#IReadsYou Revew: HELLBOY AND THE BPRD: 1953: Beyond the Fences #1

HELLBOY AND THE B.P.R.D.: 1953 – BEYOND THE FENCES #1 (#8 in the series)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson
PENCILS: Paolo Rivera
INKS: Joe Rivera
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Paolo Rivera
EDITOR: Scott Allie
VARIANT COVER: David Mack
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2016)

The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (also known as the B.P.R.D. or BPRD) is an organization that appears in the world of Mike Mignola's Hellboy character.  The BPRD is located in Fairfield, Connecticut and investigates the occult, paranormal, and supernatural and is charged with protecting America and the world from any of that which is dangerous.

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. is a series of miniseries that looks at the early years of Hellboy's association with the BPRD.  Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1953 – Beyond the Fences chronicles Hellboy's second year with the organization.  This miniseries is written by Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson; drawn by Paolo Rivera (pencils) and Joe Rivera (inks); colored by Dave Stewart; and lettered by Clem Robins.

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1953 - Beyond the Fences #1 opens with Agent Susan Xiang having a session with Dr. N.K. Sandhu, psychiatric consultant to the BPRD.  The session is interrupted by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm, Director of the BPRD and Hellboy's surrogate father.  He is sending Hellboy, Xiang, and Agent Jacob Stegner to investigate the disappearance of several children in the suburban town of Rosemead, California.

The BPRD trio arrives to find the parents quite upset.  No one would expect children to disappear in such an idyllic small town as Rosemead.  After all, Rosemead is not one of those squalid urban slums into which Jim Crow and segregationist federal policy practically imprisoned African-Americans since early in the 20th century.  Now, that's where one would expect children to disappear, and no one would care, not even the mostly-white BPRD.  God knows that even the most imaginative fantasy writers cannot imagine a fucking fictional world where Black people were members of a paranormal organization.  Well, Asians were more acceptable than Negroes in the 1950s.

But I digress... Hellboy and his colleagues discover that there is much that is hidden about the disappearances.  This strange case may also be related to recent events that involve current members of the BPRD.

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1953 - Beyond the Fences #1 is, like most first issues these days, mostly introduction with a smattering of narrative that seems like filler material.  I think this comic book is also like most BPRD comics – when it's good, it's quite good, but when it's mediocre, oh, well.

This first issue of Beyond the Fences intrigues me, but the pace is too easy going.  Even the stuff that is supposed to be exciting, thrilling, and scary comes across as white bread.  This first issue is about as smooth as an episode of “Leave It to Beaver.”

Speaking of white bread and beaver, artist Paolo Rivera offers a beautiful painted cover for this first issue.  It is an un-ironic, Hellboy-themed homage to the paintings of Norman Rockwell, the revered 20th century painter who conjured up an idyllic Middle America better than even Walt Disney.  Rivera offers interior art that is pretty on the surface, but blasé as storytelling.  I have to believe that this is a graphical set-up for the scary shit-storm that is to come.  I have to believe...

I really think that this series has potential.  It is hard to believe that there can be mediocre Hellboy, other than that first Hellboy movie

B

[This comic book contains a preview of Baltimore: Empty Graves by Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden, Peter Bergting, and Dave Stewart.]

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.

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#IReadsYou Review: HELLBOY WINTER SPECIAL 2017

HELLBOY WINTER SPECIAL (JANUARY 2017)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mike Mignola, Scott Allie, and Chris Roberson
ARTISTS: Christopher Mitten; Paul Grist; Sebastian Fiumara
COLORS: Dave Stewart; Bill Crabtree
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Sebastian Fiumara with Dave Stewart
BACK COVER: Geof Darrow with Dave Stewart
EDITOR: Scott Allie
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2017)

Hellboy, a superhero and horror comic book character, was created by writer-artist Mike Mignola and first appeared in San Diego Comic-Con Comics #2 (cover date: August 1993).  The character's debut in his own comic book was Hellboy: Seed of Destruction #1 (March 1994).  However, Hellboy has been featured in short stories that have appeared in various publications for over two decades, including the Hellboy Winter Special.

The 2017 edition of the Hellboy Winter Special, an anthology comic book, was recently published and offers three Hellboy short stories.  It sports two covers:  a front cover by Sebastian Fiumara (colored by Dave Stewart) and a back cover drawn by Geof Darrow (and also colored by Stewart).  Eight creators contribute to Hellboy Winter Special – January 2017:  Mike Mignola, Chris Roberson, Christopher Mitten, Dave Stewart, Paul Grist, Bill Crabtree, Scott Allie, and Sebastian Fiumara.

The first story is “The Great Blizzard” by Mignola and Roberson and Mitten and Stewart.  The story is largely set in Cornwall, England and takes place in March 1891.  An excerpt from the “secret journals” of Sir Edward Grey, the story finds Grey and Sarah Jewell (of Rise of the Black Flame) trying to discover if a fierce winter storm that has gripped England is of supernatural origin.

“The Great Blizzard” seems like a prologue for a larger story to come.  It's okay, but I really didn't warm to it.

The second story is “God Rest Ye Merry” by Mignola and Roberson and Grist and Crabtree.  It is set in December 1961 and opens in Fairfield, Connecticut (the home of the BPRD, the occult research organization of which Hellboy is associated).  In the story, Hellboy has to battle a bad Santa.

Once again, “God Rest Ye Merry” did not arouse much interest in me.  It apparently is the intro to an upcoming comic book, entitled The Visitor.  Surprisingly, while the story doesn't excite me, I am curious about The Visitor, which will be a new “Mignola-verse” title.  On a side note, this story reminded me of what a stunningly “white bread” world Hellboy is.  Black and Latino characters are virtually nonexistent.  It is as if Hellboy was set in the programming world of MeTV (which has pretty much taken the place of “Nick at Nite” and “TVLand” when it comes to reruns of 1950 and 1960s, black and white television series).

Finally, we have “The Last Witch of Fairfield” by Mignola and Allie and Fiumara and Stewart.  The story is set in 1979, once again in Fairfield.  While searching for two missing girls, Hellboy, Abe Sapien, and Liz Sherman encounter a tormented spirit.

“The Last Witch of Fairfield” is the best of the trio of stories presented here.  Sebastian Fiumara and Dave Stewart make a killer art team, and turn this comic book short story into a bejeweled fairy tale and ghost story.  I think “The Last Witch of Fairfield” would make a superb longer narrative, perhaps as a one-shot comic book or even as a miniseries.  It is classic weird Hellboy.

Overall, I don't think that Hellboy Winter Special 2017 has the dramatic heft and imagination of the 2016 edition.  2016 was filled with stories that are classic Mignola, classic Hellboy investigates, or classic Hellboy humor.  While “The Last Witch of Fairfield” matches the high-quality of last year's edition, “The Great Blizzard” and “God Rest Ye Merry” are minor works.

I would recommend Hellboy Winter Special 2016 to anyone who reads comic books.  I would only recommend Hellboy Winter Special 2017 to Hellboy completists.

B

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: FIGHT CLUB 2 #3

FIGHT CLUB 2 #3
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Chuck Palahniuk
ART: Cameron Stewart
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Nate Piekos of Blambot
COVER:  David Mack
VARIANT COVER: Cameron Stewart
EDITOR: Scott Allie
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2015)

“This is Limbo”

Fight Club 2 is the comic book sequel to the 1996 prose novel, Fight Club, written by author Chuck Palahniuk.  Published by Dark Horse Comics, Fight Club 2 is also written by Chuck Palahniuk, drawn by Cameron Stewart, colored by Dave Stewart, and lettered by Nate Piekos, with cover art provided by painter David Mack.

Fight Club 2 focuses on the unnamed protagonist of Fight Club, who now calls himself “Sebastian.”  A decade ago, he had an army of men ready to take down the modern world.  Now, an assortment of pills and medications have taken him down.  Sebastian is married to Marla Singer, his former co-revolutionary, and they have a son, “Junior.”  All is boring, but an old friend, Tyler Durden, is back, and he may be the reason that Junior has been kidnapped.

Once upon a time, Sebastian led a revolutionary project/movement called “Project Mayhem.”  As Fight Club 2 #3 opens, Sebastian engages the current generation of Project Mayhem, with the ample bruises provided by Marla that will allow him to walk among this new generation.  The search for Sebastian's son begins, while Tyler makes new and even darker plans.

At this point, I can't pretend to be surprised by how good a comic book Fight Club 2 is.  I am enjoying it as much, if not more, than the novel, which I first read sometime in the last decade or so.  Now, I am suspicious of Chuck Palahniuk.  Of course, he is an acclaimed and successful writer of prose (novels and short stories), but his first foray into comic books should not be as well executed as Fight Club 2 is.

Of course, he does have the advantage of having as a co-author, the accomplished comic book artist, Cameron Stewart.  The graphical storytelling in this comic book tells this story set in the world of Fight Club subtly and with a sense of mystery, in a way the slick and hyper 1999 Fight Club movie did not.

And yet, once again, cover artist, David Mack, leaves his mark on this comic book with another striking painting.  His work on this series encapsulates the narrative's secrets and lies, and fosters the idea that this story is older than we realize.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: FIGHT CLUB 2 #2

FIGHT CLUB 2 #2
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Chuck Palahniuk
ART: Cameron Stewart
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Nate Piekos of Blambot
COVER:  David Mack
VARIANT COVERS: Francesco Francavilla
EDITOR: Scott Allie
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2015)

“The fire inspector said...”

Author Chuck Palahniuk has written the sequel to his 1996 novel, Fight Club, as a comic book.  Published by Dark Horse Comics, Fight Club 2 is written by Chuck Palahniuk, drawn by Cameron Stewart, colored by Dave Stewart, and lettered by Nate Piekos, with cover art by David Mack.

In Fight Club 2, the unnamed protagonist of Fight Club now calls himself “Sebastian.”  A decade ago, he had an army of men ready to take down the modern world.  Now, an assortment of pills and medications have taken him down.  Sebastian is married to Marla Singer, his former co-revolutionary, and they have a son, “Junior.”  All is boring, but an old friend, Tyler Durden, is back.

Fight Club 2 #2 (“The fire inspector said...”) opens in the aftermath of the destruction of Sebastian and Marla's suburban home.  In theory, they are grieving parents, as their son was killed in the fire.  As one would expect, more-to-the-story isn't just a catch phrase.  Someone adjusted someone's medicine so she could screw someone special, and an old army demands an audience with its leader.

I really hoped that Fight Club 2 would be an exceptional comic book, and it is – dare I call it great?  It would not be an exaggeration to say that Chuck Palahniuk was born to write comic books, which he proves with this bracing and invigorating story.  Of course, he is blessed with a talented co-author in artist Cameron Stewart.  Stewart tells the story with subtly and with a sense of mystery.  Graphically and visually, Stewart delivers the story with a matter-of-fact quality that makes Fight Club 2 seem genuine and not contrived, but without loosing the surreal qualities of Palahniuk's world.

Once again, David Mack lets loose a stellar cover painting.  Yes, there is an element of menace in these covers, but much is left to interpretation because we control our destiny because we don't control our destiny... and Tyler is watching.  I don't know why people aren't making a huge freaking deal about this comic book instead of worrying about what Marvel Comics or DC Comics are going to do to or with their precious faux universes.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Review: BARB WIRE Volume 2 #1

BARB WIRE, VOL. 2 #1
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[Originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Chris Warner
PENCILS:  Patrick Olliffe
INKS: Tom Nguyen
COLORS: Gabe Eltaeb
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Adam Hughes
VARIANT COVER: Adam Hughes
EDITOR: Scott Allie
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2015)

Steel Harbor Blues Part 1

Barbara Kopetski a.k.a “Barb Wire,” is a Dark Horse Comics character.  She made her first appearance two decades ago in Comics Greatest World: Steel Harbor Week 1 and was created by Chris Warner, apparently with the assistance of something called “Team CGW” (Mike Richardson, Randy Stradley, Barbara Kesel, Jerry Prosser, Chris Warner).

Barb is a bar owner and works as a part-time bounty hunter in order to pay the bills for her bar (“The Hammerhead”).  She lives in Steel Harbor, which is the kind of crime-ridden, gang-infested, bombed-out, wreck of a town that is a good setting for storytelling.

Dark Horse is bring Barb Wire back to comic books in Barb Wire Volume 2.  The new series is written by creator Chris Warner, penciled by Patrick Olliffe, inked by Tom Nguyen, colored by Gabe Eltaeb, and lettered by Michael Heisler, with covers by Adam Hughes.

Barb Wire Volume 2 #1 (“Steel Harbor Blues Part 1”) opens with Barb playing bail enforcement agent to bring in a character named Amos Lomas.  Back at The Hammerhead, there is the kind of trouble that leads to difficulties and destruction and the need for more money for bar repairs.  However, Barb's troubles are moving past rowdy patrons and gang disputes.  Steel Harbor's new mayor, Victoria Castle, wants to clean up the city, and Barb's treasures may face a bulldozer.

Barb Wire Volume 2 #1 is one of the most low-key first issues that I have ever read.  It is not at all a poorly produced comic book.  The art team of Patrick Olliffe and Tom Nguyen deliver some impressive compositions with pleasing page designs.  The storytelling, however, lacks spark because the script from which the artists work is competent, but would never be mistakenly described as “explosive.”  Still, I must admit to being impressed that Chris Warner is making gentrification and class the impetus for conflict in this story.

I can't see anyone beside fans of Barb Wire and people who look to try first issues buying Barb Wire Volume 2 #1.  The first trade paperback will probably be a good read, but, as first issues go, this first issue is just too much set-up and is also too damn nonchalant.

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: FIGHT CLUB 2 #1

FIGHT CLUB 2 #1
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

WRITER: Chuck Palahniuk
ART: Cameron Stewart
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Nate Piekos of Blambot
COVER:  David Mack
VARIANT COVERS: Lee Bermejo; Amanda Connor; Steve Lieber; Cameron Stewart; and Chip Zdarsky; Joëlle Jones; Paul Pope; Tim Seeley
EDITOR: Scott Allie
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2015)

The Tranquility Gambit #1: “Keep The Home Fires Burning”

Written by Chuck Palahniuk, the novel, Fight Club, was first published in 1996.  It was subsequently adapted into a film of the same title by director, David Fincher, that starred Brad Pitt and Edward Norton in the lead roles.  Released in 1999, the film was not a big box office smash, but it has since gained cult status and continued popularity.

Fight Club the novel follows an unnamed male protagonist, who is struggling with insomnia and is unhappy with his workaday life as an office drone.  The turning point in his life is when he meets a mysterious man named Tyler Durden, who has established an underground fighting club, which becomes a kind of radical psychotherapy for disaffected males who are unsatisfied with the modern, industrial, consumerist world.

Last year, Dark Horse Comics and Chuck Palahniuk announced that Fight Club was getting a sequel, but that sequel would not be a novel.  It would be a comic book, and thus, we now have Fight Club 2, which is written by Chuck Palahniuk, drawn by Cameron Stewart, colored by Dave Stewart, and lettered by Nate Piekos, with cover art by David Mack.

Fight Club 2 #1 (“Keep The Home Fires Burning”) reintroduces the unnamed protagonist of Fight Club, who now calls himself “Sebastian.”  A decade ago, he had an army of men ready to take down the modern world.  Now, Sebastian is surrounded by assorted pills and medications.  His wife, Marla Singer, once his co-revolutionary, is deeply unsatisfied with the suburban, TV Land life they lead.  Even their son, “Junior,” is now more interesting than his dad.  Marla just wants to fuck Tyler Durden again, and she just may get that chance...

I think I saw Fight Club the movie before I read the novel.  Both are good.  The film is a bracing, exhilarating trip through the dissatisfaction of the kind of Gen-X males that, having generously supped on the tit of White privilege, suddenly found themselves overfed and bored.  The book is nuanced, probing, thoughtful, and provocative.  It demands that its reader engage it, and each reader takes from the novel what he can understand or absorb.

Fight Club 2 retains the voice of the novel, which might seem obvious considering that the originator of Fight Club is also the writer of the comic book.  However, popular culture is littered with the disappointing or uneven results of creators returning to a creations some considerable time after they first began working on them.  Some of you, dear readers, will immediately think of the original Star Wars films and compare them to the “prequel trilogy.”  In comics, a good example would be Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again, which disappointed readers because it was so different from the original, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.  So the voice is not always the same when it should obviously be the same.

Discounting the film, there was more to say about Fight Club, and although this is only the first issue, Fight Club 2 seems as if it will be both a worthy successor to the original and also a solid narrative in its own right.  Artist Cameron Stewart captures the banality and the fragility of Sebastian's current life, as well as its surreal and unreal nature.  David Mack's cover art for this first issue evokes the sense that Tyler Durden is both alluring and dangerous. This cover alone should earn him an Eisner Award nomination in the “cover artist” category.

So after one issue, I heartily recommend Fight Club 2 #1, at least, to anyone who has ever read Fight Club the novel and/or seen the film.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux (This review first appeared on Patreon.)


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: ABE SAPIEN: Dark and Terrible #2

ABE SAPIEN: DARK AND TERRIBLE #2 OF 3 (Series #12)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

STORY: Mike Mignola and Scott Allie
ART: Sebastián Fiumara
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Sebastián Fiumara
EDITOR: Scott Allie
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S. (May 2013)

Abe Sapien created by Mike Mignola

Dark and Terrible, Part 2 (of 3)

Sometimes, it happens.  I forget to post a review, and that is the case with Abe Sapien: Dark and Terrible #2.  How late am I?  Well, as of this writing, Abe Sapien #5 was published two weeks ago!  I wrote this review almost three-and-half months ago!

As some of you already know:  Abraham “Abe” Sapien is a character that appears in Hellboy and related comic book series.  Created by Mike Mignola, Abe Sapien first appeared in Hellboy: Seed of Destruction and is a member of the B.P.R.D., the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Development.  Abe is sometimes referred to as a “fishman” or “merman.”

Abe Sapien is a new ongoing comic book series that picks up after previous Abe Sapien comics and will continue with a series of miniseries or story arcs.  Abe Sapien: Dark and Terrible #2 (of 3) is written by Mike Mignola and Scott Allie, drawn by Sebastián Fiumara, colored by Dave Stewart, and lettered by Clem Robins.

Abe Sapien: Dark and Terrible Part 2 opens with a flashback at B.P.R.D. Headquarters in Colorado.  Abe and the seer, Panya, have a conversation, much of it cryptic on Panya’s part.  The Ogdru Hem walks the Earth, turning humans into monsters, and Abe’s friends in the B.P.R.D. are foot soldiers in the war against these monsters that have emerged from the ground.  But apparently, Abe is not meant for this war.

In the present, Abe’s quest to avoid his comrades takes him to the hamlet of Grayrock, located in San Juan County, Colorado.  There, he meets a kindly man of god with a rather unruly flock.

While the title character was mostly missing from the first issue of Abe Sapien: Dark and Terrible, Abe Sapien dominates the second issue.  That’s a good thing.  Abe Sapien is not only an interesting and engaging character, but he is also a character that allows writers to bring out the most interesting aspects of other characters, as they react to him.  Mike Mignola and Scott Allie have a grand time creating chaos around Abe this time.

I simply love the art by Sebastián Fiumara, with its textures and pen and ink-like compositions.  Dave Stewart’s colors bring out the best of Fiumara’s art and makes the art look even more beautiful.  At first, I was only going to read this comic book for the art, but with this issue’s ending slash cliffhanger, I’m also coming back for the story.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Review: B.P.R.D.: Vampire #5

B.P.R.D. VAMPIRE #5 (OF 5)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

STORY: Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon
ART: Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Fábio Moon
EDITOR: Scott Allie
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S. (July 2013)

B.P.R.D.: Vampire, the five-issue miniseries and direct sequel to B.P.R.D.: 1948, has come to an end.  B.P.R.D. (or BPRD) is the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense.  This organization protects America and the rest of the world from the occult, the paranormal, and the supernatural.

B.P.R.D.: Vampire is produced by writer Mike Mignola and co-writers/artists Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon.  It is set in 1948 and follows Agent Simon Anders and his quest for revenge against a clan of vampires and its Gorgon-eyed queen, Hecate.  After consulting “witch maps,” Anders travels to Cesky Krumlov, Czechoslovakia.  There, he and his guide, Hana Novarov, find Krumlov Castle, where Anders meets the conniving vampire sisters, Katharina and Annaliese.

B.P.R.D.: Vampire #5 opens at BPRD Headquarters in Fairfield, Connecticut.  Professor Trevor Bruttenholm finds that he is the only one who can put an end to this vampire hunt.  The Professor must also solve the mystery of the undead of Ceský Krumlov (Castle Krumlov).  That means, however, that he must face the one who began the hunt, Agent Simon Anders.

Now, that B.P.R.D.: Vampire has ended, it is easier to fully appreciate how unique this series is.  It is a scary story by way of horror fiction of many stripes:  vampire, psychological, surreal, and weird.

Summoning their inner Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon deliver some visually arresting graphical storytelling.  Their art sells the idea that this is a story that is as impressionistic and psychological as it is literal.  Damn, this is just a good looking comic book.  Dave Stewart’s striking colors make him part of the art team and also part of the story team.

Mignola, Bá, Moon, and Stewart are a comic book Fab Four.  B.P.R.D.: Vampire is their excellent yellow submarine to Hell.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Review: B.P.R.D.: Vampire #4

B.P.R.D.: VAMPIRE #4 (OF 5)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

STORY: Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon
ART: Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Fábio Moon
EDITOR: Scott Allie
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S. (June 2013)

We have now reached the penultimate issue of B.P.R.D.: Vampire from Mike Mignola and Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon. The B.P.R.D., of course, is the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, which protects America and the rest of the world from the occult, the paranormal, and the supernatural. The new comic book miniseries, B.P.R.D.: Vampire, is a direct sequel to B.P.R.D.: 1948 and is separate from the main B.P.R.D. comic book series.

The five-issue miniseries is written Mike Mignola and Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon and drawn by Bá and Moon. It is set in 1948 and follows Agent Simon Anders and his quest for revenge against a clan of vampires and its Gorgon-eyed queen, Hecate. After consulting “witch maps,” Anders travels to Cesky Krumlov, Czechoslovakia. There, he and his guide, Hana Novarov, find Krumlov Castle, where Anders meets the conniving vampire sisters, Katharina and Annaliese.

B.P.R.D.: Vampire #4 opens after Agent Anders’ battle with Lord Wilhelm. His time in Krumlov Castle has changed him, however. Now, he faces a small army of witches, and they want to kill him. Meanwhile, Hana calls B.P.R.D. Headquarters.

Now, that B.P.R.D.: Vampire has reached its penultimate issue, it becomes obvious why press material for the series refers to Agent Simon Anders as “doomed.” The confrontation between Anders and his “guests” and a gathering of witches is worth the price of admission.

Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon have not run out of ideas; their art for this series is as visually arresting as ever. The striking colors by Dave Stewart remind that B.P.R.D.: Vampire is a graphical narrative. The pictures tell a story that is as impressionistic and psychological as it is literal. You have to read the art and graphics to get the full impact of this story. I’m ready for the finale.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Review: BREATH OF BONES: A Tale of the Golem #1

BREATH OF BONES: A TALE OF THE GOLEM #1 (OF 3)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

STORY: Steve Niles and Matt Santoro
SCRIPT: Steve Niles
ART: Dave Wachter
LETTERS: Nate Piekos (of Blambot)
EDITORS: Scott Allie and Daniel Chabon
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2013)

Part 1 of 3

Steve Niles, the creator of 30 Days of Night and Criminal Macabre, is the co-creator of a new dark fantasy miniseries, Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem. Niles, who wrote the story with Matt Santoro, scripts the series, and 2012 Russ Manning Award nominee Dave Wachter is the artist. The series concerns the giant clay monster of Jewish legend, and its battle against Nazis.

Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem #1 opens in April 1944 and focuses on Noah, a young soldier. In the heat of battle, Noah recalls his youth, watching his father and the other men of his small European Jewish village leave for battle. Days turn into weeks as he awaits his father’s return. Then, he meets injured British pilot, Simon Richards.

For the most part, how many readers care what I think? I imagine in the scope of things that Dark Horse Comics cares more about a review at Comic Book Resources or at Newsarama than at I Reads You. That is regardless of how many reviews I Reads You has published in its short life.

But I’ll tell y’all what I think of this comic book anyway. I really like Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem. There is a touch of humanity about it that is similar to James Vance and Dan Burr’s recent graphic novel, On the Ropes. I’m not one of those people that get wood whenever I hear that Steve Niles is writing a new scary comic book. I don’t think he’s the Stephen King of American comic books, but still, I’m touched by his new work.

For the most part, the first issue of Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem is a historical drama about the home front during wartime. The lovely art by Dave Wachter is perfect to tell this story of a small village in Europe. The lovely ink wash texture helps to evoke the sense of longing and also the threat of danger on the horizon. Is this hand-drawn ink wash or computer-aided? I’ll be disappointed if it’s the latter. Bring on #2.

People who want good comics want Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Review: B.P.R.D. VAMPIRE #3

B.P.R.D. VAMPIRE #3 (OF 5)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

STORY: Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon
ART: Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Fábio Moon
EDITOR: Scott Allie
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S. (May 2013)

Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá, and Fábio Moon have united for B.P.R.D.: Vampire, a five-issue miniseries. The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (the B.P.R.D. or BPRD) protects America and the rest of the world from the occult, the paranormal, and the supernatural. Beginning with its own title, B.P.R.D.: Hollow Earth, the B.P.R.D. series focuses on the team and sometimes individual agents.

B.P.R.D.: Vampire is a direct sequel to B.P.R.D.: 1948 and is separate from the main B.P.R.D. series. Set in 1948, Vampire follows Agent Simon Anders and his quest for revenge against a clan of vampires and its Gorgon-eyed queen, Hecate. After consulting “witch maps,” Anders travels to Cesky Krumlov, Czechoslovakia. There, he and his guide, Hana Novarov, who is from the Krumlov History Museum, begin a quest to find Krumlov Castle.

As B.P.R.D.: Vampire #3 opens, Anders and Hana find the castle, or actually, they fall into it. Once inside, Anders meets the conniving sisters, Katharina and Annaliese. His big meeting is with the master of the castle, who tells him of a horrific bargain he made centuries ago. It turns out, however, that both Anders and the master have things to learn, but will the bloodthirsty Anders stay calm long enough to learn anything?

Individual issues of the B.P.R.D.: Vampire series are quick reads. There is not a lot of dialogue and little exposition, but the main reason this is a quick read is because the story is so engaging it just demands to be read.

I can’t help but race through the pages to view the visually arresting art by Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon, with its graphically striking colors by Dave Stewart. Stylistically and visually, this series recalls the early black and white horror films of Italian filmmaker, Mario Bava (Black Sunday).

Also, the story twists and turns like a reptile in clumsy hands, waiting to strike the unprepared, but attracted reader with revelations and with changes in character. B.P.R.D.: Vampire is heading for a smashing ending.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Review: B.P.R.D. VAMPIRE #2

B.P.R.D. VAMPIRE #2 (OF 5)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

STORY: Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon
ART: Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Fábio Moon
EDITOR: Scott Allie
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S. (April 2013)

Agent Simon Anders’ quest for vampires takes him deep into Czechoslovakia in the second issue of B.P.R.D.: Vampire.

The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (the B.P.R.D. or BPRD) protects America and the rest of the world from the occult, the paranormal, and the supernatural. The B.P.R.D. first appeared in the debut Hellboy comic book miniseries, Hellboy: Seed of Destruction (1994). The Bureau received its own title with B.P.R.D.: Hollow Earth (2002).

B.P.R.D.: Vampire is a direct sequel to B.P.R.D.: 1948 and is separate from the main B.P.R.D. series. This five issue miniseries is also set in 1948. It follows an apparently doomed Agent Simon Anders and his quest for revenge against a clan of vampires and its Gorgon-eyed queen, Hecate.

B.P.R.D.: Vampire #2 opens with Agent Anders traveling by train to Cesky Krumlov, Czechoslovakia. Twelve days prior to this trip, at B.P.R.D. Headquarters in Fairfield, Connecticut, Anders and Professor Trevor Bruttenholm consulted “witch maps.” This decides Anders’ destination.

Arriving in Cesky Krumlov, Anders meets his guide, Hana Novarov, from the Krumlov History Museum. The village is as strange as its history, which is what interests Anders. He has come to track the history of the mid-18th century figure, Eleonora von Schwarzenberg. Through Hana, Anders travels the long and winding road that is local history and the lineage of Wilhelm von Rosenberg, former Lord of Krumlov Castle.

In my comic book review of the first issue of B.P.R.D.: Vampire, I wrote that the basic plot, written by Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá, and Fábio Moon, is straightforward and simple. The second issue begins to add more elements, and Agent Simon Anders’ personality seems less like that of a stoic hero and more like that of a complicated, anti-hero type. Even Hana Novarov is a (delightfully) unknown quantity.

I like that Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon’s art fits nicely within the general graphic sensibility of the Mike Mignola universe (the Mignola-verse). The art is creepy, as befits a horror comic, but has the qualities of a magical folk tale or enchanted fairy tale. Yes, B.P.R.D.: Vampire is indeed a good read.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Review: SLEDGEHAMMER 44 #2

SLEDGEHAMMER 44 #2 (of 2)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

CREATOR: Mike Mignola
STORY: Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
ART: Jason Latour
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Clem Robins
EDITOR: Scott Allie
COVER: Mike Mignola with Dave Stewart
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S. (April 2013)

Part 2 of 2

Mike Mignola and John Arcudi’s two-issue micro-series, Sledgehammer 44, comes to an end.

Sledgehammer is a superhero character created by Mike Mignola, sort of his spin on Iron Man. The character appears in the two-issue Sledgehammer 44, written by Mignola and John Arcudi, drawn by Jason Latour, colored by Dave Stewart, and lettered by Clem Robins, with covers by Mignola.

Sledgehammer 44 opens in August 1944 in D’ebene Chiot, France, as an American military patrol attempts to destroy a German armory there. The Americans, however, are really just support troops, as the military launches “Project Epimetheus,” also known as Sledgehammer, the man in a suit of iron armor.

Sledgehammer 44 #2 opens with four Americans taking on small German advance patrol. The prize for the victorious side is Sledgehammer. Americans Dale Glesham and Patrick Redding lead the charge for the American side, with their American comrades, Bunkers and Muralla dragged along.

One of the American’s is grievously wounded, and Glesham has to make a decision about a possible last stand. Meanwhile, another American faces his fate after he is confronted by the truth about Sledgehammer.

Call it the Hellboy-verse or the Mignola-verse, but by any name, Dark Horse Comics’ line of Mike Mignola-produced comic books is simply wonderful. Sledgehammer 44 is a fine slice of that universe of most-excellent dark fantasy and monster comics.

The first issue of Sledgehammer 44 was basically Mignola and Arcudi’s entry into the genre of war comics, but with a sci-fi twist and some high-action. Sledgehammer 44 #2 is also in the venerable tradition of war comic books, but with something extra. Even with the fantastic elements, this comic book manages to be surprisingly human. If Mignola and Arcudi can write more stories like this, hopefully, they will give us more Sledgehammer.

What if Jason Latour cannot draw more Sledgehammer? Perhaps, Mignola and Dark Horse Comics can also find another artist whose composition and graphics can convey both the natural and the supernatural in war comics.

Fans of Mike Mignola will want to try Sledgehammer 44.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Review: ABE SAPIEN: Dark and Terrible #1

ABE SAPIEN: DARK AND TERRIBLE #1 OF 3 (Series #11)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

STORY: Mike Mignola and Scott Allie
ART: Sebastián Fiumara
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Sebastián Fiumara
VARIANT COVER: Max Fiumara
EDITOR: Scott Allie
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Dark and Terrible, Part 1 (of 3)

Abraham “Abe” Sapien is a character in the Hellboy line of comic books, also known as the “Mignolaverse.” Created by Mike Mignola, Abe Sapien first appeared in Hellboy: Seed of Destruction and is a member of the B.P.R.D., the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Development. Abe is sometimes referred to as a “fishman” or “merman.”

Abe has made regular appearances in Hellboy and B.P.R.D. comics, and he has starred in his own one-shot comic book (Abe Sapien: Drums of the Dead) and a miniseries (Abe Sapien: The Drowning by Mike Mignola).

Starting this week is a new-ongoing Abe Sapien comic book series, the launch of which has started a renumbering of Abe Sapien comic books. Abe Sapien: Dark and Terrible #1 (of 3) is the 11th issue of the Ape Sabien series. Abe Sapien: Dark and Terrible is written by Mike Mignola and Scott Allie, drawn by Sebastián Fiumara, colored by Dave Stewart, and lettered by Clem Robins.

Abe Sapien: Dark and Terrible Part 1 opens in Palisade, Colorado where a fierce demonic summoning is reaching fever pitch. Meanwhile, at B.P.R.D. headquarters, Agent Devon earns the ire of Director Corrigan, who is feeling the strain of the worldwide monster invasion. Meanwhile, three chatty hobos make a surprising discovery aboard the boxcar they share. Where is Abe Sapien? B.P.R.D. agents are getting closer…

Considering that Abe Sapien is mostly missing from Abe Sapien: Dark and Terrible, the story manages to be interesting, if not a bit too chatty. There are four different groups of individuals taking part in the story, and their activities are more teasing than interesting.

Sebastián Fiumara and Dave Stewart are the main attractions here. Sebastián Fiumara’s art is beautifully textured, with the inking seeming to be a mix of brushwork and a scratching technique. The art also reminds me of Richard Corben. That art looks even better with Dave Stewart’s rich coloring, a mix of earth tones and darkish colors, over it. This comic book is worth having just for the art. Still, I want more Abe Sapien in my Abe Sapien.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Leroy Douresseaux on STAR WARS: JEDI – The Dark Side #4

STAR WARS: JEDI – THE DARK SIDE #4
DARK HORSE BOOKS

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

SCRIPT: Scott Allie
ARTIST: Mahmud Asrar
COLORS: Paul Mounts
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Stéphane Roux
32pp, Color, $2.99

The only reason that I’ve become a regular reader of the Star Wars comic books that Dark Horse Comics publishes is because Dark Horse sends me advance review copies in PDF form. Since I don’t make regular (or even semi-regular) trips to the comic book shops that are closest to me (and they’re not that close), I avoid getting into series that require me to buy consecutive issues. If I were a regular comic book guy, I’d probably buy these Star Wars comic books. They’re quite good.

Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side is a Star Wars comic book set during “The Rise of the Empire” era, the thousand-year period before the original Star Wars film. This particular storyline takes place two decades before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

The Jedi Council has sent Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, his headstrong Padawan Xanatos, the beautiful Jedi Master Tahl, and the Padawan Orykan Tamarik (whose master is deceased) to the planet Telos IV. Their assignment is to quell the unrest caused by the mysterious death and possible assassination of High Priestess Liora.

As Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side #4 opens, Qui-Gon and the Jedi deal with the aftermath of the attack on Lord Crion, the ruler of Telos IV and father of Xanatos. The attack resulted in a shocking death, which Crion uses to his political advantage. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon must do without one his companions, and he must also deal with the fact that the Jedi are being used for political purposes. And still the true villain behind the murder of the High Priestess remains unknown.

Writer Scott Allie has turned in a Star Wars comic book story that is part palace drama and part conspiracy thriller, in addition to having the usual Star Wars elements. Plus, in this issue, there is plenty of hot light saber action, courtesy of Qui-Gon. Speaking of the master, Allie has generally presented a richly characterized version of Qui-Gon in the series. With this issue, however, he is vapid, although I think the character is supposed to come across as perplexed? Anyway, this series is steadily moving towards a conclusion that I hope can live up to the build up.

B+

Leroy Douresseaux on STAR WARS: JEDI – THE DARK SIDE #3

STAR WARS: JEDI – THE DARK SIDE #3
DARK HORSE BOOKS

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

SCRIPT: Scott Allie
ARTIST: Mahmud Asrar
COLORS: Paul Mounts
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Stéphane Roux
32pp, Color, $2.99

Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side is a recently launched Star Wars comic book series from Dark Horse Comics. It is set during “The Rise of the Empire” era, which is essentially the time period of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. This particular story takes place two decades before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

In Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side, the Jedi Council sends Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, his headstrong Padawan Xanatos, the beautiful Jedi Master Tahl, and the Padawan Orykan Tamarik (whose master is deceased) to the planet Telos IV. Their assignment is to quell the unrest caused by the mysterious death and possible assassination of High Priestess Liora.

As Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side #3 opens, Qui-Gon attempts to bring peace between Xanatos and his father, Lord Crion, the ruler of Telos IV. Father and son have a difficult relationship, made even more difficult by Crion’s pride and Xanatos’ stubborn ways. Xanatos’ sister, Nason, also tries to bring her brother and father together, but she may be endangering herself. Meanwhile, the dissidents on Telos IV grow bolder, and the mysterious Jedi figure that may be behind the planet’s troubles is revealed to Qui-Gon,

Writer Scott Allie has turned Star Wars into a high-quality court drama and conspiracy thriller. This is more like a summer potboiler prose novel than a comic book. Artist Mahmud Asrar does his best work in depicting the Jedi in action. His art captures the jumping, flipping, cart-wheeling Jedi of The Phantom Menace in still pictures that don’t lose the energy of the moving image originals. I didn’t think that I’d like this, but I’m actually looking forward to more, especially because Allie presents a richly characterized version of Qui-Gon.

A-

Dark Horse Digital Comics at Local Comic Book Shops

EXCLUSIVE NEW DARK HORSE DIGITAL COMICS AVAILABLE TODAY AT YOUR LOCAL COMIC SHOP!

JULY 1, MILWAUKIE, OR—As previously announced, Dark Horse debuts its program to distribute exclusive digital content through brick-and-mortar retailers today, with the launch of B.P.R.D.: Casualties!

Starting today, the Dark Horse Digital Retailer Exclusive program will offer all-new monthly digital comics for free! This exclusive program is a great way to drive both new and existing customers into local comic shops for digital comics that only those stores can provide.

Over the next three months, the program will debut new stories from some of Dark Horse’s hottest titles:

JULY: B.P.R.D.: Casualties -Liz and Abe investigate a series of hideous murders taking place at a remote cabin in the woods.

Creators:
Writers: Mike Mignola, Scott Allie
Artist: Guy Davis
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Clem Robins

AUGUST: Buffy Season 9: Magical Mystery Tour Featuring the Beetles -Spike leads an intergalactic bug crew though time and space in order to get back to planet Earth!

Creators:
Writer: Jane Espenson
Artist: Georges Jeanty
Inker: Dexter Vines
Colorist: Michelle Madsen
Letterer: Richard Starkings

SEPTEMBER: Mass Effect – Details coming soon!
A complete list of participating retailers can be found below. Stop into your local comic shop today to pick up a special redemption code for your exclusive eight-page B.P.R.D. story today!

For the complete list of participating stores, please visit the Dark Horse blog: http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/476/exclusive-digital-comics-available-your-retailer

Leroy Douresseaux on STAR WARS: JEDI - THE DARK SIDE #2

STAR WARS: JEDI – THE DARK SIDE #2
DARK HORSE BOOKS

[Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

SCRIPT: Scott Allie
ARTIST: Mahmud Asrar
COLORS: Paul Mounts
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Stéphane Roux
32pp, Color, $2.99

Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side is a new Star Wars comic book recently launched by Dark Horse Comics. It is written by Scott Allie, who previously wrote Star Wars: Empire—Betrayal. The artist is Mahmud Asrar, who has worked on Brightest Day: The Atom Special and Avengers: The Initiative.

Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side is set during “The Rise of the Empire” era. This period takes place during the 1000 years before the Battle of Yavin (the climax of the original Star Wars film when Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star). This particular story takes place approximately 53 years before the Battle of Yavin.

The lead character of this first story arc of Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side is Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (ostensibly the lead in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace). The Jedi Council dispatches Qui-Gon, his headstrong Padawan Xanatos, the beautiful Jedi Master Tahl, and the Padawan Orykan Tamarik, whose master is deceased, to the planet Telos IV. Their assignment is to quell the unrest caused by the mysterious death and possible assassination of High Priestess Liora.

Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side #2 opens in the aftermath of the attack on their ship that occurred as the Jedi arrived on Telos IV. Matters are further complicated by the fact that this planet is Xanatos’ home world, and his father, Lord Crion, is its ruler. Father and son have a difficult relationship, made even more difficult by Crion’s pride and Xanatos’ stubborn ways. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon and Orykan make a shocking discovery – the presence of some kind of Jedi at the murder scene. Meanwhile, Tahl finds herself in the fight of her life.

Qui-Gon Jinn is my favorite character from The Phantom Menace, so I’m excited by this original comic book story featuring the Jedi Master who came to an untimely end. Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side doesn’t disappoint, but it is more than just another Star Wars comic book. It is a murder mystery with elements of palace intrigue and political conspiracy. There are themes of family discord, professional jealousy, personal dissatisfaction, and nationalism (or the planetary equivalent of it).

Writer Scott Allie presents this story as a detective tale – dropping suspects and motives all over the place. In fact, it seems as if everyone here is guilty of something, and Allie adds an air of suspense and intrigue to the story by giving every character something to hide or something with which to struggle. It makes for a great summer potboiler. Artist Mahmud Asrar brings Allie’s script to life in comics form – a gripping graphic novel read. Asrar’s clean style and dramatic chops guarantee that this will be both a good comic book and a good Star Wars tale.

A-

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