Showing posts with label Declan Shalvey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Declan Shalvey. Show all posts

Sunday, December 31, 2023

I Reads You Juniors: December 2023 - Update #59

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  The site has a preview of "Vengeance of the Moon Knight #1," which arrives January 3rd, 2024.

DC CINEMA - From CBR:  Beginning Jan. 1st, 2024 the first Aquaman film will be available to stream on Netflix.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Artist Pepe Larraz reveals his "Mysterium" armor design for Iron Man.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  With the release of "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) comes to an end. "The Hollywood Reporter" looks back.

DC STUDIOS - From Deadline:  Director Matt Reeves has his own corner of the DC cinematic universe thanks to his 2022 hit film, The Batman. DC Studios co-boss James Gunn says that Reeves is also developing a series for the main "DC Universe" that is set in "Arkham Asylum," the psychiatric hospital/prison that houses some of Batman's most notorious foes.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Director David Ayers is still trying to get Warner Bros. to release his director's cut of his 2016 film, Suicide Squad. He explains how the studio's cut and release of the film interprets actor Jared Leto's "Joker" differently than his cut does.

DC COMICS - From YouTube:  Tom Taylor talks to Rosie Knight as DC Comics' YouTube channel about the crossover event, "Titans: Beast World."

TITAN - From BleedingCoolTitan Comics is the newest Diamond Comic Distributors "Premiere Publisher."

DYNAMITE - From YouTube:  Writer Declan Shalvey talks about his upcoming "ThunderCats" comic book with Dynamite Entertainment.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  British comic book artist, Ian Gibson, has died at the age of 77, Monday, December 11, 2023.  Gibson was best known for his work featured in the British comic book magazine, 2000 AD, especially "Robo-Hunter" and "The Ballad of Halo Jones (with Alan Moore).  For DC Comics, he drew the late 80s' "Millennium" miniseries and the "Mister Miracle" ongoing series.  He worked on three "Star Wars" miniseries for Dark Horse Comics in the late 1990s.

From 2000AD:  The venerable magazine's website remembers late British comic book artist, Ian Gibson, who made his name at "2000AD."
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SONY MARVEL U - From ComicBookMovie:  Amazon's Prime Video previously announced a "Silk: Spider Society," a Spider-Man character series from Sony Pictures.  The series' writing room was halted by the Writer's Guild strike. Now, that the strike is over, the guild wants Amazon to restart the writing room... or get sued.

DC STUDIOS - From ComicBookMovie:  Actor Edi Gathegi shows off his muscly body, likely buffed up to play "Mister Terrific" in "Superman: Legacy."

From Deadline:  "Guardians of the Galaxy" actor, Sean Gunn, will play the character "Maxwell Lord" in DC Studios films.  Gunn in the brother of writer-director and DC Studios co-boss, James Gunn.

MARVEL - From Deadline:  After more than two years, Disney and subsidiary, Marvel, have reached a settlement with the estate of acclaimed comic book artist, Steve Ditko. Lawyers for Disney and the Ditko estate filed court papers on Dec. 6th that effectively ended the pricey dispute. A final affirmation of the settlement is expected in the coming weeks.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Jeff Parker talks about his special four-issue weekly series, "Batman - Santa Claus: Silent Knight." The first issue debuted Dec. 6th.

DYNAMITE - From YouTubeGarth Ennis talks to Dynamite Entertainment about his upcoming "James Bond 007" comic book for the publisher.

From ComicsBeat:  A sneak peek at "James Bond 007 #1" by writer Garth Ennis and artist Rapha Lobosco, which is set for Jan. 10th, 2024.

SONY SPIDER-MAN U - From VarietySony Pictures Animation's "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" is among the American Film Institute's (AFI) "Top 10" list of best films of 2023.

From Deadline:  The site is offering the chance to read the screenplay for "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."

DARK HORSE - From ForbesMark Millar is moving his Netflix/Millarworld comics catalog from Image Comics to Dark Horse.  That includes over 40 previously published graphic novels and five new series being launched in 2024.  There will also be a new series of omnibus editions.

DC STUDIOS - From Deadline:  DC Studios co-boss James Gunn says that he is 99.9 percent finished with the script for "Superman: Legacy." Concerning "The Brave and the Bold," there is no script yet.

COMICS TO FILM - From THR:  Director Zack Snyder has regained the rights to "Blood and Ashes," which was originally meant to be a sequel to the films, 300 and "300: Rise of an Empire," both of which are based on and inspired by Frank Miller's miniseries, "300."  He plans to develop it for Netflix.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Actress Iman Vellani, has played Kamala Kahn/Ms. Marvel in the Disney+ series, "Ms. Marvel," and in the recent film, The Marvels. Now, she is co-writing the fourth issue of "Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant" with Sabir Pirzada.

DYNAMITE - From ComicsBeat:  Writer Greg Weisman talks about his upcoming Dynamite Entertainment comic book series, "Gargoyles Quest," and his 399-page "Gargoyles" time line.

From ComicsBeat:  Writer Greg Pak talks about his upcoming Dynamite Entertainment Disney comic book, "Lilo & Stitch," which is based on the 2002 animated film, Lilo & Stitch.

IMAGE - From ComicsBeatRobert Kirkman's Skybound has launched a Japanese division, "Skybound Japan," to focus on Japanese IP within Japan's entertainment industry.

DC ANIME - From Crunchyroll:  It's a big day for the "Suicide Squad ISEKAI" anime.  The main voice cast has been revealed.  The character posters debut, and a new trailer arrives.

DYNAMITE - From AIPTComicsDeclan Shalvey and Drew Moss talk about their upcoming "ThunderCats" comic book that is part of Dynamite Entertainment's recent deal with Warner Bros.  "ThunderCats #1" debuts Feb. 2024.

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NOVEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blackbox Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Clover Press for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' "Batman" titles for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents LLC for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Avengers" for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Webtoon Unscrolled for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for November 2023

DECEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Bleeding Moon Comics LLC for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Hexagon Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "G.I. Joe" comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Spider-Man" and "Gang War" titles for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Star Wars" titles for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Massive for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment Inc. for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for December 2023

JANUARY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios! for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Energon Universe for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Massive/Whatnot for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion 2000 AD for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for January 2024

FEBRUARY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  1First Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" titles for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Massive for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000AD for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  10 Ton Press for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for February 2024

MARCH 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC "Batman" comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "X-Men" from Marvel Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "Fall of the House of X" and "Rise of the Powers of X" from Marvel Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for March 2024

MAY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Free Comic Book Day 2024 for May 4, 2024


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Wednesday, March 22, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: CREEPSHOW #1

CREEPSHOW #1 (OF 5)
IMAGE COMICS/Skybound

STORY: Chris Burnham; Paul Dini & Stephen Langford
ART: Chris Burnham; John McCrea
COLORS: Adriano Lucas; Mike Spicer
LETTERS: Pat Brosseau
EDITORS: Alex Antone and Jon Moisan
COVER: Chris Burnham with Adriano Lucas
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Declan Shalvey; Vance Kelly; Robert Hack; Bryan Silverbax; Ivan Tao; Felix Morales; Tone Rodriguez; Joseph Schmalke; Rob Csiki; Skan Srisuwan; John Giang; David Mack; Miguel Zapata; Chinh Potter; Tyler Kirkham; Tony Max; Steven Russel Black; Ciro Nieli; Casey Parsons
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (September 2022)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Creepshow is a new horror comic book anthology series from Image Comics.  It is a TV-tie in to the horror anthology television series, “Creepshow,” that currently streams on “Shudder” and later airs on the cable TV network, “AMC.”  Of course, both the comic book and TV series are descendants of the 1982 horror and comedy film, Creepshow, which was directed by the late George A. Romero and written by Stephen King.  Each issue of Creepshow the comic book will feature different creative teams with uniquely horrifying (and sometimes horrible) standalone stories.

Creephow #1 contains two stories.  The first is “Take One,” which is written and drawn by Chris Burnham and colored by Adriano Lucas.  The second story is “Shingo,” which is written by Paul Dini and Stephen Langford; drawn by John McCrea; and colored by Mike Spicer.  Both stories are lettered by the great Pat Brosseau.  Creepshow's horro host, “The Creep,” narrates the story.

THE LOWDOWN:  I'm going to summarize and review each story separately:

“Take One” by Burnham, Lucas, and Brosseau:
It's Halloween night.  Scaredy-cat Phil is wearing a poorly made mummy costume, and he is trick-or-treating with his asshole friends, Nate and Erik.  They come upon the house of the late Mr. Xander, who apparently died the way he treated his neighbors.  Well, although his house is dark, there is a bowl of full-size candy bars on the porch.  “Take One” says the sign in the bowl, so what will happen if Phil, Nate, and Erik help themselves to more?

I love Halloween stories – prose and comics.  That said, “Take One” is an embarrassment.  The punishment does not fit the crime, and the level of violence is neither comic horror nor scary horror.  I have enjoyed some of Burnham's work (Nameless, Secret Wars: E is for Extinction) in the past, but “Take One” is lame horror trying to pass for clever.

On the other hand, I have to admit that Burnham's art and Lucas' colors are nicely atmospheric.  Too bad it's wasted on a wack-ass story.

“Shingo” by Dini & Langford, McCrea, Spicer, and Brosseau:
As the story opens, Sandy Clark is angry, determined, and desperate to find a party entertainer for her daughter, Fiona's birthday party.  It looks as if Fiona's dad, Tom Clark, has also come up short.  Enter Shingo; he (or it) is the party entertainer with the appetite to make any party unforgettable.

After the fumble of “Take One,” I didn't expect much from “Shingo.”  I know that many consider Paul Dini a “legend” for his work on the 1990s animated TV series, “Batman” a.k.a. “Batman: The Animated Series.”  However, I find his comic book work to be hit or miss or miss or mediocre.  I don't know how the collaboration between Dini and Langford worked, but “Shingo” is brilliant.

It is everything that comic horror or horror comedy should be.  It's crazy, wacky, satirical, farcical, droll, and witty and also have an batty monster.  The title boogey is “Shingo,” who is like a gleefully mean-spirited blend of PBS's “Barney,” the purple dinosaur from PBS' long-running “Barney & Friends” TV series, and a mangy “Teletubby” (from the British PBS import TV series, “The Teletubbies”).  The ending and the final-girl-heroes are the double cherries on top.

Artist John McCrea, a master of blending the comic, the violent, and the horrifying, makes this story sing.  Other artists could make this story work, but not as well as McCrea, who also gets some perfect coloring from Mike Spicer.

“Shingo” saves Creepshow #1, and my grade for this issue reflects “Shingo” and not so much “Take One.”  I think “Shingo” has the potential to be a good horror movie in the vein of director Michael Dougherty's 2015 film, Krampus.  And I would be remiss if I didn't say that Pat Brosseau's lettering throughout this issue is outstanding.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic horror comic book anthologies will want to read Creepshow.

[This comic book includes an afterword by Greg Nicotero, the executive producer of Shudder's “Creepshow.”]

A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

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


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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, September 2, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: DREAMING EAGLES #2

DREAMING EAGLES #2 (OF 6)
AFTERSHOCK COMICS – @AfterShockComix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Garth Ennis
ARTIST: Simon Coleby
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Rob Steen
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
VARIANT COVER: Declan Shalvey
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2016)

For mature readers

Dreaming Eagles created by Garth Ennis

Chapter 2: “Sunward I've Climbed”


Dreaming Eagles is a comic book created and written by Garth Ennis and drawn by Simon Coleby.  A six-issue miniseries, Dreaming Eagles tells the story of the first African-American fighter pilots to join the United States Army Air Force in World War II.  The narrative connects the pilots' stories with the 1960s Civil Rights movement through two character, WWII veteran, Lt. Reggie Atkinson, and his son Lee, a Civil Rights activist.

As Dreaming Eagles #2 (“Sunward I've Climbed”) opens, Reggie tries to explain to Lee the experience and feelings of flying an airplane.  He then recounts the early struggle of Black pilots to gain acceptance and the difficulties facing other Black men who wanted to become pilots.  Connected to the U.S. Army Air Corps Thirty-Third fighter group, the Black servicemen travel overseas to find that some things are the same as at home in the United States, as they prepare for their first combat.

As much as the first issue of Dreaming Eagles intrigued me, I was equally curious about where this series would go.  I am surprised that the second issue focuses so much on the bureaucratic obstacles that the Black pilots confront as much as it depicts the resistance these men face from their superior officers.  This is all driven by racism, bigotry, ignorance, and everything bad that is rooted in the Jim Crow America which emerged late in the 19th century.

Garth Ennis offers a story that reads like an oral history, covering both the larger details of the wider national and military history, but also depicting the more intimate details of a personal story.  Yet Ennis also depicts the thrill of flight, both in training and in combat.  This sense of drama is as exciting as the best moments of a good action movie.

Artist Simon Coleby brings Ennis' script to life and captures every nuance and all the high-drama.  I can't find the words to describe how wonderful is the manner in which Coleby depicts airplanes in flight and in fight.  Yet Coleby also brings the same power and intensity, but quietly, when depicting the indignities the Black servicemen face.  Even when these men take it with a “stiff upper lift,” Coleby shows the anger that simmers beneath these proud men.

Dreaming Eagles #2 makes me even more curious.  What's next with issue #3?

A

[This comic book includes a six-page preview of the comic book , “Second Sight,” by David Hine and Alberto Ponticelli.]

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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Thursday, August 5, 2021

#IReadsYou review: HOME SICK PILOTS #3

HOME SICK PILOTS NO. 3
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Dan Watters
ART: Caspar Wijngaard
COLORS: Caspar Wijngaard
LETTERS: Aditya Bidikar
DESIGN: Tom Muller
COVER: Caspar Wijngaard
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Paulina Ganucheau; Declan Shalvey
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (February 2021)

Rated “M/Mature”

Home Sick Pilots created by Dan Watters and Caspar Wijngaard


Home Sick Pilots is a new comic book series created by writer Dan Watters and artist Caspar Wijngaard, the creative team of the comic book, Limbo.  Home Sick Pilots apparently focuses on a group of teens and a haunted house with an evil mind of its own.  Letterer Aditya Bidikar and designer Tom Muller complete the series' creative team.

Home Sick Pilots opens in Santa Manos, California, July 18, 1994.  A haunted house known as “the old James house” walks across California, and inside is Ami, the lead singer of the high school punk band, “Home Sick Pilots.”  Ami has been missing for weeks, so how did she get in the old James house?  It has ghosts, and Ami has to find them.  But can Ami's band mates, Buzz and Rip, find her?

Home Sick Pilots #3 opens in Santa Manos, September 1994.  Buzz is dreaming of Ami, but Ami is searching for ghosts that need to be returned to the old James house.  Meanwhile, Buzz learns that his school and the authorities are looking for their fellow schoolmates who are also the band, “Nuclear Bastards.”  Rip is also considered missing, but Buzz knows that Rip has checked out.  Meanwhile, Ami and Buzz both end up in search mode and discover something … unexpected.

THE LOWDOWN:  After reading the first issue of Home Sick Pilots, I wanted to be careful and not provide spoilers from that debut issue in my review.  After reading the second issue, I thought that I might be able to describe the series without spoiling the story … too much.  With this third issue, dear readers, I just want to do whatever it takes for you to try Home Sick Pilots … which might mean spoilers.

Home Sick Pilots #1 showed that the series had potential, and Home Sick Pilots #2 started delivering on that potential.  Home Sick Pilots #3 throws the proverbial curve ball.  Dan Watters and Caspar Wijngaard won't settle for merely delivering the unexpected; they want to fry your imagination.

Caspar Wijngaard's art and colors for the first two issues were both haunting and alluring, but this third issue reveals an emphasis on going deeper into story and mythology.  Wijngaard delivers the frights of horror, but also offers the invention of horror rather than its violence.  He and Watters seem to be working as one weird unit of comic book storytelling, and they are pushing the boundaries of the imagination in a way that classic Vertigo Comics did in the 1990s.

So, I will once again heartily recommend Home Sick Pilots.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of offbeat and imaginative supernatural comic books will want to fly with the Home Sick Pilots.

9 out of 10

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


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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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Monday, January 6, 2020

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 8, 2020

MARVEL COMICS

OCT191107    ABSOLUTE CARNAGE TP    $29.99
OCT191111    ABSOLUTE CARNAGE VS DEADPOOL TP    $15.99
NOV190937    AERO #7    $3.99
NOV190917    AMAZING MARY JANE #4    $3.99
NOV190918    AMAZING MARY JANE #4 GONZALES VAR    $3.99
NOV190913    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #37    $3.99
NOV190914    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #37 CAMUNCOLI MARVELS X VAR    $3.99
OCT191115    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BY NICK SPENCER TP VOL 06 ABSOLUTE CARNAG    $17.99
NOV190907    BLACK CAT #8    $3.99
NOV190908    BLACK CAT #8 ANACLETO MARVELS X VAR    $3.99
SEP190983    BLACK PANTHER TP BOOK 08 INTERG EMPIRE WAKANDA PT 03    $17.99
OCT191139    BLACK WIDOW TP WELCOME TO THE GAME    $34.99
OCT198566    CAPTAIN MARVEL #12 2ND PTG SORRENTINO VAR    $3.99
OCT191117    CAPTAIN MARVEL TP VOL 02 FALLING STAR    $17.99
NOV190929    CONAN SERPENT WAR #3 (OF 4)    $3.99
NOV190930    CONAN SERPENT WAR #3 (OF 4) CAMUNCOLI CONNECTING VAR    $3.99
JUL191088    DAREDEVIL BY BENDIS & MALEEV OMNIBUS HC VOL 01 NEW PTG    $100.00
OCT190965    DEADPOOL #2    $3.99
OCT191124    DOCTOR STRANGE BY MARK WAID TP VOL 04 CHOICE    $15.99
OCT198567    EXCALIBUR #2 2ND PTG ASRAR VAR DX    $3.99
NOV190826    EXCALIBUR #5 DX    $3.99
NOV190827    EXCALIBUR #5 SLINEY MARVELS X VAR DX    $3.99
OCT198148    FALLEN ANGELS #1 2ND PTG CAMUNCOLI VAR DX    $4.99
OCT198884    FALLEN ANGELS #2 2ND PTG VAR DX    $3.99
NOV190832    FALLEN ANGELS #5 DX    $3.99
NOV190882    GHOST RIDER #4    $3.99
NOV190909    GHOST-SPIDER #6    $3.99
OCT198150    IMMORTAL HULK #26 2ND PTG ALEX ROSS VAR    $3.99
OCT198565    IMMORTAL HULK #27 2ND PTG ALEX ROSS VAR    $3.99
NOV190865    IMMORTAL HULK #29    $3.99
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OCT198140    INCOMING #1 2ND PTG JACINTO VAR    $9.99
OCT191119    LOKI TP    $17.99
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OCT198568    MARAUDERS #2 2ND PTG DAUTERMAN VAR DX    $3.99
OCT191103    MARVEL MONOGRAPH TP ART OF DECLAN SHALVEY    $19.99
NOV190919    MARVELS AVENGERS THOR #1    $3.99
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JUL191098    NEW AVENGERS BREAKOUT MARVEL SELECT HC    $24.99
OCT198885    NEW MUTANTS #2 2ND PTG VAR DX    $3.99
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NOV190768    RUINS OF RAVENCROFT CARNAGE #1    $4.99
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OCT198886    SCREAM CURSE OF CARNAGE #1 2ND PTG MOONEYHAM VAR    $4.99
NOV190799    STAR #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
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NOV190895    SYMBIOTE SPIDER-MAN ALIEN REALITY #2 (OF 5) RON LIM VAR    $3.99
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NOV190777    TRUE BELIEVERS CRIMINALLY INSANE BUSHMAN #1    $1.00
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OCT198250    X-MEN #2 2ND PTG YU VAR DX    $3.99
NOV190928    YONDU #4 (OF 5)    $3.99

Monday, November 19, 2018

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 21, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

SEP180079    24 PANELS TP    $16.99
SEP180147    BURNOUTS #3 CVR A BURNHAM (MR)    $3.99
JUL189038    BURNOUTS #3 CVR B GEOFFO (MR)    $3.99
JUL189039    BURNOUTS #3 CVR C JOHNSON (MR)    $3.99
SEP180149    COLD SPOTS #4 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
SEP180081    CRUDE TP VOL 01 (MR)    $16.99
SEP180156    DAYS OF HATE #10 (OF 12) (MR)    $3.99
SEP180084    DEADLY CLASS TP VOL 01 MEDIA TIE-IN ED (MR)    $9.99
SEP180159    EAST OF WEST #40 CVR A DRAGOTTA (RES)    $3.99
SEP188124    EAST OF WEST #40 CVR B VIRGIN VAR    $3.99
SEP180162    EVOLUTION #12 (MR)    $3.99
SEP180163    EXORSISTERS #2 CVR A LAGACE & PANTAZIS    $3.99
SEP180164    EXORSISTERS #2 CVR B PARENT    $3.99
SEP180090    FLAVOR TP    $16.99
SEP180098    INJECTION DLX ED HC VOL 01 (MR)    $49.99
AUG180172    MEN OF WRATH HC (MR)    $19.99
SEP180050    MIDDLEWEST #1 CVR A HUDDLESTON (MR)    $3.99
SEP180193    NEW WORLD #5 (OF 5) CVR A MOORE & MULLER (MR)    $3.99
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SEP180205    RUMBLE #9 CVR A RUBIN (MR)    $3.99
SEP180206    RUMBLE #9 CVR B FEGREDO (MR)    $3.99
SEP180207    SAVAGE DRAGON #240 (MR)    $3.99
SEP180213    STELLAR #6    $3.99
SEP180113    STRAY BULLETS SUNSHINE & ROSES TP VOL 03 (MR)    $19.99
SEP180129    UNDERWINTER QUEEN OF SPIRITS TP (MR)    $16.99
SEP180132    UNNATURAL TP VOL 01 AWAKENING (MR)    $9.99

Friday, October 27, 2017

Review: GENERATIONS: Wolverine & All-New Wolverine #1

GENERATIONS: WOLVERINE & ALL-NEW WOLVERINE No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Tom Taylor
ARTIST: Ramon Rosanas
COLORS: Nolan Woodward
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
COVER: Jorge Molina
VARIANT COVERS: Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire; Olivier Coipel
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2017)

Rated T+

Wolverine created by Len Wein and John Romita, Sr.

“The Best”

Generations is the currently ongoing 10-issue anthology, weekly comic book series published by Marvel Comics.  Each issue is written and drawn by a different creative team, and each issue will feature a different team-up of a classic Marvel superhero with his or her modern-day counterpart.  The series is meant to unite the legacy of classic Marvel Comics characters with the next generation of heroes as both move into the future of Marvel Comics storytelling.

The third issue is Generations: Wolverine & All-New Wolverine, which brings together the classic Wolverine/Logan of X-Men fame and his clone-daughter, the All-New Wolverine, Laura Kinney.  This comic book is written by Tom Taylor; drawn by Ramon Rosanas; colored by Nolan Woodard; and lettered by Cory Petit.

Generations: Wolverine & All-New Wolverine #1 (“The Best”) opens in Tokyo, Japan. Wolverine is cutting his way through a horde of The Hand's zombie ninja.  They stand between him and his kidnapped daughter, Akiko.  There is a problem, however; Wolverine is about to lose and die.  Suddenly, in steps a young woman, unknown to Wolverine, but wearing familiar clothes and also bearing metal claws.  This Wolverine-like young woman is different, but like Logan, she is the best at what she does.  Two Wolverines will need to be the best if they are to survive an old enemy.

The purpose of Generations: Banner Hulk & Totally Awesome Hulk #1 was for Bruce Banner to tell the Totally Awesome Hulk/Amadeus Cho that he would not be able to escape all the tragic aspects of the curse of the Hulk.  Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey found two women reluctant and/or incapable of telling each other everything they knew about the curse of The Phoenix

Generations: Wolverine & All-New Wolverine #1 is mainly just a slice-and-dice Wolverine adventure featuring the classic Wolverine and the All-New Wolverine.  It is, however, a well-executed Wolverine slice-and-dice story via the efforts of writer Tom Taylor and artist Ramos Rosanas.  The only creators who could have done better than Taylor-Rosanas are some combination of Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and David Mazzuchelli; the team of Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr.; and finally Barry Windsor-Smith by himself.

I could have done without the mushy stuff at the end.  Part of me wants Marvel to let Wolverine be Wolverine.  That would be the stone cold killer of the early “new” X-Men of the mid-1970s, and not the Logan softened from being part of the X-Men family and by the tragedy of Jean Grey/The Phoenix.  That said, I like this action-packed, violent fight comic and its surprising guest appearance.

A-
7.5 out of 10

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


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

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



Sunday, September 24, 2017

Review: SHIPWRECK #1

SHIPWRECK No. 1 (OF 6)
AFTERSHOCK COMICS – @AfterShockComix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Warren Ellis
PENCILS: Phil Hester
INKS: Eric Gapstur
COLORS: Mark Englert
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
COVER: Phil Hester with Mark Englert
VARIANT COVERS: John McCrea; Phil Hester with Mark Englert; Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire; Elizabeth Torque
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2016)

For mature readers

Shipwreck created by Warren Ellis

Chapter 1: “Argur”

Shipwreck is a new comic book series created by Warren Ellis (Transmetropolitan, Injection).  Published by AfterShock, this six issue miniseries is written by Ellis; drawn by Phil Hester (pencils) and Eric Gapstur (inks); colored by Mark Englert; and lettered by Marshall Dillon.  Shipwreck focuses on the sole survivor of a very unusual and very secret shipwreck.

Shipwreck #1 (“Augur”) introduces Dr. Jonathan Shipwright, who might be dead or dreaming or on a mission.  He awakens on a rocky plain and makes his way to a decrepit diner where he meets an “Inspector.”  The man has lots to say, including that Shipwright's shipwreck involved a boat voyaging from another planet... wrecked by a saboteur... whom Shipwright must find.

Over the last few years of reading several #1 issues of comic books written by Warren Ellis, I have often found myself intrigued and sometimes bored.  I was intrigued by Injection (Image Comics), which paid off in a fantastic comic book.  I thought the first issue of Ellis' recent Moon Knight comic book for Marvel was dull, but that turned out to be a gem of a six-issue miniseries.

You know, in the past, I have earned ire for suggesting that many comics, including some written by Warren Ellis, would not be published if they were the creation of little-known or previously unpublished comic book creators.  The truth of the matter is that over the last few decades some comic book writers have built enough of a following or written enough popular comic books that practically any vanity project they propose finds a publisher among the independents, such as Image Comics and, now, apparently AfterShock Comics.

I don't know what the fuck is going on with Shipwreck.  It might turn out to be a fantastic read in collected form, but as a first issue, it's...  I don't know what to call it because there isn't enough to declare it good or bad.  It simply is, meaning it's there for you to read.  I can't even say I'm intrigued.  Oh, well.  Whatever.  Nevermind.  Maybe, it's just me.

Okay, I get.  That's how things work.  I'm sure AfterShock was quite excited to get something from Warren Ellis.  They were certainly more excited than Guy Ritchie was.  Even the art for Shipwreck leaves a lot to desire, although the cover is quite nice.

You know, I'm trudging through Joe Hill's recent novel, The Fireman.  It is clearly the work of a famous author's son, meaning that the book's publisher, William Morrow, would not publish this book if it had been written by an unpublished author, especially if he or she were not seeded from a famous author's balls.  Yeah, Joe Hill is Joesph Hillstrom King, one of Stephen King's progeny.

I am certain that neither AfterShock nor any other major independent publisher would publish Shipwreck if it were produced by an African-American author or by a Latino not named Los Bros.  Hell, I don't think the indies were knocking themselves out to publish original or creator-owned works by the late Dwayne McDuffie.  But this...

Oh, well... on to the next creation of White privilege.  I don't know what I expected from Shipwreck #1, but yeah, I am surprised that this is the reaction I got from it.

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 or syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Review: ALL-STAR BATMAN #5

ALL STAR BATMAN No. 5
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.
INKS: Danny Miki, Tom Palmer, Sandra Hope, and Richard Friend
COLORS: Dean White
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White
VARIANT COVERS: Jock; Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2017)

Rated “T” for Teen

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

“My Own Worst Enemy” Finale

All-Star Batman is the recently launched Batman comic book that is written by superstar writer Scott Snyder and drawn by superstar artists and hot up-and-coming comic book-drawing talent.  The first story arc, the five-issue “My Own Worst Enemy,” is drawn by John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Danny Miki (inks); colored by Dean White; and lettered by Steve Wands.

In “My Own Worst Enemy,” Batman and Harvey Dent/Two-Face are on a 498-mile journey to a house, where young Bruce Wayne and young Harvey Dent lived together as almost-brothers for a short while.  Now, Dent wants to go back to that house to find something that will be life-changing for him.  As a threat to keep Batman from interfering, Two-Face has promised to publicly reveal the dark secrets of Gotham's criminal overlords.  Now, Batman and Harvey Dent/Two-Face, with Batman's new partner, Duke, in tow, fight to reach their destination with some of Gotham's most lethal killers on their heels.

All-Star Batman #5 (“My Own Worst Enemy” Finale) opens with Batman and Two-Face practically at the last miles of their destination.  However, Batman is battered and the KGBeast wants to batter him some more, forcing Batman to protect both his and Duke's lives, as well as the life of Two-Face.  Now, Batman must outwit his pursuers and Two-Face, while back in Gotham, Commissioner Jim Gordon and the Gotham City Police Department are just feet away from discovering the secrets of the Batcave.

While I did not always like every issue of Scott Snyder's 2011 to 2016 run on Batman, I do believe that his off-beat storytelling did serve to liberate Batman the character from a 25-year malaise.  This rut resulted because practically every DC Comics editor and most Batman writers chose to follow the tone of Frank Miller's seminal Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

Snyder made the Dark Knight/Detective less Batman-as-Clint Eastwood and more Batman-as-Bruce Wayne-on-a-mission.  Snyder returned the man to Batman, showing the humanity in the hero.  Snyder carried that over into All-Star Batman, where Snyder depicts a Bat-Man in stories that are action-thrillers.  All-Star Batman's tone and graphic aesthetic is almost like the “wide screen” action of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority from the 1999-2000.  However, in All-Star Batman, Snyder cops the edgy, speedy, thrill-ride, action movie aspect of Chris Nolan's “The Dark Knight” trilogy, especially 2008's The Dark Knight.

Of course, Snyder needs a graphical storyteller and comic book artist that can pull that off.  John Romita, Jr. does big.  He does edgy.  He does kick-ass.  Here, Romita is cinematographer, designer, art director/set decorator, and stage director.  Danny Miki's electric inking adds the zing.  And yeah, Dean White is still smashing booty with his coloring.  Even Steve Wands' lettering is explosive.

A

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


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

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


Thursday, April 13, 2017

Review: ALL-STAR BATMAN #2

ALL STAR BATMAN No. 2
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.; Declan Shalvey
INKS: Danny Miki; Declan Shalvey
COLORS: Dean White; Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White
VARIANT COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White; Jock; Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2016)

Rated “T” for Teen

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

“My Own Worst Enemy” Part 2

In my review of the first issue of All Star Batman, I wrote that I found Scott Snyder's run on Batman to be inconsistent, mostly because the story arcs were too long, with some issues within each arc reading like story padding.  Still, Snyder was wildly inventive in his run on Batman; often it seemed as if he were finding ways to advance Batman, a character that was moribund.  For 25 years, most writers of Batman comic books were merely wiping up the vestiges of Frank Miller's bomb, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

So here comes the new Batman comic book, All Star Batman.  It is written by Scott Snyder and is currently drawn by John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Danny Miki (inks); colored by Dean White; and lettered by Steve Wands.  And it is looking like it could be Snyder's best Batman work.

All-Star Batman #2 (“My Own Worst Enemy” Part 2) opens with Jim Gordon and Detective Harvey Bullock about to embark on the raid of a home, an event that will seemingly change their lives as much as it will the owner of the house.  Two days before that raid, Batman and Two-Face/Harvey Dent continue their journey that Two-Face does not want to continue.  A who's who of Gotham's worst criminals and the roster of Batman's rogue's gallery are trying to help Two-Face get his cessation.  Back in Gotham, a trio is going to make a really dangerous decision to “help” Two-Face.  They are going to call on the services of a killer who is an absolute beast.

After reading the first two issues of All Star Batman, I've started to do the dangerous thing and think too much.  I'm thinking that Snyder seems in full bloom writing this series.  It is as if All Star Batman frees him of the expectations, history, and continuity of the flagship Bat-title, Batman.  With this new title, Snyder can do what he wants, and since this is a showcase for the superstars and the up-and-comers, perhaps, editorial will let Snyder run wild.

The result is a Batman comic book that is simply fun to read.  It is action-packed and kick-ass.  The villains are larger than their ordinary fictional lives.  Batman is a Dark Knight, but rather than rehash Frank Miller's Clint Eastwood-Dirty Harry'ish Batman, Snyder offers a Batman with a sly wit that can cut to the bone quicker than his gauntlets and boots can break bones.  This is the Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Steph Curry Batman – the All Star Batman.  And, hey, we love to pay for all-stars, so this is the Batman comic book you should be reading.

Of course, it is good that there is an all-star art team to bring Snyder's writing to graphical story slash comic book life.  In fact, John Romita, Jr. seems to have gained new life since he moved from Marvel Comics to DC Comics.  Romita is doing his best work since Kick-Ass (with writer Mark Millar), and he is drawing with a lust for life and Miki is inking him with gusto.  Then, White is coloring the fuck out of this comic book.  With this art team, Snyder can't let up.

The back up story, “The Cursed Wheel” continues.  Written by Snyder and drawn by Declan Shalvey.  It is edgy where “My Own Worst Enemy” is big and spectacular, but this second story is holding its own and has a killer cliffhanger.

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.

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

Friday, March 10, 2017

Review: THE PUNISHER #1

THE PUNISHER (2016) No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Becky Cloonan
ART: Steve Dillon
COLORS: Frank Martin
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
COVER: Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire
VARIANT COVERS: Alex Maleev; Tim Bradstreet; John Cassaday; John Tyler Christopher; Francesco Mattina; Todd Nauck with Rachelle Rosenberg; Phil Noto; Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson; Christopher Stevens with Frank Martin; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2016)

Parental Advisory – Not for Kids

The Punisher is a Marvel Comics vigilante and antihero.  The Punisher was created by writer Gerry Conway and artist John Romita, Sr. and made his first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (cover-dated: February 1974).  The Punisher is Frank Castle, a man whose wife and children were killed during a mob shootout in New York City's Central Park.  That tragedy was the impetus for Castle's one-man war on crime, especially against organized criminals like the mob, street gangs, drug dealers, etc.

Over the last 30 years, Marvel has published numerous ongoing comic book series and miniseries starring The Punisher and even a few variations on the character.  Now, there is the launch of a new ongoing comic book series.  The Punisher is written by Becky Cloonan; drawn by Steve Dillon; colored by Frank Martin; and lettered by Cory Petit.

The Punisher #1 opens in the Brooklyn warehouse district.  There, the organization, Condor, prepares a major push for its news narcotic product, “EMC.”  However, in a nearby warehouse, the D.E.A. (Drug Enforcement Agency) watches and prepares for an early morning take down of Condor's operations.  Meanwhile, The Punisher plans to strike first.

After John Romita, who designed the character, of course, I consider Mike Zeck and Steve Dillon to be the iconic Punisher comic book artists.  I am reading this new Punisher comic book because Steve Dillon is drawing it.  His interpretation of The Punisher always came across to me as a rock-solid, relentless, machine-monster with some hellbent programming that directs him to kill mobsters and criminal scum wherever they are.

However, there is something else about this new series that intrigues me.  Becky Cloonan is writing The Punisher, and she may be the first woman to write an ongoing Punisher comic book.  I am curious to see where Cloonan takes this series, especially as she offers at least three supporting characters with the potential to capture her readers' imaginations.

So I'm down to give this fresh start of The Punisher a chance.  It could be the best Punisher in a long time.

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 or syndication rights and fees.

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

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Review: ALL-STAR BATMAN #1

ALL-STAR BATMAN No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.; Declan Shalvey
INKS: Danny Miki; Declan Shalvey
COLORS: Dean White; Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White
VARIANT COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White; Jock; Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2016)

Rated “T” for Teen

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

“My Own Worst Enemy” Part 1

When I first read The New 52 Batman #1, which was written by Scott Snyder, I found it enjoyable, but I did not think of it as a comic book that I had to follow every month.  I actually preferred The New 52 version of Detective Comics, written and drawn by Tony S. Daniels.  Daniels' run on Detective Comics was over in about a year, while the Snyder-written and Greg Capullo-drawn Batman became a bestselling, critically-acclaimed hit.

I returned to Snyder-Capullo Batman for the start of the “Zero Year” story line (Batman #21).  It started off brilliantly, with at least three superb issues, but “Zero Year” came to define everything that was bloated about the second half of Snyder's run as writer on the Batman flagship comic book.  The story arcs were too long, and while each arc had at least one fantastic issue, many of the other issues were story line padding or read like filler material.

Now, here comes DC Comics' latest publishing event/initiative, “Rebirth,” and with it comes a new Batman comic book, All Star Batman.  This series will be written by Scott Snyder and drawn by “superstar” artists and hot up-and-comers.  The first story arc is drawn by John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Danny Miki (inks); colored by Dean White; and lettered by Steve Wands.

All-Star Batman #1 (“My Own Worst Enemy” Part 1) opens at Auggie Mac's Diner, somewhere in the Midwest.  The bustling restaurant's routine of serving comfort food to regular Joes and Janes is interrupted by a pitched battle between Batman and the team of Firefly and Killer Moth.  Why are they fighting, other than the fact that they are hero vs. arch-enemies?  Well, it involves Two-Face, and Batman may find that no one is on his side this time.

So count this as one of those fantastic first issues of a Batman story arc that Scott Snyder does so well.  Hell, if you are just looking for a darn good read and don't mind that it ends on a to-be-continued, you could not go wrong with All Star Batman #1.  Romita, Jr. and Miki make a dynamite art team, and Dean White's rich hues are eye-candy colors.  I have flipped through this book several times over the past few days; graphically, it is that pretty.

All Star Batman #1 includes a second story, written by Snyder and drawn by Declan Shalvey.  It has an intriguing premise, although it is not hell-bent action as the lead feature.  Still, it adds to my excitement about All Star Batman.  Hopefully, this opening arc does not start to feel like it is running too long and is bloated.  But really, what is going to change?  Thus far, Snyder has gotten nothing but encouragement from readers, the fan press, and the powers-that-be at DC Comics, so why should he change what he is doing?  This is not necessarily a rhetorical question.

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.

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

Friday, February 3, 2017

Review: INJECTION Volume 1

INJECTION, VOL. 1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Warren Ellis
ARTIST: Declan Shalvey
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Fonografiks
ISBN: 978-1-63215-479-8; paperback (October 2015)
120pp, Color, $9.99 U.S.

Rated M/Mature

Injection is a currently ongoing comic book series published by Image Comics.  Injection is created by writer Warren Ellis and artist Declan Shalvey; the book is colored by Jordie Bellaire.  Ellis, Shalvey, and Bellaire were the creative team behind Marvel Comics' 2014 relaunch of its Moon Knight comic book, producing the first six issues.  According to publicity material for this series, Injection is a “serialized sequence of graphic novels,”  and focuses on five people who have to save the world from being too weird to support human life, a situation they apparently created.

Injection, Volume 1 opens at Sawling Hospital.  There, we meet Professor Maria Kilbride, who is being castigated by a stern older woman.  Through a flashback, we learn that Kilbride was part of something called the “Cultural Cross-Contamination Unit.”  Her colleagues were Robin Morel, a “Cunning Man” (old-timey Brit shaman) and esotericist; Simeon Winters, a British spy and strategist with MI6; Vivek Headland, a logician and ethicist; and Brigid Roth, a programmer, coder, and all-around computer chick.  How did these five individuals poison the 21st Century?  They created “Injection,” and then, they went and injected it.

At a slim 20 pages, Injection #1 was all about set-up and vague introductions.  Still, I found it intriguing, because every first issue of a Warren Ellis comic book intrigues me, even if, in the long run, the series does not pan out to the deliciousness promised by the first issue.  That rarely happens.  In the case of Moon Knight: From the Dead, the Ellis-Shalvey-Bellaire intro arc of Moon Knight, the first issue was average, but the rest of the series took off from there

Injection does not quite explode from the first issue's intriguing premise.  Rather, each issue is intriguing in its own way; put the first five issues together and you get a fabulous first act/graphic novel.  Are there people that you just like to here talk, dear reader?  Well, Injection is that comic book that you just want to sit down and read as long as you can stand it.

In a way, Injection, which touches upon multiple genres, from science fiction and techno-thriller to weird fiction and horror, is kind of like a superhero comic book.  Instead of punches, conflicts are engaged and resolved via a battle between what is known and what needs to be known.  Knowledge will save the day, and even Kilbride and her smartest guys in the room need to either recover knowledge they already have or learn something new.  That's a punch to the status quo of heroic comics – a blow mainstream American comic books need.

So yes, I am highly recommending Injection.  It's the shot in the arm your reading list needs

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 or syndication rights and fees.

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Review: INJECTION #1

INJECTION #1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review originally appeared on Patreon.]

WRITER: Warren Ellis
ARTIST: Declan Shalvey
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Fonografiks
20pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (May 2015)

Injection is a new comic book series published by Image Comics.  Injection is created by writer Warren Ellis and artist Declan Shalvey; the book is colored by Jordie Bellaire.  Ellis, Shalvey, and Bellaire were the creative team behind Marvel Comics' 2014 relaunch of its Moon Knight comic book, producing the first six issues.  According to publicity material for this series, Injection is apparently about five people who have to save the world from being too weird to support human life, a situation they apparently created.

Injection #1 opens at Sawling Hospital.  There, we meet Professor Maria Kilbride, who is being castigated by a stern older woman.  Through a flashback, we learn that Kilbride was part of something called the “Cultural Cross-Contamination Unit.”  We meet Kilbride's colleagues:  Robin Morel, Simeon Winters, Vivek Headland, and Brigid Roth.  Back to the present, it is time to start to learn how these five individuals “poisoned the 21st Century.”

At a slim 20 pages, Injection is all about set-up and vague introductions.  Am I intrigued?  Well, hell, every first issue of a Warren Ellis comic book intrigues me, but that doesn't mean I'll keep reading past the first issue.

However, I am reluctant to bail on Injection.  I was decidedly underwhelmed by the first issue of Ellis, Shalvey, and Bellaire's Moon Knight, but that turned out to be an especially enjoyable and unique reading experience.  The series actually got better and proved to be more imaginative with each issue.  Ellis and company leaving after six issues was probably a good thing; eventually, they could not have kept up that pace of originality.

Besides, whatever vagueness Ellis' story presents in Injection is topped by Shalvey and Bellaire's eye-grabbing, attention-trapping graphical storytelling.  The weird practically popped off the page in order to get inside me and to demand that I get at least one more Injection.  I would say that fans of Ellis' non-superhero work will certainly want to try an issue or two of Injection.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.