some positive publicity. Enter Sergeant Eric Reid, an Afghan War veteran with no use of his legs, but with an indisputable amount of heart and grit. He's the new face of Skyman, but the other soldiers in the program aren't too keen with Reid, especially Leiutenant Sharp, his handler.
Skyman #2 begins on Day #63 of the Skyman Goodwill Tour in Cairo, Egypt. Reid is impressing as always, but something is bothering him. He is having flashbacks relating to an incident in his past and it is starting to affect his concentration. He's beginning to have doubts about his purpose as Skyman, and events happening are adding some foundation to those doubts. A decision will have to be made that puts Reid in a very delicate position. What will happen remains to be seen, but Issue #2 does a phenomenal job of building things up, not to mention that it shows us who Sergeant Reid is, not only as a hero, but as a man too.
Joshua Hale Fialkov has written a great tale filled with all the action and drama that you would want in a story of this caliber. Fialkov takes the writing a step farther however as he delves deep into the man that is Eric Reid. Reid truly is a hero with heart and worthy of the Skyman suit. The added dimension brought out through Fialkov's writing though is that he depicts the very people within the Skyman Program as ones who see themselves as the worthy ones and not Reid. These two beliefs are going to collide and we will see what happens. I know it is going to be interesting.
When I read the first Skyman installment, I was not very familiar with Manuel Garcia’s art, but I was impressed nonetheless as he gave total respect to a grand character of the Golden Age that was featured in over one hundred stories. In Issue #2, Garcia begins to make Skyman his own drawing Reid with an inner strength that matches his outer, while depicting Liutenant Sharp in the Skyman suit and without as shady. He almost urges the reader to be on our guard with this guy. There is also an action sequence here in the heart of Cairo that is just unbelievable. I don't wish to give anything away, but I will say that the artistic detail rendered by Garcia is just amazing. A big time talent Mr. Garcia is.
My only real complaint is that Skyman is only four issues. I know all the Project Black Sky titles are building a whole new universe, but there is no doubt that Skyman can hold his own with any of the old time heroes. Can't wait for more on this one or the others.
Score: 5/5
Writer: Joshua Hale Fiakov Artist: Manuel Garcia Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 2/19/14
Protectors Inc. is the third release of the relaunch of Joe’s Comics, published through Image. The previous two releases were for Ten Grand and Sidekick (Please feel free to check both reviews here at Comic Bastards). Protector’s Inc. is the brainchild of writer J. Michael Straczynski and the line art is created by Gordon Purcell. There are superheroes in the world, and nearly all of them are wealthy power people who fall under the corporate umbrella of Protectors, Inc. They provide Justice(?) sometimes. But mostly, they provide PR and entertainment to the people as the real world churns forward. Now however, something is different as some disappearances/murders have occurred and they include one of Protectors Inc.'s own, The Huntsman. It is now up to hard-boiled Detective John Riley to investigate and put all the pieces together. Issue #4 continues that process as Riley interviews The Angel, the female of the bunch. And, we get to see more shenanigans from other Protectors as we get a small back story from each.
Superhero Noir is the term that I am using to describe this whole series. It is classic noir storytelling with a superhero edge all from the mind and thoughts of one Detective Riley. You could almost put some soft jazz music in the background when you read this and it would fit. These issues have all been smooth and pleasing to the reader as we flow with Riley during his investigation. Of course, we get to see some other things that Riley doesn't get to see, which makes the story even better. Issue #4 adds to that smoothness as this story is becoming an interesting case study in true crime vs. superhero entertainment style crime fighting. I'm loving it.
Outside of maybe Charles Soule, J. Michael Straczynski is the hardest working writer in comics. He is all over the place, and for good reason. When you read his stories, you see a richness and development that digs deeply into a person's psyche rather than just the sugar-coated exterior being displayed. Straczynski bares one's soul, which makes him a perfect fit for a story of lovable and popular superheroes with deadly crime floating underneath. You just know that as you continue to read this tale, that fluffy layer upon layer will be peeled back to reveal a dark reality. The writing continues to tease that outcome with superb artistry by Gordon Purcell on line art and Micheal Atiyeh on coloring that excellently paces the darkness. The art is succeeding greatly in capturing the "Superhero Noir" look.
If you are not following Protectors Inc. You really need to be. It is good old-fashioned entertainment dressed up for a modern world with an A+ writing team. It is well worth the look.
Score: 4/5
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski Artist: Gordon Purcell Publisher: Image/Joe’s Comics Price $2.99 Release Date: 2/19/14
