I Reads You Juniors January 2020 - Update #85

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From BleedingCool: The 2020 winner of the most prestigious award in all of comic books, "the Grand Prix d’Angoulême" is 56-year-old Emmanuel Guibert ("Brune," "The Photographer")

COMICS TO FILM - From Newsarama:  An actress is organizing a short film based on Terry Moore's comic book, "Strangers in Paradise," as a tryout for a feature film.

MANGA-TV - From Deadline:   Netflix has given the greenlight to a live-action TV series based on the worldwide smash hit manga, "One Piece."  The 10-episode series will be produced by Tomorrow Studios and the Shueisha, the publisher of "One Piece."

From THR:  POW! Entertainment, a company co-founded by the late Marvel Comics icon, Stan Lee, has asked a California federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought against them by Lee's daughter, JC Lee.

THE BATMAN - From YahooFinance:  Filming is underway on Matt Reeves' "The Batman."

From Newsarama:  The full cast for Matt Reeves' "The Batman" has been confirmed.
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From Newsarama:  Jerry Craft's "New Kid" graphic novel has won the prestigious "John Newbery Medal" for the most outstanding contribution to children's literatur in 2020.  This is the first time a comic book has won this honor.

From BleedingCool:  "The Beat" has separated from publisher, Lion Forge, and is once again an independent new source.

MARVEL TV - From TheWrap:  The animated Marvel series, "Howard the Duck" and "Tigra & Dazzler," are not moving forward at Hulu.  The decision was apparently Marvel Studios'.

COMICS-TO-TV - From THR:  Amazon has picked up the rights to Rick Remender's comic book, "Fear Agent" (Image Comics).  Meanwhile, Remender and his production company, Giant Generator, has signed a deal with Sony Pictures Television.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Actress Rosario Dawson has snagged the lead in HBO Max's pilot for "DMZ," the TV adaptation of Brian Wood's comic book that was published by DC Comics.  Oscar-nominee Ava Duvernay is directing the pilot.

From BleedingCool:  Comic book artist Dan Fraga will relaunch his 1990s comic book, "Black Flag," by launching a crowdfunding campaign in April 2020. Fraga is generally known for his association with Rob Liefeld.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  J.J. Abrams' "Bad Robot" production company is apparently developing film and TV ideas based on DC Comics' "Justice League Dark."

From CBSNewYork:  The Schomburg Center’s 8th annual Black Comic Book Festival is a black comic book festival that celebrates the art of science fiction, fantasy, and storytelling.  The event was held Fri., Jan 17th to Sat., Jan 18th, 2020.

MARVEL-HULU - From Newsarama:  Marvel reveals voice cast members for its animated series, "M.O.D.O.K." which will stream on Hulu.

From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing will publish a new comic book miniseries based on the late TV series, "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."  "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Too Long a Sacrifice" begins in April 2020.

From JerusalemPost:  The Israeli team of Guy Lenman and Nimrod Frydman won the 13th Japan International Manga Awards.

DC CINEMA - From CheatSheet:  Zoe Kravitz will play Catwoman in Matt Reeves "The Batman," but she also provided Catwoman's voice in 2017's "The LEGO Batman Movie."

SONY MARVEL U - From GamesRadar:  Maybe you are intrigued by the recent teaser trailers for Sony's summer release," Morbius," based on the Marvel Comics character.  This articles tells you who Morbius is, what his powers are, and looks at his comic book history.

COMICS TO STREAMING - From BloodyDisgusting:  Netflix has released a behind-the-scenes video featurette for its upcoming series, "Locke & Key," which is based on the long-running IDW Publishing comic book by writer Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez.

From BleedingCool:  For what its worth, the site "Cash Lady" says that "Black Panther" is the most popular superhero in the United States.

From BleedingCool:  The 100 most ordered comics ("Doomsday Clock #12) and grapic novels ("House of X'/"Powers of X" hardcover collection) of December 2019.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics' upcoming series, "Children of the Atom," introduces a new class of teen mutants.

COMICS TO TV - From Deadline:  "The Walking Dead: World Beyond," the second spin-off of "The Walking Dead," is scheduled to debut April 12, 2020.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics will republish its classic and seminal graphic novel, "God Loves, Man Kills" ("Marvel Graphic Novel #5), as a two-issue miniseries, beginning April 2020.  The original storytellers, writer Chris Claremont and artist Brent Anderson, will create a new story for the miniseries, which will act as a modern day framing device.

From Newsarama:   Former "Saturday Night Live" performer, Taran Killam, will writer the three-issue comic book miniseries, "Empyre: Spider-Man."

FILM TO COMICS - From THR:  Dark Horse Comics will adapt the late Dan O'Bannon's original screenplay for the film, "Alien" (1979) as a five-issue comic book miniseries.  They will use O'Bannon's original work, not the screenplay heavily rewritten by producers Walter Hill and David Giler.

COMICS TO TV - From Newsarama:  TNT has released a teaser trailer for its upcoming TV series, "Snowpiercer," which is based on the French comic, "The Escape," which was also adapted into an acclaimed 2013 from director Bong Joon-Ho.  "Snowpiercer" is scheduled to premiere May 31, 2020.

DC TV - From USAToday:  Daniel Lindelof has made it official that he will not work on a second seaxon of his critically acclaimed HBO series, "Watchmen."  And HBO seems unlikely to do a second season with him.

From Newsarama:  Image Comics publisher, Eric Stephenson, says that there are too many comic books being published for comic book stores to handle...

From 2000AD:  Rebellion Publishing has launched a line that will reprint important and popular Judge Dredd comics.  "Essential Judge Dredd" will launch September 2020.

MEMORIAM - From 2000AD:   Longtime British comic book letterer, Ellie deVille, died at the age of 72, Tuesday, December 24, 2019.  She was working up to the time of her death and was one of the longest serving and most prolific letterers for the venerable British comics magazine, "2000 AD."

From CBR:   2015's "Star Wars #1" was the top selling comic book of the last decade.

TRAILER - From Newsarama:  There is a new international trailer for Columbia Pictures' "Bloodshot," which based on the Valiant Comics' character.  The film is due March 13, 2020.

From TVO:  Canadian indie comics publisher, Koyama Press, is closing, so what will that mean to Canadian indie comics artists?

From FastCompany:  Manga artist are among the artists that produced poster art for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

From BleedingCool:  Leah Williams and David Baldeon will revive "X-Factor" for the second wave of "Dawn of X" comic books.

TRAILER - From YouTube:  Here is the first trailer for Sony's "Morbius," which is based on the Marvel Comics character.  The film is due July 31, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Wildstorm's acclaimed comic book, "Ex Machina," is headed to the big screen, but reportedly under a new title, "The Great Machine."

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  "Joker" becomes the second film based on a comic book to earned a best picture Oscar nomination.  That it was of 11 nominations for the film, which include best director (Todd Phillips) and best actor (Joaquin Phoenix).  Last year, Marvel Studios' "Black Panther" earned the first best picture Oscar nomination for a comic book film.

From BleedingCool:  Popular artist David Finch may be preppring an original graphic novel that will be published by Image Comics.

DC CINEMA - From EsquireUK:  The run time on "Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)" will be 108 minutes, making it the shortest "Worlds of DC" film to date.

From Newsarama:  DC Comics Publisher, Dan DiDio, said that the company will not solicit any new "DC Black Label" titles until they are sure that the material will come out as scheduled.

MANGA TO STREAMING - From Summary:  An animated version of the manga, "Beastars," is apparently headed to Netflix this year.

From BRProud:  In Livingston Parish, a rural Louisiana parish (county), the Denham Springs-Walker branch of the Livingston Parish Library system is having its own "comic-con" on Sat., Feb. 15th, 2020.

G.I. JOE - From Newsarama:  The upcoming film, "Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins," is a reboot of the "G.I. Joe" film franchise and not a prequel to the previous two films.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  FX's "Y: The Last Man" TV series has gotten a reboot with new showrunners.  The show has not, however, gone into production.

From THR:  Marvel Comics had seven of the top ten comic book releases in the American comic book Direct Market in 2019.  DC Comics had five of the top ten collected edition and graphic novel releases.

From Newsarama:  The nominations for the 2020 / 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards  have been announced.  One of the categories is "Outstanding Comic Book."  The winners will be announced March 19, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Director Andy Muschietti says that his movie based on DC Comics' character, "Flash," will be based on the comic book miniseries, "Flashpoint." but not the way fans might expect.

From THR:  BOOM! Studios will publish Ryan North and Albert Monteys' comic book adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's novel, Slaughterhouse-Five.  The first issue is due September 2020.

From ComicBook:  The creators of the infamous "Death Note manga, "Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, are working on a one-shot chapter to the series.  The 87-page story will appear in the Feb. 4th issues of "SQ Jump" in Japan.

From BleedingCool:  The first looks at DC Comics upcoming "5G" event and the new timeline will appear in the first three months of 2020.

DC TV - From EW:  Actor Dennis Haysbert will provide the voice of "God" in the fifth and final season of "Lucifer," which moved from Fox to streaming on Netflix.  Author and comic book writer, Neil Gaiman, provided the voice of God in Season 3 of "Lucifer."

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Todd Phillip's "Joker" won two awards at the 77th Golden Globes.  One was for "actor in motion picture-drama" (Joaquin Phoenix) and the other was for "score-motion picture" (Hildur Guðnadóttir).

FOX X-MEN UNIVERSE - From YouTube:  A new "official" trailer for "The New Mutants" has arrived.  The film is due April 3, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From CBR:  Take a look at the first set photos from director Matt Reeves' "The Batman."

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Laura Hudson, the former editor-in-chief of "Comics Alliance," has joined the staff of the HBO Max TV adaptation of the comic book series, "DMZ."

From Newsarama:  Rob Liefeld says that he will revive his "Prophet" comic book in time for a milestone issue, "Prophet #20."

COMICS TO FILM - From TheStage:  Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal is producing a film version of the award-winning graphic novel, "Fun Home."  Alison's Bechdel's original graphic novel has already been turned into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.

DC CINEMA - From DigitalSpy:  Director Zack Snyder says that his version of the 2016 film, "Justice League," may have more than one "Green Lantern."  Will fans ever see Snyder's version of "Justice League," after the public release of Joss Whedon's version of the film.

DC CINEMA - From YahooEntertainment:  Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson confirms that he has started training for his DC Comics film, "Black Adam."

From BleedingCool:  Mark Millar says that he has begun writing the third series in his "Jupiter's Legacy" series, "Jupiter's Requiem."

TOY NEWS - From Newsarama:  Todd McFarlane unveils the first wave of McFarlane Toys' line of "DC Multiverse" collector figures.

From Newsarama:  Ms. Marvel has a new "living costume."

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Director Todd Phillips says that he and actor Joaquin Phoenix "haven't really decided" on doing a sequel to their smash hit film, "Joker."

MANGA TO GAMES - From SyFyWire:   A prototype has emerged for SEGA Genesis' cancelled game based on the legendary manga, "Akira."  The movie was originally scheduled for a 1995 debut.

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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:  February 2020 comics solicitations for 25 publishers
From Newsarama:  01: First Second for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybook for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for February 2020
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:  Fantagraphics Books for February 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing 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:  Random House for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Titan 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

MARCH 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  March 2020 comics solicitations for 23 publishers
From Newsarama:  :01 First Second for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Artists, Writer and Artisans for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Book for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for March 2020

APRIL 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Media for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Devil's Due for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2020


MAY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS
From Newsarama:  A full-list of titles available for "Free Comic Book Day 2020" on May 2, 2020.

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#IReadsYou Review: COYOTE Volume 2

COYOTE, VOL. 2
SUBLIME MANGA/Daria – @SuBLimeManga

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Ranmaru Zariya
TRANSLATION: Christine Dashiell
LETTERS: Mara Coman
EDITOR: Jennifer LeBlanc
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0253-4; paperback (July 2019); Rated “M” for “Mature”
184pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S. (6.99 digital), $17.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

Coyote is a yaoi manga from manga creator, Ranmaru Zariya.  Yaoi manga is a subset of boys' love (or BL) manga, which depicts amorous situations between male romantic leads.  Yaoi manga usually features explicit depictions of sex between those male leads.  Coyote follows a werewolf and the pianist who fall in love although their families are murderous rivals.

Coyote introduces a young man named “Coyote.”  In order to conceal that he is a werewolf, Coyote avoids getting too involved with humans, but he frequents a bar where a young man, who calls himself “Marleen,” is a pianist.  Marleen is interested in Coyote and just won’t take “No!” for an answer, but when Coyote goes into “heat,” he succumbs to the pianist.  Marleen, however, is really 28-year-old Josh Galland, the only heir of the Galland mafia family.  Although estranged from his family, Josh is being drawn into the Galland's long war against werewolves.

Coyote, Vol. 2 (Chapters 5 to 8) opens with Coyote in Marleen's bed.  When Coyote leaves, Marleen has him tracked to find out where the werewolves live in the city.  Coyote has a female werewolf associate named “Mimi,” and Marleen has an associate named Allen Brown, and each one has some news to report.  When Coyote discovers that Marleen is really Josh Galland, things fall apart.

Also, werewolf leader, Kiefer, has decreed that Coyote lead a killing raid against the Gallant family.  So what will Coyote and Marleen do?  Will they choose love or family?

[This volume includes the additional story, “Sweet Days 7, Scene 5: A Week at Marleen's Place.”]

As I wrote in my review of the first volume of the Coyote manga, I am a fan of werewolf fiction, although I don't often find much of it that I like.  That is why I treasure Stephen King's illustrated novella, “Cycle of the Werewolf,” and its film adaptation, Silver Bullet.  I am also a fan of the films, An American Werewolf in London and The Howling, and of the probably-forgotten novel, Tombley's Walk.  I am happy to have discovered the Coyote yaoi manga, thanks in part to a review copy from my VIZ Media rep.

Coyote Graphic Novel Volume 2 dives deep into the conspiracy and into the Romeo and Juliet-like feud at the center of this series.  Vol. 2 reads like urban fantasy more than it does as erotic fiction or yaoi manga.  Yes, there is an intense sex scene that opens this volume, and six pages of it are in vivid color.  Still, this volume is driven by conflict and dilemma and by character and plot.  I found myself really drawn into that, to the point that I could not stop reading.  If this were not a yaoi manga, it would still be a really good manga.

Ranmaru Zariya is a good storyteller, and the art in this series has a strong sense of realism, in addition to being some of the best that I have come across in yaoi manga.  Christine Dashiell's translation makes the conspiracies and mafia elements as captivating as the sex, while Mara Coman's lettering captures the many layers of this narrative.

Also, the additional story in Vol. 2, “Sweet Days 7, Scene 5: A Week at Marleen's Place,” is your booty-call after-drama mint.  If you need at least two hot sex scenes in your yaoi manga, this bonus at the back of the volume delivers.

10 out of 10

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

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at SubBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga, Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga, Tumblr at http://sublimemanga.tumblr.com/, and Instagram at @sublimemanga/.


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


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#IReadsYou Review: MERA: Tidebreaker

MERA: TIDEBREAKER
DC COMICS/DC Ink – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Danielle Paige – @daniellempaige
ART: Stephen Byrne
COLORS: David Calderon
LETTERS: Joshua Reed
EDITORS: Ben Abernathy and Michelle R. Wells
ISBN:  978-1-4012-9339-1; paperback; (April 2, 2019)
208pp, Color, $16.99 U.S., $22.99 CAN

Age Range: 13 and up

Mera created by Jack Miller and Nick Cardy

Mera is a DC Comics character that is part of the Aquaman line of comic books.  She was created by writer Jack Miller and artist Nick Cardy and first appeared in Aquaman #11 (cover dated: September 1963).  Mera is “queen of the sea” and Queen of Atlantis to Aquaman's “king of the sea” and King of Atlantis.  Once a supporting character, modern versions of Mera emphasize her own super-human strength and magic power (to control water), and she is portrayed as a superhero.

DC Ink is a DC Comics imprint that offers original graphic novels for readers 13-years-old and older.  DC Ink titles will feature, according to DC Comics, coming-of-age stories that encourage teens to ask themselves who they are and how they relate to others.

Mera: Tidebreaker is the title that kicks off the DC Ink line.  It is written by novelist Danielle Paige (the Dorothy Must Die series).  It is drawn by Stephen Byrne, colored by David Calderon; and lettered by Joshua Reed.  Mera: Tidebreaker focuses on a teenage heir to the throne who believes that murdering a prince of a rival kingdom will allow her to rule her kingdom independently.

Mera: Tidebreaker introduces Mera, teenage royalty and heir to the throne of Xebel.  Once one of the seven kingdoms of Atlantis, Xebel now is oppressed by Atlantis.  Xebel seethes with the potential for rebellion against Atlantis.  Mera's father, Ryus, expects his daughter to marry Larken, the son of the ruler of “The Trench,” a kingdom allied to Xebel.

The Xebellian military plots to overthrow Atlantis and break free of its oppressive regime, and one of the most important moves in this rebellion is finding and assassinating Arthur Curry, the long-lost prince and heir to the throne of Atlantis.  Mera decides to take that mission on herself, as she believes that killing Arthur will allow her to sit on the throne of Xebel without having a man at her side.

Arthur lives on land, in the beach town of Amnesty Bay.  Mera not only takes her first steps on land, but she also gets sidetracked when she finds herself having unexpected feelings for the target of her assassination mission, Arthur.

I first came upon Mera as the dutiful, but powerful wife of Aquaman decades ago.  While the comic books I read depicted Mera as quite the fighter in her own right, I would never have imagined a Mera comic book like Mera: Tidebreaker.  This graphic novel explores the themes of duty, love, heroism, and freedom with depth and substance.  Mera is a strong, complex, and messy character in ways that makes it hard for the reader not to attach herself to this engaging young woman.

I think what makes Mera: Tidebreaker work is that writer Danielle Paige presents Mera's coming-of-age as a work-in-progress.  The hero, in this case, Mera, does not learn about herself and her place in the world, nor does she develop relationships with others.  Instead Mera is learning about herself and her place in the world.  She is developing relationships with others.  Mera's journey is ongoing; nothing is really complete, and there are few if any easy answers.  Every resolution is part of an evolution, so, without spoiling things, I can say that Mera: Tidebreaker looks as if it will be the first in a new original graphic novel series.

Stephen Byrne tells this tale in brawny, effective graphical storytelling.  [It is hard for me to believe that this is the same Stephen Byrne who drew the recent, detestable Wonder Twins comic book.]  Byrne tells Mera: Tidebreaker as if it were some hot, television teen soap opera, using intense emotions and powerful moments of drama and confrontation to shape the characters.  Byrne makes Mera: Tidebreaker a cover-to-cover read.  [I read it in one sitting.]

Colorist David Calderon uses his colors to accentuate Mera: Tidebreaker and to give it an unusual visual appearance.  I might describe that appearance as some kind of realism.  Joshua Reed's lettering is effective and effectively sized and placed to make the story flow smoothly.

Mera: Tidebreaker has an all-around excellent creative team, and they make this the high-quality launch an imprint needs, especially DC Ink, with its particular ambitions.  One might even argue, that Mera: Tidebreaker gives young readers the kind of select original graphic novel that older readers take for granted.

8 out of 10

[This book contains a preview of the original graphic novel, Under the Moon: A Catwoman's Tale, from writer Lauren Myracle; artist Isaac Goodhart; colorist Jeremy Lawson; and letterer Deron Bennett.]

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.

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#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #27

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES No. 27
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Anita Zaramella
COLORS: Anita Zaramella
LETTERS: Elisa M. Coletti
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: Ricardo Mendez
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2015; digital release date – December 14, 2016)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“The Road to Salvation, Part 3 of 4”

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series that mixes in elements of comedy, horror, and adventure.  It is the creation of B. Alex Thompson and is published by his company, Approbation Comics.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

The current story line is “The Road to Salvation,” which finds the Chaos Campus trio in the middle of a squabble involving “Salvation,” a now-divided human sanctuary.  The girls also fend off the fearsome “Neo Zombies” and deal with a Jamie-lookalike.  This third chapter of “The Road to Salvation” is written by B. Alex Thompson; illustrated and colored by Anita Zaramella; and lettered by Elisa M. Coletti.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #27 opens in the past via Paige's boogie-woogie magic and time traveling.  There, our badass chick heroes learn that Jamie and her lookalike, Princess Aimee of Salvation West, are twin sisters, and that they were separated at birth.  Now, it is time for Jamie to be reunited with her mother, Queen Raimee of Salvation West.

Jamie isn't exactly crazy about her new situation, and she finds further complications with Damien, Salvation West's Storm Shadow (G.I. Joe) lookalike head of security.  When tragedy strikes, however, the dynamics change.

Chaos Campus is currently in the middle of an excellent story line.  I believe that this series has hit its stride since entering the 20s.  I like to remind readers that Chaos Campus is one of my favorite comic books.  It is certainly as good as many and better than most of the nostalgia titles published by Marvel and DC Comics.  B. Alex Thompson offers a winner to readers, one that needs to come out of the shadows of indie comics obscurity.

I am fascinated by “The Road to Salvation” story line, and I think that it could be told as a separate miniseries.  Anita Zaramella does solid work as artist this issue; her imaginative layouts keep the story exciting, but she is also good at the emotional moments.  Her coloring gives the story the feel of animation, and that gives the story a sense of movement and flow.  The lettering by Elisa M. Coletti captures the swings in tone and mood that shape this issue.

9 out of 10

Buy Chaos Campus #27 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.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 or syndication rights and fees.

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BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for January 29, 2020

BOOM! STUDIOS

NOV191261    GO GO POWER RANGERS #28 20 COPY VIDAL INCV (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
NOV191259    GO GO POWER RANGERS #28 CVR A CARLINI (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
NOV191260    GO GO POWER RANGERS #28 CVR B MERCADO VAR (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
NOV198435    GO GO POWER RANGERS #28 FOC MAD VAR (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
SEP191287    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS TP VOL 10 (C: 1-1-2)    $16.99
OCT199130    POWER RANGERS TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #1 UNLOCK B&W ED    $4.99
NOV191264    SOMETHING IS KILLING CHILDREN #5    $3.99
NOV198436    SOMETHING IS KILLING CHILDREN #5 FOC VAR    $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 29, 2020

DARK HORSE COMICS

SEP190309    ALIENS RESCUE TP (C: 0-1-2)    $19.99
SEP190317    ELFEN LIED OMNIBUS TP VOL 03 (C: 1-1-2)    $24.99
SEP190312    FF DOT PIXEL ART OF FINAL FANTASY HC (C: 1-1-2)    $24.99
NOV190181    FRANKENSTEIN UNDONE #1 (OF 5) CVR A STENBECK    $3.99
NOV190182    FRANKENSTEIN UNDONE #1 (OF 5) CVR B MIGNOLA    $3.99
NOV190263    INVISIBLE KINGDOM #9 (MR)    $3.99
JUL190373    PERRY BIBLE FELLOWSHIP HC 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (C: 0-1-2    $24.99
NOV190209    WITCHFINDER REIGN OF DARKNESS #3 (OF 5)    $3.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 29, 2020

DC COMICS

NOV190425    ACTION COMICS #1019    $3.99
NOV190426    ACTION COMICS #1019 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
OCT190623    ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN JOSE LUIS GARCIA LOPEZ HC VOL 02    $49.99
OCT190624    AQUAMAN DEATH OF A PRINCE DLX ED HC    $39.99
OCT190627    BAT AND THE CAT 80 YEARS OF ROMANCE HC    $39.99
OCT190631    BATMAN BEYOND TP VOL 06 DIVIDE CONQUER AND KILL    $16.99
JUN190629    BATMAN BLACK & WHITE BATMAN BY GENE COLAN STATUE    $90.00
OCT190653    BIRDS OF PREY MURDER AND MYSTERY TP    $29.99
JUN190625    DC ESSENTIALS HAL JORDAN AF    $28.00
JUN190627    DC ESSENTIALS KNIGHTFALL BATMAN AF    $28.00
JUN190628    DC ESSENTIALS KNIGHTFALL CATWOMAN AF    $28.00
JUN190626    DC ESSENTIALS SINESTRO AF    $28.00
DEC190003    DC PREVIEWS #22 FEBRUARY 2020 EXTRAS (NET)    $PI
NOV190422    DC SUPER HERO GIRLS GIANT #2 (RES)    $4.99
NOV190446    DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #3    $4.99
NOV190513    DIAL H FOR HERO #11 (OF 12)    $3.99
NOV190520    DOLLAR COMICS DETECTIVE COMICS #554    $1.00
NOV198792    FAR SECTOR #1 (OF 12) 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
NOV190451    FLASH #87    $3.99
NOV190452    FLASH #87 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190456    GREEN LANTERN BLACKSTARS #3 (OF 3)    $3.99
NOV190457    GREEN LANTERN BLACKSTARS #3 (OF 3) VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190464    JUSTICE LEAGUE #39    $3.99
NOV190465    JUSTICE LEAGUE #39 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190466    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19    $3.99
NOV190467    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV198791    LAST GOD #1 2ND PTG (MR)    $4.99
NOV190509    LAST GOD #4 (MR)    $4.99
OCT190493    SHADOW OF THE BATGIRL TP    $16.99
NOV190484    SUICIDE SQUAD #2    $3.99
NOV190485    SUICIDE SQUAD #2 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
NOV190494    TERRIFICS #24    $3.99
NOV190495    TERRIFICS #24 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190496    TITANS BURNING RAGE #6 (OF 7)    $4.99

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for January 29, 2020

DYNAMITE

NOV191075    BETTIE PAGE UNBOUND #10 CVR A ROYLE    $3.99
NOV191076    BETTIE PAGE UNBOUND #10 CVR B MARQUES    $3.99
NOV191077    BETTIE PAGE UNBOUND #10 CVR C SHANNON    $3.99
NOV191078    BETTIE PAGE UNBOUND #10 CVR D OHTA    $3.99
NOV191079    BETTIE PAGE UNBOUND #10 CVR E PHOTO    $3.99
MAR191197    DYNAMITE COSPLAY TRADING CARD 12 PACK BOX (NET) (C: 0-1-2)    $PI
MAR191196    DYNAMITE COSPLAY TRADING CARD FOIL PACK (NET) (C: 0-1-2)    $PI
NOV191031    GEORGE RR MARTIN A CLASH OF KINGS #1 CVR A MILLER (MR)    $3.99
NOV191032    GEORGE RR MARTIN A CLASH OF KINGS #1 CVR B RUBI (MR)    $3.99
NOV191033    GEORGE RR MARTIN A CLASH OF KINGS #1 CVR C SEGOVIA (MR)    $3.99
NOV191034    GEORGE RR MARTIN A CLASH OF KINGS #1 CVR D GUICE (MR)    $3.99
OCT191275    KISS ZOMBIES #2 SAYGER LTD VIRGIN CVR (C: 0-0-1)    $50.00
OCT191276    KISS ZOMBIES #2 SUYDAM LTD VIRGIN CVR (C: 0-0-1)    $50.00
NOV191126    KISS ZOMBIES #3 CVR A SUYDAM    $3.99
NOV191127    KISS ZOMBIES #3 CVR B SAYGER    $3.99
NOV191128    KISS ZOMBIES #3 CVR C BUCHEMI    $3.99
NOV191129    KISS ZOMBIES #3 CVR D PHOTO    $3.99
NOV198063    KISS ZOMBIES #3 HAESER FOC BONUS VAR    $3.99
NOV191145    RED SONJA #12 CONNER VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
NOV191146    RED SONJA #12 LINSNER VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
NOV191158    RED SONJA VAMPIRELLA BETTY VERONICA #8 CVR A DALTON    $3.99
NOV191159    RED SONJA VAMPIRELLA BETTY VERONICA #8 CVR B HACK    $3.99
NOV191160    RED SONJA VAMPIRELLA BETTY VERONICA #8 CVR C BRAGA    $3.99
NOV191161    RED SONJA VAMPIRELLA BETTY VERONICA #8 CVR D PARENT    $3.99
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MAY191183    VAMPIRELLA #1 JUSKO CGC GRADED CVR (C: 0-1-2)    $89.99
MAY191184    VAMPIRELLA #1 MARCH CGC GRADED CVR (C: 0-1-2)    $89.99
MAY191182    VAMPIRELLA #1 ROSS CGC GRADED CVR (C: 0-1-2)    $89.99
OCT191163    VAMPIRELLA #6 ARTGERM LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
NOV198101    VAMPIRELLA #7 HETRICK FOC BONUS VAR    $3.99
OCT191309    VAMPIRELLA RED SONJA #4 TEDESCO VIRGIN CVR (C: 0-1-2)    $50.00
NOV191219    VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA #4 OLIVER LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
NOV191218    VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA #4 PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 29, 2020

IMAGE COMICS

NOV190131    CRIMINAL #12 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190139    FARMHAND #13 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190147    ICE CREAM MAN #17 CVR A MORAZZO & OHALLORAN (MR)    $3.99
NOV190148    ICE CREAM MAN #17 CVR B WALSH (MR)    $3.99
NOV190149    KILLADELPHIA #3 CVR A ALEXANDER (MR)    $3.99
NOV190150    KILLADELPHIA #3 CVR B SCALERA (MR)    $3.99
NOV190040    MONSTRESS #25 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190159    OLYMPIA #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
NOV190160    OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #44 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190012    PROTECTOR #1 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190166    REDNECK #25 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190059    SEA OF STARS TP VOL 01    $14.99
NOV190021    SEX CRIMINALS #26 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190022    SEX CRIMINALS #26 XXX LATOUR VAR (MR)    $4.69
NOV190068    THUMBS TP (MR)    $19.99
OCT190251    WEATHERMAN VOL 2 #6 CVR A FOX (MR)    $3.99
OCT190252    WEATHERMAN VOL 2 #6 CVR B ROBINSON (MR)    $3.99
NOV198132    WEATHERMAN VOL 2 #6 CVR C LADRONN (MR)    $3.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for January 29, 2020

IDW PUBLISHING

JUN190752    BATMAN ANIMATED SERIES GOTHAM UNDER SIEGE MASTERMINDS MAYHEM    $14.99
OCT190829    CLUE TP CANDLESTICK    $15.99
OCT190742    DUCKTALES TP VOL 07 IMPOSTERS & INTERNS (C: 1-1-2)    $9.99
AUG190835    LOVE & OTHER WEIRD THINGS TP (C: 0-1-2)    $14.99
NOV190678    NARCOS #2 (OF 4) CVR A MALHOTRA (RES)    $3.99
MAR190756    NARUTO SHIPPUDEN VILLAGE DEFENDERS (C: 0-1-2)    $19.99
NOV190661    READ ONLY MEMORIES #2 (OF 4) CVR A SIMEONE    $4.99
NOV190662    READ ONLY MEMORIES #2 (OF 4) CVR B NEOFOTISTOU    $4.99
NOV190637    STAR TREK PICARD #3 (OF 3) CVR A PITRE-DUROCHER    $4.99
OCT199135    STAR TREK PICARD COUNTDOWN #1 (OF 3) 2ND PTG    $4.99
NOV190685    STAR WARS ADVENTURES #30 CVR A FLOREAN (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
NOV190686    STAR WARS ADVENTURES #30 CVR B BUISAN (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
SEP190712    STAR WARS ADVENTURES OMNIBUS TP VOL 01 (C: 1-1-2)    $29.99
NOV190631    TMNT ONGOING #102 CVR A CAMPBELL (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
NOV190632    TMNT ONGOING #102 CVR B EASTMAN (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
OCT190786    TRANSFORMERS #16 CVR A HOWELL (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
OCT190787    TRANSFORMERS #16 CVR B LAREN (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
NOV190634    USAGI YOJIMBO COLOR CLASSICS #1    $3.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 29, 2020

MARVEL COMICS

NOV190988    ACTS OF VENGEANCE TP AVENGERS    $39.99
NOV190900    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #347 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
NOV190841    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN DAILY BUGLE #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
NOV190844    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN DAILY BUGLE #1 (OF 5) LUBERA VAR    $3.99
OCT199082    AVENGERS #26 2ND PTG KEOWN VAR    $3.99
NOV190857    AVENGERS #30    $3.99
NOV190858    AVENGERS #30 PHAM MARVEL X VAR    $3.99
NOV190972    AVENGERS BY JASON AARON TP VOL 05 CHALLENGE OF GHOST RIDERS    $15.99
NOV190845    AVENGERS OF THE WASTELANDS #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
NOV190846    AVENGERS OF THE WASTELANDS #1 (OF 5) GARRY BROWN VAR    $3.99
NOV190983    BLACK WIDOW TP WIDOWMAKER    $39.99
NOV190871    CAPTAIN AMERICA #18    $3.99
NOV190872    CAPTAIN AMERICA #18 KUBERT MARVELS X VAR    $3.99
NOV190791    CAPTAIN MARVEL THE END #1    $4.99
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OCT199083    CONAN SERPENT WAR #1 (OF 4) 2ND PTG EATON VAR    $4.99
OCT191062    CONAN THE BARBARIAN #12    $3.99
NOV190789    DEADPOOL THE END #1    $4.99
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OCT199084    DOCTOR DOOM #3 2ND PTG LARROCA VAR    $3.99
NOV190797    DOCTOR STRANGE THE END #1    $4.99
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NOV190874    DR STRANGE #2    $3.99
NOV190876    DR STRANGE #2 VATINE MARVELS X VAR    $3.99
NOV190956    EARTH X TP NEW PTG    $29.99
NOV198142    EXCALIBUR #3 2ND PTG ASRAR VAR DX    $3.99
OCT199089    FALLEN ANGELS #3 2ND PTG WITTER VAR DX    $3.99
NOV198190    FALLEN ANGELS #4 2ND PTG NAKAYAMA VAR DX    $3.99
NOV190834    FALLEN ANGELS #6 DX    $3.99
NOV190839    FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL #6 FACSIMILE EDITION    $4.99
NOV190981    FANTASTIC FOUR EPIC COLLECTION COMING GALACTUS TP NEW PTG    $39.99
SEP190986    FANTASTIC FOUR GRAND DESIGN TP    $29.99
SEP190987    FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 02 HOSTILE TAKEOVERS    $17.99
NOV190859    HAWKEYE FREE FALL #2    $3.99
NOV190869    IMMORTAL HULK #30    $3.99
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NOV190992    IRON MAN TP THE END NEW PTG    $17.99
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OCT199085    MAGNIFICENT MS MARVEL #10 2ND PTG JUNG VAR    $3.99
OCT199090    MAGNIFICENT MS MARVEL #7 2ND PTG VECCHIO VAR    $3.99
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OCT199086    MARAUDERS #3 2ND PTG DAUTERMAN VAR DX    $3.99
NOV198191    MARAUDERS #4 2ND PTG DAUTERMAN VAR DX    $3.99
DEC190002    MARVEL PREVIEWS VOL 04 #31 FEBRUARY 2020 EXTRAS (NET)    $1.25
AUG191131    MARVELS SPIDER-MAN SCRIPT BOOK HC    $50.00
OCT191141    MARVEL-VERSE GN TP BLACK PANTHER    $9.99
OCT199173    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #13 2ND PTG GARRON VAR    $3.99
AUG191141    MMW MIGHTY THOR HC VOL 19    $75.00
AUG191142    MMW MIGHTY THOR HC VOL 19 DM VAR ED 286    $75.00
NOV190817    NEW MUTANTS #6 DX    $3.99
NOV190774    RAVENCROFT #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
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OCT199087    SAVAGE AVENGERS #8 2ND PTG ZIRCHER VAR    $3.99
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NOV198094    STAR WARS RISE KYLO REN #1 (OF 4) 2ND PTG CRAIN SPOT COLOR V    $4.99
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NOV198193    TONY STARK IRON MAN #19 2ND PTG LOZANO VAR    $3.99
NOV190785    TRUE BELIEVERS CRIMINALLY INSANE ABSORBING MAN #1    $1.00
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NOV190836    WEAPON PLUS WORLD WAR IV    $4.99
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NOV190986    WHAT IF CLASSIC COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 03    $39.99
NOV190989    WOLVERINE TP THE END NEW PTG    $15.99
NOV190840    WOLVERINE VS SABRETOOTH 3D #1    $7.99
OCT199093    X-FORCE #3 2ND PTG WEAVER VAR DX    $3.99
NOV198194    X-FORCE #4 2ND PTG WEAVER VAR DX    $3.99
NOV190824    X-FORCE #6 DX    $3.99
OCT199088    X-MEN #3 2ND PTG YU VAR DX    $3.99
AUG199030    X-MEN #5 DX    $3.99
AUG199032    X-MEN #5 MARTIN MARVELS X VAR DX    $3.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for January 29, 2020

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

NOV191813    750CC DOWN LINCOLN HIGHWAY GN    $12.99
AUG192038    AIRBOY #51 CVR A MCKEE    $9.99
AUG192039    AIRBOY #51 CVR B STERANKO    $9.99
AUG192040    AIRBOY #51 CVR C KIETH    $9.99
AUG192041    AIRBOY #51 CVR D KINDT    $9.99
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NOV191577    ALMOST AMERICAN GIRL HC GN (C: 0-1-0)    $22.99
OCT191496    ANIMOSITY #26 (MR)    $3.99
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NOV192216    APOSIMZ GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-0)    $12.95
DEC191698    ASTRONAUTS WOMEN ON FINAL FRONTIER HC GN (C: 0-1-0)    $19.99
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SEP192210    DARKSTALKERS RISE OF THE NIGHT WARRIORS HC    $49.99
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MAR192143    DISNEY DESCENDANTS DIZZYS NEW FORTUNE COMPLETE TP (C: 1-1-2)    $15.99
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SEP191785    POGO COMP SYNDICATED STRIPS HC VOL 06 CLEAN AS WEASEL (C: 0-    $45.00
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#IReadsYou Review: ALABASTER SHADOWS

ALABASTER SHADOWS
ONI PRESS – @OniPress

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Matt Gardner
ARTIST: Rashad Doucet – @RashadDoucet
COLORS: Rashad Doucet
LETTERS: Ryan Ferrier
EDITORS: Jill Beaton and Robin Herrera
ISBN: 978-1-62010-264-0; paperback (December 9, 2015)
192pp, Color, $12.99 U.S.

Rating: All Ages

Alabaster Shadows is a 2015 original graphic novel (OGN) from writer Matt Gardner and artist-colorist Rashad Doucet.  Alabaster Shadows focuses on the new kid in town who discovers that there are incredibly weird things going on in his new neighborhood.  Letterer Ryan Ferrier completes the book's creative team.

Alabaster Shadows opens as Carter Normandy and his parents and his sister, Polly, arrive at their new home in the neighborhood of “Alabaster Shadows.”  Carter thinks that all the houses look the same, but on the first morning in the new house, he discovers a peculiar water leak, which seems to defy the laws of physics.

Carter is starting to believe that there is something weird about the neighborhood.  At the “Community Center,” the odd Mr. Randolph asks Carter and Polly to let him know if they see anything weird.  However, Miss Priscilla Crowe, head of the Community Center,” can barely tolerate the children.  Carter's homeroom teacher, Ms. Frump, also a child-hating old hag, seems to be up to something with Miss Crowe.

Luckily, Carter finds a group of friends that seems like the perfect fit.  There is Harley, a fan of the conspiracy theory magazine, “Weekly Truth Journal,” and her skeptical brother, Warren.  Dudley is the quiet boy who likes to draw... when he isn't talking about the monsters under his bed.  Monsters under his bead, you say?!  Yes, Alabaster Shadows apparently has a monster problem, to say nothing of the otherworldly places from which these monsters originate.  Now, it is up to Carter and his friends to solve the mysteries of Alabaster Shadows and to keep these monsters from crossing over into their world, or suffer dire consequences.

I discovered the existence of Alabaster Shadows the graphic novel in a press release.  At the time, I thought the name of the artist, Rashad Doucet, sounded familiar and was one I should know.  [That is a short story for another time.]  I eventually cashed in some Barnes & Noble credit and bought a copy of Alabaster Shadows.  Coming across the press release was probably serendipity because the purchase was more than worth it.

Alabaster Shadows is one of the best “graphic novels for kids” that I have ever read, and I have been reading quite a few in recent years.  I would say that its target audience is probably from 8 to 12-years old or the “middle grade” readers.  However, if you are a fan of classic juvenile novels or famous children's fantasy and adventure literature, then, even your older teen, adult, or AARP heart will love the fantastic read that is Alabaster Shadows.

Using terms like enchanting and endearing may seem a bit too sweet.  Terms like mesmerizing, engaging, and enthralling might seem to be over-the-top or pretentious.  But damn, y'all, it's true.  This is a freaking, flat-out, great comic book and graphic novel.  Dammit!  I want a sequel, now!

Matt Gardner's story collects elements from H.P. Lovecraft, Scooby-Doo cartoons, Tom Sawyer, the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew, The Three Investigators, and juvenile science fiction, among other things.  He puts it all together and creates something new that snaps and crackles like sparks from a downed electrical line.  The world of Alabaster Shadows is so big that one book cannot contain it.  Alabaster Shadows' cast, young and adult, are also a lively, likable bunch; it's like we can never get enough of them.  Hopefully, readers will see them again.

Rashad Doucet's illustrations either seem to fly off the page or seem to be pulling away from the page.  Doucet has taken the static images of comics and has found a way to make them move and groove like animated images.  Even the facial expression are dynamic; emotions and emotional states are never in doubt.  Doucet's coloring is dazzling and life-like; it is as if the colors don't want to recognize any borders in their bid to bring the drawings to life.

I must not forget to mention Ryan Ferrier's lettering, which is steady.  There are times, however, that Ferrier conveys the story in lettering that has a machine gun rhythm, perfectly capturing those moments of the story when the reader is not supposed to go slow.

I am surprised (and disappointed) that I have discovered how good Alabaster Shadows is practically four years to the day it was first published.  But it is never too late to discover a read that blows your mind.  Alabaster Shadows should be a perennial, an evergreen graphic novel, always ready to be discovered by new readers or rediscovered by readers who will look at it and say, “Let's do it again.”

10 out of 10

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


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Buy Alabaster Shadows #1 as a digital comic at comiXology.

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

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#IReadsYou Review: MAN IS VOX: Paingels (Expanded Edition)

MAN IS VOX: PAINGELS (Expanded Edition)
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS – @candlelightpres

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: John Ira Thomas – @johnirathomas
ARTIST: Carter Allen – @attila71
PENCILS: Carter Allen
INKS: Carter Allen; Jeremy Smith (“Dessert” story)
LETTERS: John Ira Thomas
COVER: Carter Allen
ISBN: 978-0-9895376-9-3; paperback – 7.5 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches dimensions (September 18, 2017)
292pp, B&W and Color $39.95 U.S.

Man is Vox: Paingels is a 2004 original graphic novel published by Candle Light Press (CLP) and created by writer John Ira Thomas and artist Carter Allen.  Last year, CLP released an updated edition of the graphic novel, Man is Vox: Paingels (Expanded Edition).

This is a kind of overview.  Man is Vox: Paingels follows a man who is essentially a killer on the search for a psycho who kills some women.  He abuses in terrible ways those women that he does not kill.  The Fearsome Shade, Mr. Way, the Shotgun Bride, the Husband, Samdy Lockney, The Beacon, Insides, and Dilmus:  they are all on or in the orbit “The Beacon.”

Abortions; many Beacons; clothes make the man, and Sid S, the serial killer of children.  Mr. Way and the Fearsome Shade have to put an end to the Beacon, but who are they really?  Who are Mr. Way and the Fearsome Shade to confront the Beacon for his crimes, especially against Ms. Lockney?

2015 was Candle Light Press' 20th anniversary.  [In fact, there is a book celebrating that anniversary, CLP20: Twenty Years of Candle Light Press (http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/clp20.htm), a book to which I have contributed a few notes.]  Since then, CLP have been releasing new editions of a few of their early graphic novels, including Man is Vox: Barracudae, the Man is Vox OGN that precedes Paingels.

John Ira Thomas and Carter Allen tell Paingels via a Baskin-Robbins like palette of graphic styles and illustrative mediums (so to speak).  Traditional color comic book art; traditional black and white art; a child's crayon drawings; charcoal; vector art; ink; finger puppet theater; 8-bit video game graphics; cut outs; torn pages; woodblock engraving-like art; and faux family photo album, among many.

When I first read Man is Vox: Paingels, I could not think of many points of references for my subsequent review of it.  Fifteen years later, however, I think I have one.  With surrealism on high and touches of Meshes of the Afternoon, Man is Vox: Paingels (Expanded Edition) is a trippy reading experience.  Much of the narrative deals with what goes on in the human mind – the interior life and the mental experience.  So Paingels makes me think of Noah Hawley's television series, “Legion” (FX).  Paingels simply does not display the self-indulgence and narcissism, nor does it possess the lack of self-control and lack of self-awareness that can be brought on by having the kind of large budget that a major Hollywood studio can gift a “genius” showrunner.

Man is Vox: Paingels (Expanded Edition) is an adventure in original graphic novel reading.  It is not really meant to be read in one sitting, which I certainly did not do.  Some chapters, I read over a period of several weeks.  Other chapters, I read in rapid succession.  I have to be honest; Paingels is not my favorite Candle Light Press book by far.  However, the characters are simply lovely, so much so that I want to engage Paingels just to read about them.

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/candlelightpres/

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 syndication rights and fees.

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