NEGROMANCER 2.0: Comics Review

Showing posts with label Comics Review. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Comics Review: "DRAWING BLOOD #1" - Fame Attracts Lunatics

DRAWING BLOOD #1

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Kevin Eastman and David Avallone

SCRIPT: David Avallone

ART: Ben Bishop

“FLASHBACKS”: Ben Bishop (layouts) and Kevin Eastman

“HALLUCINATIONS”: Ben Bishop (layouts) and Troy Little

COLORS: Brittany Peer

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

COVER: Kevin Eastman

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Ben Bishop; Ben Bishop, Kevin Eastman, and Robert Rodriguez

28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (April 2024)

Rated “T+/Teen Plus”

Drawing Blood created by Kevin Eastman and David Avallone

Chapter One: “Drawn Blood”

Kevin Eastman is a comic book writer and writer-artist best known for co-creating the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) with writer-artist Peter Laird. Born in 1962, Eastman found himself with a burgeoning worldwide pop culture sensation by the time he was 25 in 1987, as TMNT entered the world of animated television, toys, and other merchandising. That made Eastman and Laird very rich.

In 2019, via his comic book publishing company, KES Comics, Eastman published the four-issue miniseries, Drawing Blood. Referencing his own career in comic books and media, Drawing Blood depicted the roller coaster life of a successful comics creator whose real life has become more absurd than any comic book.

The original Drawing Blood returns with new issues as a 12-issue series from Image Comics. It is written by Kevin Eastman and David Avallone; drawn by Ben Bishop, Troy Little, and Eastman, colored by Brittany Peer; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.

Drawing Blood #1 (“Blood Drawn”) opens in the present day. Shane “Books” Bookman and his friend, Nigel “Beastly” Boswell, are about to have a meeting with Lithuanian hoods at the local docks. It is also all about to go bad.

Once upon a time, Shane was in the middle of success. He was a star thanks to the comic book characters he co-created with Frank Forrest, a comic book creator he idolized as a child. However, the glory days are over, and Frank was not who Shane thought he was, although he was apparently everything everyone else knew he was. Now, desperate, Shane's life is about to become more absurd than his comics creations ever were.

THE LOWDOWN: I was able to procure a PDF review copy of Drawing Blood #1. Thus, I decided to review it for you, dear readers.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is one of the most unique comic books ever created and the Turtles themselves are a genius creation of popular culture. The Turtles co-creator, Kevin Eastman, revealed some of his trials and tribulations as a businessman, comic book publisher, and media figure in an extensive interview published in The Comics Journal #202 (cover dated: March 1998) and conducted by magazine's co-founder, Gary Groth.

To what extent Drawing Blood is based on a true story is a mystery to me. Eastman has an excellent co-conspirator and collaborator in writer David Avallone. Through his many Elvira comic book series and his 2016 surreal throw down, The Twilight Zone: The Shadow, Avallone has displayed a penchant for executing the most engaging comic book tales of the absurd, the surreal, and the real-adjacent. On its own, this opening chapter, “Blood Drawn,” is engaging and intriguing just focusing on Shane Bookman. Wondering what is exaggerated and what is fictional is only half the fun in this series.

Artist Ben Bishop's storytelling here recalls the early art of Kevin Eastman in the TMNT comic books. There was an independent spirit in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, but Eastman and Laird's art had a handmade quality that mainstream comic books of the mid-1980s were gradually abandoning. Bishop's visual and graphical storytelling style resembles that and is perfect for this story of an Eastman-like comics creator. Bishop captures the emotional underpinnings of the Avallone's script and emphasizes just how vulnerable Bookman is. Also, having Eastman draw a segment of this first issue is a delightful bonus of which I want more.

Like Howard Chaykin's Hey Kids! Comics! (Image Comics, 2018), Drawing Blood is a much-needed allegory (of sorts) about comic book creators inside and outside their work. Drawing Blood has a lot to say, and it will have fun saying it. I think you will want to hear every word of it, dear readers, so definitely give it a try.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of both Kevin Eastman and David Avallone will want to try Drawing Blood.

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

https://twitter.com/kevineastman86

https://twitter.com/DAvallone

https://fan.kevineastmanstudios.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

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Monday, April 15, 2024

Comics Review: "REDCOAT #1" - Oh Well, Whatever, Nevermind

REDCOAT #1

IMAGE COMICS/Ghost Machine

STORY: Geoff Johns

PENCILS: Bryan Hitch

INKS: Bryan Hitch and Andrew Currie

COLORS: Brad Anderson

LETTERS: Rob Leigh

EiC: Brian Cunningham

COVER: Bryan Hitch with Brad Anderson

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Ivan Reis and Danny Miki with Brad Anderson

48pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (April 2024)

Rated “T+/Teen Plus”

Redcoat created by Geoff Johns and Bryan Hitch

Redcoat is a new comic book series from writer Geoff Johns and artist Bryan Hitch. The series is part of the “Ghost Machine” shared creator-owned universe, and Redcoat is one of the group of mysterious, secret heroes known as “The Unnamed.”

Redcoat #1 opens in 1775. Paul Revere is announcing the coming of the Redcoats when some Redcoats (British Army) set upon him. He is saved by John Hancock who uses some of the “magicks” of the “Founding Fathers” that he possesses.

This brings us to the story of Simon Pure, a Redcoat, who isn't much of a soldier. By his own admission, he is a coward, cheater, absconder, and deserter. He isn't a virtuous soul who will face insurmountable odds with conviction, courage and honor. Still, his lousiness is why he has a fated meeting with the founding fathers, and that leads to the curse of his immortality.

He can't die, but he's broke and hungry all the time. Still, over a century after he met his magickal destiny, Simon finds himself caught between mysterious, dark forces and one of the world's most famous geniuses – as a boy.

THE LOWDOWN: I was able to procure a PDF review copy of Redcoat #1. Thus, I decided to review it for you, dear readers.

I didn't expect much from it. After all, to of DC Comics' twenty-first century stalwart writers, Geoff Johns and Scott Snyder, have consistently delivered underwhelming creator-owned comic book series or at least, mediocre individual issues of their creator-owned titles.

I didn't expect much, but I got a little more than I expected. Is that enough to keep me reading past this first issue? Read on.

Early on, Johns was laying an egg with this first issue of Redcoat, but it picks up at about the halfway point. Honestly, its late improvement isn't enough to get me to come back for more Simon Pure. Pure is a type – the hapless hero who falls into a great event because that's what the writer wants. We're supposed to see ourselves in him as well follow him to greatness or to at least the winning side. Truthfully, Simon Pure is the same kind of white guy I've been reading and watching in fiction for decades, and at this point in time, I'm not as willing to follow him as I was decades ago.

The main reason I gave this first issue a try is because I'm a big fan of Bryan Hitch's work on comic books like The Authority and The Ultimates, but Redcoat #1 is generic Bryan Hitch. I don't see any reason to come back for more of that. But Brad Anderson's colors are quite spiffy.

Yeah, there's something here. Maybe, it will get better, but I, for one, don't have the time to suffer average work from a “superstar creative team.”

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Geoff Johns and Bryan Hitch will want to check out Red Coat... maybe.

C+

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

https://ghostmachinepro.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ghostmachinepro

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ghostmachinepro/

https://www.youtube.com/@ghostmachinepro

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

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Monday, April 8, 2024

Comics Review: "U & I #1" is Crazy, Sexy, Cool

U & I #1

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

ART: Mike Choi

COLORS: Mike Choi

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: Mike Choi

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mike Deodato, Jr. with Lee Loughridge; Mike Deodato, Jr.

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

Rating: Teen+

The Resistance created by J. Michael Straczynski, Mike Deodato, Jr., and Frank Martin

U & I is a new six-issue comic book miniseries written by J. Michael Straczynski and drawn and colored by Mike Choi. It is the ninth entry in “The Resistance” universe that began with the 2020 six-issue miniseries, The Resistance. U & I focuses on an unlikely romance between two new “Reborns.” Letterer Sal Cipriano completes the series creative team.

U & I #1 opens in a world in which humanity is still dealing with the “Great Death” (“Big Death”), the planetary pandemic that killed 400 million people. It also caused the emergence of over ten million people called “Reborns.” They survived the pandemic and gained superhuman powers.

The series introduces U, a young man who can heal his body of the most serious wounds and grievous injuries. Today, he will play the hero and save a woman from dangerous mobster hit men.

Then, there is Isabelle. The government believes that she is hiding her powers, but she came out of the “Big Death” better, but seemingly without powers. Still, the government is discriminating against Isabelle, and she is left hungry, homeless, and hopeless after her father's brother – her lowdown uncle – refuses to release her inheritance.

How will fate bring U and Isabelle together?

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios' marketing has been providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications since April 2023. U & I #1 is one of the latest.

I have not read any of the comic books in “The Resistance” franchise. I wasn't on AWA's review list during the release of those publications. After reading U & I #1, I do want to read more. Why, you ask? This is another excellent J. Michael Straczynski-written comic book. The flashbacks are riveting, and the present day segments have firmly taken hold of my imagination.

I love Mike Choi's Frank Quitely-like compositions. Choi captures the exhilaration and mystery that surrounds U, while establishing the trials and tribulations of Isabelle. Choi's dazzling colors are a vivid signal to the reader's imagination, while Sal Cipriano's classic-style lettering conveys the futurism and possibilities of this narrative.

U & I #1 is yet another superb AWA Studios debut, and it promises that this series will be another winner from the publisher.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the comic books of J. Michael Straczynski will want to try U & I.

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

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Saturday, April 6, 2024

Comics Review: "ARCHIE & FRIENDS Hot Rod Racing #1" Showcases Classic Archie Comics Elements

ARCHIE & FRIENDS HOT ROD RACING #1 (#17)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Craig Boldman

PENCILS: Steve Butler

INKS: Jim Amash

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Steve Butler and Lily Butler with Rosario “Tito” Peňa

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2024); on sale in comic book shops April 3, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

“The Race to Save Face!”

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 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 Hot Rod Racing No.1, the seventeenth issue in the series. It features one new five-page story and four reprint stories. Entitled “The Race to Save Face!,” the new story introduces new character, “Daisy Thunder.” It is written by Craig Boldman; drawn by Steve Butler (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

“The Race to Save Face!”:

There is a charity drag race in Riverdale, and Archie thinks his souped-up jalopy can win, even with Reggie and Jughead riding shotgun. Much to his shock and chagrin, he has a real challenger. Meet Daisy Thunder of the Southside Serpents. Now, it's a race through the streets of Riverdale, and with the rest of the field dwindling away, it's down to Archie and Daisy. Guest-starring superheroes (Shield) and infamous locales in and around Riverdale (the Igor Estates).

THE LOWDOWN: Over the last few years, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is Archie & Friends Hot Rod Racing No. 1, (which is titled Archie & Friends, No. 1 (#17), in the indicia).

Although, “The Race to Save Face!” is only five-pages long, I can't help but like it. The character and locale cameos really serve to sell the notion that this story is filled with spirit of Riverdale. I don't know if Daisy Thunder will amount to much of a new character, but the classic Archie Comics characters and settings will shine on. And that's the best part of “The Race to Save Face!”

I grew up on classic-style Archie Comics. Thus, I will always recommend such Archie titles, so I am giving Archie & Friends Hot Rod Racing a hearty recommendation.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie & Friends Hot Rod Racing No. 1.

B+

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

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.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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Comics Review: "THE MADNESS #6" Offers a Very Satisfying Conclusion

THE MADNESS #6 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: David Aja; Chris Ferguson

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

Rated: “Mature”

The Madness is a six-issue miniseries from AWA Studios. It is written by J. Michael Straczynski; drawn by ACO (pencils) and David Lorenzo (inks); colored by Marcelo Maiolo; and lettered by Sal Cipriano. The series follows a woman who uses her super-powers as a thief and her quest for revenge against a group of superheroes.

The Madness introduces Sarah Ross a.k.a. “The Raven.” She has super-powers: flight, super speed, super strength, and invulnerability, but she can only use one at a time. Sarah has been using her powers as a thief, stealing from the rich and giving it to herself. She plans one more big score so that she can retire to a life of luxury. However, she steals from the “wrong person” and that leads to brutal consequences that will drive her to revenge... and to ultimate madness.

The Madness #6 opens as Sarah frees her recent prize – one from the Djinn – the dragon Ignatius. Next, Sarah and the Raven have another conversation. Will she stay or will she go?

Now, it's time for the final battle. Just two names remain on The Madness' hit list. They are Darius, the leader of the Council of Justice, who ordered the dropping of the bomb on Sarah and her family. The second is Captain Micron, the one who dropped the bomb. In order to complete her revenge, however, Sarah may have to destroy herself along with her targets.

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios marketing began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications since April 2023. The Madness #6 is one of the recent acquisitions.

With this sixth issue, writer J. Michael Straczynski presents a final chapter that is as intense as all the previous chapters. The Madness mixes the craziness of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen with the exhilaration of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority. At this end, Straczynski presents a final chapter that is complicated, but that also offers a satisfactory conclusion working on themes of dedication, loyalty, and love.

Artist ACO closes out his daring storytelling with intensity and verve. The conflict is close and personal, and the heroine certainly seems imperiled. He also sells us on an ending that offers continuation. Marcelo Maiolo's colors are more like cinematography than ever, and I'm sure they look good in the recently released trade paperback collection of this series.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans looking for excellence in superhero comic books will want to try The Madness.

A+

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

THE MADNESS PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/the-madness/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Sunday, March 31, 2024

Comics Review: "CONAN THE BARBARIAN #6" Needs the Ghostbusters

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #6 (2023)

TITAN COMICS/Heroic Signatures

STORY: Jim Zub

ART: Doug Braithwaite

COLORS: Diego Rodriguez

LETTERS: Richard Starkings of Comicraft

EDITOR: Matt Murray

COVER: Mike Deodato

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Patch Zircher; Dan Panosian; Joey Spiiotto

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

Suggested for mature readers

“Thrice Marked for Death!” Part II: “The Cursed”

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 Doug Braithwaite; colored by Diego Rodriguez; and lettered by Richard Starkings. Entitled “Thrice Marked for Death!,” the arc finds Conan taking up with a thieves guild known as “The Gloryhounds,” and the target of their latest act of larceny is a fine-cut, dark stone that only Conan realizes is dangerous.

Conan the Barbarian #6 (“The Cursed”) opens with what happens when Conan is ignored. One of the Gloryhounds has touched their quarry, the dark stone known as “Tarim's Touch,” which only Conan realizes is a shard of the dreaded “Black Stone.” Now, malevolent specters have emerged from the stone, and they are ready to possess some unwary human flesh. The thieves will have to use all their skills to escape these dark spirits, but only Conan's savage swordsmanship can save them from the guards of the Temple of Bel.

Also, Conan ruminates on the loss of Belit, captain of the Trigress and Queen of the Black Coast. Haunted by memories of his greatest love, Conan may not realize that the heist of Tarim's Touch may have caused him to plunge ever deeper into chaos.

THE LOWDOWN: Titan Comics has been providing me with PDF copies of their publications for review for several years now. Conan the Barbarian #6 is a recent arrival.

Halfway through this new Conan the Barbarian story arc and writer Jim Zub is still throwing down like he's been throwing down. His first Conan the Barbarian story arc was a brawny jewel true to the tradition of the weird fiction that spawned Conan over nine decades ago. This second arc, “Thrice Marked for Death!,” is downright murderous and is unremittingly dark. And I like it. I like that Conan is also vulnerable and lost in a kind of grief that is as unrelenting aggressive as he is.

Doug Braithwaite, the artist for this story arc, recalls all the shadowy textures and muscular storytelling that the late great artist, John Buscema, brought to all his Conan comic books. Braithwaite made the first chapter of this arc, “The Heist,” dark, creepy, dirty, and nasty. For “The Cursed,” Braithwaite goes full action movie with daring escapes and a kinetic sense that thrums between the panels. Diego Rodriguez's colors make the action pop all the more.

Once again, Richard Starking's letters give this Conan the Barbarian comic book an audio track so that the reader might imagine to hear the clash of swords. So, dear readers, you must give this comic book a try. Every page is a pure Conan joy to read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Conan comic books will want to try Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures' Conan the Barbarian.

[This comic book includes the essay, “Robert E. Howard and His Ages Undreamed Of” Part Six, by Jeffrey Shanks.]

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

https://titan-comics.com/

https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan

https://www.instagram.com/titancomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ComicsTitan

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Friday, March 29, 2024

Comics Review: "ELVIRA Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #2" Goes Back to School

ELVIRA MEETS H.P. LOVECRAFT VOLUME 1 #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Kewber Baal

COLORS: Walter Pereyra

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta with Walter Pereyra

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kewber Baal; Robert Hack; Dave Acosta

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

Rated Teen+

Chapter Two: “The Fun Witch Horror”

In 1981, actress and model Cassandra Peterson created the “horror hostess character,” known as “Elvira.” Elvira gradually grew in popularity and eventually became a brand name. As Elvira, Peterson endorsed many products and became a pitch-woman, appearing in numerous television commercials throughout the 1980s.

Elvira also appeared in comic books, beginning in 1986 with the short-lived series from DC Comics, Elvira's House of Mystery. In 2018, Elvira returned to comic books via Dynamite Entertainment. Elvira's latest comic book series is Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1. The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Kewber Baal; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In this new series, Elvira joins the ghost of infamous horror and fantasy author, H.P. Lovecraft, who has returned to the mortal plane on a mission from the Elder Gods to locate the last true company of the infamous “Necronomicon.”

Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #2 (“The Fun Witch Horror”) opens as Elvira and Lovecraft arrive at Miskatonic University. Deep in its bowels is supposed to be the last true copy of that archetypal book of forbidden knowledge, the Necronomicon.

What the duo finds instead is a pair of chatty librarians. Also, Elvira and Lovecraft don't realize that one of the librarians has a direct connection to Lovecraft's bibliography and past. Meanwhile, the “Sons of Nyarlathotep” are close on Elvira and Lovecraft's heels for the Necronomicon.

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 Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #2, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

“Miskatonic is where the wealthy landed gentry send their clownish progeny to be inaugurated into the cult of power... regardless of their ability to wield it in a manner which is useful, or even sane.”

The above line is why I enjoy writer David Avallone's Elvira comic books so much. Avallone uses “snide asides” and Elvira's self-effacing humor as a magic carpet that carries readers to a magical kingdom of comedy gold. And I never want an issue of Avallone's Elvira to end, and this issue in particular left me panting and giggling on the floor.

Artist Kewber Baal continues to be an excellent match for Avallone's humor in this series as he was in the other recent Elvira comic book miniseries, Elvira in Monsterland. Here, Baal turns Avallone script into swell comedy, while he creates a supernatural, dark fantasy world that feels genuine. Walter Pereyra's colors convey this interplay of comedy and scary that keeps the story moving.

I expect really good things from Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, and I'm getting it. I expect you to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1.

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

https://twitter.com/DAvallone

https://twitter.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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Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Comics Review: "RED LIGHT #3" - Possession is Nine-Tenths of the Law

RED LIGHT #3 (OF 4)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Sarah H. Cho

ART: Priscilla Petraites

COLORS: Miroslav Mrva

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: Jeff Dekal

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: DaNi and Brad Simpson; Chris Ferguson with Priscilla Petraites

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

Rated: “Mature”

Red Light is a four-issue miniseries from writer Sarah H. Cho and artist Priscilla Petraites. Published by AWA Studios, the series follows a futuristic A.I. sex worker who makes a bid for freedom. Colorist Miroslav Mrva and letterer Sal Cipriano complete the series' creative team.

Red Light opens in a futuristic Red-Light District. Lacy is an A.I. sex worker who uses her unusual perceptiveness and intelligence to know what her clients want better than they know themselves. Lacy lives in a high-tech brothel under the watchful eye of her mysterious owner, Adam, best known as “Mister,” who calls her “Mary” after his late wife. Also, there is no escape for Mister's A.I. sex workers, but Lacy seeks to change that when she meets a human friend named Natalie.

Red Light #3 opens as Lacy and Natalie are driven to freedom thanks to Mars, a brothel client and Automation's top arms dealer. Now, Lacy and her young charge have found refuge in Mars' high-tech casino, but has Lacy traded one prison for another?

Meanwhile, Mister is not about to give up his top prize, and he will go to any length to get Lacy back. He needs some “retriever services,” and he's hired a very dangerous cop to do the retrieving.

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios' marketing began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications since April 2023. Red Light #3 is one of the latest.

Writer Sarah H. Cho offers a narrative with exposition and dialogue that paints the portrait of a dystopian future from a deeply personal and intimate perspective. In this third issue, Cho depicts the extent of how hard it is for A.I. to escape their fates and their professions. Cho reveals that even Lacy and Natalie's refuge is like Mister's brothel for other A.I., a prison that calls itself other things

In this series, artist Priscilla Petraites has balanced the sense of fear and oppression with a sense of grit and determination. This time, she transports the reader into a futuristic thriller that gets hotter with each page, as the stakes get higher. There is also a mood in this chapter that I want to describe as being like a dark fairy tale.

Miroslav Mrva's evocative colors capture the neon underground and liquid sky of this world of slavery, subjugation and violence. Sal Cipriano's letters bring a sense of suspense and mystery to this series. Red Light continues to be a winning AWA Studios' science fiction series, and I expect it to give us a great ending.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of futuristic science fiction comic books will want to read Red Light.

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

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #33" - Enter the Savage Dragon

KILLADELPHIA #33

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

ART: Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe with Robert Melendrez

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITORS: Greg Tumbarello; Chris Robinson

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander with Lee Loughridge

VARIANT COVER: Don Aguillo

44pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (January 2024)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Death Be Not Proud” Part III: “A Dragon Out of Chi-Town”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia. The series is currently written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Germán Erramouspe. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr.; Anansi the Spider-God; Toussaint Louverture and his army of killers; and a menagerie of fighters and gods and monsters on one side or the other or both in the vampire invasion of Philadelphia. Of note is a special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”), and his activities have summoned the most infamous Hellspawn of all, as well as other original Image Comics characters.

Killadelphia #33 (“A Dragon Out of Chi-Town”) opens with Harold, the boy who gathers rats. He has a very special relationship with the undead, and here is how it goes...

Meanwhile, the shocking appearance of the HellSpawn was the prelude to another unexpected twist. Enter the Savage Dragon. See Saw might have stopped the Spawn from destroying what's left of our heroes, but this rag-tag team of vampires and werewolves will face their toughest challenge. Can See Saw become a dragonslayer? Does he need to be? And what's Purgatory got to do with it?

THE LOWDOWN: It's a new day for Killadelphia. The sixth story arc, “Death Be Not Proud,” has a starring role for the most famous creation from the comics universe of Todd McFarlane, Spawn. Now, Erik Larsen's most famous creation, the Savage Dragon, has arrived for the fun.

Writer Rodney Barnes has shocked and surprised readers of Killadelphia along the way. In “Death Be Not Proud,” Barnes uses the titillation of the comic book crossover to throw all new curve balls at his readers, and the result is a re-energized narrative for Killadelphia. If you needed to be reminded, dear readers, this emphasizes that this series is one of infinite possibilities. In addition, the subplot centering on the young orphan, Harold, also promises some beautiful storytelling.

Where is “Death Be Not Proud” going? Let's keep following, dear readers.

[Killadelphia #33 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.]

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

[This issue includes an 11-page installment of “Johnny Gatlin” by Rodney Barnes, Syzmon Kudranski, and Marshall Dillon.]

A+

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes

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https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ

https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/

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Saturday, March 16, 2024

Comics Review: "REBEL MOON: House of the Bloodaxe #2" is a Family Affair

REBEL MOON: HOUSE OF THE BLOODAXE #2

TITAN COMICS

STORY: Zack Snyder

SCRIPT: Magdalene Visaggio

ART: Clark Bint

COLORS: Francesco Segala with Sabrina Del Grosso (flats)

LETTERS: Andworld Designs Jame

EDITORS: Phoebe Hedges and Calum Collins

COVER: Daniel Warren Johnson

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Francesco Tomaseli; Giannis Milonogiannis; Giuseppe Cafaro with Marco Lesko

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

Suggested for mature readers

Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire is epic space opera film directed by Zack Snyder. It is written by Kurt Johnstad and Shay Hatten and is based on a story conceived by Snyder. Rebel Moon is set in a galaxy that is ruled by the imperialistic “Motherworld,” whose military, “the Imperium,” threatens a farming colony on the moon of “Veldt.” Kora, a former Imperium soldier, goes on a quest to recruit warriors from across the galaxy to make a stand against the Imperium before they return to Veldt.

Titan Comics is producing a Rebel Moon comic book miniseries, Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe, that acts as a prequel to A Child of Fire. It is written by Magdalene Visaggio from a story by Zack Snyder; drawn by Clark Bint; colored by Francesco Segala; and lettered by Jame. House of the Bloodaxe is set five years before the events of the film, Rebel Moon, and depicts the back story of the characters, siblings Devra and Darrian Bloodaxe.

Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe opens on the planet Shusa. Its ruler, Lord Shasu, Yisrael of the Bloodaxe family, must deal with a rapidly changing situation. War looms and Lord Shasu must find balance in the conflict between living up to his father’s domineering legacy and maintaining the peace. However, a terrorist act has put Motherworld and the empire in turmoil, and, for now, the focus will be on the planet Shasu.

Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #2 opens with war looming on the horizon for the planet Shasu. On Motherworld, a terrorist act has left the entire royal family dead, and the terrorists are said to originate on Shasu.

Though he may be the reluctant ruler of the Bloodaxe family, Lord Shasu struggles to maintain the peace, even as the terrorist act has put Motherworld and the empire in turmoil. With the focus on the planet Shasu, Lord Shasu's two children, his son, Darrian Bloodaxe, and his daughter, Devra Bloodaxe, have plans of their own about defending the planet.

THE LOWDOWN: Titan Comics has been providing me with PDF copies of their publications for review for several years now. Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #2 is a recent arrival.

As of this writing, I have not seen Netflix's Rebel Moon movies, but I hope to do so in the near future. Rebel Moon has been a much anticipated film since its announcement at least two years ago.

Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1 was an interesting read, and issue #2 is just as interesting. The art by Clark Bin and the colors by Francesco Segala create riveting graphical storytelling that not only pulls the reader into an interstellar mystery, but also transports readers to a science fiction and space opera milieu that feels inviting. The art here also recalls the work of the late, great French illustrator, comic book artist and creator, Moebius. This first two issues of this series are both exotic and visually and graphically different from most American comic books.

Writer Mags Visaggio pulls off the difficult task of establishing the back story and also of introducing the central conflicts and primary dilemma the main characters will face in the present. This is really good writing, and I look forward to more of it.

Readers looking for space opera and science fiction comic books may find something or even quite a bit to like about Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe. I feel safe in saying that fans of Titan Comics' sci-fi titles should give this a try.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Rebel Moon the film may want to try at least the first issue of Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe.

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

https://titan-comics.com/

https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan

https://www.instagram.com/titancomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ComicsTitan

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Saturday, March 9, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #126" is in the Books

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #126

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Scott Jeralds

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Scott Jeralds

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Silvana Brys

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Brittany Holzherr (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2024)

Ages 8+

“Girls Night Ouch!”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 opens with “Girls Night Ouch!,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma making some plans. Not everyone has the same plans for this evening. Scooby and Shaggy have an all-you-can-eat buffet to attend, and Fred is going to investigate a haunted kitchen.

Meanwhile, Daphne and Velma are going to a local bookstore for a release party for the second book in the popular, teenage vampire romance book series, “Once Bitten.” The series' author, Steven Majors, is going to read from “Twice Bitten,” the new book, but his appearance is nothing compared to a surprise appearance. It seems that the book series' star, the vampire Danté, has arrived and is tearing the bookstore apart. Can Daphne and Velma solve this mystery alone?

As usual, the second story, “Ghost Writers,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Jeralds. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #76 (cover date: February 2017).] The story finds Mystery Inc. investigating a haunted library. Paige the librarian wants to know why the ghosts of Edgar Allen Poe and William Shakespeare are haunting her library. Now, Scooby and the gang have to discover what these literary ghosts want.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 has as its theme literary hauntings. The new story is set in a book event at a local book store, and of course, there is an obvious reference to author Stephenie Meyer's Twilight book series. Readers familiar with Twilight will enjoy the references to the book and to its fans and – dare I say it – its devoted, cult-like following.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 is not a particularly good issue compared to recent issues. Still, it's a fun read. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

C+

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Metropolis Grove” by Drew Brockington.]

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

https://www.dccomics.com/

https://twitter.com/DCComics

https://www.facebook.com/dccomics

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

https://www.pinterest.com/dccomics/

https://www.periscope.tv/DCComics/1ZkKzezXwZdxv

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Thursday, February 22, 2024

Comics Review: "GEEK-GIRL #12" Breaks Out the Break-In

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #12

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVERS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Flinn Douglas with Carlos Granda

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2023)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 2: “Skin and Bones, Waifs and Strays”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers. Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker. Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #12 (“Skin and Bones, Waifs and Strays”) opens at “Snakeskin's Bar.” Chromex and Dog Woman, friends of the captured costume, Pig Head, have approached Digger Mensch and Terry the Super-Porter. One of them, Chromex, makes Digger a lucrative offer for the whereabouts of Pig Head – a big payday. Meanwhile, Pig Head is getting to know Rosebud and Joe Cyborg.

Ruby returns to headquarters, struggling to understand what happened to her, but her conversation with The Minger is interrupted when the League of Larcenists invades the headquarters. Should Ruby help with the response to this assault or go after the person who has stolen her identity and a lot more.

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and her (mis)adventures. I like this comic book enough to believe that encouraging you to give this series a try, dear readers, is one way I can contribute something good to the comic book industry.

Geek-Girl #12 carries over threads from Geek-Girl #11 and the recent release, Fake Geek-Girl #1. Writer Sam Johnson packs most issues with a lot of characters, which can sometime put a drag on the pace of the narrative, as it does here, but only a little. Sam is an imaginative writer and his stories, in a deceptively quiet way, are riveting. He captures the spirit of Silver and Bronze Age superhero team comic books like Marvel Avengers and DC Comics' Justice League. The difference is that Sam captures the eccentricities of both the superheroes and their civilian identities, where as the earlier comic books focus on the weirdness of the superheroes.

Artist Carlos Granda is quite good at capturing facial expressions and the quirkiness and oddness in the way people act in relationship to emotions and speech. Granda's graphical storytelling and compositions capture both the unique nature of Sam Johnson's world and the classic comic book sensibilities of Geek-Girl. All of this really shows under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors and Paul McLaren's lettering.

Geek-Girl #12 is like the series as a whole, endlessly charming and constantly beguiling. I always want to read this series, and issue #12 makes me hungry for more. I don't know if Johnson wants to make Geek-Girl a monthly comic book, but, dear readers, I wish for that.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

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

Geek-Girl #12 can be ordered via Indy Planet at https://www.indyplanet.com/geek-girl-12.

You can get more information about Geek-Girl here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics.

Information about the Kickstarter for Geek-Girl issues #13 and 14 is available here or at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-identity-crisis.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Comics Review: "THE JAGUAR No.1" - A War of Claws and Feathers

THE JAGUAR #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Keryl Brown Ahmed

ART: Tango

COLORS: Ellie Wright

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITOR: Jamie Lee Rotante

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Maria Laura Sanapo with Ellie Wright

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Reiko Murakami

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2024); on sale in comic book shops February 21, 2024

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. Adventures of the Jaguar #1 (cover dated: September 1961) introduced “The Jaguar,” who was created by writer Robert Bernstein and artist John Rosenberger. The Jaguar was Ralph Hardy, a zoologist who found a magic belt in an ancient temple that gave him flight, strength, animal control, and the enhanced abilities of many animals.

Many years later, New Crusaders #1 (cover dated: October 2012) introduced a new version of The Jaguar. She is Ivette Velez, and now, she is the star of a new one-shot comic book, The Jaguar, No. 1. It is written by Keryl Brown Ahmed; drawn by Tango; colored by Ellie Wright; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

The Jaguar #1 opens on a passenger bus traveling through Northern Peru. Something is killing the Pampas cats of the region, and a group of zoologists has come together to investigate these mysterious slayings. They know the culprit is a bird of prey, but the method of killing is unlike any of the birds local to the region.

Enter Ivette Velez a.k.a. “The Jaguar.” It’s going to take someone with apex predator abilities to find out what is causing these murders…someone like Ivette! Can the predator, however, become the prey? Who or what is “The Buzzard?” Who or what is “Ai Apaec?” And what does this all have to do with Ivette's tragic past? Can she solve these mysteries and validate the faith her mentor, the original Jaguar, Ralph Hardy, had in her?

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. The Jaguar, No. 1 is the latest.

I was vaguely familiar with The Jaguar, mainly through DC Comics' early 1990s imprint, Impact Comics, which published updated versions of Archie Comics superhero characters. I have taken interest in Archie's recent one-shot revivals of its superhero characters, beginning with the recent The Darkling, No. 1 (cover dated: January 2024).

However, dear readers, you don't have to be familiar with either version of The Jaguar at all to enjoy the new one-shot comic book, The Jaguar, No. 1. Writer Keryl Brown Ahmed crafts a 21-page story that offers concise origins or back stories for the two major players in this comic book. Ahmed gives the readers everything they need to understand the Jaguar, to enjoy the story, and to be ready for any potential future stories.

The art by Tango recalls the late Darwyn Cooke, and is visually energetic. However, the storytelling is muddled; the page design in chaotic; and the composition is more style than substance. As usual, Ellie Wright's colors are dazzling, and letterer Jack Morelli's work is classic comics cool. Both are an added benefit to Tango's storytelling.

The Jaguar, No. 1 is a surprise, and I enjoyed it in spite of its graphical storytelling flaws. Fans of Archie Comics superheroes will like it, especially because it offers the appearance of another old character, The Buzzard, which first appeared in the 1983 version of The Mighty Crusaders, specifically issue #11 (cover dated: March 1985).

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Archie Comics' superhero titles will want to try The Jaguar, No. 1.

[This comic book includes a two-page section on the making of The Jaguar, No. 1.]

B+

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

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.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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Sunday, February 18, 2024

Comics Review: "ELVIRA Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #1" Calls You to Cthulhu

ELVIRA MEETS H.P. LOVECRAFT VOLUME 1 #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Kewber Baal

COLORS: Walter Pereya

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta with Walter Pereyra

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Robert Hack

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

Rated Teen+

Chapter One: “The Collect Call of Cthulhu”

Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #1 (“The Collect Call of Cthulhu”) opens with Elvira about to enjoy some dreamy boot-knocking when she is mystically cock-blocked. Infamous horror and fantasy author, H.P. Lovecraft, has returned from his sweet hereafter, the Abyss. It seems that one of the “Elder Gods,” the Lord of the Abyss has a mission for Howard Phillips Lovecraft.

He must find the last true copy of the ancient tome of dark magic, “the Necronomicon.” Completing this task will free Lovecraft from his miserable eternity. Lovecraft's first problem is that he needs Elvira to join him because she has a reputation in many mystical realms of being the one who turns back all manner of supernatural threats. His second problem is that Elvira is not interested, even if it means the return of Cthulhu.

However, the threat may be bigger and more familiar than she realizes...

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 Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #1, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

I really enjoyed writer David Avallone and artist Juan Samu's sexy, ghostly romp, Elvira Meets Vincent Price, a five-issue miniseries published in 2021. Avallone offers another tasty... coupling, this time pairing the Mistress of the Dark with a ghost of American arts and culture who is not nearly as delightful as Vincent Price, the renowned fantasy and horror author, H.P. Lovecraft. Avallone sprinkles the script for this first issue with references to Lovecraft's reputation, including a sly, near slip of the tongue regarding Lovecraft's racism and bigotry. Whereas Elvira Meets Vincent Price reads like a comic book version of a Bob Hope romp, however, Elvira Meets Vincent Price seems to be dark and maybe scarier. At least, that is my take on it this early in the series.

Artist Kewber Baal proved to an excellent match for Avallone's humor in the most recent Elvira comic book miniseries, Elvira in Monsterland. Here, Baal turns Avallone script into a swell comedy, but his graphical storytelling surrounds the repartee with a swirling mass of darkness and horror comic book energy. Walter Pereyra's colors convey this interplay of comedy and scary that keep the story moving.

I'm being conservative with my grade for this first issue of Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, but I am very excited about it. I expect great things, and dear readers, I expect you to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft #1.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1.

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

https://twitter.com/DAvallone

https://twitter.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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Saturday, February 17, 2024

Comics Review: "FAKE GEEK-GIRL #1" - How to Spot a Fake or Be One

FAKE GEEK-GIRL #1

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVER: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao

VARIANT COVER: Narcelio Sousa with Chunlin Zhao

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis”: “Geek-Girl, Interrupted”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers, and she becomes Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.” Now, the super-villain, Identity Thief, has tapped into Geek-Girl's mind and taken on her physical form in order to become “Fake Geek-Girl.”

Fake Geek-Girl #1 (“Geek-Girl, Interrupted”) opens as Ruby's best-frenemy, Karin Carpenter, arrives at “Rock” nightclub with her latest boy-toy, Alex. Before long, she is greeting acquaintances Jools, Estelle, and Howard. Her most important conversation, however, is with Danny about Ruby. So which is the real Geek-Girl? Which is the Fake Geek-Girl?

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. A recent arrival is Fake Geek-Girl #1.

Fake Geek-Girl #1 takes place between Geek-Girl #11 and Geek-Girl #12. It is both a standalone comic book, and it is also part of Geek-Girl #11 Deluxe. Fake Geek-Girl #1 is necessary for regular Geek-Girl fans because the “Previously:” segment on the inside front cover gives a detailed synopsis about the state of the narrative and how Fake Geek-Girl came to be.

This issue is produced by the regular creative team, so it fits quite well. Honestly, “Geek-Girl, Interrupted” isn't as strong a chapter as the ones in the main series, but it quite enjoyable. Also, I find that one needs to read everything Geek-Girl, dear readers. The first reason is because it is necessary, and the second reason is because Geek-Girl comics are super-duper good.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the lovable Geek-Girl will want to read Fake Geek-Girl.

B+

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

Geek-Girl #11 Deluxe is a great jump-on point for the Geek-Girl series: containing all the content from Geek-Girl #11 (“Identity Crisis”: Part 1) and Fake Geek-Girl #1-Shot (also available as its own comic). You can buy it here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-11-deluxe

Kickstarter for Geek-Girl issues #13 and #14 are part of a crowdfunding campaign here or at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-identity-crisis

Buy Geek-Girl comic books here or at https://www.indyplanet.com/?s=geek-girl

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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Friday, February 16, 2024

Comics Review: "THE MADNESS #5" - The Raven, the Djinn and the Dragon

THE MADNESS #5 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Francesco Francavilla; Chris Ferguson

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

The Madness is a six-issue miniseries from AWA Studios. It is written by J. Michael Straczynski; drawn by ACO (pencils) and David Lorenzo (inks); colored by Marcelo Maiolo; and lettered by Sal Cipriano. The series follows a woman who uses her super-powers as a thief and her quest for revenge against a group of superheroes.

The Madness #5 opens as Sarah and The Raven have a conversation. Are they one and the same, or are they merely part of each other.

Meanwhile, there are origin stories that tie into The Raven's revenge. First, how does one Djinn replace the next? This tale will make it crystal clear, with some information about the Djinn's animal companion, the dragon Ignatius. Plus, what is the story of Shade? Does even she know it?

Plus, Prince Nesallah and Tafiq Badat, the Arab royalty that demanded The Raven's death, know she is coming for them, and they are prepared. Or so they believe...

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. The Madness # is one of the recent acquisitions.

With this fifth issue, writer J. Michael Straczynski offers another chapter that is as intense as the others before it. The Madness mixes the madness of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen with the exhilaration of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority. Like Watchmen, Straczynski uses each issue to delve into the side stories that portend and enrich the larger story.

Artist ACO offers daring storytelling, but this time, he focuses on straight ahead action. He fills The Madness #5 with wide open storytelling similar to the widescreen thrills of The Authority. Marcelo Maiolo's colors are like cinematography that makes the action soar when it needs to and explode on the page, otherwise. This penultimate issue demands that I return for the ultimate, but, dear readers, it demands that you start reading.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans looking for excellence in superhero comic books will want to try The Madness.

A+

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

THE MADNESS PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/the-madness/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Comics Review: "ARCHIE Valentine's Spectacular No. 1" Conjures the Spirits of Love for 2024

ARCHIE VALENTINE'S SPECTACULAR #1 (2024)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Francis Bonnet; Dan Parent; Frank Doyle

PENCILS: Holly G!; Dan Parent; Samm Schwartz

INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Samm Schwartz

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2024) – On-sale February

Rating: All-Ages

“Paths to the Heart”

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”). One of them is the Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1. The 2024 edition of this comic book has one new story and four reprint stories. Entitled “Paths to the Heart,” the new story is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

“Paths to the Heart”:

As the story opens, the Spirits of Valentine's Day: “Flowers, Hearts & Candy” have come to inspire love and connections. As usual, Betty and Veronica are each struggling with what to get Archie for Valentine's Day. Flowers has a suggestion for Betty; get Archie flowers. Hearts has an idea for Veronica; she should confess her true feelings of love to Archie instead of buying him something. But Candy thinks – Surprise! – that candy is the best gift. But will these three spirits make things better or make them worse?

THE LOWDOWN: Archie Comics has been sending me PDF review copies of their titles for several years. Archie Valentine's Spectacular No.1 is the latest.

“Paths to the Heart” is really not a story; rather, it is the start of a story. I imagine quite a bit of hijinks could have ensued, but they don't because “Paths to the Heart” ends before it really begins.

Sabrina Spellman in “Heartbreaker Havoc”:

Although it isn't this comic book's new story, “Heartbreaker Havoc” is the new story in Archie Jumbo Comics #347. I'm glad that it was added to this issue. It is written by Francis Bonnet; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

“Heartbreaker Havoc” opens on the grounds of Riverdale High School. Sabrina Spellman a.k.a. “Sabrina the Teenage-Witch” witnesses Jughead Jones spurn Ethel Muggs after she asks him to take her on a Valentine's dinner date. Sabrina cannot use her magic to make someone fall in love, but she can conjure up a cupid to do her dirty work. She inadvertently ends up summoning “Heartbreaker,” a devilish cupid whose specialty is ruining love. Now, Sabrina struggles to send “Heartbreaker” back to his realm, and she will need help from a surprising figure to do so.

Now, “Heartbreaker Havoc” is a successful Archie five-pager. It has a beginning, middle, and end, and it actually works. Best of all, it reads like classic Archie Comics, and I really enjoyed it. It saves this edition of Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.

If you are like me and love classic-style Archie Comics, you will love these stories. And Archie Valentine's Spectacular is for you.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.

B+

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

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