Review: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, Volume 16: Chasing Phantoms

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, VOL. 16 CHASING PHANTOMS
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, and Tom Waltz
SCRIPT: Tom Waltz
ART: Dave Wachter; Mateus Santolouco
COLORS: Ronda Pattison
LETTERS: Shawn Lee
EDITORS: Justin Eisinger and Alonzo Simon
COVER: Dave Wachter
MISC. ART: Dave Hammond; Dave Wachter; Kevin Eastman; Carlos D'Anda; Kevin Eastman with Tomi Varga; Goran Sudzuka with Miroslav Mrva; Alex Kotkin; Rod Thornton; Eric Jones; Edwin Huang; Mateus Santolouco; Garry Brown
ISBN: 978-1-63140-859-5; paperback; 6 5/8 x 10 3/16 (April 2017)
120pp, Color, $19.99 U.S., $25.99 CAN

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (also known as TMNT; Ninja Turtles, or “the Turtles”) are a media empire that began with characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird for the comic book, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (cover dated: May 1984).  Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael are four teenage anthropomorphic turtles who walk and talk like humans.

An anthropomorphic rat, Master Splinter, adopts them and becomes their sensei.  He trains 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.  Many of their adventures have been chronicled in comic books, with IDW Publishing current holding the license to produced Turtles comic books since 2011.  IDW'S Ninja Turtles comic books have essentially rebooted the TMNT franchise.

The trade paperback, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 16: Chasing Phantoms, reprints IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #61-65.  Issue #61 opens in the wake of the surprise attack that exposed the weaknesses in the Turtles and Splinter's defenses.  Now, an ambitious crime lord, Darius Dun, and his technologically-equipped gang, the “Street Phantoms,” move against them.  To maintain his advantage, Dun has Harold Lilja, the inventor who equips the Turtles and Splinter, kidnapped and demands that Lilja serve him.

Meanwhile, the Turtles and their allies prepare to fight back with the help of familiar allies, including Casey Jones.  However, the Turtles discover that Master Splinter considers this dispute with Dun to be a war, and they are shocked to learn just how far Splinter is willing to go to win... or just how many secrets he is keeping to himself.

Prior to reading Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 16: Chasing Phantoms, I think that I had read only two TMNT comic books in well over a decade.  I was surprised that I enjoyed Chasing Phantoms, although I was not looking forward to reading it after IDW sent me a copy for review last year or so.

The conflict between the Turtles and their Master Splinter is quite potent, but I don't know how long the secrets and lies have been happening.  Perhaps, it is less of a big deal for regular Turtle fans if this is a long-simmering plot thread.  That said, I found myself shocked, titillated, and all-around entertained.  In fact, all the conflicts, especially the Darius Dun-Harold Lilja-Dr Libby Meitner (“The Inventor”) dynamic, are particularly engaging.

I am recommending this trade paperback to readers familiar with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  If you want to read a good Turtles comic book, I recommend Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 16: Chasing Phantoms.  Also, issue #65 is a Christmas issue, so...

7 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: THE KAMANDI CHALLENGE #4

THE KAMANDI CHALLENGE No. 4 (OF 12)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: James Tynion IV
ART: Carlos D'Anda
COLORS: Gabe Eltaeb
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Paul Pope with Lovern Kindzierski
VARIANT COVER: Carlos D'Anda
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2017)

Rated “T” for Teen

Kamandi created by Jack Kirby

“The Wild Wondrous West”

Created by Jack Kirby, Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth was a comic book series published by DC Comics in the 1970s.  Running from 1972 to 1978, the series starred Kamandi, a teenaged boy in a post-apocalyptic future.  In this time, humans have been reduced back to savagery in a world ruled by intelligent, highly evolved animals.

Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth #1 (cover dated: October 1972) opens some time after a huge event called “The Great Disaster,” which wiped out human civilization.  In “Earth A.D.” (After Disaster), many animals have become humanoid, bipedal, and sentient, and also possess the power of speech. These newly intelligent animal species have equipped themselves with weapons and technology salvaged from the ruins of human civilization and are constantly at war in a struggle for territory.

The world of Kamandi returns in the DC Comics miniseries, The Kamandi Challenge, bringing together 14 teams of writers and artists.  Each issue will end with an cliffhanger.  The next creative team will resolve that cliffhanger left behind by the previous creative team, before creating their own story and cliffhanger, which the next creative team after them will have to resolve... and so on.  The fourth issue of The Kamandi Challenge is written by James Tynion IV; drawn by Carlos D'Anda; colored by Gabe Eltaeb; and lettered by Clem Robins.

The Kamandi Challenge #4 (“The Wild Wonderous West”) finds Kamandi and his friend Vila in the clutches of the Jaguar Sun Cult.  The cult members are feeding the pair to the cult's god, “The Great Jaguar,” which is several stories tall.  If they escape this fire, waiting for them is the Kanga Rat Murder Society in the mad, mad, mad Outback.

“The Wild Wondrous West” follows the cliffhanger that ended issue #3's “Bug in Your Ear.”  The Kamandi Challenge #3 packed more punch than the second issue.  However, The Kamandi Challenge #4 lacks the freewheeling fun of the third issue.  After reading the second issue, I suspected that this series could end up being hit and miss, simply because each new issue presented a new creative team, itself presented with the challenge of picking up some other team's story.

I am generally a fan of comic book writer James Tynion IV, especially his work on Batman titles, but I find “The Wild Wondrous West” to be little more than rehashed ideas from the original Planet of the Apes films series.  Artist Carlos D'Anda's work here is more style than storytelling, and Gabe Eltaeb's garish coloring is static in the line of communication between the reader and the story.  I will admit that I do like the last few pages of this story, because this is where the creative team seems to start to sparkle, so I look forward to where this cliffhanger ends up.

Its is not easy for The Kamandi Challenge creative teams in this series to come close to Jack Kirby's original vision of this concept.  The Kamandi Challenge #4 exemplifies that.

[Afterword by Jimmy Palmiotti]

6.5 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.

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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 14, 2015

DC COMICS

AUG150230     BAT MITE #5     $2.99
AUG150225     BATMAN #45     $3.99
AUG150157     BATMAN AND ROBIN ETERNAL #2     $2.99
AUG150217     BATMAN SUPERMAN #25     $3.99
JUN150299     BATMAN YEAR 100 DLX ED HC     $29.99
AUG150232     CATWOMAN #45     $2.99
JUN150319     COFFIN HILL TP VOL 03 (MR)     $14.99
AUG150183     CONSTANTINE THE HELLBLAZER #5     $2.99
JUL150295     CONVERGENCE CRISIS TP BOOK 01     $19.99
JUL150297     CONVERGENCE CRISIS TP BOOK 02     $19.99
AUG150188     DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #3     $3.99
AUG150187     EARTH 2 SOCIETY #5     $2.99
AUG150289     FABLES THE WOLF AMONG US #10 (MR)     $3.99
JUN150305     GRAPHIC INK THE DC COMICS ART OF DARWYN COOKE HC     $39.99
MAY150241     GREEN LANTERN A CELEBRATION OF 75 YEARS HC     $39.99
AUG150240     HARLEY QUINN #21     $3.99
JUL150200     JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #4     $3.99
AUG150176     JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #14     $3.99
AUG150258     MAD MAGAZINE #536     $5.99
JUL150317     MORTAL KOMBAT X TP VOL 02 (MR)     $14.99
AUG150204     RED HOOD ARSENAL #5     $2.99
AUG158645     SCOOBY DOO TEAM UP #12 2ND PTG     $2.99
AUG150256     SCOOBY DOO WHERE ARE YOU #62     $2.99
JUL150320     SENSATION COMICS FEATURING WONDER WOMAN TP VOL 02     $14.99
AUG150206     STARFIRE #5     $2.99
AUG150160     SUPERMAN LOIS AND CLARK #1     $3.99
AUG150282     TWILIGHT CHILDREN #1 (MR)     $4.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

APR150333     ARROW TV FELICITY SMOAK AF     $24.95
JUN150336     BATMAN ANIMATED BAS BATMAN AF     $24.95
JUN150338     BATMAN ANIMATED BAS RIDDLER AF     $24.95
JUN150337     BATMAN ANIMATED NBA BATGIRL AF     $24.95
APR150357     BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE JOKER BY BERMEJO 2ND ED     $79.95
APR150340     BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE SCARECROW BY DANDA     $79.95
APR150347     DC COMICS CONSTANTINE STATUE     $124.95
APR150343     WONDER WOMAN ART OF WAR STATUE BY JILL THOMPSON     $79.95

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 30, 2015

DC COMICS

JUL150327     AMERICAN VAMPIRE SECOND CYCLE #10 (MR)     $3.99
JUL150205     AQUAMAN #44     $3.99
JUN150296     ARROW SEASON 2.5 TP     $19.99
JUL150258     BATMAN ANNUAL #4     $4.99
JUL150264     BATMAN ARKHAM KNIGHT ANNUAL #1     $4.99
JUN150290     BATMAN TP VOL 06 GRAVEYARD SHIFT (N52)     $16.99
JUL150275     GRAYSON ANNUAL #2     $4.99
JUL150285     GREEN LANTERN ANNUAL #4     $4.99
JUL150202     JUSTICE LEAGUE #44     $3.99
JUN150288     MADS ORIGINAL IDIOTS COMPLETE COLLECTION     $45.00
JUN150285     MADS ORIGINAL IDIOTS JACK DAVIS TP     $14.99
JUN150286     MADS ORIGINAL IDIOTS WALLY WOOD TP     $14.99
JUN150287     MADS ORIGINAL IDIOTS WILL ELDER TP     $14.99
JUL150233     NEW SUICIDE SQUAD ANNUAL #1     $4.99
JUL150328     SANDMAN OVERTURE #6 CVR A (MR)     $3.99
JUL150329     SANDMAN OVERTURE #6 CVR B (MR)     $3.99
JUL150252     SUPERMAN #44     $3.99
AUG150212     WONDER WOMAN 77 SPECIAL #2     $7.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

JUN150339     BATMAN ANIMATED BAS PENGUIN AF     $24.95
JUN150333     BATMAN ANIMATED NBA POISON IVY AF     $24.95
APR150341     BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE BATMAN BY DANDA     $79.95
MAR150324     DC COMICS SUPER VILLAINS DEADSHOT BUST     $49.95
MAY150300     ELECTROCUTIONER LADY SHIVA HARLEEN QUINZELL AF 3 PK     $69.95

Review: STAR WARS #5

STAR WARS #5
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

SCRIPT: Brian Wood
ART: Carlos D’Anda
COLORS: Gabe Eltaeb
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
EDITOR: Randy Stradley
COVER: Rodolfo Migliari
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (May 2013)

“In the Shadow of Yavin” Part Five

Set during the time of the original and classic Star Wars film trilogy, Star Wars is a recently launched comic book series from Dark Horse Comics. Star Wars is written by Brian Wood, drawn by Carlos D’Anda, colored by Gabe Eltaeb, and lettered by Michael Heisler.

Star War’s opening story arc is “In the Shadow of Yavin.” It begins shortly after the events depicted in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. The Rebel Alliance destroyed the Galactic Empire’s fearsome space station, the Death Star, at the Battle of Yavin. However, the Rebellion, still fighting off attacks from the Empire, is trying to find a new permanent home base. Princess Leia Organa has formed a secret squadron of stealth X-wing fighters to help find a new rebel base, but she must also expose a spy within the Rebellion’s ranks

Senator Leia Organa and her secret squadron of stealth X-wings enter the Pybus System, in the continuing search for a new rebel base. As Star Wars #5 opens, Leia and her squadron are fighting off two squadrons of TIE fighters and an Imperial Interdictor. Of course, the Rebels have some success, but the TIE squadrons are commanded by the ambitious Colonel Bircher, and he plans on matching the Rebels trick for trick.

Meanwhile, Han Solo and Chewbacca seek refuge in the underworld of Coruscant, the Imperial center. Is Perla their salvation? Meanwhile, Darth Vader continues to make plans with Birra Seah. Luke Skywalker and Prithi prepare to disobey Leia, again, but at least they mean well.

As I wrote in my review of the fourth issue, this new Star Wars comic book is like having a follow-up to the original Star Wars film. It’s like an imaginary television series called “Star Wars: The Day After” or “What Happened after Luke Destroyed the Death Star.”

Writer Brian Wood has summoned his inner George Lucas and Alan Dean Foster (the ghost writer of the novelization of the first Star Wars movie). Carlos D’Anda’s art goes back in time, recalling Howard Chaykin, the first Star Wars comic book artist, and creates art that looks like classic, 1970s Star Wars comics. In fact, Wood and D’Anda, issue by issue, are building a Star Wars masterpiece.

A

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

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

Review: STAR WARS #4

STAR WARS #4
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

SCRIPT: Brian Wood
ART: Carlos D’Anda
COLORS: Gabe Eltaeb
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
EDITOR: Randy Stradley
COVER: Alex Ross
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2013)

“In the Shadow of Yavin” Part Four

Return to the days of Star Wars yesteryear in Dark Horse Comics new Star Wars comic book. Star Wars 2013 is set during the time of the original and classic Star Wars film trilogy. Star Wars is written by Brian Wood, drawn by Carlos D’Anda, colored by Gabe Eltaeb, and lettered by Michael Heisler, with covers provided by Alex Ross.

The opening story arc, “In the Shadow of Yavin,” takes place shortly after the events depicted in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. The Rebel Alliance destroyed the Galactic Empire’s fearsome space station, the Death Star, at the Battle of Yavin. The Rebellion, still fighting off attacks from the Empire, is trying to find a new permanent home base and to restock supplies and armaments. Princess Leia Organa has formed a secret squadron of stealth X-wings to help find a new rebel base and also to help expose a spy within the Rebellion’s ranks

As Star Wars #4 opens, Han Solo and first mate, Chewbacca, are aboard the Millennium Falcon, trying to escape from Coruscant, the Imperial center. Now, to save their lives, they will have to get deeper into a snake pit. Meanwhile, Senator Leia Organa and her secret squadron of stealth X-wings enter the Pybus System, in the continuing search for a new rebel base.

Luke Skywalker and fellow squad member, Prithi, have been grounded for their actions. However, Luke is about to make two surprising discoveries. Also, Darth Vader meets Birra Seah; is she an enemy or an ally?

This new Star Wars comic book is like having A New Hope – the day after or what happened after Luke destroyed the Death Star. Writer Brian Wood tells a story that reads as if it were the real thing – the continuing story of the first Star Wars movie. Wood has practically fooled me into believing that this script came straight out of 1977-78.

Carlos D’Anda does what any Star Wars comic book artist should do: draw comics that look like Star Wars. In this case, D’Anda is true to the visual aesthetic of the original film, and his work recalls the early Star Wars comics from Marvel Comics back in the late 1970s. The new Star Wars comic book is the realest Star Wars we can get at the moment.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Review: STAR WARS #3

STAR WARS #3
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

SCRIPT: Brian Wood
ART: Carlos D’Anda
COLORS: Gabe Eltaeb
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Alex Ross
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (March 2013)

“In the Shadow of Yavin” Part Three

All that is old is new again in the new Star Wars comic book series from Dark Horse Comics. Simply entitled Star Wars, it is written by Brian Wood, drawn by Carlos D’Anda, colored by Gabe Eltaeb, and lettered by Michael Heisler, with covers provided by Alex Ross. This Star Wars is set during the time of the original and classic Star Wars films: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.

It destroyed the Galactic Empire’s fearsome space station, the Death Star at the Battle of Yavin, but the Rebel Alliance still must fight off attacks from the Empire. The rebels are also trying to find a new permanent home base and to restock supplies and armaments. Princess Leia Organa has formed a secret squadron of stealth X-wings to help find a new rebel base and also to help expose a spy within the Rebellion’s ranks

As Star Wars #3 opens, Darth Vader begins his new assignment in the Endor System, managing the building of a second Death Star. The Sith Lord, however, chafes under this demotion, handed down by Emperor Palpatine for Vader’s failure at Yavin.

Han Solo and his first mate, Chewbacca, continue their secret mission for Mon Mothma, leader of the Alliance. The two pirates land on the imperial center of Coruscant, where they await a meeting with a contact who can sell them the supplies that the Rebel Alliance so badly needs. Meanwhile, Leia confronts a troublesome member of her secret squadron, Flight Officer Luke Skywalker!

Brian Wood and Carlos D’Anda are still doing the damn thing. The new Star Wars isn’t a fluke. Issue #3 is as good as the first two issues. The action gets hotter. See Han Solo and Chewbacca in a gun fight! Plus, Wood’s spin on the Luke-Leia relationship is hard to ignore; this may be the most personal drama any Star Wars comic book has ever attempted.

The Force will call readers of Star Wars comics and fans of the original Star Wars trilogy to the new Star Wars.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Review: STAR WARS #2

STAR WARS #2
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

SCRIPT: Brian Wood
ART: Carlos D’Anda
COLORS: Gabe Eltaeb
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Alex Ross
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

“In the Shadow of Yavin” Part Two (of Three)

Star Wars, a new comic book series from Dark Horse Comics, is set during the time of the original and classic Star Wars films: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Star Wars is written by Brian Wood, drawn by Carlos D’Anda, colored by Gabe Eltaeb, and lettered by Michael Heisler, with covers provided by Alex Ross.

Exploring new story possibilities from that time period, Star Wars opens after the Battle of Yavin. The Rebel Alliance destroyed the Galactic Empire’s fearsome space station, the Death Star. Still, there are a number of post-victory struggles, such as finding a new permanent home base and restocking supplies and armaments.

Star Wars #2 opens aboard the Millennium Falcon. Han Solo and his first mate, Chewbacca, continue their secret mission for Mon Mothma, leader of the Alliance. There, is, however, someone hot on the Falcon’s trail. Meanwhile, Colonel Bircher takes command of Darth Vader’s personal Star Destroyer, the Devastator. Bircher’s specialty is tracking rebels, but he has also decided to target an additional quarry.

Back at the rebel fleet, Leia Organa forms a commando unit. In addition to Wedge Antilles and Luke Skywalker, this black operations team includes Gram Cortess from Alderran, Rus Kal Kin from Durkteel, Prithi from Chalacta, Falback Kord from Tinnel Four, Tess Alder from Corellia, and Ardana Cinn. Leia names Wedge Antilles her second-in-command, so where does that leave Luke?

The quality of the first issue of Dark Horse Comics’ new Star Wars comic book series was not a fluke. This is Star Wars, so naturally it is filled with pleasing elements of the franchise. However, this particular issue is also edgy and grim.

The edginess comes from the precarious position the post-Battle of Yavin Rebel Alliance is in. That’s what writer Brian Wood uses to make beloved Star Wars characters ruthless, single-minded, and even a bit selfish. These aren’t you or your father’s action figures, and their fight for survival feels genuine.

I find the series grim, because Wood doesn’t allow the original film trilogy’s signature characters, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, to dominate the series. In turn, this does not become a clean good versus evil tale settled by some exciting lightsaber duels. Indeed, thus far, Luke and Vader seem like two guys sent in the corner of the series to wear dunce hats. This is Star Wars off-the-hook and for reals, y’all!

Meanwhile, artist Carlos D’Anda already seems to have improved as a storyteller in this series, and he was really good in issue #1. Oh, this Star Wars comic book is too good to be true. It’s a trap!

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

I Reads You Review: Star Wars #1

STAR WARS #1
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

SCRIPT: Brian Wood
ART: Carlos D’Anda
COLORS: Gabe Eltaeb
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Alex Ross
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

“In the Shadow of Yavin” Part One (of Three)

In the timeline of Star Wars Expanded Universe, “The Rebellion” is a five-year period that begins with the Battle of Yavin, the climatic battle in Star Wars in which the Death Star is destroyed. It includes the events depicted in the classic Star Wars films (the original trilogy): Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. This story period ends with the death of the Emperor, high over the forest moon of Endor and also as the Rebellion starts to transform itself into a government.

This is the story period in which Dark Horse Comics is setting its new Star Wars comic book series, simply entitled Star Wars. The series will explore new storytelling possibilities that “The Rebellion” period offers (according to Dark Horse Comics editor, Randy Stradley).

[According to Dark Horse: This is Star Wars as you remember it . . . and as you have never seen it before! We’re taking you back to those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star—when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen! The creative of Star Wars is writer Brian Wood, artist Carlos D’Anda, colorist Gabe Eltaeb, and letterer Michael Heisler. Alex Ross provides the cover for the first issue.]

Star Wars #1 opens after the Battle of Yavin, in which the Rebel Alliance destroyed the Galactic Empire’s fearsome space station, the Death Star. Still, the Alliance struggles. New allies are hard to gain, as even systems and worlds that have been able to fend off the Empire’s advances, refuse to side with the rebels. The Alliance also needs new sources of supplies, and most of all, they need a new permanent base.

That’s why the three-member, X-Wing, exploration team of Senator (Princess) Leia Organa, flight officer Luke Skywalker, and fighter pilot Wedge Antilles enter the Dominus Sector in the Outer Rim Territories. Meanwhile, Han Solo, with a death mark on his head in practically every system, and Chewbacca go on a mission for the Rebel Alliance. Mon Mothma, leader of the Alliance, makes a shocking offer to Senator Leia.

Meanwhile, the Emperor prepares to make his own moves in the aftermath of the Battle of Yavin. How will Darth Vader fare?

[This issue comes with a code to download a free digital issue of the comic book.]

First, I have to admit that when I read Star Wars novels, I read the ones involving characters from the original Star Wars film trilogy. Secondly, I can’t remember reading a Dark Horse Comics-produced Star Wars comic book that I did not like. Thus, I love this new Star Wars series. What’s do I like about it? The work of the creative team is what.

Dark Horse Comics may push the “come back to the adventure” angle, but for this series to thrive, the characters and the character drama will have to capture the reader’s imagination. Enter Brian Wood, an illustrator, comic book artist, and writer known for writing captivating characters in science fiction and fantasy settings.

Wood not only imagines and fashions conflicts within individual characters, but he also constructs lines of tension and conflict between allies and friends. The reader might wonder what is going on between Luke, who thinks often of what has been lost (even after victory), and Leia, who looks steadfastly towards the future. In Han Solo, Wood presents a man who is both a hustler and a survivor, but he seems to asks, can this man be hero in what might essentially be a lost cause. Also, Wood may be the only writer outside of George Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan who has probed so deeply into the desires and struggles behind the mask of Darth Vader.

Visually and graphically, artist Carlos D’Anda never lets the reader doubt that this is classic Star Wars. In terms of style, D’Anda’s art recalls the very first Star Wars comic book artist, Howard Chaykin. D’Anda takes the cartoonish elegance of J. Scott Campbell (obviously an influence on him) and turns it into compositions that emphasize storytelling over quirkiness and style. However, it is the detail D’Anda puts in the Star Wars tech and star ships, the customs, sets, backgrounds, and backdrops that are the most impressive. Looking at the detail he puts into drawing the X-Wing and Tie Interceptors, for example, makes me wonder if D’Anda draws this solo. Gabe Eltaeb’s sparkling colors make the art even livelier.

I’ll just get it out of the way and say that this new Star Wars starts off the New Year as one of the best new series of the year. Readers of Star Wars comics and fans of the original Star Wars trilogy should try this Star Wars comic book, at least once.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 9 2013

DARK HORSE COMICS

NOV120036 BPRD HELL ON EARTH #103 ABYSS TIME #1 $3.50

NOV120046 BTVS SEASON 9 FREEFALL #17 NOTO CVR $2.99

JUN120048 CHERUBS HC $19.99

SEP120047 CONAN HC VOL 13 QUEEN O/T BLACK COAST $24.99

SEP120044 CREEPY COMICS AT DEATHS DOOR TP $19.99

NOV120045 EERIE COMICS #2 $2.99

OCT120039 GHOST #3 $2.99

SEP120064 OREIMO TP VOL 02 $10.99

SEP120062 RESET HC $15.99

SEP120050 ROBERT E HOWARDS SAVAGE SWORD TP VOL 01 $17.99

NOV120010 STAR WARS #1 $2.99

NOV120043 STRAIN #10 (MR) $3.50

NOV120042 TO HELL YOU RIDE #2 $3.99

I Reads You Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE #6

"The Jim Lee Project"
JUSTICE LEAGUE #6
DC COMICS

WRITER: Geoff Johns
PENCILS: Jim Lee
INKS: Scott Williams with Sandra Hope, Batt, and Mark Irwin
COLORS: Alex Sinclair with Tony Avina and Hi-Fi
LETTERS: Patrick Brosseau
COVER: Jim Lee and Scott Williams, with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado with Rod Reis
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

So two months after I read the fifth issue, I finally read Justice League #6 (entitled “Part Six” or Justice League Part Six”). This new Justice League comic book series, launched the last week of August 2011, is essentially the flagship title of “The New 52,” DC Comics’ re-launch of its superhero comic book line, which also began the last week of August 2011.

As the issue begins, seven superheroes: Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Aquaman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Cyborg, who are not part of a team and who are not all friends, have gathered to stop an alien invasion of Earth. Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Cyborg, in a united front, try to takedown the leader of this invasion, Darkseid. Meanwhile, on Darkseid’s world, Batman attempts to rescue Superman, who is being tortured by Desaad.

For this opening story arc of the new Justice League, writer Geoff John’s offers what is simply just one big battle that allows him to introduce his new version of the Justice League team lineup. It’s a fairly good story, but, it is also really a single-issue (at most, two-issue) story stretched to six issues i.e. trade paperback size.

To be honest with you, dear reader, I am following this series for Jim Lee’s art. When I review issues not drawn by Lee, you better believe that I got those as freebies. Back to Lee’s art: what glorious art it is! Lee summons his inner Jack Kirby by delivering pencil art full of super powers on display and super-beings in motion. Lee brings out the Kirby bat on such delicious splash pages and spreads as the one featuring Wonder Woman stabbing Darkseid in the eye, Superman flying into Darkseid’s midsection, and the Cyborg boom tube explosion. Ahhh, I think I need a cigarette.

A-

There is a Pandora back-up by Geoff Johns (writer), Carlos D’Anda (artist), Gabe Eltaeb (colors), and Sal Cipriano (letters).