Showing posts with label Greg Pak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greg Pak. 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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Tuesday, February 11, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: AERO #1

AERO No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Zhou Liefen; Greg Pak
ART: Keng; Pop Mhan
COLORS: Keng; Federico Blee
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Keng
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Artgerm; Mirka Andolfo; John Tyler Christopher
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2019)

Rated “T+”

Aero created by Zhou Liefen and Keng

“Protector of the City” and “Aero & Wave: Origins & Destinies”

Last year came news that Marvel Entertainment had created two Chinese superheroes.  They made their debut in webcomics that were published online on the website, NetEase (specifically 163.com), one of China's leading Internet technology companies.

According to reports, Marvel created the two heroes, “Aero” and “Sword Master,” to attract fans in China and across East Asia.  Both heroes exist in the modern world, but their stories are also influenced by Chinese culture.  Marvel was responsible for the character design and comics story lines, but the comic book art, environments, and adventures were conceived and produced by Chinese artists.

The hero Aero, who is a young woman named Lei Ling, lives in Shanghai.  Ling is a “brilliant architect” and a “rising young elite.”  As Aero, she has the ability to harness the power of the air, a power she uses to protect her city from enemies, including supernatural ones.  She makes her U.S. debut in the new Marvel Comics title, Aero.

Aero #1 contains two stories.  The first is the original Chinese comics story, “Protector of the City.”  It is written by Zhou Liefen and drawn by artist Keng; the English adaptation is written by Greg Pak.  “Protector of the City” opens with Aero on patrol in the sky above Shanghai.  She discovers that one of the buildings she designed (as Lei Ling) is turning into a giant rock monster.  Although she manages to defeat it, this is not the last such occurrence.

The second story is “Aero & Wave: Origins & Destines” Part One.  It is an original English story written by Greg Pak; drawn by Pop Mhan; colored Federico Blee; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.  The story opens on an island in the Philippine Sea.  There, Aero finds Filipino superhero, “Wave,” a young woman named Pearl Pangan, in a state of distress.  An outsider her entire life, Pearl, fought her way to the top and is now a member of the superhero collective, “Triumph Division.”  However, she believes she has drawn her compatriots ire, so can Aero help the young hero before trouble arrives?

The few times that I have read Chinese comics (called “manhua”), I have liked them.  I like them especially when they are published in color and printed on slick paper.  [I also love to see manga (Japanese comics) and manhwa (Korean comics) in color on slick paper.]  So I like seeing Aero in full-color.  The story is not great, but it has an engaging vibe.  “Protector of the City” has an odd quality, and I think it would seem less odd to me if I could read more than the 22 pages we get in this first issue.  I am curious to read more.

“Aero & Wave: Origins & Destines” Part One is a traditional American comic book story, in rhythm and page design and in story, art, and graphical storytelling.  I must admit to being intrigued by Wave and her problems.  I look forward to more of this character.  Generally, I have liked the work of both writer Greg Pak and artist Pop Mhan, and although I am not a super-fan of either one.  Here, their professionalism and skills make good showings.

Colorist Federico Blee does really good work on “Aero & Wave: Origins & Destines.”  His coloring, especially the blue and green hues, captures the sense of how much water and related themes play a part in this story.  Joe Caramagna's traditional lettering style strikes the right tone for both stories because Caramagna's lettering is different for each story.  The lettering is more traditional and sparse for “Protector of the City” and a bit more modern and crowded for “Aero & Wave: Origins & Destines.”  So, overall, the production values of this comic book are good.

I don't think that Aero will catch on with American comic book readers, in general, but Aero #1 will catch the attention of readers open to different things.  I am interested in this, and I will recommend that readers try Aero #1 to see if it is their cup of tea.

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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Saturday, January 4, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS #68

STAR WARS No. 68 (2015)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

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

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Phil Noto
COLORS: Phil Noto
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebuski
COVER: Phil Noto
VARIANT COVER: John Tyler Christopher; Kaare Andrews
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2019)

Rated T

Part I: “Rebels and Rogues”

In 2015, Marvel Comics restarted their publication of Star Wars comic books with a brand new Star Wars #1.  I wrote a review of it and went on to review a few more issues of the series, plus the first annual.  Jason Aaron was the new series first writer and wrote issues #1 to 37.  He delivered a number of really good story arcs and several really good stand alone, single-issue stories.

Kieron Gillen replaced Aaron.  Gillen did stellar work on Marvel's initial Darth Vader (2015) title, which was drawn by Salvador Larroca.  In fact, I can make a good case that Gillen and Larroca's Darth Vader was the best of Marvel's new line of Star Wars comic books, and, to this date, still is.  Gillen and Larroca reunited as the new Star Wars creative team with issue #38, and Larroca drew the series until issue #55.  Gillen recently ended his tenure on Star Wars with issue #67.

Star Wars #68 introduces the new creative team of writer Greg Pak and artist-colorist Phil Noto.  Letterer Clayton Clowes completes the creative team.  The first story arc, “Rebels and Rogues,” chronicles the missions that take place just before the 1980 Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back).

As Star Wars #68 opens, the Rebel Alliance has learned that Darth Vader has dispatched thousands of remote probes into the far reaches of space to find the new rebel base, which will lead him to the young rebel with whom he is obsessed, Luke Skywalker.  Now, the rebel leadership is sending Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca and the droids, C-3PO and R2-D2, on a mission, but this is a desperate three-pronged mission of deception that will send these friends in different directions.

First, Luke and R2-D2 must find a way to protect a rebel refueling station in the Inner Rim.  Leia and Han will head to the “Core World” of “Lanz Carpo,” in order to infiltrate the communication center of a Imperial-friendly crime lord.  Finally, Chewbacca and C-3PO head to K43, an uninhabited volcanic world on the edge of “Wild Space.”  Rebel leadership wants to lure as many Imperial Star Destroyers to K43, which, with the use of detonators, Chewie and Threepio will turn into a mini-Death Star.  Two of the three prongs of this mission will encounter surprising interlopers.

This first chapter of “Rebels and Rogues” is intriguing, but only Luke and Artoo's mission really interests me.  I can give Gillen credit for writing a story that feels like classic era or original trilogy Star Wars.  I have mixed feelings about Phil Noto's art.  I liked him as the primary artist on the recent Poe Dameron ongoing series (2016-2018), but I was not that impressed with Noto's art on the Chewbacca miniseries (2015-2016).  Here, his graphic style and graphical storytelling seem perfect for Luke's mission, not so much for Chewbacca's, and even less for Han and Leia's.

But I am a rotting-to-the core “Marvel Zombie” when it comes to Marvel's Star Wars ongoing comic book series, so I will keep reading.  In the case of the new Star Wars comic books, I am not ashamed to be a fanboy.

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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, December 5, 2019

Review: FIREFLY #1 (2018)

FIREFLY No. 1 (2018)
BOOM! Studios – @boomstudios

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Greg Pak
ARTIST: Dan McDaid
COLORS: Marcelo Costa
LETTERS: Jim Campbell
EDITOR: Jeanine Schaefer
COVER: Lee Garbett
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jock; Joe Quinones; Tula Lotay; J.G. Jones; Bill Sienkiewicz; Adam Riches; Diego Galindo
32pp, Colors, $3.99 U.S. (November 2018)

Firefly created by Joss Whedon

“Firefly” was a science fiction and Western-themed television series created by Joss Whedon.  It was originally broadcast on the Fox Television Network during the 2002-2003 television season, although Fox only televised 11 of the 14 episodes that were produced.

The series was set in the year 2157 in a star system where human immigrants from Earth settled some time in the distant past.  The primary characters are the crew of nine people traveling aboard the “Firefly-class” spaceship named “Serenity.”  The lead character is Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds, the owner and captain of the Serenity.  Like his second-in-command, Zoe Alleyne Washburne, Mal is a veteran of the human civil war known as the “Unification War,” fighting on the side of the “Independent Army.”

The other characters are Hoban “Wash” Washburne, Serenity's pilot and Zoe's husband, and Kaywinnet Lee “Kaylee” Frye, the ship's mechanic.  There are also Inara Serra, a “Companion” (a kind of sex-worker) who resides aboard one of Serenity's two shuttles; Derrial Book, a “Shepherd” (equivalent of a pastor); and the mercenary, Jayne Cobb.  The final two passengers are Dr. Simon Tam, a top trauma surgeon; and River Tam, his sister who is a child prodigy who was part of some kind of “Alliance” science experiment.

From 2005 to 2017, Dark Horse Comics produced four miniseries, two one-shots, and one original graphic novel based on the “Firefly” franchise, under the title, “Serenity,” the name of the 2006 film based on the TV series.  BOOM! Studios recently obtained the license to produce comic books based on “Firefly.”

BOOM!'s debut title is the comic book series, Firefly.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Dan McDaid; colored by Marcelo Costa; and lettered by Jim Campbell.  Firefly the comic book 2018 will apparently delve into Mal and Zoe's past in the Unification War (also known as “War of Unification”).

Firefly #1 finds the Serenity suffering from the purchase of bad replacement parts.  Things get worse when the ship is attacked by the federals in the form of an Alliance Army dreadnaught.  Forced to land on a moon named “Bethlehem,” the crew of the Serenity must find jobs that will earn them the one thousand in platinum credits that it will take to buy the new replacement parts that will allow Serenity to return to space.  A new job is the least of their worries, however, as two of the crew members find themselves with high bounties placed on their heads.

I became a huge fan of the “Firefly” TV series after a friend gave me a box-set collection of the series as a gift.  I liked that the show was as much a Western drama as it was a space adventure.  Greg Pak writes in his afterword that he will use this comic book to explore three different sub-genres within the larger Western genre.  Firefly #1 seems to borrow the well-worn Western sub-genre that involves a wagon train of outcasts slash misfits employing “hired guns” to escort them on a perilous journey.

In this case, the “hired guns” are our heroes from the Serenity.  I'll go with this scenario because this Firefly comic book reminds me of the American Western TV series, “Wagon Train” (1957 to 1965).  I am a fan of this mostly black-and-white series, which focused on a “wagon master” and his employees.  Each episode also detailed the trials and tribulations a guest character or characters (usually portrayed by well-know film and television stars of the day).  Elements of Firefly 2018 also remind me of the 1950 John Ford Western film, Wagon Master, which apparently inspired “Wagon Train.”

I like what I have read in this new Firefly comic book, although I will admit that this story is simply a slight variation on familiar television characters and themes in addition to the elements taken from the “Firefly” TV series and the Serenity film.  Much of Dan McDaid's art for Firefly #1 is unattractive, and the characters' faces are “fugly.”  Still, the art is highly functional, from a graphical storytelling point of view, and the coloring and lettering is good.  So let's see where this goes.

[This volume includes an “Afterword” by Greg Pak and short text pieces from Joss Whedon and Dan McDaid.]

7 out of 10

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


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


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Friday, September 13, 2019

Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Princess Leia #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – PRINCESS LEIA No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

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

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Chris Sprouse and Karl Story; Will Sliney, Marc Deering and Karl Story
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Giuseppe Camuncoli with Elia Bonetti; Mike McKone with Guru eFX
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2019)

Rated T

“Princess Scoundrel”

Princess Leia is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  In fact, her rescue is what forces Luke Skywalker to answer the call to adventure in the original 1977 Star Wars film (also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope or simply, Star Wars: A New Hope).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that comprises three books:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1 (“Princess Scoundrel”) is one of the first two releases in the Age of Rebellion series (along with Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Grand Moff Tarkin #1).  It is written by Greg Pak.  The story is drawn by two art teams:  Chris Sprouse (pencils) and Karl Story (inks) on pages 1-12 and page 20 and Will Sliney, Marc Deering and Karl Story on pages 13 to 19.  The story is colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  “Princess Scoundrel is set sometime between the events depicted in The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars: Episode V) and Return of the Jedi (Stars Wars: Episode VI).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1 (“Princess Scoundrel”) finds Leia and Chewbacca, the longtime Wookie partner and friend of Han Solo, aboard the Millennium Falcon.  They are one their way to rescue Han, who has been captured by the galactic crime lord and gangster, Jabba the Hutt, when they get a call from the Rebel Alliance.  A rebel craft has been shot down over the Outer Rim planet of Arkanis.  Who needs rescuing but Lando Calrissian, the man who is responsible for Han's current state of affairs.  Now, to rescue him, Leia must play a game of bounty hunters.

First, I have to say that I think that Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1 would make a better miniseries than it does as a one-shot, but I guess it is best not to encourage Marvel Comics when it comes to Star Wars miniseries.  Still, in this twenty-page story, writer Greg Pak composes what is an interesting depiction of the relationship dynamics between Leia and Lando.  Pak also offers a compelling game of deception involving Leia, Lando, and Chewbacca and the infamous bounty hunters, Boushh and Bossk.

The art, produced by two teams for this comic book, is beautiful.  I think the second team does a good job producing art that looks like that of the first team.  The art especially captures the visual appearances of the characters as we expect them to look (like the actors that originally portrayed them) and also creates the exotic environments and landscapes we expect of a Star Wars world.

Tamra Bonvillain's gorgeous colors are perfect for a Star Wars comic book, and I have to be honest.  I always think that Bonvillain's colors are gorgeous.  Travis Lanham's lettering and effects are also excellent; he is seems like a just-right letterer for Star Wars, too.

I would like more of Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1.  In fact, once again, let me say that I wish it were a miniseries.

7.5 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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Luke Skywalker #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – LUKE SKYWALKER No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. And visit "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Greg Pak
PENCILS: Chris Sprouse; Scott Koblish; Stefano Landini
INKS: Karl Story; Marc Deering
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Chris Sprouse and Karl Story with Neeraj Menon; Mike McKone with Guru eFX; Ralph McQuarrie (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2019)

Rated T

“Fight or Flight”

Luke Skywalker is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  He is my personal favorite.  I think that he has the most fascinating character arc in the Star Wars films, although some would argue that Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker does.  Luke debuted in the original 1977 Star Wars film, but he appears as an infant in the “prequel trilogy” film, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (also known as Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that is comprised of three series:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1 is a new release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Chris Sprouse, Scott Koblish, and Stefano Landini (pencils) and Karl Story and Marc Deering (inks); colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  The story finds Luke Skywalker facing his first temptation from the Sith.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1 (“Fight or Flight”) opens in the galaxy's Outer Rim at the Imperial Refining Platform M36.  The Imperial Support Vessel 49AX3 approaches the refinery, but it is actually under Rebel control.  One of the rebels involved in this mission is Luke Skywalker.  Although the rebels are able to secure desperately needed fuel from the Imperial facility, the ease of the operation makes one rebel major uncomfortable, especially because of Skywalker.  Meanwhile, Luke begins to have concerns of his own, unaware of a dark influence from far away.

The few “Age of” Star Wars comic books that I have read have been average, good, and really good.  Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1 is really good.  Its central theme of trust is one that would seem to be an obvious one for Star Wars comic books, but has rarely come up in Star Wars comic books that I have read.  Here, Greg Pak expertly uses it in this tale of an important rebel mission and of an important moment in the development of Luke Skywalker's personality and in his journey from farm boy to Jedi Knight.

Although there are three artists illustrating this issue, the art looks consistent.  When an “Age of” book has to have more than one artist or art team, it seems that editor Mark Paniccia manages to find artists whose work has at least a passing resemblance to one another.

Colorist Tamra Bonvillain and letterer Travis Lanham have been providing excellent work in their respective roles on these AOR titles.  They don't disappoint here.  I am also not at all disappointed in Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1.  I am even surprised at how much I like it.  Perhaps, I like Luke Skywalker so much that am appreciative (maybe even overly-appreciative?) of any even remotely good story starring Luke, my first Star Wars hero.

8 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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Friday, September 6, 2019

Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Lando Calrissian #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – LANDO CALRISSIAN No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Matteo Buffagni
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Mike McKone with Guru eFX; Nilo Rodis-Jamero (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2019)

Rated T

“Cloud City Blues”

Lando Calrissian is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  However, Lando had a controversial start in the 1980 film, The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back or simply, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that comprises three books:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 is a new release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Matteo Buffagni; colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  The story finds Lando trying to take care of his money problems while dealing with his bad luck that often ruins his plans.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 (“Cloud City Blues”) opens on Cloud City, the gas mining facility that floats above the planet Bespin.  Former smuggler Lando Calrissian is now Cloud City's “Baron Administrator.”  Calrissian has a beautiful dream of a life of leisure and luxury and of being totally legitimate, but he has money problems.  Along with his cyborg aide, Lobot, Lando becomes involved in a scam that will gain him the fantastic wealth and the peace of mind that comes with it, except that his bad luck won't make it that easy.

Since Marvel Comics started publishing Star Wars comic books again (in 2015), the publisher has given us two Lando Calrissian miniseries and now this one-shot comic book.  Charles Soule and Alex Maleev's 2015 miniseries, Lando, remains one of Marvel's best Star Wars publications.  2018's Lando: Double or Nothing, a tie-in to the 2018 film, Solo: A Star Wars Story, is an average work with some entertaining moments.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 falls somewhere between.  As far as the story, “Cloud City Blues” is average like Lando: Double or Nothing.  It is filler material that finds the character to be in the same place, in the end, as he was in the beginning. The best writer Greg Pak seems able to do here is say that Lando is a rogue with a heart of gold and possessing some morals and ethics.  But I am always happy to see Lando's cyborg aide, Lobot, whose only film appearance was in The Empire Strikes Back.

On the art side, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 is closer to Alex Maleev's fantastic work on the 2015 miniseries.  Artist Matteo Buffagni's clean line work and smooth brushstroke create comic book art that is classic cool science fiction.  As Maleev had colorist Paul Mounts, Buffagni also has a talented comic book colorist in Tamra Bonvillain.  Travis Lanham does fine lettering for this comic book, the same way he has been doing for other AOR titles.

So yes, I found things to like in Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1.  As a Lando comic book, it, like Lando: Double or Nothing, is a missed opportunity.

6 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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Han Solo #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – HAN SOLO No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Greg Pak
PENCILS: Chris Sprouse
INKS: Karl Story
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Gerald Parel; Mike McKone with Guru-eFX; Yasmine Putri; Ralph McQuarrie (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2019)

Rated T

“Running from the Rebellion”

Han Solo is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  Han Solo was the first ally farm boy, Luke Skywalker, and former Jedi Knight, Ben Kenobi, gathered as Luke answered the call to adventure in the original 1977 Star Wars film (also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope or simply, Star Wars: A New Hope).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that comprises three series:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).  [The project is abbreviated as “Star Wars AOR.”]

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Solo #1 is a recent release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Chris Sprouse (pencils) and Karl Story (inks); colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  “Running from the Rebellion” is set not long (apparently) after the events depicted in A New Hope.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Solo #1 (“Running from the Rebellion”) finds Han Solo and his Wookie friend, companion, and copilot, Chewbacca, counting the 17,000 in Imperial credits they have received as a payoff from the promise made to them by the “late” Ben Kenobi.  Now, Han has plans.  He is ready to move back to his life as a smuggler, which includes paying the crime lord Jabba the Hutt the money that he owes them.  Thus, Han is a bit perturbed when Luke Skywalker asks for one last favor, and Han gets pulled into a rebel mission that might wreck all his plans.

First, I have to say that I think that Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Sol #1 is, thus far, my favorite of the four comic books in the “AOR” line that I have read.  If I understand correctly, Marvel Comics' Star Wars comic books, as of 2015, are official Star Wars canon.  So this delightful story, “Running from the Rebellion,” explains how Han Solo became a member of the Rebel Alliance.  Or it at least explains why he is still stuck with the rebels at the beginning of The Empire Strikes Back (1980).

Greg Pak's script for this comic book is well written, and Pak can be hit or miss.  Unlike the recent AOR Princess Leia comic book, the art team of Chris Sprouse and Karl Story draws the entirety of “Running from the Rebellion,” and an entire issue of Chris Sprouse's pencils is always a good thing.  Tamra Bonvillain's gorgeous colors are perfect for a Star Wars comic book, especially for a Chris Sprouse-Karl Story drawn Star Wars comic book.  And, of course, I see you, Travis Lanham, with your always high-quality lettering.  It's all good.

I hope more AOR comics are like Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Solo #1.

8.5 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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Darth Vader #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – DARTH VADER No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Ramón Bachs
COLORS: Stéphane Paitreau
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Gabriele Dell'Otto; Mike McKone with Guru eFX; Tommy Lee Edwards; Ralph McQuarrie (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2019)

Rated T

“To The Letter”

Darth Vader is one of the most beloved and feared characters in the Star Wars film series.  Many fans think that he has the most fascinating character arc in the Star Wars films (although some, like myself, dear readers, would argue Luke Skywalker does).  Darth Vader debuted in the original 1977 Star Wars film, but he appears as Anakin Skywalker in the “prequel trilogy” films, and as Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (also known as Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that is comprised of three series:  Star Wars: Age of Republic (which has been completed), Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1 is a new release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Ramón Bachs; colored by Stéphane Paitreau, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  This issue, which is set after the events depicted in Revenge of the Sith, finds Vader having to bend his knee to an Imperial bureaucrat.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1 (“To the Letter”) opens on the “Mid Rim” world of Namzor.  Aboard a Star Destroyer, its commander, Governor Ahr, seethes after Darth Vader goes against his wishes.  When he takes his complaint against Vader to Emperor Palpatine, Ahr is surprised by the result.  Vader, however, realizes that he has something left to prove and to learn.

The few “Age of” Star Wars comic books that I have read have been average, good, and really good.  Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1, like the recent Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1, is one of the really good issues.  The best entries in this series offer insight into the characters or into their relationships or focus on some stage of character development.  Darth Vader does both.  Without spoiling the story, I can say that writer Greg Pak presents a nifty tale showcasing the badness we expect from Vader and Palpatine.

Artist Ramón Bachs is an interesting choice for this story.  For one, his graphical style is appropriate for science fiction comics.  Secondly, his graphical interpretation of Darth Vader recalls the designs for the villain executed by the late Ralph McQuarrie.  It is as if the earliest version of Darth Vader has finally come to life, and Bachs presents him as a tall, dark, menacing figuring.  In this story, Vader is a black wraith stomping through this story to bring death.

Colorist Stéphane Paitreau adds layers of hues that have a threatening aura.  Letterer Travis Lanham have been providing excellent work on these AOR titles, and continues to do so here.  Lanham especially strikes a dark note on Palpatine's dialogue.  Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1 is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I hope the next arc, Age of Resistance, can offer a least one or two issues as good a this Darth Vader comic book.

8 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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, November 5, 2018

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for November 7, 2018

D. E.

SEP181076    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CLASSIC #1 CVR A JONES    $3.99
SEP181077    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CLASSIC #1 CVR B RUDY    $3.99
SEP181078    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CLASSIC #1 CVR C CHEN    $3.99
SEP181079    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CLASSIC #1 CVR D DANIEL HDR    $3.99
SEP181080    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CLASSIC #1 CVR E SIMONSON SUB VAR    $3.99
AUG181189    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA VS BATTLESTAR GALACTICA TP    $19.99
JUL181249    CHARMED MAGIC SCHOOL MANGA GN    $12.99
NOV171508    DEJAH THORIS TRADING CARDS PREVIEW SET    $10.00
JUL181269    ELVIRA MISTRESS OF DARK #3 CVR A LINSNER    $3.99
JUL181270    ELVIRA MISTRESS OF DARK #3 CVR B CERMAK    $3.99
JUL181271    ELVIRA MISTRESS OF DARK #3 CVR C HACK    $3.99
JUL181272    ELVIRA MISTRESS OF DARK #3 CVR D PHOTO SUB VAR    $3.99
JUN181062    FURTHER ADVENTURES RED SONJA TP VOL 01    $19.99
SEP181041    JAMES BOND 007 #1 CVR A JOHNSON    $3.99
SEP181042    JAMES BOND 007 #1 CVR B CASSADAY    $3.99
SEP181043    JAMES BOND 007 #1 CVR C ALBUQUERQUE    $3.99
SEP181044    JAMES BOND 007 #1 CVR D LAMING    $3.99

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Review: GENERATIONS: Banner Hulk & Totally Awesome Hulk #1

GENERATIONS: BANNER HULK & TOTALLY AWESOME HULK No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Greg Pak
ARTIST: Matteo Buffagni
COLORS: Dono Sanchez-Almara
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
COVER: Jorge Molina
VARIANT COVERS: Matteo Buffagni; John Cassaday with Paul Mounts; Greg Horn; Dale Keown with Jason Keith; Francesco Mattina; Alex Ross; Joe Vriens; Mike McKone with Andy Troy
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2017)

Rated T+

Hulk created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee

“The Strongest”

Generations is a ten-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 first issue is Generations: Banner Hulk & Totally Awesome Hulk which brings together the classic Hulk who is Bruce Banner and the new Totally Awesome Hulk, who is the genius Amadeus Cho.  This comic book is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Matteo Buffagni; colored by Dono Sanchez-Almara; and lettered by Cory Petit.

Generations: Banner Hulk & Totally Awesome Hulk #1 (“The Strongest”) opens as Amadeus Cho, the Hulk, lands in Death Valley.  He was just in Washington D.C., so why is he here?  It must be to meet that other Hulk, not but several yards from him and fighting a pitched battle against a heavily-armed military unit.  These soldiers are throwing everything at this Hulk, who turns out to be Banner Hulk, but isn't Bruce Banner dead?!

Halfway through Generations: Banner Hulk & Totally Awesome Hulk #1, I thought, “What's the point of this?”  Most of this comic book is one huge battle that occasionally shifts settings or adds a new player.  At some point in the story, the point Greg Pak is trying to make becomes clear.  There may be a new Hulk, but he can't escape the legacy of the original Hulk.

Bruce Banner has a message for Amadeus Cho, something along the lines of “Young blood, you don't know me, and you know the Hulk even less.”  Maybe, Marvel Comics is sticking by its new Totally Awesome Hulk.  [Cue the diversity complaints!]  Still, the classic Hulk's conflicts, motivations, dilemmas, trials and tribulations remain.  Amadeus Cho Hulk has 99 problems and the Hulk is all of them, or, at least, time will tell.

So Generations: Banner Hulk & Totally Awesome Hulk #1 is not a pointless event comic book, cynically meant to separate gullible fans from their money.  The fan can be a reader this time.  This is not a great comic book by any means, but it bridges the past and the future in a way that genuinely speaks to what is unique about our favorite incredible, rampaging, rage monster, the Hulk.

B+
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.

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Friday, June 30, 2017

I Reads You Juniors June 2017 - Update #30

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Welcome to the I Reads You blog.  It's May 2017.  This post and its updates will offer news and blurb reviews.

From BleedingCool:  More information on "Marvel Legacy" and the "Generations" one-shots.

From GoFundMe:  Veteran comic book writer-artist and WWII veteran, Sam Glanzman, needs the help of his fans and admirers as he goes through hospice.

From BleedingCool:  At this year's San Diego Comic-Con International, IDW will use a multi-media display to showcase 1300 pages of Jack Kirby's artwork.  This year is the 100th anniversary of his birth (August 28, 1917).

From ComicBookBin:  Johnny Bullet Episode #123 in English.

From ComicBookBin:  Johnny Bullet Episode #123 in French.

From BleedingCool:  Fandemic Tour is a new brand of comic conventions created by John Macaluso, ex-CEO of Wizard World.

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BLURB REVIEW:

Generation X #1 (Marvel Comics – July 2017) by Christina Strain and Amilcar Pinna with Felipe Sobreiro

Why is Marvel Comics reviving the mid-1990s X-Men title, Generation X (1994 to 2001; 75 issues)?  Well, it's a title/trademark they own, and since they are in the middle of the latest X-Men reboot/revival (called “ResurrXion”), and they need new X-titles, why not?

This new series focuses on a “newer” generation of mutants, with Jubilee being the only original member to belong to this new iteration.  I read the original Generation X for a number of years, mainly because of Chris Bachalo's incredible detailed and textured art.  Current series artist Amilcar Pinna does nothing for me, and writer Christina Strain's script does not inspire me to keep reading.  I am not interested in the characters, and the name, term, or phrase, “Generation X,” simply does not have the power or draw it once did.


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From BleedingCool:  A look at the Marvel "Legacy" covers.

From SideshowToys:  See an older Jack Burton in the upcoming "Big Trouble in Little China" comic book series, "Old Man Jack."

From BleedingCool:  Longtime comic book artist, Rich Buckler, died of cancer in May of this year at the age of 68.  The Marvel Comics' shipping today, June 21st, will have feature a memorial page to him.

From CBB:  Deejay Dayton's "DC Comics History" looks at "Mademmoiselle Marie," from the "Star Spangled War Stories" comic book series.

From CBR:  Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons' "The Secret Service" comic book (which became the film, "Kingsman: The Secret Service") has a sequel, which will be written by Rob Williams and drawn by Simon Fraser.

From BleedingCool:  Enrico Marini is creating a Batman graphic novel, exclusively for French publisher, Dargaud.  The book will be published in two volumes - one this year and the second volume next year.

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment is publishing a comic book series that will offer the origins of the character "John Wick" from the popular film franchise.  Greg Pak is writing and Giovanni Valletta.

From CBB:  Johnny Bullet Episode #122 in English
From CBB:  Johnny Bullet Episode #122 in French.

From BusinessWire:  20th Century Fox Film buys a "significant minority stake" in indie comics publisher, BOOM! Studios, according to this press release.

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BLURB REVIEW:

Reborn #6 (Image Comics – June 2017) by Mark Millar and Greg Capullo with Jonathan Glapion

Mark Millar's latest comic book-as-Hollywood pitch, Reborn, ends with a sixth issue.  Meh.  It has it moments, some of them quite evocative, but Reborn seems like something in which the best is yet to come, or at least the actual story is yet to come.  Apparently, there are plans for several more volumes of Reborn.  I liked Greg Capullo's imaginative character and creature designs and sets; in fact, there are three pages of Capullo's concept sketches at the end of this issue.

Also, is it just me or does much of Reborn seem to be inspired by Ridley Scott's ambitious, but troubled fantasy film, Legend (1985)?

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From BleedingCool:  DC Comics may be publishing a series of comic books from horror novelists for Halloween.

From BleedingCool:   IDW Publishing is beginning is new Hasbro crossover event (G.I. Joe, Transformers, Micronauts, Rom, etc.) with "First Strike #0," a free comic book - in print and online.

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BLURB REVIEW:

Jean Grey #1 (Marvel Comics – July 2017) by Dennis Hopeless and Victor Ibanez with Jay David Ramos

I think that this is the first solo Jean Grey comic book title in the 50+ years of X-Men comic books.  Maybe, Marvel had to take its time to get it right, because this Jean Grey comic book is right.  Writer Dennis Hopeless makes Jean Grey's powers seem fun with an imaginative display of tossing villains and juggling objects.  I like Victor Ibanez's interior art, but not as much as I like that of series cover artist, David Yardin.  Still, there is something fresh and sparkling about Ibánez's art, which is enhanced by Jay David Ramos' shimmering colors.  I can't wait to read more, especially because of the teaser the last page offers.

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From CBR:  There might have been a Frank Miller/Bill Sienkiewicz Wonder Woman bondage comic book.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel will ship preview copies of "Legacy #1" to retailers in September.

From ICv2:  Hasbro is throwing its own convention, Hascon, on September 8-10, 2017.  Stan Lee will be a guest.

From TheBeat:  Marvel month-to-month sales chart March 2017 to April 2017.

From CBB:  Leroy reviews "Everyone's Getting Married Vol. 5."

From BleedingCool:  Jimmie Robinson ("Bomb Queen," "The Empty")  talks about not drawing for a year.

From CBB:  Johnny Bullet #120 in English.

From CBB:  Johnny Bullet #120 in French.

From WomenWriteAboutComics:  Yeah, why is Marvel Comics' "Generation X" back?

From BleedingCool:  See Spider-Man's Mary Jane Watson as several Avengers, courtesy of artist J. Scott Campbell.

From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books announces a new anthology, "Now," to be edited by Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds.

From BleedingCool:  There will be more from the world of Mark Millar's comic, "The Secret Service," which became the movie, "Kingsman: The Secret Service."

From BleedingCool:  In "Wildstorm: A Celebration Of 25 Years," fans will see the uncensored versions of Mark Millar and Frank Quitely's "The Authority" #13 to 14.

From ComicBookBin:  Today's lesson in "DC Comics History" is "The Wyoming Kid" (1960 to 1964) by Deejay Dayton.