Comics Review: "SAMURAI SONJA #2" Gives the Monkey the Business

SAMURAI SONJA VOLUME 1 #2
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Jordan Clark
ART: Miriana Puglia
COLORS: Kike J. Diaz
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Clayton Henry
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2022)

Rated Teen+

Based on the characters and stories created by Roy Thomas, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Robert E. Howard

Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated: February 1973) saw the debut of a high fantasy, sword and sorcery heroine, Red Sonja.  Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith, Red Sonja was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Robert E. Howard (1906-1936), the creator of the character, Conan the Cimmerian.

Dynamite Entertainment is now the publisher of Red Sonja comic books, and it publishes a number of titles featuring alternate versions of the character.  The latest is Samurai Sonja, Volume 1.  It is written by Jordan Clark; drawn by Pasquale Qualano and Miriana Puglia; colored by Kike J. Diaz; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.  This series is set in feudal Japan and introduces a brand new Sonja, a samurai serving a sea goddess in order to slay an oni shogun – with her life and family name on the line.

Samurai Sonja, Volume 1 #2 opens in the Sengoku period of Japan.  Sonja has made her awful deal with a dreaded sea goddess, Amaterasu Omikami, agreeing to become her champion.  Gifted with magical armor and weapons capable of slaying mythical beasts, Sonja must take on the demon shogun, Shuten Doji.  If she falls in battle, her bloodline and family's name will be erased.

Now, Sonja travels to the stronghold of Shuten Doji.  The first obstacle she faces is a deadly Satori creature.  It is an imposing, ape-like creature that is in fact a crafty genius able to play upon people's insecurities and fears.  Can Sonja teach herself the methods that she will need if she is to slay this clever yokai monster?

THE LOWDOWN:   Since July 2021, the marketing department of Dynamite Entertainment has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Samurai Sonja, Volume 1 #2, one of many Red Sonja-related comic books that I have read.

I am really enjoying Samurai Sonja.  What a beautiful comic book that Jordan Clark is writing.  The first two issues are each like self-contained short stories that are connected to the larger narrative.  I could go for another issue, right now.  Why?  The answer is because Clark transports me into a world that is obviously fiction, but he makes me feel something.

Artist Miriana Puglia tells Clark's story with such simplicity.  The illustrations are beautiful, but taken together as storytelling, they pack power but also offer a philosophical side that gives this story weight and depth.  Puglia draws stories of consequence and colorist Kike J. Diaz ravishes them in hues that give the story a sense of magic.

Jeff Eckleberry's letters are like a gentle brook, whispering the sweetness and dark magics of this story.  What excellent work from this creative team.  Samurai Sonja is another Red Sonja comic book winner.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Red Sonja will want to read Samurai Sonja, Volume 1.

A

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


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Comics Review: "Nyx #8" is an Excellent Eighth Issue

NYX #8
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Christos Gage
ART: Marc Borstel
COLORS: Jordi Escuin Llorach
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Giuseppe Matteoni
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2022)

Rated T+

Nyx created by Tom Sniegoski and Ed McGuinness

“Old School”

Nyx is a Vampirella comic book character.  She is the daughter of Chaos the Mad God and a human woman, making Nyx half-demon and half-human, but she needs to feed on human life force in order to live.  Nyx was created by writer Tom Sniegoski and artist Ed McGuinness and first appeared in Harris Comics' Vengeance of Vampirella #23 (cover dated: February 1996).  She is a longtime enemy and sometimes friend of Vampirella.

The character now has her own solo comic book series, entitled Nyx.  It is written by Christos Gage; drawn by Marc Borstel; colored by Jordi Escuin Llorach; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.  The series finds Nyx dealing with her emerging human side, although her demon side is still powerful and hungry for human life force.

Nyx #8 (“Old School”) opens in New York City, 1979.  Vampirella and Pantha are preparing to make their debuts as ho's … I mean … actresses in some cheesy cheerleader-themed monster movie.  One of Nyx's half-siblings, who are now in her charger per a deal with her father, the Mad God Chaos, is also loose in 1979.

A male sibling, Unison wants to be one with the universe … by consuming it.  If Vampirella and Pantha can't stop him, can Nyx stop him?  Can she kill him and is she willing to?

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 Nyx #8, the eighth issue of the series that I have read.

Christos Gage is writing a wonderful comic book in Nyx.  The characters are witty and nasty and doomed and stubborn, and Gage uses them to bring energy to this title, which sometimes reads as a delightful comic romp.  This cast is a humorous ensemble, although the characters are not necessarily meant to be as such.  Still, they work as both dark fantasy and comedy types.

Marc Borstel's lovely art and straight-forward storytelling is bringing sexy back.  His T&A is fanservice with a narrative purpose, but I still love the plumb bosoms and thick bottoms.  Jordi Escuin Llorach's colors are a mixture of dark-ish and gold-ish, and it makes Nyx one of the prettiest comic books around … that more people need to read.

Nyx is a delight with her arms (and legs) wide open to greet new readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Vampirella comic books will want to try Nyx.

A

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


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Comics Review: "JENNIFER BLOOD #10" Kills in "The Big Finish"

JENNIFER BLOOD VOLUME 2 #10
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Fred Van Lente
ART: Alessandro Ranaldi with Gerardo Gambone
COLORS: Dearbhla Kelly
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Tim Bradstreet
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2022)

Rated Teen+

Jennifer Blood created by Garth Ennis and Adriano Batista.

“Bloodlines” Chapter Five: “The Big Finish”

Jennifer Blood is a a comic book character created by writer Garth Ennis and artist Adriano Batista.  A suburban wife and mother by day, Jennifer Blood is a ruthless vigilante by night.  Born “Jessica Blute,” she took her mother's first name, Jennifer, and created the alter ego, “Jennifer Blood,” and sought revenge against her father's family for the death of her parents.  The first Jennifer Blood comic book series ran for 36 issues from 2011 to 2014.

Jennifer Blood returns from the dead in a new comic book series, Jennifer Blood Volume 2.  It is written by Fred Van Lente; drawn by Vincenzo Federici and Alessandro Ranaldi; colored by Dearbhla Kelly & Kike J. Diaz and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.  In the new series, there is a new Jennifer Blood, and this “copycat” loves to kill criminals just like the original did.  She is the original's daughter, once known as “Alice Fellows.”  Her new partner is Eagle/Aguilar, the legendary assassin, who may or may not be dying of cancer?

Jennifer Blood Volume 2 #10 (“The Big Finish”) opens at the Oro Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  Eagle is in the clutches of Dona Blondi a.k.a. “Platinum” and her henchman, Paul Whiteman.  Platinum and Jennifer have a history, or at least Blondi thinks they do.  A Jennifer Blood killed Platinum's husband.  Platinum and Eagle also have a history, and now, she has a way for him to work his way back into her good graces.

Meanwhile, the last known supplies of the ED pill, “Seroto,” also known as “Daddy's Little Helper,” is about to go on sale – unless Jennifer breaks up the party.  It's the final chapter.  Who gets killed?  Who goes out with a bang? And who lives … if anyone?

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 Jennifer Blood Volume 2 #10.  This is the tenth Jennifer Blood comic book I have read.

Writer Fred Van Lente goes out with a dead bang.  Always leave them wanting more, Fred.  This series has been a blast to read, and it is the equal of Marvel Comics' The Punisher.  Jennifer Blood will be back at some point, and I hope the creative team comes back as well.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Jennifer Blood and of gun play comics will want to read Jennifer Blood Volume 2.

A-

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


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Comics Review: And God Read "THE MAGIC ORDER 3 #1" and Was Satisfied

THE MAGIC ORDER 3 #1 (OF 6)
IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar
ART: Gigi Cavenago
COLORS: Valentina Napolitano
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Gigi Cavenago
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Greg Tocchini; Liam Sharp
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2022)

Rated M / Mature

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

The Magic Order was a six-issue comic book miniseries written by Mark Millar and drawn by Olivier Coipel.  Published in 2018-19, The Magic Order focuses on the sorcerers, magicians, and wizards who live ordinary lives by day, but protect humanity from darkness and monsters of impossible sizes by night.  A second six-issue miniseries, The Magic Order 2 (2021-22), was recently published.

The Magic Order 3 introduces the Asian chapter of the The Magic Order.  A six-issue miniseries, this third installment is written by Millar; drawn by Gigi Cavenago; colored by Valentina Napolitano; and lettered by Clem Robins.

The Magic Order 3 #1 opens above the Hong Kong Business District.  It is where we meet Sammy Liu, a businessman; everything always works out for him.  In the U.S., specifically Florida, Sacha “the Babysitter” deals with a “baby.”  Meanwhile, in Milwaukee, Cordelia Moonstone is scaring the rubes as she prepares for a meeting of The Magic Order.

Meanwhile, what is papa Leonard Moonstone up to?  And what about … mama Moonstone?

THE LOWDOWN:  I used to think that The Magic Order was my favorite Mark Millar written, creator-owned comic book.  Now, I know it is.  I think I'm still stuck on The Authority when it comes to my all-time favorite Millar comic book.

When it debuted nearly four years ago, The Magic Order gave us a thrilling introduction to a new world and new universe of magic, magical beings, and magical conspiracies.  The Magic Order is sometimes like a blend of Harry Potter with a Martin Scorsese mob film.  It certainly is as intriguing as the best moments of Harry Potter.

For The Magic Order 3, Millar gives us big set pieces, but hooks the readers with intimate moments and scenes that eventually punch them right in the face.  Millar has invented magical fantasy devoid of sentiment, nostalgia, and coziness.  It is magical real not magical realism, and Millar has now cemented himself as the twenty-first century's best writer of mainstream comic books (meaning titles outside of alternative and art comics).  They can hand all the “Best Writer” Eisners Awards they want to other writers, but they all pale before the High King of comic book high entertainment, Mark Miller.

Millar also has a fine eye for comic book artist talent.  The latest arrival to The Magic Order is Italian artist, Gigi Cavenago.  His solid compositions and lavish illustrative style (which is similar to Mike Mignola's) is a great find for The Magic Order.  Gigi is a perfect fit for the world of The Magic Order.  He slides right in; it is as if he were the artist who drew the world to existence.

So soon after the great The Magic Order 2, The Magic Order 3 is almost too much for me to take.  But, Mark and Gigi, I'll take it like a man... I promise.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar and of The Magic Order will want to read The Magic Order 3.

A+

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


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Skydance Media and Mattel Announce Live-Action "Matchbox" Film

Skydance Media and Mattel to Develop Matchbox Live-Action Motion Picture

Screenplay to be Written by David Coggeshall

LOS ANGELES & EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skydance and Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced plans to develop Matchbox, its iconic real-world die-cast toy vehicle line, into a live-action motion picture.

    “For nearly 70 years, Matchbox has carried enormous cultural relevance and inspired generations of kids to unleash their imaginations, combining what they see in the world every day with what they dream their own world to be”

“For nearly 70 years, Matchbox has carried enormous cultural relevance and inspired generations of kids to unleash their imaginations, combining what they see in the world every day with what they dream their own world to be,” said Robbie Brenner, Executive Producer of Mattel Films. “We look forward to working with our incredible partners at Skydance Media to craft a story for the big screen that evokes the same, imaginative spirit of this beloved Mattel franchise and delights fans of all ages.”

“We are thrilled to be working with Robbie Brenner and her amazing creative team at Mattel,” said Don Granger, President, Feature Films of Skydance. “Pairing Skydance’s unique brand of premium, elevated action-adventure entertainment with the incredible legacy of the Matchbox brand is a fantastic opportunity. There is a shared experience for everyone who has played with a Matchbox vehicle or playset, where they create their own inventive action sequence and we’re excited to craft a worldwide adventure film worthy of such imagination.”

The legendary Matchbox brand was invented in 1953 by automotive expert and enthusiast Jack Odell to solve a challenge for his daughter, who was allowed to take a toy to school only if it was small enough to fit in a matchbox. When his daughter’s school friends began clamoring for a “matchbox car,” an iconic brand was born. The high standards of authenticity for Matchbox die-cast cars have driven the brand for nearly 70 years. One Matchbox car is sold every second.

For Mattel Films, the Matchbox project will be led by Vice President Elizabeth Bassin and Creative Executive Andrew Scannell. David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, and Aimee Rivera will oversee for Skydance Media. The screenplay will be written by three-time Black Lister David Coggeshall, who wrote the upcoming Orphan: First Kill for Paramount as well as Lee Daniels's untitled Netflix possession thriller currently filming in Pittsburgh and drafts of Thundercats for Warner Bros.

In addition to Matchbox, the Mattel Films development slate features movies for American Girl, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Masters of the Universe, Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Thomas & Friends, UNO, View-Master, and Wishbone. Mattel Films is also developing Christmas Balloon, a holiday family drama based on all-new IP. Its Barbie movie is currently in production.

Coming off the hugely successful Top Gun: Maverick, Skydance’s upcoming film slate includes the seventh and eighth installments of the wildly popular Mission: Impossible series, along with Ghosted and The Greatest Beer Run Ever for Apple TV+ and The Old Guard 2, Heart of Stone and a reimagining of the successful 2001 Spy Kids franchise for Netflix.

About Skydance:
Skydance is the diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create high-quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company first launched with Feature Films and has since strategically expanded to include Television, Interactive, Animation, New Media and Sports, with studios in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Spain and Canada. Skydance’s films includes the box office record-breaking Top Gun: Maverick, The Adam Project which debuted as the number one movie on Netflix, The Tomorrow War on Amazon Prime which became the number one streaming film upon its release, as well as the critically-acclaimed The Old Guard on Netflix. The studio’s upcoming film slate includes The Greatest Beer Run Ever, Ghosted, Heart of Stone, and the seventh and eighth installments of the Mission: Impossible global franchise. In total, Skydance’s films have earned more than $6 billion at the worldwide box office. Skydance Television is a leading supplier of premium scripted content across a range of platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+. The studio’s current slate includes the Emmy-nominated series Grace and Frankie, which became Netflix’s longest running series following the release of its final season earlier this year, as well as Foundation, Reacher, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Condor, The Big Door Prize and an untitled spy series starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first ever scripted television series. Skydance Interactive creates and publishes original and IP-based virtual reality and other immersive video games including the top-selling The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, which received several award nominations, including “Best VR/AR Game” at the 2020 Game Awards. Skydance New Media creates narratively focused interactive experiences crafted as original series, putting the audience at the center of the action and adventure, with the first production being with Marvel Entertainment. Skydance Sports develops premium scripted and unscripted sports-related content, documentaries and events. Skydance Animation develops and produces high-end feature films and television series with full production capability across two studios in Los Angeles and Madrid. The first two slated movies are Luck and Spellbound, the first short film is Blush, and the first series is Wondla, all premiering on Apple TV+. The Company’s investment partners include Tencent Holdings, Redbird Capital, CJ ENM, and the Ellison Family.

About Mattel:
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.

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BOOM! Studios Shipping from Diamond Distributors for July 27, 2022

BOOM! STUDIOS

MAY220366 ALL NEW FIREFLY #6 CVR A FINDEN $4.99

MAY220367 ALL NEW FIREFLY #6 CVR B YOUNG $4.99

APR220680 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #7 CVR A ALBUQUERQUE $3.99

APR220681 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #7 CVR B DELL EDERA $3.99

APR220682 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #7 CVR C BODYBAG VAR KAGO $4.99

MAY220402 KILLER AFFAIRS OF STATE #6 (OF 6) CVR A JACAMON (MR) $4.99

MAY220358 MAGIC HIDDEN PLANESWALKER #4 (OF 4) CVR A DARBOE $4.99

MAY220359 MAGIC HIDDEN PLANESWALKER #4 (OF 4) CVR B PLANESWALKER VAR $4.99

MAY220360 MAGIC HIDDEN PLANESWALKER #4 (OF 4) CVR C CONNECTING VAR $4.99

MAY220363 MAGIC HIDDEN PLANESWALKER #4 (OF 4) CVR F FOC REVEAL VAR $4.99

MAR220792 MAW TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

MAY220406 ORCS THE CURSE #2 (OF 4) CVR A LARSEN $5.99

MAY220407 ORCS THE CURSE #2 (OF 4) CVR B KHALIDAH $5.99

MAY220312 SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #25 CVR A DELL EDERA $4.99

MAY220313 SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #25 CVR B DIE CUT MASK VAR $5.99

MAY220314 SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #25 CVR C DIE CUT BLOODY V $5.99

MAY220326 SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN BANDANA (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

MAY220327 SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN SHORT BOX (BUNDLE OF 5) (C $69.99

MAY220369 VAMPIRE SLAYER (BUFFY) #4 CVR A MONTES $4.99

MAY220370 VAMPIRE SLAYER (BUFFY) #4 CVR B BLOOD RED VAR $4.99

MAY220393 WE ONLY FIND THEM WHEN THEYRE DEAD #12 CVR A DI MEO $3.99

MAY220394 WE ONLY FIND THEM WHEN THEYRE DEAD #12 CVR B INFANTE $3.99

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Dark Horse Comics Shipping from Diamond Distributors for July 27, 2022

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAY220472 COLLECTOR UNIT 731 #4 (OF 4) (C: 1-0-0) $3.99

SEP210309 DUNE GLOSSU RABBAN FIGURE (C: 1-1-2) $59.99

SEP210310 DUNE GURNEY HALLECK FIGURE (C: 1-1-2) $59.99

MAY220488 JENNY ZERO II #3 (OF 4) $3.99

MAY220435 PEARL III #3 (OF 6) CVR A GAYDOS $3.99

MAY220436 PEARL III #3 (OF 6) CVR B PEREZ $3.99

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