#IReadsYou Review: PURGATORI Volume 2 #5

PURGATORI VOLUME 2 #5
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Ray Fawkes
ART: Álvaro Sarraseca
COLORS: Salvatore Aiala
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Antonio Fuso
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Russell Fox; Michael Sta. Maria; Daniel Maine; Ken Haeser; Alvaro Sarraseca; Jimmy Broxton; Nerdy Nereid (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rated Teen+

Purgatori created by Brian Pulido and Steven Hughes

“Witches Get Stitches” Part 5/Finale

Purgatori is a horror comics character created by writer Brian Pulido and artist Steven Hughes and originally published by Chaos! Comics.  A crimson-skinned, winged vampire goddess, she first appeared in the comic book, Evil Ernie: Revenge #1 (cover dated: October 1994).  Chaos! Comics eventually went out of business, and in 2010, Purgatori became the intellectual property (IP) of Dynamite Entertainment.

Dynamite's first solo Purgatori comic book series is Purgatori Volume 2.  It is written by Ray Fawkes; drawn by Álvaro Sarraseca; colored by Salvatore Aiala and Mohan; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.  Purgatori follows the title character as she deals with a plot against her, formulated by a coven of witches who want her immortality and power.

Purgatori Volume 2 #5 opens in London.  Inside the lair of the coven of young body-snatching witches who want her body, Purgatori struggles against their power inside a “banishing circle.”  The witches are set to take everything, and if they win, every soul Purgatori's got and all the power she's accumulated are theirs for the taking.  One side will win everything, and the other side will lose big!

Meanwhile, in the Nile Basin of Kenya. Asim Darwish, the last of the warriors of St. Luke, the monster-hunting society, is about to learn some things.  Here comes the “Holy Messenger” or “Messenger from God.”  But all is not how it seems.

THE LOWDOWN:  In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Purgatori Volume 2 #5, which is the fifth Purgatori comic book of any kind that I've read.

Well, apparently, the fifth issue of Purgatori Volume 2 is the end of the series, but this isn't the last we see of Purgatori and Asim Darwish.  That aside, writer Ray Fawkes offers a final issue that is good, but lacks the punch of the previous volumes.  This feels like what it is – a somewhat aborted ending of a story arc – because there is more to come.

Artist Álvaro Sarraseca delivers some deftly designed art.  There are two magical battles here, and Sarraseca makes them look wild and weird.  At least, I was convinced that Purgatori was in danger (although her troubles may only be just beginning).  So I recommend this series, and I have to state the obvious.  I will be waiting for whatever is next.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Chaos Comics Purgatori will want to visit Purgatori Volume 2.

B+

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


https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/
https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment


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

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

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

#IReadsYou Review: PURGATORI Volume 2 #4

PURGATORI VOLUME 2 #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Ray Fawkes
ART: Álvaro Sarraseca
COLORS: Salvatore Aiala and Mohan
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Antonio Fuso
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Russell Fox; Daniel Maine; Szymon Kudranski; Ken Haeser; Alvaro Sarraseca; Nerdy Nereid (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated Teen+

Purgatori created by Brian Pulido and Steven Hughes

“Witches Get Stitches” Part 4

Purgatori is a horror comics character created by writer Brian Pulido and artist Steven Hughes and originally published by Chaos! Comics.  A crimson-skinned, winged vampire goddess, she first appeared in the comic book, Evil Ernie: Revenge #1 (cover dated: October 1994).  Chaos! Comics eventually went out of business, and in 2010, Purgatori became the intellectual property (IP) of Dynamite Entertainment.

Dynamite's first solo Purgatori comic book series is Purgatori Volume 2.  It is written by Ray Fawkes; drawn by Álvaro Sarraseca; colored by Salvatore Aiala and Mohan; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.  Purgatori follows the title character as she deals with a plot against her, formulated by a coven of witches who want her immortality and power.

Purgatori Volume 2 #4 opens in the Nile Basin, Kenya.  Purgatori is about to snack on her “partner,” Asim Darwish, the last of the warriors of St. Luke, the monster-hunting society.  Luckily, he is prepared for just such a dining experience.

Purgatori has the memories of thousand of people in her head – because she ate their souls.  Now, her mind returns to Alexandria, Egypt, 1370 B.C. and the first time she ate someone.  Sometimes, the people she ate affected her.  So why are these witches trying to be a meal?  Why do they want to get into Purgatori's mind?

THE LOWDOWN:  In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Purgatori Volume 2 #4, which is the fourth Purgatori comic book of any kind that I've read.

I can say the same thing I said about the fourth issue of Purgatori that I said about the third issue.  Thus far, writer Ray Fawkes has made every issue of Purgatori an intriguing treat.  Even when he reveals something new about the conspiracy against Purgatori, he also manages to throw in a new twist.  

Together with artist Álvaro Sarraseca, who offers beautifully drawn art, Fawkes presents a stirring dark fantasy series that continues to be an exciting read.  I didn't expect much of Purgatori; after all, I have always ignored the character.  But after four issues, I see the fun that creators can have with the character … and readers, too.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Chaos Comics Purgatori will want to visit Purgatori Volume 2.

B+

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


https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/
https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment


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

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

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

#IReadsYou Review: PURGATORI Volume 2 #3

PURGATORI VOLUME 2 #3
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Ray Fawkes
ART: Álvaro Sarraseca
COLORS: Salvatore Aiala
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Antonio Fuso
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Carlo Pagulayan; Russell Fox; Daniel Maine; Jamie Biggs; Alvaro Sarraseca; Nerdy Nereid (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated Teen+

Purgatori created by Brian Pulido and Steven Hughes

“Witches Get Stitches” Part 3

Purgatori is a horror comics character created by writer Brian Pulido and artist Steven Hughes and originally published by Chaos! Comics.  A crimson-skinned, winged vampire goddess, she first appeared in the comic book, Evil Ernie: Revenge #1 (cover dated: October 1994).  Chaos! Comics eventually went out of business, and in 2010, Purgatori became the intellectual property (IP) of Dynamite Entertainment.

Dynamite's first solo Purgatori comic book series is Purgatori Volume 2.  It is written by Ray Fawkes; drawn by Álvaro Sarraseca; colored by Salvatore Aiala; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.  Purgatori follows the title character as she deals with a plot against her, formulated by a coven of witches who want her immortality and power.

Purgatori Volume 2 #3 opens in the Nile Basin, Kenya.  Purgatori is on the Nile, and she is in a game of crocodile-and-mouse in Africa with the coven of witches.  Purgatori believes that killing her enemies is not a problem.  Her “partner” is Asim Darwish, the last of the warriors of St. Luke, the monster-hunting society.  He suspects that killing the witches may be problem.

But what is the answer?  What are these five witches doing to Purgatori's mind?

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Purgatori Volume 2 #3, which is the third Purgatori comic book of any kind that I've read.

Thus far, writer Ray Fawkes has made every issue of Purgatori an intriguing treat.  Even when he reveals something new about the conspiracy, he also manages to throw in a new twist, including this issue's crazy cliffhanger.  Artist Álvaro Sarraseca continues to deliver beautifully drawn art that combines with Salvatore Aiala's colors to create excellent storytelling.

I didn't expect much of Purgatori; after all, I have always ignored the character.  But after three issues, I am sold on it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Chaos Comics Purgatori will want to visit Purgatori Volume 2.

A

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


https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/
https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment


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

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

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

#IReadsYou Review: PURGATORI Volume 2 #1

PURGATORI VOLUME 2 #1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Ray Fawkes
ART: Álvaro Sarraseca
COLORS: Salvatore Aiala
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Antonio Fuso
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Carlo Pagulayan and Jason Paz with Wil Quintana; Russell Fox with Robert Nugent; Daniel Maine; Alvaro Sarraseca; Nerdy Nereid (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2021)

Rated Teen+

Purgatori created by Brian Pulido and Steven Hughes

“Witches Get Stitches” Part One

Purgatori is a horror comics character created by writer Brian Pulido and artist Steven Hughes and originally published by Chaos! Comics.  A crimson-skinned, winged vampire goddess, she first appeared in the comic book, Evil Ernie: Revenge #1 (cover dated: October 1994).  Chaos! Comics eventually went out of business, and in 2010, Purgatori became the intellectual property (IP) of Dynamite Entertainment.

Dynamite's first solo Purgatori comic book series is Purgatori Volume 2.  It is written by Ray Fawkes; drawn by Álvaro Sarraseca; colored by Salvatore Aiala; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.  Purgatori follows the title character as she deals with a plot against her.

Purgatori Volume 2 #1 opens after the events depicted in the Vampirella vs. Purgatori miniseries.  In Hunan Province, China, Purgatori resides at a monastery where she has enjoyed the fruits of abbots for centuries.  She needs this now, as she is suffering Lilith's (Vampirella) magic in the form of nasty mind worm that is eating her willpower.

However, in London, England, a coven of witches plots against Purgatori, and using magic, they have sent one of their own to set their trap for her.  Is Purgatori ready for the mayhem?

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Purgatori Volume 2 #1, which is the first Purgatori comic book of any kind that I've read.

Writer Ray Fawkes offers the kind of intriguing first issue that will draw many readers back for more.  He teases just enough about the conspiracy against Purgatori and about the conspirators to make me want to find out at least a little more.

Artist Álvaro Sarraseca's clean drawing style and clear storytelling convey the attention grabbing elements in Fawkes' script.  Salvatore Aiala's colors have an eye-candy quality, and, as always, letterer Tom Napolitano delivers the kind of work that gives comic books a sense of sound.

I didn't expect much of Purgatori; after all, I have always ignored the character.  But after this first issue, who knows...

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Chaos Comics Purgatori will want to visit Purgatori Volume 2.

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


https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/
https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment


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

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

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

Review: RAGMAN #1

RAGMAN No. 1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Ray Fawkes
ART: Inaki Miranda
COLORS: Eva de la Cruz
LETTERS: Josh Reed
COVER: Guillem March
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (December 2017)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Ragman created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert

Chapter One: “Return Fire”

Ragman is a DC Comics superhero and vigilante of the mystical variety.  He first appeared in the comic book Ragman #1 (cover dated: August/September 1976) and was created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Joe Kubert.  The first Ragman was a man named Rory Regan, and he was also Jewish.  The character returns in the new six-issue miniseries, Ragman.  It is written by Ray Fawkes; drawn by Inaki Miranda; colored by Eva de la Cruz; and lettered by Josh Reed.

Ragman #1 (“Return Fire”) opens six months earlier “somewhere in the Israeli desert.”  Rory “Twig” Harper is part of a five-man military unit that is raiding a “holy temple” built into a cliff side.  Hidden deep within this temple is a tomb containing a great treasure.  Just when these men are sure they have found the treasure, a rival unit attacks, and Sarge, Miller, Droopy, and Frank are killed.  Now, Rory is back in Gotham City and plagued by the death of his partners.  He battles his survivors guilt, not realizing that something from within the tomb has followed him home.

I think that Warner Bros. Pictures and its sister corporate types, including DC Comics, should stop using the term “visionary” to describe the hacks, freelancers and contractors they hire to produce entertainment.  Warner Bros. frequently refers to Zack Snyder as a “visionary,” when all he is is a film director in love with special effects, explosions, and Michael Bay.  Is Ray Fawkes and Inaki Miranda's “re-imagining” of Ragman really “visionary?”  Probably not.  So clearly the Warner Bros. c1an should avoid the word until they understand it or recognize someone whose work actually typifies the word.

Now, I am not saying that Ragman #1 is not an interesting comic book because I am curious about where this story is going.  I love Guillem March's gorgeous cover art for this first issue.  The opening sequence in the tomb is very exciting and a little scary.  I don't care for the group counseling session scenes.  I'm not a big fan of group counseling scenes in the stories I read (or movies and TV I watch).

There are some interesting nuggets in Fawkes' story.  Miranda is a solid artist, and his creature designs are good.  The coloring overwhelms Miranda's art, however.  But... I'll give the second issue a try.  I recommend this to people who are fans of the character, if such fans exist.

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 or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: DREAMING EAGLES #6

DREAMING EAGLES No. 6 (OF 6)
AFTERSHOCK COMICS – @AfterShockComix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Garth Ennis
ARTIST: Simon Coleby
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Rob Steen
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2016)

For mature readers

Dreaming Eagles created by Garth Ennis

Chapter 6: “A Stone of Hope”

Dreaming Eagles was a comic book miniseries created and written by Garth Ennis.  Published from late 2015 and into 2016, the series was drawn by Simon Coleby; colored by John Kalisz; lettered by Rob Steen, with Francesco Francavilla as the main cover artist.

Published in six issues, Dreaming Eagles tells the story of the first African-American fighter pilots to join the United States Army Air Force during World War II.  The narrative connects the pilots' stories with the 1960s Civil Rights movement through two characters, WWII veteran and USAAF pilot, Lt. Reggie Atkinson, and his son, Lee, a Civil Rights activist.  Lt. Atkinson recounts his experiences as a Black pilot in WWII, including his stint as a member of the “Red Tails,” to Lee.

As Dreaming Eagles #6 (“A Stone of Hope”) opens, Reggie moves the story to his last mission as a member of the Three Thirty-Second Fight Group (the Red Tails), as he and his fellow Black pilots escort U.S. Bombers on a raid into Berlin, Germany.  However, Lt. Atkinson and his friend and fellow pilot, “Fats,” return to the United States and find out that some people still don't consider Black people, even those who have defended the country, to be “Americans.”

Personal issues and sell-outs at the “local” comic book shops delayed me finishing Dreaming Eagles.  I ended up buying issues #3 and #6 on eBay.  Honestly, I did not want Dreaming Eagles to end, but the truth is that the story of the Black pilots and the Red Tails in WWII is a finite one.  As history, however, the story lives on simply because people dedicated to giving Black servicemen and servicewomen who served in WWII their due have been reviving such stories for the past few decades via various media, including books, TV and film documentaries, journalism, research, and fictional movies (such as George Lucas' Red Tails film).

I am not the only one who thinks that people who were born and who lived outside of the United States often see the truth about America's troubled race relations and race issues in a way that is clearer.  Sometimes, non-American see race in America in broader ways than citizens born and raised in the good old U.S. of A.

If Dreaming Eagles has an over-arching theme, it is that the struggle for Black people in America is an ongoing one and that progress isn't a process that ends.  One can't go just so far and then stop when the adversaries of equality and justice seem to make the struggle too hard to continue.  “Just so far” is not enough; the struggle means moving forward.  How far?  Will we know when we get there?  The answer to those questions is to fight as long as there is inequality and injustice.

The progress of the Black pilots in Dreaming Eagles epitomizes that.  Keep soaring, past the boundaries set by those who attempt to hold you back.  Thank you, Mr. Ennis and Mr. Coleby, for reminding us, not just of the WWII Black pilots' stories, but also that “just so far” isn't really far at all.

A+

[This comic book includes a four-page preview of the comic book , “Captain Kid,” by Mark Waid, Tom Peyer, and Wilfredo Torres.  There is also a two-page Q&A between Mike Marts and Ray Fawkes.]

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.

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

Review: "Batman Eternal #52" Offers a Great End to a Great Series

BATMAN ETERNAL #52

STORY: Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV (with Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins, Tim Seeley)
SCRIPT: James Tynion IV
ART: Eduardo Pansica and Julio Ferreira; Robson Rocha and Guillermo Ortego; David Lafuente; Tim Seeley; Ray Fawkes
COLORS: Allen Passalaqua; Gabe Eltaeb; John Kalisz; John Rauch
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: Jae Lee with June Chung
VARIANT COVER: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

SPOILER ALERT

The conclusion of the weekly Batman epic, Batman Eternal, is here.  First, shout out to all the creative people who played a part in bringing us this year-long adventure.  Batman Eternal #52 is one of those inspiring stories that makes you remember why you're a Batman fan.

This is a story about heroes, both super and everyday.  Batman is brought to the lowest point that we have seen him.  He is tortured and beat-down to within an inch of his life.  He is a beaten man, deprived of all his technology.  What saves him is the inspiration of others.

In a wonderful piece of writing, the writers have Jim Gordon make an impassioned speech to the people of Gotham to come to Batman's rescue.  Then, we truly see that Batman is eternal.  Even if he would have died at the moment, his legacy would have lived on.  It never comes to this because all the people who Batman has inspired come to his rescue.

This is the aspect of Batman that sets him apart from other superheroes.  Batman is an inspiration to others to find the strength to fight against unimaginable odds for the greater good.  The admirable thing about the story is it concluded with action and put the happy ending stuff all in one issue.  I hate to waste my money on an issues that are all happy endings.

Overall, this is a good ending to 52 weeks of DC's greatest character, giving us mystery, intrigue, and action in epic proportions.  This team of writers needs to take that deep breath and do whatever they do to reward themselves when they accomplish the monumental task.

There are so many artists on the Batman Eternal creative team; some deserve praise; some don't.  I'll leave it to the beholder to decide for themselves.

I rate Batman Eternal #52 Buy Your Own Copy (#2 on the Al-o-Meter)

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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 26, 2014

DC COMICS

APR140278    ABSOLUTE BATMAN HAUNTED KNIGHT HC    $99.99
AUG140356    AMERICAN VAMPIRE TP VOL 06 (MR)    $14.99
SEP140201    AQUAMAN #36    $2.99
SEP140262    ARKHAM MANOR #2    $2.99
AUG140330    BATMAN & ROBIN TP VOL 04 REQUIEM FOR DAMON (N52)    $16.99
SEP140292    BATMAN 66 #17    $2.99
SEP140293    BATMAN BEYOND UNIVERSE #16    $3.99
SEP140246    BATMAN ETERNAL #34    $2.99
SEP140302    BATMAN ETERNAL TP VOL 01  (N52)    $39.99
AUG140335    BATWOMAN TP VOL 05 WEBS (N52)    $19.99
SEP140342    BODIES #5 (MR)    $3.99
SEP140266    CATWOMAN #36    $2.99
AUG140332    CATWOMAN TP VOL 05 RACE OF THIEVES (N52)    $17.99
SEP140344    DEAD BOY DETECTIVES #11    $2.99
SEP140195    DEATHSTROKE #2    $2.99
SEP140206    EARTH 2 WORLDS END #8    $2.99
SEP140198    FLASH #36    $2.99
SEP140178    GOTHAM BY MIDNIGHT #1    $2.99
SEP140300    HE MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #19    $2.99
AUG140369    HINTERKIND TP VOL 02 (MR)    $14.99
SEP140209    INFINITY MAN AND THE FOREVER PEOPLE #5    $2.99
JUL140254    JSA OMNIBUS HC VOL 02    $150.00
SEP140193    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #36    $3.99
AUG140331    JUSTICE LEAGUE TRINITY WAR TP    $19.99
SEP140220    NEW 52 FUTURES END #30 (WEEKLY)    $2.99
JUN140309    PUNK ROCK JESUS DELUXE EDITION HC (MR)    $39.99
SEP140279    RED LANTERNS #36 (GODHEAD)    $2.99
SEP140216    SECRET ORIGINS #7    $4.99
SEP140221    STAR SPANGLED WAR STORIES GI ZOMBIE #4    $2.99
SEP140226    SUPERMAN #36    $3.99
SEP140230    SUPERMAN #36 COMBO PACK    $4.99
JUL140246    TRINITY OF SIN PANDORA TP VOL 02 (N52)    $16.99
SEP140349    UNWRITTEN VOL 2 APOCALYPSE #11 (MR)    $3.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

JUN140316    BATMAN ANIMATED BAS CATWOMAN AF    $24.95
JUN140323    BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM POISON IVY STATUE    $124.95
JUL140300    DARK KNIGHT RETURNS CALL TO ARMS STATUE YEAR OT HORSE ED    $399.95
JUN140321    DC COMICS NEW 52 STARGIRL AF    $24.95
MAY140432    DC COMICS SUPER HEROES FLASH BUST    $49.95
JUN140325    JUSTICE LEAGUE WAR CYBORG AF    $19.95

I Reads You Review: BATMAN ETERNAL #1

BATMAN ETERNAL #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY/SCRIPT: Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV with Ray Fawkes, John Layman, and Tim Seeley
ART: Jason Fabok
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Nick J. Napolitano
COVER: Jason Fabok with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER: Andy Kubert and Jonathan Glapion with Brad Anderson
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2014)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

Although we are already a few issues in, I just obtained a copy of Batman Eternal #1.  DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. have begun the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the debut of Batman (in Detective Comics #27: cover dated May 1939).  Part of DC Comics’ year-long celebration is the launch of Batman Eternal, a new, year-long, weekly comic book series, which will apparently consist of 60 issues.

Scott Snyder, the writer of the ongoing Batman comic book series, is Batman Eternal’s lead writer with James Tynion IV.  The series’ other writers are Ray Fawkes, Tim Seeley, and John Layman; Layman’s work will appear early in the series, before Kyle Higgins replaces him.  The art at the beginning of Batman Eternal will be provided by Jason Fabok.  Batman Eternal will apparently feature an “immense cast” (according to the “DC Comics All Access” column) and will focus on Batman’s relationship with his allies and with Gotham City (“his city”)

Early in Batman Eternal #1, we meet Jason Bard.  Bard is a young police lieutenant who is transferring to the Gotham City Police Department from Detroit.  He arrives in Gotham, where he gets a welcome from Harvey Bullock.  Meanwhile, Batman and police Commissioner James “Jim” Gordon are on the trail of Professor Pyg.  Then, everything starts to go bad.

I enjoyed reading Batman Eternal #1.  It’s interesting, though not the most interesting Batman comic book of the moment, but it could be.  There is potential here, especially because of the way this first issue begins and ends.  I can say that I am impressed with the art by Jason Fabok.  He has an old-school style, in which he uses his inking to create depth, texture, and feathering – three elements many current comic book artists have given over to the people that color comic book art.

For the time being, I plan to keep following Batman Eternal.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: CONSTANTINE #2

CONSTANTINE #2
DC COMICS – @DCComics

WRITERS: Ray Fawkes and Jeff Lemire
ARTIST: Renato Guedes
COLORS: Marcelo Mailolo
LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual
COVER: Juan Jose Ryp and Brett Smith
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2013)

Rated T+ (Teen Plus)

The Spark and the Flame Part 2: “The Blind Man”

It has been a few months since I read Constantine #1, the re-launch of the long-running comic book series, Hellblazer.  I thought that first issue showed promise for the series and as a fresh start for title character, John Constantine.  Now, I’ve just read the second issue, and I am not so sure.

Constantine #2 is the second part of the opening story arc, “The Spark and the Flame.”  Issue #2 continues John Constantine’s search for Croydon’s Compass, a powerful tool of divination that, of course, has the potential for evil in the wrong hands.  Also looking for Croydon’s Compass is the Cult of the Cold Flame (or simply “Cold Flame”), a group of powerful malevolent magic-using types.

Croydon’s Compass has been broken into three parts.  John has the first part, the needle, and now, he has arrived in Myanmar to find the second piece, the dial.  Waiting for him is Mr. E. and The Spectre, who really wants to get his spectral hands of John.

Constantine #2 is a comic book full of characters trying to be clever, but they are neither particularly interesting nor especially boring.  Their cleverness simply registers nothing.  Even this chapter of “The Spark and the Flame” seems as if it is inconsequential to the larger narrative.  This is the first time I am really starting to wonder about the wisdom of ending Hellblazer in order to start Constantine.  Or maybe DC Comics just needs to cut back on the use of writer Jeff Lemire.

C

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

The New 52 Review: Constantine #1

CONSTANTINE #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

WRITERS: Ray Fawkes and Jeff Lemire
ARTIST: Renato Guedes
COLORS: Marcelo Mailolo
LETTERER: Sal Cipriano
COVER: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado with Rod Reis
VARIANT COVER: Renato Guedes
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (May 2013)

Rated T+ (Teen Plus)

The Spark and the Flame Part 1: “The Price We Pay”

John Constantine: Hellblazer is dead? Long live Constantine?

After first appearing, in full, as a supporting character in The Saga of the Swamp Thing #37 (June 1985), John Constantine starred in his own comic book, Hellblazer. Twenty-six odd years later, that series came to an end with Hellblazer #300 (April 2013 cover date).

With Constantine #1 (May 2013 cover date), John Constantine is headed in a new direction. Once tempted by magic to the point of his near-destruction, Constantine seeks to “maintain balance and prevent anyone from becoming too powerful.” That is a direct quote taken from Constantine #1. The maintainer of balance: that’s John Constantine’s place in The New 52.

Constantine #1 opens in New York City where Constantine lives in a pet story, Dotty’s Pets. He already has a new mission – get Croydon’s Compass before his rivals, a group called “Cold Flame,” obtain it. You’d be surprised at the membership of Cold Flame, but I’ll say that Zatara is/was one of them. Dragging along a reluctant acquaintance, Chris, Constantine heads to Norway for a battle in which someone does pay a rather high price.

Same old John: knowing him always costs someone his or her life. What can I say about the new Constantine comic book? Well, the first issue lacks the occult detective, London-noir, street hustler, Richard Stark-vibe of Hellblazer. Constantine the comic book is colorful and slick, like the 2005 film, Constantine, but without Keanu Reeves’ sincere-thespian stiffness. Magic explodes as if it were a mutant power, with crackling bursts of energy. It’s a bit like Harry Potter without the wands.

Constantine is interesting. If you’re looking for the old thing – the way Hellblazer was – that’s gone. I like this new thing. I’m not in love with it, but I like it.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux