Review: LBX Volume 1

LBX, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Hideaki Fujii
ORIGINAL STORY: Level 5
TRANSLATION: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Aubrey Sitterson
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
EDITOR: Joel Enos
ISBN: 978-1-4215-7695-4; paperback (November 2014); Rated “A” for “All Ages”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

The video game, LBX (Little Battlers eXperience), is a series of role-playing action games created by Level-5 for the Sony PSP.  Hideaki Fujii created an “all ages” manga based on LBX, which VIZ Media is publishing in English as a bi-monthly graphic novel series.

LBX, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 4, entitled New Dawn Raisers) introduces Van Yamano, a boy who really loves LBX!  These miniaturized battle-robots are the hottest toys in the year 2050.  The problem is that Van's mother does not want him to play with LBX because she blames them for the death of her husband and Van's father, Professor Yamano.

Little does she know that the professor left a very special LBX just for Van.  However, the C.I.O. and the New Dawn Raisers know about the special LBX and are interested in Van.

[This volume includes the original LBX story from Coro Coro Comics magazine.]

VIZ Media publishes the LBX manga through its Perfect Square imprint, which offers “all ages” books.   These are comic books for elementary age children, and if they have the patience and can read at their grade level, then, young readers can grasp the uncomplicated LBX.

I must admit that I find LBX Volume 1 to be surprisingly intense with a relatively believable sense of impending death directed at the heroes.  This isn't the kind of guaranteed death that comics like Kick-Ass or Preacher presented.  Still, the duels between LBX players seem painful, but I also have to admit that I would read this again.  LBX may be genuine kids' comics, but it offers up some interesting questions to which I want to know the answers.  Young comic book readers who are ready for graphic novels will want their own LBX.

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: THOR #1

THOR (2014) #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Jason Aaron
ART: Russell Dauterman
COLORS: Matthew Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Joe Sabino
COVER:  Russell Dauterman with Frank Martin
VARIANT COVERS:  Sara Pichelli with Laura Martin; Esad Ribic, Andrew Robinson; Alex Ross; Fiona Staples; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2014)

Rated “T+”

Marvel Comics' version of Thor is, of course, based on the Norse mythological deity of the same name.  Marvel's the mighty Thor is the Asgardian god of thunder; possesses the enchanted hammer, Mjolnir; and is also a superhero, as well as being a member of The Avengers.

Thor first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 (cover dated August 1962) and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby.  For most of his 52 years of existence, Thor has possessed Mjolnir, which, among other superhuman attributes, grants him the ability of flight and of weather manipulation.

Thor has possessed that “enchanted hammer” for most of his comic book existence, but there have been times when Thor:  the Prince of Asgard, the one true God of Thunder, and the Odinson, has not possessed Mjolnir.  One famous example of another being wielding Mjolnir was Beta Ray Bill, a character that debuted in The Mighty Thor #337 (cover dated: November 1983), the first issue of Walter Simonson's acclaimed run as writer-artist of The Mighty Thor.

Now, another new era of Thor begins.  Thor will be the “Goddess of Thunder.”  As part of Marvel Comics' “Avengers NOW!” initiative, there is a new ongoing Thor comic book series written by Jason Aaron, drawn by Russell Dauterman, colored by Matthew Wilson, and lettered by Joe Sabino.

Thor #1 (“If He be Worthy”) opens in the Norwegian Sea at the Roxxon Seabase.  It is about to be visited by some monstrous denizens of the deep, spurred on by an old adversary of Thor's.  Meanwhile, on the moon, Thor finds that no matter how hard or how often he tries, he cannot lift Mjolnir.  His father, Odin the All-Father, has returned and is not helping the troubling situation.  His wife and Thor's mother, Freyja the All-Mother, seems to have accepted this sudden wave of change.  The attack on the sea base makes Thor remember that he still has to be a superhero.  How will that work out for him without Mjolnir?

This year, I have been reading more Marvel Comics number-one issues than I have in a long time.  That's why I picked up the new Thor #1.  I am glad that I did; it's an exciting first issue.  I didn't think Thor in a state of ultimate humiliation could be such an enthralling character and compelling situation.  I didn't think I could yearn so much for him to be healed, but Jason Aaron's script is a thing of wonders.  Every scene hits the notes it needs to in order to make this new state of Thor work.

Now, I can't say that I am equally enthralled with Russell Dauterman's art.  I liked him more as the artist on the current Cyclops comic book series.  Dauterman is not bad here; maybe, the art just needs time to grow on me.  I'm curious to see what the second issue is like.  I think that's where the real force of change will be felt.  In the meantime, I recommend that readers at least try the first issue of this new Thor.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS Volume 1

KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Aya Shouoto
TRANSLATION: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
LETTERS: Inori Fukuda Trant
EDITOR: Nancy Thislethwaite
ISBN: 978-1-4215-7366-3; paperback (November 2014); Rated “T” for “Teen”
188pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Kiss of the Rose Princess is a nine-volume graphic novel series from manga creator, Aya Shouoto.  The series focuses on a mystical girl and the four magical knights who help her on a quest to save the world from the Demon Lord and the forces of evil.

Anise Yamamoto cannot remove the rose choker from her neck or she will suffer a terrible punishment.   That is what her father told her, and she takes his dire warning quite seriously.  Then, a strange creature falls from the sky and hits Anise, causing her to lose the choker.  Instead, she gains four cards representing four knights, each of whom she can summon by kissing a card.

Kiss of the Rose Princess, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5) opens at Shobi Academy.  As usual, Anise begins the school day running from the dress code enforcer who wants to remove the choker, which is a violation of the school dress code.  However, Anise is more afraid of her father than anything, so she won't remove that choker.

Then, the bat-like/cat-like Ninufa falls from the sky and knocks the choker off her neck.  He gives her four rose cards and exhorts her to kiss each one.  Each card summons a Rose Knight who is bound by an ancient Contract of the Rose (the Rosette) to the one who summons him.  Each knight is handsome, but Anise wonders why she needs them.

I think the Kiss of the Rose Princess manga is one of those shojo manga about a magical girl.  I think VIZ Media describes Anise as a “mystical girl,” but whatever she is, this plucky heroine is a funny girl at the head of comic fantasy romance.

The humor is what surprises me about Kiss of the Rose Princess Volume 1.  Creator Aya Shouoto has a funny “straight man” in Anise, who plays the grown-up in a reverse-harem situation.  Honestly, I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this first volume.  Where does this series go?  Well, there is a lot about Anise's magical destiny and about her father that has yet to be revealed.  In fact, I think it is worth coming back at least one more volume to get some answers.  Fans of magical/mystical girls will want to try the “Shojo Beat” title, Kiss of the Rose Princess.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: BATMAN #35

BATMAN #35
DC COMICS – @DCComics

WRITER: Scott Snyder – @Ssnyder1835
PENCILS: Greg Capullo
INKS: Danny Miki
COLORS: FCO Plascencia
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: Greg Capullo and Danny Miki with FCO Plascencia
VARIANT COVERS: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson; Brian Stelfreeze (Monster Variant)
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2014)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Endgame #1

How do writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo follow their 12-issue Batman epic, “Zero Year?”  Well, pitting Batman against his super-powered teammates from the Justice League sounds like a idea.

Batman #35 (“Endgame” Part 1) opens Bruce Wayne reworks his infrastructure and recovers from the beatings he took during the events still being depicted in Batman: Eternal (because the events depicted in Batman #35 take place after whatever will be depicted in Batman: Eternal).  Suddenly, Wonder Woman drops by Bruce Wayne's new Batman base of operations at Old Wayne Tower, and, much to Bruce's surprise, she wants to kill him.

No, she really wants to kill him... as in homicide.  And so do Flash, Aquaman, and Superman.

The art team of Greg Capullo, inker Danny Miki, and colorist FCO Plascencia are visually and graphically a truly unique Batman art team, but it is not just about pretty pictures.  Their graphical storytelling heightens the sense of drama and conveys subtlety in character, emotion, and conflict.  Superheroes with colorful costumes usually seem odd and out of place in the moody shades of Gotham City.  They might seem so even in the more sparkly version of Gotham of this current ongoing Batman comic book series.  However, these artists make the Justice League seem a natural part of the ebb and flow of the weird crime and conflict of the Dark Knight's stomping grounds.

I think the reveal on the last page of who is behind the Justice League attack means that Endgame just might be something special.  In fact, that is what Scott Snyder's run as Batman writer has been, special.  I actually was not sure that I was ready for another long Batman story arc, but I am now.

A-

[This comic book includes the short story, “The Paleman” by writer James Tynion IV, artist Kelley Jones, colorist by Michelle Madsen, and letterer by Dezi Sienty.]

Batman #35 features the first chapter of “The Paleman,” which looks to be a backup feature that is tied to Endgame.  I don't know how long this feature will run, but I hope it is for several issues because the artist of “The Paleman” is one of my favorites, Kelley Jones.

I have always thought that Jones was influenced by Berni Wrightson and also by an artist Jones once replaced on a 1980s comic book series, Mike Mignola.  Jones spun those influences into his own potent and idiosyncratic style.  It is just right for James Tynion IV's grim thriller of a script, and Michelle Madsen's brooding coloring is just right for Jones' shadowed compositions.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 5, 2014

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SEP140200     AQUAMAN AND THE OTHERS #7     $2.99
JUN140277     BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM 25TH ANNIV DLX ED HC (MR)     $29.99
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AUG140338     BATMAN BEYOND 2.0 TP REWIRED     $16.99
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SEP140258     DETECTIVE COMICS #36     $3.99
SEP140261     DETECTIVE COMICS #36 COMBO PACK     $4.99
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SEP140295     FLASH SEASON ZERO #2     $2.99
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SEP140197     GREEN ARROW #36     $2.99
SEP140273     GREEN LANTERN #36 (GODHEAD)     $2.99
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SEP140348     NAMES #3 (MR)     $2.99
SEP140217     NEW 52 FUTURES END #27 (WEEKLY)     $2.99
SEP140332     SCOOBY DOO TEAM UP #7     $2.99
JUL140214     SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #9     $4.99
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SEP140282     SWAMP THING #36     $2.99
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MARVEL COMICS

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