#IReadsYou Review: NIGHT OF THE GHOUL #3

NIGHT OF THE GHOUL #3 (OF 6)
comiXology/Best Jacket Press

STORY: Scott Snyder
ART: Francesco Francavilla
COLORS: Francesco Francavilla
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
24pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Age Rating: 15+

Night of the Ghoul co-created by Scott Snyder and Francesco Francavilla

Episode 03

Night of the Ghoul is a digital comic book miniseries created by writer Scott Snyder and artist Francesco Francavilla.  It is published by comiXology as part of its “comiXology Originals” line of digital comics.  This six-issue series will later be collected in trade paperback form by Dark Horse Comics.  Night of the Ghoul focuses on the dark conspiracy behind a lost horror film from 1936.

Night of the Ghoul finds film fanatic, Forest Innman, and his son, Orson, at an old folks home deep in the desert.  There, Forest meets one of the home's residents, Charles Patrick, who is really T.F. Merritt, a screenwriter and film director from the Golden Age of Hollywood.  In 1936, Merritt shot a a cursed horror film, “Night of the Ghoul,” that never made it to the silver screen.  A mysterious studio fire destroyed the footage and killed the cast and crew at the wrap-party.  The film became a legend, but no footage was ever recovered … until Forest finds some footage.  And the trouble begins.

As Night of the Ghoul #3 opens, Dr. Skeen, head of the facility, interrupts Forest's interview with Merritt.  Skeen also rebuffs Orson's story about the corpses of children being in the facility.  Father and son depart the facility and during an argument, Orson reveals some surprising news about his mother, Forest's wife.  It all leads to Forest witnessing something shocking.

Meanwhile, inside the film, “Night of the Ghoul,” Alex and Johnny Polaris continue their investigation into the Ghoul.  Alex is the son of Sgt. Kurt Powell of Eagle Company, and Polaris, Powell's friend and fellow veteran of World War I, was also in the Eagle Company.  They believe that Kurt became infected with the Ghoul during a secret mission in Italy during the war.

Alex and Polaris meet Dale Holloway, a professor of Anthropological Studies.  She once researched “Gul” legends, and she actually tried to find the Ghoul.  The result is that she has terrible story to tell.

THE LOWDOWN:  In Night of the Ghoul, Francavilla and Snyder have created a masterpiece of atmospheric horror.  I can never get enough of this visually splendid comic book.

In Episode 3, Snyder ups the ante by revealing more about the precarious state of Forest Innman's marriage and his frayed relationship.  Inside the Night of the Ghoul film, Francavilla presents beautiful graphic design, especially in the “Gul” artifacts.  The artist also creates an appropriately chilly atmosphere for Prof. Holloway's tale.

I will continue to recommend Night of the Ghoul because it is the kind of horror comic book that makes me remember my earliest horror comics experiences.  As I said in my review of issues #1 and #2, this is the kind of comic book that gives me a reason to keep reading comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Scott Snyder and of Francesco Francavilla will want to try Night of the Ghoul.

A+

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


https://twitter.com/comiXology
https://twitter.com/DarkHorseComics
https://twitter.com/Ssnyder1835
https://www.instagram.com/ssnyder1835/
https://twitter.com/f_francavilla
https://twitter.com/andworlddesign


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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#IReadsYou Review: NIGHT OF THE GHOUL #2

NIGHT OF THE GHOUL #2 (OF 6)
comiXology/Best Jacket Press

STORY: Scott Snyder
ART: Francesco Francavilla
COLORS: Francesco Francavilla
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
24pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (November 2021)

Age Rating: 15+

Night of the Ghoul co-created by Scott Snyder and Francesco Francavilla

Episode 02

Night of the Ghoul is a digital comic book miniseries created by writer Scott Snyder and artist Francesco Francavilla.  It is published by comiXology as part of its “comiXology Originals” line of digital comics.  This six-issue series will later be collected in trade paperback form by Dark Horse Comics.  Night of the Ghoul focuses on the dark conspiracy behind a lost horror film from 1936.

Night of the Ghoul finds film fanatic, Forest Innman, and his son, Orson, at an old folks home deep in the desert.  There, Forest meets one of the home's residents, Charles Patrick, who is really T.F. Merritt, a screenwriter and film director from the Golden Age of Hollywood.  In 1936, Merritt shot a a cursed horror film, “Night of the Ghoul,” that never made it to the silver screen.  A mysterious studio fire destroyed the footage and killed the cast and crew at the wrap-party.  The film became a legend, but no footage was ever recovered … until Forest finds some footage.  And the trouble begins.

Night of the Ghoul #2 opens inside the film, “Night of the Ghoul,” in the scene explaining what “the Ghoul” is.  Later, World War I ends and Sgt. Kurt Powell of Eagle Company returns to America with his fellow soldier, Johnny.  However, something is wrong with Kurt, and when he is reunited with Alex, his young son, the boy recognizes it immediately.  Johnny and Alex also overhear two officers from the ship that brought them home discussing something quite unsettling.

Leaving the film, the story returns to the nursing home.  There, Merritt explains his fate since the destruction of his film.  He also forces Forest to admit that he knows more than he has let on to the old man.  What is “The Order of the Fly?”  Meanwhile, Orson is trying to escape from his father by leaving the old folks' home, but he is discovering a series of disturbing things about the place.

THE LOWDOWN:  Francavilla and Snyder continue to work as a single creative unit; at least, that is the sense I get when I read this hugely entertaining comic.  However, the star here is artist Francesco Francavilla, whose seamlessly transforms Synder's script into the kind of spooky, atmospheric comics that is his signature work – such as Afterlife with Archie and The Black Beetle.

On Page 14, Francavilla draws Orson descending a staircase at the old folks' home.  Shadows that look like bony fingers reach out towards him, and for me, that image recalls the late Edward Gorey's animations for the opening of the television series, “PBS Mystery!”  It is both beautiful and delightfully scary.

I am recommending Night of the Ghoul because it is the kind of horror comic book that makes me remember my earliest horror comics experiences – Charlton Comics and Warren Publishing.  As I said in my review of issue #1, this is the kind of comic book that gives me a reason to keep reading comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Scott Snyder and of Francesco Francavilla will want to try Night of the Ghoul.

A+

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


https://twitter.com/comiXology
https://twitter.com/DarkHorseComics
https://twitter.com/Ssnyder1835
https://www.instagram.com/ssnyder1835/
https://twitter.com/f_francavilla
https://twitter.com/andworlddesign


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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#IReadsYou Review: NIGHT OF THE GHOUL #1

NIGHT OF THE GHOUL #1 (OF 6)
comiXology/Best Jacket Press

STORY: Scott Snyder
ART: Francesco Francavilla
COLORS: Francesco Francavilla
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (October 2021)

Age Rating: 15+

Episode 01

Night of the Ghoul is a digital comic book miniseries created by writer Scott Snyder and artist Francesco Francavilla.  It is published by comiXology as part of its “comiXology Originals” line of digital comics.  This six-issue series will later be collected in trade paperback form by Dark Horse Comics.  Night of the Ghoul focuses on the dark conspiracy behind a lost horror film from 1936.

Night of the Ghoul #1 opens at night in the California desert – fifty miles west of Calexico.  Forest Innman and his son, Orson, race to an old folks home, where Forest will pretend to be an agent of “Northgood Health Insurance.”  Under that guise, Forest hopes to meet one of the home's residents, Charles Patrick.

Charles Patrick, however, isn't his real name.  He is really T.F. Merritt, a screenwriter and film director from the Golden Age of Hollywood.  In 1936, Merritt shot a film, “Night of the Ghoul,” that was meant to stand side by side with James Whale's Frankenstein (1931) and Tod Browning's Dracula (1931) as seminal Hollywood horror films and as instant classics.  “Night of the Ghoul,” however, never made it to the silver screen.  A mysterious studio fire destroyed the footage and killed the cast and crew at the wrap-party.  The film became a legend, but no footage was ever recovered … until now.

Inman, obsessed with horror films, found a forgotten canister of footage from “Night of the Ghoul,” and this discovery has sent him on his odyssey to meet T.F. Merritt.  But Merritt asks one important and ominous questions: has Inman watched the film?

THE LOWDOWN:  Twenty-nine of the 32 pages of Night of the Ghoul #1 are story pages.  My synopsis is really only a broad overview of what happens in this first episode.  There is an entire co-plot that is actually the depiction of the film, “Night of the Ghoul,” which artist Francesco Francavilla draws in beautiful black and white.

Francavilla and Snyder work as a single creative unit.  Snyder's story, which recalls the classic horror films of yesteryear, and Francavilla's art, which is inherently spooky, come together in one alluring package.  There is an extra creepy scene that takes place in a hall in the home that does not come across to me as ever being a script and then a series of illustrations.  It seems to have come into existence whole, so convincing is the evil that it conveys.  Night of the Ghoul is a world of shadow and fog, not creative process, one that will invite you inside … in time to kill you.

This first episode is not so much an intellectual experience as it is a reading experience that calls on the reader's memories and the emotions attached to specific memories.  The authors seem to bid you to get inside this story and feel, perhaps, feel the way you did when you first read comic books.  In that way, Night of the Ghoul is a pure pop comic book, like Francavilla's The Black Beetle comic books.

I am recommending Night of the Ghoul because it is the kind of horror comic book that makes me remember my earliest horror comics experiences – Charlton Comics and Warren Publishing.  And it is the kind of comic book that gives me a reason to keep reading comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Scott Snyder and of Francesco Francavilla will want to try Night of the Ghoul.

A+

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


https://twitter.com/comiXology
https://twitter.com/DarkHorseComics
https://twitter.com/Ssnyder1835
https://www.instagram.com/ssnyder1835/
https://twitter.com/f_francavilla
https://twitter.com/andworlddesign


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 link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

I Reads You Juniors: January 2023 - Update #50

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

DC STUDIOS - From YouTube:  Here is DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn's video announcement about Chapter One: Gods and Monsters of the new DC Studios film and TV slate.

From DCBlog:  Here is a run down on the next generation of DC Comics movies and television, according to DC Studios co-bosses, James Gunn and Peter Safran.  Chapter One (not Phase One) is entitled "Gods and Monsters."

From DCBlog:  DC Studios Co-Chairmen and co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran talk about building a new DC Universe.

DC COMICS - From CBR:  Writer Mark Waid explains why DC Comics' latest event comic book series, "Lazarus Planet," focuses on Damian Wayne/Robin.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Josh Trujillo talks about the six-issue, Blue Beetle limited series, "Blue Beetle: Graduation Day."

MARVEL STUDIOS - From Variety:  Actor Stephen Dorff, who starred in the 1998 "Blade" film as the villain, "Deacon Frost," is criticizing Marvel Studios again and mocking its current attempt at rebooting the "Blade" film franchise.

OSCARS - From DigitalSpy:  Angela Bassett becomes the first actor in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film to earn an Oscar nomination in an acting category. Bassett was nomination for "Best Supporting Actress" for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" at the 2023 / 95th Academy Awards.

From BatmanNews:  Director Matt Reeves' "The Batman" received 3 nominations at the 2023 / 95th Academy Awards.  The categories were "Sound Design," "Make-Up & Hairstylying," and "Visual Effects."

DC STUDIOS - From Deadline:  Social media rumors suggest that actor Jason Momoa will stop playing DC Comics character, "Aquaman." in film so that he can start playing another DC character, "Lobo."  Momoa seems to hint that he could play more than one role...

IDW - From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing will publish a new comic book starring the late Dave Stevens' comic book character, "The Rocketeer."  The one-shot, entitled "The Rocketeer," will feature the work of Adam Hughes and Jae Lee and will be edited by Scott Dunbier.

COMIXOLOGY - From BleedingCool:  As part of major layoffs at Amazon, reports indicate that 50 percent to 75 percent of the staff at digital comics company, comiXology, has been laid off (fired).

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Apparently on comic book artist, Jason Pearson, died at the age of 52, Monday, December 19, 2022.  According to his family, he passed away of a heart attack.  Pearson was best known for his creator-owned comic book, "Body Bags."  He also drew, Batman, Deadlpool, and X-Men comic books, to name a few.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Prolific comic book writer, Cullen Bunn, is launching his own horror imprint, "Outer Shadows," via Outland Entertainment.  It will publish comics, games, and prose fiction.

MARVEL - From GameSpot:  The X-Men's Storm returns to her punk rock days in a new five-issue miniseries from 1980s "X-Men" editor, writer Ann Nocenti, and artist Sid Kotian, who drew Chris Claremont's recent "Gambit" miniseries.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  DC Comics prepares readers for the "Dawn of DC" in this article.

IMAGE - From CBR: The site offers a profile of Mark Millar/Netflix's upcoming crossover event, "Big Game," that will involve 24 different comic book/media franchises that Millar has created, from "Kick-Ass" to Kingsman.

DC STUDIOS - From Variety:  The rise and fall of Dwayne Johnson and "Black Adam" at Warner Bros. Discovery.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner are planning to revive their comic book series, "Painkiller Jane," in 2023.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  A Pennsylvania man allegedly killed his wife because she would not support him opening a comic book store...

DC STUDIOS - From GameSpot:  Director Patty Jenkins talks about the "Wonder Woman 3" situation, by which she means that her idea for the film was rejected on the way to the film being cancelled.

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DECEMBER 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Bad Kids Press for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Bad Moon Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Cold War" event for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 20211

From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  WhatNot Publishing for December 2022

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for December 2022

JANUARY 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios Entertainment

From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainent for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Publishing for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for January 2023

From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for January 2023

FEBRUARY 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  AWA for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Spider-Man" and "Dark Web" for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion Developments Ltd for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Silver Sprocket Press for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions, Inc. for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Publishing for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for February 2023

From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for February 2023

MARCH 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Asylum Press for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents LLC for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2023

From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Publishing for March 2023

APRIL 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for April 2023

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2023

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2023

From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Captain America: Cold War event solicitations for April 2023

From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Sins of Sinister" solicitations and checklist for April 2023

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2023

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#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #35

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #35
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
MISC. ART: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2017; digital release date – October 24, 2018)

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

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

“Higher Learning, Part 3 of 4”

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

The current story line is “Higher Learning.”  It is written by Thompson; drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Ortiz; and lettered by Krugos.  In this story arc, Paige is reunited with her father, who also happens to be the villain, Tech Locke, and her “sister,” Tess Raven.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #35 opens in the “Campus Survivors Compound.”  Paige's mother, Morgan, wants the group to have a really good plan of action before they launch an attack on Tech Locke's compound to retrieve her daughter.  Jamie and Brittany, newly recovered from her injuries, are raring to go.  What they don't know is that Paige is willing to help her father and is all-in on his diabolical plans, which she doesn't see as diabolical.

Locke will assist his ally, Doctor Lucian Campbell, who wants to ascend as “Skull Drudgery's” vessel.  In order to do that, he needs the “Ever-Ice,” and that can only be found on an alternate Earth – an “Ice Earth” that Tess visited a few years ago.  But Tess will need Paige's magical powers, which are only getting stronger, to open a portal to that world.

Meanwhile, the other two EAZY sisters are in a pitched battle against Neo-Zombies outside Locke's compound.  Now, they must follow Paige and Locke to the Ice Earth, but if they do, tragedy will also follow them.

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end and delivering a series of standalone stories, writer B. Alex Thompson turns the focus of Chaos Campus' narrative eye to Paige Helena Patton.  The fun thing of that, especially for regular readers of Chaos Campus, is that this story arc, “Higher Learning,” means a return of favorite characters that have been absent for several issues or even longer.  Thompson brings family drama, tragedy, and real pain to Chaos Campus #35, and he also delivers some epic action.

Ricardo Mendez's art and graphical storytelling deftly mixes the magic and the reunions.  As he did in the second issue, Mendez also conveys how important this story arc is both in terms of Paige's development and in her personal story and in terms of how the story affects the future of the series.  In this thirty-fifth issue, Mendez also offers readers six cool double-page spreads that greatly heighten the sense of drama and action; they are like a kick of adrenaline to your imagination, dear readers.

Alivon Ortiz's dazzling colors and impressive color effects make “Higher Learning's” magic look … well, magical.  Krugos' lettering continues the steady beat of this series, as he carries readers into an alternative world of high-powered action.  I heartily recommend Chaos Campus #35, so go back and get issues #33 and #34, if you have to, as you prepare for the conclusion of “Higher Learning.”

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
9 out of 10

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


Buy Chaos Campus at comiXology or at https://www.comixology.com/Chaos-Campus-Sorority-Girls-vs-Zombies/comics-series/63703?ref=c2VhcmNoL2luZGV4L2Rlc2t0b3Avc2xpZGVyTGlzdC90b3BSZXN1bHRzU2xpZGVy

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #31

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES No. 31
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Russell Vincent Yu
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: Ricardo Mendez
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2017; digital release date – July 12, 2017)

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

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

“Juggernauts”

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

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #31 (“Juggernauts”) opens in the aftermath of “Super Chaos Babies.”  A small military unit arrives at the remains of Salvation East, destroyed by the betrayal and conflict within Jamie Lynn Schaeffer's family (specifically her twin sister, Aimee).  Instead of sanctuary, the soldiers find Neo-Zombies and the massive slasher, Kurtis Kasey the Body Snatcher (created by Phantom Avri)!

Caught between a flesh-rending rock and flesh-eating hard place, the soldiers call upon “Project Seventy-Two” to save them from Kasey.  However, their Seventy-Two turns out to be another slasher familiar to readers of Chaos Campus, Mikhail Grishuk the Meat Man.  Now, its Kurtis vs. Mikhail, and no one should get caught in the middle of this slasher-on-slasher kill-fest.

Meanwhile, the EAZY girls are about to find themselves getting involved when they should be resting from their recent adventures.  What happens when one of the slashers runs off with one of the girls?

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end, writer B. Alex Thompson continues to bring levity to Chaos Campus via a series of standalone stories.  “Juggernauts” is the best of the lot – so far.

Ricardo Mendez's art reminds me of the storytelling that readers would find in Marvel Comics' The Punisher.  Mendez's storytelling has nice pacing and offers just enough brutality and gruesomeness to capture the Chaos Campus style.  Colorist Russell Vincent Yu dresses the story in gritty hues, dominated by the uniform gray of military order and violence.

B. Alex Thompson does his readers a nice turn by returning some of their favorite “slashers.”  I had not forgotten the inimitable Kurtis Kasey since the very first time I saw him (perhaps, Chaos Campus #9-10), and had often hoped he would return.  In Chaos Campus #31 Thompson uses returning characters and settings to move the story to its next destination.  It is up to letterer Krugos to heighten the story's violent and comically violent melodrama, which he does

Chaos Campus #31, like many issues of the series, is a good starting point for new readers.  Although this issue is rooted in the series' distant and recent past, “Juggernauts” is easy to follow.  Plus, the ending will make readers, both new and old, want to come back.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

8 out of 10

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


Buy Chaos Campus at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: 55 #1

55 #1
DOODLE 4NF

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Gary Yap
12pp, Color, $1.99 U.S.

55 is a new digital comic book series written and drawn by Gary Yap.  55 imagines Emmy Award-winning actress, Gillian Anderson (“The X-Files”), as a James Bond-like spy.  Whereas Bond is agent “007,” Anderson's character is agent “55.”  The sale of 55 raises money for the Neurofibromatosis Network, for which Anderson is an honorary spokesperson.

55 #1 opens an a sleek jet that is in a state of distress.  Inside, two women battle.  One is has a gauntlet of razor-sharp claws, and the other is calm and self-assured.  But which is the hero?!  She wasn't supposed to make it this far.  With a nod to the past and a plunge into the future, enter the world of 55, the renegade “Factor” whose life is a constant series of cliffhangers.

THE LOWDOWN:  If you visit the Neurofibromatosis Network's website, dear readers, you will learn about Neurofibromatosis, including the follow:

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder of the nervous system which causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time. This progressive disorder affects all races, all ethnic groups and both sexes equally. NF is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States (one in every 2,500 to 3,000 births). The neurofibromatoses affects more than 100,000 Americans; this makes NF more prevalent than Cystic Fibrosis, hereditary Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington’s Disease and Tay Sachs combined.

Film and television actress, Gillian Anderson, is best known for the role of FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the long-running TV series, The X-Files (1993-2002, 2016-2018).  From 1996 to 1999, Anderson earned four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her performance in “The X-Files,” and won the Emmy in 1997.  Anderson also received an Emmy nomination for her role in the BBC's “Bleak House.”  Anderson's late brother suffered from Neurofibromatosis as a child.

Gary Yap has worked as storyboard artist, producer, and/or director in live-action film and television.  From 1997 to 2005, Yap worked as a storyboard artist, layout artist, or assistant director on Fox's long-running animated series, "King of the Hill" (1997-2010).

The three come together for what will hopefully be a long-running and fun comic book, entitled #55.  Gary Yap's work as a storyboard artist really shows in this first chapter.  Each page has a stylish sense of design, but the sense of movement in action, drama, and story is as evident as the graphic design; story is most important here.  In his cartoon version of Gillian Anderson, Yap captures actress' sexiness and innate sense of humor.  Still, the spy Anderson also has an air of menace about her, as if to let the readers know that neither she nor her comic book is a joke or a parody.

Honestly, if you are a fan of Anderson, how can you not read 55, especially because the purchase of it gives money to charity...  I'm certainly ready for more.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of spy/secret agent comic books, of Gillian Anderson, and of comics that raise money for charity will want to drive 55.

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


Buy 55 #1 at comiXology or at https://www.comixology.com/Gary-Yap/comics-creator/7568

https://www.gamesradar.com/gillian-anderson-stars-in-her-own-comic-book-to-raise-money-for-a-good-cause/
https://twitter.com/ByGaryYap
https://twitter.com/GillianA
https://twitter.com/nfnetwork
https://www.nfnetwork.org/
https://www.facebook.com/NeurofibromatosisNetwork/?ref=ts
https://www.youtube.com/user/nfincvideo


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: CHAOS CAMPUS: Extra Credit #7

CHAOS CAMPUS: EXTRA CREDIT No. 7
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: Ricardo Mendez (2017 Monterey Comic Con Convention Exclusive cover)
32pp, Color, $9.99 U.S./.99¢ digital-comic (2017; digital release date – April 12, 2017)

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

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

“The NecroMager”

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

Thompson is also producing a Chaos Campus side series, Chaos Campus: Extra Credit, which offers readers something “extra,” but (apparently) in continuity to the main series.  Thompson also releases a “convention exclusive” variant cover edition of Extra Credit.  Thompson recently provided me a copy-for-review of Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #7 – Convention Exclusive 2017 (for the Monterey Comic Con).

Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #7 opens in the middle of Paige's funky dream that finds her in a too-revealing swimsuit, in a situation of submission and humiliation, and in a meeting the mysterious Locus.  Back in the waking world, Paige reunites with Jamie and Paige and also with the ongoing battle against the “Neo-Zombies.”

There are also some new complications.  Jamie makes a shocking announcement.  A killing machine named “Denvey” joins the fray.  Locus is real, and she has friend named “Spook.”  And a friend, Brian, turns out to be a budding magic-baddie and a total frickin' asshole and ass-wipe.

As usual, I enjoy whatever Chaos Campus comic book I read.  Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #7 does not have the dramatic (or humorous) chops of the regular series, but it is wacky, offbeat, and gleefully gruesome.  I enjoyed the guest characters:  Locus, Spook, and Denvey, which are the property of comic book creator, Adam Black.

The art by Ricardo Mendez is quite nice.  What he lacks as an experienced draftsman, Mendez makes up with imaginative illustrations.  To me, Mendez feels like a natural at comic book storytelling.  As usual, Alivon Ortiz delivers strong coloring, this time conveying the chaotic situation of this issue.  Letterer, Krugos, gets the most out of “sound effects,” especially “Budda Budda” for gunfire.

So, for those who can't get enough zombie education from Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies, you'll get schooled in the ways of necromancy and backstabbing in Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #7.  You, dear reader, can even get this “Extra Credit” from comiXology.

7.5 out of 10

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

Buy Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #7 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com
Visit Adam Black and Locus Comics at http://locuscomics.com/


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

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I Reads You Juniors December 2019 - Update #78

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

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

From Newsarama:  U.S. Rep. John Lewis (George's 5th Congressional District), the star of Top Shelf Productions' graphic novel trilogy, "March" (based on Lewis' life), has announced that he was Stage IV pancreatic cancer.

From CBR:  Kohei Horikoshi already has plans for the end of his smash hit manga, "My Hero Academia."

DC CINEMA - From ScreenRant:  Actor Michael B. Jordan says that if he played Superman (which he is rumored to be), the character would be authentic to comic book history.

From WCCFTech:  Valiant Comics is partnering with Blowfish Studios for the latter to produce games based on Valiant's characters.

COMICS-TO-FILM - From Newsarama:   Sony Pictures has moved the release date for its "Bloodshot" film (based on the Valiant Comics titles) from Feb. 21, 2020 to March 13, 2020.  The film stars Vin Diesel in the title role.

DC CINEMA - From Collider:  Director Patty Jenkins said that "Wonder Woman: 1984" is complete done - six months before its release.

REVIEWS - From Patreon:  My review of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."

From Newsarama:  Apparently, Jeff Kinney's comics slash illustrated books hybid series, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" sold 10 million copies in 2019.  It has sold 200 million copies since the first book made its hardcover debut in 2007.

FOX X-MEN MOVIES - From Newsarama:  The X-Men film, "The New Mutants," is one of the films Disney inherited when it bought 20th Century Fox.  It has had numerous release date changes, from both Fox and Disney.  The film's director, Josh Boone, hints that there will be a new trailer for the film in January 2020.

From TheHollywoodReporter:  IDW Publishing is partnering with Dark Horse Comics for the four-issue comic book mash-up miniseries, "Transformers vs. The Terminator."  The series is due in comic book stores March 2020.

MEMORIAM - From Newsarama:  Comic book artist, Gerry Alanguilan, has died at the age of 51.

From BleedingCool:  So Mark Millar's secret "Project X-mas" turned out to be "American Jesus," which is apparently a reworking of a Millar series once published by Dark Horse Comics.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama: "Bird of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)" has received an R-rating from the American movie ratings board, the MPAA.

IMAGE COMICS CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels will direct a film adaptation of Robert Kirkman and Marc Silvestri's "Stealth" for Universal Pictures.

From Newsarama:   Marvel's "Free Comic Book Day 2020" offering, an "X-Men" comic book, will reportedly lead to Marvel Comics' next mega crossover event.

From Newsarama:  The "Free Comic Book Day" Committee has announced the "Gold Titles" for "Free Comic Book Day 2020" (May 2, 2020).

DC CINEMA - From CinemaBlend:  Gal Gadot explains why Wonder Woman does not have a sword and shield in "Wonder Woman: 1984.

DC CINEMA - From GamesRadar:   Here are some stills from the upcoming film, "Bird of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)," with the ridiculous title.

From AcadianaAdvocate:  Baton Rouge, Louisiana newspaper, "The Advocate," offers this feature on Louisiana comic book artist, "Farmhand."

DC TV - From BleedingCool:  Are HBO DC Comics adaptations or announcements of future ones fueling the bookstore sales of certain DC Comics graphic novels and trade paperbacks.

From SoraNews:  A Japanese manga artist shows the difference between erotic manga for men vs. women in a simple side-by-side comparison.

From BleedingCool:  Writer Alan Brennert and artist Jerry Ordway to launch the "Marvel Snapshots" series.

DC TV - From Variety:  Showrunner Damon Lindelof and cast and crew talk about the smash hit HBO series, "Watchmen."

From Newsarama:  Barry Windsor-Smith's long-awaiting project, "Monsters," will debut as a 250-page-plus graphic novel in 2020.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  "Shazam 2" gets a new release date, April 1, 2022.

From BleedingCool:  Long at odds, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird are reuniting to work on a new TMNT comic book.

MANGA CINEMA - From Newsarama:  The film version of the legendary manga, Akira, to be directed by Taika Waititi has been bumped from Warner Bros. film release schedule.

DC TV - From Deadline:  Actor Thomas Lennon, best known for the TV series, "Reno 911," will play classic Superman villain, Mr. Mxyzptlk, in the fifth season of The CW's "Supergirl."

From ClevelandMagazine:  Writer Mike Sangiacomo feels that the city of Cleveland, Ohio isn't embracing its comic book heritage, which includes being the birth of Superman.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From ComicBook:  Here is a look at the action figures for Marvel Studios' "Black Widow" movie.

From CBR:  The 10 best historical manga as ranked by CBR's John Witiw.

From Newsarama:  Here is a two page preview of the "Dylan Dog/Batman #0," the first issue of the crossover event between DC Comics and Italian publisher, Sergio Bonelli Editore (Dylan Dog).

From BleedingCool:  Hot gossip says the new Batman writer will be a Black man, Oscar-winner John Ridley, and that the new Batman will be Luke Fox, a young Black man.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Entertainment has moved to a new location... partially by President Trump's organization.

DC CINEMA TRAILER - From YouTube:  Here is the first official trailer for "Wonder Woman 1984," which is due June 5, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From THR:   "Wonder Woman 1984" director Patty Jenkins says that she and "Wonder Woman" actress, Gal Gadot, already have a story for a third "Wonder Woman" film.  She said that the two of them are already considering a spinoff film focusing on the Amazons.
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DC CINEMA - From ComicBook:  Apparently, the plan for The Rock's "Black Adam" movie is to be "inventive" and "reshape what the comic book movie is."  That is according to its cinematographer, Lawrence Sher, who also shot Todd Phillip's "Joker."

DC TV - From Newsarama:  HBO's acclaimed "Watchmen" TV series has received two nominations at the Writers Guild Awards.

SONY MARVEL U - From Deadline:   Actor Stephen Graham, currently appearing in "The Irishman," has been cast in an unknown role in "Venom 2."

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Actor Peter Sarsgaard has been cast in Matt Reeves' "The Batman," possibly to play Harvey Dent (the Gotham City district attorney who would become the villain, Two-Face).

From Newsarama:  Oscar-winning filmmaker and "Mad Max" mastermind, George Miller, defends superhero films... in response to the criticism of superhero cinema from Martin Scorsese, among others.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics will publish "The James Jean Poster Portfolio" in August 2020, highlighting the art of the award-winning artist, James Jean.

From Newsarama:  Stout Club Entertainment – the powerhouse creative group composed of comic book creators Rafael Albuquerque, Eduardo Medeiros, Mateus Santolouco, and Rafael Scavone – announced a multi-book deal for four new comic book series to debut exclusively through the comiXology Originals program.

DC CINEMA - From TheNewYorker: "The Incendiary Aims of HBO’s 'Watchmen”'"

From WeGotThisCovered:  Crystal Dynamics, creator of "Tomb Raider," is producing a prequel comic book to "Marvel's Avengers."  It is due Summer 2020.

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:  British actor Henry Cavill may still want to be the current "Superman" of the cinema, but "sources" say that Warner Bros. is eyeing actor American actor, David Corenset, best known for the Netflix series, "The Politician."

From RSN:  Acclaimed author, Margaret Atwood ("The Handmaid's Tale") extols the life lessons of the classic newspaper comic strip, "Little Lulu."

From BleedingCool:  Yoe Press will delve into the history of Black comic book artists in "Invisible Men: Black Artists of the Golden Age of Comics."

From CBR - Manga reading tips and tricks.

From BleedingCool:  Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips, and Jacob Phillips will launch the original graphic novel, "Pulp," in May 2020.

From XinhuaNet:  Chinese sci-fi comic strips to be published in France

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

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

FEBRUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  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:  Action Lab Entertainment 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:  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

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


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Review: GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #5

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 No. 5
MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD. – @Markosia @daSamJohnson

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Sam Johnson with Mark Darden
ART: Carlos Granda
COLORS: Chunlin Zhao
LETTERS: Paul McLaren
COVER ARTISTS: Sun Khamunaki; Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Lady Larkin
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 23, 2019) – print and digital edition

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“School's Out”

Geek-Girl is a comic book character created by Sam Johnson (The Almighties).  Geek-Girl debuted in a 2016 miniseries and returned in a second miniseries, Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which became an ongoing series.  Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero.  Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that gives her super-powers.  Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker.  Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #5 (“School's Out”) opens in Acorn Ridge, Maine in the aftermath of the attack by the hyper-destructive super-villainess, Lightning Storm.  Now, former super-tech weapons dealer, Johnny Carlyle, who has apparently turned philanthropist, is making Ruby a surprising offer.  Before a public gathering at the reopening of a police station destroyed by Lightning Storm,  Carlyle announces the formation of the Kaye Foundation, which he has named after Ruby.  The re-opening of the Acorn Ridge Main Street Police Station is only the Kaye Foundation's first move.

Its next move is to form a brand new superhero team, this one headed by Geek-Girl!  Shocked as she is, Ruby has to get down to business and start gathering team members like “The Minger,” “The Whupper,” “Guano Guy,” and “Mr. Marvelous Man.”  Meanwhile, there is a lot going on for everyone – personally, professionally, and supernaturally...

Creator-writer Sam Johnson sent me a PDF review copy of Geek-Girl, Vol. 2 #5, as he has sent me PDF review copies of his other comic books over the past few years.  He thought that this latest issue of Geek-Girl would be of interest to readers because (1) it is a longer than usual issue and (2) it can be a “jumping-on point” for new readers.

Actually, just about any issue of Geek-Girl is a good jumping on point because Johnson provides a detailed summary of the previous issue and of the series in general inside the front cover of each issue of Geek-Girl.  Hell, I will credit Johnson as at least a good comic book scribe simply on the basis of his skills at summarizing his narrative.  [Marvel Comics titles include a summary of the previous issue and the story arc in general; DC Comics (stupidly) does not, likely just because Marvel does.]

I saw a lot of potential in the first Geek-Girl miniseries, and, although I only read the first issue of the second miniseries, I did see the potential being reached.  Now, I want to go back and read issues #2 to 4, but, I don't really need to do so.  The summary works; issue #5 is indeed a good jumping on point, and it is a good read.

I like Sam Johnson's quirky stories, and what I like most about the Geek-Girl series overall is its sense of humor and positive attitude.  Ruby and her friend, Summer James (who took on the Geek-Girl role for a bit), are “always game.”  Geek-Girl is never grim and gritty even when the villainous situation is actually kinda grim and gritty.  Issue #5 teases interesting characters and plants some seeds of darkness, not to mention that Johnny Carlyle seems kinda shady.

Artist Carlos Granda's clear-line drawing style is still a little shaky on the line, but his compositions reveal his ability to draw just about any kind of edifice, object, item, vehicle, etc. found in the real world.  Granda's graphical storytelling is also as vibrant and as vivacious as this series' lead character.

Chunlin Zhao's rich colors make Granda's illustrations look pretty and pop off the page.  Paul McLaren's clean lettering is the graphical element that grounds the narrative in a balance of humor and a sense of mystery.

Readers looking for female superheroes will find a winner in this Geek-Girl comic book.  Both the character and the comic book are ready for readers looking from something fresh.  You know, those are the readers who don't go to the overgrown, vacant lot of traditional superhero comics... where you can smell decaying small animals... for their superhero fun.

8 out of 10

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

www.geekgirlcomics.com

You can buy Geek Girl Vol. 2 #5 at comiXology.


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

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