#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #10

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #10

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVER: Fernando Melek with Chunlin Zhao; Carlos Villas

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Narcelio Sousa with Chunlin Zhao

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis Prelude”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries,  She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which became an ongoing series.  Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero.  Ruby dons a pair of super-tech pair of eye glasses that gives her super-powers.  Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker.  Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #10 (“Identity Crisis Prelude”) opens in the wake of the battle with Mean Girl, which saw The Whupper seriously injured.  Meanwhile, Geek-Girl is still fronting a “super-team,” but the team has already lost a member.  Now, Ruby is enjoying some girlfriend-drinking time with “The Minger.”  But team training is supposed to start tomorrow, and the team is slightly in disarray.

Meanwhile, Pit Bull gets himself involved in an unexpected battle.  Will he end up needing help?

THE LOWDOWN:  Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years.  I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and her (mis)adventures.  I like this comic book enough to believe that encouraging you to give this series a try, dear readers, is something I must do.

Sam is an imaginative writer and his stories, in a deceptively quiet way, are riveting.  I am always disappointed when I reach the end of an issue.  I wish he could publish more frequently, because issue #10 has a great cliffhanger.  He can make the reader feel comfortable with his characters, but he is always introducing a new element.  I find myself always wondering about what Ruby Kaye is going to do next.  Everything is new to her, and we get to experience that newness.  So what is she going to do about that training session?

Artist Carlos Granda is a more polished artist with each issue.  His clear and emotive storytelling, which really shows under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors, is inviting to readers.  Paul McLaren's lettering is sharper than ever and makes Sam's story pop.

I thoroughly enjoyed and heartily recommend Geek-Girl #10.  I am also recommending the three trade paperbacks that currently collect most of the series.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

A

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

Geek-Girl #10 is Out Now and available in Regular, Digital and Variant editions. Readers can buy a digital edition at comiXology or at https://www.amazon.com/Geek-Girl-Vol-10-Sam-Johnson-ebook/dp/B0BWSJ4P9C or a print edition at Indy Planet or at https://www.indyplanet.com/geek-girl-10.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #11

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #11

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2023)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 1: “I Want to Be You.”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries,  She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series.  Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero.  Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers.  Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker.  Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #11 (“I Want to Be You.”) opens with Geek-Girl and The Minger headed to a local mall where “Pit Bull,” also known as “Maine's premier super-hero,” is getting his butt kicked.  Geek-Girl does not realize that the beat-down is being delivered by a new villain, “Identity Thief,” and she wants Geek-Girl's powers.  As they engage in a chase, Geek-Girl discovers that something very strange is happening to her – and it may mean her life.

Meanwhile, Summer is still trying to get super-powers of her own.  And what is Digger Mensch up to?

THE LOWDOWN:  Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years.  I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and her (mis)adventures.  I like this comic book enough to believe that encouraging you to give this series a try, dear readers, is one way I can contribute something good to the comic book industry.

As I have said before, Sam is an imaginative writer and his stories, in a deceptively quiet way, are riveting.  In the mighty Marvel Comics tradition, Sam is good at creating characters that are as interesting as civilians as they are as superheroes and super-villains.  I would say that Ruby Kaye and Geek-Girl are closer to a Marvel characters such as Peter Parker/Spider-Man than she is to a Wonder Woman/Diana Prince.

Artist Carlos Granda is a more polished artist with each issue.  He brings out the nuances in Sam's character writing and captures the overall humorous tone and bent of Geek-Girl.  His clear and emotive storytelling, which really shows under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors, welcomes the readers into this series.  Paul McLaren's lettering is sharper than ever and makes Sam's story pop.

Geek-Girl #11 epitomizes this series' charm and humanity, which are so strong that they could make shojo manga sparkles pop out around this comic book.  It's also time to kick start Geek-Girl #12 and the Fake Geek-Girl #1-Shot at “Kickstarter,” so see below for more information.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

A

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

Geek-Girl #11 is order via Indy Planet at https://www.indyplanet.com/geek-girl-11 or Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Geek-Girl-Vol-11-Sam-Johnson-ebook/dp/B0C6B8MTRN/ or for the deluxe issue, go to Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-jump-on-issue-deluxe-plus-new-and-previous-issues

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: CABRA CINI: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #1

CABRA CINI: VOODOO JUNKIE HITWOMAN #1

STORY: Sam Johnson
ART: Nathan Ramirez; Bruno Letizia with R.D. Ricci; Pablo Zambrano; Jorge Oliveira
COLORS: Mark Dodson; Harwan Stia Yoga; Jorge Oliveira
LETTERS: Nathan Ramirez; Bruno Letizia with Micah Myers; Jacob Bascle
COVER ARTIST: Carlos Villas

Suggest for mature readers

Cabra Cini created by Sam Johnson

“White Out”

Cabra Cini is a comics character created by writer Sam Johnson.  He is best known as the writer and creator of the sexy superhero, Geek-Girl, who has starred in a comedy-fantasy miniseries and ongoing series.  Cabra Cini is a former sex worker who used “voodoo magik” to free herself of her abusive pimp/boyfriend.  Now, she is a hit woman addicted to voodoo.

Cabra Cini is about to be the star of her own four-issue miniseries, Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman.  Johnson has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund series.  He passed me an advanced PDF review copy of the first issue.

Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #1 opens with a “Prologue” written by Johnson and drawn by Bruno Letizia with R.D. Ricci.  “Prologue” asks the question, what would you do if the clumsy antics of a young werewolf interrupted your sex life.  If you're Cabra Cini, you fix him...

The main story, “White Out,” is set in Detroit and is written by Johnson and drawn by Nathan Ramirez.  There is a new killer in town.  He's dressed in white from head to toe and he likes to kill Black men; plus, he has plans for the neighborhood.  All Cabra wanted to do was prepare dinner for her man, but now she is forced to face a dangerous, enigmatic stranger.

“Kiss That Grrrl” is written by Johnson and drawn by Pablo Zambrano and Jorge Oliveira.  The story finds Cabra in her “Mindscape.”  Her boyfriend, Geoff, wants to join with her … in more ways than one – if he survives the experience.

THE LOWDOWN:  I never really know what to expect when I get a cold call request for a comic book review.  I hope for the best, of course, but I have discovered a number of very interesting comic books either self-published by the creator or creators or published by a small press.  Readers can find excellent comic books in the wilds of independent publishing, as I have found Sam Johnson (although he may have found me).

I am familiar with writer Sam Johnson from his lovable superhero comic book series, Geek-Girl, in which Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman has appeared.  I have wondered if Cabra could carry her own comic book.  Of course, she could if the writer is good, and Johnson is.

What really surprised me is that the story chapters that comprise Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #1 have a genuine sense of drama and also character depth.  There is a sense of the tragic without being overly melodramatic.  The feelings that the characters have for one another come across as authentic; I can believe that Geoff really cares from Cabra Cini.  There is also a strong sense of humor and light comedy that keeps the edgier aspects of this first issue from taking over the entire comic book.

Five artists: Nathan Ramirez, Bruno Letizia, R.D. Ricci, Pablo Zambrano, and Jorge Oliveira draw portions of Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #1.  However, their diverse styles and approaches to graphical storytelling come together.  The change in artists isn't jarring because they seem to share a similar aesthetic.  In fact, having several artists helps to make Cabra Cini come across more like a multifaceted character than a mere clever name and idea.

My opinion is that Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #1 is certainly good enough to make me recommend that readers consider contributing to the crowdfunding campaign for the series, which you can do here … if you so choose.  If Geek-Girl is any indication, Sam Johnson has a world of excellent comics in store for us via Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of writer Sam Johnson's comic books will want to fund Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman.

A

★★★★ out of 4 stars

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


Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie #1 is available on Kickstarter now at www.cabracini.com.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson
https://twitter.com/Markosia
https://twitter.com/Markosia_News
https://markosia.com/


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

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

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #9

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #9
MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson
ART: Carlos Granda
COLORS: Chunlin Zhao
LETTERS: Paul McLaren
COVER ARTISTS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Carlos Villas
24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Bad Girl/Mean Girl”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries,  She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which became an ongoing series.  Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero.  Ruby dons a pair of super-tech pair of eye glasses that gives her super-powers.  Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker.  Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

As Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #9 (“Bad Girl/Mean Girl”) opens, Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman continues her jaunt through the “Infinite,” a little tucked away corner of Limbo.  However, “The Rook,” ruler of the Infinite, has a surprise for the too-clever-for-herself Ms. Cini.

Back at Geek-Girl's new headquarters, it's time to meet the new teammates.  Also, Summer has a conversation with Geek-Girl's benefactor, Johnny Carlyle, about her own future.  But the ultimate theatrics take place later at the local shopping mall.  Enter Mean Girl!  Life will never be the same, Geek-Girl.

THE LOWDOWN:  Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years.  I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and also encouraging you to give this series a try, dear readers.

In a better world, Sam would have the resources to publish Geek-Girl on a more frequent basis.  It would be great if the tenth issue would be out next month, because the tenth issue is so fun.  I dare say that Mean Girl could eclipse Geek-Girl in her on comic book.  Ain't that a bitch?  Seriously, another issue will prove if Mean Girl is one of the character finds of 2022.  She is a fun bad girl who loves being bad; in fact, she might break bad.

Artist Carlos Granda compositions are becoming more polished, and his illustration technique tighter.  Chunlin Zhao's colors make the action scenes pop, and Paul McLaren's lettering is sharper than ever.  Along with Sam Johnson, they make Geek-Girl #9 an excellent jumping-on point for new readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

A

★★★★ out of 4 stars

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

Geek-Girl #9 is Out Now and available in Regular, Digital and Variant editions here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics and here or at https://tinyurl.com/y8yfns3k.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson
https://twitter.com/Markosia
https://twitter.com/Markosia_News
https://markosia.com/


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

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

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

PRESS RELEASE: "Geek-Girl #9" is Here; Vol. 3 Collection is Now Available

Geek-Girl #9 is Out Now, and available in Regular, Digital and Ltd Variant Editions.

While Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman enters the bizarre Infinite dimension in pursuit of one of Geek-Girl's team-mates, Ruby and Mariella head to the mall - where they encounter Mean Girl!

"Super-powered crooked valley girl Mean Girl is a character I've had a lot of fun working on, and I think you're really gonna enjoy. She's also a potential arch-nemesis for GG..." said creator Sam Johnson.

Preview / order here or at www.geekgirlcomics.com

And out on Wednesday is the Geek-Girl Vol.3: Team Geek-Girl TPB, available in Regular and Digital Editions - collecting Geek-Girl #5-#9, the first five issues of Geek-Girl's New Direction fronting a Super-Team; and you can get to the Pre-Order page here.

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

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

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #8

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #8
MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson
ART: Carlos Granda
COLORS: Chunlin Zhao
LETTERS: Paul McLaren
COVER ARTISTS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Pablo Martinena with Chunlin Zhao
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Guests”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries,  She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which became an ongoing series.  Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero.  Ruby dons a pair of super-tech pair of eye glasses that gives her super-powers.  Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker.  Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

As Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #8 (“Guests”) opens, Tyler, one of the members of Geek-Girl's new super-team, is exploring their headquarters.  He discovers that the supposed-to-be previous residents are still living in the headquarters, and they can't really leave!  But Digger Mensch wants them gone, so what can Geek-Girl do?

Meanwhile, in Detroit, Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman has taken an assignment from Paul Trencher to find his former partner, Ethan Drew.  But we know Ethan by a different name.

THE LOWDOWN:  Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl for several years now.  I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and also encouraging you to give this series a try, dear readers.

As I said in my review of the prior issues (Vol. 2 #5-7), just about any issue of Geek-Girl is a good jumping-on point because Johnson's story and script are simply quite inviting to new readers.  Plus, Johnson has the good sense to include a recap of the series on the inside of the front cover.  Also, Geek-Girl is not a mature readers title that is inappropriate for young readers, nor is it weighed down by decades of ludicrous continuity that is anything but continuous, which is a problem with some titles published by Marvel and DC Comics.

I think the thing I like most about Geek-Girl is that she is still new to the superhero game, and Johnson has kept her wide-eyed and upbeat about the the whole experience.  Of course, not all of Geek-Girl is so innocent, as seen in this issue.  Cabra Cini is an attractive character, with a dark magic side, and Digger Mensch gets more menacing and interesting with each appearance.

Artist Carlos Granda, colorist Chunlin Zhao, and letterer Paul McLaren present a graphical storytelling package that is pretty, but especially offers clear and clean storytelling, even when presenting this series weirder side.  Or to put it simpler, Geek-Girl #8 is easy on the eyes and easy to read.

One of many things that makes this eighth issue a winner is the ending.  Geek-Girl always knows how to make her readers come back for more.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

A

8 out of 10

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


Geek-Girl #8 is Out Now and available in Regular, Digital and Variant editions here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics and here or at https://www.comixology.com/Geek-Girl-8/digital-comic/986803

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson
https://twitter.com/Markosia
https://twitter.com/Markosia_News
https://markosia.com/


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

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

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

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #7

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #7
MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Sam Johnson with Mark Darden
ART: Carlos Granda
COLORS: Chunlin Zhao
LETTERS: Paul McLaren
COVER ARTISTS: Jason Hehir with Chunlin Zhao; Claudio Due Avella with Chunlin Zhao (Ltd. Edition Variant)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2020)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Tights 'N' Capes” Part 2: “Bona to Vada Your Dolly Old Eeks!”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries,  She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which became an ongoing series.  Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero.  Ruby dons a pair of super-tech pair of eye glasses that gives her super-powers.  Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker.  Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #7 (“Bona to Vada Your Dolly Old Eeks!”) finds Ruby and Summer joined by their new pal (and Ruby's new teammate), Kerry a.k.a. “The Minger,” for a night of partying at the gay night club, “Reach.”  There, they meet Ruby's friends (fake-as friends?) Karin, Stacey, and Jennifer.  While Summer is enjoying a night of being a superhero and Kerry is discovering the local color, Ruby is nursing a grudge or two that one powerful drink is about to put out on “jump street.”

Plus, Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman visits Acorn Ridge to prove that she is the baddest bitch.  Meanwhile, Digger Mensch has enough of his loyalties being tested, and he really hates it when his “professional” associations are questioned.

THE LOWDOWN:  Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl.  So lately, I have been able to keep up with the happenings and adventures of Maine's cutest superhero.

As I said in my review of the prior issues (Vol. 2 #5-6), just about any issue of Geek-Girl is a good jumping-on point because Johnson's story and script are simply quite inviting to new readers.  Geek-Girl does not suffer from any of the ailments that longtime comic book writer and veteran television writer-producer, Gerry Conway, discussed in a series of recent twitter postings.

Geek-Girl is not a mature readers title that is inappropriate for young readers, nor is it weighed down by decades of anal continuity, which is one of the main problems of titles published by Marvel and DC Comics.  Geek-Girl #7 is one of those off-beat or “girls night out” issues that legendary comic book writer Chris Claremont presented to his readers in the classic Marvel Comics title, Uncanny X-Men.

I hope that teen comic book readers (and yes, they exist) will discover Geek-Girl.  In it, they will discover a kind of comic book that was the norm before Alan Moore and Frank Miller inadvertently gave comic book editors the blueprint for killing kid-friendly superhero comic books.  In the world before Watchmen-is-the-greatest-comic-book-of-all-time, many comic book superheroes seemed like they could be a young reader's best pals.  I think that this is the reason that comic books like Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans (DC Comics) were so popular.  There is indeed a place for Batman: Arkham Asylum, but it need not be the entire place.

The last few years have seen mainstream American publishers trying hard to get middle-grade and teen readers back into the superhero comic book fold.  IDW's “Marvel Action” line is a good example.  Geek-Girl skewers towards the older teen readers, but (so far), there is very little in Geek-Girl that I would describe as inappropriate for a 13-year-old reader.  I don't think comic book characters partying at a gay night club is scandalous now in the way it would have been decades ago.  [Hey, if The Punisher is acceptable, so is club “Reach.”]

In Geek-Girl, writer Sam Johnson, artist Carlos Granda, colorist Chunlin Zhao, and letterer Paul McLaren are producing a comic book that recalls the past without being retro.  Geek-Girl is a cool comic book starring cool characters.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

8 out of 10

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


Geek-Girl #7 is Out Now and available in Regular, Digital and Variant editions at www.geekgirlcomics.com

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson
https://twitter.com/Markosia
https://twitter.com/Markosia_News
https://markosia.com/


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

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

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #6

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #6
MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD. – @daSamJohnson

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Sam Johnson with Mark Darden
ART: Carlos Granda
COLORS: Chunlin Zhao
LETTERS: Paul McLaren
COVER ARTISTS: Jason Hehir with Chunlin Zhao; Claudio Due Avella with Chunlin Zhao
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2020)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Tights 'N' Capes” Part 1: “Change of Plan”

Geek-Girl is a comic book character created by Sam Johnson.  Geek-Girl debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries and returned in a second miniseries, Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which became an ongoing series.  Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero.  Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that gives her super-powers.  Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker.  Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #6 (“Change of Plans”) finds Ruby, Summer, and Kerry a.k.a. “The Minger” enjoying time at the super-team headquarters provided for them by Johnny Carlyle, the former super-tech weapons dealer turned philanthropist.  Carlyle has founded the Kaye Foundation and is forming a brand new superhero team, of which Ruby as Geek-Girl will be the leader.  Ruby meets her teammate, Tyler a.k.a. “Super-Porter,” and then, plans a girl' night out with Summer and Kerry.

Meanwhile, one of Carlyle's “associates,” Digger Mensch, finds his loyalties being tested.  Plus, Ruby does not realize that she and her friends are being watched.

THE LOWDOWN:  Creator-writer Sam Johnson sent me a PDF review copy of Geek-Girl, Vol. 2 #5, as he has sent me PDF review copies of his other comic books over the past few years.  Johnson provides a synopsis on the inside front cover of each issue, so potential readers don't have to have read the previous issues to really enjoy the current one.

As I said in my review of the prior issue (Vol. 2 #5), just about any issue of Geek-Girl is a good jumping on point because Johnson's story and script are simply quite inviting.  Unlike so many Marvel and DC Comics titles, Geek-Girl is not stuffy and self-important and weighed down by decades of anal continuity.  Nor it is beset by frequent sales-boosting reboots... at least, not yet.

You know what, dear readers?  I'll just keep it simple.  Geek-Girl is fun to read, and Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #6 is a blast to read.

Also, the more this series' art team works together, the more polished its work becomes.  Artist Carlos Granda's clear-line drawing style has gone from being a little shaky on the line work to becoming sharper.  Chunlin Zhao's colors are so pretty that they make me think of candy, and Paul McLaren's clean lettering conveys this issue's easy pace and tantalizing foreshadowing.  So Geek-Girl-Vol. 2 #6 is a good read and is good looking!

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of indie superhero comic books will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

9 out of 10

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


Geek-Girl #6 is Out Now and available in Regular, Digital and Variant editions at www.geekgirlcomics.com

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson
https://twitter.com/Markosia
https://twitter.com/Markosia_News
https://markosia.com/


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

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

Review: GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #5

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 No. 5
MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD. – @Markosia @daSamJohnson

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Sam Johnson with Mark Darden
ART: Carlos Granda
COLORS: Chunlin Zhao
LETTERS: Paul McLaren
COVER ARTISTS: Sun Khamunaki; Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Lady Larkin
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 23, 2019) – print and digital edition

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“School's Out”

Geek-Girl is a comic book character created by Sam Johnson (The Almighties).  Geek-Girl debuted in a 2016 miniseries and returned in a second miniseries, Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which became an ongoing series.  Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero.  Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that gives her super-powers.  Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker.  Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #5 (“School's Out”) opens in Acorn Ridge, Maine in the aftermath of the attack by the hyper-destructive super-villainess, Lightning Storm.  Now, former super-tech weapons dealer, Johnny Carlyle, who has apparently turned philanthropist, is making Ruby a surprising offer.  Before a public gathering at the reopening of a police station destroyed by Lightning Storm,  Carlyle announces the formation of the Kaye Foundation, which he has named after Ruby.  The re-opening of the Acorn Ridge Main Street Police Station is only the Kaye Foundation's first move.

Its next move is to form a brand new superhero team, this one headed by Geek-Girl!  Shocked as she is, Ruby has to get down to business and start gathering team members like “The Minger,” “The Whupper,” “Guano Guy,” and “Mr. Marvelous Man.”  Meanwhile, there is a lot going on for everyone – personally, professionally, and supernaturally...

Creator-writer Sam Johnson sent me a PDF review copy of Geek-Girl, Vol. 2 #5, as he has sent me PDF review copies of his other comic books over the past few years.  He thought that this latest issue of Geek-Girl would be of interest to readers because (1) it is a longer than usual issue and (2) it can be a “jumping-on point” for new readers.

Actually, just about any issue of Geek-Girl is a good jumping on point because Johnson provides a detailed summary of the previous issue and of the series in general inside the front cover of each issue of Geek-Girl.  Hell, I will credit Johnson as at least a good comic book scribe simply on the basis of his skills at summarizing his narrative.  [Marvel Comics titles include a summary of the previous issue and the story arc in general; DC Comics (stupidly) does not, likely just because Marvel does.]

I saw a lot of potential in the first Geek-Girl miniseries, and, although I only read the first issue of the second miniseries, I did see the potential being reached.  Now, I want to go back and read issues #2 to 4, but, I don't really need to do so.  The summary works; issue #5 is indeed a good jumping on point, and it is a good read.

I like Sam Johnson's quirky stories, and what I like most about the Geek-Girl series overall is its sense of humor and positive attitude.  Ruby and her friend, Summer James (who took on the Geek-Girl role for a bit), are “always game.”  Geek-Girl is never grim and gritty even when the villainous situation is actually kinda grim and gritty.  Issue #5 teases interesting characters and plants some seeds of darkness, not to mention that Johnny Carlyle seems kinda shady.

Artist Carlos Granda's clear-line drawing style is still a little shaky on the line, but his compositions reveal his ability to draw just about any kind of edifice, object, item, vehicle, etc. found in the real world.  Granda's graphical storytelling is also as vibrant and as vivacious as this series' lead character.

Chunlin Zhao's rich colors make Granda's illustrations look pretty and pop off the page.  Paul McLaren's clean lettering is the graphical element that grounds the narrative in a balance of humor and a sense of mystery.

Readers looking for female superheroes will find a winner in this Geek-Girl comic book.  Both the character and the comic book are ready for readers looking from something fresh.  You know, those are the readers who don't go to the overgrown, vacant lot of traditional superhero comics... where you can smell decaying small animals... for their superhero fun.

8 out of 10

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

www.geekgirlcomics.com

You can buy Geek Girl Vol. 2 #5 at comiXology.


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

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

Review: GEEK-GIRL Volume 2 #1

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 No. 1
MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD. – @Markosia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Sam Johnson – @daSamJohnson
ART: Carlos Granda – @ComicFAN
COLORS: Chunlin Zhao
LETTERS: Paul McLaren
COVER: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Manuel Bracci
24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2018) - digital edition

Rated T+

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

Crime War Part 1: “There's a New Geek in Town”

Geek-Girl is a comic book character created by Sam Johnson (The Almighties).  Ruby Kaye is a college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero after donning high-tech “super glasses” that give her “super-powers.”  Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl, who starred in a 2016 miniseries, returns in a second miniseries, Geek-Girl Vol. 2.  It is written by Geek-Girl creator, Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #1 (“There's a New Geek in Town”) opens in Acorn Ridge, Maine, in the aftermath of Geek-Girl's battle with Lightning Storm.  Ruby is in a coma and taking her place as Geek-Girl is her best friend forever (BFF), Summer.  Being Geek-Girl ain't easy, however, and Summer is getting mentored by Maine's other big superhero, “Pit Bull.”  Still, Summer is having trouble getting the hang of things, just as a new menace slowly starts to create a power base.

I only read the first issue of the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries.  Sam Johnson sent me a PDF review copy of Geek-Girl, Vol. 2 #1, so I wanted to read it because I did see potential in previous series.  I must say that I am pleased to see that this Geek-Girl comic book is getting stronger, even as the new Geek-Girl character struggles to get stronger.

I was impressed by Carlos Granda on the first mini, and his storytelling and composition are stronger this time around.  Granda has to depict Summer/Geek-Girl's trials and tribulations, but he draws her as a vibrant, vivacious character who is ready to pop off the page.  Chunlin Zhao's rich colors make Granda's illustrations look even prettier.

Sam Johnson's script for Vol. 2's first issue is a little more self-assured than his script for the first issue of the 2016 series.  Johnson delves into character and personality and creates drama through that as much as he does through the fight scenes.  It all comes through clearly via Paul McLaren's clean lettering and design.  Yeah, I still think Geek-Girl will get even better.

8 out of 10

www.geekgirlcomics.com
https://www.comixology.com/

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #1's ComiXology page: https://www.comixology.com/Geek-Girl-Vol-2-1/digital-comic/673781?ref=c2VyaWVzL3ZpZXcvZGVza3RvcC9ncmlkTGlzdC9SZWNlbnRBZGRpdGlvbnM


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: GEEK-GIRL #1

GEEK-GIRL No. 1 (OF 4)
MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD. – @Markosia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Sam Johnson – @daSamJohnson
ART: Carlos Granda – @ComicFAN
COLORS: Nahp
LETTERS: Paul McLaren
COVER: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Matt Olson; John Royle
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2016) - digital edition

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Lightning Strikes”

Geek-Girl is a comic book character created by Sam Johnson (The Almighties; Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman).  It is the story a of college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero.  The character is introduced in the 2016-17 digital comics miniseries, Geek-Girl, which is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Nahp; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl #1 opens at night in the skies over Acorn Ridge, Maine.  Geek-Girl is flying around, talking on her phone to her BFF, Summer.  She may not look like a hero, with her booty-shorts and a crop top that can barely contain her ample bosoms, but Geek-Girl is a super-heroine.

Ruby Kaye was a ordinary student at Acorn Ridge College, but then, she hears fellow college student, Jeff, bragging about “super glasses” that give the wearer “super-powers.”  Ruby decides she has to try them on, and before you know it, she is a super-hero.  When she sees a costumed baddie brutally beat-up Maine's resident super-heroine, “Neon Girl,” Ruby finds herself suddenly thrust into being a real superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Sam Johnson sent me a digital review copy of Geek-Girl #1 some time ago, and I was recently reminded of its existence because the latest Geek-Girl miniseries is set to debut as a digital comic book available through ComiXilogy.  I did peruse the PDF after I first downloaded it, and I was impressed by Carlos Granda, the artist on the series.

Granda's compositions are strong, and he is close to being ready to draw comic books for Marvel and DC Comics (if he has not already).  The lettering by Paul McLaren is professional level, and Nahp's coloring is a little to incandescent, but some of the color effects look good.

Sam Johnson's story is a bit odd.  Ruby Kaye wants to be just-another-girl and a superhero at the same time, but seems socially awkward.  The enjoyable part of the story is watching Ruby work around her conflicts and contradictions, and there is good dramatic potential in the fact that she is blissfully naive about the fact that she is over her head and out of her league.  In Geek-Girl #1, Johnson shows that he has the ability to deliver indie superhero comics that are not only good, but also have the possibility of getting better with each new episode.

7 out of 10

www.geekgirlcomics.com
https://www.comixology.com/

Geek-Girl #1's (2016) ComiXology page: https://www.comixology.com/Geek-Girl-1/digital-comic/434944?ref=c2VyaWVzL3ZpZXcvZGVza3RvcC9ncmlkTGlzdC9Jc3N1ZXM

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: THE ALMIGHTIES #0 (R Rated Variant Edition)

THE ALMIGHTIES No. 0 (R Rated Variant Edition)
ACTUALITY PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Sam Johnson and Mike Gagnon
ART: Pablo Zambrano; Eleonora Kortsarz; Ron Gravelle and Fran Jung; Graham Pearce
COLORS: Jennifer Scott; Lisa Lamb; Giuseppe Pica; Miguel Marques, Nimesh Morarji
LETTERS: Kris Johnson and Jacob Bascle
COVER: Eleonora Kortsarz with Miguel Marques
24pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

The Almighties is a superhero comic book series published by Actuality Press.  The book features characters mostly created by two individuals, Sam Johnson (who is also series editor) and Mike Gagnon.  The Almighties is a superhero comedy, but is not a parody, although it takes plenty of digs at Marvel's Avengers film series.

The Almighties #0 is written by Johnson and Gagnon with a group of pencillers, inkers, and colorists providing the art for various chapters.  The story focuses on the machinations of Joe Cyborg, who has an office in what seems to be the White House.  He wants to take the superhero team, The Almighties, and turn them into his own personal “strike force.”

To that end, Joe interviews Stefanos, a member of The Almighties, about his teammates.  So, are the werewolf, Night Fang; the Supergirl-like Mrs. F; the super-tech armored Maxi-Tron, the psychotic mercenary, Mason, and few others ready for prime time Joe Cyborg-style?

Upon first glance, The Almighties #0 does not look impressive.  The art is hit-or-miss; after all, the artist here are not masters of composition, at least not yet.  These artists' graphical storytelling, however, is quite clear, which is surprisingly not the case with quite a few books published by Diamond Distributors' “premiere” publishers.  The coloring is nice and makes the art seem to pop off the page.  Of all the artists here, Eleonora Kortsarz is the standout.  If a veteran comic book artist were to mentor her, she would be ready to draw for a major publisher in less than two years, easily.

The Almighties is surprisingly funny.  I say “surprisingly” because, at first glance, it does not look like a superhero comedy.  For the most part, Johnson and Gagnon play the superheroes straight.  The humor works because The Almighties works as a superhero comic, and at times, this story is even droll and witty – another surprise.

I guess that I'm trying to say that The Almighties #0 is more than it appears.  Don't judge a comic book by its cover because this cover captures neither the story nor the spirit of this comic book.  If the creators have the resources to keep this going, they might actually be onto something that could capture a steadily growing audience.

The Almighties #0 is Out Now and available at www.almightiesamass.com and www.comixology.com

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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