#IReadsYou Review: BIG GAME #5

BIG GAME #5 (OF 5)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Pepe Larraz

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Pepe Larraz with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dike Ruan with Giovanna Niro

52pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (November 2023)

Rated M / Mature

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

Big Game is a sequel to the first Millarworld comic book miniseries, Wanted (2003-04).  The stars of that series, The Fraternity, the super-villains that secretly rule the world, defeated their superhero adversaries in 1986.  Now, this entity is concerned about the reemergence of superheroes, so it unleashes it new superhero killer, Nemesis (from Nemesis: Reloaded), on a hero-assassination spree.

Big Game #5 opens in Singapore, Moscow, and New York.  It is in these places that Diabolos the Sorcerer makes his announcement on behalf of his master, King Morax (Empress).  Diabolos has traveled millions of years from Earth's deep history in order to speak to the planet's true leader, Wesley Gibson, the secret Lord of the Earth (Wanted).

But for all the flexing Wesley and Diabolos will commit in front of each other, everything hinges on Hit-Girl/Mindy McCready (Kick-Ass).  Can she stop Nemesis' superhero murder spree before it starts … again?  Guest-starring the stars of The Ambassadors, Huck, Night Club, Starlight, and a surprise.

THE LOWDOWN:  I have been receiving PDF review copies of Netflix/Millarworld's comic book titles since late 2021.  Big Game #5 is the latest.

Big Game #5 is the end of, what is for me, the most readable comic book crossover event of the last fifteen years.  I have read some event series that started off grand and ended with a whimper (Marvel's recent Heroes Reborn).  I have read some that are full of sound and fury signifying nothing but perpetual noise (DC Comics' Dark Metal).

Writer Mark Millar and artist Pepe Larraz offer a satisfying ending that brings together all the elements, hooks, and twists from throughout Millarworld, although I will say that Big Game #5 doesn't have the big game of previous four issues.  This conclusion leaves me satisfied, and I am anticipating what comes next.

Millar seems to promise a brave new Millarworld going forward, and I want to be there.  So, dear readers, perhaps you should get that Big Game trade paperback for some good reading.  Add it to your gift list.

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

A

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: THE MAGIC ORDER 4 #3

THE MAGIC ORDER 4 #3 (OF 6)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Dike Ruan

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Dike Ruan with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dani Strips with Brad Simpson

28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2023)

Rated M / Mature

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

The Magic Order 4 is a six-issue miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Dike Ruan.  The is the fourth installment of The Magic Order series, which began with the 2018-19 miniseries written by Millar and drawn by Olivier Coipel.  The Magic Order is a band of sorcerers, magicians, and wizards – with a focus on the Moonstone family – that live ordinary lives by day, but protect humanity from darkness and monsters of impossible sizes by night.  Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series creative team.

The Magic Order 4 focuses on a coup within the order, one that has left the Moonstones defeated … seemingly … by the dark one who always wanted to rule the order – the supposedly defeated Madame Albany.  Now, to save everything, Cordelia Moonstone, the now deposed leader, will have to go way down in the dirty dirty to restore order.

The Magic Order 4 #3 opens with Cordelia and Francis King prisoners in this world/dimension known as “Kolthur.”  Fellow prisoner, Ubris Obrughast, informs them that the state of affairs within The Magic Order on Earth is well known in Kolthur.  He also tells them about Edgar Seemus a.k.a. “Uncle Edgar,” and how he (partially) caused the state of affairs in Kolthur.  But what he tells them next may well induce a stroke in our heroes.

Meanwhile, Uncle Edgar, the Wizard King, has a visit with Albany...

THE LOWDOWN:  My favorite Mark Millar Netflix creation is The Magic Order.  It always surprises me, and before I read each issue I wonder not if, but how I will be surprised.  Every time I think I might creep away and choose a new Millarworld favorite to love, The Magic Order drags me back.

I don't even have the words to describe how much The Magic Order 4 #3 shocks me.  I remember being creeped out and scared of the entire “Manson family compound” sequence in Quentin Tarantino's enthralling film, Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood, but The Magic Order 4 #3 said, “Hold my moonshine.”  Then, it preceded to show me some uncomfortable family drama that made me concerned I was reading contraband material.  But it all utterly delighted and entertained me.

I'd say that Millar and Dike Ruan are killing it, but I think that I have said that a few times already.  Truthfully, everyone on this creative team is slaying.  Niro's colors are great.  Robin's lettering is great.  If Marvel and DC Comics' titles were as good as The Magic Order 4 #3, they wouldn't need crossover events to bump up their sales.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar and of The Magic Order will want to read The Magic Order 4.

A+

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: BIG GAME #4

BIG GAME #4 (OF 5)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Pepe Larraz

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Pepe Larraz with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Matteo Scalera; Pepe Larraz

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

Rated M / Mature

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

Big Game is a sequel to the first Millarworld comic book miniseries, Wanted (2003-04).  The stars of that series, The Fraternity, the super-villains that secretly rule the world, defeated their superhero adversaries in 1986.  Now, this entity is concerned about the reemergence of superheroes, so it unleashes it new superhero killer, Nemesis (from Nemesis: Reloaded), on a hero-assassination spree.

Big Game #4 opens in the world of the series, Empress (before the events of that series).  Hit-Girl (Mindy McCready) has ridden a dead Chrononaut far, far into Earth's deep history.  Now, she's face to face with Princess Aine, the daughter of King Morax.  The King himself has conquered space, so he is shocked to realize that millions of years in the future – from where Hit-Girl hails – his Empire does not exist and no one remembers it.  Now, he believes that time travel can change this unpleasant future reality, but where does that leave Mindy?

Meanwhile, a gathering of superheroes is unaware that they are sitting ducks for Nemesis.  So where are The Magic Order and Kick-Ass?

THE LOWDOWN:  I have been receiving PDF review copies of Netflix/Millarworld's comic book titles since late 2021.  Big Game #4 is the latest.

Big Game #4 is an excellent Empress comic book, especially considering that the long-awaited second series is still long-awaited.  Still, I like the manner in which writer Mark Millar is fitting all his series together; Big Game makes Millarworld really feel like an actual comic book world.

All along, series artist Pepe Larraz has unleashed his beautiful and brutal graphical storytelling.  Big Game #4 allows him to offer a different tone.  Yes, there is still the slaughter, but Larraz's ability to depict multiple worlds and settings gets to impress here.  Giovanna Niro makes it all pop with her rich colors, giving the narrative an epic scope.

Big Game #1 had me curious to see what was next.  Big Game #2 blew the doorway to my imagination off its hinges.  Big Game #3 felt like the story wasn't finished pounding me.  Big Game #4 promises to be a blast.

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

A+

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: PRODIGY: The Evil Earth

PRODIGY: THE EVIL EARTH
IMAGE COMICS

WRITER: Mark Millar
ARTIST: Rafael Albuquerque
COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo
LETTERS: Peter Doherty
EDITOR: Rachel Fulton
COVER: Ozgur Yildirim
MISC. ART: Rafael Albuquerque; André Araújo; Frank Quitely; Travis Charest; John Cassaday; Rafael Grampa
ISBN: 978-1-5343-1236-4; paperback (July 30, 2019)
168pp, Color, $19.99 U.S.

Rated M / Mature

Prodigy was a 2018-19, six-issue comic book miniseries produced by writer Mark Millar and artist Rafael Albuquerque.  Published by Image Comics, it was the second comic book series (following The Magic Order) that Millar produced after he sold his company, Millarworld, to Netflix.  Prodigy focuses on the world's smartest man, a fellow who believes that he is the go-to guy when there is a global crisis to solve.  In July 2019, the first Prodigy miniseries was collected in the trade paperback, Prodigy: The Evil Earth.

Prodigy: The Evil Earth opens at St. George's Hall, a prestigious high school in Massachusetts.  The story introduces 11-year-old Edison Crane, the son of a United States senator who is about to become U.S. Secretary of State.  It is 1993, and the “Inter-School Polo Cup Final” has just come to an end.  Edison is the star, “the Man of the Match,” much to the ire of some of his teammates who are high school students of actual high school age.

How he deals with those violent, bitter teammates is a hint at what Edison will become – a man who will take on any problem or challenge.  Edison can learn faster than anyone who ever lived, and there is nothing he can't do when he puts his mind to it.  He even performs open heart surgery on a classmate.

This is one of the first steps Edison will take on the road to becoming the world's smartest man who is running the world's most successful business.  But Edison Crane is not content because his brilliant mind needs constant challenge.  So he becomes the go-to guy for governments around the world when they have a problem or crisis they cannot solve.

When strange cars containing crispy critters start popping up around the world, however, Edison may finally face something that will truly challenge him.  It is a mystery that spans time from the Tower of Babel to the “Large Hadron Collider” and to an impending invasion from somewhere beyond.

THE LOWDOWN:  I am a fan of a number of Mark Millar's creator-owned comic book series, with Kick-Ass, Empress, and The Magic Order (also a Netflix title) being among my favorite.  After reading Prodigy, it became one of my favorite comic books of the last decade – period.

Prodigy Chapter One/Issue #1 is a teaser; the series' narrative really kicks off with Chapter Two.  Millar uses the first chapter to sell Edison Crane to his readers.  At first, Edison seems to have an unlikable personality, but by the end of this first chapter, dear readers, you might think Edison is a thoroughly intriguing character.  I certainly did.  Edison Crane mixes elements of Bruce Wayne/Batman, Sherlock Holmes, Marvel Comics' Karnak and Tony Stark/Iron Man, Angus MacGyver, and others that I can't think of right now.

Prodigy: The Evil Earth saw artist Rafael Albuquerque continue to transform as a comic book artist, in terms of his draftsmanship and in terms of the flair in his illustrative style.  The stylishly-drawn first chapter is among his best work.  By the end of this first volume, Albuquerque has created a vibe that mixes multiple genres:  spy thriller, secret agent adventure, mysteries, and conspiracy that made The Evil Earth unforgettable for me.  Marcelo Maiolo's bright coloring not only adds another layer of beauty to the art, but they strengthen the elements that this narrative borrows from a variety of genres and sources.

I can never get enough of Prodigy: The Evil Earth.  No matter how much you might think you have figured out Edison Crane, Mark Millar always keeps readers imagination hopping with a series of surprises and reveals.  In The Evil Earth, Mark Millar and Rafael Albuquerque have created a creepy masterpiece that delves into the dark crevices of civilization's cabals and confederacies, doing so at the speed of light.  And I can't stop chasing it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar's comic book will want to read Prodigy: The Evil Earth.

A

★★★★ out of 4 stars

You can buy a copy of the PRODIGY: THE EVIL EARTH trade paperback here at AMAZON.

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


https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar
https://twitter.com/netflix
https://twitter.com/themagicorder
https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/
http://www.millarworld.tv/
www.imagecomics.com


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

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

#IReadsYou Review: NIGHT CLUB #6

NIGHT CLUB #6 (OF 6)

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

COVER: Matteo Scalera with Giovanna Niro

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Matteo Scalera

36pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2023)

Rated M / Mature

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

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

Night Club introduces 17-year-old Danny Garcia, who had ambitions to gain fame and fortune as a YouTube star with his friends, DJ Sam Huxley and Amy Chen.  Then, after a terrible accident, a vampire bites him, and his life goes awry.  Instead of living like a stereotypical vampire, Danny decides to live “la vida loca” of a superhero.

Night Club #6 opens with Starguard (Danny), Thundercloud (Sam), and Yellowbird (Amy) prepare to get the vampire gang overlord, Gunner Joe, and crew his crew before they get them.  The best laid schemes o' mice an' men an' teen vampires, however, is a way of saying that things will not go according to plan.  In the final showdown, it is clear that one side will have to annihilate the other.  So what happens after that?

THE LOWDOWN:  Netflix/Millarworld sends me PDF review copies of their comic books.  Thus, I have been lucky enough to get review copies of all six issues of Night Club.

Writer Mark Millar and artist Juanan Ramírez offered big surprises in Night Club #5.  There was an intriguing origin story and the depiction of the strife between the (apparently) small number of vampires that currently exist.  In this finale, Millar sets the groundwork for more rivalries and offers a revelation that it is not so much that power corrupts, but that it inflates the ego.

Ramirez attacks the action in this final issue with gusto.  It is somewhere between supernatural violence and rural crime thriller.  Colorist Fabiana Mascolo captures the subtly moments and the violence with equal aplomb.  Letterer Clem Robins also captures the shifts and tones in mood that lay the groundwork for what is to come in future Night Club series.

Night Club is a truly unique spin on vampire comic books the way the 1997 film, Near Dark is certainly a unique  take on the vampire movie.  Night Club #6 is quite a nice end of the beginning, and it will probably seem even better in trade paperback form

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

A

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

The trade collection of this series, Night Club Volume 1, is available for sale at Amazon.

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: THE MAGIC ORDER 4 #2

THE MAGIC ORDER 4 #2 (OF 6)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Dike Ruan

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Dike Ruan with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Rafael Albuquerque

36pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2023)

Rated M / Mature

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

The Magic Order 4 is a new six-issue miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Dike Ruan.  The is the fourth installment of The Magic Order series, which began with the 2018-19 miniseries written by Millar and drawn by Olivier Coipel.  The Magic Order is a band of sorcerers, magicians, and wizards – with a focus on the Moonstone family – that live ordinary lives by day, but protect humanity from darkness and monsters of impossible sizes by night.

The Magic Order 4 focuses on a coup within the order, one that has left the Moonstones defeated … seemingly.  Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series creative team.

The Magic Order 4 #2 opens as Madame Albany and her backstabbers continue killing members of The Magic Order loyal to the Moonstone family.  The Madame even has an offer to make Regan's dumb ass, but will he accept?  Meanwhile, Uncle Edgar, the Wizard King...

THE LOWDOWN:  My favorite Mark Millar Netflix creation is The Magic Order.  It always surprises me, and before I read each issue I wonder not if, but how I will be surprised.  Every time I think I might creep away and choose a new Millarworld favorite to love, The Magic Order drags me back.

In my reviews of the first two issues of Millar and artist Jorge Jiménez's new series, Nemesis Reloaded, I have talked about how that series recalls the crazy, groundbreaking, and rebellious comic books of the 1980s.  If The Magic Order 4 had been published in the 1980s or even the 1990s, it would have been revolutionary.  This new installment of The Magic Order is as crazy as post-Steve Ditko Doctor Strange comic books can't be … or maybe are not allowed to be.  Any character with the kind of magical power as depicted in The Magic Order 4 or even titles like Doctor Strange and Dr. Fate would be an asshole – to one extent to another – protagonist and antagonist.

Millar and Ruan are killing it by trying to kill us, dear readers.  The Magic Order 4 #2 offers the same as the first issue – a series of nasty/tasty reveals that are a brutal/delightful shock to the system.  I can't wait for The Magic Order 4 #3 to get rough with me.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar and of The Magic Order will want to read The Magic Order 4.

A+

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#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

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: BIG GAME #3

BIG GAME #3 (OF 5)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Pepe Larraz

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Pepe Larraz with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Travis Charest

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

Rated M / Mature

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

Big Game is a sequel to the first Millarworld comic book miniseries, Wanted (2003-04).  The stars of that series, The Fraternity, the super-villains that secretly rule the world, defeated their superhero adversaries in 1986.  Now, this entity is concerned about the reemergence of superheroes, so it unleashes it new superhero killer, Nemesis (from Nemesis: Reloaded), on a hero assassination spree.

As Big Game #3 opens, Huck (from the miniseries, Huck) is the target of the assassins.  Superior, Night Club, Kingsman, and Kick-Ass: who will survive?  Is Hit-Girl the most dangerous target and/or the smartest?  Time will tell.

THE LOWDOWN:  I have been receiving PDF review copies of Netflix/Millarworld's comic book titles since late 2021.  Big Game #3 is the latest.

As a longtime Millarworld fan, it is both terrifying and thrilling to read Big Game, especially because Nemesis is on the prowl.  That's the good part.  He and others, however, are killing some of my favorite Millarworld good guys and anti-heroes.  Of course, that's the bad part.  Mark Millar ain't playing, and every issue is a prepared explosive device – the opposite of an “improvised explosive device.”  This third issue explodes all the way to the end with surprises, and while I expected this kind of fun, I didn't expect this much fun.

Artist Pepe Larraz continues to unleash his beautiful and brutal graphical storytelling, bringing to life the gleeful vindictiveness of Millar's script.  Larraz just might be making his readers all beg for breaks between issues, even if they'd like to read the next installment as soon as they finish the current issue.

Big Game #1 had me curious to see what was next.  Big Game #2 blew the doorway to my imagination off its hinges.  Now, dear readers, Big Game #3 feels like it ain't finished with me just yet.

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

A+

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

I Reads You Juniors: April 2024 - UPDATE #64

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

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NEWS:

DC STUDIOS - From TheWrap:  Actress Neva Howell will play "Ma Kent" in James Gunn's film, "Superman" for Warner Bros./DC Studios.

From TheWrap:  Emmy-winning actor, Emmy-winning actor, Pruitt Taylor Vance, will play "Pa Kent" in James Gunn's film, "Superman" (formerly "Superman: Legacy") for Warner Bros./DC Studios.

IMAGE - From BleedingCool:  Image Comics will collect writer Warren Ellis and artist J.H. Williams' six-issue series, "Desolation Jones" (2005-07), in a remastered hardcover volume, entitled "Desolation Jones: The Biohazard Edition."

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:  James Robinson launches a new creator-owned line at Dark Horse Comics, beginning with the comic book, "Patra," with artist Scott Kolins in August 2024

WEBCOMICS - From THR:  The hit Webtoon webcomic, "Freaking Romance," will be adapted as a live-action film.  The developers are Robert Kirkman's Skybound Entertainment and Wattpad Webtoon Studios, the screen-based division of Webtoon Entertainment.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Elektra is Daredevil in the four-issue limited series, "Daredevil: Woman Without Fear."  First issue arrives July 17th, 2024.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics is launching its own version of Marvel Comics' "Ultimate Comics."  The line is called "Absolute Comics" and its overseer is writer Scott Snyder.  More information about the line is expected at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 (July 25th to 28th).

From BleedingCool:  More information and some clarifications about "Absolute Comics."

From THR:  Writer James Tynion IV has written a sequel to his 2021 hit miniseries, "The Nice House by the Lake."  The first issue of the "The Nice House by the Sea" arrives July 24th, 2024.

From DCBlog:  Writer Joshua Williamson talks about DC Comics' next big crossover event, "House of Brainiac."  The event kicked off in "Action Comics #1064," which arrived in comic shops April 10th.

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IDW TO FILM - From THR:  Paramount Pictures is developing an R-rated live-action movie based on the the comic book miniseries, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin" (IDW Publishing, 2020-22).

RPG - From ICv2:  Comic book writers David Avallone and David Walker will be among the writers on Magnetic Press' "Planet of the Apes Role-Playing Game" that is being overseen by Andrew E.C. Gaska.  Gaska's work includes the "Terminator RPG" and the "Alien RPG," as well as two "Planet of the Apes" novels.

EN MEMORIAM - From ComicBook:  Author, cartoonist, and comic book writer, artist, and editor, Trina Robbins, has died at the age of 85, Wednesday, April 10, 2024.  Robbins was an early participant in the Underground Comics movement.  She cofounded such Underground publications as "It Ain't Me, Babe Comics," "Wimmen's Comics."  Her best known mainstream work includes "Misty" (1985-86) for Marvel's "Star Comics" imprint and "The Legend of Wonder Woman" (1986) miniseries for DC Comics.  Robbins wrote over 10 non-fiction books about the history of women in American comics.

DC CINEMA/TRAILERS - From Deadline:  At CinemaCon 2024, Warner Bros. debuts the trailer for "Joker: Folie A Deux," which arrives in theaters Oct. 4, 2024.

EUROCOMICS TO FILM - From AnimationMagazine:  French actor-filmmaker Mathieu Kassovitz ("La Haine," Gothika) is planning his "English-language passion project."  It is a live-action/animation feature titled "The Big War."  It would be an adaptation of the 1940s French graphic novel, "La bête est morte!" ("The Beast Is Dead") which was produced by French comics artist and cartoonist, Edmond-François Calvo, known as “The French Walt Disney,” with Victor Dancette and Jaquest Zimmermann providing scripts.  Kassovitz has been working on the script for this project for over 20 years with The Nightmare Before Christmas screenwriter, Caroline Thompson.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  In the wake of leaving IDW Publishing as "Special Projects Editor," Scott Dunbier has announced that he is starting his own comics publishing company.  Details will trickle out over the coming months with an official announcement as San Diego Comic-Con 2024.

FANTAGRAPHICS - From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books will publish the 15th issue of the late Joe Matt's comic book series, "Peepshow."  Matt was working on "Peepshow #15" when he died at age 60 last year.  It's has been 17 years since the last issue of "Peepshow" was published.

DC/BOOKS - From DCBlog:  Author Rachel Allen shares an excerpt from her upcoming YA novel, "Harley Quinn: Redemption," which is due in bookstores April 23, 2024.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Tom King and artist Mitch Gerads talk about their creative partnership, from Vertigo's "The Sheriff of Babylon" to the recent collection, "Batman: The Brave and the Bold Vol. 1: The Winning Card."

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:  Mike Mignola has revealed his new, folklore-inspired universe, "The Lands Unknown," which is separate from his "Hellboy" universe.  Dark Horse will publish "The Lands Unknown's" debut anthology, "Bowling With Corpses," in November.

IMAGE - From Deadline:  Margot Robbie's production company, LuckyChap, is teaming up with director Olivia Wilde for a film based on Rob Liefeld's "Avengelyne" comic book.

From THR:  Comic book creator, Rob Liefeld, best known for creating "Deadpool" for his work on such titles as "New Mutants," "X-Force," and "Youngblood," will publish a memoir.  Entitled "Robservations," it will be published in early 2025.

DC STUDIOS - From Deadline:  Craig Gillespie, who directed "Cruella" and "I, Tonya," is in talks to direct DC Studios' "Supergirl" movie.

DC TV - From Variety:  Netflix debuts its trailer for "Dead Boy Detectives," a series spin off of its hit series, "The Sandman," which is currently in its second season.  The "Dead Boy Detectives" were created by writer Neil Gaiman and artist Matt Wagner and Malcolm Jones III and first appeared in "The Sandman #25" (DC Comics, April 1991).

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Warner Bros. has released the first poster image for "Joker: Folie a Deux."  There is also a TikTok video with an audio clip from the film.  The first trailer is scheduled to arrive Tues., April 9th.  The film is due October 4, 2024.

From Variety:  "Joker: Folie a Deux" has received an "R" rating from the MPA (Motion Picture Association) for “some strong violence, language throughout, some sexuality and brief full nudity.”  The film, which will largely be a jukebox musical, is due in theaters Oct. 4th.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Cartoonist and comic book creator, Ed Piskor, has died at the age of 41, Monday, April 1, 2024.  Piskor first gained acclaim for his webcomic, "Hip Hop Family Tree," which Fantagraphics Books collected in book form and also as a comic book series.  For Marvel Comics, Piskor wrote and drew three "X-Men: Grand Design" miniseries, which chronicled the history of the X-Men in exacting detail, using a multitude of X-Men comic books as reference.  Fantagraphics had been publishing his webcomic, "Red Room," as a series of miniseries.

DYNAMITE - From YouTube:  Dynamite Entertainment has created a "trailer" for its upcoming "Space Ghost" comic book.  First issue is due in stores May 1, 2024.

CRIME - From BleedingCool:  Artist Marc Hempel and Mark Wheatley have discovered that decades of their original art, scripts, and production materials were stolen from their Insight Studios warehouse over a period of time.  Apparently, the original thief is deceased, and the stolen property was unknowingly sold as part of his estate.  Hempel and Wheatley discovered the theft when the stolen items began being openly auctioned online.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Veteran comic book artist, Mark D. Bright, has died at the age of 68, Wednesday, March 27, 2024.  Bright drew 22 of the 31 issues (200-231) of Marvel's "Iron Man," including the "Armor Wars" storyline.  For DC Comics, he drew the "Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn" (1989-90) and "Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn II" (1991) miniseries.  He may be best known for creating the "Quantum & Woody" for Acclaim Comics in 1997.  Bright drew 17 of the 18 issues of the original "Quantum & Woody" comic book series (1997-97).  In his later career, Bright was a storyboard artist who worked in film, television, and TV commercials.

IDW - From BleedingCool:  IDW "Special Projects Editor" Scott Dunbier has confirmed the news tha the is leaving the company.  His last day is Fri., April 5th.  He will announce his next move Mon., April 8th.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:  Now that Mark Millar has moved his Millarworld imprint to Dark Horse Comics, he has announced its upcoming titles.  The new titles are "Nemesis Rogue's Gallery" (July 2024).  Other upcoming titles include "Prodigy: Slaves of Mars," "Night Club 2," "The Magic Order 5," and a final series of "Jupiter's Legacy."

IMAGE - From DynamicForces:  Writer David Avallone talks about his upcoming 12-issue comic book series, "Drawing Blood," which is being published by Image Comics.  Avallone wrote the series Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," who also contributes art to this new series.  "Drawing Blood #1" is scheduled to arrive in stores April 24th.

DC STUDIOS - From Deadline:   DC Studios co-boss, James Gunn, says that the studio will not greenlight "The Authority" movie until they have finished a script they are happy with.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Marvel Comics is publishing a new "X-Men" miniseries that fills that gap between Fox's 1990s "X-Men" (1992-97) animated television series and the new Disney+ animated series, "X-Men '97."  The first issue is now on sale, and "X-Men '97 #1" is due April 10th.

BRITISH COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Writer Gail Simone is helping revive 1970s British horror comic, "Misty," via a new anthology, "The Misty 2024 Special."  The comic is due in the U.K. sometime in July and likely in the U.S. sometime in August.

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MARCH 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC "Batman" comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dead Sky Publishing LLC for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  IPI Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel "X-Men" from Marvel Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel "Fall of the House of X" and "Rise of the Powers of X" from Marvel Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Massive/WhatNot for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000AD for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for March 2024

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for March 2024

APRIL 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Billy Tucci for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Blackbox Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' "Batman" titles for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' Superman's "House of Braniac" titles for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' Todd McFarlane titles for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Magma Comix for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  X-Men & Avengers crossover from Marvel for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  "The Fall of The House of X" and "The Rise of The Powers of X" from Marvel Comics for April 2024.

From BleedingCool:  Massive/WhatNot/Summerian for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for April 2024

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for April 2024

MAY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Free Comic Book Day 2024 for May 4, 2024

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' Amanda Waller for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' "House of Brainiac" for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Blood Hunt" crossovers for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "X-Men" for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Massive for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000AD for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for May 2024

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for May 2024

JUNE 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' "Absolute Power" for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Batman Family" for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dren Productions for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Todd McFarlane titles for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainement for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Blood Hunt" for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Penthouse for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000AD for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for June 2024

From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for June 2024

JULY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for July 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Absolute Power" with Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman for July 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Absolute Power" with Green Arrow & Green Lantern for July 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Batman" titles for July 2024

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for July 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for July 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for July 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Massive-Verse" titles for July 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Todd McFarlane's Spawn titles for July 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for July 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "James Cameron's 'Aliens' vs Marvel's Avengers" for July 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Comics" for July 2024

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#IReadsYou Review: NIGHT CLUB #5

NIGHT CLUB #5 (OF 6)

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

COVER: Ben Templesmith

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Ben Templesmith

28pp, Color, $1.99 U.S. (April 2023)

Rated M / Mature

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

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

Night Club introduces 17-year-old Danny Garcia, who had ambitions to gain fame and fortune as a YouTube star with his friends, DJ Sam Huxley and Amy Chen.  Then, after a terrible accident, a vampire bites him, and his life goes awry.  Instead of living like a stereotypical vampire, Danny decides to live “la vida loca” of a superhero.

Night Club #5 opens with Starguard (Danny), Thundercloud (Sam), and Yellowbird (Amy) in a tight spot.  The man who rescued them, the former police Detective Nick Laskaras, is simply Laskaras, and he is holding them as his prisoners.  He is creating an army, and he wants to be their leader – if they join him.  Not that they have much choice, and they must listen to his origin story.

Danny and friends must realize that their superhero days are over.  They must become bloodthirsty murderers, but for whom?  Will it be Laskaras or vampire gang chieftain, Gunner Joe?

THE LOWDOWN:  Netflix/Millarworld sends me PDF review copies of their comic books.  Thus, I have been lucky enough to get review copies of the first five issues of Night Club.

Writer Mark Millar and artist Juanan Ramírez are offering big surprises with Night Club #5.  Sure, there is an intriguing origin story, but this series is more than just about biting necks.  Now, we're seeing strife between the (apparently) small number of vampires that currently exist.  So with colorist Fabiana Mascolo and letterer Clem Robins, Millar and Ramírez flip the script for a really excellent read in this penultimate issue.

Night Club is infectious and addictive, a vampire comic book determined to be a new kind of batty.  I am recommending Night Club #5 as I did the previous four issues.  Drink deeply of its fun; this comic book has flavors in layers and waves.  And it only costs a $1.99.

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

A+

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

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: THE MAGIC ORDER 4 #1

THE MAGIC ORDER 4 #1 (OF 6)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Dike Ruan

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Dike Ruan with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Rafael Albuquerque

36pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Rated M / Mature

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

The Magic Order was a six-issue comic book miniseries written by Mark Millar and drawn by Olivier Coipel.  Published in 2018-19, the series focuses on The Magic Order, a band of sorcerers, magicians, and wizards – with a focus on the Moonstone family.  They live ordinary lives by day, but protect humanity from darkness and monsters of impossible sizes by night.  Two more six-issue miniseries, The Magic Order 2 (2021-22) and The Magic Order 3 (2022), were recently published.

The Magic Order 4 finds the Order in turmoil.  A six-issue miniseries, this fourth installment is written by Millar; drawn by Dike Ruan; colored by Giovanna Niro; and lettered by Clem Robins.

The Magic Order 4 #1 opens immediately following the revelations of The Magic Order 3's finale.  The Magic Order is in turmoil because Cordelia Moonstone was forced to expel her brother, Regan, and strip him of his powers because of his crimes.  Now, whispers of discontent persist among the other wizards, and a coup is brewing

Some are tired of the rules under which they have all been living.  They want to enjoy having magical powers – really enjoy those powers.  An old enemy has returned in a shocking new guise, and she may be able to help the discontented become contented.

THE LOWDOWN:  My favorite Mark Millar Netflix creation is The Magic Order.  It always surprises me, and before I read each issue I wonder not if, but how I will be surprised.  Every time I think I might creep away and choose a new Millarworld favorite to love, The Magic Order drags me back.

Dike Ruan, the artist for The Magic Order, has a drawing style that is similar to The Magic Order's earlier artists, Olivier Coipel and Stuart Immonen.  This fourth series is dark and filled with explicit violence and brutal murders, as was the first two series, so it is appropriate that Ruan is the artist here.  The Magic Order 4 is different in tone from The Magic Order 3, which hopped around dimensions, realities, and time zones, which the third series' artist, Gigi Cavenago, captured with an kinetic style that crackled around the shifts in space-time-magic.

I am determined to spoil as little as possible, but I can say that Millar goes for the readers' nuts and the jugulars in this first issue.  As great as Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is, its sequels, which have their good points, lack the intensity of the original.  The Magic Order sequels are different because Millar never lets up.  He allows each installment to stand on its own as a shocking, but substantial narrative.  Each sequel of The Magic Order is complete as a plot, even as it receives elements from previous installments and also sends out elements to what follows it.

So, here we are with the start of The Magic Order 4.  It seems to say that power corrupts and the absolute power of reality-altering magic will absolutely corrupt everyone that it touches.  Millar and Dike Ruan are a determined pair; they want us to feel the pain this time.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar and of The Magic Order will want to read The Magic Order 4.

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

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).