Showing posts with label Comics Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Comics Review. Show all posts

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.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).


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


The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

----------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).


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.

A

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/


The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).


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


The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

----------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).


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”

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.

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.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

----------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).


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/


The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

---------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).


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 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 #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”

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 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 SchoolSabrina 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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Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Comics Review: "CONAN THE BARBARIAN #5" Starts a Heist

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #5 (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; Rebecca Puebla; Roberto de la Torre; Liam Sharp; Mike Deodato
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2023)

Suggested for mature readers

“Thrice Marked for Death!” Part I: “The Heist”

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 entitled “Thrice Marked for Death!.”  It is written by Jim Zub; drawn by Doug Braithwaite; colored by Diego Rodriguez; and lettered by Richard Starkings.

Conan the Barbarian #5 (“The Heist”) opens in Shadizar where Conan drowns his sorrows in his drink.  This is some time after his high seas adventures with the female pirate, Bêlit, the Queen of the Black Coast, which ended tragically.  [This tale was told in the 1934 story, “Queen of the Black Coast,” written by Conan's creator, Robert E. Howard.]

Conan has taken up with a thieves guild known as “The Gloryhounds.”  Conan is mainly the muscle for the Gloryhounds apparent leader, a female thief named Chaundra, also known as “The Chat.”  Now, a mysterious religious figure, Yakur the Found, has come offering gold for a “retrieval.”  He wants them to recover a fine-cut dark stone he calls, “Tarim's Touch,” that was stolen.

It is located deep inside the Temple of Bel, with Bel being the god of thieves and trickery.  Conan and the skilled thieves of the Gloryhounds can certainly penetrate the temple.  However, none of them know just how dangerous their quarry is – none except Conan.

THE LOWDOWN:  Titan Comics has been providing me with PDF copies of their publications for review for several years now.  Conan the Barbarian #5 is a recent arrival.

I was happy to see that Titan's new Conan the Barbarian series ended its first story arc after only four issues.  If I had my way, other comic book publishers would do this more often.  I am even happier that a new story line begins because that means writer Jim Zub is going to keep 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.  Here, Zub gets right to it with creepy-ass cults, thievery, and some flesh-rendering that damn well looks like Conan is trying to make hamburger meat out of human flesh.

Artist Doug Braithwaite joins Zub for the new story arc, and he recalls all the shadowy textures and muscular storytelling that the late great artist, John Buscema, brought to all his Conan comic books.  Braithwaite makes this first chapter, “The Heist,” dark, creepy, dirty, and nasty.  Here, the shiny kingdoms like blue mantles beneath the stars get the chamber pot treatment.  With his colors, Diego Rodriguez captures all that is odd and befouled in this opening chapter, as well as making the story pop with dark energy.

Once again, Richard Starking's letters give this Conan the Barbarian comic book an audio track and also a soundtrack of darkness.  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 Five, by Jeffrey Shanks.]

A

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


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Saturday, February 3, 2024

Comics Review: "RUMPUS ROOM #3" - Yes, That is an Uncircumcised Cock and Balls Sculpture

RUMPUS ROOM #3 (OF 5)
AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Mark Russell
ART: Ramon Rosanas
COLORS: Ive Svorcina
LETTERS: Andworld Design
COVER: Tony Harris
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kyle Baker; Kevin Maguire with Rosemary Cheetham; Mark Russell
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

Rumpus Room is a five-issue miniseries from AWA Studios.  It is written by Mark Russell; drawn by Ramon Rosanas; colored by Ive Svorcina; and lettered by Andworld Design.  The series pits a group of prisoners against their jailer, a billionaire who needs their organs and fluids.

Rumpus Room introduces Bob Schrunk.  He is a tech billionaire, collector of bad art, and sufferer of a terrible skin condition.  That condition can only be treated by a special face cream that comes from deep in the bowels of his “Rumpus Room.”  Enter Erica Hernandez.  She is looking for her missing sister, Olivia, who apparently worked for Schrunk's company – not that he'd care.  Erica is about to discover the awful truth.

Rumpus Room #3 opens after Bob's successful meeting with the board of directors of his social media company, “Krympt.”  They bought his bullshit, but it's all part of the game, Bob tells his corporate lawyer, Frank.

Meanwhile, back in the Rumps Room, Erica discovers that her fellow prisoners have created a hierarchy based on longevity that keeps them safe.  However, that grand bargain keeps the newcomers in danger of becoming the key ingredient in Bob's special face cream.  So Erica decides that it is time to take on the status quo, even if that means she has to go it alone.

THE LOWDOWN:  AWA Studios' marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications.  Rumpus Room #3 is a recent acquisition.

Writer Mark Russell has made this – the middle issue – the quiet-before-the-storm of his narrative.  It's all downhill from here or uphill, as the action may have it.  If anything, Russell has made it clear to me that this series has more bad guys and victimizers than good guys. 

Artist Ramon Rosanas' storytelling remains funny and droll, with a bag full of imaginative surprises.  Rosanas never takes the story where I think it will go even when I think it is giving me hints.  The art combined with Ive Svorcina's eerie bright colors make for some bizarre storytelling.

Rumpus Room #1 and #2 were quite good.  This third issue proves that this series is something else.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Russell's unique brand of comic books will want Rumpus Room.

A+

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


AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/
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The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Comics Review: "LILO & STITCH Volume 1 #1" Brings Back a Girl and Her Alien Dog

LILO & STITCH VOL. 1 #1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Giulia Giacomino
COLORS: Giulia Giacomino
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Joshua Middleton
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: David Nakayama; Jennifer Meyer; Craig Rousseau; Joshua Middleton
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024)

Rated “All Ages”

Lilo & Stitch is a 2002 animated science fiction and action-comedy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation.  The film's story revolves around an orphaned Hawaiian girl named Lilo Pelekai, and an extraterrestrial creature, “Experiment 626.”  Lilo adopts the alien as her “dog” and renames him “Stitch.”  After some trials and tribulations, the two bond, and Stitch uses his powers to keep his “ohana” or extended family (which includes Lilo's older sister, Nani), together.

Dynamite Entertainment has been producing licensed comic books based on Disney characters and IP for over a year.  The latest is Lilo & Stitch Volume 1.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn and colored by Giulia Giacomino; and lettered Jeff Eckleberry.  The series continues the adventures of the title characters as they face new alien threats.

Lilo & Stitch Volume 1 #1 opens on Planet Turo at the Galaxy Defense Industries Sub-Facility 12B, which is in the midst of a break-in.  It seems that someone is searching for the records of Dr. Jumba Jookiba and his “Experiment 626,” which was designed to break everything it touches.

Meanwhile, on Earth, specifically the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii, Lilo, Stitch, Dr. Jumba, and alien Agent Pleakley are enjoying some fun as only they can.  Their activities lead to words of wisdom from Nani and her boyfriend, David Kawena.  It's all about “ohana” (family) and “kuleana” (responsibilities).  The family time, however, is interrupted by the arrival of robots in service of the “Cluster Sovereign.”  They want Stitch, but can they find him after he finds the perfect place in which to blend?

THE LOWDOWN:  Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  Lilo & Stitch Volume 1, Issue #1 is the latest, and is also the first Lilo & Stitch comic book that I have read.

It's been almost two decades since I last saw the film, Lilo & Stitch.  I don't remember much about it, other than a few characters and that I really liked it.  I'm curious about the upcoming live-action version of Lilo & Stitch being produced by Walt Disney Pictures.

This Lilo & Stitch comic book is nice, but it isn't directed at my demographic.  This is a children's comic book, and that's a good thing.  Writer Greg Pak has fashioned a gentle adventure that promises to pick up the pace in the second issue.  I have to admit to being curious about what comes next.  Artist Giulia Giacomino captures the Disney animated aesthetic with her illustrations and colors, and it is also kids' comics friendly.

So, if Lilo & Stitch is your thing, Lilo & Stitch Volume 1 #1 is worth a buy, especially if you want to give it to a young reader.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Disney comic book series will want to read Lilo & Stitch Volume 1.

B

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


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Sunday, January 28, 2024

Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #32" - Don't Trust a White Devil While Signing Your Record Deal in the Hood

KILLADELPHIA #32
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe
COLORS: Lee Loughridge
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITORS: Greg Tumbarello; Chris Robinson
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander with Lee Loughridge
44pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (December 2023)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Death Be Not Proud” Part II: “Whatever Happened to Blake Edwards?”

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.

Killadelphia #32 (“Whatever Happened to Blake Edwards?”) opens in West Philadelphia, where two National Guardsmen are about to make a big mistake with Blake Edwards.  But isn't Blake supposed to be dead?  Well, his desire for revenge against Ron Davies, one of the world's biggest music producers, is very much alive.

Meanwhile, in North Philadelphia, See Saw, Spawn, and a pack of werewolves continue to battle the horde of demons that keep emerging from a... hellhole, while Anansi provides sass and color commentary.  With Corson and Lucifer behind this invasion, victory won't come easy.

Elsewhere, Toussaint Louverture is convinced to rejoin the fight, but this time, he has a new weapon.  And it's a dragon.

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.

To say that writer Rodney Barnes has shocked and surprised me would be to repeat myself for the umpteenth time in several years.  What can I say?  Here, the definition of insanity would be to keep doing the same thing (reading) and expecting a different result (not be surprised and thrilled).  I must say, however, the Blake Edward subplot and the surprise appearance on the final page are almost more than my imagination can take.

The art team of Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe continue to Ragnarok and roll under the fiery coloring of Lee Loughride.  Their terrifying storytelling with its stream of terrible fates is truly its own hellish Avengers: Endgame.

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

[Killadelphia #32 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 12-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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Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Comics Review: "THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES #1" - Deadman Tells No Tales

THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES (2024) #1
DC COMICS

STORY: Sholly Fisch
ART: Dario Brizuela
COLORS: Franco Riesco
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITOR: Kristy Quinn
COVER: Dario Brizuela with Franco Riesco
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2024)

Ages 8+

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

“The Show Must Go Away”

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries is a series of 12-issue comic book limited series that DC Comics initially published in 2021.  The series brought the characters from both the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and Batman comic book series together.  Over the past five decades, Mystery Inc.Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma, have joined Batman and (often) Robin to solve mysteries in various animated television series and comic books.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries sold well enough that DC Comics began a second series in October 2022.  Now, DC has begun a third series in January 2024.  The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 (“The Show Must Go Away”) is written by Sholly Fisch; drawn Dario Brizuela; colored by Franco Riesco; and lettered by Saida Temofonte.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 (“The Show Must Go Away”) opens with a quick summary of how Dick Grayson's childhood tragedy led to him becoming Batman's sidekick, Robin, and later, the adult superhero, Nightwing.  The story opens at the place Dick once called home, “Haly's Circus.”  Mystery Inc. is enjoying some fun at the circus, when the aerialist, “The Incredible Zoltan,” finds his act interrupted by … Deadman?!

Luckily, Nightwing arrives to save the day.  But how can Deadman be the bad guy?  Deadman is a well-known good guy – a ghost, but a good guy.  Now, it's up to Nightwing and Mystery Inc. to solve this ghostly circus mystery that is also bringing up the ghosts of Dick Grayson's past.  Meanwhile, where is Batman?

THE LOWDOWN:  As a child, the most important characters in my life were Batman and Robin and Scooby-Doo and Mystery Inc.  I am still excited about the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo coming together.  Obviously, The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries is perfect for me.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 is filled with characters and story elements that I... well, I adore.  I like stories that revolve around a circus.  I have been a fan of Robin since I was a small child, and my love of Batman was initially predicated on him having Robin as a sidekick.  I am a longtime fan of the DC Comics' character, Deadman, and of course, I'm down with Mystery Inc.  Add those four elements together, and I'm in comic book hog heaven.

Under a gorgeous, sharply-designed cover by artist Dario Brizuela, the 2024 iteration of The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 offers a high-flying adventure with a confounding ghostly mystery.  Writer Sholly Fisch cleverly ties in the history and trauma of Nighwing/Dick Grayson while maintaining the humor of a Scooby-Doo tale, including the slapstick antics of Shaggy and Scooby.  As always, Brizuela, one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book artists, delivers the perfect moods, thanks in part to Franco Riesco's dazzling colors.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 starts anew with a winning first issue.  I'm ready to do this all over again.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the union of the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo will want The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries.

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Diana and the Hero's Journey” by Grace Ellis and Penelope Rivera Gaylord.]

A

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


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Saturday, January 20, 2024

Comics Review: "WORLD OF ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #136" Revives Two Obscure Features

WORLD OF ARCHIE (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #136
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Daniel Kibblesmith; with Mike Pellowski; Bill Golliher; Frank Doyle; and various
PENCILS: Holly G!; Steven Butler; with Stan Goldberg; Bill Golliher; Dan DeCarlo, Jr.; and various
INKS: Jim Amash; Lily Butler; with Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick; James DeCarlo; and various
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; with Barry Grossman and various
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; with Bill Yoshida
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
192pp, Color, $9.99 U.S. (March 2024); on-sale January 10, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

“One Shot Worth a Million,” “The Perfect Specimen”

World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series.  Debuting in late 2010, World of Archie Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback-like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics.  Sometimes, however, these digests offer original stories.

World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #132 reintroduces three characters from the “Golden Age” of Archie Comics (when it was known as M.L.J. Magazines, Inc.).  These characters return in two new stories.

The first new story is “One Shot Worth a Million.”  It 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.  It introduces modern versions of two characters.

The first is “Fran Frazer,” who first appeared in MLJ'S Top Notch Comics #9 (cover dated: October 1940).  She was one of those female “roving-reporters” characters, and she roamed the world as a photo journalist.  She had a miniature camera, which she disguised as various fashion accessories, and Fran used it to collect evidence against the wicked and the corrupt.  Fran was usually accompanied by the second reintroduced character, Hal Davis.  The modernized Fran Frazer is a freelance photographer and journalist for “Strife Media.”  The modernized Hal Davis is her romantic rival and is also now an African-American character.

Fran Frazer in “One Shot Worth a Million”:
Why is Archie Andrews skulking around the docks in the dead of night?  Veronica Lodge wants to know.  Well, Archie is assisting freelance photographer and journalist, Fran Frazer, in her investigation of criminal syndicate activity at the docks.  And it involves Lodge Industry, which Veronica's father, Hiram Lodge, owns.

By the way, why is Veronica skulking around the docks?  Well, she is assisting Hal Davis, Fran's (romantic) rival.  Can Archie and Veronica stop bickering in time to help Fran and Hal unmask corruption at the docks?

The second new story is “The Perfect Specimen.”  It is written by Daniel Kibblesmith; drawn by Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

The story reintroduces “Young Dr. Masters,” a physician who engages in dangerous adventures and misadventures to help patients.  The character had his own comic book, The Adventures of Young Dr. Masters, which ran for two issues (cover dated: August and November 1964).  The series was apparently an adaptation of the 1962 novel, Young Doctor Masters (Belmont Books), written by Frank Haskell.  That Frank Haskell is not to be confused with Frank A. Haskell (1828-1864), the author and Union Army officer who served during the American Civil War.  The modernized Dr. Masters is a television doctor and author.

Young Dr. Masters in “The Perfect Specimen”:
During his television show, Dr. Masters announces that he is about to embark on a six-city book tour for his upcoming book, “The Perfect Specimen! Health, Beauty, and You!”  The tour will kick off in Riverdale, where Masters hopes to find the one “local teen” who “truly embodies the spirit of health and beauty.”  That person would be the “perfect specimen” to appear on the book cover and to accompany Dr. Masters on his book tour.

Betty and Veronica each believes that she is the “perfect specimen.”  Thus, begins their latest battle of the beauties, but can these two friends and rivals survive a health and beauty war of attrition?

THE LOWDOWN:  For many years now, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review.  World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #132 is the latest.

“One Shot Worth a Million” and the “The Perfect Specimen” exemplify how Archie Comics has perfected the six-page humor story over the last several years.  Archie Comics has always been good at humor short stories and stand-alone tales, as they've been doing it for decades.  However, these new, tight, six-page tales that pepper Archie digests and single-issue anniversary specials are concise in their delivery of a beginning, middle, and end with a substantial plot.  But there is a problem...

Often, I come across six-page stories that would be better served by being at least twice their length.  That is the case with both these stories, but especially with “One Shot Worth a Million.”  Writer Ian Flynn mixes espionage, teen humor, and comic romance with flair in this story, a hybrid with potential that demands to expanded into a longer story.  The art team of Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks) certainly have the storytelling chops to keep the humor and comic action humming along for longer than six pages.  Alas, it was not to be.

The rest of World of Archie Double Digest #132 is a mixture of winter-themed tales and high school hijinks, which Archie fans will always welcome.  I should warn you, dear readers.  I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want World of Archie Double Digest.

B+

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


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Thursday, January 18, 2024

Comics Review: "KONI WAVES" Crests on Cool Characters and Inventive Elements

KONI WAVES
HAUNTED PIZZA LLC/ARCANA STUDIOS

STORY: Mark Poulton
SCRIPT: Mandy Summers
ART: Renzo Rodriguez
COLORS: Dexter Weeks
LETTERS: Dexter Weeks
COVER: Renzo Rodriguez with Ink Spots
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Irene Strychalski; Chris Graves
ISBN: 979-8-987-45314-8; paperback (November 2023)
56pp, Color, $25.00 U.S.

Koni Waves created by Mark Poulton, Stephen Sistilli, and Dexter Weeks

Koni Waves is an independent supernatural horror comic book that was published as a series of miniseries and one-shots from 2006 to 2010 by Arcana Studio.  Created by Mark Poulton, Stephen Sistilli, and Dexter Weeks, Koni Waves focused on Koni Kanawai, a female detective in Honolulu, Hawaii, who specialized in supernatural cases.

Koni Kanawai returns in a new original graphic novel, entitled Koni Waves, that was crowdfunded on Indiegogo last year and was published late last year (2023). The new graphic novel is written by Mark Poulton (story) and Mandy Summers (script); drawn by Renzo Rodriguez; and colored and lettered by Dexter Weeks.  In this new story, Koni becomes involved in a complicated murder case that involves supernatural scheme and conspiracy.

Koni Waves opens with Koni Kanawai rescuing her pal, Pete, from the vampires(!) of Black Bear Cove, but that adventure is easy compared to what is coming.  Koni's father, James Kanawai, a detective with the HPD, wants Koni to try to get back on the force.  Koni, who was suspended apparently after running afoul of Internal Affairs, is willing to give that a try.

Later, at her favorite watering hole, Koni learns that District Attorney Choi believes that he has convicted the wrong man, Danny Snyder, of the murder of Felicity Andrews, an exotic dancer and former associate of Koni's.  Taking on the case, Koni contacts Krystal, another dancer and former associate of Felicity's.  After snooping around, Koni comes to believe that a local power broker, Prince Hopohopo, is connected to the Felicity Andrews case.  However, Koni will discover that this case involves Hawaii's darkest secrets and its edgiest supernatural and spiritual past.

THE LOWDOWN:  A few years ago, I came across the Twitter feed of a Mexican comic book artist named Renzo Rodriguez.  From the first of examples of his art I saw, I thought he was very talented, but because I had never heard of him previously, I assumed Renzo was a new talent.  I would later learn that Renzo was a veteran talent who had been drawing professionally for a long time, including for Zenescope Entertainment.

Last year, I learned that Renzo would be the artist for a crowdfunded project, entitled Koni Waves, so I quickly contributed.  I did not know that Koni Waves was a comics property with a history, so I did not know what to expect.  Now, having read and received this original graphic novel, I am glad that I contributed to the campaign.

Renzo is obviously influenced by legendary comic book artist Art Adams.  Some artists who were influenced by Adams (such as J. Scott Campbell and Rob Liefeld) picked up on Adams' stylish flourishes.  However, what Renzo seems to have taken from Adams is the ability to compose complex, multi-panel pages that allows a story to be told in detail without going into overdrive with decompression.  Most of Renzo's pages have at least seven panels of varying size, and Renzo composes detailed backgrounds and environments in a way that compares to the work of set decorators for film and television.  Renzo makes the world of Koni Waves feel lived-in, like a real place.

All those panels on each page allows scripter Mandy Summers to flesh out Mark Poulton's character-rich story in a way that conveys motivation and personality, plot and mythology, and action and drama.  Summers makes Koni Waves read like an actual graphic novel in a way that so-called graphic novels (trade paperbacks) three times its size do not.

Dexter Weeks' precise, rich colors capture the curves, shapes, and contours of Renzo's figure drawing.  Those colors make every character seem alive and, in the case of some, seem quite sexy, and they also make the art pop on the page.  In addition, Weeks' lettering finds plenty of space for Summers' dialogue, so that nothing is crowded out.

I like Koni Waves, and I'd like to see more of Koni and her closest allies and most dangerous adversaries.  This comic book scratches the surface of Koni Waves' supernatural skin, but the freaks want to come out.  So I say let them out with more Koni Waves.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of supernatural and occult detective comics will want Koni Waves.

A

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


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Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #125" Howls at the Moon

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #125
DC COMICS

STORY: John Rozum
PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Robert Pope
INKS: Randy Elliot; Scott McRae
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Randy Gentile
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Jeanine Schaefer (reprint)
COVER: Randy Elliot with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2024)

Ages 8+

“No Laughing Matter”

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? #125 opens with “No Laughing Matter,” which is written by John Rozum and drawn by Randy Elliot.  The story finds Mystery Inc.Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma opens stuck with the aftermath of their jaunt to the country.  They ended up needing a local farmer and his tractor to help with a Mystery Machine breakdown.

The farmer, however, tells them that they were lucky not to break down after dark because they might have run into the local monster, “the Hyena Man.”  The creature has been terrorizing the area outside of Coolsville for the past month or so.  As they head back into town, they encounter Katie Yoder, a local reporter who has been covering the mystery of the Hyena Man.  Mystery Inc. offers to help Katie solve the mystery, but the countryside outside Coolsville is full of places where the Hyena Man can be or will not be...

As usual, the second story, “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf,” is a reprint story.  It is written by John Rozum and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #132 (cover date: July 2008).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. investigating a strange case.  A local youngster claims that a werewolf damaged his father's vintage muscle car, but his father believes his son damaged the car and is trying to avoid taking responsibility for his actions.  So it's back to the scene of the monster crime, but maybe the werewolf has a reason for not wanting an investigation.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #125 has as its theme “therianthropy,” which is the ability of humans to metamorphose into animals or animal hybrids via “shapeshifting.”  Perhaps, the best known form of therianthropy is “lycanthropy,” the ability to be become a wolf or wolf-like hybrid, both of which are known as the “werewolf.”

The first story, “No Laughing Matter,” is produced by two of my favorite Scooby-Doo creators, writer, John Rozum, and artist, Randy Elliot.  Rozum offers a story that feels down-home Scooby-Doo and is a comfy fit for readers' Scooby-Doo imaginations.  Elliot always captures the classic look and feel of old-school Scooby-Doo, especially of the 1969-70 Saturday morning cartoon series, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!  And like the episodes of that beloved series, “No Laughing Matter” has some key kooky and quirky characters.

The reprint story, “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf,” is written by Rozum and is drawn by another of my favorite Scooby-Doo art teams, Robert Pope (pencils) and Scott McRae (inks).  This story is a nice morality and father-son tale about owning up to one's irresponsible actions.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #125 is a fun read, and like issues #123 and #124, it is an exceptional issue.  So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later.  And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B+

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Diana and the Hero's Journey” by Grace Ellis and Penelope Rivera Gaylord.]

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


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The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Friday, January 12, 2024

Comics Review: "REBEL MOON: House of the Bloodaxe #1" Has a Heavy Metal Vibe

REBEL MOON: HOUSE OF THE BLOODAXE #1
TITAN COMICS

STORY: Zack Snyder
SCRIPT: Magdalene Visaggio
ART: Clark Bint
COLORS: Francesco Segala with Sabrina Del Grosso (flats)
LETTERS: Andworld Design's Jame
EDITORS: Phoebe Hedges and Calum Collins
COVER: Stanley “Artgerm” Lau
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Rafael Albuquerque; Baldemar Rivas; Andrea Olimieri; Federico Bertoni; Stanley “Artgerm” Lau
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2024); on sale Wednesday, January 10, 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, Revel Moon, and depicts the back story of the characters, siblings Devra and Darrian Bloodaxe.

Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1 opens on the planet Shusa, some 30 years before the main story.  This is the tale of how the future Lord Shusa, Yisrael, met his future wife, Amirami.  In the present, this day is the funeral of Amirami, and rather than grief his wife, the present Lord Shasu must deal with the rapidly changing present.

War is looming on the horizon for the planet Shasu.  Though he may be the reluctant ruler of the Bloodaxe family, Yisrael, 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.

How will this change the lives of the Lord Shasu's two children by Amirami, his son, Darrian Bloodaxe, and his daughter, Devra Bloodaxe?

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 #1 is a recent arrival.

I have not seen Netflix's first of two 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 is an interesting comic book.  For one, the art by Clark Bin and the colors by Francesco Segala recall the art of the late, great French illustrator, comic book artist and creator, Moebius.  Looking at that comic book reminds me of looking at the first issues of the American science fiction and fantasy comics magazine, Heavy Metal.  This first issue is both exotic and visually and graphically different from most American comic books.

The script by Mags Visaggio has a difficult job.  It must establish the back story while introducing the central conflict and primary dilemma the main characters will face.  And, for the most part, Visaggio's script pulls it off.  I'm ready to read more of the miniseries.

Readers looking for space opera science fiction comic books may find something or even quite a bit to like about Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1.  I feel safe in saying that fans of Titan Comics' sci-fi titles 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.

A-

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


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The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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