I must say that this trailer and movie look better than basically every other action film that's released in the States this year. The cat and mouse story is something that's always interesting to me personally, but all of my favorite movies from the genre come from other countries. I think I'll be adding this one to my list.
The Private Eye Mini Fan Film
Carl G. Martin is dressing up as the P.I. from The Private Eye this Halloween. I know that because he ended up making a Sin City style fan film to show the jacket he made. It's okay. It's not great, but there's a lot of effort put into the video. Not so much put into the jacket though. I've already seen like five other jackets that were way better and his is basically just a bonnet that he puts on. If you're a fan of the series then it's worth checking out once.
The Private Eye from Carl G Martin on Vimeo.
Review: Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #5
Issue five starts with Varan attacking the countryside, and Lucy must flee the kaiju’s rage. When Rodan shows up and tussles with the “Unbelievable” monster, the action goes into overdrive. Chris Mowry smartly opens with the kaiju attacking and the humans fleeing. Using fan favorite but movie underutilized Varan will give G-Fans reason to be happy. Lucy uncovers more kaiju that will have fans cheering at seeing long-lost monsters appearing in this storyline. The action takes a slight dip while some plot points get explained, but the monster fighting continues soon after.
Overall, this was a good issue. The main problem, and this is persistent, is that the comic book is named Godzilla, and the big guy doesn’t appear until the final panel of the issue. So the benefit is that readers will be treated to some obscure kaiju in action. The story would have been excellent if they fought Godzilla, though.
This is one of the best iterations of Godzilla that IDW has done, aside from Half Century War. If the plot can include the titular character, it would be a perfect book all around.
Score: 3/5
Writer: Chris Mowry Artist: Jeff Zornow Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: Witchblade #170
It’s been a long ass time since I checked in with Witchblade. In fact the last time was around the beginning of Tim Seeley’s run on the series and now he’s departed the title and handed the reins back over to Ron Marz. That being said there is obviously a lot I don’t know about what’s happened in the series lately, but that didn’t stop me from checking out this landmark issue. To start with, Sarah is no longer in Chicago which might not be a news flash to anyone reading the series monthly, but it was to me and it’s a real shame. Chicago’s a big city and was honestly a great fit for her rather than New York. Well she’s back in New York, but not the city. Instead she’s in a small town (do they still have those in New York?) and has taken on the role of Sherriff. The story opens with two of her officers eying a terrible murder which is the third such murder in recent days. The body has been attached to a big “X” and the head removed. In a bit of a cop-out we never actually see what’s done to the body, but the slight details give us the impression that it’s brutal.
After seeing the head we’re taken into a flashback/dream that Sarah’s having that involves the Darkness aka Jackie. She wakes up and tries to poor herself a stiff drink, but the bottle is dry. She heads to a bar where she’s hit on by some douche bag and things get really out of control.
There were things I liked and disliked about the story. I liked Sarah’s drinking problem and the fact that she’s basically living with guilt, but the scene in the bar was… strange. I mean if she’s the town’s sheriff then I can only guess that she was in another town. Or maybe I’m overstepping when I say she’s the town’s sheriff I don’t know. Her role and world was missing a lot of details. There was a lot of back and forth like this. I’d like part of a scene, but not the outcome or some aspect of it. The supporting characters were all pretty weak and hopefully we’ll see them develop more in the future. I never really got into Marz’s first run on this series so I’m hoping that he’ll win me over this time around.
Okay I have to talk about that X-Men homage cover. The entire cover is really awesome and reminds you how powerful those old covers could be. Honestly Marvel might want to go back to that style considering those were the days the X-Men were the top dogs of sales.
As for the interior art, I really liked it. It had a good mixture of sex appeal, but as overbearing as Witchblade has been in the past. I liked the visual storytelling, but I do wonder why certain things aren’t shown in the story and only mentioned. The dead body is one thing, but there’s another scene that’s completely different that does the same thing. It’s not as if I think “blood and guts” when I think Witchblade, but this felt like they were going for more of a teen audience rather than mature. Otherwise the art is very good and new series artist Laura Braga captures the world of Witchblade and is a welcomed addition to the long running series.
I wouldn’t say that this issue is a soft reboot like the start of Seeley’s run was, but it is a great spot for new readers to jump on. You really don’t need to know anything about the series previously and while I couldn’t tell you how Sarah got where she is, it didn’t distract or harm the story at all. If you’ve never checked out Witchblade, I can recommend this issue for sure. If you’ve never really had an interest in the world or character then I doubt you’re going to be won over here.
Score: 3/5
Writer: Ron Marz Artist: Laura Braga Publisher: Image and Top Cow Price: $2.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: The Last of Us (TPB)
The Last of Us is one of the most incredible games I’ve ever played. Not only does it seamlessly blend my two favorite genres of video games (stealth and survival horror); it gives an emotional story and characters so memorable that it’s more than a video game. It’s really an experience. I’m glad to say that Dark Horse’s collected edition of their four-issue miniseries is also an experience not to miss for fans of the game. To those wondering, the comic takes place before the game and before the three weeks mentioned in the game (that might sound vague to people who haven’t played the game, but I don’t want to give away what happens in those three weeks since it’d be a major spoiler). We follow thirteen-year-old Ellie who’s getting dropped off by bus at the Boston quarantine zone. She’s looking out her window in the beginning and sees a guy about to get killed because a soldier’s scanner goes off which means the man is infected. A group of survivors with Ellie get off the bus, and a soldier who seems to have gotten close with Ellie talks to her. He says she can’t pull any of her old stunts (if you’ve played the game, you know Ellie is a troublemaker) and he won’t be able to bail her out. Ellie pleads with him to take her with him, but he says he can’t-or as Ellie puts it, he won’t.
She is frustrated by this, but thinks she can handle herself. She gets jumped by two kids who are trying to steal her Walkman. She’s getting the crap kicked out of her and running her mouth when another girl steps in. She is able to get a few harsh kicks and punches in before slamming the one boy to the ground and savagely threatening him. The boys run away, but Ellie doesn’t thank the girl who saved her. The girl tries to give her advice and make some friends so she doesn’t get jumped like that, but Ellie doesn’t want her advice. The other girl points out that she has trust issues. One of the men in charge of their school catches Ellie right after the other girl started running away from him, and calls her into his office. He reads off her record of bad behavior and assigns her to clean a jeep. She reaches into her coat pocket to grab her Walkman and realizes the girl who saved her took it and is livid. She confronts the girl about it, but she plays it off as if she doesn’t know what Ellie is talking about. Ellie calls her a lousy thief, and she finally gives the Walkman back to Ellie, saying she has “shit taste in music anyway.”
That night while lying in bed, Ellie hears footsteps. It happens to be the girl who saved her, and she seems to be trying to escape. Ellie sneaks up on her and the other demands her go back to her room. Ellie refuses and says they can help each other out in escaping. We learn that the other girls’ name is Riley, and she makes sure Ellie is ready before they attempt to make their escape.
The second issue really starts to heat up when Ellie learns that Riley wants to become a part of The Fireflies, an anarchist group who is searching for a cure to the cordyceps brain infection (CBI). This is the proponent that is responsible for turning people into the Infected. While sneaking into a mall, Riley introduces Ellie to Winston, a man who does favors for Riley and her friends in exchange for whiskey. In this instance, he shows Ellie how to ride a horse. We learn later that Riley was just using this as a distraction to get Winston’s walkie-talkie. When the lesson is over and the three are talking to each other, there’s a huge explosion outside. Thanks to Riley’s cunning act, she’s able to hear on the stolen walkie-talkie Fireflies may be in the area, and she wants to meet up and hopefully join them.
Faith Erin Hicks’ artwork in this book is great. It definitely has a cartoony, almost light-hearted feel to it, but is still able to capture the bleak world and happenings around it quite well. At some points the cartoony feel really plays in her favor-sometimes you forget that Ellie is just a kid, and these moments are there to remind you. It’s funny to see her mock the stance of a mannequin in the mall, or get stoked on the fact that there’s an arcade even though it was destroyed. That goes the other way too, meaning that since it has a cartoony feel, the dark parts are all the more terrifying. I won’t get into too much detail, but the Infected are just as terrifying in the comic as they are in the game. Hicks is able to capture Ellie’s personality very well, which is saying a lot since in my opinion she’s one of the most if not the most memorable supporting character in video games today. It translated over into this comic very well. Rachelle Rosenberg’s coloring should be noted as well. The colors bring this somber, decaying post-apocalyptic world to life and really make it believable.
The writing is great as well. It’s a tale of friendship, survival, and the search for a better life in a bleak reality. To see Ellie and Riley’s friendship blossom is just as enjoyable as it was to play as Joel in the game and see Ellie and his friendship and loyalty grow. Ellie has a rough-and-tumble exterior, but it’s clear she just wants a friend to go through this hellish existence with. For example, she flings herself on Riley after they encounter some Infected and says “I guess that was pretty scary, huh?”
I wasn’t sure how I felt reading a comic based off one of my favorite games, but it serves as an incredible prequel to The Last of Us, and any fan of the game should definitely pick this trade paperback up. Dark Horse yet again handled putting out a game adaptation that did justice to the game it portrays. This was a story that not only was enjoyable because it was a prequel based on an incredible game…it was a necessary story to tell and I feel that it couldn’t have been handled it better than this.
Score: 5/5
Writers: Neil Druckmann and Faith Erin Hicks Artist: Faith Erin Hicks Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $16.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: The Final Plague #3 (of 5)
In the past month there have been several zombie animal books that have hit the market, but I look at The Final Plague as the granddaddy of them all. It could be the fact that I know that the story is already done and in the can or it could just be that it’s a fantastic story that gets better and better with each issue. If you’re all animal zombied out then stop reading those other crappy titles and check this series out, it will not disappoint you. This issue begins differently than the past two which is a solid change-up for the narrative. Our narrative becomes the Officer’s Log for Captain Eric Stroemen of the US Navy. He walks us through what’s happening in the lab in New Jersey that created the virus that we’ve already seen spread to other states in the country. What’s different is that the lab team may be witnessing the first human outbreak. Everyone in the lab stares in horror through the glass window of one of the quarantine rooms as they watch Francine eat the lab tech that was sent in for a blood sample. Now they’re in full-blown quarantine mode as everyone suits up and they prepare to subdue the woman and take a sample to compare it to the rats. That’s all I’m going to tell you about this group of the story because a lot happens and is revealed, but I can say that the origin of the zombie’s is a refreshing take.
The other half of the story is spent with our farm family in Iowa. They’re on the way to the emergency room to have dear old dad’s arm looked at when a speeding ambulance passes them. They make note that there’s a lot of traffic heading to the hospital and begin to wonder if their episode wasn’t limited to just them. This scene is jacked up because this family is so realistic. Their dialogue and conversation will have you convinced that you’ll be the one driving mom to her appointment on Monday. It’s jacked up because the rule of zombie movies pretty much tells us that the dad’s a goner. I’m hoping that he’s not and that they’ll bust out something special for him… but I’m preparing for the worse which isn’t something the family is doing yet.
The writing is so damn good. You really care for these characters, even the shitty ones in the lab that caused everything. As the reader, writer J.D. Arnold takes you sets you down on the ground level of this outbreak. It’s not all shotguns and the world going to hell. It’s really at the very beginning stages of wide-spread panic and confusion. No one’s like, “it’s a Zombie’s aim for the head” instead people are trying to help their family members and still have animals to worry about on top of all this. Zombies aren’t anything new, but Arnold certainly makes you feel that they are.
The art on this series has been fantastic. Artist Tony Guaraldi-Brown puts as much into this as Arnold does and his visuals help make this story stand out like no others before it. There’s a brightness to the lab setting that wasn’t there in previous issues or at least not as noticeable, but it works incredibly well for this issue. It’s a bit like Alien, but with the lights on and that’s really cool visually. On the Iowa side of the story Brown takes you there and makes it just as realistic and believable as the lab setting. There’s quite a bit of action in this issue it’s very easy to follow.
This is the only zombie series I’ve continued to read past the first issue. It’s a tired genre, but this creative team reminds me why I like zombies so damn much. If you’ve missed this series then it’s definitely one that’s worth going back and picking up.
Score: 5/5
Writer: J.D. Arnold Artist: Tony Guaraldi-Brown Publisher: Danger Zone Price: $2.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Well This One's Better: Oreimo's Kuroneko With Cat Ears
Review: Bushido #5 (of 5)
The last issue of this unique, beautifully illustrated comic ends with a battle that sees Kichiro and the Shogun facing off against an army of vampires. The good thing for Kichiro is that his brother, Orochi, stands by his side. Unfortunately, Orochi has been turned into a blood-sucking vampire. I’m not going to spoil anything, but you could easily figure out the ending of this series with a guess or two. There’s no great twist or wonderful, jaw-dropping moment. The characters have potential for their own series with the open ending left for them.
Buy the book for the illustrations by Jessada Sutthi. Each issue has beautiful images that take advantage of lighting like no other book on the shelves. This happens to be the one book that great artwork saves the comic from the very run-of-the-mill conclusion.
Great setting, great premise, beautiful art, but average plot comprises this last issue that caps an otherwise great series.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Rob Levin Artist: Jessada Sutthi Publisher: Image and Top Cow Price: $2.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: Blood Brothers #3
Let's face it. Comics in recent weeks have been somber in tone. Everything in the comics’ world right now is dealing with high drama, high suspense, or just plain old high action. The comedy has seemed to disappear. Heck, even Deadpool, which had been rolling up laughs during the first fourteen issues of its new volume, all of sudden even it has gotten serious. What's up with that? One of the few exceptions in recent months however has been Dark Horse Comics' offering of a mini-series called Blood Brothers. Blood Brothers has been following the lives or unlives of Nick and Tree, two thousand-year old vampires who despite their age, look like they came out of on old seventies TV show. They have seen it all and done it all (to include running with Genghis Khan and orgying with Michelangelo). They should be rolling in the good life, but some bad business decisions (such as passing on purchasing some Monet paintings, investing in zeppelins as the travel of the future, etc.) have them trolling around in Vegas working for a bail bonds company. Little do the guys know, things are about to get interesting as a vampire named Ian is preparing for a grand plan of good old-fashioned world domination and Nick holds the key. Add to it a nice little subplot of Nick falling in love and wanting to become human and you got the first two issues in a nutshell.
Issue three marks the conclusion as everything comes to a head in spectacular fashion. Will Nick become human? Will Tree and Nick's relationship survive if he becomes human? Will Ian succeed in his plan turning a mega casino tycoon with Cancer into the next great vampire who can control all other vampires to do his will? Will that damned "Barcelona" plan ever work the way it should (read the book)?
If all of this sounds like a lot, it is because it is; way too much to squeeze into a three issue story arc. It should definitely have been at least a five issue arc. Because of the tight window, lots of things get sacrificed... character development... back story... the actual ending itself... everything feels like it is rushed. Probably because it is. The conclusion issue does provide answers to all the above questions, but it moves by waaaay too fast, making you wanting to say "that's it?" when you turn the last page. This truly is a pity because the banter between Nick and Tree is wonderfully funny. These are two guys you would want to party (or for that matter, orgy) with. They are happening, but no one else is. The rest of the folks are nothing more than cardboard cutouts fitting into a very tight space.
I have nothing bad to say about Evan Shaner's artwork. It is fresh and peppy and made for a visually pleasing story. Nick and Tree look like what they should and it was a nice change of pace to see vampires drawn to look like regular guys as opposed to the typical pasty faces that you normally associate with the genre. I give high marks here.
I am still left wishing what if? Issue three is the worst of the entire series, but I still recommend it for the strength of all three issues together. You will get a laugh from it which was a nice change of pace from the "moodiness" of other titles lately. And maybe, if enough people pick it up, there might be a chance that Nick and Tree can get a proper story arc that is more "fleshed out" (terrible pun there) in the future. I for one sincerely hope so.
Score: 3/5
Writers: Mike Gagerman, Andrew Waller (with story by Etan Cohen) Artist: Evan Shaner Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Group Review: TMNT #26 – “City Fall” Part 6
You had to know another “City Fall” group review was coming so let’s get right into it. Each of the writers/reviews of Comic Bastards will give the issue a score of: Buy, Borrow or Pass along with a short reason for the score. Here’s a blurb about the issue from IDW before we begin: “City Fall: Part Six” In this breathtaking penultimate issue to City Fall, Shredder asserts his dominance over the criminal underworld of NYC through a show of force. But what happens when the Turtles crash the party? With allegiances shifting no one is safe from all-out war!
Dustin: BUY
To be honest I know that this series is wearing thin on some people. I can understand that considering how much build up there has been, but for me personally I love it. The Turtles have never tried something like this before and this series is doing an incredible job of changing the landscape of the franchise and I’m all for that.
As for the issue itself, there isn’t much in the way of action. It’s more build up and so if you’re tired of that then you’ll be tired of it here, but I think the slow and steady approach is definitely going to win the race. I liked this issue more than I liked the micro-series with Bebop and Rocksteady and let me tell you… I fucking loved that issue.
Samantha: BUY
All hell breaks loose when Shredder has a huge villain meeting in an abandon theater. All the characters show up in one place. It can’t get much better than that. I couldn’t stop reading. Leo is starting to see his ways, and the boys are trying to get him the heck out of there. Casey Jones is back to stop his father. It is crazy. Although my favorite part is the idea of Hob and the Turtles teaming up. I always keep forgetting that they have formed an alliance. Hob is such a cool cat...just hope he can turn into some sort of a better cat when this is all over. He is exactly like Raph to me, which makes me think that maybe they will team up on something once again when the going gets tough.
I was also intrigued with Alopex’s part in this issue. She has a short discussion with Kitsune, who we haven’t seen in a while, and the talk is interesting. I don’t know if something more is going or if I am reading too much into Alopex recently. It all just makes for great storytelling.
Carl: BORROW
As they have been for the last few issues, the Turtles look for their lost compatriot Leonardo, who has been under Shredder’s spell. Casey Jones recuperates while he ponders his father’s gang’s involvement in the whole spectacle.
Most of the issue is the buildup dialogue and explication. In the last pages of the book the battle starts, and the action gets intense. Like issue 25, Rocksteady and Beebop make an appearance on the last panel. That’s right; they don’t actively fight the turtles in this issue, as well. Be sure to buy issue 27 to get the fight you have been waiting for in three issues so far. Hopefully.
This type of pacing really ends up being a slap in the face of fans that have been waiting for the battle. Sure, some would say its elaborate teasing leading up to a great fight. What if that fight turns out to be flat? Then fans will be indignant over the ruse.
James: BUY
I can't believe that I have let this comic run pass me by for so long. We are almost to the end of the City Fall story arc. Only one issue left after this one?. I have got a lot of catch up reading to do the next month.
What can I say...Shredder and The Foot Clan are making a play for control of the city, Leo brainwashed and working with him? The Purple Dragons are partnered (albeit, not very happy about it) with The Foot Clan? The guys are partnering up with former foes to get a leg up and rescue Leo... Man this is some great storytelling.
Add to that great artwork that has a playful use of color, but still has a gritty intensity to it...Well I think you just have yourself a solid all-around comic. TURTLE POWER!!
P.S. Sweet ending art and teaser to the next issue.
Adam: BORROW
Call me crazy, but I wish this story arc would have ended with this issue. I felt this one was pretty dialogue-heavy. I loved the action, but most of it didn’t occur until the big meeting that Shredder leads. Leonardo seems to be starting to put the pieces together as far as who his loyalty really should stand with, but we’re left with another huge cliffhanger. I did like that Casey and Angel are retaliating against Hun, but again we weren’t left with much to work with in the last few pages. I would’ve given this issue a buy if the issue got to the meeting sooner and we would’ve seen more of the situation with Leonardo, but I’m going to give this a Borrow. I just wasn’t as invested in this book as I was last month, but I have a feeling there’s a lot in store for the next issue.
Score: 3 Buys and 2 Borrows
Story: Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow & Tom Waltz Writers: Tom Waltz Artist: Mateus Santolouco Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: TMNT – Micro-Series #7: Bebop and Rocksteady
I really didn’t need to read this issue in order to give it a 5/5. Honestly, Ben Bates and Dustin Weaver could have thrown anything on these pages as long as Bebob and Rocksteady followed. But I have to say the guys handled it with awesome care. It is an honor to have the coolest comic coming out this week! Suckers. We have been teased over and over again with these two best pals, Bebob and Rocksteady, and they are probably the only two mutants who I have actually admired their stupidity from a very young age. No two mutants have pissed me off more than these two knuckleheads. The covers are awesome, but I especially love the one where Bebob and Rocksteady are eating traditional Chinese food with two Asian girls. Typical bros. Their adventures start right away when the two are getting thrown out of a gang. The two boys are pissed. And in a fit of rage decide to try out for The Foot Clan’s ultimate test. If they win, the prize includes two free trips into mutantville. Of course the two are totally stoked for the prize. Alopex is there though and she is one badass mutant to help smooth the ride. Karai is the leader and her interaction with the two is surprisingly different than I thought it would be.
I didn’t know how the two characters were going to blend, and I thought maybe Bebob and Rocksteady would have more of a tough attitude, instead of the funny or die type. The whole relationship with Karai is a little odd at first, but it works eventually with her taking on the stick big sister role. Plus if they have one thing in common, it is fighting. I also thought Karai was going to be using these guys for her own pleasure, but it seems like they work for Shredder. So now I don’t know what it going with Karai, but that is a different story.
With Mikey being about our only humor in TMNT, I am thinking that Bebob and Rocksteady will take that role. The comic really highlighted how funny these boys can be. I love how they bounce the jokes off of each other too. It isn’t just one being funny while the other is serious. So I am excited to see the addition these two bring in TMNT. We all are hoping that they obviously bring the two into City Falls more than for a brief glimpse. We didn’t get much City Falls storyline in this issue. It was almost just a warmup for the two. That was a tad disappointing since all the other Micros have brought about some serious plot line. We mostly just learn of how this new comic is going to interpret Bebob and Rockesteady. Well I can tell two things; they like to beat up things and they love cracking jokes. So please enjoy these iconic bad dudes.
Score: 5/5
Story: Ben Bates & Dustin Weaver Writer: Dustin Weaver Artist: Ben Bates Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: Wild Blue Yonder #3
Oh boy. If you haven’t read this issue yet and have kept up with the series than you’re likely to say “oh boy” at the end of reading it as well. This is a good issue. It’s solid and the art continues to be great. I don’t know if I’m in love with where the story is going because it seems a bit too predictable, but we’ll get that in a minute. This issue picks up a week after the second issue with Scram giving Tug a final test of sorts. He needs to get past him and high-five Texas. Tug tells him it’s impossible since Scram is the best, but he assures him he’s not. I’m not going to spoil this moment, but it’s safe to assume that Tug passes the test and is officially on the team you just don’t know how. After that Cola and Tug spend some time with Cola’s dad and learn more back story about her family and the history of the ship. There’s plenty more of the story, but it all feeds into the ending and so the buildup would give it away.
There are no problems per say with this issue, but it sure as hell doesn’t address or mention the ending of the second issue. If you read that issue then you know what I mean. While this issue is very good and enjoyable it does put the story/plot on a predictable path. The love triangle is going to kick into high gear, but more so is the larger story of the Judge and the battle for the ship. I hope that there are some surprises, but this issue really puts the projection on a crash course with the reveal of a betrayal and everything going to hell from there.
The writing is very good on this issue. It hangs out a bit, but the reader is given a ton of back story on the ship. The reader really does see the world through Tug and as the crew opens up more and reveal themselves to him, they reveal themselves to us. It’s an appropriate way to reveal more of the world as it comes about rather than feeling obligated in getting it all out-of-the-way in the beginning like most stories. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Cola’s parents as it actually defied a lot of Cola’s personality, but also the dysfunctional nature of the ship/family.
The art is still my favorite aspect of this series and there is a great splash page in this issue. Zach Howard does a great job of keeping the visuals interesting in this dialogue heavy issue. It’s always impressive when an artist can hold your attention with scenes that are basically boring otherwise. The action at the end was pretty easy to follow and the cliffhanger was great looking even if I’m not crazy about the results.
Overall this is a good issue, but it puts a lot of pressure on the next issue to deliver. I hope that it can and I will definitely be back to check it out. I believe this series is on bi-monthly schedule, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
Score: 4/5
Writers: Mike Raicht, Zach Howard and Austin Harrison Artist: Zach Howard Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: Astounding Villain House (One-Shot)
Well this is an easy review for me to write because I’ve already read and technically reviewed all of the stories inside this one-shot. I’m covering it because I know that there are plenty of people who don’t buy or read Dark Horse Comics Presents and so this will be their first exposure to Shannon Wheeler’s Villain House. Don’t let the name fool you this book is about super villains… I don’t know why you were possibly fooled, but don’t be. I was honestly hoping that this would be the start of an ongoing or mini, but maybe it’s just testing the waters and this one-shot will attract some attention to the series. As I said it’s about super villains. It takes a hilarious look at a golden or silver age superhero world placed in a modern setting. Meaning the criminals are bumbling, but we have the internet. It’s broken into four tales that follow different villains and each of the tales has its own strength and comedic pacing. I’m going to recap the two I enjoyed the most, but overall they’re all great stories.
The first story “The Squid and Pachyderm”, the two characters are like c-list villains that are locked up in a super max prison. Pachyderm just wants to do his time and leave, but The Squid hassles him constantly about breaking out. Pachyderm finds out his mother is dying and after the Warden denies him visitation to see her he goes along with the plan. This story really sets the pace for the series as nothing goes right for our villains because they’re bad guys.
The next story I want to talk about is my personal favorite called “Blind Mole-Rat King” and is basically Wheeler’s take on the Fantastic Four and the Mole Man. I’m not actually going to tell you about the story, but if you want to you can read my review for the DHP issue here. It’s quite possibly one of the funniest comic book spoofs I’ve read; and it’s definitely one of the funniest stories I’ve read. Wheeler really captures the flaws in the FF’s personalities.
The thing about this series is that Wheeler flips the script and makes you see the villains as people and the heroes as just costumed lunatics. Usually in comics you’re given a very thin background on a villain because all you really need to know is that they’re bad and see them perform an evil deed, but Wheeler looks at their motivation and it’s fantastic. Pachyderm isn’t a good guy, but you feel for him when he wants to see his mom. The Blind Mole-Rat King isn’t even a bad guy, but at the same time you don’t want to hang out with him at a weekend BBQ either. They’re just people and that’s what makes the stories great. I mean when have you ever read Dr. Doom or Lex Luther and thought, “they’re just a dude like me”? Probably never if you’re honest, but Wheeler does a phenomenal job of making each character believable.
The comedy is great and it all stems from Wheeler’s fantastic dialogue. His LPP (Laughs Per Page) is very high, but due to the different story structures you won’t get tired of laughing or figure out the beats. I know that happens a lot with short stories that when you read a lot of them back to back they stop having the same effectiveness, but not here. You’ll be laughing all the way to the end.
If you’re unfamiliar with Wheeler’s art style then you’ll probably be put off at first since he’s not a beefcake artist. He’s very skilled and has chosen a style that matches the story that he’s telling so don’t blow it off just because it doesn’t look like a book from the “big two.” His character expressions steal the show and play a huge role in making them realistic characters. His visual storytelling is very impressive and is an equal part of the stories success.
I really didn’t need to review this issue, but I couldn’t just let it pass by. It’s a great one-shot that I would highly recommend to any fan of the superhero genre that doesn’t take it so seriously. Hell I would also recommend it if you just need a laugh this week because it’s not going to disappoint you. If you like it then give it some love and tell Dark Horse you’d like more because I know there’s the potential for new characters and stories.
Score: 5/5
Writer/Artist/Creator: Shannon Wheeler Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: Five Ghosts #6
For anyone who read the five issue mini-series that preceded this one, there is no doubt as to why Image decided to green light it as an ongoing series. It Rocks!!! Part Laura Croft... Part Indiana Jones... Part League of Extraordinary Gentlemen?... It all added up to a rock-em sock-em five issue set that just begged for more to be told. Read it for yourself. You will not be disappointed, but enough of the past. We are in the here and the now. Five Ghosts issue six begins the ongoing series and it starts off just as you would expect it to...Fabian Gray, our relic hunter of legendary status who suffers from a "spiritual" form of Multiple Personality Disorder, due to an encounter with a Dreamstone that has placed five distinct literary character "ghosts" within him that he utilizes to assist him in his adventures (and often for his very survival); he has received an urgent letter from an acquaintance of his past that is the daughter of his martial arts mentor.
While catching up on old times, Fabian is told the story of a mythical sword (the Masamune) that needs to be recovered in order to stave off a rival clan from taking over the countryside. Fabian takes the job and the adventure winds through many entertaining and easy to read twists and turns that will keep the casual reader as well as the seasoned veteran of the Five Ghosts world turning the pages. It is upbeat, peppy and electric.
The writing of Frank J. Barbiere combined with the art of Garry Brown is superior. This book has a nice harmony between the two parts often utilizing one or the other to make its point while the other enhances said point kind of like surround sound in a movie. It is pleasing to the senses, and quite cool. Creating this effect for the reader is truly a comic rarity as often one will overplay the other or take all the credit for the story's success (or failure). Not here, the tandem is perfect. There are times when a picture tells the full tale and other times where the writing allows the reader to form their own picture. The whole issue has a nice "film noir" feel with a dash of old school cliffhanger; definitely a combination that wins in any arena. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The nice thing here is that Five Ghosts is ongoing now. And if this first issue is any indicator, then I think Five Ghosts will definitely be around for a while. I can't wait for issue eight. It is on my "musts" list from now. Give it a go (as well as the preceding series). It is well worth the time and investment.
Score: 5/5
Writer: Frank J. Barbiere Artist: Garry Brown Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: Danger Girl: The Chase #2
The Danger Girls are still on the chase, and I never imagine I would love a chase scene that lasted more than one issue. I am loving all the Danger Girls are doing right now. The girls are still in Shanghai chasing down some crazy woman. This woman has insane dragon tattoos that I am sort of jealous of. She holds a suitcase. It contents unknown. Not even the Danger Girls know what is it. Deuce does but he isn’t given it up. All of this is only building up the anticipation of what is inside. For the amount of effort these girls are putting into it, it has to hold some sort magic. Abbey is in hot pursuit of the case...on a motorcycle, in a tiny t-shirt, oh and it is raining. She is totally winning the wet t-shirt contest if anyone was keeping track. She is talking to Deuce all while doing this. Deuce is explaining to her who the dragon girl is. It is Anastasia Kilbourne. This chick has it in for Abbey ever since the Danger Girl let Anastasia’s best friend, Natalie, die. Abbey was only trying to help the girl since she was going over to the dark side. Natalie was only holding on by a thread; a thread that wasn’t strong enough to hold her. The whole comic flashbacks when Abbey is thinking about it all. I love flashbacks; they work well in a chase scene to break up the fighting.
The other girls are in the van trying to find the center of the storm. Val is tracking the device. I still feel bad for this black sheep, btw. The other Danger Girls are driving the van and looking for Anastasia. She pops out of nowhere, typical badass style, and tries to get Val to disarm the case. See last issue we found out that this case is causes trouble. That is why it is storming outside.
The action is this issue is intense. I loved seeing the now stop panels running across each page. It was a fun read, and if you pick up this series occasionally, then this is your issue. It ends on a nice cliffhanger too. Almost every issue does, but for some reason it doesn’t get old. I can never walk away from a strong Danger Girls cliffhanger.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Andy Hartnell Artist: Harvey Tolibao Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: The Raven and the Red Death
With Halloween quickly approaching, I felt it’d only make sense to read Richard Corben’s adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven and The Masque of the Red Death. If you’ve managed to graduate high school, at some point you’ve read these stories. Being that they’re some of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous works, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to think that nothing new can really be done to them to make a modern audience want to read a comic book version of it. However, Corben delivers in all accounts in his twist on both of these stories. In The Raven, instead of re-hashing the poem for the millionth time, Corben decides to put his own take on it entirely. The main character, Arnold is obsessing over his dead girlfriend Lenore, and actually hallucinates that she’s in the room with him. Arnold tells Lenore how much he’s missed her, and tries to kiss her. But he’s interrupted by…you know, ‘rapping at his chamber door.’ He goes back to Lenore, but before long he hears the noise again, and sure enough the raven crashes through the door. This is when he looks at a picture of Lenore and realizes she’s really gone and gets furious with the raven. I won’t spoil any more of the story, but the conclusion was nothing short of a great horror ending.
Corben’s adaptation of The Red Death doesn’t stray too much from the original tale. A king’s people are dying from a plague called The Red Death, and he decides to have a party rather than actually try to help them. This is still relevant today with the gaps between social classes and questionable decisions of world leaders. The party the king decides to throw is a lavish masquerade ball. Each room in the Castellated Abbey is painted a different color, and the guests will all dress up in different colors as well. All colors but red, which is the color reserved for the room with the clock in it. No guest is to actually wear the color, however. The party is a great success-there’s drinks flowing, musicians playing, people dancing. The people under Prospero are having the time of their lives. That is, until Prospero sees a mysterious figure with the banned color red on approaching the red room and the clock strikes midnight…
It’s pretty impressive that Richard Corben did both the art and writing on this one. Although I wasn’t necessarily blown away by the art, it fit both stories perfectly. The Raven was rather terrifying and downright disturbing at some points, while the extravagantly bizarre setting of The Red Death made you feel like you were actually at the ball. His adaptations, to me, were more interesting than the original Poe versions themselves. Obviously there wouldn’t be this comic without Poe’s stories, but I think Corben did a fantastic job at putting his own twist while keeping the story fresh.
If you’re in the spirit of Halloween and are looking for a great comic to sit down and read, look no further than this book.
Score: 4/5
Adaptation/Artist: Richard Corben Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: Saga #15
Written by Guest Contributor: Jordan North The best thing about Saga is that as good as you get to know the world, these characters; it never ceases to throw you for loops. Rather than be in a big way like by introducing an entirely new environment or something as small or as subtle as a bit of unexpected characterization. It never stops feeling fresh. And this issue is no different.
Even though issue fifteen is set entirely in author Oswald Heist lighthouse (at least for Marko, Alana and the gang) it doesn’t fail to deliver tons of great character moments. Every moment centered around an intergalactic board game played between Heist, Marko’s mom, Alana and him is great, and the way Brian K. Vaughan works those scenes in to help move character arcs along feels natural and is delightfully creative. And I dare you not to crack a smile at the conclusion of the “psych-out” round. Next issue it looks like the gang will be leaving Heists place once and for all and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t a little sad, yeah it is time to move on but Oswald Heist has quickly become a standout character and a personal favorite of mine. Farewell my good man.
On top of those sequences an introduction to a new member of the Robot royal family Countess Robot X and out of left field conclusion further spice things up, with the former being perhaps one of my favorite (and coolest) issue openings to date. A little mystery is peppered in for good measure too, namely, what the hell is up with The Stalk? With this book, intrigue is ever mounting.
Fiona Staples slays it again on art, her mix of minimalist, economical lines and lollipop colors coming together to create a brilliant world as always. Still, even with consistently off the charts work I’m always thrown and delighted at least once an issue, here it was a moment when a new character-- Countess Robot X-- calls in a hilariously over the top orbital strike to take out a sniper. The raw display of power captured is awe-inspiring and beautifully rendered and really reminds you just how much of a force to be reckoned with the Robot Royal family really is.
Saga continues to impress. I’d tell you to buy this book but at this point it’d be a waste of digital ink.
Score: 5/5
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan Artist: Fiona Staples Publisher: Image Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: The Double Life of Miranda Turner #1
Who knew that you could make an entire issue about Lego and Devo hats? I mean sure there’s a lot more going on here with the story of Miranda Turner, but Lego and Devo hats are the bulk of its outer appearance. The overall premise of this universe is interesting and I think that this issue is a great start to that universe, but it’s more entertaining than mind-blowing. It kicks off with Miranda shoulder deep in Lego (they are Lego, but the comic never says that because that’s the way it is). She smashing them to bits and complaining about the two dudes in rainbow Devo hats known as Blockheads, that are creating them faster than she can destroy them… honestly it doesn’t look like she’s destroying anything. Meanwhile Miranda’s sister is narrating what we need to know about the world and that Miranda is known as “The Cat”, but she’s actually the second Cat as Lindy (her narrating sister) was the first The Cat. The thing about Lindy is that she’s a ghost… yeah she was killed and now Miranda is filling in for you so that they can find Lindy’s killer. Eventually Miranda uses her mind rather than her fists and figures out a different approach for the Blockheads.
The overall story of Miranda versus the Blockheads was pretty dry. It felt like any old superhero story with no real consequences to anything going on and a happy/cheesy ending. It works though and isn’t a bad thing by any means. Really it’s just the back drop so that Lindy can set up the real story which is her murder; that part was actually pretty interesting and will have me coming back to check out the series some more.
Jamie S. Rich nails the narrative. Lindy is easily the most interesting character of the story and she’s dead. The Blockheads were better in appearance than execution. The story doesn’t explain nor did I need to know what their motivation for filling the city with Lego was, but yeah eventually you’re mind begins to wonder what exactly their plan was. Miranda isn’t quite fleshed out, but I think given the situation and plot set up that’s okay. Also the sisters handle Lindy’s death like its last week’s news. I have a feeling we’ll be dealing with this on a deeper level in future issues, but it’s definitely casual the way they address the fact that Lindy’s dead… due to murder. In a way it gave it an old school vibe because it wasn’t taken so seriously.
I really dig the art style. George Kambadais draws an impressive amount of Lego… I’m mean that. Otherwise I really liked the character designs and the overall look of the world. It’s bright and vibrant and looks like a superhero cartoon. Because the art is working against the narrative it must tell that aspect of the story on its own and does so. Again, it’s not mind-blowing, but it’s a fun tale/battle. Lindy has a great design as well and her ghost form fits right in with the rest of the world. It was also interesting that the sisters are playing the same character, but that Miranda isn’t dressing the way Lindy did.
Overall this was fun and didn’t fall into the usual traps of a new indie superhero title. I didn’t get a “dc or marvel” inspired vibe from the plot, characters or setting and that’s a good thing. This issue is short as is the standard with Monkey Brain titles, but it’s well worth the buck to pick it up. If you’re just looking for a fun superhero title this week then you should definitely check out The Double Life of Miranda Turner.
Score: 3/5
Writer: Jamie S. Rich Artist: George Kambadais Publisher: Monkey Brain Comics Price: $.99 Release Date: 10/30/13
Review: A Distant Soil #42
When I decided to review this title, I did so with some trepidation. This is "A Distant Soil" after all. A tale that is of legend both in story and with reality as everyone in the world of comics have heard the rumblings of this title. From the mind of Colleen Doran that began when she was 12 years old, this story has been praised for its amazing richness of texture and form. More like a Wagner Opera than your typical comic run, A Distant Soil follows the plight of Liana and Jason, two children of an alien expatriate that has disruptive powers that interferes (and potentially could destroy) the ruling party of power on his home planet called Ovanan. That's about as far as I can go as this epic (the best description I can use) covers many years (in its making), many plot turns, and many powerful themes making it a monumental story embracing political intrigue, gender roles, religious values, and about every other deep topic that you can think of. This was one of the first comics that had openly gay romantic leads, that demonstrated a manga influence (when comics simply didn't do that), and that was 100% done (the writing, the drawing, the inking, everything) by Ms. Doran. About as epic as the story is, the making of and the drama in the real world could likewise be described as epic itself. The lawsuits over copyright, the complete rewrites by Doran and most recently the seven (yes seven) year delay of continuing publication due to lost negatives (before the glory days of digital copies). Just following the history lets you know that this a true project of passion with the scope as vast as the story itself.
With all negatives replaced, Image began the return of the story this year and they will be printing it through issue #50 which will bring to a close this amazing tale. I got to read #42 which is the first time that I have touched this work, hence the trepidation.
What I found within those pages of Issue #42 confirmed what I already knew about the history of the story ...A Distant Soil is a complex work that like a puzzle, has many small pieces that must be put together in order to see the whole finished work. Coming in late to the game is like watching a show like Lost beginning with the last season. You will be lost (no pun intended).
With this understanding however, I must say that Collen Doran does not disappoint. The issue is only 18 pages, but she packs in those 18 pages more detail and story than I have seen in some title's annuals. It is impressive. The artwork is likewise impressive. Lots of details as face close-ups are used to help convey feelings and emotion. The characters are well drawn and realistic making for good reading.
The plot is churning its way to the home stretch and this particular issue begins that track. Some serious happenings are going on that puts some characters into a bad spot. Only time will tell if consequences follow. I recommend this title, but would urge you to read the trade paperbacks before you start into the new releases. It will make for a much more pleasant read, and be far less intimidating.
Score: 3/5
Writer/Artist/Creator: Colleen Doran Publisher: Image and Shadowline Comics Sales Price: $3.50 Release Date: 10/30/2013
Review: Dinosaurs Attack! #4
The army fights dinosaurs. There’s blood and guts spilt by both the humans and the dinosaurs. Nothing more needs to be said. Buy this book. It’s just plain awesome.
Done with the same tongue-in-cheek campiness of the Mars Attacks series, Dinosaurs Attack! never takes itself serious, and that’s why the book’s a must read.
Despite some science fiction explication and a mysterious set of reptilian eyes haunting people on a space station, the book rocks with plenty of outrageous dinosaur carnage. This is some good stuff.
Score: 5/5
Writer: Gary Gerani Artist: Herb Trimpe Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 10/30/13