#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 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.

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.

A

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

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"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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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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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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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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#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.]

A

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

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

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#IReadsYou Review: 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.

A

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

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http://www.millarworld.tv/

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

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

I Reads You Juniors: October 2023 - Update #60

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

DISNEY - From BleedingCool:  "KugaliInk" is a new graphic novel imprint that is the joint project of Disney Hyperion and Kugali, a pan-African entertainment company.  The imprint will celebrate African voices and be focused on middle-grade readers.  KugaliInk's first graphic novel will be "Akanni" by Jessica Tagbajumi (2025), to be followed by "Runeless" by Bill Masuku.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Comic book artist Steve Erwin has died at the age of 63, Wednesday, October 25, 2023.  Erwin was best remembered for co-creating DC Comics' "Checkmate" with writer Paul Kupperberg and the DC Comics' character, "Gunfire," with the late writer, Len Wein.  In 1991, he joined writer Marvel Wolfman to launch the "Deathstroke the Terminator" comic book series, with Erwin drawing 23 of the series first 34 issues and the series second "Annual" issue.

COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Comic book maestros Matt Wagner and Kelley Jones are teaming up for a series of graphic novels about the secret history of Dracula.  They are currently crowdfunding "Dracula: Book One: The Impaler."

IMAGE - From BleedingCool:  Todd McFarlane announces 10 more Spawn-related comic book titles for 2024.

MOVIES - From Variety:   Author and comic book writer, Benjamin Percy ("Wolverine"), has sold the film rights to his novella, "American Criminal," to Amazon MGM Studios.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  DC Comics will celebrate Black History Month 2024 with a new installment of its "DC Power" anthology, a one-shot dedicated to showcasing Black characters and creators. Black History Month is observed all February long, with "DC Power 2024" arriving just a bit early at the tail end of January.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From Variety:  Director Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class) reveals that he quit X-Men: The Last Stand when he discovered that Fox was going to trick Halle Berry into signing to appear in the film with a fake "Storm" script that the studio would later discard.

NYCC - From BleedingCool:  At New York Comic Con 2023, Yen Press announced 15 upcoming manga and light novel publications.

NYCC - From AIPT:  Writer Rick Remender's Image Comics' label, "Giant Generator," has signed several big name comic book artists to exclusive contracts, including J.G. Jones, Daniel Acuna, and Bengal, to name a few.

NYCC - From THR:  Director Matthew Vaughn revealed that he is working on a reboot of the "Kick-Ass" film franchise.  It is based on the Mark Millar-John Romita, Jr-created comic book franchise that has yielded two films, Kick-Ass (2010) and Kick-Ass 2 (2013).

NYCC - From BleedingCool:  Korean-American actor, Don Lee, is joining writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jae Lee for the comic book, "Project Sterling North."  Just as the BRZRKR comic book uses co-creator Keanu Reeves' likeness so will "Project Sterling North" uses Lee's likeness.

NYCC - From ComicBook:  Comic book writer, J.M. DeMatteis, who co-created "Creature Commandos" (with artist Pat Broderick), says that he met with DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn about Gunn's animated "Creature Commando" series.

NYCC - From ComicBook:  Action Comics will be kicking off a brand-new storytelling initiative in 2024. DC announced "Superman Superstars," a year-long string of stories that will be told in the pages of Action. From January through December of 2024, the book will feature a rotating array of writers and artists, who will be teaming up on mini arcs, including comic book stars Jason Aaron and Joshua Williamson.

NYCC - From ComicCon:  Mad Cave Studios is moving into publishing comic books based on licensed properties. At NYCC, Mad Cave announced the creative teams for those series.  Cullen Bunn and Chris Batista on "Gatchaman" and Steve Orlando and Tommy Lee Edwards on a spin-off series.  Writer Jeremy Adams tackles "Flash Gordon."

NYCC - From THR:  Comic book creator, Rob Liefeld, has joined Philip J. Silvera, the stunt coordinator for "Deadpool" (2016) to produce a proof-of-concept trailer featuring his character, "Bloodstrike." The hope is that the trailer will revive interest from filmmakers and studios in a "Bloodstrike" film.

NYCC - From ComicBook:  Dynamite and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products announced that they have partnered to release a range of comic books and graphic novels inspired by some of Warner's most popular franchises and characters.  The initial slate of titles are planned to be released across multiple formats and will be based on "The Flintstones," "Jonny Quest," The Powerpuff Girls," "Space Ghost," "ThunderCats," "We Bare Bears," and The Wizard of Oz.

NYCC - From ComicBook:  After 14 years, DC Comics is reviving the "Elseworlds" imprint (beginning in 2024) with the following titles:

• 'GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT: THE KRYPTONIAN AGE' from Andy Diggle and Leandro Fernandez

• 'BATMAN THE BARBARIAN' from Greg Smallwood

• 'DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL: ALLWINTER' from Jay Kristoff and Tirso Cons

•  'GREEN LANTERN: DARK' from Tate Brombal and Werther Dell’Edera

• 'BATMAN: NIGHTFIRE' from Clay Mann and Seth Mann

• 'DC VS. VAMPIRES: WORLD WAR V' from Matthew Rosenberg and Otto Schmidt

EN MEMORIAM - From THR:  Comic book writer and artist, Keith Giffen, has died at the age of 70, Monday, October 9, 2023.  Giffen may be best known for his work on DC Comics' "Legion of Super-Heroes," working on various LoSH series from 1982 to 1998, with the most famous work being "The Great Darkness Saga" storyline.  Giffen also co-created several characters, including Marvel Comics' "Rocket Raccoon," DC's "Lobo," and the "Jaime Reyes" incarnation of the character, "Blue Beetle," which appeared in the 2023 film, Blue Beetle.

NYCC 2023 - From THR:  Oscar-nominated actor, Tom Hardy, is joining acclaimed comic book writer, Scott Snyder (Batman), in the creation of a new 12-issue comic book series, "Arcbound."  Hardy has the title of "creative collaborator" and will work on developing characters for the broader "Arcbound" universe. Veteran writer Frank Tieri and artist Ryan Smallman. Hardy and the creative team will appear at New York Comic-Con 2023 on Saturday for a signing.

BRITISH COMICS - From 2000AD:  The legendary English comics artist, John M. Burns, has retired after seven decades of creating and drawing comics.  He has drawn for over 20 different publishers, and he may be best known for his work on such characters as "Judge Dredd," "Nikolai Dante," and "The Order" to name a few.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  The website chronicles the latest drama surrounding "Aquaman 2" and the emerging cinematic DC Universe.

COMICS - From OhDannyBoy:  Australian blogger, Daniel Best," takes a look at the history of art theft at Marvel Comics, this time looking specifically at the theft of the art produced by the late Jack Kirby.

IMAGE - From BleedingCool:  Todd McFarlane will reveal Liam Sharp's "Barbarian Spawn" comic book at the upcoming New York Comic-Con 2023 (Oct. 12 to 15).

BRITISH COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Scottish comics publisher, BHP Comics will begin shutting down its operations.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Joanne Starer talks about her new "Dawn of DC" series, "Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Apparently, after 88-year-old, Portland-based collector, James Strand, died, his house was ransacked for his collection of rare comics, signed books, and pulps. The collection was worth an estimated two million dollars, and the FBI is investigating.

ONE PIECE - From Deadline:  The site has a long Q&A with Matt Owens, series writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner of Netflix's "One Piece" live-action series.  He talks about Season 2, about how personal the series is to him, and about how the series got Jamie Lee Curtis to join the cast.

MANGA - From BleedingCool:  Although Vol. 34 was the end of the worldwide hit manga, "Attack on Titan," there will be a 35th volume, which will be released in 2024.

COMICS - From ComicBook:  Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise) talks more about his upcoming science fiction graphic novel, a hybrid of prose and comics which will be crowdfunded for a 2024 release. His wife and publisher, Robyn Moore, says that they may be done with publishing single issues.

IMAGE/SKYBOUND - From ScreenRant:  Robert Kirkman explains why his new G.I. Joe/Transformers shared continuity is called the "Energon Universe."

MARVEL STUDIOS - From GamesRadar:  Marvel Studios is reportedly about to begin the process of choosing a writer for the "X-Men" movie.

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SEPTEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for September 2023

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for September 2023

OCTOBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Fairquare Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Transformers" title for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Massive for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for October 2023

From BleedingCool:  Zenescape Entertainment for October 2023

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:  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:  BOOM Studios! for January 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics 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:  Marvel Comics for January 2024

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2024

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Titan Comics Returns "CONAN THE BARBARIAN" to Comic Books Shops on August 2nd

"Conan the Barbarian #1 COVER D." "Retro Theme" variant cover art by Patch Zircher.

ROBERT E. HOWARD'S LEGENDARY CONAN IS BACK IN A NEW TALE OF BRAVERY AND HEROISM! CONAN THE BARBARIAN FCBD EDITION LEADS INTO THE DEBUT ISSUE

Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary CONAN returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians 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?

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #1 (ONGOING):

Writer: JIM ZUB

Artist: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE

Colorist: JOSÉ VILLARRUBIA

Letterer: RICHARD STARKINGS OF COMICRAFT

Publishers: HEROIC SIGNATURES & TITAN COMICS

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: August 2, 2023

Issue #1 covers:

MAY231133 COVER A: DAN PANOSIAN

MAY231134 COVER B: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE

MAY231135 COVER C: ARTGERM

MAY231136 COVER D: PATCH ZIRCHER RETRO THEME

MAY231137 COVER E: MIKE MIGNOLA

MAY231138 COVER F: E.M. GIST

MAY231139 COVER G: WRAPAROUND HYBORIAN AGE MAP

MAY231140 COVER H: COLORED BLANK SKETCH

MAY231141 COVER I: FOIL CONAN MOVIE NOVEL REPLICA VIRGIN 

MAY231142 COVER J: 1:10 INCENTIVE: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE VIRGIN B&W INKS

MAY231143 COVER K: 1:25 INCENTIVE: DAN PANOSIAN VIRGIN B&W INKS

MAY231144 COVER L: 1:50 INCENTIVE: MIKE MIGNOLA VIRGIN B&W INKS

MAY231145 COVER M: 1:100 INCENTIVE: ARTGERM VIRGIN B&W INKS

APR238820 FOC JAE LEE VIRGIN

APR238821 FOC MIKE MIGNOLA VIRGIN

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: KISS: Phantom Obsession #5

KISS: PHANTOM OBSESSION #5
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Ian Edginton
ART: Celor
COLORS: Valentina Pinto
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt
COVER: Jae Lee with June Chung
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Stuart Sayger; Tim Seeley; Celor
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated Teen+

Kiss is an American, four-man, rock band.  It was formed in New York City in January 1973 by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss, the original line-up that is also considered classic Kiss.  Kiss is best known for its members' face paint and stage outfits, and the group rose to prominence and gained a notorious reputation in the mid to late 1970s with its shocking live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood-spitting, and pyrotechnics.

Dynamite Entertainment obtained the license to produce comic books featuring Kiss' brand and began releasing Kiss comic books in 2016.  The latest comic book is Kiss: Phantom Obsession.  It is written by Ian Edginton; drawn by Celor; colored by Valentina Pinto; and lettered by Troy Peteri.  Phantom Obsession pits the band against Darius Cho, a powerful, super-wealthy, obsessed Kiss fan who wants more than some autographs.

As Kiss: Phantom Obsession #5 opens, Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter learn the secrets of Darius Cho.  That means that they must also confront the secrets of Lyra Tzen, one of Cho's employees.  Since being kidnapped by Cho and presumed dead, KISS has faced it all:  megalomaniacs, giant monsters and robots, and now, a killer android.  Can the greatest Rock N' Roll band in the world survive its final showdown with the true mastermind behind it all?

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 Kiss: Phantom Obsession #5, which is only the fifth Kiss comic book that I have ever read.

In the first four issues of Phantom Obsession, writer Ian Edginton offers a breezy adventure that is part Kiss comic book and part superhero comic book.  I thought that Phantom Obsession #4 was the best issue of the series, but issue #5 surpasses it.  The sad back story and the awful costs of a tech billionaire's arrogance and lack of self-awareness come full circle.

As this is the final issue of the miniseries, I think Phantom Obsession will read really nicely as a trade paperback.  For one thing, readers can see the evolution of the art team of illustrator Celor and colorist Valentina Pinto.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Kiss comic books will want to read Kiss: Phantom Obsession.

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.

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: KISS: Phantom Obsession #4

KISS: PHANTOM OBSESSION #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Ian Edginton
ART: Celor
COLORS: Valentina Pinto
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt
COVER: Jae Lee with June Chung
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Stuart Sayger; Tim Seeley; Celor
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated Teen+

Kiss is an American, four-man, rock band.  It was formed in New York City in January 1973 by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss, the original line-up that is also considered classic Kiss.  Kiss is best known for its members' face paint and stage outfits, and the group rose to prominence and gained a notorious reputation in the mid to late 1970s with its shocking live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood-spitting, and pyrotechnics.

Dynamite Entertainment obtained the license to produce comic books featuring Kiss' brand and began releasing Kiss comic books in 2016.  The latest comic book is Kiss: Phantom Obsession.  It is written by Ian Edginton; drawn by Celor; colored by Valentina Pinto; and lettered by Troy Peteri.  Phantom Obsession pits the band against Darius Cho, a powerful, super-wealthy, obsessed Kiss fan who wants more than some autographs.

As Kiss: Phantom Obsession #4 opens, Paul, Gene, Ace, Peter, and Lyra Tzen, one of Cho's employees, are on the run from samurai androids known as “The Kingdom of Woes.”  While they find a new place to hide, Lyra tells the band the out-of-this-world origin story behind many of Darius Cho's scientific and technological innovations.

Then, they discover the fate of some of Cho's former employees.  Plus, Lyra's got a big secret.

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Kiss: Phantom Obsession #4, which is only the fourth Kiss comic book that I have ever read.

In Phantom Obsession, writer Ian Edginton continues to offer a breezy adventure that is part Kiss comic book and part superhero comic book.  Phantom Obsession is the best issue yet, and it was apparently going to be the final issue.  I assure you, however, that the cliffhanger at the end of this issue suggests a great fifth issue.  I hope issue #5 can deliver...

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Kiss comic books will want to read Kiss: Phantom Obsession.

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.

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: KISS: Phantom Obsession #3

KISS: PHANTOM OBSESSION #3
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Ian Edginton
ART: Celor
COLORS: Valentina Pinto
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt
COVER: Jae Lee with June Chung
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Stuart Sayger; Tim Seeley; Celor
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2021)

Rated Teen+

Kiss is an American, four-man, rock band.  It was formed in New York City in January 1973 by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss, the original line-up that is also considered classic Kiss.  Kiss is best known for its members' face paint and stage outfits, and the group rose to prominence and gained a notorious reputation in the mid to late 1970s with its shocking live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood-spitting, and pyrotechnics.

The members of Kiss have licensed their band name and likenesses for merchandising.  In a 2014 article, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Kiss had sold over one billion dollars from the sale of more than three thousand licensed items.  That merchandising includes comic books.  Kiss first officially appeared in a comic book in Marvel Comics' Howard the Duck #12 (cover dated: May 1977) and first starred in their own comic book with Marvel Comics Super Special #1 (1977).  Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Platinum Studios, Archie Comics, and IDW Publishing have published licensed Kiss comic books.

Dynamite Entertainment obtained the license to produce comic books featuring Kiss' brand and began releasing Kiss comic books in 2016.  The latest comic book is Kiss: Phantom Obsession.  It is written by Ian Edginton; drawn by Celor; colored by Valentina Pinto; and lettered by Troy Peteri.  Phantom Obsession pits the band against Darius Cho, a powerful, super-wealthy, obsessed Kiss fan who wants more than some autographs.

As Kiss: Phantom Obsession #3 opens, Paul, Gene, Ace, Peter, and Lyra Tzen, one of Cho's employees, are facing the “Super Sonic Monster Adventure Squad!”  What is that?  It's Cho's army of robot kaiju warriors, and they are ready to kick some Kiss ass.  Luckily, our rock 'n' roll heroes are ready to kick right back.  Now, it time to unleash their powers.

Meanwhile, Cho continues to monitor the escapees' progress – with a purpose – while he continues to build his secret project.  And before Kiss and Lyra can escape Cho, they must enter “The Kingdom of Woes” and face the four demon lords.

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Kiss: Phantom Obsession #3, which is only the third Kiss comic book that I have ever read.

In Phantom Obsession, writer Ian Edginton offers a breezy adventure that is part Kiss comic book and part superhero comic book.  Edginton essentially shows that Kiss can fit into multiple fantasy genres, and in a way, his script sometimes makes you forget that these characters are fictional versions of a real life rock band.  Phantom Obsession is a superhero comic book like any other, except it's Kiss, too.

And it works.  I want to read more, and I think some of you will, also, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Kiss comic books will want to read Kiss: Phantom Obsession.

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


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