NEGROMANCER 2.0: Comics Review

Showing posts with label Comics Review. Show all posts

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.]

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/

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, 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.

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

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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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

https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex

https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

http://rodneybarnes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259

https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics

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

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

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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.]

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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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"

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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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.

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

https://www.hauntedpizzallc.com/

https://twitter.com/hauntedpizzallc

https://twitter.com/KoniWaves

https://twitter.com/renzo_rocomic

https://twitter.com/WartTheWizard

https://www.instagram.com/hauntedpizzallc/

https://www.youtube.com/c/PrimetimePoulton

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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"

https://www.dccomics.com/

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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"

https://titan-comics.com/

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Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Comics Review: "RED LIGHT #2" Knocks the Boots Hard

RED LIGHT #2 (OF 4)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Sarah H. Cho

ART: Priscilla Petraites

COLORS: Miroslav Mrva

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: Jeff Dekal

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Alison Sampson; Chris Ferguson

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

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, 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 #2 returns to the futuristic brothel prison/home of Lacy. Since meeting Natalie, Lacy has been plotting her escape from her jail and from her jailer, Mister. She imagines a future of freedom out in the City of Automation with Natalie.

Lacy is one of the most sophisticated A.I. ever created, and if she is going to escape, she will need her all A.I. feminine wiles. Luckily, Lacy has a client and an associate with the right set of skills to help break her out, and one may have the arsenal to stop anyone who gets in her way.

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios' marketing began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications back in April. Red Light #2 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. The storytelling is quiet and patient, but manages to create the tension required for a tale of an escape from slavery.

Artist Priscilla Petraites balances the sense of fear and oppression with a sense of grit and determination. She convinces us that the odds are against Lacy, but that Lacy could suddenly turn the odds in her favor.

Miroslav Mrva's evocative colors create a futuristic world that is neon underground and liquid sky. Sal Cipriano's letters bring a sense of suspense and mystery to this series. Red Light is another winning AWA Studios' series, and I hope it doesn't get lost in a pile of science fiction titles that is mostly not as genuinely science fiction as Red Light is.

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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Buy a digital copy of Red Light #2 here.

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Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Comics Review: "FIRE AND ICE VOLUME 1 #2" is a Savage Tale

FIRE AND ICE VOLUME 1 #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Bill Willingham

ART: Leonardo Manco

COLORS: Leonardo Manco

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Matt Idelson

COVER: Joseph Michael Linsner

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Leonardo Manco; Gary Frank

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

Rated Teen+

Fire and Ice created by Ralph Bakshi and Frank Frazetta

Chapter II: “The Price of Power”

Fire and Ice is an animated epic, dark fantasy, adventure film directed by Ralph Bakshi. The film is the result of a collaboration between Bakshi and the legendary fantasy painter, Frank Frazetta, with the film's screenplay being written by veteran comic book writers, Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway.

In 2022, Dynamite Entertainment announced that it had gained the license to produce a comic book series set in the world of Fire and Ice. The series would act as a prequel to the film. Fire and Ice the comic book is written by Bill Willingham; drawn and colored by Leonardo Manco; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry and Taylor Esposito. War is coming, and it will rage between the realms of Ice and Fire. Many tribes, cities, and nations will be caught in the middle, some fated to be ground into oblivion because of it. Who will be the saviors and heroes?

As Fire and Ice Volume 1 #2 (“The Price of Power”) opens, the legendary masked warrior, Darkwolf, battle, Otwa the giant to the death. What if, however, death is not necessarily easy to come by.

Meanwhile, Juliana, Queen of the Icelands discovers that her precious son, Kaledan, has been assassinated. She does not know that her younger son, Nekron, murdered his brother in order to be the heir to the throne. Now, Juliana is launching an all-out war on the Fire Kingdom and its allies, calling forth the Ice Lands' most depraved allies to do her bidding.

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 Fire and Ice Volume 1 #2, which is one of the few Frank Frazetta-related comic book I have read in a long time.

I have never seen Fire and Ice, except for a few minutes so long ago that I can't remember that time or what I saw. I am a fan of the film's director, Ralph Bakshi, especially of his 1977 film, Wizards. Like a lot of people, I also enjoy looking at Frank Frazetta's paintings.

I thought readers could enjoy Fire and Ice Volume 1 #1 without having seen the movie. Reading the Wikipedia page on the film and reading Bill Willingham's engaging script was enough to make the first issue a joy to read. I found myself a little more in the dark while reading this second issue, but I liked the Tolkien meets Frazetta vibe of the story. So far, each chapter raises the stakes high enough to keep me interested.

Willingham's script works so well because it is in the hands of artist Leonardo Manco, who easily captures the prehistoric and savage splendor of the sword and sorcery genre to which Fire and Ice belongs, in both pencil and color. This issue Manco captures the intrigue and especially the menagerie of monsters, beasts, and creatures that will serve the Ice Lands. I found Manco's depiction of Juliana's gathering of invasion forces rather invigorating. I can't wait for more.

Hey, dear readers, this is really good stuff. I'm an definitely coming back for more, and you should definitely come around at least for the first two issues.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Ralph Bakshi and Frank Frazetta will want to try the comic book, Fire and Ice Volume 1.

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

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

Comics Review: "THE MADNESS #4" Has Women So Fierce They Can Be Compassionate

THE MADNESS #4 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Butch Guice with Lee Loughridge; Daniel Otrakji

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 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 #4 opens as The Raven recounts how she became involved with her man, the widower Richard “Rick” Chambers, and how she began to build a family with him and his two young sons, Chuck and Devon. Now, she has to continue her revenge tour because Rick and the boys where reduced to “ash and little bits of dry, bleached bone.”

She is tracking down members of “the Council of Justice,” the team of government-sanctioned superheroes who killed her family and left her in a shattered mental state. The latest are Astraea and Miss Victory, but only one played a part in the decision to bring death and destruction to The Raven's life. And the other one wants to convince Raven to make a better decision that one she wants to make. Will The Raven relent or will she fight to the death?

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. The Madness #4 is a recent acquisition.

With this fourth issue, writer J. Michael Straczynski offers a chapter that is as intense as ever, but also more intimate. I'm surprised that this offbeat chapter maintains the series drumbeat of war and revenge without missing... a beat. Yes, I continue to think that The Madness mixes the madness of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen with the exhilaration of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority. Still, I felt a sense sadness that kept intruding on my need for kick-ass and blood lust. There are not only consequences in the actions in which the characters take, but this is also pain.

Artist ACO may be offering his most daring storytelling and his most advanced work. ACO creates a melancholy and tragic tone for this chapter that gives this overall narrative a sense of humanity and vulnerability that will give the violence to come some weight and depth. ACO turns this narrative just when I think I'm following a bullet straight to violence, so I'm often getting more than I expect.

In The Madness #4, AWA Studios does what it has been doing for some time – offer the kind of single issue that can help save the Direct Market. You just have to make the effort to find this kind of comic book, dear readers.

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

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douressaux 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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Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Comics Review: "ARCHIE Christmas Spectacular" is Filled with Holiday Cheer

ARCHIE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR #1 (2023)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Tom DeFalco; Frances Bonnet; Dan Parent; Bill Golliher

PENCILS: Holly G!; Bill Galvan; Dan Parent; Bill Golliher

INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Steven Butler and Lily Butler with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024; on-sale December 6, 2023)

Rating: All-Ages

“Christmas Chaos!”

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 holiday themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”). The latest is the Archie Christmas Spectacular. It features one new story and four reprint stories. Entitled “Christmas Chaos,” the new story introduces Archie Comics' newest characters: Jangles, Sourplum, and Grumpus. The story is written by Tom DeFalco; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie and the Gang in “Christmas Chaos”:

The story opens at Riverdale High where Archie, Betty, Veronica and the rest of the gang are decorating the gym for the annual big Christmas party, “the Riverdale Holiday Happening.” They are waiting for the arrival of their friends, Jingle the Christmas Elf and Sugar Plum the Christmas Fairy.

However, the two have mistakenly teleported inside the “Eyegor Estate,” and now, they are the prisoners of Grumpus. In their stead, Grumpus sends Naughty Christmas Elf Jangles and Sour Plum to Riverdale High. Will the mischievous pair keep the Holiday Happening from happening, or can right magic make everything right again?

THE LOWDOWN: I have been reading comic books, on and off, for decades. I have sporadically read Archie Comics titles over that time. For many years now, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. Archie Christmas Spectacular is the latest.

I like Archie Christmas Spectacular, especially because there is a bit of pop Gothic in this story, especially that one panel that features the Eyegor Estate. The story has a sweet Christmas slash Happy Holidays ending. I can like a comic book that makes me jealous because I can't attend its admittedly fictional party, but damn, the Riverdale Holiday Happening looks like a blast.

The rest of this issue features reprints of classic-style Archie Christmas and holiday stories. Dear readers, I will always recommend classic-style Archie, especially when it comes in Christmas packaging – anytime of the year.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie Christmas Spectacular.

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: "BIG GAME #5" Brings in the Big Names

BIG GAME #5 (OF 5)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Pepe Larraz

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Pepe Larraz with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dike Ruan with Giovanna Niro

52pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (November 2023)

Rated M / Mature

Big Game is a five-issue comic book event miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Pepe Larraz. Big Game is a crossover event series that pulls together all the franchises that are part of Millar's company/imprint, “Millarworld.” That includes Kick-Ass, The Magic Order, and Wanted, to name a few. Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series' creative team.

Big Game is a sequel to the first Millarworld comic book miniseries, Wanted (2003-04). The stars of that series, The Fraternity, the super-villains that secretly rule the world, defeated their superhero adversaries in 1986. Now, this entity is concerned about the reemergence of superheroes, so it unleashes it new superhero killer, Nemesis (from Nemesis: Reloaded), on a hero-assassination spree.

Big Game #5 opens in Singapore, Moscow, and New York. It is in these places that Diabolos the Sorcerer makes his announcement on behalf of his master, King Morax (Empress). Diabolos has traveled millions of years from Earth's deep history in order to speak to the planet's true leader, Wesley Gibson, the secret Lord of the Earth (Wanted).

But for all the flexing Wesley and Diabolos will commit in front of each other, everything hinges on Hit-Girl/Mindy McCready (Kick-Ass). Can she stop Nemesis' superhero murder spree before it starts … again? Guest-starring the stars of The Ambassadors, Huck, Night Club, Starlight, and a surprise.

THE LOWDOWN: I have been receiving PDF review copies of Netflix/Millarworld's comic book titles since late 2021. Big Game #5 is the latest.

Big Game #5 is the end of, what is for me, the most readable comic book crossover event of the last fifteen years. I have read some event series that started off grand and ended with a whimper (Marvel's recent Heroes Reborn). I have read some that are full of sound and fury signifying nothing but perpetual noise (DC Comics' Dark Metal).

Writer Mark Millar and artist Pepe Larraz offer a satisfying ending that brings together all the elements, hooks, and twists from throughout Millarworld, although I will say that Big Game #5 doesn't have the big game of previous four issues. This conclusion leaves me satisfied, and I am anticipating what comes next.

Millar seems to promise a brave new Millarworld going forward, and I want to be there. So, dear readers, perhaps you should get that Big Game trade paperback for some good reading. Add it to your gift list.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and especially of his Millarworld titles will want to read Big Game.

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

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http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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Saturday, December 2, 2023

Comics Review: "ALICE COOPER Volume 2 #2" is for Those About to Rock

ALICE COOPER VOLUME 2 #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Rodney Barnes

ART: Edu Menna

COLORS: Adriano Lucas

LETTERS: Troy Peteri

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Stuart Sayger

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Stuart Sayger; Andrew Mangum; Jae Lee

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

Rated Teen+

Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier) is an American rock singer, actor, and Grammy Award-nominated recording artist. He is known for his outlandish stage shows which include fake blood, stage illusions, and pyrotechnics, to name a few elements. Originally the name of his band, Furnier made “Alice Cooper” his legal name and embarked on a solo career in the mid-1970s.

Dynamite Entertainment has preciously featured Alice Cooper as a comic book character in Alice Cooper Volume 1 (2014-15). Cooper returns to comic books in Alice Cooper Volume 2. It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Edu Menna; colored by Adriano Lucas; and lettered by Troy Peteri. The series finds Alice Cooper in the middle of a promotional tour for his new album when he notices something decidedly odd about some of his new fans. It's all part of Lucifer's plan to strike out at the rock star he hates/envies the most, Alice Cooper.

Alice Cooper Volume 2 #2 opens with Lucifer, Son of the Morning, revisiting his past. Once he was creation's greatest musical performer, but God didn't like his jams. Eventually, the cursed humans came along; Lucifer's music career faded; and that caused a rebellion...

Now, Lucifer has set his sights on Alice Cooper, who performs his hits night after night to ravenous crowds and thunderous applause. But why does Lucifer believe that Cooper is the one standing between him and (don't call it) a comeback? Enter the archangel Gabriel with a powerful musical instrument that will help Cooper clear away the devils of darkness. The real showdown, however, will begin at a small venue where the blues are played.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Alice Cooper Volume 2 #2 is the latest, and it is the second Alice Cooper comic book that I have ever read.

In my review of of Alice Cooper Volume 2 #1, I told you, dear readers, that I am not really a fan of Alice Cooper. I said that it was not because I did not like Cooper; I do find him interesting. By the time I discovered him, however, the legendary rock band, Kiss, was already providing me with my rock 'n' roll weirdness.

Now, I am a big fan of screenwriter, television writer-producer, and comic book author, Rodney Barnes. He is a master of dark fantasy, horror, and science fiction, but he also has a deft touch with comedy. I am having a kick reading a tale in which Lucifer is stupidly obsessed with Alice Cooper as the reason he, Lucifer, isn't at the top of the pop charts. Barnes' concept is both hilarious and witty, and I am anxious to see where this goes.

Edu Menna's art and storytelling bring Barnes story to comic book life in a variety of moods and changes of style that give this story a surreal tone grounded in a kind of everyday reality. The devilish surreal mixes with a kind of down-and-dirty reality. Menna makes this series feel like more than just another dark fantasy comic book; he makes it feel like an event.

Adriano Lucas's colors make sure this series comes off as something a little bit more than just another trip into dark fantasy, and Troy Peteri's lettering conveys the overall sense of oddness that permeates the first two issues. Alice Cooper Volume 2 has utterly surprised me, and I'm sure it will continue to delight. Let this series surprise you, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Alice Cooper and of the comic books of Rodney Barnes will want Alice Cooper Volume 2.

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

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

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

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Friday, December 1, 2023

Comics Review: "DARKLING #1" is for the Young Adult Readers in Everyone

DARKLING #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Sarah Kuhn

ART: Carola Borelli

COLORS: Ellie Wright

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITOR: Jamie Lee Rotante

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Maria Laura Sanapo

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: David Mack

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024); on sale in comic book shops November 22, 2023

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. Its most well-known superhero title followed the superhero team, “The Mighty Crusaders.” The Mighty Crusaders title that was launched in the 1980s (cover dated: March 1983 to September 1985) ran for thirteen issues. The Mighty Crusaders #4 (cover dated: November 1983) saw the debut of the new superhero character “Darla Lang/Darkling.” The character was killed off in The Mighty Crusaders #11 (cover dated March 1985).

Darkling No. 1 brings Darla Lang/Darkling to modern comics. This one-shot comic book is written by Sarah Kuhn; drawn by Carola Borelli; colored by Ellie Wright; and lettered by Jack Morelli.

Darkling #1 opens at Ivy Hollow University, which has a reputation for being haunted. It is the witching hour, and Ivy Hollow student, Darla Lang, wants to connect with the supernatural world. Darla hopes to find a way to free herself of the peculiar voluminous black cloak that has been attached to her since she was a baby.

During a stealthy, middle-of-the-night trip to Ivy Hollow Library, Darla meets fellow outcast student, Phoebe Hayashi. A podcaster, Phoebe believes that she is on the trail of a creepy conspiracy involving missing students. Will Darla find within the hallowed halls Ivy Hollow the answers to the questions about herself and her powers that she’s been seeking

After reading Darkling No. 1, I wish it were an ongoing series. Writer Sarah Kuhn (Shadow of the Batgirl; Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story) offers a delightful mystery tale set in the “dark academia” genre (or immersed in the “dark academia” aesthetic, if you choose). Kuhn offers a breezy story that is both a highly-entertaining stand alone tale and also the beginning of something beautiful in YA comic books if Archie decides to continue it. It's a world in which many readers will want their imaginations to live, at least part time.

Carola Borelli's art and storytelling are engaging, even gripping at times. Borelli captures the thrills, chills, and clique-ish ills of Kuhn's script in a way that brings the world of Ivy Hollow University to life with variety and vividness. Ellie Wright's colors and color effects are the finishing touches to the magical beats of Darkling No. 1, with the great Jack Morelli's lettering giving this story the vibe of a comic book that is perfect for all readers.

Darkling No. 1 will probably be a delightful surprise to everyone, except the creative and editorial teams of this work. Dear readers, let's make this new Darkling a regular comic book thing.

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

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

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

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