Review: Jirni Vol. 2 #2

Why are we still on this fucking ship? I don’t know, but we’ve spent two issues on this ship and none of it has been worth it or given the impression that there’s a bigger story at play. There’s really no narrative and no direction for our main character making this series feel entirely different from the first volume. We start off with a jealous pirate. He wants to bang Ara apparently, but feels that the Captain is using his position to get into her pants. Too bad he can’t because she sees through all his bullshit. The Captain is an annoying character because he talks to much and after we see his backstory it’s hard to understand how he got to where he is today. Mermaids attack the ship… Ara does most of the work. Supposedly we’re landing next issue. Yay.

At one point the Captain, whose name I chose to forget because he’s a one-dimensional character, says something to invoke the response of Ara about whether she needs to be saved or not. She says, “Do I look like someone that needs to be saved?” The answer is supposed to be “no”, but apparently she was just floating in the water ready to die and technically the Captain has saved her two other times since. Granted Ara seems to be the only one that does any actual fighting when it happens and it’s convenient that she’s always ganged up on, but yeah it does look like she needs saving.

Jirni-Vol-2-2That’s what disappoints me about the writing. She’s not actually a strong female character. She’s a physically strong female character, but when you get down to it I do think she needs saving because she’s never shown us that she can stand on her own and finish her fights. JT Krul continues to weaken his own main character by trying to make the fuckhead Captain look cool. News flash, your Captain is just like every other thief pirate stereotypical character ever created and he sucks at it. I could care less if this guy talks and actually would prefer him not to because he sucks.

The art is still the best part of the series, but it feels limited to the story. V Ken Marion is a talented visual storyteller, but here he’s being forced to meticulously follow the script. It’s evident in the fact that we’re being told and shown the same thing. The only time it manages to be on its own and tell a story is during the Captain’s flashback in which the narration doesn’t lineup with the imagery which is intentional to show that the Captain is a liar. The art is really good and so is the coloring, but it’s not nearly enough to save this story.

There’s absolutely no point in reading this issue. The overall plot to the series has yet to be revealed after two issues and we’re spending a lot of time with characters that are clearly just here for the series and soon to be gone. I love the artwork. I love the world from the first volume, but this second volume feels like a cash grab based on the first volume’s success. I just wish I knew what the point of this series was. The first volume was about freeing Ara’s mother, getting revenge and figuring out how to deal with being a genie. The second volume seems to be about Ara on a boat fighting off sexual advances and killing monsters when they conveniently show up… I can’t imagine that the next two issues are going to turn this ship around so I’ll leave it dead in the water. Wait, here’s another boat pun, abandon ship.

Score: 2/5

Jirni Vol. 2 #2 Writer: JT Krul Artist: V. Ken Marion Publisher: Aspen Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital

Review: Death Vigil #8

Since the very first issue of Death Vigil, I have said that this series is like anime/manga and that’s been true all the way to the end. This is a very anime ending and so if you’re familiar with the formula that Stjepan Sejic has been following then you’ll likely seen how it’s all going to go down. I know I did, but the thing with Sejic’s storytelling is that he always makes it worthwhile. The journey is always the best part of the story. Since it’s the finale I won’t say much. The first arc is wrapping up and since Sejic is going to be exclusive at Top Cow, it looks like we’ll get more Death Vigil from him in the future. In the meantime, our Primordial has been released and actually reveals itself to its “mother.” After that the Vigils are put to the task of taking down the big bad and we get to see Bernie go hardcore reaper mode.

Death-Vigil-#8What’s really rewarding about this final issue is that Sejic ties up every story thread that needs to be closed. He plants seeds for the next arc and gives us something scary to deal with involving one of the main characters. But otherwise, every minor story element that you may have thought would be lost in the ending are actually touched upon. There is a great scene between Sam and Bernie, but then an even better scene between James and Sam involving his Vikings. Like I said, nothing is forgotten.

There’s a balance to the finale that is just perfect. The pacing of the previous issues has always varied and been the right fit for that particular issue, but this is the right pacing for the end of the arc. The humor is balanced and placed at the right moments and you get the overwhelming sense of comradery between the different characters. They function like the family they’ve been built up to be and its incredibly rewarding. It also makes you wonder how something like the Fantastic Four manage to miss the mark so consistently.

The art is of course great. I mean have you seen Sejic’s artwork? He’s one of the best in the industry and this series in particular locked him in as one of my all-time favorites. My one and only complaint is the black dialogue boxes with yellow or red lettering. It’s hard to read no matter what, but that’s seriously the only thing and I love that he just went for it so I’m not taking anything away from him. Sejic’s facial expressions continue to be one of his strongest techniques as they add a shit-ton of personality to the story and characters.

If you haven’t read Death Vigil, then frankly you need to. This volume met with some delays due to health reasons, but it’s been an amazing journey and story. It also proves what I’ve long said, that the Japanese style of storytelling can work in American comics if blended together and that’s part of what Sejic does here. As much as I’m looking forward to Sejic’s next series Switch, I’m going to be patiently waiting for the next volume of Death Vigil, because this has become one of my favorite series.

Score: 5/5

Death Vigil #8 Writer/Artist/Creator: Stjepan Sejic Publisher: Image/Top Cow Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: Print/Digital

Review: Ivar, Timewalker #9

Up until this point Ivar, Timewalker has always explained complicated concepts in a way that was easy to understand, but with this issue I have to say I think a few things went right over my head. In the wake of last issues catastrophic ending, Neela begins this issue by travelling far back to Ancient Mesopotamia and a scene that readers of Fred Van Lente’s Archer and Armstrong run should remember. It was a nice touch linking the two series together, but sadly what followed didn’t sit with me as well as all the previous issues of this series have done. Indeed, what follows is a chaotic journey through alternate universes – a concept that hasn’t been explored in great depth in the rebooted Valiant Universe before – which ultimately leads to them entering a world where a war is being waged between anthropomorphic mammals and reptiles. Ivar, Timewalker #9I feel like the problem with this issue for me was that it lacked the direction seen in the previous two arcs of this book. I didn’t really see where all this universe hopping was going and due to the confusing concepts in play here, I ended up feeling not all that entertained. Indeed, the bulk of this issue seemed to be taken up by explaining the crazy science this book has delved into during its brief run, leaving less room for the fun antics that made me a fan. Things do start to lighten up again near the end, but the aforementioned mammal-reptile universe – wherein a tyrannosaurus rex rides atop a triceratops while dressed as a Roman centurion – felt a little too ridiculous even for this book which admittedly has been quite bizarre at times.

That’s not to say this issue was terrible; as I’ve already said there were some fun moments here and there, and I enjoyed seeing the apparent role-reversal that has taken place between Neela and Ivar. Additionally the artwork by Pere Perez and Andrew Dalhouse was strong, and helped deliver the jokes that actually landed well in this issue. However, I do feel that this instalment wasn’t quite up to the high standard Van Lente has set for himself during his fantastic run on this series.

I feel like perhaps this issue is intended to be a jumping-on point for new readers, and that’s the reason so much of the book is devoted to explaining the high-concept ideas that have been explored in the previous eight issues. Ironically though, Ivar, Timewalker #9 ends up being the weakest and most confusing instalment in this series to date, and may well turn away rather than entice those looking to get into this series. This is a great shame as I do really love this book, and previous issues have been truly phenomenal; I only hope that it returns to that level of quality with next month’s instalment.

Score: 3/5

Ivar, Timewalker #9 Writer: Fred van Lente Artist: Pere Perez Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse Publisher: Valiant Entertainment Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital

Review: The Auteur: Sister Bambi #4

The Auteur: Sister Bambi #4 is the perfect comic book. There, I said it!

And honestly, I could walk away from this review right there, as-is, and be completely happy to leave it for your fine selves to explore what exactly makes it so achingly, humblingly incredible. And because I refuse to go into much as regards spoilers - since I think a book like this shuns that type of analysis - this review may come across as frustratingly vague to some; especially those who have never read it. Sorry about that. (Also, what the fuck are you doing not reading this book?)

Suffice it to say that The Auteur is, and has been since its inception, the blueprint for what truly transcendent indie comics can and should be. And The Auteur: Sister Bambi #4 showcases every single reason why that is.

Plot-wise, issue four sees the completion of Nathan T. Rex’s current film project, which again, was once funded by gang rape-obsessed, eccentric millionaire nazi clones, and later, by Ilsa: She-Wolf of the SS, to be a ridiculously gory propaganda snuff film. Things don’t go according to plan, of course, thanks to technical difficulties, the overcoming of personal insecurities and undead dinosaurs, but they do, in a very literal and absolutely farcical way, end.

And like I said, it’s perfect.

Sister Bambi #4More than any other comic book out there, this Oni series takes risks; by willfully addressing controversial subjects with equal parts reckless abandon and cartoonish flippancy, sure! But also by daring to tell one of the most unique, and legitimately affecting love stories in comics today, with some of the most preposterous NSFW fuckery that has ever been committed to the page. I mean for both of those statements to be equally complimentary.

I should say, however, that I’m not talking about the ongoing relationship shared between our main protagonist (for lack of a better word) and the woman who has captured his heart, but rather the passion a creator has for the creative process. That is the real love story in The Auteur, and it’s told tremendously well because, and not in spite of how, ridiculously fucking absurd it is.

If it’s anything that issue four of this second series attests, it’s that Nathan T. Rex is obsessed with creating his idea of beautiful, such that he will do anything -- up to and including working with fucking nazis -- to see that idea come to fruition, even if it’s all just in his head. He is psychotic, obsessively narcissistic and unrepentantly amoral; and yet his passion, if not the character of the man that drives it, is endearing. That dichotomy is what makes this book such a dirty fucking high. And an absolutely captivating one.

The clean and poppy, yet grotesquely amoebic art from James Callahan continues to be the perfect accomplice to Rick Spears’ wet fever dream of dialogue; a combination which is deliriously metal. The two facets of this story also work together in the way every comic collaboration should; which is to say, inextricably.

One of the best examples of this is the development of Coconut’s character as we watch her evolve from a being of limited substance into one of pure, willful talent. Spears and Callahan do this in a scant three pages, and it is as hilarious as it is perilous, as bawdy as it is delicate, and altogether fucking exceptional -- just like this latest issue as a whole.

In short, and again, The Auteur: Sister Bambi #4 is the perfect comic book. It tells one of the most unique and harrowing supernatural adventure love stories I’ve ever seen in comics, while showing an inspired way to buck tradition and tell different stories in new and interesting ways.

And it does all of this while suplexing crazy murder zombie lions.

The End.

Score: 5/5

The Auteur: Sister Bambi #4 Writer: Rick Spears Artist: James Callahan Colorist: Luigi Anderson Publisher: Oni Press Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital

Review: 2 Sisters

2 Sisters is a World War II spy story starring Elle, featuring her sister Anna, and a nameless female pirate from the past. The main plot follows Elle, her recruitment and her life as a spy. As the story unfolds, we learn bits about her past and about her sister Anna. The minor plot features the nameless female pirate, who indirectly crosses paths with Elle years- possibly centuries- later, though her story- and her strength shares plenty of similarities to Elle’s. 2 Sisters is a lovely book. The art is the main driving force here; there’s no unnecessary narration, or narration at all. Everything is communicated visually, through gesture, expression, and action. This gives the story a different feel, drawing the reader further into the action than another storytelling method might. The dialogue is used sparingly as well, and this verbal minimalism created a rather quiet, melancholy mood throughout the book.

2-Sisters-HCMelancholy is probably not what a reader would expect from an action-filled spy story, but it works. The book reads like a memory, and the tone suits the story perfectly right up until the end when it all comes together. Here I need to give a shout-out to Enger, whose muted colors are mirrored in the muted, depressive atmosphere that carries the reader from beginning to end.

The plot of 2 Sisters is not particularly unique, but it’s interesting and its presentation really sells the story. The characters aren’t deeply explored, and while there’s plenty of action, this story is not action-heavy. Most of the characters go unnamed, including the star of the pirate sub-plot. It makes the story a bit muddled at times, especially since the reader doesn’t even have the benefit of narration to figure out who’s who or what’s what.

There’s also a sub-sub-plot about an ancient Roman cup that makes its way through history and eventually brings certain aspects of the story together, but doesn’t really add anything to the plot. Because the book opens with the cup, the reader expects it to have greater importance than it actually does. Little details like that are key in a such a minimalist method of storytelling, and I found the emphasis on the cup early on ended up detracting from the overall story. Similarly, the pirate ultimately did little to advance the plot, and I felt there was too much focus on her journey.

This book was worth reading, and its distinctive presentation certainly left me feeling a bit gloomy and muted. A story that leaves an emotional impact is worthwhile, and I’d certainly recommend this one. Despite its confused moments and the unnecessary details in an otherwise stylistically minimalist telling, this book was interesting and engaging, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Score: 4/5

2 Sisters Writer/Artist/Creator: Matt Kindt Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $27.99 Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: OGN; Print/Digital

Review: Weekly Shonen Jump #42

Super excited for some new "Jump Starts," starting this week with Mononofu, a manga about shogi, a Japanese version of chess.  Also, OH MY GOD Food Wars!!! I like chess a lot.  I was really into it when I was a kid, but that was just because my goal was to get good enough to beat my dad.  Once I did, I pretty much stopped playing.  I think I'm better than the average person who doesn't play much, but that's obviously not very good.

I first got interested in shogi when I was watching/reading Naruto, since it was the game of choice of some of my favorite characters.  The game is most notable for allowing you to drop pieces you've captured back onto the board under your control at any time, with surprisingly few restrictions as to how you do this.  It's a hard game to pick up outside of Japan unless you have somebody to learn with (apps and learning resources are scarce), but Mononofu has the potential to spark some interest.

The first few pages from Haruto Ikezawa (a former assistant of Oda!) are a little too frantic.  Ikezawa is trying to give a reader a sense of what a klutz the main character is, but in the process puts together some ironically scatter-brained pages where the dialog is a bit obtuse.  Eventually it comes together, and Ikezawa throws together a promising (if fairly typical) cast of characters.

wsh 42 coverIt's not clear how well Ikezawa will be able to illustrate shogi games and situations.  I think Mononofu has the potential to do well only insofar as Ikezawa is able to immerse the reader in the shogi game itself.  Doing this will require educating the reader about the game of shogi, which further requires clear, easy-to-follow artwork.  Of course, Mononofu is not a textbook: the art is going to need to be interesting, and the development of his characters is going to have to carry the reader’s interest for a majority of the time when they're not at the shogi board.

I thought that Food Wars was on the verge of a bomb drop, but I did not see this coming.  To avoid spoilers, I won't say much here, but essentially the entire face of this series just got changed, which is not something I gave much thought to headed into this fairly typical, fairly innocent arc.  Food Wars, by all accounts, has its first really menacing villain.

I can't get over how good this series is.  It took Tsukuda two issues to introduce the villain and insert him into the role in which he will drive conflict.  That's absolutely stellar writing.  It didn't feel quick, it didn't feel out of left field: we had been set up for this and we didn't even know it.  What's better is that the villain is particularly tuned to be a troublesome antagonist for Soma in particular, so we're primed (again, in two issues!!!) for the exact type of trouble this fellow is going to cause.

Bleach and Academia continue to roll along and make me giddy, and the next "Jump Start," Samon the Summoner, starts next week.

Score: 4/5

Weekly Shonen Jump #42 Writer: Various Artist: Various Publisher: Viz Media Release Date: 9/14/15 Format: Weekly; Digital

Review: Warshiner #1

Formula writing dominates monthly comics to the point that you can basically tell how an entire arc is going to go based on the first few pages. There’s a few writers out there that create their own formulas and others that revamp formulas all the time. With independent comics formulas are rarely used or in a lot of cases used incorrectly. In the case of Warshiner, the story has a lovely flow, but I think that a lot of casual readers would likely get pissed off by the pacing because it’s nothing like mainstream comics. To say it plainly, it’s better because it has no formula. The story begins with a onesheet explaining that earth alcohol is a hot commodity on the intergalactic market. We’re then whisked away to a tropical looking planet and a ship letting out different aliens including one human, Dr. Evelyn Ambrose. She heads into the local bar and tastes the goods and is disappointed. The person at the bar next to her is a tall, pale looking native to the planet. They strike up a conversation and he informs her that if she doesn’t leave with him she’ll likely end up robbed and murdered. A bit convenient, but I still liked this scene.

From there Evelyn is taken to a private island and introduced to Sana, apparently the living Queen of the planet. I’m sure there’s a bigger story going on about her not being in power, but we’ll have to wait for those details. Through their conversation Evelyn reveals that she’s a moonshiner and botanist. Sana wants to go into the alcohol business and so a partnership is formed. We also learn that Evelyn is on the run for some reason which I’m sure will play heavily into the story.

Warshiner #1Overall the story is very interesting. There’s definitely some convenient bits like Evelyn running into the guy at the bar who’s boss just happens to be looking at going into the booze business. But I’m very curious about where the story is going. There’s a bit at the end that introduces some antagonists to the story and their inclusion seems significant to the story.

On the art side. I dug it. It’s not perfect and there’s several places in which the character’s faces are strange and don’t look like the rest of the issue, but it’s mostly forgivable because of the dynamic art style. There’s a couple times that there’s a real sense of movement in the issue. The coloring is also very strong and makes the book stand out from other indie comics. It’s not just a fill bucket, but rather a real sense of art was used for the coloring.

The lettering is one of the weakest things about the issue. The font is rather large and a sometimes the word bubble is way too big for the panel. The font was also very generic and didn’t give the story or characters any personality. The right letterer could really improve this issue as even some of the word bubbles looked sloppy and constantly broke panels when it wasn’t needed.

Overall I liked the issue. I didn’t think I would and maybe I won’t in the future because it’s about moonshining and that’s not really a subject I’m into. But I dug the characters and the world. I want to see more of our antagonists and figure out what Evelyn is on the run from. If you feel like taking a chance on an indie book this week, then give Warshiner a chance.

Score: 4/5

Warshiner #1 Writer: Rebecca Rotherschild Artist: Katie Rodriguez Price: $5.00 (P), $2.00 (D) Format: Print/Digital Website

Review: Rednecks vs Hipsters

When I think of two strong stereotypes in today’s society Hipsters and Rednecks stand out for sure. Then when you see a comic that was created off of that idea, you need to read it. I mean honestly think of two better stereotypes to write about... you can’t. This all brings me to Hipsters Vs Rednecks: theoretically the gosh darndest best duo of all! (that isn’t the subtitle but it should be). If you don’t absolutely love this comic, you are a fool. The apocalypse is happening and what two idiots are left but a group of rednecks and a group of hipsters. Rednecks need to eat, so they turn to the hipsters and hipsters must not engage in anything, so the battle begins.

There is Pete, a total hipster who doesn’t even understand, and then there's Sloane. She stumbles in with the hipsters because what other group is there to join; the rednecks will eat her. She isn’t like Pete and without her, the hipsters wouldn’t move the plot much. Sloane is allowing for choices to be made and decisions to be had while the rest listen to music and admire their beards.

HvR_CoverThe rednecks don’t really have a main character. I like that we only follow one group. First because the hipsters are hilarious and secondly, I don’t really want to watch first cousins procreate. So that brings me to the star of this comic; the author. Wes Locher delivers awesome fucking jokes. Seriously. Nothing is forced, it flows well within the story. Salinger, the hipster leader, is by far the best. He isn’t open to reason and usually focuses on latte and not giving a shit. Each character has some unique quality that makes them stand out and Salinger’s is wearing a cape while always speaking in high vocabulary. It’s fantastic.

For the rednecks, Locher gives them a stupidity that is unmatched. But the mud scene is priceless… just wait for the mud scene. I never thought the bantering from hipster to redneck could be delightful, but somehow Locher has captured those perfect moments.

Then you’ve got Tyler Kelting on art. Again every character stands out yet is distinguishable right away. The hipsters have beards (by the way, it is the only way you can tell male from female), dark colors, many layers, and make a lot of “I don’t get involved with things like that faces.” The rednecks are fat, greasy, can’t seem to close their mouths even though they only three teeth, and carry guns all the time.  The visuals alone make me laugh.

If you want a boring ass comic that dives deep into a thematic purpose that delivers with every suspenseful action, get right to it. Me, I’d rather stick to a comic that is fun as shit and dives into a deep pile of awesomeness and delivers swag on each turn of the page.

Score: 4/5

Hipsters vs Rednecks Writer: Wes Locher Artist: Tyler Kelting Price: $3.99 (P), $1.99 (D) Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: One-Shot; Print/Digital Website

Review: Prophetica #1

The world of Prophetica is a fucked up one, but one that I couldn’t stop reading. There’s something about strange worlds that take place in the desert that are just interesting. Prophetica opens with a caravan of people crossing the desert. There’s a group on foot leading the way and they’re called Waterbearers. The narration explains their role in the “Progression” as one that is noble. We find out very quickly though that these Waterbearers are slaves that have been given huge jugs of water to carry until they die and drop them into the sand. We then meet the people living high up on the biggest beast in the caravan. There’s a screaming child and group of women and their offspring gathered. It’s unclear at first why they’re there, but through their dialogue we learn that the Progression is happening because of the baby and the fact that it was born with one wing. Apparently any child born this way is taken on a Progression and they can’t find the temple until the last Waterbearer falls dead. They then enter the temple and kill the baby by throwing it down a well. This is all because of two religious beliefs and a prophecy that a winged child will raise up and destroy one religion.

Prophetica-000-CoverThere’s a lot more going on in this story and I really encourage you to read it. There’s so many details that I’m not giving you because it would spoil it. This is a well-plotted story and the fine details are worth paying attention to as they add to the depth of the world. With a fantasy/sci-fi world like this, usually setting up and creating the world is a terrible process. Just thinking back to several titles I’ve read this year I can’t say many have been successful at setting up their world. Prophetica on the other hand, manages to include half the information in a narrative from one of the characters and the rest through the dialogue. It would have been easy to explain that the Waterbearers were just slaves sentenced to die for some weird ritual in order to find a temple, but instead it’s slowly revealed through believable dialogue.

The artwork fits the story. It’s not a style that most causal readers will like, but really fits the world. It’s formatted for computer screens and tablets and very successfully so. There’s some great panel layouts and perspectives used in the issue. In the beginning there’s a shot of one of the waterbearers looking down at their water and their hair is handing in front of them. There’s also a fisheye-lens looking scene that surprisingly worked incredibly well.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Prophetica. My one and only compliant is that this first issue/volume is so complete that it doesn’t set up a true path for the next issue. We could basically start anywhere, but I would have liked a bit of a hint. There’s a mention of a possiblity, but the character is so nonchalant about it, that it’s hard to say that’s where the story is going.

Otherwise, I liked this story a lot. The premise and the world building was tremendous and I’m looking forward to seeing what else the series has to offer. Head over to Prophetica’s website and check it out.

Score: 4/5

Prophetica #1 Writer: Vince Twelve Artist: Tim Mayer Colorist: Jason Wordie Price: Pay What You Want (Suggested at $3.99) Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: Digital Website

Review: The Beauty #2

The Beauty #2 continues the story of an STD that has reached epidemic levels, mainly due to the fact that people actually want to contract it. As the name suggests the beauty is a disease that transforms its sufferer’s looks, making them a prime example of what society deems as beautiful. Naturally then, this infection became a must-have for many people – after all, it has no negative side effects, right? Well, actually no. While for quite some time it seemed the beauty was harmless, this book depicts the horrifying turn of events that reveal the disease is actually far deadlier than anyone could have imagined. This issue picks up where the first issue left off, with Detective Foster still reeling from his recent – and entirely accidental – contraction of the beauty. As Foster is one of the few people with knowledge of the infection’s fatal effects, he is unsurprisingly terrified about his sudden transformation – something that no doubt isn’t helped by the fact that his position as a leader of the Beauty Crimes Task Force gives him no respite from the fact that he’s now headed toward a brutal death. Beauty-#2I loved the first issue of this series, and with this second instalment my interest in this book only grows. Writers Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley continue to build a great sense of tension, which leaves the book with an unsettling tone that perfectly reflects the morbid events unfolding on the page. The story this book is telling becomes notably more complex this issue, with hints being dropped here and there about the true nature of these events but the answers being held just out of reach. This kept me engaged and left me speculating about what could be going on in this book long after I’d finished reading this issue. Of course, a strong story can often falter if its characters aren’t interesting or believable; fortunately, the two leads in The Beauty – Detectives Vaughn and Foster – are very well rounded, and their interactions in this book are effective at selling us the idea that these two have been friends for many years. Indeed, in spite of the high-concept premise this entire book feels very believable with the shady backroom deals and cover-ups present in this issue, feeling like an accurate representation of what would actually happen if an epidemic such as this one were to occur in the real-world.

This is no doubt helped by the artwork by Jeremy Haun and John Rauch, which is perfectly suited to a gritty police drama such as this one. The beauty of all those infected seems to be emphasised by their drab surroundings, while the frequent use of shadow and darkness helps enforce the sense of dread looming over Vaughn and Foster as they edge closer to the truth.

The Beauty continues to be a book worthy of your time and money, with this second issue maintaining a fast pace from its explosive first page to its action packed climax. With its intelligent story, well-rounded characters and wonderful artwork this book is shaping up to be something very impressive indeed.

Score: 4/5

The Beauty #2 Writers: Jason A. Hurley/Jeremy Haun Artist: Jeremy Haun Colorist: John Rauch Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital

Review: Tokyo Ghost #1

Recently, I was listening to the replay of a 2011 BBC Radio 4 documentary called Tim Key’s Suspended Sentence, in which the titular British comedian invites listeners on a journey to find the perfect literary opening line, while exploring what makes some of literature’s most famous introductory word salvos so iconic. In it, literary critic and author John Sutherland comes up with what I feel to be a great description of what a strong opening can do for a story, calling it, “the moment of copulation that all engagement with fiction requires.” I love that visual; it captures that first furtive yet intimate fumble at the start of a novel perfectly. And it’s a metaphor that works even better for comics.

Thanks to the double-barrel nature of its storytelling delivery device, the comic book medium absolutely requires a more multifaceted “coming together” than novels, such that the opening shot can’t just read well, it also has to look sexy, too. And in my opinion, as an example of the “come hither gaze” that Key describes opening lines to be in his aforementioned doc, the first panel of Rick Remender and Sean Murphy’s Tokyo Ghost #1 is a damn near perfect eye-fuck.

In one static, closeup shot of a record player (of all things), a line of setting and three short dialogue boxes, this book establishes its intrigue, character voice, sense of place and the danger therein beautifully and succinctly. But, of course, neither does one line nor one panel a lasting story make, regardless of how ingenious its execution. So, does this one moment of perfect copulation feed into a satisfyingly intimate reading experience, or is Tokyo Ghost #1 just an empty promise; a tease, leaving the reader jazzed up, but with no release?

In the grimly-futuristic Island of Los Angeles, the constant consumption of information comes second only to breathing as humanity’s favorite natural reflex (blinking, presumably, being a distant third). With the entire populace mollified beneath the direct interface opiate of nanobotic stream feeds, Law is a hazy afterthought at best, and is regulated only by the Constables: a peace-keeping arm of the entertainment industry, the members of whom protect the audience (and more importantly, the ratings) of the all-powerful company, Flak Corp. Think of them as Judge Dredds with addiction problems.

Issue one follows two such agents - the unstoppable Constable Led Dent and his mouthy firecracker minder, Debbie Decay - as they hunt down the nefarious life-hacker, Davey Trauma, whose ability to possess anyone with nanobots (which is everyone) and his lust for mass murder, make him both a threat to and fine purveyor of mindless entertainment. What follows is a dystopian city-wide cat-and-mouse chase between  Tank Girl and Ghost Rider/Juggernaut analogues, and a psychotic digital Riddler. And for the most part, it’s a wild, raucous and ridiculous ride.

Tokyo-Ghost-#1Being a big mark for the gentlemen that co-captain the helm of Tokyo Ghost’s creative team, I came to this book expecting big things; and in that, it didn’t disappoint. Murphy’s art especially is the grimy, etched beast it’s always been, complementing the structure of this world in an aesthetic of true grit. Under his care, Tokyo Ghost #1 is the distilled essence of cyberpunk; a political graffiti tag scrawled with a butterfly knife on an Akira poster.

Everything from his tank-cycle-driven action to his familiar yet uniquely-inspired figure and background design work is awhirl with the dynamic kineticism of which only he is truly capable. This is classic Murphy, and it’s equal parts glorious and grotesque. Cast beneath the at-times washed-out, at others sickeningly vibrant neon colors of Matt Hllingsworth and peppered with some incredibly nuanced and fun in-joke lettering by Rus Wooton, the whole is given a pulpy, cocaine sheen that will keep you amped from its first page to its last.

As the other half of the promise made in that first panel, Remender does his level best to keep up with the art, and for the most part makes a solid go of it. He may not be able to land jokes in the same way Murphy is with his visual gags and meta-references, but some of his dialogue is downright sublime; the prime example of this being Trauma’s hilariously inappropriate fit of pseudo-messianic pique.

I have to say, however, that I was initially off-put by that particular character’s reliance on semi-current, quasi-l33t speak, but given his addictive fascination with the past (the man has weaponized versions of an NES controller and Atari joystick welded onto his fucking arm), he kind of gets a pass. Still, some of his dialogue especially felt forced to tick all of the boxes as regards his background and motivations.

Otherwise, though, it felt like Remender was back on form with this series, tapping into that mastery of interpersonal relationships (and how they affect not just the world, but the adventure therein) that so often, and so infectiously drive his more memorable stories. It’s clear that Remender is having fun again with Tokyo Ghost, and when he has fun, so do his readers.

To broaden that idea of a first line, inaugural issues, too, are important; to set tone, atmosphere and of course, interest. And in both the phenomenal initial hook for this issue, and it being itself a great way in to what I think will be an intriguing story, Tokyo Ghost #1 scintillates. And I for one will be coming back for more copulation next time.

Score: 4/5

Tokyo Ghost #1 Writer: Rick Remener Artist: Sean Murphy Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth Letterer: Rus Wooton Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital

Review: D4VE 2 #1

The first volume of D4VE was amazing. I clearly wasn’t the only one to think that since the book was one of the first to ever be picked up in single issue format by IDW. Originally it was a digital only series from MonkeyBrain Comics, but after it’s IDW run it’s now a print series first type of deal. I remember when the first volume ended writer Ryan Ferrier questioned if there would be more D4VE and something about only if the story was right. With that, I became excited for D4VE’s return. Clearly the story was right to tell, right?

RIGHT?

To say I was disappointed by this issue is an understatement. It took everything that worked for the first volume and forced it onto every page. Even D4VE’s lovable “Butthorn” catchphrase is used in the marketing of this book and so many times in the issue that its charm is lost. Here’s the thing, I don’t blame the creators. I saw what they could do on their own and it was fantastic. The humor was gentle, but hilarious. Sure it was non-stop, but it was the right kind of non-stop humor. This was non-stop in the worst kind of way. The way that makes you just want to stop reading.

So who’s to blame? Well again, I saw what the creators can do on their own without an editor so since the editor is the only thing new to the book I kind of have to blame the editor David Hedgecock. Now if you read the IDW version of the first volume you’ll have seen Hedgecock’s name on that book as well, but I really wonder if he did anything to it at all. If he did, then you did not read the best version of that story and should go buy the MonkeyBrain digital issues.

D4VE201-coverThe overall story is of the same quality. An object falls from a black hole that’s opened up close to earth and everyone is thinking more aliens. D4VE is the boss now and his personal life is that of a divorced dad. The thing is, the charm of D4VE last time was that everything was interchangeable with a real person. Now, he feels like a robot or at the very least a cartoon character. He’s not genuine feeling and basically comes across as a parody of himself. 5cotty is just about the only thing that feels unchanged, but even he is a little too “on” this time around.

The art is still fantastic. The art is the only thing that informs us that this is the same series because if the art had switched we would never have known. I can’t praise Valentin Ramon’s artwork enough. His character designs continue to look great and continue the wonderful blend of robot, yet human looking. It’s a weird thing to describe, but basically even though their robots they emote the same as humans. Visually this books is still impressive.

I don’t know what the fuck happened to this series. This feels like a cheap cash in on the success of the first book and in terms of the story it barely resembles its past self. The jokes are nonstop and no longer feel fresh or funny, but the story is actually interesting and feels the same. It’s just the dialogue that reads like a carbon copy from the first book making me think that someone that wouldn’t have greenlite this book to begin with didn’t understand how to actually improve it and so it was recommend that they just keep it the same.

Maybe I’m blaming the editing too much, but since I find IDW’s editing to be mostly terrible and then one of the best books of last year lands there and releases a new volume that’s also now mostly terrible… well I find it hard not to believe that someone fucked with a working formula. And if it wasn’t the editor than Ryan Ferrier couldn’t tap into the same magic that made the first volume special and I honestly don’t know which is worse.

Score: 2/5

D4VE 2 #1 Writer: Ryan Ferrier Artist: Valentin Ramon Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital

 

Review: Awake #1

It is rare when you pick up an All-Ages comic that it is actually All-Ages. What is even more rare is that you will love it. Well thank god for Awake. I hate jumping the gun on a first issue, but I will anyway. This comic is great. Never once did I think that this was a kid’s comic or that a kid wouldn’t get it. Everything just came together for this new Action Lab story. For the first issue, we get some leveling of stories. The first story is of Regn. She is a healer of worlds and appears to be on a pretty freaking big mission. She is young and weary, so her constant companion, Operi, helps to sooth her in troubling times. Although you don’t quite understand her mission, where she came from, what her powers can totally do or a whole lotta other stuff, Regn is intriguing. Susan Benville’s gives her a lot of qualities that people have in tough times; self-doubt, humble, compassion, preservice, tenacity, and so on.

Whether these are good or not, we go through lots of emotions when trying to achieve a goal. I feel like there is always one cute cuddly animal that I love in All-Ages comics, and Awake has given me another one; Bashi. And guess what...he isn’t a cat. Bashi is a fox. And maybe even a hipster fox, hence the scarf. But really he joins Regn for no apparent reason other than he is a protector and probably is looking for a family. Although he has this cute outward appearance, he will take you down if you mess with his new friends.

Awake #1The second story, which we get very little about, centers around Picar. He is seen fishing with his buddies but is mysterious in the fact he has a green mark on his face. Also he is being watched by an unknown character. I love seeing the two stories unfold, but especially loved how Benville got you hooked and kept you there the whole time. I think she does this with opening up about a certain character at one moment then moving quickly to something else. You are left wondering, yet dive in to see what happens next.

The art, by Brian Hess, is amazing. It does have a realistic cartoon feel to it, but the bright colors and cute characters, lets the reader’s eyes go crazy. I thought maybe Regn’s magic wouldn’t fit, but Hess makes the magic come apart of her. Every action she makes the magic is moving with her. I love seeing it be a part of her body, plus it doesn't hurt the magic pops off the page with dark and light purples. The mood it creates flows with the writing and gives the overall atmosphere a mysterious vibe.

Overall, I couldn’t see people turning this comic away. It is cute but still has a good story to tell. The characters, although some aren’t human, symbolize so much more. I can’t wait to see how Benville reveals more of these worlds and how Hess gives us more magic.

Score: 4/5

Awake #1 Writer: Susan Benville Artist: Brian Hess Publisher: Action Lab Entertainment Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital

Review: Rat Queens #12

Team books are interesting things, you need to balance the story while also getting each character a good amount of (near) equal screen time. This issue pulls off such balance very well. Each of the Rat Queens gets a moment to let their individual character shine while also moving the story forward. Violet gets to be an awesome drunk dwarf. Betty revealed a little bit about her past (which is about literally all we know about her history now) while also showing off how perceptive she is while super inebriated. Delialah has a touching moment reflecting on what she left behind. And Hannah faces her past directly which leads to an epic and super painful last few pages. Why issue 13 isn’t already in my hands is a crime that will not soon be forgotten. Yet while every main character got their own personal screen time, there is still room for the gang to have time together. Rat-Queens-#12But the story isn’t perfect (and I’m not talking about the cliffhanger madness it plagues you with). We start with Violet and Betty resolving the story last issue left lingering. Then we get Delialah using her magic to travel elsewhere, which was slightly jarring but works well once the reader catches up. But once the sequence is over (it lasts four pages) we jump to the Queens in the middle of a snow storm. I once again took a second to settle in, knowing we had changed places and times. Which while slightly jarring, works perfectly. Each portion of the story has its own color palette. You can tell by the first panel of the new local (or in one case new character arriving) that there has been a change. There is no need for a random descriptor panel saying “elsewhere, meanwhile, or cave”, the art gave all the clues you needed. It is similar to how shows like the Wire and Game of Thrones do larger stories, letting the setting and colors tell you we have moved along, demanding the reader keep up.

The emotiveness of the characters is also strong. Pages of dialogue and description are contained in a single drawing of a character. It feels like more of the story is being told in the artwork then before, I don’t think the previous artists had such emotion and movement in their artwork. Which is no slight to the previous artists at all, I just feel Rat Queens may have found the art team it was destined to have. I have been flipping through the pages trying to find specific examples to expand upon, but you can flip to any page of this issue and see the brilliance of the artwork.

Rat Queens may be giving Saga a run for its money in cliffhanger pages. These last two issues have made me crave the new issue more than anything. This issue trumps the last one in that regard. The final few pages build up the tension that isn’t quite relieved. A month has rarely been this long. On the bright side I can reread drunken the badassery that is Violet, Dwarven warrior several more times while I wait.

Score: 4/5

Rat Queens #12 Writer: Kurtis J Wiebe Artist: Tess Fowler Colorist: Tamra Bonvillian Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/15/15 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital

Review: The Spirit #3

Matt Wagner and Dan Schkade’s series based on the classic Will Eisner creation continues to be an entertaining read, even if this third issue isn’t quite as impressive as the second. The series continues to unfold primarily from the perspective of the loveable investigators Ebony and Sammy as they continue their fruitless search for answers regarding the Spirit’s disappearance. While they seem to get no closer, we the audience do get an insight as to the character’s whereabouts as in the opening pages of this issue he finally re-emerges. Wagner has a solid grasp on his characters, giving each a distinctive personality while the artwork by Dan Schkade perfectly encapsulates the nostalgic feel of the story without looking at all dated. The Spirit #3There’s a definite sense of fun with each and every issue of The Spirit, a mood which I feel is represented perfectly with this month’s final page reveal. Of course I won’t spoil said reveal for you but I had to mention it as it put a smile on my face – and what more could you ask for from a comic-book then that? Although, while this issue was enjoyable as I’ve already said it didn’t quite reach the heights of the second. Firstly, the book opens with a somewhat strange short story which seems to do nothing except serve as the means to an end of bringing The Spirit back from his exile. In this sense I suppose it does an adequate job, but I felt that the nine-page story could have easily been distilled to two or three pages, which then would have left more time to develop the stories of the main cast. This leaves me feeling like this issue didn’t accomplish as much as the second aside from The Spirit’s brief return, meaning most of the characters seem to be in much the same position at the end of this instalment as they were at the end of issue two.

This isn’t such a bad thing as I wouldn’t want Wagner to rush his way through this very promising story, but it does just mean that this issue doesn’t have quite as great an impact as the second. Still though, I do find myself fascinated by this story and look forward to the answers that issue four is likely to bring. Additionally, I’m enjoying being introduced to characters from The Spirit’s sizeable catalogue of villains. As I’ve said in previous reviews this series is my first exposure to the character, having never read any of Eisner’s stories nor have I seen the apparently terrible Frank Miller film. Wagner seems to be writing with people like me in mind, gradually pulling back the curtain to the world in which the Spirit lives and seemingly setting up future stories in the process.

This series stumbled out of the starting gate with a forgettable first issue, but just two months later the book has become one of my favourites on the stands. The Spirit boasts a fun tone, very memorable characters and some stylish art courtesy of Dan Schkade. Indeed, whether you’re a new reader or a veteran this book is definitely worth checking out and I hope Wagner stays on board for more stories once this initial arc wraps up.

Score: 4/5

The Spirit #3 Writer: Matt Wagner Artist: Dan Schkade Colorist: Brennan Wagner Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital

Review: 2000 AD – Prog 1948

A very cool, very fitting chapter of Dredd in the aftermath of the devastation caused in Enceladus: New Life. I fucking love Dredd.  Yeah, yeah, I have that one friend who has to make his liberal ideas really well known (not that I often disagree with him, he’s just, you know, THAT guy), and hates fictional characters like Dredd because they're fascists and, for some reason, that means you have to be a little bit of a fascist to enjoy them, according to him.

I just don't think that's true.  It misses a lot of nuances the character has, first of all, and, as this chapter shows, Dredd himself might be some kind of fascist, but he doesn't operate in a bubble.  There's an uncomfortable reality that this newest Dredd story is making us face head-on: Dredd and the Judge system as a whole might be an authoritarian regime, but they saved everyone's asses.

In the newest story, from writer Ian Edginton and artist Dave Taylor, we see Dredd making some hard decisions that involve, of course, killing the shit out of people.  But I think it's really important that we see those decisions through the eyes of a bystander who is having trouble coming to terms with the extreme nature of Dredd's decisions.  The tone of Dredd is rarely, "look at how great it is that Dredd is killing the shit out of this guy that he could have just wounded," and often counterbalances his decisions with more human elements.

2000-AD-Prog-1948Look, if Judge Dredd was just some human, he wouldn't have been riding a black horse into a super-human ice-people army with one of his arms flayed and absolutely no hope of victory.  Let's not forget that the world of Mega City One is not analogous to our world in any robust way, especially not after an extremely devastating attack on a city and its resources by an army of ice monsters.  One of the most compelling things about the Battlestar Galactica reboot, for instance, is in the fact that it takes seriously the notion of people in power forced to make hard decisions for the good of the whole.

Anyway, besides thinking "Ghost Town" gets Dredd right in an important (and seriously timely) way, the last page of Grey Area alone was worth this entire run of the comic, and Deadworld had its strongest chapter yet.

What felt claustrophobic about previous Deadworld chapters is absent in a story that feels like it has a lot more motion, and really benefits from a well-executed penultimate page where color livens up a more traditional page layout.  I think Deadworld might have also picked up some because it's gaining some momentum into the story's climax.  Either way, I enjoyed this chapter for more than just its set-pieces.

Score: 4/5

2000 AD – Prog 1948 Writers: Various Artists: Various Publisher: 2000 AD Price: £1.99 (Digital) £2.49 Release Date: 9/16/2015 Format: Weekly; Print/Digital

Review: Bloodshot Reborn #6

Bloodshot Reborn #6 manages to pull of that perfect magic act by which the first issue of the second arc is truly as good a jumping on point as anything in the first arc was. Partly, it’s because the last issue of the first arc was a very surreal, Raul Allen-illustrated journey into Bloodshot’s damaged psyche, and this is a good time for everyone to play catch up. When last we left Bloodshot, he was on a quest to track down the other Bloodshots--unfortunate souls that were infected with nanites by Project Rising Spirit. He was haunted by the ghosts of the nanites, manifesting as a terrifying child version of himself (Bloodsquirt) and Kay, the Geomancer he couldn’t save at the end of The Valiant, before he “killed” Bloodsquirt. Now, he’s killed three other Bloodshots and taken their nanites, and he’s at the tipping point--if he absorbs one more of the four out there, he becomes more Bloodshot than man. He still refuses to read the file about who he was before Project Rising Spirit, but he’s taken in a woman named Magic (the girlfriend of the last Bloodshot he killed), and she read his file for him--but, notably, she did not read it to him. Meanwhile, FBI agents Hoyt and Festival are hot on Bloodshot’s trail, and going through a lot of weird interpersonal shit, when Bloodshot finds out that he’s not the only game in town.

Bloodshot Reborn #6In a lot of ways, Bloodshot Reborn is the least-Jeff Lemire comic by Jeff Lemire I’ve ever read--and I mean that in a good way. Even on Animal Man, there was a core of a family weathering a tough time, Descender lives and dies on the emotional pull of a small child being held responsible for a monstrous attack; with Bloodshot Reborn, he’s taking the story of a killing machine trying to stem the bloody tide of his legacy, and the myriad ways he haunts himself. It’s dark stuff, and at first blush, it makes no sense, but Lemire lets Bloodshot get fun in ways that he never was before (Bloodsquirt) and then even makes that humor blood-soaked and horrifying (also Bloodsquirt). It feels like he’s working out some darker artistic impulses on the page to clear space for everything else he’s working on (seriously, busiest man in comics?). This issue feels like a good introduction in the same way that, if you came in for act two of a musical, the characters spend the first ten minutes addressing the things that happened at the end of act one, and you can pretty much pick it up and run with it--I picked this issue up before I finished the first arc, and aside from it kind of spoiling some things, I followed everything pretty easily.

After the first arc’s art by Mico Suayan, and the in-betweener Raul Allen art on #5 (a personal favorite), Butch Guice has stepped in to illustrate this issue, and he knocks it out of the park, as per usual. Guice seems to be one of Valiant’s go-to’s on a newer book that needs to get that Valiant feel--Suayan’s work had a lot of conceptual stuff (I’m thinking of the splash of Bloodshot murdering people opposite a page of that pose, outlining his nervous system in issue #1), and Raul Allen’s felt a lot dreamier, for obvious reasons. Guice is reliable, and every time out of the gate, he gets better, even when he’s crossing over from a more photorealistic style like this book into a sketchier, shadowier look, like the backup features in Ninjak. His work here is perfectly suited to the rough-around-the-edges road trip story Lemire is weaving, and as per usual, Dave Baron’s color scheme brings a muted sense of doom to the proceedings.

If you’ve been on the fence about picking up Bloodshot Reborn, like I was (he’s the most reminiscent of what Valiant was in the 90s, with the roided-up he-men and things like H.A.R.D. Corps to me), put those anxieties to bed. This issue retreads some old ground, but it’s a fun one, and it’s an intriguing set up for what’s to come.

Score: 4/5

Bloodshot Reborn #6 Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Butch Guice Colorist: David Baron Letterer: Dave Lanphear Publisher: Valiant Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/16/15 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital

Spottoon - A New Multilingual Web Comic Platform

SPOTTOON is a new web comic platform out of Korea. Like other web comic platforms, it offers a variety of comics ranging from all genres. There’s a huge range of styles as well. Some looking clean and anime inspired, while others are gritty and heavily stylized. Not to drone on about the art too much, but what was also interesting was the range of colored and black & white comics. The platform itself is pretty straight forward. There’s a slew of titles readily available and each title has its own release date. The kicker is that you can buy ahead on the series. For $0.99, you can buy the next chapter of a series if you’re enjoying it enough to do so. Otherwise each chapter has it’s unlock date listed. This is a different format that other platforms, because the other platforms rely on you returning weekly. In a way it reminded me of a free-to-play mobile game, you can play it as normal and unlock everything slowly because the game is designed to make you wait or you can buy your way ahead of everyone else. It’s an interesting concept and I honestly hope that it works because it would give the creators extra motivation on their series.

Quickly I’ll say that the website is well designed and easy to navigate. You can search easily and if you create an account (which you’ll need to, to continue reading the free releases) you can save your series easily. Also the way you read is very friendly to tablet and phone readers as every comic starts at the top of the screen and scrolls down. There’s a very organic feeling to the scrolling that I found to be better than a lot of web comics and rival platforms.

I read some comics while I was checking out SPOTTOON and so I’m going to run down what they’re about and my thoughts on them. Kind of a mini-review without a scoring. I don’t feel like I read enough of any one story yet to give it a review.

preta_547x448Preta

Preta is a monster story, but a monster story set in a world that doesn’t believe in monsters. The first chapter establishes our monster that lives in the sewer and then moves on to our main character. He’s a blue-collared worker that lives in a small home with his pregnant wife. He’s honestly kind of an idiot and makes a lot of boneheaded decisions, but I have the feeling he’s going to change dramatically in the coming chapters.

Overall I liked the story. It took its time establishing the main character so that we could really get an impression of what he’s like before his life changes. The art is gritty and kind of sloppy, but in an intentional way. I think that it’s that way to add to the atmosphere of the story. I dug this story and would definitely check out more, but I’m on the fence about paying for more. Maybe after another couple of chapters I would have a better impression.

Updates every Tuesday

밝은미래_ep02_292Bright Future

Bright Future grabbed my attention the most. It starts off with a boy waking up from some pretty bad memories, but he doesn’t remember his name or anything about his life. What’s stranger is that he doesn’t feel any pain and has incredible speed. He’s eventually sold to a man rather than properly adopted. The man is a professional small time criminal and wants to use the boy to stage real car accidents. The kid meets another “adopted” kid and they become brothers/friends of sorts and eventually end up fending for themselves.

The story jumps to the future at one point and I’m waiting to see what happens from there. It seems really interesting and the writing is very sharp. The dialogue was believable, but never excessive or an info-dump. The dialogue gives the reader a very strong impression of the characters, which was impressive only a few chapters.

The artwork was great. There’s a surreal vibe to the world which makes it comic booky, but then the art is very photorealistic as well. This was the perfect look for this very realistic and violent world that Bright Future is set in. Also I loved the panel layouts. They were beautiful looking and did a lot for the narrative.

Overall this was the best story I’ve read so far. I’m looking forward to more and could see paying for it in the future if the quality held up. Again, I would probably wait for a few more free chapters though.

Updates every Thursday

로맨스킬러_ep01_292Romance Killer

Romance Killer was actually the first comic I read on SPOTTOON. It’s about a retired killer and the first couple of chapters are about how he meet his wife and a little about where his life is heading. The cliffhanger for the third chapter was interesting and will really dictate the rest of the story.

The story is a bit familiar. If you’ve ever seen or read a hitman/assassin story, then you’ll get the gist really fast. He has rules, he breaks his rules, his life changes. That sort of thing. I liked the small twists and that’s what kept me reading.

I was disappointed by the lack of art. There’s a ton of printed narration to read and very little art to go with it. When there is artwork, it’s incredible, but there’s not nearly enough. I’ll continue checking out the free chapters on this one and hope that the amount of art improves because there’s not nearly enough here.

Updates every Monday

pl02_292_292_01Tribe-X

Tribe-X was definitely the weakest story of the four I checked out, but not necessarily bad. It just felt as if the story wasn’t developed with the platform in mind and instead is a larger story that’s been chopped into pieces to work on SPOTTOON.

Because of that, I have a hard time telling you what the story is about. It clearly begins at the end of the story though because later chapters’ flash into the past and stay there. In the future we see two teenagers fighting and using mental powers to do battle. One doesn’t want to fight, while the other is seeking the ultimate challenge and will only be happy with the other one giving his all in the fight.

The art is impressive. It’s very manga/manhwa inspired. The linework is clean, the character designs are all over the top and memorable. The coloring is the best part with an animated vibe to it. It’s what drew me to the comic to begin with.

I don’t know what’s happening in the story quite yet, but I definitely enjoyed the art enough to keeping giving it time to brew and develop.

Updates every Wednesday

Well there you have it, my thoughts on SPOTTOON and small handful of their series. There’s a ton of comics and web comics out there to read, but at least with more platforms popping up they’re easy to find in one place. If you’re looking for something new to read that’s very monitor/tablet/phone friendly then check out SPOTTOON.

Viewster Partners with DEFY Media Bolstering its Branded Channels

Viewster, the worldwide video streaming service, today announces a partnership with DEFY Media, a leading digital producer and programmer for 13-34 year olds, to bring new content to its Branded Channels lineup with popular shows from the company’s leading web brands focused on gaming, SMOSH Games and The Escapist, as well as animation channel Shut Up! Cartoons. The new channel lineup features Shut Up! Cartoon’s hit SMOSH Babies, which follows the adventures of digital stars Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox as rambunctious toddlers, the award-winning anime and live action Oishi High School Battle and Honest Game Trailers from Streamy Award winner SMOSH Games.

"We are very proud to announce our partnership with digital heavyweight DEFY Media.” said Azadeh Stoelken, Director of Content for Viewster, Inc. “Their top digital brands present the best in gaming, animated shorts and comedy and are a perfect addition to our newly implemented branded programming on Viewster.”

New Branded Channels and shows include:

SMOSH Games featuring

  • Honest Game Trailers
  • Game Bang
  • Button Bash
  • Gametime

Shut Up! Cartoons featuring

  • Teleporting Fat Guy
  • Sub: 3
  • With Zombies
  • Paper Cuts
  • Life’s a Zoo
  • Just Shut Up
  • SMOSH Babies
  • Uberdude
  • Munroe
  • Dos and Don’ts
  • Oishi High School Battle

The Escapist featuring

  • Zero Punctuation
  • Unskippable
  • Casual Cosplay

Viewster launched its new Branded Channels segment in August, expanding its youth-oriented content with cutting edge animation, entertainment and gaming programming. All channels are available free worldwide through Viewster's advertising-supported desktop and mobile apps, with regular updates ensuring a consistent, fresh flow of content.

BLUEFIN ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW SEPTEMBER PRE-ORDER ANIME COLLECTIBLES

Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, expands its substantial catalog of Bandai Hobby products with pre-orders that are now available for a dozen newly added model kits and other collectibles for popular product lines based on Gundam, One Piece, and Star Blazers 2199. For the GunPla enthusiast, Bluefin highlights notable releases including a new MG RX78 Gundam The Origin Version kit in 1/100 scale, a pair of new 1/144 scale HGUC Gundam MK II Zeta Gundam kits, and several exciting kits based on the hit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans series – also available in 1/144 scale. Fans of the stylized, super deformed (SD) variants can look forward to the new SD Gundam EX-Standard 005 Gundam Unicorn.

One Piece collectors will not want to miss the release of Bandai Hobby’s beautiful Sailing Ship Collection Red Force, which depicts Shank’s iconic ship in stunning detail. Space Battleship Yamato/Star Blazers fans also can expand their battle fleets with the Mecha Collection Star Blazers 2199 Gaiderol, the fierce Garmillas ship used by Colonel Schultz in the Star Blazers 2199 anime series.

These products will be available through various retailers in November.

MG 1/100 RX-78 Gundam From: Gundam The Origin; Height: Approx. 7.5 inches; MSRP: $48.99

The first Gundam as visually re-interpreted in Gundam The Origin features new engineering that allows it to perform amazing feats of flexibility in its torso and ankles to recreate dynamic poses never before possible. Weapons include wrist and chest mounted Vulcan cannons, chest mounted launcher, interchangeable shoulder cannon, bazooka, 2 types of beam rifles, beam sabers, and shield, New to this version are special effect parts to recreate smoke trails/muzzle flash on its small arms weapons.

SD Gundam EX-Standard 005 Gundam Unicorn Height: Approx. 3 inches; MSRP: $6.99

Part of the new SD Gundam EX-Standard product line the Unicorn Gundam in Destroy Mode has been recreated with an emphasis on articulation and enhanced proportion. Weapons include beam rifle and shield. Check out the website of the SD Gundam EX-Standard series for more information at: http://en.gundam.info/web/sdex.

HGBF 1/144 Super Fumina "Gundam Build Fighters" From Gundam Build Fighters; Height: Approx. 5 inches; MSRP: $19.99

Appearing at the end of Gundam Build Fighters Try, master builder Minato Sakai creates this model figure of rival builder Fumina Hoshino without her permission causing much hilarity. Parts include a mixture of soft material and normal plastic to recreate pliable feel of clothing while still maintaining the construction found in a normal GunPla. Super Fumina's pupils have been recreated with foil stickers layered by transparent lenses.  Based on Fumina's earlier GunPla, the GM Cardigan, Super Fumina is equipped with beam rifle, 2 beam cannons, and shield with beam sabers.  Includes interchangeable hands and also a stand for display.

HG 1/144 Hykuri "Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans" Height: Approx. 5 inches; MSRP: $13.99

A transformable mobile suit that can fly, this unique unit has been recreated in model kit form and includes a stand for stability.  Includes 2 rifles.

HG 1/144 Hyakuren "Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans" Height: Approx. 5 inches; MSRP: $10.99

The fierce Hyakuren mobile suit includes combat blade that can be sheathed, rifle cannon, and a pair of re-enforced knuckles that can be mounted over the hands and stores in the hip skirts.

HG 1/144 Graze Kai "Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans" Height: Approx. 5 inches; MSRP: $10.99

Part of the series Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans, the Graze Kai is an upgraded Graze mass production unit used by the Earth organization Gjallarhorn.  Comes equipped with a rifle and battle axe that can be stored on attachment points on its body.

HG 1/144 MS Option Set 2 & CGS Mobile Worker (Space Use) "Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans" Height: Approx. 3 inches; MSRP: $6.99

A special pack of various accessory parts for customizing MS kits from the Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans animated series or other 1/144 GunPla. Includes boosters, missile launcher, bazooka, shoulder modules, and mounting parts. A special CGS space use Mobile Worker can also be built.

HGUC 1/144 RX-178 Gundam MK 2 AEUG "Zeta Gundam" Height: Approx. 5 inches; MSRP: $16.99

The Gundam MK II from the animated TV series, Zeta Gundam, reappears 30 years later in an amazing new HG kit!  Utilizing new molding techniques that allow assembly with less visible marks thanks to the "kusabi" gate, as well as a re-imagined aesthetic that balances appearance accuracy and dynamic movement, the Gundam MK II is a classic Gundam suit ready to start off or complete any Gundam collection!  Includes beam rifle, beam sabers, clay bazooka, a shield, and head mounted Vulcan canon pod.

HGUC 1/144 RX-178 Gundam MK 2 Titans "Zeta Gundam" Height: Approx. 5 inches; MSRP: $16.99

The Gundam MK II from the animated TV series Zeta Gundam reappears 30 years later in an amazing new HG kit!  Utilizing new molding techniques that allow assembly with less visible marks thanks to the "kusabi" gate, as well as a re-imagined aesthetic that balances appearance accuracy and dynamic movement, the Gundam MK II is a classic Gundam suit ready to start off or complete any Gundam collection!  The Titans version features additional marking stickers not found on the white AEUG version. Includes beam rifle, beam sabers, clay bazooka, a shield, and head mounted Vulcan cannon pod.

FW Gundam Converge #1 Trading Figures Height: Approx. 2.2 inches; MSRP $8.99 each

Bandai Candy Toy is proud to introduce a new "FW Gundam Converge" series. In this series, large-sized mobile suits join the lineup, and some include more than one weapon! The figures are approx. 2.2 inches tall with a uniquely deformed look while retaining stylish proportion. The first installment features 'Nu-Gundam (with a rifle & a bazooka)', 'Sazabi,’ 'Gundam Gp04,' 'Gerbera Tetra,’ and ‘Mobile Worker Late Type’ in two red and blue colors!

Sailing Ship Collection Red Force "One Piece" Length: Approx. 12 inches; MSRP: $46.99

Shanks's pirate ship from the popular anime/manga series, One Piece. This large vessel stretches approximately 12 inches long and 11 inches tall.  Ship features realistic trim detailing along its body and unpainted mini figures of Shanks and his crew are included along with a stand.

Mecha Collection Star Blazers 2199 Gaiderol "StarBlazers 2199" Length: Approx. 4 inches; MSRP: $4.99

Used by Colonel Schultz in the Star Blazers 2199 animated series, this fierce Garmillas ship has been recreated in fun to collect 1/400 size Mecha Collection series! Display stand is included.