I Reads You: Jae Lee

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: NIGHT CLUB II #1

NIGHT CLUB II #1 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Jae Lee with June Chung

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2024)

Rated M / Mature

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Night Club II is a new six-issue miniseries written and created by Mark Millar and drawn by Juanan Ramírez. A Dark Horse Comics publication and a Netflix production, Night Club II is a sequel to the 2023 miniseries, Night Club. Both series focus on a teen boy who is bitten by a vampire and decides to make the best of his new condition. Colorist Fabiana Mascolo and letterer Clem Robins complete Night Club II's creative team.

Night Club introduces 17-year-old Danny Garcia, who had ambitions to gain fame and fortune as a YouTube star. After being turned into a vampire, he passed his new found powers unto his friends, DJ Sam Huxley and Amy Chen. Now, they're the superheroes: Starguard (Danny), Thundercloud (Sam), Yellowbird (Amy). But jealousy has broken up this vampire-superhero trio...

Night Club II #1 opens with Danny and Amy, now a couple, still playing superheroes and filming it for their lucrative YouTube page. They are actively attacking the drug empire of Rufus Tee, much to the chagrin of the police. Meanwhile, former “band mate,” Sam is using his vampire powers to ball hard, and now, he's gotten an attractive offer from a man who should be his enemy.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Night Club II #1.

Reading this first issue of Night Club II, I suddenly remembered how much I really liked the first series and how much I really missed it. I'd love for Night Club to be an ongoing series, but I know that Millarworld doesn't really work that way. Night Club will have a beginning, middle, and end, but I feel like, as far as a vampire-superhero hybrid goes, it could be like DC Comics' Teen Titans.

Instead of offering big surprises in this return, writer Mark Millar and artist Juanan Ramírez build on the narrative that began in Night Club #1 and came to a head in Night Club #6. Millar provides the character drama, and Ramirez spreads it out in big panels and in widescreen storytelling. I think this means that there will be a lot of force applied by various interested parties to other interested parties in this second installment, and I think we'll like it, dear readers.

If you have ever seen the 1987 vampire film, The Lost Boys, you might have wondered what it would be like if the vampire boys got to play to their own interests. Maybe, Night Club II is that story.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of vampire comic books will want to be bitten by Night Club II.

★★★★ out of 4 stars

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

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

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This series is collected in the trade paperback, NIGHT CLUB VOLUME 2, which is available at Amazon.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: RED SONJA Black White Red #6

RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #6
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone; Shannon Watters; Bob Q
ART: Jonathan Lau; Ro Stein; Bob Q
COLORS: Kike J. Diaz; Ted Brandt; Bob Q
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry; Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Jae Lee
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Lesley Leirix Li; Jonathan Lau; Jae Lee; Saphire Nova (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated Teen+

Based on the characters and stories created by Roy Thomas, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Robert E. Howard

Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated: February 1973) saw the debut of a high fantasy, sword and sorcery heroine, Red Sonja. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith, Red Sonja was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Robert E. Howard (1906-1936), the creator of the character, Conan the Cimmerian.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring differing versions of the character. One of those is Red Sonja Black White and Red, an anthology comic book featuring stories from well known comic book writers and artists, with the art presented in black, white, and red.

Red Sonja Black White and Red #6 is comprised of three stories. The first is “The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples),” which is written by David Avallone; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Kike J. Diaz; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry. The second is “Morgona the Crimson,” which is written by Shannon Watters; drawn by Ro Stein; colored by Ted Brandt; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry. The third is “The Giant,” which is written, drawn, and colored by Bob Q and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.

THE LOWDOWN: In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Red Sonja Black White and Red #6, which is the fifth issue of the title that I have read.

“The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples)” by David Avallone, Jonathan Lau, Kike J. Diaz, and Jeff Eckleberry:
Envoys from the Kingdom of Levkoy have approached Red Sonja. They offer gold if she can rescue their beloved Prince Maximilian from six brigands. But things are not as they seem, and Red Sonja wonders if she should make a different, if not better deal.

Writer David Avallone offers a nice twist on the sword and sorcery mercenary tale with “The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples).” The treat here, however, is Jonathan Lau's gorgeous art. Not only does it recall classic Barry Windsor-Smith era and John Buscema era Conan the Barbarian, but Lau also offers inventive and eye-catching page design.

“Morgona the Crimson” by Shannon Watters, Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, and Jeff Eckleberry:
Red Sonja has recently discovered that when she rescues someone they thank her as … Morgona the Crimson! And the people she helps are so grateful that they gift her food and livestock. Who the hell is Morgona the Crimson?

Once upon a time, I would have ignored “Morgona the Crimson.” Over the last three decades, however, I have heard so many horrible tales of identity theft (and also “unauthorized use of an access card) that this story resonates with me. Shannon Watters' tale is timely and visceral, and Ro Stein's art captures both a sense of dark comedy and Sonja's frustration. Plus, this tale has a gag cartoon quality that is hard to resist.

“The Giant” by Bob Q and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou:
A fortune teller warns Red Sonja of her demise if she takes on “the Guardian,” a giant that guards a crossing. After her initial confrontation with the Guardian, Sonja wonders.

“The Giant” has nice art and a clever resolution. I would like this story to be longer because I want to know what happens afterwards...

It is hard for me to pick a favorite story from the offerings in Red Sonja Black White and Red #6. I'll call it a tie between “The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples)” and “Morgona the Crimson.”

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Red Sonja will want to try Red Sonja Black White and Red.

A

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

You can find these stories and more in the hardcover trade collection, RED SONJA: BLACK, WHITE, RED VOL. 2, which is available at Amazon.

https://x.com/DynamiteComics
https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/
https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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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Tuesday, May 6, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #1

NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #1 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Valerio Giangiordano

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Valerio Giangiordano with Lee Loughridge

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (July 2024)

Age range: 14+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery is a five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar. It is a sequel to the miniseries, Nemesis Reloaded (2023) and Big Game (2023). Published by Dark Horse comics, the new series finds the super-killer, Nemesis, on a mission of revenge. Rogues' Gallery is drawn by Valerio Giangiordano; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clem Robins.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #1 opens in the hospital wing of Colton Brown Penitentiary, California. Nemesis was the world's greatest super-villain. Now, he is merely a paraplegic (as a result of the battle with the superheroes that began in Big Game #1) named Matthew Anderson. However, his former acquaintances, a group lurking in their Temple of Panza, can bring him back to what he was, but is he willing to pay the price?

Meanwhile, someone Nemesis hurt is also getting an offer he won't refuse.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. I mark my return with Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery #1.

Nemesis Reloaded #1 was a helluva first issue. This first issue of Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery is a bit more subdued. It's an introduction to Nemesis' situation and how he got there. This is like Millard's quiet before the storm, but oh, what a storm it will be judging by the last page.

The art by Valerio Giangiordano provides the perfectly dark, edgy, and moody storytelling this issue needs. Giangiordano's art is like a mash-up of the graphic stylings of Frank Quietly and of the late Richard Corben, and it perfectly depicts the restrained intensity of Nemesis' utter insanity. Lee Loughridge colors the art by actually dialing back on the colors, and this steeps the story in darkness even more. Clem Robins, as usual, captures the spirit of Millar's ideas with his pitch-perfect lettering.

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery promises to be a good time. It may also end up being the best Batman comic book in ages.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books will desire Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery.

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

The NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY trade paperback is available at Amazon.

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Wednesday, April 30, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SPACE GHOST Volume 1 #4

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #4

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Michael Cho; Bob Layton

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2024)

Rated “Teen”

“The Cult of Zorak!”

Space Ghost is a superhero character created by the American animation studio and production company, Hanna-Barbera Productions. The character first appeared in the Saturday morning cartoon series, “Space Ghost,” which was originally broadcast on CBS from September 1966 to September 1967 for 20 episodes.

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period. Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Entitled Space Ghost Volume 1, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, twins Jan and Jace Keplar and their pet monkey, Blip, meet that legendary cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost Volume 1 #4 (“The Cult of Zorak!”) opens at the specially designed Omegan Prison, where Zorak and his army of fanatical Zorathian warriors have broken free. Space Ghost knows that Zorak will seek revenge against him, so he travels to Zorak's most recent base of operations, the planet Bellerophon. It isn't Zorak awaiting the “Guardian of the Spaceways,” however; it is the mighty Titanor!

Meanwhile, Zorak, a prophet and worshiper of Lorak, the Locust of the Apocalypse, plots to bring his mythical god to life. And Jan, Jace, and Blip are about to enter this game of fanaticism.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost Volume 1 #4 is the latest, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

The first four issues of Dynamite's Space Ghost revival comic book are a pure delight. Writer David Pepose is making me rapidly run out of good things to say about his storytelling. Pepose retains the traditional Space Ghost, but he also rockets the character into a modern sensibility. The Saturday morning pop sci-fi/fantasy is now darker and more menacing. Still, the tone of this comic book series can appeal to readers young and old. Pepose did not forsake a timeless appeal for the temporary thrills of grim and gritty “mature themes.”

I think this series really works because of Jonathan Lau's art and graphical storytelling. Lau captures the edge in Pepose's scripts and turns it into pure rage against evil and into pure passion for justice. Like Pepose, Lau retains the classic appeal of Space Ghost. Andrew Dalhouse's colors make for a gritty narrative, but they keep the classic comic book cool. Letterer Taylor Esposito captures all the emotion that swirls in and out of this story.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 1. It is easily one of the best comic book media adaptations that I have read in years, dear readers. It is almost too good to be true, but true, y'all, it is really good.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 1.

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

You can buy SPACE GHOST VOLUME 1 at Amazon.

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Wednesday, April 23, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: RED SONJA Black White Red #5

RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #5
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Jacob Edgar; Oliver Gerlach; Frank Tieri
ART: Jacob Edgar; Alex Moore; Lee Ferguson
COLORS: Giorgio Spalletta; Alex Moore; Kike J. Diaz
LETTERS: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Lucio Parrillo
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Joshua Sway Swaby; Jae Lee; Lucio Parrillo; Rachel Hollon (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated Teen+

Based on the characters and stories created by Roy Thomas, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Robert E. Howard

Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated: February 1973) saw the debut of a high fantasy, sword and sorcery heroine, Red Sonja. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith, Red Sonja was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Robert E. Howard (1906-1936), the creator of the character, Conan the Cimmerian.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring differing versions of the character. One of those is Red Sonja Black White and Red, an anthology comic book featuring stories from well known comic book writers and artists, with the art presented in black, white, and red.

Red Sonja Black White and Red #5 is comprised of three stories. The first is “The Hunted,” which is written and drawn by Jacob Edgar; colored by Giorgio Spalletta; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou. The second is “The Chill Touch of Sorcery!,” which is written by Oliver Gerlach; drawn and colored by Alex Moore; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou. The third is “Erik the Black, He-Demon with an Axe,” which is written by Frank Tieri; drawn by Lee Ferguson; colored by Kike J. Diaz; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou.

THE LOWDOWN: Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Red Sonja Black White and Red #5, which is the fourth issue of the title that I have read.

“The Hunted” by Jacob Edgar, Giorgio Spalletta, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
Baron Raaf wants someone to bring him the head of Red Sonja. Is that “Yul, the Eternal,” called an immortal because no man has ever drawn his blood? Are Wenyl and Fenyl, speedy and skilled with a dagger, the men who can kill the She-Devil? Can an archer take her down? Who is the hunted?

“The Hunted is a thoroughly enjoyable story. Like many of the short stories in this series, “The Hunted” is for Red Sonja fans because they don't need the narrative to unveil Sonja's character as they know her. Readers only need a clever plot, and this one is.

“The Chill Touch of Sorcery!” by Oliver Gerlach, Alex Moore, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
Red Sonja is pursuing a sorceress across a treacherous, icy landscape. It is a good story, but not a great story. I do like the artist's use of page design here.

“Erik the Black, He-Demon with an Axe” by Frank Tieri, Lee Ferguson, Kike J. Diaz, Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
In a bar full of assassins, pirates, thieves, barbarians, she-bitches, etc., everyone gives Red Sonja, the She-Devil with a Sword a wide birth … except Erik the Black, He-Demon with an Axe. He says that he is here to kick “the fine, metal bikined ass” of Red Sonja...

Writer Frank Tieri offers his usual meaty, violent storytelling, which I enjoy, but with a neat twist. Lee Ferguson's art fits this story's “tale of” back-story aspects. It all works.

It is not hard for me to pick a favorite story of the three offered in Red Sonja Black White and Red #5. It is “The Hunted” by Jacob Edgar, Giorgio Spalletta, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou. However, “Erik the Black, He-Demon with an Axe” is a nice runner-up and would be my favorite otherwise.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Red Sonja will want to try Red Sonja Black White and Red.

A-

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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

You can find these stories and more in the hardcover trade collection, RED SONJA: BLACK, WHITE, RED VOL. 2, which is available at Amazon.

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/
https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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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Tuesday, March 4, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SPACE GHOST #3

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #3

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Michael Cho

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (July 2024)

Rated “Teen”

“Beware the Web of the Widow!”

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period. Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Entitled Space Ghost Volume 1, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, twins Jan and Jace Keplar and their pet monkey, Blip, meet that legendary cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost Volume 1 #3 (“Beware the Web of the Widow!”) opens as Space Ghost, Jan, Jace, and Blip battle Lizard Slavers, and the tide is turning... against our heroes! Enter the Widow. Not only is she their savior, but she also has an offer that is hard to refuse: join her in a heist that will penetrate Robo Corp central.

Now, Space Ghost can find out why Robo Corp's CEO, Dr. Xander Ibal, has placed a five million-credits bounty on his head. What does he want of him that is different from what the Galactic Patrol wants? Will Space Ghost, Jan, and Jace find answers or betrayal?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost Volume 1 #3 is the latest, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

The first three issues of Dynamite's Space Ghost revival comic book are a pure delight. Comic books like this new Space Ghost are why I keep reading comic books long after growing bored with my core Marvel and DC Comics titles. With this third issue, writer David Pepose makes things perfectly clear: the first two issues of this series were not flukes. As a spinner of Space Ghost yarns, Pepose is the real fucking deal.

Jonathan Lau's illustrations and Andrew Dalhouse's colors make for a gritty narrative, but they also turn Pepose's script into the perfect Space Ghost storytelling. Grit and edge aside, Lau and Dalhouse capture the classic energy of the original Hanna-Barbera “Space Ghost” animated series. Letterer Taylor Esposito also does his part to capture that classic cool.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 1. It is easily one of the best comic book media adaptations that I have read in years, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 1.

★★★★ out of 4 stars

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

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Tuesday, February 25, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: RED SONJA Black White Red #4

RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Sanya Anwar; Phillip Kennedy Johnson; Chuck Brown
ART: Sanya Anwar; Steve Beach; Drew Moss
COLORS: Kike J. Diaz; Steve Beach; Drew Moss
LETTERS: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Lucio Parrillo
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Cat Staggs; Jae Lee; Lucio Parrillo; Rachel Hollon (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2021)

Rated Teen+

Based on the characters and stories created by Roy Thomas, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Robert E. Howard

Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated: February 1973) saw the debut of a high fantasy, sword and sorcery heroine, Red Sonja. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith, Red Sonja was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Robert E. Howard (1906-1936), the creator of the character, Conan the Cimmerian.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring differing versions of the character. One of those is Red Sonja Black White and Red, an anthology comic book featuring stories from well known comic book writers and artists, with the art presented in black, white, and red.

Red Sonja Black White and Red #4 is comprised of three stories. The first is “The Iron Maiden,” and it is written and drawn by Sanya Anwar; colored by Kike J. Diaz; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou. The second story is “The Iron Queen,” and it is written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson; drawn by Steve Beach; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou. The third story is “Cold Monger,” and it is written by Chuck Brown; drawn by Drew Moss; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou. I'll review each story separately.

THE LOWDOWN: Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Red Sonja Black White and Red #4, which is the third issue of the title that I have read.

“The Iron Maiden” by Sanya Anwar, Kike J. Diaz, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
After being grievously injured, Sonja of Hyrkania passes out. When she awakens, she is under the care of Oenila, and two more different women there couldn't be. However, when Sonja later tries to save Oenila, she learns that a women can be a warrior on a different kind of battlefield.

“The Iron Maiden” is a nice story, but I think it doesn't show its power until the very end. I do like that the story shows that every woman does not have to be a she-devil with a sword in order to be brave in a struggle that she must face.

“The Iron Queen” by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Steve Beach, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
This a tale of Red Sonja's past and present, one that finds her aged and waiting for the opportunity to be great again. It takes a young woman who idolizes her to remind the She-Devil that she was and still is a she-devil.

The art for “The Iron Queen” by Steve Beach is beautiful, and has a quality that recalls the “ink-wash” art that could be found in Savage Sword of Conan, the old Marvel Conan comics magazine. Johnson's story is nice, but I'm sure that I have read something just like it in the past.

“Cold Monger” by Chuck Brown, Drew Moss, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
Red Sonja meets a stranger in a strange, cold land. He tells her of King Ole VII, “the Cold Monger,” who uses magic to keep the land frozen and him in control of fire. Can the hot-blooded She-Devil with a Sword melt down the Cold Monger's rule?

I like “Cold Monger.” It's like a fairy tale with Red Sonja as the unnamed hero who passes through a land, staying only long enough to depose a despot.

It is not hard for me to pick a favorite story of the three offered in Red Sonja Black White and Red #4. “Cold Monger” by Chuck Brown, Drew Moss, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou really stands out in this issue, which I must admit that I find to be the weakest issue of this series that I have read, thus far.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Red Sonja will want to try Red Sonja Black White and Red.

B

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

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/
https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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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Thursday, January 9, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SPACE GHOST #2

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Michael Cho; Joe Quesada; Francesco Mattina

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2024)

Rated “Teen”

“Journey to the Ghost Planet”

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost Volume 1 #2 (“Journey to the Ghost Planet”) opens in the past on the planet, Vector. Here, we see glimpses of the tragedy that would turn a man into “Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost, Jan, Jace, and Blip travel aboard the Phantom Cruiser to Space Ghost's base of operations, “Ghost Planet.” The kids soon grow bored, as the mysterious vigilante mostly focuses on his work. Left to their own devices, the kids do their own thing, which includes an unexpected flight in the Phantom Cruiser. Now, it's up to Jan to save the day, but can she come up with a way to save her brother, Jace, and Blip... and maybe help out the Ghost, too?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost Volume 1 #2 is the latest, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

I remain very happy about this new Space Ghost series. The first issue was about re-introductions of classic characters and introductions of their new versions. The first chapter was a little chaotic and a little thin on plot. This second issue, which is stronger, does a deep dive into the possibilities of Jan and Jace and Blip becoming a working part of Space Ghost's life as a cosmic vigilante. With this second issue, writer David Pepose perfectly captures the spirit of wonder and fantasy that was the original Space Ghost animated series, and it is a delight.

Jonathan Lau's illustrations and Andrew Dalhouse's colors make for a gritty narrative, but they also turn Pepose's script into the perfect Space Ghost storytelling. Whatever Lau and Dalhouse did well the first issue, they go nova on it with this second issue. It is pop comics with a sort of moodiness which seems like a touch of Batman. Also, Taylor Esposito's lettering is classic comics cool, which serves the spirit of Space Ghost quite well.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 1. It is easily one of the best comic book media adaptations that I have read in years, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 1.

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

This issue includes a four-page preview of Dynamite's Jonny Quest #1:

STORY: Joe Casey

ART: Sebastián Piriz

COLORS: Lorenzo Scaramella

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Matt Idelson

Jonny Quest created by Doug Wildey

The issues continues from the Jonny Quest FCBD Special that came out in May during Free Comic Book Day 2024. Team Quest returns to their home on the island of Key Palm, where things are not quite what they're supposed to be...

Writer Joe Casey, artist Sebastian Piriz, colorist Lorenzo Scaramella, and letterer Taylor Esposito summon the classic “Jonny Quest” cool. That is that it looks that way in this four-page preview. Well, I feel it, dear readers, and I'm ready for more.

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Tuesday, November 26, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SPACE GHOST #1

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Michael Cho; Alex Toth; Francesco Mattina

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (May 2024)

Rated “Teen”

Space Ghost is a superhero character created by the American animation studio and production company, Hanna-Barbera Productions. The character first appeared in the Saturday morning cartoon series, “Space Ghost,” which was originally broadcast on CBS from September 1966 to September 1967 for 20 episodes. Space Ghost shared his television series with a second feature, entitled “Dino Boy in the Lost Valley.” Space Ghost was designed by cartoonist and comic book artist, Alex Toth (1928-2006), who created the character with Hanna-Barbera's founders, William Hanna (1910-2001) and Joseph Barbera (1911-2006).

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost Volume 1 #1 opens on Space Colony Omnicron. It is the home of brilliant scientist, Doctor Jarrod Keplar, and his children – a pair of twins – Jan (a girl) and Jace (a boy). Now, Omnicron is suffering a surprise attack at the hands of space pirates. Dr. Keplar is planning to escape with his children and their pet monkey, Blip, who is more than he seems.

The colony's defenses are overwhelmed, however, and when tragedy strikes the Keplar family, all seems lost. Yet these ruthless pirates did not count on a wild card – the cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.” This almost folkloric figure metes out justice throughout the galaxy and brings vengeance to those who prey upon the defenseless. But can even this phantom save this day?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost Volume 1 #1 is the latest, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

As far as I'm concerned, there have never been enough Space Ghost comic book series. His last comic book appearances before now were DC Comics' Future Quest maxi-series and Future Quest Presents #1 (DC Comics), I believe. So I'm happy about this new series. This first issue is about re-introductions of classic characters and introductions of their new versions. This first chapter is a little chaotic and a little thin on plot. Still, it's fun to see Space Ghost in action, and even more fun to see Jan and Jace take a more proactive part in the combat than they have in the past.

Jonathan Lau's illustrations and Andrew Dalhouse's colors make for a gritty narrative, which I'll accept. I prefer that Space Ghost comics mimic the slick and technically proficient design style of the artist who first visualized the world of Space Ghost, the late Alex Toth. Still, the darker and rougher graphical storytelling style here may indeed work in selling this newer vision of Space Ghost.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 1 #1. It is a first issue well worth many American dollars, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 1.

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

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Saturday, June 1, 2024

"Jonny Quest" Returns to Comic Books in Time for 60th Anniversary

Jonny Quest's Adventures Continue in Ongoing Series by Joe Casey

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Original Series

Fans are invited to join the adventuring party of Jonny Quest and crew this August alongside fan-favorite writer Joe Casey and brilliant artist Sebastián Piriz. The tale celebrates the six incredible decades of Jonny Quest fandom and follows the issue #0 prelude story with approximately 80,000 copies released for Free Comic Book Day this May.

Climb aboard the Sea Quest and get ready to embark on a journey like no other. Legendary boy explorer Jonny Quest is back in action, and joined by the whole beloved cast originally created for the Hanna-Barbera animation line by comic book legend Doug Wildey.

Jonny's father, Dr. Benton Quest, is a genius scientist often leading the way. “Race” Bannon is a special agent tasked with protecting Jonny and teaching him a range of skills. Hadji is the orphaned adopted son of Dr. Quest, and Jonny’s brother. Last, but certainly not least, Jonny’s dog Bandit is always along for the ride.

This batch of characters are all back in four color pages, and they'll be joined by even more unexpected faces as writer Joe Casey hews close to the original spirit of the series, while using a modern storytelling approach in his signature style. This comic series picks up where the original animated series left off in 1964, but fans will be surprised as things quickly take a turn for the uncanny! Now Dynamite and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products kick off a new era for the franchise!

"The hope is that we’re maintaining the bouncy spirit of the original TV show," said Joe Casey. "From one episode to the next, Jonny Quest always had a particular dramatic rhythm that was completely unique. We want our book to have that same kind of vibe. Plus, the fact that Benton and Jonny are father and son automatically makes this a generational story. We’re taking that angle and really running with it, taking that specific generational aspect to the extreme in ways that, we think, deepen the characters and give them the proper amount of gravitas that we demand from our beloved genre fiction."

Joe Casey is a certified legend with plenty of experience bringing comics inspired stories to animation and vice versa. As part of the creative group Man of Action, he's played a role in creating iconic franchises like "Ben 10" and "Generator Rex." In comics, Casey has tackled many of the industry's top titles, while always finding time for his own creations too. He's written for titles including Uncanny X-Men, Adventures of Superman, Incredible Hulk, Cable, WildC.A.T.s, G.I. Joe, as well as Gødland, All-America Comix, and others.

Casey's major co-star on the title is rising artist Sebastián Piriz (We Ride Titans, Deadweights). His fantastic, fluid artwork has been wowing plugged in fans for a while with his fan art, commissions, and process shared on social media. Dynamite and the whole team are excited about Quest being perhaps his biggest showcase yet for fans to enjoy his perfectly matched style.

The title is enhanced by a roster of fully frameable covers by industry luminaries including Chad Hardin (Harley Quinn), Jae Lee, Tom Raney, Bob Layton, and Richard Pace. More surprises may be around the corner, as Dynamite invites some of the most fun names in comics to tackle this icon.

JONNY QUEST #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ June 2024 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in August 2024. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the book with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more!

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JONNY QUEST and all related characters and elements © & ™ Hanna-Barbera. (s24)

About Dynamite Entertainment:

Dynamite was founded in 2004 and is home to several best-selling comic book titles and properties, including The Boys, The Shadow, Red Sonja, Warlord of Mars, Bionic Man, A Game of Thrones, and more. Dynamite owns and controls an extensive library with over 3,000 characters (which includes the Harris Comics and Chaos Comics properties), such as Vampirella, Pantha, Evil Ernie, Smiley the Psychotic Button, Chastity, and Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt. In addition to their critically-acclaimed titles and bestselling comics, Dynamite works with some of the most high-profile creators in comics and entertainment, including Gail Simone, Christopher Priest, Leah Moore, Kevin Smith, David Walker, Vita Ayala, Danny Lore, Neil Gaiman, Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, Mark Russell, Brandon Thomas, Amy Chu, Reginald Hudlin, Nancy Collins, David Walker, Steve Orlando, Greg Pak, Jenny Frison, Matt Wagner, and a host of up-and-coming new talent. Dynamite is consistently ranked in the upper tiers of comic book publishers and several of their titles - including Alex Ross and Jim Krueger's Project Superpowers - have debuted in the Top Ten lists produced by Diamond Comics Distributors. In 2005, Diamond awarded the company a GEM award for Best New Publisher and another GEM in 2006 for Comics Publisher of the Year (under 5%) and again in 2011. The company has also been nominated for and won several industry awards, including the prestigious Harvey and Eisner Awards.

About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products:

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences, extends the company’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBDGCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on award-winning toy, fashion, home décor and publishing programs inspired by the biggest franchises from Warner Bros.’ film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Eurosport, Adult Swim, and more. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, and promotional partnerships, WBDGCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

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Saturday, May 25, 2024

Titan Comics Announces "Conan" Comics Solicitations for August 2024

HEROIC SIGNATURES & TITAN COMICS AUGUST 2024 SOLICITS (JUNE 2024 PREVIEWS)

COMICS

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #14 (ONGOING)

Writer: Jim Zub

Artist: Doug Braithwaite

Publishers: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale: August 21, 2024

AFTER LEAVING CIMMERIA FILLED WITH WANDERLUST, A YOUNG CONAN HEADS NORTH IN SEARCH OF GLORY.

What he finds in that cold climate will change his outlook forever, setting him on the path that will make him a legend.

The triumphant new era of Conan continues in this tale of brutal heroic adventure from acclaimed creators Jim Zub (Avengers, Dungeons & Dragons) and Doug Braithwaite (Punisher, Justice)!

COVER A: JAE LEE (JUN240409)

COVER B: REBECA PUEBLA (JUN240410)

COVER C: DOUG BRAITHWAITE (JUN240411)

COVER D: STUART SAYGER (JUN240412)

COVER E: JAMES HARREN (JUN240413)

THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #4 (ONGOING)

Writers: Jim Zub, Patch Zircher, Fred Kennedy, Jeff Shanks, Ron Marz

Artists: Patch Zircher, Fernando Dagnino, Andy Belanger, Eryk Donovan, Mike Perkins, Dean Kotz

Publishers: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

B&W, 80pp, $6.99, On Sale: August 28, 2024

CONAN THE BARBARIAN AND SAVAGE SWORD COLLIDE WITH AN EPIC, OVERSIZED CROSSOVER ISSUE!

Prepare for the imminent launch of the Conan mini-series: BATTLE OF THE BLACK STONE with this special issue! Explore captivating stories that set the stage for the mini-series, featuring CONAN (Zub/Dagnino), BRISSA (Zub/ Kotz), SOLOMON KANE (Zircher), DARK AGNES (Kennedy/Belanger), CONRAD & KIROWAN (Shanks/Donovan), and EL BORAK (Marz/Perkins).

COVER A: DAVID PALUMBO (JUN240406)

COVER B: MARIA LOPEZ (JUN240407)

COVER C: BEN CALDWELL WRAPAROUND (JUN240408)

GRAPHIC NOVELS / OMNIBUS

CONAN THE BARBARIAN: THE ORIGINAL COMICS OMNIBUS VOL.4

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Publishers: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

824pp, FC, HC, $125.00, On sale: October 16, 2024

The fourth volume in the classic Conan omnibus collection!

In this action-packed omnibus, Roy Thomas and artistic collaborator John Buscema bring the saga of Bêlit and her quest for the crown of Asgulunto to a conclusion.

It's a tale that will forever change Conan's life-and the adventures that follow feature a more savage Conan, fiercer than ever and truly unbound! Plus: a massive trove of original art,essays,and behind-the-scenes material! COLLECTING What If(1977) #13 Annual(1973) #4-5, the continuation of Hour of the Dragon

COVER: REGULAR: JOHN BUSCEMA (JUN240414)

COVER: DIRECT MARKET: JOHN BUSCEMA (JUN240415)

SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN: THE ORIGINAL COMICS OMNIBUS VOL.4

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Publishers: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

976pp, B&W, HC, $150.00, On sale: November 20, 2024

THE GREATEST HERO IN SWORD-AND-SORCERY HISTORY. THIS IS THE LEGEND OF CONAN!

THE BARBARIAN wields his savage sword against a massive winged monster that guards a tower holding a weather-controlling gem- then finds himself surrounded by an army of Picts with their own witch-doctor protector!

In THE TREASURE OF TRANICOS, Conan matches wits with a band of pirates who'd rather kill each other than share any of the loot-all while the wicked Thoth-Amon stalks them from the shadows.

The four-part epic CONAN THE LIBERATOR sees Conan realize his destiny as he raises an army to overthrow the mad king Numedides!

COLLECTING THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN (1974) #45-60

COVER: REGULAR: EARL NOREM (JUN240416)

COVER: DIRECT MARKET: EARL NOREM (JUN240417)

THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN VOL.1

Writers: John Arcudi, Jim Zub, Patch Zircher, John C Hocking, Frank Tieri

Artists: Max Von Fafner, Patch Zircher, Richard Pace, Alan Quah, Cary Nord

Publishers: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

208pp, B&W & FC, SC, $19.99, On sale: October 23, 2024

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED RETURN OF THE CLASSIC SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN MAGAZINE!

Featuring ALL-NEW Conan Comic strips from writers John Arcudi,Jim Zub, Frank Tieri, and artists Max Von Fafner, Richard Pace, Cary Nord.

Also featuring a brand-new Solomon Kane strip written and drawn by Patch Zircher.

COLLECTS THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #1-3

COVER: REGULAR: JOE JUSKO (JUN240404)

COVER: DIRECT MARKET: ALEX HORLEY (JUN240405)

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Friday, May 17, 2024

Archie Comics Debuts "Archie Comics: Judgment Day #1" May 22nd

ARCHIE HORROR UNLEASHES APOCALYPTIC THRILLS IN ARCHIE COMICS: JUDGMENT DAY MINISERIES

Archie Comics kicks off the first Archie Premium Event in May with the most horrifying version of Riverdale ever seen

Prepare for a spine-tingling journey into the heart of Riverdale with ARCHIE COMICS: JUDGMENT DAY, an epic three-issue event set to captivate readers with a tale of demonic forces, moral quandaries, and the relentless quest for righteousness. Archie Comics: Judgment Day #1 is hitting shelves on May 22, 2024 from the Archie Horror imprint. The miniseries reimagines the iconic Archie Comics characters in a dark supernatural setting and promises to take readers on one hell of a ride in the first Archie Premium Event.

Written by Aubrey Sitterson (Archie vs. The World, No One Left to Fight) with art by Megan Hutchison (Rockstars), JUDGMENT DAY sets Archie Andrews on a daring quest to cleanse an alternate version of Riverdale overrun by demons. After claiming some destructive powers of his own, Archie is forced to destroy corrupted versions of the people closest to him, ostensibly in the name of the greater good. As questions about his own morality and the sacrifices he’s made start to pile up, Archie must confront the question: are his efforts are truly good, or the work of pure evil?

"JUDGMENT DAY places Archie Andrews squarely at the center, acting as our hero—but with the power to choose who lives and who dies, can he truly remain a hero through and through?” said Archie Comics Creative Consultant Jesse Goldwater. “This miniseries raises the stakes more than any title we've ever done before. The fate of the entire world is in Archie's hands."

On top of bringing readers to the most horrifying version of Riverdale yet, JUDGMENT DAY also introduces the new Archie Premium Event branding, which will designate Archie stories that are simply too grand for a single one-shot release. With their extended length and scale, these cinematic miniseries will take Archie Comics in epic new narrative directions, paired with upgraded collector-quality issues featuring cardstock covers, improved interior paper stock, and specialized print finishes.

"JUDGMENT DAY is the first in a compelling slate of events. As we look to the future of Archie, we wanted to translate our success in TV and film to focus that sense of grandeur back to our core publishing efforts. With our Archie Premium Event series, we've imbued each project with an epic sense of storytelling that is evocative of the exciting new direction for the company,” said Archie Comics Senior Vice President Jonathan Betancourt. “In addition to our concentrated focus on elevated storytelling, these new series are also investments for the larger comic book community, transforming what would be a normal print issue into a must-have collector’s item."

ARCHIE COMICS: JUDGMENT DAY #1—with cardstock covers by Hutchison, Francesco Francavilla, Jae Lee, and Reiko Murakami, colors by Matt Herms, and lettering by Jack Morelli—releases May 22nd in comic shops nationwide.

# # #

ABOUT ARCHIE COMICS:

Archie Comics is one of the most influential, successful, and longest-running brands in the comics industry. With over two billion comics sold and books published in dozens of languages, Archie characters are immediately recognizable worldwide. It is home to an extensive roster of characters—including The Archies, Little Archie, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Josie and the Pussycats, and Katy Keene—and the critically acclaimed Archie Horror imprint. The CW series Riverdale and the hit Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina have captivated the hearts and minds of countless fans, a trend that continues with The Archies, the first comics-based Hindi language feature film, now streaming on Netflix. Archie characters have been featured in animation, television, film, and music throughout its more than 85-year history. Follow Archie Comics on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and online at archiecomics.com.

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Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Dynamite Entertainment Announces "Dynamite Originals" Comics Imprint

New Imprint Dynamite Originals Launches!

Starting With Superstar Mirka Andolfo & Top Creators On Vampirella: Black, White & Blood — Available Soon on Kickstarter!

Dynamite is excited to announce Dynamite Originals, a brand new imprint debuting first on Kickstarter with a heavy-hitting roster of creators taking on the company's flagship character — Vampirella! This new label will feature unique visions and innovative collaborations with the biggest creators in comics of today and tomorrow. It all starts soon, with Vampirella: Black, White & Blood!

This prestige anthology project is a close collaboration with Arancia Studio, known for its juggernaut leader Mirka Andolfo (Sweet Paprika, Mercy, Harley Quinn). Some of the most exciting rising stars of the Italian studio join today's biggest names in American comics on this star-studded special release. The whole book sports a stunning black-and-white palette, with splashes of red to really show off the artwork in these three tantalizing tales. It's the ultimate spotlight on the character and an international team-up of the comics craft.

"I couldn't be more thrilled about this book," said creator Mirka Andolfo. "Vampirella is such an iconic character…I had the pleasure of drawing her before, but this is my first time writing her. And I really hope it's not my last, because I had a lot of fun, also because I was surrounded by phenomenal creators! You're going to see some great things...”

Andolfo's creative and business partner Davide G.G. Caci added, “When, with our friends at Dynamite, we started talking about a Black, White & Blood special for Vampirella, we knew right away that we were on the same page. It was amazing to see how everyone — their team, our team, our editor Davide Morando, and of course, all the creators — were on the same page. At Arancia, we love to create creative bridges, and this special issue is something to be proud of: extraordinary American and European artists and writers teaming up to tell some stories starring a unique character.”

Andolfo leads the way with a fascinating fable with a meta twist. In "Redefining Shadows," she and artist Greta Xella depict the most unlikely team-up for the Daughter of Drakulon. She finds in her path a group of talented female artists, writers, and creatives, setting out to redefine their approach to fiction and challenging the dominant male narratives and gaze in the comics industry. This story not only reimagines Vampirella's story, which originally broke boundaries, but emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in storytelling.

In "Undercover" by Tim Seeley (Nightwing, Hack/Slash) and Zulema Scotto Lavina the Drakulonian antiheroine is accused of a series of violent murders. To clear her name, she goes undercover, embedding herself in a gang of vicious vampire hunters. In her quest to track down the mystery killer and protect her own kind, she may discover the culprit could be someone close to her heart.

Last but certainly not least, "The Ballad of Blind Love" features the work of Steve Orlando (Wonder Woman, Midnighter) and Alessandro Amoruso, and depicts a love story like no other. A powerful mob boss is desperately in love with Vampirella and will do anything to win her over. Misinterpreting her character and reactions, he starts bringing increasingly heinous sacrifices to garner her affection. It will take a dark turn when she demands of him the ultimate sacrifice...

Not to be outdone by the stories within, this project demanded a set of jaw-dropping covers by top names to deliver a perfect package to fans. Mirka Andolfo of course contributes one of course for the title she and her team are driving artistically. She's joined by superstars Stjepan Šejić, Jae Lee, and Joseph Michael Linsner. Each of these covers will be available as standard covers, chrome editions, and metal editions, plus fans will have the option to get them signed or CGC graded. And there will be options to get all four covers bundled together for a special collector’s price.

Everyone who signs up for updates on the campaign ahead of time will receive a free digital download of 2019's smash-hit Vampirella #1 that kicked off the character's latest major era under writer Christopher Priest.

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Tuesday, February 13, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: CONAN THE BARBARIAN #1

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #1 (2023)

TITAN COMICS/Heroic Signatures

STORY: Jim Zub

ART: Roberto de la Torre

COLORS: José Villarrubia

LETTERS: Richard Starkings of Comicraft

EDITOR: Phoebe Hedges

COVER: Dan Panosian

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Roberto de la Torre; Artgerm; Patch Zircher; Mike Mignola; E.M. Gist, Dan Panosian; Jae Lee; Colleen Doran; Chris Jones; Dave Wilkins; Mark Schultz; Junggeon Yoon; Ian Nicholls; Eric Ray; Jay Anacleto; Chris Ehnot

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2023)

Suggested for mature readers

“Bound in Black Stone” Part I: “Scourge of the Dead”

Conan the Cimmerian was born in the pulp fiction of Robert E. Howard (REH), first appearing in the magazine, Weird Tales (1932). In 1970, Marvel Comics brought Conan to the world of comic books via the title, Conan the Barbarian. With only a few pauses, Conan comic books have been published for the better part of five decades.

Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures are the new producers of Conan comic books, and they start with a new Conan the Barbarian series. It is written by Jim Zub; drawn by Roberto de la Torre; colored by José Villarrubia; and lettered by Richard Starkings. The new series finds Conan returned to his homeland of Cimmeria just when it faces a terrible new threat.

Conan the Barbarian #1 (“Scourge of the Dead”) opens in Northern Aquilonia, specifically at the outpost known as “Hauler's Roam.” Recently arrived, Conan the Cimmerian is the closest that he has been to his homeland of Cimmeria in eight years. But first, he must extricate himself from “the Bleeders,” the band of mercenaries of which he has been a part.

A weary Conan has returned to his homeland to seek rest and solitude, but a mysterious scout, Brissa, rides into Haurler's Roam” with a warning of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will Conan and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders?

THE LOWDOWN: Titan Comics has been providing me with PDF copies of their publications for review for several years now. Their debut Conan title, Conan the Barbarian #1, is the latest.

When Marvel Comics resumed publishing Conan the Barbarian comic books in 2019 – for the first time since the late 1990s – I was somewhat exited. I read a few issue, and while they did recall some of the best of classic Marvel Conan for me, I saw no reason to keep reading past the first six months of the revival.

Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures' debut Conan the Barbarian #1 seems a bit edgier than Marvel Comics' 2019 Conan the Barbarian... at least, in hindsight to me. Part of it may be that writer Jim Zub's introductory story fits itself in with some of the literary Conan chronologies. For instance, “Scourge of the Dead” references the “Sack of Venarium,” also known as the “Battle of Venarium,” which is depicted in the 2003 Conan novel, Conan of Venarium, written by Harry Turtledove.

Conan is apparently 14 or 15 at the time of the battle, but Zub may be setting his age at 16. Eight years later, this story, “Scourge of the Dead” begins, and Zub references Conan's “twenty-four summers.” In an interview, Zub said that this story takes place after the original Robert E. Howard Conan short story, “The Frost-Giant's Daughter.” In some Conan chronologies, Conan is almost 30 at this point.

That said, by firmly planting Conan in a literary tradition, Zub makes this story feel like something substantial in the catalog of Conan fiction and storytelling. This is something more than just another licensed comic book tie-in. Also, having Conan face a seemingly unstoppable horde of ravenous killers also gives the story a kick.

The art and storytelling by artist Roberto de la Torre is what really sells Zub's script. De la Torre's art here resembles of mix of the late John Buscema's Conan the Barbarian comic books and the late Joe Kubert's Tor comics. De la Torre makes me feel the blood, violence, and the heat of bone-breaking, and he creates a sense of foreboding and then, terror when the horde strikes.

The art looks even more gorgeous under the colors of José Villarubia, one of the best and most skilled comic book colorists working in American comic books over the last three decades. Richard Starkings' lettering is the cherry on top of this excellent graphics package.

Will I lose interest in this new series? There is a good chance that I will, eventually, but I may stick around for longer than I did with the Marvel relaunch. This new series is not standard Conan the Barbarian, and I like Conan enough to have watched three Conan films: Conan the Barbarian (1982), Conan the Destroyer (1984), and Conan the Barbarian (2011), many times.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Conan comic books will want to try Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures' Conan the Barbarian.

[This comic book includes the essay, “Robert E. Howard and His Ages Undreamed Of,” by Jeffrey Shanks.]

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

https://titan-comics.com/

https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan

https://www.instagram.com/titancomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ComicsTitan

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Tuesday, December 19, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: BIG GAME #1

BIG GAME #1 (OF 5)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Pepe Larraz

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Pepe Larraz with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: J.G. Jones; Frank Quitely; Jae Lee with June Chung; Danny Earls

28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (July 2023)

Rated M / Mature

Big Game is a new five-issue comic book event miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Pepe Larraz. Big Game is a crossover event series that pulls together all the franchises that are part of Millar's company/imprint, “Millarworld.” That includes Kick-Ass, Kingsman, Nemesis, and The Magic Order, to name a few. Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series' creative team.

Big Game #1 opens in 1986 when the super-villain conspiracy known as “the Fraternity,” defeated their superhero adversaries and erased them from the collective memory of humanity. In the present day, Wesley Gibson/The Killer (Wanted) is concerned about the reemergence of superheroes. Thus, it's time for the Fraternity to unleash its new superhero killer, Nemesis (Nemesis: Reloaded).

Meanwhile, Edison Crane (Prodigy) meets Bobbie Griffin, who unveils a past hidden even to the world's smartest man. Also meanwhile, Doctor Choon-He Chung (The Ambassadors) and her international rescue squad, The Ambassadors, run into resistance.

THE LOWDOWN: I have been receiving PDF review copies of Netflix/Millarworld's comic book titles for a few years now. Big Game #1 is the latest.

Some of Millarworld's most popular comic book franchises and series have been adapted into Hollywood feature films. They are Wanted (2008), Kick-Ass (2010), Kick-Ass 2 (2013), Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014), Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017), and The King's Man (2021). These movies are so disparate, one would be surprised to know that their source material originates from a shared universe.

But they do. In fact, this review does not mention all the Millarworld characters and references that appear in Big Game #1 If you are a fan of Mark Millar's creator-owned comic books, then, you will enjoy this first issue when it teases what is to come. However, one need not be familiar with Millarworld in order to enjoy Big Game #1. Mark is quite good a writing comic book scripts that embrace the bigness of a fictional universe. He is also able to give the readers a taste of multiple characters within a single issue in a way that leaves the readers intrigued about characters they are encountering for the first time.

Pepe Larraz's art is similar to the work of Bryan Hitch, a specialist in event comic books, and he is good at creating an air of menace, in faces of the characters and in the overall narrative. Giovanna Niro's colors serve this “dark universe” quite well, and Clem Robins' lettering is uniquely fashioned to serve the flavors of Millar's scripts.

I'm curious to see what is next. I can almost guarantee that the second issue of Big Game will blow the doorway to your imagination off its hinges, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and especially of his Millarworld titles will want to read Big Game.

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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I Reads You

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Tuesday, December 19, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: BIG GAME #1

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