Friday, August 5, 2022

Comics Review: JOHN CARTER OF MARS #4

JOHN CARTER OF MARS, VOL. 1 #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Chuck Brown
ART: George Kambadais
COLORS: George Kambadais
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Jonathan Lau
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2022)

Rated Teen+

Based on the characters and stories created by Edgar Rice Burroughs


John Carter is a character that first appeared in the serialized novel, Under the Moons of Mars (The All-Story, 1912), written by Tarzan creator, Edgar Rice Burroughs.  When it was first collected and published in hardcover, the novel was re-titled, A Princess of Mars (1917), the first of Burroughs' “Barsoom” novels, which were set on Barsoom, a fictional version of Mars.  The novel also introduced Dejah Thoris, Princess of Mars.

John Carter is a Confederate veteran of the American Civil War who is transported to Mars via “astral projection.”  There he gets a new body that is similar to the one he leaves behind on Earth.  John makes several trips back and forth between Earth (which the Martians call “Jasoom”) and Barsoom, and Dejah and John eventually marry and have two children.

John Carter first appeared in comic books in the early 1950s and continues today as a comic book character via Dynamite Entertainment.  His latest comic book series is John Carter of Mars.  The series is written by Chuck Brown; drawn and colored by George Kambadais; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.  In the new series, a re-imagining of and a sequel to the original “Barsoom” novels, John Carter is back on Earth and discovers that Martians are being transported to Earth while humans are being transported to Mars.

John Carter of Mars Volume 1 #4 opens on Earth, and the ruse of John and Eite is revealed.  Now, the two must come together to save Earth and Mars from merging, and also from the plot of the Therns and their approaching asteroid of pure Ninth metal.

On Mars, Dejah joins Thai and her husband, Lt. Fred Hines, and his fellow army officer, Charlie.  They hatch a plan to take on the Therns and their mad leader, Etor.  As Etor moves up the invasion, on Earth, John is facing death again.

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 John Carter of Mars Volume 1 #4.  It is the fourth solo Dynamite John Carter comic book that I have read.

Writer Chuck Brown continues his fresh take on John Carter, this time, with strong action and violence.  Artist and colorist George Kambadais shines in this fourth issue as he holds the story together as it jumps from planet to planet and from one plot twist to another.  As usual, Kambadais' art super-charges Brown's script and transforms it into powerful and attention-grabbing storytelling.

John Carter of Mars is fun, and I think it can be so even for teen readers.   It surprised me, and I am delighted that it did.  I hope this version is around for a bit.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Dynamite's Barsoom comic books will want to try John Carter of Mars.

A

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


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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #24": Biological Did Bother

KILLADELPHIA #24
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander with Germán Erramouspe
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kelley Jones with Luis Nct; Jeff Lemire
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (August 2022)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“The End of All” Part VI: “Time to Die”


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.  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., a vampire!  Father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner (Jose Padilla), werewolves, a witch, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly.  Their adversary is a former First Lady, the vampire Abigail Adams.

As Killadelphia #24 (“Time to Die”) opens, the legendary vampire hunger, Toussaint Louverture, leads his forces into Philadelphia. Meanwhile, See Saw remembers the lessons he learned from the fate of his mailman father.  He is ready to fight.  So are the werewolf Zubiya and her pack, and their ally, Tituba the Stregherian.

George Washington, Founding Father and Vampire King, and his forces watch.  The Sangsters and the allies gather.  The war begins.

THE LOWDOWN:  We have reached the final chapter of Killadelphia's fourth story arc, “The End of All.”  It prepares the way for the next arc, but before it departs, it leaves us with bittersweet and just plain bitter moments.

As much as I totally enjoy the vampire and werewolf bloodshed of this wonderful comic book, I also like the contemplative side of Killadelphia.  Writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander consistently offer many side dramas, focusing on particular characters.  These vignettes illuminate themes or fill in details concerning current or coming story lines and subplots.

In Killadelphia #24, Barnes and Alexander reveal another side of Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw.”  This is the side that will carry See Saw into war, but the authors are never shy about sharing the bitter harvest that America has been for African-Americans for centuries.  There is no glance into Tevin's story that is free of horror.  It is as if Barnes and Alexander are telling us, “This may be dark fantasy, suckas, but this ain't escapism.”  For a moment, the authors made vampires seem less frightening than the adversaries Tevin's father faced.  This won't be the last time the threat of vampires pales before the real horrors of the United States of America...

Although this is the final chapter of the current story arc, it is a perfect time to enter Killadelphia.  It is always a perfect time to enter Killadelphia.

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

[This issue contains an afterword by Rodney Barnes.]

A

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


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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Comics Review: FARMHAND #19 Rattles "Momma's Bones"

FARMHAND #19
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rob Guillory
ART: Rob Guillory
COLORS: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
LETTERS: Kody Chamberlain
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Burt Durand
COVER: Rob Guillory
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(July 2022)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Farmhand created by Rob Guillory

Chapter 19: “Momma's Bones”


Farmhand is a dark fantasy comic book series from comic book creator, Rob Guillory.  Guillory is also known for his award-winning tenure on the long-running comic book, Chew (Image Comics), with writer John Layman.  Farmhand is written and illustrated by Guillory; lettered by Kody Chamberlain (who also designed the Farmhand logo); and currently colored by Jean-Francois Beaulieu.

Set in and around Freetown, Louisiana, Farmhand focuses on the Jenkins family: Ezekiel “Zeke” Jenkins; his wife, Mae; their children, Abigail and Riley; Zeke's father, Jedidiah “Jed” Jenkins; and sister, Andrea (“Andy”).  Once upon a time, “Jenkins Family Farmaceutical Institute” used stem cell biotechnology to grow plant-based replacement human organs and tissue.  Once upon a time, transplant recipients saw this as a miracle.  Now, Zeke and the rest of the world see the miracle as a curse.

Farmhand #19 (“Momma's Bones”) opens as Andrea races to Pastor John “Tree” Moore's church.  There, she will confront her brother, Zeke, over their father.  But they must put aside the family feuding because here comes the forces of Monica Thorne.  And they are here for the contents of the grave of Anna Jenkins, Zeke and Andrea's mother!

THE LOWDOWN:  As I have previously written, it seems that in the two years since the publication of Farmhand #15, Rob Guillory may have used that time to really think about Farmhand.  The series has gone from being exceptional to being unbelievably crazy.  Guillory's art – the design and compositions – remains dynamic and imaginative.

Farmhand #19 starts off as if it is going to focus on more Jenkins family dysfunction.  Instead, Guillory treats his readers to one of the craziest graveyard battle royales since the 1985 horror film, The Return of the Living Dead.  Everything is so unexpected and filled with surprises and shocks  Farmhand is like a box of chocolates; you never know what ickiness the creamy center will offer.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of dark fantasy fiction and of great comic books will want to be a Farmhand.

A+

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


https://robguillory.com/
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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comics Review: PROJECT SUPERPOWERS: Fractured States #4

PROJECT SUPERPOWERS: FRACTURED STATES VOLUME 1 #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Ron Marz and Andy Lanning
ART: Emilio Utrera
COLORS: Arthur Hesli
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
EDITOR: Brian Cunningham
COVER: Mike Rooth
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Scott Kolins; Paula Andrade; Geraldo Borges with Arthur Hesli; Rus Wooton; Geraldo Borges
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2022)

Rated Teen+

Project Superpowers was a comic book limited series published by Dynamite Entertainment beginning in January 2008.  The series resurrected many superheroes from the “Golden Age of Comics” that were originally published by now-defunct companies like Crestwood Publications, Fox Comics, and Nedor Comics.  Many of these characters were in the public domain.

The series was set on an Earth where a twentieth century conflict gave rise to the age of “the Superpowers.”  These Superpowers protected the world, especially the United States.

The characters return in the new comic book series, Project Superpowers: Fractured States Volume 1.  It is written by Ron Marz and Andy Lanning; drawn by Emilio Utrera; colored by Arthur Hesli; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.  The series is set in 2052 and finds the United States of America, post-disaster, fractured into warring regions.  Into this world, a mysterious man awakens, unkempt, naked, and abandoned in an underground base.  This “John Doe” finds the world turned upside down, but does he bring salvation … or doom?  And where are the Superpowers and can they rise again?

Project Superpowers: Fractured States Volume 1 #4 opens on Staten Island, Cyber State, 2037.  This is the story of how Samson disappeared and how the Black Terror was infected with Dynamic Man's “nano-virus.”  In the present (2052), the original Black Terror, still fighting the infection, is telling that story to his prime Black Terror trooper (Bobbi) and John Doe.

When President Gene West (the former “Futureman”) is kidnapped, the Black Terror troopers and John spring into action.  Now, they will learn the identity of the Patriot Killer, and John may face his doom.

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 Project Superpowers: Fractured States Volume 1 #4, which is the fourth Project Superpowers comic book that I have read.

Writers Ron Marz and Andy Lanning are writing a spectacular superhero comic book, so I want to convince you, dear readers, to give this series a try.  This series blends superhero fantasy, mystery, conspiracy, and science fiction, but Fractured States #4 emphasizes action and horror.

Again, please read, Project Superpowers: Fractured States Volume 1, dear readers.  It is a really good superhero comic book.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Project Superpowers and of superhero comic books will want Project Superpowers: Fractured States Volume 1.

[This comic book includes “Dynamite Dispatch” July 2022, which features an interview with writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson about his upcoming James Bond comic book series.]

A

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


https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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Monday, August 1, 2022

BOOM! Studios Shipping from Diamond Distributors for August 3, 2022


BOOM! STUDIOS

JUN220451 BASILISK #10 CVR A SCHARF $3.99
JUN220452 BASILISK #10 CVR B SOOK $3.99
MAY228523 BRZRKR (BERZERKER) #9 (OF 12) 2ND PTG GARNEY $3.99
APR220639 FIREFLY BLUE SUN RISING TP VOL 01 $14.99
MAY228522 GRIM #2 2ND PTG FLAVIANO $3.99
JUN220433 MAGIC THE GATHERING (MTG) #17 CVR A MERCADO $4.99
JUN220434 MAGIC THE GATHERING (MTG) #17 CVR B SECRET PLANESWALKER VAR $5.99
JUN220393 MIGHTY MORPHIN #22 CVR A LEE $3.99
JUN220394 MIGHTY MORPHIN #22 CVR B LEGACY VAR CARLINI $3.99
JUN220398 MIGHTY MORPHIN #22 CVR F FOC REVEAL VAR RICCARDI $3.99
JUN220442 ONCE & FUTURE #28 CVR A CONNECTING MORA $3.99

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Dark Horse Comics Shipping from Diamond Distributors for August 3, 2022

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUN220509 AVATAR ADAPT OR DIE #4 (OF 6) $3.99
JUN220531 CYBERPUNK 2077 BLACKOUT #3 (OF 4) CVR A RICCI (MR) $3.99
JUN220532 CYBERPUNK 2077 BLACKOUT #3 (OF 4) CVR B FIUMARA (MR) $3.99
JUN220469 FRANKENSTEIN NEW WORLD #1 (OF 4) CVR A BERGTING $3.99
JUN220470 FRANKENSTEIN NEW WORLD #1 (OF 4) CVR B MIGNOLA $3.99
MAY220507 HELLBOY WATER BOTTLE $34.99
JUN220490 MIND MGMT BOOTLEG #2 (OF 4) CVR A LESNIEWSKI $3.99
JUN220491 MIND MGMT BOOTLEG #2 (OF 4) CVR B BRERETON $3.99
JUN220492 MIND MGMT BOOTLEG #2 (OF 4) CVR C RUGG $7.99
JUN220467 SURVIVAL STREET #1 (OF 4) CVR A KUSSAINOV $3.99
JUN220468 SURVIVAL STREET #1 (OF 4) CVR B DEWEY $3.99
MAY220508 WITCHER 3 WILD HUNT GERALT WATER BOTTLE $34.99

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Dynamite Entertainment Shipping from Diamond Distributors for August 3, 2022

DYNAMITE

MAY220602 AOD VS REANIMATOR NECRONOMICON RISING #1 CVR N FLEECS LTD VI $50.00
MAY220603 AOD VS REANIMATOR NECRONOMICON RISING #1 CVR O SUYDAM LTD VI $50.00
FEB228122 BETTIE PAGE ALIEN AGENDA #1 CVR X PINK BLANK AUTHENTIX $3.99
MAY220667 BETTIE PAGE ALIEN AGENDA #5 CVR L BURNS LTD $50.00
MAY220710 IMMORTAL RED SONJA #4 CVR K LINSNER LTD VIRGIN $50.00
MAY220711 IMMORTAL RED SONJA #4 CVR L NAKAYAMA LTD VIRGIN $50.00
MAY220721 JENNIFER BLOOD #10 CVR J BRADSTREET LTD VIRGIN (MR) $50.00
MAY220722 JENNIFER BLOOD #10 CVR K LEIRIX LTD VIRGIN (MR) $50.00
APR220497 LEGION FORGETTABLE SUPERVILLAINS SC $16.99
MAY220588 MADBALLS VS GARBAGE PAIL KIDS #1 CVR L SIMKO LTD VIRGIN $50.00
MAY220742 NYX #8 CVR I MATTEONI LTD VIRGIN $50.00
JUN220830 PROJECT SUPERPOWERS FRACTURED STATES #5 CVR A ROOTH $3.99
JUN220831 PROJECT SUPERPOWERS FRACTURED STATES #5 CVR B KOLINS $3.99
JUN220832 PROJECT SUPERPOWERS FRACTURED STATES #5 CVR C BORGES $3.99
JUN220833 PROJECT SUPERPOWERS FRACTURED STATES #5 CVR D ANDRADE $3.99
JUN220834 PROJECT SUPERPOWERS FRACTURED STATES #5 CVR E WOOTON $3.99
JUN220851 RED SONJA RED SITHA #4 CVR A YOON $3.99
JUN220852 RED SONJA RED SITHA #4 CVR B ANDOLFO $3.99
JUN220853 RED SONJA RED SITHA #4 CVR C LEIRIX $3.99
JUN220854 RED SONJA RED SITHA #4 CVR D PINTI $3.99
JUN220855 RED SONJA RED SITHA #4 CVR E COSPLAY $3.99
MAY228866 RED SONJA RED SITHA #4 CVR K FOC LERIX ULTRVIOLET $3.99
MAY220640 SAMURAI SONJA #2 CVR K LEIRIX LTD VIRGIN $50.00
MAY220799 VAMPIRELLA STRIKES #3 CVR K PARRILLO LTD $50.00
MAY220800 VAMPIRELLA STRIKES #3 CVR L YOON LTD $50.00

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