#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #120

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #120

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

ART: Valerio Chiola; Scott Neely

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Jason Lewis

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2023)

Ages 8+

“Djinn-Kies!”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010.  I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #120 opens with “Djinn-Kies!,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola.  The story finds Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending the “Coolsville Antiques Auction.”  Velma has even brought a Van Dinkenstein family heirloom, a vase, for appraisal.  However, a thieving Djinn (a magical spirit from Arabian and Islamic mythology) keeps arriving in a cloud of smoke and stealing antiques.  Can the gang solve this mystery before everything valuable gets stolen?

The second story, “Give Me a Ring” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Neely.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #30 (cover date: April 2013).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. called to New Orleans.

It seems that two of the world's great archaeologists, Lewis Clark and Stanley Livingston, have discovered the legendary “ancient ring” that belonged to the “voodoo queen,” Marie LeFaux.  Hundreds of years ago, Marie used the ring to turn people into zombies.  Lewis tells the gang that Stanley was turned into a zombie after he placed the ring on his finger.  Can the gang solve the mystery of the new zombie and the cursed ring?  Can Shaggy and Scooby survive the spicy Cajun food?

If Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #120 has a theme, it is that the two stories involve some of my favorite fantasy beings/creatures.  So the theme is “for Leroy's pleasure.”  The title “Djinn-Kies” is a play on Velma's favorite exclamation, “Jinkies!”  Besides that, the story features a delightful mix of an antique-stealing Djinn, family heirlooms, and a secret armoire.  It is also produced by Derek Fridolfs and Valerio Chiola, two of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book creators.

As a Louisiana native, I like having “Give Me a Ring” set in a cartoon version of New Orleans.  Zombies, voodoo, Dixieland jazz, and a playful nod to spicy Louisiana food:  I think these would make the perfect elements for a Scooby-Doo straight-to-DVD movie.  Oh, and “Give Me a Ring” is produced by Sholly Fisch and Scott Neely, Scooby-Doo favorites of mine.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #120 is simply a fun read.  So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read issue #120 and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later.  And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Diana and Nubia: Princess of the Amazons” by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale and Victoria Ying.]

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

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Image Comics Moves to Lunar Distribution in Worldwide Exclusive Deal

IMAGE COMICS JOINS LUNAR FOR DIRECT MARKET DISTRIBUTION

PORTLAND, Ore. 05/24/2023 — Image Comics is pleased to announce a worldwide exclusive distribution deal with Lunar Distribution, effective with September on-sale titles (which will open for order on the Lunar site for retailers on Wednesday, June 14), for Direct Market/comic shop distribution.

Previously exclusive to Diamond Comic Distributors, Image Comics will join DC Comics as one of Lunar’s largest periodical publishers and will work in partnership with Lunar to share further communications with the Direct Market, including “next steps” details, to ensure a seamless transition for comic shop retailers.

“First and foremost we want to thank Steve Geppi, Chuck Parker, and everyone at Diamond for their ongoing service and all that they’ve done for Image over the years. For over three decades, they have been at our side, supporting our books from the moment we founded our company back in 1992,” said Todd McFarlane, President of Image Comics. “Every Image comic published, since our inception in ’92, has been distributed to thousands of retail outlets by Diamond, and they have played a very important role in our company’s evolution.”

"We have enjoyed our relationship with Diamond over the decades and we have made some wonderful friends there, so this decision has been a difficult one,” added Erik Larsen, Chief Financial Officer at Image Comics, who served as Publisher at Image from 2004-2008. “It was not a move that we made lightly, though, and ultimately, the change was made because of the benefits to readers and retailers who are our real customers. There are services Lunar will provide that will make it easier for stores to buy our titles, and for fans to find our books. This is a big win for them, and we hope this new partnership is as strong and long-lasting as the previous one. We wish Diamond nothing but the best as we look toward the future.”

“We leave with nothing but the deepest respect for Steve, Chuck and all of the folks at Diamond, both past and present,” said Jim Valentino, Image’s Vice President and former Publisher at Image from 1999-2004.

“This is a big change, but we will still be working with Diamond in other capacities and look forward to maintaining those relationships with the Diamond team for years to come,” noted Eric Stephenson, the company’s current Publisher and Chief Creative Officer. “Lunar is an impressive new player in the Direct Market, and we are eager to work with them on the next phase of our development, as well as joining DC in leading the industry toward what we believe are positive changes for everyone.”

Christina Merkler, Co-owner at Lunar Distribution stated: “We are thrilled to announce our exclusive worldwide distribution deal with Image Comics. We are constantly seeking innovative ways to expand our reach and bring exceptional content to our retail accounts around the world. This partnership will allow us to further expand our offerings and provide unparalleled access to the most exciting and sought-after titles in the industry. We look forward to working closely with Image and continuing to provide top-notch service to our Direct Market accounts."

Lunar Distribution was first launched in 2020, when it became the home distributor to DC, and provides distribution services to the Direct Market with an emphasis on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Retailers interested in learning more about how to set up an account with Lunar can visit: https://www.lunardistribution.com/home/faq.

ABOUT LUNAR DISTRIBUTION:

Lunar Distribution is a rapidly-growing company that specializes in the distribution of comics and related items to the Direct Market. With a team of dedicated professionals and a commitment to excellence, Lunar Distribution has established itself as a leader in the industry, providing its accounts with superior service and top-notch packaging.

The company was founded with a simple goal in mind: to provide customers with access to the best products on the market, while delivering exceptional customer service at every stage of the process. From the beginning, Lunar Distribution has been focused on building long-term relationships with its accounts, providing support and expert guidance to help them achieve their business goals.

Today, Lunar Distribution is a trusted partner for Direct Market retailers and publishers. With a diverse portfolio of publishers and vendors and a deep understanding of the markets it serves, the company has earned a reputation for reliability, responsiveness, and innovation.

At Lunar Distribution, the team is committed to staying ahead of the curve, continually exploring new products, packaging, and technologies to ensure that its accounts always have access to the latest and greatest offerings. With a focus on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Lunar Distribution is poised to continue its rapid growth and expansion in the years to come.

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS:

Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a group of bestselling artists and has gone on to become the second largest comics publisher in the United States. The company currently has six individuals on the Board of Directors: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino, and Eric Stephenson. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, style, and format imaginable. Its titles run the gamut of science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime, humor, and are created by the top artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

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#IReadsYou Review: PRODIGY: The Icarus Society #3

PRODIGY: THE ICARUS SOCIETY #3 (OF 5)
IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar
ART: Matteo Buffagni
COLORS: David Curiel
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Matteo Buffagni with David Curiel
DESIGN: Melina Mikulic
EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Matteo Buffagni
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2022)

Rated M / Mature

Prodigy: The Icarus Society is a five-issue comic book miniseries produced by writer Mark Millar and artist Matteo Buffagni.  It is a sequel to the 2018-19 six-issue miniseries, Prodigy.  The Prodigy comic books focus on the adventures of the world's smartest man, Edison Crane, who believes that he is the go-to guy when there is a global crisis to solve.  Letterer Clem Robins and colorists Laura Martin and David Curiel complete the sequel's creative team.

Prodigy: The Icarus Society pits Edison against “The Icarus Society,” a secret society of geniuses who are all richer than Edison.  And now, he is caught inside the club's internal rivalries and blackmailed into hunting for the treasures of one of the most legendary locations of all time.

Prodigy: The Icarus Society #3 opens in the Himalayas, 1722, detailing two parties searching for the mythical kingdom of “Shangri-La.”  One of them is led by the pirate, Red Ana de Tourzel.  Three centuries later, Edison Crane is caught between the machinations of Icarus Society rivals.  One is the homicidal Professor Tong, and the other is Felix Koffka, the richest man in the world and the owner of the cars in which John F. Kennedy and James Dean respectively died.

When one outwits the other (or so it seems), Edison is working for man who works at a level no one else can understand.  For Edison, that means a journey into legend.

THE LOWDOWN:  Mark Millar has produced some incredible comic books since he became a Netflix executive.  The Magic Order is one of the twenty-first century's greatest comic books about magic.  Meanwhile, Prodigy has emerged as a spinner of conspiracies, legends, myths, and lore to rival cable network, The History Channel's “Ancient Aliens” television series.

Over the past quarter-century, Millar has been writing some of the most interesting and unique superhero comics:  The Authority, The Ultimates, Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Fantastic Four, Wanted, Kick-Ass, and Nemesis, to name a few.  I think Prodigy should be added to that list.  While its star does not wear a costume, Edison Crane has the elements of such clever superhero characters as Tony Stark, Bruce Wayne, Karnak (The Inhumans), and Ozymandias (Watchmen), to name a few.  The difference is that Millar sends Edison on better adventures than those other characters have had in years, and Edison is better dressed.

Artist Matteo Buffagni has a drawing style that merges the clean line style, photo-realism, and textured inking.  The result is storytelling that captures the intimacy and violence of the conflicts between characters and the endless possibilities of the adventures before them.  David Curiel's colors convey the shadows and dark moods of Buffagni's compositions, while letterer Clem Robins makes the dialogue pop off the page with menace and mystery.

Mark Millar has stated that he wants to write comic books that readers really enjoy reading, and, in addition to his writing skills, he has a talent for gathering superb creative talent.  Prodigy: The Icarus Society #3 is the result of superb talent working hard for our enjoyment.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar and of his comic book, Prodigy, will want to read Prodigy: The Icarus Society.

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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#IReadsYou Review: JENNIFER BLOOD VOL. 2 #3

JENNIFER BLOOD VOLUME 2 #3
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Fred Van Lente
ART: Vincenzo Federici
COLORS: Dearbhla Kelly
LETTERS: Simon Bowland
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Lucio Parrillo
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated Teen+

Jennifer Blood created by Garth Ennis and Adriano Batista.

“Bloodlines” Chapter Three: “Play Date”

Jennifer Blood is a a comic book character created by writer Garth Ennis and artist Adriano Batista.  A suburban wife and mother by day, Jennifer Blood is a ruthless vigilante by night.  Born “Jessica Blute,” she took her mother's first name, Jennifer, and created the alter ego, “Jennifer Blood, and sought revenge against her father's family for the death of her parents.  The first Jennifer Blood comic book series ran for 36 issues from 2011 to 2014.

Jennifer Blood returns from the dead in a new comic book series, Jennifer Blood Volume 2.  It is written by Fred Van Lente; drawn by Vincenzo Federici; colored by Dearbhla Kelly and lettered by Simon Bowland.  In the new series, someone is acting like Jennifer Blood, who is supposedly dead.  And this “copycat” loves to kill criminals just like the original did.

Jennifer Blood Volume 2 #3 (“Play Date”) opens outside of Bountiful, Utah, population 4302 – a town run by and for criminals.  Bountiful is where the U.S. Department of Justice sends the most infamous East Coast mobsters into the federal “Witness Protection Program” (WPP).  One of the criminals enjoying life in Bountiful is former drug trafficker and Border Patrol agent turned heroin smugger, Marco Martinez.  Today, he has delivered a U-Haul truckload of Spanish-speaking migrants to an abandoned army base located outside Bountiful.

These migrants believe that they are beginning a new life, but they're actually here to be targets.  The Mafia dons of the criminal-run town of Bountiful have gathered together for “the Hunt,” the annual event that pits the East Coast mob against the West Coast mob to see who can track down, kill, and tag these innocent, unknowing human.

In this most dangerous game, however, a third player has entered this year's competition: Jennifer Blood!  Her targets are the mobsters and she plays for keeps.  Now, mob assassin, Giulietta Romeo, will at last come face to face with her elusive prey.

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Jennifer Blood Volume 2 #3.  This is the third Jennifer Blood comic book I have read, although I had previously heard of the series.

I'll say the same thing about Jennifer Blood Volume 2 #3 that I said about the first two issues.  It's a fun read and a funny read.  Writer Fred Van Lente offers his best issue yet.  In fact, I could read a miniseries worth of this issue, and I enjoyed the confrontation between Blood and Romeo.

The art and storytelling by Vincenzo Federici perfectly fits this stories emphasis on cruelty and bigotry, and the colors by Dearbhla Kelly splash tag-colors and gore all over the pages.  Simon Bowland's lettering continues to be the soundtrack of sacrifice to mob violence and bloody revenge.  So let's keep going, dear readers.  Jennifer Blood is turning out to be quite good.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Jennifer Blood will want to read Jennifer Blood Volume 2.

A-

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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