Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 24, 2020

IMAGE COMICS

MAR200120    ASCENDER TP VOL 02 (MR)    $16.99
MAR200042    DEAD BODY ROAD BAD BLOOD #1 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
MAR200057    DIE #11 CVR A HANS (MR)    $3.99
MAR200058    DIE #11 CVR B OLIVER (MR)    $3.99
MAR200152    FARMHAND TP VOL 03 (MR)    $16.99
FEB200019    FIRE POWER BY KIRKMAN & SAMNEE TP VOL 01 PRELUDE    $9.99
OCT190109    ISOLA TP VOL 02    $16.99
FEB200190    MIDDLEWEST #17 (MR)    $3.99
MAR200232    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #3 (OF 6) CVR A ANDOLFO (MR)    $3.99
MAR200233    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #3 (OF 6) CVR B SEJIC (MR)    $3.99
MAR200236    MONSTRESS #28 (MR)    $3.99
FEB200191    NOMEN OMEN #6 (OF 15) CVR A CAMAGNI (MR)    $3.99
FEB200192    NOMEN OMEN #6 (OF 15) CVR B MANCINI (MR)    $3.99
MAR200243    OUTER DARKNESS CHEW #3 (OF 3) CVR A CHAN (MR)    $3.99
MAR200244    OUTER DARKNESS CHEW #3 (OF 3) CVR B GUILLORY (MR)    $3.99
JAN200287    REDNECK #27 (MR)    $3.99
FEB200202    SEX CRIMINALS #29 (MR)    $3.99
FEB200203    SEX CRIMINALS #29 XXX BARTEL VAR (MR)    $4.69
JAN200294    SPAWN #307 CVR A MCFARLANE    $2.99
JAN200295    SPAWN #307 CVR B TAN & MCFARLANE    $2.99
JAN200296    SPAWN #307 CVR C MATTINA    $2.99
JAN200297    SPAWN #307 CVR D VIRGIN TAN & MCFARLANE    $2.99
MAR200029    THAT TEXAS BLOOD #1 CVR A JACOB PHILLIPS (MR)    $3.99
MAR200030    THAT TEXAS BLOOD #1 CVR B SEAN PHILLIPS (MR)    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 27, 2020

IMAGE COMICS

JAN200255    20XX #4 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190094    BLACK SCIENCE PREMIERE HC VOL 03 (MR)    $49.99
FEB200087    BOG BODIES OGN (MR)    $12.99
FEB200076    EXORSISTERS #6 CVR A LAGACE & PANTAZIS    $3.99
FEB200077    EXORSISTERS #6 CVR B HICKEY    $3.99
FEB200094    FAMILY TREE TP VOL 01    $9.99
JAN200264    FARMHAND #15 (MR)    $3.99
FEB200187    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #2 (OF 6) CVR A ANDOLFO (MR)    $3.99
FEB200188    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #2 (OF 6) CVR B BRAGA (MR)    $3.99
FEB200189    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #2 (OF 6) CVR C SANDOVAL (MR)    $3.99
NOV190060    NOVEMBER HC VOL 02 (MR)    $16.99
FEB200197    OUTER DARKNESS CHEW #2 (OF 3) CVR A CHAN (MR)    $3.99
FEB200198    OUTER DARKNESS CHEW #2 (OF 3) CVR B GUILLORY (MR)    $3.99
OCT190117    POSTAL COMP COLLECTION HC (MR)    $59.99

#IReadsYou Review: WWE #1

WWE No. 1
BOOM! STUDIOS – @boomstudios

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Dennis Hopeless
ART: Serg Acuna
COLORS: Doug Garbark
LETTERS: Jim Campbell
EDITORS: Jasmine Amiri and Eric Harburn
COVER: Dan Mora
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jamal Campbell; Rob Guillory; Oliver Barrett; Adam Riches; Brent Schoonover; Scott Newman; Corbyn Kern; Daniel Warren Johnson; Mike Henderson; Fabio Valle; Nakia Mann; Audrey Mok; Jerry Gaylord
24pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(January 2017)

“Breaking of The Shield”

WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is an American integrated media company and entertainment company known primarily as a professional wrestling league.  It is also a media and entertainment brand that includes licensed products like toys and clothing... and comic books.

As far as I can tell, the first WWE licensed comic books were first published a decade ago.  First, Titan Books of the United Kingdom published their wrestling comic book, WWE Heroes, with publication dates both in 2010 and 2011.  NBM Publishing, under its “Super Genius” imprint, published a comic book, WWE Superstars, with publication dates beginning in 2013 and possibly ending in 2016.

Beginning in 2016, BOOM! Studios published several “WWE” branded comic books, including an ongoing series, WWE, that ran for 25 issues from 2017 to 2019.  The main story in each issue of WWE was produced by the creative team of writer Dennis Hopeless; artist Serg Acuna; colorist Doug Garbark; and letterer Jim Campbell, as far as I can tell, for the duration of the series.

WWE #1 (“Breaking of The Shield”) opens with Seth Rollins, a member “The Shield,” one of the most dominant factions in WWE history, winning his latest match.  Seth, the ultimate opportunist, uses his victory to split with his partners in The Shield, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose.  Seth apparently betrays his mates at the best of the legendary wrestler, “Triple H,” the self-styled “King of Kings” who is now the authority in control of WWE.

Now, Seth is eager to prove that he is ready to fight for the “WWE Championship,” but his ambition puts him on a collision course with his former brothers.  And just what are Triple H's plans for Seth Rollins... really?

I never thought I would say this, but I liked WWE #1.  I was a wrestling fan as a 'tween, but after that, I rarely watched any matches on television.  In the time since then, I have sometimes watched a few minutes of professional wrestling produced by the WWE (formerly the WWF) and a few other pro wrestling organizations.  I find myself mildly interested, but watching pro wrestling would mean cutting into time I give to other entertainment and pastimes.

WWE #1 interests me because writer Dennis Hopeless tells an intriguing tale in the worlds of professional sports and in the entertainment industry.  That is the story of an ambitious ladder-climber who will betray any and everyone for his shot at making it to the top.  Such blind ambition can get you what you want, but that sometimes comes at the cost of losing things, both exterior (friends, family, colleagues, etc.) and interior (self-respect, peace of mind, pride, etc.).  By telling such a story, Hopeless sets up the WWE's atmosphere both of intrigue and backstabbing and of hope and glory, which could make for an engaging comic book series.

Artist Serg Acuna captures the brawniness and vitality of the wrestlers and also the pro wrestlers' propensity to strike quickly at opponents and adversaries.  Acuna's compositions have energy and suggest a sense of movement, and that is well served by Doug Garbark's tone-perfect coloring.  Letterer Jim Campbell pounds out the story in lettering that smartly tends to hang at the edges of the panels.  This doubles the power of the story, which is told in muscular illustrations and in Hopeless' straightforward dialogue and exposition.

I am not saying that WWE #1 is great, but it is quite good.  The highest praise that I can give it is to say that I will seek out WWE back issues.

7.5 out of 10

[This comic book features the back-up story, “The New Day's Optimistic Odyssey” Part 2, written by Ross Thibodeaux; drawn by Rob Guillory; colored by Taylor Wells; and lettered by Jim Campbell.]

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


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.


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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 4, 2020

IMAGE COMICS

DEC190076    100 PERCENT TP (MR)    $24.99
JAN200256    BIRTHRIGHT #42    $3.99
DEC190081    DEAD EYES TP VOL 01 (MR)    $14.99
DEC190162    FARMHAND #14 (MR)    $3.99
JAN200175    MAN-EATERS TOMORROW BELONGS TO YOU CVR A MITERNIQUE (ONE-SHO    $4.99
JAN200176    MAN-EATERS TOMORROW BELONGS TO YOU CVR B MITERNIQUE (ONE-SHO    $4.99
DEC190174    MARKED #5 CVR A ANACLETO (MR)    $3.99
DEC190175    MARKED #5 CVR B HABERLIN & VAN DYKE (MR)    $3.99
JAN200129    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #1 CVR A ANDOLFO (MR)    $3.99
JAN200130    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #1 CVR B RAMOS (MR)    $3.99
JAN200131    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #1 CVR C ARTGERM (MR)    $3.99
JAN200132    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #1 CVR D MARINI (MR)    $3.99
JAN200133    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #1 CVR E BUCCI PHOTO CVR (MR)    $3.99
JAN200134    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #1 CVR F BLANK SKETCH CVR (MR)    $3.99
JAN200159    OUTER DARKNESS CHEW #1 (OF 3) CVR A CHAN (MR)    $3.99
JAN200160    OUTER DARKNESS CHEW #1 (OF 3) CVR B GUILLORY (MR)    $3.99
JAN200302    UNEARTH #6 (MR)    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 29, 2020

IMAGE COMICS

NOV190131    CRIMINAL #12 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190139    FARMHAND #13 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190147    ICE CREAM MAN #17 CVR A MORAZZO & OHALLORAN (MR)    $3.99
NOV190148    ICE CREAM MAN #17 CVR B WALSH (MR)    $3.99
NOV190149    KILLADELPHIA #3 CVR A ALEXANDER (MR)    $3.99
NOV190150    KILLADELPHIA #3 CVR B SCALERA (MR)    $3.99
NOV190040    MONSTRESS #25 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190159    OLYMPIA #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
NOV190160    OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #44 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190012    PROTECTOR #1 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190166    REDNECK #25 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190059    SEA OF STARS TP VOL 01    $14.99
NOV190021    SEX CRIMINALS #26 (MR)    $3.99
NOV190022    SEX CRIMINALS #26 XXX LATOUR VAR (MR)    $4.69
NOV190068    THUMBS TP (MR)    $19.99
OCT190251    WEATHERMAN VOL 2 #6 CVR A FOX (MR)    $3.99
OCT190252    WEATHERMAN VOL 2 #6 CVR B ROBINSON (MR)    $3.99
NOV198132    WEATHERMAN VOL 2 #6 CVR C LADRONN (MR)    $3.99

I Reads You Juniors December 2019 - Update #78

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

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

From Newsarama:  U.S. Rep. John Lewis (George's 5th Congressional District), the star of Top Shelf Productions' graphic novel trilogy, "March" (based on Lewis' life), has announced that he was Stage IV pancreatic cancer.

From CBR:  Kohei Horikoshi already has plans for the end of his smash hit manga, "My Hero Academia."

DC CINEMA - From ScreenRant:  Actor Michael B. Jordan says that if he played Superman (which he is rumored to be), the character would be authentic to comic book history.

From WCCFTech:  Valiant Comics is partnering with Blowfish Studios for the latter to produce games based on Valiant's characters.

COMICS-TO-FILM - From Newsarama:   Sony Pictures has moved the release date for its "Bloodshot" film (based on the Valiant Comics titles) from Feb. 21, 2020 to March 13, 2020.  The film stars Vin Diesel in the title role.

DC CINEMA - From Collider:  Director Patty Jenkins said that "Wonder Woman: 1984" is complete done - six months before its release.

REVIEWS - From Patreon:  My review of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."

From Newsarama:  Apparently, Jeff Kinney's comics slash illustrated books hybid series, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" sold 10 million copies in 2019.  It has sold 200 million copies since the first book made its hardcover debut in 2007.

FOX X-MEN MOVIES - From Newsarama:  The X-Men film, "The New Mutants," is one of the films Disney inherited when it bought 20th Century Fox.  It has had numerous release date changes, from both Fox and Disney.  The film's director, Josh Boone, hints that there will be a new trailer for the film in January 2020.

From TheHollywoodReporter:  IDW Publishing is partnering with Dark Horse Comics for the four-issue comic book mash-up miniseries, "Transformers vs. The Terminator."  The series is due in comic book stores March 2020.

MEMORIAM - From Newsarama:  Comic book artist, Gerry Alanguilan, has died at the age of 51.

From BleedingCool:  So Mark Millar's secret "Project X-mas" turned out to be "American Jesus," which is apparently a reworking of a Millar series once published by Dark Horse Comics.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama: "Bird of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)" has received an R-rating from the American movie ratings board, the MPAA.

IMAGE COMICS CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels will direct a film adaptation of Robert Kirkman and Marc Silvestri's "Stealth" for Universal Pictures.

From Newsarama:   Marvel's "Free Comic Book Day 2020" offering, an "X-Men" comic book, will reportedly lead to Marvel Comics' next mega crossover event.

From Newsarama:  The "Free Comic Book Day" Committee has announced the "Gold Titles" for "Free Comic Book Day 2020" (May 2, 2020).

DC CINEMA - From CinemaBlend:  Gal Gadot explains why Wonder Woman does not have a sword and shield in "Wonder Woman: 1984.

DC CINEMA - From GamesRadar:   Here are some stills from the upcoming film, "Bird of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)," with the ridiculous title.

From AcadianaAdvocate:  Baton Rouge, Louisiana newspaper, "The Advocate," offers this feature on Louisiana comic book artist, "Farmhand."

DC TV - From BleedingCool:  Are HBO DC Comics adaptations or announcements of future ones fueling the bookstore sales of certain DC Comics graphic novels and trade paperbacks.

From SoraNews:  A Japanese manga artist shows the difference between erotic manga for men vs. women in a simple side-by-side comparison.

From BleedingCool:  Writer Alan Brennert and artist Jerry Ordway to launch the "Marvel Snapshots" series.

DC TV - From Variety:  Showrunner Damon Lindelof and cast and crew talk about the smash hit HBO series, "Watchmen."

From Newsarama:  Barry Windsor-Smith's long-awaiting project, "Monsters," will debut as a 250-page-plus graphic novel in 2020.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  "Shazam 2" gets a new release date, April 1, 2022.

From BleedingCool:  Long at odds, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird are reuniting to work on a new TMNT comic book.

MANGA CINEMA - From Newsarama:  The film version of the legendary manga, Akira, to be directed by Taika Waititi has been bumped from Warner Bros. film release schedule.

DC TV - From Deadline:  Actor Thomas Lennon, best known for the TV series, "Reno 911," will play classic Superman villain, Mr. Mxyzptlk, in the fifth season of The CW's "Supergirl."

From ClevelandMagazine:  Writer Mike Sangiacomo feels that the city of Cleveland, Ohio isn't embracing its comic book heritage, which includes being the birth of Superman.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From ComicBook:  Here is a look at the action figures for Marvel Studios' "Black Widow" movie.

From CBR:  The 10 best historical manga as ranked by CBR's John Witiw.

From Newsarama:  Here is a two page preview of the "Dylan Dog/Batman #0," the first issue of the crossover event between DC Comics and Italian publisher, Sergio Bonelli Editore (Dylan Dog).

From BleedingCool:  Hot gossip says the new Batman writer will be a Black man, Oscar-winner John Ridley, and that the new Batman will be Luke Fox, a young Black man.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Entertainment has moved to a new location... partially by President Trump's organization.

DC CINEMA TRAILER - From YouTube:  Here is the first official trailer for "Wonder Woman 1984," which is due June 5, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From THR:   "Wonder Woman 1984" director Patty Jenkins says that she and "Wonder Woman" actress, Gal Gadot, already have a story for a third "Wonder Woman" film.  She said that the two of them are already considering a spinoff film focusing on the Amazons.
----------------------------------

DC CINEMA - From ComicBook:  Apparently, the plan for The Rock's "Black Adam" movie is to be "inventive" and "reshape what the comic book movie is."  That is according to its cinematographer, Lawrence Sher, who also shot Todd Phillip's "Joker."

DC TV - From Newsarama:  HBO's acclaimed "Watchmen" TV series has received two nominations at the Writers Guild Awards.

SONY MARVEL U - From Deadline:   Actor Stephen Graham, currently appearing in "The Irishman," has been cast in an unknown role in "Venom 2."

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Actor Peter Sarsgaard has been cast in Matt Reeves' "The Batman," possibly to play Harvey Dent (the Gotham City district attorney who would become the villain, Two-Face).

From Newsarama:  Oscar-winning filmmaker and "Mad Max" mastermind, George Miller, defends superhero films... in response to the criticism of superhero cinema from Martin Scorsese, among others.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics will publish "The James Jean Poster Portfolio" in August 2020, highlighting the art of the award-winning artist, James Jean.

From Newsarama:  Stout Club Entertainment – the powerhouse creative group composed of comic book creators Rafael Albuquerque, Eduardo Medeiros, Mateus Santolouco, and Rafael Scavone – announced a multi-book deal for four new comic book series to debut exclusively through the comiXology Originals program.

DC CINEMA - From TheNewYorker: "The Incendiary Aims of HBO’s 'Watchmen”'"

From WeGotThisCovered:  Crystal Dynamics, creator of "Tomb Raider," is producing a prequel comic book to "Marvel's Avengers."  It is due Summer 2020.

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:  British actor Henry Cavill may still want to be the current "Superman" of the cinema, but "sources" say that Warner Bros. is eyeing actor American actor, David Corenset, best known for the Netflix series, "The Politician."

From RSN:  Acclaimed author, Margaret Atwood ("The Handmaid's Tale") extols the life lessons of the classic newspaper comic strip, "Little Lulu."

From BleedingCool:  Yoe Press will delve into the history of Black comic book artists in "Invisible Men: Black Artists of the Golden Age of Comics."

From CBR - Manga reading tips and tricks.

From BleedingCool:  Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips, and Jacob Phillips will launch the original graphic novel, "Pulp," in May 2020.

From XinhuaNet:  Chinese sci-fi comic strips to be published in France

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

DECEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Red 5 for Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for December 2019

JANUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  January 2020 comics solicitations from 26 publishers
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Black Box for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for January 2020
From Newsarama:  HarperCollins for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Seven Seas Entertainment for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Titans Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vertical Comics solicitations for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for January 2020

FEBRUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  01: First Second for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybook for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for February 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for February 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for February 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Random House for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for February 2020

MARCH 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Artists, Writer and Artisans for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Book for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for March 2020

MAY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS
From Newsarama:  A full-list of titles available for "Free Comic Book Day 2020" on May 2, 2020.


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

#IReadsYou Review: FARMHAND #10

FARMHAND No. 10
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rob Guillory – @Rob_guillory
ART: Rob Guillory
COLORS: Taylor Wells
LETTERS: Kody Chamberlain
32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(July 2019)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Farmhand created by Rob Guillory

Chapter 10: “In Vocation”

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; colored by Taylor Wells; and lettered by Kody Chamberlain (who also designed the Farmhand logo).

Farmhand's central character is Ezekiel “Zeke” Jenkins, a husband, father, and graphic designer and illustrator.  He returns to his hometown of Freetown, Louisiana with his wife, Mae, and their children, Abigail and Riley.  The old family business was “Jenkins Family Farm.”  The new family business is “Jenkins Family Farmaceutical Institute,” operated by Zeke's father, Jedidiah Jenkins, and his sister, Andrea.  It grows plant-based human organs and tissue, and once upon a time, people, especially transplant recipients, saw this as a miracle.  But, now...

As Farmhand #10 (“In Vocation”) opens, the secrets of Mayor Monica Thorne continue their gradual emergence.  Meanwhile, Thorne has to keep playing the role of dutiful public servant, and Jedidiah Jenkins' carelessness has given her the cover she needs.  Recipients of Jenkins' miracle seed-transplants are in a state of crisis, and one of them nearly kills Jedidiah.  Andrea Jenkins finds herself recalling these unfortunate people to the Jenkins Institute to receive help for their new conditions.

And now, in need of job, Zeke is helping Andrew fix this mess as a paid “communications consultant.”  But a sudden recollection of his past has Zeke... seeing things from a green point of view.

In my previous reviews of this excellent comic book, I consistently connected Farmhand to the work of late television writer and producer, Rod Serling, and his legendary TV series, “The Twilight Zone.”  This second story arc, which began with issue #6 and ends with #10, also recalls the work of legendary modern horror novelist and short story writer, Stephen King.

Farmhand's sophomore arc does not suffer from the dreaded sophomore slump.  It slowly emerges like a cobra before a snake charmer and his “pungi.”  This arc takes its time, toying with the readers the way a cat bats around a mouse – before delivering the killing blow.  This is the way the first half of King's classic small town horror novel, 'Salem's Lot (1975), works.  The denizens of 'Salem's Lot play out their small town melodramas never aware that “The Master” is already in their midst, well into his elaborate meal.  In Farmhand, the players live on a meal of denial, until indigestion sets in.

With each issue, Guillory makes the world of Farmhand richer and darker.  Honestly, sometimes, I wondered how far he could take this series, but it seems as if he never runs out of seeds and ideas.  Every issue presents another “mean green mutha” of an idea or two or three.

The “green mutha” would not be so mean without Taylor Wells' glorious coloring.  Wells is the sunshine in this garden of unearthly delights, and an Eisner Award nomination is due Wells, not because the colors are pretty, which they are.  Farmhand would not be the same without Wells, who gives this apocalypse the color of life.

With letterer Kody Chamberlain delivering a photosynthesis-tic beat, Farmhand is complete.  So where is Rob Guillory taking readers?  If the first ten issues are any indication (and they are), the future is a trip into “pure imagination.”

[This comic book also includes the one-page comic, “Freetown Funnies” by Burt Durand.]

https://robguillory.com/
https://twitter.com/Rob_guillory
https://www.instagram.com/rob_guillory/

10 of 10

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


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

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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 18, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

OCT190205    FAMILY TREE #2 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190206    FARMHAND #12 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190046    HARDCORE RELOADED #1 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
OCT190209    HEART ATTACK #2 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190104    ICE CREAM MAN TP VOL 04 TINY LIVES (MR)    $16.99
OCT190218    MIDDLEWEST #13 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190026    OLD GUARD FORCE MULTIPLIED #1 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
OCT190115    OUTER DARKNESS TP VOL 02 (MR)    $16.99
AUG190198    OUTPOST ZERO #14    $3.99
OCT190239    PRETTY VIOLENT #5 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190035    PROJECT X-MAS #1 CVR A TOP SECRET (MR)    $3.99
OCT190036    PROJECT X-MAS #1 CVR B QUITELY (MR)    $3.99
OCT190037    PROJECT X-MAS #1 CVR C B&W QUITELY (MR)    $3.99
OCT190038    PROJECT X-MAS #1 CVR D BLANK CVR (MR)    $3.99
JUL190155    SAVAGE DRAGON #247 (RES) (MR)    $3.99
OCT190245    SFSX SAFE SEX #4 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190065    SONATA TP VOL 01 (MR)    $19.99

Review: FARMHAND #6

FARMHAND No. 6
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rob Guillory – @Rob_guillory
ART: Rob Guillory
COLORS: Taylor Wells
LETTERS: Kody Chamberlain
32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(March 2019)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Farmhand created by Rob Guillory

Chapter 6: “ReCreation”

Farmhand is a science fiction and 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; colored by Taylor Wells; and lettered by Kody Chamberlain (who also designed the Farmhand logo).

Farmhand focuses on Ezekiel “Zeke” Jenkins, a husband, father, and graphic designer and illustrator.  He returns to the place where he grew up, Freetown, Louisiana, with his wife, Mae, and their children, Abigail and Riley.  The old family business, “Jenkins Family Farm,” grew crops, as in plants.  Now, Zeke's father, Jedidiah Jenkins, and “Jenkins Family Farmaceutical Institute” grow plant-based human organs and tissue.

Farmhand #6 (“ReCreation”) opens with a local minister, John Moore, feeling a sense of foreboding while he stands in a local graveyard.  There is trouble all around, but Zeke, Jedidiah, Riley, and Riley's strange pal, Mikhail, are gone fishing.  Meanwhile, at the institute, Andrea (Zeke's sister and Jed's daughter) is facing down mounting problems.  Even Zeke and company will find that a fishing trip is not an escape from the spreading curse of that “miracle seed.”

In my previous reviews of the excellent Farmhand, I have connected this comic book to the work of late television writer and producer, Rod Serling, and his legendary TV series, “The Twilight Zone.”  Farmhand also plants its roots in the rich, dark soil of that American master of speculative fiction and fantasy, Ray Bradbury.

Still, Farmhand is gradually a vine growing in its own directions, and I have started to wonder about the direction of this narrative.  Yes, the events depicted here are often a horror show for the characters within, characters main, supporting, guests, and cameos. But what of this miracle seed?  Is it in a state of distress as some of the characters in this series are?

One might interpret, as I did, a suggestion in this issue that the stem cell that has provided so many humans with new organs and body parts may also be some kind of A.I. – Artificial Intelligence.  Maybe, the “miracle seed” is an artificial intelligence or perhaps, “independent intelligence.”  Maybe, its actions are beyond the moral considerations of good and evil.  In Jurassic Park, Dr. Ian Malcolm says that life will find a way, and Farmhand's seed seems to be finding its own way, by design grand, random, or otherwise.

Farmhand #6 is the start of a new story arc.  Guillory's writing and art are still quite good.  Taylor Wells' colors remain a wonderland of hues.  Kody Chamberlain's lettering is like a steady drum beat telling a story to everyone in the valley who can hear it.  However, whereas many series attempt to solidify its world and worldview by the second story arc, Farmhand and Rob Guillory are not solidifying; rather, they are in a state of change, if not evolution.  When it comes to where the “Jedidiah seed” is going, there is no signpost up ahead.

10 out of 10

https://robguillory.com/
https://twitter.com/Rob_guillory
https://www.instagram.com/rob_guillory/

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


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

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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 20, 2019

IMAGE COMICS
AUG190172    CROWDED #10 CVR A STEIN BRANDT & FARRELL    $3.99
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Review: FARMHAND #5

FARMHAND No. 5
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rob Guillory – @Rob_guillory
ART: Rob Guillory
COLORS: Taylor Wells
LETTERS: Kody Chamberlain
MISC. ART: Burt Durand (“Farmhand Calendar” design)
32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(November 2018)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Farmhand created by Rob Guillory

Chapter 5: “The Antique Lady”

Farmhand is a recently-launched comic book series from comic book creator, Rob Guillory, known for his award-winning tenure on the long-running comic book, Chew (Image Comics).  Farmhand is written and illustrated by Guillory; colored by Taylor Wells; and lettered by Kody Chamberlain (who also designed the Farmhand logo).

Farmhand focuses on Ezekiel “Zeke” Jenkins. a husband, father, and graphic designer and illustrator.  He returns to the place where he grew up, Freetown, Louisiana, with his wife, Mae, and their children, Abigail and Riley.  The old family business, “Jenkins Family Farm,” no longer focuses not on “beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes,” but on the growth of human body parts.  Yes, “Jenkins Family Farmaceutical Institute” grows plant-based human organs and tissue.

Farmhand #5 (“The Antique Lady”) finds much trouble a-brewing.  Almost all the fuss centers around the “Jenkins Experimental Stem Cell,” the miracle “seed” that apparently appeared to Zeke's father, Jedidiah “Jed” Elias Jenkins, in a dream.  Zeke's sister, Andrea Jenkins, is learning her father's history with Dr. Monica Thorne, who helped Jed make sense of the science of his dream seed so that he could grow limbs as easily as he would grow trees.  Now, Andrea is also missing...

The first two issues of Farmhand recalled the sensibility of the work of television writer and producer, the late Rod Serling, especially his legendary TV series, “The Twilight Zone.”  I am also reminded of the writings of the late Ray Bradbury, known for his short stories and novels in the genres of speculative fiction, science fiction, and horror.  Like the work of Serling and Bradbury, Farmhand is mysterious, macabre, and entrenched in the rich, black soil of Americana.

By the end of the second issue, however, Farmhand began to reveal a darkly humorous sensibility, which became a kind of gleeful and maniacal comedy in the third issue.  That was when Guillory gave Zeke's children, Abigail and Riley, a showcase to fight a monster.  And it was wonderful!

Farmhand #5 marks the end of the series' first story arc.  It is a really sweet, but scary end to the introductory arc of this series  The situation with Andrea Jenkins chills me because even the disappearance of a fictional woman of color reminds me of the still unexplained 2015 death of jailed African-American activist, Sandra Bland.

Although all five of these issues introduce Farmhand, none of them seem like padded story or comic book decompressed storytelling.  Rob Guillory fills each issue with a... cornucopia of imaginative and inventive characters, creatures, plot twists and... plants.  Each issue is almost like a brand new thing, a chapter in a larger narrative than manages to be its own unique tale – fresh from the farm, of course.

Taylor Wells, with her vivid and beautiful colors, heightens the sense of imagination in this series, while not hiding the fact that Guillory is turning the narrative darker.  Kody Chamberlain's lettering pops off the page and gives the dialogue teeth.  Yeah, the words that are coming out of the characters' mouths have bite.  Holla!

I am enjoying many Image Comics titles, and Farmhand is my favorite right now.  That is saying a lot because Image is killing it every week.  By the way, the farm will be returning to us in March, and the first Farmhand trade paperback is due January 16, 2019 – fresh from the farm, also.

10 out of 10

http://RobGuillory.com

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


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

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

Review: FARMHAND #2

FARMHAND No. 2
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rob Guillory – @Rob_guillory
ART: Rob Guillory
COLORS: Taylor Wells
LETTERS: Kody Chamberlain
MISC. ART: Burt Durand (“Farmhand Calendar” design)
32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(August 2018)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Farmhand created by Rob Guillory

Chapter 2: “The Haunted Man”

Farmhand is a new comic book series from comic book creator, Rob Guillory.  Farmhand is written and illustrated by Guillory; colored by Taylor Wells; and lettered by Kody Chamberlain (who also designed the Farmhand logo).  Farmhand focuses on Ezekiel “Zeke” Jenkins, a husband, father, and graphic designer/illustrator.  He returns to the family farm, which now focuses not on “beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes,” but on the growth of human body parts.

Farmhand #2 finds Zeke struggling with troubling dreams which delve into his past troubles, and he is having a difficult time finding work in the old hometown of Freetown.  Meanwhile, at “Jenkins Family Farmaceutical Institute” (formerly known as “Jenkins Family Farm”), Jedidiah “Jed” Elias Jenkins (Pops) is introducing another patient to the wonders of farm-grown body parts.  Behind the scientific advancements and the hometown charm are dark reunions, unexpected acts of kindness, and the menace of plants that should not be menacing.

Farmhand has a darkly humorous sensibility, like some kind of sparkly black comedy.  Zeke Jenkins is our hapless hero, who does not realize that his misgivings barely scratch the surface of the dangerous topsoil that is his new life.  I wish I could yell out to him, “It's worse than you think!”  Guillory mines the most humor from his hero being over his head even when he thinks that he is ahead of the game.

On the other side, Farmhand's secrets are a menace society, a threat that belies Taylor Well's dazzling colors.  We sing about a circle of life and preach recycling, but do we realize that change, even recycling, is destructive... or at least transforming.  That is “The Twilight Zone” element of Farmhand; one's innocence, naivete, or ignorance does not protect one from the unexpected twist of fate or the macabre reality of nature revealed in the final minutes of a Twilight Zone denouement.

In a way, Rob Gullory's Farmhand is the true sequel and true heir to director Philip Kaufman and writer W.D. Richter's creepy, 1978, version of the classic Cold War-era film, Invasion of the Body Snatchers.  The similarity is not so much about plants; rather, it is in the frightening reality of how the catalyst (the plants) changes one person into something completely new and different.  Snatch a copy of Farmhand; read it in bed, but beware of falling asleep near that glass on your bedside.  There is a mint leaf floating in your tea.

9 out of 10

http://RobGuillory.com

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


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

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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 18, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

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Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 24, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

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Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 19, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

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Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 15, 2019

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Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 20, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

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Review: FARMHAND #1

FARMHAND No. 1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rob Guillory
ART: Rob Guillory
COLORS: Taylor Wells
LETTERS: Kody Chamberlain
MISC. ART: Burt Durand (“Farmhand Calendar” design)
32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(July 2018)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Farmhand created by Rob Guillory

Farmhand is a new comic book series from cartoonist and comic book artist, Rob Guillory.  Guillory is the artist and co-creator with writer John Layman of the hit Image Comics title, Chew.  Guillory is a Eisner Award and Harvey Award recipient for his work on Chew.

Guillory previewed Farmhand #1 two months ago in the Farmhand #1 Ashcan a small, full-color mini-comic book.  Farmhand is written and illustrated by Guillory; colored by Taylor Wells; and lettered by Kody Chamberlain (who also designed the Farmhand logo).

Farmhand #1 introduces Ezekiel “Zeke” Jenkins.  He grew up on his father, Jedidiah “Jed” Elias Jenkins' farm.  Zeke, his wife (Mae), and their children (Abigail and Riley) are embarking on a tour of Jed's farm, which has a new cash crop.

The “Jenkins Family Farm” is now the “Jenkins Family Farmaceutical Institute.”  On the farm, scientist use radical new stem cell research to grow human organs, limbs, and tissue through a combination of plant DNA.  For all that is new in this scientific wonderland, however, something has taken root, and the dark secrets will bloom again.

In my review of Farmhand #1 Ashcan, I wrote that the story bore a resemblance to the macabre side of Americana captured by writer Ray Bradbury and television writer-producer, Rod Serling (“The Twilight Zone”).  I believe that Farmhand is an “American Gothic,” and Guillory is like Stephen King, peeling back the folksy charm of agrarian America and revealing its anthropological roots buried in a rich black soil of dark myths and elder things.

Guillory recently told me that the work of Alfred Hitchcock also influenced the creation of Farmhand.  There is a suspenseful, disquieting quality to the narrative that recalls some of Hitchcock's most (in)famous films, such as Rebecca (1940), Psycho (1960), The Birds (1963).  Unlike the “escape-from-dystopia” films of the 1960s and 1970s (think Logan's Run), Farmhand is “let's-go-visit-dystopia,” and in some of Hitchcock's films, the lead character blithely enters a bucolic, pastoral trap (The Birds).  And Farmhand #1 ends on a decidedly menacing note.

The full Farmhand #1 allows the reader to see the full range of Taylor Wells' gorgeous colors, which so perfectly capture the atmosphere that it is appropriate to call her a “co-storyteller.”  Kody Chamberlain's lettering conveys the shifts in the story from domestic semi-tranquility to strange science to conspiracy and horror.

I hope Farmhand #1 is not a fluke.  There is tremendous potential upon which Rob Guillory must deliver in future issues.

9 out of 10

http://RobGuillory.com

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


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

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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 19, 2019

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Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 10, 2018

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JUL189075    CROWDED #3 CVR C VIRGIN    $3.99
AUG180224    FARMHAND #4 (MR)    $3.99
AUG180236    HEY KIDS COMICS #3 (MR)    $3.99
AUG180036    INFINITE DARK #1    $3.99
AUG180243    KICK-ASS #8 CVR A FRUSIN (MR)    $3.99
AUG180244    KICK-ASS #8 CVR B FRUSIN (MR)    $3.99
AUG180245    KICK-ASS #8 CVR C MACK (MR)    $3.99
AUG180044    MURDER FALCON #1 CVR A JOHNSON & SPICER    $3.99
JUL189235    MURDER FALCON #1 CVR B HEAVY METAL VAR    $3.99
JUL180133    MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN JUNKIES HC (MR)    $16.99
AUG180259    OBLIVION SONG BY KIRKMAN & DE FELICI #8 (MR)    $3.99
AUG180260    OUTPOST ZERO #4    $3.99
AUG180275    ROSE #13 CVR A GUARA    $3.99
AUG180276    ROSE #13 CVR B LEE    $3.99
AUG180277    ROSE #13 CVR C LAM    $3.99
AUG180278    ROSE #13 CVR D BALLESTEROS    $3.99
AUG180188    ROYAL CITY TP VOL 03 WE ALL FLOAT ON (MR)    $16.99
AUG180288    SLEEPLESS #8    $3.99
JUL189263    UNNATURAL #3 (OF 12) 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
AUG180296    UNNATURAL #4 (OF 12) CVR A ANDOLFO (MR)    $3.99
AUG180297    UNNATURAL #4 (OF 12) CVR B BENGAL (MR)    $3.99
MAY188674    WALKING DEAD #1 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG FINCH VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188683    WALKING DEAD #100 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG HARREN VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188684    WALKING DEAD #108 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG RIOS VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188685    WALKING DEAD #127 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG SCALERA VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY189518    WALKING DEAD #132 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG WOOD VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188687    WALKING DEAD #167 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG TAKEDA VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188688    WALKING DEAD #171 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG BARTEL VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188677    WALKING DEAD #19 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG CAMPBELL VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188675    WALKING DEAD #2 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG SAMNEE VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188678    WALKING DEAD #27 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG SHALVEY VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188679    WALKING DEAD #48 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG BURNHAM VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188680    WALKING DEAD #53 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG GI VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188676    WALKING DEAD #7 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG JOHNSON VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188681    WALKING DEAD #92 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG WALKER VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188682    WALKING DEAD #98 15TH ANNV BLIND BAG CRAIG VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY188668    WALKING DEAD DAY 1 INCH BUTTON (BUNDLE OF 25)    $PI
MAY188672    WALKING DEAD DAY SPECIAL (BUNDLE OF 25) (Net) (MR)    $PI
MAY188673    WALKING DEAD DAY WALKER MASKS (BUNDLE OF 25)    $PI
AUG180049    WALKING DEAD HC VOL 15 (MR)    $34.99
AUG180300    WEATHERMAN #5 CVR A FOX (MR)    $3.99
AUG180301    WEATHERMAN #5 CVR B MARTIN (MR)    $3.99