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Tuesday, October 17, 2023
#IReadsYou Review: MONARCH #1
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
#IReadsYou Review: NITA HAWES' NIGHTMARE BLOG #9
NITA HAWES' NIGHTMARE BLOG #9
IMAGE COMICS
STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Szymon Kudranski
COLORS: Luis Nct with mar and Silvestre Galotto
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Szymon Kudranski
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Davi Go
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (October 2022)
Rated “M/ Mature”
Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander
“Murder By Another Name” Part III: “A Devil by Another Name”
Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is a comic book series created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander. Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is written by Barnes. The current artist is Szymon Kudranski. Colorist Luis Nct and letterer by Marshall Dillon complete the creative team. The series focuses on a woman who is on a quest to root out evil by helping the people who contact her blog.
In Baltimore, Maryland, which some call “Bodymore, Murderland,” there is a woman named Dawnita “Nita” Hawes. She is the owner of “Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog” where citizens can contact Nita when they have a problem of a supernatural or paranormal nature. Nita has just begun her quest to root the evil out of her city – with the help of her dead brother, Jason.
Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog #9 (“A Devil by Another Name”) opens with a meeting of the minds between Anasi (the Spider-God) and the self-styled “Master Demon of Hell,” Belial (one of the four demon kings). It seems that whatever war is going on in Philadelphia (as seen in the super-comic book, Killadelphia), the repercussions are destined for two Maryland burgs, Baltimore (“Bodymore”) and Annapolis (“Naptown”).
A darkness is spreading through Annapolis because the echo of a lost soul murdered in cold blood has come back, screaming for vengeance. The only thing standing in its way is Nita Hawes because she has chosen to be that thing. Little brother Jason returns to warn Nita a second time about involving herself in this mystery, but will she listen? Or is she going to pay the price to stop this evil? Is she willing?
THE LOWDOWN: Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is a spin-off of Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander's hit vampire comic book, Killadelphia. The current story arc, “Murder By Another Name,” makes direct connections to recent events in Killadelphia.
I think that this is a quiet issue, the hints of Killadelphia blow back aside. Writer Rodney Barnes offers something new and usually mind-blowing in every issue that he writes. The surprise this time is the Nita Hawes' evolution – as I see it. Has she embraced her destiny fully? By my reading, I don't sense the fear in her about her new profession (so to speak) that I have in previous issues. She has begun the hero's journey … I think.
As I wrote in a previous review: I am in love with Szymon Kudranski's lovely art, especially how he subtly shifts the atmosphere and lighting for each change of scenery. This issue he joins colorist Luis Nct to create one of the most unsettling creatures that I have seen in comic books in a long time – the demon king Belial. This concepts recalls classic creations of Steve Bissette and John Totleben in the 1980s Swamp Thing written by Alan Moore.
I said: Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is like if “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” and Hellblazer knocked demonic boots and conceived a black baby girl. Now, that she is here, please, read Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Killadelphia and of the original Hellblazer will want Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog.
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259
https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ
https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/
The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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Thursday, September 21, 2023
#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #25
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
#IReadsYou Review: JAMES BOND: Himeros #1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Antonio Ruso
COLORS: Adriano Augusto
LETTERS: Social Myth Studios
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Butch Guice; Francesco Francavilla;
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2021)
Rated T+
Based on the characters and stories created by Ian Fleming
“James Bond” is a fictional British Secret Service agent created by Ian Fleming, a British writer and novelist. Fleming introduced James Bond in the 1953 novel, Casino Royale, and featured the character in 12 novels and two short-story collections. Of course, most people know Bond because of Eon Productions' long-running James Bond-007 film series, which began with the 1962 film, Dr. No.
Over the past 50+ years, Bond has made sporadic appearances in comic books, but Dynamite Entertainment has been steadily publishing James Bond comic books since early 2016. Their latest James Bond comic book is James Bond: Himeros. It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Antonio Ruso; colored by Adriano Augusto; and lettered by Social Myth Studios. In Himeros, 007 finds himself caught in a web of powerful people who will kill to keep their child sex trafficking secrets from coming to light.
James Bond: Himeros #1 opens in Her Majesty's Prison Belmarsh, London. Richard Wilhelm is imprisoned there. He is the billionaire financier infamous for trafficking underage children from various parts of the world to his secret island in the South Pacific. Before long, he is dead, and while he was murdered, the public is told that he died by suicide.
At MI6, M has called Agent James Bond to find Wilhelm's right hand man, Sarah Richmond, and bring her to London before the people that killed her boss kill her. However, Anton Bates, the man who ordered Wilhelm killed, is well-connected to very powerful people, and he hires the best killers...
THE LOWDOWN: Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is James Bond: Himeros #1, which is one of several Dynamite James Bond comic books I've read.
I am a huge fan of Himeros' writer, Rodney Barnes, because of his supreme vampire comic book, Killadelphia; his tragically canceled Marvel Comics series, Falcon; and his young Lando Calrissian comic book, Star Wars: Lando. Barnes is very good at creating comic book stories in which the characters face tremendous consequences and have a lot to lose. Barnes' narratives are also fueled a sense of dread and of menace.
Antonio Ruso's art and storytelling comes at the readers like lightning-quick punches, and Adriano Augusto colors capture the exotic settings and moods of traditional James Bond fiction. “Himeros” is the Greek god of sexual desire, and after reading James Bond: Himeros #1, you will desire it, dear readers, and desire more.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of James Bond comic books will want to try James Bond: Himeros.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/
https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment
The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #24
KILLADELPHIA #24
IMAGE COMICS
STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander with Germán Erramouspe
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kelley Jones with Luis Nct; Jeff Lemire
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (August 2022)
Rated “M/ Mature”
Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander
“The End of All” Part VI: “Time to Die”
Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia. Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.
Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., a vampire! Father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner (Jose Padilla), werewolves, a witch, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly. Their adversary is a former First Lady, the vampire Abigail Adams.
As Killadelphia #24 (“Time to Die”) opens, the legendary vampire hunger, Toussaint Louverture, leads his forces into Philadelphia. Meanwhile, See Saw remembers the lessons he learned from the fate of his mailman father. He is ready to fight. So are the werewolf Zubiya and her pack, and their ally, Tituba the Stregherian.
George Washington, Founding Father and Vampire King, and his forces watch. The Sangsters and the allies gather. The war begins.
THE LOWDOWN: We have reached the final chapter of Killadelphia's fourth story arc, “The End of All.” It prepares the way for the next arc, but before it departs, it leaves us with bittersweet and just plain bitter moments.
As much as I totally enjoy the vampire and werewolf bloodshed of this wonderful comic book, I also like the contemplative side of Killadelphia. Writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander consistently offer many side dramas, focusing on particular characters. These vignettes illuminate themes or fill in details concerning current or coming story lines and subplots.
In Killadelphia #24, Barnes and Alexander reveal another side of Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw.” This is the side that will carry See Saw into war, but the authors are never shy about sharing the bitter harvest that America has been for African-Americans for centuries. There is no glance into Tevin's story that is free of horror. It is as if Barnes and Alexander are telling us, “This may be dark fantasy, suckas, but this ain't escapism.” For a moment, the authors made vampires seem less frightening than the adversaries Tevin's father faced. This won't be the last time the threat of vampires pales before the real horrors of the United States of America...
Although this is the final chapter of the current story arc, it is a perfect time to enter Killadelphia. It is always a perfect time to enter Killadelphia.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.
[This issue contains an afterword by Rodney Barnes.]
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259
https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ
https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/
The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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Wednesday, August 9, 2023
#IReadsYou Review: THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #5
THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 VOLUME 1 #5
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Edu Menna
COLORS: Dinei Ribero
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Mattina
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Arthur Suydam; Junggeun Yoon; Stuart Sayger; Ken Haeser; Francesco Mattina
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)
Rated Teen+
Army of Darkness is a 1992 comic horror film and the third film in the Evil Dead film franchise. The film focuses on the series' lead character, Ash Williams (portrayed by actor Bruce Campbell), as he is trapped in the Middle Ages and battling an army of undead warriors.
In 1992, Dark Horse Comics released a three-issue adaptation of Army of Darkness, and in 2004, Dynamite Entertainment acquired the rights to produce comics based on the Army of Darkness film, featuring Ash as the main character.
The most recent Army of Darkness comic book in the Dynamite catalog is The Army of Darkness 1979. It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Tom Garcia and Edu Menna; colored by Dinei Ribero; and lettered by Troy Peteri. In the new series, Ash Williams finds himself in late 1970s New York City. Not only is he fighting his usual adversaries, the Deadites and the Necronomicon, but he is also caught in a turf war between rival street gangs.
The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #5 opens with Ash reminiscing. Of course, it ends badly. Back to reality: Ash is now the leader of “The Half Deads,” and he's leading them against “The Warlocks.” The problem is that Bishop, leader of The Walocks, is in possession of the Necronomicon … and former leader of The Half Deads, Lilith, is now Bishop's arm candy.
So now, it will take a battle royale of all the gangs of New York to stop Bishop and The Warlocks. Can Ash lead them against an invasion of Deadites? Can Lilith stay true … to someone?
THE LOWDOWN: In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #5, which is the fifth Dynamite Entertainment Army of Darkness comic book I have read.
Writer Rodney Barnes brings The Army of Darkness 1979 to a rousing conclusion. It's his best issue of the series; not only is the action good, but issue #5 is the funniest. Edu Menna also turns in the series' best art, topped by Dinei Ribero's hot colors. It's all under a … dynamite Francesco Mattina cover.
When I finished reading Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #1, I didn't think I want more when I finished the final issue. But Yes! to more Rodney Barnes Army of Darkness, I say.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Army of Darkness comic books and of the franchise, in general, will want to read The Army of Darkness 1979.
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/
https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment
The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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Monday, July 31, 2023
I Reads You Juniors: July 2023 - Update #65
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NEWS:
DC COMICS - From GamesRadar: The site has a page that is a rundown of all the announced "Batman" publications for the nine months, from August 2023 to March 2024.
COMICS - From NYTimes: When collectors died, what happens to their estates. Who gets the comic books and/or the action figures? That discussed in this article from "The New York Times."
DC COMICS - From DCBlog: The writers of DC Comics' "Knight Terrors" event talk about how their own nightmares equipped them for these comic books.
SONY SPIDER-MAN U - From ComicBook: Actor Thomas Haden Church who played "Flint Marko/The Sandman" in two movies, Sony's "Spider-Man 3" (2007) and Sony/Marvel's "Spider-Man: No Way Home," says that there are rumors that Sam Raimi is developing a fourth Spider-Man film with actor Tobey Maguire. Raimi directed and Maguire starred in the first three Spider-Man films.
DC STUDIOS - From Deadline: James Gunn denies that he is packing "Superman: Legacy" with DC Comics characters in order "to attract buyers."
MANGA TO SERIES - From THR: Netflix has released the first full trailer for its live-action series version of "One Piece," the legendary manga from creator Eiichiro Oda. The series is set sail August 31st, 2023.
SDCC:
From ThePopverse: Rodney Barnes will writer and Ramon F. Bachs will draw "Luke Cage: Gang War," a three-issue miniseries that is part of the "Gang War" event. The first issue of the Luke Cage mini arrives Nov. 2023.
From ComicBook: Because Warner Bros. and the lackeys can't stop digging in the Alan Moore graveyard: DC Studios has announced an animated film based on Moore and DaveGibbons' seminal graphic novel, "Watchmen."
From BleedingCool: Todd McFarlane announces five new Spawn-related series at Comic-Con 2023.
From CBR: Fantagraphics Books has announced the Brazilian comics anthology, "BRABA," in conjunction with Brazilian publisher, Mino. It is due Fall 2024.
From DCBlog: DC.com has a page dedicated to all things related to DC Comics at San Diego Comic-Con 2023.
DC STUDIOS - From CBR: "Joker: Folie a Deux" cinematographer, Lawrence Sher, said his relationship with the film's star, Lady Gaga, improved when he referred to her as "Lee," the nickname of her character in the film (presumed to be Harley Quinn).
From THR: Warner Bros. is trying to save "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," and it is a chaotic situation. There have been massive reshoots and plans to feature both Michael Keaton's Batman and Ben Affleck's Batman have been scrapped at various stages. DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran have ordered many of the changes.
IMAGE TO ANIMATION - From IGN: The site has an exclusive poster reveals for Season 2 of Amazon Prime's animated hit, "Invinsible." The article also has a Season 2 teaser.
BRITISH COMICS - From 2000AD: Good Shepherd and Rebellion have entered into a partnership for Good Shepherd to develop and publish video game adaptations based on stories from the "2000 AD" universe, the home of "Judge Dredd," "Rogue Trooper," "ABC Warrior" and more, as well as Rebellion’s other comic IP, including "Roy of the Rovers" and "Battle Action."
ANIME/MANGA - From Deadline: Critics are reacting to the recently released final film of the famed animation director and manga creator, Hayao Miyazaki. Entitled "The Boy and The Heron" or "How Do You Live?" Gkids will release the film in North America later this year.
MARVEL - From EW: Iman Vellani, the actress who plays Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel on Disney+/Marvel Studios' "Ms. Marvel," will write the upcoming comic book, "Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant." Sabir Pirzada, one of the writers on the TV series, will co-write with Vellani.
DC STUDIOS - From YouTube: The final trailer for Warner Bros.'s upcoming DC Comics superhero film, "Blue Beetle," has arrived. The film is in theaters beginning August 18th, 2023.
COMICS - From ComicsBeat: There is a lot of conversation in this piece, "Comics retailers see uncertain future."
DC STUDIOS - From Deadline: After casting the Superman (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), "Superman: Legacy" has started to round out it cast. Fan-favorite Nathan Fillion will be "Green Lantern/Guy Gardner;" Edi Gathegi will be "Mister Terrific;" and Isabela Marced will play "Hawkgirl."
From THR: Anthony Carrigan ("NoHo Hank" on HBO's "Barry") has been cast as the superhero, "Metamorpho" in "Superman: Legacy."
From Deadline: Writer-director James Gunn shares his excitement over "Superman: Legacy" and talks about why he has included Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific.
DC CINEMA - From YahooEntertainment: With an estimated loss of at least 200 million dollars, Warner Bros. Pictures' DC Comics' film, "The Flash," is reportedly the biggest box office flop in superhero film history.
MARVEL - From BleedingCool: Joe Quesada has revealed a page from his Marvel Comics mystery project.
DC ANIMATION - From DCBlog: My Adventures with Superman co-executive producers Jake Wyatt and Brendan Clogher and co-producer Josie Campbell discuss the new Cartoon Network/Adult Swim animated series.
From DCBlog: Voice actors Alice Lee (Lois Lane) and Ishmel Sahid (Jimmy Olsen) talk about the new Cartoon Network/Adult Swim animated series, "My Adventures with Superman."
From YouTube: Here is the teaser trailer for "Suicide Squad: Isekia," a new anime series starring DC Comics' Suicide Squad. The animation is produced by WIT Studio, who produced the "Attack on Titan" anime. No word on the arrival date.
MARVEL TELEVISION - From Deadline: Peter Shinkoda, an actor on Netflix/Marvel's former "Daredevil" series, has accused former head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb, of making anti-Asian comments. This is in regards to the writing and story development of the series.
MARVEL STUDIOS - From Deadline: Marvel Studios' "Doctor Strange" star, Benedict Cumberbatch, says that Doctor Strange will return to silver screen next year... Stay tuned.
DC TV - From Deadline: "Smallville" actor, Allison Mack, has been released a year early from prison. She was sentenced to three years in federal prison in 2021 for participation in the notorious NXIVM cult. Mack played the character "Chloe Sullivan" on The WB/CW's "Smallville" during the series' entire run from 2001 to 2011.
MARVEL STUDIOS - From CBR: A fan found some merchandise, action figures, that reveal what Wolverine, Cyclops, and Rogue will look like in the upcoming Disney+ animated series, "X-Men '97."
MANGA - From BleedingCool: TOKYOPOP is launching "LoveLove," a diverse imprint of shojo, josei, girls love, boys love manga, and graphic novel titles by Western creators; the LoveLove line offers romantic stories and characters for everyone.
MARVEL - From BleedingCool: Marvel Comics will launch "Spider-Boy" in November from writer Dan Slott and artist Paco Medina.
-------------------
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
#IReadsYou Review: NITA HAWES' NIGHTMARE BLOG #8
NITA HAWES' NIGHTMARE BLOG #8
IMAGE COMICS
STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Szymon Kudranski
COLORS: Luis Nct with mar and Silvestre Galotto
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Szymon Kudranski
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jason Shawn Alexander with Luis Nct
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (September 2022)
Rated “M/ Mature”
Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander
“Murder By Another Name” Part II: “The Rule to the Exception”
Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is a comic book series created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander. Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is written by Barnes. The current artist is Szymon Kudranski. Colorist Luis Nct and letterer by Marshall Dillon complete the creative team. The series focuses on a woman who is on a quest to root out evil by helping the people who contact her blog.
In Baltimore, Maryland, which some call “Bodymore, Murderland,” there is a woman named Dawnita “Nita” Hawes. She is the owner of “Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog” where citizens can contact Nita when they have a problem of a supernatural or paranormal nature. Nita has just begun her quest to root the evil out of her city – with the help of her dead brother, Jason.
Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog #8 (“The Rule to the Exception”) opens with a ghost saying that it wants to let go, but that's not true. Once upon a time, a group of powerful white men sought immortality, and they paid for that journey with the body and blood of invisible humans. Now, their descendants must pay, and Detective Harden, once a non-believer, believes enough to call on Nita. Her brother, Jason, insists that sis sit this one out, but sis ain't backing down.
Plus, two men visit Nita. One is deeply in love and says all the right things. The other is petty and jealous and way too old to be acting that way.
THE LOWDOWN: Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is a spin-off of Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander's hit vampire comic book, Killadelphia. We are still early in the new story arc, “Murder By Another Name.”
Although I may be wrong, I interpret Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog as writer Rodney Barnes' most deeply personal work. The supernatural killer in “Murder By Another Name” comes from Barnes' connections to the history of Black folks in America and how that story is tied in knots to the larger history of violence of the United States. His stories, particularly here, directly connects that this violence on black people then is a violence on black people now.
On the Nita end of things, Barnes makes Nita feel real and really human because he isn't afraid to depict her pain and loss as coming from deep in her overall hurt; it is not merely character window dressing. Nita is heroic and vulnerable, and her vulnerability and pain and loss make her determination to continue the mission that much more admirable.
I am in love with Szymon Kudranski's lovely art, especially how he subtly shifts the atmosphere and lighting for each change of scene. It depends not only on the presence of the supernatural, but also the kind of supernatural present. Luis Nct's coloring measures the power in those changes.
Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is like if “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” and Hellblazer had black baby girl. [What a scandal that would have been at the DC Comics' offices.] And what a beautiful comic book baby she is.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Killadelphia and of the original Hellblazer will want Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog.
A+
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259
https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ
https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/
The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
-------------
Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #23
KILLADELPHIA #23
IMAGE COMICS
STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander with Germán Erramouspe and Nicole Palmquist
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Eli Minaya
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (July 2022)
Rated “M/ Mature”
Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander
“The End of All” Part V: “Twelve Angry Vampires... Four Werewolves... Oh, And A Witch”
Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia. Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.
Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., a vampire! Father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner (Jose Padilla), werewolves, a witch, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly. Their adversary is a former First Lady, the vampire Abigail Adams.
As Killadelphia #23 (“Twelve Angry Vampires... Four Werewolves... Oh, And A Witch”) opens, Washington, Jefferson, and Adams have a meeting of the minds with the Eterna. Meanwhile, Abigail Adams prepares to tell her ex how things are now. On the other side of Philly, the werewolf Zubiya and her pack have to come to an agreement – to help the humans or to return to their old haunts. Tituba the Stregherian witch moderates.
Toussaint Louverture, the legendary vampire hunter, and his sister, Sanité, meet Anansi, who has a warning. Their fight against the vampires of Killy won't be what they are expecting. And Jim Sr. speaks to See Saw. Now is a time for conversation, but soon, there will be war – with directions from the thrones of Hell.
But George Washington: Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, Founding Father, and first president of the United States is now the undead Vampire King. Can anyone defeat the very leader who won the battle for America the first time?!
THE LOWDOWN: We have the penultimate chapter of Killadelphia's fourth story arc, “The End of All.” It is an outta sight arc, and Chapter Five is the quiet before the storm.
Writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander offer a … reposeful issue of the series with Killadelphia #23. Barnes uses this issue to gather the major players before the readers and to reveal or emphasize their goals and conflicts. He smartly puts a spotlight on Toussaint Louverture and Sanité, two players with series potential.
Alexander, with colorist Luis Nct, also does a character spotlight. This issue is like a family photo album of this wonderful ensemble, Alexander finding beauty in brutal violence and ultimate evil. Alexander's gift is to make each character a star in his own way, stressing his or her importance, even if the readers don't always catch on quickly.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
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Thursday, June 29, 2023
#IReadsYou Review: THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #4
THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 VOLUME 1 #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Tom Garcia (pp. 1-12); Edu Menna (pp. 13-22)
COLORS: Dinei Ribero
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Mattina
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Arthur Suydam; Junggeun Yoon; Stuart Sayger; Francesco Mattina; Jamie Biggs
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2021)
Rated Teen+
Army of Darkness is a 1992 comic horror film and the third film in the Evil Dead film franchise. The film focuses on the series' lead character, Ash Williams (portrayed by actor Bruce Campbell), as he is trapped in the Middle Ages and battling an army of undead warriors.
In 1992, Dark Horse Comics released a three-issue adaptation of Army of Darkness, and in 2004, Dynamite Entertainment acquired the rights to produce comics based on the Army of Darkness film, featuring Ash as the main character.
The most recent Army of Darkness comic book in the Dynamite catalog is The Army of Darkness 1979. It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn by Tom Garcia; colored by Dinei Ribero; and lettered by Troy Peteri. In the new series, Ash Williams finds himself in late 1970s New York City. Not only is he fighting his usual adversaries, the Deadites and the Necronomicon, but he is also caught in a turf war between rival street gangs.
As The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #4 opens, Ash talks about the Necronomicon and his trials and tribulations with the book … to himself, but at least the members of “The Half Deads” street gang are listening. Meanwhile, Lilith is trying to convince Bishop, leader of “The Warlocks,” that she has left The Half Deads and wants in on The Warlocks. Bishop doesn't trust her. Luckily (for him, not her), he now possesses the Necronomicon, which can judge if Lilith is being honest...
While waiting for Lilith, Ash and the gang happen upon the legendary club, “Studio 54.” Suddenly, Ash has a case of “Saturday Night Fever,” but will his antics cause a “Disco Inferno?”
THE LOWDOWN: Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is The Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1 #4, which is the fourth Dynamite Entertainment Army of Darkness comic book I have read.
With each issue of the series, writer Rodney Barnes digs deeper into late 1970s culture and pop culture and spins it into comedy gold. Barnes is creating a comic book that is true to the spirit of the Evil Dead and Army of Darkness films. It's not the scares that made this franchise; it's the snark and the fun.
The trademark Army of Darkness comic horror dialogue, ghoulish wit, and mockery lives well in Army of Darkness 1979 Volume 1. If this is your thing, hop in a comic book portal and join the fun.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Army of Darkness comic books and of the franchise, in general, will want to read The Army of Darkness 1979.
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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Wednesday, May 10, 2023
#IReadsYou Review: NITA HAWES' NIGHTMARE BLOG #7
NITA HAWES' NIGHTMARE BLOG #7
IMAGE COMICS
STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Szymon Kudranski
COLORS: Luis Nct with mar and Silvestre Galotto
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Syymon Kudranski
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jason Shawn Alexander with Luis Nct
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (August 2022)
Rated “M/ Mature”
Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander
“Murder By Another Name” Part I: “A Date with the Ripper”
Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is a comic book series created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander. Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is written by Barnes. The current artist is Szymon Kudranski. Colorist Luis Nct and letterer by Marshall Dillon complete the creative team. The series focuses on a woman who is on a quest to root out evil by helping the people who contact her blog.
In Baltimore, Maryland, which some call “Bodymore, Murderland,” there is a woman named Dawnita “Nita” Hawes. She is the owner of “Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog” where citizens can contact Nita when they have a problem of a supernatural or paranormal nature. Nita has just begun her quest to root the evil out of her city – with the help of her dead brother, Jason.
Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog #7 (“A Date with the Ripper”) opens in Annapolis, Maryland at “McGarvey's Tavern.” A high-end Congressman is about to meet a most grisly fate … at the hands of a killer that is apparently concerned about the afterlife.
Meanwhile, it has been six months since Nita danced to the blues of Howlin' Henry and bested the demon, Corson. Nita has moved on from Jimmy Sangster, Jr. and has a hot new man in her life. Then, her dead brother, Jason, shows up. Isn't he supposed to finally be resting in peace?! And now Detective Harden is calling from Annapolis.
THE LOWDOWN: Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is a spin-off of Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander's hit vampire comic book, Killadelphia. Nita's connections to the series played a substantial part in the series' opening story arc, “The Fire Next Time.”
Now, comes the new story arc, “Murder By Another Name.” Writer Rodney Barnes continues to spin his visceral horror stories that he builds from the horrid history of the United States when it comes to the treatment of the descendants of African slaves. I like that Barnes' horror fiction isn't merely violent narratives. He mixes mysticism, folk culture, and local magic that result in a kind of dark fantasy that really feels otherworldly, in its own kind of Twilight Zone.
Between his work on Nita Hawes' and A Town Called Terror, artist Szymon Kudranski continues to impress me with his graphical storytelling styles. Clean line work and luscious brushstrokes create a kind of living darkness where he can bring Barnes' conjurations to life in the most vivid way.
Girl! Where ya' been? Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog is back and is great as ever.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Killadelphia and of the original Hellblazer will want Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog.
A+
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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Thursday, May 4, 2023
#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #22
KILLADELPHIA #22
IMAGE COMICS
STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander with Germán Erramouspe and Nicole Palmquist
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Elia Bonetti
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (May 2022)
Rated “M/ Mature”
Killadelphia and Elysium Gardens created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander
“The End of All” Part IV: “The Conversation”
Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander and is published by Image Comics. At the center of this series is a police officer caught in a lurid conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia, “the City of Brotherly Love.” Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.
Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., thought to be dead. He is actually a vampire. Now father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner (Jose Padilla), a dead president, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly from an ambitious and murderous former First Lady, Abigail Adams.
As Killadelphia #22 (“The Conversation”) opens, Abigail and her coven are having an unpleasant conversation among themselves. It gets more unpleasant when (vampire) George Washington, See Saw, and Aelio arrive for a deeper conversation. It seems that these different factions must come together because the one true vampire king has returned to claim his throne and to lay waste to America.
Meanwhile, Jimmy and Tituba, the Stregherian witch, are still searching for See Saw. They may have to throw more light on the situation than they expected... and they are also due for some conversation.
THE LOWDOWN: We have entered the second half of Killadelphia's fourth story arc, “The End of All.” It is an outta sight arc, and individually, so is Chapter Four, which resides under Jason Shawn Alexander's sexy-back cover.
Writer Rodney Barnes is a writer and executive producer on HBO's event series, “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.” Reading Killadelphia is also a winning time because pretty much every issue introduces something entirely new that is entirely consequential, and totally amazing. Killadelphia #22 is a basket of dark fantasy delights, featuring characters that could carry their own series, especially Tituba. Here, what makes the characters rich is not so much their personalities as it is what they want.
Killadelphia #22 may also be the first time that I realized how artist Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Luis Nct have managed to create such a menagerie of vampires and individual characters. The characters with speaking roles have a unique look, and the coloring gives each one a visual and graphic personality. It is a feast for the eyes and for the imagination.
Killadelphia #22 makes me feel like I have rediscovered the series, in a way. Dear readers, I want you to discover it, also.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.
A+
Reviewed by Leroy Douressesaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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