Comics Review: "JAMES BOND: Himeros #4" Will Put the Viper on Your Ass

JAMES BOND: HIMEROS #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Giorgio Pontrelli
COLORS: Adriano Augusto
LETTERS: Social Myth Studios
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jackson “Butch” Guice; Francesco Francavilla
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated T+

Based on the characters and stories created by Ian Fleming

“James Bond” is a fictional British Secret Service agent created by Ian Fleming, a British writer and novelist.  Fleming introduced James Bond in the 1953 novel, Casino Royale, and featured the character in 12 novels and two short-story collections.  Of course, most people know Bond because of Eon Productions' long-running James Bond-007 film series, which began with the 1962 film, Dr. No.

Over the past 50+ years, Bond has made sporadic appearances in comic books, but Dynamite Entertainment has been steadily publishing James Bond comic books since early 2016.  Their latest James Bond comic book is James Bond: Himeros.  It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn alternately by Antonio Ruso, Pierluigi Minotti, and Giorgio Pontrelli; colored by Adriano Augusto; and lettered by Social Myth Studios.  In Himeros, 007 finds himself caught in a web of powerful people who will kill to keep their connections to billionaire financier and notorious sex trafficker, the late Richard Wilhelm, from coming to light.

James Bond: Himeros #4 opens in West Brompton, London.  Anton Bates, an arms dealer who enjoyed Wilhelm's services, is meeting with Defense Minister Abara of Nigeria.  Bates wants to sell the minister a new weapon, called “the Viper,” but who is the viper in this deal?

Meanwhile, after having survived a series of deadly assaults by the Bates' assassin, Kino, Bond and Sarah Richmond, Wilhelm's right hand man, fly to Wilhelm's island.  There, Sarah will retrieve Wilhelm's books that, along with what she knows, have made her a target.  Can the two escape the death that seems to await them at every turn?

THE LOWDOWN:  In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is James Bond: Himeros #4, which is one of several Dynamite James Bond comic books I've read.

Writer Rodney Barnes has been slowly building this series to its concluding fifth issue.  Like the second issue, this penultimate fourth issue simmers with drama and trauma.  Like the third issue, Barnes also throws gasoline on the fire for some hot action scenes.

This fourth issue also introduces the series' third artist.  Like the previous illustrators, Giorgio Pontrelli strikes the right tone for the secret agent style of this story and also captures its tropical and sunny settings.  Adriano Augusto's colors always strike the right look regardless of which artist is drawing an issue.  “Himeros” is the Greek god of sexual desire, and after reading James Bond: Himeros #4,  dear readers, I desire the final issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of James Bond comic books will want to try James Bond: Himeros.

A

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


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Comics Review: "Nita Hawes' NIGHTMARE Blog #3" - Me and the Devil Blues

NITA HAWES' NIGHTMARE BLOG #3
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: well-BEE
COLORS: Luis Nct with mar and Silvestre Galotto
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: well-BEE
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Jason Shawn Alexander
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“The Fire Next Time” Part III: “Along Came a Spider”

Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is a new comic book series created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander.  Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is written by Barnes and drawn by well-BEE; colored by Luis Nct; and lettered by Marshall Dillon.  The series focuses on a woman who is on a quest to root out the evil in her city.

In Baltimore, Maryland, which some call “Bodymore, Murderland,” there is a woman named Dawnita “Nita” Hawes.  She is the owner of “Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog” where citizens can contact Nita when they have a problem of a supernatural or paranormal nature.  Nita has just begun her quest to root the evil out of her city – with the help of her dead brother, Jason.

As Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog #3 (“Along Came a Spider”) opens, Anansi, the God of Stories and Knowledge, arrives.  Detective Harden slowly comes around to seeing things Nita Hawes' way … slowly.  Nita also has a conversation with Jason.

Meanwhile, our heroine travels back to Annapolis, Maryland, in a bid to uncover the lost history of legendary blues singer, “Howlin'” Henry Hawkins.  He is now a resident of “Happy Acres Rest Home,” and his body is a vessel for the demon, Corson, who continues his plot against humanity.  As Nita gets deeper into Hawkins' history, Corson moves closer to her.  And what does Anansi want?

THE LOWDOWN:  Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is a spin off of Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander's hit vampire comic book, Killadelphia.  In fact, Dawnita “Nita” Hawes is the ex-lover of one of Killadelphia's lead characters, Jimmy Sangster, Jr.

The first three issues of Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog have established that this comic book can stand on its own.  Still, writer Rodney Barnes helps the readers find delight in the threads that connect the two series.  In Nightmare Blog, Barnes is offering a blend of dark fantasy and horror that is intense its violence, but also intimate in its telling.  This narrative is personal because it is so much about Nita Hawes, and it is vulnerable because she is vulnerable.  That is best exemplified in her conversations with her brother, Jason's spirit.  For all its lovely demonic violence, this series feels like a character study that spreads out from Nita to other characters.

[Also, both Nita and Jason have paid high costs to live in the United States, and I wonder if their unhealed wounds represent all our wounds.  When I say “our,” I mean Black and Brown people only, boo.]

The beautiful art by well-BEE, with its illustrative qualities, brings Barnes' potent imaginings to life.  There would be no comic book without the comic book artist, and well-BEE is making Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog an incredible comic book.

With Luis Nct and company's dream slash nightmarish colors and Marshall Dillon sounds of Hades lettering, the pentagram is complete.  We have a winner in Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog, the comic book I insist you read – from Hell with kisses, Leroy.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Killadelphia and of the original Hellblazer will want Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog.

A+

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


https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
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https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/
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Comics Review: The Army of Darkness 1979 #4

THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 VOLUME 1 #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Tom Garcia (pp. 1-12); Edu Menna (pp. 13-22)
COLORS: Dinei Ribero
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Mattina
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Arthur Suydam; Junggeun Yoon; Stuart Sayger; Francesco Mattina; Jamie Biggs
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated Teen+

Army of Darkness is a 1992 comic horror film and the third film in the Evil Dead film franchise.  The film focuses on the series' lead character, Ash Williams (portrayed by actor Bruce Campbell), as he is trapped in the Middle Ages and battling an army of undead warriors.

In 1992, Dark Horse Comics released a three-issue adaptation of Army of Darkness, and in 2004, Dynamite Entertainment acquired the rights to produce comics based on the Army of Darkness film, featuring Ash as the main character.

The most recent Army of Darkness comic book in the Dynamite catalog is The Army of Darkness 1979.  It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Tom Garcia; colored by Dinei Ribero; and lettered by Troy Peteri.  In the new series, Ash Williams finds himself in late 1970s New York City.  Not only is he fighting his usual adversaries, the Deadites and the Necronomicon, but he is also caught in a turf war between rival street gangs.

As The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #4 opens, Ash talks about the Necronomicon and his trials and tribulations with the book … to himself, but at least the members of “The Half Deads” street gang are listening.  Meanwhile, Lilith is trying to convince Bishop, leader of “The Warlocks,” that she has left The Half Deads and wants in on The Warlocks.  Bishop doesn't trust her.  Luckily (for him, not her), he now possesses the Necronomicon, which can judge if Lilith is being honest...

While waiting for Lilith, Ash and the gang happen upon the legendary club, “Studio 54.”  Suddenly, Ash has a case of “Saturday Night Fever,” but will his antics cause a “Disco Inferno?”

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #4, which is the fourth Dynamite Entertainment Army of Darkness comic book I have read.

With each issue of the series, writer Rodney Barnes digs deeper into late 1970s culture and pop culture and spins it into comedy gold.  Barnes is creating a comic book that is true to the spirit of the Evil Dead and Army of Darkness films.  It's not the scares that made this franchise; it's the snark and the fun.

The trademark Army of Darkness comic horror dialogue, ghoulish wit, and mockery lives well in Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1.  If this is your thing, hop in a comic book portal and join the fun.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Army of Darkness comic books and of the franchise, in general, will want to read The Army of Darkness 1979.

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

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Comics Review: In "Nita Hawes NIGHTMARE Blog #2" Strange Things Happen Every Day

NITA HAWES' NIGHTMARE BLOG #2
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: well-BEE
COLORS: Luis Nct with mar and Silvestre Galotto
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: well-BEE
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jason Shawn Alexander; Patric Reynolds with Luis Nct
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“The Fire Next Time” Part II: “The Last Song”

Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is a new comic book series created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander.  Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is written by Barnes and drawn by well-BEE; colored by Luis Nct; and lettered by Marshall Dillon.  The series focuses on a woman who is on a quest to root out the evil in her city.

In Baltimore, Maryland, which some call “Bodymore, Murderland,” there is a woman named Dawnita “Nita” Hawes.  She is the owner of “Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog” where citizens can contact Nita when they have a problem of a supernatural or paranormal nature.  Nita has just begun her quest to root the evil out of her city – with the help of her dead brother, Jason.

Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog #2 (“The Last Song”) travels back to Annapolis, Maryland, September 19, 1963.  That's when blues singer, “Howlin'” Henry Hawkins, met the two young white men who would manage his musical recording career to greatness and to acclaim.  In the present day, Henry's room at the “Happy Acres Rest Home” is the scene of a gruesome murder.

Nita Hawes' paranormal-hunting “Nightmare Blog” has gotten its first cry for help, but the person calling for help is William “Bill” Crowdy,” the man whose body was found dismembered in Howlin' Henry's room.  With the case seemingly at a dead end, Nita offers her services to Detective Harden, who is investigating the murder.  Meanwhile, the demon Corson continues his plot against humanity.

THE LOWDOWN:  Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is a spin off of Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander's hit vampire comic book, Killadelphia.  In fact, Dawnita “Nita” Hawes is the ex-lover of one of Killadelphia's lead characters, Jimmy Sangster, Jr.

The first issue of Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog established that this comic book could stand on its own, and Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog #2 seconds that emotion.  Writer Rodney Barnes carries over the sharp historical, political, and religious commentary from an African-American perspective that defines much of Killadelphia.  However, Nita Hawes' life experience makes this comic book more personal and intimate.

Barnes uses Nita's life and dilemmas to drive this narrative, so Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is more like DC Comics' late, great Hellblazer, with its intimate focus on the series' lead, John Costantine.  Since DC screwed up Hellblazer, it is good to have Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog stalking the occult side of American comic books.

The beautiful art by well-BEE, with its illustrative qualities, is not only good storytelling, but it is also wonderfully moody, haunting, and imbued with evil.  As usual, Luis Nct's powerful colors come into to scare readers' asses even more.  And there is letterer Marshall Dillon, creeping around and delivering the sinister exposition of this story.  What a great creative team!

Of course, I will always recommend both Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog and Killadelphia, but you don't need to read the latter to cry for Nita's help.  This comic book can do good all by itself.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Killadelphia and of the original Hellblazer will want Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog.

A+

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


https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
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/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Comics Review: "JAMES BOND: Himeros #3" is Cool

JAMES BOND: HIMEROS #3
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Pierluigi Minotti
COLORS: Adriano Augusto
LETTERS: Social Myth Studios
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Butch Guice; Francesco Francavilla
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated T+

Based on the characters and stories created by Ian Fleming

“James Bond” is a fictional British Secret Service agent created by Ian Fleming, a British writer and novelist.  Fleming introduced James Bond in the 1953 novel, Casino Royale, and featured the character in 12 novels and two short-story collections.  Of course, most people know Bond because of Eon Productions' long-running James Bond-007 film series, which began with the 1962 film, Dr. No.

Over the past 50+ years, Bond has made sporadic appearances in comic books, but Dynamite Entertainment has been steadily publishing James Bond comic books since early 2016.  Their latest James Bond comic book is James Bond: Himeros.  It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Pierluigi Minotti; colored by Adriano Augusto; and lettered by Social Myth Studios.  In Himeros, 007 finds himself caught in a web of powerful people who will kill to keep their child sex trafficking secrets from coming to light.

James Bond: Himeros #3 opens in James Bond's memory – Thailand, three years ago.  He has dealt with sex traffickers in the past.  Now, he must uncover new horrors via billionaire financier and notorious sex trafficker, Richard Wilhelm, who was killed in Her Majesty's Prison Belmarsh, London.  But Wilhelm's secrets did not die with him.  

Now, Wilhelm's right hand man, Sarah Richmond, is the target of arms dealer, Anton Bates, who enjoyed the sex services Wilhelm provided and wants Richmond dead.  Bond is very good at what he does, including protection, but Bates' assassin Kino is proving hard to shake and more than capable of killing Richmond … and Bond.

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is James Bond: Himeros #3, which is one of several Dynamite James Bond comic books I've read.

Writer Rodney Barnes has been slowly building this series.  In Himeros #3, he moves the story off simmer and throws some gasoline on the fire of that story.  From the rumbling volcano of a back story to the the race to escape Miami, Barnes deals in hot, hot, hot.

Last issue, artist Antonio Ruso's art and storytelling came at the readers like lightning-quick punches, capturing all the surprising kinetic action.  Now, the new artist, Pierluigi Minotti, comes with a can of gas to add to Barnes' fuel.  I like this change; it does not disrupt the story and Minotti's art has a style similar to the great Eduardo Risso's (100 Bullets).  Adriano Augusto's colors fit right in with the new artist, capturing both the moods of traditional James Bond fiction and the story's new heat.  “Himeros” is the Greek god of sexual desire, and after reading James Bond: Himeros #3,  dear readers, I desire that you desire it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of James Bond comic books will want to try James Bond: Himeros.

A

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
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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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Comics Review: The Army of Darkness 1979 #3

THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 VOLUME 1 #3
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Tom Garcia
COLORS: Dinei Ribero
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Mattina
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Arthur Suydam; Junggeun Yoon; Stuart Sayger; Francesco Mattina; Ken Haeser; Tony Fleecs and Trish Forstner
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2021)

Rated Teen+

Army of Darkness is a 1992 comic horror film and the third film in the Evil Dead film franchise.  The film focuses on the series' lead character, Ash Williams (portrayed by actor Bruce Campbell), as he is trapped in the Middle Ages and battling an army of undead warriors.

In 1992, Dark Horse Comics released a three-issue adaptation of Army of Darkness, and in 2004, Dynamite Entertainment acquired the rights to produce comics based on the Army of Darkness film, featuring Ash as the main character.

The most recent Army of Darkness comic book in the Dynamite catalog is The Army of Darkness 1979.  It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Tom Garcia; colored by Dinei Ribero; and lettered by Troy Peteri.  In the new series, Ash Williams finds himself in late 1970s New York City.  Not only is he fighting his usual adversaries, the Deadites and the Necronomicon, but he is also caught in a turf war between rival street gangs.

As The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #3 opens, Ash and “The Half Deads” street gang are getting the worst of it from rival street gang, “The Panthers.”  Even if the tide turns, “The Mrs. Bradys” are waiting to deliver their special brand of motherly love.

Not far away, the leader of “The Warlocks” is still in possession of the Necronomicon, and he sees this as a chance for world domination.  However, the rest of his gang just wants to use the dark magic for some creature comforts.  How will their leader deal with this dissension?  Meanwhile, the streets of New York City are in a panic and awash in meat puddles and bloody mush!

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #3, which is the third Dynamite Entertainment Army of Darkness comic book I have read.

This third issue of the series may be the funniest yet.  Writer Rodney Barnes uses a two-page section that depicts a mayoral press conference and local TV reporter to deliver trademark Army of Darkness comic horror dialogue, ghoulish wit, and mockery.  Meanwhile, Tom Garcia draws his strongest art yet, so Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 is steadily pumping up the volume.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Army of Darkness comic books and of the franchise, in general, will want to read The Army of Darkness 1979.

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

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Comics Review: Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters – IG-88 #1

STAR WARS: WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS – IG-88 #1
MARVEL COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Guiu Vilanova
COLORS: Antonio Fabela
LETTERS: VC's Ariana Maher
EDITOR: Tom Groneman
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Mahmud Asrar with Matthew Wilson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Ron Frenz and Tom Palmer with Nolan Woodard; Caspar Wijngaard; Ray-Anthony Height with Guru-eFX
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated T

“Born to Kill”

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters is a Marvel Comics Star Wars publishing event that is comprised of 34 individual comic books, published from May to October 2021.  The series invents a series of events that occur between the time bounty hunter, Boba Fett, collects Han Solo frozen in carbonite in 1980s The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back) and Fett's appearance in 1983's Return of the Jedi (Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi).

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters – IG-88 #1 is the fourth of four “War of the Bounty Hunters” one-shot tie-ins that focus on the most notorious hunters and scoundrels of the Star Wars criminal underworld.  This comic book is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Guiu Vilanova; colored by Antonio Fabela; and lettered by Ariana Maher.

As Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters – IG-88 #1 (“Born to Kill”) opens, the droid, IG-88, who calls himself “the greatest bounty hunter in the galaxy,” lies in the pieces.  [The reasons for this are shown in Darth Vader (2020) #17-18.]  Enter the cyborg, RB-919, who is a master at recommissioning droids.  He has been hired by Deva Lompop, the bounty hunter and member of the galactic criminal syndicate, Crimson Dawn, to restore IG-88.

Once IG-88 is back online he returns to being an advanced droid designed for death, destruction, and mayhem, flawless in design and possessing unparalleled weapons systems.  Lompop has a mission for the revived bounty hunter – find Boba Fett and steal Han Solo (frozen in carbonite) from him.  Can IG-88 find a strategy to overcome his old foe?  And what motivates him to come back from destruction time and again?

THE LOWDOWN:  Until I read Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters - IG-88 #1, I had not read a single issue of “War of the Bounty Hunters,” although I had initially planned to do so.  I am a fan of writer Rodney Barnes, so when I found out (via Twitter) that he'd written this tie-in comic book, I purchased a digital copy via comiXology.

Barnes doesn't disappoint.  I wondered if anyone could write a single-issue story that ties into “War of the Bounty Hunters” and that either illuminates IG-88's character or offers something new.  Barnes offers a credible tie-in and also a story that presents IG-88 as an intriguing character outside the main story.  Honestly, he seems more humanoid than droid, and he is an attractive character because he is both clever and homicidal.

I hugely enjoyed the art by Guiu Vilanova, which reminds me of 1990s Matt Wagner.  While stylish, Vilanova's art here conveys the edgy, violent nature of Barnes' story, while establishing a gritty sci-fi setting that recalls the original Star Wars film's Wild West vibes.  Antonio Fabela's colors light the story as if to bring together the sensibilities of Blade Runner and Star Wars.  Ariana Maher's lettering delineates this story's shifts and twists in a seamless fashion.

I will be a greedy fanboy and say that I wish there was more Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters - IG-88 #1.  I think Rodney Barnes and Guiu Vilanova could at least offer an enticing IG-88 miniseries.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Star Wars comic books will want Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters - IG-88 #1.

A

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


https://www.starwars.com/the-high-republic
https://twitter.com/Marvel
https://twitter.com/starwars
https://www.starwars.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comics Review: "JAMES BOND: Himeros #2"

JAMES BOND: HIMEROS #2
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Antonio Ruso
COLORS: Adriano Augusto
LETTERS: Social Myth Studios
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Butch Guice; Francesco Francavilla;
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2021)

Rated T+

Based on the characters and stories created by Ian Fleming

“James Bond” is a fictional British Secret Service agent created by Ian Fleming, a British writer and novelist.  Fleming introduced James Bond in the 1953 novel, Casino Royale, and featured the character in 12 novels and two short-story collections.  Of course, most people know Bond because of Eon Productions' long-running James Bond-007 film series, which began with the 1962 film, Dr. No.

Over the past 50+ years, Bond has made sporadic appearances in comic books, but Dynamite Entertainment has been steadily publishing James Bond comic books since early 2016.  Their latest James Bond comic book is James Bond: Himeros.  It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Antonio Ruso; colored by Adriano Augusto; and lettered by Social Myth Studios.  In Himeros, 007 finds himself caught in a web of powerful people who will kill to keep their child sex trafficking secrets from coming to light.

James Bond: Himeros #2 opens on Wilhelm's Island in the South Pacific Ocean.  After billionaire financier and notorious sex trafficker, Richard Wilhelm, was killed in Her Majesty's Prison Belmarsh, London, it didn't mean that all his secrets died with him.  There is Wilhelm's right hand man, Sarah Richmond, and arms dealer, Anton Bates, who enjoyed the sex services Wilhelm provided, wants Richmond dead.  Enter MI6 agent, James Bond, ordered by his boss, M, to protect Richmond.

Wilhelm's Island proves to be a place of traps, and back in Florida Bond is wondering if he knows who activated those traps.  Meanwhile, someone comes calling for Richmond.

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is James Bond: Himeros #2, which is one of several Dynamite James Bond comic books I've read.

As I have written many times previously, I am a huge fan of Himeros' writer, Rodney Barnes, because of his supreme vampire comic book, Killadelphia; his tragically canceled Marvel Comics series, Falcon; and his young Lando Calrissian comic book, Star Wars: Lando.  He recently dropped Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog, from Image Comics, which has huge upside, judging by the first issue.  Barnes keeps me in his harem of readers with some lovely action in Himeros #2, especially because he includes a classic 007 element of thrills.

Antonio Ruso's art and storytelling come at the readers like lightning-quick punches, capturing all the surprising kinetic action.  Adriano Augusto's colors capture the exotic settings and moods of traditional James Bond fiction, but this time, he also offers the hues of fast and furious.  “Himeros” is the Greek god of sexual desire, and after reading James Bond: Himeros #2,  dear readers, I think you will desire this series also.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of James Bond comic books will want to try James Bond: Himeros.

A

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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Comics Review: "Nita Hawes NIGHTMARE Blog #1" - Got It in My Blood

NITA HAWES' NIGHTMARE BLOG #1
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
LAYOUTS: Jason Shawn Alexander
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander and Patric Reynolds
COLORS: Luis Nct with mar and Silvestre Galotto
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: well-BEE
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jason Shawn Alexander; Francesco Mattina; Patric Reynolds with Luis Nct
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (October 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“The Fire Next Time” Part I: “Walking Into Shadows”

Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is a new comic book series created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander.  It is a spin-off of their hit dark fantasy and vampire comic book series, Killadelphia (Image Comics).  Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Patric Reynolds; colored by Luis Nct; and lettered by Marshall Dillon.  The series focuses on a woman who is on a quest to root out the evil in her city.

Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog #1 (“Walking Into Shadows”) opens in Baltimore, Maryland.  Some call it “Bodymore, Murderland,” and it still is the home of Edgar Allan Poe and Freddie Gray.  We meet Dawnita “Nita” Hawes, the ex-lover of Jimmy Sangster, Jr., who has moved on from Baltimore to the vampire killing fields of Philadelphia a.k.a. “Killadelphia.”

But one does not need to leave Baltimore to find evil, which lurks the streets, adding more bodies to the name “Bodymore.”  For instance, Corson, a demon, has surfaced from the underworld and has possessed a once-wronged man.  Now, Corson's vengeance will come at the cost of humanity's despair.  Luckily for Baltimore, there is “Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog” where citizens can contact Nita, who has begun a quest to root the evil out of her city – with the help of dead brother, Jason.

THE LOWDOWN:  Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog may be Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander's spin-off of their hit horror comic book, Killadelphia, but they quickly establish the new comic book as its own thing.  Sister is doing it for herself, indeed.

Although Killadelphia is steeped in vampires, the series' river of blood begins in the poison waters of a highly-dysfunctional father-son relationship.  The narrative and plot elements are edgy and hard.  For Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog, writer Rodney Barnes offers Dawnita Hawes' wellspring of guilt and grief.  The narrative, at least this first chapter, is intimate – painfully so – and interior.  I think that by bringing in Nita's dead brother, Jason, a child killed by the “collateral damage” of American gun violence, as the voice in her head, Barnes forces readers to deal with Nita's existential crisis.  Next to that, we also get to enjoy some horror violence via Baltimore existential crisis – demons slicin', dicin', and choppin' up some human meat.

The art and graphical storytelling by Jason Shawn Alexander and Patric Reynolds bring that interplay of the intimate and the horror to life in the muted shades of Nita and in the hard-boiled gore of demonic homicide.  Alexander and Reynolds' art recalls the gloomy and imaginative art of the comic books that would give birth to DC Comics' Vertigo imprint:  Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, and The Sandman.

Luis Nct and his color team heighten the surreal and melodramatic moods of Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog #1.  Also, I think that Marshall Dillon's lettering gives this first issue what it needs, the sense of a soundtrack full of spooky sounds.  And I love it.  I hadn't even realized that this was Barnes and Alexander's new Killadelphia-related title until a few days ago.  Now, I am happy to recommend it to you, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Killadelphia will want Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog.

A+

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


https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
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/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #18" - The Revolutions Begins

KILLADELPHIA #18
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
PENCILS: Christopher Mitten (pp. 21-23)
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Simon Bisley
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (October 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia and Elysium Gardens created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part VI: “The End of Things”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander and is published by Image Comics.  At the center of this series is a police officer caught in a lurid conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia, “the City of Brotherly Love.”  Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., thought to be dead.  He is actually a vampire.  Now father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner, a dead president, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly from an ambitious and murderous former First Lady.

As Killadelphia #18 (“The End of Things”) opens, Abigail Adams and her vampire hordes and legions are tearing Philadelphia apart and tearing through its human citizens.  Meanwhile, back at the heroes' ranch, Anansi is ready to bounce, but at least he is offering some parting words of wisdom.

James Sr. is determined that Jim Jr. and Jose's unborn child – his grandchild – have a better life than he got and than what he gave Jim Jr.  So, he's off to battle … with a few friends.  There's no way they can survive Abigail Adams, so they need allies...  The reckoning for a city and a nation is finally at hand, but are all the players on the board?

THE LOWDOWN:  Killadelphia's third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is,” comes to an end.  I thought that this would be the story arc that most reveals the complexities and multiple layers of Killadelphia.  I thought it would be the one that reveals this series as more dark fantasy than mere vampire comic book.  And it is.

I think I do need a break from the series.  I have run up against a rhetorical wall.  What more can I say?  Every issue I read impresses me and inspires me to create my own fiction.  So I need a few months breather before I take on the next glorious arc and more Rodney Barnes.  I'll have extra time to mine the dictionary for new words of praise and glorification.  Can you imagine what Barnes' Falcon comic book series would have been if Marvel Comics had not canceled it?

As for artist Jason Shawn Alexander:  Jason’s art continues to astound me.  He is just beyond talented.  Isn't it crazy or coincidental that we feel the say way about Jason, Mr. Barnes?  Seriously, Jason's art in this closer is like the best of elements of 1960s and 70s horror comic books, Hammer Films, and Bill Sienkiewicz – all brought together in a way only Jason can do.

Colorist Luis Nct, who has always done great work on this series, lost his mind and created a comic book coloring masterpiece in Killadelphia #18.  Marshall Dillon's lettering brings peace to the story, or at least enough so that we can read through the madness.  And I credit artist Chris Mitten for bringing his “A game” so that his guest art here blends in without a bump.

I'll end this review by saying that Killadelphia #18 is yet another chance for readers to get in now on the best of the best.  However, even if you get far behind, dear readers, it will be such fun to catch up.

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

[This issue includes an afterword by Rodney Barnes.]

A+

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


https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
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/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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Comics Review: The Army of Darkness 1979 #2

THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 VOLUME 1 #2
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Tom Garcia
COLORS: Dinei Ribero
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Mattina
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Arthur Suydam; Junggeun Yoon; Stuart Sayger; Francesco Mattina; Tony Fleecs and Trish Forstner
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2021)

Rated Teen+

Army of Darkness is a 1992 comic horror film and the third film in the Evil Dead film franchise.  The film focuses on the series' lead character, Ash Williams (portrayed by actor Bruce Campbell), as he is trapped in the Middle Ages and battling an army of undead warriors.

In 1992, Dark Horse Comics released a three-issue adaptation of Army of Darkness, and in 2004, Dynamite Entertainment acquired the rights to produce comics based on the Army of Darkness film, featuring Ash as the main character.

The most recent Army of Darkness comic book in the Dynamite catalog is The Army of Darkness 1979.  It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Tom Garcia; colored by Dinei Ribero; and lettered by Troy Peteri.  In the new series, Ash Williams finds himself in late 1970s New York City.  Not only is he fighting his usual adversaries, the Deadites and the Necronomicon, but he is also caught in a turf war between rival street gangs.

The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #2 opens in Central Park.  Now, in possession of the Necronomicon, The Warlocks and their gang leader are feeling powerful and start the killing.  Meanwhile, over in the South Bronx, Ash has taken up with a local gang, “The Half Deads.”  The plan is for Ash to help them take on the Warlocks and for them to help him recover the Necronomicon.  However, some of the other gangs are suspicious of both The Warlocks and The Half Deads, and the latter will feel that envy and wrath first.

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #2, which is the second Army of Darkness comic book I have read since I read the Dark Horse series decades ago.

The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #1 intrigued me, but it is in this second issue that the story starts to really come together.  Writer Rodney Barnes has brought in a hook or perhaps, thrown a wrench into the storytelling, and it is that everyone is suspicious of everyone's motivations.  The cliffhanger at the end of issue #2 makes me think that series writer Rodney Barnes has more crazy surprises in store.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Army of Darkness comic books and of the franchise, in general, will want to read The Army of Darkness 1979.

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


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 VOLUME 1 #2
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Tom Garcia
COLORS: Dinei Ribero
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Mattina
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Arthur Suydam; Junggeun Yoon; Stuart Sayger; Francesco Mattina; Tony Fleecs and Trish Forstner
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2021)

Rated Teen+

Army of Darkness is a 1992 comic horror film and the third film in the Evil Dead film franchise.  The film focuses on the series' lead character, Ash Williams (portrayed by actor Bruce Campbell), as he is trapped in the Middle Ages and battling an army of undead warriors.

In 1992, Dark Horse Comics released a three-issue adaptation of Army of Darkness, and in 2004, Dynamite Entertainment acquired the rights to produce comics based on the Army of Darkness film, featuring Ash as the main character.

The most recent Army of Darkness comic book in the Dynamite catalog is The Army of Darkness 1979.  It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Tom Garcia; colored by Dinei Ribero; and lettered by Troy Peteri.  In the new series, Ash Williams finds himself in late 1970s New York City.  Not only is he fighting his usual adversaries, the Deadites and the Necronomicon, but he is also caught in a turf war between rival street gangs.

The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #2 opens in Central Park.  Now, in possession of the Necronomicon, The Warlocks and their gang leader are feeling powerful and start the killing.  Meanwhile, over in the South Bronx, Ash has taken up with a local gang, “The Half Deads.”  The plan is for Ash to help them take on the Warlocks and for them to help him recover the Necronomicon.  However, some of the other gangs are suspicious of both The Warlocks and The Half Deads, and the latter will feel that envy and wrath first.

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #2, which is the second Army of Darkness comic book I have read since I read the Dark Horse series decades ago.

The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #1 intrigued me, but it is in this second issue that the story starts to really come together.  Writer Rodney Barnes has brought in a hook or perhaps, thrown a wrench into the storytelling, and it is that everyone is suspicious of everyone's motivations.  The cliffhanger at the end of issue #2 makes me think that series writer Rodney Barnes has more crazy surprises in store.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Army of Darkness comic books and of the franchise, in general, will want to read The Army of Darkness 1979.

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


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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Comics Review: "JAMES BOND: Himeros #1" Hits You With Its Best Shot

JAMES BOND: HIMEROS #1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Antonio Ruso
COLORS: Adriano Augusto
LETTERS: Social Myth Studios
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Butch Guice; Francesco Francavilla;
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2021)

Rated T+

Based on the characters and stories created by Ian Fleming

“James Bond” is a fictional British Secret Service agent created by Ian Fleming, a British writer and novelist.  Fleming introduced James Bond in the 1953 novel, Casino Royale, and featured the character in 12 novels and two short-story collections.  Of course, most people know Bond because of Eon Productions' long-running James Bond-007 film series, which began with the 1962 film, Dr. No.

Over the past 50+ years, Bond has made sporadic appearances in comic books, but Dynamite Entertainment has been steadily publishing James Bond comic books since early 2016.  Their latest James Bond comic book is James Bond: Himeros.  It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Antonio Ruso; colored by Adriano Augusto; and lettered by Social Myth Studios.  In Himeros, 007 finds himself caught in a web of powerful people who will kill to keep their child sex trafficking secrets from coming to light.

James Bond: Himeros #1 opens in Her Majesty's Prison Belmarsh, London.  Richard Wilhelm is imprisoned there.  He is the billionaire financier infamous for trafficking underage children from various parts of the world to his secret island in the South Pacific.  Before long, he is dead, and while he was murdered, the public is told that he died by suicide.

At MI6, M has called Agent James Bond to find Wilhelm's right hand man, Sarah Richmond, and bring her to London before the people that killed her boss kill her.  However, Anton Bates, the man who ordered Wilhelm killed, is well-connected to very powerful people, and he hires the best killers...

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is James Bond: Himeros #1, which is one of several Dynamite James Bond comic books I've read.

I am a huge fan of Himeros' writer, Rodney Barnes, because of his supreme vampire comic book, Killadelphia; his tragically canceled Marvel Comics series, Falcon; and his young Lando Calrissian comic book, Star Wars: Lando.  Barnes is very good at creating comic book stories in which the characters face tremendous consequences and have a lot to lose.  Barnes' narratives are also fueled a sense of dread and of menace.

Antonio Ruso's art and storytelling comes at the readers like lightning-quick punches, and Adriano Augusto colors capture the exotic settings and moods of traditional James Bond fiction.  “Himeros” is the Greek god of sexual desire, and after reading James Bond: Himeros #1, you will desire it, dear readers, and desire more.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of James Bond comic books will want to try James Bond: Himeros.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #17" Offers a "Letter to My Son"

KILLADELPHIA #17
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Kent Williams
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (September 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia and Elysium Gardens created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part V: “To Make Man”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander and is published by Image Comics.  At the center of this series is a police officer caught in a lurid conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia, “the City of Brotherly Love.”  Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., thought to be dead.  He is actually a vampire.  Now father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner, a dead president, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly from an ambitious and murderous former First Lady.

As Killadelphia #17 (“To Make Man”) opens, Tevin visits an old friend … for a little blood.  Later, James, Jr. begins the journey that will return him to humanity after being turned into a vampire.  To do so, however, James will have to confront the dark legacy of abuse that gets passed down from father to son.  In this case, James, Sr.'s legacy represents both.  Plus, a we get a first look at the “Dark Realm,” with some help from Anansi.

Meanwhile, Thomas Jefferson makes a move at being a “vampire king.”  So what does the “vampire queen” have to say about that?

THE LOWDOWN:  Killadelphia is now in the penultimate chapter of its third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is.”  This may be the story arc that most reveals the complexities and multiple layers of Killadelphia, making it more dark fantasy than mere vampire comic book.

Writer Rodney Barnes offers a chapter that is a bit more philosophical than usual.  It is surprising, especially considering that he is preparing the readers for some red, hot-blooded Armageddon.  It can be a surprise, to both characters and readers, when the revelation comes that everything is worse than thought.  On the other hand, it is good that we see more complexity in Tevin Thompkins; he is a most human vampire, and I hope he gets his own something – graphic novel, miniseries, one-shot, etc.

Artist Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Luis Nct are always ready to draw and color the delights and eccentricities in Barnes' scripts.  There is an odd balance of surreal, especially in the place where Jim, Jr. must find himself, and artists' suggestions and presentations of the “Dark Realm” are creepy.  The other part of that balance is the fire they light back in Philadelphia, conveying through the story that it is about to go down.

I am still impressed that Barnes and Alexander are able to make each issue of Killadelphia unique  It blows my mind, and I implore you, dear readers, to drink fully of this cup of red.

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

[Killadelphia #17 has a backup feature: “Elysium Gardens” Part 10 “The End” by Rodney Barnes, Chris Mitten, Sherard Jackson, 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/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

Comics Review: The Army of Darkness 1979 #1

THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 VOLUME 1 #1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Tom Garcia
COLORS: Dinei Ribero
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Arthur Suydam; Junggeun Yoon; Stuart Sayger; Jason Shawn Alexander
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2021)

Rated Teen+

Army of Darkness is a 1992 comic horror film and the third film in the Evil Dead film franchise.  The film focuses on the series' lead character, Ash Williams (portrayed by actor Bruce Campbell), as he is trapped in the Middle Ages and battling an army of undead warriors.

In 1992, Dark Horse Comics released a three-issue adaptation of Army of Darkness, and in 2004, Dynamite Entertainment acquired the rights to produce comics based on the Army of Darkness film, featuring Ash as the main character.

The most recent Army of Darkness comic book in the Dynamite catalog is The Army of Darkness 1979.  It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Tom Garcia; colored by Dinei Ribero; and lettered by Troy Peteri.  In the new series, Ash Williams finds himself fighting his usual adversaries, the Deadites and the Necronomicon, in the late 1970s.

The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #1 opens in the South Bronx, circa late 1970s.  Several gangs, including The Half Deads, The Dominos, The Vikings, and The Mechanics, have called a truce in order to gather for a meeting.  Ace of the Dominos has a grand plan, and it is that the gangs should consolidate their numbers in order to rule the streets of New York City.  However, there is a new gang, “The Warlocks,” and they've decided that they can rule these streets by themselves.

Meanwhile, in Washington State, 2021:  Ash Williams is starting a new life in the hopes that he can retire and settle down – no more Necronomicon and no more Deadites.  One suddenly-appearing time portal, and Ash finds his ass in New York... circa 1970s.

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #1, which is the first Army of Darkness comic book I have read since I read the Dark Horse series decades ago.

I am a fan of The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 writer, Rodney Barnes, because of his 2017-18 Falcon comic book for Marvel, where he also produced a Star Wars comic book, Lando, about the early years of everyone's favorite casino/star hustler, Lando Calrissian.  Of course, I am only one of a growing legion of devotees of Barnes' apocalyptic vampire comic book series, Killadelphia (Image Comics), which he produces with artist Jason Shawn Alexander, who is also the lead cover artist on The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1.

The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #1 is an intriguing first issue simply for the fact that Barnes introduces a bad ass group of villains, the Warlocks.  Anytime, a writer can introduce evil into the world of  Army of Darkness, evil that is as fearsome as the Necronomicon and the Deadites, readers are in for some Ash-kicking fun.

Artist Tom Garcia's illustrations are wild and unkempt, which serves the innate craziness of Ash and Army of Darkness.  Dinei Ribero's trippy colors give the Deadites a maniacally homicidal glow that is perfect … for them, of course.  So I'm interested to see where the creative team is taking us as well follow a man with a chainsaw for his right hand.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Army of Darkness comic books and of the franchise, in general, will want to read The Army of Darkness 1979.

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


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

Comics Review: "Killadelphia #16" Gives Us a Sign

KILLADELPHIA #16
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: James O'Barr
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (August 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia and Elysium Gardens created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part IV: “Have a Little Talk with God”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander and is published by Image Comics.  At the center of this series is a police officer caught in a lurid conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia, “the City of Brotherly Love.”  Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., thought to be dead.  He is actually a vampire.  Now father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner, a dead president, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly from an ambitious and murderous former First Lady.

As Killadelphia #16 (“Have a Little Talk with God”) opens, Jupiter and the now vampire former President Thomas Jefferson have a long-awaited confrontation.  But after the harsh words, can they (vampire) kiss and make up?  Meanwhile, Tevin chats up Anansi, and boy, does God have a mouth on him.  Can Anansi bring Jim, Jr. back from the world of the creatures of the night to the world of the living, and if He can, why should He?

THE LOWDOWN:  Killadelphia moves into the second half of its third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is.”  Perhaps, this is the story arc that most reveals the complexities and multiple layers of Killadelphia, making it more dark fantasy than mere vampire comic book.

Twisting and turning the narrative with sharp-teethed glee, writer Rodney Barnes won't let anything lie.  Nothing is as it should be or as we would expect it to be.  So Killadelphia #16 is one of this series' best issues … if not the very best.  Barnes is also all sharp elbows with uncomfortable truths – like the Brad Pitt reference Anansi drops.

As with the previous issue, artist Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Luis Nct dance through Barnes' script, bringing each scene or sequence into life with its own unique look.  The graphical storytelling seems to evolve with the story, the lurid and the surreal side by side and proudly delivering the unexpected.

Wow, the bitter and resentful would call Killadelphia #16 “woke,” but truth defends itself very well.  And sometimes, some of us should realize that history is your story and maybe it is a tale telling more than some of you wanted.  Yes, I have a vampiric thirst for Killadelphia, and you, dear readers, can have that, also.

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

[Killadelphia #16 has a backup feature: “Elysium Gardens” Part 9 “Hellfire” by Rodney Barnes, Chris Mitten, Sherard Jackson, 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/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #15" Says "Watch the Throne"

KILLADELPHIA #15
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander with Well-Bee (pp 9-10)
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Paul Pope
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(July 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia and Elysium Gardens created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part III: “Manifest Destiny”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander and is published by Image Comics.  At the center of this series is a police officer caught in a lurid conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia, “the City of Brotherly Love.”  Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., thought to be dead.  He is actually a vampire.  Now father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner, a dead president, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly from an ambitious and murderous former First Lady.

As Killadelphia #15 (“Manifest Destiny”) opens, there is a new vampire player in town, and it's another “Founding Father” and former president.  Meet Tom Jefferson.  He has a tale to tell, philosophically, of course, and he is making a claim on the throne.

Elsewhere, Toppy and the rest of Abigail Adams' inner circle invade the Sangsters' sanctum.  Oh, they also want to know where See Saw has gone, but isn't that his body, all curled up on the floor?  Meanwhile, See Saw is meeting important religious figures like Jesus (who is Black), but he may have to go back to an original god to get the help and the answers he seeks.

THE LOWDOWN:  Killadelphia hits the midway point of its third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is.”  After the pyrotechnics of the previous story arc, “Burn Baby Burn,” this new story line started with a focus on family – damned and otherwise, but now, its pyrotechnics begin.

I find myself endlessly fascinated by writer Rodney Barnes' plots, but sometimes, I really get a chance to admire how he drops history, religion, culture, politics, and philosophy, scattered like drops of enlightening blood throughout his scripts.  That he has brought Thomas Jefferson into play shows that Killadelphia is not growing cold, but will keep surprising and scaring us.

Artist Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Luis Nct dance through Barnes' script bringing each scene or sequence into life with its own unique look.  From lurid to luminescent, Killadelphia is a comic book of different worlds and different textures and moods and not a place where things are from a melting pot...

Killadelphia #15 is a another great chapter, and you should be reading it, dear readers.

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

[Killadelphia #15 has a backup feature: “Elysium Gardens” Part 8 “The Power of One” by Rodney Barnes, Chris Mitten, Sherard Jackson, 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/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comics Review: ...And Then There Was ... "KILLADELPHIA #14"

KILLADELPHIA #14
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Jonathan Wayshack
36pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(June 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part II: “...And the Sun Washed the Pain Away”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander and is published by Image Comics.  At the center of this series is a police officer caught in a lurid conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia, “the City of Brotherly Love.”  Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr., who comes home to Philly to deal with the final affairs of his recently murdered father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr.  James, Sr. is not dead, but undead – a vampire.  Now father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner, a dead president, and a rebellious, but special young vampire in a bid to save Philly from a vampire doom.

Killadelphia #14 (“...And the Sun Washed the Pain Away”) opens with Abigail Adams in full bloom.  Like her husband, John Adams, the second President of the United States, she is a vampire.  No longer content to be the little wifey, she is determined to be the tyrannical blood queen of Philadelphia.  However, she is displeased that John has not remained … displaced.

Meanwhile, James, Sr. is trying to find a way to change James, Jr. from vampire back into a human.  Young, black and talented vampire, Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw,” might be able to do it.  But first, there are complications, and Tevin has to see a man about a resurrection while another vampire man seeks him.

THE LOWDOWN:  Killadelphia is in its third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is.”  After the pyrotechnics of the previous story arc, “Burn Baby Burn,” this new story line looks to focus on family – damned and otherwise – although this arc is also spewing forth the sounds of bloody battle.

I have said in previous reviews that writer Rodney Barnes is writing a comic book in which he is building a universe similar to what Neil Gaiman did with The Sandman.  Initially, The Sandman seemed like one thing, but by the end of its first 12 issues, and certainly by its twentieth issue, The Sandman seemed like an entirely different series.  At the beginning of Killadelphia, Barnes used the concept of the second POTUS being a vampire as a hook.  Now, via Tevin, Barnes is taking us to a new underworld, one beyond the surface vampire conflicts.  Killadelphia is a great vampire comic book because the author isn't just building a new wing in the library of vampire fiction.  He is constructing a new city-state of vampire fiction.

There is a moment in Killadelphia #14 when the art team of illustrator Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Luis Nct recall the lurid cinema of Hammer Films.  It is in Alexander's dark, but painterly compositions, and in Nct's lurid colors that this series will sometimes recall previous vampire fiction.  However, Alexander often tells the story of Killadelphia by ripping into the neck of vampire fiction and doing new things.  When Alexander conveys the anger of Abigail Adams, it is about more than just her determination to rule.  We can be sympathetic to the fact that she won't be held down anymore by a mediocre (white) man.

Killadelphia #14 is a another great chapter in this fantastic series.  Yes, I am telling you to read it, dear readers.

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


Killadelphia #14 has a backup feature:
“Elysium Gardens” Part 7 “All Power to the People”

Created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

Story: Rodney Barnes
Art: Chris Mitten
Design: Sherard Jackson
Letters: Marshall Dillon
Edits: Greg Tumbarello

The back-up feature, “Elysium Gardens,” remains in Philadelphia, May 1st, 1985.  Angela/Zubiya and her pack of werewolves arrived in the City of Brotherly Love and found their prey, Stregherian witch, Tituba, among the Black liberation group, M.O.V.E.  Tituba is a descendant of the people who cursed Zubiya and her pack with their … condition.  Now, they are ready to kill the witch, but...

Writer Rodney Barnes makes “Elysium Gardens” both allegorical and metaphorical in the way he uses the brutality, savagery, barbarism, greed, and sin of white supremacy, racism, white colonialism, and white settler violence in the character, setting, and plot of his stories.  The werewolves are the angry Negroes, but as Barnes reveals in a mini prologue of real-world assassinations, sometimes, the oppressed have to direct their energies in other ways.

A+

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


https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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