TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: Comics Review

Showing posts with label Comics Review. Show all posts

Friday, May 30, 2025

Comics Review: "ARCHIE IS MR.JUSTICE #4" vs Reggie Mantle

ARCHIE IS MR. JUSTICE, NO. 4 (OF 4)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Blake Howard

ART: Federico Sabbatini

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITOR: Jamie Lee Rotante

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Reiko Murakami

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Wilfredo Torres with Matt Herms; Matt Talbot

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (July 2025); on sale in comic book shops May 21, 2025

Rating: Teen+

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character. In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

Archie Comics has also published superhero comic books featuring offbeat characters. The latest is a four-issue comic book series, entitled Archie is Mr. Justice. The fourth issue is written by Blake Howard; drawn by Federico Sabbatini; colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli. Archie is Mr. Justice focuses on teenager Archie Andrews and his superhero persona, “Mr. Justice.” Now, Archie has to face his a dear friend and a dreadful adversary.

Archie is Mr. Justice #4 opens in the past of Archie's friend, Reggie Mantle. When they were little kids, Reggie and Archie were close. By the time, they were teens, that was no longer the case and an embittered Reggie fell in with a bad crowd, in particular, Edward “Ed” Fogarty a.k.a. “Fangs.” Reggie and Ed plan a prank. It goes awry and changes Archie's life, and the lives of Reggie and Archie go on totally different paths.

The power of jealousy, resentment, and fear can be the most destructive power of all. Now, Kid Wicked and Mr. Justice will clash over the skies of Riverdale and irrevocably change two lives.

THE LOWDOWN: I have been reading comic books, on and off, for decades. I have sporadically read Archie Comics titles over that time. For many years now, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. Archie is Mr. Justice No. 4 is the latest.

Archie Comics has been reviving some of the old M.L.J. “Golden Age” superheroes for several years now. The latest to rise from the grave is “Mr. Justice,” also known as “the Royal Wraith.” Created by writer Joe Blair and artist Sam Cooper, Mr. Justice was an 18th century English prince who was murdered by rebels. Chance and circumstance brought about his return to the mortal world in the 1940s in the form of Mr. Justice. Mr. Justice first appeared in Blue Ribbon Comics #9 (cover dated: February 1941; M.L.J. Magazines), which, in a bit of meta-fiction, is the comic book that appears in Archie is Mr. Justice #1 as one of Jughead's comic books. From this particular comic book, Archie takes inspiration for his “Mr. Justice” identity.

For this fourth and final issue, writer Blake Howard and artist Federico Sabbatini delve into the complications in the friendships of children who are growing and developing and changing. Howard's script deftly depicts how Reggie consistently makes bad choices, and Howard offers a conclusion that seems genuine rather than feel-good contrived. Sabbatini's graphical storytelling captures Reggie's resentment and bitterness, but he also depicts how much Reggie wants to be wanted and acknowledged.

Glenn Whitmore's colors capture the nuance and shifting moods of this story, especially the sense of dread and finality that is the destiny of this story. Jack Morelli's lettering provides a steady beat for a story that finds the messiness of relationships with each page and also the fun of the explosive destruction of superhero fight comics.

I am surprised by Archie is Mr. Justice #4 as I was by this entire series. I hope that an eventual trade collection attracts you, dear readers, lots of you, so that we can have something like this again.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Archie Comics' superhero titles will want to try Archie is Mr. Justice No. 4.

[This comic book includes a two-page section on the making of Archie is Mr. Justice No. 4. There is also a Q&A featuring Blake Howard and Federico Sabbatini.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

https://x.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Saturday, May 24, 2025

Comics Review: "VATICAN CITY #2" - Fear of a Vampire Planet

VATICAN CITY #2 (OF 3)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Per Berg

COLORS: Per Berg

LETTERS: Per Berg

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Per Berg

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Per Berg

32pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (May 2025)

Rating: 18+

Vatican City created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Vatican City is a new three-issue Millarworld miniseries from Dark Horse Comics. It is created and written by Mark Millar and drawn, colored, and lettered by Per Berg. Vatican City is set in a world overrun by vampires, except for Vatican City, which is the main target of the vampires.

Vatican City finds the vampire race revealing itself for the first time in ages. Their goal is “Vatican City,” the independent city-state within Rome, Italy that is the government of the “Holy See” (the Pope and the Papacy). Now, Guido Cavelti, recently of the Swiss Air Force, leads the human resistance to an invasion of monsters determined to get something that is buried deep beneath Vatican City.

Vatican City #2 opens in Russia and China, which seem to be among the last strongholds of human resistance against a vampire takeover of the world. Meanwhile, the siege of Vatican City continues as legions of vampires wait outside, afraid of the holy relics with the city.

This is something buried beneath the Vatican itself, and the vampires want it more than they want the human blood inside. What they don't know is that Guido Cavelti has decided that the humans inside need to make a last stand, and he is going to use the vampire's prize to make that stand.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Vatican City #2.

Millar continues to throw his readers right into the action with this second issue. As always, Millar's action is a bracing action – filled with equal parts thrills and chills. I don't want to spoil anything, but, of course, there was a shocking surprise to close out the first issue, and Millar also offers the shocking retaliation that defines this second issue.

The art, colors, and letters by Per Berg (also known as Per Darwin Berg or by the pen name, “Narwhal”) are both representational and impressionistic, possibly because Berg is depicting a world that is rapidly shifting from the natural to the supernatural. One thing that Berg's storytelling certainly does is create the sense of rapid breakdown and hopelessness, which are perfect modes for apocalyptic fiction. Berg wants the reader to guess at what is happening more than know what is happening. In this second issue, Berg's impressionistic and psychological storytelling wants readers to feel humanity's struggle and resistance.

Millar and Berg gave readers a reason to come back for the second issue, and now, they've given us a reason to come back for the bloody third and final issue. I suggest that you do so, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar, of vampire comic books, and of horror apocalypse will want to read Vatican City.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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Friday, May 23, 2025

Comics Review: Disney's "DARKWING DUCK #3" Unveils a Secret History

DARKWING DUCK VOLUME 2 #3

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Daniel Kibblesmith

ART: Ted Brandt & Ro Stein

COLORS: Dearbhla Kelly

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Tad Stones

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Ted Brandt & Ro Stein; Ciro Cangialosi; Nicoletta Baldari; Tad Stones

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (April 2025)

Rated “All Ages”

“Year One” Part Three of Twelve: “Where Did Darkwing Learn Martial Arts?”

“Darkwing Duck” was an animated superhero comedy television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. It originally aired for three seasons (for a total of 91 episodes) from 1991 to 1992, both as part of the syndicated programming block, “The Disney Afternoon,” and as part of ABC's Saturday morning lineup. “Darkwing Duck” focused on a suburban duck, Drake Mallard, and his superhero alter-ego, “Darkwing Duck.” The character was a parody of the pulp fiction vigilante character, The Shadow, and his alter-ego, Kent Allard.

A little over two years ago, Dynamite Entertainment launched a new Darkwing Duck comic book series. Now, it has recently relaunched the series with Darkwing Duck Volume 2. It is written by Daniel Kibblesmith; drawn by Ted Brandt & Ro Stein; and colored by Dearbhla Kelly; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry. The new series revisits Darkwing Duck's first year as a superhero.

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #3 (“Where Did Darkwing Learn Martial Arts?”) opens as Darkwing Duck (“DW”) decides to share with his adopted daughter, Gosalyn, the first chapter of his book, “The Secret History of Darkwing Duck!” As a costumed crimefighter with years of experience safeguarding the streets of St. Canard, Darkwing Duck is, of course, a seasoned master of hand-to-hand (or wing-to-wing) combat. So how did DW become proficient in the exquisite arts of combat?

Now, Darkwing Duck is transporting (or will attempt to transport) Gosalyn back to his earliest days at the Training Temple of the Venerable One, an old master who imparts wisdom and verbal take-downs in equal measure. Will DW learned the value of patience or self-control? Or will standing up to bullies cause the Venerable One to expel him? “The Ancient Book of Ancientness” may have those answers and more.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Darkwing Duck Volume 2, Issue #3, one of a few Darkwing Duck comic books that I have ever read.

I continue to find myself drawn to the work of the new Darkwing Duck comic book's creative team. Writer Daniel Kibblesmith continues to spin delightful, imaginative yarns, this time featuring a glimpse into Darkwing's formative years. Kibblesmith offers enjoyable characters while operating the mechanics of a superhero's past in an even earlier time than a “Year One” story arc.

The art team of illustrators Ted Brandt & Ro Stein and colorist Dearbhla Kelly once again offer a spry chapter of storytelling that sparks on the page with adventure and humor. Brandt & Stein continue to capture the Disney graphical aesthetic via genuinely entertaining storytelling. Kelly's coloring hints at the faraway nature of this chapter's setting. Letterer Jeff Eckleberry keeps the energy going with battery-charged sound effects, captions, and word balloons.

I hope that Dynamite can find continued success with its Darkwing Duck comic books. There is an audience for this title, and it could be you, dear readers. It is pure comic book fun.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Darkwing Duck will want to try Dynamite's new Darkwing Duck Volume 2 comic book series.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://bsky.app/profile/dynamitecomicshq.bsky.social

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.tiktok.com/@dynamiteentertainment

https://www.instagram.com/dynamiteentertainment/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #12" Ragnaroks to the End

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #12

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Anthony Marques

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (May 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“The Siege of Ghost Planet!”

Space Ghost is a superhero character created by the American animation studio and production company, Hanna-Barbera Productions. The character first appeared in the Saturday morning cartoon series, “Space Ghost,” which was originally broadcast on CBS from September 1966 to September 1967 for 20 episodes.

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period. Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Entitled Space Ghost Volume 1, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, twins Jan and Jace Keplar and their pet monkey, Blip, meet that legendary cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost Volume One #12 (“The Siege of Ghost Planet!”) opens at Robo Corp. Doctor Xander Ibal, the CEO OF Robo Corp, has finally obtained Blip because he is the “Binary Language Integrated Prototype.” Now, Ibal can use this to initiate the “Ultima Protocols” What is that, and how will it affect the galaxy... and even the universe?

Meanwhile, Ghost Planet lies in ruins and on the verge of total collapse. The “Council of Doom”: Zorak, Moltar, General Metallus, the Creature King, the Widow, and Brak, stands triumphant, while Space Ghost clings to life and the very edge of oblivion. Can Jan and Jace find a way to get Space Ghost back on his feet? Or is this the end of our heroes?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost #12, Volume One is a recent issue that I have received.

This twelfth issue of the 2024-launched Space Ghost comic book series brings the series to a close. There is a new relaunch scheduled for July 2025.

Meanwhile, I can give this series a review send-off by simply saying that writer David Pepose and artist Jonathan Lau have ended it the way they began it – on fire. They have liberated their Space Ghost from every previous iteration. It is as if Pepose and Lau have gone back to the beginning and forged their own path. Can I also the blazed that own path?

Andrew Dalhouse's lovely colors are still a raging inferno, matching Lau flame for flame. He deserves some award notice for his work here. Letterer Taylor Esposito brings the sounds of battle to life with more of his strong lettering. As he closes this issue out, I'm sure Esposito is ready to bring the noise again for the next series.

I had a blast reading Space Ghost Volume One, dear readers. I want you to enjoy this, too, and you can via current and future trade paperback editions.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume One.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Comics Review: "HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #1" is an Explosive First Issue

HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #1

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Rafael Albuquerque

COLORS: Dave McCaig

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

COVER: Rafael Albuquerque

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Rafael Albuquerque; Jae Lee with June Chung

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (May 2025)

Rated 18+

Huck created by Mark Millar and Rafael Albuquerque

Huck: Big Bad World is a new six-issue comic book miniseries created by writer Mark Millar and artist Rafael Albuquerque. Published by Dark Horse Comics, it is a sequel to the 2015-16 miniseries, Huck. Both series focus on Huck, an autistic man with extraordinary powers who tries to do one good deed every day. Colorist Dave McCaig and letterer Clem Robins complete the creative team.

Huck: Big Bad World #1 opens in Ukraine, 1976. What does this vision have to do with the past of Huck's mother, Anna Polina Marianna Kozar? Now, a mysterious man, Dr. Jack Harper, has arrived to tell Anna that she and her son are not the only super-people out there and that there are others in hiding that are just like them.

Meanwhile, Huck is on a rescue mission. When he returns home, however, he will need to rescue his relationship with Zoe Fox.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Huck: Big Bad World #1.

I recently finished reading Huck Volume 1, the trade collection of the first miniseries. While writer Mark Millar picks up where he left off, Huck: Big Bad World veers into darker narrative territory. What Millar gave us in the first miniseries was just a sampler of the dark and complicated history and back story of Anna Kozar. This first issue intrigues by referencing the tone of the first, but mainly by taking us into a sinister realm.

The storytelling by artist Rafael Albuquerque conveys the darker turn of the story. It is almost as if Albuquerque is giving Huck the mood of one of those gloomy fairy tales from the world of Mike Mignola's comic book hero, Hellboy. Dave McCaig's outstanding coloring for the first issue sets the striking tone that there is more on the line here than in the previous series. As always the lettering by Clem Robins is a mood embellisher.

Wow, I really liked Huck Volume 1, and this first issue of Huck: Big Bad Day does not disappoint. I have really bought into it, and I'd really like to hurt Jimbo Burke. Yeah, this first issue got me into my feelies and made me pay attention.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of the first Huck series will want to try Huck: Big Bad World.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

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Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Comics Review: "HUCK Volume 1" is Comic Book Perfection

HUCK VOLUME 1

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Rafael Albuquerque

COLORS: Dave McCaig

LETTERS: Nate Piekos of Blambot

EDITOR: Nicole Boose

COVER: Rafael Albuquerque

ISBN: 9781534300804; paperback; (July 26, 2016)

160pp, Color, $14.99 U.S. (May 2016)

Rated T / Teen

Huck created by Mark Millar and Rafael Albuquerque

Book One: All-American

Huck was a six issue comic book miniseries created by writer Mark Millar and artist Rafael Albuquerque. Originally published from 2015 to 2016, Huck focused on a man who lives in a small town from where he anonymously travels the world doing good deeds and acts of kindness and mercy using his super powers. The series was first collected as a trade paperback graphic novel in 2016.

Huck Volume 1 opens in rural Maine. In a quiet seaside town, there are picket fences, farms, old-fashioned gas stations, and everyone knows everyone. Life is a good, and it is made better by Huck, a 34-year-old young man of mysterious origins. He humbly works at a gas station, but he has special gifts and physical abilities. Each day, he uses his gifts, such as super-strength, to do a good deed.

His neighbors return his favors by keeping Huck's abilities a secret, but a newcomer to the town – in the form of Diane Davis – sees money in revealing Huck to the media. Now, Huck is about to discover that his past had an eye on the future – a dark future of beings like him.

THE LOWDOWN: Millarwold and Netflix provide me with PDF review copies of their publications and have been doing so for several years now. I recently requested a copy of Huck Volume 1 in anticipation of Huck: Big Bad World #1, which is due in May 14, 2025.

When one considers writer Mark Millar's previous work on his creator owned series like Wanted, Kick-Ass, and Nemesis, it is not unreasonable to be shocked that Millar could write a comic book like Huck: All-American. By turns sweet and sentimental, the first issue, Huck #1, almost seems like a fanciful retelling of the early years of Clark Kent. However, it goes by way of Mayberry of former CBS sitcom, “The Andy Griffith Show,” more so than by way of Superman's Metropolis. Millar tries to create the spirit of genuine Americana, and he pulls it off in a way that is different from the way two boys from Cleveland (writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster) did it.

I initially had mixed feelings about artist Rafael Albuquerque's work on Huck #1. Albuquerque is both a distinctive stylist and storyteller, but almost a decade ago, I found his work in that first issue to be flat. Now, I find Albuquerque's art to be a revelation. Huck Volume 1 is a revelation.

Albuquerque's work in the entirety of Huck is glorious. He really depicts and captures the spirit of Huck for which Millar is aiming. Huck is not so much about good versus evil as it is about people who tirelessly do for others versus people who perpetually hurt and destroy others for their own personal gain. Dave McCaig's colors convey Huck's spirit of human goodness. The lettering by Nate Piekos is classic comics cool and gives the story a vintage 1980s sci-fi movie aesthetic.

Wow! I love this first volume of Huck. I would never go against the Moonstone family and the The Magic Order, but Huck is close to being my favorite Millarworld comic book. I must have really been having a bad time in life back when Huck was originally published to have felt so “meh” about it. [Actually, there was an awful lot of family melodrama back then. It was other people's problems, and I was letting it constantly drag me down.] Anyway, the first issue of the new series, Huck: Big Bad World, is about to drop. I think I'm in a better mood to receive Huck this time.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and Millarworld titles will want to read Huck Volume 1.

[This volume includes a section of Rafael Albuquerque's character designs, layouts, and inked art.]

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The HUCK VOLUME 1 trade paperback is available at Amazon.

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

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Thursday, May 8, 2025

Comics Review: "STAR WARS #1" is Both Classic and New

STAR WARS #1 (2025)

MARVEL COMICS

STORY: Alex Segura

ART: Phil Noto

COLORS: Phil Noto

LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles

EDITOR: Mark Paniccia

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: C.B. Cebulski

COVER: Phil Noto

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Ken Lashley with Juan Fernandez; Annie Wu; Chris Sprouse and Karl Story with Neeraj Menon; David Nakayama; John Tyler Christopher; Leinil Francis Yu with Romulo Fajardo, Jr.; Pepe Larraz with Marte Gracia; Gabriele Dell'Otto

28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (May 7, 2025)

Rated T

“Out of the Darkness”

In 2015, Marvel Comics began publishing Star Wars comic books again. Marvel's new Star Wars #1 opened in the time immediately after the events depicted in the original film, Star Wars (1977). After 75 issues, that series ended. In late 2019, the next new Star Wars ongoing series (cover date: 2020) debuted and focused on the aftermath of the events depicted in the second original Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back. It ended in 2024 after 50 issues.

Now, ten years after returning to the publication of Star Wars comic book series, Marvel has another Star Wars #1. Its stories will be set after the events depicted in the third film in the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi (1983). This new Star Wars comic book is written by Alex Segura; drawn and colored by Phil Noto; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Star Wars #1 finds Luke Skywalker and a couple of X-Wing squadrons on a mission to stop a band of pirates from looting New Republic supply shops. Luke Skywalker and fellow pilot, Rynn, discover that all is not what it seems when it comes to pirates.

Meanwhile, on Chandrila – the provisional capital of New Republic, Princess Leia and Mon Motha struggle with diplomacy in the aftermath of the Battle of Jakku. Leia must deal with new complications as she attempts to negotiate an alliance with the planets of the Fenril Sector. On the Outer Rim planet of Guat'a, Han Solo is investigating an underworld mystery when he rescues bounty hunter, Beilert Valance, from the “Zantarrk Gang.” And these situations will only grow more deadly.

THE LOWDOWN: I do not receive PDF or physical review copies of any titles published by Marvel. I bought this new Star Wars comic book via Amazon Kindle slash comiXology, and it is not the first Star Wars comic book that I have read or reviewed.

However, this is the first Star Wars comic book of any type that I have read in five year, probably. I like it. After seeing Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi all those years ago, I became very interested in what might happen to my favorite heroes. I would eventually get post RotJ stories in the “Thrawn trilogy” or “Heir to the Empire trilogy” of novels that began with 1991's Heir to the Empire. There was also the 1991-92 six issue Star Wars comic book miniseries, Dark Empire.

Those were dark works of fiction, but Star Wars #1 2025 feels like hope, and Star Wars is at its best when it emphasizes hope. Star Wars #1's writer, Alex Segura, buries his cast in a lot of deep sh*t, but even with a pile of cliffhangers dangling over the story, the first chapter feels as if there is hope... and rebellions are built on hope. In addition to the hope, Segura makes the characters feel genuine, as if they stepped from the original trilogy and transferred to the medium of comic books in order to continue their adventures.

Phil Noto's art is clean, and the storytelling is clear and straightforward. Noto's art works in tandem with the dialogue to build up drama and suspense. The coloring is both earthy, which emphasizes the conflict of the character drama, and also exotic, which emphasizes the galaxy of wild, weird and wonderful that is and always will be Star Wars. Clayton Cowles' lettering is an exercise in low key graphics, telling the story without distracting while also looking like classic comics cool.

I am pleasantly surprised by this new Star Wars #1. Something made me really interested in it. I decided to purchase it because I had a nagging feeling that it would be fun to read. It is, and it feels like classic Star Wars has found a home in this new series

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Star Wars comic books will want to read the 2025 Star Wars comic book series.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The STAR WARS #1 KINDLE EDITION is available at Amazon.

https://www.marvel.com/

https://x.com/Marvel

https://x.com/starwars

https://www.starwars.com/

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Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Comics Review: Disney's "DARKWING DUCK #2" Gets Bushwhacked

DARKWING DUCK VOLUME 2 #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Daniel Kibblesmith

ART: Ted Brandt & Ro Stein

COLORS: Dearbhla Kelly

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Tad Stones

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mark Bagley; Ted Brandt & Ro Stein; Ciro Cangialosi; Tad Stones

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2025)

Rated “All Ages”

“Year One” Part Two of Twelve: “Bushwhacked”

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #2 (“Bushwhacked”) opens in the city of St. Canard, specifically in suburbs at the residence of Drake Mallard. There, Drake Mallard a.k.a. “Darkwing Duck;” his adopted daughter, Gosalyn; his pilot and sidekick, Launchpad McQuack; and Gosalyn's friend and classmate, Honker are engaging in some role play. This is supposed to help Gosalyn and Honker prepare for the auditions for roles in an upcoming school play. But Darkwing Duck manages to hog the spotlight.

As for getting cast in the school play, however, things don't go as Gosalyn expected. She and Honker are cast as shrubbery, but one of her teacher's, Mr. Rushboot, says he has a way to help Gosalyn get a bigger role. All she has to do is help him fix his garden after school, and he'll see what he can do about a bigger role in the school play for Gosalyn. But come opening night, Gosalyn's bigger role is also not what she expected. Meanwhile, Darkwing Duck and Launchpad are at the St. Canard Home and Garden Center to discover who stole seeds for a common hedge plant and why.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Darkwing Duck Volume 2, Issue #2, one of a few Darkwing Duck comic books that I have ever read.

I find myself drawn to the work of this series' creative team. Writer Daniel Kibblesmith spins delightful, imaginative yarns featuring colorful villains. Meanwhile, his stories depicting Darkwing Duck in the early days of his crime-busting are a delightful affair of family and friends. Kibblesmith finds the joy in the characters and personalities of Darkwing Duck and the supporting cast while operating the mechanics of a superhero's “Year One” story arc.

The art team of illustrators Ted Brandt & Ro Stein and colorist Dearbhla Kelly once again offer a spry chapter of storytelling that sparks on the page with adventure and humor. Brandt & Stein capture the Disney graphical aesthetic beyond the mere visual look of it all. Their storytelling is genuinely entertaining. Kelly's coloring hints at the vintage element in this story that obviously takes place in the past, while keeping everything fresh. Letterer Jeff Eckleberry keeps the energy going with battery-charged sound effects, captions, and word balloons.

I hope that Dynamite can find continued success with its Darkwing Duck comic books. There is an audience for this title, and it could be you, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Darkwing Duck will want to try Dynamite's new Darkwing Duck Volume 2 comic book series.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Monday, April 21, 2025

Comics Review: "UNCANNY X-MEN #1" Rises from the Ashes

UNCANNY X-MEN #1 (2024)

MARVEL COMICS

STORY: Gail Simone

ART: David Marquez

COLORS: Matthew Wilson

LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles

COVER: David Marquez with Matthew Wilson

EDITOR: Tom Brevoort

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson; David Marquez with Matthew Wilson; Jim Lee with Alex Sinclair; John Tyler Christopher; Leinil Francis Yu with Sunny Gho; Luciano Vecchio; Pablo Villalobos; Scott Koblish with Rachelle Rosenberg; Stephen Segovia with Jay David Ramos

40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rated T+

X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

“Red Wave”

The X-Men are a Marvel Comics superhero team. The team was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1 (cover dated: September 1963). The X-Men are “mutants,” and Marvel's mutants are humans born with a genetic trait called the “X-gene,” which naturally grants them superhuman abilities. Being different from normal humans makes mutants the subject of prejudice, discrimination, and violence from humans. Founded by Professor Charles Xavier a.k.a. “Professor X,” the X-Men fight to protect Earth for both humans and mutants, often battling various “evil mutants” and otherworldly threats.

Over the decades, especially over the last four, there have been countless comic book publications featuring the X-Men. The X-Men flagship comic book was entitled “The X-Men” beginning with Issue #1 lasting through Issue #141. With Issue #142, the title official became “Uncanny X-Men.? Over the last decade Uncanny X-Men has been relaunched a few times, each news series beginning with a new Issue #1.

The latest relaunch began last year (2024) during the late summer. The 2024 iteration of Uncanny X-Men is written by Gail Simone; drawn by David Marquez; colored by Matthew Wilson; and lettered by VC's Clayton Cowles. The new series takes place in the wake of the “From the Ashes” crossover publishing event and finds the X-Men without a home and without Professor X.

Uncanny X-Men #1 opens in Westchester County, New York, specifically at the former “Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.” Diabolical forces have taken over the campus and are making plans to transform it from a school into some kind of detention center or prison.

Since the fall of the island-nation slash mutant paradise of Krakoa, mutants have been left adrift across the globe. Rogue, Gambit, and Wolverine are in Mexico, specifically Teotihuacan, where they will face a dragon. Next up is “the University of Mississippi Medical Center,” where they engage in a mission of mercy for Nightcrawler and a low-level, dying mutant boy named “Harvey X.” Before long, the quartet will encounter what may be some new mutants, but is Rogue willing to become the new leader of the X-Men? Should the X-Men even continue to be a thing?

THE LOWDOWN: I am not on any kind of comp list that provides me with review copies – PDF or otherwise – of Marvel Comics publications. That leaves me free to say what I want without feeling that a bad review could get me excommunicated. [Despite what the marketing people at publishers say, a slip-up of any kind can get a reviewer removed from a comp list.]

By the time I read this new Uncanny X-Men #1 and began to write the review, this series' first trade collection, Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1: Red Wave, had been in stores for a week and a half. I am still not going to post detailed spoilers, and I suspect there is a lot to spoil over the entire arc. I like the vibe that Gail Simone brings to the series. It is part traditional X-Men, but with an offbeat wild vibe that is similar to what readers found in New X-Men #114 (cover dated: July 2001). I don't know how new and original the new mutants presented in this issue are, but Simone seems to be aiming for a new direction in this first issue of her run on this venerable series. I think she is the first woman to be the regular series writer on Uncanny X-Men, which is disgraceful that it took decades for that to happen.

As for the art by David Marquez: his work has looked better and the storytelling has been much more potent. His graphical style was simpler and cleaner in the classic Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (cover dated: July 2014). Now, Marquez is more stylish and impressionistic that he has ever been, but the storytelling here substitutes flash action for meaningful drama. The great Matthew Wilson makes the art pop off the page with his rich, earthy hues. As usual, letterer Clayton Cowles is solid, but his lettering does not get in the way of the way of the story's action.

So I don't know if I will seek out the trade for this first arc of the new Uncanny X-Men. This first chapter of “Red Wave” is somewhat intriguing, but I feel like Simone put off too much of the narrative in order to focus on Rogue's melodrama. I assume the best is yet to come, so I will recommend that X-Men fans give this series a try.

Yes. You can describe me as ambivalent about this first issue. I am still curious about X-Men comic books, but my passion for them has cooled over the years.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of X-Men comic books will always want to see what's going on with the Uncanny X-Men.

[By Marvel's legacy numbering, Uncanny X-Men #1 (2024) is also Issue No. 701.]

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The first trade collection, "Uncanny X-Men by Gail Simone Vol. 1: Red Wave" is now available at Amazon.

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Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Comics Review: "ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1" Struts and Frets Its Hour Upon the Stage

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1

DC COMICS

STORY: Jason Aaron

ART: Rafa Sandoval

COLORS: Ulises Arreola

LETTERS: Becca Carey

EDITOR: Chris Conroy

COVER: Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Wes Craig with Mike Spicer; Clayton Crain; Matteo Scalera

36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (January 2025)

Superman created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster

“Last Dust of Krypton” Part One: “Down in the Dirt”

Superman is a DC Comics superhero that was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and that first appeared in Action Comics #1 (first published on April 18, 1938). Superman was born “Kal-El” on the fictional planet Krypton. As a baby, his parents, “Jor-El” and “Lara” sent him to Earth in a small spaceship shortly before Krypton was destroyed in a natural cataclysm.

The space ship landed in outside of the fictional town of “Smallville,” Kansas, USA. Farmers Jonathan and Martha Kent found baby Kal-El, adopted him, and named him “Clark Kent.” Clark began developing superhuman abilities, such as incredible strength and impervious skin, and the Kents advised him to use his powers to benefit humanity. As an adult, Clark moved to the fictional American city of “Metropolis.” Clark works as a reporter for “The Daily Planet,” but he fights crime as the superhero, “Superman.”

The origin story of Superman has been its own “Goldberg variations” for decades. Now, comes a new line of DC Comics, “Absolute Comics,” which is similar to Marvel's “Ultimate Comics” line, in that Absolute Comics presents alternate versions and the changed narratives of familiar DC Comics characters and their back stories. Welcome to “Earth-Alpha” and the “Absolute Universe.”

Absolute Batman was the first entry in the Absolute Comics line. The second entry is the recently launched comic book series, Absolute Superman. It is written by Jason Aaron; drawn by Rafa Sandoval; colored by Ulises Arreola; and lettered by Becca Carey. In the new series, Superman/Clark Kent is without the fortress...without the family... and without a home. So what is left is the Absolute Man of Steel?

Absolute Superman #1 (“Down in the Dirt”) shifts in time. First, it opens in the past on the planet, Krypton, which is nine million light-years from Earth. It is a world of haves, have-nots, and have-mores. Jor-El, an engineer, has discovered that something terrible is about to happen to his world.

In the present day, Kal-El, a strange young man who is not of this world, has been helping the have-nots, much to the chagrin of the have-everthings. Against the advice of his “companion,” “Sol,” Kal-El has been working below in mineral mines, doing deeds that favor of the poor, especially the abused miners, much to the chagrin of Lazarus Corp. Now, these conflicting values are all coming to a head.

THE LOWDOWN: I do not receive PDF review copies from DC Comics. I bought a copy of Absolute Superman #1 from Lone Star Comics' eBay shop.

The art by Rafa Sandoval is pretty, but it is overly detailed. Most of the panels are so crowded with elements and content that it creates a murkiness between the storytelling and the readers – at least as far as I am concerned. The colors by Ulises Arreola are also pretty, but sometimes, the colors look like a soupy mess of bright, vivid, heavy, and thick coloring that is not necessary. Less is indeed more, sometimes. I find that it is Becca Carey's lettering, of all the elements, that serves to make the story clear.

Superman's origin has undergone major renovation in the past, everything from John Byrne's 1986 comic book miniseries, The Man of Steel, to J. Michael Straczynski and Shane Davis' Superman: Earth One Volume One. Even director Zack Snyder's 2013 film, The Man of Steel, takes a radical view of Superman's origin.

Without offering spoilers, I can say that Jason Aaron's re-ordering of Superman's origin is radical on two fronts. First, his new look at Krypton borrows from Byrne and goes even darker. Secondly, Aaron takes Superman/Clark Kent's life on Earth and makes it unrecognizable, but familiar in that it recognizes Superman's place as a man of the people rather than as being nothing more than a superhero brand and lucrative IP.

When DC Comics' marketing copy says, “Without the fortress...without the family...without a home...what's left is the Absolute Man of Steel!,” Aaron means it. Still, I wonder if Aaron is not stripping away a lot of familiar, but worn elements merely to replace them with new elements that will quickly become worn.

Absolute Superman #1 has high production values and a lot of interesting narrative concepts around it. In a way, I like what Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval are doing... but I'm not really that interested. I don't want to pay the price of admission, nor do I want to spend the time to engage with Absolute Superman. Still, I recommend that curious comic book readers at least give this first issue, Absolute Superman #1, a try. It is high-quality, professionally executed commercial fiction.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Superman comic books will want to at least try Absolute Superman.

[This comic book features a back-up story, “AEW Presents Darby All In” from writer Steve Orlando; artist Pop Mhan; colorist Hi-Fi; letterer Josh Reed; and editor Michael McCalister.]

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Monday, April 14, 2025

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #11" Gets Caught Up

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #11

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Anthony Marques

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“Beware... The Council of Doom!”

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period. Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Entitled Space Ghost Volume 1, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, twins Jan and Jace Keplar and their pet monkey, Blip, meet that legendary cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost Volume One #11 (“Beware... The Council of Doom!”) opens on Planet Orkon, where a familiar foe is back in action. That works perfectly for Doctor Xander Ibal, the CEO OF Robo Corp. He placed a 5 million credits bounty on Space Ghost, and now he wants something that the vigilante hero has in his possession on Ghost Planet.

This time, however, Ibal does not want to hire just one super-villain that will likely fall before Space Ghost; he wants an entire gang of them. Enter the “Council of Doom.” Can Zorak, Moltar, General Metallus, the Creature King, the Widow, and Brak do together what they could not do separately?

Meanwhile, on the home front, Space Ghost has reached a crisis point, and Jan isn't taking it anymore. Will family drama be the thing that brings down the Space Ghost?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost #11, Volume One is a recent issue that I have received.

Oops, David Pepose did it again, but he's not that innocent. He knows how to hold his readers, thrill his readers, and kill his readers softly with his song. Having Space Ghost face his greatest adversaries, while facing his biggest domestic drama since the death of his family is a genius move that keeps this Space Ghost comic book in nova mode.

Artist Jonathan Lau, as always, turns Pepose's story into muscular comic book storytelling. This time Lau puts both the action and drama in full explosive mode. Lau has the knack to set the right tone for every scene and indeed, every panel. It is a winning formula for gripping storytelling. Andrew Dalhouse's lovely colors are still a raging inferno. He deserves some award notice for his work here. Letterer Taylor Esposito brings the sounds of battle and domestic disharmony to life with more of his strong lettering.

I'm having a blast reading Space Ghost Volume One, dear readers. I want you to enjoy this, too. Come on over; come on over, baby!

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume One.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Saturday, April 12, 2025

Comics Review: "CONAN THE BARBARIAN #11" Spells Doom

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #11 (2023)

TITAN COMICS/Heroic Signatures

STORY: Jim Zub

ART: Roberto de la Torre

COLORS: Diego Rodriguez

LETTERS: Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith of Comicraft

EDITOR: Chris Butera

COVER: Alex Horley

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Richard Pace; Sean Galloway; Alex Horley

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2024)

Suggested for mature readers

“The Age Unconquered” Part III: “Call From the Depths”

Conan the Cimmerian was born in the pulp fiction of Robert E. Howard (REH), first appearing in the magazine, Weird Tales (1932). In 1970, Marvel Comics brought Conan to the world of comic books via the title, Conan the Barbarian. With only a few pauses, Conan comic books have been published for the better part of five decades.

Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures are the new producers of Conan comic books, and they launched a new Conan the Barbarian series in 2023. The current story arc is written by Jim Zub; drawn by Roberto de la Torre; colored by Diego Rodriguez; and lettered by Richard Starkings and Comicraft. Entitled “The Age Unconquered,” this arc finds Conan's body and/or soul transported 80,000 years into the past

Conan the Barbarian #11 (“Call From the Depths”) opens in the dreams and reveries of Conan, where he converses with Yag-kosha. The wise alien, worshiped by some as a god, has a lot to say about Conan's fate. It is a fate that has found Conan tens of thousands of years in the past – back to the time of Kull of Atlantis (also known as “Kull the Conqueror”) and Brule the Spear-slayer, a time know as the “Thurian Age.”

Now, Conan finds himself swept up in Kull's journey to find the source of the darkness that threatens his kingdom. Kull believes the source of the darkness is in Atlantis, the land of his birth, but upon arrival, Conan and Kull found an abyss into which they now travel. Unexpected terrors await, including one of Kull's most infamous adversaries.

THE LOWDOWN: Titan Comics has been providing me with PDF copies of their publications for review for several years now. Conan the Barbarian #11 is one of them.

I am so far behind in my reviews of Titan and Heroic Signatures' Conan the Barbarian comic book series that some of you, dear readers, already know what fate awaits Conan, Kull, and Brule. However, I am enjoying my slow roll through the narrative wonders of writer Jim Zub. The confab he fashions between Conan and Yag-kosha is one of the best sequences in a Conan comic book that I have read in years. Patience and conversation can be a good thing even in a violent fight comic book such as Conan the Barbarian.

Artist Roberto de la Torre, with his haunted illustrations, makes this series hum with his storytelling that recalls the vintage wonders of weird fiction. Mixing the aesthetic elements and graphical styles of Frank Frazetta, Al Williamson, and John Buscema, de la Torre has made “The Age Unconquered” seem as if it is a story arc that has really been called from the depths of time. Diego Rodriguez's colors enhance the Stygian and infernal wonders of this third chapter of the arc, and I love that Richard Starking's stark lettering completes the classic comic book vibe.

“The Age Unconquered” may end up conquering us, dear readers, as it carries us to a new direction for Conan the Barbarian. I believe that I should be begging you, dear readers, to read this series.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Conan comic books absolutely must read Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures' Conan the Barbarian.

[This comic book includes the essay, “The Real Thulsa Doom: Skull-Faced Sorcerer of the Thurian Age” the eleventh installment of Conan/Howard essays by Jeffrey Shanks. The second text piece is “Know, O... Er... Oh Prince...” by Shanks.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

This story arc is collected in the trade paperback, CONAN THE BARBARIAN: THE AGE UNCONQUERED VOL. 3, which you can obtain at Amazon.

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Friday, April 11, 2025

Comics Review: "SWORD & THIMBLE #1" Draws First Blood

SWORD & THIMBLE #1

FANTASY ENVISIONING & CREATIONS, LLC

PLOT: Carmen Raye and Austin Darby

SCRIPT: Carmen Raye

ART: Austin Darby

COLORS: Austin Darby

LETTERS: Austin Darby

COVER: Austin Darby

24pp, Color, $9.99 U.S.

Sword & Thimble created by Carmen Raye and Austin Darby

Sword & Thimble is a new high fantasy comic book series from writer Carmen Raye and artist Austin Darby. Raye co-plots and scripts the series and Darby co-plots, draws, colors, and letters the series. Published via Darby's Fantasy Envisioning & Creations, LLC, Sword & Thimble is set on a continent and island metropolis known as “Sabise Shahar.” A first issue of the series is currently available.

Sword & Thimble #1 opens in Gravel Valley where Maira Rodan, a disgraced knight, arrives at a tavern. There, she meets her friend, a thief named “Thimble.” A run-in with a thug named Clod Ilbert provides entertainment for the two friends, but this confrontation is not the end of things. The troubles are just beginning.

THE LOWDOWN: I met Austin Darby at his booth at the recent Louisiana Comic Con 2025 (March 8-9) in Lafayette, Louisiana. That is where I bought a copy of Sword & Thimble #1.

Sword & Thimble #1 is clearly the work of people just beginning their creative journey into the medium of comic books. However, any opening night jitters or even awkwardness in the storytelling is easily overcome by a sense of confidence on the part of the creators. The world of Sword & Thimble is well put together, as well as believable, and the leads are characters that I like and that I want to follow on the high road to adventure.

Darby's art looks like the work of someone still feeling his way around the graphical confines and graphic possibilities of comics. However, Darby understands what the depiction of power and of strength and what dynamic storytelling can do for his storytelling. Like his visually striking cover art, Darby's interior art welcomes readers to a world of mystery and to the threat of danger, his way of capturing readers' imaginations from the beginning.

I must admit that I am surprised. I find myself engaged with what Sword & Thimble #1 presents more than I thought I would. Hopefully, Carmen Raye and Austin Darby can produce this series on a regular basis because I believe the more they give, the more readers will take.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of high fantasy comic books will want to give Sword & Thimble a try.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Comics Review: "VATICAN CITY #1" Breaks Hell Loose

VATICAN CITY #1 (OF 3)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Per Berg

COLORS: Per Berg

LETTERS: Per Berg

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Per Berg

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Per Berg; John McCrea

40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (April 2025)

Rating: 18+

Vatican City created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Vatican City is a new Millarworld miniseries from Dark Horse Comics. It is created and written by Mark Millar and drawn, colored, and lettered by Per Berg. Vatican City is set in a world overrun by vampires, except for Vatican City, which is the main target of the vampires.

Vatican City #1 opens in Princeton, New Jersey. There, Professor Derrida is about to discover that he is to play a key role in a vampire plot that is steadily taking over the world.

A few hours later, Guido Cavelti, recently of the Swiss Air Force, is in Vatican City, the independent city-state within Rome, Italy that is the government of the “Holy See” (the Pope and the Papacy). Cavelti is there to be interviewed about a position with the Swiss Guard, the security that protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace.

Before he knows it, however, Cavelti is in the middle of a rescue operation, trying to save everyone inside Vatican City. There is an invasion of monsters just outside its borders.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Vatican City #1.

While reading this, I thought of a few apocalyptic and vampire films to which Vatican City #1 has at least a passing resemblance – in one way or another. That includes 28 Days Later (2002), I Am Legend (2007), Daybreakers (2009), to name a few. Of course, Vatican City's writer, Mark Millar, has dealt with vampires before, as he has did when he launched his wonderful vampire-as-superheroes franchise with Night Club #1.

Millar throws the readers right into the action, and as always, Millar action is bracing action – filled with equal parts thrills and chills. I don't want to spoil anything, but, of course, there is a shocking surprise to close out this first issue.

Well, Millar and Berg have certainly given readers a reason to come back for the second issue. I suggest that you do so, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar, of vampire comic books, and of horror apocalypse will want to read Vatican City.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Comics Review: "ARCHIE & FRIENDS LEVEL UP! #1" Levels Up on "Minecraft"

ARCHIE & FRIENDS LEVEL UP! #1 (#19)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Hal Smith; George Gladir; Bill Golliher

PENCILS: Steve Butler; Doug Crane; Dan DeCarlo; Sam Schwartz;

INKS: Lily Butler; Scott McRae; Mike Esposito; Rudy Lapick; Samm Schwartz; Dan DeCarlo

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peňa

VARIANT COVER: Dan DeCarlo

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2025); on sale in comic book shops April 2, 2025

Rating: All-Ages

“Servers You Right”

Archie Comics published the series, Archie & Friends, from 1992 to 2012 for 159 issues. Since 2019, Archie has been publishing a new iteration of Archie & Friends as a series of themed one-shot comic books. The latest is Archie & Friends (Level Up!) No.1, the nineteenth issue in the series. It features one new five-page story and five reprint stories. Entitled “Servers You Right,” the new story is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Steve Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie and Friends in Level Up! in “Servers You Right”:

Archie and the Gang (Betty, Veronica, and Jughead) come together to play the video game, “Crafty Miners,” an open world video game where you can do anything. The fun and games turn a little edgier when Veronica decides to be her normal self, and Reggie shows up to do some damage. Can Dilton, the server administrator, save the day?

THE LOWDOWN: For several years, Archie's marketing department has been sending me PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is Archie & Friends Level Up! (which is titled Archie and Friends, No. 1 (#19), in the indicia).

The Archie & Friends series has previously offered movie-themed editions in the past, such as Archie and Friends Hot Summer Movies (cover dated: July 2023), which included the story, “Riverdale Jones and the Burger of Destiny,” a parody of the then upcoming film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023). The target for parody this time is the recent smash hit, Warner Bros. film, A Minecraft Movie, which is based on the video game, Minecraft, which debuted in 2011.

I don't have much interest in the movie, but I will likely watch it when it arrives on the Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service, Max, in a few months. Surprisingly, the script by Ian Flynn offers a rather nice scenario, which could have become a rather nice full-size, standalone story instead of this good five-page story. I wish Archie would have let Flynn fly on this one.

The art team of Steve Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks) deliver some standout work. As far as my experience with their Archie Comics work, this is the best looking that I have seen in terms of composition and aesthetics. And I say this as a fan of their Archie work. “Servers You Right” has captured my imagination in a way I did not expect. Glenn Whitmore's colors really serve the art quite well, and, as always, Jack Morelli's lettering hits it hard.

In addition to the main stories, there are five reprint stories. Two with Archie as the star, and one each with Betty, Jughead, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch as the star. I grew up on classic-style Archie Comics. So, there is something comforting about seeing Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead in both all-new and classic adventures. I will always recommend classic-style Archie titles, so I am giving Archie and Friends Level Up! a heartier recommendation than usual because of the Butlers' art.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie & Friends Level Up!.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Comics Review: "ARCHIE IS MR.JUSTICE #3" vs. Betty Cooper?!

ARCHIE IS MR. JUSTICE, NO. 3 (OF 4)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Kenny Porter

ART: Maria Sanapo

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITOR: Jamie Lee Rotante

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Reiko Murakami

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Soo Lee; Matt Talbot

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (May 2025); on sale in comic book shops March 19, 2025

Rating: Teen+

Archie Comics has also published superhero comic books featuring offbeat characters. The latest is a new four-issue comic book series, entitled Archie is Mr. Justice. The third issue is written by Kenny Porter; drawn by Maria Sanapo; colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli. Archie is Mr. Justice focuses on teenager Archie Andrews and his superhero persona, “Mr. Justice.” Now, Archie has to choose between two loves – Betty Cooper and Riverdale.

Archie is Mr. Justice #3 opens in Pickens Park, Riverdale. There, Betty Cooper meets with Harper, a reporter. Betty has arranged this meeting in order to tell the story of how Mr. Justice changed her life, how he made her brave. This is also a story, however, of love and heartbreak.

With great powers comes great sacrifice, but when Archie is faced with having to choose between his responsibilities and his first love, Betty Cooper, will his duties to Riverdale win out over his heart? And what choices will Betty make? Plus, there are appearances by Kid Wicked, Mad Flame, and the rise of the “Defendo-Bots.”

Archie Comics has been reviving some of the old M.L.J. “Golden Age” superheroes for several years now. The latest to rise from the grave is “Mr. Justice,” also known as “the Royal Wraith.” Created by writer Joe Blair and artist Sam Cooper, Mr. Justice was an 18th century English prince who was murdered by rebels. Chance and circumstance brought about his return to the mortal world in the 1940s in the form of Mr. Justice. Mr. Justice first appeared in Blue Ribbon Comics #9 (cover dated: February 1941; M.L.J. Magazines), which, in a bit of meta-fiction, is the comic book that appears in Archie is Mr. Justice #1 as one of Jughead's comic books. From this particular comic book, Archie takes inspiration for his “Mr. Justice” identity.

For this third issue, writer Kenny Porter and artist Maria Sanapo delve into the complications that come from having both a superhero identity and a personal life, which the prior issue also did. Porter's script captures the birth of young love – in full bloom – and then, it captures the arrival of complications. I can say that the emotions and romance that Porter depicts resonate in the story. The coming on of romantic troubles and later, the hope of reconciliation and maturation engaged me; I was surprised to find myself investing, as a reader, in Archie and Betty's relationship.

Sanapo's art and storytelling offer a feeling of nostalgia and a sense of now. Her line work is classic comics cool, but the storytelling is a storm of complications and subtle conflicts of interests that readers were unlikely to find in comic book romance six or seven decades ago. Sanapo's art is a blending of eye-pleasing graphics and rich storytelling. Honestly, I think Sanapo's work here makes an argument that this story should have been a graphic novel instead of only being a single issue.

Glenn Whitmore's colors capture the nuance and shifting moods of this story, and I think he is perfect for Sanapo's art. Jack Morelli's lettering provides a steady beat for a story that finds the messiness of relationships with each page and also the fun of the explosive destruction of superhero fight comics

I am surprised by Archie is Mr. Justice #3. It is as strong as prior issues, but is also different. It stands out in a way that will hopefully attract readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Archie Comics' superhero titles will want to try Archie is Mr. Justice No. 3.

[This comic book includes a two-page section on the making of Archie is Mr. Justice No. 3. There is also a Q&A featuring Kenny Porter and Maria Sanapo.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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