My Top Rack: Lindy Turner from The Double Life of Miranda Turner

Bottom line, well actually this is my top line but same difference, I would love to be able to jump into some else's body and control their actions. This could lead to tons of trouble and probably a lot of people adopted cats and watching Demi Lovato music videos. But anyway, The Double Life of Miranda Turner is a comic by Monkey Brain that brings in two superhero sisters to light. Lindy was the original Cat hero but now gives her role up to her sister Miranda. Well more like Lindy was murder and now is Miranda’s ghost sidekick. They desperately search for Lindy’s murderer. With all the seriousness around this comic you will be surprised to find it very light-hearted. The comic is fun and entertaining in a lot of ways especially with the art. It is very fun with its bright colors and flowing lines. Lindy is by far the coolest character we meet though. You can tell this right away, which is awesome to be able to set up such good characterization this quickly.

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What I love about Lindy the most is her being a ghost. She has lots of clever ways to get in and out of sticky situations for Miranda. This issue was by far my favorite with her being able to jump into someone else’s body. Lindy is one clever ghost and although is pretty cool too, Lindy will always be the coolest cat.

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Review: Stray Bullets – The Uber Alles Edition

So, right off the bat, I want you all to know that one day, I will shut up about Stray Bullets, or at least only write about it once a month. But this is not that day. In my mania about Stray Bullets, I went out and bought the collected edition of the original 40 issues plus this month’s brand new issue, Stray Bullets Über Alles. It was 60 bucks, which is steep but there’s two things going in favor of this book’s price. The first is that if my math is right (and it usually is), this collection shakes out to a little less than $1.50 per issue, which you can’t beat in today’s market. The other is that if I go back and look at the other collections I’ve bought recently, like Fantastic Four Doomed (Fraction/Bagley, et al), that ends up being more like $3.00 per issue, which is normal cover price, just collected and with some process in the back. One reason it might not be that pricey is the list of things they left out.

Some reasons this might be a more affordable collection: It’s not hardcover. I ordered a copy from my LCS fully expecting a sharp-cornered, glossy hardcover. I’m actually pleased it’s softcover – I prefer reading from softcovers; I feel like they fit better in my hands somehow. The pages are glossy, but still not too thick or anything. However, it’s also missing both the cover of each issue as well as the letters and backmatter. The cover images are all at the beginnings of the chapters, at least.

stray-bullets-uber-alles-edition-releasesOkay, so that’s the packaging. It’s literally just the credits, the table of contents, and then 41 issues of black and white comic. It bears stating that the reprinting of this comic includes a lot of clean-ups to Lapham’s art, making each panel as crisp as the first time it was drawn. Maybe even crisper.

The real draw of this volume is that it is literally the perfect starter pack. If a reader wanted to jump on to, say, American Vampire: Second Cycle (which they absolutely should, AV is great), they would have to read five separate trades, and god forbid one of them go out of print. With SB, there were several oversize printings of the first few arcs, seven issues at a stretch, and those went out of print. Then there were regular TPB size volumes of all the issues, including the Amy Racecar specials. And then those went out of print. Über Alles gives you each one of them, for under two dollars an issue, in one place, plus the brand new issue.

If you’re new to this universe, it’s the perfect spot to jump on. The price is slightly prohibitive, and since it’s only sold through Diamond, you can’t even get it for a discount on Amazon. Your best bet is to convince your local librarian to order a copy for the library that you can borrow, to buy it yourself, or to convince the owner at your LCS to let you read the shelf copy in the corner. The first and second scenarios could work. The third... probably not. Regardless, you will not regret this purchase.

Score: 5/5

Writer/Artist/Creator: David Lapham Publisher: El Capitan/Image Comics Price: $59.99 Release Date: 3/12/14

Review: X-O Manowar #23

I’ll admit that this tends to be a series I fall behind on. There are just too many good books to read and so sometimes I bank a series and catch up on it with one fail swoop. That was the case with X-O Manowar this month as I fill in for Carl on the review. The thing about X-O is that the quality never dips. I’ve never picked this series up after a long break and though, “nah, I’m done.” Instead each time I’m reinvigorated to read the series more consistently. With the events in Unity and the upcoming Armor Hunters, I don’t see myself missing a single issue anymore. For twenty-three issues Robert Venditti has delivered a fantastic story and much like Harbinger it seems to only get better and better with each issue. Here he kicks the story off with the introduction of a fierce-looking alien that seems to have similar armor to Aric’s, but he’s missing half of the suit. If this doesn’t set your imagination on fire and get you excited for Armor Hunters, I don’t know what will. It’s possibly one of the coolest things introduced into the new Valiant Universe.

The alien isn’t doing to hot and his ship is even worse off. He just needs to make it to earth before the ship gives out and then he’ll be fine. Too bad he collides with a big chunk of Vine ship floating around the orbit of earth.

XO_023_COVER_CAFUAt the same time Aric is bidding goodnight to his queen as he must do his nightly “patrols.” The Visigoth’s have been put on a reservation in Nebraska under the watchful eye of the U.S. government. Aric knows this, but the others do not. He moons a Satellite that has missiles aimed at this people before checking in with his handler. Venditti excels with her character because if you don’t hate her after one page of interactions then you’re a liar.

The pacing of this story is just perfect. I don’t use that world lightly here. Venditti really does capture the perfect pace as he establishes the alien crashing to earth, and then backs up the story to catch up with Aric so that he can arrive on site just after the crash. No scene is longer than it should be, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not the exact length they need to be. It is a great reading experience to see Venditti shape Aric’s character. He’s grown so much from the first issue and it only continues.

Usually when a book shifts artists it can be a bad thing or even annoying, but somehow Valiant has made the rotating talent on this series (and their other titles) a moot point. Here artist Diego Bernard steps in and knocks the issue out of the park. He was the absolute best choice for this issue and sets the stage for the coming event that will tie heavily into X-O. His line work is wonderful and the alien being is very cool looking.

It’s not often that you fall behind on a series because it’s consistently great, but if you were like me then catch up. In a lot of ways X-O is the Valiant Universe. They built their world on his shoulders and he’s more than capable of handling the load.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Robert Venditti Artist: Diego Bernard Publisher: Valiant Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/19/14

Review: Undertow #2

The first issue of this series was met with mixed reviews here on Comic Bastards. I wasn’t alone in liking the issue, but I think I was the most surprised by it; the reason being that I’m not a fan of underwater societies. The general idea is just really illogical and silly when you put any practical thought into it and then you hate yourself for wasting time thinking about practical underwater societies. Well someone did put some practical thought into it and while I don’t think it’s perfect, it’s damn close to being as practical as you can be. In the last issue we meet Redum Anshargal, a myth, a legend, a leader. He’s been cast out of society and as such he’s begun building a new one away from Atlantis. Likeminded people are free to join him on his high-jacked ship, but space is growing thin and so are supplies. The Council on the ship wishes to take permanent anchor and build a society on land. Others don’t think it’s a good idea and feel that they’ll just be making Atlantis on land (foreshadowing?).

Anshargal thinks that settling is possible, just not for them. The children though… yes! He’s taken a small group of men to find the Amphibian, an Atlantean air-breather in the hope of unlocking something to help the kids. Unfortunately the group has found its way into the den of a giant prawn which has taken to dismembering them quickly.

undertow2-coverABack on the ship we meet the council and some other characters while we basically learn the views and personalities of our supporting cast.

The story is a bit all over the place; the weakest part being the time spent at the ship. The characters may give us a view into what’s happening within the group, but it does little more than sprinkle plot points for future issues. It doesn’t drive the plot of the current story forward. The strength of the issue comes from Anshargal and his two remaining men, Kingu and Ukinnu (who narrated the first issue). The three men take turns informing each other as to how they got there, with the slight exception of Anshargal. He tells an aspect of his story, but it can’t nearly be the entire thing. If you remove the back and forth with the ship this issue is actually very good and would have a tight flowing story; perhaps if everything at the ship had been over and done with first it would have been a better story and built the danger that the group of men were facing.

The art has a few hang-ups as well; during the scene with the prawn (I’m fairly certain it was a prawn) it was hard to see what it was doing. Either that or it was so fast that you weren’t meant to see all of its actions. The other thing was that this scene was incredibly dark. Granted the scene is in a pitch dark area, but as the reader we should still be able to tell what’s happening. The way the flashbacks are presented was very unique. Whereas the issue is mostly dark, the past is presented in lighter colors like white and light-blues. It made it easy to understand that it was not the same time line and that’s exactly what you want with a book this stylized.

There’s still a lot of fun and entertainment to be had with this issue; sure there are a few problems, but nothing that makes the book un-readable. This take on the underwater society is interesting because it mirrors the struggles of our own society and how we’re endangering our own future with how we treat the planet. In a lot of ways the water represents our society and the land represents other planets. It’s a fantastic blend of sci-fi and with Redum Anshargal as our guide; it’s going to be a great trip and I for one will be there for it.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Steve Orlando Artist: Artyom Trakhanov Publisher: Image Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 3/19/14

Review: Dark Horse Presents #34

It’s been a while since I last checked in with DHP (Dark Horse Comics Presents). This series hit a kind of weird dry spell in which I wasn’t enjoying the vast majority of the stories that were included within its pages. The dry spell is still with this issue, but thankfully a couple of stories wrap up here giving me hope for the next issue. I’m definitely not going to talk about all of the stories since there were a few and I struggled with reading some of them. I’ll admit that one series that returns here, I completely skipped because I couldn’t stand its first appearance in the series. Because I’m behind on this book I missed out on “The Deleted” which was one of my absolute favorite stories of the issue. It’s written by Brendan McCarthy and Darrin Grimwood, with art by McCarthy. My understanding is that a gamer by the name of Dante has been sucked into a world that is set up like old school video games. He’s attempting to help a group of people out of the world and he only has what looks like a robot’s hand, to help him. The hand literally deletes shit from the world. There is a fantastic twist at the end and I will be back next month for sure to find out what happens.

“Cruel Biology” by Christopher Sebela and Brian Churilla is another that I’m coming into late, but I was able to grasp enough of the story to stick with it. It’s a strange story set on an island filled with natives and housing U.S. military at the moment. The story begins with a native man coughing and running towards a supply boat. The boat takes off never giving the man a notice or a care. The man is covered in blood and coughing more and more until he simply dies. I won’t spoil the rest of the story, but it’s really good.

DHP #34 CoverMister X continues making appearances in this series and if you don’t know Dean Motter’s masterpiece is one of my favorite all-time comics. This chapter is no different. Interestingly enough Mister X is actually absent from most of the issue, but it’s still very good. Motter flexes his writing muscles with this story and I absolutely loved it. The artwork was also cleaner looking that his last series, but again it too was wonderful.

Rather than drone on and on, I’m going to talk about this last series that really caught my attention and that’s Davy Jones and the Mystery of the Monocle Men. This story is very clever and had a great all-ages vibe to it. The gist is that people in town are disappearing including the grandparent of our two main characters. The kids remember a story their grandpa told them about writing a letter to Davy Jones and he’ll come and help, well they do that… and Davy Jones shows up to help. It was cute, clever and actually reminded me more of an Oni Press book (which isn’t a bad thing at all). The story and art are by Dennis Culver and it’s not to be missed.

There are plenty of other stories in this issue. Some worth reading and some I wouldn’t recommend bothering with. It does look like with the next issue we’ll see some new stories or at the very least some conclusions to other stories and that’s a good thing. I haven’t read the last two or three issues and yet I still feel like I picked up almost the same issue as before. Time for some fresh blood I say.

Score: 3/5

Writers: Various Artists: Various Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $7.99 Release Date: 3/19/14

Review: The Illegitimates #4

I’m going to see this series through to the end; it’s just something I’m reading now. It’s not good, but it’s not terrible either. It’s just one of those unique stories that really can only exist as a comic book even though it’s trying really hard to write its script for a movie at the same time. The problem is that if it were a movie you’d have the same problems as this comic book. The first issue took the time to set up the father’s existence, our James Bond character and because of that he’s far more interesting than the rest of the story which has been setting up his children and nemesis. None of which are even a fraction of interesting. This issue dives into the deep end of the wacky James Bond pool as the bad guy’s plot is revealed along with his ridiculous base of operation. Really this issue is closer to a bad episode of James Bond Jr. than it is James Bond.

The kids all get into revealing swimwear and head out to an oil rig. Two of the dudes check out their half-sister’s ass and then it hit me… none of them are related. It really does seem like this story is moving towards a twist and so that’s my guess, that the James Bond guy was shooting blanks and Ms. Heatherpence is actually the one behind everything. Just my guess, but with one of the “kids” seemingly acting like a double agent it would make sense to me. That and none of them look anything alike which could just be the art, but I think it’s more than that.

Illigitamates04-cvrThe rest of the story is spent introducing the bad guys plan and revealing where the four remaining mommies are. Oh and the double agent thing is probably true, but only because Olympus is compromised and so the “double agent” is probably just the goodiest of the goodies.

The pacing of the story is the same and works for the story. The dialogue continues to be flat and stiff at times. Even the when the brothers were checking out their sister’s ass it came off like bad actors delivering lines even they didn’t believe in. It would have been creepy and funny had the series taken any amount of time to build their relationships as a family. There just isn’t any room in the plot, but if for some reason this becomes an ongoing or picks up a second series that should be its first and only priority.

The art is still very good and hammers out the cheesecake. If you want hot women to look at the issue has you covered; you want hot men? Covered. The art is definitely entertaining and the main reason I stick with this story; more for the action than the cheese and beefcake, but it’s at least something to stare at when the talking starts.

At this point this series is what it is. It’s not going to change course and suddenly get better; all we can hope for is that the twist ending will be worth it. I enjoyed the hell out of the first issue and with a little luck maybe the series can close out on that same high note, but if not… I won’t be surprised.

Score: 3/5

Writers: Marc Andreyko and Taran Killam Artist: Kevin Sharpe Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/19/14

Review: Magic the Gathering – Theros #5

I’ve really enjoyed this volume of Magic The Gathering. It’s a series that bares resemblance to the structure used for most of the Mignolaverse from Dark Horse Comics, in that each mini-series is a chapter in the overall story that’s running throughout the world. That is to say that instead of a monthly series they’re divided up into mini-series and this allows for a better quality and pacing for the stories. Again this series has been very good and brought me back to Dack Fayden, a plane traveler with powerful magic. He was on a journey to find an artifact with immense power before someone else could and spoiler he was successful. While the first four issues were about this journey and Fayden’s introduction to the land of Theros, this fifth issue is something else.

To put it bluntly, it’s a set up issue for the next series. Even still it’s a decent issue because Fayden is a grand character with many quirks and the perfect adventurer’s personality. The fact does remain though that this issue is more of a one-shot with the bulk of the story being told and played out within this issue. That may not sound like a bad thing, but it’s supposed to be the fifth issue in the “Theros” storyline and other than the fact that Fayden is there… it doesn’t have much to do with Theros at all.

The gist of the issue is that Fayden is in jail after waking up and discovering he was performing some serious magic and attacking a place. They have him bound and muzzled so that he can’t perform magic. Our female mage from before, Atha, ends up freeing Fayden and she tells him of her crazy ass plan that may get him killed, but also stop the next threat which is a being that feeds on Nightmares.

Magic_S405_cvrAThat is what makes this issue good and bad. It really comes across as a first issue in a new series or as I said a one-shot that connects them both, but it ends here. More than likely it’s so that the next mini-series can begin in the location that this issue leaves off at, but it really leaves this issue standing out like a sore thumb compared to the other four issues.

The writing is otherwise as solid and well-crafted as the rest of the series. Fayden’s dialogue and narration is as enjoyable as ever and you just can’t help but like the guy. It says something about the quality of writing when you like a character for their personality and not for their talents or powers. Take Fayden’s powers away and he’s still a dude you’d want to hang with.

Our artists Martin Cocolo and Chris Evenhuis return to the issue and bring their wonderful pencil work that’s been a staple from the beginning. Their artwork is so great that one of the pages from the book was turned into the variant cover for the issues. There is nothing more than I can say about their artwork. It’s detailed, photorealistic and brings this magical world to life with its characters and setting.

This is a tough call because it is a really good issue, but a fifth issue in a five-issue series should also be judge on that merit. I’m all fine with a set up for the next issue, but that’s all this issue is. They might have wanted to visit it on the next series or even as a zero issue one-shot just before it’s launch.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Jason Ciaramella Artists: Martin Coccolo and Chris Evenhuis Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/19/14

Stan Lee Promotes Free Comic Book Day 2014

Well, well, well, Stan Lee is helping promote Free Comic Book Day this year. If you don't know what that is I encourage you to check out the links below, but otherwise let's let Stan take it away. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbdCVF7I3rc

This year, Free Comic Book Day is taking place on Saturday May 3rd at participating comic book shops across the country and worldwide! There are 60 FREE comics that are available to choose from for both kids and adults. Titles of comics include Guardians of the Galaxy, Spongebob, DC’s The New 52: Futures End, Teen Titans Go, Transformers vs. GI Joe, Power Rangers, Hello Kitty and more!

For more information about Free Comic Book Day, go to www.freecomicbookday.com. Also you can use the store locator at http://bit.ly/FCBDStoreLocator, to find participating comic shop in your area.  

IDW Announces TMNT Mini-Series "Turtles in Time!"

Well they got me for the first issue at least since Ross Campbell will be on interiors! From IDW:

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have faced enemies old and new over the years, but this June they will have to battle against time itself to save the day! Another great way to celebrate the Turtles’ 30th Anniversary, Turtles In Time is an all-new, essential mini-series for fans who just can’t get enough of the heroes in a half shell.

Traveling to the farthest reaches of the space-time continuum, the Turtles encounter dinosaurs, pirates, samurai warriors — and a bleak future, should they fail on their quest! Written by TMNT scribes Paul Allor (Utrom Empire) and Erik Burnham (Secret History of the Foot Clan), each issue features a time-travelling cover by superstar artist David Petersen (Mouse Guard) and interiors by a rotating lineup of different top artists! Issue #1 kicks off with artwork by fan-favorite Ross Campbell, who will also provide art for the issue’s SUB variant cover.

“I love time travel stories, and I love seeing the Turtles outside of their comfort zone,” says co-writer Burnham. “So basically, this is the most fun I've had in the TMNT sandbox yet!” TMNT - Turtles in Time"I am so excited for this story!” added co-writer Allor. “I'm blown away by the artists we have lined up, and I truly think readers are going to love this wild, rip-roaring journey through time."

Like the previous IDW mini-series’ before it, Secret History of the Foot Clan and Utrom Empire, Turtles In Time, will offer a unique story that further enriches the continuity, taking fans deeper into the world of the Turtles in a way only IDW can.

Created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, in 1984 the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles evolved from a cult-hit to a mega-franchise. Appearing in films, television shows, and video games, the Turtles have become a mainstay of comic book culture. Currently appearing in the hit Nickelodeon animated cartoon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, they will also star in the upcoming Paramount feature filmTMNT, produced by Michael Bay.

Enormous Episode 1 Online Now!

Machinima Prime is back this week with yet another web series based on a comic book. We posted the teaser to Enormous last week, but now you can watch the full first episode below. But first here's the synopsis: Enormous Short Film Synopsis

The film picks up years after E Day, the worldwide attack of massive insect like beasts, as the remaining humans from all walks of life must band together to survive and fight back against the monstrous invaders. Viewers are introduced to Ellen (Ceren Lee), a mother who has lost her child, and watch as she prepares to play a major role in the human resistance. The cast also includes Steve Braun (Wrong Turn 2), and Erica Gimpel (Veronica Mars).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eq3tCdal2M

As a bonus here's the poster and a couple of shots from the short film.

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Review: The Double Life of Miranda Turner #3

Now we’re getting somewhere! I mean I already knew that it would because the creators assured me as much after my last review, but it’s good to see it coming through in the comic itself. In the last issue we were introduced to Miranda’s day job… actress! I have to admit it has this classic comic book, pulp vibe because of her job and better yet she’s a stage actress. This issue picks up with Miranda (now dressed as the Cat) getting pulverized by Archie… the director of the play. A bit of bad luck has befallen the production and while Miranda and her dead sister Lindy (who only see can see and communicate with at the moment) haven’t figured it out, it’s pretty obvious to the audience. That’s a nice trick that Jamie S. Rich has played on us making us feel smarter than the story. Well it worked sir!

Lindy follows Archie as eventually he wears out and passes out. Lindy notices something on his face and “ah-ha! A Clue” has been found. Miranda heads back to join the rest of the cast and they all talk about the production; she begins trying to solve who would have the most to benefit from the production being shut down, but is she on the right course?

The_Double_Life_of_Miranda_Turner_03-1This issue was a nice change of pace as we spent more time with Lindy. I’ll admit that I still don’t have a great understanding of Lindy and Miranda’s personalities, but it’s getting there and each issue it’s stronger and stronger. Rich does a grand job with the dialogue this issue as the characters kept a fantastic pace and because of this the story hustles forward just right.

The world that George Kambadais has created is wonderful. I absolute love the look and vibe of the series. It’s not quite golden or silver age comics, it’s not quite pulp, not quite modern, not quite old; but at the same time it’s all of those things. In a strange way it reminds me of The Adventures of T-Rex, but with the characters of Batman: The Animated Series. That’s probably just me though. The more the city and subsequently the story opens up, the more I want to stay with this world and explore it. That’s a huge strength of any story when it can make the reader want to be a part of its world.

This series is very entertaining and accomplishes something that a lot of superhero titles currently published doesn’t offer… wholesome fun. Ew, I know some of you just shied away from the word “wholesome” but that doesn’t mean that it’s geared towards kids or imposes some kind of religious belief on you. It just means that it isn’t dark and brooding, it doesn’t try swearing just to swear and more importantly anyone can jump on and enjoy it. Hulk isn’t for everyone; Batman isn’t for everyone, but The Double Life of Miranda Turner has the potential to be for anyone. Anyone that’s willing to check it out that is.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Jamie S. Rich Artist: George Kambadais Publisher: MonkeyBrain Inc Price: $0.99 Release Date: 3/19/14

Review: Letter 44 #5

Going into this issue I wasn’t too sure what I’d have to say about this series. I did just sum up all my joy and excitement for the past four issues with the last review and by that point the series had fallen into a steady routine. Sure it was very interesting and I wanted to read more, but I felt like I knew what to expect as far as the pacing and when the action beats would happen. Boy was I wrong. I mean this issue surprised the hell out of me. Let’s start with the cover since that reveal is exactly where our story begins. You see that there is a second White House… yeah. If you’ve been following the series then you know the only person that’s bold enough or would even feel the need to build a second White House so I won’t say. The FBI is in the process of scoping out the compound. The Agent in charge has planned their strike for 4am hoping to have the advantage against the ex-Navy Seals and Special Ops agents that are employed inside. I’m not going to tell you anything else about this scene, but it is pretty sweet.

In space we stick with our two dudes that approached the asteroid and jumped through a portal in the last issue. As much as the space side of the story is enjoyable, this break from the entire group was refreshing and needed. Pritchard begins studying these flying drill bit looking things when he accidentally touches one when it expands without him realizing it. This sends Pritchard flying and he ends up cracking his helmet! The Lieutenant covering him begins fighting for their lives as the drill bits go into kill mode.

Letter 44 #5This issue was very refreshing. It’s not that the series had gone stale, but as I said I felt that I had a good grasp on the pacing and plot/action beats. Really up until this point the story bounced between the President and the members of the Clarke. It was a good back and forth, but the story was primarily moved forward by the President. When it went to the Clarke we just knew that we would be checking in with each member of the team.

By breaking the routine, Charles Soule has offered intrigue into the rest of the story. What is happening on the Clarke? For the first time I want to know rather than just assuming I’ll be told. The dialogue is as solid as ever. The banter between the FBI agents and even the brief appearance from the President are prime examples of the strength in Soule’s dialogue.

The art does work. By that I mean that artist Alberto Jimenez Alburquerque takes us to two new locations and amazes with both. The second White House was full of incredible scenes and really changed my reality of this story. Suddenly it has this incredible action side to it and that goes right into the space side of the story as well. While the impending doom and danger wasn’t as thick, it was still intense to see the Lieutenant go ape on the drill bits.

There were some grand scenes and Dan Jackson on coloring brought it all home. The asteroid was awesome looking as Jackson’s coloring gave it a strange vibe. It looked vibrant and real, but at the same time alien and fake. More so it felt like the characters were some where no one had been before and that was great to see and feel from the art and coloring.

I didn’t run to read this issue this week and I kind of wish I had. I won’t be making that mistake again and if you’re in the same boat as me then you should do the same. If you’re not reading this book then you really should check it out. It has a dash of some many genres that it’s bound to hit something you’re interested in.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Charles Soule Artist: Alberto Jimenez Alburquerque Colorist: Dan Jackson Publisher: Oni Press Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/19/14

Review: Sovereign #1

Written by Guest Contributor: Jefferey Pinkos Image’s summary for Chris Roberson and Paul Maybury’s Sovereign says it’s “[a]n epic fantasy in the tradition of Game of Thrones,” which, let’s face it, is Image’s marketing team going for the easy get.  Anything nowadays even toeing the line of high fantasy gets a branded as the second coming of Tolkien or George R.R. Martin’s, you know, whatever, whether or not it deserves it.  Despite a shared parentage and a shifting perspective (though, to be fair, Faulkner did it first; and no marketing teams are chomping at the bit to say, “this shit’s like The Sound and The Fury!!”), Roberson and Maybury’s series share little in common with Game of Thrones.

Roberson’s ambition is showing here, starting his brand new series with three unrelated vignettes — Leaving Silence, with mystics and undertakers; Blade and Bow, a Conan-like monster-slaying tribe of horsemen; and From The Depths, a Moby Dick/swords on the high seas story.  Roberson handles these stories as well as can be expected, considering their abbreviated length.  The three narrative threads is an interesting concept, especially when their relevance to one another is eventually revealed.  For a #1, however, his ambition gets in way of storytelling, giving readers a little of a little.  Over time, I am sure he’ll do the type of worldbuilding he wants to do here, and that there’ll be a payoff for the split narration.  Framed within a serialized floppy book, it doesn’t fit like it should.  Readers need to commit to get Roberson’s story.

Sovereign01-CoverMore to report:  Maybury’s art is great; it fits the story Roberson wants to impart, both ancient and mystical.  Compared to his work on the psychedelic Catalyst Comix, Maybury is restrained.  In the Leaving Silence story, the undertakers come to a field of corpses and see glowing orbs, “daemons of the unreal,” one of the undertakers named Brother Swift comes at the now roaming undead with two glowing blades while his partners tend to the still dead, circling them with salt and decapitating them.  The violence is bloodless.  He dispatches them easily, cutting them into ribbons.  It’s an interesting scene.  Full of the unreal.  Compare it to the earth and fire of Blade and Bow, or the glittering blue water in From The Depths.  He handles his elements so well, and his landscapes seem so organic to the story.  Know that it’ll get bigger and more interesting.

If this sounds like something you’re into, know that you’ll need to invest some time into.

Score: 3/5

Writers: Chris Roberson Artist: Paul Maybury Publisher: Image Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 3/19/14

Review: The Strain: The Fall #9

The Strain: The Fall has been one hellaciously good and dark ride into doom. It has a kick to it that rocks hard. There is no denying that it is good. I only hope that the television rendering can match what has been presented within the comics, cause the comics kick. Now we are at the end. The Fall is over, The Night Eternal will begin soon. All I can say is DAMN! This was a good wrap up. Even better than I had anticipated. Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan outdid themselves with this story. Using David Lapham to adapt the novel, I am beginning to believe has been the touch of genius. He has taken this creepy mix of all the best things of vampire lore and zombie apocalypse stories, mashing the two together. It is magnificent and scary at the same time.

The Strain tells the story of a vampire virus that has started in Manhattan and has spread at an alarming rate. That's the simple story. The more complex tale involves ancient evil, master plans, and the struggle for humankind's very survival. It is an intriguing tapestry of ancient myths, modern science, and superstitions, an impressive feat.

The Strain The Fall #9 CoverAbout as interesting as the story, is the diversity of the characters themselves. The five heroes of the story are a true representation of humanity and they all have flaws, but share a common goal. With the ending here, it will shock and amaze as it doesn't quite end like you think that it would. People die, plots unravel, and details emerge that aren't too warm and fuzzy. This is a sinister story with sinister outcomes.

Mike Huddleston has been perfect in delivering a dark sense of dread in all the issues. Even when the good guys are succeeding, they are drawn like they are not. They all look pale, distorted, or just plain wasted in their appearance, facing the onslaught of unspeakable evil. It isn't pretty to look at, but it sets the perfect tone to Lapham’s script.

Once this one is over, you realize that things will never be the same. Perhaps evil will be stopped, but it doesn't matter. The Fall has occurred and now we are left to deal with that reality of what is left. Great writing Lapham. I'm locked in.

Score: 5/5

Writer: David Lapham Artist: Mike Huddleston Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/19/14

Review: The Sixth Gun #39

This isn’t your typical old west but it would have been more interesting if it was. When there are armies of snake men, cursed six shooters and no chance of hope how can you not read it. The apocalypse of the old west starts now and I can’t stop reading. Kirby has been captured and Gord is no longer, and impending doom is coming down on Drake, Becky and the rest of the posse. Nahuel, the Indian warrior, has a choice to save Kirby or save his squaw Nidawi and he can only choose one.  Darke and Becky are blazing their way through the snakemen army trying to get out of Brimstone when she notices that Drake is changing. The cursed Six is affecting his body and the more he uses them the more it affects him. This is one reason why the six must be destroyed. As they make their way through town they run into Drake’s nemesis Jesup. Jesup is here to destroy Drake and take the six back to the grey witch. Insert your perfect western theme music for high noon here but no Nahuel attacks Jesup giving an opportunity for Drake and the rest to escape. Little does Nahuel know that Jesup possesses the Widow Hume’s pistol that heals him even from fatal wounds.

The Sixth Gun #39There is one more group waiting in the wing to see how the grey witch’s plan works out, the Knights of Solomon.

The action jumps and the flames crawl as you feel a story of the oncoming apocalypse. I like that each issue involves all the characters but focuses on a select one or two to drive the story. You start to see that the pistols affecting Drake like the previous owners in the Sons of the Gun mini-series. You can actually feel the tough choices some have to make even if it cost them their life. It does build the anticipation for a final showdown between Jesup and Drake. I would prefer a good old fashion 1, 2, 3,  draw shootout. The art shines bringing the action alive and the colors make you feel the world is ending in flames.

If you love old west stories pick this up. If you like stories with a magical twist pick this up. If you’re looking for something new pick this up. All around this title should be in your pull list and if your shop doesn’t have it, demand it. It doesn’t disappoint and its one of my regulars.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Cullen Bunn Artist: Brian Hurtt Publisher: Oni Press Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/19/14

Review: Terminator: Enemy of My Enemy #2

I was extremely impressed with Dan Jolley and Jamal Ingle's new take on the old T-800. The first issue of Enemy of My Enemy told a bold new story that takes place in 1985 during the time of the original movie. Using all new never seen before characters (minus the T-800), an interesting side tale has sprung that holds its own within the Terminator mythos. It is damn good. I have been kicking myself ever since I read it because I came in with such low expectations. Luckily for me, Jolley and Igle did not have such expectations and I know that I will doubt no more as to the solidness of this mini. Hell, I even dedicated a My Top Rack feature to the character Farrow Greene (SEE FEATURE). That's how impressed I was with it. When receiving Issue #2, I anxiously began devouring it with reckless abandon. I now expect a top notch issue when I read it. And in Issue #2, I get it. It is not a fluke. It's the real deal. This is shaping up to be one awesome mini. It now appears that there are three interested parties involved in this story. Their target is a small in stature and unassuming doctor named Elise Fong. For Ex CIA agent and super bad ass, Farrow Greene, capturing Fong will go a long way in helping her “reach her goal” whatever that may be. We know that it has something to do with her current status as a mercenary rather than a CIA agent, but that is all. For the T-800, Fong's termination is necessary. And as for the government, It would appear that eliminating Ms.Greene and the T-800 tops their list. All 3 parties meet in this issue and the action is spectacular, a fatal three way for the ages. We also get just a little peek as to why Dr. Fong might be so important.

Terminator Enemy of My Enemy #2 CoverDan Jolley, Jamal Igle, and Ray Snyder (on the inks) all deserve super credit on this issue. Jolley works a machine gun pace on the story and dialogue that is complemented well with Ingle and Snyder's artistic impressions. They not only tell a good story, but they have introduced quite possibly that hardest core female herione in any Terminator story with their introduction and development of Farrow Greene. She is giving The T-800, and now the government men everything she has got. And there isn't a whole lot they can do but take the ass whipping being given to them.  The lady is a wrecking ball of power.

Ever since the release of the Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines movie, I had been down on the franchise. It seemed nothing could capture the energy or the spirit of the first two films, comics included. Recently though, Dark Horse Comics has begun to change that decline with its release of Terminator Salvation: The Final Battle and now with this side story mini. Ground that was lost has been regained and I for one am squarely back on board to see where things will go from here. Bring it on guys. Bring it on.

Score: 5/5

Writer:  Dan Jolley Artist: Jamal Igle Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/19/14

Review: Ten Grand #8

Ten Grand is, as far as I’m concerned, one of the last remaining vestiges of JMS’ talent. I’ve been (at best) “vocally” dismissive of his other recent books - like the absolutely atrocious Apocalypse Al - and while being relatively middling, Ten Grand is by-far the crown in his current catalogue. The narrative turn-off it has taken has been significant, but with issue eight, at very least it’s getting back on-track. However, is that a good thing ... or a bad thing? Let’s do a quick review of what Ten Grand is about, as it’s been a while since the book addressed its own main plot. Along with his main squeeze, Laura, Joe Fitzgerald was killed years ago by supernatural forces after a mob hit-gone-bad. Agreeing to become a quasi-immortal agent of Heaven in exchange for five minutes of face time with Laura’s soul each time he dies in the line of service, Joe has now found himself on a mission that has gone from pretty confusing to very personal.

Now, he’s in Hell, trying to take back the soul of his beloved Laura that was stolen from Heaven in an effort to re-spark a war of angels, and he’s not overly-enthused about it. The majority of this issue follows the history of Brother James, with whom Joe meets and talks, and against whom he exacts some sweet afterlife vengeance, being that BJ here is the one that called the hit on Laura and him.

The origin story of Brother James as a twisted enforcer of Heaven was actually pretty cool to see splayed out here, but ignoring his fairly hasty switch from the light side to that of the dark upon his death, this story feels like it’s been too long in the coming.

TenGrand_08_CoverAThe aside that led Joe from the real world and into the nether realm has plodded on for a little bit now, and while it’s been fun, the main plot of this story has simultaneously been lost for a few issues.

They do a decent job of revisiting the (Templesmith-illustrated) beginnings of this series, but even that feels like an admission on the creator’s part that maybe this book has been off-track for a hot minute, and the rehash of old story and artwork is painfully just that, and transparent in its use as filler.

Saying that, I do like the description of Hell here as a realm occupying its own plane of existence, thus being as endless as Heaven. I also enjoyed the way that Brother James plays the tempting devil, and makes some good points as to the less-than-equal deal setup between Joe and Heaven.

This is all not yet mentioning where this whole thing is going, with legions of Heaven’s defectors waiting in the wings (if you’ll pardon the angelic pun) and ready to strike. Like I’ve said before, I’m a sucker for that kind of Revelations-style story, so somewhat despite myself and my jaded opinion of JMS at the moment, I’m still a big fan of the Judeo-Christian mythology at work here and am looking forward to seeing where it goes.

There’s a clear tying of loose ends in Ten Grand #8, but it’s finally getting back to where it needs to be in terms of story, despite it being a pretty massive departure from how the series started. Still, if it’s one JMS book you should still actually read, it’s this one.

Score: 3/5

Writer: J. Michael Stracynski Artist: C.P. Smith Publisher: Image/Joe’s Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 3/19/14