Review: SUPERMAN: Year One #2

SUPERMAN YEAR ONE No. 2
DC COMICS/DC Black Label – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Frank Miller
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.
INKS: Danny Miki
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: John Workman
EDITOR: Mark Doyle
COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER: Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair
64pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (October 2019)

Mature Readers

Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

Book Two

Superman: Year One is a three-issue comic book miniseries written by Frank Miller and drawn by John Romita, Jr.  It is being published in an over-sized softcover format and is part of DC Comics' prestige “DC Black Label” imprint.  Superman: Year One is a retelling of the early life of Clark Kent and of his first year as the superhero, Superman.  The rest of the creative team includes inker Danny Miki, colorist Alex Sinclair, and letterer John Workman.

Superman: Year One #2 opens at the Naval Station at Great Lakes, Illinois.  Young Clark Kent has left the bucolic grain fields of Smallville, Kansas to join the Navy.  Clark is just another untrained recruit... except that is not quite true.  Kent was born on another planet, the now-destroyed Krypton.  He was carried to Earth in a rocket ship and landed in Earth, specifically Smallville, Kansas where Martha and Jonathan Kent found him and adopted him as their own son.

The rays of the yellow sun around which Earth orbits has made Clark strong and powerful beyond human imagination.  Even holding back, Clark quickly sets himself apart from the other recruits.  But an officer has noticed Clark's peculiar abilities, and so has a denizen of lost Atlantis.  Will Clark's powers land him in trouble in two worlds?

At some point, DC Comics publicly stated that Superman: Year One would now be Superman's official origin story.  I think Frank Miller also said that Superman: Year One is set in the universe of his seminal comic book miniseries, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

If Superman: Year One is really the new official story of Superman's early years, it is certainly a strange one.  This comic book series is weird enough to be an attractive read, but I still find myself asking, “So what?!”  What is the point of all this?  What are Frank Miller's intentions?  John Bryne's 1986 miniseries, The Man of Steel, was a reboot of Superman, the character and his history.  It was both a marked departure from and a radical streamlining of all things Superman.  When The Man of Steel ended after six issues, a new, modern Superman emerged.  Superman: Year One seems like an event comics package, and Superman: Year One #2, with all its interesting oddities, does nothing to make the series seem more than a comic book produced by big-name creators.

However, the art, coloring, and lettering are oh-so awesome.  Yes, artist John Romita, Jr.'s storytelling is still clear, offbeat, and, at times, quite dramatic.  Yes, Danny Miki's inking brings a lush brushwork feel to the art.  Yes, Alex Sinclair's colors are radiant, so much so that he seems like the star creator hear.  And yes, John Workman's lettering is monumental as always.  Together, these graphic and illustrative elements crackle with power off the page and to the reader.  The story in this issue may not be great, but the art and graphics are fantastic.  The Atlantis double-page spread and the scenes with the “Kraken” are totally-awesome-dude illustrations in a comic book of awesome art.

I am still hopeful that this series can be a major, definitive Superman comic book series.  After all, Batman: Damned #3 redeemed the first two issues of that series.  I will certainly recommend Superman: Year One #2 because you, dear reader, will want to see the impressive art in it.

7 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

I Reads You Juniors November 2019 - Update #75

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

From CBR:  The site recommends 10 manga titles for fans of Disney+/Lucasfilm's "The Mandalorian.

From ICv2:  DC Comics finds itself in the middle of a social media storm because of its social media promotion of the upcoming, "The Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child."

DC TV - From THR:  "Supergirl" star, Melissa Benoist, reveals that she is a survivor of domestic violence.

MEMORIAM - From Newsarama:  Pioneering LGBTQ comic book creator and writer-artist, Howard Cruse, has died at the age of 75, Tuesday, November 26, 2019.  His best known work is probably the original graphic novel, "Stuck Rubber Baby," which DC Comics published in 1995.  Cruse first gained attention with his "Barefootz," series, and he was the founding editor of the gay and lesbian comics anthology magazine, "Gay Comix."

DC CINEMA - From YahooLifestyle:  Actress Zoe Kravitz reveals her new pixie haircut, which seems purr-fect for her role as "Catwoman" in the upcoming "The Batman" (July 2021).

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  This article says that Warner Bros. is plotting the future of DC Comics films and that they have been talking to J.J. Abrams and Michael B. Jordan about "Superman."

DC CINEMA - From CheatSheet:  "Joker" director Todd Phillips adds his tepid two-cents to Martin Scorsese's comments about "Marvel movies."

From Crunchyroll:  The "Demon Slayer" manga is outselling the "Bleach" and "My Hero Academia" manga in volume sales in Japan.

From BleedingCool:  Comic book writer, Leah Moore, talks about how American comics broke her father, legendary comic book writer, Alan Moore.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics has struck a partnership with Japanese media company Tsuburaya Productions to create new "Ultraman" comic books for American markets.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  Actor John Turturro will play "Carmine Falcone," a crime boss, in Matt Reeves' "The Batman," which begins filming in January 2020.

MEMORIAM - From TheDailyCartoonist:  The noted and influential cartoonist and author, Gahan Wilson, has died at the age of 89, Wednesday, November 21, 2019.  His cartoons are noted for their horror-fantasy elements and situation.  He may be best known for his cartoons that appeared in "Playboy" magazines.

DC CINEMA - From ComicBook: Dwayne Johnson confirms that the "Justice Society of America" will appear in his "Black Adam" film which is due December 2021.

DC TV - From Newsarama:  Warner Bros. reveals the costume that actor Brenton Thwaites will wear in his transformance to "Nightwing" from "Robin" in the streaming series, "Titans."

From Newsarama:   Heritage Auctions has just sold the highest graded known copy of "Marvel Comics #1," the first comic book published by Timely Comics, the precursor of Marvel Comics.  The sale price was 1.26 million dollars.

From BleedingCool:  Clover Press now holds the license to produce comic books featuring the Will Eisner's character, "The Spirit."  Its first release will be February 2020.

From NewYorkPost:  Legendary comic book writer-artist Frank Miller is apparently going to take legal action against his longtime colorist and ex-wife, Lynn Varley, over allegedly stolen artwork.

DC CINEMA -  From Newsarama:  Actor Henry Cavil, who has played Superman in three films (The Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League) says he is not done with the character.

MEMORIAM - From Newsarama:  Comic book artist Tom Lyle has died at the age of 66, Tuesday, November 19, 2019.  He may be best known for drawing the first miniseries starring Batman's partner, Robin, in 1992 and its two sequels.  Lyle also drew "Starman" comic books for DC and "Spider-Man" comic books for Marvel Comics.

ALAN MOORE - From TheWrap:  An interview Alan Moore gave two years ago to a Brazilian outlet has resurfaced.   Moore skewers superhero films as a "worrying," and saying that D.W. Griffith's legendary and racist silent film, "The Clansman" (now called "The Birth of a Nation") is the first American superhero film.

MARVEL TV - From Newsarama:  Hulu's "Runaways," based on the Marvel Comics titles, will end after its upcoming third season.

DC CINEMA - From CBR:  "Wonder Woman" star, Gal Gadot, becomes the latest to ask for Warner Bros. to release director Zack Snyder's version of the 2017 film, "Justice League."  Joss Whedon finished the film after Snyder exited for personal reasons, and the released version of the film reflects Whedon's reshoots and editing... apparently.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  "Joker" becomes the first R-rated movie to gross more than one billion dollars in worldwide box office.

From Previews:  Marvel Comics planning New Year's launch parties for new titles.

From ANN:  Through the rest of this year and through 2020, VIZ Media announces that it will add 9 digital manga to the digital edition of Shonen Jump.

From TheSkanner:  TidalWave Comics to detail the history of NBA superstar player, LeBron James, in the comic book, "Fame: LeBron James."

COMICS TV - From Deadline:  Legendary Television has signed a deal with Frank Miller to adapt his comic book, "Sin City," into a TV series.  It was adapted into two films by director Robert Rodriguez, who will executive produce the series with Miller.

COMICS CINEMA - From Deadline:  Spike Lee will direct and co-write a film adaptation of Ron Wimberly's graphic novel, "Prince of Cats."

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson tweets out concept art for his film "Black Adam" (based on the Shazam character), and says that the film is due December 22, 2021 from New Line Pictures.

MEMORIAM -  From BleedingCool:  The comic book historian and journalist, Tom Spurgeon, has reportedly died at the age of 51.  Since 2004, he had operated the site, "The Comics Reporter" (http://www.comicsreporter.com/), which won three Eisner Awards for "Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism."  With Jordan Raphael, Spurgeon wrote the book, "Stan Lee and the Rise and Fall of the American Comic Book.

DC CINEMA - From IndependentUK:  It seems that Joaquin Phoenix is entirely against the idea of a sequel to the worldwide, smash hit film, "Joker."

COMICS-STREAMING - From Newsarama:  "Avengers" super-directors, Joe and Anthony Russo, are producing a documentary based on "Slugfest: Inside the Epic, 50-year Battle Between Marvel and DC," a non-ficiton book by Reed Tucker.  The documentary would be produced for the streaming service, Quibi. Former DC President Diane Nelson is Head of Operations & Content for Quibi.

From Newsarama:  Beloved cartoon canine, Snoopy, of the beloved comics strip, "Peanuts," will see his original graphic novel, "Snoopy: A Beagle of Mars," debut on Dec. 18th.  Newsarama has a 5-page preview.

From BleedingCool:  Writer Brian Azzarello and artist Lee Bemerjo have produced popular and critically acclaimed projects for DC Comics.  But their next project may be not be at DC, in the wake of their controversy surrounding their "Batman: Damned" miniseries.

From ANN:  Yasuo Ohtagaki, the creator of the excellent "Mobile Suit Gundam" Thunderbolt" manga, has announced that his new manga, "Diana and Artemis," will debut in the December 17th issue of the Japanese magazine, "Manga Action."

DC TV - From Newsarama:  DC Universe's "Titans" will get a third season beginning Fall 2020.

DC CINEMA - From Collider:  "Fresh Julliard grad" Jayme Lawson has been cast in an unspecified role in "The Batman."

DC TV - From DCBlog:  Actor Cress Williams, "Agent Odell" of The CW's "Black Lightning," talks to DC about his character.

DC TV - From Deadline:  Kevin Smith will host, "Crisis Aftermath," an after-episode show focusing on The CW's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" TV series crossover event.

DC TV - From ComicBook:  Netflix has ordered a second season of its TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman," although the first season has not gone into production.

ARCHIE COMICS TV - From Deadline:  The CW's "Katy Keene" television series, based on the long-running Archie Comics' title, will debut Feb. 6th, 2020 as a mid-season replacement show.

From ComicsBeat:   Here is so love for "Love & Rockets'" "Locas."

COMICS-FILM - From Deadline:  "Shazam" director David F. Sandberg will direct an adaptation of "The Unsound," a graphic novel from BOOM! Studios for Netflix.

From Newsarama:  Comic book artist John Paul Leon talks about fighting cancer and finishing the miniseries, "Batman: Creature of the Night."

From ChimeraObscura:  Here is a podcast interview of the incredible Canadian comic book artist and comics creator, Ho Che Anderson.

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:  Andy Serkis will reportedly play "Alfred Pennyworth" in Matt Reeves' "The Batman."

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Actor Colin Farrell is in talks to play "The Penguin" in Matt Reeves' "That Batman" film project.  Already casts in villian roles is Paul Dano as "The Riddler" and Zoe Kravtiz as "Catwoman."

From Juxtapoz:  The art and culture site talks to legendary artist Robert Williams about his new museum retrospective of his work and a companion catalog to the retrospective from Fantagraphics Books.

From Newsarama:  A new "Ant-Man" comic book series will launch Feb. 2020.  It will star Scott Lang as Ant-Man and his daughter Cassie as the hero, "Stinger."

From Simplemost:  Was Elvis Presley influenced by classic Fawcett Comics hero, Captain Marvel, Jr.

MANGA TV/TRAILER - From MashableIndia:  Here is some kind of trailer for Cartoon Network's upcoming anime adaptation of Junji Ito's Uzumaki manga.

From PalmBeachPost:  Professional tennis' greatest female player of all time, Serena Williams, will be part of the web comics project, "Real-Life Superwomen Project."

From BleedingCool:  In the first issue of the upcoming "Hellblazer" relaunch, entitled "John Constantine: Hellblazer," there will be a depiction of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson naked.

From Decanter:  The cult, wine-theme manga, "The Drops of God," was just released in English by Kodansha and comiXology.

DC CINEMA - From YahooEntertainment:  Actor Robert Pattinson said that he is reading as many comics as possible for "assimilation" ahead of his starring role in Matt Reeves "The Batman."

From Newsarama:  DC Comics provides a preview of the first issue of its new "John Constantine: Hellblazer" title.

SONY MARVEL U - From IGN:  The Oscar-winning, 2018 film, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," officially will have a sequel.  "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2" will arrive in 2022.

COMICS FILM - From ThePlaylist:  Todd McFarlane says there is more Hollywood interest in his R-rated "Spawn" reboot (based on his long-running comic book) in the wake of the tremendous success of the Todd Phillips' R-rated "Joker" film.

DC TV:  From Deadline:  The CW is developing a "Superman & Lois" TV series from Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch of The CW's "Supergirl."


NOVEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for Novmeber 2019
From BleedingCool:  Aftershock Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM Studios for November 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for November 2019

NOVEMBER 2019 "ADVANCED" COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  DC Comics advanced solicitations for November 2019 (for acetate covers)
From Newsarama:  "Dawn of X" for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for 2019 with some guessing on the site's part


DECEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Red 5 for Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for December 2019

JANUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  January 2020 comics solicitations from 26 publishers
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Black Box for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for January 2020
From Newsarama:  HarperCollins for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Seven Seas Entertainment for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Titans Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vertical Comics solicitations for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for January 2020

FEBRUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for February 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for February 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for February 2020

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

Book Review: PIECES OF HER

PIECES OF HER
HARPERCOLLINS/William Morrow – @HarperCollins; @WmMorrowBks

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

AUTHOR: Karin Slaughter – @SlaughterKarin
ISBN: 978-0-06-288309-4; paperback; 5.31 in x 8.00 in (May 21, 2019)
494pp, B&W, $16.99 U.S., $21.00 CAN

Pieces of Her is a 2018 novel by author Karin Slaughter.  It was published in hardcover by William Morrow (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers) in August 2018, and the first trade paperback edition was released May 2019.  It is the paperback edition, a review copy of which I received from the publisher, that is the subject of this review, dear readers.  A thriller, Pieces of Her focuses on a young woman forced to grapple with this question:  What if the person you thought you knew best turns out to be someone you never knew at all?

Pieces of Her introduces Andrea “Andy” Eloise, a 31-year-old woman who is adrift in life.  She left New York City and her dreams of being an artist to return to her hometown of Belle Isle, Georgia.  There, she took care for her mother, Laura Oliver, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  A few years later, Andy is still in Belle Isle, now a 911 operator.

On Andy's 31st birthday, Andy and Laura are having lunch at a local diner, “Rise-n-Dine,” located in the Mall of Belle Isle.  During the birthday meal, something unthinkable happens that will forever change Andy's life.  A young man starts shooting people in the diner.  Almost as shocking is the fact that Laura Oliver tries to talk the young man down and stop him from shooting more people, before she violently disposes of him as threat.  WTF, indeed?

Andy thought she knew her mother.  Laura Oliver is the woman who has spent her whole life in a beach-side town.  She is the woman who always wanted to do nothing more than live a quiet life as a pillar of the community... isn't she?  However, video of the mall incident has exposed Laura to her enemies from her past... because before Laura Oliver was Laura Oliver, she was someone else entirely.  Andy even wonders about her stepfather, Gordon Oliver.  What does he know?  Now, on the run, Andy follows a trail of crumbs from her mother's past, and she has to uncover the truth about Laura Oliver's past if her and her mother want to have a future.

I recently read my first Karin Slaughter book, the most excellent police procedural/crime thriller, The Last Widow, which was published just this past August (2019).  Like that book, Pieces of Her is a multi-genre thriller, so it is hard to pin it down to being one kind of novel.

The Library of Congress catalog for Pieces of Her (included on the copyright and indicia page at the front of the book) describes this book using the following categories of fiction: mothers and daughters, violence, identity (psychology), family secrets, mystery and detective, police procedural, women sleuths, and suspense.  Pieces of Her is all of that and more.  It is like a box of chocolates from the mystery genre candy-maker.  There is something for every reader who ever read a story about a character trying to unravel a mystery – whether that character was civilian, amateur, or professional mystery solver and “untangler” of secrets.

Like I was with The Last Widow, I am determined to spoil as little as possible of Pieces of Her.  After she has her character, Laura Oliver, kill the mall shooter, author Karin Slaughter reveals a past for Laura that is so shocking and unexpected that the readers might rightly think that Slaughter is dealing with a character entirely separate from Laura.  Initially, I thought so; then, I was so shocked at what Slaughter slapped in my face that I hoped the past Laura was not the same as the Laura at the beginning of the novel.  If that were not enough, Slaughter sends Andy on a breathtaking, pulse-pounding, and sometimes blood-chilling misadventure in uncovering secrets.

While this novel does have a few dry spots, to describe Pieces of Her as a good read is liking describing a cancer diagnosis as bad news.  Yes, both are true, but they are also enormous understatements.  If you want to read a thriller that beats your imagination into submission, then, read Pieces of Her.

9 out of 10

https://www.karinslaughter.com/

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: ECTYRON: Rise of Nemehiss

ECTYRON: RISE OF NEMEHISS
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Carter Allen
SCRIPT: John Ira Thomas
ART: Carter Allen – @attila71
LETTERS: John Ira Thomas
COVER: Carter Allen
BACK COVER: Will Grant
28pp, Color, $5.00 U.S. (2018)

Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss is a 2018 comic book published by Candle Light Press (CLP).  It is written by CLP stalwarts Carter Allen (plot) and John Ira Thomas (script/letters) and drawn by Allen.  This comic book focuses on Ectyron, a giant-sized chicken that battles monsters known as “kaiju.”  This term is used to describe a genre of Japanese films that feature giant monsters, and the term is also used to describe the giant monsters themselves.  [Godzilla is an example of a kaiju.]

Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss opens in South Chippewa Basin, Lake Michigan.  The USCGS Narcissus, a shallow water submarine, has been chasing a sonar shadow that suddenly changes from shadow to monster.  Meanwhile at “Sustenatione Stabilitas Base” in the Great Basin Desert, kaiju fighter Jake is working on the latest kaiju-fighting vehicle.  “Tonnerre Blue,” a “suborbital hopper” that can transport and fight in the battle against the kaiju.

Jake and his colleague, Iowa, will need this new kaiju-fighting tech when the giant-goose kaiju, known as Nemehiss, terrorizes a small Minnesota town.  The kaiju fighters will also need all the help they can get... from Ectyron!

Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss, like the previous Ectyron Against Lagaxtu, is the kind of monster comic that writer, artist, cartoonist, designer, and graphic novelist, Carter Allen does so well.  His Gozilla-sized creations, which includes monsters, beasts, machines, contraptions, and heroes, are pure comic book fun.

The Ectyron series offers big monster fun told with big illustrations and graphics.  John Ira Thomas' dry humor adds a nice touch, and his dialogue, as polished as the kind you would find in a screenplay for a big Hollywood event movie, helps the readers take the action seriously.  Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss is both monster comic book and sci-tech action adventure.

The truth is that readers get a little more than they expect from Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss.  In fact, they get enough to want more.  Plus, the back cover features another delightful Will Grant full-color illustration.  [Since the publication of Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss, CLP has published a third Ectyron comic book.]

8.5 out of 10

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.warningcomics.com

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: THE MAGIC ORDER #6

THE MAGIC ORDER No. 6 (OF 6)
IMAGE COMICS/Netflix – @ImageComics @TheMagicOrder @netflix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Mark Millar – @mrmarkmillar
ARTIST: Olivier Coipel
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Peter Doherty
EDITOR: Rachel Fulton
COVER: Oliver Coipel with Dave Stewart
VARIANT COVER: Karl Kerschl
36pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2019)

Rated M / Mature

The Magic Order is a six-issue comic book miniseries created by writer Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, Chrononauts) and artist Olivier Coipel (Thor).  It is also the first new and original comic book series created by Millar since he sold his organization, Millarworld, to Netflix in August of 2017.  Colorist Dave Stewart and letterer Peter Doherty complete the creative team.  The Magic Order recently ended (although there will be another miniseries in near future).

The Magic Order focuses on the sorcerers, magicians, and wizards that protect humanity from darkness and from monsters of impossible sizes.  The Order's leader, Leonard Moonstone, and his children:  Regan, Cordelia, and Gabriel must deal with a mob-like war and conspiracy that is killing off members of The Magic Order.  Their adversary is Madame Albany and her cohorts who are stealing magical objects, with Albany focusing on the object she wants the most, the magical book, “the Orichalcum.”

The Magic Order #6 opens with the full conspiracy revealed.  The wayward Cordelia stands alone on the side of The Magic Order, and the identity of Albany's assassin, “The Venetian,” is a shocker.  As an ally of Albany prepares to snatch the Orichalcum, Cordelia has to fight or die, and she has to show that she is not exactly the wayward girl many think she is.

I think The Magic Order is my favorite Mark Millar written, creator-owned comic book.  It is a thrilling introduction to a new world and new universe of magic, magical beings, and magical conspiracies.  The Magic Order is really like a blend of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them with a Martin Scorsese mob film – leaning more towards Fantastic Beasts, but with a strong sense of Casino.  Millar has also shown that these characters are multi-layered and have much to show us beyond what we see in this first series.  Peter Doherty's lettering brings a sharp edge to Millar's dialogue, which in turn makes the scenes featuring characters engaged in violence explode.  So as this series ends, Millar gives us a little more, perhaps to set us up for a return to this Order.

After reading the first issue, I was not all that crazy about artist Olivier Coipel, but I was so wrong.  So much about The Magic Order works because of Coipel's graphical storytelling.  Coipel's art sells the idea that The Magic Order is a massive world of magic and history and that it is a world hidden in the shadows, just out of view of the eyes of humans.  Dave Stewart's muted colors add a layer to Coipel's art, creating a sense of mystery and mysticism.

I am as excited by Millar's premise now as I was when I read the first issue of this comic book last summer (2018).  Millar, Coipel, Stewart, and Doherty have created a special comic book, and The Magic Order #6 is the superb ending that a superb miniseries deserves.

9 out of 10

http://www.millarworld.tv/
www.imagecomics.com

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: BATMAN: Creature of the Night #1

BATMAN: CREATURE OF THE NIGHT No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Kurt Busiek
ART/COLORS: John Paul Leon
LETTERS: Todd Klein
COVER: John Paul Leon
48pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (January 2018)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Book One: “I Shall Become...”

Batman: Creature of the Night is a four-issue, prestige comic book miniseries published by DC Comics.  It is written by Kurt Busiek and drawn and colored by John Paul Leon.  Todd Klein, one of the all-time greats, does the lettering for this series.  Creature of the Night takes place in a real world-like setting in which Batman is a fictional character.

Batman: Creature of the Night #1 (“I Shall Become...”) introduces an eight-year boy named Bruce Wainwright, who is a huge fan of Batman.  Of course, he loves reading Batman comic books, and he surrounds himself with products bearing Batman's image.  Frankly, the little fellow is obsessed with Batman.  In fact, when Bruce tells people his name, he pronounces it “Wain...wright,” putting an obvious pause between “Wain” and “wright.”

Bruce has an great-uncle, Alton Frederick Jepson (the only living relative on either side of Bruce's family).  The boy has taken the “Al” in the first name and “Fred” in the second and turned his uncle into Uncle Alfred, like Batman's butler, Alfred Pennyworth.  Bruce even thinks of his hometown of Boston as Gotham City.

It is all fun and games, until that Halloween night when Bruce's parents, Carole and Henry Wainwright, are brutally murdered.  As Bruce's grief and rage grow in the aftermath of his parents' murders, something strange takes flight in Boston.

Batman: Creature of the Night is apparently the spiritual companion to the 2004 miniseries, Superman: Secret Identity, also written by Kurt Busiek (and drawn by Stuart Immonen).  Batman: Creature of the Night puts a spin on the world and fictional mythology of Batman.  This series seems to ask, what if Batman could exist in the real world?

This first issue, however, focuses not only on young Bruce Wainwright's grief and rage over his parents' murders, but also on his bitterness about his fate, especially because he feels abandoned by those who should care, to one extent or another, about him and what he needs.  In a way, this first issue deals with a child who experiences a break from reality, something that seems possible because of his total obsession not only with Batman, but also with being like Batman.  All of it is in the context of the great loss which he has suffered.

Kurt Busiek delivers powerful character development.  Busiek does not focus only on Bruce's Batman obsession; he also depicts a child in crisis, struggling with where his life is going, even as those who could help him to truly move forward only lie to themselves that they are doing what is best for young Bruce.  The result is potent and engaging character drama, simply because the reader can find young Bruce Wainwright fascinating or a fascinating character study.

Artist John Paul Leon conveys all of this in art and graphics that capture not so much a gritty reality as it does a tortured soul.  Leon creates effective storytelling that depicts Bruce's crisis and perhaps, his fanaticism and the fantastical elements, all of which are equally powerful and interesting.

Todd Klein, as always, is not merely a letterer; he is a graphical artist as much as the illustrator.  His lettering captures Busiek's shifting points of view from character to character – not just in external dialogue, but also in the internal monologue.  He does this using an array of visually striking fonts.  Klein plays a big part in keeping the readers in suspense regarding the mystery of Batman: Creature of the Night's phantom player.  Is it a break with reality or the arrival of something fantastic, but real?

Batman: Creature of the Night #1 is the real deal.  It is not just another Bat-book, and it certainly makes me want to get the second issue.

9 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

BOOM! STUDIOS

SEP191273    ANGEL #7 CVR A MAIN PANOSIAN    $3.99
SEP191274    ANGEL #7 CVR B CONNECTING REBELKA VAR    $3.99
SEP191275    ANGEL #7 CVR C PREORDER BUONCRISTIANO    $3.99
SEP198458    FOLKLORDS #1 (OF 5) (2ND PTG)    $3.99
SEP191298    LUMBERJANES #68 CVR A LEYH    $3.99
SEP191299    LUMBERJANES #68 CVR B PREORDER MILLEDGE VAR    $3.99
SEP191288    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #45 CVR A CAMPBELL    $3.99
SEP198699    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #45 FOC MORA VAR    $3.99
SEP191290    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #45 FOIL MONTES VAR    $4.99
AUG191415    PLATE TECTONICS ILLUS MEMOIR ORIGINAL GN HC (RES)    $24.99
JUL191325    RUGRATS ORIGINAL GN VOL 01 LAST TOKEN    $14.99
JUL191341    WOODS YEARBOOK ED TP VOL 03    $29.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUN190342    AVATAR TSU TEYS PATH TP VOL 01    $19.99
JUL190433    BRAVEST WARRIORS 4 PACK MAGNET SET    $9.99
JUL190432    BRAVEST WARRIORS COASTER SET    $9.99
JUL190434    BRAVEST WARRIORS ENAMEL PIN SET    $14.99
JUL190435    BRAVEST WARRIORS MAGNET SET    $8.99
SEP190277    ETHER DISAPPEARANCE OF VIOLET BELL #3 (OF 5) CVR A RUBIN    $3.99
SEP190278    ETHER DISAPPEARANCE OF VIOLET BELL #3 (OF 5) CVR B THOMPSON    $3.99
SEP190273    FIGHT CLUB 3 #11 CVR A MACK (MR)    $3.99
SEP190274    FIGHT CLUB 3 #11 CVR B WILKERSON (MR)    $3.99
SEP190296    INVISIBLE KINGDOM #7 (MR)    $3.99
SEP190291    MACHINE GUN WIZARDS #4 (OF 4) CVR A WARD    $3.99
SEP190292    MACHINE GUN WIZARDS #4 (OF 4) CVR B WALTA    $3.99
JUL190353    STRANGER THINGS TP VOL 02 SIX    $17.99
JUL190346    UMBRELLA ACADEMY LIBRARY EDITION HC VOL 02 DALLAS    $39.99
JUL190404    WITCHFINDER OMNIBUS HC VOL 01    $34.99
SEP190254    WITCHFINDER REIGN OF DARKNESS #1 (OF 5)    $3.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

DC COMICS

AUG190594    ACTION COMICS #1017 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV    $4.99
AUG190593    ACTION COMICS #1017 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
AUG190645    AQUAMAN SWORD OF ATLANTIS TP BOOK 01    $39.99
SEP190519    BASKETFUL OF HEADS #2 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
SEP190520    BASKETFUL OF HEADS #2 (OF 7) VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
AUG190598    BATGIRL #41 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV    $4.99
AUG190597    BATGIRL #41 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
APR190530    BATMAN & ROBIN BY TOMASI AND GLEASON OMNIBUS HC NEW PTG    $125.00
SEP190475    BATMAN BEYOND #38    $3.99
SEP190476    BATMAN BEYOND #38 VAR ED    $3.99
APR190590    BATMAN BLACK & WHITE MINI PVC FIGURE 7 PACK SET 4    $40.00
AUG190492    BATMAN CREATURE OF THE NIGHT #4 (OF 4) (RES)    $5.99
AUG190497    BATMAN VS RAS AL GHUL #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
SEP190521    BOOKS OF MAGIC #14 (MR)    $3.99
JUN190576    BOOSTER GOLD THE BIG FALL HC    $39.99
MAR190573    DC COMICS THE ART OF JIM LEE HC VOL 01    $39.99
APR190585    DC DESIGNER SER BATMAN BY FRANK MILLER STATUE    $150.00
OCT190003    DC PREVIEWS #20 DECEMBER 2019 EXTRAS    $PI
SEP190484    DETECTIVE COMICS #1016    $3.99
SEP190485    DETECTIVE COMICS #1016 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
SEP190534    DOLLAR COMICS INFINITE CRISIS #1    $1.00
SEP190488    FLASH #83    $3.99
SEP190489    FLASH #83 VAR ED    $3.99
SEP190492    FREEDOM FIGHTERS #11 (OF 12)    $3.99
SEP190456    JOHN CONSTANTINE HELLBLAZER #1 (MR)    $3.99
SEP190458    JOHN CONSTANTINE HELLBLAZER #1 BLANK VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
SEP190457    JOHN CONSTANTINE HELLBLAZER #1 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
AUG190620    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #17 VAR ED YOTV    $3.99
AUG190619    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #17 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
SEP190524    LAST GOD #2 (MR)    $4.99
SEP190506    LOONEY TUNES #252    $2.99
SEP190508    MARTIAN MANHUNTER #10 (OF 12)    $3.99
SEP190509    MARTIAN MANHUNTER #10 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
AUG190626    RED HOOD OUTLAW #40 VAR ED YOTV    $3.99
AUG190625    RED HOOD OUTLAW #40 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
AUG190677    RED HOOD OUTLAW TP VOL 02 PRINCE OF GOTHAM    $16.99
MAY190445    SHAZAM #8    $3.99
MAY190446    SHAZAM #8 VAR ED    $3.99
SEP190514    SUPERGIRL ANNUAL #2    $4.99
SEP190448    SWAMP THING GIANT #2    $4.99
SEP190469    TALES FROM THE DARK MULTIVERSE INFINITE CRISIS #1    $5.99
AUG190634    TERRIFICS #22 VAR ED YOTV    $3.99
AUG190633    TERRIFICS #22 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

DYNAMITE

JUL191200    BETTIE PAGE UNBOUND #6 CVR A ROYLE    $3.99
JUL191201    BETTIE PAGE UNBOUND #6 CVR B CHANTLER    $3.99
JUL191202    BETTIE PAGE UNBOUND #6 CVR C WILLIAMS    $3.99
JUL191203    BETTIE PAGE UNBOUND #6 CVR D QUALANO    $3.99
JUL191204    BETTIE PAGE UNBOUND #6 CVR E PHOTO    $3.99
SEP191079    BLACK TERROR #2 KIRKHAM LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
SEP191164    DAWN VAMPIRELLA TP    $19.99
SEP191039    KISS ZOMBIES #1 SAYGER LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
SEP191038    KISS ZOMBIES #1 SUYDAM LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
SEP191107    RED SONJA #10 CONNER VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
SEP191108    RED SONJA #10 LINSNER VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
JUL191186    RED SONJA COMPLETE GAIL SIMONE HC OVERSIZED    $49.99
JUL191187    RED SONJA COMPLETE GAIL SIMONE HC OVERSIZED SIMONE SGN    $75.00
MAY191175    VAMPIRELLA 50TH ANN ULTRA TRADING CARDS BOX (12 PACKS)    $PI
MAY191174    VAMPIRELLA 50TH ANN ULTRA TRADING CARDS INDIVIDUAL FOIL PACK    $PI
AUG191226    VAMPIRELLA 50TH ANNIVERSARY POSTER COLL SC    $24.99
SEP191179    VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA #2 OLIVER LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
SEP191178    VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA #2 PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

IDW PUBLISHING

SEP190722    COBRA KAI KARATE KID SAGA CONTINUES #2 (OF 4) CVR A MCLEOD    $3.99
SEP190723    COBRA KAI KARATE KID SAGA CONTINUES #2 (OF 4) CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
SEP190728    CROW HARK THE HERALD #1 SEELEY ONE SHOT    $4.99
SEP190738    FROM HELL MASTER EDITION #8 (OF 10) (MR)    $7.99
MAY190651    GOOSEBUMPS HORRORS OF THE WITCH HOUSE HC    $12.99
SEP190704    MARVEL ACTION CLASSICS ANT-MAN    $4.99
JUN190746    MATTEO HC VOL 02 1917-1918    $19.99
SEP190699    MY LITTLE PONY HOLIDAY SPECIAL CVR A PRICE    $4.99
SEP190700    MY LITTLE PONY HOLIDAY SPECIAL CVR B FORSTNER    $4.99
SEP190680    SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #23 CVR A TRAMONTANO    $3.99
SEP190681    SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #23 CVR B YARDLEY    $3.99
SEP190652    STAR TREK PICARD COUNTDOWN #1 CVR A TBA    $4.99
SEP190709    STAR WARS ADVENTURES #28 CVR A CHARM    $3.99
SEP190710    STAR WARS ADVENTURES #28 CVR B FLEECS    $3.99
JUL198532    TMNT FAMILY IS FOREVER T/S LG    $PI
JUL198531    TMNT FAMILY IS FOREVER T/S MED    $PI
JUL198530    TMNT FAMILY IS FOREVER T/S SM    $PI
JUL198533    TMNT FAMILY IS FOREVER T/S XL    $PI
JUL198534    TMNT FAMILY IS FOREVER T/S XXL    $PI
JUL198535    TMNT FAMILY IS FOREVER T/S XXXL    $PI
JUL198536    TMNT FAMILY IS FOREVER T/S XXXXL    $PI
SEP190686    TRANSFORMERS GALAXIES #3 CVR A RAMONDELLI    $3.99
SEP190687    TRANSFORMERS GALAXIES #3 CVR B CHAN    $3.99
SEP190716    UNCLE SCROOGE #51 MAZZARELLO    $4.99
JUN190667    YOUNG DONALD DUCK TP VOL 01    $14.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

SEP190164    ASCENDER #7 (MR)    $3.99
SEP190176    CRIMINAL #10 (MR)    $3.99
JUL190121    CURSE WORDS #25 CVR A BROWNE (MR)    $3.99
JUL190122    CURSE WORDS #25 CVR B BROWNE INTERCONNECTED (MR)    $3.99
SEP190089    DESCENDER DLX ED HC VOL 02 (MR)    $49.99
AUG190181    EAST OF WEST #44 (RES)    $3.99
SEP190231    EXCELLENCE SPENCER PIN    $10.00
SEP190229    EXCELLENCE SPENCER T/S 2XL    $33.00
SEP190230    EXCELLENCE SPENCER T/S 3XL    $33.00
SEP190227    EXCELLENCE SPENCER T/S LG    $30.00
SEP190225    EXCELLENCE SPENCER T/S SM    $30.00
SEP190228    EXCELLENCE SPENCER T/S XL    $30.00
SEP190042    KILLADELPHIA #1 CVR A ALEXANDER (MR)    $3.99
SEP190199    LAZARUS RISEN #3 (MR)    $7.99
SEP190232    OUTER DARKNESS CHARON PIN    $10.00
SEP190208    POSTAL DELIVERANCE #5 (MR)    $3.99
SEP190113    REALM TP VOL 03 (MR)    $16.99
SEP190116    REDNECK TP VOL 04 LONE STAR    $16.99
SEP190081    SECTION ZERO TP VOL 01 THERE IS NO SECTION ZERO    $19.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

MARVEL COMICS

SEP191018    ADVENTURES OF SPIDER-MAN GN TP RADIOACTIVE    $12.99
SEP190899    AVENGERS #27    $3.99
SEP190900    AVENGERS #27 BRADSHAW 2099 VAR    $3.99
SEP190981    AVENGERS BY JASON AARON TP VOL 04 WAR OF REALMS    $15.99
SEP190931    BLACK PANTHER #18    $3.99
SEP198490    CAPTAIN MARVEL #11 2ND PTG CARNERO VAR    $3.99
SEP190825    CONAN 2099 #1    $4.99
SEP190827    CONAN 2099 #1 RON LIM VAR    $4.99
SEP190776    FALLEN ANGELS #2 DX    $3.99
SEP190884    FANTASTIC FOUR GRAND DESIGN #2 (OF 2)    $5.99
SEP190885    FANTASTIC FOUR GRAND DESIGN #2 (OF 2) RUGG VAR    $5.99
SEP190890    FANTASTIC FOUR NEGATIVE ZONE #1    $4.99
SEP190891    FANTASTIC FOUR NEGATIVE ZONE #1 SUAYAN VAR    $4.99
AUG191156    FEARLESS TP    $15.99
SEP190864    GHOST-SPIDER #4    $3.99
SEP190865    GHOST-SPIDER #4 BENGAL 2099 VAR    $3.99
SEP190887    INVISIBLE WOMAN #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
SEP190942    IRONHEART #12    $3.99
SEP198491    MARAUDERS #1 2ND PTG CAMUNCOLI VAR DX    $4.99
OCT190002    MARVEL PREVIEWS VOL 04 #29 DECEMBER 2019 EXTRAS    $1.25
SEP190978    MARVEL VISIONARIES TP CHRIS CLAREMONT    $34.99
SEP191016    MODOK TP HEAD TRIPS    $39.99
SEP190995    MS MARVEL TEAM-UP TP    $17.99
SEP190758    NEW MUTANTS #2 DX    $3.99
SEP190828    PUNISHER 2099 #1    $4.99
SEP190830    PUNISHER 2099 #1 RON LIM VAR    $4.99
SEP190805    SCREAM CURSE OF CARNAGE #1    $4.99
SEP190809    SCREAM CURSE OF CARNAGE #1 ARTGERM VAR    $4.99
SEP190807    SCREAM CURSE OF CARNAGE #1 YOUNG VAR    $4.99
SEP190961    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA #39    $3.99
SEP190962    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA #39 RAHZZAH GREATEST MOMENTS VAR    $3.99
SEP190979    THANOS TP ZERO SANCTUARY    $19.99
JUN191030    TIMELYS GREATEST HUMAN TORCH BY BURGOS OMNIBUS HC    $150.00
JUN191031    TIMELYS GREATEST HUMAN TORCH BY BURGOS OMNIBUS HC DM VAR    $150.00
SEP190926    UNCANNY X-MEN #266 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
SEP190906    VALKYRIE JANE FOSTER #5    $3.99
SEP190907    VALKYRIE JANE FOSTER #5 RENAUD 2099 VAR    $3.99
SEP190811    VENOM #20 AC    $3.99
SEP190812    VENOM #20 CODEX VAR AC    $3.99
SEP190813    VENOM #20 PHAM 2099 VAR AC    $3.99
SEP190767    X-FORCE #2 DX    $3.99
SEP198492    X-MEN #1 2ND PTG CAMUNCOLI VAR DX    $4.99
SEP191004    X-MEN CLASSIC COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 02    $39.99
SEP191010    X-MEN EPIC COLLECTION TP CHILDREN OF ATOM NEW PTG    $39.99
SEP190999    X-MEN TP FALLEN ANGELS    $19.99
SEP190849    YONDU #2 (OF 5)    $3.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

SEP191978    ACHILLES INC TP VOL 01    $19.99
SEP191513    ARCHIE AND ME JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #23    $7.99
SEP192191    ARIA MANGA MASTERPIECE OMNIBUS GN VOL 04 (RES)    $24.99
SEP198555    BLOODSHOT (2019) #2 2ND PTG    $3.99
SEP191985    BOSTON METAPHYSICAL SOCIETY #5    $3.99
SEP191991    CARPENTER TALES SCIFI REDHEAD #1 (MR)    $3.99
SEP191447    CASPER CLASSIC CHRISTMAS #1 CVR A MAIN    $3.99
SEP191448    CASPER CLASSIC CHRISTMAS #1 CVR B LTD ED RETRO ANIMATION    $9.99
SEP181579    COME INTO ME TP VOL 01 (MR)    $16.99
JUL192238    CROMWELL STONE HC (MR)    $29.99
AUG191503    DARK RED #8    $3.99
SEP192163    DESTINY LOVERS GN VOL 01 (MR)    $13.99
JAN191828    DF DETECTIVE COMICS #1000 SGN TOM KING    $49.99
OCT191867    DF MERRY MARVEL CHRISTMAS    $25.00
SEP191764    DITCH LIFE HC  (MR)    $PI
SEP191654    DOC FRANKENSTEIN POST MODERN PROMETHEUS HC    $34.99
AUG192248    DOCTOR WHO 13TH TP VOL 03 OLD FRIENDS    $16.99
OCT191929    DOG MAN HC GN W DUST JACKET VOL 04 DOG MAN & CAT KID    $16.99
OCT191930    DOG MAN HC GN W DUST JACKET VOL 05 LORD OF FLEAS    $16.99
OCT191931    DOG MAN HC GN W DUST JACKET VOL 06 BRAWL OF WILD    $24.99
OCT191932    DOG MAN HC GN W DUST JACKET VOL 07 FOR WHOM BALL ROLLS    $24.99
SEP191800    EC COMICS FOUR HC SLIPCASE VOL 04    $99.99
SEP191792    EC WALLY WOOD ATOM BOMB HC    $35.00
SEP191509    EVERYTHINGS ARCHIE TP VOL 02    $10.99
AUG192000    FRANK THORNES RIBIT HC GN (MR)    $34.99
OCT191893    GEORGE HERRIMAN LIBRARY HC VOL 01 KRAZY & IGNATZ 1916-1918 (    $35.00
AUG192187    GIRRION TP VOL 01 CHRYSALIS & STONE    $24.99
OCT191594    GO FISH HC GN    $14.95
SEP191980    GOTH YOUNG LOVERS AT WAR ONE-SHOT (MR)    $3.99
SEP191984    GUTTER MAGIC #3    $3.99
SEP192283    HAPPY SUGAR LIFE GN VOL 03    $13.00
SEP192325    IF I COULD REACH YOU VOL 02 (MR)    $12.99
SEP191810    IS THIS RIGHT COLOR TO PROVE DONT HAVE SHITTY LIFE GN (MR) (    $15.00
AUG192001    JOHNNY HAZARD DAILIES HC VOL 07 1954-1956 (RES)    $50.00
SEP191941    JUDGE DREDD COMP CASE FILES TP VOL 34    $24.99
AUG191696    KILLTOPIA 2 GN    $13.95
SEP192289    KONOSUBA GOD BLESSING WONDERFUL WORLD GN VOL 09    $13.00
SEP191956    LAST STOP #1    $3.99
JUN191437    LEAVE ON THE LIGHT #2 (OF 3) CVR A    $3.99
JUN191438    LEAVE ON THE LIGHT #2 (OF 3) CVR B FOIL VAR    $9.99
SEP191688    LITTLE LULU HC VOL 01 WORKING GIRL (RES)    $29.95
AUG192037    LONESOME ERA GN (MR)    $30.00
SEP192328    MAGIC KNIGHT RAYEARTH 25TH ANN BOX SET VOL 01    $129.99
SEP192099    MALL #4 (MR)    $3.99
SEP191655    MATRIX COMICS 20TH ANN DLX ED HC POD CVR    $39.99
SEP191656    MATRIX COMICS 20TH ANN DLX ED HC TRINITY CVR    $39.99
SEP191957    MIDNIGHT SKY #3 CVR A VAN DOMELEN    $3.99
SEP191958    MIDNIGHT SKY #3 CVR B VAN DOMELEN WAR OF WORLDS    $3.99
SEP191867    MILOS WORLD BOOK 02 BLACK QUEEN    $19.99
SEP191982    MISPLACED #1    $3.99
SEP198506    MONEY SHOT #1 (2ND PTG) (MR)    $3.99
SEP198507    MONEY SHOT #1 (2ND PTG) BLACK BAG BURNHAM VAR (MR)    $5.99
AUG191564    MONSTER MEN SOUL OF BEAST #1 CVR A MARTINEZ    $3.99
AUG191565    MONSTER MEN SOUL OF BEAST #1 CVR B CREEPING DOOM    $4.99
AUG191566    MONSTER MEN SOUL OF BEAST #1 CVR C LTD PULP HORROR    $9.99
SEP192153    MONSTER PLANET #2 (OF 5) CVR A COCCOLO    $3.99
SEP192154    MONSTER PLANET #2 (OF 5) CVR B TOLIBAO    $3.99
SEP192155    MONSTER PLANET #2 (OF 5) CVR C SANTACRUZ    $3.99
SEP192156    MONSTER PLANET #2 (OF 5) CVR D VITORINO    $3.99
AUG192069    OGRE GODS HC VOL 03 GREAT MAN (MR)    $24.99
SEP191977    OGRES #1    $3.99
SEP191868    ORPHANS GN VOL 04 WINNERS LOSERS    $19.99
SEP192373    PENGUINDRUM GN VOL 01    $12.99
FEB191796    PHANTOM COMP DAILIES HC VOL 17 1961-1962    $60.00
SEP192100    PLOT #3 (MR)    $3.99
JUL192130    PRE CODE CLASSICS ATOMIC WAR HC VOL 01    $51.99
JUL192131    PRE CODE CLASSICS ATOMIC WAR SLIPCASE ED HC VOL 01    $56.99
JUL192132    PRE CODE CLASSICS STRANGE SUSPENSE STORIES HC VOL 02    $45.99
JUL192133    PRE CODE CLASSICS STRANGE SUSPENSE STORIES SLIPCASE VOL 02 (    $55.99
SEP191574    PSYCHO LIST #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
OCT191879    PUSSYCATS TP VOL 02 S&N BALTIMORE COMIC CON ED (MR)    $14.99
SEP192104    RELICS OF YOUTH #3    $3.99
SEP192105    RESONANT #5 (MR)    $3.99
SEP191894    RICK & MORTY #56 CVR A ELLERBY    $3.99
SEP191895    RICK & MORTY #56 CVR B ALLEN-MCDOWELL    $3.99
SEP191891    RICK & MORTY VS D&D II PAINSCAPE #3 CVR A ITO (MR)    $3.99
SEP191892    RICK & MORTY VS D&D II PAINSCAPE #3 CVR B ALLANT (MR)    $3.99
SEP191893    RICK & MORTY VS D&D II PAINSCAPE #3 CVR C CHARACTER SHEET (M    $3.99
SEP191415    SECOND COMING #5 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
AUG192098    SMURFS HC VOL 26 SMURF SALAD    $12.99
FEB191546    SNAP FLASH HUSTLE TP VOL 01 (MR)    $14.99
APR191498    SPACE RIDERS VORTEX OF DARKNESS #1 (MR)    $3.99
SEP192332    TALES OF BERSERIA GN VOL 01    $12.99
SEP191834    TAP DANCE KILLER TP VOL 01    $19.99
SEP191650    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #119 YULETIDE MASH (MR)    $2.95
JUL192376    TO LOVE RU GN VOL 17-18 (MR)    $19.99
SEP191981    TOUCHING EVIL #1    $3.99
SEP192150    UNBOUND #2 (OF 5) CVR A VITORINO    $3.99
SEP192151    UNBOUND #2 (OF 5) CVR B COLAPIETRO    $3.99
SEP192152    UNBOUND #2 (OF 5) CVR C SANTACRUZ    $3.99
SEP192334    UQ HOLDER GN VOL 18 (MR)    $10.99
SEP192139    VAN HELSING VS DRACULAS DAUGHTER #4 (OF 5) CVR A VITORINO    $3.99
SEP192140    VAN HELSING VS DRACULAS DAUGHTER #4 (OF 5) CVR B RIVEIRO    $3.99
SEP192141    VAN HELSING VS DRACULAS DAUGHTER #4 (OF 5) CVR C ORTIZ    $3.99
SEP192142    VAN HELSING VS DRACULAS DAUGHTER #4 (OF 5) CVR D OTERO    $3.99
SEP191310    VARK WARS ONE SHOT    $4.00
AUG192529    WALKING MAN HC EXPANDED ED    $30.00
SEP192387    WITCHCRAFT WORKS GN VOL 13    $12.95
SEP191873    WOLVENHEART #2    $3.99

MAGAZINES
JUL191843    007 MAGAZINE 40TH ANN SPECIAL    $16.99
AUG192162    2000 AD PACK OCTOBER 2019    $30.00
SEP192053    ALTER EGO #162    $9.95
AUG192284    BACK ISSUE #117    $9.95
JUL192272    BRICKJOURNAL #60    $9.95
JUL192273    COMIC BOOK CREATOR #21    $9.95
SEP191677    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1693    $PI
SEP192052    RETROFAN MAGAZINE #7    $9.95
SEP191876    SCARY MONSTERS MAGAZINE #115    $9.95
AUG192194    SCREAM MAGAZINE #57 (MR)    $9.99

BOOKS
AUG192220    MOVIES OF 1960S BIBLIOTHECA ED    $20.00
APR191776    PHANTOM COMP AVON NOVELS VOL 11 SWAMP RATS    $14.99
APR191777    PHANTOM COMP AVON NOVELS VOL 12 VAMPIRES & WITCH    $14.99
MAR192035    PHILOSOPHY OF DEADPOOL HC (MR)    $14.99
AUG192476    RE ZERO SLIAW LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 11    $14.00
SEP192270    SO IM SPIDER SO WHAT LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 07    $14.00
SEP192111    STAN LEE MASTER CLASS SC    $24.99
AUG192259    STAR WARS ALIENS CREATURES & DROIDS SC COLL    $24.99
AUG192035    STAR WARS LUKE SKYWALKER & SECRETS OF THE JEDI HC    $24.99
SEP192272    WOLF & PARCHMENT LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 04 NEW THEORY    $14.00
SEP192264    YOU CALL THAT SERVICE LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 01    $15.00

Review: FARMHAND #6

FARMHAND No. 6
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rob Guillory – @Rob_guillory
ART: Rob Guillory
COLORS: Taylor Wells
LETTERS: Kody Chamberlain
32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(March 2019)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Farmhand created by Rob Guillory

Chapter 6: “ReCreation”

Farmhand is a science fiction and 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; colored by Taylor Wells; and lettered by Kody Chamberlain (who also designed the Farmhand logo).

Farmhand focuses on Ezekiel “Zeke” Jenkins, a husband, father, and graphic designer and illustrator.  He returns to the place where he grew up, Freetown, Louisiana, with his wife, Mae, and their children, Abigail and Riley.  The old family business, “Jenkins Family Farm,” grew crops, as in plants.  Now, Zeke's father, Jedidiah Jenkins, and “Jenkins Family Farmaceutical Institute” grow plant-based human organs and tissue.

Farmhand #6 (“ReCreation”) opens with a local minister, John Moore, feeling a sense of foreboding while he stands in a local graveyard.  There is trouble all around, but Zeke, Jedidiah, Riley, and Riley's strange pal, Mikhail, are gone fishing.  Meanwhile, at the institute, Andrea (Zeke's sister and Jed's daughter) is facing down mounting problems.  Even Zeke and company will find that a fishing trip is not an escape from the spreading curse of that “miracle seed.”

In my previous reviews of the excellent Farmhand, I have connected this comic book to the work of late television writer and producer, Rod Serling, and his legendary TV series, “The Twilight Zone.”  Farmhand also plants its roots in the rich, dark soil of that American master of speculative fiction and fantasy, Ray Bradbury.

Still, Farmhand is gradually a vine growing in its own directions, and I have started to wonder about the direction of this narrative.  Yes, the events depicted here are often a horror show for the characters within, characters main, supporting, guests, and cameos. But what of this miracle seed?  Is it in a state of distress as some of the characters in this series are?

One might interpret, as I did, a suggestion in this issue that the stem cell that has provided so many humans with new organs and body parts may also be some kind of A.I. – Artificial Intelligence.  Maybe, the “miracle seed” is an artificial intelligence or perhaps, “independent intelligence.”  Maybe, its actions are beyond the moral considerations of good and evil.  In Jurassic Park, Dr. Ian Malcolm says that life will find a way, and Farmhand's seed seems to be finding its own way, by design grand, random, or otherwise.

Farmhand #6 is the start of a new story arc.  Guillory's writing and art are still quite good.  Taylor Wells' colors remain a wonderland of hues.  Kody Chamberlain's lettering is like a steady drum beat telling a story to everyone in the valley who can hear it.  However, whereas many series attempt to solidify its world and worldview by the second story arc, Farmhand and Rob Guillory are not solidifying; rather, they are in a state of change, if not evolution.  When it comes to where the “Jedidiah seed” is going, there is no signpost up ahead.

10 out of 10

https://robguillory.com/
https://twitter.com/Rob_guillory
https://www.instagram.com/rob_guillory/

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: CATS OF THE LOUVRE

CATS OF THE LOUVRE
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Taiyo Matsumoto (with Saho Tono)
TRANSLATION/ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Michael Arias
LETTERS: Deron Bennett
EDITOR: Mike Montessa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0708-9; hardcover (September 2019)
432pp, B&W with some color, $29.99 US, $39.99 CAN, £20.00 UK

Located in Paris, the Louvre is the world's largest art museum (and perhaps it most famous).  Did you know, dear reader, that the Louvre also publishes comics?  Yes, the most famous art museum in the world has been commissioning various legendary comic artists to write their own original stories inspired by the Louvre and its collection for the last decade.  These comics are published via a joint venture between the Louvre and French publisher, Futuropolis.

Most of these artists are French, but increasingly the Louvre has been working with Japanese manga artists (mangaka).  One of those mangaka is Taiyo Matsumoto, who is best known for his manga, Tekkonkinkreet.  Matsumoto won one of American comics' most prestigious honors, an Eisner Award (“Best U.S. Edition of International Material,” 2008), for Tekkonkinkreet: Black and White, VIZ Media's English-language edition of Tekkonkinkreet.

Matsumoto's contribution to Louvre comics is Les Chats du Louvre (Cats of the Louvre), which Futuropolis published in two books, one in February 2017 and the second in August 2018.  VIZ Media recently published an English-language edition of both volumes of Les Chats du Louvre in a single, hardcover, omnibus book under the title, Cats of the Louvre.

Cats of the Louvre, Part One (Chapters 1 to 10) and Part Two (Chapters 11 to 17 to Final Chapter) focuses on a group of human characters that works at the Louvre and a small family of cats that lives in the museum's attic.  Cécile Gagnier, a recent hire, is a tour guide.  Through Marcel, an elderly nightwatchman, Cécile learns that the paintings speak.  Although Cécile and, Marcel's new assistant, Patrick Nasri, initially doubt the old nightwatchman stories, they gradually become believers, especially Cécile.

For the world-renowned Louvre museum contains more than just the most famous works of art in history.  At night, within the Louvre's darkened galleries, an unseen and surreal world comes alive.  It is a world witnessed only by the cats that live in the attic, until now…  The cats, who change appearance at night into anthropomorphic forms, will end up sharing that magic with the humans.  Long ago, Marcel's sister, Arrieta, disappeared in the Louvre when the two were children.  Now, Cécile and a precocious white kitten named “Snowbébé” will solve a mystery that unites the world of the humans that work at the Louvre, the world of the cats, and the magical world a mysterious painting.

It is difficult to describe Cats of the Louvre.  It is surreal and partly exists in the real world and in the world of magical realism; then, some of it is entirely magical and fantastical.

Taiyo Matsumoto fashions an interesting and endearing group of human characters.  Marcel is mysterious, but he is the kind of old man who has a lot to say.  I found that I could not get enough of him.  Patrick Nasri is a nice spin on the skeptical youth type.  Cécile Gagnier is our doorway into the entire world of the museum and its employees and the world of the family of cats in the attic.  Her curiosity and determination and her willingness to listen and to believe make her an excellent focus and doorway into the narrative for readers.

The cats are something else entirely.  Even as cats, they seem slightly supernatural, so when they become human-like at night, everything about them turns magical and exciting.  I could follow their lives and adventures forever.  Most of the cat characters are quite interesting, but the star is, of course, Snowbébé.  This little white cat is the one who crosses the barriers, visiting the galleries during the day when the tourists and museum visitors can plainly see him.  It is his adventure into the mystery painting that creates the most magical and surreal sections of Cats of the Louvre.

Matsumoto's art is as lyrical, as poetic, and as personal as his story.  His odd, eccentric drawing style is perfect for comics; in fact, Cats of the Louvre looks like Eurocomics, American comics, and manga.  The art and story are hypnotic and alluring.  I found myself being pulled into the comic by the irresistible force of Matsumoto's graphical storytelling.

Michael Arias, the noted visual effects artist who directed the anime adaptation of Tekkonkinkreet, provides the translation and English adaptation for VIZ Media's edition of Cats of the Louvre.  Arias captures the magic and brilliance of Matsumoto's tale of the Louvre and its cats, its humans, and its charmed works of art.  Letter Deron Bennett turns in the best work of his career, providing the English lettering and sound effects and also, with his lettering, matching the beautiful spirit of Matsumoto's art.

I highly recommend Cats of the Louvre.  No admirer of the medium of comics can ignore Matsumoto's stunning manga.

10 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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