Review: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: Wakanda Forever #1

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: WAKANDA FOREVER No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Nnedi Okorafor
ART: Alberto Alburquerque
COLORS: Erick Arciniega
LETTERS: VC's Joe Sabino
EDITOR: Wil Moss
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry & Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER: Yasmine Putri
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2018)

Rated “T”

Dora Milaje created by Christopher Priest and Mark Texeira; Spider-Man created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee

Chapter One: “A Strange Little Birdie”

Wakanda Forever is a series of one-shot comic books that feature the “Dora Milaje” of the Black Panther comic book line in team-ups with various Marvel Comics superheroes.  Dora Milaje is the all-female warrior elite of Wakanda.  Their original mission was to protect Wakanda's king, the Black Panther, and the royal family.  They recently ended that arrangement and protect Wakanda as a whole.

The Dora Milaje first appeared in Black Panther #1, the first issue of a new Black Panther series that was released under the then new Marvel Comics imprint, “Marvel Knights.”  Black Panther was created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee.

The first Wakanda Forever comic books is Amazing Spider-Man: Wakanda Forever.  It is written by Nnedi Okorafor; drawn by Alberto Alburquerque; colored by Erick Arciniega; and lettered by Joe Sabino.  This comic book units Spider-Man and the Dora Milaje on a mission to discover if dangerous Wakandan tech has been cloned.

Amazing Spider-Man: Wakanda Forever #1 opens in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of the New York City borough of Brooklyn.  Malice, a former Dora Milaje named Nakia, is using a “Mimic-27,” a Dora Milaje weapon, on civilians.  The Amazing Spider-Man arrives on the scene to save the victims of Malice's attack, but finds himself under siege.

Okoye, Aneka, and Ayo of the Dora Milaje arrive to put a stop to Malice, but Spider-Man and these fierce warriors some discover something even more troubling.  Allies of Malice may have cloned Mimic-27, and the heroes have no choice but make sure if that did or did not happen.

The Dora Milaje have exploded onto the general consciousness of American pop culture, thanks to their appearance in Disney/Marvel's record-setting, blockbuster film, Black Panther (2018).  They were the stars of the short-lived series, Black Panther: World of Wakanda (2017).  They are so engaging and endearing in all their bold and fierce glory.  Plus, seeing Black women depicted as fierce, fearless warriors is a revelation to many comic book readers, and because such characters are a rarity, they have managed to fill a need in comics storytelling that many of us apparently have.

The Nigerian-American writer, Nnedi Okorafor, has won many awards for her writing in the genres of fantasy and science fiction, including a Hugo Award.  Sadly, Amazing Spider-Man: Wakanda Forever #1 is merely a buy-the-book Marvel comic book of the Spider-Man variety.  The appearance of the Dora Milaje is the only thing that is fresh and different in this comic book, and truthfully, Okorafor could have replaced the Dora Milaje and the villain with any number of Marvel Comics female characters, and the story would have basically been the same.  Disappointing, but true.

The illustrations by Alberto Alburquerque and colors by Erick Arciniega are pretty, but the storytelling is nothing spectacular, especially considering the explosive potential of the Dora Milaje.  Even Joe Sabino's lettering lacks spark

I was looking forward to this Wakanda Forever series, but something told me not to go overboard with my expectations.  Amazing Spider-Man: Wakanda Forever #1 is not bad, but considering who the writer is and who the stars are...

6 out of 10

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


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


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Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Princess Leia #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – PRINCESS LEIA No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.  And visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Chris Sprouse and Karl Story; Will Sliney, Marc Deering and Karl Story
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Giuseppe Camuncoli with Elia Bonetti; Mike McKone with Guru eFX
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2019)

Rated T

“Princess Scoundrel”

Princess Leia is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  In fact, her rescue is what forces Luke Skywalker to answer the call to adventure in the original 1977 Star Wars film (also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope or simply, Star Wars: A New Hope).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that comprises three books:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1 (“Princess Scoundrel”) is one of the first two releases in the Age of Rebellion series (along with Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Grand Moff Tarkin #1).  It is written by Greg Pak.  The story is drawn by two art teams:  Chris Sprouse (pencils) and Karl Story (inks) on pages 1-12 and page 20 and Will Sliney, Marc Deering and Karl Story on pages 13 to 19.  The story is colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  “Princess Scoundrel is set sometime between the events depicted in The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars: Episode V) and Return of the Jedi (Stars Wars: Episode VI).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1 (“Princess Scoundrel”) finds Leia and Chewbacca, the longtime Wookie partner and friend of Han Solo, aboard the Millennium Falcon.  They are one their way to rescue Han, who has been captured by the galactic crime lord and gangster, Jabba the Hutt, when they get a call from the Rebel Alliance.  A rebel craft has been shot down over the Outer Rim planet of Arkanis.  Who needs rescuing but Lando Calrissian, the man who is responsible for Han's current state of affairs.  Now, to rescue him, Leia must play a game of bounty hunters.

First, I have to say that I think that Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1 would make a better miniseries than it does as a one-shot, but I guess it is best not to encourage Marvel Comics when it comes to Star Wars miniseries.  Still, in this twenty-page story, writer Greg Pak composes what is an interesting depiction of the relationship dynamics between Leia and Lando.  Pak also offers a compelling game of deception involving Leia, Lando, and Chewbacca and the infamous bounty hunters, Boushh and Bossk.

The art, produced by two teams for this comic book, is beautiful.  I think the second team does a good job producing art that looks like that of the first team.  The art especially captures the visual appearances of the characters as we expect them to look (like the actors that originally portrayed them) and also creates the exotic environments and landscapes we expect of a Star Wars world.

Tamra Bonvillain's gorgeous colors are perfect for a Star Wars comic book, and I have to be honest.  I always think that Bonvillain's colors are gorgeous.  Travis Lanham's lettering and effects are also excellent; he is seems like a just-right letterer for Star Wars, too.

I would like more of Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1.  In fact, once again, let me say that I wish it were a miniseries.

7.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Luke Skywalker #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – LUKE SKYWALKER No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. And visit "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Greg Pak
PENCILS: Chris Sprouse; Scott Koblish; Stefano Landini
INKS: Karl Story; Marc Deering
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Chris Sprouse and Karl Story with Neeraj Menon; Mike McKone with Guru eFX; Ralph McQuarrie (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2019)

Rated T

“Fight or Flight”

Luke Skywalker is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  He is my personal favorite.  I think that he has the most fascinating character arc in the Star Wars films, although some would argue that Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker does.  Luke debuted in the original 1977 Star Wars film, but he appears as an infant in the “prequel trilogy” film, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (also known as Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that is comprised of three series:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1 is a new release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Chris Sprouse, Scott Koblish, and Stefano Landini (pencils) and Karl Story and Marc Deering (inks); colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  The story finds Luke Skywalker facing his first temptation from the Sith.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1 (“Fight or Flight”) opens in the galaxy's Outer Rim at the Imperial Refining Platform M36.  The Imperial Support Vessel 49AX3 approaches the refinery, but it is actually under Rebel control.  One of the rebels involved in this mission is Luke Skywalker.  Although the rebels are able to secure desperately needed fuel from the Imperial facility, the ease of the operation makes one rebel major uncomfortable, especially because of Skywalker.  Meanwhile, Luke begins to have concerns of his own, unaware of a dark influence from far away.

The few “Age of” Star Wars comic books that I have read have been average, good, and really good.  Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1 is really good.  Its central theme of trust is one that would seem to be an obvious one for Star Wars comic books, but has rarely come up in Star Wars comic books that I have read.  Here, Greg Pak expertly uses it in this tale of an important rebel mission and of an important moment in the development of Luke Skywalker's personality and in his journey from farm boy to Jedi Knight.

Although there are three artists illustrating this issue, the art looks consistent.  When an “Age of” book has to have more than one artist or art team, it seems that editor Mark Paniccia manages to find artists whose work has at least a passing resemblance to one another.

Colorist Tamra Bonvillain and letterer Travis Lanham have been providing excellent work in their respective roles on these AOR titles.  They don't disappoint here.  I am also not at all disappointed in Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1.  I am even surprised at how much I like it.  Perhaps, I like Luke Skywalker so much that am appreciative (maybe even overly-appreciative?) of any even remotely good story starring Luke, my first Star Wars hero.

8 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Lando Calrissian #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – LANDO CALRISSIAN No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Matteo Buffagni
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Mike McKone with Guru eFX; Nilo Rodis-Jamero (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2019)

Rated T

“Cloud City Blues”

Lando Calrissian is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  However, Lando had a controversial start in the 1980 film, The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back or simply, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that comprises three books:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 is a new release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Matteo Buffagni; colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  The story finds Lando trying to take care of his money problems while dealing with his bad luck that often ruins his plans.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 (“Cloud City Blues”) opens on Cloud City, the gas mining facility that floats above the planet Bespin.  Former smuggler Lando Calrissian is now Cloud City's “Baron Administrator.”  Calrissian has a beautiful dream of a life of leisure and luxury and of being totally legitimate, but he has money problems.  Along with his cyborg aide, Lobot, Lando becomes involved in a scam that will gain him the fantastic wealth and the peace of mind that comes with it, except that his bad luck won't make it that easy.

Since Marvel Comics started publishing Star Wars comic books again (in 2015), the publisher has given us two Lando Calrissian miniseries and now this one-shot comic book.  Charles Soule and Alex Maleev's 2015 miniseries, Lando, remains one of Marvel's best Star Wars publications.  2018's Lando: Double or Nothing, a tie-in to the 2018 film, Solo: A Star Wars Story, is an average work with some entertaining moments.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 falls somewhere between.  As far as the story, “Cloud City Blues” is average like Lando: Double or Nothing.  It is filler material that finds the character to be in the same place, in the end, as he was in the beginning. The best writer Greg Pak seems able to do here is say that Lando is a rogue with a heart of gold and possessing some morals and ethics.  But I am always happy to see Lando's cyborg aide, Lobot, whose only film appearance was in The Empire Strikes Back.

On the art side, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 is closer to Alex Maleev's fantastic work on the 2015 miniseries.  Artist Matteo Buffagni's clean line work and smooth brushstroke create comic book art that is classic cool science fiction.  As Maleev had colorist Paul Mounts, Buffagni also has a talented comic book colorist in Tamra Bonvillain.  Travis Lanham does fine lettering for this comic book, the same way he has been doing for other AOR titles.

So yes, I found things to like in Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1.  As a Lando comic book, it, like Lando: Double or Nothing, is a missed opportunity.

6 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Han Solo #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – HAN SOLO No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Greg Pak
PENCILS: Chris Sprouse
INKS: Karl Story
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Gerald Parel; Mike McKone with Guru-eFX; Yasmine Putri; Ralph McQuarrie (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2019)

Rated T

“Running from the Rebellion”

Han Solo is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  Han Solo was the first ally farm boy, Luke Skywalker, and former Jedi Knight, Ben Kenobi, gathered as Luke answered the call to adventure in the original 1977 Star Wars film (also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope or simply, Star Wars: A New Hope).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that comprises three series:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).  [The project is abbreviated as “Star Wars AOR.”]

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Solo #1 is a recent release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Chris Sprouse (pencils) and Karl Story (inks); colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  “Running from the Rebellion” is set not long (apparently) after the events depicted in A New Hope.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Solo #1 (“Running from the Rebellion”) finds Han Solo and his Wookie friend, companion, and copilot, Chewbacca, counting the 17,000 in Imperial credits they have received as a payoff from the promise made to them by the “late” Ben Kenobi.  Now, Han has plans.  He is ready to move back to his life as a smuggler, which includes paying the crime lord Jabba the Hutt the money that he owes them.  Thus, Han is a bit perturbed when Luke Skywalker asks for one last favor, and Han gets pulled into a rebel mission that might wreck all his plans.

First, I have to say that I think that Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Sol #1 is, thus far, my favorite of the four comic books in the “AOR” line that I have read.  If I understand correctly, Marvel Comics' Star Wars comic books, as of 2015, are official Star Wars canon.  So this delightful story, “Running from the Rebellion,” explains how Han Solo became a member of the Rebel Alliance.  Or it at least explains why he is still stuck with the rebels at the beginning of The Empire Strikes Back (1980).

Greg Pak's script for this comic book is well written, and Pak can be hit or miss.  Unlike the recent AOR Princess Leia comic book, the art team of Chris Sprouse and Karl Story draws the entirety of “Running from the Rebellion,” and an entire issue of Chris Sprouse's pencils is always a good thing.  Tamra Bonvillain's gorgeous colors are perfect for a Star Wars comic book, especially for a Chris Sprouse-Karl Story drawn Star Wars comic book.  And, of course, I see you, Travis Lanham, with your always high-quality lettering.  It's all good.

I hope more AOR comics are like Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Solo #1.

8.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Darth Vader #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – DARTH VADER No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Ramón Bachs
COLORS: Stéphane Paitreau
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Gabriele Dell'Otto; Mike McKone with Guru eFX; Tommy Lee Edwards; Ralph McQuarrie (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2019)

Rated T

“To The Letter”

Darth Vader is one of the most beloved and feared characters in the Star Wars film series.  Many fans think that he has the most fascinating character arc in the Star Wars films (although some, like myself, dear readers, would argue Luke Skywalker does).  Darth Vader debuted in the original 1977 Star Wars film, but he appears as Anakin Skywalker in the “prequel trilogy” films, and as Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (also known as Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that is comprised of three series:  Star Wars: Age of Republic (which has been completed), Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1 is a new release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Ramón Bachs; colored by Stéphane Paitreau, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  This issue, which is set after the events depicted in Revenge of the Sith, finds Vader having to bend his knee to an Imperial bureaucrat.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1 (“To the Letter”) opens on the “Mid Rim” world of Namzor.  Aboard a Star Destroyer, its commander, Governor Ahr, seethes after Darth Vader goes against his wishes.  When he takes his complaint against Vader to Emperor Palpatine, Ahr is surprised by the result.  Vader, however, realizes that he has something left to prove and to learn.

The few “Age of” Star Wars comic books that I have read have been average, good, and really good.  Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1, like the recent Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1, is one of the really good issues.  The best entries in this series offer insight into the characters or into their relationships or focus on some stage of character development.  Darth Vader does both.  Without spoiling the story, I can say that writer Greg Pak presents a nifty tale showcasing the badness we expect from Vader and Palpatine.

Artist Ramón Bachs is an interesting choice for this story.  For one, his graphical style is appropriate for science fiction comics.  Secondly, his graphical interpretation of Darth Vader recalls the designs for the villain executed by the late Ralph McQuarrie.  It is as if the earliest version of Darth Vader has finally come to life, and Bachs presents him as a tall, dark, menacing figuring.  In this story, Vader is a black wraith stomping through this story to bring death.

Colorist Stéphane Paitreau adds layers of hues that have a threatening aura.  Letterer Travis Lanham have been providing excellent work on these AOR titles, and continues to do so here.  Lanham especially strikes a dark note on Palpatine's dialogue.  Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1 is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I hope the next arc, Age of Resistance, can offer a least one or two issues as good a this Darth Vader comic book.

8 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: JIMMY'S BASTARDS #1

JIMMY'S BASTARDS No. 1
AFTERSHOCK COMICS – @AfterShockComix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Garth Ennis
ARTIST: Russ Braun
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Rob Steen
COVERS: Dave Johnson (A); Russ Braun with John Kalisz (B)
VARIANT COVERS: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson; Cully Hamner; Andrew Robinson; Mike Booth with Elizabeth Torque
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2017)

Mature Readers

Created by Garth Ennis and Russ Braun

“Get Daddy”

Jimmy's Bastards is a new comic book series from writer Garth Ennis and artist Russ Braun.  Ennis is known for the seminal DC Comics/Vertigo title, Preacher, and for his work on such titles as The Punisher and his controversial creator-owned title, The Boys.  Braun is known for his work on Vertigo titles like Fables, Fairest, and Jack of Fables.  On Jimmy's Bastards, John Kalisz is colorist and Rob Steen is letterer.

Jimmy's Bastards #1 (“Get Daddy”) introduces James “Jimmy” Regent, who is Great Britain's number one super-spy.  He has all the intrigue and adventure he can handle, and he has a license to shoot whomever he likes.  Jimmy can also perform whatever sexual acts he wishes on a veritable legion of beautiful and willing women.  His new partner, Nancy McEwan, isn't sold on his charms, though.  It turns out that she isn't the only one not so impressed with Jimmy.  Their is a new threat mounting against him and it is more personal than he can imagine.

I think that the central premise of Jimmy's Bastards is ripe with possibilities, but I don't like Jimmy Regent.  I think that he is supposed to be unlikable, but to me, he barely registers as a character.  Obviously, we will learn more about Jimmy in future issues (I hope).  I think that Nancy McEwan has more potential than Jimmy, but there will probably be some violence done to her in the end, ruining her full development.

I recommend Jimmy's Bastards to Garth Ennis fans, especially because I think the adversaries in this series will yield great fun.  Obviously, the second issue will reveal even more about this narrative than the first issue does.

[This comic book includes a six-page preview of Unholy Grail by Cullen Bunn and Miriko Colak.]

6.5 out of 10

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


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

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Review: COSMIC SCOUNDRELS Trade Paperback

COSMIC SCOUNDRELS (TPB)
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Andy Suriano and Matt Chapman
SCRIPT: Matt Chapman
ART: Andy Suriano
COLORS: Andy Suriano with T Dang
LETTERS: Christa Miesner and Andy Suriano
COVER: George Caltsoudas
SERIES COVERS: Andy Suriano
MISC. ART: Andrew MacLean; Warwick Johnson Cadwell; Dan McDaid; Alexis Ziritt; Aaron Conley; Veronica Fish; Ron Salas; Tanner Johnson; Paul Maybury; Jake Wyatt with Rico Renzi; Paul Harmon; Derek Charm; Chris Schweizer; Rob Schrab; Terry and Rachel Dodson with Rico Renzi; Derek Hunter; Wilfredo Torres; Tony Fleecs; Michel Fiffe; Scott Kowalchuk; Kali Fontecchio; Jeffs Sims; Rico Renzi; Nick Dragotta; Andy Suriano
ISBN: 978-1-68405-024-6; paperback (December 2017)
144pp, Color, $19.99 U.S., $25.99 CAN (December 19, 2017)

Cosmic Scoundrels created by Andy Suriano and Matt Chapman

Cosmic Scoundrels is a five-issue miniseries published by IDW Publishing in 2017.  In December 2017, IDW collected Cosmic Scoundrels as a full-color trade paperback that reprints all five issues of the miniseries and reprints all of the miniseries' covers and variant covers.  There is also a 20-page dossier of characters, ships, planets, concepts, etc. used in the minseries and miscellany like faux-advertisements and comic strips.  Cosmic Scoundrels is written by Andy Suriano (story) and Matt Chapman (story and script).  It is drawn by Suriano; colored by Suriano and T Dang; and lettered by Christa Miesner and Suriano.

Cosmic Scoundrels was created by two veterans of American television animation, Andy Suriano and Matt Chapman.  Suriano is a character designer, storyboard artist, and concept designer who is known for his work on “Samurai Jack” (2001-2004) and “Star Wars: Clone Wars” (2003-2005), and Suriano is also an Emmy Award winner.  Chapman is an animation writer and voice actor for animated series, having worked on the Disney Channel's “Gravity Falls” (2012 to 2016) as both a writer and performer.

A sci-fi action-comedy, Cosmic Scoundrels focuses on Love Savage and Roshambo, two space-fairing scoundrels and thieves.  Love Savage, with his long blond hair, looks like a rock star and is indeed in a rock band.  Roshambo is the tough-guy, military type and sports a pair of powerful gauntlets on his wrists.  These two bachelor scalawags travel the spaceways aboard their ship, “the S.S. Fistpuncher,” and get a little mothering from the ship's artificial intelligence (A.I.), “Mrs. Billingsley.”

Trouble starts for the two when they rob the Dimetrotron Brothers of some supposedly valuable cargo.  What they find in one of the crates is a toddler with a huge electronic collar around his neck.  Alternately calling him, “Tad Jr.” and “Roshambo Jr.,” our scoundrels fight to keep the baby from the clutches of very powerful forces that insist on obtaining the child.  By the end of this adventure, many secrets will be revealed, and Love Savage and Roshambo will find themselves exposed.

You don't have to read many pages into Cosmic Scoundrels to see that it is a celebration of the spirit of animated television series.  Cosmic Scoundrels is basically the kind of Saturday morning cartoon we wish existed.  The story's vivid colors seems to emanate from a cathode ray tube, blasting electron beams from behind animation cels.

The lettering is like a cat on a hot tin roof which gives the story a wild and crazy vibe.  The narrative is kind of all over the place, but readers can use the protect-the-baby plot line as a kind of yellow brick road that will take you to the back-to-Kansas ending of the story.  Sometimes, the story is a little too wild and wooly, so focus on Cosmic Scoundrels' explosive graphics and graphical storytelling.

Cosmic Scoundrels does have a flavor that recalls films like The Fifth Element and Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, as well as the 1981 animated film, Heavy Metal.  Fans of anime and animation will feel the groove of “Cowboy Bebop,” “Futurama,” “Galaxy High,” and “Samurai Jack,” to name a few.  It is as fun to read Cosmic Scoundrels as it is to watch such animated series.  This comic book does have some story padding, and the lead characters, Love Savage and Roshambo, beg for some character development.  Hopefully, the Cosmic Scoundrels have a future that reveals more about them.

7 out of 10

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


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

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Review: GENERATIONS: Captain Marvel & Captain Mar-Vell #1

GENERATIONS: CAPTAIN MARVEL & CAPTAIN MAR-VELL No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Margaret Stohl
ART: Brent Schoonover
COLORS: Jordan Boyd
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: David Nakayama
VARIANT COVERS: Brent Schoonover with Rachel Rosenberg; Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2017)

Rated T+

Captain Mar-Vell was created by Stan Lee and Gene Colan; Carol Danvers created by Roy Thomas and Gene Colan

“The Bravest”

Generations is an event miniseries from Marvel Comics.  It is a planned 10-issue anthology, published weekly.  Each issue is written and drawn by a different creative team, and each issue will feature a different team-up of a classic Marvel superhero with his or her modern-day counterpart.  The series is meant to unite the legacy of classic Marvel Comics characters with the next generation of heroes as both move into the future of Marvel Comics storytelling.

The seventh issue is Generations: Captain Marvel & Captain Mar-Vell, which brings together two versions of a classic Marvel Comics character, Captain Marvel.  The first is the original Captain Marvel, also known as “Captain Mar-Vell.”  He is the Kree military officer, Mar-Vell, who first appeared in Marvel Super-Heroes #12 (cover date: December 1967).  The other is Carol Danvers, the seventh character to take the name Captain Marvel.  Formerly known as Ms. Marvel, Danvers first appeared in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 (cover date: March 1968) and became Captain Marvel in 2012.  This issue of Generations is written by Margaret Stohl; drawn by Brent Schoonover; colored by Jordan Boyd; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Generations: Captain Marvel & Captain Mar-Vell #1 (“The Bravest”) opens with Captain Marvel suddenly finding herself somewhere she should not be.  She is in the infamous Negative Zone, specifically on the planet of Mydon, which is being invaded by winged, bug-like aliens.  Captain Marvel strikes out to protect the people of the planet and meets two of its citizens, Loba and Danae, who join her in battle.  When the odds turn against the trio, a new hero arrives, one familiar to Captain Marvel, the legendary Captain Mar-Vell, who is supposed to be dead!

Of the seven issues of Generations that I have read as of this writing, Generations: Captain Marvel & Captain Mar-Vell #1 is... well, I should try not to be too negative and not say it is the worst.  Instead, I will say that it is the least in terms of quality, specifically the art.  Artist Brent Schoonover, who is apparently a graphic designer and illustrator, offers stylish art here, but the drawing is stiff.  The character and figure drawing is a bit awkward, and the people of Mydon look like cheaply produced action figures.  The proportions are off in most panels.  Everything looks funky and more like the art one might find in a small press take on superheroes.

Writer Margaret Stohl offers a story that is little more than what one gets in throwaway comic book annuals.  There is, however, a nice push-pull and ebb and flow because the Captain Mar-Vell here is such an early version that he predates the arrival of his apprentice, the former Ms. Marvel, Carol Danvers.  The fact that he tries to act as a mentor who tempers Captain Marvel's hotter blood provides some nice humorous moments.  Still, what is the point of Generations: Captain Marvel & Captain Mar-Vell #1?  It seems like a mere element in a cynical ploy to re-launch Marvel Comics' latest... rebirth.

C
4.5 out of 10

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


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

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Review: GENERATIONS: Phoenix & Jean Grey #1

GENERATIONS: PHOENIX & JEAN GREY No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Cullen Bunn
PENCILS: R. B. Silva
INKS: Adriano Di Benedetto with R. B. Silva
COLORS: Rain Beredo
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
COVER: Stephanie Hans
VARIANT COVERS: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson; Alex Ross; Stephane Roux
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2017)

Rated T+

Jean Grey created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee; Phoenix created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum

“The Phoenix”

Generations is a ten-issue anthology, weekly comic book series published by Marvel Comics.  Each issue is written and drawn by a different creative team, and each issue will feature a different team-up of a classic Marvel superhero with his or her modern-day counterpart.  The series is meant to unite the legacy of classic Marvel Comics characters with the next generation of heroes, as both move into the future of Marvel Comics storytelling.

The second issue of this series is Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey.  This stand-alone story brings together two versions of Marvel Girl/Jean Grey.  First is the young Jean Grey of the original X-Men, who was brought to the future/present and stranded there beginning in the series, All-New X-Men (written by Brian Michael Bendis).  The second is The Phoenix/Jean Grey, the version of the character that came into existence in X-Men #101 (cover dated:  October 1976) when Jean was possessed by the nigh-all-powerful cosmic entity, the “Phoenix Force.”  This entry in the Generations series is written by Cullen Bunn; drawn by R.B. Silva and Adriano Di Benedetto; colored by Rain Beredo; and lettered by Travis Lanham.

Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey #1 (“The Phoenix”) opens as young Jean Grey finds herself somewhere she shouldn't be – another world.  After a short walk, she discovers a beach and an older version of herself sunning on the beach.  Jean knows that this older Jean is “The Phoenix.”  Young Jean knows that the Phoenix Force is coming for her (in fact, it already is back in her world).  Now, is the time to ask questions about the Phoenix, but older Jean seems reluctant to tell.  Plus, Jean Grey/The Phoenix suspects that young Jean knows something about her fate – something terrible.  Plus, three classic Marvel Comics cosmic entities guest star.

I wanted to be cynical, but I really enjoyed Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey.  Writer Cullen Bunn makes young Jean Grey ask Jean Grey/The Phoenix ALL the questions she should.  Older Jean Grey should be annoyed, but Bunn depicts her as reticent and troubled.  Bunn's approach not only makes this issue of Generations intriguing, but also makes the current ongoing Jean Grey series seem like a comic book that should be read (and yes, you should be reading it.)

The art team of Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey – R.B. Silva, Adriano Di Benedetto, and Rain Beredo – deliver some gorgeous art, and the storytelling is quite good.  The character scenes are dramatic and even a little poignant and maybe even sad, and the action scenes come across as something a little different – or different enough from standard X-Men franchise fare.  In fact, the art in Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey reminds me of the best of Stuart Immonen and company in one of the few high-quality recent X-Men comic books, All-New X-Men (2012),

So Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey #1, the second entry in the Generations series, is the best so far.  If the Generations to come are better than this one, the entire series will end up being more than just another cynical Marvel editorial ploy

A
8 out of 10

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


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

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Review: Guggenheim, Tolibao and Soy Thrill Reviewer with X-MEN #22

X-MEN #22 (2013)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Marc Guggenheim
PENCILS: Harvey Tolibao, Dexter Soy
INKS: Harvey Tolibao, Dexter Soy, Norman Lee
COLORS: Paul Mounts
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

[SPOILER ALERT!]

“Exogenous” Conclusion

These are my girls.  This is a team of hardcore, bad-ass women.  Back in the day, when Chris Claremont was developing strong female characters, did anyone think that it would come to this?

Broodskulls:  thank you, Mr. Guggenheim for ruining my sleep.  Mutants, aliens, genetically altered beings, living spaceships, a vampire, and a pregnant Deathbird with her mad-on:  what else could an adventure-loving fan boy ask for?

Action, there is plenty of that for you to enjoy.  The team has to fight off an overwhelming horde of Bloodskrulls.  Deathbird kills Manifold Tyger.  Jubilee and Monet have to revive a dead Storm..  Then, we get this awesome montage of a heroine beating down the horde.  Sharada Darthris tries to escape once she sees her plans fall apart, but the heroines handle that.  Guggenheim also ties up the underlying conflict between Rachel and the Shiar advisor, D'Keth, who had advised that the Shiar destroy the Grey family line.  Read this and learn what a true heroine is.

I don't know how I'm going to express how beautiful the art is.  I would take any panel in this book, frame it, and put it on my wall.  Every time I look at the art, I find another detail that makes “Marvel” at the talent of these artists.  Look at the eyes.  I am a fan.

I rate X-Men #22: Buy Your Own Copy (#2 on the Al-O-Meter).

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 18, 2015

IMAGE COMICS

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I Reads You Review: PRINCESS LEIA #1

PRINCESS LEIA #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

WRITER: Mark Waid
PENCILS: Terry Dodson
INKS: Rachel Dodson
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVERS: Alex Ross; Mark Brooks; J. Scott Campbell; John Cassaday; John Tyler Christopher; Butch Guice; Gabriele Del'Otto; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2015)

Rated T

Princess Leia: Part 1

The third title to come out of Marvel Comics' return to publishing Star Wars comic books is Princess Leia.  A five-issue miniseries, Princess Leia is written by Mark Waid, pencilled by Terry Dodson, inked by Rachel Dodson, colored by Jordie Bellaire, and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Princess Leia #1 (“Part 1”) opens during what is the final scene in the original Star Wars (1977), the awarding of medals to Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.  The Rebel Alliance has just scored a major victor at the Battle of Yavin by destroying the evil Galactic Empire's ultimate weapon, the Death Star, but the rebels have little time to celebrate or to even mourn their dead.

Princess Leia Organa is ready to move on to the next stage in the battle against the Empire, so she is surprised to discover that her new role is to be a protected asset.  A contentious encounter with Evaan, a pilot who is also from Leia's now-destroyed home world of Alderaan, spurs Leia into action with a new mission.  Her fellow rebels, however, may not like Leia's new mission.

I must admit for the third time that I am pleasantly surprised by Marvel's new Star Wars comics.  Marvel's flagship Star Wars and the recently launched Darth Vader comic book surprised me by being more enjoyable than I expected, especially Darth Vader.  When writer Mark Waid is good, he is usually really good, and he seems ready to let Leia show herself in full bloom – without having to share the narrative with either Luke or Han.  The original Star Wars films only hinted at Leia's full capabilities as a rebel leader, as a warrior, as a woman, and as a bad-ass.  It looks like Waid is going to try to tap into every bit of her potential.

As for the art:  many readers of Star Wars comic books have probably wanted an Adam Hughes-drawn Star Wars comic book since the first time we ever saw Hughes draw a Star Wars illustration.  Terry Dodson has a drawing style that is clearly influenced by Hughes, so we finally have a Adam Hughes Star Wars comic book in Princess Leia, or as close as we are likely every going to get.  Some of Dodson's composition in this first issue is a bit awkward, but Terry and Rachel Dodson have captured the spirit of classic Star Wars.  So I have decided to follow where Waid and the Dodsons take me on this galactic adventure.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.