#IReadsYou: RADIANT BLACK #6

RADIANT BLACK #6
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Kyle Higgins and Cherish Chen
ART: Darko Lafuente
COLORS: Miguel Muerto
LETTERS: Becca Carey
EDITOR/DESIGNER: Michael Busuttil
COVER: Darko Lafuente with Miguel Muerto
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kira Okamotop; Doaly
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (July 2021)

Rated “T+/Teen Plus”

“Red”

Radiant Black is a superhero comic book series from writer Kyle Higgins and artist Marcelo Costa.  The series focuses on a failed writer who discovers a cosmic force that changes his life.  Letterer Becca Carey and designer Michael Busuttil complete the series' creative team.

Radiant Black introduces Nathan Burnett, who just turned thirty-years-old, and things are not going great.  A failed writer (thus far), Nathan leaves Los Angeles and returns home to Lockport, Illinois to live with his parents.  A night on the town with his old pal, Marshall, leads to Nathan unlocking an alien artifact, “Radiant Black,” that changes his life.  This new thing seems totally unique, but there is more to it than Nathan can imagine, so very much more.

Radiant Black #6 (“Red”) answers the question:  who is Radiant Red?

THE LOWDOWN:  I enjoyed reading Radiant Black #1 and the subsequent issues for their own sake.  However, I was initially only interested in the series because I read (on the Internet) that it might be the first entry in a new “shared universe” of superhero titles from Image Comics.

The fourth and fifth issues were so crazy … and you, dear readers, want more Radiant Black reviews.  So... Radiant Black #6 offers another shocker, but in a quiet way.  It is an origin story and, in a manner, an explanation story.  I won't provide spoilers, but you, dear readers, will be satisfied

The guest art team of illustrator Darko Lafuente and colorist Miguel Muerto is good, not great, but they are acceptable in the context of what has come before this issue.  The storytelling is good, so that is all that matters.  And that is why I am excited about what comes next.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans looking for something new with a touch of classic in a superhero comic book will want to try Radiant Black.

A

★★★★ out of 4 stars

[This issue includes an additional story, “The Unleashed: Echoes of Sorrow, Part II” by Melissa Flores; Eleonora Carlini with Elisabetta D'Amica; Mattia Iacono; and LetterSquids.]

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


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#IReadsYou Review: RADIANT BLACK #5

RADIANT BLACK #5
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Kyle Higgins
ART: Eduardo Ferigato (pp. 1-23); Marcelo Costa (pp. 24-28)
COLORS: Natalia  Marques (1-23); Marcelo Costa (24-28)
LETTERS: Becca Carey
EDITOR/DESIGNER: Michael Busuttil
COVER: Doaly
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Diego Greco; Serg Acuna
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (June 2021)

Rated “T+/Teen Plus”

“Aftermath”

Radiant Black is a superhero comic book series from writer Kyle Higgins and artist Marcelo Costa.  The series focuses on a failed writer who discovers a cosmic force that changes his life.  Letterer Becca Carey and designer Michael Busuttil complete the series' creative team.

Radiant Black introduces Nathan Burnett, who just turned thirty-years-old, and things are not going great.  A failed writer (thus far), Nathan leaves Los Angeles and returns home to Lockport, Illinois to live with his parents.  A night on the town with his old pal, Marshall, leads to Nathan unlocking an alien artifact, “Radiant Black,” that changes his life.  This new thing seems totally unique, but there is more to it than Nathan can imagine, so very much more.

As Radiant Black #5 (“Aftermath”) opens, Nathan lies near death, and Lockport is reeling.  Marshall has reluctantly assumed the mantle/suit of Radiant Black.  So now, he want revenge on Radiant Red for dropping a building on Nathan.  But Black and Red are about to discover how bigger than the both of them this all is.

THE LOWDOWN:  I was initially interested in Radiant Black because I read (on the Internet) that it might be the first entry in a new “shared universe” of superhero titles from Image Comics.  Since reading Radiant Black #1 and the subsequent issues I have come to enjoy reading it for its own sake.  And the fourth issue was such a doozy … and you, dear readers, want more Radiant Black reviews.

The guest art team of Eduardo Ferigato and colorist Natália Marques give the story a super-duper twist with their … radiant and vibrant storytelling, which is fitting.  Radiant Black #5 is the end of the first story arc, and it offers plenty of surprises – some quite explosive.  It is a blast to read.  So let's keep reading, dear readers, and reviewing.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans looking for something new with a touch of classic in a superhero comic book will want to try Radiant Black.

A

[This issue includes an additional story, “The Unleashed: Echoes of Sorrow, Part 1” by Melissa Flores; Eleonora Carlini with Elisabetta D'Amica; Mattia Iacono; and LetterSquids.]

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
https://radiant.black/
https://twitter.com/KyleDHiggins
https://twitter.com/CostaMarcelo77
https://www.instagram.com/marcelocosta1977/


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

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#IReadsYou Review: RADIANT BLACK #4

RADIANT BLACK #4
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Kyle Higgins
ART: Marcelo Costa
COLORS: Marcelo Costa with Rod Fernandes
LETTERS: Becca Carey
EDITOR/DESIGNER: Michael Busuttil
COVER: Eduardo Ferigato and Marcelo Costa
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Justin Mason with Dee Cunniffe; Doaly
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (May 2021)

Rated “T+/Teen Plus”

“Everything Changes”

Radiant Black is a superhero comic book series from writer Kyle Higgins and artist Marcelo Costa.  The series focuses on a failed writer who discovers a cosmic force that changes his life.  Letterer Becca Carey and designer Michael Busuttil complete the series' creative team.

Radiant Black introduces Nathan Burnett, who just turned thirty-years-old, and things are not going great.  A failed writer (thus far), Nathan leaves Los Angeles and returns home to Lockport, Illinois to live with his parents.  A night on the town with his old pal, Marshall, leads to Nathan unlocking an alien artifact, “Radiant Black,” that changes his life.  This new thing seems totally unique, but there is more to it than Nathan can imagine, so very much more.

As Radiant Black #4 (“Everything Changes”) opens, Nathan continues to have visions of the giant black robot, but he is starting to understand … a little.  These latest visions force Nathan to join Marshall for some practice and experimentation.  What else can Nathan do?

However, this is also the day that Radiant Red decides that he wants that inevitable knock-down, drag-out fight across the city of Lockport against Radiant Black.  The result is that nothing will ever by the same for Radiant Black.

THE LOWDOWN:  I was initially interested in Radiant Black because I read (on the Internet) that it might be the first entry in a new “shared universe” of superhero titles from Image Comics.  Since reading Radiant Black #1 and the subsequent issues I have come to enjoy reading it for its own sake.  Also, an unusually large number of visitors to this blog want to read reviews of each issue.

I can say the same thing about Radiant Black #4 that I have said about the previous issues.  Marcelo Costa's art and colors look radiant, and the graphical storytelling gives a strong focus on character development and relationships and drama.  And the fight scenes also look good.  Kyle Higgins unveils this narrative at an easy pace, and he makes Radiant Black is charming and sweet with tasty secrets.

However, the real treat this time is the truth that Radiant Black #4 has a shocking ending.  Yeah, everything changes.  Some of you have already read this issue and perhaps, also the recently released fifth issue, so you know that Radiant Black is the real deal in delivering change.  So, for the rest of you, dear readers, you may want to feel the radiance.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans looking for something new with a touch of classic in a superhero comic book will want to try Radiant Black.

A
9 out of 10

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
https://radiant.black/
https://twitter.com/KyleDHiggins
https://twitter.com/CostaMarcelo77
https://www.instagram.com/marcelocosta1977/


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

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#IReadsYou Review: RADIANT BLACK #3

RADIANT BLACK #3
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Kyle Higgins
ART: Marcelo Costa
COLORS: Marcelo Costa
LETTERS: Becca Carey
EDITOR/DESIGNER: Michael Busuttil
COVER: Marcelo Costa
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Becca Carey; Goñi Montes
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (April 2021)

Rated “T+/Teen Plus”

“Writing Day”

Radiant Black is a new superhero comic book series from writer Kyle Higgins and artist Marcelo Costa.  The series focuses on a failed writer who discovers a cosmic force that changes his life.  Letterer Becca Carey and designer Michael Busuttil complete the series' creative team.

Radiant Black introduces Nathan Burnett, who just turned thirty-years-old, and things are not going great.  A failed writer (thus far), Nathan leaves Los Angeles and returns home to Lockport, Illinois to live with his parents.  A night on the town with his old pal, Marshall, leads to Nathan unlocking an alien artifact that changes his life.  This new thing seems totally unique, but there is more to it than Nathan can imagine.

As Radiant Black #3 (“Writing Day”) opens, it's time for Nathan to get on that “writing thing.”  It's easier said that done, as Nathan finds himself procrastinating, including paying Marshall a visit at his video store job.  Marshall has been more productive, creating a social media account for “Radiant Black.”  Yes, that's the name he has decided to give Nathan when he wears that alien artifact.

Now, back to writing:  is it too much to ask not to be bothered?  That includes alien voices beaming an unintelligible language into his brain.

THE LOWDOWN:  Radiant Black may the first entry in a new “shared universe” of superhero titles from Image Comics, if what I read on the Internet is true.  That is what initially made me interested in Radiant Black, but after reading issues #2 and #3, I am curious about the title.

Kyle Higgins offers a nice slice-of-life issue in Radiant Black #3, and Marcel Costa's art perfectly conveys all of Nathan's struggles.  Thus far, I think the thing that really sells this title is the focus on who Nathan is and how he struggles with the questions about himself.  Plus, there is a nice moment with some … Radiant Black fans.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans looking for something new with a touch of classic in superhero comic books will want to try Radiant Black.

A
8 out of 10

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
https://radiant.black/
https://twitter.com/KyleDHiggins
https://twitter.com/CostaMarcelo77
https://www.instagram.com/marcelocosta1977/


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#IReadsYou Review: RADIANT BLACK #2

RADIANT BLACK #2
IMAGE COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Kyle Higgins
ART: Marcelo Costa
COLORS: Marcelo Costa
LETTERS: Becca Carey
EDITOR/DESIGNER: Michael Busuttil
COVER: Marcelo Costa
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Diego Greco; Rod Reis
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (March 2021)

Rated “T+/Teen Plus”

“Better Off Red”

Radiant Black is a new superhero comic book series from writer Kyle Higgins and artist Marcelo Costa.  The series focuses on a failed writer who discovers a cosmic force that changes his life.  Letterer Becca Carey and designer Michael Busuttil complete the series' creative team.

Radiant Black introduces Nathan Burnett, who just turned thirty-years-old, and things are not going great.  A failed writer (thus far), Nathan leaves Los Angeles and returns home to Lockport, Illinois to live with his parents.  A night on the town with his old pal, Marshall, leads to Nathan unlocking an alien artifact that changes his life.  This new thing seems totally unique, but there is more to it than Nathan can imagine.

Radiant Black #2 (“Better Off Red”) opens the morning after Nathan found the alien artifact that has likely turned him into a superhero.  Today, however, Nathan's dad says he has to get a job, so Nathan returns to driving for the ride-share company, Drivr.  Nathan uses this as a chance to work in Chicago where someone who is wearing a suit just like Nathan's, except it is red, uses his alien powers to rob banks.  And Nathan needs to talk to him...

THE LOWDOWN:  Radiant Black may the first entry in a new “shared universe” of superhero titles from Image Comics, if what I read on the Internet is true.  That is what initially made me interested in Radiant Black, but now, I want to read it because it is a damn good read.

Marcelo Costa's art and colors in the first issue looked radiant, but in this second issue Costa's graphical storytelling focuses on character development and relationships and drama.  Yes, the inevitable fight scenes look great, but Radiant Black can get all dramatic and stuff.

I am still not sure what pace writer Kyle Higgins will use in revealing Radiant Black's secrets, but right now, Radiant Black is charming and sweet.  Radiant Black is just an excellent comic book to simply read.

I liked Radiant Black #1, but I did not give it a grade, although it seemed like something I should call “a perfect first issue.”  Radiant Black #2 is demanding a grade, and it is also the kind of comic book that makes you pine for the next issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans looking for something new with a touch of classic in superhero comic books will want to try Radiant Black.

8 out of 10

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
https://radiant.black/
https://twitter.com/KyleDHiggins
https://twitter.com/CostaMarcelo77
https://www.instagram.com/marcelocosta1977/


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

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

#IReadsYou Review: RADIANT BLACK #1

RADIANT BLACK #1
IMAGE COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Kyle Higgins
ART: Marcelo Costa
COLORS: Marcelo Costa
LETTERS: Becca Carey
EDITOR/DESIGNER: Michael Busuttil
COVER: Michael Cho
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Marcelo Costa with Eduardo Ferigato; Marcelo Costa; David Finch, Jimmy Reyes, and Marcelo Costa; Goñi Montes
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (February 2021)

Rated “T+/Teen Plus”

“(Not So) Secret Origin”

Radiant Black is a new superhero comic book series from writer Kyle Higgins and artist Marcelo Costa.  The series focuses on a failed writer who discovers a cosmic force that changes his life.  Letterer Becca Carey complete the series' creative team.

Radiant Black #1 (“(Not So) Secret Origin”) introduces Nathan Burnett.  He just turned thirty-years-old, and things are not going great.  He is a failed writer, has two awful jobs, and has thirty-eight thousand dollars in credit card debt.  Nathan leaves Los Angeles and returns home to Lockport to live with his parents.

Reunited with his old pal, Marshall, he goes out for a night on the town.  This is the night Nathan discovers and unlocks something cosmic that changes his life.  This new thing seems totally unique, but there is more to it than Nathan can imagine.

THE LOWDOWN:  If what I am reading on the Internet is true, Radiant Black may the first entry in a new “shared universe” of superhero titles from Image Comics.  That made me interested in Radiant Black, although I would have read the first issue anyway.

Marcelo Costa's art and colors do look radiant, and Costa's graphical storytelling is straightforward and calm.  That's a good thing; it is as if this story is saying, “Let's not get ahead of ourselves, now!”

I'm not sure what pace writer Kyle Higgins will adapt in revealing Radiant Black's secrets, but there is something charming and sweet in the matter of fact way this first issue reveals itself.  There is an old-fashioned sense of wonder and discovery in Radiant Black, but it is new, at the same time, and I like that.  Even Becca Carey's lettering seems determined to keep everything simple, but moving.

I like Radiant Black #1, but I won't give it a grade, although it seems like something I should call “a perfect first issue.”  I feel as if I need to know more, and I think the second issue will throw lots more at me.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans looking for something new with a touch of classic in superhero comic books will want to try Radiant Black.

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
https://radiant.black/
https://twitter.com/KyleDHiggins
https://twitter.com/CostaMarcelo77
https://www.instagram.com/marcelocosta1977/


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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Review: YOUNG MONSTERS IN LOVE

YOUNG MONSTERS IN LOVE
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally published on Patreon.]

STORY: Kyle Higgins; Tim Seeley; Mairghread Scott; Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing; Paul Dini; Mark Russell; Steve Orlando; Alisa Kwitney; Phil Hester; James Robinson
PENCILS: Kelley Jones; Giuseppe Camuncoli; Bryan Hitch; Javier Fernandez; Guillem March; Frazer Irving; Nick Klein; Stephanie Hans; Mirko Colak; John McCrea
INKS: Kelley Jones; Cam Smith; Andrew Currie; Javier Fernandez; Guillem March; Frazer Irving; Nick Klein; Stephanie Hans; Mirko Colak; John McCrea
COLORS: Michelle Madsen; Tomeu Morey; Nathan Fairbairn; Trish Mulvihill; Dave McCaig; Frazer Irving; Nic Klein; Stephanie Hans; Michael Spider; John Kalisz
LETTERS: Rob Leigh; Clayton Cowles; Carlos M. Mangual; Sal Cipriano; Travis Lanham; Tom Napolitano; Dave Sharpe; Clem Robins
COVER: Kelley Jones with Michelle Madsen
80pp, Color, $9.99 U.S. (April 2018)

Rated T+ for “Teen Plus”

Young Monsters in Love in a one-shot, comic book anthology and holiday special from DC Comics.  A comic book celebration of Valentine's Day 2018, Young Monsters in Love presents 10 tales of twisted love and strange romance starring some of DC Comics' most most infamous monster and dark fantasy characters (although Swamp Thing, who is one of them, is in a different story).

Young Monsters in Love opens with Dr. Kirk Connors a.k.a. “Man-Bat” trying to find love again, but in the story “Nocturnal Animal,” he will learn that sometimes you have to stopping loving the one who will not stop loving you.  Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. proves that Frankenstein has the soul of a poet, but will his “Bride” see that in “Pieces of Me.”

Superman gives a helping hand to Solomon Grundy in “Buried on Sunday,” but Superboy does not feel the love.  The Teen Titans' Raven has to take it to the dance floor in “The Dead Can Dance.”  Deadman takes a bullied child into his care and helps victim and victimizer in “Be My Valentine.”

Swamp Thing discovers that he can't have anything nice, even love, in “Heart-Shaped Box.”  Long-time friends and Doom Patrol haters, Monsieur Mallah & The Brain have to face the truth in “Visibility.”  I, Vampire is featured in “The Turning of Deborah Dancer.”  The Demon goes to Hell for one more kill in “To Hell and Gone.”  Finally, the Creature Commandos get bad news from the home front in “Dear Velcoro.”

In a recent article for The Washington Post, the author (Geraldine DeRuiter of everywhereist.com) offers a heart-breaking story, entitled “I thought my bully deserved an awful life. But then he had one.” that is also a great read.  She discovered that the boy who bullied her in school, a boy she always wished bad for, was actually murdered when he was 25-years-old.  She wondered, in this time when the culture has the long knives out for bullies, if we forget that bullies may need help as much, if not more, than their victims.

Without spoiling it, this is more or less the theme of writer Paul Dini and artist Guillem March's Deadman story, “Be My Valentine.”  First, to my imagination, it feels like a classic Deadman story from the 1960s, written by either Arnold Drake (Deadman's creator) or Jack Miller and drawn by either Carmine Infantino or Neal Adams. Secondly, Dini and March's story is one of the best comic book stories about bullying that I have ever read.  It alone is worth Young Monsters in Love's cover price of $9.99.  Colorist Dave McCaig and letterer Sal Cipriano also do some of their best work in creating a graphical package that is classic cool.

Young Monsters in Love is full of wonderful stories besides “Be My Valentine.”  Five of them are truly greats comic book short stories, including the powerful “Heart-Shaped Box” and “Visibility.”  Two are quite good, including the Creature Commandos story, which is my first reading experience of these characters.  Three of these stories are not as well executed as they could have been, including the opening Man-Bat story.

I usually ignore DC Comics' holiday specials, but Young Monsters in Love makes me think that I should not be so quick to dismiss them.  So if you missed it, dear readers, run back to your local comic book shop and find Young Monsters in Love.

9 out of 10

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


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

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

Review: NIGHTWING The New Order #1

NIGHTWING: THE NEW ORDER No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Kyle Higgins
ARTIST: Trevor McCarthy
COLORS: Dean White
LETTERS: Clayton Cowles
COVER: Trevor McCarthy
VARIANT COVER: Paul Pope with with Lovern Kindzierski
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2017)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger; Nightwing created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez

Chapter One

DC Comics character, Dick Grayson, first appeared as Batman's kid sidekick, Robin, in Detective Comics #38 (cover dated: April 1940).  Decades later, writer Marv Wolfman and artist George Perez transformed Grayson from Robin into the adult character, Nightwing, first appearing in Tales of the Teen Titans #44 (cover dated: July 1984).

Nightwing has been appearing in his own comic books since a 1995 one-shot and miniseries and an ongoing series that began in 1996.  A new Nightwing six-issue comic book miniseries, entitled by Nightwing: The New Order, looks at the future of the character.  It is written by Kyle Higgins; drawn by Trevor McCarthy; colored by Dean White; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Nightwing: The New Order #1 opens in Gotham City in the year 2040.  Dick Grayson is the leader of a government task force called “the Crusaders,” which hunts people with superpowers.  Since the year 2028, superpowers have been eliminated and outlawed.  However, Grayson is about to face the Crusaders' wrath, the same way he has directed it at so many others.

The allure of Nightwing: The New Order for me is that it features Nightwing, my favorite Robin.  It is kind of thrilling to see that he has evolved into the kind of authoritarian monster that it is plausible to believe Batman would become.  Irony is not dead, and the direction of the series is telegraphed early in the series.  I think Nightwing: The New Order could end up being dark and tragic, or writer Kyle Higgins could surprise us.  I hope he surprises us.

The art by Trevor McCarthy shows flourishes here and there, some nice page design, stylish figure drawing, and solid composition, although that is somewhat crowded.  That makes the storytelling a bit tight, and this story seems to need to explode, which it may do later.

Still, I think that Nightwing: The New Order is a Batman-related title to watch.  It has potential, and does not seem like cynical sales exploitation.

7 out of 10

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


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

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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 11, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

JAN180698    BEAUTY #21 CVR A HAUN & FILARDI (MR)    $3.99
JAN180699    BEAUTY #21 CVR B MCCAIG (MR)    $3.99
FEB180544    CLOVER HONEY SPEC ED TP (MR)    $12.99
JAN180663    COYOTES TP VOL 01    $9.99
FEB180502    CRUDE #1 (MR)    $3.99
FEB180506    DEAD HAND #1 (MR)    $3.99
FEB180611    DEADLY CLASS #33 CVR A CRAIG (MR)    $3.99
FEB180612    DEADLY CLASS #33 CVR B STOKELY (MR)    $3.99
FEB180617    DRY COUNTY #2 (MR)    $3.99
JAN180740    ETERNAL EMPIRE #8    $3.99
JAN180666    FAMILY TRADE TP VOL 01    $16.99
FEB180628    GIDEON FALLS #2 CVR A SORRENTINO (MR)    $3.99
FEB180629    GIDEON FALLS #2 CVR B CHIANG (MR)    $3.99
DEC170719    LAZARUS X PLUS 66 TP (MR)    $16.99
FEB180660    NO 1 WITH A BULLET #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
FEB180661    OBLIVION SONG BY KIRKMAN & DE FELICI #2    $3.99
FEB180668    PRISM STALKER #2    $3.99
FEB180673    ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN TP VOL 02 (MR)    $14.99
FEB180676    ROSE #10 CVR A GUARA    $3.99
FEB180677    ROSE #10 CVR B LOOPYDAVE    $3.99
FEB180678    ROSE #10 CVR C MAGUIRE    $3.99
FEB180702    SLEEPLESS #5 CVR A DEL DUCA & SALLAH    $3.99
FEB180703    SLEEPLESS #5 CVR B REEDER    $3.99
FEB180711    VS #3 CVR A RIBIC (MR)    $3.99
FEB180712    VS #3 CVR B RIBIC & MULLER (MR)    $3.99
JAN188861    VS #3 CVR C VIRGIN CVR (MR)    $3.99

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

The New 52 Review: DEATHSTROKE #1

"The best at what he does... alone!"

DEATHSTROKE #1
DC COMICS

WRITER: Kyle Higgins
PENCILS: Joe Bennett
INKS: Art Thibert
COLORS: Jason Wright
LETTERS: Travis Lanham
COVER: Simon Bisley
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

The DC Comics character known as Deathstroke first appeared in New Teen Titans #2 (cover date December 1980) and was originally introduced as “The Terminator.” Created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, he was Slade Wilson, a mercenary who was completing the terms of a contract undertaken by his son, Ravager, to kill or capture the Teen Titans. The Terminator became Deathstroke the Terminator and eventually just Deathstroke, an assassin, mercenary, and anti-hero.

With the re-launch of DC Comics’ superhero line, “The New 52,” Deathstroke gets another title series. Deathstroke #1 (“Back to Basics”) opens with Deathstroke in Moscow on an assignment to kill. However, offers for employment tend to come from people who want him to be a bodyguard, rather than a mercenary.

Suddenly, his “agent,” Christoph, finds him an assignment that promises to be difficult and dangerous. Deathstroke has been hired to kill German scientist and engineer turned arms dealer, Jeffrey Bode, but in order to take the job, Deathstroke has to accept assistance in the form of three young mercenaries. Does this sound like bad news? It’s worse than that.

A ruthless badass, Deathstroke has always been a cool character. One could even consider him the DCU’s Wolverine or Punisher. What Deathstroke hasn’t had that Wolverine and The Punisher have had is a bunch of hit comic book series, miniseries, graphic novels, etc. Well, Deathstroke has a killer of a first issue. If you’ve forgotten what a great anti-hero/villain Deathstroke can be and was (see the classic New Teen Titans and Tales of the Teen Titans) or if you never knew, then, be prepared to be thrilled.

Kyle Higgins has written an edgy superhero, crime comic in which the violence comes in sudden spurts and unexpected twists. It’s explosive and sometimes harshly matter-of-fact. The art by Joe Bennett (pencils) and Art Thibert (inks) features meaty compositions and sturdy and smooth inking. However, the storytelling is big like an action movie, but also brutally intimate, which lets the reader in close to Slade Wilson. That’s scary. Deathstroke is a man to avoid, unless you’re a reader looking for a good read about a dangerous man.

A-

September 14th
BATMAN AND ROBIN #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/batman-and-robin-1.html
BATWOMAN #1 2.99
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/batwoman-1.html
DEMON KNIGHTS #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/demon-knights-1.html
FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF SHADE #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/frankenstein-agent-of-shade-1.html
GREEN LANTERN #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/green-lantern-1.html
GRIFTER #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/grifter-1.html
LEGION LOST #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/legion-lost-1.html
MISTER TERRIFIC #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/mister-terrific-1.html
RED LANTERNS #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/red-lanterns-1.html
RESURRECTION MAN #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/resurrection-man-1.html
SUICIDE SQUAD #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/suicide-squad-1.html
SUPERBOY #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/superboy-1.html

The New 52 Review: NIGHTWING #1

NIGHTWING #1
DC COMICS

WRITER: Kyle Higgins
PENCILS: Eddy Barrows
INKS: JP Mayer
COLORS: Rod Reis
LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

Dick Grayson, Batman’s original Robin, first appeared in Detective Comics #38 (April 1940). Grayson would eventually retire as Robin and take on his own superhero identity, Nightwing, a character that first appeared in Tales of the Teen Titans #44 (July 1984). Grayson became the new Batman for a year (two years in publishing time), but as part of “The New 52,” DC Comics’ re-launch of its superhero comic book line, he is back as Nightwing.

Nightwing #1 (“Welcome to Gotham”) opens with Nightwing swinging over Gotham City. Dick Grayson has decided to live in the rougher section of town in order to be closer to the action, and he gets plenty of action. First, he visits Haly’s Circus, for whom his late parents were acrobats. Next, a vicious new villain is on the prowl to kill.

Nightwing #1 is a straightforward action and fight comic. The character stuff, such as the visit to Haly’s Circus, is empty and devoid of the emotions Kyle Higgins thought he was hitting, but the fights have, shall we say, kick. The art team of Eddy Barrows (pencils) and JP Mayer (inks) is good and features strong composition and solid drawing. I’ve never heard of Barrows, but I want to know more about him now.

I would describe Nightwing as currently being at the top of the middle of the pack, mainly because of the art.

B+

September 21st
BATMAN #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/batman-1.html
RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/red-hood-and-outlaws-1.html
WONDER WOMAN #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/wonder-woman-1.html