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

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

NOV191813    750CC DOWN LINCOLN HIGHWAY GN    $12.99
AUG192038    AIRBOY #51 CVR A MCKEE    $9.99
AUG192039    AIRBOY #51 CVR B STERANKO    $9.99
AUG192040    AIRBOY #51 CVR C KIETH    $9.99
AUG192041    AIRBOY #51 CVR D KINDT    $9.99
AUG192042    AIRBOY #51 CVR E GULACY    $9.99
AUG192043    AIRBOY #51 CVR F TALAJIC    $9.99
DEC191876    ALICE SECRET AGENT OF WONDERLAND YR GN (C: 0-1-0)    $5.95
NOV191576    ALMOST AMERICAN GIRL GN (C: 0-1-0)    $12.99
NOV191577    ALMOST AMERICAN GIRL HC GN (C: 0-1-0)    $22.99
OCT191496    ANIMOSITY #26 (MR)    $3.99
NOV191876    APOCALYPSE GIRL #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV192216    APOSIMZ GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-0)    $12.95
DEC191698    ASTRONAUTS WOMEN ON FINAL FRONTIER HC GN (C: 0-1-0)    $19.99
DEC191697    ASTRONAUTS WOMEN ON FINAL FRONTIER SC GN (C: 0-1-0)    $12.99
AUG192383    BELLE OATH OF THORNS #4 (OF 6) CVR A JOHNSON    $3.99
AUG192384    BELLE OATH OF THORNS #4 (OF 6) CVR B TOLIBAO    $3.99
AUG192385    BELLE OATH OF THORNS #4 (OF 6) CVR C ROYLE    $3.99
AUG192386    BELLE OATH OF THORNS #4 (OF 6) CVR D VITORINO    $3.99
NOV191990    BLACK STARS ABOVE #3 (MR)    $3.99
NOV191743    BLASTOSAURUS #7    $3.99
OCT192383    CARDCAPTOR SAKURA COLL ED HC VOL 03 (OF 9) (C: 1-1-0)    $29.99
NOV191897    CARPENTER TALES SCIFI REDHEAD #3 (MR)    $3.99
NOV191963    CARTOON DIALECTICS #1    $5.00
DEC191386    CASPER PRESENTS WENDY & WITCH WIDOW    $3.99
DEC191387    CASPER PRESENTS WENDY & WITCH WIDOW LTD ED RETRO CVR    $9.99
NOV191800    COLLECTED TOPPI HC VOL 03 SOUTH AMERICA    $24.99
OCT191583    COOKIE & KID #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV191991    CULT CLASSIC CREATURE FEATURE #4    $3.99
SEP192210    DARKSTALKERS RISE OF THE NIGHT WARRIORS HC    $49.99
SEP191714    DF TMNT #100 DYNAMIC FORCES EASTMAN EXC PLUS 1 (C: 0-1-2)    $29.99
MAR192143    DISNEY DESCENDANTS DIZZYS NEW FORTUNE COMPLETE TP (C: 1-1-2)    $15.99
OCT191894    EC KURTZMAN MAN & SUPERMAN & OTHER STORIES HC (C: 0-1-2)    $29.99
JUN191435    EXCITING COMICS #4 CVR A    $3.99
JUN191436    EXCITING COMICS #4 CVR B CRIMEBUSTER 76 VAR    $9.99
NOV191630    FALLEN SUNS TP VOL 01 THE ROOT (RES)    $12.99
NOV191834    GERONIMO STILTON REPORTER HC VOL 04 MUMMY WITH NO NAME    $9.99
NOV191964    GINSENG ROOTS #3    $6.00
AUG191594    GOLD DIGGER #270    $3.99
NOV191634    HELLWITCH HELLBOURNE #1 S&N RAW ED (MR)    $25.00
NOV192122    HERO OVERPOWERED BUT OVERLY CAUTIOUS GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2)    $13.00
OCT192344    HINOWA GA CRUSH GN VOL 03 (C: 0-1-2)    $13.00
NOV191878    HORROR DOUBLE FEATURE ONE-SHOT    $3.99
NOV191306    HOUSE OF CEREBUS ONE SHOT    $4.00
NOV192125    IM GREAT PRINCE IMHOTEP GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2)    $15.00
DEC191877    INCREDIBLE ROCKHEAD COMPLETE COLLECTION GN (C: 0-1-0)    $8.95
NOV191986    KI-6 KILLERS TP VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2)    $14.99
JUN191808    KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #270    $5.99
NOV191636    LADY DEATH RULES HC VOL 02 SGN ED (MR)    $54.99
NOV191635    LADY DEATH UNHOLY RUIN #2 S&N RAW ED (MR)    $25.00
NOV192181    LIVING ROOM MATSUNAGA SAN GN VOL 01 (C: 1-1-0)    $12.99
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OCT192057    MALL #6 CVR A    $3.99
OCT192058    MALL #6 CVR B    $3.99
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NOV191776    METABARONS BOX SET HC    $149.95
NOV191320    MIRKA ANDOLFOS UNSACRED #3 CVR C EJIKURE (MR)    $3.99
NOV191883    MISPLACED #3    $3.99
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NOV191879    MONSTROUS MAD DASH ONE-SHOT    $3.99
NOV191799    NILS TREE OF LIFE HC (C: 0-1-2)    $29.99
NOV191882    OGRES #3 (OF 4)    $3.99
NOV191761    OWLY COLOR ED GN VOL 01 WAY HOME    $10.99
NOV191762    OWLY COLOR ED HC GN VOL 01 WAY HOME    $22.99
NOV191880    PARADOX ONE-SHOT    $3.99
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DEC191879    PETER PAN IN MUMMY LAND YR GN (C: 0-1-0)    $5.95
SEP191786    POGO COMP SYNDICATED STRIPS HC BOX SET VOL 5 & 6 (C: 0-1-2)    $75.00
SEP191785    POGO COMP SYNDICATED STRIPS HC VOL 06 CLEAN AS WEASEL (C: 0-    $45.00
JUL191392    PRINCELESS RAVEN PIRATE PRINCESS TP VOL 08 AFTERGLOW AND AFT    $14.99
DEC191880    PRINCESS CANDY COMPLETE COLLECTION GN (C: 0-1-0)    $8.95
NOV191965    QUANTUM & WOODY (2020) #1 (OF 4) CVR A NAKAYAMA    $3.99
NOV191966    QUANTUM & WOODY (2020) #1 (OF 4) CVR B JOHNSON    $3.99
NOV191967    QUANTUM & WOODY (2020) #1 (OF 4) CVR C LOPEZ    $3.99
NOV191968    QUANTUM & WOODY (2020) #1 (OF 4) CVR D BLANK    $3.99
NOV191970    QUANTUM & WOODY (2020) #1 (OF 4) CVR F #1-4 PRE-ORDER BUNDLE    $3.99
NOV192182    QUINTESSENTIAL QUINTUPLETS GN VOL 07 (MR) (C: 1-1-0)    $10.99
NOV192048    REPLAY MANGA GN VOL 01 YAOI (C: 0-1-2)    $12.99
NOV191822    RICK & MORTY #58 CVR A ELLERBY (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
NOV191823    RICK & MORTY #58 CVR B SPANO (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
DEC191881    ROBIN HOOD TIME TRAVELER YR GN (C: 0-1-0)    $5.95
NOV191884    SEANCE ROOM #2 (OF 4) (MR)    $3.99
NOV191881    SEERESS EMBLA OF THE DEAD ONE-SHOT (MR)    $3.99
NOV191374    SHOPLIFTERS WILL BE LIQUIDATED #4    $3.99
DEC191882    SILVER SPURS OF OZ YR GN (C: 0-1-0)    $5.95
NOV191856    SKELETON TP VOL 01    $14.99
DEC191709    SNAPDRAGON HC GN (C: 0-1-0)    $21.99
DEC191708    SNAPDRAGON SC GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-0)    $12.99
DEC191775    SPORTS IS HELL GN (C: 0-1-0)    $15.00
SEP192211    STREET FIGHTER VS DARKSTALKERS UNDERWORLD WARRIORS HC    $49.99
NOV191620    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #120 (MR)    $2.95
OCT192355    THOUGH YOU MAY BURN TO ASH GN VOL 06 (MR) (C: 1-1-2)    $13.00
NOV191885    TOUCHING EVIL #3 (OF 7)    $3.99
NOV191988    VAGRANT QUEEN PLANET CALLED DOOM #1 CVR A    $3.99
NOV191989    VAGRANT QUEEN PLANET CALLED DOOM #1 CVR B    $3.99
AUG191596    WILLIAM LAST SHADOWS OF CROWN #4    $3.99
OCT191584    WILLIAM LAST SHADOWS OF CROWN #5    $3.99
NOV191497    WORLD OF ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #96    $7.99
OCT191883    ZAGOR IN JAWS OF MADNESS HC GN (C: 0-1-0)    $49.99
DEC191883    ZINC ALLOY COMPLETE COLLECTION GN (C: 0-1-0)    $8.95
SEP191379    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #66 CVR A MACCAGNI (MR)    $4.99
SEP191380    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #66 CVR B MACCAGNI RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
SEP191381    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #66 CVR C BAUGH VAR (MR)    $4.99
SEP191382    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #66 CVR D BAUGH RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
SEP191383    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #66 CVR E BOO RUDETOONS (MR)    $4.99
SEP191384    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #66 CVR F BOO RUDETOONS RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
SEP191456    ZORRO RISE OF THE OLD GODS #4 CVR A CALZADA    $3.99
SEP191457    ZORRO RISE OF THE OLD GODS #4 CVR B LTD ED PULP    $9.99

MAGAZINES
DEC191828    CARTOONS MAGAZINE #25    $6.99
NOV191640    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1702 (NET)    $PI
NOV191694    DARKARTS #1 CVR A  OSBORNE (MR) (C: 0-1-0)    $4.95
NOV191695    DARKARTS #1 CVR B TROM (MR) (C: 0-1-0)    $4.95
NOV191633    FANGORIA VOL 2 #6    $19.79
OCT191935    HEAVY METAL #297 CVR A PARNEL (MR) (C: 0-1-0)    $9.99
OCT191936    HEAVY METAL #297 CVR B TBD (MR) (C: 0-1-0)    $9.99
OCT191937    HEAVY METAL #297 CVR C TBD (MR) (C: 0-1-0)    $9.99
NOV191932    STAR TREK MAGAZINE #74 NEWSSTAND ED    $9.99
NOV191933    STAR TREK MAGAZINE #74 PX    $9.99

BOOKS
SEP191360    ADORABLE BEASTLING HC    $11.99
SEP191998    BEGINNERS GUIDE TO FANTASY DRAWING SC (C: 0-1-0)    $20.99
DEC192155    HOW NOT TO SUMMON DEMON LORD LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 08 (C: 1-1-0    $14.99
DEC192157    MAGIC IN OTHER WORLD TOO FAR BEHIND LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 07 (C    $14.99
SEP192216    MIKULIFE KEIS HATSUNE MIKU ILLUSTRATION WORKS TP    $39.99
NOV191934    NEAR WITCH MMPB    $14.95
NOV192192    PERSONA 5 ANIMATION MATERIAL BOOK SC (C: 1-1-0)    $39.95
NOV191750    PINOCCHIO LITTLE GOLDEN BOARD BOOK (C: 1-1-0)    $7.99
NOV191860    SHADOW NOVEL SC VOL 149 MURDER BY MAGIC  CRIME OUT OF MIND (    $19.95
DEC191845    SHADOW NOVEL SC VOL 150 (OF 151) WOMEN OF THE SHADOW SPECIAL    $19.95
DEC191846    SHADOW NOVEL SC VOL 151 (OF 151) FINAL ISSUE SPECTACULAR (C:    $19.95
DEC191418    SNUG COLLECTION OF COMICS DATING BEST FRIEND HC (C: 0-1-0)    $14.99
MAY198258    STAR WARS GALAXYS EDGE BLACK SPIRE HC NOVEL (C: 0-1-0)    $28.99

#IReadsYou Review: ALABASTER SHADOWS

ALABASTER SHADOWS
ONI PRESS – @OniPress

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

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

Rating: All Ages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 out of 10

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


https://onipress.com/
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Buy Alabaster Shadows #1 as a digital comic at comiXology.

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

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

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

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 out of 10

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


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

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#IReadsYou Review: SUPERMAN: Year One #3

SUPERMAN YEAR ONE #3
DC COMICS/DC Black Label – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Frank Miller
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.
INKS: Danny Miki
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: John Workman
EDITOR: Mark Doyle
COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER: Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair
64pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (December 2019)

Mature Readers

Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

Book Three

Superman: Year One is a three-issue comic book miniseries written by Frank Miller and drawn by John Romita, Jr.  It is being published in an over-sized softcover format (8 1/2 x 10 7/8) and is part of DC Comics' prestige “DC Black Label” imprint.  Superman: Year One is a retelling of the early life of Clark Kent and of his first year as the superhero, Superman.  The rest of the creative team includes inker Danny Miki, colorist Alex Sinclair, and letterer John Workman.

Superman: Year One recounts how the baby, Kal-El, rockets from the doomed planet, Krypton.  The rockets carries him to Earth, where it crash lands in the bucolic grain fields of Smallville, Kansas.  Kal-El is rescued by a childless couple, Martha and Jonathan Kent, who adopt him and name him, Clark Kent.  After graduating high school, Clark joins the United States Navy and is stationed at the Naval Station at Great Lakes, Illinois.

The rays of the yellow sun around which Earth orbits has made Clark strong and powerful beyond human imagination.  Even holding back, Clark quickly sets himself apart from the other Navy recruits.  A superior officer notices Clark's abilities, which leads to Clark being discharged from the Navy.  Clark has an extensive adventure in and around the underwater city of Atlantis and also dons the familiar costume that he will wear as the superhero, Superman.

As Superman: Year One #3 opens, “the Superman” rescues reporter Lois Lane and fends off an attack by what is apparently U.S. military special forces.  Clark enrolls at Kansas State University where he studies journalism.  Then, he takes his degree to the “city of tomorrow,” Metropolis, and gets a job at its most famous daily newspaper, The Daily Planet, where Lois Lane works.

Clark proves to be a more than capable reporter, but his life in Metropolis will encompass more than journalism.  Metropolis will discover that it has a savior, of sorts, a hero they call “Superman.”  Metropolis' most infamous citizen, Lex Luthor, takes notice and makes his move to control this new hero.  Meanwhile, over in Gotham City, this crime-ridden city's own hero... or vigilante, “the Batman,” is also watching the Superman of Metropolis.

At some point, DC Comics publicly stated that Superman: Year One would now be Superman's official origin story.  I think Frank Miller, Superman: Year One's writer, said that this comic book is set in the universe of his seminal comic book miniseries, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

Superman: Year One is certainly a strange new origin story.  Miller's story and script are off-beat and take weird turns on previously established Superman “mythology.”  Superman: Year One #3 is filled with so much over-the-top, hackneyed dialogue, the kind editors would not accept from comic book writers who are not “fanboy gods” or who are not celebrity or celebrated creators.  Honestly, I don't know what to make of Miller's story or script.  There are good moments, moments that make me cringe as a reader, and moments that fall flat, failing to evoke any feelings in me.

The celebrated creator who delivers the best work in Superman: Year One is pencil artist John Romita, Jr.'s.  Stylish compositions, muscular pencil art, and inventive graphical storytelling, Romita takes advantage of the larger than usual size of this comic book (8 1/2 x 10 7/8) to draw a superhero comic book that does not pretend to be anything other than a superhero comic book.  Yet, Danny Miki's inking of Romita's pencils does make Superman: Year One #3, as well as the previous two issues, special.  That is because Miki is an inker above most comic book inking artists.  Miki can ink the fuck out of pencil art, strengthening and accentuating pencil art without overpowering it

Colorist Alex Sinclair delivers radiant hues.  He makes the art shine on the page, almost as if this is the “color rush” version of comic book coloring.  John Workman is simply a great comic book letterer, and he shows why here, as he does everywhere he letters.  Workman also makes Superman: Year One feel special, evening out Miller's eccentricities.

I was hopeful that this series could be a major, definitive Superman comic book series.  On the illustration and graphics side, Superman: Year One makes me yelp a fanboy “Awesome!”  A Superman origin story, however, deserves something more... super on the story side.

7 out of 10

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


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

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#IReadsYou Review: BLACK LAGOON Volume 11

BLACK LAGOON, VOL. 11
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Rei Hiroe
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Joe Yamazaki
LETTERS: John Hunt, Primary Graphix
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1119-2; paperback (January 2020); Rated “M” for “Mature”
224pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 U.K.

While on a business trip in Southeast Asia, Japanese “salaryman,” Rokuro Okajima, is kidnapped by a band of smugglers.  Abandoned by his company, Rokuro takes on the name, “Rock,” and joins his abductors.  They are Vietnam vet, Dutch the Boss; Benny the Mechanic, who handles the boat’s complicated high tech electronics, and Revy Two Hand, the ultra-lethal, gunslinger.  With Rock, this now-quartet is the baddest band of mercenaries on the high seas of Southeast Asia, sailing aboard the vessel, “the Black Lagoon,” a modified, World War II torpedo boat.  Through Dutch’s company, “Lagoon Traders,” this quartet operates a maritime courier service out of Roanapur, Thailand, a dangerous city that is rotten with military, ex-military, gangsters, drug dealers, and more of the worse people in the world.

As Black Lagoon, Vol. 11 (Chapter 77: “The Wired Red Wild Card”) opens, Rock and Revy are trying to help Feng Yifei, a former spy for the Chinese Liberation Army.  Feng's failures have led to her being disavowed by the government she once served, and now she is being hunted by the Chinese government's hired killers.

Rock and Revy have accompanied Feng to an Internet cafe where she tries to burn data that will help buy her protection (hopefully) from some organization that will want the information she has.  However, a Chinese operative has hired a group of “mixed-race” brothers to assassinate Feng, and they have caught up with her at the cafe.  The ensuing shootout will leave Revy and one of the brothers in police custody, forcing the former salaryman into action.  Now, Rock has to come up with a plan that will both save Revy and appease whoever wants to save Feng from the People's Republic of China.

The Black Lagoon manga was a burning hot property and was eventually adapted into an anime series.  However, after the ninth volume of the graphic novel (tankobon) series was published in North America in 2010, the tenth volume did not appear until 2015.  Creator Rei Hiroe insisted, in an “afterword” published in Vol. 10, that the series had not been on hiatus between the ninth and tenth volumes... no matter what anyone else said.

Black Lagoon Graphic Novel Volume 11 is arriving in North America nearly five years after the arrival of Vol. 10.  I am a big fan of this series, but I had to read one hundred pages into Vol. 11 before I found myself back in the groove of its narrative.  Of course, it was a big shootout scene that reminded me of why I like this high-flying, balls-to-wall, bullet-blasting, adult-action manga.

So my final analysis is that Black Lagoon remains the same.  There are character dynamics, deal-making, and interpersonal relationships involving various kinds of obligation.  But the best of Black Lagoon is still its explosive action, and that is still here.  Hopefully, we will not have to wait another five years for Vol. 12...

B+
7 out of 10

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


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

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#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS #108

STAR WARS No. 108
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

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

STORY: Matthew Rosenberg
PENCILS: Giuseppe Camuncoli; Andrea Broccardo; Kerry Gammill; Jan Duursema; Stefano Landini; Luke Ross; Leonard Kirk
INKS: Cam Smith; Andrea Broccardo; Ze Carlos; Jan Duursema; Stefano Landini; Luke Ross; Leonard Kirk
COLORS: Chris Sotomayor
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Walter Simonson with Antonio Fabela
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: John Tyler Christopher; Michael Golden; Carmine Infantino and Dan Green with Dean White
52pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (July 2019)

Rated “T”

Marvel Comics is in the middle of celebrating some kind of 80th anniversary or birthday.  Marvel is 80 when you count the debuts of Marvel's “predecessors,” Timely Comics (1939) and Atlas Comics (1951 to 1971).  The declaration, “80 Years,” is currently emblazoned on the Marvel logo.

As part of the celebration, Marvel has been publishing a series of one-shots that act as a brief continuation of odd, off-beat, and forgotten Marvel and Timely comics titles (such as the recent Ziggy Pig - Silly Seal Comics and Gunhawks one-shots).  One of those one-shots, Star Wars No. 108, is a continuation of Marvel's original Star Wars comic book series, which was published from 1977 to 1986 for a total of 107 issues, three annuals, and the Return of the Jedi miniseries, which was a comic book adaptation of the 1983 film.

Star Wars #108 is written by Matthew Rosenberg, who divides the story into eight chapters.  The team of Giuseppe Camuncoli and Cam Smith draws the first four pages of Chapter 1, with Andrea Broccardo drawing the rest.  Chapter 2 is drawn by the team of Kerry Gammill and Ze Carlos.  Chapter 3 is drawn by Broccardo.  Chapter 4 is drawn by Jan Duursema (who drew numerous Star Wars comic books for Dark Horse Comics).  Chapter 5 is drawn by Broccardo.  Chapter 6 is drawn by Stefano Landini.  Chapter 7 is drawn by Luke Ross (who has drawn several Star Wars comic books for Marvel).  Chapter 8 is drawn by Leonard Kirk.  The colorist for this comic book is Chris Sotomayor, and the letterer is Clayton Cowles.

Star Wars #108 is a sequel to “The Crimson Forever,” which was published in Star Wars #50 (cover dated: August 1981) and was written by late Archie Goodwin and drawn by the late Al Williamson and Walter Simonson.  The story also features the character Valance the Hunter, a character that originates in Marvel's original Star Wars comic book and not in the Star Wars films.  Valance was created by writer Goodwin and Simonson and first appeared in Star Wars #16 (cover dated: October 1978).  Simonson, with colorist Antonio Fabela, provides the main cover art for Star Wars #108.

Other Star Wars comics-only characters appear in #108.  First, they are the bounty hunters, Jaxxon (a rabbit-like humanoid) and the female, Amaiza Foxtrain, both of whom first appeared in Star Wars #8 (cover dated: February 1978) and who were created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Howard Chaykin.  Another is the lead villain of “The Crimson Forever,” the vengeful Domina Tagge, who first appeared in Star Wars #35 (cover dated: May 1980) and who was created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist Carmine Infantino.

Star Wars #108, entitled “Forever Crimson” opens some time after the events depicted in Return of the Jedi.  The story finds Domina Tagge again seeking to use the mysterious twin red jewels to avenge herself on both the Rebel Alliance (now known as the “Alliance of Free Planets”) and the remnants of the Galactic Empire.  When separated, the jewels create a deadly plague called “the Crimson Forever.”  Now, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and C-3PO must stop Tagge.  Jaxxon and Amaiza Foxtrain are allies-of-sorts to Luke and company, but they have their own plans.  And Domina's actions have inadvertently served to revive Valance the Hunter, but whose side is he on?

First, let me say that I am disappointed and somewhat upset that Lando Calrissian does not appear in Star Wars #108, especially because he was directly involved in the original story, “The Crimson Forever.”  That aside, this is a really nice way to celebrate and to remember – even honor – Marvel's original Star Wars comic book series.  For many Star Wars fans (myself included, dear readers), Marvel's Star Wars was the only way we got a regular Star Wars fix during the three-year wait between the release of the original Star Wars films.  [No newspaper local to me carried the very good Star Wars newspaper comic strip that ran from 1979 to 1984.]

Writer Matthew Rosenberg was also someone who was a big fan of those early Marvel Star Wars comic books.  His love for them shows up in “Forever Crimson,” which is true in spirit, tone, and storytelling style to those old Star Wars comic books.  We would be so lucky if Rosenberg produced sequels to other Star Wars stories from those bygone days.

The artists turn in excellent work, and Giuseppe Camuncoli and Cam Smith expertly mimic Walt Simonson's graphic style in their four-page retelling of the story of Valance the Hunter.  Luke Ross delivers his usual stellar work, and Leonard Kirk's closing chapter, with its Art Adams and Mike Mignola-like flourishes, gives us award-worthy art.

Superstar colorist Chris Sotomayor displays his wicked skills coloring seven different artists or art teams in bright colors that recall old-school Marvel comic book coloring.  And superstar letterer Clayton Cowles helps to give each chapter its own tone and atmosphere.

I was quite excited when I first heard about Star Wars #108.  It surpasses my expectations, and it makes me anxious to go back and reread those old Star Wars comic books.  That is high praise indeed.

This issue also includes an afterword in which several people who worked on the original Star Wars comic books recount, to editor Mark Paniccia, their experiences working on the title, some taking a paragraph or more to tell their story.  These include Jo Duffy, Ron Frenz, David Michelinie, Tom Palmer, Louise Simonson, and Walter Simonson.

8.5 out of 10

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


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

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BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for January 22, 2020

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