Review: FUTURE QUEST PRESENTS #1

FUTURE QUEST PRESENTS No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jeff Parker
ARTISTS: Ariel Olivetti
COLORS: Ariel Olivetti
LETTERS: A Larger World Studios
COVER: Ariel Olivetti
VARIANT COVER: Steve Rude
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2017)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

“The Quest Reborn!”

“Space Ghost” was an American animated television series produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions.  The series was created by animation conceptual artist, Alex Toth (who is also considered a legendary comic book artist) and was produced and directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera.  A half-hour show, “Space Ghost” first aired on CBS from September 10, 1966, to September 7, 1968.

“Space Ghost” starred a mysterious superhero named Space Ghost, who fought supervillains in outer space.  He was assisted by two teenaged sidekicks, a girl named Jan and a boy named Jace, and their monkey named “Blip.”  Space Ghost has made sporadic appearances in comic books.  He returned in a slightly rebooted version in DC Comics' comic book miniseries, “Future Quest” (2016), which brought together characters from Hanna-Barbera's science fiction superhero animated TV series of the 1960 and early 1970s.

Now, Space Ghost and company get a their own story in the new Future Quest Presents.  This Space Ghost adventure is written by Future Quest scribe, Jeff Parker; drawn and painted by Ariel Olivetti (who drew DC's 2005 Space Ghost six-issue miniseries); and lettered by A Larger World Studio.

Future Quest Presents #1 opens with Space Ghost dispatching a band of raiders.  Then, it moves to a school where we find Jan and Jace learning about a history in which they recently played a part.  History is emphasized, as Space Ghost is planning to revive the “Space Force,” of which he is the sole surviving member.  First, he will need to begin gathering a metal that was important to the Space Force.  That means a trip with Jan and Jack and Blip to Amzot, the planet of his friends, The Herculoids.  But also waiting is an old enemy.

Future Quest Presents #1 is by no means great or even particularly good, but I'll take it.  I have been a Space Ghost fan since I was a little kid, and there have never been enough Space Ghost comic books to suit me.  Yeah, I expect more from writer Jeff Parker than I got here, especially coming off the wonderful Hanna-Barber tribute that was Future Quest.  Hopefully, the series/story arc gets stronger.

I am a fan of artist Ariel Olivetti, and I did like his art in the one issue of the 2005 Space Ghost miniseries that I did read (issue #2).  Here, he is inconsistent, but I think Olivetti may deliver some really good art and graphical storytelling as he gains momentum.

I am rooting for this comic book, and I plan to read the entire run – whether it is ultimately good or middling.

6.5 out of 10

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


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

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DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 2, 2018

DC COMICS

MAR180226    ACTION COMICS SPECIAL #1    $4.99
MAR180254    BATMAN #46    $2.99
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OCT170396    BATMAN VS JOKER LAFF CO BATTLE STATUE    $200.00
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MAR180240    CURSE OF BRIMSTONE #2    $2.99
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MAR180286    GREEN ARROW #40    $3.99
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MAR180235    HARLEY LOVES JOKER #1 (OF 2)    $3.99
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FEB180286    HARLEY QUINN TP VOL 05 VOTE HARLEY REBIRTH    $16.99
MAR180297    INJUSTICE 2 #25    $2.99
FEB180306    LOEG THE BLACK DOSSIER TP NEW ED    $19.99
MAR180301    NIGHTWING #44    $3.99
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MAR180323    SHADE THE CHANGING WOMAN #3 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
FEB180288    SUICIDE SQUAD REBIRTH DLX COLL HC BOOK 02    $34.99
FEB180317    ZERO HOUR CRISIS IN TIME HC    $24.99

Review: CAPTAIN AMERICA #695

CAPTAIN AMERICA No. 695
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mark Waid
ART: Chris Samnee
COLORS: Matthew Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson
VARIANT COVERS: Alex Ross (after John Romita, Jr. and Bob Layton); John Tyler Christopher with Ariel Olivetti; Adi Granov; Mike McKone with Rachelle Rosenberg; Jim Steranko
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2018)

Rated “T+”

Captain America created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby

“Home of the Brave” Part 1

Captain America is a Marvel Comics superhero. He was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 (cover dated:  March 1941), which was published by Timely Comics, a predecessor of Marvel Comics.  Captain America Comics was canceled in 1949, but there was a revival of the series from 1953 to 1954.  Captain America fully returned to modern comic books in The Avengers #4 (cover dated: March 1964).

Marvel Comics is in the middle of its “Legacy” event, returning many titles to its original numbering after a decade of relaunching a number of titles with new #1 issues – three, four, and even five or more times.  The ongoing Captain America comic book series has a new creative team for the Legacy launch.  The team of writer Mark Waid and artist Chris Samnee, the creative duo behind Marvel's critically acclaimed Daredevil relaunch (2012) several years ago, brings Captain America into the “Legacy era.”  Matthew Wilson is the colorist, and Joe Caramagna is the letterer.

Captain America #695 begins with a brief recount of how Steve Rogers became the “super solider,” Captain America; his exploits on the battlefields of World War II, and how he disappeared.  Then, we learn how Captain America became a legend and an inspiration to the town of Burlington, Nebraska after stopping a group of neo-Nazi, white supremacist-types, something he may have to do again.

I have said that when Mark Waid is good, he is really good.  [On the other hand, when he is not good, he can be an exceedingly, irritatingly pedestrian comic book storyteller.]  I am a huge fan of Chris Samnee's classic, cartoonists drawing style.  In Captain America #695, Waid is in top form, and Samnee hits the heights of throwback, Silver Age comics style.

Waid's script creates a standalone story that epitomizes what seems to be the essence of Captain America's mission and message: the strong protect the weak.  We look out for each other against those who would do harm, and every man, woman, and child (of at least a certain age) can lend a helping hand, if they choose.

I love Captain America #695.  It is a standalone treat, the kind of single-issue comic book that we need in between long story arcs and of which we don't get often enough.  I really like Waid's story.  I wish more comic book art looked like Chris Samnee's art.  If I were a comic book publisher, my comic books would look like Captain America #695.  If you have time to read only one comic book today, read Captain America #695.

[This comic book includes an “Legacy” character summary written by Robbie Thompson; drawn by Valero Schiti; colored by Frank D'Armata; and lettered by VC's Joe Caramagna.]

A+
10 out of 10

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


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

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Review: CHEWBACCA #1

CHEWBACCA No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. And visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Gerry Duggan
ART: Phil Noto
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Phil Noto
VARIANT COVERS:  Ariel Olivetti; Gabriele Dell'Otto; Alex Ross; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2015)

Rated T

“Part I”

Since Marvel Comics starting publishing Star Wars comic books again, they have already produced two character miniseries that each focus on a classic character from the original Star Wars movie trilogy.  The two series, Princess Leia and Lando, were both five-issue miniseries.

The latest one miniseries focuses on Han Solo's longtime friend and co-pilot, the Wookie, Chewbacca,  aka “Chewie.”  Entitled Chewbacca (of course), the five-issue miniseries is written by Gerry Duggan (Deadpool) and drawn and colored by Phil Noto (Black Widow), with letters by Joe Caramagna.

Chewbacca #1 (“Part 1”) is set directly after the events depicted in the original film, Star Wars (1977).  Chewie is on an important and personal secret mission when his spacecraft malfunctions, stranding him on the planet, Andelm-4.  He is trying to procure the “flight stabilizer” he needs for his ship, when he becomes ensnared in a young native girl's problem.  Her name is Zarro, and her father, Arrax, is in trouble with a powerful crime boss-type.  As Chewie and the Zarro come to an understanding, their problems are actually getting bigger.

A Chewbacca comic book can only work when a comic book writer understands how to take advantage of Chewie's expressive nature and also understand how to play a character that is like a force of nature.  The comic book artist will have to be able to depict Chewbacca's physicality in a way that expresses both the extremes and the ranges of his emotions.

After one issue, Gerry Duggan seems to be that writer, and Phil Noto seems to be that artist.  Noto's distinctive style correctly sets Chewbacca as distinct from the rest of Marvel's Star Wars titles without making it estranged from them.  Duggan offers up a playful and sly Chewie to balance the dangerous Wookie whose “heavy” and destructive side will be needed for him to be the hero.

I am as yet unsure about Zarro.  She could be an attractive heroine or an annoying spunky type or she could be the victim slash damsel.  I hope Duggan gives her fight.  It looks like Chewbacca will be another Star Wars character miniseries hit.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: STAR WARS: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #2

STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE NINTH ASSASSIN #2
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

["Star Wars Review" review page is here.]

SCRIPT: Tim Siedell – @badbanana
PENCILS: Stephen Thompson
INKS: Mark Irwin
COLORS: Michael Atiyeh
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Ariel Olivetti
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S. (May 2013)

Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin is a new Star Wars comic book series from writer Tim Siedell and artists Stephen Thompson and Mark Irwin. The series is set at the end of the Star Wars time period known as “The Rise of the Empire” era (the 1000-year period before the decisive Battle of Yavin in the original Star Wars film. Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin takes place some months after the events depicted in the film, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005).

Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin centers on a plot by a wealthy industrialist to kill Emperor Palpatine’s mysterious apprentice, Darth Vader, who killed the industrialist’s son. After eight assassins failed, the vengeful father hires a ninth assassin, who is mysterious and powerful.

As Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #2 begins, the Heinsnake suddenly strikes. The Empire faces a wave a terrorist attacks. And an eons-dead, dark, ancient cult may be making its return.

In my review of Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #1, I wrote that if the second and third issues and so on are good, they will continue to give us the awesome read that the first issue promises. One down: Damn, Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #2 is a good comic book. I could have read another 100 pages of this in one sitting.

Writer Tim Siedell has crafted a story in which, the Emperor, Vader, and the Empire are actually, seriously menaced by a credible, but largely unknown enemy… or enemies. Artist Stephen Thompson graphically conveys Siedell’s story as an epic in big panels that capture the grandeur of power, the scale of Imperial infrastructure, but, most of all, the vastness of the galaxy and how that enormity can hide entities capable of destroying even a Galactic Empire. This is a Star Wars must-read comic book.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Review: STAR WARS: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #1

STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE NINTH ASSASSIN #1
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

SCRIPT: Tim Siedell – @badbanana
PENCILS: Stephen Thompson
INKS: Mark Irwin
COLORS: Michael Atiyeh
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Ariel Olivetti
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S. (April 2013)

In the Star Wars Expanded Universe, “The Rise of the Empire” era is the 1000-year period before the events depicted in the original Star Wars film. Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin is a new Star Wars comic book series from Dark Horse Comics. The series is set during “The Rise of the Empire” era and takes place some months after the events depicted in the film, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005).

Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #1 introduces readers to a wealthy mining magnate who seeks revenge against Emperor Palpatine’s mysterious apprentice, Darth Vader. He has hired eight assassins to murder Darth Vader, and all eight assassins are apparently dead.

Now, the man seeks to enlist a ninth assassin. The ninth assassin, however, asks a high price, a cost higher than all the credits in the revenge seeker’s bottomless coffers. Is this price/sacrifice too great to acquire the one man who can kill the Dark Lord of the Sith?

If the second and third issues and so on are good, they will continue to give us the awesome read that Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #1 promises. Series writer Tim Siedell seems as if he is planning to go into some dark places. In fact, Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin is darker than George Lucas ever made any of his Star Wars films. I can’t imagine The Walt Disney Company adopting a more sinister tone in their planned Star Wars films (but we can hope).

The pencil art by Stephen Thompson reminds me of Frank Quitely’s art, but with more texture and grit. Thompson’s compositions are well-served by Mark Irwin inks and Michael Atiyeh’s always high-quality colors. Thompson’s take on Vader is quite chilling; he has a way of making Vader’s ability to intimidate real rather than implied.

With Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin, Dark Horse once again proves that in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, it is the master.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux