Monday, January 8, 2018

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 10, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

NOV170665    COWBOY NINJA VIKING DLX ED TP (MR)    $19.99
NOV170736    COYOTES #3 (MR)    $3.99
NOV170737    CURSE WORDS TP VOL 02 EXPLOSIONTOWN (MR)    $16.99
NOV170741    DESCENDER TP VOL 05 RISE OF THE ROBOTS    $16.99
OCT170626    DIVIDED STATES OF HYSTERIA TP (MR)    $16.99
NOV170748    ETERNAL EMPIRE #6    $3.99
OCT170781    EXTREMITY BIKE PIN    $10.00
OCT170780    EXTREMITY LOGO PIN    $10.00
OCT170784    INVINCIBLE ATOM EVE LOGO PIN    $10.00
OCT170783    INVINCIBLE BATTLE BEAST PIN    $10.00
OCT170782    INVINCIBLE LOGO PIN    $10.00
NOV170772    KINGSMAN RED DIAMOND #5 (OF 6) CVR A YU (MR)    $3.99
NOV170773    KINGSMAN RED DIAMOND #5 (OF 6) CVR B B&W YU (MR)    $3.99
OCT170691    MAGE TP BOOK 02 HERO DEFINED VOL 03    $19.99
OCT170792    MONSTRESS EYE PATCH PIN    $10.00
OCT170789    MONSTRESS PROFESSOR TAM TAM PIN    $10.00
OCT170791    MONSTRESS REN PIN    $10.00
OCT170788    MONSTRESS TO QUOTE THE POETS PIN    $10.00
OCT170790    MONSTRESS WARLORD PIN    $10.00
NOV170788    PARADISO #2 CVR A PRAMANIK & KELLY (MR)    $3.99
NOV170789    PARADISO #2 CVR B GONZALEZ (MR)    $3.99
NOV170790    PORT OF EARTH #3    $3.99
OCT170699    POSTAL TP VOL 06 (MR)    $16.99
OCT170786    REDNECK LOGO PIN    $10.00
NOV170801    ROSE #7 CVR A GUARA    $3.99
NOV170802    ROSE #7 CVR B LOOPYDAVE    $3.99
NOV170803    ROSE #7 CVR C BASALDUA    $3.99
NOV170813    ROYAL CITY #9 CVR A LEMIRE (MR)    $3.99
NOV170814    ROYAL CITY #9 CVR B 90S ALBUM HOMAGE VAR (MR)    $3.99
OCT170787    SCIENCE DOG LOGO PIN    $10.00
NOV170831    SLEEPLESS #2 CVR A DEL DUCA & SALLAH    $3.99
NOV170832    SLEEPLESS #2 CVR B DEL DUCA & SALLAH    $3.99
NOV170833    SLOTS #4 (MR)    $3.99
OCT170732    STRAY BULLETS SUNSHINE & ROSES #31 (MR)    $3.99
OCT170795    WALKING DEAD HILLTOP FACTION PIN    $10.00
OCT170796    WALKING DEAD KINGDOM FACTION PIN    $10.00
OCT170793    WALKING DEAD SAVIORS FACTION PIN    $10.00
OCT170794    WALKING DEAD SURVIVORS FACTION PIN    $10.00
NOV170862    WICKED & DIVINE TP VOL 06 IMPERIAL PHASE PART 2 (MR)    $16.99
NOV178001    WITCHBLADE #1 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
NOV170871    WITCHBLADE #2 (MR)    $3.99
NOV170872    YOUNGBLOOD #8 CVR A TOWE    $3.99
NOV170873    YOUNGBLOOD #8 CVR B LIEFELD    $3.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for January 10, 2018

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

NOV171372    ADVENTURE TIME REGULAR SHOW #6 MAIN & MIX    $3.99
NOV171373    ADVENTURE TIME REGULAR SHOW #6 SUBSCRIPTION BAYLISS VAR    $3.99
NOV171153    ALTERS #9 (MR)    $3.99
NOV171245    ARCHIE #27 CVR A MOK    $3.99
NOV171246    ARCHIE #27 CVR B SMITH    $3.99
NOV171247    ARCHIE #27 CVR C TEMPLETON    $3.99
NOV171248    ARCHIES #4 CVR A REG SMALLWOOD    $3.99
NOV171249    ARCHIES #4 CVR B ALLRED & MARTIN    $3.99
NOV171250    ARCHIES #4 CVR C EISMA    $3.99
AUG172038    ASSASSINS CREED UPRISING TP VOL 02    $16.99
NOV171915    ATLAS AND AXIS (STATIX) #1 (OF 4) CVR A DIRGE    $5.99
NOV171916    ATLAS AND AXIS (STATIX) #1 (OF 4) CVR B PAU    $5.99
NOV171534    BARBARELLA #2 CVR A MARTIN (MR)    $3.99
NOV171535    BARBARELLA #2 CVR B POPE (MR)    $3.99
NOV171536    BARBARELLA #2 CVR C SEGOVIA (MR)    $3.99
NOV171537    BARBARELLA #2 CVR D DALTON (MR)    $3.99
NOV171538    BARBARELLA #2 CVR E SUBSCRIPTION YARAR (MR)    $3.99
NOV172030    BLOODSHOT SALVATION #5 CVR A ROCAFORT    $3.99
NOV172031    BLOODSHOT SALVATION #5 CVR B PALOSZ    $3.99
NOV172032    BLOODSHOT SALVATION #5 CVR C ROBERTSON    $3.99
NOV171522    BSG VS BSG #1 (OF 6) BLANK AUTHENTIX ED    $10.00
NOV171509    BSG VS BSG #1 (OF 6) CVR A CASSADAY    $3.99
NOV171510    BSG VS BSG #1 (OF 6) CVR B DESJARDINS    $3.99
NOV171511    BSG VS BSG #1 (OF 6) CVR C ADAMA ACTION FIGURE    $3.99
NOV171512    BSG VS BSG #1 (OF 6) CVR D BALTAR ACTION FIGURE    $3.99
NOV171513    BSG VS BSG #1 (OF 6) CVR E CYLON ACTION FIGURE    $3.99
NOV171514    BSG VS BSG #1 (OF 6) CVR F CASTRO ADAMA SPLIT    $3.99
NOV171515    BSG VS BSG #1 (OF 6) CVR G CASTRO CYLON PROFILE SPLIT    $3.99
NOV171516    BSG VS BSG #1 (OF 6) CVR H CASTRO CYLON FRONT SPLIT    $3.99
OCT171138    CASPER #1 TRIPLE SIGNED SPOOKY WOLFER VAR    $24.99
NOV171760    CATALYST PRIME ACCELL VOL 2 #3    $3.99
NOV171758    CATALYST PRIME ASTONISHER #4    $3.99
OCT171778    CERTAIN SCIENTIFIC ACCELERATOR GN VOL 07    $12.99
NOV172058    CHILDREN OF WHALES GN VOL 02    $12.99
NOV171794    DAMNED #7 (MR)    $3.99
NOV171500    DEJAH THORIS #0 CVR A ANACLETO    $0.25
JUL171856    DF WALKING DEAD #169 GOLD GAUDIANO SGN    $89.99
NOV171725    DISNEY ALICE IN WONDERLAND GN (RES)    $29.99
JUL172152    DOCTOR WHO 10TH FACING FATE HC VOL 02 VORTEX BUTTERFLIES    $22.99
OCT171833    DOCTOR WHO 11TH YEAR THREE #13 CVR A SHEDD    $3.99
OCT171834    DOCTOR WHO 11TH YEAR THREE #13 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
NOV171768    DREAM OF THE BUTTERFLY GN VOL 01 RABBITS OF THE MOON    $12.99
OCT171782    DREAMIN SUN GN VOL 05    $12.99
OCT178160    ETERNITY #1 2ND PTG    $3.99
SEP171315    FARSCAPE OMNIBUS SC VOL 01    $39.99
NOV171974    FIGHTING AMERICAN #4 CVR A DE LA FUENTE    $3.99
NOV171975    FIGHTING AMERICAN #4 CVR B KIRBY    $3.99
NOV172057    FIRE PUNCH GN VOL 01 (MR)    $12.99
SEP171825    GHOST FRIENDS FOREVER GN VOL 01    $9.99
SEP171826    GHOST FRIENDS FOREVER HC VOL 01    $14.99
NOV171762    GHOST MONEY #6 (OF 10)    $3.99
OCT178582    GRASS KINGS #11 FOC INCV PITARRA VAR    $3.99
NOV171335    GRASS KINGS #11 MAIN & MIX    $3.99
NOV171556    HACK SLASH VS VAMPIRELLA #4 (OF 5) CVR A STRAHM    $3.99
NOV171557    HACK SLASH VS VAMPIRELLA #4 (OF 5) CVR B SUDZUKA    $3.99
NOV171711    HAMMY & GERBEE YR GN VOL 01 MUMMIES AT MUSEUM    $12.99
NOV172040    HARBINGER RENEGADE TP VOL 02 MASSACRE    $14.99
OCT171785    HATSUNE MIKU EVERYDAY VOCALOID PARADISE GN VOL 02    $14.99
NOV171814    HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA GN VOL 01 KAKIELAND KATASTROPHE    $7.99
NOV171815    HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA HC VOL 01 KAKIELAND KATASTROPHE    $12.99
OCT171811    HOWLING TP VOL 01 REVENGE WEREWOLF QUEEN    $19.99
NOV171350    JIM HENSON POWER OF DARK CRYSTAL #10 (OF 12)    $3.99
NOV171351    JIM HENSON POWER OF DARK CRYSTAL #10 (OF 12) SUBSCRIPTION TA    $3.99
NOV171334    JUDAS #2 (OF 4)    $3.99
NOV178018    JUDAS #2 (OF 4) FOC BASTIAN VAR    $3.99
NOV171490    LA MUERTA VENGEANCE #1 RAW S&N ED (MR)    $25.00
OCT171191    LOLA XOXO VOL 2 #6 CVR A OUM    $3.99
OCT171192    LOLA XOXO VOL 2 #6 CVR B PANTALENA    $3.99
AUG172019    LOST FLEET CORSAIR #5 CVR A RONALD    $3.99
AUG172020    LOST FLEET CORSAIR #5 CVR B FRENCH WRAPAROUND VAR    $3.99
OCT171790    MASAMUNE KUNS REVENGE GN VOL 07    $12.99
NOV171297    MECH CADET YU #5    $3.99
OCT178581    MECH CADET YU #5 FOC INCV MORA VAR    $3.99
NOV171298    MECH CADET YU #5 SUBSCRIPTION TO VAR    $3.99
NOV171296    MECH CADET YU TP VOL 01 DISCOVER NOW PX    $14.99
SEP171032    MEN OF MYSTERY #106    $29.95
NOV171252    MIGHTY CRUSADERS #2 CVR A SHANNON    $3.99
NOV171253    MIGHTY CRUSADERS #2 CVR B TORRES    $3.99
NOV171254    MIGHTY CRUSADERS #2 CVR C TOWE    $3.99
NOV171949    MILLENNIUM GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNETS NEST #2 CVR A IANNICI    $5.99
NOV171950    MILLENNIUM GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNETS NEST #2 CVR B HOMS    $5.99
OCT171791    MISS KOBAYASHIS DRAGON MAID KANNA DAILY LIFE GN VOL 01    $12.99
NOV171146    MONSTRO MECHANICA #2    $3.99
NOV172006    NINJAK VS VU #1 (OF 4) CVR A SUAYAN    $3.99
NOV172007    NINJAK VS VU #1 (OF 4) CVR B CAFU    $3.99
NOV172008    NINJAK VS VU #1 (OF 4) CVR C PHOTO    $3.99
NOV172009    NINJAK VS VU #1 (OF 4) CVR D BLANK CVR    $3.99
AUG172023    NORMANDY GOLD #5 CVR A IANNICIELLO (MR)    $3.99
AUG172024    NORMANDY GOLD #5 CVR B SCOTT (MR)    $3.99
SEP171350    OVER GARDEN WALL ONGOING TP VOL 03    $14.99
SEP171888    PANDORA IN THE CRIMSON SHELL GHOST URN GN VOL 09 (MR)    $12.99
SEP171093    PESTILENCE #6    $3.99
MAY171370    RED TEN #10 (OF 10)    $4.99
NOV171365    ROCKOS MODERN LIFE #2    $3.99
OCT178605    ROCKOS MODERN LIFE #2 FOC LOOK AND FIND BACHAN VAR    $3.99
NOV171366    ROCKOS MODERN LIFE #2 SUBSCRIPTION MERCADO VAR    $3.99
OCT171194    SHRUGGED VOL 2 #5 (OF 6) CVR A MARKS (RES)    $3.99
OCT171195    SHRUGGED VOL 2 #5 (OF 6) CVR B GUNNELL (RES)    $3.99
OCT171797    SPIRIT CIRCLE GN VOL 02    $12.99
NOV171295    SPONGEBOB COMICS #76    $3.99
NOV171863    STABBITY BUNNY #1    $3.99
NOV171204    STARGATE ATLANTIS HEARTS & MINDS #1 LAROCQUE SIGNED CVR    $19.99
NOV171292    TALES FROM THE HYPERVERSE (ONE SHOT)    $8.00
OCT171390    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #101 STUDIO DLX ED (MR)    $19.99
OCT171137    THREE STOOGES TV TIME TRIPLE SIGNED PEOPY CVR    $24.99
OCT171650    TRUMPS TITANS VS MARK ZUCKERBERG #1 CVR A ZUCKERBERG OUTNUMB    $4.99
OCT171651    TRUMPS TITANS VS MARK ZUCKERBERG #1 CVR B IVANKA UNBOUND    $9.99
NOV171258    WORLD OF ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #75    $6.99
NOV171896    WORLDS GREATEST FIRST LOVE GN VOL 09 (MR)    $12.99
NOV171309    WWE ROYAL RUMBLE 2018 SPECIAL #1    $7.99
OCT178583    WWE ROYAL RUMBLE 2018 SPECIAL #1 FOC INCV GUILLORY VAR    $7.99

MAGAZINES
JUN172329    FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #283 WOLFINGER STAR WARS VAR    $9.99
JUL172497    FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #288 SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN VAR    $9.99
NOV172235    MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE #32    $8.99
NOV172246    STAR TREK MAGAZINE #65 NEWSSTAND ED    $9.99
NOV172247    STAR TREK MAGAZINE #65 PX ED    $9.99

BOOKS
JUL172482    ART OF DESTINY 2 HC    $45.00
NOV172180    BLACK PANTHER YOUNG PRINCE YA NOVEL    $16.99
JUN161582    FRANK THORNE GHITA EROTIC TREASURY ARCHIVAL ED VOL 01    $129.99
JUN161583    FRANK THORNE GHITA EROTIC TREASURY ARCHIVAL LTD SGN ED VOL 0    $159.99
JUL172127    HAMMER GLAMOUR HC (TITAN ED)    $29.95
NOV172206    J.K. ROWLINGS WIZARDING WORLD MOVIE MAGIC VOL 02 CURIOUS CRE    $29.99
NOV171688    LITTLE SID HC PICTURE BOOK    $17.99
NOV172164    RUNAWAYS YA NOVEL SC    $10.99
NOV172201    SORCERERS APPRENTICE CLASSIC MICKEY MOUSE HC    $10.99
NOV172222    STAR WARS FORCES OF DESTINY DARING ADV LEIA SC    $5.99
NOV171659    TRUMPS ABC HC    $12.99

Friday, January 5, 2018

Review: BLACK LIGHTNING: Cold Dead Hands #1

BLACK LIGHTNING: COLD DEAD HANDS No. 1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Tony Isabella
ART: Clayton Henry
COLORS: Pete Pantazis
LETTERS: Josh Reed
COVER: Clayton Henry with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER: Ken Lashley with Juan Fernandez
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2018)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Black Lightning created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden

Cold Dead Hands Part One: “Ready to Do It All Over”

Black Lightning is a DC Comics superhero.  Also known by his civilian identity, Jefferson Pierce, the character was one of the first major African American superheroes to appear in DC Comics.  Pierce debuted in Black Lightning #1 (cover dated: April 1977), and was created by writer Tony Isabella and artist Trevor Von Eeden.

Black Lightning returns in a new six-issue miniseries, entitled Black Lighting: Cold Dead Hands.  It is written by Tony Isabella; drawn by Clayton Henry; colored by Pete Pantazis; and lettered by Josh Reed.

Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #1 (“Ready to Do It All Over”) finds Jefferson Pierce back in Cleveland, already having to play superhero.  On the plus side, Pierce has been learning to maximize his electricity-based powers, and in his first battle back, Black Lightning takes down members of “The Weathermen,” street thieves in the possession of advanced weaponry.

His success is tempered, however, by the state of affairs in Cleveland.  The local police do not want what they see as superhero interference, and some of them may be willing to shoot Black Lightning to make their point.  Also, Black Lightning's take down of “The Weathermen” has earned him the ire of a very powerful and very bad man.

First, Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #1 looks dazzling from the art, graphics, and design perspective.  Clayton Henry's art features strong composition and dynamic layout and design.  Pete Pantazis posts layers of color that are luscious like flowing cake frosting.  The color effects on the energy blasts from weapons, the arcs of Black Lightning's electricity, and the gold of Lightning's goggles are radiant.

Josh Reed's lettering is quite effecting; at least to me, it seems that the word balloons were placed for maximum effect.  Reed's work never intrudes; instead, he creates a rhythm that builds a sense of rising tension and also suggests that Black Lightning is in an increasingly precarious position.

Isabella's story is also quite good.  He should write more comic books.  I like the way that he creates a sense of tension around Black Lightning, which gives the story edge and latent hostility.  Remember, 12-year-old Tamir Rice, shot to death by a Cleveland police officer, was described as “menacing,” by those who made disingenuous arguments in support of his killing?  That is basically what Black Lightning faces; he is a superhero in a place inclined to think of him as a menace.  We, the readers (at least, some of us) do not think of him as a menace.  Isabella creates a scenario in which many distrust Black Lightning, to one extent or another, so as the narrative precedes, the hero finds himself under a spreading malaise.

Isabella increases the obstacles against his hero and that makes a compelling story that will, in turn, make readers want to come back for more.  I want to come back for more.

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.

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



Thursday, January 4, 2018

Review: STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE Graphic Novel Adaptation

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATION
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

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

WRITER: Alessandro Ferrari (Manuscript Adaptation)
ART: Igor Chimisso (character studies); Matteo Piana (layout)
INKS: Igor Chimisso, Stefano Simeone
PAINT: Davide Turotti (background and settings); Kawaii Creative Studio (characters)
COVER: Eric Jones
ISBN: 978-1-68405-220-2; paperback, 6 3/4” x 9” (December 2017)
80pp, Color, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN (December 12, 2017)

IDW Publishing is currently publishing an all-ages Star Wars comic book, entitled Star Wars Adventures.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration (April 2017) in Orlando, Florida, Star Wars Adventures is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and features one and two part stories that are not steeped in Star Wars continuity.

In addition, IDW Publishing is also publishing U.S. editions of Star Wars graphic novels drawn by a group of Disney artists, apparently based in Italy.  This group's art is intended to bridge the gap between Star Wars and traditional Disney animation, making these Star Wars comics more attractive for younger audiences that are probably familiar with Disney style art in Disney comic books and illustrated books.

This group also produced an adaption of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the eighth live-action Star Wars film.  Released in 2016, Rogue One is a stand-alone film, meaning it is not part of the original, prequel, or sequel trilogies.  Rogue One's story is set immediately before the events depicted in the original Star Wars (1977).  IDW is now releasing that Rogue One graphic novel as Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation.  It is written by Alessandro Ferrari, who has adapted numerous Walt Disney and Pixar films into the graphic novel format and has also written many comics for Disney Worldwide Publishing.

In Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation, the Death Star, the Galactic Empire’s ultimate weapon, looms large.  Its near-completion means doom for the Rebel Alliance.  Enter Jyn Erso, daughter of the Death Star’s reluctant creator, Galen Erso; she desperately seeks to save her father from Imperial control.  For this quest, Jyn will join forces with Rebel spy, Cassian Andor; his reprogrammed Imperial droid, K-2SO, and a small band of rebels.  Aboard a ship one of them dubs “Rogue One,” they will attempt to steal the Death Star’s plans and keep hope for the Rebellion alive.

At 64 pages of actual comics, IDW's Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation is half the size of Marvel Comics' six-issue miniseries, Star Wars: Rogue One Adaptation.  Writer Alessandro Ferrari has to excise chunks out of many scenes and sequences, yet he makes the most of the narrative space he has.  Ferrari's Rogue One adaptation runs hot and the dialogue is passionate.  The threat that looms above the Rebel Alliance, the Death Star, seem genuine and larger than life.  It reads as if it were a behemoth bearing down upon the rebels even when it is nowhere near them.

The art is gorgeous.  The character drawings convey the dark personalities of the characters and the intensity of their emotions and the grittiness of their determination.  The backgrounds and settings are wonderfully painted.  You would think the painters were doing this high-quality work for an animated film project, but no, they are turning out this sumptuous painting for a kids' comic book!

The screenplay for the Rogue One film was written by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy (from a story by John Knoll and Gary Whitta), and Alessandro Ferrari and the artists of Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation have done these writers proud.  I hope this creative team gets the chance to do a graphic novel adaptation of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and I am sure I am not the only one waiting to see what they can do with this new Star Wars film.

A
8 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.

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


Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Review: ELENORA MANDRAGORA: Daughter of Merlin


ELENORA MANDRAGORA: DAUGHTER OF MERLIN
IDW PUBLISHING/EuroComics – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Severine Gauthier
ART: Thomas Labourot
TRANSLATION: Edward Gauvin
COLORS: Grelin & Thomas Labourot
LETTERS: Ron Estevez
COVER: Thomas Labourot
EDITORS: Justin Eisinger and Alonzo Simon
ISBN:  978-1-68405-008-6; hardcover – 8¼”  x 10¾” (November 8, 2017)
60pp, Color, $14.99 U.S., $19.99 CAN

Age 10-17; Grades 5-12

Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin is a full color, hardcover graphic novel recently published by IDW Publishing.  Written by Severine Gauthier and drawn by Thomas Labourot, Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin is French comic book originally published as a graphic album, entitled Aliénor Mandragore – Merlin est mort, vive Merlin! by Paris-based publisher, Rue de Sèvres.  The IDW edition has a trim size of 8¼”  x 10¾” and comes in at 60-pages long.

Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin focuses on Elenora, the daughter of Merlin the wizard.  Merlin is the greatest druid in the forest of Broceliande, and he spends most of his time in his “Mushroomery,” a dank and dark place in the woods where a variety of mushrooms grow.  Elenora lives with her father, but the impish and undisciplined girl has no interest in “druiding,” which her father insists on teaching her.  Elanora has no talent for magic.

That all changes one day when Elenora does something that kills her father.  However, Merlin's ghost is determined not to stay dead, and it falls on Elenora to befriend the one person who may have the ability to revive Merlin.  That would be her father's greatest rival, Morgana the fairy magician and sorceress.

IDW's press materials for Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin compares this graphic novel to the work of legendary creators of stories for children:  author Roald Dahl; animated filmmaker, Hayao Miyazki; and American legend and mogul, Walt Disney.  I am quite versed in Miyazaki and Disney, but I have only read two Dahl books (that I remember), and with that experience, I can still say that IDW is not far off with such comparisons.

Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin is a fantastic comic book and original graphic novel.  I think middle school students who read fantasy literary will likely enjoy this.  I think older teens and high school students familiar with comic books will also enjoy this graphic novel.

It is not perfect; there are some oddly extraneous characters in the story, characters I am assuming will be important in later Elenora Mandragora adventures.  However, the three core characters:  Elenora, Merlin, and Morgana form a solid trinity of motivations, desires, conflicts, rivalries, back story, and endearment.  They are the powerful engine that drive this engaging and magical story of fathers and daughters and mentors and students.  This is a love triangle, of sorts, that propels this wonderfully inventive comic book.

Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin is infused with a sense of magic, and the setting is a place to which you will want to return, even if only in your dreams.  And the characters – you will want to visit with them again... and again.

9 out of 10
A

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.

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Monday, January 1, 2018

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 3, 2017

DC COMICS

SEP170440    AMERICAN WAY THOSE ABOVE AND BELOW #5 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
OCT170363    AQUAMAN THE WATERBEARER TP NEW EDITION    $19.99
NOV170231    BATMAN #38    $2.99
NOV170232    BATMAN #38 VAR ED    $2.99
NOV170210    BATMAN AND THE SIGNAL #1 (OF 3) (RES)    $3.99
NOV170211    BATMAN AND THE SIGNAL #1 (OF 3) VAR ED (RES)    $3.99
OCT178177    BATMAN ANNUAL #2 2ND PTG    $4.99
NOV170239    BATMAN WHITE KNIGHT #4 (OF 8)    $3.99
NOV170240    BATMAN WHITE KNIGHT #4 (OF 8) VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170243    BLACK LIGHTNING COLD DEAD HANDS #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV170244    BOMBSHELLS UNITED #9    $2.99
OCT170367    CAPTAIN ATOM THE FALL AND RISE OF CAPTAIN ATOM TP    $16.99
NOV170246    CYBORG #20    $3.99
NOV170247    CYBORG #20 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170339    DASTARDLY AND MUTTLEY #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV170340    DASTARDLY AND MUTTLEY #5 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170498    DC BOMBSHELLS STARFIRE STATUE    $125.00
NOV170248    DEATHSTROKE #27    $3.99
NOV170249    DEATHSTROKE #27 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170217    EXIT STAGE LEFT THE SNAGGLEPUSS CHRONICLES #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV170218    EXIT STAGE LEFT THE SNAGGLEPUSS CHRONICLES #1 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170265    GREEN ARROW #36    $3.99
NOV170266    GREEN ARROW #36 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170267    GREEN LANTERNS #38    $2.99
NOV170268    GREEN LANTERNS #38 VAR ED    $2.99
OCT170359    HAL JORDAN & THE GLC TP VOL 04 FRACTURE (REBIRTH)    $19.99
NOV170279    HARLEY & IVY MEET BETTY & VERONICA #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV170280    HARLEY & IVY MEET BETTY & VERONICA #4 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170283    INJUSTICE 2 #17    $2.99
NOV170343    JETSONS #3    $3.99
NOV170344    JETSONS #3 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170286    JUSTICE LEAGUE #36    $2.99
NOV170287    JUSTICE LEAGUE #36 VAR ED    $2.99
NOV170299    NIGHTWING #36    $2.99
NOV170300    NIGHTWING #36 VAR ED    $2.99
OCT170374    SUICIDE SQUAD THE SILVER AGE TP    $29.99
OCT170375    SUPERBOY TP BOOK 01 TROUBLE IN PARADISE    $24.99
NOV170304    SUPERMAN #38 SONS OF TOMORROW    $2.99
NOV170305    SUPERMAN #38 VAR ED SONS OF TOMORROW    $2.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 3, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

NOV170908    ASTONISHING X-MEN #7 LEG    $3.99
NOV170991    BLACK BOLT #9 LEG    $3.99
OCT171002    BLACK PANTHER ADVENTURES DIGEST TP    $9.99
OCT170998    BLACK PANTHER BY HUDLIN TP VOL 02 COMPLETE COLLECTION    $39.99
NOV170938    CAPTAIN AMERICA #697 LEG WW    $3.99
OCT171001    COLOR YOUR OWN BLACK PANTHER TP    $9.99
JUL171192    DEADPOOL & CO OMNIBUS HC    $125.00
JUL171190    DEADPOOL WORLDS GREATEST HC VOL 03    $34.99
OCT170816    GUARDIANS OF GALAXY LH #150 LEG    $4.99
NOV170979    HAWKEYE #14 LEG    $3.99
NOV171008    ICEMAN #9 LEG    $3.99
OCT171015    INHUMANS BEWARE THE INHUMANS TP    $34.99
NOV170969    IRON FIST #76 LEG    $3.99
JUL171193    MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE GUIDEBOOK ALL CONNECTED HC    $24.99
NOV170889    PHOENIX RESURRECTION RETURN JEAN GREY #2 (OF 5) HUGO CONNECT    $3.99
NOV170891    PHOENIX RESURRECTION RETURN JEAN GREY #2 (OF 5) LEE JEAN GRE    $3.99
NOV170888    PHOENIX RESURRECTION RETURN JEAN GREY #2 (OF 5) LEG    $3.99
NOV170915    RISE OF BLACK PANTHER #1 (OF 6) LEG    $3.99
NOV170920    RISE OF BLACK PANTHER #1 (OF 6) MOVIE VAR LEG    $3.99
NOV170932    ROGUE & GAMBIT #1 (OF 5) LEG    $3.99
JUL171191    SPIDER-GWEN HC VOL 02    $34.99
NOV170960    SPIDER-MAN #236 LEG    $3.99
OCT171005    SPIDER-MAN DEADPOOL TP VOL 04 SERIOUS BUSINESS    $15.99
NOV171027    STAR WARS #41    $3.99
NOV170996    X-MEN GOLD #19 LEG    $3.99
NOV171016    X-MEN GRAND DESIGN #2 (OF 2)    $5.99
NOV171017    X-MEN GRAND DESIGN #2 (OF 2) PISKOR CHARACTER VAR    $5.99