I Reads You: Lee Loughridge

Showing posts with label Lee Loughridge. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #2

NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #2 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Valerio Giangiordano

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITORS: Sarah Unwin; Daniel Chabon

COVER: Valerio Giangiordano with Lee Loughridge

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 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 finds Nemesis, once the world's greatest super-villain, with a plan to be just that, again. Now, bent on a mission of revenge against everyone who wronged him, Nemesis must rebuild his empire and his fortune.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #2 opens in the Tribunal de Justica in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Six counts of murder; 27 counts of aggravated assault; 3 counts of burglary, and four counts of antisocial behavior: that is Pedro Hernandez. He has been in and out of detention centers since he was six years old, and he shows no signs of rehabilitation or remorse. This is the day of reckoning for Pedro.

Or this is the day he can become Nemesis' new partner-in-crime, “Rookie.”

Meanwhile, Andy, the security guard betrayed by Nemesis, is a new man... and a new weapon of vengeance.

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 #2.

Mark Millar continues to deliver the ultimate modern super-villain comic book. The Nemesis line of comics offers something like Batman as a deranged killer. However, I must point out that when it comes to Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery, the artist drives the narrative with the most power.

The artists of the earlier series, Steve McNiven (Nemesis) and Jorge Jiménez (Nemesis: Reloaded), offered art and graphic storytelling that emphasized the crazy, the sexy, and the cool of showy super-villain. Nemesis was a bad ass and a murderer, and the storytelling of the earlier series captured the exhilaration of Frank Miller and Klaus Janson's Daredevil and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. In the first series, Nemesis was like the Batman of DKR, and in Nemesis: Reloaded, Nemesis was like Daredevil's killer dude, Bullseye.

Valerio Giangiordano of Rome, Italy takes Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery down a different path, both visually and graphically. No longer is Nemesis a sexy killer. Valerio captures all the darkness, vileness, and evil in Nemesis and places him at the heart of some nasty, hard-hitting storytelling. In a way, Valerio turns Rogues' Gallery into something like one of those gritty 1970s crime movies. Tonally, all three Nemesis series are different, but in this third series, Valerio takes charge and takes Nemesis down a more sinister and edgier path than any comic books that feature Nemesis have previously done.

Colorist Lee Loughridge, who knows how to deal with “the dark,” perfectly accentuates Valerio's storytelling with colors that suggest murder, both muted and glaring. Letterer Clem Robins captures the darker wasteland of this new series.

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

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books and of Valerio Giangiordano's art 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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Thursday, May 22, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: THE MADNESS #4

THE MADNESS #4 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Butch Guice with Lee Loughridge; Daniel Otrakji

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

Rated: “Mature”

The Madness is a six-issue miniseries from AWA Studios. It is written by J. Michael Straczynski; drawn by ACO (pencils) and David Lorenzo (inks); colored by Marcelo Maiolo; and lettered by Sal Cipriano. The series follows a woman who uses her super-powers as a thief and her quest for revenge against a group of superheroes.

The Madness introduces Sarah Ross a.k.a. “The Raven.” She has super-powers: flight, super speed, super strength, and invulnerability, but she can only use one at a time. Sarah has been using her powers as a thief, stealing from the rich and giving it to herself. She plans one more big score so that she can retire to a life of luxury. However, she steals from the “wrong person” and that leads to brutal consequences that will drive her to revenge... and to ultimate madness.

The Madness #4 opens as The Raven recounts how she became involved with her man, the widower Richard “Rick” Chambers, and how she began to build a family with him and his two young sons, Chuck and Devon. Now, she has to continue her revenge tour because Rick and the boys where reduced to “ash and little bits of dry, bleached bone.”

She is tracking down members of “the Council of Justice,” the team of government-sanctioned superheroes who killed her family and left her in a shattered mental state. The latest are Astraea and Miss Victory, but only one played a part in the decision to bring death and destruction to The Raven's life. And the other one wants to convince Raven to make a better decision that one she wants to make. Will The Raven relent or will she fight to the death?

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. The Madness #4 is a recent acquisition.

With this fourth issue, writer J. Michael Straczynski offers a chapter that is as intense as ever, but also more intimate. I'm surprised that this offbeat chapter maintains the series drumbeat of war and revenge without missing... a beat. Yes, I continue to think that The Madness mixes the madness of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen with the exhilaration of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority. Still, I felt a sense sadness that kept intruding on my need for kick-ass and blood lust. There are not only consequences in the actions in which the characters take, but this is also pain.

Artist ACO may be offering his most daring storytelling and his most advanced work. ACO creates a melancholy and tragic tone for this chapter that gives this overall narrative a sense of humanity and vulnerability that will give the violence to come some weight and depth. ACO turns this narrative just when I think I'm following a bullet straight to violence, so I'm often getting more than I expect.

In The Madness #4, AWA Studios does what it has been doing for some time – offer the kind of single issue that can help save the Direct Market. You just have to make the effort to find this kind of comic book, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans looking for excellence in superhero comic books will want to try The Madness.

A+

10 out of 10

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

"THE MADNESS" trade paperback collection is available at AMAZON.

THE MADNESS PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/the-madness/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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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 9, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: THE MADNESS #3

THE MADNESS #3 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mike Deodato with Lee Loughridge; Chris Ferguson

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

Rated: “Mature”

The Madness introduces Sarah Ross a.k.a. “The Raven.” She has super-powers: flight, super speed, super strength, and invulnerability, but she can only use one at a time. Sarah has been using her powers as a thief, stealing from the rich and giving it to herself. She plans one more big score so that she can retire to a life of luxury. However, she steals from the “wrong person” and that leads to brutal consequences that will drive her to revenge... and to ultimate madness.

The Madness #3 opens as The Raven continues her revenge tour. She has tracked down “the Council of Justice,” the team of government-sanctioned superheroes who killed her family and left her in a shattered mental state. They are, however, now aware that she is coming for them. So will that save Agent X-9 from a brutal interrogation? Or will he give up the secrets to a woman beset by madness?

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. The Madness #3 is a recent acquisition.

Writer J. Michael Straczynski continues to blow my mind with his most excellent scripts for The Madness. He mixes the madness of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen with the exhilaration of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority. Still, comic book reviewers often focus a bit too much on the work of the writers, as good as the writer is in this case.

The mad genius of the art and graphical storytelling for this series is artist and co-creator, ACO, and he drives The Madness to the edge of madness again and again. His art recalls the work of both the late Neal Adam in terms of page design and the aforementioned Bryan Hitch in terms of composition. How does ACO convey the madness and thirst for revenge that possesses Sarah Ross? ACO sends the art and storytelling right at us. It is as if ACO keeps grabbing us by the back of the head and slamming our face into the story. He insists that we WILL know The Raven's madness and the violence, chaos, and fear she creates. It's the perfect design of action for a comic book revenge thriller.

So here is a superhero comic book that delivers greatness without requiring you, dear readers, to buy 30 other comic books that are part of some kind of bizarre crossover event. Come and get The Madness, now... or later with the trade paperback.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans looking for excellence in superhero comic books will want to try The Madness.

A+

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

"THE MADNESS" trade paperback collection is available at AMAZON.

THE MADNESS PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/the-madness/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Tuesday, August 13, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #30

KILLADELPHIA #30

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

LAYOUTS: Jason Shawn Alexander

PENCILS: Germán Erramouspe

INKS: Jason Shawn Alexander with Robert Melendrez

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: J.A.W. Cooper

32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (April 2023)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“There's No Place Like Home” Part VI: “This One's for Ray”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia. The series is currently written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Germán Erramouspe. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr., a ragtag team of fighters, and a menagerie of gods and monsters on one side or the other or both in the vampire invasion of Philadelphia. Of note are a special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”), Anansi the Spider-God, and the infamous rebel leader turned monster hunter, Toussaint Louverture, and his army of killers.

Killadelphia #30 (“This One's for Ray”) opens with the story of Raynard, a friend of our vampire prodigy, See Saw. In the story of Raynard, we see the origins of See Saw's curiosity and of how he views the world. It all leads to his terrible and transformational decision, one that will spawn great consequences.

Meanwhile, holed up in their apartment are Jim, Jr. and a pregnant Jose. They're about to receive a visitor, and it isn't one they expect. But it is one that had to happen, considering what Jim left behind in Baltimore, Maryland.

THE LOWDOWN: We have reached the final chapter of Killadelphia's fifth story arc, “There's No Place Like Home.” Before this arc debuted, creators Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander warned readers that they were not prepared for what was coming in the arc – which has proven to be true, very true – even truer than true.

In many of my previous reviews of Killadelphia, I have talked about how Barnes and artist Alexander have embraced change. The surprises and shockers aren't just story arc to story arc or even just issue to issue. Change and transformation are the foundation of the rhythms of this narrative.

Barnes has taken history, mythology, myth, and lore and used the connections that bind them to weave a complicated dark fantasy that is as much supernatural realism as it is vampire comic book. And it is a very good vampire comic book. Killadelphia is simply world-building that excepts change and chaos more than it deals with order and canonical trappings and other tropes of fictional universes.

The art team for Killadelphia #30, Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe, offer a poignant closer that explodes in preparation for what comes next. Yes, we didn't know what was coming in Killadelphia #30, but we did know that the unexpected was coming. That much is always assured.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

A+

NOTES:

- Killadelphia #30 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.

- This issue includes an “Afterword” by Rodney Barnes

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes

https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex

https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

http://rodneybarnes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259

https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ

https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/

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Wednesday, June 5, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: THE AMBASSADORS #6

THE AMBASSADORS #6 (OF 6)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Matteo Scalera

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Matteo Scalera

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Kilian Plunkett with Marcelo Maiolo

44pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (June 2023)

Rated M / Mature

The Ambassadors created by Mark Millar at Netflix

The Ambassadors is a comic book miniseries written and created by Mark Millar. The series focuses on the six people out of eight billion humans who will receive super-powers. Each person will become a member of the international rescue squad, The Ambassadors. Each issue of The Ambassadors will be drawn by a different superstar comic book artist. The sixth issue is drawn by Matteo Scalera; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clem Robins.

The Ambassadors focuses on the efforts of Doctor Choon-He Chung. The technology of her company, Chung Solutions (the world leader in bio-engineering and artificial intelligence), built her a new body. Now, she wants to share super-powers with the world. From her “Base-Control” in Antarctica, Choon-He is building “The Ambassadors.”

The Ambassadors #6 opens in Gyeongju, South Korea. “Codename Mexico” has joined The Ambassadors just in time for the first team international exercise. There is a powerful tsunami on the way to Gyeongju, and The Ambassador for Mexico has completed the team just in time for them to face their first major conflict together.

Unbeknownst to them, however, this first team mission will also be the first time that Choon-He discovers the truth behind her husband, Jin-Sung's activities. He has created his own superhuman upgrade program, and super-rich guys from around the world have paid him a billion dollars each in order to gain super-powers. Now, the battle between super-teams will begin, and the winner will decide the fate of the world.

Plus, Jamie McPhail of the “Bonzo Project” returns again.

THE LOWDOWN: Thanks to a review copy provided by the Mark Millar division of Netflix, I have been able to read all six issues of The Ambassadors. This is a treat for which I have been awaiting since the announcement of the series last year.

Writer Mark Millar does penultimate issues (the second-to-last issue) of miniseries quite well, and The Ambassadors #5 was an excellent one, promising a hell of sixth and final issue of the first arc of this franchise. Lo and behold, Millar delivers just such a fantastic final issue in The Ambassadors #6. The finale has the intensity and superhero violence that is on the level of magic-infused violence of concluding issues of Millar's The Magic Order miniseries.

This issue's artist Matteo Scalera, one of Millar's best collaborators, details the action and excitement in a way that delivers bracing and entertaining reading. Colorist Lee Loughridge is always good at coloring comic books that are intense thrillers, and he does quite well here.

The ending makes me excited about the future of The Ambassadors. Who are going to be their next rivals? And I'm sure at least one current Ambassador will be foolish enough to bring infamy to this team. But for now, enjoy this first series now, or be waiting for The Ambassadors trade paperback, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of big concept superhero comic books will want to read The Ambassadors.

A+

10 out of 10

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

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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Tuesday, April 30, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #29

KILLADELPHIA #29

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

LAYOUTS: Jason Shawn Alexander

PENCILS: Germán Erramouspe

INKS: Jason Shawn Alexander with Robert Melendrez

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Christopher Shy

28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (March 2023)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“There's No Place Like Home” Part V: “My Country, 'Tis of Thee”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia. The series is currently written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Germán Erramouspe. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

As Killadelphia #29 (“My Country, 'Tis of Thee”) opens, it is the sunset of former President John Adams, slave owner turned vampire. The smoldering skeletal remains of the detective, James Sangster, Sr.; former Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson; Adams' wife Abigail; and two loyal slaves, are his to ponder.

Now, Adams must finally, truly contemplate what he and the “Founding Fathers” wrought? Was it really meant to be perfect, especially if it were created by the imperfect? And what is freedom, really? And time is short for the answering.

THE LOWDOWN: We are at the penultimate chapter of Killadelphia's fifth story arc, “There's No Place Like Home.” Before this arc debuted, creators Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander warned readers that they were not prepared for what was coming in the arc – which has proven to be true, very true.

I am at a loss for words again. So, I'll take the easy way out. Rodney Barnes script is great. Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe are a great art team. Lee Loughridge is always a good colorist. And Killadelphia could not be great without a great letterer – Marshall Dillon.

If The 1619 Project offends you, then, dear readers, your ass is really going to be chapped by Killadelphia. I can't imagine that public libraries and public and private school libraries in the states of the old Confederacy will allow any copies of Killadelphia trade and hardback collections on their shelves once they discover what it is. Killadelphia, however, so bold, that it'll get on those shelves anyway.

I love reading Killadelphia so much. Guys, I'm on my knees, too, but in a slightly more dignified manner.

NOTE: Killadelphia #29 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

A+

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes

https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex

https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

http://rodneybarnes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259

https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ

https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/

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Wednesday, March 20, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: RED ZONE #4

RED ZONE #4 (OF 4)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Cullen Bunn

ART: Mike Deodato, Jr.

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Steve Wands

COVER: Rahzzah

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Michael Cho

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

Rated: “Teen+”

Red Zone is a four-issue comic book miniseries from writer Cullen Bunn and artist Mike Deodato, Jr. Published by AWA Studios, the series focuses on an American professor who must fight his way out of Russia where he lived a former life full of long-buried secrets. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Steve Wands complete the series creative team.

Red Zone introduces Randall Crane, an unassuming professor of Russian and Slavic Studies at NYU. By request, he becomes part of U. S. Army Special Forces secret extraction mission into Russia. The target is Elena Sidorov, once a very close friend of the professor's. What she knows makes her a high priority asset to the U.S. When the mission goes wrong, however, Randall is alone and forced to summon the secrets of his past to save himself and Elena daughter, Nika.

As Red Zone #4 opens, Randall and Nika have sought shelter in the home of Novel Abramov, an old acquaintance of Randall's. He lives on the outskirts of an abandoned city turned ghost town, which is the perfect place for a showdown. Andreiko Volkov, the man who wants Crane dead, has called in the cowboy-cosplay killer, Maxim. But hey, why not have just about everyone after Randall show up for a throw-down in a ghost town?

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. One of them is Red Zone #4, the fourth issue of the series that I've read.

Writer Cullen Bunn created an edge-of-your-seat thriller in Red Zone – right to the end. It offers both a satisfying conclusion and a kick-ass last stand. Bunn creates more exhilarating set pieces in each single issue than most comic books can offer in four issues. He has given us enough insight into Randall Crane, enough to make him become someone who really intrigues readers. Who is he? What did he do in the past? And what is the thing that his past has become in the present day?

In Red Zone, artist Mike Deodato, Jr. has created a page design and graphic design that presents a tapestry of thrills. Deodato's art suggests that Crane and Nika are trapped at every turn – and they practically are. Around each page, on the borders and edges, however, are slivers of panels that anticipate the coming drama and action. That makes the art seem active rather than static. Deodato throws his tapestry of static and kinetic energy at us to the end of this narrative. If there is follow-up series, there will hopefully be more Deodato.

Red Zone #4 finishes this series with a bang, as it should. Here, the villains do the damn thing. They should come back, also, but, for now, their fates will make Red Zone's trade paperback collection a damn good read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of action and espionage in comic books will want to read Red Zone.

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

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Thursday, February 15, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #28

KILLADELPHIA #28

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

LAYOUTS: Jason Shawn Alexander

PENCILS: Germán Erramouspe

INKS: Jason Shawn Alexander with Robert Melendrez

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Chris Anthony

32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (February 2023)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“There's No Place Like Home” Part IV: “Death of the Dream”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia. The series is currently written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Germán Erramouspe. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

As Killadelphia #28 (“Death of the Dream”) opens, immortal (vampire) Thomas Jefferson mourns the destruction of his compatriot-turned-immortal, George Washington. But why can't eternally young old Tom Jefferson show real love to the man who has loved him like he was blood, his slave turned vampire, Jupiter?

Plus, See Saw suffers an existential crisis. What has really changed in Philly since the vampire infestation, he wonders? Is shit the same in Killadelphia? Meanwhile, Anansi, a trickster god, tries to trick the great deceiver himself.

THE LOWDOWN: We are at the middle point of Killadelphia's fifth story arc, “There's No Place Like Home.” Before this arc debuted, creators Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander warned readers that they were not prepared for what was coming in the arc – which has proven to be true, very true.

I'm not sure what to say about Killadelphia #28, although I can say that love it … to death. Some of it reads like an enthralling, fiery Black Panther Party tract that throws jet fuel on a gasoline fire. Other parts read like a hypnotic revenge fantasy inspired by “The 1619 Project.”

In my recent reviews of comic books written by Mark Millar (such as Nemesis Reloaded), I talked about how they recall the craziness and rebellion of 1980s comic books. Killadelphia is beautifully crazy. If Fox News and other conservative, right wing, reactionary, KKK media organizations knew about Killadelphia, they would dog Rodney Barnes' name they do Nikole Hannah-Jones.

If such criticism and negativity were to become a reality, however, they would ask you a simple question, dear readers. If you aren't reading Killadelphia, then, why isn't your dumb ass reading Killadelphia?

NOTE: Killadelphia #28 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

A+

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

You can buy KILLADELPHIA VOL. 5 at Amazon.

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes

https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex

https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

http://rodneybarnes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259

https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ

https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/

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Tuesday, January 30, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SINS OF THE SALTON SEA #1

SINS OF THE SALTON SEA #1 (OF 5)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Ed Brisson

ART: C.P. Smith

COLORS: C.P. Smith

LETTERS: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

COVER: Tim Bradstreet

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mike Deodato, Jr. with Lee Loughridge; Chris Ferguson; Mike Deodato, Jr.

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

Rated: “Mature”

Sins of the Salton Sea is a new five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Ed Brisson and artist C.P. Smith. Published by AWA Studios, the series focuses on a professional thief who finds himself with lives on his hand rather than the money promised in his hand. Letterer Steve Wands completes the series creative team.

Sins of the Salton Sea #1 opens somewhere out in the American West. It introduces Wyatt, a professional thief living off the grid. What he doesn't know is that his brother, Jasper, has been keeping tabs on him, and now, he has come asking for help. Jasper has allegedly scored information on one of those proverbial “last big scores.” If Jasper and his team can pull this off, everyone will be set for a long time, maybe even life.

Problem is that Jasper needs a fifth member of his team, and that would be Wyatt, an explosives expert. Wyatt reluctantly agrees, and he is right to be cautious. This heist is not anything like what Jasper and his team expects.

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. Sins of the Salton Sea #1 is the latest.

I don't have a lot to say about Sins of the Salton Sea #1, but it is a damn good read. Writer Ed Brisson offers a tale that when it blows up in the reader's face – and it does – it leaves everything changed and the direction of the story totally different from what the reader expected.

Meanwhile, artist-colorist, C.P. Smith, depicts the West in true grand fashion with a clean compositional style and panels that feel wide and cinematic. Smith's colors, however, give the story a deeply intimate feel. Not only the drama, but also the action scenes bring the readers up close and personal. I felt like I was there and in trouble with everyone else.

I highly recommend Sins of the Salton Sea #1. It promises a lot for the rest of this series.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of action thrillers and conspiracies will want to try Sins of the Salton Sea.

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

You can buy the SINS OF THE SALTON SEA trade paperback at Amazon.

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Thursday, December 21, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #27

KILLADELPHIA #27

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

LAYOUTS: Jason Shawn Alexander

PENCILS: Germán Erramouspe

INKS: Jason Shawn Alexander

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Ben Templesmith

32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“There's No Place Like Home” Part III: “When God Turns Away”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia. The series is currently written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Germán Erramouspe. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and a ragtag team fighting the vampire invasion of Philadelphia. Among them are a medical examiner (Jose Padilla), werewolves, a witch, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”). But their current adversary is an infamous rebel leader turned monster hunter and his army of killers.

As Killadelphia #27 (“When God Turns Away”) opens, Anasi the Spider-God is contemplating his place and the place of humans in all things reality. War and death and gods occupy his mind, and now, he must return to the streets of Hell for a meeting with an entity that does not seem bothered by deep thoughts.

Meanwhile, former President George Washington – the undead, vampire version of him – and his vampire army are put on the defensive as they fight for survival against Toussaint Louverture and his Haitian guardians. Will the Founding Father and his boys be able to turn the tide, or will heavy losses and insurmountable odds seal their fate as another American myth bites the dust.

The first two issues of this arc caused me sadness with their shocking endings. This time, however, writer Rodney Barnes made me happy. His glorious scripts are in tune with the current state of the good ol' U.S. of A. This nation must reckon with its racist and genocidal past, and it is too late for that racial reckoning to go down gently. At times, metaphorical and allegorical, Killadelphia is perhaps a modern Book of Revelation – with some cool vampire action driving the revelation.

New pencil artist Germán Erramouspe and colorist Lee Loughridge have joined artist Jason Shawn Alexander for this arc. The result is a fiery cataclysm of comic book storytelling that is seemingly not sparing sacred cows. Holding this comic book might cause our hands and forearms to catch fire before it is finished, dear readers.

Sometimes, it is okay not to be prepared for the shocks that a creative team is delivering. Issue #27 has left me pleased. Come share this pleasure with me.

NOTE: Killadelphia #27 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

A+

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes

https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex

https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

http://rodneybarnes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259

https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ

https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/

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Wednesday, December 20, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: RED ZONE #3

RED ZONE #3 (OF 4)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Cullen Bunn

ART: Mike Deodato, Jr.

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Steve Wands

COVER: Rahzzah

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mike Deodato, Jr. with Lee Loughridge

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

Rated: “Teen+”

Red Zone is a four-issue comic book miniseries from writer Cullen Bunn and artist Mike Deodato, Jr. Published by AWA Studios, the series focuses on an American professor who must fight his way out of Russia where he lived a former life full of long-buried secrets. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Steve Wands complete the series creative team.

Red Zone introduces Randall Crane, an unassuming professor of Russian and Slavic Studies at NYU. By request, he becomes part of U. S. Army Special Forces secret extraction mission into Russia. The target is Elena Sidorov, once a very close friend of the professor's. What she knows makes her a high priority asset to the U.S. When the mission goes wrong, however, Randall is alone and forced to summon the secrets of his past to save himself and Elena daughter, Nika.

As Red Zone #3 opens, Randall and Nika are scurrying about the alleys and back streets of Moscow, avoiding death by gunfire from above and mechanized death from behind them. Milena, a female assassin who was once the deadliest woman in the world, is perched somewhere above them, trying to take them out with sniper fire. Murderer for hire, Nikita Vasiliev, is an old enemy who now wears a hydraulic suit of armor. Hopefully, Nikita and Milena can get in each other's way before they kill Randall and Nika.

Even if they escape this pair, there are killers and spies at every step of the way. And their one hope may not be in the condition they need him to be.

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. One of them is Red Zone #3, the third issue of the series that I've read.

Writer Cullen Bunn has certainly created an edge-of-your-seat thriller in Red Zone. It is one of the few comic books in which I eagerly await each new issue, and this third issue does not disappoint. Bunn creates more exhilarating set pieces in a single issue than most comic books can offer in four issues.

In Red Zone, artist Mike Deodato, Jr. has created a page design and graphic design that presents a tapestry of thrills. His illustrative style in Red Zone is similar to the design artist B. Krigstein used for the classic EC Comics short story “Master Race” (Impact, April 1955). Deodato creates the visual suggestion that Crane and Nika are trapped at every turn – and they practically are. Around each page, on the borders and edges, however, are slivers of panels that anticipate the coming drama and action. It makes the art seems active rather than static.

The first issue of Red Zone was an excellent introduction to the series. The second issue was like an assurance that the first issue was no fluke. Red Zone #3 will make readers desperate to come back for more of this fine series.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of action and espionage in comic books will want to read Red Zone.

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

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Wednesday, November 8, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #26

KILLADELPHIA #26

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

LAYOUTS: Jason Shawn Alexander

PENCILS: Germán Erramouspe

INKS: Jason Shawn Alexander

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jason Shawn Alexander (Spawn variant); Chris Visions

32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (December 2022)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“There's No Place Like Home” Part II: “No Woman, No Cry”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia. The series is currently written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Germán Erramouspe. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., a vampire! Father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner (Jose Padilla), werewolves, a witch, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly. Their adversary is a former First Lady, the vampire Abigail Adams.

As Killadelphia #26 (“No Woman, No Cry”) opens, Anasi the Spider-God parlays with gods from many pantheons. How many can he convince that one of the four great demon lords, Corson, is preparing to conquer all the realms? Can he convince them of Corson's plot? Will they even give a f**k?

At the same time, Abigail Adams, who started the vampire fire, remembers her past: her childhood, how she meet John Adams, and how they became vampires. Meanwhile, after having killed a Sangster, General Toussaint Louverture and his Haitian army of monsters continue to slay vampires. And the General has his sights on another big prize … in the name of God, of course.

THE LOWDOWN: We are at the second chapter of Killadelphia's fifth story arc, “There's No Place Like Home.” Before this arc debuted, creators Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander warned readers that they were not prepared for what was coming in the arc.

I doubted. I mean I didn't doubt as hard as the Apostle Thomas. However, I believed that because I had been reading Killadelphia from the beginning, I had seen so much... So what could they possibly do that I would not expect? What could I see?

New pencil artist Germán Erramouspe and colorist Lee Loughridge have joined a creative team that continues to produces the “world's greatest vampire comics magazine.” Long time readers are being rewarded for sticking around, but I can say that those who have not yet joined should get started now so that they can eventually get current. Killadelphia just slays me.

So, yes, I have seen the previously unseen. I am seeing things … for which I was not prepared, as I was warned. I believe, and I am still not prepared for what is to come.

NOTE: Killadelphia #26 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

A+

10 out of 10

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes

https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex

https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

http://rodneybarnes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259

https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ

https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/

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

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Tuesday, August 15, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: RED ZONE #1

RED ZONE #1 (OF 4)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Cullen Bunn

ART: Mike Deodato, Jr.

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Steve Wands

COVER: Rahzzah

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mike Deodato, Jr. with Lee Loughridge

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

Rated: “Teen+”

Red Zone is a new four-issue comic book miniseries from writer Cullen Bunn and artist Mike Deodato, Jr. Published by AWA Studios, the series focuses on an American professor who must fight his way out of Russia where he lived a former life full of long-buried secrets. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Steve Wands complete the series creative team.

Red Zone #1 introduces Randall Crane, an unassuming professor of Russian and Slavic Studies at NYU. After one of his classes, he gets a visit from Captain Simon Crow of the United States Army Special Forces. Crow tells Crane that the U.S. government is calling the professor in for a secret international mission in Russia.

Crow is leading a five-man extraction team, and their target is Elena Sidorov, a former Prima Ballerina Assoluta of the Moscow Ballet. What she knows makes her a high priority asset to the U.S., and she has specifically asked that Randall, once a close friend of hers, accompany the team. Not long into the mission in St. Petersburg, there are complications, and before he knows it, Randall is alone and forced to summon the secrets of his past.

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. My first PDF is Red Zone #1.

The characters, setting, plot, mood, drama, and action that writer Cullen Bunn offers reminds me of one of my all-time favorite action movies, director John Frankenheimer's 1998 film, Ronin, starring Robert De Niro and Jean Reno. The suspense, intrigue, shadowy characters, and the mission disaster: Bunn spins an espionage thriller that effectively works in the comic book medium. Bunn offers that thrilling slow burn the draws the reader into the narrative – just in time for the explosion.

Artist Mike Deodato, Jr. has refined his graphical and drawing style into a kind of photo-realism similar to that of Bryan Hitch's. It perfectly serves the moody and mysterious international thriller that is Red Zone #1. Lee Loughridge's skillful coloring adds layer upon layer of atmosphere, and Steve Wands' lettering and effects capture the edginess of this first issue.

This first issue of Red Zone is an excellent introduction to the series, and it definitely makes me want to return for more. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for really good comic books in general, regardless of genre, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of action and espionage in comic books will want to read Red Zone.

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

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Tuesday, August 23, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS: Crimson Reign #1

STAR WARS: CRIMSON REIGN #1 (OF 5)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

STORY: Charles Soule
ART: Steven Cummings
COLORS: Guru-eFX
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Leinil Francis Yu with Sunny Gho
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Steve Cummings with Guru-eFX; Ario Anindito with Edgar Delgado; Clayton Crain; Valerio Giangiordano with Arif Prianto; David Lopez; Rahzzah; Khoi Pahm with Lee Loughridge
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rated T

Part 1: “The Orphans”

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters was a Marvel Comics Star Wars publishing event that was comprised of 34 individual comic books, published from May to October 2021. The series imagines a series of events that occur between the time bounty hunter, Boba Fett, collects Han Solo frozen in carbonite in 1980s The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back) and his appearance in 1983's Return of the Jedi (Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi).

Coming out of War of the Bounty Hunters is the comic book miniseries, Star Wars: Crimson Reign. It is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Steven Cummings; colored by Guru-eFX; and lettered by Travis Lanham. According to Marvel, Crimson Reign is the second installment of a trilogy that will reshape the history of the Star Wars Galaxy during the “Age of Rebellion.”

Star Wars: Crimson Reign #1 opens in the halls of the group known as “Crimson Dawn.” Qi'ra of Corellia is now the group's leader. She has taken on the killers, liars, and thieves that make up this group and has given them a purpose.

Qi'ra has gathered a diverse group: “The Knights of Ren,” “Chanath Cha and the Orphans,” Deathstick, Ochi of Bestoon, Margo and Trinia, and the Archivist to carry out of her plans, which is to destroy the Sith in order to free the galaxy. Her main targets, of course, are Emperor Palpatine a.k.a. “Darth Sidious” and his apprentice, Darth Vader. Qi'ra begins her mission by sending her allies against the galaxy's criminal syndicates, but has doom for herself and her group already been foretold?

THE LOWDOWN: I have enjoyed the vast majority of the Charles Soule's Star Wars comic book work that I have read. I have enjoyed Steven Cummings art since I was first exposed to it in some OEL (original English language) manga from Tokyopop, including Pantheon High (2007), Star Trek: The Manga (2007), and CSI: Intern at Your Own Risk (2009).

However, Star Wars: Crimson Reign #1 isn't the kind of first issue that will inspire me to go out of my way to read the rest of the series. It is professionally written, professionally drawn, professionally colored, and professionally lettered. This isn't a bad comic book. I simply have little interest in Qi'ra's conspiracy, which is contrived past the point of being credible. I find it hard to believe that not one syndicate leader would notice that the troubles begin shortly after Qi'ra and her ilk begin meeting with the syndicates. Does it take two issues for even one of them to figure this out?

Lucasfilm and Marvel seem determined to retcon the fuck out of the original Star Wars trilogy and the imaginary timeline surrounding it – known as the “Age of Rebellion.” That is their prerogative, but it is mine to choose to read it. I choose not to. I have never been that curious about “what happened” between the films, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). But if that is your thing, Crimson Reign is not only a miniseries, but it is an event that will take place in various issues across Marvel's line of Star Wars comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Marvel's Star Wars comic books may want to try Star Wars: Crimson Reign.

B

★★★ out of 4 stars

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

https://twitter.com/Marvel
https://www.marvel.com/
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https://www.comixology.com/Marvel_Comics

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

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Wednesday, September 15, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: BATMAN: Strange Apparitions

BATMAN: STRANGE APPARITIONS
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Steve Englehart; Len Wein
PENCILS: Marshall Rogers; Walter Simonson
INKS: Terry Austin; Dick Giordano; Al Milgrom
COLORS: Marshall Rogers
LETTERS: Ben Oda; Milton Snapinn; John Workman
EDITORS: Dale Crain (collection); Julie Schwartz (original)
MISC: Marshall Rogers; Walter Simonson; Terry Austin; Al Milgrom; Jerry Serpe
COVER: Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin with Lee Loughridge
ISBN: 978-1-56389-500-5; paperback (January 2000)
180pp, Color, $12.95 U.S., $20.00 CAN (November 11, 1999)

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Introduction by Steve Englehart

Steve Englehart is an American comic book writer known for his influential and prominent work during the 1970s. He had memorable runs writing The Avengers from #105 -#152 (1972 to 1976) and Doctor Strange (Vol. 2) #1 to 18 (except #3). He created such comics characters as “Shang-Chi, Master of Kung-Fu,” “Nomad,” “Star Lord,” and “Mantis.”

Marshall Rogers (1950 to 2007) was an American comic book artist known for his work for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Eclipse Comics. He produced memorable work like Harlan Ellison's graphic novel, Demon with a Glass Hand (DC Comics, 1986); an early 1980s run on Doctor Strange and a late 1980s run on The Silver Surfer, both for Marvel.

In November 1999, DC Comics published the trade paperback, Batman: Strange Apparitions. It collected Englehart and Rogers' most acclaimed and most influential work, which was their collaboration on a six-issue run of Batman stories for Detective Comics in the 1970s. From issue #471 to issue #476 (August 1977 to March-April 1978), Englehart and Rogers produced some of the most popular Batman stories of all time, although they each produced two stories for Detective Comics with other collaborators.

Englehart wrote a Batman two-part story for Detective Comics #469 and #470, which were drawn by legendary comic book artist, Walter Simonson. Rogers drew a two-art Batman story for issues #478 and #479, which were written by the late great comic book writer, Len Wein. However, their work from #471 to #476 is what marks Englehart and Rogers as one of the greatest Batman creative teams of all time. Although their work covers no more than six issues and is comprised of about only 102 pages, they are six memorable issues and 102 glorious pages.

DC Comics first reprinted Detective Comics #469 to #476 and #478 to #479 in the five-issue comic book miniseries, Shadow of the Batman (December 1985 to April 1986). Shadow of the Batman #1 reprints the Englehart and Simonson issues, and Shadow of the Batman #5 reprints the Wein and Rogers stories. Shadow of the Batman #2 to #4 reprints the Englehart-Rogers run. Rogers also drew double-sided covers for each issue of Shadow of the Batman, and each issue also includes a comics short story drawn by Rogers that appeared in one of DC Comics' 1970s comic book anthology series. Batman: Strange Apparitions reprints Detective Comics #469 to #476 and #478 to #479, without the Rogers short stories.

Englehart and artist Walt Simonson open Strange Apparitions with a two-part story from Detective Comics #469 (“...By Death's Eerie Light!”) and #470 (“The Master Plan of Dr. Phosphorus”). The radioactive villain, “Dr. Phosphorus,” is attempting to hold Gotham City hostage, and Batman is having a difficult time with the villain. Phosphorus has the strength to go toe-to-toe with Batman, and his radioactive touch can burn through Batman's uniform and leave serious burn on the Dark Knight's body. Phosphorus is also part of a conspiracy that reaches into city hall. The ringleader of this conspiracy is Boss Rupert Thorne, city council chairman and crime boss. Englehart also introduces a memorable love interest for Bruce Wayne, Silver St. Cloud, a socialite and eventually, an event planner who comes to realize that Wayne is Batman.

That leads into the first two Steve Englehart-Marshall Rogers issues, Detective Comics #471 (“The Dead Yet Live) and #472 (“I Am the Batman”). As Bruce Wayne, Batman checks into Graytowers Clinic, where the renowned Dr. Todhunter has a reputation for helping wealthy and powerful men recover physically and mentally. Batman is hoping to recover from the grave wounds he sustained battling Dr. Phosphorus. However, Dr. Todhunter is in actuality an old Batman villain, Hugo Strange. Strange discovers that Bruce Wayne is Batman and incapacitates Wayne so that he can assume the identity of Batman. Another plot line involves Boss Thorne putting out a contract on Batman's life, which draws the attention of some colorful and familiar Batman enemies. In “I Am the Batman,” Robin returns to Gotham City to re-team with Batman.

Batman takes on The Penguin in Detective Comics #473 (“The Malay Penguin”) and the assassin “Deadshot” in issue #474 (The Deadshot Ricochet”). Early in the latter story, Robin ends his temporary reunion with Batman when he is summoned by the Teen Titans.

Englehart and Rogers most famous story in their run occurred in the two-part Detective Comics #475 (“The Laughing Fish”) and #476 (“Sign of the Joker”). This story features an unambiguously homicidal Joker, whose murderous actions are wholly illogical and consistently capricious. In this mini-story arc, The Joker uses a chemical to disfigure fish in the ocean, giving them a “rictus grin” (similar to his own ghastly grin). The Joker brazenly expects to be granted a federal trademark on these grinning fish. The local government bureaucrats try to explain to the Joker that they cannot help him even if they wanted. Obtaining such a claim on a natural resource (like the fish) is legally impossible. So The Joker starts killing these men in the most gruesome way, and Batman begins a desperate and seemingly failing battle to stop the Joker. Issue #476 is Englehart's final issue.

Marshall Rogers ends his tenure on Detective Comics with a two-part tale written by Len Wein. The story appears in Detective Comics #478 (“The Coming of... Clayface III!”) and #479 (“If a Man Be Made of Clay...!”) and introduces the third iteration of the classic Batman villain, Clayface.

During his short, but essential run on Detective Comics, Steve Englehart returns Batman to his pulp fiction roots, making him a relentless force for justice. Marshall Rogers draws Batman as brooding, fearsome, wraith-like, and (indeed) bat-like. Batman moves about the page in a way that recalls what may be the character's chief inspiration, the pulp hero and vigilante, Walter Gibson's The Shadow.

The Joker also experiences a return to his roots. Englehart and Rogers present an insane, matter-of-fact, and homicidal Joker, who has a creepy, unsettling grin dominating his face. This recalls the character originally presented by writer Bill Finger and artists Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson. As a visual reference for the way Rogers draws The Joker, readers need only take a look at three covers drawn by Jerry Robinson that feature The Joker: Detective Comics #69 (Nov. 1942) and #71 (Jan. 1943), and also Batman #37 (Oct.-Nov 1946).

Steve Englehart now refers to his 1970s run on Detective Comics as “Dark Detective I,” as precursor to his 2005 miniseries, Batman: Dark Detective, which he now calls “Dark Detective II.” I read these 1970s Englehart-Rogers Batman stories when I was a pre-teen, again in my late teens, and again in my early thirties, and now in my early 50s. I can say that, for the most part, these stories have aged well.

Englehart has also said that these stories not only influenced the 1989 Batman movie, but that they are also the reason that film went into development. I don't know if that is true or not, but I could believe it. These stories are special enough to influence other Batman storytellers, and in the trade paperback collection, Batman: Strange Apparitions, they prove that they won't fade away.

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I Reads You

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