Review BATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #1

BATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS/IDW Publishing – @DCComics @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted in Patreon.]

SCRIPT: James Tynion IV
ART: Freddie E. Williams II
COLORS: Jeremy Colwell
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
COVER: Freddie E. Williams II
VARIANT COVER: Kevin Eastman with Tomi Varga
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2016)

Rated “T”

“Knights in a Half Shell”

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (also known as TMNT and Ninja Turtles) are a group of fictional characters that first appeared in comic books.  Created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles debuted in the comic book, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (cover dated: May 1984), which was published by Eastman and Laird's Mirage Studios.

The Ninja Turtles are teenage anthropomorphic turtles, meaning they walk and talk like humans.  Each turtle is named for an Italian Renaissance artist: Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael.  The Turtles were adopted by an anthropomorphic rat, Splinter, who was their sensei and who trained them in the art of ninjutsu.  The Turtles live in the sewers of New York City and battle every bad guy from petty criminals and overlord-mastermind types to alien invaders and mutated creatures.

Marvel and DC Comics no longer publish comic books featuring both their characters uniting for adventure and battle.  However, over the past several years, DC and IDW Publishing have published cross over comic books that featured DC's characters playing with characters for which IDW has the license to publish comics.  An example is the recent comic book miniseries that brought the worlds of Star Trek and Green Lantern together.  The two publishers have come together again for Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a six-issue miniseries written by James Tynion IV; drawn by Freddie E. Williams II; colored by Jeremy Colwell; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (“Knights in a Half Shell”) finds Gotham in the midst of a strange crime wave.  Several research labs have been attacked, and the only things the intruders have stolen is experimental military-grade technology.  Witness claim that the attackers are monsters, something like “turtles.”  Batman's own investigation leads him to believe that some of the attackers are trained in ninjutsu.  Batman and those witnesses are closer to the truth than they imagine.

I wanted to be cynical about the first issue of Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but I can't.  I had thought that this crossover comic book would be silly, but instead, it's simply fun to read.  Thanks to the art of Freddie E. Williams II, Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 looks like the early TMNT comic books that Mirage Studios published back in the mid-1980s.  Williams presents a Batman that looks like the Dark Knight of DC's “The New 52,” but he also looks like he belongs in the funky world of TMNT.  Stylistically, Batman and TMNT don't seem strange together.

Writer James Tynion IV makes every word count, moving the story forward and whetting our appetites for more.  He seems dead serious about taking this miniseries seriously, but that doesn't mean he does not realize how much fun it is in bringing Batman and the Ninja Turtles together.  This is a good, old-fashioned fun-to-read comic book.  Did I mention fun?  As I write this, the second issue of Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is available, and I'm ready for it.

A-

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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OCT171074    VAMPBLADE SEASON TWO #10 CVR A WINSTON YOUNG (MR)    $4.99
OCT171075    VAMPBLADE SEASON TWO #10 CVR B WINSTON YOUNG RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
OCT171076    VAMPBLADE SEASON TWO #10 CVR C WHITAKER (MR)    $4.99
OCT171077    VAMPBLADE SEASON TWO #10 CVR D WHITAKER RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
OCT171078    VAMPBLADE SEASON TWO #10 CVR E 90S VAR (MR)    $4.99
OCT171079    VAMPBLADE SEASON TWO #10 CVR F 90S RISQUE VAR (MR)    $4.99
AUG171624    VAMPIRELLA TP VOL 01 FORBIDDEN FRUIT    $19.99
OCT171028    VARK KNIGHT RETURNS #1    $4.00
AUG172036    WARHAMMER 40000 FALLEN #3 (OF 4) CVR A BETTIN    $3.99
AUG172037    WARHAMMER 40000 FALLEN #3 (OF 4) CVR B QUALANO    $3.99
NOV172067    WATER DRAGON BRIDE GN VOL 04    $9.99
OCT171947    WITCHCRAFT WORKS GN VOL 10    $12.95
SEP171961    WOLFENSTEIN TP (MR)    $16.99
OCT171265    WWE #12    $3.99
OCT171924    X-O MANOWAR (2017) #10 CVR A LAROSA    $3.99
OCT171925    X-O MANOWAR (2017) #10 CVR B ROCAFORT    $3.99
NOV171888    YOKAI GIRLS GN VOL 01 (MR)    $12.99
OCT171086    ZOMBIE TRAMP TP VOL 12 VOODOO VIXEN DEATH MATCH (MR)    $14.99

MAGAZINES
SEP171848    2000 AD PACK NOV 2017    $27.00
OCT172121    CINEFEX #156    $12.50
OCT172110    COMICS REVUE PRESENTS DEC 2017    $19.95
OCT172102    ILLUSTRATORS MAGAZINE #20    $24.99
AUG172404    MEGAMI NOV 2017    $20.00
AUG172405    NEWTYPE NOV 2017    $20.00

BOOKS
SEP171964    ART OF STAR TREK KELVIN TIMELINE HC    $39.95
NOV172160    CANADIAN ALTERNATIVE CARTOONISTS COMICS & GNS HC    $65.00
SEP172200    DOCTOR WHO COMP HIST HC VOL 59 7TH DOCTOR STORIES    $18.99
AUG172316    DOCTOR WHO TALES OF TERROR HC    $16.99
NOV172209    HARRY POTTER MAGICAL FILM PROJECTIONS PATRONUS    $16.99
NOV172210    HARRY POTTER MAGICAL FILM PROJECTIONS QUIDDITCH    $16.99
NOV172212    J.K. ROWLINGS WIZARDING WORLD DARK ARTS MOVIE SCRAPBOOK    $19.99
NOV172208    J.K. ROWLINGS WIZARDING WORLD MAGICAL FILM PROJ CREATURES    $16.99
NOV172205    J.K. ROWLINGS WIZARDING WORLD MOVIE MAGIC VOL 01 EXTRAORDINA    $29.99
NOV172207    J.K. ROWLINGS WIZARDING WORLD MOVIE MAGIC VOL 03 AMAZING ART    $29.99
NOV172211    J.K. ROWLINGS WIZARDING WORLD POP UP GALLERY CURIOSITIES    $27.99

Review: DOCTOR APHRA #1

DOCTOR APHRA No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

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

WRITER: Kieron Gillen
ART: Kev Walker; Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Antonio Fabela; Edgar Delgado
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Kamome Shirahama
VARIANT COVERS: Rod Reis; John Tyler Christopher; Salvador Larroca; Elsa Charretier; Jamie McKelvie; Rafael Albuquerque; Ashley Witter; Kamome Shirahama
44pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2017)

Rated “T”

Aphra “Part 1”

Rogue archaeologist, Doctor Aphra, first appeared in Marvel Comics' Darth Vader #3.  She became Darth Vader's lackey and eventually his enemy.  Darth Vader the comic book recently ended, and its replacement is a new comic book, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Marvel Comics' first ongoing series starring an original Star Wars character created in the Star Wars comic books.  Doctor Aphra is written by Kieron Gillen; drawn by Kev Walker; colored by Antonio Fabela; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Doctor Aphra #1 opens in the aftermath of Darth Vader #25.  Aphra barely escaped Darth Vader's clutches with her life, and she knows if he discovers that she is not dead, he will hunt her down.  Aphra returns to what she does best – search the galaxy for rare artifacts.  She is now locating and liberating rare archaeological treasures; her companions are the homicidal droids, 0-0-0 and BT-1 (who also debuted in Darth Vader #3) and the Wookiee warrior, Krrsantan.  Her latest artifact find will bring her nothing but trouble, as she discovers that everyone and no one wants it.

I really like the cover art for Doctor Aphra #1, which is drawn and colored by Kamome Shirahama.  It is not a particularly inventive visual design, but it is striking in its execution.  I also like the interior art by Kev Walker, whose graphic style reminds me of the work of Jamie Hewlett (the co-creator with Alan Martin of Tank Girl).  Walker and colorist Antonio Fabela's work on this first issue would been a good fit for the best days of the science fiction and fantasy anthology magazine, Heavy Metal.

In fact, I think that in some ways,this Doctor Aphra comic book will be as much like Tank Girl, Heavy Metal, and various British and European science fiction comics as it will be a Star Wars comic book.  This title may be something of a risk for Marvel, in terms of Star Wars comic books, but it is good to see that they are willing to be a bit adventurous with their Star Wars titles.  The prior license holder for Star Wars comic books, Dark Horse Comics, was quite adventurous in the kind of Star Wars titles that it produced for two decades.

As a nice extra, there is a back-up story featuring a younger Doctor Aphra, and it is produced by the Darth Vader creative team of Gillen; artist Salvador Larroca, and colorist Edgar Delgado.  This story assures me that Doctor Aphra is more likely than not to be a good Star Wars comic book.

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: EMPRESS #7

EMPRESS No. 7
MARVEL COMICS/Icon – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Mark Millar – @mrmarkmillar
PENCILS: Stuart Immonen
INKS: Wade von Grawbadger
COLORS: Ive Svorcina and Sunny Gho
LETTERS: Peter Doherty
COVER: Stuart Immonen and Wade von Grawbadger with Dave McCaig
VARIANT COVERS: Stuart Immonen; Stuart Immonen with Dave McCaig
44pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2017)

Rated T+

Empress created by Mark Millar and Stuart Immonen

Empress is a comic book miniseries from celebrity comic book creator, Mark Millar, and popular comic book artist, Stuart Immonen.  The series focuses on the wife of a ruthless galactic conqueror who escapes her husband with their three children and a loyal bodyguard.  Empress is written by Millar, drawn by Immonen (pencils) and Wade von Grawbadger (inks); colored by Ive Svorcina with Sunny Gho; and lettered by Peter Doherty.

Empress is set 65 million years ago and tells the story of Earth's first rulers.  This is a civilization lost in history, a time when people lived in gleaming cities at the same time dinosaurs still existed.  King Morax is the merciless ruler who executes his citizens with impunity.

His wife, Queen Emporia, has seen enough of her husband's monstrous ways.  She plots to take her three children:  a brash teenage daughter, Aine; a bookish 'tween son, Adam; and an infant son, Puck.  Loyal Captain Dane Havelock will pilot their escape ship, but even his skills may not be enough to keep them from the reach of King Morax.  They are eventually joined by the diminutive Tor and “Ship,” a floating, spherical machine that can teleport itself and its compatriots anywhere in the galaxy.

As Empress #7 opens, Emporia and company think they are safe, but Aine decides to take matters into her own hands.  Now, King Morax has arrived and is offering his quarry a chance to fight to the death.  But ultimately, he may be the one surprised.

In press interviews to promote Empress, Mark Millar said that he wanted to do a sci-fi comic book that was fun.  Well, Empress is fun, and I had a blast reading it.  This final issue is filled with happy surprises, some of it a bit to good to be true, but the golly-gee-whiz space opera of Empress demands that you suspend disbelief

Colorists Ive Svorcina and Sunny Gho turn Stuart Immonen and Wade von Grawbadger's compositions into space opera eye candy.  It is all prettier than I expected.  Usually I have to find a copy of The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch or some old B.E.M. comics from Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez when I want to have so sparkly, old-fashioned sci-fi fun.  Now, I have Empress, too.

I am glad to hear that there will be two more Empress miniseries.  Hopefully, they will be produced by Millar and Immonen and not some surrogates.

A-

http://www.millarworld.tv/

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: THE PROMISED NEVERLAND Volume 1

THE PROMISED NEVERLAND, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Kaiu Shirai
ART: Posuka Demizu
TRANSLATION: Satsuki Yamashita
LETTERS: Mark McMurray
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9712-6; paperback (December 2017); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

The Promised Neverland is a new graphic novel series published by VIZ Media.  This is the English-language publication of Yakusoku No Neverland, a shonen manga (comics for teens) from writer Kaiu Shirai and artist Posuka Demizu that is published in Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump.

The Promised Neverland, Vol. 1 (entitled Grace Field House; Chapters 1 to 7) is set at the Grace Field House orphanage.  We meet the orphanage's three brightest children who are all 11-years-old.  They are Emma, Norman, and Ray.

Under the care of “Mom,” the children enjoy a comfortable life:  good food, clean white clothes, and the perfect environment in which children can learn and also play.  One night, however, Emma and Norman uncover the dark truth about the outside world that they have been forbidden from seeing.

Because of its title, The Promised Neverland manga does not seem to be anything more than a children's fantasy story.  The word, Neverland, will always summon images of the children's paradise that is the home of Peter Pan.  However, even Peter Pan and Neverland has a dark undercurrent, an obvious truth, that broaches an uncomfortable and taboo topic.

The Promised Neverland Graphic Novel Volume 1 reveals its heart of darkness in a sudden burst in the last 20 pages of Chapter 1.  From that point on, the narrative takes a sinister tone that never changes after the first part of the horrifying truth is revealed.  Beginning with Chapter 2, The Promised Neverland reads like a summer potboiler novel that you will have to force yourself to stop reading.

This first volume of The Promised Neverland makes it clear that the series will appeal to both teenage and adult readers; perhaps, it will be appropriate for some middle school readers.  The creative team of writer Kaiu Shirai and artist Posuka Demizu are one in the storytelling – a seamless blend of story and graphics.  The result is a sinister, dark fantasy, and mystery thriller, and The Promised Neverland may be the second best new graphic novel series of the year, after the superb Children of the Whales, which is also from VIZ Media.

A
9 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 20, 2017

DC COMICS

OCT170220    AQUAMAN #31    $3.99
OCT170221    AQUAMAN #31 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170469    BATGIRL THE BRONZE AGE OMNIBUS HC VOL 01    $99.99
OCT170227    BATMAN #37    $2.99
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SEP170410    BATMAN ARKHAM JOKERS DAUGHTER TP    $19.99
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OCT170213    BATMAN TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
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AUG170346    WONDER WOMAN THE TRUE AMAZON TP    $16.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 20, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

SEP171006    ALL NEW GUARDIANS OF GALAXY TP VOL 02 RIDERS IN SKY    $17.99
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IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for December 20, 2017

IDW PUBLISHING

OCT170473    24 LEGACY RULES OF ENGAGEMENT TP    $17.99
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Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 20, 2017

DARK HORSE COMICS

OCT170039    ANGEL SEASON 11 #12    $3.99
OCT170040    ANGEL SEASON 11 #12 VAR    $3.99
AUG170013    BLACK HAMMER TP VOL 02 THE EVENT    $19.99
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OCT170080    TOMB RAIDER SURVIVORS CRUSADE #2 (OF 4)    $3.99
APR170127    WITCHER 3 WILD HUNT FIGURE GERALT URSINE GRANDMASTER    $39.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 20, 2017

IMAGE COMICS

OCT170657    ANGELIC #4    $3.99
OCT170664    COPPERHEAD #17 (MR)    $3.99
OCT170569    CURSE WORDS HOLIDAY SPEC #1 CVR A BROWNE (ONE SHOT) (MR)    $3.99
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AUG170718    ROCKSTARS #8 CVR B WALKING DEAD #59 TRIBUTE VAR (MR)    $3.99
OCT170731    SPREAD #24 (MR)    $3.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for December 20, 2017

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
SEP171875    ABSOLUTE DUO GN VOL 02    $12.99
OCT171298    ADVENTURE TIME COMICS #18    $3.99
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AUG171376    ADVENTURE TIME TP VOL 13    $14.99
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NOV172071    ANONYMOUS NOISE GN VOL 06    $9.99
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OCT171660    ATTACK ON TITAN GN VOL 23    $10.99
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JUL172191    BLOOD BOWL MORE GUTS MORE GLORY TP    $16.99
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BOOKS
OCT172087    ART AND MAKING OF THE SHAPE OF WATER HC    $45.00
NOV172062    ART OF MAGIC THE GATHERING HC IXALAN    $39.99
NOV172223    ART OF PERSONA 5 SC    $39.99
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NOV172188    DC SUPER HEROES WORLDS GREATEST JOKES SC    $9.95
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SEP171893    POLLYANNA ILLUS SC    $11.99
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SEP172182    UNOFF GUIDE TO VINTAGE TRANSFORMERS 1980 - 1990 SC    $29.99
OCT172945    WARHAMMER 40K ANGELS OF CALIBAN PROSE NOVEL SC    $9.99

Review: STAR WARS #38

STAR WARS No. 38 (2015)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Kieron Gillen
ART: Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Guru e-FX
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: David Marquez with Matthew Wilson
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2018)

Rated T

Part I: “The Ashes of Jedha”

In 2015, Marvel Comics restarted their publication of Star Wars comic books with a brand new Star Wars #1.  I wrote a review of it and went on to review a few more issues of the series, plus the first annual.  Jason Aaron was the series writer from the beginning and delivered a number of really good story arcs and, recently, several really good stand alone, single-issue stories.

Aaron has moved on and the new series writer is Kieron Gillen, who did stellar work on Marvel's initial Darth Vader title, which was drawn by Salvador Larroca.  In fact, I can make a good case that Gillen and Larroca's Darth Vader was and still is the best Star Wars comic book Marvel has published since it regained the license to produce such comic books.  Gillen, as writer, and Larroca, as artist, reunite as the new Star Wars creative team.  They are joined by Guru e-FX on colors and Clayton Cowles on letters.

Star Wars #38 (“The Ashes of Jedha”) finds that the forces of the Galactic Empire have returned to the desert moon Jedha, which the Empire nearly destroyed (as seen in the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story).  The Empire wants the kyber crystals, which are plentiful on Jedha and which power lightsabers, that managed to survive the destruction wrought on the moon by a test of the Death Star.

Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 have arrived on Jedha in hopes of forming an alliance with the “main” rebellion and the rebels on Jedha.  However, the partisans on Jedha are different in many ways from the Rebel Alliance, and these wild rebels of Jedha may hold the Alliance in as much disdain as they do the Empire.

As much as I was enjoying Star Wars the comic book, I know that there was a part of me that believed the series needed, if not a fresh start, some injection of freshness.  I think Kieron Gillen is that injection, and there is something about Gillen and Larroca that really works as a comic book creative team.  There is fire in the drama, and the tension is electrically charged.  Together, they produce comic books that have me hopping for the next issue every time I finish the issue at hand.

The rich colors by Guru e-FX dazzle my eyes.  It is near perfect, although the colors seem to emphasize a peculiar photo-like quality in many of the faces that Larroca draws.  I often don't mention lettering in my reviews, but here, Clayton Cowles actually super-charges the edgy mood of this story.

Once again, the creators of a Marvel Star Wars comic book title have me chomping at the bit to read the next issue.  In the case of the new Star Wars team, I am not ashamed to be a fanboy.

A
9 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: STAR WARS ADVENTURES Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy

STAR WARS ADVENTURES, VOL. 1: HEROES OF THE GALAXY
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Cavan Scott; Landry Q. Walker; Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet
PENCILS: Derek Charm; Jon Sommariva; Elsa Charretier
INKS: Derek Charm; Sean Parsons; Elsa Charretier
COLORS: Derek Charm; Charlie Kirchoff; Sarah Stern
LETTERS: Tom B. Long; Robbie Robbins
PIN-UPS: Derek Charm; Elsa Charretier with Tamra Bonvillain; Jon Sommariva; Chris Samnee with Matt Wilson; Mike Maihack; Craig Rousseau; Tim Lim; Chris Uminga; Eric Jones; Tim Levins
COVER: Derek Charm
ISBN: 978-1-68405-205-9; paperback, 6” x 9” (October 2017)
80pp, Color, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN

“Better the Devil You Know” Parts l and 2; Tales from Wild Space - “Stop, Thief!” and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin”

Star Wars Adventures is a new all-ages Star Wars comic book from IDW Publishing – yes, from IDW and not from current Star Wars comic book publisher, Marvel Comics.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida this past April, the series is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and features one and two part stories that are not steeped in Star Wars continuity.  Star Wars Adventures will feature a rotating casts of characters, and the stories will range from settings that take place before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace all the way up to Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) and beyond.

Now, comes the first book collection of Star Wars Adventures.  It is entitled Star Wars Adventures, Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy.  It collects Star Wars Adventures #1 and #2 and the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan, which was given out at San Diego Comic-Con International 2017 ahead of the release of Star Wars Adventures #1.

The main story of Star Wars Adventures #1-2 is a two-part tale, entitled “Better the Devil You Know,” written by Cavan Scott; drawn and colored by Derek Charm; and lettered by Tom B. Long.  “Better the Devil You Know” opens on the planet of Jakku and focuses on Rey, the hero of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  She is a scavenger of Imperial war ships that are now wrecks on the desert planet.  Rey discovers that her “junkboss,” Unkar Plutt, has been taken prisoner, and the reason is something she found.  Rey realizes that dealing with Plutt, terrible as he is and can be, is better than dealing with the aliens determined to kill him.

Each issue of Star Wars Adventures has a back-up feature, “Tales from Wildspace.”  This anthology-like features various Star Wars characters from different eras of the Star Wars universe and is narrated by an explorer named Emil Graf.  The two “Wildspace stories here are “Stop, Thief!” (Star Wars Adventures #1) and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin” (#2).

I like Star Wars Adventures.  I know that it is geared towards elementary school age readers, but I, who was in elementary school a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, love it.  I like Derek Charm's art, which is a blend of animation-styled art and the art found in Archie Comics.  Cavan Scott's storytelling in “Better the Devil You Know” is true to the spirit of Star Wars – emphasizing adventure, imagination, and, of course, wisdom and justice.

The story from the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan (written by Landry B. Walker and drawn by Charm) is narrated by C-3PO and R2-D2 and presents a rather interesting overview of Star Wars history.  That overview alone, especially the Luke Skywalker parts, is worth the cost of this book.

“Tales from Wild Space” does not “Wow!” me as much as the lead feature, but it is a good back-up.  Besides, I like the surprising mix of Star Wars characters that “Wildspace” offers.

I think Star Wars Adventures is closer to traditional, classic comic books – with its striking visuals and clear, effective, adventure storytelling – than many comic books available in comic book shops today.  This is a comic book that reminds us of why we first came to love comic books, and I think Star Wars Adventures Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy is a great way to introduce young readers to comic books.

[This volume also includes a section of character designs by Derek Charm.]

A+
9.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: ASTRA LOST IN SPACE Volume 1

ASTRA LOST IN SPACE, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Kenta Shinohara
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
EDITOR: Marlene First
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9694-5; paperback (December 2017); Rated “T” for “Teen”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Astra Lost in Space is a new science fiction graphic novel series published by VIZ Media.  It is the English-language publication of Kanata No Astra, the shonen manga (Japanese comics for teen) from creator Kenta Shinohara and published in Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump.

Astra Lost in Space, Vol. 1 (entitled Planet Camp; Chapters 1 to 7) is set in the year 2063.  By that time, interstellar travel has become the norm for the people of Earth.  The story opens on the first day of “Planet Camp,” and Aries Spring, a sweet-natured teen girl, couldn’t be more excited.

Aries is joining seven other teens and one pre-teen girl (a.k.a. “Planet Camp Group B-5”) on a sojourn to Planet McPa for a week-long excursion.  Soon after they arrive on McPa, however, a mysterious orb appears and transports the entire group into the depths of space.  That is where they will die unless they can make their way to an empty floating spaceship.

The Astra Lost in Space manga is the latest accessible teen-oriented sci-fi graphic novel series from VIZ Media.  It is a pop comic offering mystery, danger, and adventure via interstellar space travel.

Astra Lost in Space Graphic Novel Volume 1 moves quickly into the story.  Creator Kenta Shinohara uses the early chapters to reveal the characters' personalities, and many of them are familiar teen manga types.  We have the sweet girl; the boy seeking redemption; the bratty, selfish queen bee; the sulky loner, and the really smart science-tech guy, to name a few.  The most interesting characters are the leads, Aries (sweet girl) and Kanata Hoshijima (boy seeking redemption), and the story is the strongest when they are the focus.

As for the interstellar adventure, that is quite intriguing because it mixes mystery and conspiracy.  The story suggests that something metaphysical or larger than mankind or perhaps something human and conniving is going on.  Which is it?  Or is it both?

I am not sure that adult readers will really take to Astra Lost in Space because it is so teen-oriented, both in the quality of the narrative and in the tone of its appreciation.  I have to say that if Astra Lost in Space were an American teen sci-fi comic, I would think that only BOOM! Studios of the major and mini-major comic book publishers would publish it because BOOM! does have a teen-oriented imprint that would be a good fit for Astra Lost in Space.  This adult will keep reading.

A-
7.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 13, 2017

DC COMICS

OCT170216    ACTION COMICS #993    $2.99
OCT170217    ACTION COMICS #993 VAR ED    $2.99
SEP170439    ASTRO CITY ORDINARY HEROES HC    $24.99
SEP170438    ASTRO CITY REFLECTIONS TP    $16.99
OCT170229    BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY #17    $3.99
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SEP170400    BATMAN TP VOL 04 THE WAR OF JOKES & RIDDLES (REBIRTH)    $19.99
JUL170468    BATMAN UNWRAPPED DEATH OF THE FAMILY HC    $29.99
OCT178071    BATMAN WHO LAUGHS #1 2ND PTG (METAL)    $3.99
OCT170343    BUG THE ADVENTURES OF FORAGER #6 (OF 6) (RES) (MR)    $3.99
SEP170413    DC UNIVERSE BY JOHN BYRNE HC    $39.99
OCT170251    DETECTIVE COMICS #970    $2.99
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OCT170255    FLASH #36    $2.99
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OCT170265    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #34    $2.99
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SEP170416    JSA BY GEOFF JOHNS TP BOOK 01    $34.99
OCT170283    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #20    $2.99
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OCT170292    NEW SUPER MAN #18    $3.99
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OCT170329    WILDSTORM MICHAEL CRAY #3 VAR ED    $3.99
OCT170322    WONDER WOMAN #36    $2.99
OCT170323    WONDER WOMAN #36 VAR ED    $2.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 13, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

OCT170944    ALL NEW WOLVERINE #28 LEG    $3.99
OCT170879    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #792 LEG    $3.99
SEP170994    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN CLONE CONSPIRACY TP    $39.99
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OCT170934    SECRET WARRIORS #10 LEG    $3.99
OCT170922    SHE-HULK #160 LEG    $3.99
OCT170972    STAR WARS #40    $3.99
JUN171048    THOR BY JASON AARON & RUSSELL DAUTERMAN HC VOL 02    $34.99
OCT170984    TRUE BELIEVERS PHOENIX BIZARRE ADVENTURES    $1.00
OCT170983    TRUE BELIEVERS PHOENIX CLASSIC    $1.00
OCT170982    TRUE BELIEVERS PHOENIX RETURNS    $1.00
OCT170865    UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL #27 LEG    $3.99
OCT170856    WEAPON X #12 LEG    $3.99
OCT170948    X-MEN BLUE #17 LEG    $3.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for December 13, 2017

IDW PUBLISHING

OCT170502    ANGRY BIRDS COMICS QUARTERLY CVR A RODRIQUES    $5.99
OCT170503    ANGRY BIRDS COMICS QUARTERLY CVR B SANDOVAL    $5.99
OCT170541    ATOMIC ROBO PRESENTS REAL SCIENCE ADVENTURES TP VOL 02    $19.99
AUG170429    BACK TO THE FUTURE #25 CVR A FERREIRA    $4.99
AUG170430    BACK TO THE FUTURE #25 CVR B MONTELL    $4.99
OCT170505    DUCKTALES #4 CVR A GHIGLIONE    $3.99
OCT170506    DUCKTALES #4 CVR B GHIGLIONE    $3.99
OCT170550    GUMBALLS #4 CVR A NATIONS    $3.99
OCT170551    GUMBALLS #4 CVR B NATIONS    $3.99
SEP170556    HASBRO HEROES SOURCEBOOK TP    $17.99
SEP170576    JUDGE DREDD BLESSED EARTH TP VOL 01    $17.99
OCT170409    KID LOBOTOMY #3 CVR A FOWLER (MR)    $3.99
OCT170410    KID LOBOTOMY #3 CVR B WILLIAMS III (MR)    $3.99
OCT170445    MASK MOBILE ARMORED STRIKE KOMMAND TP VOL 02 RISE OF VENOM    $19.99
MAY178400    MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDS FOREVER OMNIBUS TP VOL 03    $24.99
OCT170491    MY LITTLE PONY HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2017 CVR A HICKEY    $4.99
OCT170492    MY LITTLE PONY HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2017 CVR B ARTIST ED PRICE    $4.99
SEP170529    SAMURAI JACK QUANTUM JACK #3 (OF 5) CVR A OEMING    $3.99
SEP170530    SAMURAI JACK QUANTUM JACK #3 (OF 5) CVR B CADWELL JOHNSON    $3.99
OCT170459    STAR TREK BOLDLY GO TP VOL 02    $19.99
OCT170517    STAR WARS ROGUE ONE GN    $9.99
AUG170409    TMNT ADVENTURES ROBOTANIMALS HC    $12.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 13, 2017

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAY170059    ALIENS DEAD ORBIT #4    $3.99
OCT170074    DEPT H #21    $3.99
AUG170083    EC ARCHIVES PANIC HC VOL 02    $49.99
OCT170060    GIANTS #1    $3.99
SEP170119    HALO RISE OF ATRIOX #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
OCT170032    HARROW COUNTY #28    $3.99
OCT170031    JENNY FINN #2 (OF 4)    $3.99
JUN170048    LADY KILLER TP VOL 02    $17.99
AUG170036    LOBSTER JOHNSON TP VOL 05 PIRATES GHOST    $19.99
AUG170088    NGE SHINJI IKARI RAISING PROJECT OMNIBUS TP VOL 05    $19.99