#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #18

KILLADELPHIA #18
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
PENCILS: Christopher Mitten (pp. 21-23)
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Simon Bisley
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (October 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia and Elysium Gardens created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part VI: “The End of Things”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander and is published by Image Comics.  At the center of this series is a police officer caught in a lurid conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia, “the City of Brotherly Love.”  Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., thought to be dead.  He is actually a vampire.  Now father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner, a dead president, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly from an ambitious and murderous former First Lady.

As Killadelphia #18 (“The End of Things”) opens, Abigail Adams and her vampire hordes and legions are tearing Philadelphia apart and tearing through its human citizens.  Meanwhile, back at the heroes' ranch, Anansi is ready to bounce, but at least he is offering some parting words of wisdom.

James Sr. is determined that Jim Jr. and Jose's unborn child – his grandchild – have a better life than he got and than what he gave Jim Jr.  So, he's off to battle … with a few friends.  There's no way they can survive Abigail Adams, so they need allies...  The reckoning for a city and a nation is finally at hand, but are all the players on the board?

THE LOWDOWN:  Killadelphia's third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is,” comes to an end.  I thought that this would be the story arc that most reveals the complexities and multiple layers of Killadelphia.  I thought it would be the one that reveals this series as more dark fantasy than mere vampire comic book.  And it is.

I think I do need a break from the series.  I have run up against a rhetorical wall.  What more can I say?  Every issue I read impresses me and inspires me to create my own fiction.  So I need a few months breather before I take on the next glorious arc and more Rodney Barnes.  I'll have extra time to mine the dictionary for new words of praise and glorification.  Can you imagine what Barnes' Falcon comic book series would have been if Marvel Comics had not canceled it?

As for artist Jason Shawn Alexander:  Jason’s art continues to astound me.  He is just beyond talented.  Isn't it crazy or coincidental that we feel the say way about Jason, Mr. Barnes?  Seriously, Jason's art in this closer is like the best of elements of 1960s and 70s horror comic books, Hammer Films, and Bill Sienkiewicz – all brought together in a way only Jason can do.

Colorist Luis Nct, who has always done great work on this series, lost his mind and created a comic book coloring masterpiece in Killadelphia #18.  Marshall Dillon's lettering brings peace to the story, or at least enough so that we can read through the madness.  And I credit artist Chris Mitten for bringing his “A game” so that his guest art here blends in without a bump.

I'll end this review by saying that Killadelphia #18 is yet another chance for readers to get in now on the best of the best.  However, even if you get far behind, dear readers, it will be such fun to catch up.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

[This issue includes an afterword by Rodney Barnes.]

A+

10 out of 10

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


https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259
https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ
https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and 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).

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for January 5, 2022

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

FEB211480 2000 AD APRIL 2021 PROG PACK $21.00

OCT201524 ACG COLL WORKS ADV INTO UNKNOWN SOFTEE VOL 14 (C: 0-1-1) $24.99

NOV201464 ACG COLL WORKS FORBIDDEN WORLDS SOFTEE VOL 14 (C: 0-1-1) $24.99

NOV211968 AKASHIC RECORDS OF BASTARD MAGICAL INSTRUCTOR GN VOL 13 (C: $12.99

SEP212137 APOTHECARY DIARIES GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-0) $10.99

OCT211705 BAD KITTY FOR PRESIDENT GN (C: 0-1-0) $13.99

NOV211945 BATTLE ANGEL ALITA GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-1) $12.99

FEB211382 BEING A COSPLAYER SC $14.00

FEB211383 BEING GINGER SC $14.00

NOV211727 BLADE RUNNER 2029 #11 CVR A YOSHITANI (MR) $3.99

NOV211728 BLADE RUNNER 2029 #11 CVR B MEAD (MR) $3.99

NOV211729 BLADE RUNNER 2029 #11 CVR C HERVAS (MR) $3.99

SEP212081 BLUE GIANT OMNIBUS VOL 04 (VOL 7-8) (C: 0-1-1) $19.99

NOV211860 BORUTO GN VOL 13 NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

SEP211715 BOX #4 $3.95

NOV211065 BYLINES IN BLOOD #1 CVR A ANEKE $4.99

NOV211970 CHRONICLES OF ARISTOCRAT REBORN IN ANOTHER WORLD GN VOL 03 ( $12.99

JUL211332 COOKIE & KID VOL 02 #3 $3.99

JUL211333 DEATH BY LIFE #8 (OF 8) $3.99

NOV211845 DEMON SLAYER KIMETSU NO YAIBA STORIES WATER & FLAME GN (C: 0 $9.99

OCT211453 DF BATMAN REPTILIAN #1 SHARP SGN (C: 0-1-2) $29.99

NOV211581 DIRTBAG RAPTURE #4 $3.99

NOV211841 DRAGON BALL SUPER GN VOL 15 (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

AUG212318 EDENS ZERO GN VOL 14 (C: 0-1-1) $10.99

NOV211929 ERO NINJA SCROLLS GN VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $13.99

SEP211538 FANTASTIC GIANTS FACSIMILE EDITION (RES) (C: 0-1-0) $12.95

NOV211082 FEARBOOK CLUB OGN (C: 0-1-1) $16.99

NOV211184 FOURTH MAN #1 (OF 4) CVR A DEODATO JR (MR) $3.99

NOV211185 FOURTH MAN #1 (OF 4) CVR B RAHZZAH (MR) $3.99

SEP211238 FRED PERRY COMMISSIONS ONE SHOT (C: 0-1-0) $25.00

NOV201520 GLASS WALL GN (C: 0-1-1) $21.99

NOV201465 GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS FIGHT COMICS HC VOL 01 (C: 0-1-1) $46.99

NOV201466 GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS FIGHT COMICS SLIPCASE VOL 01 (C: 0-1-1) $56.99

JAN211485 GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS FIGHT COMICS SOFTEE VOL 01 (C: 0-1-1) $24.99

SEP212059 HERO LIFE OF SELF PROCLAIMED MEDIOCRE DEMON GN VOL 01 (C: 0- $12.99

AUG212085 HORIZON ZERO DAWN LIBERATION #4 CVR A QUALANO $3.99

AUG212086 HORIZON ZERO DAWN LIBERATION #4 CVR B ALOY CONCEPT ART $3.99

AUG212087 HORIZON ZERO DAWN LIBERATION #4 CVR C TOLIBAO $3.99

AUG211497 HORROR COMICS #8 VAMPIRE NINJA ONO PART 2 OF 2 $3.99

NOV211977 HOW NOT TO SUMMON DEMON LORD GN VOL 13 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $12.99

OCT212020 INTO DEEPEST MOST UNKNOWABLE DUNGEON GN VOL 01 (MR) (C: 0-1- $13.99

NOV211930 JK HARU IS SEX WORKER IN ANOTHER WORLD GN VOL 02 (RES) (MR) $13.99

NOV211862 KAKURIYO BED & BREAKFAST FOR SPIRITS GN VOL 07 (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

AUG211871 KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #289 (C: 0-0-1) $6.99

NOV211865 LOVE ME LOVE ME NOT GN VOL 12 (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

NOV211984 MAGAIMONO SUPER MAGIC ACTION ENTERTAINMENT GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1 $12.99

NOV211985 MANLY APPETITES MINEGISHI LOVES OTSU GN VOL 03 (MR) (C: 0-1- $13.99

OCT211322 MARJORIE FINNEGAN TEMPORAL CRIMINAL #8 (MR) $3.99

NOV211840 MASHLE MAGIC & MUSCLES GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

NOV211842 MORIARTY THE PATRIOT GN VOL 06 (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

OCT212113 MY ISEKAI LIFE GN VOL 01 (RES) (C: 0-1-1) $10.99

NOV211861 MY LOVE MIX UP GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

OCT211321 NOT ALL ROBOTS #5 (MR) $3.99

JAN211278 OMEGA #1 (OF 4) CVR A MARTIN GERAGHTY (C: 0-0-1) $4.99

JAN211279 OMEGA #1 (OF 4) CVR B RIDGWAY (C: 0-0-1) $4.99

JAN211280 OMEGA #1 (OF 4) CVR C STEPHEN B SCOTT (C: 0-0-1) $4.99

OCT218676 ON THE ONE HAND ON THE OTHER HAND GN (MR) $45.00

NOV211931 PARALLEL PARADISE GN VOL 08 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $13.99

OCT211956 POKEMON POCKET COMICS SUN & MOON GN (C: 0-1-2) $10.99

OCT201525 PRE CODE CLASSIC ADVENTURE COMICS HC VOL 01 (C: 0-1-1) $46.99

OCT201526 PRE CODE CLASSIC ADVENTURE COMICS SLIPCASE ED VOL 01 (C: 0-1 $56.99

OCT201527 PRE CODE CLASSIC TERRIFIC HC (C: 0-1-1) $46.99

OCT201528 PRE CODE CLASSIC TERRIFIC SLIPCASE (C: 0-1-1) $56.99

DEC201629 PRE CODE CLASSIC TERRIFIC SOFTEE (C: 0-1-1) $24.99

DEC201631 PS ARTBOOKS CLASSIC SCI FI COMICS HC VOL 02 (C: 0-1-1) $46.99

DEC201632 PS ARTBOOKS CLASSIC SCI FI COMICS SLIPCASE VOL 02 (C: 0-1-1) $56.99

FEB211467 PS ARTBOOKS CLASSIC SCI FI COMICS SOFTEE VOL 02 (C: 0-1-1) $24.99

JAN211488 PS ARTBOOKS KONA MONARCH MONSTER ISLE SOFTEE VOL 02 (C: 0-1- $24.99

SEP201384 PS ARTBOOKS PLANET COMICS SOFTEE VOL 04 (C: 0-1-1) $24.99

SEP212139 RAGNA CRIMSON GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-1) $12.99

SEP211907 RISE OF THE DJINN #2 (OF 3) CVR A PANTALENA $5.99

SEP211908 RISE OF THE DJINN #2 (OF 3) CVR B SPAY $5.99

NOV201469 SILVER AGE CLASSICS KONA MONARCH MONSTER ISLE HC VOL 02 (C: $46.99

NOV201470 SILVER AGE CLASSICS KONA SLIPCASE VOL 02 (C: 0-1-1) $56.99

DEC201634 SILVER AGE CLASSICS MYSTERIES OF UNEXPLORED WORLDS HC VOL 01 $46.99

FEB211470 SILVER AGE CLASSICS MYSTERIES UNEXPLORED WORLDS SOFTEE VOL 0 $24.99

DEC201635 SILVER AGE MYSTERIES UNEXPLORED WORLDS SLIPCASE VOL 01 (C: 0 $56.99

NOV211864 SNOW WHITE WITH THE RED HAIR GN VOL 17 (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

NOV211302 SO FAR SO GOOD HC GN (C: 0-1-0) $35.00

SEP211443 SPACE CORPS #3 (OF 3) CVR A BECK (MR) (C: 0-0-1) $4.99

SEP211444 SPACE CORPS #3 (OF 3) CVR B BECK (MR) (C: 0-0-1) $4.99

NOV211996 TALE OF THE OUTCASTS GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-1) $12.99

NOV211998 TIME STOP HERO GN VOL 03 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $12.99

JUL211190 TRESE GN VOL 03 MASS MURDERS (C: 0-1-0) $16.99

NOV211863 TWIN STAR EXORCISTS ONMYOJI GN VOL 24 (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

NOV211844 UNDEAD UNLUCK GN VOL 05 (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

SEP211858 WEST #1 $6.00

SEP211639 XAL KOR THE RETURN COMIC/ PROSE HYBRID (C: 0-1-1) $4.50

NOV211934 YUUNA & HAUNTED HOT SPRINGS GN VOL 17 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $12.99

MAGAZINES

MAR211461 DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE #563 (C: 0-1-1) $11.99

SEP211648 NON SPORT UPDATE VOL 32 #6 (C: 0-1-1) $5.99

OCT201530 PS ARTBOOK MAGAZINE PRESENTS H RIDER HAGGARDS SHE (C: 0-1-1) $13.99

OCT201531 PS ARTBOOK MAGAZINE PRESENTS TOR (C: 0-1-1) $13.99

OCT218456 RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE #204 (C: 0-1-0) $12.95

FEB211503 SCREAM MAGAZINE #66 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $9.99

BOOKS

OCT201262 BISLEY SKETCHES PRELIMS & DOODLES HC LMT ED (NET) $PI

SEP211996 CROSS DRESSING VILLAINESS CICILIA SYLVIE LN SC VOL 01 (MR) ( $15.00

JUL211714 DARK SHADOWS PB LIB NOVEL VOL 23 BARNABAS & SCORPIO CURSE $14.99

NOV211622 DC SUPER HEROES BATMAN SWAMPED BY CROC PICTUREBACK (RES) (C: $5.99

OCT211870 DRAWING THE PAST SC VOL 01 COMICS  & HIST IMAGINATION IN US $30.00

OCT211871 DRAWING THE PAST SC VOL 02 COMICS & HIST IMAGINATION WORLD ( $30.00

OCT211400 HOW FAST IS FLASH LEVEL 2 READER (C: 1-1-0) $4.99

SEP211638 MOONSTONE TRIPLE THREAT PROSE SC NOV 2021 (C: 0-1-1) $7.99

SEP211892 SEGA MEGA DRIVE & GENESIS ENCYCLOPEDIA HC (C: 0-1-1) $39.95

NOV211707 SKETCHING FROM THE IMAGINATION STORYTELLING SC (C: 0-1-1) $36.99

SEP211586 STAR TREK DISCOVERY BOOK OF GRUDGE BOOKS CAT HC (C: 0-1-1) $14.95

NOV211338 STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC HC NOVEL FALLEN STAR (C: 1-1-1) $28.99

NOV211339 STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC SC NOVEL RISING STORM (C: 1-1-1) $17.00

OCT212109 TRAPPED IN DATING SIM WORLD OTOME GAMES NOVEL SC VOL 04 (C: $14.99

SEP212007 UNNAMED MEMORY LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 04 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $15.00

OCT211969 VISIONS 2021 ILLUSTRATORS BOOK SC (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $45.00

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

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for May 19, 2021

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

DEC201642    2000 AD FEB 2021 PROG PACK    $21.00
AUG201519    ACG COLL WORKS ADV INTO UNKNOWN SOFTEE VOL 13    $24.99
AUG201520    ACG COLL WORKS FORBIDDEN WORLDS SOFTEE VOL 13    $24.99
OCT192159    AMERICAN COMIC BOOK CHRONICLES HC 1950S    $46.95
MAR211154    ANNE BONNIE #10    $3.99
FEB211322    APOCALYPSE 5000 ONE SHOT    $6.95
MAR211067    ARCHIE & FRIENDS SUPERHEROES #1    $2.99
MAR211071    ARCHIE SHOWCASE DIGEST #3 LOVE SHOWDOWN    $7.99
FEB211603    AUTUMNAL #7 CVR A SHEHAN    $3.99
FEB211604    AUTUMNAL #7 CVR B GOODEN    $3.99
MAR211511    AVATAR LAST AIRBENDER SCREEN COMIX TP VOL 01    $14.99
MAR211797    BEASTARS GN VOL 12    $12.99
MAR211007    BEQUEST #3    $4.99
JAN219173    BLACK FRIDAY #1 (OF 3) 2ND PTG    $3.99
FEB211555    BLADE RUNNER 2029 SYD MEAD PACK    $16.99
MAR211610    BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #4 CVR A HERVAS (MR)    $3.99
MAR211611    BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #4 CVR B HACK (MR)    $3.99
MAR211612    BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #4 CVR C DAGNINO (MR)    $3.99
FEB218601    BY THE HORNS #1 (OF 7) 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
MAR211135    BYTE-SIZED TP    $9.99
MAR211463    CASAGRANDES GN VOL 01 WERE ALL FAMILIA    $7.99
MAR211464    CASAGRANDES HC GN VOL 01 WERE ALL FAMILIA    $12.99
JAN211693    CELLS AT WORK CODE BLACK GN VOL 07 (RES)    $12.99
MAR211469    CHLOE AND CARTOON GN VOL 02 ITS A CAT THING    $8.99
MAR211470    CHLOE AND CARTOON HC GN VOL 02 ITS A CAT THING    $13.99
MAR210961    CIMMERIAN IRON SHADOWS IN MOON #2 CVR A LEIRIX LI (MR)    $3.99
MAR210962    CIMMERIAN IRON SHADOWS IN MOON #2 CVR B JBSTYLE (MR)    $3.99
MAR210963    CIMMERIAN IRON SHADOWS IN MOON #2 CVR C MATEO GUERRERO (MR)    $3.99
MAR210964    CIMMERIAN IRON SHADOWS IN MOON #2 CVR D FRITZ CASAS (MR)    $3.99
FEB211323    CRIME DESTROYER TRUE TILL DEATH #1    $7.95
APR211479    CROSSED BADLANDS #100 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211450    CROSSED BADLANDS #71 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211451    CROSSED BADLANDS #72 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211452    CROSSED BADLANDS #73 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211453    CROSSED BADLANDS #74 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211454    CROSSED BADLANDS #75 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211455    CROSSED BADLANDS #76 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211456    CROSSED BADLANDS #77 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211457    CROSSED BADLANDS #78 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211458    CROSSED BADLANDS #79 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211459    CROSSED BADLANDS #80 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211460    CROSSED BADLANDS #81 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211461    CROSSED BADLANDS #82 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211462    CROSSED BADLANDS #83 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211463    CROSSED BADLANDS #84 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211464    CROSSED BADLANDS #85 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211465    CROSSED BADLANDS #86 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211466    CROSSED BADLANDS #87 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211467    CROSSED BADLANDS #88 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211468    CROSSED BADLANDS #89 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211469    CROSSED BADLANDS #90 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211470    CROSSED BADLANDS #91 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211471    CROSSED BADLANDS #92 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211472    CROSSED BADLANDS #93 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211473    CROSSED BADLANDS #94 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211474    CROSSED BADLANDS #95 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211475    CROSSED BADLANDS #96 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211476    CROSSED BADLANDS #97 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211477    CROSSED BADLANDS #98 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211478    CROSSED BADLANDS #99 RED CROSSED VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211480    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #1 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211489    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #10 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211490    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #11 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211491    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #12 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211481    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #2 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211482    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #3 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211483    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #4 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211484    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #5 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211485    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #6 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211486    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #7 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211487    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #8 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211488    DAN THE UNHARMABLE #9 RETRO VAR (MR)    $5.99
FEB211168    DEVILS DOMINION #4 (MR)    $3.99
DEC201438    DF MARVEL ZOMBIES RESURRECTION #1 BROWN EXC    $29.99
MAR211327    DIRTY BIOLOGY X RATED STORY OF THE SCIENCE OF SEX GN (MR) (C    $19.95
FEB211419    DOMINO LADY THREESOME TP    $12.99
MAR211419    DRAGON KINGDOM OF WRENLY GN VOL 03 NIGHT HUNT    $9.99
MAR211420    DRAGON KINGDOM OF WRENLY HC GN VOL 03 NIGHT HUNT    $17.99
MAR211014    DREAMING EAGLES TP    $16.99
JAN211694    DRIFTING DRAGONS GN VOL 08    $12.99
FEB211612    ENGINEWARD #10 CVR A EISMA    $3.99
FEB211613    ENGINEWARD #10 CVR B HICKMAN    $3.99
FEB211670    FAIRY TAIL 100 YEARS QUEST GN VOL 07    $10.99
FEB211243    FICTIONAL FATHER TP (MR)    $24.95
MAR211798    HELLS PARADISE JIGOKURAKU GN VOL 08 (MR)    $12.99
MAR211426    HONOR AND CURSE #11    $3.99
MAR211661    I WALK WITH MONSTERS #6 CVR A CANTIRINO (MR)    $3.99
MAR211662    I WALK WITH MONSTERS #6 CVR B HICKMAN (MR)    $3.99
FEB211746    IM THE HERO BUT THE DEMON LORDS ALSO ME GN VOL 01    $13.00
MAR211234    JERUSALEM CHRONICLES FROM THE HOLY CITY TP NEW PTG (MR)    $21.95
MAR211453    JONNA AND THE UNPOSSIBLE MONSTERS #3 CVR A SAMNEE    $3.99
MAR211454    JONNA AND THE UNPOSSIBLE MONSTERS #3 CVR B SCHWEITZER    $3.99
FEB211390    KODT BUNDLE OF TROUBLE TP VOL 61 (RES)    $15.99
FEB211391    KODT BUNDLE OF TROUBLE TP VOL 62 (RES)    $15.99
MAR211819    LEVIUS EST GN VOL 08    $12.99
MAR211771    MANGA CLASSICS OTHELLO TP    $19.99
MAR211367    METABARONS FIRST CYCLE GN    $39.99
MAR211600    MINKY WOODCOCK GIRL ELECTRIFIED TESLA #2 CVR A SIMECKOVA (MR    $3.99
MAR211601    MINKY WOODCOCK GIRL ELECTRIFIED TESLA #2 CVR B PHOTO (MR)    $3.99
MAR211602    MINKY WOODCOCK GIRL ELECTRIFIED TESLA #2 CVR C BUHLER (MR)    $3.99
APR211498    NARCOPOLIS #1 DESIGN SKETCH VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211499    NARCOPOLIS #2 DESIGN SKETCH VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211500    NARCOPOLIS #3 DESIGN SKETCH VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211501    NARCOPOLIS #4 DESIGN SKETCH VAR (MR)    $5.99
MAR211817    NO GUNS LIFE GN VOL 10    $12.99
MAR211428    NOTTINGHAM #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
FEB211047    OBE OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE #1 (OF 4)    $3.99
MAR211147    OSAKA MIME GN    $9.99
MAR211006    PHANTOM ON SCAN #2    $3.99
FEB211223    PIZZA PUNKS GN    $15.00
MAR211364    POSTMAN FROM SPACE YR GN BIKER BANDITS    $12.99
MAR211365    POSTMAN FROM SPACE YR HC GN VOL 01 BIKER BANDITS    $22.99
MAR211294    PRINCE VALIANT HC VOL 23    $34.99
NOV201467    PS ARTBOOKS CLASSICS SCI FI COMICS SOFTEE    $24.99
SEP201381    PS ARTBOOKS CLASSICS SCIENCE FICTION COMICS HC VOL 01    $46.99
SEP201382    PS ARTBOOKS CLASSICS SCIENCE FICTION COMICS SLIPCASE VOL 01    $56.99
MAR211290    RED ROOM #1    $6.99
FEB218446    RED ROOM #1 CVR B PISKOR 5 COPY INCV VAR    $6.99
FEB218447    RED ROOM #1 CVR C RUGG 12 COPY INCV VAR    $6.99
FEB218448    RED ROOM #1 CVR D MOMOKO 20 COPY INCV VAR    $6.99
APR211492    RED ROVER CHARLIE #1 DOG DAYS VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211493    RED ROVER CHARLIE #2 DOG DAYS VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211494    RED ROVER CHARLIE #3 DOG DAYS VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211495    RED ROVER CHARLIE #4 DOG DAYS VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211496    RED ROVER CHARLIE #5 DOG DAYS VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211497    RED ROVER CHARLIE #6 DOG DAYS VAR (MR)    $5.99
MAR211139    REDEMPTION #4 (MR)    $3.99
MAR211692    ROBYN HOOD VOODOO DAWN ONE SHOT CVR A VITORINO    $5.99
MAR211693    ROBYN HOOD VOODOO DAWN ONE SHOT CVR B TOLIBAO    $5.99
MAR211694    ROBYN HOOD VOODOO DAWN ONE SHOT CVR C MACDONALD    $5.99
AUG201461    SERPIERI WEST BILINGUAL COLLECTION    $44.99
JAN211792    SEX EDUCATION 120 PERCENT GN VOL 01 (MR)    $13.00
MAR211528    SHAME GN VOL 05 (OF 9) HELLS FLAW (MR)    $11.99
FEB211676    SIGN OF AFFECTION GN VOL 02    $12.99
SEP201385    SILVER AGE CLASSICS GHOST STORIES HC VOL 01    $46.99
SEP201386    SILVER AGE CLASSICS GHOST STORIES SLIPCASE ED VOL 01    $56.99
NOV201468    SILVER AGE CLASSICS GHOST STORIES SOFTEE VOL 01    $24.99
JAN211710    SOMETHINGS WRONG WITH US GN VOL 06    $12.99
FEB211783    SOMNIA GN    $12.95
FEB218602    STAKE #1 2ND PTG    $3.99
DEC201641    STEEL CLAW TP    $17.99
FEB211365    STRANGE ATTRACTORS (ITS ALIVE) #1 CVR A MICHAEL COHEN    $5.99
FEB211366    STRANGE ATTRACTORS (ITS ALIVE) #1 CVR B RETRO VARIANT    $5.99
FEB211367    STRANGE ATTRACTORS (ITS ALIVE) #1 CVR C TERRI S WOOD    $5.99
JAN211711    THOSE NOT SO SWEET BOYS GN VOL 02    $10.99
FEB211015    THREE STOOGES TP VOL 1 W PROMO CARD    $19.99
APR211517    TRULY TYLER GN    $12.99
APR211518    TRULY TYLER HC GN    $22.99
MAR211008    UNDONE BY BLOOD OTHER SIDE OF EDEN #3    $4.99
MAR211821    URUSEI YATSURA GN VOL 10    $19.99
MAR211149    VIETNAM HORROR #3 (MR)    $3.99
MAR211215    WAILING BLADE TP VOL 01 HEADTAKER    $24.99
MAR211796    WAY OF THE HOUSEHUSBAND GN VOL 05    $12.99
MAR211015    WE LIVE TP VOL 01    $16.99
FEB211482    WHITE LILY #3 (MR)    $3.95
JAN211627    X-O MANOWAR (2020) TP VOL 01    $9.99
MAR211795    ZOM 100 BUCKET LIST OF THE DEAD GN VOL 02    $12.99

MAGAZINES

MAR211212    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1761    $PI
DEC201597    DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE #561    $19.99
DEC201643    JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #429    $10.99
DEC201665    SCREAM MAGAZINE #65 (MR)    $9.99
JAN211578    STAR WARS MANDALORIAN GUIDE TO SEASON 1 HC    $19.99
JAN211579    STAR WARS MANDALORIAN GUIDE TO SEASON 1 NEWSSTAND    $12.99
JAN211580    STAR WARS MANDALORIAN GUIDE TO SEASON 1 PX    $12.99

BOOKS

MAR211864    BANISHED HEROES PARTY QUIET LIFE COUNTRYSIDE NOVEL SC VOL 03    $15.00
OCT201260    BISLEY SKETCHES PRELIMS & DOODLES SC STANDARD    $40.00
AUG201416    DARK SHADOWS PAPERBACK LIB NOVEL VOL 15 BARNABAS  & GYPSY WI    $14.99
SEP201297    DARK SHADOWS PB LIB NOVEL VOL 16 BARNABAS QUENTIN MUMMYS CUR    $14.99
OCT201440    DARK SHADOWS PB LIB NOVEL VOL 17 BARNABAS QUENTIN AVENGING G    $14.99
NOV201383    DARK SHADOWS PB LIB NOVEL VOL 18 NIGHTMARE ASSASSIN    $14.99
MAR211321    ILLUMINATIONS SING LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK    $5.99
MAR211862    INTERSPECIES REVIEWERS NOVEL SC VOL 02 (MR)    $15.00
MAR211317    LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK ULT DISNEY PRINCESS BOX SET    $59.88
MAR211322    SPIDER HAM LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK    $5.99
OCT201291    TRAVELERS HC    $45.00
MAR211515    WONDER WOMAN ADV HC VOL 02 DIANA & UNDERWORLD ODYSSEY    $16.99
MAR211516    WONDER WOMAN ADV SC VOL 01 DIANA & ISLAND OF NO RETURN    $7.99
MAR211518    WONDER WOMAN UNIVERSAL KINDNESS PICTUREBOOK    $5.99
MAR211435    WORLD OF READING THIS IS SHANG CHI SC    $4.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for January 16, 2019

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

OCT188792    (USE JUL182285) FEARSCAPE #1 (3RD PTG) (MR)    $3.99
NOV181394    ALBERT EINSTEIN TIME MASON #4 CVR A HUDDLESTON    $3.99
NOV181395    ALBERT EINSTEIN TIME MASON #4 CVR B DONLEY    $3.99
NOV181822    APAMA THE UNDISCOVERED ANIMAL #7    $3.99
NOV182277    APOSIMZ GN VOL 02    $12.95
NOV181683    APPALACHIAN APOCALYPSE #1    $3.99
NOV181545    ARCHIE AND ME COMICS DIGEST #14    $6.99
AUG181465    BABYTEETH #14 (MR)    $3.99
MAY182144    BELLE BEAST HUNTER TP    $19.99
NOV182185    BLACK BUTLER GN VOL 27    $13.00
NOV181995    BREAKNECK #2 (OF 5) CVR A GUGLIELMINI    $3.99
NOV181996    BREAKNECK #2 (OF 5) CVR B SCOTT    $3.99
OCT182114    BTOOOM GN VOL 23 (MR)    $17.00
NOV181437    CAPTAIN GINGER #4    $3.99
NOV182186    CASE STUDY OF VANITAS GN VOL 05    $13.00
NOV181872    CATALYST PRIME SUMMIT #12    $3.99
NOV181867    CATALYST PRIME SUPERB #16    $3.99
NOV182183    CERTAIN MAGICAL INDEX GN VOL 16 MANGA    $13.00
NOV182158    CHILDREN OF WHALES GN VOL 08    $12.99
OCT182164    CLOCKWORK PLANET GN VOL 09    $12.99
OCT181869    CREEPY CREATIONS HC VOL 01    $21.99
NOV181431    DARK ARK #13    $3.99
NOV182157    DEAD DEAD DEMONS DEDEDEDE DESTRUCTION GN VOL 04 (MR)    $14.99
NOV182187    DEATH MARCH PARALLEL WORLD RHAPSODY GN VOL 06 MANGA    $13.00
OCT181456    DELLEC VOL 2 #4 CVR A GUNNELL    $3.99
OCT181457    DELLEC VOL 2 #4 CVR B BARRIOS    $3.99
FEB181500    DF ACTION COMICS #1000 BENDIS GOLD SGN ED    $89.99
SEP181745    DF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #800 BAGLEY SGN    $62.00
OCT181654    DF DC DECEMBER HOLIDAY PACKAGE    $29.99
APR181517    DF MAN OF STEEL #1-6 SUPER SIX PACK SGN BENDIS    $99.99
OCT181655    DF MARVEL DECEMBER HOLIDAY PACKAGE    $29.99
OCT181652    DF RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 CSA UNMASKED GRANOV EXC    $39.99
OCT181653    DF RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 CSA VIRGIN GRANOV EXC    $39.99
MAY181628    DF SUPERMAN #1 SGN BENDIS    $19.38
SEP182265    DIE WERGELDER GN VOL 02 (RES) (MR)    $19.99
NOV181826    DIOSAMANTE GN (MR)    $19.95
NOV182181    DIVE GN VOL 01    $13.00
NOV181859    ENCOUNTER #10    $3.99
NOV181784    ETERNAUT HC (CURR PTG)    $49.99
NOV182159    FIRE PUNCH GN VOL 05 (MR)    $12.99
NOV182106    GFT TALES OF TERROR VOL 4 #11 CVR A ERIC J    $3.99
NOV182107    GFT TALES OF TERROR VOL 4 #11 CVR B LEISTER    $3.99
NOV182108    GFT TALES OF TERROR VOL 4 #11 CVR C REYES    $3.99
OCT182198    I WANT TO EAT YOUR PANCREAS GN    $19.99
OCT181582    IAN GN VOL 02 LESSONS OF DARKNESS    $11.95
OCT182059    INFINI-T FORCE GN VOL 04    $13.99
NOV181861    INFINITY 8 #9 (MR)    $3.99
NOV182189    IS WRONG PICK UP GIRLS DUNGEON GN VOL 10    $13.00
NOV182190    IS WRONG PICK UP GIRLS DUNGEON SWORD ORATORIA GN VOL 06    $13.00
OCT181873    JUDGE DREDD COMP CASE FILES TP VOL 32    $25.99
NOV182191    KAKEGURUI COMPULSIVE GAMBLER GN VOL 08    $15.00
MAY182059    KIRBY & LEE STUF SAID    $24.95
NOV181854    KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN SUN #3    $3.99
OCT181512    KORD & HARLEY HC (MR)    $24.95
OCT181583    LADY S GN VOL 06 SECOND OF ETERNITY    $11.95
SEP181690    LARGO WINCH GN VOL 17 MORNING STAR    $11.95
NOV181676    LEGENDLORE REALM CHRONICLES TP VOL 04    $14.99
NOV181434    LOST CITY EXPLORERS TP VOL 01 ODYSSEY    $14.99
SEP181691    LUCKY LUKE TP VOL 71 COWBOY IN PARIS    $11.95
NOV181865    MAE VOL 2 #5    $3.99
OCT182201    MAGICAL GIRL SPECIAL OPS ASUKA GN VOL 05 (MR)    $12.99
SEP181353    MEN OF MYSTERY #110    $29.95
NOV181690    MERMAID PROJECT GN VOL 01 EPISODE 1    $11.95
NOV182279    MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM WING GLORY OF THE LOSERS GN VOL 10    $12.95
NOV182179    MONSTER WRESTLING VOL 01    $13.00
NOV182193    MONTHLY GIRLS NOZAKI KUN GN VOL 10    $13.00
NOV182194    MURCIELAGO GN VOL 09 (MR)    $13.00
OCT182204    NOW LOADING GN VOL 01    $12.99
NOV182178    NYANKEES GN VOL 01    $13.00
NOV181789    OLYMPIANS GN VOL 11 HEPHAISTOS GOD OF FIRE    $10.99
JUL182171    PENNY DREADFUL HC VOL 1 THE AWAKENING ARTIST ED    $29.99
SEP181445    PINK PANTHER PINK WINTER SPECIAL #1 LTD ED RETRO ANIMATION C    $9.99
SEP181443    PINK PANTHER PINK WINTER SPECIAL #1 MAIN TAPIE CVR    $3.99
SEP181444    PINK PANTHER PINK WINTER SPECIAL #1 SPECIAL HOLIDAZE CVR    $3.99
AUG182134    PRE CODE CLASSICS TALES OF HORROR HC VOL 01    $44.99
AUG182135    PRE CODE CLASSICS TALES OF HORROR SLIPCASE ED VOL 01    $54.99
AUG182136    PRE CODE CLASSICS WEB OF MYSTERY HC VOL 04    $54.99
AUG182137    PRE CODE CLASSICS WEB OF MYSTERY SLIPCASE ED VOL 04    $59.99
NOV181400    PRINCELESS FIND YOURSELF #4 CVR A MARTIN & GRUNIG    $3.99
NOV181401    PRINCELESS FIND YOURSELF #4 CVR B KNIGHT    $3.99
AUG182138    PS ARTBOOKS PRESENTS AUTHENTIC POLICE CASES HC VOL 01    $44.99
AUG182139    PS ARTBOOKS PRESENTS AUTHENTIC POLICE CASES SLIPCASE ED VOL    $54.99
NOV182002    ROBOTECH #16 CVR A ROCHE    $3.99
NOV182003    ROBOTECH #16 CVR B ACTION FIGURE VAR    $3.99
NOV182004    ROBOTECH #16 CVR C LAMING    $3.99
NOV182195    SACRIFICIAL PRINCESS & KING BEASTS GN VOL 04    $13.00
NOV182196    SAGA OF TANYA EVIL GN VOL 05    $13.00
OCT181717    SEA HC VILLADSEN    $19.99
JUL181998    SECOND COMIING OF KRENT ABLE GN    $19.99
NOV182197    SEKIREI GN VOL 07 (MR)    $24.00
NOV182006    SHADES OF MAGIC #4 (OF 4) STEEL PRINCE CVR A OLIMPIERI    $3.99
NOV182007    SHADES OF MAGIC #4 (OF 4) STEEL PRINCE CVR B INGRANATA & SAH    $3.99
NOV182051    SHADOWMAN (2018) #11 CVR A ZONJIC    $3.99
NOV182052    SHADOWMAN (2018) #11 CVR B GRANT    $3.99
NOV182053    SHADOWMAN (2018) #11 CVR C BIVENS    $3.99
SEP181568    SIMON BISLEY SKETCHBOOK 2018 TP #1 (OF 1) (MR)    $15.00
SEP181569    SIMON BISLEY SKETCHBOOK 2018 TP #1 (OF 1) LTD SIGNED EDITION    $20.00
OCT182176    SWEETNESS & LIGHTNING GN VOL 11 (RES)    $12.99
OCT181573    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #107 STUDIO DELUXE EDITION (MR    $19.99
SEP181677    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #113 COSPLAY TAROT PHOTO CVR E    $19.99
NOV182198    TEASING MASTER TAKAGI SAN GN VOL 03    $13.00
OCT188795    THESE SAVAGE SHORES #1 (3RD PTG) (MR)    $3.99
OCT181584    THORGAL GN VOL 20 KRISS OF VALNOR    $11.95
NOV182199    TODAY CERBERUS GN VOL 11    $13.00
OCT182207    ULTRA KAIJU ANTHROPOMORPHIC PROJECT GN VOL 02 (RES)    $12.99
OCT182208    VOYNICH HOTEL GN VOL 03 (MR)    $12.99
OCT181329    WALK THROUGH HELL #7    $3.99
AUG182163    WHITE WIDOW #1 MAIN CVR    $3.99
AUG182164    WHITE WIDOW #1 RED FOIL CVR    $3.99
NOV181976    WIRES AND NERVE SC GN VOL 01 (OF 2)    $17.99
NOV181977    WIRES AND NERVE SC GN VOL 02 (OF 2) GONE ROGUE    $17.99
NOV182200    WITCH PT 5 BOOK OF ELEMENTS GN VOL 01    $15.00
NOV182201    WITCH PT 5 BOOK OF ELEMENTS GN VOL 02    $15.00
NOV182180    WITCHS HOUSE DIARY OF ELLEN GN VOL 01    $13.00
NOV181677    WRATH OF GOD (MR)    $14.99
NOV182239    YAMADA KUN & SEVEN WITCHES GN VOL 17    $16.99
NOV182202    ZO ZO ZOMBIE GN VOL 02    $12.00

MAGAZINES
JUN181661    007 MAGAZINE OMNIBUS VOL 02    $25.99
SEP181942    2000 AD PACK NOVEMBER 2018    $22.40
OCT181870    2000 AD PROG #2110    $5.60
OCT181871    2000 AD PROG #2111 2018 XMAS SPECIAL    $9.99
OCT181971    BACK ISSUE #110    $8.95
NOV181699    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1648    $PI
OCT181833    DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE #533    $11.99
NOV181692    FANGORIA VOL 2 #2    $19.79
SEP182062    HOBBY JAPAN DECEMBER 2018    $20.00
AUG182288    HOBBY JAPAN NOVEMBER 2018    $20.00
OCT181872    JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #403    $13.00
NOV181853    LOCUS #696    $7.50

BOOKS
NOV182172    DEATH MARCH PARALLEL WORLD RHAPSODY NOVEL SC VOL 07    $14.00
OCT181750    DOCTOR WHO COMP HIST HC VOL 86 12TH DOCTOR STORIES 269-271 (    $18.99
OCT181745    DOG MAN GN VOL 06 BRAWL OF THE WILD    $9.99
NOV181926    DR THIRTEENTH    $5.99
NOV182170    FINAL FANTASY VII LATERAL BIOGRAPHY TURKS LIGHT NOVEL SC    $14.00
NOV182173    GOBLIN SLAYER LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 06    $14.00
OCT182209    HOW REALIST HERO REBUILT KINGDOM LIGHT NOVEL VOL 02    $13.99
NOV182038    LIFE & TIMES WARD KIMBALL MAVERICK OF DISNEY ANIMATION    $30.00
NOV182175    OVERLORD LIGHT NOVEL HC VOL 09    $20.00
NOV182171    SISTERS ALL YOU NEED LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 03    $14.00
NOV182176    STRIKE THE BLOOD LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 11    $14.00

I Reads You Review: BIZ: The Intense Art of Simon Bisley

BIZ: THE INTENSE ART OF SIMON BISLEY
VEROTIK PUBLISHING, INC.

ART: Simon Bisley
ISBN: 1-885730-73-X; paperback; 1997 (First printing)
72pp, Color and B&W, $24.95

Text pieces by Alan Grant, Fanx Simon, Steven Wardlaw, and S.C. Ringgenberg (forward)

Simon Bisley is a British comic book artist, illustrator, and painter.  His best best known work appeared in the late 1980s and through the 1990s.  Those comics included his work on ABC Warriors and Sláine (for Fleetway), and several comic books featuring the character, Lobo, for DC Comics.  Bisley also won an Eisner Award in 1992 (“Best Artist”) for the graphic novel, Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham (1991).

Originally released in 1997, Biz: The Intense Art of Simon Bisley is an art book collecting paintings and black and white illustrations that Bisley created mostly in the mid-1990s.  In the 90s, Bisley produced comics and illustrations for Verotik Publishing, Inc., a small publishing concern started by rock musician, Glenn Danzig.  Much of the art featured on the 30 plates contained in Biz is art Bisley completed for Danzig and Verotik.

Bisley has acknowledged comic book artists like Richard Corben and Bill Sienkiewicz and painters such as Salvador Dali and Gustav Klimt as influences.  However, the art in Biz reflects the seminal influence on Simon Bisley, the late Frank Frazetta.  Although Frazetta was, for time, a comic book and comic strip artist, he is most famous for his paintings.  Some of Frazetta's most popular paintings were his covers for Lancer Books' series of paperbacks reprinting Robert E. Howard's Conan the Cimmerian (or Barbarian) stories.

However, the work by Frazetta that seems to have had the biggest influence on Bisley are his “Death Dealer” paintings.  Verotik published a few comic books featuring Death Dealer, and Biz reprints several Death Dealer works by Bisley, including a few paintings and black and white illustrations.  His reverence for Frank Frazetta comes through in these magnificent drawings, in which Bisley ably recreates the dark splendor of the original Frazetta “Death Dealer.”

Bisley's paintings of such Verotik characters as Satanika and Jaguar God, reveal how tapped into Glenn Danzig's bizarre world of lusty demons and dark supernatural figures Bisley was back in the 1990s.  In fact, Bisley was, by far, best able to depict Danzig's oeuvre, and not just because Bisley was the most skilled and accomplished Verotik artist.  With pen, ink, or paint, Bisley can envision the weirdness and the darkness of pulp fantasy and comics in ways that are both familiar and radical.

Biz: The Intense Art of Simon Bisley is almost entirely about Bisley's work for Verotik.  However, there are a few paintings featuring characters from other comics creators, including Jim Lee (Helspont), Michael T. Gilbert (Mr. Monster), and Go Nagai (Devil Man), among others.

Fans of Simon Bisley would do well to find a copy of Biz: The Intense Art of Simon Bisley.  I dredged up my copy because I am giving it to a friend, so I decided to look through it again.  I also thought that it would be worthy of a review – even nearly 20 years after it was first published.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for March 25, 2015

PREVIEWS PUBLICATIONS
FEB150004     PREVIEWS #319 APR 2015 CUSTOMER ORDER FORM     PI
FEB150001     PREVIEWS #319 APRIL 2015     $3.99

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

NOV141653     13 COINS #6 CVR A BISLEY WRAPAROUND (MR)     $5.99
NOV141654     13 COINS #6 CVR B BISLEY B&W WRAPAROUND SKETCH (MR)     $5.99
JAN151182     ABIGAIL AND THE SNOWMAN #4 (NOTE PRICE)     $4.99
JAN151739     ACCEL WORLD GN VOL 03     $13.00
JAN151187     ADVENTURE TIME #38     $3.99
DEC141562     AIR GEAR GN VOL 33     $10.99
DEC141652     ALICE I/T COUNTRY OF JOKER GN VOL 03 NIGHTMARE TRILOGY (MR)     $13.99
JAN151383     ALTERED STATES RED SONJA RARE TAN VIRGIN ED     $50.00
JAN151274     ALTERED STATES THE SHADOW ONE SHOT     $3.99
NOV141138     AMAZING WORLD GUMBALL TASKS MINI COMIC SDCC EXC     $29.99
JAN151740     ANGEL OF ELHAMBURG GN VOL 01     $18.00
JAN150998     ARCHIE FUNHOUSE COMICS DOUBLE DIGEST #13     $4.99
JAN151741     ARE YOU ALICE GN VOL 08     $13.00
JAN151095     BART SIMPSON COMICS #95     $2.99
JAN151001     BETTY & VERONICA COMICS DOUBLE DIGEST #232     $4.99
NOV148159     BIG HERO 6 MANGA GN VOL 01     $12.00
JAN150989     BLACK HOOD #2 REG FRANCAVILLA CVR (MR)     $3.99
JAN151742     BLOODY CROSS GN VOL 06 (MR)     $11.99
JAN151487     BOUNCER BLACK HEARTS HC (MR)     $24.95
JAN151535     BUNKER #10 (MR)     $3.99
NOV141038     CALIBAN #1 PLATINUM CGC NUMBERED ED (MR)     $119.99
NOV141293     CAPT VICTORY & GALACTIC RANGERS #6     $3.99
JAN151136     CLIVE BARKERS NIGHTBREED #11 (MR)     $3.99
JAN151072     CROSSED BADLANDS #74 (MR)     $3.99
JAN151075     CROSSED BADLANDS #74 FATAL FANTASY CVR (MR)     $3.99
JAN151074     CROSSED BADLANDS #74 TORTURE CVR (MR)     $3.99
JAN151073     CROSSED BADLANDS #74 WRAP CVR (MR)     $3.99
JAN151108     CURB STOMP #2     $3.99
JAN151124     DAWN OF PLANET OF APES #5     $3.99
JAN151128     DAWN OF PLANET OF APES CONTAGION ONE SHOT SDCC EXC     $4.99
JAN151743     DEMON FROM AFAR GN VOL 02     $18.00
JAN151744     DEVIL IS PART TIMER GN VOL 01     $13.00
JAN151409     DF STAR WARS #1 DF EXCL GREG LAND CVR     $10.00
DEC141471     DF STAR WARS #1 REMARK HAESER MAUL COLOR SKETCH     $149.99
JAN151745     DISAPPEARANCE OF NAGATO YUKI CHAN GN VOL 07     $13.00
DEC148668     DIVINITY #1 2ND PTG     $3.99
JAN151342     DJANGO ZORRO #5 CVR A LEE MAIN     $3.99
SEP141636     DOCTOR WHO 10TH HC VOL 01 REVOLUTIONS TERROR     $19.99
DEC141672     DOCTOR WHO 11TH #10 REG SHEDD     $3.99
DEC141673     DOCTOR WHO 11TH #10 SUBSCRIPTION PHOTO     $3.99
SEP141640     DOCTOR WHO 11TH HC VOL 01 AFTER LIFE     $19.99
DEC141357     EVIL ERNIE #5 CVR A SEELEY MAIN     $3.99
NOV140902     FRACTURE TP VOL 01 ALTERED EGOS     $11.95
JAN151094     FUTURE PROOF #4     $3.99
JAN151497     GENSHIKEN SECOND SEASON GN VOL 06     $10.99
JAN151757     GFT LITTLE MERMAID #2 A CVR BENES (MR)     $3.99
JAN151758     GFT LITTLE MERMAID #2 B CVR KROME (MR)     $3.99
JAN151759     GFT LITTLE MERMAID #2 C CVR PANTALENA (MR)     $3.99
JAN151760     GFT LITTLE MERMAID #2 D CVR SUPER RARE BENES     PI
DEC141827     GFT REALM WAR #8 A CVR WIMBERLY LEFT (AOFD) (MR)     $3.99
DEC141828     GFT REALM WAR #8 B CVR WIMBERLY RIGHT (AOFD) (MR)     $3.99
DEC141829     GFT REALM WAR #8 C CVR PANTALENA (AOFD) (MR)     $3.99
DEC141830     GFT REALM WAR #8 D CVR VALENTINES CUMMINGS (AOFD)     PI
JAN151061     GOD IS DEAD #31 (MR)     $3.99
JAN151063     GOD IS DEAD #31 CARNAGE WRAP CVR (MR)     $3.99
JAN151062     GOD IS DEAD #31 ENCHANTING CVR (MR)     $3.99
JAN151064     GOD IS DEAD #31 END OF DAYS CVR (MR)     $3.99
JAN151065     GOD IS DEAD #31 ICONIC CVR (MR)     $3.99
DEC140999     GOLDEN AGE GREATS SPOTLIGHT VOL 16     $29.95
JAN151746     HES MY ONLY VAMPIRE GN VOL 02     $13.00
JAN151099     HIT 1957 #1     $3.99
DEC141690     ICE CRITICAL MASS #4     $3.99
JAN151572     INSURRECTION LIBERTY TP     $22.99
JAN150917     JUST SO HAPPENS GN     $17.95
JAN150918     JUST SO HAPPENS HC GN     $24.95
JAN151747     KARNEVAL GN VOL 01     $20.00
DEC141344     KING JUNGLE JIM #2     $3.99
DEC141561     KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #218     $5.99
JAN151086     LADY MECHANIKA #5 MAIN CVRS (MR)     $4.99
JAN151390     LEGENDERRY VAMPIRELLA #2 DAVILA VIRGIN     $50.00
NOV141566     LETTER 44 TP VOL 02     $19.99
JAN151531     LIFE AFTER #8 (MR)     $3.99
JAN151749     LOVE AT FOURTEEN GN VOL 02     $15.00
JAN151150     MARCH OF THE CRABS HC VOL 01     $19.99
NOV141647     MASKED GN VOL 01 ANOMALIES (MR)     $14.99
JAN151005     MEGA MAN #47 REG CVR     $3.99
DEC141677     MONO #4     $3.99
NOV148085     MOORCOCK ELRIC HC VOL 01 RUBY THRONE 2ND PTG (MR)     $14.99
DEC141678     MOORCOCK ELRIC HC VOL 02 STORMBRINGER     $14.99
JAN151158     MUNCHKIN #3     $3.99
JAN151622     NEMO RIVER OF GHOSTS HC (MR)     $14.95
NOV141569     PART TIME PRINCESSES GN     $19.99
JAN151355     PETER CANNON THUNDERBOLT OMNIBUS TP     $29.99
JAN151750     PUELLA MAGI ORIKO MAGICA EXTRA STORY GN     $13.00
JAN151667     QUANTUM & WOODY MUST DIE #3 CVR A HAWTHORNE     $3.99
JUL141142     RED SONJA #15 FRISON CVR     $3.99
DEC148706     RED SONJA #15 MATT BROOKS CONTEST WINNER ED     $3.99
JAN151166     REGULAR SHOW MARCH MADNESS SPECIAL ONE SHOT     $4.99
JAN151174     REGULAR SHOW TP VOL 03     $14.99
JAN151522     RISE #1 COMICS AGAINST BULLYING     $4.99
NOV141588     ROY THOMAS PRESENTS BRIEFER FRANKENSTEIN HC 1952-53     $47.99
DEC141633     ROY THOMAS PRESENTS BRIEFER FRANKENSTEIN SLIPCASE 1952-53     $64.99
NOV141589     ROY THOMAS PRESENTS PLANET COMICS HC VOL 07 JULY 43 - MAR 44     $47.99
DEC141635     ROY THOMAS PRESENTS PLANET COMICS SLIPCASE ED VOL 07 JUL 43     $64.99
OCT141654     SALLY OF THE WASTELAND HC     $19.99
JAN151499     SANKAREA GN VOL 11     $10.99
JAN151550     SEPARATORS #4     $3.99
NOV141559     SIXTH GUN #47     $3.99
OCT141246     SOLITARY #2 (MR)     $3.99
JAN151013     SONIC UNIVERSE #74 REG CVR     $3.99
JAN151751     SOUL EATER TP VOL 25 (MR)     $13.00
JAN151029     SOULFIRE SOURCEBOOK #1 DIRECT MARKET CVR     $4.99
JAN151139     SUICIDE RISK #23     $3.99
JAN151752     SWORD ART ONLINE FAIRY DANCE GN VOL 03     $13.00
JAN151573     TALES OF THE TELGUUTH TRIBUTE TO STEVE MOORE TP     $29.99
JAN151232     TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #91 (MR)     $2.95
JAN151658     THE VALIANT #4 CVR A RIVERA (NEXT)     $3.99
JAN151506     TOWER CHRONICLES DREADSTALKER #8     $3.99
JAN151481     TRAGEDY SERIES TP SECRET LOBSTER CLAWS OTHER MISFORTUNES     $17.99
JAN151753     TRIAGE X GN VOL 09 (MR)     $14.00
NOV141363     TWILIGHT ZONE S&S #1 RARE VILANOVA VIRGIN ART     $50.00
JAN151371     TWILIGHT ZONE S&S #3 CVR A VILANOVA MAIN     $3.99
JAN151377     TWILIGHT ZONE TP VOL 03 THE WAY BACK     $15.99
JAN151501     UQ HOLDER GN VOL 04     $10.99
DEC141660     VAMPIRE CHEERLEADERS IN SPACE & TIME GN (MR)     $12.99
OCT141395     VAMPIRELLA ARCHIVES HC VOL 11     $49.99
DEC141680     WALLACE & GROMIT NEWSPAPER STRIPS HC VOL 03     $16.99
JAN151325     WARLORD OF MARS DEJAH THORIS TP VOL 07 (MR)     $19.99
JAN151093     WE CAN NEVER GO HOME #1 (MR)     $3.99
JAN151004     WORLD OF ARCHIE COMICS DOUBLE DIGEST #48     $4.99
NOV141656     WORLD WAR X HC VOL 01 HELIUS (MR)     $15.99

MAGAZINES
DEC141637     2000 AD PACK FEB 2015     $21.40
JAN151883     CINEFEX #141     $12.50
JAN151870     COMIC SHOP NEWS #1449     PI
JAN151875     HORRORHOUND #52     $6.99
SEP141925     MARVEL FACT FILES SPECIAL #5 DEADPOOL     $32.95
JAN151863     NON SPORT UPDATE VOL 26 #2     $5.99
NOV141889     SCI FI & FANTASY MODELLER VOL 36     $27.99
OCT141865     STAR TREK STARSHIPS FIG MAG #37 ANDORIAN CRUISER     $20.00
NOV141863     STAR TREK STARSHIPS FIG MAG #38 DELTA FLYER     $20.00
NOV141864     STAR TREK STARSHIPS FIG MAG #39 ROMULAN DRONE     $20.00

BOOKS
JAN151754     ACCEL WORLD NOVEL VOL 03 TWILIGHT MARAUDER     $13.00
FEB151797     FEVER PITCH SC VOL 01 HOT GIRLS OF ELIAS CHATZOUDIS (MR)     $14.95
FEB151798     FEVER PITCH SC VOL 02 MORE HOT GIRLS FROM ELIAS CHATZOUDIS (MR)     $14.95
JAN151755     KINGDOM HEARTS THE NOVEL SC     $16.00
JAN151822     MARVEL AGE OF AVENGERS STRETCHBOOK HC     $10.99
DEC141858     SKETCHBOOK AMORETTI (MR)     $30.00
DEC141859     SKETCHBOOK MIG (MR)     $30.00
JAN151756     SWORD ART ONLINE NOVEL PROGRESSIVE VOL 01     $14.00
JAN152626     WARHAMMER 40K NIGHTBRINGER SC     $14.00
OCT141854     WHISPERER DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 07 MURDER BROTHERHOOD & AFRAID TO     $14.95
JAN151841     WWE ULTIMATE SUPERSTAR GUIDE HC     $16.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 18, 2015

DC COMICS
JAN150321     BATGIRL #40     $2.99
JAN150312     BATGIRL ENDGAME #1     $2.99
JAN150302     BATMAN ETERNAL #50     $2.99
JAN150316     BATMAN SUPERMAN #20     $3.99
JAN150319     BATMAN SUPERMAN #20 COMBO PACK     $4.99
JAN150340     BATWOMAN #40     $2.99
JAN150245     EARTH 2 WORLDS END #24     $2.99
JAN150347     GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #40 (NOTE PRICE)     $3.99
JAN150361     INFINITE CRISIS FIGHT FOR THE MULTIVERSE #9     $3.99
JAN150358     INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR THREE #12     $2.99
DEC140381     JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA TP VOL 02 SURVIVORS OF EVIL (N52)     $16.99
JAN150405     KITCHEN #5 (MR)     $2.99
JAN150225     NEW 52 FUTURES END #46 (WEEKLY)     $2.99
NOV140339     OCEAN ORBITER DELUXE ED HC (MR)     $29.99
JAN150332     RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #40     $2.99
JAN150360     SENSATION COMICS FEATURING WONDER WOMAN #8     $3.99
JAN150391     STRANGE SPORTS STORIES #1 (MR)     $4.99
JAN150297     SUPERGIRL #40     $2.99
DEC140307     SUPERMAN #39     $3.99
DEC140311     SUPERMAN #39 COMBO PACK     $4.99
NOV140305     SUPERMAN WONDER WOMAN HC VOL 02 WAR AND PEACE (N52)     $24.99
DEC140383     SUPERMAN WONDER WOMAN TP VOL 01 POWER COUPLE (N52)     $16.99
JAN150276     TEEN TITANS #8     $2.99
JAN150280     TRINITY OF SIN #6     $2.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

JUN140332     BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE BY BISLEY 2ND ED     $79.95
SEP140359     DC COMICS ICONS GREEN ARROW STATUE     $99.95

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for December 18 2013

Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.

IDW PUBLISHING

OCT130370 BEN 10 #2 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130326 DOCTOR WHO PRISONERS OF TIME TP VOL 03 $17.99
OCT130376 GHOSTBUSTERS #11 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130403 GI JOE AMERICAS ELITE DISAVOWED TP VOL 02 $19.99
OCT130398 GI JOE COBRA FILES #9 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130348 GODZILLA RULERS OF EARTH TP VOL 01 $19.99
OCT130346 GODZILLA RULERS OF THE EARTH #7 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130349 ILLEGITIMATES #1 [DIG/P+] $3.99
SEP130367 KISS KIDS #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
AUG130407 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 BOX SET $49.99
AUG130398 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR A RODRIGUEZ [DIG/P+] $7.99
AUG130399 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR B BISLEY $7.99
AUG130400 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR C FABRY $7.99
AUG130401 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR D KALUTA $7.99
AUG130402 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR E SIENKIEWICZ $7.99
AUG130403 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR F SIM $7.99
AUG130404 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR G WRIGHTSON $7.99
OCT130344 MARS ATTACKS JUDGE DREDD #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130373 MR PEABODY & SHERMAN #2 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130357 MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC #14 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130359 MY LITTLE PONY MICRO SERIES #10 LUNA [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130378 POPEYE CLASSICS ONGOING #17 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130362 SAMURAI JACK #3 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130339 SINISTER DEXTER #1 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130320 STAR TREK CLASSICS TP VOL 05 WHO KILLED CAPTAIN KIRK $21.99
OCT130317 STAR TREK ONGOING #28 [DIG/P+] $3.99
SEP130460 TARZAN RUSS MANNING NEWSPAPER STRIPS HC VOL 02 1969-1971 $49.99
OCT130413 TMNT ADVENTURES TP VOL 06 $19.99
OCT130407 TMNT KEVIN EASTMAN CVR GALLERY $3.99
OCT130410 TMNT NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURES #6 $3.99
OCT130405 TMNT ONGOING #29 $3.99
AUG130488 TRANSFORMERS ART OF PRIME HC $49.99
OCT130388 TRANSFORMERS REGENERATION ONE #97 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130385 TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE #24 DARK CYBERTRON PART 5 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130418 X-FILES SEASON 10 HC VOL 01 $24.99

I Reads You Review: Hellblazer #300

HELLBLAZER #300
DC COMICS/VERTIGO – @DCComics

WRITER: Peter Milligan
LAYOUTS: Giuseppe Camuncoli
FINISHES: Stefano Landini
COLORS: Brian Buccellato
LETTERER: Sal Cipriano
COVER: Simon Bisley
48pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (April 2013)

Death and Cigarettes Finale: “Ash”

John Constantine is dead? Long live John Constantine?

With a cover date of January 1988 and cover price of $1.25, Hellblazer #1, starring John Constantine, debuted in late 1987. The creative team was writer Jamie Delano and artist John Ridgway. A little over 26 years later, the final issue of the series, Hellblazer #300, arrives with a cover date of April 2013 and a cover price of $4.99. The creative team is writer Peter Milligan and artists Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini.

Yes, I was reading comic books in the 1980s, and I started reading The Saga of the Swamp Thing/Swamp Thing not quite a year into Alan Moore’s tenure as series writer. I remember being so excited about the John Constantine character. Moore had hinted at Constantine over the course of a year before he first appeared, in full, as a supporting character in The Saga of the Swamp Thing #37 (June 1985).

I remember reading an interview of Alan Moore (but I can’t remember which magazine), in which Moore stated that he’d created Constantine because of a request from Stephen R. Bissette and John Totleben, the artists on The Saga of the Swamp Thing. Like me, Bissette and Totleben were fans of the rock band, The Police, and they expressed a desire to Moore that they wanted to draw a character who looked like Sting, the lead singer and primary songwriter of the band.

Over the years, Constantine went from being a “supernatural advisor” and crafty sorcerer to a magus, occult detective, troubleshooter, and jack-of-all-trades slash supernatural go-to-guy. Along the way, he remained a popular and beloved character, and now, he’s dead, or at least his comic book series, Hellblazer, is, replaced by the new mainline DC Universe comic book series entitled Constantine.

Hellblazer #300 opens with Epiphany, John Constantine’s wife, in a state of extreme distress over John’s death, but wait! Isn’t that John walking into her apartment? No, it’s Finn, John’s chip-off-the-old-block nephew, and if you can’t have the real deal, have the related deal. Julian the shape-shifting demon and the Fates (doing the just checking up on Constantine-is-dead thing) enter the picture. There is also a settlement in the affairs of Constantine’s father-in-law, Terry Greaves. Plus, Chas stops by, and Constantine’s niece, Gemma, gets to make the final play.

I make infrequent visits to the closest comic book shop. I also receive numerous review copies (hard copies and PDFs), so I always have a comic book, graphic novel, or book to read. Hellblazer was not on the top of my list of priority reads, so Hellblazer #300 is the first time in over four years, at least, that I’ve read an issue of Hellblazer. I was only a little disappointed and upset upon hearing that DC Comics was ending Hellblazer and re-launching the title. What could I do about it? Did I honestly think Hellblazer would run another 26 years to reach issue #600? Would that even matter to me (or would I be around to care)? Please, take these as rhetorical questions or accept “yes” as the answer to all of them: you choose.

Like just about anything Peter Milligan writes, Hellblazer #300 is interesting. As I followed Milligan twist and turn his way to a resolution for this last Hellblazer story arc and for the series as a whole, I found myself more engaged, even a little enthralled. I just had to see how it all ended. Honestly, I wasn’t really engaged by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini’s art, but their graphical storytelling certainly captured the pop-voodoo vibe Milligan put into this comic book. You will either love or hate the ending, or maybe be perplexed.

Essentially, this is the end of the John Constantine that Moore, Bissette and Totleben introduced and to which numerous other writers, artists, and editors contributed, added, changed, etc. Perhaps, this is the way that Constantine should leave us – perplexed. It’s only fitting for so crafty a fellow.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

I Reads You Review: THE TOWER CHRONICLES: GestHawk, Volume 1

THE TOWER CHRONICLES: GEISTHAWK, VOLUME 1
LEGENDARY COMICS

CREATORS: Thomas Tull and Matt Wagner
WRITER: Matt Wagner
PENCILS: Simon Bisley
INKS: Rodney Ramos
COLORS: Ryan Brown
LETTERS: Sean Konot
COVER: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair
ISBN: 978-1-937278-02-1; paperback (October 2012)
72pp, Color, $7.99 U.S., $9.99 CAN

Legendary Comics is a division of the American film production company, Legendary Pictures, Inc. Legendary Pictures has co-produced such hit films as 300 (based on the Frank Miller graphic novel) and Christopher Nolan’s three Batman films. Having dealt with movies based on comic books, Legendary Pictures founder and CEO, Thomas Tull, has decided to get directly into the creation and publication of comic books.

Tull joined American comic book legend, Matt Wagner (Grendel, Mage), to create a new series of graphic novels, The Tower Chronicles. A proposed trilogy, The Tower Chronicles will see each of its three books serialized in four parts (volumes or issues). The first book/trilogy is The Tower Chronicles: GeistHawk, written by Wagner and drawn by Simon Bisley, himself a legend for his work on Lobo for DC Comics.

The Tower Chronicles: GeistHawk, Volume 1 introduces John Tower, a supernatural bounty hunter. Tower will travel the world and go to its darkest recesses to find and destroy some of the most unfathomable monstrosities and creatures. But John doesn’t work for free. Prospective clients must go through Tower’s lawyer, Romulus Barnes, and they must be able to pay Tower’s considerable fees.

One of his newest clients is Agent Alicia Hardwicke of the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit. With nothing else working, Hardwicke turns to Tower to help her capture a serial killer called the “Piranha Killer.” However, this murderer is not a serial killer, and Agent Hardwicke does not believe in Tower’s world of supernatural creatures. Where do they go from there?

The Tower Chronicles and its lead character, John Tower, are like a blending of Marvel Comics’ character, Blade; the New Line Cinema film series starring Blade; and the character Harry Dresden from author Jim Butcher supernatural detective book series, The Dresden Files. And that’s not a bad thing, because this first volume of The Tower Chronicles is well produced with a well-executed story.

Matt Wagner’s story is expectedly secretive about John Tower’s past, but he tells a fast-paced story full of exciting action-fantasy violence that simply drags the reader along – if he or she likes this kind of genre. The characters are familiar types from various genres and mass entertainments: pulp crime, TV female law enforcement officers, vampire lit, etc., but Wagner punches them up with snappy banter and effective dialogue.

What really makes this stand out is Simon Bisley’s pencil art. As inked by Rodney Ramos and colored by Ryan Brown, Bisley’s compositions are offbeat, which makes the graphical storytelling here different from any other urban fantasy or monster hunter comic books. You can be forgiven for mistaking the Bisley-Ramos union for its resemblance to the work of Paul Gulacy, who would be good for the series should Bisley be unable to continue. For added measure, the team of Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Alex Sinclair provide the cover for The Tower Chronicles: GeistHawk, Volume 1, and a good cover it is.

I enjoyed The Tower Chronicles: GeistHawk, Volume 1 enough to want to seek out the rest of the series, some of which has already been released. If you’re missing a good Blade comic book, certainly try this more-than-adequate substitute.

A-

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

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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 26 2012

DC COMICS

FEB120252 ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN SINESTRO CORPS WAR HC $99.99

JUL120194 ALL STAR WESTERN #0 $3.99

MAY120322 AMERICAN VAMPIRE HC VOL 04 (MR) $24.99

JUN120280 AMERICAN VAMPIRE TP VOL 03 (MR) $16.99

JUL120127 AQUAMAN #0 $2.99

JUL128163 BATMAN #8 2ND PTG $3.99

JUL120150 BATMAN INCORPORATED #0 $2.99

JUL120153 BATMAN INCORPORATED #0 COMBO PACK $3.99

JUL120162 BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #0 $2.99

JUL120116 BEFORE WATCHMEN OZYMANDIAS #3 (MR) $3.99

JUL120118 BEFORE WATCHMEN OZYMANDIAS #3 COMBO PACK (MR) $4.99

JUL120131 FLASH #0 $2.99

JUN120245 FLASH TP VOL 02 THE ROAD TO FLASHPOINT $14.99

JUL120141 FURY OF FIRESTORM THE NUCLEAR MEN #0 $2.99

JUL120185 I VAMPIRE #0 $2.99

JUL128164 JUSTICE LEAGUE #12 2ND PTG $3.99

JUL120180 JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #0 $2.99

JUN120247 LOBO PORTRAIT OF A BASTICH TP NEW PTG $19.99

JUL120204 NATIONAL COMICS ROSE AND THORN #1 $3.99

JUL120251 NEW DEADWARDIANS #7 (MR) $2.99

JUL120201 PHANTOM LADY #2 $2.99

JUL120179 RED LANTERNS #0 $2.99

JUN120283 SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING TP BOOK 02 (MR) $19.99

JUL120133 SAVAGE HAWKMAN #0 $2.99

JUN120248 SHOWCASE PRESENTS AMETHSYT TP VOL 01 $19.99

JUL120146 SUPERMAN #0 $2.99

JUL120235 SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES #5 $2.99

JUL120119 TALON #0 $2.99

JUL120197 TEEN TITANS #0 $2.99

JUL120193 VOODOO #0 $2.99

JUN120240 VOODOO TP VOL 01 WHAT LIES BENEATH $14.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

JUL120272 ARKHAM ASYLUM DELUXE TITAN JOKER AF $72.95

JUN120302 BATMAN AC SER 3 CLOWN THUG A (WITH BAT) AF PI

JUN120303 BATMAN AC SER 3 CLOWN THUG B (WITH KNIFE) AF PI

JUN120299 BATMAN ARKHAM CITY SER 3 AZRAEL AF PI

JUN120298 BATMAN ARKHAM CITY SER 3 BATMAN AF PI

JUN120300 BATMAN ARKHAM CITY SER 3 PENGUIN AF PI

JUN120301 BATMAN ARKHAM CITY SER 3 RAS AL GHUL AF PI

MAY120344 BEFORE WATCHMEN RORSCHACH STATUE $149.95

MAY120347 COVER GIRLS OF THE DCU WONDER WOMAN NEW 52 STATUE $99.95

JUN120304 DC COMICS SUPER HEROES WONDER WOMAN BUST $69.95

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for August 15 2012

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

JUN120772 ADVENTURES OF A COMIC CON GIRL #1 (MR) $3.99

MAY121191 AIR GEAR GN VOL 25 (MR) $10.99

JUN121099 ALINE & THE OTHERS GN (MR) $9.95

JUN121165 AMULET SC VOL 03 CLOUD SEARCHERS NEW PTG $12.99

JUN120802 ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #232 [DIG/D+] $3.99

FEB121060 ART OF WAR GN $22.99

JUN121167 BABY SITTERS CLUB SC VOL 01 KRISTYS GREAT IDEA NEW PTG $9.99

JUN121168 BABY SITTERS CLUB SC VOL 02 TRUTH ABOUT STACEY NEW PTG $9.99

JUN121220 BAD MEDICINE #4 $3.99

MAY120947 BETRAYAL O/T PLANET O/T APES TP $14.99

JUN120804 BETTY & VERONICA #261 [DIG/D+] $2.99

JUN121328 BLOODSHOT (ONGOING) #2 REG LOZZI CVR $3.99

JUN120996 BONE COLOR ED SC VOL 04 DRAGONSLAYER $10.99

JUN120998 BONE COLOR ED SC VOL 06 OLD MANS CAVE $10.99

MAR121102 CAGE OF EDEN GN VOL 06 $10.99

MAY121375 CALL OF WONDERLAND #3 A CVR QUALANO (MR) $3.99

MAY121376 CALL OF WONDERLAND #3 B CVR REYES (MR) $3.99

MAY121271 CERTAIN SCIENTIFIC RAILGUN GN VOL 05 $12.99

MAY121290 CLINT 2.0 #3 (MR) $6.99

JUN120857 CROSSED BADLANDS #1 CALGARY CVR (MR) $5.99

JUN120849 CROSSED BADLANDS #11 (MR) $3.99

JUN120852 CROSSED BADLANDS #11 RED CROSSED CVR (MR) $6.60

JUN120851 CROSSED BADLANDS #11 TORTURE CVR (MR) $3.99

JUN120850 CROSSED BADLANDS #11 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

JUN120858 CROSSED BADLANDS #7 AUXILIARY ED (MR) $3.99

JUN120859 CROSSED BADLANDS #8 AUXILIARY ED (MR) $3.99

JUN121003 CROSSSTAR #1 $3.99

APR120788 CURSE O/T CORTES STONE #1 (RES) [DIG] $3.95

JUN120871 DAN THE UNHARMABLE #1 AUXILIARY CVR (MR) $3.99

FEB121010 DF THE SHADOW #1 ROSS CVR CGC GRADED 9.8 $89.99

MAY121291 EVERYBODY LOVES TANK GIRL #2 (MR) $3.99

JUN120920 EXTERMINATION #3 MAIN CVRS [DIG] $3.99

JUN121184 FAIRY TAIL GN KODANSHA ED VOL 12 (NOTE PRICE) $10.99

JUN121171 FAKK 2 MOVIE SPECIAL SIMON BISLEY ARTBOOK HC (MR) $19.95

JUN120870 FERALS #5 AUXILIARY ED (MR) $3.99

JUN120876 FERALS #7 (MR) $3.99

JUN120878 FERALS #7 GORE CVR (MR) $3.99

JUN120877 FERALS #7 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

JUN121172 FOUR HORSEMEN O/T APOCALYPSE SC VOL 02 (MR) $14.95

MAR120937 GARTH ENNIS JENNIFER BLOOD #15 (MR) $3.99

APR120766 GOLD DIGGER #141 [DIG] $3.99

APR120743 GOLDEN AGE GREATS SPOTLIGHT VOL 10 ART OF POWELL $29.95

JUN121326 HARBINGER (ONGOING) #3 REG LOZZI CVR $3.99

JUN120830 HOMECOMING #1 CVR A TURNER $3.99

JUN120831 HOMECOMING #1 CVR B DEBALFO $3.99

MAY121272 I DONT LIKE YOU AT ALL BIG BROTHER GN COLL ED VOL 01 (MR) $16.99

JUN120752 INDIE COMICS MAGAZINE #6 (MR) $6.49

MAY121332 INU YASHA VIZBIG ED GN VOL 12 $17.99

MAR121129 ISAAC THE PIRATE SET VOL 1-2 $29.99

MAY121333 ITSUWARIBITO GN VOL 06 $9.99

MAY121334 KEKKAISHI GN VOL 33 $9.99

JUN120926 KILL AUDIO TP $17.99

MAR120699 KINDRED SPIRITS GN (MR) $17.99

JUN120962 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #16 AUXILIARY CVR (MR) $3.99

JUN120963 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #17 BLOODSHED CVR (MR) $9.99

JUN120958 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #20 (MR) $3.99

JUN120960 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #20 SULTRY CVR (MR) $3.99

JUN120959 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #20 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

JUN120964 LADY DEATH ORIGINS CURSED #1 FADED MEMORIES CVR (MR) $9.99

JUN120809 LIFE WITH ARCHIE #22 KENNEDY CVR [DIG/D+] $3.99

JUN120810 LIFE WITH ARCHIE #22 RUIZ CVR $3.99

MAY121273 LIZZIE NEWTON VICTORIAN MYSTERIES GN VOL 01 $11.99

MAY121104 MAKING OF HC (MR) $29.95

APR120782 MECHA-NATION ANDROIDOLOGY TP $9.99

MAY120972 OPERATION BROKEN WINGS 1936 TP $9.99

JUN121004 PATHFINDER #1 $3.99

JUN120953 PEANUTS VOL 2 #1 [DIG] $3.99

MAY121212 PHILOSOPHY A DISCOVERY IN COMICS HC $16.99

JUN120825 PHOENIX #6 (RES) $2.99

JUN120952 ROGER LANGRIDGES SNARKED #11 [DIG] $3.99

JUN120899 SIMPSONS COMICS #193 $2.99

JUN120816 SONIC UNIVERSE #43 REG CVR [D+] $2.99

APR121161 TREASURY 20TH CENTURY MURDER HC VOL 05 LOVERS LANE $15.99

NOV118217 U DONT KNOW ME GN (NEW PTG) (MR) $11.99

JUN121366 ULTIMATE 7 TP VOL 02 $17.99

APR121011 VAMPIRELLA VS DRACULA #6 $3.99

APR121050 VOLTRON #7 $3.99

JUN121353 VOLTRON FORCE GN VOL 03 $7.99

MAY120790 WHATEVER HAPPENED TO WORLD OF TOMORROW SC $14.95

MAY121026 WITCHBLADE DEMON REBORN #1 $3.99

JUN121161 WOLF GN $12.95

MAR121006 ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #11 $3.99

MAGAZINES
MAR121632 BRICKJOURNAL #19 $8.95
JUN121465 CEREAL GEEK MAGAZINE #8 $15.00
JUN121410 COMIC SHOP NEWS #1313 PI
APR121377 COMICS BUYERS GUIDE #1693 SEP 2012 $5.99
APR121353 ILLUSTRATION MAGAZINE #38 $15.00
JUN121394 JUXTAPOZ #140 SEP 2012 $5.99
JUN120671 MARVEL SUPER HEROES #3 $4.99
MAY121465 RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE #125 $9.95
APR121425 SFX #224 $10.99
APR121428 VIDEO WATCHDOG #169 (MR) $8.95

BOOKS
JUN121390 BODY SHOTS ART OF TC COR SC (MR) $14.95
JUN121396 BOOTY SC PIRATE QUEENS (MR) $14.95
MAY121494 DARTH VADER IN A BOX $19.95
MAR121351 DOCTOR WHO & THE ARK IN SPACE MMPB $6.99
MAR121347 DOCTOR WHO & THE ICE WARRIORS MMPB $6.99
MAR121346 DOCTOR WHO & THE TENTH PLANET MMPB $6.99
JUN121486 STAR WARS COMPLETE VISUAL DICTIONARY NEW PTG $40.00
JUN121489 STAR WARS X WING HC BOOK ONE MERCY KILL $27.00
MAY121435 TEACHING COMICS & GRAPHIC NARRATIVES SC $45.00
MAY122130 WARHAMMER 40K PRIESTS OF MARS HC $24.99
MAR121313 WHITE CLOUD WORLDS HC $29.99