I Reads You Juniors February 2020 - Update #79

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Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

My "Birds of Prey" review is here.

From Newsarama:  At his C2E2 panel, Jim Lee has indicated that DC Comics will not replace the recently fired Dan DiDio as co-publisher... which leaves Lee as the DC's sole publisher and Chief Creative Officer (CCO).

COMICS TO FILM - From Newsarama:  Sony Pictures has released 12 new photographic stills from the film, "Bloodshoot," which stars Vin Diesel and is based on the Valiant Entertainment comic book.

From Newsarama:  Todd McFarlane has drawn Spider-Man (the character that brought him to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s) and Spawn (his signature creator-owned character) together for the first time.  McFarlane brings Spider-Man and Spawn together for his cover illustration for the 50th volume of the Overstreet Price Guide, due July 2020.

MANGA TO ANIME - From Deadline:  Funimation's animated feature film, "My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising," topped the Wed., Feb. 26th, 2020 daily box office with an estimated take of 1.7 million.

From BleedingCool:  There is more nuance than previously suggested regarding AT&T/Warner Bros., fired Dan DiDio, and DC Comics' 5G/Generation Five.

From BleedingCool:  Is Jim Lee ready to go from co-publisher to sole publisher at DC Comics in the wake of Dan DiDio's departure?

From Newsarama:  DC Comics' "The Sandman" and IDW Publishing's "Locke & Key" will crossover in a publishing event entitled, "Locke & Key: Hell & Gone - A Sandman Universe Crossover Event."

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DAN DIDIO - From BleedingCool: (UPDATE) - So Warner Bros. reportedly fired Dan DiDio as co-publisher of DC Comics for "cause," specifically for fostering a poor work environment.

From BleedingCool:  Dan DiDio speaks about his departure from DC Comics on Facebook.

From BleedingCool:  Co-publisher Dan DiDio is reportedly no longer at DC Comics.  Not much else is known.

From BleedingCool:  Some industry reaction to DiDio leaving DC Comics.

From BleedingCool:  Some more reaction from industry insiders about Dan DiDio's ouster from DC Comics.
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COMICS TO FILM - From Newsarama:  Photos allegedly from the set of THE BATMAN show the new "Batsuit" in the daylight.

From BleedingCool:  Abrams ComicArts announces more titles from its graphic novel line, "Megascope," which is curated by John Jennings.

FILM TO COMICS - From Newsarama:  The original version of the screenplay for the 1987 film, "Predators," will be adapted into a five-issue comic book miniseries by Dark Horse Comics.  "Predator: The Original Screenplay" will be based on the script entitled "Hunters" by brother John and James Thomas.

From SyFy:  Rising "Blerd" (Black nerd) star and comics creator, Che Grayson, talks to "SyFy Wire."

From ANN:  A doujinshi (amateur) manga artist in Japan has won her lawsuit against an IT company that operates doujinshi manga piracy sites.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Actor Ben Affleck says that he dropped out of his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne ("Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," "Justice League") for a number of reasons including his struggles with drinking alcohol.

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics is launching a young adult (YA) imprint, "Scoot."

COMICS TO TV - From Deadline:  Oscar winner Taika Waititi and Oscar-nominee Jude Law considering a TV adaptation of Oni Press' comic book, "The Auteur."

From Newsarama:  Mark Waid has been named publisher of Humanoids, the American publisher that reprints classic European comics.

From BleedingCool:  The 100 most ordered comic books ("Wonder Woman #750") and graphic novels ("Absolute Carnage") for January 2020.

From MissState:   Comic book writer, Benjamin Percy, will be a writer-in-residence at Mississippi State University.   Percy had a long tenure on DC Comics' "Green Arrow" and will be writing Marvel Comics' new "Wolverine" series.

From CBR:  Who are the 10 richest manga creators in Japan?

From GoodReader:  Digital manga sales increased by almost 30 percent in Japan in 2019.  Print sales declined for the 15th straight year.

From THR:  Paul Dini and Alan Burnett, two of the producers on the classic 1990s animated TV series, "Batman: The Animated Series," are writing a six-issue miniseries, "Batman: The Adventures Continue."  It will act as a continuation of the TV series.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Director Matt Reeves has a camera test of actor Robert Pattinson wearing the "Bat-suit" for the film, "The Batman," which is due June 25, 2021.

From Newsarama:  An oral history of the "X-Men" will be presented at SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, Texas on March 13.

From Newsarama:  The project that Marvel Comics was teasing is a new ongoing comic book series from Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross, and Yildiray Cinar.  It is "The Marvels," a team-up series that will span the entirety of Marvel Comics' publishing history and continuity.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  For his performance as the title character in the hit film, "Joker," Joaquin Phoenix won the Oscar for "Best Actor" at the 92nd Academy Awards.  That was one of two Oscars the film won - the other being for "Best Original Score" by Hildur Guonadottir.

DC CINEMA - From ComicBook:  Warner Bros. is apparently renamed "Birds of Prey" (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)" to "Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey" which opened at the box office lower ($33.2 million) than expected ($40 to $50 million).

DC CINEMA - From BleedingCool:  The site has a list of comic book creators who were "thanked" for the contributions to the recent DCEU film, "Birds of Prey."

From TheLantern:  Apparently, Ohio State's "University Libraries" has the largest manga collection outside Japan.

From BleedingCool:  In 2017, comic book "fan," Matthew Sterling went to the 2017 Phoenix Comicon with the intention of shooting "Power Rangers" actor, Jason David Frank, and any police who got in his way.  Luckily the police were alerted and the wrestled Sterling to the ground on the first floor of the convention centre.  He was recently found “guilty except insane” and Judge Jennifer Ryan-Touhill sentenced Sterling to 25 years in the Arizona State Hospital.

IN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Longtime Archie Comics editor Victor Gorelick has died at the age of 78, Friday, February 7, 2020.  Gorelick started working in the art department at Archie Comics right out of high school.  He would go on to become Archie's editor-in-chief.

From Newsarama:  Longtime "Wolverine" writer, Larry Hama, is returning to the character for a tie-in to "Iron Man 2020."

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics is teasing a "most ambitious series ever" from "Marvels" creators, Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross with artist Yildiray Cinar.

From TampaBayTimes:  26 years after being convicted of obscenity (three charges) in Pinellas County, Florida, cartoonist and comic book creator, Michael Diana just got off probation.  Diana, now 50, is best known for his infamous "Boiled Angel" comics.

From Lionstooth:  Cris Siqueira interviews cartoonist and publisher, Eric Reynolds, of Fantagraphics Books, in a wide-ranging (but not too long) and fantastic interview.  Fans of alternative and small press comic books will find it quite informative.

DC TV - From Collider:  Actor Barry Keoghan has left FX's "Y The Last Man" as its leading man.  The series is of course based on the DC Comics/Vertigo comic book.

DC TV - From Deadline:  Benjamin Bratt has been cast in HBO Max's pilot for "DMZ," based on the DC Comics/Vertigo comic book series.

From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing will put "My Little Pony" and "Transformers" together for a major summer crossover event.

From Newsarama:  "Bad Idea" is a new comic book publisher made of Valiant Entertainment alumni.  They reveal their... bad idea.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' 2020 Free Comic Book Day giveaway, "Generation Zero," may start DC Comics' new timeline.

From Newsarama:  Former Valiant Entertainment types are involved with a new publishing venture that involves the name, "Bad Idea."

From Syfy:  The sites "Indie Comics Spotlight" falls on Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander's awesome vampire comic book series, "Killadelphia" (Image Comics).

From ComicBook:  "Birds of Prey" film director, Cathy Yan, breaks down the film's unique costumes.

From ComicBook:  There is a new report on how badly piracy has hurt the development of manga in Japan.

VALIANT CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Sony Consumer Products, Valiant Entertainment and Titan Books are teaming up for a novelization of "Bloodshot: The Movie."  Gavin Smith, who has written novels based on video games, will write the novel.

FOX MARVEL U - From Newsarama:  There is a new poster for "The New Mutants," the last of 20th Century's Fox's "X-Men" movies.  The poster apparently sports the new "20th Century Studios" logo that Disney created to rid itself of the "Fox" name.  The film is still due April 3rd...

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  "Joker" wins three awards at the 2020 BAFTA Film Awards in London.

DC CINEMA - From CBR:  The "Black Adam" film is rumored to introduce "Cyclone," the daughter of the original comic book version of "Red Tornado."

From BleedingCool:  No American has ever written for the "Doctor Who" TV series, and if one did, author and comic book writer, Joe Hill, would not be the first... according to a story Joe Hill tells.

From Newsarama:  Inker Dexter Vines has been diagnosed with cancer, and his friends have started a "GoFundMe" page to help with his expenses.

From ComicBook:  The special one-shot revival chapter of the manga, "Death Note" will be simultaneously release in Japan and the U.S.

From BleedingCool:  Silenn Thomas, the CEO of Frank Miller's production company, has some kind of "beef" with DC Comics.

JACK KIRBY - From CBR:  Jack Kirby died 26 years ago (Feb. 6th).  "CBR" takes a look at ten "forgotten characters" that "the King" created.

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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.
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Aspen for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Complex for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publihsing for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for May 2020

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#IReadsYou Review: ANONYMOUS NOISE Volume 18

ANONYMOUS NOISE, VOL. 18
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Ryoko Fukuyama
TRANSLATION/ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Casey Loe
LETTERS: Joanna Estep
EDITOR: Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1078-2; paperback (January 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Anonymous Noise is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Ryoko Fukuyama.  The series was serialized in the Japanese shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yumi (Hakusensha), from April 2013 to January 2019.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of the manga as an 18-volume graphic novel series, cover dated from March 2017 to January 2020, under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Anonymous Noise focuses on Nino Arisugawa.  When she was a child, Nino experiences two heart-wrenching goodbyes.  The first is Momo Sakaki, to whom she loves to sing, but he suddenly moves away.  Next is the young songwriter, Kanade “Yuzu” Yuzuriha, who nicknames Nino, “Alice.”  Before he moves away, he tells Nino that she should sing instead of scream.  Now, Nino is in high school and is the lead singer of the band, “In No Hurry to Shout” a.k.a. “In No Hurry.”  She is reunited with Momo and Yuzu, but things are complicated...

As Anonymous Noise, Vol. 18 (Chapters 99 to 104) opens, Nino is busier than ever, working hard to be a better singer.  The single, “Contemporary,” her latest duet with the band, Girlless, has just been released.  In No Hurry is still on hiatus, and although Yuzu has returned from his sojourn to Europe with his mother, he has so much classwork for which he has to make up.

Before they know it, however, summer arrives, and In No Hurry is performing at Rock Horizon – on the much sought-after “Horizon Stage.”  So what does the future hold for everyone?  Will Yuzu reconcile his past with his present.  Where is Nino's relationship with Momo going?  How will Nino resolve her feelings for Yuzu so that In No Hurry can keeping hurrying along?

The Anonymous Noise manga will keeping on rocking, long after the series ends.  This tale of love and rock music is kind of a never-ending story.

Anonymous Noise Graphic Novel Volume 18 is the final volume of the series.  I am late getting to it, as Vol. 18 was published in early January of this year (2020).  Creator Ryoko Fukuyama offers a perfectly happy ending, and although I don't want to spoil it for you, dear readers, I can say that everyone gets most of what he or she wants.  Yuzu gets to keep loving Momo and Yuzu, but in a different way for each young musician.  Is it happily ever after?  Who really wants that?  I can say that I would not be surprised to see future Anonymous Noise one-off or one-shot type sequel stories.

To the end, Casey Loe does excellent work on the translation and English adaptation, capturing the hope, happiness, and sense of the future in this series.  Letterer Joanna Estep finishes her work on Anonymous Noise with a crescendo and with a smile.  Everyone on both sides of the Pacific made Anonymous Noise a manga and graphic novel series worthy of being a perennial favorite.

A
9 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and  syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: PERSONA 5: Volume 1

PERSONA 5, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Hisato Murasaki
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
EDITOR: Marlene First
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1175-8; paperback (January 2020); Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”
216pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Persona 5 is a role-playing video game that is an installment in the Persona video game series, which is itself part of the larger Japanese media franchise, Megami Tensei.  In 2016, manga artist Hisato Murasaki began producing a manga adaptation and spin-off of Persona 5.  It is published on the Web comic site, Ura Sunday, and (apparently) on the app, “Manga One.”  VIZ Media is publishing an English language edition of Persona 5 as a series of graphic novels, beginning this month (January 2020).

Persona 5, Vol. 1 (Chapter 1 to 6) introduces high school student, Akira Kurusu.  An act of bravery got Kurusu in serious legal trouble (showing, once again, that no good deed goes unpunished).  Now, banished to Shibuya (a ward in Tokyo), Akira lives in a back room of “Cafe LeBlanc,” owned by his caretaker (of sorts), Sojiro Sakura.

Living with very little room for error or for mistakes, Kurusu is now enrolled in Shujin Academy, a prestigious private college preparatory high school.  On his first day, he meets an eccentric cast of characters, including a fellow “delinquent,” Ryujin Sakamoto.  Shortly afterwards, a mysterious app on Kurusu's smart phone seemingly transports him and Sakamoto to a strange place called, “the Palace.”  Now, Kurusu finds himself thrust into the world of “Personas” and also discovering that he has a “very rare and unique power.”

[This volume includes an afterword and “An Extra Bonus.”]

Until my VIZ Media rep sent me a copy of the first volume of the Persona 5 manga, I had never heard of the video game of the same title.  I don't play video games, but I must admit to being a fan of several manga adaptations of various video games, such as Resident Evil and The Legend of Zelda.

Persona 5 Graphic Novel Volume 1 introduces a lot of characters, settings, and plot lines – enough for three volumes of graphic novels.  However, I am intrigued.  Right now, Akira Kurusu isn't a particularly interesting character, as far as his personality goes, but I want to know more about his powers and his past.  There, on the other hand, are some interesting personalities among the supporting cast.  I would say that Hisato Murasaki writes in a manner to constantly and consistently intrigue his readers into wanting to keep reading.  That's a good thing.

Murasaki's illustrative style is pretty and also nicely shadowy and mysterious.  In fact, the graphical storytelling relies on a sense of mystery and on making the reader wonder what hides in the shadows of the unknown and in the characters' dreams.

Adrienne Beck's translation is edgy and captures all the tension in these first chapters.  Annaliese Christman's lettering is very good at helping readers understand the meanings and moods in the dialogue.  Her sound effects totally sell the moody, mysterious, and darkly magical atmosphere of this manga.  I can't imagine that I would let everyone's efforts here go to waste by reading only this first volume.  Heaven forbid it.

8 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.


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#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #102

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 102
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Paul Kupperberg
PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Fabio Laguna
INKS: Randy Elliot; Fabio Laguna
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Dave Tanguay
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Travis Lanham
EDITORS: Jim Chadwick; Harvey Richards (reprints)
COVER: Randy Elliot with Pamela Lovas
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2020)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“Pet-Trified”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series.  I renewed my subscription (for a second time) and this is the fourth issue I received from that renewal.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #102 opens with “Pet-Trified,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot.  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are enjoying a day of not chasing ghosts and goblins at “Coolsville Bark Park,” a park for dogs.  Unfortunately, a ghost “Siren,” a winged creature from Greek mythology, has decided to ruin his day for humans and dogs alike.  In order for Mystery Inc. to solve this case, Scooby will have to be the bait!

The second story, “Sunday in the Park with Scooby!,” is, as usual, a reprint and is written by Paul Kupperberg and drawn by Fabio Laguna.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #143 (cover date: June 2009).]  Scooby-Doo and Shaggy are enjoying a day at the park with no mysteries to solve.  But will it be that easy?  No one is chasing Scoob and Shag, but there are some rather benign mysteries that (apparently) only they can solve.

Well, it's obvious, isn't it.  Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #102 has a day-at-the-park theme.  At first, “Pet-Trified” didn't seem like much of a story, but the story's “Becky” twist-ending makes it real-world relevant.  “Sunday in the Park with Scooby!” plays out in such an unexpected way that its oddness is what makes it delightful.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #102 is not an exceptional issue in this series, but I like its off-beat spirit.  So, until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a preview of the original graphic novel, Superman of Smallville by Art Baltazar and Franco.]

B
6 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.


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#IReadsYou Review: WOLVERINE VS. BLADE SPECIAL #1

WOLVERINE VS. BLADE SPECIAL No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Marc Guggenheim
ART: Dave Wilkins
COLORS: Dave Wilkins
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Darren Shan
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Dave Wilkins
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Matteo Scalera with Moreno Dinisio; Gabriele Dell'Otto
44pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (September 2019)

Rated “Mature”

Blade created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan; Wolverine created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita

I like Wolverine, and I love Blade, so...

Blade is a Marvel Comics character created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Gene Colan.  He first appeared in the comic book, The Tomb of Dracula #10 (cover dated:  July 1973), as a supporting character.  Blade is Eric Brooks, who was born half-vampire and half-human, after a vampire attacked and killed his mother.  Possessing a vampire's speed, strength, and healing, Eric became Blade the vampire hunter and killer.

Wolverine is also a Marvel Comics character.  He was created by Roy Thomas and Len Wein and artist John Romita and made his full-length debut in The Incredible Hulk #181 (cover-dated November 1974), after making a cameo appearance at the end of The Incredible Hulk #180.  A member of the X-Men, Wolverine is a mutant who possesses animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, a powerful healing factor, and three retractable claws in the back of each hand.

Wolverine and Blade meet in the new one-shot comic book, Wolverine vs. Blade Special #1.  It is written by Marc Guggenheim; painted by Dave Wilkins; and lettered by Travis Lanham.  This special pits two of Marvel's deadliest hunters ever to have stalked the night against each, Wolverine and Blade... with a horde of vampires circling them.

Wolverine vs. Blade Special #1 opens some unknown numbers of years in the past.  Wolverine and Blade are battling vampires in Wolverine's stomping grounds, the island-city of Madripoor.  The bloodsuckers, which belong to a vampire cult known as “The Creed,” have congregated at a temple where they practice ritual sacrifice of humans.

Six months later, Wolverine is in New York City hunting Dragoness, a mutant who has lately been killing humans and other mutants, and Wolverine is shocked to discover that Dragoness is no longer what she was known to be.  Meanwhile, in Von Stadt, Germany, Blade is battling the vampire, Count Von Stadt, when the vampire displays a shocking power not usually associated with vampires.  WTF?!  These different missions are connected, but will Wolverine and Blade kill each other before they become allies?

Although I am always down for a Blade comic book, I was cynical about the Wolverine vs. Blade Special.  After all, Marc Guggenheim apparently starting wrote this special over a decade ago around the time he wrote the short-lived, 12-issue, Blade ongoing series (2006-2007) and the “Logan Dies” story arc in Wolverine (2003) #57 to #61 (which was published in 2007).  I read recently that Marvel even cut three-pages from this story which was also drawn ages ago.

However, I am happy to say that Wolverine vs. Blade Special #1 is a fun read.  It is not great, but I wish there was more of it – say 48 pages instead of the 40 pages presented here.  Guggenheim writes this somewhat in the spirit of those Blade stories that Marv Wolfman and Chris Claremont wrote for Marvel Preview and Vampires Tales in the mid-1970s, which were badass and gory.  Guggenheim apparently takes delight in his two stars killing vampires in the most gruesome and brutal manner.

Artist Dave Wilkins' art and graphical storytelling seems a little outdated, like those Radical Comics titles from the 2000s.  However, he draws a snazzy, sleek, and gleaming Blade and some righteously monstrous vampires.  His Wolverine is a little stiff – too much muscle and brawn and an awkward-looking costume.  Still, what Wilkins does best – Blade and vampires – is graphical striking, and in general, my eyes think of some of the art here as candy.

Travis Lanham's precision lettering and murderous sound effects push Wolverine vs. Blade Special #1 over the top; it is like hearing a raucous audio track.  Hey, this comic book is not great, but it is better than you would think.  Who knew Wolverine and Blade were two great comic book tastes that could taste quite good together?

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.


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Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2020

DARK HORSE COMICS

DEC198542    BANG #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG    $3.99
OCT190398    BERSERK DELUXE EDITION HC VOL 04 (MR)    $49.99
OCT190328    COMPLETE ELFQUEST TP VOL 07    $24.99
OCT190376    DISNEY THE LITTLE MERMAID #3 (OF 3)    $3.99
DEC190231    HIDDEN SOCIETY #1 (OF 4) CVR A ALBUQUERQUE    $3.99
DEC190232    HIDDEN SOCIETY #1 (OF 4) CVR B DINISIO    $3.99
DEC190269    INVISIBLE KINGDOM #10 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190349    JOE GOLEM OCCULT DETECTIVE HC VOL 04    $24.99
OCT190365    STEPHEN MCCRANIES SPACE BOY TP VOL 06    $10.99
DEC190229    TOMORROW #1 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
DEC190293    WITCHFINDER REIGN OF DARKNESS #4 (OF 5)    $3.99

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2020

BOOM! STUDIOS

DEC191244    ANGEL & SPIKE #9 CVR A MAIN PANOSIAN    $3.99
DEC191245    ANGEL & SPIKE #9 CVR B CONNECTING DEL RAY VAR    $3.99
DEC191246    ANGEL & SPIKE #9 CVR C PREORDER BUONCRISTIANO    $3.99
DEC198642    ANGEL & SPIKE #9 FOC VAMPIRE VAR    $3.99
DEC198643    FOLKLORDS #3 (OF 5) 2ND PTG    $3.99
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OCT191421    JIM HENSON BENEATH DARK CRYSTAL HC VOL 03    $24.99
DEC191274    JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #6 CVR A FINDEN    $3.99
DEC191275    JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #6 CVR B MATTHEWS    $3.99
DEC198645    JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #6 FOC PETERSON VAR    $3.99
DEC191262    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #48 CVR A CAMPBELL    $3.99
DEC198646    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #48 FOC MORA VAR    $3.99
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DEC198647    ONCE & FUTURE #1 (8TH PTG)    $3.99
DEC198648    ONCE & FUTURE #2 (4TH PTG)    $3.99
DEC198649    ONCE & FUTURE #3 (3RD PTG)    $3.99
DEC198650    ONCE & FUTURE #4 (2ND PTG)    $3.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 20, 2020

DC COMICS

DEC190436    ACTION COMICS #1020    $3.99
DEC190437    ACTION COMICS #1020 CARD STOCK L PARRILLO VAR ED    $4.99
DEC190411    AMETHYST #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
DEC190412    AMETHYST #1 (OF 6) CARD STOCK STEPHANIE HANS VAR ED    $4.99
DEC190527    BASKETFUL OF HEADS #5 (OF 7) (MR)    $3.99
DEC190528    BASKETFUL OF HEADS #5 (OF 7) MATTEO SCALERA VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
DEC190440    BATGIRL #44    $3.99
DEC190441    BATGIRL #44 CARD STOCK T AND R DODSON VAR ED    $4.99
DEC190446    BATMAN BEYOND #41    $3.99
DEC190447    BATMAN BEYOND #41 FRANCIS MANAPUL VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190524    BATMAN BROKEN CITY NEW EDITION TP    $16.99
DEC190448    BATMAN CURSE OF THE WHITE KNIGHT #7 (OF 8)    $4.99
DEC190449    BATMAN CURSE OF THE WHITE KNIGHT #7 (OF 8) SEAN MURPHY VAR E    $4.99
DEC190454    BATMAN SUPERMAN #7    $3.99
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DEC190535    BOOKS OF MAGIC #17 (MR)    $3.99
DEC190426    CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS GIANT #2 (RES)    $4.99
JUL190676    DC COVER GIRLS BATGIRL BY FRANK CHO STATUE    $130.00
JAN200100    DC PREVIEWS #23 MARCH 2020 EXTRAS    $PI
DEC190458    DETECTIVE COMICS #1020    $3.99
DEC190459    DETECTIVE COMICS #1020 CARD STOCK LEE BERMEJO VAR ED    $4.99
DEC190541    DIAL H FOR HERO #12 (OF 12)    $3.99
DEC190551    DOLLAR COMICS AMETHYST 1985 #1    $1.00
DEC190552    DOLLAR COMICS FLASH 1987 #1    $1.00
DEC190524    FAR SECTOR #4 (OF 12) (MR)    $3.99
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DEC190423    FLASH #123 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
NOV190539    FLASH OF TWO WORLDS DELUXE EDITION HC    $29.99
DEC190538    JOHN CONSTANTINE HELLBLAZER #4 (MR)    $3.99
DEC190479    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #20    $3.99
DEC190480    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #20 CLAYTON CRAIN VAR ED    $3.99
DEC190539    LAST GOD #5 (MR)    $4.99
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DEC190498    RED HOOD OUTLAW #43    $3.99
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JAN193215    SANDMAN OVERTURE GALLERY EDITION    $150.00
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DEC190428    SWAMP THING GIANT #3    $4.99
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JUN190615    WONDER WOMAN BY GAIL SIMONE OMNIBUS HC    $75.00
DEC190434    YEAR OF THE VILLAIN HELL ARISEN #3 (OF 4)    $4.99
DEC190435    YEAR OF THE VILLAIN HELL ARISEN #3 (OF 4) R FEDERICI VAR ED    $4.99

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2020

DYNAMITE

DEC191123    BLACK TERROR #5 CVR A RAHZZAH    $3.99
DEC191124    BLACK TERROR #5 CVR B FORNES    $3.99
DEC191125    BLACK TERROR #5 CVR C COLEMAN    $3.99
DEC198572    CHASTITY #5 15 COPY NODET B&W VIRGIN FOC INCV (MR)    $3.99
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DEC198574    CHASTITY #5 25 COPY NODET TINT VIRGIN FOC INCV (MR)    $3.99
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DEC191117    CHASTITY #5 CVR C MAINE (MR)    $3.99
DEC191145    DEJAH THORIS (2019) #3 ANWAR LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191143    DEJAH THORIS (2019) #3 KUNKKA LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191144    DEJAH THORIS (2019) #3 LINSNER LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191146    DEJAH THORIS (2019) #3 LINSNER RARE LTD MARTIAN RED CVR    $100.00
DEC191142    DEJAH THORIS (2019) #3 PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191147    GEORGE RR MARTIN A CLASH OF KINGS #2 CVR A MILLER (MR)    $3.99
DEC191148    GEORGE RR MARTIN A CLASH OF KINGS #2 CVR B RUBI (MR)    $3.99
DEC191113    JAMES BOND #3 CHEUNG LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
SEP191037    KISS ZOMBIES #1 SACKS SGN ATLAS ED    $49.99
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DEC191178    RED SONJA VAMPIRELLA BETTY VERONICA #9 CVR B HACK    $3.99
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DEC191180    RED SONJA VAMPIRELLA BETTY VERONICA #9 CVR D PARENT    $3.99
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DEC191094    VAMPIRELLA #3 (1969) REPLICA ED LTD PLATINUM FOIL    $100.00
DEC191093    VAMPIRELLA #3 (1969) REPLICA ED LTD RED FOIL    $50.00
DEC191212    VAMPIRELLA RED SONJA #6 HENRY LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191214    VAMPIRELLA RED SONJA #6 LYNNE YOSHII LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191213    VAMPIRELLA RED SONJA #6 TARR LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
OCT191169    VAMPIRELLA WINDOW CLING    $PI

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2020

IDW PUBLISHING

DEC190622    DYING IS EASY #3 (OF 5) CVR A SIMMONDS    $3.99
DEC190623    DYING IS EASY #3 (OF 5) CVR B RODRIGUEZ    $3.99
DEC190636    KILL LOCK #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
AUG190836    LUPUS TP    $29.99
DEC190706    MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC #87 CVR A FLEECS    $3.99
DEC190707    MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC #87 CVR B RICHARD    $3.99
DEC190606    TMNT JENNIKA #1 (OF 3) CVR A REVEL    $4.99
NOV190734    TOWERS OF ARKHANOS SILVER LOTUS ORDER 5TH PLAYER EXPANSION (    $24.99
DEC190715    USAGI YOJIMBO COLOR CLASSICS #2    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2020

IMAGE COMICS

NOV190136    DEATH OR GLORY #9 CVR A BENGAL (MR)    $3.99
NOV190137    DEATH OR GLORY #9 CVR B MURPHY (MR)    $3.99
DEC198678    FAMILY TREE #2 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
DEC198679    FAMILY TREE #3 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
DEC190166    HEART ATTACK #4 (MR)    $3.99
DEC190167    ICE CREAM MAN #18 CVR A MORAZZO & OHALLORAN (MR)    $3.99
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DEC198680    KILLADELPHIA #2 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
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DEC190169    KILLADELPHIA #4 CVR A ALEXANDER (MR)    $3.99
DEC190170    KILLADELPHIA #4 CVR B CANETE (MR)    $3.99
DEC190177    MONSTRESS #26 (MR)    $3.99
DEC190184    OLYMPIA #4 (OF 5) CVR A DIOTTO & CUNNIFFE    $3.99
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DEC190190    PROTECTOR #2 (MR)    $3.99
DEC190191    REDNECK #26 (MR)    $3.99
DEC190192    SEX CRIMINALS #27 (MR)    $3.99
DEC190193    SEX CRIMINALS #27 XXX KOCH VAR (MR)    $4.69
DEC190123    WEATHERMAN TP VOL 02 (MR)    $17.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2020

MARVEL COMICS

DEC190829    2020 FORCE WORKS #1 (OF 3)    $3.99
DEC190830    2020 FORCE WORKS #1 (OF 3) TAN VAR    $3.99
DEC190866    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #40    $3.99
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DEC190928    AVENGERS #31    $4.99
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DEC190907    BLACK PANTHER #21    $3.99
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DEC191001    BLADE BY GUGGENHEIM COMPLETE COLLECTION TP    $34.99
DEC190981    DAWN OF X TP VOL 02    $17.99
DEC191004    EXCALIBUR EPIC COLLECTION TP CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER    $39.99
DEC190794    FALCON & WINTER SOLDIER #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
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DEC190997    FUTURE FOUNDATION TP    $15.99
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DEC198531    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1 2ND PTG VAR    $4.99
DEC190991    INVADERS TP VOL 02 DEAD IN THE WATER    $17.99
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DEC190767    MARVEL GRAPHIC COMIC BOXES WOLVERINE (BUNDLE OF 5)    $50.00
AUG191145    MARVEL MASTERS OF SUSPENSE LEE & DITKO OMNIBUS HC VOL 02    $100.00
NOV190975    MARVEL MONOGRAPH TP ART OF ARTHUR ADAMS X-MEN    $19.99
AUG191135    MARVEL PORTFOLIO JOE QUESADA HC    $50.00
JAN200099    MARVEL PREVIEWS VOL 04 #32 MARCH 2020 EXTRAS    $1.25
DEC198534    MARVEL SAMPLER FEBRUARY 2020 (BUNDLE OF 25)    $PI
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DEC190825    TRUE BELIEVERS IRON MAN 2020 WAR MACHINE #1    $1.00
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DEC191006    X-MEN MILESTONES TP OPERATION ZERO TOLERANCE    $39.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2020

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

DEC192113    AFTER SCHOOL BITCHCRAFT GN VOL 01 (MR)    $13.00
DEC191874    ALL ACTION CLASSICS ODYSSEY GN    $9.95
DEC191875    ALL ACTION CLASSICS TOM SAWYER GN    $9.95
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DEC191839    BATTLE STATIONS TP    $19.99
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OCT191574    CAVEWOMAN HABROKS WITCH #1 CVR F KRABBY THE ARTIST CVR    $PI
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DEC191576    PROJECT ICARUS #2    $3.99
JAN202198    PROMISED NEVERLAND GN VOL 14    $9.99
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#IReadsYou Review: SPIDEY #1

SPIDEY No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Robbie Thompson
ART: Nick Bradshaw
COLORS: Jim Campbell
LETTERS: Travis Lanham
COVER: Nick Bradshaw with Jim Campbell
VARIANT COVERS: Humberto Ramos with Edgar Delgado; Skottie Young; Gyimah Gariba (Hip Hop Variant)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2016)

Rated  “T”

Spider-Man created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

The Spider-Man that readers first met in Amazing Fantasy #15 (cover dated: August 1962) and then, in The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (cover date: March 1963) was secretly a teenager and high school student named Peter Parker.  Over the years, a legion of Spider-Man writers depicted Peter Parker graduating from high school, going to college, becoming a college graduate student, a working stiff, a freelancer, an employee, etc.

If my memory is correct, Peter Parker was living on his own and might have been a grad student in the first Spider-Man comic books I ever read.  However, the first time I encountered Spider-Man in comics was a reprint of the story from Amazing Fantasy #15.  That was a seminal moment for me as a burgeoning comic book fan.  From that point on, I basically always favored the teenage Peter Parker, so the first time I saw an adult Parker, I found it odd.  It is not that I did not like a grown-up Parker; I simply preferred reading about a teen-aged Peter Parker being Spider-Man.

So my interest was piqued when I read that as part of the “All-New, All-Different Marvel,” Marvel Comics was going to launch a comic book that focused on the early days of Peter Parker's adventures as Spider-Man.  Entitled Spidey, this series is written by Robbie Thompson; drawn by Nick Bradshaw; colored by Jim Campbell; and lettered by Travis Lanham.

Spidey #1 finds Peter Parker having to be the Amazing Spider-Man on his way to class at Midtown High School.  It is the field trip to Oscorp that causes the real trouble when Doctor Otto Octavius crashes the party.

I tried to be a cynical old guy and not like Spidey #1, but it is the kind of throwback, retro Spider-Man comic book that I like to read on occasion.  In fact, I am ready for the second issue (which I think has been released as of this writing).  This is an action-adventure comic book that recalls classic Marvel, but without the storytelling density.  After all, early Marvel Comics squeezed an epic into practically each issue their most popular series.

Spidey writer Robbie Thompson offers something like a comic book version of the Saturday morning animated television series, “The Spectacular Spider-Man” (2008-2009).  Thompson pretty much sticks with standard characterization on all characters, including the supporting players, Gwen Stacy and Flash Thompson, so readers will recognize the characters they have come to love.  Thompson also manages two Spider-Man-in-action sequences, while offering the high school melodrama that is integral to any Spider-Man comic book

Artist Nick Bradshaw does his best Art Adams circa Monkeyman and O'Brien, but Adam's detailed style is made practical rather than stylish in Spidey.  Appearance aside, Bradshaw's storytelling is solid, balancing lite high school drama with explosive action.  And as every Spider-Man comic book artist should do, Bradshaw makes Spider-Man look good in action.  I don't know if Bradshaw will be remembered as a great Spider-Man artist, but he is starting off as an effective one.

So if readers are looking for a Spider-Man comic book for young readers, rather than complaining they can find Spidey.  It will entertainment them, also.

B+

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: CANDY COLOR PARADOX Volume 3

CANDY COLOR PARADOX, VOL. 3
SUBLIME MANGA/Shinshokane – @SuBLimeManga

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Isaku Natsume
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: Vanessa Satone
EDITOR: Marlene First
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0496-5; paperback (September 2019); Rated “M” for “Mature”
194pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

Candy Color Paradox is a yaoi manga from manga creator, Isaku Natsume (Dash!).  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.

Candy Color Paradox follows two reporters:  investigative reporter, Satoshi Onoe, and photojournalist, Motoharu “Kabu” Kaburagi.  Their boss at the news agency, Shinkan News, forces them to work together.  Onoe and Kaburagi bicker, but eventually become colleagues... and lovers.

As Candy Color Paradox, Vol. 3 (Chapters 1 to 5) opens, Onoe and Kaburagi are on an undercover assignment... that goes wrong.  No problem:  their boss, Kiuchi, gives Kabu a new partner, a young reporter and new hire named Kasai, who comes over from a rival agency.  A little jealous, Onoe discovers that not only is Kasai talented, but he also has a score to settle with Onoe.  Kasai has decided that keeping Kabu's attention on him and away from Onoe is also goal.  He seems to be winning until his ambition puts his and Onoe's life in danger with the mysterious Kenyu Group.

[This volume includes the bonus stories, “Necktie A-Go-Go!,” and “A Bar by the Station, 8:00 PM,” “Happy Vacation,” and “Kaburagi's POV,”and it has an afterword.]

The Candy Color Paradox manga is a yaoi manga that is also a workplace comedy-drama.  However, this opposites-attract love story does give the readers scenes of boys' love lovemaking and yaoi-type sex.

Candy Color Paradox Graphic Novel Volume 3 focuses on workplace melodrama and rivalries, whereas the previous volumes focused on the characters' personalities and attitudes about their friends and loved ones.  I enjoy these characters, and I like that they are reporters.  However, I found this volume to be a bit dry at times.  Onoe vs. Kasai ain't as intense or as interesting as creator Isaku Natsume probably thought it would be.

Still, Chapter 5 (entitled “Drop. 05” here) is a nice ending.  The story closes with a nice sex scene, and the extra stories are comic vignettes focusing on the leads and their closest friends and associates.  That's nice, too,  Adrienne Beck's translation and Vanessa Satone's lettering are good.  So in the end, Candy Color Paradox, Vol. 3 is nice and good.  I'd like the next volume (which were recently published) to be very nice and very good.

7 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 © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: ALL-NEW INHUMANS #1

ALL-NEW INHUMANS No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: James Asmus and Charles Soule
ART: Stefano Caselli
COLORS: Andres Mossa
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Stefano Caselli
VARIANT COVERS:  Stefano Caselli with Andres Mossa; John Tyler Christopher; Jim Cheung with Justin Ponsor; Marco D'Alfonso (Hop Hop variant); Yaya Han photographed by Judy Stephens (cosplay variant)
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2016)

Rated T+

The Inhumans are a race of super-humans in Marvel Comics.  This race was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee and first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 (cover dated: December 1965).  They are a strain of humanity that began with genetic manipulation by visitors to Earth from an alien civilization (the Kree) long ago in human prehistory.  Exposure to the mutagenic Terrigen Mist (a process known as Terrigenesis) reveal if a person is an Inhuman.

Little more than a B-list character group, the Inhumans are in ascendancy in the Marvel Universe, especially during the last three years.  In 2013, Marvel even launched a new comic book series, entitled Inhuman.  The launch of the “All-New, All-Different Marvel” comes with the Inhumans continuing to rise to prominence.  The latest Inhuman comic book series is All-New Inhumans.  This series is written by James Asmus and Charles Soule; drawn by Stefano Caselli, colored by Andres Mossa; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Once upon a time, I was enthralled by the X-Men's story of a small band of outcasts fighting to save a world that feared and hated them.  The racism, bigotry, and prejudice that the X-Men faced seemed genuine, and writer Chris Claremont hit upon something that spoke to readers with such honesty and a sense of verisimilitude.  I practically counted the days until each issue of Uncanny X-Men hit the shelves of the local newsstand, was place in a spinner rack at a local drugstore or supermarket, or was placed on the new release table at the closest comic book store.

That was before Marvel Comics started publishing multiple X-Men related titles and even more miniseries, one-shots, specials, etc.  After that, the X-Men seemed like nothing more than a weekly prank that Marvel Comics pulled on its loyal customers.

All-New Inhumans #1 recaptures the best of that X-Men spirit of an outsider group under siege.  The hatred against the Inhumans is potent, and writers James Asmus and Charles Soule depict the haters as desperate humans who are more fearful than evil.  The language of distrust from the politicians in the back-up story is honestly composed.  And because we need that, the main story offers engaging fight comics and Inhuman soap opera.

The art by the team of Stefano Caselli and Andres Mossa and the art by Nico Leon in the back-up are both high-quality, befitting of what is apparently going to be an important comic book in Marvel's line.  I eagerly look forward to more, and I heartily recommend this comic book.

A-

[This comic book includes a extra story written by James Asmus; drawn by Nico Leon; colored by Andres Mossa; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.]

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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