#IReadsYou Review: THE AMBASSADORS #3

THE AMBASSADORS #3 (OF 6)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Travis Charest

COLORS: Dave Stewart

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Travis Charest

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Valerio Giangiordano; Travis Charest

28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2023)

Rated M / Mature

The Ambassadors created by Mark Millar at Netflix

The Ambassadors is a new comic book miniseries written and created by Mark Millar.  The series focuses on the six people out of eight billion humans who will receive super-powers.  Each person will become a member of the international rescue squad, The Ambassadors.  Each issue of The Ambassadors will be drawn by a different superstar comic book artist.  The third issue is drawn by Travis Charest; colored by Dave Stewart; and lettered by Clem Robins.

The Ambassadors #3 opens in Paris, France.  Yasmine Gauvin fears that her seemingly troubled teen son is headed for a bad place.  She believes that he may even lash-out in acts of violence at other children.  Can the mother-son super-team, Codename France and Paris, save a mother-son relationship and Jean-Luc's future?

THE LOWDOWN:  Thanks to a review copy provided by the Mark Millar division of Netflix, I got to read the first three issues The Ambassadors.  This is a treat for which I have been awaiting since the announcement of the series last year.

First, I'll say this. The fourth issue of The Ambassadors will have to be really fucking good to surpass the masterpiece that is The Ambassadors #3.  This issue may be the most poignant, emotional, and genuinely human work of character drama that Mark Millar has written in his four decades of comic book writing.  [I will admit to being crazy about mother-son combos; for instance, I am a fan of authors, David Watjen, and his late mother, Carolyn Watjen, who wrote mystery novels under the pen name “Caroline and Charles Todd” and simply as “Charles Todd.”]

The relationship that Millar fashions for Yasmine and Jean-Luc feels natural and at-ease, in a storytelling sense.  Doing that makes the action sequences and also the threats looming against mother and son visceral and threatening.  And that last page...

Now, to artist Travis Charest: he just blew-the-fuck-up when he started drawing comics' for Jim Lee's Wildstorm Productions about 1993.  After several years of producing stunningly intricate and ornate art, his output slowed.  The Ambassadors #3 is the first full-length comic book that Charest has drawn in 24 years, and it's a doozy.  In a way, Charest's art here is something like the photo-realism of Bryan Hitch combined with the humanism and sentiment of Will Eisner, as shown in his New York City-set stories and melodramas.

Travis Charest art and storytelling for The Ambassadors #3 is like another step forward in the visual and graphical storytelling evolution of superhero comic books.  It is a thing of extreme beauty – some of the pages are both breathtaking and orgasmic – and of power.  Also, Dave Stewart's evocative colors really heighten this story's drama, conflict, and tension.

If The Ambassadors has a European graphic album in it, it's this third issue.  Beautifully written, drawn, colored, and lettered: The Ambassadors #3 is unexpected, undeniable, and unmatched.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar and of big concept superhero comic books will want to read The Ambassadors.

A+

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

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The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: POST AMERICANA #7

POST AMERICANA #7 (OF 7)
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Steve Skroce
ART: Steve Skroce
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Fonografiks
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated M / Mature

Post Americana is a seven-issue miniseries written and drawn by Steve Skroce and published by Image Comics.  Post Americana is set in a dystopian future and focuses on two rebels' attempts to save an area called the “Wasteland” from a rogue President of the United States.  Colorist Dave Stewart and letterer Fonografiks complete Post Americana's creative team.

Post Americana  has two settings.  The first is “The Bubble,” an installation inside the Cheyenne Mountains that is the most sophisticated super-bunker in the world.  Inside, Nathaniel Hawksworthe, the new President of the United States, plans to use the bunker's resources to build the “New America” by basically paving over the second setting, the “Wasteland.”  Determined to stop Hawksworthe are Michael “Mike” Lee, a hapless rebel, and Carolyn, a deadly Wasteland girl, who is already hellbent on revenge against the denizens of the Bubble.  But Carolyn and Mike will have to survive the Wasteland in order to save the Wasteland.

Post Americana #7 opens in the Bubble.  Marcy Okamoto has launched her plan to destroy humanity and to replace humans, using seven perfect “New People” embryos as the foundation.  At the same time, her droids are laying waste to the Bubble and killing its denizens.  So what is President of the United States Nathaniel Hawksworthe doing?  He and his mother are making their escape.

However, before anyone leaves, Carolyn has embraced her destiny and is ready to deliver some cold-bloodied justice.  Meanwhile, Eggbert Beauregard, one of the lost IP of Wonder Studios, is leading a revolt of the Bubble's enslaved.  So where are Mike and Mr. Floppibottoms, another lost IP?  It's Carolyn versus Marcy versus President Hawksworthe in a final showdown.

THE LOWDOWN:  Every time, I write a review of one of his comic books, I remind you, dear readers, that I am a huge fan of writer-artist Steve Skroce, going back over two decades.  I have also praised every issue of Post Americana.

Well, Post Americana #7 brings the series to an end, five months after the arrival of issue #6.  It was worth the wait, as this seventh issue is one of the series' best.  And there's a happy ending – happier than the end of Skroce's excellent comic book miniseries, We Stand on Guard.  Steve Skroce's lovely art; Dave Stewart's gorgeous coloring, and Fonografiks' standout lettering make for an excellent graphics and graphical storytelling package.

I highly recommend this entire series, which will be available in a Post Americana trade paperback this month (December 2021).  Now, I'll await Skroce's next comic book miniseries masterpiece.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Steve Skroce's comics and of post-apocalyptic sci-fi will want Post Americana.

A+

10 out of 10

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: POST AMERICANA #6

POST AMERICANA #6 (OF 7)
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Steve Skroce
ARTIST: Steve Skroce
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Fonografiks
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2021)

Rated M / Mature

Post Americana is a seven-issue miniseries written and drawn by Steve Skroce and published by Image Comics.  Post Americana is set in a dystopian future and focuses on two rebels' attempts to save an area called the “Wasteland” from a rogue President of the United States.  Colorist Dave Stewart and letterer Fonografiks complete Post Americana's creative team.

Post Americana has two settings.  The first is “The Bubble,” an installation inside the Cheyenne Mountains that is the most sophisticated super-bunker in the world.  Inside, Nathaniel Hawksworthe, the new President of the United States, plans to use the bunker's resources to build the “New America” by basically paving over the second setting, the “Wasteland.”  Determined to stop Hawksworthe are Michael “Mike” Lee, a hapless rebel, and Carolyn, a deadly Wasteland girl, who is already hellbent on revenge against the denizens of the Bubble.  But Carolyn and Mike will have to survive the Wasteland in order to save the Wasteland.

As Post Americana #6 opens, Carolyn, Mike, and Evey face betrayal in the form of the wrath of Night Terror and his partner, Donny (a vicious werewolf).  On the lost coast of California, the trio found Wonder Studios (a Walt Disney-like studio), and thought that they had found a refuge.  Can Mister Floppibottoms and Eggbert save our heroes?

Meanwhile, things are starting to take a dark turn in the Bubble.  What shall we make of Hawksworthe's crazy story of his apparently crazier past?  The future hangs in the balance!

THE LOWDOWN:  As a reminder:  I am a huge fan of writer-artist Steve Skroce, going back over two decades.  All the while that I have been reviewing this series, I have regaled you, dear readers, with the joys of reading Post Americana.

It turns out that Post Americana #5 was NOT the penultimate issue of the series.  The former six-issue miniseries is now seven issues long.  A similar thing happened with Skroce's previous creator-owned Image series, Maestro, so this issue, Post Americana #6 is the penultimate issues.

Issue #5 seemed divorced from the rest of the narrative, but issue #6 brings it all back, connecting the Wonder Series subplot with a jarring turn in the story of the Bubble and its ruler.  Who knows what to expect of issue #7, but, in the meantime, Skroce delivers a high-octane, violent, action movie sixth issue.  As always his kinetic drawing style and bracing graphic storytelling is perfect for the ol' ultra-violence depicted here.

I can't wait for the seventh issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Steve Skroce's comics and of post-apocalyptic sci-fi will want Post Americana.

A

★★★★+ out of 4 stars

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: POST AMERICANA #5

POST AMERICANA #5 (OF 7)
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Steve Skroce
ARTIST: Steve Skroce
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Fonografiks
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2021)

Rated M / Mature

Post Americana is a six-issue miniseries written and drawn by Steve Skroce and published by Image Comics.  Post Americana is set in a dystopian future and focuses on two rebels' attempts to save an area called the “Wasteland” from a rogue President of the United States.  Colorist Dave Stewart and letterer Fonografiks complete Post Americana's creative team.

Post Americana  has two settings.  The first is “The Bubble,” an installation inside the Cheyenne Mountains that is the most sophisticated super-bunker in the world.  Inside, Nathaniel Hawksworthe, the new President of the United States, plans to use the bunker's resources to build the “New America” by basically paving over the second setting, the “Wasteland.”  Determined to stop Hawksworthe are Michael “Mike” Lee, a hapless rebel, and Carolyn, a deadly Wasteland girl, who is already hellbent on revenge against the denizens of the Bubble.  But Carolyn and Mike will have to survive the Wasteland in order to save the Wasteland.

As Post Americana #5 opens, Carolyn, Mike, and Evey's ride with Night Terror has taken them to the lost coast of California to Wonder Studios, the former home of the Walt Disney-like Cromwell Leviticus Okamoto.  There, Mike finally meets his secret ally, Okamoto's wife, Marcy, in person.  Marcy soon admits to deceiving Mike, but he doesn't even know half the story.  And that could mean a death sentence for everyone on the planet – even those soft-living folks in the Bubble.

THE LOWDOWN:  I am a huge fan of writer-artist Steve Skroce, going back over two decades – which I admitted in my review of Post Americana #1.  In my review of subsequent issues of this series, I have regaled you, dear readers, with the joys of reading Post Americana.

Post Americana #5 is the penultimate issue of the series, and in it, Skroce has created an issue that seems divorced from the rest of the narrative.  However, it actually isn't, as this fifth issue serves as a launching pad for the craziness to come in the finale.  Post Americana is a blast to read, and its satire of the United States is both sharp and sly and blunt and brutal.  It is as if Skroce wields both a satirical scalpel and hammer.

As he has throughout this miniseries, Skroce gets excellent assistance in creating this fine edition of his latest comic book.  That includes superb coloring from Dave Stewart and lettering from Fonografiks that makes the craziness readable.  I can't wait for the sixth issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Steve Skroce's comics and of post-apocalyptic sci-fi will want Post Americana.

A

[This comic book includes a four-page preview of “The Good Asian #1” by Pornsak Pichetshote and Alexandre Tefenkgi.]

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Revew: POST AMERICANA #4

POST AMERICANA #4 (OF 6)
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Steve Skroce
ARTIST: Steve Skroce
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Fonografiks
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2021)

Rated M / Mature

Post Americana is a six-issue miniseries written and drawn by Steve Skroce and published by Image Comics.  Post Americana is set in a dystopian future and focuses on two rebels' attempts to save an area called the “Wasteland” from a rogue President of the United States.  Colorist Dave Stewart and letterer Fonografiks complete Post Americana's creative team.

Post Americana  has two settings.  The first is “The Bubble,” an installation inside the Cheyenne Mountains that is the most sophisticated super-bunker in the world.  Inside, Nathaniel Hawksworthe, the new President of the United States, plans to use the bunker's resources to build the “New America” by basically paving over the second setting, the “Wasteland.”  Determined to stop Hawksworthe are Michael “Mike” Lee, a hapless rebel, and Carolyn, a deadly Wasteland girl, who is already hellbent on revenge against the denizens of the Bubble.  But Carolyn and Mike will have to survive the Wasteland in order to save the Wasteland.

As Post Americana #4 opens, Carolyn has a surprise reunion with her mother, Eve, whom she thought was dead.  A prisoner of the forces of The Bubble, Eve is still a fighter, but our heroes are up against the psychotic Hawksworthe and now, his hoary, old hag of a mother.  When things get tough for Mike, Carolyn, Eve, and company, they will find themselves in need of some help.  Enter a hero from the bygone days, Night Terror.  So how is he alive, and do they really want his crazy-ass help?

THE LOWDOWN:  I wrote in my review of Post Americana #1 that I was a fan of writer-artist Steve Skroce, going back over two decades.  In my review of Post-Americana #2, I expressed joy that Skroce gave readers the fun of a cannibal holocaust-shindig, and I like that Post-Americana #3 gave the readers some history and back story.

As ever, Skroce offers something new in each issue of his creator-owned comic books, and Post Americana #4 is no exception.  Yes, the return of Eve will make readers suspicious, and it should, as it is clear that one should always expect both the next surprise and the curve balls from Skroce.  However, the story of the relationship between Carolyn and her mother tugs at the heart.  And the Night Terror angle is the funky cherry on top – to say nothing of his partner, Donny.

As usual, Skroce gets excellent assistance in creating this fine edition of his latest comic book.  That includes superb coloring from Dave Stewart and lettering from Fonografiks that makes the craziness readable.  I can't wait for the fifth issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Steve Skroce's comics and of post-apocalyptic sci-fi will want Post Americana.

A
9 out of 10

[This comic book features a five-page sneak preview of the comic book, Nocterra #1, by Scott Snyder, Tony S. Daniel, Tomeu Morey, and Andworld Design.]

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Revew: POST AMERICANA #3

POST AMERICANA #3 (OF 6)
IMAGE COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Steve Skroce
ARTIST: Steve Skroce
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Fonografiks
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2021)

Rated M / Mature

Post Americana is a six-issue miniseries written and drawn by Steve Skroce and published by Image Comics.  Post Americana is set in a dystopian future and focuses on two rebels' attempt to save an area called the “Wasteland” from a rogue President of the United States.  Colorist Dave Stewart and letterer Fonografiks complete Post Americana's creative team.

Post Americana  has two settings.  The first is “The Bubble,” an installation inside the Cheyenne Mountains that is the most sophisticated super-bunker in the world.  Inside, Nathaniel Hawksworthe, the new President of the United States, plans to use the bunker's resources to build the “New America” by basically paving over the second setting, the “Wasteland.”  Determined to stop Hawksworthe are Mike, a hapless rebel, and Carolyn, a deadly Wasteland girl, who is already hellbent on revenge against the denizens of the Bubble.  But Carolyn and Mike will have to survive the Wasteland in order to save the Wasteland.

As Post Americana #3 opens, after surviving “The Followers of the Path,” cannibal blood cult, Caroline and Mike are looking for a safe place.  Perhaps, they have found it in the gilded cage of Caroline's surrogate fathers, Eddy and Gene.  Plus, we learn the history of Caroline, how she meet Eddy and Gene, and why she seeks to destroy the Bubble.  Mike also reveals his history as a rebel and what happened to the world at the end of the 23rd century that led to the creation to the Bubble.  Why and how did the rich take over?

THE LOWDOWN:  As I wrote in my review of Post Americana #1, I am a fan of writer-artist Steve Skroce's mainstream comics work, especially “Blood Debt” (May 2000 to August 2000), a four-issue story arc he produced for the original Wolverine ongoing comic book series (the one that began in 1988).  In my review of Post Americana #2, I expressed joy that Skroce gave readers the fun of a cannibal holocaust-shindig.

Post Americana #3 is the series' most revealing issue yet.  I'll call it the “history issue,” and if you like, back story, dear readers, you will love this third issue, as there is a lot of history and back story … and a rather shocking surprise regarding Caroline.

As usual, Skroce gets excellent assistance in creating this fine edition of his latest comic book.  That includes superb coloring from Dave Stewart and story-driving lettering from Fonografiks.  I can't wait for the fourth issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Steve Skroce's comics and of post-apocalyptic sci-fi will want Post Americana.

A
9 out of 10

[This comic book features a four-page sneak preview of the upcoming comic book, Karmen #1, by Guillem March.]

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: POST AMERICANA #2

POST AMERICANA #2 (OF 7)
IMAGE COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Steve Skroce
ARTIST: Steve Skroce
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Fonografiks
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2021)

Rated M / Mature

Post Americana is a seven-issue miniseries written and drawn by Steve Skroce and published by Image Comics.  Post Americana is set in a dystopian future and focuses on two rebels' attempt to save the “Wasteland” from a rogue President of the United States.  Colorist Dave Stewart and letterer Fonografiks complete Post Americana's creative team.

Post Americana  has two settings.  The first is “The Bubble,” an installation inside the Cheyenne Mountains that is the most sophisticated super-bunker in the world.  Inside, the new President of the United States plans to use the bunker's resources to build the “New America” by turning the second setting, the “Wasteland,” into what he wants it to be.  Determined to stop him are Mike, a hapless rebel, and Carolyn, a deadly Wasteland girl, who is already hellbent on revenge.  But Carolyn and Mike will have to survive the Wasteland in order to save the Wasteland.

As Post Americana #2 opens, the President makes big promises about “the Great American Reclamation” and orders some bloodshed to emphasize his talking points.  Elsewhere, Mike and Carolyn are in the middle of a cannibal holocaust-shindig thrown by “The Followers of the Path,” a cannibal blood cult.  Mike and Carolyn are the entertainment on the main stage, but luckily, Carolyn has the parts to put a crimp in cannibal plans.

THE LOWDOWN:  As I wrote in my review of Post Americana #1, I am a fan of writer-artist Steve Skroce's mainstream comics work, especially “Blood Debt” (May 2000 to August 2000), a four-issue story arc he produced for the original Wolverine ongoing comic book series (the one that began in 1988).  I have immensely enjoyed his recent comic book miniseries from Image, We Stand on Guard (created with writer Brian K. Vaughn) and Maestros.

I love Post Americana, even after only two issues.  It is part crazy post-apocalyptic, dystopian, Mad Max-like, action-science fiction.  Post Americana is also hardcore anti-American exceptionalism.  2020 was the seventy-fifth anniversary of the end of World War II, and since the end of that “great war,” the United States has been on a mission-rampage to make the rest of the world serve its interests.

The way I see it:  Post Americana takes aim at the last forty years of American imperialism.  Its President of the United States looks like President Ronald Reagan and talks like Reagan's vice-president and successor, President George H.W. Bush.  He makes war like Bush's son, President George W. Bush, and is a media savvy psycho like President Donald Trump.  From the glimpses we get of the denizens of the Bubble, they seem like what U.S. citizens have been for the better part of the last century – consumers more than citizens.

Skroce also gets the usually superb coloring from Dave Stewart, and the lettering from Fonografiks heightens this story's sense of boldness.  I can't wait for the third issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Steve Skroce's comics and of post-apocalyptic sci-fi will want Post Americana.

9 out of 10

[This comic book features a five-page sneak preview of the upcoming comic book, Two Moons #1, by John Arcudi, Valerio Giangiordano, Dave Stewart, and Michael Heisler.]

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: POST AMERICANA #1

POST AMERICANA #1 (OF 7)
IMAGE COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Steve Skroce
ARTIST: Steve Skroce
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Fonografiks
36pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2020)

Rated M / Mature

Post Americana is a new six-issue miniseries written and drawn by Steve Skroce.  Skroce may be best known for his work as a storyboard artist for the film-making siblings, The Wachowskis, especially on their Oscar-winning 1999 film, The Matrix.  Skroce's recent comic book work includes the 2015 miniseries, We Stand on Guard (co-created with writer Brian K. Vaughn), and the 2017-18 miniseries, Maestros, both published by Image Comics.  Colorist Dave Stewart and letterer Fonografiks completes Post Americana's creative team.

Post Americana #1 is set in a dystopian future.  The story opens inside “The Bubble,” an installation inside the Cheyenne mountains.  It is the most sophisticated super-bunker in the world, and it was built to ensure the survival of America's executive branch of government and its most important citizens, should the unthinkable happen.  The unthinkable – the end of the world as we know it – did happen.

When the world ended, however, the executive branch never got to use The Bubble.  It was taken over by the elite, also known as “the one percent.”  Eighty years later, one of their own has named himself the new President of the United States, and he plans to subjugate those who survived outside The Bubble in the American “Wasteland.”  He plans to use the bunker's resources to rebuild the country by turning the Wasteland into what he wants it to be.

The only thing standing in his way is Mike, a hapless rebel, and Carolyn, a deadly Wasteland girl, who is already hellbent on revenge.  But Carolyn and Mike will have to survive the Wasteland in order to save the Wasteland.

THE LOWDOWN:  First, I have to keep it on that real, boo (dear readers).  I have been partial to all Steve Skroce comic books ever since I saw first, the art he generated for The Matrix and secondly, read his four-issue story arc, “Blood Debt” (May 2000 to August 2000) that he produced for the original Wolverine ongoing comic book series (the one that began in 1988).  I was also a fan of his run as artist on the Gambit (1999) comic book series, and, at one point, I bought a few back issues of The Amazing Spider-Man that Skroce drew in 1996 and 1997.

I was a huge fan of We Stand on Guard and of Maestros.  Now, I am already a fan of Post Americana.  I will admit that it is not his best-drawn work, as the art for Post Americana seems less detailed than that of the ornate illustrations of Maestros.  It is as if Post Americana was drawn in haste, in a way that his previous Image Comics titles were not.  Still, the storytelling is strong, and as ever, Skroce can deliver wild action scenes and graphic depictions of gory, brutal murder and mayhem.  Plus, Dave Stewart's colors make the art seem to pop off the page, the way his colors did in Maestros.

So, I'm back in black – Skroce's black humor.  And, of course, I highly recommend what looks like it is going to be the wildest of comic book rides.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Steve Skroce's comics and of post-apocalyptic sci-fi will want Post Americana.

9 out of 10

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Revew: HELLBOY AND THE BPRD: 1953: Beyond the Fences #1

HELLBOY AND THE B.P.R.D.: 1953 – BEYOND THE FENCES #1 (#8 in the series)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson
PENCILS: Paolo Rivera
INKS: Joe Rivera
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Paolo Rivera
EDITOR: Scott Allie
VARIANT COVER: David Mack
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2016)

The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (also known as the B.P.R.D. or BPRD) is an organization that appears in the world of Mike Mignola's Hellboy character.  The BPRD is located in Fairfield, Connecticut and investigates the occult, paranormal, and supernatural and is charged with protecting America and the world from any of that which is dangerous.

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. is a series of miniseries that looks at the early years of Hellboy's association with the BPRD.  Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1953 – Beyond the Fences chronicles Hellboy's second year with the organization.  This miniseries is written by Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson; drawn by Paolo Rivera (pencils) and Joe Rivera (inks); colored by Dave Stewart; and lettered by Clem Robins.

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1953 - Beyond the Fences #1 opens with Agent Susan Xiang having a session with Dr. N.K. Sandhu, psychiatric consultant to the BPRD.  The session is interrupted by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm, Director of the BPRD and Hellboy's surrogate father.  He is sending Hellboy, Xiang, and Agent Jacob Stegner to investigate the disappearance of several children in the suburban town of Rosemead, California.

The BPRD trio arrives to find the parents quite upset.  No one would expect children to disappear in such an idyllic small town as Rosemead.  After all, Rosemead is not one of those squalid urban slums into which Jim Crow and segregationist federal policy practically imprisoned African-Americans since early in the 20th century.  Now, that's where one would expect children to disappear, and no one would care, not even the mostly-white BPRD.  God knows that even the most imaginative fantasy writers cannot imagine a fucking fictional world where Black people were members of a paranormal organization.  Well, Asians were more acceptable than Negroes in the 1950s.

But I digress... Hellboy and his colleagues discover that there is much that is hidden about the disappearances.  This strange case may also be related to recent events that involve current members of the BPRD.

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1953 - Beyond the Fences #1 is, like most first issues these days, mostly introduction with a smattering of narrative that seems like filler material.  I think this comic book is also like most BPRD comics – when it's good, it's quite good, but when it's mediocre, oh, well.

This first issue of Beyond the Fences intrigues me, but the pace is too easy going.  Even the stuff that is supposed to be exciting, thrilling, and scary comes across as white bread.  This first issue is about as smooth as an episode of “Leave It to Beaver.”

Speaking of white bread and beaver, artist Paolo Rivera offers a beautiful painted cover for this first issue.  It is an un-ironic, Hellboy-themed homage to the paintings of Norman Rockwell, the revered 20th century painter who conjured up an idyllic Middle America better than even Walt Disney.  Rivera offers interior art that is pretty on the surface, but blasé as storytelling.  I have to believe that this is a graphical set-up for the scary shit-storm that is to come.  I have to believe...

I really think that this series has potential.  It is hard to believe that there can be mediocre Hellboy, other than that first Hellboy movie

B

[This comic book contains a preview of Baltimore: Empty Graves by Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden, Peter Bergting, and Dave Stewart.]

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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#IReadsYou Review: HELLBOY WINTER SPECIAL 2017

HELLBOY WINTER SPECIAL (JANUARY 2017)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mike Mignola, Scott Allie, and Chris Roberson
ARTISTS: Christopher Mitten; Paul Grist; Sebastian Fiumara
COLORS: Dave Stewart; Bill Crabtree
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Sebastian Fiumara with Dave Stewart
BACK COVER: Geof Darrow with Dave Stewart
EDITOR: Scott Allie
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2017)

Hellboy, a superhero and horror comic book character, was created by writer-artist Mike Mignola and first appeared in San Diego Comic-Con Comics #2 (cover date: August 1993).  The character's debut in his own comic book was Hellboy: Seed of Destruction #1 (March 1994).  However, Hellboy has been featured in short stories that have appeared in various publications for over two decades, including the Hellboy Winter Special.

The 2017 edition of the Hellboy Winter Special, an anthology comic book, was recently published and offers three Hellboy short stories.  It sports two covers:  a front cover by Sebastian Fiumara (colored by Dave Stewart) and a back cover drawn by Geof Darrow (and also colored by Stewart).  Eight creators contribute to Hellboy Winter Special – January 2017:  Mike Mignola, Chris Roberson, Christopher Mitten, Dave Stewart, Paul Grist, Bill Crabtree, Scott Allie, and Sebastian Fiumara.

The first story is “The Great Blizzard” by Mignola and Roberson and Mitten and Stewart.  The story is largely set in Cornwall, England and takes place in March 1891.  An excerpt from the “secret journals” of Sir Edward Grey, the story finds Grey and Sarah Jewell (of Rise of the Black Flame) trying to discover if a fierce winter storm that has gripped England is of supernatural origin.

“The Great Blizzard” seems like a prologue for a larger story to come.  It's okay, but I really didn't warm to it.

The second story is “God Rest Ye Merry” by Mignola and Roberson and Grist and Crabtree.  It is set in December 1961 and opens in Fairfield, Connecticut (the home of the BPRD, the occult research organization of which Hellboy is associated).  In the story, Hellboy has to battle a bad Santa.

Once again, “God Rest Ye Merry” did not arouse much interest in me.  It apparently is the intro to an upcoming comic book, entitled The Visitor.  Surprisingly, while the story doesn't excite me, I am curious about The Visitor, which will be a new “Mignola-verse” title.  On a side note, this story reminded me of what a stunningly “white bread” world Hellboy is.  Black and Latino characters are virtually nonexistent.  It is as if Hellboy was set in the programming world of MeTV (which has pretty much taken the place of “Nick at Nite” and “TVLand” when it comes to reruns of 1950 and 1960s, black and white television series).

Finally, we have “The Last Witch of Fairfield” by Mignola and Allie and Fiumara and Stewart.  The story is set in 1979, once again in Fairfield.  While searching for two missing girls, Hellboy, Abe Sapien, and Liz Sherman encounter a tormented spirit.

“The Last Witch of Fairfield” is the best of the trio of stories presented here.  Sebastian Fiumara and Dave Stewart make a killer art team, and turn this comic book short story into a bejeweled fairy tale and ghost story.  I think “The Last Witch of Fairfield” would make a superb longer narrative, perhaps as a one-shot comic book or even as a miniseries.  It is classic weird Hellboy.

Overall, I don't think that Hellboy Winter Special 2017 has the dramatic heft and imagination of the 2016 edition.  2016 was filled with stories that are classic Mignola, classic Hellboy investigates, or classic Hellboy humor.  While “The Last Witch of Fairfield” matches the high-quality of last year's edition, “The Great Blizzard” and “God Rest Ye Merry” are minor works.

I would recommend Hellboy Winter Special 2016 to anyone who reads comic books.  I would only recommend Hellboy Winter Special 2017 to Hellboy completists.

B

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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#IReadsYou Review: CROSSOVER #1

CROSSOVER #1
IMAGE COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Donny Cates
ART: Geoff Shaw
COLORS: Dee Cunniffe
LETTERS: John J. Hill
DESIGN: John J. Hill
EDITOR: Mark Waid
COVER: Geoff Shaw with Dave Stewart
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Ryan Stegman with Dee Cunniffe
32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(November 2020)

Rated “T+/ Teen Plus”

Crossover is a new comic book created by writer Donny Cates and artist Geoff Shaw.  Published by Image Comics, Crossover is set in a world where a real-life superhero crossover event occurs.  Colorist Dee Cunniffe and letterer/designer John J. Hill complete the series' creative team.

Crossover #1 opens with a question to ponder.  Who is more real: Superman or we the people in the real world?  On January 11, 2017, in Boulder, Colorado, the skies over the state open up and a “superhero summer event” explodes in the real world.  Almost every fictional comic book character ever seen by readers is sighted in the chaos that ensues.  But when it comes to “The Crossover,” the real story might be happening in a comic book store in Provo, Utah.

THE LOWDOWN:  I have read very few comic books written by Donny Cates, and I did not really care for any of them.  Honestly, I found the two issue of Cates' Texas vampire comic book, Redneck, that I did read to be clumsily written.

But I like Crossover #1.  It is the kind of first issue that, like something addictive, makes you come back for more.  This is true although Cates is initially quite secretive and coy with this series' secrets.  Artist Geoff Shaw speaks multiple comic book graphical languages in this first issue, and most readers will recognize all of them.  I found myself drawn ever deeper into this story by what Shaw presented on this page, each page featuring pitch-perfect coloring by Dee Cunniffe.

John J. Hill's lettering balances the story's sense of mystery and of the unknown against the cacophony of superheroes.  This is the finishing touch to a comic book first issue that hints at a series with great potential.  I really want to know what happens next.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Donny Cates will want to read this comic book Crossover.

A-
7.5 out of 10

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

https://twitter.com/Doncates
https://twitter.com/GeoffShaw12
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: Henry and J.J. Abrams' SPIDER-MAN #1

SPIDER-MAN No. 1 (2019)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: J.J. Abrams and Henry Abrams
PENCILS: Sara Pichelli
INKS: Sara Pichelli with Elisabetta D'Amico
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
EDITOR: Nick Lowe
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Olivier Coipel with Dave Stewart
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Sara Pichelli with Dave Stewart; Chip Kidd; Ed McGuiness with Laura Martin; Humberto Ramos with Edgar Delgado; Jason Polan
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2019)

Rated  “T”

Spider-Man created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee

“Bloodline”

Spider-Man is the classic Marvel Comics superhero that debuted in Amazing Fantasy #15 (cover dated: August 1962).  Peter Parker, a high school student, was bitten by a radioactive spider.  That bite gave him strange powers, including the proportional speed and strength of a spider and his “spider-sense” a kind of internal warning beacon.  Parker donned what would become his trademark red and blue costume (that he made himself), and became the crime-fighting superhero, The Amazing Spider-Man.

Spider-Man publications have always attracted celebrated comic book creators who wanted to tell Spider-Man stories.  One of the most recent is acclaimed film director and Emmy-winning television producer, J.J. Abrams.  Abrams and his son, Henry Abrams, are the writers of a new five-issue comic book miniseries, entitled Spider-Man.  [When this series is collected in book form,“Spider-Man: Bloodline” might be the title.]  The series is drawn by modern Spider-Man superstar artist, Sara Pichelli, with Elisabetta D'Amico as an inking assistant.  The series colorist is Dave Stewart, and the letterer is Joe Caramagna.

Spider-Man #1 opens on what may be the worst day of Spider-Man's life.  His battle against a powerful villain named  “Cadaverous,” has left him grievously wounded.  For the hero, the day also turns stunningly, shockingly tragic.

Twelve years later, Peter Parker travels, practically non-stop, always working on another “assignment.”  Meanwhile, Peter's son, Ben, lives with Aunt May and struggles, not because he is a bullied wallflower – like the teenage version of his father.  Ben fights back, which drives a wedge between him and his father.  Now, Aunt May believes it is time for Ben to learn some secrets...

I am a huge fan of comic book artist Sara Pichelli, who is the artist most associated with Miles Morales, the Ultimate Spider-Man and the star of the Oscar-winning film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.  Here, Pichelli delivers some of her most beautiful illustrative work, and her storytelling is emotive, potent, dramatic, and lovingly mysterious.  Nailed it!

After Marvel announced that J.J. Abrams and Henry would be writing a special Spider-Man comic book, I came across the usual cacophony of negative commentary from the fan-resentment chorus.  However, the American comic book industry would be better off if more Hollywood types, that are quite skilled in the art of the story, wrote comic books.  Abrams excels at emotion, character drama, female characters, and family drama, especially when it comes to the dynamics between parent and child.  I don't know how much Henry is contributing to writing here, but it is good.  Nailed it!

Everyone who reads comic books on a regular basis knows that Dave Stewart is currently among the very best colorists in American comic books, if not the best.  I can say that here, Stewart “Nailed it!”  Letterer Joe Caramagna... captures the subtle and quiet atmosphere of this first chapter with his usual skill.  So he... Nailed it!, too.

I am happy that the Abrams' Spider-Man is one of those superstar-driven, event comic book publications that is actually, really damn good.  I am so ready for more.

10 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: HELLBOY WINTER SPECIAL (2016)

HELLBOY WINTER SPECIAL 2016
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mike Mignola, Scott Allie, Chris Roberson, Chelsea Cain, Dean Rankine
ARTISTS: Tim Sale; Michael Walsh; Michael Avon Oeming; Dean Rankine
COLORS: Dave Stewart; Dean Rankine
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Tim Sale with Dave Stewart
EDITOR: Scott Allie
VARIANT COVER: Mike Mignola with Dave Stewart
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2016)

Hellboy is both a superhero and horror comic book character.  Created by writer-artist Mike Mignola, Hellboy first appeared in San Diego Comic-Con Comics #2 (cover date: August 1993).  The character's debut in his own comic book was Hellboy: Seed of Destruction #1 (March 1994).  However, some of the best Hellboy stories are short stories, and for over two decades, Hellboy shorts have appeared in a number of Hellboy comic books and also in the classic anthology, Dark Horse Presents.

Hellboy Winter Special is a recently published Hellboy anthology that offers four Hellboy short stories and features two covers – a Tim Sale regular cover and a Mike Mignola variant.  The first of the three snowbound stories is “Broken Vessels,” written by Mignola and Scott Allie and drawn by Tim Sale (in his Hellboy or “Mignolaverse” debut).  In the story, which is set in Mignolaverse prehistoric mythology, a warrior shares his campfire with a seemingly deranged man who claims to be a shaman.

Writer Chris Roberson and artist Michael Walsh enter the world of Hellboy in “Wandering Souls,” a Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1953 story.  This tale opens in Sweetwater County, Wyoming in 1953.  Hellboy and Agent Susan Xiang are investigating a seemingly haunted camp, a place where Xiang will discover why she felt so compelled to accompany Hellboy on this mission.

In “Mood Swings,” Chelsea Cain (another Mignolaverse debut) and Michael Avon Oeming present Liz in a bad Christmas mood.  Also, writer-artist Dean Rankine finds fun with Chinese takeout in “Kung Pao Lobster.”

Simply put, I would recommend Hellboy Winter Special not only to Hellboy fans, but also to anyone who has ever read even a single Hellboy short story, let alone a full comic book.  Hellboy is a true fantasy and horror comic book in a way that Doctor Strange and Doctor Fate comic books have never really been.  Hellboy is a superhero, but Hellboy comics and stories (as well as those of the B.P.R.D.) are fantasy that encompasses action-adventure, mystery, ghost stories, fairy tales, folk tales, myth, etc.

Hellboy is truly unique, and Mike Mignola and his collaborators have executed the long narrative of Hellboy and company with inventiveness and imagination.  In a way, what Hellboy is can be said to be largely unseen in North American comic books.  Hellboy Winter Special is a sampler pack, a taste of that Hellboy and Mignolaverse special way.

The one thing I hate about Hellboy Winter Special is that there isn't more of it.  Yeah, I'm ungrateful, but winter is long, so I wish there was a Hellboy “Mid-Winter” special and a “end-of-winter/turn-of-spring” special and “Ides of March” special and a....

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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#IReadsYou Review: BASKETFUL OF HEADS #1

BASKETFUL OF HEADS #1
DC COMICS/DC Black Label – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Joe Hill
ART: Leomacs
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Deron Bennett
EDITORS: Mark Doyle and Amedeo Turturro
COVER: Reiko Murakami
VARIANT COVER: Joshua Middleton
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2019)

“Ages 17+”

Basketful of Heads created by Joe Hill

Bestselling dark fantasy and horror novelist, Joe Hill, and DC Comics have launched a new “pop-up line” of horror comics entitled “Hill House Comics.”  The initial offerings from Hill House consist of five comic book limited series:  The Dollhouse Family, written by Mike Carey and illustrated by Peter Gross; The Low, Low Woods, written by Carmen Maria Machado and illustrated by Dani; Daphne Byrne, written by Laura Marks and illustrated by Kelley Jones.

Hill is writing the other two – Plunge, which will be illustrated by Stuart Immonen, and Basketful of Heads, the first Hill House release and the subject of this review.  Basketful of Heads is drawn by Leomacs; colored by Dave Stewart; and lettered by Deron Bennett.  The series will feature a young woman and an ax that has the supernatural power to lop off a human head in a single stroke.  But the lopped-off heads keep talking!

Basketful of Heads #1 opens on Brody Island, Maine in September 1983.  There, we meet a young couple staying on the island for the summer.  They are vivacious party girl, June, and Liam Ellsworth, who is working as a temp officer with the Brody Island Police Department.  They are enjoying a day in Liam's “dune buggy” police car when they get a call from Brody Island Police Chief Wade Clausen.

It seems that some prisoners have managed to escape from “Shawshank Prison” (a reference to a fictional state prison that appears in the work of Joe Hill's father, legendary novelist, Stephen King).  The escape leads to June and Liam inadvertently house-sitting, which is when the story really begins.

Basketful of Heads #1 is mostly an introduction to the series' setting.  Eighteen of the twenty-two pages of this first issue walk us through the world of Brody Island and introduce the main characters, while hinting at what will be June and Liam's first deadly dilemma.  The narrative really does not begin until the twenty-first and twenty-second pages of this issue – the last two pages.

Hill does a good, but not great job with this first issue, and I find the characters and the setting only mildly interesting.  But the last two pages make me think that I will be more than mildly interested when the proverbial shit hits the fan – hopeful in issue two.

Artist Leomacs' graphical style seems just right for a horror, thriller, or crime comic book, and Dave Stewart's coloring establishes a sense of foreboding.  Deron Bennett's lettering does most of the heavy lifting in giving this story a sense of rhythm and the feeling that it is actually going somewhere and is not just introducing some people who live on a tourist-trap island.  Basketful of Heads #1 is good enough to make me want to check out another issue.

“Sea Dogs” Part One: “Boarding Party”
STORY: Joe Hill
ART: Dan McDaid
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Wes Abbott
EDITORS: Mark Doyle and Maggie Howell

“Sea Dogs” is a comics serial that will run in four-page increments at the back of every issue of Hill House Comics (apparently in the initial run of series).  “Sea Dogs” will tell the tale of how werewolves helped the Thirteen American Colonies and its Continental army win their war against Great Britain.

The first chapter, “Boarding Party,” opens in May 1780, at a secret rebel stronghold in upstate New York.  The mysterious Mr. Bolton meets a trio of men, who can transform into werewolves.  He wants to recruit the men and their special abilities in order to help the American rebels.  Their target is the powerful British Navy, which is destroying the Continental navy and other colonial ships by the hundreds and is also creating a blockade that has left the Continental army half-starved and poorly equipped.

The art by Dan McDaid and colors by John Kalisz recall the comic book art of classic DC Comics horror titles of the late 1960s and 1970s like House of Mystery and Ghosts.  Letterer Wes Abbott's fonts are delightfully old school, and I must admit that I am quite intrigued by Joe Hill's concept here.  Plus, I also love werewolves!

[This comic book also contains an essay by Joe Hill.]

7 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: THE MAGIC ORDER #6

THE MAGIC ORDER No. 6 (OF 6)
IMAGE COMICS/Netflix – @ImageComics @TheMagicOrder @netflix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Mark Millar – @mrmarkmillar
ARTIST: Olivier Coipel
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Peter Doherty
EDITOR: Rachel Fulton
COVER: Oliver Coipel with Dave Stewart
VARIANT COVER: Karl Kerschl
36pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2019)

Rated M / Mature

The Magic Order is a six-issue comic book miniseries created by writer Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, Chrononauts) and artist Olivier Coipel (Thor).  It is also the first new and original comic book series created by Millar since he sold his organization, Millarworld, to Netflix in August of 2017.  Colorist Dave Stewart and letterer Peter Doherty complete the creative team.  The Magic Order recently ended (although there will be another miniseries in near future).

The Magic Order focuses on the sorcerers, magicians, and wizards that protect humanity from darkness and from monsters of impossible sizes.  The Order's leader, Leonard Moonstone, and his children:  Regan, Cordelia, and Gabriel must deal with a mob-like war and conspiracy that is killing off members of The Magic Order.  Their adversary is Madame Albany and her cohorts who are stealing magical objects, with Albany focusing on the object she wants the most, the magical book, “the Orichalcum.”

The Magic Order #6 opens with the full conspiracy revealed.  The wayward Cordelia stands alone on the side of The Magic Order, and the identity of Albany's assassin, “The Venetian,” is a shocker.  As an ally of Albany prepares to snatch the Orichalcum, Cordelia has to fight or die, and she has to show that she is not exactly the wayward girl many think she is.

I think The Magic Order is my favorite Mark Millar written, creator-owned comic book.  It is a thrilling introduction to a new world and new universe of magic, magical beings, and magical conspiracies.  The Magic Order is really like a blend of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them with a Martin Scorsese mob film – leaning more towards Fantastic Beasts, but with a strong sense of Casino.  Millar has also shown that these characters are multi-layered and have much to show us beyond what we see in this first series.  Peter Doherty's lettering brings a sharp edge to Millar's dialogue, which in turn makes the scenes featuring characters engaged in violence explode.  So as this series ends, Millar gives us a little more, perhaps to set us up for a return to this Order.

After reading the first issue, I was not all that crazy about artist Olivier Coipel, but I was so wrong.  So much about The Magic Order works because of Coipel's graphical storytelling.  Coipel's art sells the idea that The Magic Order is a massive world of magic and history and that it is a world hidden in the shadows, just out of view of the eyes of humans.  Dave Stewart's muted colors add a layer to Coipel's art, creating a sense of mystery and mysticism.

I am as excited by Millar's premise now as I was when I read the first issue of this comic book last summer (2018).  Millar, Coipel, Stewart, and Doherty have created a special comic book, and The Magic Order #6 is the superb ending that a superb miniseries deserves.

9 out of 10

http://www.millarworld.tv/
www.imagecomics.com

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: THE MAGIC ORDER #2

THE MAGIC ORDER No. 2
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics @TheMagicOrder

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Mark Millar – @mrmarkmillar
ARTIST: Olivier Coipel
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Peter Doherty
EDITOR: Rachel Fulton
COVER: Oliver Coipel with Dave Stewart
VARIANT COVER: Rafael Grampa
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2018)

Rated M / Mature

The Magic Order is a new comic book miniseries created by writer Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, Chrononauts) and artist Olivier Coipel (Thor).  It is also the first new and original comic book series created by Millar since he sold his organization, Millarworld, to Netflix in August of 2017.

The Magic Order focuses on the sorcerers, magicians, and wizards that protect humanity from darkness and from monsters of impossible sizes.  The Order's leader, Leonard Moonstone, and his children:  Regan, Cordelia, and Gabriel must deal with a mob-like war and conspiracy that is killing off members of The Magic Order.

The Magic Order #2 opens with a Cordelia origin story.  The Order gathers in Moonstone Castle in a meeting to decide what to do about Madame Albany, the woman who is leading the killings of members of the Order.  What is “the Orichalcum?”  Who is Albany's assassin?  Has the Order heard of “The Venetian?”  Why is Albany and her cohorts stealing powerful magical objects?  These questions will need answers as members of the Order continue to be destroyed in the most novel ways.

There are some Mark Millar-written, creator-owned comic books that I really like (Kick-Ass, The Secret Service), and some do not interest me enough to keep reading past a first issue (Huck, Chrononauts).  The Magic Order is obviously one of those that I like enough to keep reading past the first issue.  I adore this comic book, and this second issue has obliterated my reservations.  The best Millar comic books are crazy, sexy, cool, and The Magic Order may be the craziest, sexiest, and coolest.  It is really like a blend of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them with a Martin Scorsese mob film – leaning more towards Fantastic Beasts, but with a strong sense of Casino.

After reading the first issue, I was not all the crazy about Olivier Coipel, but I am over that.  Was I on crack when I wrote of my “reservations” about this talented artist in my review of the first issue?  His illustrations are perfect for this moody, edgy, and deadly story, and Coipel depicts the increase in the rate of killings in a matter of fact manner that could take away your breath.

Colorist Dave Stewart balances the displays of magical places and the depictions of murder with a sense of balance – wonder meets blood-curdling.  Letterer Peter Doherty slips the word balloons in between the action like a smooth criminal would do.

I am excited by Millar's premise, and I really enjoyed reading The Magic Order #2, probably more than I was issue #1 – which I really enjoyed.  In my current state of giddiness concerning The Magic Order, I am immediately ready for the third issue.

9 out of 10

http://www.millarworld.tv/
www.imagecomics.com

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 MAGIC ORDER #1

THE MAGIC ORDER No. 1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Mark Millar – @mrmarkmillar
ARTIST: Olivier Coipel
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Peter Doherty
EDITOR: Rachel Fulton
COVER: Oliver Coipel with Dave Stewart
VARIANT COVER: Adam Hughes
36pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 13, 2018 – Diamond ID: APR180455)

Rated M / Mature

The Magic Order is a new comic book series created by writer Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, Chrononauts) and artist Olivier Coipel (Thor).  It is also the first new and original comic book series created by Millar since he sold his organization, Millarworld, to Netflix in August of 2017.  The Magic Order focuses on the sorcerers, magicians, and wizards that protect humanity from darkness, a darkness that might end up destroying these protectors.

The Magic Order #1 introduces a world in which monsters do exist, but humanity does not see them.  Why?  “The Magic Order” is a group of five families of magicians that has protected humanity for generations, keeping people safe from monsters.  However, one of them, Edward “Big Eddie” Lisowski, has just been killed, and the killers may be other magic users.  Leonard Moonstone and his children:  Regan, Cordelia, and Gabriel will find themselves at the center of a mob war-like conflict against a force that is picking off wizards one by one.

There are Mark Millar written, creator-owned comic books that I really like (Kick-Ass, The Secret Service) and there are those that do not interest me enough to keep reading past a first issue (Huck).  The Magic Order is one of those that I like enough to keep reading past the first issue.  The best Millar comic books are crazy, sexy, cool, and The Magic Order is that.  It is really like a blend of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them with a Martin Scorsese mob film – leaning more towards Fantastic Beasts.

The more Olivier Coipel draws comic books, the more his illustrations come to resemble the work of comic book artist, Kevin Nowlan.  Honestly, I do not think that Coipel is the best choice for this series or even if he is an appropriate choice for this subject matter.  I am not saying that Coipel is a poor illustrator, quite the contrary.  He is quite talented, and his graphic storytelling here is good.  Maybe... I am not quite feeling Coipel or colorist Dave Stewart, for that matter, in this series.  And I am a big fan of Stewart.

Still, I am excited by Millar's premise, and I really enjoyed reading The Magic Order #1.  I'm ready for the next issue.

8 out of 10

http://www.millarworld.tv/
www.imagecomics.com

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.

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Review: MAESTROS #1

MAESTROS No. 1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER/ARTIST: Steve Skroce
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Fonografiks
COVER: Steve Skroce
VARIANT COVERS: Pia Guerra; Geof Darrow with Dave Stewart
36pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2017)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Maestros is the new comic book series from writer-artist Steve Skroce.  Skroce has produced a number of comic books over a career that is almost three decades long, including the recent miniseries, We Stand on Guard (Image Comics).  Skroce's most famous work may be as the storyboard artist for the Oscar-winning film, The Matrix (1999).

Maestros #1 opens in the magical realm of Zainan, where the monstrous wizard, Mardok, is directing the brutal destruction of the royal family.  Meanwhile, on Earth, there is a young man named Will who can wield magic.  Instead of doing great things with his magic, however, Will is helping enormously rich men... become enormous.  Now, Will's mother, Margaret, has returned to bring Will back to his destiny – a destiny that has been problematic for him.

In the synopsis that Image Comics provides for Maestros #1, it includes a quote from award-winning writer, Brian K. Vaughan, Skroce's We Stand on Guard collaborator.  The quote read, "MAESTROS is a masterpiece, with one of the best first issues I've ever read. Steve is somehow an even greater writer than he is an artist. Get ready for your new favorite comic." [END]

I have to kind of agree on the first part.  This is one of the best first issues that I have read, at least over the last several years.  There are 34 pages of story and I could have easily read another 34; in fact, I am anxious (“jonesing”?) for the second issue.  Maestros #1 is exciting, imaginative, funny, witty, and delightfully bursting with surprises.

As well written as this is, I am not sure that Skroce could be a better comic book writer than he is a comic book artist, and he is a really good comic book writer – a natural at writing a comic book script.  As a comic book artist, Skroce, is so damn good – he is a freak as a artist – that he would have to become the greatest comic book writer of all time to surpass his illustrative skills.  Skroce produces some of the most visually striking comic book art and graphics, and his graphical storytelling, from the quietest moments to the fastest action scenes – are potent, to say the least.

Perhaps, we should not separate Skroce as a writer and an artist.  He is a comic book cartoonist who produces graphically and visually engrossing comics, and Maestros #1 suggests that this might be his mightiest work yet.

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.

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Review: KINGSMAN: The Red Diamond #1

KINGSMAN: THE RED DIAMOND No. 1 (OF 6)
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rob Williams
ART: Simon Fraser
COLORS: Gary Caldwell
LETTERS: Peter Doherty
COVER: Frank Quietly
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dave Gibbons; Rob Doyle; Simon Fraser
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2017)

Rated M/Mature

Kingsman: The Secret Service created by Mark Miller, Dave Gibbons, and Matthew Vaughn

The Secret Service was a 2012 six-issue comic book miniseries created by writer Mark Millar, artist Dave Gibbons, and filmmaker Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class).  It was published by Icon, a pseudo-creator owned imprint of Marvel Comics.  Vaughn directed a film loosely adapted from this comic book that was entitled Kingsman: The Secret Service.  [The Secret Service comic book has since been re-branded as Kingsman: The Secret Service to tie-in closer to the film franchise.]

The Secret Service was apparently inspired by “classic” James Bond films and the spy thriller genre in general.  The story focused on a super-spy and his young and wayward nephew whom he recruits into “the secret service.”  With the impending arrival of a second film, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, there is a new six-issue comic book, Kingsman: The Red Diamond.  It is written by Rob Williams; drawn by Simon Fraser; colored by Gary Caldwell; and lettered by Peter Doherty.

Kingsman: The Red Diamond #1 finds Gary “Eggsy” London living the ribald life of a highly effective British secret agent and man-about-town.  As the story begins, Eggsy is called to rescue a royal, but while the mission is successful, Eggsy does something that gets him in trouble.  Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Eggsy, another world-beating supervillain plots to destroy civilization.

I found the original Kingsman: The Secret Service comic book miniseries to be earthy, droll, nonchalant, and rather grounded, unlike the slickly-produced film.  Kingsman: The Red Diamond #1 also lacks polish, which I consider a good thing.  This first issue opens in such an unassuming manner that you might mistake it for a disaster in the making, but writer Rob Williams offers lots of surprises and delightful little shocks to make this an enjoyable read.  Plus, Williams teases the new villain in that perfect kind of way that makes readers want to come back for the second issue.

The art and graphical storytelling by Simon Fraser is acceptable, but considering that Fraser is following a legend and exceptionally gifted comic book artist like Dave Gibbons, maybe Fraser is not quite acceptable as he would be following an artist who was not a shining light.  It is almost as if The Red Diamond is being produced on the cheap.

In the end, however, I want to read more Kingsman: The Red Diamond, and this series may have even more surprises in store for its readers.  The creative team may also blossom as the series advances.

[This comic book has a preview of “Maestros” by Steve Skroce, Dave Stewart, and Fonografiks.]

7 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.

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