I Reads You: Review

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Wednesday, May 14, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE & FRIENDS LEVEL UP! #1

ARCHIE & FRIENDS LEVEL UP! #1 (#19)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Hal Smith; George Gladir; Bill Golliher

PENCILS: Steve Butler; Doug Crane; Dan DeCarlo; Sam Schwartz;

INKS: Lily Butler; Scott McRae; Mike Esposito; Rudy Lapick; Samm Schwartz; Dan DeCarlo

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” Peňa

VARIANT COVER: Dan DeCarlo

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2025); on sale in comic book shops April 2, 2025

Rating: All-Ages

“Servers You Right”

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.”

Archie Comics published the series, Archie & Friends, from 1992 to 2012 for 159 issues. Since 2019, Archie has been publishing a new iteration of Archie & Friends as a series of themed one-shot comic books. The latest is Archie & Friends (Level Up!) No.1, the nineteenth issue in the series. It features one new five-page story and five reprint stories. Entitled “Servers You Right,” the new story is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Steve Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie and Friends in Level Up! in “Servers You Right”:

Archie and the Gang (Betty, Veronica, and Jughead) come together to play the video game, “Crafty Miners,” an open world video game where you can do anything. The fun and games turn a little edgier when Veronica decides to be her normal self, and Reggie shows up to do some damage. Can Dilton, the server administrator, save the day?

THE LOWDOWN: For several years, Archie's marketing department has been sending me PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is Archie & Friends Level Up! (which is titled Archie and Friends, No. 1 (#19), in the indicia).

The Archie & Friends series has previously offered movie-themed editions in the past, such as Archie and Friends Hot Summer Movies (cover dated: July 2023), which included the story, “Riverdale Jones and the Burger of Destiny,” a parody of the then upcoming film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023). The target for parody this time is the recent smash hit, Warner Bros. film, A Minecraft Movie, which is based on the video game, Minecraft, which debuted in 2011.

I don't have much interest in the movie, but I will likely watch it when it arrives on the Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service, Max, in a few months. Surprisingly, the script by Ian Flynn offers a rather nice scenario, which could have become a rather nice full-size, standalone story instead of this good five-page story. I wish Archie would have let Flynn fly on this one.

The art team of Steve Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks) deliver some standout work. As far as my experience with their Archie Comics work, this is the best looking that I have seen in terms of composition and aesthetics. And I say this as a fan of their Archie work. “Servers You Right” has captured my imagination in a way I did not expect. Glenn Whitmore's colors really serve the art quite well, and, as always, Jack Morelli's lettering hits it hard.

In addition to the main stories, there are five reprint stories. Two with Archie as the star, and one each with Betty, Jughead, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch as the star. I grew up on classic-style Archie Comics. So, there is something comforting about seeing Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead in both all-new and classic adventures. I will always recommend classic-style Archie titles, so I am giving Archie and Friends Level Up! a heartier recommendation than usual because of the Butlers' art.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie & Friends Level Up!.

B+

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

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Tuesday, May 13, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: UNCANNY X-MEN #1

UNCANNY X-MEN #1 (2024)

MARVEL COMICS

STORY: Gail Simone

ART: David Marquez

COLORS: Matthew Wilson

LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles

COVER: David Marquez with Matthew Wilson

EDITOR: Tom Brevoort

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson; David Marquez with Matthew Wilson; Jim Lee with Alex Sinclair; John Tyler Christopher; Leinil Francis Yu with Sunny Gho; Luciano Vecchio; Pablo Villalobos; Scott Koblish with Rachelle Rosenberg; Stephen Segovia with Jay David Ramos

40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rated T+

X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

“Red Wave”

The X-Men are a Marvel Comics superhero team. The team was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1 (cover dated: September 1963). The X-Men are “mutants,” and Marvel's mutants are humans born with a genetic trait called the “X-gene,” which naturally grants them superhuman abilities. Being different from normal humans makes mutants the subject of prejudice, discrimination, and violence from humans. Founded by Professor Charles Xavier a.k.a. “Professor X,” the X-Men fight to protect Earth for both humans and mutants, often battling various “evil mutants” and otherworldly threats.

Over the decades, especially over the last four, there have been countless comic book publications featuring the X-Men. The X-Men flagship comic book was entitled “The X-Men” beginning with Issue #1 lasting through Issue #141. With Issue #142, the title official became “Uncanny X-Men.? Over the last decade Uncanny X-Men has been relaunched a few times, each news series beginning with a new Issue #1.

The latest relaunch began last year (2024) during the late summer. The 2024 iteration of Uncanny X-Men is written by Gail Simone; drawn by David Marquez; colored by Matthew Wilson; and lettered by VC's Clayton Cowles. The new series takes place in the wake of the “From the Ashes” crossover publishing event and finds the X-Men without a home and without Professor X.

Uncanny X-Men #1 opens in Westchester County, New York, specifically at the former “Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.” Diabolical forces have taken over the campus and are making plans to transform it from a school into some kind of detention center or prison.

Since the fall of the island-nation slash mutant paradise of Krakoa, mutants have been left adrift across the globe. Rogue, Gambit, and Wolverine are in Mexico, specifically Teotihuacan, where they will face a dragon. Next up is “the University of Mississippi Medical Center,” where they engage in a mission of mercy for Nightcrawler and a low-level, dying mutant boy named “Harvey X.” Before long, the quartet will encounter what may be some new mutants, but is Rogue willing to become the new leader of the X-Men? Should the X-Men even continue to be a thing?

THE LOWDOWN: I am not on any kind of comp list that provides me with review copies – PDF or otherwise – of Marvel Comics publications. That leaves me free to say what I want without feeling that a bad review could get me excommunicated. [Despite what the marketing people at publishers say, a slip-up of any kind can get a reviewer removed from a comp list.]

By the time I read this new Uncanny X-Men #1 and began to write the review, this series' first trade collection, Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1: Red Wave, had been in stores for a week and a half. I am still not going to post detailed spoilers, and I suspect there is a lot to spoil over the entire arc. I like the vibe that Gail Simone brings to the series. It is part traditional X-Men, but with an offbeat wild vibe that is similar to what readers found in New X-Men #114 (cover dated: July 2001). I don't know how new and original the new mutants presented in this issue are, but Simone seems to be aiming for a new direction in this first issue of her run on this venerable series. I think she is the first woman to be the regular series writer on Uncanny X-Men, which is disgraceful that it took decades for that to happen.

As for the art by David Marquez: his work has looked better and the storytelling has been much more potent. His graphical style was simpler and cleaner in the classic Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (cover dated: July 2014). Now, Marquez is more stylish and impressionistic that he has ever been, but the storytelling here substitutes flash action for meaningful drama. The great Matthew Wilson makes the art pop off the page with his rich, earthy hues. As usual, letterer Clayton Cowles is solid, but his lettering does not get in the way of the way of the story's action.

So I don't know if I will seek out the trade for this first arc of the new Uncanny X-Men. This first chapter of “Red Wave” is somewhat intriguing, but I feel like Simone put off too much of the narrative in order to focus on Rogue's melodrama. I assume the best is yet to come, so I will recommend that X-Men fans give this series a try.

Yes. You can describe me as ambivalent about this first issue. I am still curious about X-Men comic books, but my passion for them has cooled over the years.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of X-Men comic books will always want to see what's going on with the Uncanny X-Men.

[By Marvel's legacy numbering, Uncanny X-Men #1 (2024) is also Issue No. 701.]

B+

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

The first trade collection, "Uncanny X-Men by Gail Simone Vol. 1: Red Wave" is now available at Amazon.

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Friday, May 9, 2025

#IReadsYou Movie Review: THUNDERBOLTS*

Thunderbolts* (2025)

Running time: 126 minutes (2 hours, 6 minutes)

MPA – PG-13 for strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references

DIRECTOR: Jake Schreier

WRITERS: Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo (based upon the Marvel Comics)

PRODUCER: Kevin Feige

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Andrew Droz Palermo (D.o.P.)

EDITORS: Angela M. Catanzaro and Harry Yoon

COMPOSER: Son Lux (Ryan Lott, Rafiq Bhatia, Ian Chang)

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION and DRAMA

Starring: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Geraldine Viswanathan, Olga Kurylenko, and Wendell Pierce

Thunderbolts* is a 2025 American superhero fantasy film and action movie directed by Jake Schreier and produced by Marvel Studios. It is the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film features Marvel Comics' “Thunderbolts,” an antihero and super-villain superhero team created by writer Kurt Busiek and artist Mark Bagley that first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 (cover dated: January 1997). Thunderbolts* the movie focuses on an unconventional team of antiheroes that takes on a conniving CIA official and a dangerous super-being while confronting their own dark pasts.

Thunderbolts* opens in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. There, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) destroys an O.X.E. Group laboratory on behalf of CIA director, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Valentina is facing a Congressional committee that wants to impeach her in order to have her removed as CIA director, so she is having to conceal all her illicit programs. One of those programs in need of concealment is the O.X.E. Group's “Sentry” project, which involves experimentation on humans in order to develop a superhuman.

Valentina dispatches Yelena to a remote O.X.E. facility on a mission to destroy sensitive materials. After entering the facility, however, Yelena discovers that she is not alone. John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) are also there, under the pretense of a mission. The real reason all of them are in the facility is so that Valentina can have them and any incriminating evidence against her be destroyed simultaneously. Another of this mission's surprises is the sudden appearance of a mysterious man named “Bob” (Lewis Pullman).

Now, Yelena and this bunch of reprobates embark on mission to punish Valentina, and they are joined by Yelena's father, Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan). They gather in New York City for a showdown, but there are wildcards. Who is “Sentry?” And what is “Void?”

Thunderbolts* is like a sequel, of sorts, to the 2021 Marvel Studios film, Black Widow. It also references such previous Marvel Studios films as Marvel's The Avengers (2012) and the recent Captain America: Brave New World (2025), and also the Disney+ television series, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021), to name a few.

At the center of Thunderbolts* is Yelena Belova, and the good thing is that the actress playing the character, Florence Pugh, is quite good. Pugh gives Yelena gravitas, and I find myself believing almost everything about the character. That said I would have preferred Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes a.k.a. “The Winter Soldier” as the “magnetic center” of Thunderbolts*, but I guess the character has already had plenty of time to showcase himself in previous Marvel Studios productions.

Beyond those two characters, I found myself bored with Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Valentina, although I am a long time fan of Louis-Dreyfus because of her role in the former NBC sitcom, “Seinfeld.” I like actor David Harbour as “Red Guardian,” but the character is a bit overwrought, while Hannah John-Kamen is overly wasted as “Ghost.” Geraldine Viswanathan is very nice in the supporting role of Mel, Valentina's assistant. Lewis Pullman, who seems very skilled at creating a new personality for each acting role he takes on, is very, very good as “Bob.” Marvel Studios would do well not to waste the potential of what Pullman can bring to the MCU.

All that said, Thunderbolts* is my least favorite MCU team movie. Don't get me wrong. It is a very entertaining film because director Jake Schreier makes the most of an offbeat screenplay and of the work of the film editors, cinematographers, and other collaborators. The result is that they deliver a movie that is surprisingly humorous and is often laugh-out-loud funny.

I don't buy all the depression and battling-personal-demons melodrama of the film's story. It is often overdone, contrived, and tedious enough to drag down the moments when that does feel genuine. There is enough enjoyment in Thunderbolts* to make me give it a relatively high rating. If this movie were made by most other film studios, however, I would give it a lower rating.

[Thunderbolts* has an extra scene in the middle of the credits and one at the end of the credits.]

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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

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Thursday, May 8, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You #132

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #132

DC COMICS

STORY: Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Robert Pope

INKS: Randy Elliot; Scott McRae

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Jason Lewis

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)

COVER: Randy Elliot with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2025)

Ages 8+

“Trial and Error”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #132 opens with “Trial and Error,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Randy Elliot. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma at the county courthouse. Why are they there?

The gang are witnesses for the prosecution in the trial of the crooked real estate developer, “Ethical” Ed Morrissey, who pretended to be an “alien gorilla” as part of his real estate scams. The problem is that a trio ghosts: a judge, a prosecutor, and bailiff, has appeared, and these apparitions are determined to put our favorite ghost-hunting detectives on trial. And the punishment is being sent down the River Styx.

As usual, the second story, “Go for Broke,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope (pencils) and Scott McRae (inks). [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #31 (cover date: May 2013).] The story opens at Bunny's ski lodge where a ghost on skis is terrorizing and, in some cases, even hurting the lodge's guests. Now, it's time for Mystery Inc. to get involved, but the last time they tangled with that ghost, they all ended up with broken legs!

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #132 offers as a theme scheming ghosts. For me, however, the best part is that this issue offers the work of some of my favorite Scooby-Doo artists. Randy Elliot rocks the courtroom with some traditional Scooby-Doo antics, while the art team of Robert Pope and Scott McRae dazzle (as always) with a mystery that is staged in a traditional Scooby-Doo setting, the haunted ski lodge.

Writer Sholly Fisch anchors this issue with two imaginative tales. Stalwart Scooby-Doo comics colorist, Silvana Brys, delivers the goods, as usual, while colorist Jason Lewis dazzles in the reprint story, “Go for Broke.” Letterer Saida Temofonte is perfect for Scooby-Doo.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #132 is as enjoyable as Issue #131 was, so hopefully, this is the start of a good run in the series. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read this issue, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Primer: Clashing Colors” by Jennifer Muro & Thomas Krajewski and Gretel Lusky.]

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

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Wednesday, May 7, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: RONIN BOOK II #1

RONIN BOOK II #1

FRANK MILLER PRESENTS LLC

STORY: Frank Miller

LAYOUTS: Frank Miller

ART: Philip Tan and Daniel Henriques

LETTERS: John Workman

BOSSES: Frank Miller, Dan DiDio, and Silenn Thomas

COVER: Philip Tan and Daniel Henriques

VARIANT COVER: Frank Miller

56pp, B&W, 7.99 U.S. (November 2022)

Ronin created by Frank Miller

Ronin is a six-issue comic book miniseries published between 1983 and 1984 by DC Comics. The series was written and drawn by Frank Miller, with Miller's artwork painted by Lynn Varley. Ronin takes place in a near-future New York City, a dystopia in which an unnamed ronin (in Japan, a samurai without a master) and his mortal enemy, the demon “Agat,” are reincarnated. The series also features a security officer, Casey McKenna, “The Aquarius Corporation” and its artificial intelligence, “Virgo,” which may hold the true secrets of the ronin and Agat.

Late last year, Frank Miller's new publishing concern, Frank Miller Presents, launched a sequel to Ronin. Entitled Ronin Book II, the series is written by Miller; drawn by Philip Tan (pencils), Daniel Henriques (inks), and Miller (layouts); and lettered by John Workman. The new series follows Casey McKenna and her infant son, Billy, as they travel across a ravaged America.

Ronin Book II #1 finds Casey dreaming of her trials and tribulations. The world is a vampire (so to speak), and the artificial intelligence, Virgo, still haunts Casey's life. Now, she has a baby boy, and they must traverse the ravaged landscape of America. However, sinister evils and the old ghosts still abound, one in the form of the infamous Agat.

THE LOWDOWN: When the launch of Frank Miller Presents was announced to much fanfare in the spring of 2022, I was interested. After all, Frank Miller was one of the first comic book creators whose name I learned when I started reading comic books in high school. I found Daredevil #189 (cover dated: December 1982) in one of those comic book three-packs, I fell in love with Miller and his collaborator, Klaus Janson. Their union would be made rock-solid (solid as a rock!) when the duo collaborated on the 1986 miniseries, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

Between Daredevil and Batman, Frank Miller unleashed his landmark six-issue miniseries, Ronin. It blended the Japanese comics (manga) with the French comics (bande dessinée) that influenced Frank Miller. I would say that the work of French comic book creator, Jean “Moebius” Giraud, had the biggest influence on Ronin's artwork and narrative style. Ronin was essentially Miller's Moebius comic book slash graphic novel.

In its press offerings, Frank Miller Presents has stated that Ronin Book II “captures all the energy and excitement of the original series, taking the characters and world into a direction all its own.” I can accept that, but after reading Ronin Book II #1, I believe that a sequel to Ronin is at least 30 years too late. Why?

Well, Ronin Book II #1 looks and reads like a comic book drawn by either Todd McFarlane or Jim Lee in the early 1990s. That would include McFarlane's 1990-launched Spider-Man series and his Image Comics' title, Spawn (1992), and Lee's 1991-launched X-Men series and his Image title, WildC.A.T.S: Cover Action Teams (1992).

Ronin Book II #1 reads like McFarlane's “BOOM BOOM BOOM” script for Spider-Man #1 (cover dated: August 1990), and Philip Tan and Daniel Henriques' art could be a catalog of Jim Lee's pencil art inked by Scott Williams, Marc Silvestri, Whilce Portacio, and just about every art assistant in the former Homage Studios gang. There is indeed some beautiful panoramic black and white art, especially towards the end of the story, but...

What's it like to read this first issue. Well, the guy who wrote powerfully in the 1980s is not as powerful now. I wouldn't call Ronin Book II #1 incomprehensible, but I would say that it is incomprehensible that Miller thinks he can get away with a new series that seems like nothing more than a shoddy riff on the legendary manga, Lone Wolf and Cub. So Miller may be taking Ronin Book II in “a direction all its own,” but I hope that the rest of the series does not read like old Todd McFarland and Jim Lee comics.

I don't know if I will buy any more issues of this series. I may be too curious – because its Miller and Ronin – to just ignore Ronin Book II. Also, I'm being generous with the grade I'm giving it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Frank Miller and of his Ronin comic book will want to at least sample Ronin Book II.

B-

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

"Ronin Book II" is now known as "RONIN RISING" and is available is both a hardcover and manga paperback edition via Amazon.

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Tuesday, May 6, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #1

NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #1 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Valerio Giangiordano

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Valerio Giangiordano with Lee Loughridge

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung

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

Age range: 14+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

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

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #1 opens in the hospital wing of Colton Brown Penitentiary, California. Nemesis was the world's greatest super-villain. Now, he is merely a paraplegic (as a result of the battle with the superheroes that began in Big Game #1) named Matthew Anderson. However, his former acquaintances, a group lurking in their Temple of Panza, can bring him back to what he was, but is he willing to pay the price?

Meanwhile, someone Nemesis hurt is also getting an offer he won't refuse.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. I mark my return with Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery #1.

Nemesis Reloaded #1 was a helluva first issue. This first issue of Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery is a bit more subdued. It's an introduction to Nemesis' situation and how he got there. This is like Millard's quiet before the storm, but oh, what a storm it will be judging by the last page.

The art by Valerio Giangiordano provides the perfectly dark, edgy, and moody storytelling this issue needs. Giangiordano's art is like a mash-up of the graphic stylings of Frank Quietly and of the late Richard Corben, and it perfectly depicts the restrained intensity of Nemesis' utter insanity. Lee Loughridge colors the art by actually dialing back on the colors, and this steeps the story in darkness even more. Clem Robins, as usual, captures the spirit of Millar's ideas with his pitch-perfect lettering.

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

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

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

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

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Thursday, May 1, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: FARMHAND #16

FARMHAND #16
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rob Guillory
ART: Rob Guillory
COLORS: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
LETTERS: Kody Chamberlain
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Burt Durand
COVER: Rob Guillory
32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(April 2022)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Farmhand created by Rob Guillory

Chapter 16: “Fallow Earth”

Farmhand is a dark fantasy comic book series from comic book creator, Rob Guillory. Guillory is also known for his award-winning tenure on the long-running comic book, Chew (Image Comics), with writer John Layman. Farmhand is written and illustrated by Guillory; lettered by Kody Chamberlain (who also designed the Farmhand logo); and currently colored by Jean-Francois Beaulieu.

Farmhand sees Ezekiel “Zeke” Jenkins, a graphic designer and illustrator, return to his hometown of Freetown, Louisiana with his wife, Mae, and their children, Abigail and Riley. Zeke's father, Jedidiah “Jed” Jenkins, and sister, Andrea (“Andy”), own and operate “Jenkins Family Farmaceutical Institute.” Using stem cell biotechnology, the “farm” grows plant-based replacement human organs and tissue. Once upon a time, transplant recipients saw this as a miracle. Now, Zeke and the rest of the world see the miracle as a curse.

Farmhand #16 (“Fallow Earth”) opens with a once upon a time – a flashback to when Jedidiah first staked his claim, had his vision, created a miracle, and first watched it turn into an abomination. Now, his ex-partner, Monica Thorne, is a demon who rules the world … perhaps.

She is certainly the power in what is left of Freetown and its inhabitants. Everyone is infected with the “Jedidiah seed,” the transgenic seed that combines human and plant DNA to produce human organs capable of being grafted onto patients. In addition, the Jenkins are also infected with family dysfunction, as Abigail finds herself caught in the cold war between her father and grandfather. Happily, there is sanctuary … for now.

THE LOWDOWN: It is exactly two years since Farmhand #15 arrived in comic book shops – just as the world was going into pandemic mode I had not forgotten about Farmhand, but I had forgotten how much I really liked it. This is a really and truly great comic book series.

For a long time, I thought of Farmhand as a kind of mix of the original version of “The Twilight Zone” television series and of Stephen King's dark fantasy fiction. However, Farmhand has both grown and evolved, and while it retains the touches of Rod Serling and of King, it has become something else. I won't call it dystopian or apocalyptic fiction, although there are elements of both.

It is metaphorical and allegorical, and I see that in Jed Jenkins, who has some Biblical level anger. Still, for the first time, I really identify with him. Like many Black men of a particular time, he has some scores to settle with the Jim Crow society a.k.a. American apartheid. His fall begins when his struggle becomes narcissism and revenge.

Like King, Rob Guillory has fashioned a great man vs. evil struggle without losing the human drama. Zeke, Jed, and the rest of the Jenkins got family problems, and Guillory won't let us escape them. The characters' personalities, motivations, and conflicts read as genuine. Farmhand is more than mere genre fiction because Rob's imagination gives his readers both an incalculable crypto-zoography and characters whose humanity rings as authentic and meaningful.

It is good to be down on the farm again. I hope you give Farmhand a try, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of dark fantasy fiction of great comic books will want to be a Farmhand.

A+

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

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"Farmhand #16" is collected in FARMHAND VOLUME 4: THE SEED, which is available at Amazon.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SPACE GHOST Volume 1 #4

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #4

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Michael Cho; Bob Layton

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

Rated “Teen”

“The Cult of Zorak!”

Space Ghost is a superhero character created by the American animation studio and production company, Hanna-Barbera Productions. The character first appeared in the Saturday morning cartoon series, “Space Ghost,” which was originally broadcast on CBS from September 1966 to September 1967 for 20 episodes.

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period. Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Entitled Space Ghost Volume 1, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, twins Jan and Jace Keplar and their pet monkey, Blip, meet that legendary cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost Volume 1 #4 (“The Cult of Zorak!”) opens at the specially designed Omegan Prison, where Zorak and his army of fanatical Zorathian warriors have broken free. Space Ghost knows that Zorak will seek revenge against him, so he travels to Zorak's most recent base of operations, the planet Bellerophon. It isn't Zorak awaiting the “Guardian of the Spaceways,” however; it is the mighty Titanor!

Meanwhile, Zorak, a prophet and worshiper of Lorak, the Locust of the Apocalypse, plots to bring his mythical god to life. And Jan, Jace, and Blip are about to enter this game of fanaticism.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost Volume 1 #4 is the latest, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

The first four issues of Dynamite's Space Ghost revival comic book are a pure delight. Writer David Pepose is making me rapidly run out of good things to say about his storytelling. Pepose retains the traditional Space Ghost, but he also rockets the character into a modern sensibility. The Saturday morning pop sci-fi/fantasy is now darker and more menacing. Still, the tone of this comic book series can appeal to readers young and old. Pepose did not forsake a timeless appeal for the temporary thrills of grim and gritty “mature themes.”

I think this series really works because of Jonathan Lau's art and graphical storytelling. Lau captures the edge in Pepose's scripts and turns it into pure rage against evil and into pure passion for justice. Like Pepose, Lau retains the classic appeal of Space Ghost. Andrew Dalhouse's colors make for a gritty narrative, but they keep the classic comic book cool. Letterer Taylor Esposito captures all the emotion that swirls in and out of this story.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 1. It is easily one of the best comic book media adaptations that I have read in years, dear readers. It is almost too good to be true, but true, y'all, it is really good.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 1.

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

You can buy SPACE GHOST VOLUME 1 at Amazon.

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Tuesday, April 29, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS #1

PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS #1 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Stefano Landini

COLORS: Michele Assarasakorn

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Stefano Landini with Michele Assarasakorn

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Stefano Landini

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

Rated M / Mature

Prodigy created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars is a new 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.

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #1 finds Edison returning to New York City from an adventure in the Himalayas. However, all is not as it should be, as Edison finds 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.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. I mark my return with Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #1.

Of course, the first issue of Prodigy: Slaves of Mars is a blast to read. You would already know that, dear readers, if you had read Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1 or read Prodigy: The Evil Earth, the trade collection of the first miniseries.

Millar uses Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #1 to introduce readers to Edison Crane's state of mind (more or less). In the previous series, The Icarus Society, Edison needed a challenge. This time, however, he is really busy, and there is a new challenger who has come in at the wrong time. This new challenger also seems to be behind all of Edison's new troubles. Kudos to Millar for offering a story that challenges both hero and readers.

The art team of illustrator Stefano Landini and colorist Michele Assarasakorn throws caution to the wind and presents graphical storytelling that races from page to page in a loose drawing style and muted coloring style. This is what conveys Edison Crane's troubles plainly and bluntly. As always, Clem Robins provided the perfect soundtrack to the chaos with his classic lettering.

Prodigy is back. The Slaves of Mars are calling us. Don't be a fool, dear readers; get this.

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

A+

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

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

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Wednesday, April 23, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: RED SONJA Black White Red #5

RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #5
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Jacob Edgar; Oliver Gerlach; Frank Tieri
ART: Jacob Edgar; Alex Moore; Lee Ferguson
COLORS: Giorgio Spalletta; Alex Moore; Kike J. Diaz
LETTERS: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Lucio Parrillo
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Joshua Sway Swaby; Jae Lee; Lucio Parrillo; Rachel Hollon (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated Teen+

Based on the characters and stories created by Roy Thomas, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Robert E. Howard

Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated: February 1973) saw the debut of a high fantasy, sword and sorcery heroine, Red Sonja. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith, Red Sonja was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Robert E. Howard (1906-1936), the creator of the character, Conan the Cimmerian.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring differing versions of the character. One of those is Red Sonja Black White and Red, an anthology comic book featuring stories from well known comic book writers and artists, with the art presented in black, white, and red.

Red Sonja Black White and Red #5 is comprised of three stories. The first is “The Hunted,” which is written and drawn by Jacob Edgar; colored by Giorgio Spalletta; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou. The second is “The Chill Touch of Sorcery!,” which is written by Oliver Gerlach; drawn and colored by Alex Moore; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou. The third is “Erik the Black, He-Demon with an Axe,” which is written by Frank Tieri; drawn by Lee Ferguson; colored by Kike J. Diaz; and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elahou.

THE LOWDOWN: Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Red Sonja Black White and Red #5, which is the fourth issue of the title that I have read.

“The Hunted” by Jacob Edgar, Giorgio Spalletta, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
Baron Raaf wants someone to bring him the head of Red Sonja. Is that “Yul, the Eternal,” called an immortal because no man has ever drawn his blood? Are Wenyl and Fenyl, speedy and skilled with a dagger, the men who can kill the She-Devil? Can an archer take her down? Who is the hunted?

“The Hunted is a thoroughly enjoyable story. Like many of the short stories in this series, “The Hunted” is for Red Sonja fans because they don't need the narrative to unveil Sonja's character as they know her. Readers only need a clever plot, and this one is.

“The Chill Touch of Sorcery!” by Oliver Gerlach, Alex Moore, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
Red Sonja is pursuing a sorceress across a treacherous, icy landscape. It is a good story, but not a great story. I do like the artist's use of page design here.

“Erik the Black, He-Demon with an Axe” by Frank Tieri, Lee Ferguson, Kike J. Diaz, Hassan Otsmane-Elahou:
In a bar full of assassins, pirates, thieves, barbarians, she-bitches, etc., everyone gives Red Sonja, the She-Devil with a Sword a wide birth … except Erik the Black, He-Demon with an Axe. He says that he is here to kick “the fine, metal bikined ass” of Red Sonja...

Writer Frank Tieri offers his usual meaty, violent storytelling, which I enjoy, but with a neat twist. Lee Ferguson's art fits this story's “tale of” back-story aspects. It all works.

It is not hard for me to pick a favorite story of the three offered in Red Sonja Black White and Red #5. It is “The Hunted” by Jacob Edgar, Giorgio Spalletta, and Hassan Otsmane-Elahou. However, “Erik the Black, He-Demon with an Axe” is a nice runner-up and would be my favorite otherwise.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Red Sonja will want to try Red Sonja Black White and Red.

A-

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

You can find these stories and more in the hardcover trade collection, RED SONJA: BLACK, WHITE, RED VOL. 2, which is available at Amazon.

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Tuesday, April 22, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: LOVE AND ROCKETS Volume II #2

[This review of "Love and Rockets Volume II #2 is the second comic book review that I ever wrote for my “Negromancer” blog, the original version, way back in mid-Summer of 2001. Recently, I was able to recover my files from two 2000s-era hard drives. Beginning with this review, I am going to go back and re-edit all my original “Negromancer” comic book reviews and post these updated versions on here, my “I Reads You” blog. I hope you enjoy the trip back in time.]

LOVE AND ROCKETS VOLUME II #2

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

STORY: Gilbert Hernandez; Jaime Hernandez; Mario Hernandez

ART: Gilbert Hernandez; Jaime Hernandez

LETTERS: Gilbert Hernandez; Jaime Hernandez

EDITOR: Gary Groth

COVER: Gilbert Hernandez with Carrie Whitney

BACK COVER: Jaime Hernandez with Carrie Whitney

36pp, B&W, $3.95 U.S., $5.95 CAN (Summer 2001)

The return of Love and Rockets can be viewed with trepidation. After all, Gilbert Hernandez’s Luba, Luba’s Comics and Stories, and his all ages title Measles, and Jaime Hernandez’s Penny Century well served their talents. However, fans of the Los Bros. were apparently having trouble finding their post L&R work precisely because it did not carry the “Love and Rockets” brand. Volume II of the fabled title, which ran from the mid-80’s to the mid 90’s for 50 beautiful issues and is one of the all time great comic book series reunites Jaime Hernandez and Gilbert Hernandez with brother Mario Hernandez for the first time in ages. It’s off to a wobbly start.

The first reason is because it follows such an important and well-regarded work as the original series and expectations are very high. Secondly and more important, the brothers have simply outgrown it the need for an anthology series that combines their work.

Gilbert is the least served by the new series of the three. His aforementioned solo works served his growing talent as a writer, difficult, as it is to believe that he could get better. With the serialized “Blood of Palomar, “X,” and “Poison River,” Gilbert had proved himself to be the preeminent comic book writer. Yes, better than anyone writing during that time, including Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman, who were getting all the attention. His post L&R solo titles served Gilbert’s ability to weave a long story arc over several issues or different titles. The stories were stunning when read together, but they were almost as good when read as single issues.

Love and Rockets Volume II #2 opens with “Julio’s Day,” Gilbert’s short tale that showcases everything that he does well: evocative dialogue and excellent page layouts. His art is that which marks him as a special cartoonist, that being a writer who can tell his story in words and pictures as well or better than it could be told in words or in pictures alone. However, the format of L&R Volume II limits Gilbert’s contribution to these kinds of nice little shorts like “Julio’s Day,” of which he is quite good. We can, however, get that from Measles; or the two Luba titles.

The issue’s second offering is Jaime’s “Maggie,” which is a pleasant little offering as far as the story goes, nothing serious or earth shattering. Although capable of beautiful, longer work, Jaime thrives in short stories and vignettes; he entertains in one page as easily as some can fail to entertain in a four issue mini-series.

The ongoing revelation is certainly Jaime’s continuing, astounding growth as an artist. From the beginning, his talent was obvious, and his ability to harness that talent became evident with each story. I am so overwhelmed by his illustrative powers that I can hardly stand to look at a page for more than a minute before I must turn my face lest I go blind. As an illustrator of black and white comic books, he is Toth-good, Eisner-good, Wood-good, and too damn good.

Mario Hernandez returns in the current issue as a writer with Gilbert as artist in "Me for the Unknown." The story’s surrealism is ably matched by Gilbert’s drawing prowess, but the story fails to arouse much interest. I’m quite sure that it would be best read in its entirety. The feeling is that something fantastic waits just over the horizon from these the combo of these two brothers, but serialization may not be good for any Mario-Beto collaborations.

The issue’s final offering is Gilbert’s return of Errata Stigmata is “Erratic Stigmatic,” which is a welcome return of an old character. It is a nice morsel of Beto’s continuing experimentation with his brand of surrealism, which mixes and matches several genres, artistic styles, and storytelling forms. Uniquely his own brand of work, one can see a story like the above and realize that there is nothing like Beto’s cartooning in current comics.

Reservations aside, this book is not to be missed simply for the fact that three brilliant comic book minds are moving and expanding the medium. Over time the series will gain its own momentum and surprise and delight us as the original did. Sadly, this is largely lost on a comic book reading populace that is too hungry for the next bat/mutant/manga event spectacular.

A-

★★★½ out of 4 stars

Edited from the original: Sunday, April 20, 2025

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

Enjoy Love & Rockets paperback and hardcover trade collections found at the LOVE AND ROCKETS LIBRARY page at Amazon.

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Tuesday, April 15, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: ORION #15

[This review of Orion #15 is the first comic book review that I ever wrote for my “Negromancer” blog, the original version, way back in mid-Summer of 2001. Recently, I was able to recover my files from two early aughts hard drives. Beginning with this review, I am going to go back and re-edit all my original “Negromancer” comic book reviews and post these updated versions to my “I Reads You” blog. I hope you enjoy the trip back in time.]

ORION #15

DC COMICS

STORY: Walter Simonson

ART: Walter Simonson

COLORS: Tatjana Wood; Digital Chameleon (separations)

LETTERS: John Workman

EDITOR: Joey Cavalieri

COVER: Walter Simonson with Tatjana Wood

56pp, Color, $3.95 U.S., $6.50 CAN (August 2001)

Orion and The New Gods created by Jack Kirby

“At the Edge of the Abyss”

Orion is a DC Comics superhero character that first appeared in New Gods #1 (cover dated: February 1971) and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby. Orion is the son of the super-villain, “Darkseid” of “Apokolips,” who traded him to “Highfather” of “New Genesis” in a peace deal between the two planets. Orion has powers similar to that of Superman, and he rids a device called an “Astro-Harness.” In 2000, DC Comics began publishing Orion, a 25-issue series written and almost entirely drawn by Walter Simonson (best known for his run on Marvel Comics' Thor from 1983-87).

After a little over a year, the fifteenth issue brings to an end what could be considered the first major arc of Walter Simonson’s engrossing epic comic book series, Orion. The story/epic begins in the first issue with Darkseid’s occupation of the town of Main Line, Nebraska in a bid to extract the “Anti-Life Equation” from the town’s inhabitants. Mentally exhausted and frustrated by his sire’s machinations, Orion meets Darkseid in combat and seemingly kills him in the fifth issue of the magazine. By the eleventh issue, Orion has mastered the Anti-Life Equation and begins to order Apokolips, New Genesis, and Earth in an attempt to end war, suffering and strife.

Orion #15 offers Darkseid's returns. But is Darkseid actually another opponent who seeks to engage Orion in battle?

THE LOWDOWN: I must admit to being mostly disinterested in Jack Kirby’s New Gods and other “Fourth World” comic books that are not the work of Kirby (with the exception of an occasional mini-series or odd stand alone story here and there). That was the case until John Byrne took over the mid-1990’s revival of the New Gods (Vol. 4, 1995-97) for the final four issues (#12 to #15) and then, produced subsequent 20-issue series , Jack Kirby’s Fourth World (1997-98).

I was saddened to see Byrne extinguish the title, but I was curious after the announcement that Simonson would have a follow-up magazine that would focus on Orion. It is in Issue #15 that we can see what Simonson does when he is really “on his game,” and as good as he has been, this issue is a career highlight precisely because he doesn’t rely on the fact that he can rest on his laurels because he is a mature and practiced veteran. His knowledge, ability and passage meet at a nexus that the best comic book creators rarely reach even in a career of standout work.

Orion is one of those rare “these days” books in which the title thrives not just on the popularity and strength of the characters, but primarily upon the skills of the artists involved. Simonson’s tales are not only epic in scope, but are also melodramatic and operatic in execution. As in the best of serializations, Simonson weaves strong character development, directs engrossing plot lines, and executes the genre trappings with verve of an old hand who is an old master.

Orion is in fact a sad and pitied figure in the tradition of tragic royalty. Blessed and cursed by birth and history and with power and a great warrior’s skill, he struggles to bring order to his universe precisely because he cannot find that same order anywhere. His home of Apokolips is a nest of never ending intrigue, betrayal, and hypocrisy. New Genesis, the enlightened opposite of Apokolips is more of the same except it has flowers, sunshine, and nice architecture. Earth is the playground of misguided super powered beings that, in the long run, are actually largely ineffective.

It is in the world that the reader must see and engage the lead, which is not a slight of the other characters. Even those that are not necessarily as developed as others, Simonson endows them with their own list of wants and needs and weaves them into the vast tapestry that is Kirby’s Fourth World. However, it is Orion that we must follow, because Simonson draws the reader to him; the reader sees the world only through Orion’s eyes. Yes, the others are interesting, but we view them always with the thought in mind of how he or she fits into Orion’s story. Is he friend or enemy of Orion? What does she want of Orion? This is truly one of the standards by which other “solo” books should be measured. Regardless of how “cool” or interesting a supporting player might be, that player is merely a piece on the lead’s board. No supporting player should have a story or plot thread concerning him that does not directly affect the lead.

About Simonson art – what is there to say? Like Byrne, he captures the sense of grandeur, scale, power, and dynamism that was in Kirby’s work, and executes it in their own inimitable style. Rather than an homage or remake, Simonson continues the saga the way one storyteller would follow the others before him who were also painting, so to speak, on a larger shared canvas. One can see Simonson’s considerable skill and talent in the vitality of the line work, the simultaneous grace and roughness of the inking, and the draftsmanship of a man who knows what he is doing. The panel layouts and arrangement so much serve the story in plot and pacing that one knows that it could never be any other way – meaning he didn’t do it to make pretty original art for buyers who are easily wowed by the eye candy of a pinup. Characters literally leap off the pages, and they pose with the grace and confidence of proven warriors and kings born. There is pathos and drama that is better than some “movie” and is worthy of the theatrical stage. Every single panel matters, and Simonson wastes nothing. There is no filler to snap the attention of those easily distracted. This is quality work, good storytelling, and style over substance.

If you ignore so-called mainstream work, Orion can be your guilty pleasure that is not a guilty pleasure. For the ones chasing alternate covers, “Ultimate” titles and revamps, there is good food at this table called Orion.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Walter Simonson and of Jack Kirby's “Fourth World” will want to find a trade collection of Orion (2000).

[This comic book also includes the back-up story, “Great Than / Less Than” from writer Kevin McCarthy, artist John Paul Leon, colorist Tatjana Wood, and letterer John Workman.]

★★★★ out of 4 stars

EDITED: Sunday, April 13, 2025

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. “I Reads You”

In 2018, DC Comics began publishing trade collections of Walter Simonson's Orion, which you can find at Amazon.

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Wednesday, April 9, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: THE MADNESS #3

THE MADNESS #3 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

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

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

Rated: “Mature”

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

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

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

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

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

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

A+

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

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

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

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

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

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Tuesday, April 8, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SAVAGE TALES: Winter Special One-Shot

SAVAGE TALES: WINTER SPECIAL ONE-SHOT

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Scott Bryan Wilson; David Avallone

ART: Max Fuchs; Eman Casallos; Mariano Benitez Chapo; Hamish Munro-Cook

COLORS: Gab Contreras; Adriano Augusto; Adrian Woolnough; Jorge Sutil

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

COVER: Arthur Suydam

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2022)

Rated Teen+

Savage Tales is the title of an anthology comic book series that has been used by both Dynamite Entertainment and Marvel Comics (twice). Dynamite recently brought its version back as a series of one-shot comic books.

Savage Tales Winter Special One-Shot contains four short comics stories. There is a Draculina story, “Juicing with the Devil,” which is written by Scott Bryan Wilson; drawn by Max Fuchs; and colored by Gab Contreras. Next up is a John Carter & Dejah Thoris story, “A Honeymoon on Mars,” which is written by David Avallone; drawn by Emas Casallos; and colored by Adriano Augusto. Third is Vampirella story, “Crypt Junkies,” which is written by Wilson; drawn by Mariano Benitez Chapo; and colored by Adrian Woolnough. Last is a Captain Gullivar Jones story, “His War Chapter II,” which is written by Avallone; drawn by Hamish Munro-Cook; and colored by Jorge Sutil.

All four stories are lettered by Taylor Esposito. I am reviewing each story separately.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, the marketing department at Dynamite Entertainment has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Savage Tales Winter Special One-Shot, which is the second time I have read a Dynamite Savage Tales comic book.

Draculina in “Juicing with the Devil” by Scott Bryan Wilson, Max Fuchs, and Gab Contreras:

Story: A skinny young man is transformed from weakling to muscular strongman – by a demon. The cost for this is that the transformed human must join his demon benefactor in a wrestling match against Draculina...

My thoughts: This is a delightful story, very well drawn and colored. The writer perfectly captures both the desperation and subsequent self-delusion of a guy who finally gets everything he thought he wanted and more.

John Carter & Dejah Thoris in “A Honeymoon on Mars,” by David Avallone, Emas Casallos, and Adriano Augusto:

Story: An aerial outing sends John and Dejah on a rescue mission, but the result is the revelation of John Carter's savage past – one that is longer than he expected.

My thoughts: This story is beautifully drawn by Emas Casallos and colored by Adriano Augusto in a way that remind me of stories from issues of old Heavy Metal and Epic Magazine. Writer David Avallone deftly reconciles or perhaps, redeems John Carter of some of his past military affiliations, with emphasis on one in particular.

Vampirella in “Crypt Junkies” by Wilson, Mariano Benitez Chapo, and Adrian Woolnough:

Story: Trash TV junkie, Vampirella, has a chance to appear on her favorite reality television series, “Crypt Junkies.” The show basically breaks into sealed graves, tombs, crypts, etc. in order to “see the wonders inside.” But maybe no one should be opening the "Grave of Omuo."

My thoughts: This is another very well drawn story, and it really conveys the power and tragedy of writer Scott Bryan Wilson's clever tale. I'd call “Crypt Junkies” one of the few original comic book stories that genuinely mixes the styles of Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft.

Captain Gullivar Jones in “His War Chapter II” by Avallone, Hamish Munro-Cook, and Jorge Sutil:

Story: The story opens in France, September 1918. The Earth man, Gullivar Jones, who once adventured on Mars, is now returned to Earth and trapped in the muck and mire of World War I. He can wish himself away from this and return to Mars, but now, how is life on Mars?

My thoughts: Gullivar Jones is the science fiction military man created by Edwin Lester Arnold. Jones made one literary appearance in the 1905 novel, Lieut, Gullivar Jones: His Vacation. Now, writer David Avallone is giving him new life in the medium of comics. I think what Avallone is doing is creating a sequel to a character that was short-lived, or he is, at least, giving new life to an abandoned character. In two chapters, he and Munro-Cook have breathed new life into Captain Gullivar Jones in a way that is true to old-timey science fiction and is also an intriguing reboot. What makes me anticipate more of this is that the possibilities are endless … or at least Avallone and Munro-Cook think so.

Wow. This issue is full of excellent stories, all well lettered by award-winning letterer, Taylor Esposito. If I have to reluctantly pick a favorite comics story from Savage Tales Winter Special One-Shot, I will have to make a difficult choice. I think I will go with “Crypt Junkies,” if only for the fact that it feels like it has potential to be a media franchise, but my eye is also on Gullivar Jones.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of anthology comic books will want to read Savage Tales: Winter Special One-Shot.

A+

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

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Thursday, April 3, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: CONAN THE BARBARIAN #6

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #6 (2023)

TITAN COMICS/Heroic Signatures

STORY: Jim Zub

ART: Doug Braithwaite

COLORS: Diego Rodriguez

LETTERS: Richard Starkings of Comicraft

EDITOR: Matt Murray

COVER: Mike Deodato

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Patch Zircher; Dan Panosian; Joey Spiiotto

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

Suggested for mature readers

“Thrice Marked for Death!” Part II: “The Cursed”

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 Doug Braithwaite; colored by Diego Rodriguez; and lettered by Richard Starkings. Entitled “Thrice Marked for Death!,” the arc finds Conan taking up with a thieves guild known as “The Gloryhounds,” and the target of their latest act of larceny is a fine-cut, dark stone that only Conan realizes is dangerous.

Conan the Barbarian #6 (“The Cursed”) opens with what happens when Conan is ignored. One of the Gloryhounds has touched their quarry, the dark stone known as “Tarim's Touch,” which only Conan realizes is a shard of the dreaded “Black Stone.” Now, malevolent specters have emerged from the stone, and they are ready to possess some unwary human flesh. The thieves will have to use all their skills to escape these dark spirits, but only Conan's savage swordsmanship can save them from the guards of the Temple of Bel.

Also, Conan ruminates on the loss of Belit, captain of the Trigress and Queen of the Black Coast. Haunted by memories of his greatest love, Conan may not realize that the heist of Tarim's Touch may have caused him to plunge ever deeper into chaos.

THE LOWDOWN: Titan Comics has been providing me with PDF copies of their publications for review for several years now. Conan the Barbarian #6 is a recent arrival.

Halfway through this new Conan the Barbarian story arc and writer Jim Zub is still throwing down like he's been throwing down. His first Conan the Barbarian story arc was a brawny jewel true to the tradition of the weird fiction that spawned Conan over nine decades ago. This second arc, “Thrice Marked for Death!,” is downright murderous and is unremittingly dark. And I like it. I like that Conan is also vulnerable and lost in a kind of grief that is as unrelenting aggressive as he is.

Doug Braithwaite, the artist for this story arc, recalls all the shadowy textures and muscular storytelling that the late great artist, John Buscema, brought to all his Conan comic books. Braithwaite made the first chapter of this arc, “The Heist,” dark, creepy, dirty, and nasty. For “The Cursed,” Braithwaite goes full action movie with daring escapes and a kinetic sense that thrums between the panels. Diego Rodriguez's colors make the action pop all the more.

Once again, Richard Starking's letters give this Conan the Barbarian comic book an audio track so that the reader might imagine to hear the clash of swords. So, dear readers, you must give this comic book a try. Every page is a pure Conan joy to read.

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, “Robert E. Howard and His Ages Undreamed Of” Part Six, by Jeffrey Shanks.]

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

The trade paperback that collects this issue, CONAN THE BARBARIAN: THRICE MARKED FOR DEATH VOL. 2, is available at Amazon.

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I Reads You

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#IReadsYou Review: SAVAGE TALES: Winter Special One-Shot

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#IReadsYou Review: CONAN THE BARBARIAN #6

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