I Reads You: Review

Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

Thursday, December 11, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: WORDS OF DEVOTION 2

WORDS OF DEVOTION 2

DMP BOOKS/June Manga

MANGAKA: Keiko Konno

ISBN: 978-1-56970-805-7; paperback w/dust jacket (January 8, 2008)

186pp, B&W, $12.95 U.S.

Drama/Romance; Rated “M” for “Mature Audiences 18+”

Words of Devotion is a boys' love manga series. Boys' love (or BL) manga is a manga genre that depicts amorous situations between male romantic leads and is typically created for a female audience. Yaoi manga is a BL subset that features explicit depictions of sex between male characters. The Words of Devotion series is specifically yaoi manga.

Words of Devotion 2 goes back to the early high school days of boyfriends Shinya Otani and Miyako Tachibana. The dark-haired Otani and the blond Tachibana are in their second year in high school. Inseparable friends, they look like they’re on the verge of becoming something more that just two guys who hang out together.

But the duo has girlfriends. Tachibana seems to be (sort of) dating Yukiko “Yuki” Mizusawa, and Otani feels somewhat threatened by their closeness… or is that what he’s really feeling? Otani is not sure, but he has his own relationship to handle. Otani has a girlfriend named Youko Akizuki, but he’s not sure what’s really going on between the two of them. Otani thinks that he wants to have a sexual relationship with Akizuki, but how does he initiate that with her? Should he make the first move? Does Akizuki love Otani, and how much? And Otani is so unsure about his true feelings for Tachibana.

THE LOWDOWN: Teen melodrama reigns supreme in the BL (boys’ love) manga, Words of Devotion 2, which is filled with back story that brings this series to a close. While light on explicit sex (a staple of yaoi, a BL subset), Words of Devotion is heavy on teen relationship. The awkwardness of Otani and Tachibana’s relationship is fun to watch – like peeking around the corner at a young couple. Some of Words of Devotion 2’s best moments, however, are the scenes between Otani and Akizuki – a conflicted gay boy and a crazy-in-love girl. Hot stuff!

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Yaoi fans with a need for teen drama will like Words of Devotion.

★★★ out of 4 stars

Re-edited: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

https://junemanga.com/

https://www.digitalmanga.com/

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Wednesday, December 10, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: VAMPIRE HUNTER D Volume 1

HIDEYUKI KIKUCHI’S VAMPIRE HUNTER D, VOL. 1

DMP BOOKS

MANGAKA: Saiko Takaki

TRANSLATION: Earl Gertwagon

ISBN: 978-1-56970-827-4; paperback w/dust jacket (November 13, 2007)

192pp, B&W, $12.95 U.S.

Sci-Fi/Horror; Rated “YA” for “Young Adults 16+”

Since the publication of his novel Vampire Hunter D in 1983, Japanese horror author, Hideyuki Kikuchi has published 16 more novels chronicling the adventures of his monster-killing dhampir (half-human/half-vampire). A few years ago, Kikuchi and Digital Manga Publishing (DMP) joined to create manga adaptations of the Vampire Hunter D novels.

In late 2007, DMP published the first manga, Vampire Hunter D, Vol. 1, adapted and illustrated by Saiko Takaki. Vol. 1 introduces “D,” the lone, mysterious vampire hunter, who wanders the post-apocalyptic Earth of the year 12,090 A.D. In this age, a race of vampires known as the “Nobility” rule, and humans live in fear of them. Once bitten by a vampire, a human is cursed to become a member of the undead.

Enter D. He comes to the aid of a young woman named Doris Lang, who has been bitten by the vampire lord, Count Magnus Lee. D takes up Doris’ cause, determined to deliver her from the cursed fate of becoming the undead and perhaps bringing her salvation. Standing in D’s way are Count Lee and his daughter, Larmica. However, the human population also hunts Doris. Led by Rei Ginsei, a vicious and powerful hunter, and Greco, the mayor’s son, local villagers plot to imprison Doris and her little brother, Dan. Can D take on so many adversaries?

THE LOWDOWN: Adapting a book with a cult following into another medium can be a thankless task. Sometimes, even involving the original creator in the adaptation will not reduce the criticism, skepticism, and concerns of fans. Digital Manga Publishing and Vampire Hunter D creator Hideyuki Kikuchi had a thankless task, especially as the book had already been adapted into the 1982 OVA (original video anime), Vampire Hunter D. They still made an excellent choice in picking Saiko Takaki, known primarily for his amateur work, to adapt D into manga.

Takaki’s adaptation of the prose into comics is truly a visual experience. The story is less about the logical progression of a narrative and more about emotions, feelings, impressions, and sensations invoked by the art. Takaki’s art is wild and untamed – a fierce windstorm of line work that is stylish and quirky. The inking practically pulsates with life, like blood rushing so obviously beneath a surface.

Takaki leaves no doubt about it; the vampires and creatures that populate this story are like a force of nature, so when they use their power, Takaki reflects this by drawing in a whirlwind of unruly penciling and windswept brushstrokes. He makes the terrifying beautiful; he even draws his humans as a rustic, hardy lot, for only such mortals could live so near such devastatingly dark forces.

No doubt, there may be Vampire Hunter D purists who can find fault with this manga, but Saiko Takaki’s work here stands in the very small circle of great vampire comics.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of horror comics that have exceptional art (EC’s horror titles of the 1950 and Marvel Comics’ horror titles of the 1970’s) will like the Vampire Hunter D manga.

★★★★ out of 4 stars

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

https://www.digitalmanga.com/

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Tuesday, December 9, 2025

#IReadsYou YAOI Review: "UNSOPHISTICATED AND RUDE"

UNSOPHISTICATED AND RUDE

JUNE MANGA/DMP BOOKS

MANGAKA: Momoko Tenzen

TRANSLATION: Sachiko Sato

LETTERS: Replibooks

ISBN: 978-1-56970-060-0; paperback (July 16, 2009)

194pp, B&W, $12.95 U.S.

Drama/Romance; Rated “18+ Mature”

Unsophisticated and Rude is a collection of yaoi short stories from creator Momoko Tenzen (Manhattan Love Story), and this collection actually lives up to its title. In these stories, five boys experience the tumult of romantic love just like girls in teen romance. The objects of their desire use sneaky flirtation, passionate confessions, and blurted declarations of love to get the ones they love to love them back. Oh, my! But sometimes it backfires on them!

In the title story, “Unsophisticated and Rude,” Hiroto Nakajima is in love with his longtime best friend, Satoshi Uchida. However, Satoshi has a serious crush on popular upperclassmen and star basketball player, Nao Miyazawa. Hiroto wants to be happy that his friend has landed the handsome Nao, but what is this nagging feeling that seems worry Hiroto’s thoughts and tug insistently at his heartstrings? Is this about Hiroto’s jealousy over Satsohi dating another man, or is this about Nao the other man.

THE LOWDOWN: Momoko Tenzen’s beau-hunks are indeed unsophisticated and rude. They may know what they want, but they aren’t sophisticated lovers. Thus, all their amorous moves are fumbling at best and rude at worst. On the other hand, it is this lack of polish in their lovemaking that makes Unsophisticated and Rude such a fun read. Without the conflict, the misunderstandings, the naïve attitudes, etc., there wouldn’t be the kind of delicious drama that is plentiful in these stories.

Tenzen’s clean drawing style, with her sharply defined figure rendering, is perfect for these stories about young men who are still maturing both physically and emotionally. The toning gives the art a tactile feel by visually giving clothing texture and the backgrounds solidity. The visual storytelling is excellent, and while these stories may be familiar, it’s all about the execution. How Tenzen tells these stories is what makes all five stories in Unsophisticated and Rude yaoi romance comfort food.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Readers who want to enjoy the bliss of love finally arrived will enjoy Unsophisticated and Rude.

A-

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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

https://junemanga.com/

https://www.digitalmanga.com/

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Tuesday, December 2, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: FRAGMENTA 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates

FRAGMENTA 7: DAN CALLAHAN AND THE SAND PIRATES

CANDLE LIGHT PRESS

STORY: John Ira Thomas

ART: Will Beard

COVER: Val Mayerik with Will Grant

Color, $15.00 US, 68pp, hardcover (2015)

Fragmenta 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is the seventh entry in Candle Light Press' Fragmenta publications. This is a series of paperback and hardcover books, picture books, and pamphlets. Each edition collects essays, scripts, art, and/or comics produced by the writers and artists of Candle Light Press. Some of this material concerns early or uncompleted projects, while other material represents developmental words and pictures for completed projects.

Apparently, back in the old days, several of the creators who would eventually form Candle Light Press produced an anthology comic book entitled, ED. One of the projects that would be serialized in ED was a weird western adventure entitled, Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates. Written by John Ira Thomas and drawn by Will Beard, this comic was never finished. Everything that exists of Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is three finished chapters, one chapter in pencil form, and a script for a fifth (and evidently, final) chapter.

Fragmenta 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is a hardcover book that collects the five chapters of the Dan Callahan serial. This book also includes a nine-page history written by John Ira Thomas that details both ill-fated projects – the Dan Callahan comic and the ED anthology.

THE LOWDOWN: So, dear reader, you probably want to know something about the actual Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates comic. It is set sometime in the latter half of the 19th century. The title character, Dan Callahan, is a 20-something young man who is studying engineering at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO. He is also eagerly awaiting his wife-to-be, Miss Dolores O'Riordan, whom he has never met in person, having only seen a picture of her.

Dolores is presumed dead or, at least, missing after the train by which she was traveling is attacked (obviously, as far as white people are concerned) by those reliable savages, Indians! Determined to find her, Dan heads towards Arizona on a misadventure that nearly costs him his life. A half-Chinese, half-Apache woman who calls herself “The Painted Lady” rescues Dan. Although she thinks that he is stupid and crazy, she decides to help Dan find his betrothed, who happens to be prisoner, She is held captive by a band of pirates wreaking havoc aboard a ship that sails through sand as if it were water.

Although Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is an early and primitive work by the exceptionally talented John Ira Thomas and the imaginative Will Beard, it is entertaining... at least to me. I don't think that Dan Callahan should be an abandoned project. When one considers all the weird Westerns that American comics creators have given their readers, a spiffed-up Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates could be a standout comic book.

So Fragmenta 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is probably the best Fragmenta so far, because of the potential of its contents. Also, this book has a Val Mayerik cover that is hard to resist.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of earlier Fragmenta and also fans of Western comic books will want Fragmenta 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates.

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

Fragment 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is available for sale at various shows and conventions in which Candle Light Press appears.

https://candlelightpress.tumblr.com

https://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/dan.html

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Thursday, November 6, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SABRINA MAGIC UNLEASHED #1

SABRINA MAGIC UNLEASHED, NO. 1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Craig Boldman; Holly G!; Tania Del Rio; Dan Parent; George Gladir; Frank Doyle

PENCILS: Steven Butler; Holly G!; Dan Parent; Bill Golliher; Stan Goldberg; Bob Bolling

INKS: Lily Butler; Jim Amash; Bob Smith; Jon D'Agostino; Rudy Lapick; Al Nickerson

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

VARIANT COVER: Dan DeCarlo and Rudy Lapick with Vincent DeCarlo

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2025); on-sale date: September 3, 2025

Rating: All-Ages

Sabrina the Teenage Witch in “Magic Unleashed!”

Sabrina the Teenage Witch is an Archie Comics character that was created by writer George Gladir and artist Dan DeCarlo. Sabrina Spellman first appeared in Archie's Madhouse #22 (cover-dated: October 1962).

Archie Comics has been publishing a series of Sabrina one-shot comic books over the past few years. The latest is Sabrina Magic Unleashed, No. 1. Sabrina Magic Unleashed offers five reprint stories and one new five-page story, “Magic Unleashed!” The new story is written by Craig Boldman; drawn by Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

“Magic Unleashed!” opens in the sky over the “Eyegore Estates,” the lair of Mother Striga, the first witch and the mother of all witches! The evil witch Striga has returned for revenge, and she has enlisted the aid of the wicked scientist Mad Doc Doom and his daughter, Medusa Doom.

Will the powers of Doom's diabolical science be too much for Sabrina's magic? She may have to turn to some shockingly familiar figures for help.

THE LOWDOWN: Over the last few years, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is the one-shot comic book, Sabrina Magic Unleashed, No. 1.

I am giving the new story, “Magic Unleashed!,” a high grade because I really like the art, storytelling, and graphics turned in by Steven and Lily Butler, Glenn Whitmore, and Jack Morelli. It is gorgeous and makes this rather average story seem really special. In fairness, I think writer Craig Boldman would have done much more with this plot if he had – say – a full issue to tell it.

This issue also includes stories drawn by classic Sabrina comic book artists, Bob Bolling and the late Stan Goldberg. And, dear readers, I will always recommend classic and classic-style Archie Comics stories.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Sabrina the Teenage Witch will definitely want to get a copy of Sabrina Magic Unleashed, No. 1.

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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

A Kindle edition of SABRINA MAGIC UNLEASHED #1 is available at Amazon.

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Wednesday, October 29, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: NIGHT CLUB II #3

NIGHT CLUB II #3 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Juanan Ramirez

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rating: 18+

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Night Club II is a six-issue miniseries written and created by Mark Millar and drawn by Juanan Ramírez. A Dark Horse Comics publication and a Netflix production, Night Club II is a sequel to the 2023 miniseries, Night Club. Both series focus 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 II's creative team.

Night Club II focuses on 17-year-old Danny Garcia. After being turned into a vampire, he passed his new found powers unto his friends, DJ Sam Huxley and Amy Chen. Now, they're the superheroes: Starguard (Danny), Thundercloud (Sam), Yellowbird (Amy). But jealousy has broken up this vampire-superhero trio...

Night Club II #3 opens as Sam begins to realize that he has made a mistake. However, he is NOT ready to realize how big a mistake it is. Once upon a time, three nerdy friends became the first vampire-superheroes and also the coolest superheroes around. Now, their high school's worst bullies are a new gang of vampires. Will this be a case of out with the old (The Night Club) and in the with the new (the assholes)?

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Night Club II #3.

Writer Mark Millar used the first issue of Night Club II to bring us to the current state of affairs. With the second issue, Millar quickly moved things forward, and shit got real deep, real quick. The result is that issue #3 is the best and most consequential of this series... so far. Millar has mastered upping the ante, so he is relishing slowly tearing down everything we thought we knew about The Night Club.

Artist Juanan Ramírez has built this narrative on capturing the reckless nature of young people with too much power, regardless of whether this power is natural or supernatural and criminal or evil. Now, Ramirez wants to rub the consequences in our faces with his quicksilver storytelling. Colorist Fabiana Mascolo brings the funk to Ramirez widescreen antics in a way that makes this story pop off the page. Clem Robins' lettering, as always, is a perfect accompaniment.

Yeah, shit 'bout to get even deeper.

Night Club II does not disappoint, dear readers. It's taking us where we never expected to go in vampire comic books.

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

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

The NIGHT CLUB VOLUME 2 trade paperback is available at Amazon.

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Tuesday, October 28, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: AKIRA VOLUME 2

AKIRA, VOL. 2

KODANSHA COMICS

CARTOONIST: Katsuhiro Otomo

TRANSLATION & ADAPTATION: Yoko Umezawa, Linda M. York, Jo Duffy

LETTERS: David Shmit/Digibox, Editions Glenat, Digital Chameleon, Dark Horse Comics

ISBN: 978-1-935-42902-9; paperback (June 22, 2010)

304pp, B&W with some color, $24.99 U.S., $28.99 CAN

Rating “OT Ages 16+”

Akira was originally published in the Japanese manga magazine, Young Magazine (from December 1982 to June 1990). Created by Katsuhiro Otomo, Akira is probably familiar to some because of the animated movie version, which was co-written and directed by Otomo. The manga has been published in English in North America, first by Marvel Comics and then by Dark Horse Comics. Now, Akira is back in print through Kodansha Comics, the American subsidiary of Kodansha, the original Japanese publisher of Akira.

Akira is set in Neo-Tokyo, the new city built upon the ashes of Tokyo. Tokyo was destroyed by a monstrous psychokinetic power known as Akira in a nuclear-like blast that started World War III. 38 years after the blast (2030 A.D.), the lives of two juvenile delinquents and friends Shotaro Kaneda and Tetsuo Shima are changed forever when paranormal abilities begin to awaken in Tetsuo. Tetsuo is snatched by mysterious figures, and Kaneda is plunged into a shadowy world of military and terrorist conspiracies.

As Akira, Vol. 2 opens, Kaneda and Kei, a young woman from the resistance, are prisoners of The Colonel in the secret military complex below Olympic Stadium in the Old City. Kaneda and Kei don’t know that Tetsuo has also fallen into the clutches of the Colonel and is being subjected to a battery of tests regarding his rapidly growing psychic abilities. When Tetsuo learns, for the first time, of the existence of Akira, he decides to awaken him for a confrontation, and all hell breaks loose.

THE LOWDOWN: With his vibrant page design and layouts, Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo often presented the action in each panel from a different perspective. This allowed the reader to absorb and to observe the story from multiple viewpoints and angles. This is dynamic storytelling at its best.

The action in Akira Graphic Novel Volume 2 actually takes place over a span of a few hours, but the non-stop chases and twists and turns, supremely stretched out over 300 pages, seem to take place in the span of a few minutes. This is so good that you can’t stop reading. Reading this is like watching a great action movie trilogy, although few action movies are anywhere near as good Akira is.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Akira and of great manga will want to find Kodansha's 2009-2011, six-volume paperback editions of Akira.

A+

10 of 10

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

Akira Vol. 2 is available in a paperback edition and a new deluxe edition, both of which can be purchased at Amazon.

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Thursday, October 23, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: NANA Volume 9

NANA, VOL. 9

VIZ MEDIA

MANGAKA: Ai Yazawa

TRANSLATION: Tomo Matsumoto

ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Allison Wolfe

ISBN: 978-1-4215-1745-2; paperback; (March 4, 2008)

280pp, B&W, $8.99 U.S.

Rated “M” for “Mature”

Nana is a shojo manga from writer-artist Ai Yazawa. It was originally published in Japan in the shojo manga magazine, Cookie, from 2000 to 2009. It has been collected in 21 tankobon (graphic novel) volumes, but the series is not complete. VIZ Media published an English language edition of Nana, first serializing the series in its former magazine, Shojo Beat. VIZ also published English editions of the tankobon volumes from 2005 to 2010 under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Beginning October 21, 2025, VIZ Media will publish new editions of its Nana graphic novels. It starts with Nana 25th Anniversary, Vol. 1.

Nana is a tale of two young women named “Nana.” Nana “Hachi” Komatsu moves to Tokyo to start her life over and leave her unpredictable former love life behind. Nana Osaki moves to the big city to work on her goal of being a rock star. Chance unites them, and together they navigate a world of fashion, gossip, music, sex, and all-night parties.

As Nana, Vol. 9 opens, Takumi has claimed Nana “Hachi’s” unborn baby as his own, and wants to marry her, leaving Hachi’s boyfriend, Nobu, out in the cold. Takumi movies Hachi out of the apartment she shares with Nana Osaki. Now, everyone and everything is thrown into chaos as two bands try to take that next step in their musical destinies.

THE LOWDOWN: If the American television network, The CW’s target audience is women 18 to 34, this demographic group, whether they read comics or not, would just love this ensemble drama. Relentlessly character driven and rich in strong individual personalities, Nana is the kind of reading experience for people who enjoy fictional characters acting like real people. The melodrama, the soap opera theatrics, and the love and friendship will keep the reader turning the pages just like a good thriller will have an action junkie tearing through a book.

In Nana Graphic Novel Volume 9, there is realistic character drawings and superb illustrations of sets, backgrounds, and environments. Thus, it is easy to see why Nana is supposed to be the all-time best-selling shojo in the world. It is a straight drama that speaks to a broad audience.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of VIZ Media's “Shojo Beat” titles and of music-themed shojo manga will love Nana.

A-

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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

NANA VOLUME 9 is available at Amazon.

https://www.viz.com/

https://x.com/VIZMedia

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Tuesday, October 21, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: VATICAN CITY #1

VATICAN CITY #1 (OF 3)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Per Berg

COLORS: Per Berg

LETTERS: Per Berg

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Per Berg

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Per Berg; John McCrea

40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (April 2025)

Rating: 18+

Vatican City created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Vatican City is a new Millarworld miniseries from Dark Horse Comics. It is created and written by Mark Millar and drawn, colored, and lettered by Per Berg. Vatican City is set in a world overrun by vampires, except for Vatican City, which is the main target of the vampires.

Vatican City #1 opens in Princeton, New Jersey. There, Professor Derrida is about to discover that he is to play a key role in a vampire plot that is steadily taking over the world.

A few hours later, Guido Cavelti, recently of the Swiss Air Force, is in Vatican City, the independent city-state within Rome, Italy that is the government of the “Holy See” (the Pope and the Papacy). Cavelti is there to be interviewed about a position with the Swiss Guard, the security that protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace.

Before he knows it, however, Cavelti is in the middle of a rescue operation, trying to save everyone inside Vatican City. There is an invasion of monsters just outside its borders.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Vatican City #1.

While reading this, I thought of a few apocalyptic and vampire films to which Vatican City #1 has at least a passing resemblance – in one way or another. That includes 28 Days Later (2002), I Am Legend (2007), Daybreakers (2009), to name a few. Of course, Vatican City's writer, Mark Millar, has dealt with vampires before, as he has did when he launched his wonderful vampire-as-superheroes franchise with Night Club #1.

Millar throws the readers right into the action, and as always, Millar action is bracing action – filled with equal parts thrills and chills. I don't want to spoil anything, but, of course, there is a shocking surprise to close out this first issue.

The art, colors, and letters by Per Berg (also known as Per Darwin Berg or by the pen name, “Narwhal”) are both representational and impressionistic, possibly because Berg is depicting a world that is rapidly shifting from the natural to the supernatural. One thing that Berg's storytelling certainly does is create the sense of rapid breakdown and hopelessness, which are perfect modes for apocalyptic fiction. Berg wants the reader to guess at what is happening more than know what is happening.

Well, Millar and Berg have certainly given readers a reason to come back for the second issue. I suggest that you do so, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar, of vampire comic books, and of horror apocalypse will want to read Vatican City.

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

The VATICAN CITY trade paperback edition is available at Amazon.

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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Tuesday, October 7, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #1

THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #1 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Matteo Buffagni

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Matteo Buffagni with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Matteo Buffagni; Jae Lee with June Chung

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2024)

Rating: 18+

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

“The Death of Cordelia Moonstone”

The Magic Order 5 is a six-issue miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Matteo Buffagni. This is the fifth 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 5 #1 opens in the aftermath of the end of Madame Albany and the “wizard wars.” Cordelia Moonstone is preparing for the end, but a new case has dropped itself in front of her. A woman named Carly Summers has had two of her children kidnapped eight years apart by a man who never opens his eyes. He also beats Carly with a baseball bat before snatching away each child.

Cordelia's investigation, however, with her apprentices, Gator Lloyd and Ashley McPherson, goes bad. The time to pay the ultimate prices for her sins is now.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is The Magic Order 5 #1.

The Magic Order #1, The Magic Order 2 #1, The Magic Order 3 #1, and The Magic Order 4 #1 all started off with a bang. Why open with a whimper when you can medieval on your reader's ass and he or she will gladly come back for more. Mark Millar is probably the only “mainstream” comic book writer who consistently delivers outstanding pop comics. He has taken many of the genres and sub-genres in which Marvel and DC Comics' ply their trade and lifted them to the heights of high-concept, inventive entertainment.

One of them is magical fantasy, and Mark has made The Magic Order explosive and outrageous in a way that Marvel has not with its various Doctor Strange comic book series. If you want to read a comic book that is as close to the intensity and insanity of Marvel Studios' 2022 film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, then you don't want a Doctor Strange comic book. You want The Magic Order 5 #1.

The art team of Matteo Buffagni and colorist Giovanna Niro deliver stellar work in this debut issue. It is as if they are doing fine art Eurocomics for a Louvre publication. Buffagni's art makes the world of the natural and supernatural a seamless whole where no one's power makes him or her safe. Niro's color blends the horrific with the surreal to prepare us for many surprises to come. Finally, Clem Robins's lettering is the machine gun cherry on top of this narrative.

The Magic Order 5 is supposed to conclude this franchise. Dear readers, let us gather here today and for the next five issues for what I suspect will be the grandest of send-offs.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of The Magic Order will want to read The Magic Order 5.

A+

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

The trade paperback for THE MAGIC ORDER VOL. 5 is available at Amazon.

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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Tuesday, September 30, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: THE MADNESS #5

THE MADNESS #5 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Francesco Francavilla; Chris Ferguson

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

Rated: “Mature”

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

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

The Madness #5 opens as Sarah and The Raven have a conversation. Are they one and the same, or are they merely part of each other.

Meanwhile, there are origin stories that tie into The Raven's revenge. First, how does one Djinn replace the next? This tale will make it crystal clear, with some information about the Djinn's animal companion, the dragon Ignatius. Plus, what is the story of Shade? Does even she know it?

Plus, Prince Nesallah and Tafiq Badat, the Arab royalty that demanded The Raven's death, know she is coming for them, and they are prepared. Or so they believe...

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

With this fifth issue, writer J. Michael Straczynski offers another chapter that is as intense as the others before it. The Madness mixes the madness of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen with the exhilaration of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority. Like Watchmen, Straczynski uses each issue to delve into the side stories that portend and enrich the larger story.

Artist ACO offers daring storytelling, but this time, he focuses on straight ahead action. He fills The Madness #5 with wide open storytelling similar to the widescreen thrills of The Authority. Marcelo Maiolo's colors are like cinematography that makes the action soar when it needs to and explode on the page, otherwise. This penultimate issue demands that I return for the ultimate, but, dear readers, it demands that you start reading.

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

A+

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

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

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

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

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

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

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

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Tuesday, September 23, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA: Summer Fun in the Sun #1

BETTY & VERONICA: SUMMER FUN IN THE SUN, NO. 1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Holly G!; Tania del Rio; Dan Parent, Goldie Chan; Bill Golliher; Frank Doyle

PENCILS: Holly G! Bill Golliher; Dan Parent; Dan DeCarlo

INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith; Bill Golliher; Rudy Lapick

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Vincent DeCarlo

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante, Vincent Lavallo, and Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Holly G! with Rosario “Tito” Peña

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2025); On sale: August 6, 2025

Rating: All-Ages

Betty and Veronica in “H2-OH!!”

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character. In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.” Two of Archie Comics' main characters are Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie.

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Betty and Veronica. The latest is Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun in the Sun No. 1. It features one new story and five reprint stories. Entitled “H2-OH!!,” the new story is written by Holly G!; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Betty and Veronica in “H2-OH!!”:

As the story opens, Archie has just won the “Riverdale Waterpark Adventure Giveaway,” an exclusive private day for Archie and five friends at the brand-new “Riverdale Waterpark.” So Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Toni (Topaz), and Hot Dog (Jughead's dog) join Archie for two-hours of fun. For someone like Veronica, however, a trip to the water park isn't just a day of fun. It is a chance to make a huge splash with social media influencers.

THE LOWDOWN: Archie Comics often sends me PDF copies of their titles for review. While I don't get to review all of them, I enjoy these single issue titles like Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun in the Sun, No. 1.

In addition to the “Betty and Veronica” lead story, “H2-OH!!,” this issue also includes “All the Same,” a Betty and Veronica story from Archie Giant Series Magazine #34 (cover dated: November 1965), which was drawn by classic Archie Comics' artist, the late Dan DeCarlo. There are two stories starring Fran Frazer, the young investigator who hosts a true crime podcast. There is one story starring “Young Dr. Masters” (David Masters), the Riverdale physician who puts himself in danger to help others. There is also one “Sabrina, the Teen-Age Witch” (Sabrina Spellman) story. Both Fran Frazer stories and the Sabrina story involve supernatural elements.

I enjoyed “H2-OH!!” because I am a fan of the work of modern Archie Comics creator, Holly G! However, I am also a fan of supernatural-themed Archie Comics stories, so I am happy about this comic book because of these stories.

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun in the Sun, No. 1 has a new story in the classic Archie vein and is also classically fun.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun in the Sun, No. 1.

B+

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

A Kindle edition of BETTY AND VERONICA: SUMMER FUN IN THE SUN NO.1 is available at Amazon.

https://archiecomics.com/

https://x.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: ECTYRON V ROJO GALLO

ECTYRON V ROJO GALLO

CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics

STORY: Carter Allen

SCRIPT: John Ira Thomas

ART: Carter Allen

COLORS: Carter Allen

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

COVER: Carter Allen

BACK COVER: Will Grant

32pp, Color, $5.00 U.S. (2025)

Comic book writer-artist and graphic novelist, Carter Allen, has been publishing a series of comic books and graphic novels featuring a “kaiju” character known as “Ectyron! The Radioactive Chicken!” Candle Light Press and Allen's Warning Comics have previously published several Ectyron comic books: Ectyron Against Lagaxtu (2017), Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss (2018), and Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula (2019), the Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1 (2022), and Ectyron vs. Des Moines (2023).

Ectyron is back on the attack in the recently released comic book, Ectyron v Rojo Gallo. It is written by Allen (story) and John Ira Thomas (script); drawn and colored by Allen; and lettered by Thomas. Ectyron comics employ particular elements of various Japanese science fiction sub-genres, in particular “Kaiju.” This is a term used to describe the giant monsters and the fiction in which they appear. Godzilla is an example of a kaiju, and Ectyron, a giant-sized chicken, is also a kaiju.

Ectyron v Rojo Gallo opens somewhere Iowa. There, the sinister forces of Lord Gar-Lahk have summoned the monstrous rooster and demonic kaiju, “Rojo Gallo.” With the Parademon-like “Tactighouls” right behind, Rojo Gallo begins a brutal campaign built on fear, pain, and terror that affects the entire regions. Now, Madam Madamn (of “Sustenatione Stabilitas”) and that wonder of science, “AtomI.K.E.,” add their power to the might and majesty of Ectyron. But can our heroes save the locals who seem to have invited this campaign of fear and hate on their own town?

THE LOWDOWN: I have been receiving review copies of Carter Allen's comic books and graphic novels for almost two decades. He always sends me review copies of his Ectyron titles, including Ectyron v Rojo Gallo. We also collaborated on the 2024 original graphic novel, The Wrath of Karapace: A Big Spirits Epic.

Once again, Allen uses lush watercolors to produce his art and storytelling. That gives Ectyron v Rojo Gallo an almost surreal sensibility. The story is literally a firestorm, a raging inferno that rides the winds of prejudice and bigotry to the point where no one is safe from the sh*t they started. Allen's art is really graphical storytelling, wild and crazy, full of big panels that recall classic “Silver Age” monster comics and “Space Age” monster movies. Reading the story is like entering a fun madhouse of perfectly weird comic book ideas

I have to admit that I was surprised that Carter and his co-conspirator, writer John Ira Thomas, offers some sharp political and social commentary in this comic book. There is not a lot of it, but what appears is merciless and timely. I don't want to spoil Allen and Thomas' savory barbs, but yes, some of you did not vote for this, but then again, you kinda did... In Ectyron v. Rojo Gallo, the citizenry reaps what it sowed, and as always, now they want the people whom they tried to own to help them.

Ectyron v Rojo Gallo is a double-bladed delight. Find the Candle Light Press gang at a convention and snag a copy.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of kaiju and of Carter Allen's kaiju comic books will want Ectyron v Rojo Gallo.

A+

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

http://www.warningcomics.com/

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/

https://x.com/attila71

https://x.com/candlelightpres

https://www.facebook.com/Warning-Comics-194471080646766/

https://www.deviantart.com/vectorattila

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Thursday, September 11, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #4

NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #4 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Valerio Giangiordano

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Valerio Giangiordano with Lee Loughridge

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2024)

Age range: 14+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery is a five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar. It is a sequel to the miniseries, Nemesis Reloaded (2023) and Big Game (2023). Published by Dark Horse comics, the new series finds the super-killer, Nemesis, on a mission of revenge. Rogues' Gallery is drawn by Valerio Giangiordano; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clem Robins.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery finds Nemesis on a mission to once again be the world's greatest super-villain. Now, out for revenge against everyone who wronged him, Nemesis must rebuild his empire and his fortune... this time with a sidekick, Pedro Hernandez, following him every step of the way.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #4 opens in the compound of billionaire Adrian Zigo. Nemesis and Pedro are there in their fake billionaire identities under the guise of attending Zigo's charity auction. The duo is really present in order to launch their plot to steal a hundred million-dollar diamond.

But there is always a surprise, and it comes in the form of an attack led by Andy, the nurse who was once kind to Nemesis before the villain blinded him. Andy and his men are surprisingly well armed, but the biggest surprise is the identity of the person who joins the attack against Nemesis and Pedro.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest comic book to mark my return is Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery #4.

Mark Millar continues to deliver in this, the ultimate modern super-villain comic book franchise. For the fourth issue, Millar unleashes action violence on a level to match that of a Hollywood action movie. However, Millar is never without surprises, and he offers two shockers, one related to the real-world that took my breath away.

Artist Valerio Giangiordano continues to deliver stellar storytelling with a gritty, crime-noir take on violent superhero/fantasy action. Why do what everyone else is doing when you can do you, as Giangiordano is doing. There is a deranged, edgy comedy vibe here that takes Nemesis to a new level. Colorist Lee Loughridge, who knows how to deal with “the dark,” perfectly accentuates Valerio's storytelling with colors that suggest murder, mayhem, explosions, and more murder. Letterer Clem Robins captures the deranged narcissism of the title character by making us believe this comic book has a soundtrack.

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery promised to be a good time, and it has delivered all the way to the penultimate issue. It may also end up being the best evil Batman comic book in ages.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books and of Valerio Giangiordano's art will desire Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery.

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

The NEMESIS: ROGUES GALLERY trade paperback is available at Amazon.

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: CONAN THE BARBARIAN #9

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #9 (2023)

TITAN COMICS/Heroic Signatures

STORY: Jim Zub

ART: Roberto de la Torre

COLORS: Dean White

LETTERS: Richard Starkings of Comicraft

EDITOR: Chris Butera

COVER: Mike Deodato with Jão Canola

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: E.M. Gist; Mike Deodato; Ickpot, Roberto de la Torre; Chris Moreno; Francesca Baerald

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2024)

Suggested for mature readers

“The Age Unconquered” Part I: “Suffer Not the King of Wonders”

Conan the Cimmerian was born in the pulp fiction of Robert E. Howard (REH), first appearing in the magazine, Weird Tales (1932). In 1970, Marvel Comics brought Conan to the world of comic books via the title, Conan the Barbarian. With only a few pauses, Conan comic books have been published for the better part of five decades.

Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures are the new producers of Conan comic books, and they launched a new Conan the Barbarian series in 2023. The current story arc is written by Jim Zub; drawn by Roberto de la Torre; colored by Dean White; and lettered by Richard Starkings. Entitled “The Age Unconquered,” this arc finds Conan's body and/or soul transported 80,000 years into the past

Conan the Barbarian #9 (“Suffer Not the King of Wonders”) opens in the wake of the incidents related to Conan's involvement in the theft of the artifact known as “Tarim's Touch.” Conan recognized the artifact as a shard of the cursed “Black Stone,” which he'd once broken with the help of a Pict blade. The theft led to the death of Conan's cohorts, the “Gloryhounds”...

… and left Conan apparently transported eighty thousand years into the past, to the time of Kull of Atlantis, also known as “Kull the Conqueror.” Conan also meets the legendary figure, Brule the Spear-slayer, a Pict. After proving his mettle, Conan is allowed to travel with Brule and his men to Valusia, “the City of Wonders.” There, Conan will meet King Kull, but it will be like nothing he expects.

THE LOWDOWN: Titan Comics has been providing me with PDF copies of their publications for review for several years now. Conan the Barbarian #9 is one of them.

Writer Jim Zub has moved the Conan the Barbarian comic book series in a new direction. Conan has been transported from “the Hyborean Age,” the age in which Conan's creator, Robert E. Howard, set his adventures, to “the Thurian Age,” the time in which Howard sets the adventures of Conan's precursor, Kull of Atlantis.

It is a big change, but it allows Zub to make Conan a stranger in a strange land, and that itself presents new opportunities for conflict and tension. This ninth issue delivers on that potential with a showdown between Conan and Kull.

What really makes this story work is Roberto de la Torre's haunted storytelling. Mixing elements and graphical styles of Frank Frazetta, Al Williamson, and John Buscema, de la Torre guides this first chapter from the mists of lost time to the brutal death match between the two beasts of Howard's oeuvre. It is nice to see de la Torre recall the Conan comic books of yesteryear in telling this fantastic story, and it is nice that Dean White's colors amplify the mystery rather than brighten it. Richard Starking's stark lettering is the pounding audio track to this fine opening chapter.

“The Age Unconquered” may end up conquering us, dear readers, as it carries us to a new direction for Conan the Barbarian.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Conan comic books will want to try Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures' Conan the Barbarian.

[This comic book includes the essay, “Shining Cities and Stone Age Kingdoms: Robert E. Howard's Thurian Age” the ninth installment of Conan/Howard essays by Jeffrey Shanks.]

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

The CONAN THE BARBARIAN: THE AGE UNCONQUERED VOL. 3 trade paperback is available at Amazon.

https://titan-comics.com/

https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan

https://www.instagram.com/titancomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ComicsTitan

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Thursday, August 28, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: PRODIGY: Slaves of Mars #4

PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS #4 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Stefano Landini

COLORS: Michele Assarasakorn

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Stefano Landini with Michele Assarasakorn

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Stefano Landini

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2024)

Rated M / Mature

Prodigy created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars is a five-issue comic book miniseries produced by writer Mark Millar. It is the third entry in the Prodigy series, following the original 2018-19 six-issue miniseries, Prodigy, and the 2022 miniseries, Prodigy: The Icarus Society. This new series' creative team is comprised of artist Stefano Landini; colorist Michele Assarasakorn; and letterer Clem Robins. Prodigy focuses on the adventures of the world's smartest man, Edison Crane.

In Prodigy: Slaves of Mars, Edison returns to New York City from an adventure in the Himalayas to find his company, Crane Solutions, in disarray. He also learns that his father, the former Senator Whitney Crane, is dead on Mars after discovering some shocking secret. Now, a wanted man, Edison only has one person left to whom he can turn. That would be his older, smarter brother, Elijah Crane.

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #4 opens with a flashback to the day 15-year-old Elijah left the Crane family because he just couldn't take his father's antics any longer. Move to the modern day, and Elijah ascertains that their father discovered a series of “star gates” on Earth. So Edison and Elijah head to the most consequential star gate, the one in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Now, it is time to get down to the mystery of their father, Whitney, and his involvement with a mission to Mars. They're about to get more answers than they expected.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest title to mark my return is Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #4.

Of course, Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #4 is a blast to read, just as the first three issues were. This being the penultimate issue (second-to-last), writer Mark Millar fills it with surprises. He also continues to tease us with more of his obsessions with “Ancient Aliens” and secret space programs. You already know about Millar's love of secrets and conspiracies if you have read Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1 or read Prodigy: The Evil Earth, the trade collection of the first miniseries.

The art team of illustrator Stefano Landini and colorist Michele Assarasakorn unveil the surprises in a steady stream of straightforward storytelling. Throwing caution to the wind, they present graphical storytelling that races from page to page in a loose drawing style and muted coloring style that captures the weird aesthetic of this franchise. As always, Clem Robins provides the perfect soundtrack to this chapter with his classic lettering.

We have been set up for a great ending, dear readers. Catch up if you need to.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of his comic book, Prodigy, will want to read Prodigy: Slaves of Mars.

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

The trade paperback collection of PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS is available at Amazon.

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://www.netflix.com/

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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

I Reads You

Thursday, December 11, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: WORDS OF DEVOTION 2

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: VAMPIRE HUNTER D Volume 1

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

#IReadsYou YAOI Review: "UNSOPHISTICATED AND RUDE"

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: FRAGMENTA 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates

Thursday, November 6, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SABRINA MAGIC UNLEASHED #1

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: NIGHT CLUB II #3

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: AKIRA VOLUME 2

Thursday, October 23, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: NANA Volume 9

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: VATICAN CITY #1

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #1

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: THE MADNESS #5

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: BETTY & VERONICA: Summer Fun in the Sun #1

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: ECTYRON V ROJO GALLO

Thursday, September 11, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #4

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: CONAN THE BARBARIAN #9

Thursday, August 28, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: PRODIGY: Slaves of Mars #4

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