Showing posts with label Skottie Young. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skottie Young. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

I Reads You Juniors: March 2026 - UPDATE #34

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

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

TREATS - From AnotherCookie:  There is a new online cookie retailer. It is called "AnotherCookie?" and the cookies are delicious.

NEWS:

EN MEMORIAM - From ComicsBeat:  Belgian cartoonist, Hermann Huppen (best known by his penname, "Hermann"), has died at the age of 87, Sunday, March 22, 2026.  Hermann was best known for his science fiction comic book series, "Jeremiah," which was serialized in several European comics magazines, including the Serbian "Strip art" and France's "Metal Hurlant," from 1979 to the present.  "Jeremiah" was loosely adapted into the "Showtime" sci-fi television series, "Jeremiah."

MARVEL/DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Mark Waid discusses the new release, "Superman/Spider-Man #1," which is drawn by Jorge Jimenez.  The comic book is currently available as in print and digital editions.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  "Superman" writer Joshua Williamson talks "Reign of the Superboys."

EN MEMORIAM - From DreadCentral:  Comic book writer, artist, and creator, Sam Keith, has died at the age of 63, Sunday, March 15, 2026.  Keith was best known for creating the comic book series, "The Maxx."  He also co-created DC Comics' dark fantasy version of "The Sandman" comic books series with writer Neil Gaiman and artist Mike Dringenberg.  Keith was as known for his work on DC Comics' "Batman" and Marvel Comics' "Wolverine."

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Skottie Young talks about his new comic book series, "Lobo," which is drawn by Jorge Corona.

From DCBlog:  Writer Tony Fleecs talks about his new comic book series, "Deathstroke: The Terminator," with artist Carmine Di Giandomenico.
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DC CINEMA - From DCBlog:  Director James McTeigue looks back on his 2006 film, "V for Vendetta," on its 20th anniversary.  The film was an adaptation of Alan Moore and David Lloyd's serialized graphic novel, "V for Vendetta."

IDW - From BleedingCoolIDW Publishing has made a profit early in 2026 after years of losses. But what cuts helped them become profitable?

DC STUDIOS - From THRAaron Pierre, who is playing "John Stewart/Green Lantern" in HBO's upcoming series, "Lanterns," will also star in the "Superman" sequel, "Man of Tomorrow."

COMICS - From ComicsBeat:  The "ComicsBeat's" Heidi MacDonald explains (in great detail) the comic book industry needs sales charts.

FANTAGRAPHICS - From BleedingCoolFantagraphics Books will publish British cartoonist, R.E. Burke's graphic memoir, "19 Days in an I.C.E. Facility," in 2027.  The memoir will detail Burke's experience detained by ICE. while backpacking in North America.  In the memoir, Burke will also share stories of fellow detainees, highlighting mistreatment and harsh conditions.  Burke's case earned widespread attention after she was banned from entering the USA for ten years.

EN MEMORIAM - From NYT:  The German-born, American artist and comic book colorist, Tatjana Wood, died Friday, February 27, 2026 at the age of 99, three days before what would have been her 100th birthday (March 2nd).  From 1973 to the mid-1980s, Wood was DC Comics' main cover colorist for its covers, coloring just about every comic book cover in that time period.  Her most acclaimed coloring work includes coloring the interiors for the Mike W. Barr and Brian Bolland's miniseries, "Camelot 3000" (DC Comics, 1982-85), for the issues of Swamp Thing written by Alan Moore (DC Comics, 1984-87), and for writer Grant Morrison's run on "Animal Man" (DC Comics, 1988-1990).  Born Tatjana Amalie Weintraub, Tatjana was married to legendary comic book creator and cartoonist, Wally Wood (1927-81), from 1950 to 1966.

MILESTONE - From DCBlog:  Writer Joseph Illidge talks about "The New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident."

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:  The new owners of Dark Horse Comics, Embracer, has fired current CEO Mike Richardson from the company.  Richardson founded Dark Horse 40 years ago.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Chris Condon talks about his new Vertigo Comics series, "The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery," which is drawn by Jacob Phillips.

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FEBRUARY 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AMP Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Invader Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Universe" titles for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" titles for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Rekcah Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  SHP Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for February 2026+
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for February 2026

MARCH 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Hermes Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Ignition Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' "Energon Universe" for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' " Spawn Universe" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  The Lab for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Armageddon" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Death Spiral" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Ultimate Comics" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "X-Men" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Massive Publishing for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Midnight Factory titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press "Absolute Archie Comics" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Prana for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  SHP Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Udon Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2026

APRIL 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Superman" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Drawn & Quarterly for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  HarperCollins for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Spider-Man" and "Venom" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "X-Men" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' "Energon" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Invader Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Massive Publishing for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Prana for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Udon Studios for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Warrant Publishing Company for April 2026

MAY 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Ignition Press for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Invader Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Drawn & Quarterly for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for May 2026

JUNE 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Abrams for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Captain America" for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Massive Selects for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for June 2026


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Tuesday, November 1, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: TWIG #1

TWIG #1
IMAGE COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Skottie Young
ART: Kyle Strahm
COLORS: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
LETTERS: Nate Piekos of Blambot
EDITOR: Joel Enos
COVER: Kyle Strahm
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Skottie Young; Peach Momoko
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(May 2022)

Rated: T/Teen

Twig is a new epic fantasy and adventure comic book miniseries from writer Skottie Young and artist Kyle Strahm.  The series follows a young “journeyer” on his first job, which leads to a quest to save his world.  Colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu and letterer Nate Piekos complete the creative team.

Twig #1 opens on a beautiful morning.  Young Twig is the new “Placeling,” inheriting the job that his late father once held, but he is already late.  His first task is to take a precious gem to The Pathsayer's Cartogratory, but there is already a complication.

THE LOWDOWN:  Image Comics' describes the world of Twig as being similar to the worlds seen in the classic Jim Henson films, The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986).  Young Twig, a “journeyer,” is on a quest similar to that of the lead character in Jeff Smith's beloved “all-ages” comic book, Bone (1991-2004).

If I stretched my imagination I can see Twig's similarities to The Dark Crystal.  If anything, Twig reminds me of Christian Slade's children's black and white graphic novel series, Korgi, down to the approach to the art and graphical storytelling.

Skottie Young mainly teases the story in this first issue.  What we do get in detail is Kyle Strahm's beautiful art, which is like eye candy.  It looks even more beautiful under the gorgeous colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu, who also does a lovely job coloring Rob Guillory's comic book series, Farmhand (Image Comics).

There is a preview of the second issue of Twig at the end of this first issue, and yes, there is more pretty art.  I have to admit that I find this intriguing, and I obviously love the art.  So I'll be back. Hopefully, Young will offer more details about the world of Twig, its characters, the plot, and this quest.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Skottie Young and Kyle Strahm will want to try Twig.

[This comic book includes a three-page preview of “Twig #2.”]

A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

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



https://www.kylestrahm.com/
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.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 © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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Tuesday, October 19, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: Marvel Comics' ALIEN #1

ALIEN #1
MARVEL

STORY: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
ART: Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Guru-eFX
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Jake Thomas
EiC: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: InHyuk Lee
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Steve McNiven with Laura Martin; Peach Momoko; Ron Lim with Israel Silva; Todd Nauck with Rachelle Rosenberg; Patrick Gleason; Skottie Young; David Finch with Frank D'Armata; Salvador Larroca with Guru-eFX
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (May 2021)

Parental Advisory

Alien is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Dan O'Bannon, based on a story that O'Bannon wrote with Ronald Shusett.  The film depicts a battle for survival between the crew of the commercial towing vehicle,  the space ship named “the Nostromo” and an aggressive deadline extraterrestrial creature, the “Alien” of the title, that is now known as a “Xenomorph.”

Alien, which went on to win an Academy Award, spawned a film franchise, beginning with writer-director James Cameron's 1986 science fiction action film, Aliens.  Alien also begat a media franchise, which included a comic book adaptation and also a novelization of the original film.  In 1988, Dark Horse Comics launched its first Alien comic book series, a 1988-89, six-issue comic book miniseries, entitled Aliens.  Dark Horse had the license to produce comic books based on the Alien franchise from 1988 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2020.

Marvel Comics announced in 2020 that it had obtained the license to produce comic books based on the Alien film franchise.  Marvel Comics recently launched the first comic book series, Alien.  It is written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson; drawn by Salvador Larroca; colored by Guru-eFX, and lettered by Clayton Cowles.  This new Alien comic book focuses on a recently retired security agent who once faced the Xenomorphs and may have to again.

Alien #1 opens in January of the year 2200 on the Epsilon Orbital Research and Development Station.  It introduces Gabriel Cruz, a man who has given his life to Weyland-Yutani as a defense agent.  He is retiring as the security agent for Weyland-Yutani's Epsilon Station.  With the help of his friend, a Bishop-model android, Cruz hopes to reconnect and patch things up with Danny, his estranged son.  However, Danny has dangerous and ulterior motives for reuniting with his father.

Once upon a time, Gabriel barely survived an alien attack.  And now, it seems that his encounters are far from over.

THE LOWDOWN:  I am a big fan of the Alien film franchise, and I have lost count of how many times I have watched James Cameron's Aliens, including a few times just recently.  I have seen both Alien vs. Predator films numerous times and will watch them many times more.

Early in Dark Horse Comics' run of Alien comic books, I was devoted to the company's output, but lost interest after several years.  I thought the new Marvel Comics' title would be a good time to start reading Alien comic book again, and I was right.

Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson whets the appetite with the promise of thrills to come while offering tasty teases of back story involving Gabriel Cruz.  Books about writing will always say that the writer should create strong characters and that the plot will develop from the characters.  Basically, the characters should act as the spine of the story.  I find the spine of this story, Gabriel and Danny, to be dull, and I have no interest in their crappy relationship.  On the other hand, the plot is quite strong.  Johnson makes Alien #1 a fun read when he focuses on the threat of the “Aliens” and on the looming disaster that will fully bring them into the story.

I would not call the art and graphical storytelling in Alien #1 peak Salvador Larroca.  For one thing, all the characters have faces that look like they underwent bad plastic surgery.  The compositions have a generic, Larroca clip art quality, but Guru-eFX's power-coloring and super-hues cover up the blemishes as well as any coloring can.

Still, Marvel's Alien #1 intrigues, especially if you, dear readers, are fans of the Xenomorphs.  I think I should keep reading … at least for the first story arc.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the Alien/Aliens film and comic book franchises will certainly want to try Marvel's Alien.

A-
7.5 out of 10

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



https://twitter.com/Marvel
https://www.marvel.com/
https://www.marvel.com/comics
https://www.comixology.com/Marvel_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 link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).


Tuesday, August 31, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: THE ETERNALS #1

THE ETERNALS #1 (2021)
MARVEL COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Kieron Gillen
ART: Esad Ribić
COLORS: Matthew Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Darren Shan
COVER ARTIST: Esad Ribic
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jen Bartel; Russell Dauterman with Matthew Wilson; Arthur Adams with Jason Keith; Alan Davis with Nolan Woodard; Mike Del Mundo; Inhyuk Lee; Peach Momoko; Jenny Frison; Rian Gonzales; Greg Land with Frank D'armata; Leinil Franics Yu with Sunny Gho; Otto Schmidt; Takeshi Okazaki with Edgar Delgado; Khary Randolph with Emilio Lopez
[The following artists are not credited as variant cover artists in the comic book, but Diamond Comics Distributors is offering issues with their cover art for sale: Alex Ross; Mahmud Asrar; Dave Johnson; Frank Cho; Jeff Johnson; J. Scott Campbell; Todd Nauck; Dan Panosian; Joe Quesada; Ron Lim; Walter Simonson; Superlog; Skottie Young]
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (Jan. 6, 2021)

The Eternals created by Jack Kirby

“Only Death is Eternal,” Part 1

The Eternals are a race of humanoids in the Marvel Comics universe.  They were created by legendary writer-artist and comics creator, Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The Eternals #1 (cover dated: July 1976).  The Eternals are described as an offshoot of the evolutionary process that created sentient life on Earth.  They were created by the immensely powerful alien race, the Celestials, along with the Eternals' destructive counterparts, the Deviants.

The Eternals first comic book series ran for 19 issues from 1976 to 1977, with issue #19 having a January 1978 cover date.  In addition to Jack Kirby's original series, there have been miniseries starring The Eternals in 1985-86, 2006-07, and 2008-09.  In the 2018-launched Avengers comic book series (written by Jason Aaron), the Eternals discovered that their creators, the Celestials, preferred humans over them, which lead to the mass suicide and death of the Eternals (as seen in the Avengers story arc, “The Final Host”).

Now, the Eternals return in a new comic book series.  The Eternals (2021) is written by Kieron Gillen; drawn by Esad Ribić; colored by Matthew Wilson; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.  In the new series, the Eternals face something new to them – change.

The Eternals #1 opens in “the Exclusion,” one of a system of sub-dimensional threads in “The Machine” (apparently the Earth-side system by which the Eternals teleport).  The Machine also narrates the story, which opens with the resurrection of Ikaris, the last Eternal to die.  However, the “Eternal Prime,” Zuras, has a surprise for the ever-direct Ikaris.  Ikaris must awaken and take charge of Sprite, the murderous prankster Eternal.

Arriving in New York, Ikaris and Sprite meet Iron Man.  Then, it is time to do their job, protect humans from “the Deviants,” especially those that become monsters.  While the mismatched duo is away, however, new death in a familiar guise comes for the Eternals.

THE LOWDOWN:  I recently read the original The Eternals #1, from 1976, which was written and drawn by series creator Jack Kirby.  I did this in preparation for the new series and for the (eventually) upcoming film, The Eternals, from Walt Disney Pictures and Marvel Studios.

First, let me speak to the beauty of The Eternals 2021.  I first discovered artist Esad Ribic when he drew the final two issues of the X-Men miniseries, X-Men: Children of the Atom (1999-2000), that was begun by writer Joe Casey and artist Steve Rude.  I was not crazy about Ribic's art in that series, but it was clear to me that this artist had huge potential as a comic book illustrator.

I must say that he has developed way beyond what I expected.  Here, Ribic's beautiful illustrations and Matthew Wilson's supernatural coloring combine to create gorgeous art that recalls the work of the late master, Moebius.  The graphical storytelling reads and feels like superhero comics as real science fiction comics.

Kieron Gillen's story is intriguing and the script is straightforward and clean.  His dialogue and The Machine's exposition made it easy for me to follow the story, setting, and plot/concept.  Gillen is going to make me spend some money on this comic book series.  So, if you don't want to spend more money on comics, dear readers, avoid The Eternals #1 2021.  If you are just looking for a really good first issue, spend it on this one … which has a killer last story page.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the Eternals and of good Marvel comic books will want The Eternals 2021.

9 out of 10

[This comic book includes a one-page tribute to former Marvel Comics publisher, Mike Hobson, who died in November 2020.]

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


https://twitter.com/Marvel
https://www.marvel.com/
https://www.marvel.com/comics
https://www.comixology.com/Marvel_Comics


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

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

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


Wednesday, June 9, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: UNCANNY INHUMANS #1

UNCANNY INHUMANS #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Charles Soule
PENCILS: Steve McNiven; Brandon Peterson
INKS: Jay Leisten; Brandon Peterson
COLORS: Sunny Cho; Nolan Woodard
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Steve McNiven and Jay Leisten with Justin Ponsor
VARIANT COVERS: Jim Cheung with Justin Ponsor; Art Adams with Richard Isanove; Art Adams (Kirby Monster Variant); Skottie Young; Adi Granov; Damien Scott (Hop Hop variant); Kalel Sean costumed by Brian A. Parsley and photographed by Judy Stephens (cosplay variant)
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2015)

Rated T+

Inhumans created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby


The Inhumans are a race of super-humans in Marvel Comics.  Created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, they first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 (cover dated: December 1965).  The Inhumans are a strain of humanity that began with genetic manipulation by visitors to Earth from an alien civilization (the Kree), long ago in human prehistory.  Exposure to the mutagenic Terrigen Mist (a process known as Terrigenesis) reveals if a person is an Inhuman.

Little more than a B-list character group, the Inhumans are in ascendancy in the Marvel Universe, especially over the last four years.  In 2013, Marvel even launched a new comic book series, entitled Inhuman.  The launch of the “All-New, All-Different Marvel” sees the Inhumans continuing to rise to prominence.  The latest Inhuman comic book series is Uncanny Inhumans.  This series is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Steve McNiven (pencils) and Jay Leisten (inks), colored by Sunny Cho; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Uncanny Inhumans #1 opens the series with several sub-plots.  It is dough boys and dinosaurs when Triton and Reader (and his dog Forey) join Black Bolt in a time-traveling mission.  This trip, however, breaks a deal Black Bolt made with Kang the Conqueror, and the latter strikes back.  Also, Medusa and a group of new Inhumans (NuHumans) are engaged in a Central Park battle against the Chitauri.

Later, Medusa looks to the X-Man, Beast, to use his scientific knowledge to end the friction between mutants and Inhumans.  Plus, a visit from the Human Torch exacerbates marital discord.  Plus, in a bonus story, Frank, Flint, and Naja travel to Morocco to recover a lost Inhuman.

For a long time now, first issues of comic books that work on a five or six issue story arc are little more than introductions to the story and characters.  They are also often infuriatingly vague.  That is not the case with Uncanny Inhumans.  Writer Charles Soule has a way of making practically every page not only satisfying to read, but also intriguing enough to encourage the readers to come back for more.

The drama is convincing, and Soule gives the characters interesting personalities and/or engaging individual melodramas.  Medusa/Beast: I want more of that.  Black Bolt: it's all good.  I am not ashamed to say that Soule makes me feel like a fanboy about the titles he writers.

Of course, he has a great art team.  Steve McNiven has mastered making style work as high drama.  McNiven pencils are a series of flourishes and bells-and-whistles that come together to convey character, setting, plot, and drama.  In the back-up story, artist Brandon Peterson does something similar, but I'm not going to play that game of who is better – McNiven or Peterson.  I must admit, however, that I prefer Nolan Woodard's beautiful colors for Peterson's art, although I am not slighting Sunny Cho's excellent hues on the main story.

I'm ready for more Uncanny Inhumans, and if you listen to my recommendation and buy Uncanny Inhumans #1, you will be ready for more, also.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douesseaux 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.

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

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


Friday, May 7, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: POWER MAN AND IRON FIST #1

POWER MAN AND IRON FIST No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: David Walker
ARTIST: Sanford Greene
COLORS: Lee Loughridge
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Sanford Greene
VARIANT COVERS: Kalman Andrasofszky; John Tyler Christopher; Sanford Greene; Theotis Jones; Chris Visions; Trevor Von Eeden with Rachelle Rosenberg; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2016)

Rated T+

“The Boys are Back”


Luke Cage, also known as “Power Man,” is a Marvel Comics superhero.  He was created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., and first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 (cover dated: June 1972).  Cage was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, but he eventually gains superpowers in the form of durability, unbreakable skin, and superhuman strength.

Iron Fist/Daniel “Danny” Rand is a Marvel Comics superhero.  The character was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Gil Kane, and first appeared in Marvel Premiere #15 (cover dated: May 1974).  An orphan and martial artist, Danny earned the power of a mystical force called the Iron Fist in the also mystical city of K'un Lun.

Both characters have starred in their own comic books series, but Luke Cage and Iron Fist have also been a duo and a team called Heroes for Hire.  There was also a long-running comic book series entitled Power Man and Iron Fist.  Thanks to the All-New, All-Different Marvel, Power Man and Iron Fist the comic book is back.  It is written by David Walker; drawn by Sanford Greene; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Power Man and Iron Fist #1 (“The Boys are Back”) opens with Luke and Danny on their way to meet Jennie Royce.  The former office manager of Heroes for Hire, Jennie has finished serving a prison sentence for murdering her abusive ex-boyfriend, Eugene Mason.  Jennie asks Luke and Danny to retrieve a family heirloom currently in the possession of a criminal, Lonnie Lincoln a.k.a. “Tombstone.”  Luke is adamant that he is not re-teaming with Danny Rand and that this mission to retrieve Jennie's heirloom is just a favor for a friend-who-is-like-family in need.  But, of course, it is not the easy.

One look at Sanford Greene's cover art for this new Power Man and Iron Fist #1, I knew that I would not like what was behind the cover.  I was wrong.  I really liked this first issue, and I am genuinely suspicious or ambivalent about first issues.

David Walker's story and script is off-beat in a way that makes this comic book stand out from the Marvel pack, in a way that Matt Fraction and David Aja's Hawkeye did.  Sanford Greene's visual language for this comic book balances superhero action against an edgy kind of street-comedy and gritty drama that pushes back on easy classification.

I like this comic book, and I look forward to future issues.  Besides, David Walker and Sanford Greene are the Black/African-American creative team I have been demanding, so I gots to keep it real and read this comic book for several issues, at least.  So far, it looks like their work will help to choke the Jim Crow out of the American comic book industry

A-
7.5 out of 10

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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Saturday, March 27, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #7

KILLADELPHIA No. 7
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
LOGO/GRAPHIC DESIGN: Brent Ashe
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander with Luis Nct
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Skottie Young
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(August 2020)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Burn Baby Burn” Part I: “Jupiter Rising”

Launched by Image Comics last year, Killadelphia is a comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander.  The series focuses on a police officer caught in a lurid conspiracy, one masterminded by the second president of the United States, John Adams.  A vampire, Adams made the corrupt, but historical city of Philadelphia vampire-ridden.  Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

James “Jim” Sangster, Jr., a Baltimore Police Department, came home to Philly to deal with the final affairs of his recently murdered father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr.  But Senior was not dead; he was of the undead.  It took the son, the vampire father, the chief medical examiner (Jose Padilla), and a rebellious vampire (Tevin “See Saw” Thompkins) to lead the battle to save “the City of Brotherly Love” from a vampire apocalypse.

Killadelphia #7 (“Jupiter Rising”) opens six months after John Adams brought Philly to its knees, before his ultimate destruction.  Jimmy and Ms. Padilla are part of the front line forces that keep the bloodsuckers in check.  But what of the remnants of John Adams' family, the ones who waited patiently for centuries along with him?  What is Abigail, Adams' “widow,” up to up there on Chestnut Hill?

Plus, it is April 28, 1962 on the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California.  Watts is on fire.  And the patrolman in Los Angeles Police Department Car 2713 is about to have a fatal encounter with a “suspicious Negro woman.”

THE LOWDOWN:  Killadelphia's first story line, “Sins of the Father,” was quite fantastic.  In six issues, the Killadelphia creative team established this comic book as maybe the best vampire comic book of the twenty-first century.

What writer Rodney Barnes offers in Killadelphia is what some of us readers wish we could find in Marvel's Blade comic books, but better creator-owned than being owned.  Barnes quickly switches gears and delivers a first chapter of the second story arc that may be as powerful as the opening act of the first story arc.  New readers don't need to have read the first six issues in order to understand Killadelphia #7, but they will want to because it is so... bloody good.

Artist Jason Shawn Alexander offers a little night music that promises to keep this dark fantasy fresh and full of possibilities.  His art goes for the throat, and with colorist Luis Nct throwing red hues after him, Alexander will make you love and be afraid of Killadelphia, as it should be.  After all, this is a horror comic book, but, as read under Marshall Dillon's lettering, the character and the drama will move this comic book and narrative beyond mere genre considerations.

Comic book news sites have been reporting a surge in sales for Killadelphia #7.  These new readers are about to get a treat, and maybe some of them will sock away a few copies in their coffins as an investment.  All the smart immortals are making their way to Killadelphia.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will find that Killadelphia is an essential read.

10 out of 10

[This comic book includes the extra story, “Elysium Gardens” by Rodney Barnes, Jason Shawn Alexander, and Marshall Dillon

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/


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

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Sunday, March 21, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: 2016 SPIDER-MAN #1 Was a Strong Debut

SPIDER-MAN No. 1 (2016)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILS: Sara Pichelli
INKS: Sara Pichelli with Gaetano Carlucci
COLORS: Justin Ponsor
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Sara Pichelli and Justin Ponsor
VARIANT COVERS: Mark Bagley and Dexter Vines with Andrew Crossley; Michael Cho; Skottie Young; Adi Granov (Hip-Hop variant)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (2016)

Rated T

In 2011, Marvel Comics and writer Brian Michael Bendis introduced a Black, Brooklyn teenager as the new Spider-Man.  Specifically, Miles Morales, of African-American and Latino heritage, was the new Ultimate Spider-Man, the friendly neighborhood wall-crawler and web-slinger of Marvel’s Ultimate line of comics (or universe).

Miles has starred in two comic books series, Ultimate Spider-Man (or Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man) and Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man.  As part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel, Miles gets a new comic book series, simply entitled Spider-Man.  It is written by Brian Michael Bendis; drawn by Sara Pichelli; colored by Justin Ponsor; and lettered by Cory Petit.

Spider-Man #1 opens with Spider-Man facing Blackheart – “Son of Mephisto” and “Prince of the Underworlds.”  Let's go back a bit.  At Brooklyn Visions Academy, Miles has failed with Julie, the gorgeous girl he wants to date.  He is also failing in school, which angers his mother (!), but does not really concern his father.  Back to Blackheart, who has killed several Avengers, so what's going on?

I really missed Sara Pichelli when she was not the artist on Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man, although David Marquez, the artist on that series, was quite good.  Still, only three pages into Spider-Man #1, and I was reminded of why Pichelli and colorist Justin Ponsor are such a damn good art team.

As for Brian Michael Bendis: the teen Spidey drama is as good as always; there aren't many pages of it, but Bendis does character drama in superhero comics better than it has ever been done – ever.  The action around Blackheart is hugely intriguing, so I have no complaints, just the need for more.

Of course, I am recommending this...

A

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


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


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Sunday, January 24, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: KARNAK #1

KARNAK No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Warren Ellis
ART: Gerardo Zaffino
COLORS: Dan Brown
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: David Aja
VARIANT COVERS:  Gerardo Zaffino; Jim Cheung with Justin Ponsor; Skottie Young; Eric Powell (Monster variant) Kaare Andrews (Hop Hop variant)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2015)

Rated T+

Karnak created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

“The Flaw in All Things” Part 1


Karnak is a Marvel Comics character that is part of the super-human race known as the Inhumans.  Karnak was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and debuted in Fantastic Four #45 (cover dated: December 1965), the same issue in which the Inhumans first appeared.

Unlike most Inhumans, Karnak was not exposed to the Terrigen Mists.  Because he did not undergo Terrigenesis, he did not develop additional powers like other Inhumans.  A martial artist, Karnak can find the weakness or the flaw in anything (people, ideas, objects, philosophies, structures, and systems).  Using his training and strength, Karnak exploits his talents and can turn a weakness into a weapon.

Marvel Comics is apparently expanding the profile of the Inhumans even more, and that includes launching Inhuman solo titles.  The first one is Karnak, which is written by Warren Ellis; drawn by Gerardo Zaffino; colored by Dan Brown; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.  [Of note:  due to unforeseen circumstances, the art team will change in future issues.]

Karnak #1 (“The Flaw in All Things” Part 1) finds Magister Karnak doing his thing at the Tower of Wisdom.  His thing is interrupted when S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Coulson come calling for his help and whisk him off to a S.H.I.E.L.D. base in the Arctic.

It seems that William and Sarah Roderick have lost their son, Adam.  He recently underwent Terrigenesis and afterwards, was abducted.  The culprit seems to be I.D.I.C. (International Data Integration and Control), an old splinter group of A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics), thought to be defunct. Now, Karnak, the baddest philosopher since I-don't-know-who, will find Adam and I.D.I.C.

Karnak is another intriguing series from the mind of Warren Ellis, one of most the imaginative and inventive writers of North American and British comic books.  When I first heard that there was going to be a Karnak comic book, I was all like “Puh-lease!”  However, once I learned that Ellis would be the writer, I was intrigued.

I read Ellis' Karnak as an amalgamation of a fixer, special operative, troubleshooter, and martial artist.  He is the Inhuman blunt instrument, called in when no one can get the job done.  I wonder if Karnak will be a pop comic, full of kick-ass and action swag, while offering up something new in terms of ideas, plots, and settings.

Surprisingly, I am as impressed with the art of Gerardo Zaffino and Dan Brown as I am with Ellis' story-script-concept.  Zaffino's compositions are representational in a moody and impressionistic way, but the art makes for kinetic storytelling – as if the narrative is always urging forward.  The colors are alluring; they are like candy, and I think Brown's hues were the elements that kept drawing me deeper into this first issue.

I heartily recommend Karnak.  Readers looking for the really different in the All-New, All-Different Marvel will want to buy this first issue, even if it means mail order or digital.

A

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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Tuesday, November 17, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: Wolverine #1

WOLVERINE #1 (2020)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Benjamin Percy
ART: Adam Kubert; Viktor Bogdanovic
COLORS: Frank Martin; Matthew Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
EDITOR: Jordan D. White
COVER: Adam Kubert with Frank Martin
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Alex Ross; Chip Kidd; Jeehyung Lee; Jim Lee with Jason Keith; Rahzzah; R.B. Silva with Marte Gracia; Skottie Young; Gabriele Dell'Otto
72pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (April 2020)

Parental advisory

Wolverine created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita, Sr.

“The Flower Cartel” and “Catacombs”

Wolverine is a Marvel Comics character, a member of the superhero team, the X-Men, and one of Marvel's all-time most popular characters.  Wolverine first appeared in the last panel of The Incredible Hulk #180, but his first full appearance was in The Incredible Hulk #181 (cover-dated: Nov. 1974).  Wolverine was created by then Marvel Editor-in-Chief Roy Thomas, writer Len Wein, and then Marvel art director John Romita (Sr.)  Romita designed Wolverine, but the late artist Herb Trimpe drew Wolverine's earliest comic book appearances.

Wolverine first starred in his own solo comic book in the four-issue miniseries simply entitled Wolverine (cover-dated:  September to December 1982), which was famously written by Chris Claremont and drawn by Frank Miller.  Claremont and the late comic book artist, John Buscema, launched Wolverine's first ongoing comic book series with Wolverine #1 (cover-dated: November 1988), the first of many Wolverine ongoing comic book series.

Summer 2019, writer Jonathan Hickman revamped, rebooted, and re-imagined the X-Men comic book franchise via a pair of six-issue comic book miniseries, House of X and Powers of X (pronounced “Powers of Ten”).  October 2019 welcomed “Dawn of X,” the launch of six new X-Men titles.  The new series are Excalibur, Fallen Angels, Marauders, New Mutants, X-Force, and X-Men.

The seventh Wolverine ongoing comic book series headed the “second wave” of “Dawn of X” titles.  Wolverine (2020) is written by Benjamin Percy; drawn by Adam Kubert; colored by Frank Martin; and lettered by Cory Petit.  The first issue of the new series also includes a second story written by Percy; drawn by Viktor Bogdanovic; colored by Matthew Wilson; and lettered by Petit.

Wolverine #1 (“The Flower Cartel”) opens to find Wolverine and his cohorts:  Marvel Girl, Domino, and Kid Omega, in a sorry state.  The story turns to a flashback from several days earlier, with Wolverine on Krakoa, the living island and mutant nation-state that is the home to all mutants on Earth (if those so choose).  At the behest of Kitty Pryde, Wolverine begins an investigation/mission to discover who is selling narcotics based on a Krakoan flower from which medicine is derived.  Wolverine will come across many players in this narcotics trade before finding himself tangling with an entity known as “The Pale Girl.”

In the second story, Wolverine begins another investigation/mission, this time to discover why the homicidal mutant, Omega Red, suddenly showed up on Krakoa in a grievously wounded condition.  Who whipped that ass?  Wolverine vehemently opposes Red being given sanctuary on Krakoa, but he does want to know what happened to him.  Wolverine heads to Paris where he discovers that blood flows freely in the “Catacombs” beneath Paris.

If I had to give a grade only to the opening story, “The Flower Cartel,” I might give it a “B.”  Ten of the 30 story pages simply meander, but when the action kicks into gear, it has quite a kick.  There is nothing here by the creative team that stands out as any of its members' best work, and I am disappointed to say that because I always expect a lot of Adam Kubert.

The real treat in this issue is the second story, “The Catacombs.”  For a grade, I will give it a solid “A.”  I don't want spoil anything, but Benjamin Percy's story reads like a slickly, produced dark fantasy, mystery-thriller.  Viktor Bogdanovic's illustrations and storytelling recall some Marvel stalwarts, like John Romita Jr. and Art Adams, 1980s work.  Matthew Wilson's color is pitch perfect for the tale, and Cory Petit's lettering creates an edgy, but alluring rhythm.

I am inclined to seek out the second issue of this new series to see if the plot of the second story plays out in the next issue.  Beyond that, the fact that Adam Kubert is drawing a Wolverine comic book will keep me curious about it.  The truth is, however, the main story of Wolverine 2020 simply does not stand out as exceptional material.

7 out of 10

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


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

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Friday, February 21, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: SPIDEY #1

SPIDEY No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Robbie Thompson
ART: Nick Bradshaw
COLORS: Jim Campbell
LETTERS: Travis Lanham
COVER: Nick Bradshaw with Jim Campbell
VARIANT COVERS: Humberto Ramos with Edgar Delgado; Skottie Young; Gyimah Gariba (Hip Hop Variant)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2016)

Rated  “T”

Spider-Man created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

The Spider-Man that readers first met in Amazing Fantasy #15 (cover dated: August 1962) and then, in The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (cover date: March 1963) was secretly a teenager and high school student named Peter Parker.  Over the years, a legion of Spider-Man writers depicted Peter Parker graduating from high school, going to college, becoming a college graduate student, a working stiff, a freelancer, an employee, etc.

If my memory is correct, Peter Parker was living on his own and might have been a grad student in the first Spider-Man comic books I ever read.  However, the first time I encountered Spider-Man in comics was a reprint of the story from Amazing Fantasy #15.  That was a seminal moment for me as a burgeoning comic book fan.  From that point on, I basically always favored the teenage Peter Parker, so the first time I saw an adult Parker, I found it odd.  It is not that I did not like a grown-up Parker; I simply preferred reading about a teen-aged Peter Parker being Spider-Man.

So my interest was piqued when I read that as part of the “All-New, All-Different Marvel,” Marvel Comics was going to launch a comic book that focused on the early days of Peter Parker's adventures as Spider-Man.  Entitled Spidey, this series is written by Robbie Thompson; drawn by Nick Bradshaw; colored by Jim Campbell; and lettered by Travis Lanham.

Spidey #1 finds Peter Parker having to be the Amazing Spider-Man on his way to class at Midtown High School.  It is the field trip to Oscorp that causes the real trouble when Doctor Otto Octavius crashes the party.

I tried to be a cynical old guy and not like Spidey #1, but it is the kind of throwback, retro Spider-Man comic book that I like to read on occasion.  In fact, I am ready for the second issue (which I think has been released as of this writing).  This is an action-adventure comic book that recalls classic Marvel, but without the storytelling density.  After all, early Marvel Comics squeezed an epic into practically each issue their most popular series.

Spidey writer Robbie Thompson offers something like a comic book version of the Saturday morning animated television series, “The Spectacular Spider-Man” (2008-2009).  Thompson pretty much sticks with standard characterization on all characters, including the supporting players, Gwen Stacy and Flash Thompson, so readers will recognize the characters they have come to love.  Thompson also manages two Spider-Man-in-action sequences, while offering the high school melodrama that is integral to any Spider-Man comic book

Artist Nick Bradshaw does his best Art Adams circa Monkeyman and O'Brien, but Adam's detailed style is made practical rather than stylish in Spidey.  Appearance aside, Bradshaw's storytelling is solid, balancing lite high school drama with explosive action.  And as every Spider-Man comic book artist should do, Bradshaw makes Spider-Man look good in action.  I don't know if Bradshaw will be remembered as a great Spider-Man artist, but he is starting off as an effective one.

So if readers are looking for a Spider-Man comic book for young readers, rather than complaining they can find Spidey.  It will entertainment them, also.

B+

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.

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


Monday, January 13, 2020

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 15, 2020

MARVEL COMICS

OCT191112    ABSOLUTE CARNAGE IMMORTAL HULK & OTHER TALES TP    $15.99
OCT191110    ABSOLUTE CARNAGE LETHAL PROTECTORS TP    $15.99
OCT191109    ABSOLUTE CARNAGE MILES MORALES TP    $15.99
OCT191108    ABSOLUTE CARNAGE SCREAM TP    $15.99
OCT191120    ACTS OF EVIL TP    $34.99
NOV191001    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #347 POSTER    $8.99
OCT191135    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN EPIC COLLECTION TP MAXIMUM CARNAGE    $39.99
NOV190855    AVENGERS #29    $3.99
NOV190856    AVENGERS #29 LUPACCHINO MARVELS X VAR    $3.99
JUL191093    CONAN BARBARIAN ORIG MARVEL YRS OMNIBUS HC VOL 03    $125.00
JUL191094    CONAN BARBARIAN ORIG MARVEL YRS OMNIBUS HC VOL 03 DM VAR    $125.00
OCT191122    CONTAGION TP    $15.99
OCT191125    CRAZY TP    $19.99
NOV191002    DOCTOR DOOM #4 POSTER    $8.99
NOV190998    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1 BY LARRAZ POSTER    $8.99
NOV190838    INCREDIBLE HULK #180 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
JUL191095    INCREDIBLE HULK BY PETER DAVID OMNIBUS HC VOL 01    $125.00
JUL191096    INCREDIBLE HULK BY PETER DAVID OMNIBUS HC VOL 01 DM VAR    $125.00
NOV190753    IRON MAN 2020 #1 (OF 6)    $4.99
NOV190754    IRON MAN 2020 #1 (OF 6) BIANCHI CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
NOV190756    IRON MAN 2020 #1 (OF 6) RON LIM VAR    $4.99
NOV190755    IRON MAN 2020 #1 (OF 6) SUPERLOG HEADS VAR    $4.99
NOV190762    IRON MAN 2020 #1 (OF 6) WARD MARVELS X VAR    $4.99
NOV190997    IRON MAN 2020 #1 BY INHYUK LEE POSTER    $8.99
NOV190851    JESSICA JONES BLIND SPOT #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV190852    JESSICA JONES BLIND SPOT #1 (OF 6) SIMMONDS VAR    $3.99
NOV190779    MARVEL TALES RAVENCROFT #1    $7.99
NOV190881    MARVELS BLACK WIDOW PRELUDE #1 (OF 2)    $3.99
NOV190922    MARVELS SPIDER-MAN BLACK CAT STRIKES #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
NOV190924    MARVELS SPIDER-MAN BLACK CAT STRIKES #1 (OF 5) NAUCK VAR    $3.99
JUL191091    MMW DAREDEVIL HC VOL 14    $75.00
JUL191092    MMW DAREDEVIL HC VOL 14 DM VAR ED 285    $75.00
OCT191143    OZ COMPLETE COLLECTION GN TP VOL 01 WONDERFUL WIZARD MARVELO    $15.99
NOV190764    REVENGE OF COSMIC GHOST RIDER #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
NOV190765    REVENGE OF COSMIC GHOST RIDER #2 (OF 5) LUBERA VAR    $3.99
NOV190767    REVENGE OF COSMIC GHOST RIDER #2 (OF 5) RON LIM VAR    $3.99
NOV190770    RUINS OF RAVENCROFT SABRETOOTH #1    $4.99
NOV190771    RUINS OF RAVENCROFT SABRETOOTH #1 SUAYAN VAR    $4.99
NOV190927    RUNAWAYS #29    $3.99
OCT191138    SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN TP CONAN GAMBLER    $19.99
NOV191000    STAR #1 POSTER    $8.99
OCT191127    STAR WARS ORIGINAL TRILOGY MOVIE ADAPTATIONS TP    $34.99
NOV190999    THOR #1 COIPEL POSTER    $8.99
NOV190782    TRUE BELIEVERS CRIMINALLY INSANE GYPSY MOTH #1    $1.00
NOV190781    TRUE BELIEVERS CRIMINALLY INSANE MANDARIN #1    $1.00
NOV190890    VALKYRIE JANE FOSTER #7    $3.99
NOV190891    VALKYRIE JANE FOSTER #7 ANKA MARVELS X VAR    $3.99
NOV190795    VENOM THE END #1    $4.99
NOV190796    VENOM THE END #1 WARREN VAR    $4.99

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Review: POWERS OF X #1

POWERS OF X No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jonathan Hickman
PENCILS: R.B. Silva
INKS: R.B. Silva and Adriana Di Benedetto
COLORS: Marte Gracia
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Jordan D. White
EiC: Akria Yoshida a.k.a. “C.B. Cebuski”
COVER: R.B. Silva with Marte Gracia
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mark Brooks; Joshua Cassara with Rachelle Rosenberg; John Tyler Christopher; Stephanie Hans; Jack Kirby with Edgar Delgado; Mike Huddleston; George Perez with Jason Keith; Dustin Weaver; Skottie Young
56pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (September 2019)

Rated T+

The X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

“The Last Dream of Professor X”

The X-Men are a Marvel Comics superhero team.  Created by editor Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the X-Men debuted in the comic book The X-Men #1 (cover dated: September 1963).  The focus of that comic book was Professor Charles Xavier a/k/a “Professor X” and his small circle of students.  Each student had a unique power or ability granted to them because each student was a mutant, and each had a code name.  The students were Scott Summers (Cyclops), Jean Grey (Marvel Girl), Warren Worthington III (Angel), Henry “Hank” McCoy (Beast), and Bobby Drake (Iceman).

From time to time the X-Men concept is changed in some way via a relaunch or revamp.  The most famous revamp was and still is the “new X-Men,” which debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (cover dated: May 1975).  Once consistently among the bestselling comic books in the United States (and often the bestselling comic book), the X-Men have fallen on hard times.  The editorial powers that be at Marvel Comics have spent much of the last two decades revamping, relaunching, and remaking the X-Men.

The latest remodeling comes via a pair of six-issue miniseries written by Jonathan Hickman.  The first is House of X, and the second and the subject of this review is Powers of X; they are being published biweekly on an alternating schedule.  Powers of X is written by written Jonathan Hickman; drawn by R.B. Silva (pencils) and Silva and Adriana Di Benedetto (inks); colored by Marte Gracia; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Powers of X #1 (“The Last Dream of Professor X”) takes place in four time periods.  The title, “Powers of X,” means “Powers of Ten” – 1; 10 x 1 is 10; 10 x 10 is 100; 10 x 100 is 1000.

X0 is The X-Men, Year One, “The Dream.” X1 is The X-Men, Year Ten, “The World.”  X2 is The X-Men, Year One Hundred, “The War.”  X3 is The X-Men, Year One Thousand, “Ascension.”

In X0, Charles Xavier meets Moira MacTaggert, who has a history to share with Xavier.  In X1, on the mutant sanctuary homeland of Krakoa, Professor X obtains the data Mystique and Sabertooth stole (as seen in House of X #1).  In X2, Rasputin and Cardinal find their teammate, Cylobel, in trouble, so Rasputin launches a one-woman rescue operation to keep her friend from falling into the clutches of Nimrod.  In X3, humanity, mutant-kind, who is left?

That Powers of X #1 takes place in four time periods is not confusing.  That each time period can only tease the story to come is irritating.  I found writer Jonathan Hickman's work in House of X #1 quite intriguing, and I find his offerings in Powers of X #1 intriguing, but a less satisfying read than House of X #1.

The work of colorist Marte Gracia and letterer Clayton Cowles turns out to be just as stellar in Powers of X #1 as it was in the first issue of House of X.  The art of R.B. Silva and Adriano Di Benedetto, with its clear storytelling, is pretty, especially the illustrations for the last two chapters.  When combined with Gracia colors, Silva and Di Benedetto's Powers of X art is flat-out gorgeous.

So I assume the second issue will justify Hickman's approach to Powers of X #1.  I know, however, that good ideas for stories can lose their luster because of poor execution in the storytelling.  We'll see.

7 out of 10

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


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