Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Princess Leia #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – PRINCESS LEIA No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.  And visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Chris Sprouse and Karl Story; Will Sliney, Marc Deering and Karl Story
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Giuseppe Camuncoli with Elia Bonetti; Mike McKone with Guru eFX
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2019)

Rated T

“Princess Scoundrel”

Princess Leia is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  In fact, her rescue is what forces Luke Skywalker to answer the call to adventure in the original 1977 Star Wars film (also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope or simply, Star Wars: A New Hope).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that comprises three books:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1 (“Princess Scoundrel”) is one of the first two releases in the Age of Rebellion series (along with Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Grand Moff Tarkin #1).  It is written by Greg Pak.  The story is drawn by two art teams:  Chris Sprouse (pencils) and Karl Story (inks) on pages 1-12 and page 20 and Will Sliney, Marc Deering and Karl Story on pages 13 to 19.  The story is colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  “Princess Scoundrel is set sometime between the events depicted in The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars: Episode V) and Return of the Jedi (Stars Wars: Episode VI).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1 (“Princess Scoundrel”) finds Leia and Chewbacca, the longtime Wookie partner and friend of Han Solo, aboard the Millennium Falcon.  They are one their way to rescue Han, who has been captured by the galactic crime lord and gangster, Jabba the Hutt, when they get a call from the Rebel Alliance.  A rebel craft has been shot down over the Outer Rim planet of Arkanis.  Who needs rescuing but Lando Calrissian, the man who is responsible for Han's current state of affairs.  Now, to rescue him, Leia must play a game of bounty hunters.

First, I have to say that I think that Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1 would make a better miniseries than it does as a one-shot, but I guess it is best not to encourage Marvel Comics when it comes to Star Wars miniseries.  Still, in this twenty-page story, writer Greg Pak composes what is an interesting depiction of the relationship dynamics between Leia and Lando.  Pak also offers a compelling game of deception involving Leia, Lando, and Chewbacca and the infamous bounty hunters, Boushh and Bossk.

The art, produced by two teams for this comic book, is beautiful.  I think the second team does a good job producing art that looks like that of the first team.  The art especially captures the visual appearances of the characters as we expect them to look (like the actors that originally portrayed them) and also creates the exotic environments and landscapes we expect of a Star Wars world.

Tamra Bonvillain's gorgeous colors are perfect for a Star Wars comic book, and I have to be honest.  I always think that Bonvillain's colors are gorgeous.  Travis Lanham's lettering and effects are also excellent; he is seems like a just-right letterer for Star Wars, too.

I would like more of Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Princess Leia #1.  In fact, once again, let me say that I wish it were a miniseries.

7.5 out of 10

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


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

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Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Luke Skywalker #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – LUKE SKYWALKER No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. And visit "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Greg Pak
PENCILS: Chris Sprouse; Scott Koblish; Stefano Landini
INKS: Karl Story; Marc Deering
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Chris Sprouse and Karl Story with Neeraj Menon; Mike McKone with Guru eFX; Ralph McQuarrie (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2019)

Rated T

“Fight or Flight”

Luke Skywalker is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  He is my personal favorite.  I think that he has the most fascinating character arc in the Star Wars films, although some would argue that Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker does.  Luke debuted in the original 1977 Star Wars film, but he appears as an infant in the “prequel trilogy” film, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (also known as Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that is comprised of three series:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1 is a new release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Chris Sprouse, Scott Koblish, and Stefano Landini (pencils) and Karl Story and Marc Deering (inks); colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  The story finds Luke Skywalker facing his first temptation from the Sith.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1 (“Fight or Flight”) opens in the galaxy's Outer Rim at the Imperial Refining Platform M36.  The Imperial Support Vessel 49AX3 approaches the refinery, but it is actually under Rebel control.  One of the rebels involved in this mission is Luke Skywalker.  Although the rebels are able to secure desperately needed fuel from the Imperial facility, the ease of the operation makes one rebel major uncomfortable, especially because of Skywalker.  Meanwhile, Luke begins to have concerns of his own, unaware of a dark influence from far away.

The few “Age of” Star Wars comic books that I have read have been average, good, and really good.  Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1 is really good.  Its central theme of trust is one that would seem to be an obvious one for Star Wars comic books, but has rarely come up in Star Wars comic books that I have read.  Here, Greg Pak expertly uses it in this tale of an important rebel mission and of an important moment in the development of Luke Skywalker's personality and in his journey from farm boy to Jedi Knight.

Although there are three artists illustrating this issue, the art looks consistent.  When an “Age of” book has to have more than one artist or art team, it seems that editor Mark Paniccia manages to find artists whose work has at least a passing resemblance to one another.

Colorist Tamra Bonvillain and letterer Travis Lanham have been providing excellent work in their respective roles on these AOR titles.  They don't disappoint here.  I am also not at all disappointed in Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Luke Skywalker #1.  I am even surprised at how much I like it.  Perhaps, I like Luke Skywalker so much that am appreciative (maybe even overly-appreciative?) of any even remotely good story starring Luke, my first Star Wars hero.

8 out of 10

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


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

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Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Lando Calrissian #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – LANDO CALRISSIAN No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Matteo Buffagni
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Mike McKone with Guru eFX; Nilo Rodis-Jamero (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2019)

Rated T

“Cloud City Blues”

Lando Calrissian is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  However, Lando had a controversial start in the 1980 film, The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back or simply, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that comprises three books:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 is a new release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Matteo Buffagni; colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  The story finds Lando trying to take care of his money problems while dealing with his bad luck that often ruins his plans.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 (“Cloud City Blues”) opens on Cloud City, the gas mining facility that floats above the planet Bespin.  Former smuggler Lando Calrissian is now Cloud City's “Baron Administrator.”  Calrissian has a beautiful dream of a life of leisure and luxury and of being totally legitimate, but he has money problems.  Along with his cyborg aide, Lobot, Lando becomes involved in a scam that will gain him the fantastic wealth and the peace of mind that comes with it, except that his bad luck won't make it that easy.

Since Marvel Comics started publishing Star Wars comic books again (in 2015), the publisher has given us two Lando Calrissian miniseries and now this one-shot comic book.  Charles Soule and Alex Maleev's 2015 miniseries, Lando, remains one of Marvel's best Star Wars publications.  2018's Lando: Double or Nothing, a tie-in to the 2018 film, Solo: A Star Wars Story, is an average work with some entertaining moments.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 falls somewhere between.  As far as the story, “Cloud City Blues” is average like Lando: Double or Nothing.  It is filler material that finds the character to be in the same place, in the end, as he was in the beginning. The best writer Greg Pak seems able to do here is say that Lando is a rogue with a heart of gold and possessing some morals and ethics.  But I am always happy to see Lando's cyborg aide, Lobot, whose only film appearance was in The Empire Strikes Back.

On the art side, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1 is closer to Alex Maleev's fantastic work on the 2015 miniseries.  Artist Matteo Buffagni's clean line work and smooth brushstroke create comic book art that is classic cool science fiction.  As Maleev had colorist Paul Mounts, Buffagni also has a talented comic book colorist in Tamra Bonvillain.  Travis Lanham does fine lettering for this comic book, the same way he has been doing for other AOR titles.

So yes, I found things to like in Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Lando Calrissian #1.  As a Lando comic book, it, like Lando: Double or Nothing, is a missed opportunity.

6 out of 10

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


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

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Review: STAR WARS: Age of Rebellion - Han Solo #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION – HAN SOLO No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Greg Pak
PENCILS: Chris Sprouse
INKS: Karl Story
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Gerald Parel; Mike McKone with Guru-eFX; Yasmine Putri; Ralph McQuarrie (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2019)

Rated T

“Running from the Rebellion”

Han Solo is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars film series.  Han Solo was the first ally farm boy, Luke Skywalker, and former Jedi Knight, Ben Kenobi, gathered as Luke answered the call to adventure in the original 1977 Star Wars film (also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope or simply, Star Wars: A New Hope).

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that comprises three series:  Star Wars: Age of Republic, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion, and Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).  [The project is abbreviated as “Star Wars AOR.”]

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Solo #1 is a recent release in the Age of Rebellion series.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Chris Sprouse (pencils) and Karl Story (inks); colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  “Running from the Rebellion” is set not long (apparently) after the events depicted in A New Hope.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Solo #1 (“Running from the Rebellion”) finds Han Solo and his Wookie friend, companion, and copilot, Chewbacca, counting the 17,000 in Imperial credits they have received as a payoff from the promise made to them by the “late” Ben Kenobi.  Now, Han has plans.  He is ready to move back to his life as a smuggler, which includes paying the crime lord Jabba the Hutt the money that he owes them.  Thus, Han is a bit perturbed when Luke Skywalker asks for one last favor, and Han gets pulled into a rebel mission that might wreck all his plans.

First, I have to say that I think that Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Sol #1 is, thus far, my favorite of the four comic books in the “AOR” line that I have read.  If I understand correctly, Marvel Comics' Star Wars comic books, as of 2015, are official Star Wars canon.  So this delightful story, “Running from the Rebellion,” explains how Han Solo became a member of the Rebel Alliance.  Or it at least explains why he is still stuck with the rebels at the beginning of The Empire Strikes Back (1980).

Greg Pak's script for this comic book is well written, and Pak can be hit or miss.  Unlike the recent AOR Princess Leia comic book, the art team of Chris Sprouse and Karl Story draws the entirety of “Running from the Rebellion,” and an entire issue of Chris Sprouse's pencils is always a good thing.  Tamra Bonvillain's gorgeous colors are perfect for a Star Wars comic book, especially for a Chris Sprouse-Karl Story drawn Star Wars comic book.  And, of course, I see you, Travis Lanham, with your always high-quality lettering.  It's all good.

I hope more AOR comics are like Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Han Solo #1.

8.5 out of 10

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


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

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Review: William Gibson's ALIEN 3 #1

WILLIAM GIBSON'S ALIEN 3 No. 1
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: William Gibson
SCRIPT: Johnnie Christmas (adaptation)
ART: Johnnie Christmas
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: Nate Piekos of Blambot
EDITOR: Daniel Chabon
COVER: Johnnie Christmas with Tamra Bonvillain
VARIANT COVER: Paolo and Joe Rivera
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2018)

The 1979 film, Alien (directed by Ridley Scott), won an Academy Award and was a critical and commercial success.  It's 1986 sequel, Aliens (directed by James Cameron), won two Academy Awards and was a critical and commercial success.  The third film, Alien 3 (1992), was less successful, critically and commercially.

According to contemporary and historical accounts, Alien 3, had a contentious and troubled production.  That started from the beginning and continued into late 1987, when two of Alien 3's producers approached acclaimed science fiction author, William Gibson (Neuromancer), to write the film's screenplay.  Gibson accept the offer and completed a script, but ultimately left the project.  Apparently not much of Gibson's work made the eventually completed Alien 3.

Now, Dark Horse Comics is publishing a comic book adaptation of Gibson's unused screenplay for Alien 3.  The comic book series is entitled William Gibson's Alien 3, and writer-artist Johnnie Christmas (Angel Catbird) is adapting Gibson's script to comics and is drawing the series.  Tamra Bonvillain is the series colorist, and Nate Piekos is series letterer.

William Gibson's Alien 3 #1 opens sometime after the events depicted in the film, Aliens.  The U.S.S. Sulaco enters the territorial space of the Union of Progressive Peoples (U.P.P.).  Aboard this spaceship are Ellen Ripley, Corporal Dwayne Hicks, Rebecca “Newt” Jorden, and Bishop, the damaged android – all four in are in cryonic stasis.

There is also something else aboard the Sulaco, as three U.P.P. military personnel are about to discover.  The U.P.P. forces cannot know that this fifth passenger is quite deadly and is about to unleash chaos between two governmental titans intent on developing the ultimate weapon of mass destruction.

Back in the 1990s, I read a synopsis of William Gibson's Alien 3 screenplay that was published in a British science fiction magazine (possibly Interzone).  At the time, I thought that the synopsis would have made a much better film than the Alien 3 we did get in 1992.

William Gibson's Alien 3 #1 only introduces the milieu of the story, providing what amounts to a first-look at the characters and the settings.  Readers familiar with 20th Century Fox's Alien film franchise understand the threat and menace of the franchise's signature villains, the “Aliens” (a.k.a. “xenomorphs”).  They also understand the conflicts and conspiracies that exist among various human factions in the series.  They know who the heroes are, and, in William Gibson's Alien 3, they have a good idea who will likely be the villains.

Since I have seen most of the films in this franchise numerous times, I know how to read an Alien comic book adaptation, and I have an idea what to expect.  That said, I thoroughly enjoyed all the teasing that William Gibson's Alien 3 #1 does.  I like the relaxed pacing of Christmas' script adaptation, and his clean and minimalist drawing style makes for clear graphical storytelling.

Tamra Bonvillain's colors convey the characters' emotions and suggest conspiracy and secrets with surprising potency.  Bonvillain also makes the action and attack scenes explode off the page.  Nate Piekos' lettering is quiet and quietly effective in hitting story beats.  This first issue is one of those examples of when it is hard not to recognize how effective coloring and lettering is.

I did not know what to expect of William Gibson's Alien 3 #1, but after reading it, I want to read more of this series.  This could turn out to be a really good Alien comic book.

7.5 out of 10

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


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

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Review: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Universe, Volume 1

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES UNIVERSE, VOLUME 1: THE WAR TO COME
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

LETTERS: Shawn Lee; Chris Mowry
EDITORS: Bobby Curnow (series); Justin Eisinger and Alonzo Simon (collection)
COVER: Freddie E. Williams II
MISC. ART: Ben Bishop; Freddie E. Williams II; Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird; Kevin Eastman with Tomi Varga; Antonio Fuso; Damian Couceiro; Agustin Graham Nakamura; Eddie Nunez; Ian Chase Nichols; Dan Duncan; Tess Fowler with Tamra Bonvillain; Sajao Shah; Johnnie Christmas with Tamra Bonvillain
ISBN: 978-1-63140-874-8; paperback; 6 5/8 x 10 3/16 (May 2, 2017)
120pp, Color, $19.99 U.S., $25.99 CAN

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (also known as TMNT and Ninja Turtles or sometimes as “the Turtles”) are a media empire that began with characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird for the comic book, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (cover dated: May 1984).  Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael are four teenage anthropomorphic turtles who walk and talk like humans).  IDW Publishing has held the license to produce Turtles comic books since 2011 and has essentially rebooted the Turtles comic book universe.

Launched in August 2016, the comic book series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe, explores characters and story-lines that are pivotal to the IDW TMNT universe.  The first trade collection of the series is entitled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe, Volume 1: The War to Come.  It reprints Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #1-5.

The opening story arc of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe, Volume 1: The War to Come is “The War to Come” (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #1-4).  The Ninja Turtles are facing increasing threats against their existence.  An organization called the “Earth Protection Force” (EPF) is determined to wipe mutants from the world.  Led by Agent Bishop, the EPF launch an attack on the Turtles and others it considers mutants and freaks.

The Turtles find a reluctant ally in a murderous scorpion-like mutant named Zodi.  Meanwhile, Turtle ally, April O'Neil, goes to her former boss, the mad scientist and Turtle adversary, Baxter Stockman, who is also reluctant to help them.  However, the full-on assault of the EPF may force some to become the saviors of those who would be their enemies.

This trade paperback contains two stand-alone tales.  In the story, “Inside Out” (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #4), Leonardo fights the Foot Clan, Utroms, Koya, the Rat King, and his own fear.  In the story “Urban Legends” ( Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #5), two mutants, Hob and Leatherhead, raid a dog-fighting tournament, but being on the same side does not mean being on the same side.

First, let me say that the two short stories, “Inside Out” and “Urban Legends,” are not particularly special.  “Urban Legends” is the better of the two, but “Inside Out” features the art team of Kevin Eastman (layouts) and Bill Sienkiewicz (pencils and inks), which is something of a big deal... at least, for me.

The main story, “The War to Come,” is a really good story.  From the start, the stakes feel high, and the Ninja Turtles are very much in peril.  The EPF is a collection of mean, murdering bastards, and the Turtles allies are questionable, at best, so the story is edgy and intense.  Writer Paul Allor also plays up the conflict within the Turtles as a group, so the readers get complications on top of the threat to the heroes.  That certainly makes for a riveting read.

The art team of Damian Couceiro (pencils-inks) and Ronda Pattison (colors) is gritty and reflects the stinginess of hope for salvation that Allor depicts in the story.  I would say that “The War to Come” is the kind of story TMNT fans will want to read, and it alone makes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe, Volume 1: The War to Come a worthwhile purchase.

I must say that I am surprised.  When IDW sent me a review copy of this book a while back, I did not expect much upon first glance.

B+
7 out of 10

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The stories reprinted in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe, Volume 1: The War to Come
“The War to Come” (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #1-4)
STORY: Paul Allor
ART: Damian Couceiro
COLORS: Ronda Pattison

“Inside Out” (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #4)
STORY: Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, and Tom Waltz
SCRIPT: Tom Waltz
LAYOUTS: Kevin Eastman
ART: Bill Sienkiewicz
COLORS: Tomi Varga

“Urban Legends” (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe#5)
STORY: Chris Mowry
ART: Michael Dialynas
COLORS: Tomi Varga

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


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

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Review: STAR WARS Adventures #1

STAR WARS ADVENTURES No. 1
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Cavan Scott
ART: Derek Charm
LETTERS: Tom B. Long
COVER: Derek Charm
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Elsa Charretier with Tamra Bonvillain; Eric Jones; Jon Sommariva; Chris Samnee with Matt Wilson; Tim Lim; Chris Uminga; Craig Rousseau; Mike Maihack; Tim Levins
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2017)

“Better the Devil You Know” Part 1

Star Wars Adventures is a new all-ages Star Wars comic book from IDW Publishing – yes, IDW and not current Star Wars comic book publisher, Marvel Comics.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida this past April, the series is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and will reportedly feature one and two part stories that are not steeped in continuity.

Shortly before the recent launch of Star Wars Adventures, IDW published a graphic novel adaptation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, also geared towards readers of all ages.  The art for Star Wars Adventures is also intended to “bridge the gap” between Star Wars and traditional Disney animation.  Star Wars Adventures is written by Cavan Scott; drawn and colored by Derek Charm; and lettered by Tom B. Long.

Star Wars Adventures #1 (“Better the Devil You Know” Part 1) opens on the planet of Jakku and focuses on Rey, the hero of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  She is a scavenger of Imperial war ships that are now wrecks on the desert planet.  Rey discovers that her “junkboss,” Unkar Plutt, has been taken prisoner, and the reason is something she found.

Star Wars Adventures may be geared towards elementary school age readers, but I, who was in elementary school a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, love it.  In fact, I adore Derek Charm's art because I have been a fan of animation-style comic book art for a long time.  [ I think that love goes back to the early issues of DC Comics' Batman Adventures comic book, which was the comic book tie in to the classic early 1990s animated television series, “Batman: The Animated Series.”]

I think this comic book is closer to traditional, classic comic books with its striking visuals and clear, effective, adventure storytelling – that does not have to run six issues.  I think writer Cavan Scott and Derek Charm are going to do in 30 pages what many comic book creators cannot do in 100+ pages – give readers a comic book story that reminds us of why we first came to love comic books.

I can't wait for the second issue.

Tales from Wild Space – “Stop, Thief!”
STORY: Cavan Scott
PENCILS: Jon Sommariva
INKS: Sean Parsons
COLORS: Charlie Kirchoff
LETTERS: Tom B. Long

The back-up, “Tales from Wild Space,” looks to be an anthology feature which will star various Star Wars characters from different eras and which will be narrated by an explorer named Emil Graf.  It does not “Wow!” me as much as the lead feature, but this could be good.  Besides, I like the surprising mix of Star Wars characters that it offers.

“Tales from Wild Space” just makes me more certain that Star Wars Adventures will be one of my favorite comic books.

9.5 out of 10

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


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

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Review: NIGHTHAWK #6

NIGHTHAWK No. 6 (2016)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: David F. Walker
ARTIST: Ramon Villalobos
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz with Chris Sotomayor
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2016)

Parental Advisory

Nighthawk is a Marvel Comics character.  While there have been several versions of the character, the first Nighthawk was Kyle Richmond, initially a supervillain and also a member of the Squadron Supreme.  Richmond, as the original Nighthawk, debuted in The Avengers #69 (cover dated:  October 1969) with two other members of the Squadron Supreme.

Marvel's 2015-debuting event/publishing initiative, “All-New, All-Different Marvel,” offered a new ongoing Nighthawk comic book.  This series focused on an African-American version of Kyle Richmond from Earth-31916, who also uses the identity of Raymond Kane.  Nighthawk was written by David F. Walker; drawn by Ramon Villalobos (except for issue #5); colored by Tamra Bonvillian; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

The sales numbers on this Nighthawk series were apparently weak, and it was canceled after six issues, with the last issue being published about two months ago.  Nighthawk is set in Chicago, Illinois which is both roiled by racial strife and rotten with political corruption.  The city's streets, neighborhoods, and districts are Nighthawk's stomping grounds.  The first issue finds him stomping on the “True Patriots,” a White supremacist gang that deals in guns and meth production.  Nighthawk uses his physical and mental skills to destroy them, while his partner, Tilda Johnson, as usual, helps with the robotics and technology Nighthawk uses.

The series found Nighthawk trying to capture a serial killer called “The Revelator,” who is killing White people associated with the oppression of Black people in Chicago.  Nighthawk is also trying to discover the identity of the person who is using the True Patriots to flood Chicago with high-powered fire arms.  That would be powerful real estate mogul, Dan Hanrahan, who in turn uses Tom Dixon, a corrupt cop, as his go-between with the True Patriots.  However, Sherman Burrell, a good White cop, is trailing Dixon because he suspects that he is corrupt.

Nighthawk #6 finds Burrell fighting for his life after his final confrontation with Dixon.  Meanwhile, Nighthawk races to his final confrontation with The Revelator who believes that Nighthawk should be on his side.

I was truly stunned both by how much I liked Nighthawk #1 and by how high-quality it was.  I think that series writer David F. Walker is a fantastic emerging comic book talent.  I also think that if DC Comics were truly interested in African-American comic book writers, Walker would would be writing a few titles for them, even a Batman comic book.  [Walker recently had a short stint as writer of the Cyborg comic book for DC.]

To the end of Nighthawk, Walker does not disappoint.  He wraps up his six-issue Nighthawk series/arc with satisfying and tragic mayhem.  He also manages to make his readers realize how much potential this series had; if only it could have run for another six-issue arc.

As series artist, I liked Ramon Villalobos, whose work on Summer 2015's E is for Extinction (a Secret Wars title) wowed me.  He captured Walker's special mix of humor and the violence that made Nighthawk such an enthralling read.  In the end, I also learned to love the cover art by Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz (with colors by Chris Sotomayor), although I hated the first issue's cover

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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Review: STAR WARS ADVENTURES Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy

STAR WARS ADVENTURES, VOL. 1: HEROES OF THE GALAXY
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Cavan Scott; Landry Q. Walker; Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet
PENCILS: Derek Charm; Jon Sommariva; Elsa Charretier
INKS: Derek Charm; Sean Parsons; Elsa Charretier
COLORS: Derek Charm; Charlie Kirchoff; Sarah Stern
LETTERS: Tom B. Long; Robbie Robbins
PIN-UPS: Derek Charm; Elsa Charretier with Tamra Bonvillain; Jon Sommariva; Chris Samnee with Matt Wilson; Mike Maihack; Craig Rousseau; Tim Lim; Chris Uminga; Eric Jones; Tim Levins
COVER: Derek Charm
ISBN: 978-1-68405-205-9; paperback, 6” x 9” (October 2017)
80pp, Color, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN

“Better the Devil You Know” Parts l and 2; Tales from Wild Space - “Stop, Thief!” and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin”

Star Wars Adventures is a new all-ages Star Wars comic book from IDW Publishing – yes, from IDW and not from current Star Wars comic book publisher, Marvel Comics.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida this past April, the series is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and features one and two part stories that are not steeped in Star Wars continuity.  Star Wars Adventures will feature a rotating casts of characters, and the stories will range from settings that take place before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace all the way up to Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) and beyond.

Now, comes the first book collection of Star Wars Adventures.  It is entitled Star Wars Adventures, Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy.  It collects Star Wars Adventures #1 and #2 and the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan, which was given out at San Diego Comic-Con International 2017 ahead of the release of Star Wars Adventures #1.

The main story of Star Wars Adventures #1-2 is a two-part tale, entitled “Better the Devil You Know,” written by Cavan Scott; drawn and colored by Derek Charm; and lettered by Tom B. Long.  “Better the Devil You Know” opens on the planet of Jakku and focuses on Rey, the hero of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  She is a scavenger of Imperial war ships that are now wrecks on the desert planet.  Rey discovers that her “junkboss,” Unkar Plutt, has been taken prisoner, and the reason is something she found.  Rey realizes that dealing with Plutt, terrible as he is and can be, is better than dealing with the aliens determined to kill him.

Each issue of Star Wars Adventures has a back-up feature, “Tales from Wildspace.”  This anthology-like features various Star Wars characters from different eras of the Star Wars universe and is narrated by an explorer named Emil Graf.  The two “Wildspace stories here are “Stop, Thief!” (Star Wars Adventures #1) and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin” (#2).

I like Star Wars Adventures.  I know that it is geared towards elementary school age readers, but I, who was in elementary school a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, love it.  I like Derek Charm's art, which is a blend of animation-styled art and the art found in Archie Comics.  Cavan Scott's storytelling in “Better the Devil You Know” is true to the spirit of Star Wars – emphasizing adventure, imagination, and, of course, wisdom and justice.

The story from the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan (written by Landry B. Walker and drawn by Charm) is narrated by C-3PO and R2-D2 and presents a rather interesting overview of Star Wars history.  That overview alone, especially the Luke Skywalker parts, is worth the cost of this book.

“Tales from Wild Space” does not “Wow!” me as much as the lead feature, but it is a good back-up.  Besides, I like the surprising mix of Star Wars characters that “Wildspace” offers.

I think Star Wars Adventures is closer to traditional, classic comic books – with its striking visuals and clear, effective, adventure storytelling – than many comic books available in comic book shops today.  This is a comic book that reminds us of why we first came to love comic books, and I think Star Wars Adventures Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy is a great way to introduce young readers to comic books.

[This volume also includes a section of character designs by Derek Charm.]

A+
9.5 out of 10

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


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

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Review: BLACK PANTHER #166

BLACK PANTHER No. 166
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Ta-Nehisi Coates
PENCILS: Leonard Kirk
INKS:  Leonard Kirk and Marc Deering
COLORS: Laura Martin
LETTERS: VC's Joe Sabino
COVER: Brian Stelfreeze
VARIANT COVERS: Jenny Frison; Ryan Sook; Chip Zdarsky; Mike McKone with Rachelle Rosenberg; Wes Craig with Tamra Bonvillain (based on the the Incredible Hulk #340 cover by Todd McFarlane and Bob Wiacek)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2017)

Black Panther created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Rated “T”

“Avengers of the New World” Part 7

Black Panther is a Marvel Comics superhero.  He was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and first appeared in Fantastic Four #52 (cover dated: July 1966).  Black Panther was T'Challa, the king and protector of the (fictional) African nation of Wakanda.  Black Panther was also the first Black superhero is mainstream American comic books.

Ta-Nehisi Coates is an American writer and journalist.  This African-American commentator is also a national correspondent for The Atlantic, where he writes about cultural, political, and social issues, particularly as they regard to Black people in America.  Coates' second book, Between the World and Me (released in July 2015), won the 2015 National Book Award for Nonfiction.  In 2015, he was the recipient of a “Genius Grant” from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Black Panther and Ta-Nehisi Coates (with artist and designer Brian Stelfreeze) came together last year in a relaunch of the Black Panther comic book series.  Marvel Comics is in the middle of a new publishing initiative, “Legacy,” and that changes the issue numbering for Black Panther (and for a number of Marvel Comics' titles).  Coates now produces Black Panther with artists Leonard Kirk (pencils and inks) and Marc Deering (inks); colorist Laura Martin; and letterer Joe Sabino.

Black Panther #166 is the seventh chapter of the “Avengers of the New World” story arc.  The gods of Wakanda, “the Orisha,” have gone missing.  In their absence, mystical portals have been opening and releasing deadly creatures, monsters, and mutants.  A figure known as Ras the Exhorter tells the people of Wakanda that the Orisha are dead and leads them to believe in a new god, “Sefako.”  As Black Panther leads his allies to rescue Asira, an old friend, an old enemy steps forward to claim the prize he has sought since the time when T'Challa's father, T'Chaka was both the king and the Black Panther.

In his legendary 1980s run on DC Comics' Swamp Thing, Alan Moore created a personality for the title character and built a world of supporting characters, bit players, and an intriguing fictional mythology that allowed Moore to explore Swamp Thing's character and motivations.  The result was once-in-a-generation comic book storytelling.  Luckily, Alan Moore influenced generations of comic book writers who came after him.

Taking what the Black Panther writers and artists created before him, Ta-Nehisi Coates is building, issue by issue, a world of the Black Panther that is part of, but is also separate and distinct from the rest of the “Marvel Universe.”  Coates is doing what Alan Moore did with Swamp Thing – create a fictional comic book world that is wealthy with possibilities and does not really need the main universe.  As evident in Black Panther #166, Coates is still in the building process.  There is always some new element or page of Wakanda's history that comes to the fore.  For various reasons, some obvious, the American comic book world has not caught on to Black Panther the way it did Alan Moore's Swamp Thing.  And it should.

Coates collaborators have been stellar since the beginning of this series.  New series artist Leonard Kirk's art makes for quiet but powerful graphical storytelling – explosive in scenes when Klaw unleashes his power and powerfully dramatic when the story delves into the past.  As usual, colorist Laura Martin knows how to color every panel and every sequence in a way that propels the drama of the story.  Joe Sabino's matter-of-fact lettering does not call attention to itself, but, as it recedes into the background, it pulls you down, down, down into this exciting story.

I can't wait for the next issue.

[This comic book includes a three-page character overview written by Robbie Thompson; drawn by Wilfredo Torres; colored by Dan Brown; and lettered by Joe Sabino.]

A
9.5 out of 10

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


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

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

Review: BLACK PANTHER: World of Wakanda #1

BLACK PANTHER: WORLD OF WAKANDA No. 1 (2017)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Roxane Gay (with Ta-Nehisi Coates consultant)
ART: Alitha E. Martinez
COLORS: Rachel Rosenberg
LETTERS: VC's Joe Sabino
MISC. ART: Brian Stelfreeze
COVER: Afua Richardson
VARIANT COVER: Brian Stelfreeze; John Tyler Christopher; Natacha Bustos; Khoi Pham with Frank D'Armata; Skottie Young; Alitha E. Martinez with Rachelle Rosenberg
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (January 2017)

Black Panther created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Rated “T”

“Dawn of the Midnight Angels” Part 1

A sure sign that Marvel Comics is already preparing for the February 2018 release of the Black Panther film from Marvel Studios is that Marvel doesn't think that one Black Panther comic book is enough.  We already have writer Ta-Nehisi Coates' ambitious Black Panther 12-issue series.

Now, we get Black Panther: World of Wakanda, which will explore Wakanda, the African kingdom which Black Panther/T'Challa rules.  The writer of World of Wakanda's main story is author and feminist, Roxane Gay (Bad Feminist).  The story is drawn by Alitha E. Martinez, who was part of the original art team of the Marvel Knight imprint's Black Panther Volume 2 (1998), which was written by Christopher Priest.  Rachel Rosenberg colors, and Joe Sabino letters.

Black Panther: World of Wakanda #1 (“Dawn of the Midnight Angels” Part 1) focuses on the “Dora Milaje” (“Adored Ones”), the female personal bodyguards of Black Panther and the royal family.  We see the first meeting between Captain Aneka and Ayo, the young woman who would become her lover and partner in revolution.

I would describe this opening chapter of “Dawn of the Midnight Angels” as not great, but good.  The characters and the character drama is intriguing, but the Sub-Mariner part of it bores me.  I think writer Roxane Gay is on to something with the dynamics between the leads.  The art by Alitha E. Martinez is a mixed bag – good storytelling but average quality on the composition.  That aside, I highly recommend this title to Black Panther fans.

“The People for the People”

STORY: Yona Harvey and Ta-Nehisi Coates
ART: Afua Richardson
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Joe Sabino

“The People for the People” is an origin story featuring another female character who is a thorn in Black Panther's side.  That would be Zenzi, leader of The People, the group currently trying to topple the Wakandan monarchy.  Written by Yona Harvey and Ta-Nehisi Coates, the story attempts to dispel some of the mystery around Zenzi, and this first chapter definitely makes her a character worth discovering.  The art by rising star Afua Richardson personifies how her stylish graphics and compositions add zest and energy and intrigue into the stories Richardson draws.  Encore

A-

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


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

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

Review: DOOM PATROL #2

DOOM PATROL No. 2 (2016)
DC COMICS/Young Animal – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Gerard Way
ART: Nick Derington
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: Todd Klein
COVER: Nick Derington
VARIANT COVERS: Mike and Laura Allred
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2016)

Mature Readers

Doom Patrol created by Arnold Drake

“Negative World” Part Two: “Brick by Brick 2”

The 2016 Doom Patrol is the latest iteration of DC Comic's Silver Age superhero team of the weird.  Part of the new DC Comics imprint, “Young Animal,” the new Doom Patrol is written by Gerard Way; drawn by Nick Derington; colored by Tamra Bonvillain; and lettered by Todd Klein.

Doom Patrol #2 (“Brick by Brick 2”) finds ambulance driver, Casey Brinke, and her partner, Samuel, getting the most peculiar emergency calls.  For instance, there is the raving lunatic who might be Larry Trainor.  Also, Robotman awakens; more Doom Patrol members from the past begin to appear, and there is a reunion and more extra-dimensional weirdness.

Gerard Way is certainly building his new Doom Patrol (DP) brick by brick.  With this second issue, however, there is just as much of the story becoming clear as there is of it remaining weird and vague.  Readers will like that more members of the original DP appear, as well as a somewhat infamous member.  After reading this second issue, I think that Grant Morrison's late 1980s, early 1990s Doom Patrol is the primary template for the Young Animals DP.  I don't yet know if that is a good thing, although I am a fan of Morrison's DP.

I still really like the art by Nick Derington.  No, I think I am falling in love with Derington's simple, clean style that looks like an indie comics version of Silver Age comic book art and also has a passing resemblance to the art of Chris Samnee.  It's great graphical storytelling simply because the art makes you want to keeping reading, being excited for each new page.

I am still recommending the Young Animal Doom Patrol.  Although I want more, I am not ready to give it a review grade.

[This comic book contains a “special sneak preview” of Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #1 by Gerard Way and Jon Rivera and Michael Avon Oeming.]

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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Review: DOOM PATROL #1

DOOM PATROL No. 1 (2016)
DC COMICS/Young Animal – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Gerard Way
ART: Nick Derington
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: Todd Klein
COVER: Nick Derington
VARIANT COVERS: Brian Bolland; Sanford Greene; Jaime Hernandez; Babs Tarr; Brian Chippendale
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (NOVEMBER 2016)

Mature Readers

Doom Patrol created by Arnold Drake

“Happy Birthday, Casey Brinke” Part One: “Brick by Brick”

The Doom Patrol is a DC Comics superhero team.  The original version of the Doom Patrol first appeared in the comic book, My Greatest Adventure #80 (cover dated:  June 1963).  DC Comics apparently officially credits writer Arnold Drake as the creator of the Doom Patrol, but writer Bob Haney, artist Bruno Premiani, and editor Murray Boltinoff also contributed to the creation of the original concept and team.

The first Doom Patrol consisted of super-powered misfits who had abilities (or “gifts”) that caused them alienation and trauma.  However, there have been many incarnations of the Doom Patrol since the first group that more or less work along the same lines or share the spirit of the original  The most famous iteration of the Doom Patrol since the original would probably be the one created and written by Grant Morrison that first appeared in Doom Patrol (Vol. 2) #19 (cover dated:  February 1989).

There is a new version of the Doom Patrol.  It is part of the new DC Comics imprint, “Young Animal,” which is “curated” and overseen by Gerard Way.  Way is the creator of the comic book series, The Umbrella Academy (Dark Horse Comics), and is also a lead vocalist and co-founder of the rock band, My Chemical Romance.  The new Doom Patrol is written by Way, drawn by Nick Derington, colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Todd Klein.

Doom Patrol #1 (“Brick by Brick”) introduces Casey Brinke.  Maybe, she's a “space case,” but, for sure, she is a hot-shot ambulance driver.  However, goings-on in other dimensions will make her weird even weirder, including meeting a new roommate.

This first issue of Young Animal's Doom Patrol is certainly intriguing, but there is nothing here that will make me, dear reader, convince you to buy the first issue.  This is not a bad story, but Gerard Way spends so much time teasing that he only has enough space to do one other thing, make Casey Brinke likable.  That is something.  I am a longtime fan of the Doom Patrol, so I was going to try this comic book for at least a few issues.  Casey Brinke makes me think a few issues are a decent investment.

I do really like the art by Nick Derington.  His simple, clean style recalls small press and indie comics released by publishers like Drawn & Quarterly, Oni Press, SLP, etc.  The popularity of artists like Bruce Timm and the late Darwyn Cooke, whose slick styles recall comic books from an earlier era, made it possible for the rise of artists like Babs Tarr and Chris Samnee in superhero comic books.  In fact, Derington reminds me of Chris Samnee.

The fact that this is Doom Patrol and that I like the style and design of Nick Derington's graphical storytelling and art means I will be back for more.  Perhaps, I can highly recommend the Young Animal Doom Patrol to you at a later date.

[This comic book contains a “special sneak preview” of Shade the Change Girl #1 by Cecil Castellucci, Marley Zarcone, Kelly Fitzpatrick, and Saida Temofonte.]

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.

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

Review: NIGHTHAWK #1

NIGHTHAWK No. 1 (2016)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: David F. Walker
ARTIST: Ramon Villalobos
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz with Chris Sotomayor
VARIANT COVERS: Rafael Albuquerque; John Tyler Christopher; Bill Sienkiewicz; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2016)

Parental Advisory

Nighthawk is a Marvel Comics character.  While there have been several versions of the character, the first Nighthawk was Kyle Richmond, initially a supervillain and also a member of the Squadron Supreme.  Richmond, as the original Nighthawk, debuted in The Avengers #69 (cover dated:  October 1969) with two other members of the Squadron Supreme.

The “All-New, All-Different Marvel” event offers a new ongoing Nighthawk comic book.  This series focuses on an African-American version of Kyle Richmond from Earth-31916, who also uses the identity of Raymond Kane.  Nighthawk is written by David F. Walker; drawn by Ramon Villalobos; colored by Tamra Bonvillian; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Nighthawk #1 opens in Chicago, Illinois which is both roiled by racial strife and rotten with political corruption.  The city's streets, neighborhoods, and districts are Nighthawk's stomping grounds.  In fact, we find him stomping on the “True Patriots,” a White supremacist gang that deals in guns and meth production.  Nighthawk uses his physical and mental skills to destroy them, will his partner, Tilda Johnson, as usual, helps with the robotics and technology Nighthawk uses.  Meanwhile, Kane faces a dirty offer from Dan Hanrahan; plus, a sinister figure returns.

Stunned.  I am truly stunned both by how much I like this comic book and by how good it is.  If DC Comics were not so afraid of letting African-American scribes write marquee titles, David F. Walker would be writing Batman now.  [Walker recently had a short stint as writer of the Cyborg comic book for DC.]  Although I am a fan of both Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz, I think the cover art they provided for Nighthawk #1 is kinda whack.  When I first saw the cover, I looked at this comic book with disdain.

But something made me buy it.  Maybe, it is the buy-the-first-issue fanboy gene that made me do it, but whomever or whatever I have to thank – thank you, bitches!  I think that Walker is going to tackle issues surrounding themes of anger, aggression, rage, violence, political corruption, and corporate depravity.  So that makes David F. Walker's Nighthawk a smart buy.  Besides, the covers are going to get better, aren't they?

As artist, I like the choice of Ramon Villalobos, whose work on last summer's E is for Extinction (a Secret Wars title) wowed me.  You know what?  I'm going to highly recommend this book to you, dear readers.

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.

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

Review: MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #1

MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review originally appeared on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder
ARTIST: Natacha Bustos
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
COVER: Amy Reeder
VARIANT COVERS: Trevor Von Eeden; Jeffrey Veregge (Hip Hop variant)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2016)

BFF Part 1: “Repeat After Me”

Devil Dinosaur is a Marvel Comics character that first appeared in Devil Dinosaur #1 (cover dated: April 1978).  Created by writer-artist Jack Kirby, Devil Dinosaur is a red Tyrannosaurus Rex, turned red by mutation.  He has a friend and partner, the ape-like Moon Boy, and they live on “Dinosaur World,” a parallel Earth where dinosaurs and primitive humanoid beings live at the same time.

With the launch of the “All-New, All-Different Marvel,” Devil Dinosaur returns in a new comic book series, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.  The series is written by Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder; drawn by Natacha Bustos; colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Travis Lanham.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1 (“Repeat After Me”) opens in Lower East Side, Manhattan, New York City.  We meet Lunella Lafayette, girl of science.  Little else in life, but for the scientific, interests her, and we are talking far-off, theoretical, and super-science.  Then, she discovers a glowing stone or orb of some kind.  Meanwhile, in “The Valley of Flame,” events are occurring that will bring new creatures, including a big red dinosaur into Lunella's life.

After only reading one issue of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, I can say with confidence that it is one of the best kids' comics that Marvel Comics has published in a long time.  It is an accessible comic book for kids ages 8 to 12 ('tweens?), but I think that some readers younger than that age group can access this wonderful comic book.

I recently complained that first issues of comic books (especially of ongoing series) tend to be vague, at best a taste of what the series will offer rather than being an actual first chapter of a story arc.  Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1 is an actual first chapter.  Writers Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder give readers a good glimpse into Lunella Lafayette (“Moon Girl”), who she is, what she wants, her obstacles and conflicts, etc.  They also provide a solid look at the world from which Devil Dinosaur originates, at least enough to make the reader more curious about the Valley of Flame.

The art by Natacha Bustos is the kind of drawing style one might find in alternative and small press comics and also in graphic novels published by book publishers like Scholastic and First Second Books.  It is clean and recalls classic comic book art of the late 1950s and 1960s.  This allows the graphical storytelling to be clear, but also energetic and rife with possibility.  There is a sense of wonder, of mystery, of the unknown in Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur that modern superhero comic books mostly lack.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1 is a break-out first issue, and I can't wait for the second issue.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Review: WAYWARD #9

WAYWARD #9
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings – @stekichikun
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain – @TBonvillain
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon – @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings with Tamra Bonvillain
VARIANT COVER: Gurihiru
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

This review comes with an “editor's note.”  I forgot to post this back at the end of June when I was supposed to do so.  I gotta be anal about it and post it...

The latest issue of Image Comics' Wayward is the second-to-last issue of the series' second story arc.  The comic book, which launched late Summer 2014, is set in Japan and features those creatures and spirits of Japanese folklore, Yokai.  Wayward is the creation of writer Jim Zub and artist Steve Cummings.  Wayward focuses on Rori Lane, a half-Irish/half-Japanese teen girl, who is trying to start a new life in Japan.  Instead, Rori and a small band of fellow magically-touched folks battle a secret war of magic in the shadows of Tokyo.

Wayward #9 (“Chapter Nine) opens in the past, as we witness the “Great Tengu,” Daranibo and his forces destroy a village.  What's going on?

Back to the future:  Ohara Emi (the narrator of much of this story arc) and Nikaido meet cat-girl Ayane's new pals, the Tsuchigumo – the Earth Spiders.  They offer to help the trio in the battle against the Yokai, Nurarihyon, and his allies, but Ohara is suspicious.  Meanwhile, Rori is on a mission, and she is feeling the full extent of her powers, which leaves her companion, Shirai, troubled.

Wayward writer/co-creator, Jim Zub, is still sending out advanced review PDF copies of Wayward, nine issues into the series, which one comics reviewer called “the next Saga.”  The ComicBookBin receives these complementary PDFs, and I am glad that I received this one.  I had planned on not reviewing Wayward for a while.  What more can I say about the comic book that should have received a “best new series” Eisner nomination, I thought?

Well, what I don't want to say is that Wayward is getting better.  That's too easy.  It is actually getting bigger.  The more Zub opens this world to his readers, the more he will ensnare them in the weave and the more they will buy into Wayward's conceit.  In fact, it will be increasingly harder for readers to walk away.  Steve Cummings and Tamra Bonvillain's graphical storytelling blazes, conjuring Wayward in a furious story of imagination and wild magic.

Also, an integral contributor to Wayward is Zack Davisson, a writer and scholar who is an expert on Japanese folklore and culture, including manga.  His essays, which appear after the last story page of each issue of Wayward, are must-reads for manga readers who are interested in Japan outside the comics pages.  This issue's essay, “The Secret History of Dirt Spiders,” is startling, and it also expands on information I have encountered in passing.  This is info I need as a fan of Japanese comics and literature, and also of Japanese film and television.

A+

[Wayward #9 contains another engrossing essay, “The Secret History of Dirt Spiders,” by Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson).]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Review: WAYWARD #10

WAYWARD #10
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings – @stekichikun
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain – @TBonvillain
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon – @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings with Tamra Bonvillain
VARIANT COVER: Hanzo Steinbach
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Wayward, the comic book series from writer Jim Zub and artist Steve Cummings, is about to take a three-month break from publishing.  Before that break, Wayward #10, which is the concluding issue of the series' second story arc, has arrived.

Published by Image Comics, Wayward is set in Japan and features those creatures and spirits of Japanese folklore, yokai.  Wayward focuses on Rori Lane, a half-Irish/half-Japanese teen girl, who is trying to start a new life in Japan.  Instead, Rori and a small band of fellow magically-touched folks battle a secret war of magic in the shadows of Tokyo.

Ohara Emi was a quite school girl until she started manifesting strange powers.  Now, she is the narrator of the current story arc, and she manipulates matter and transmutes man-made materials.  As Wayward #10 (“Chapter Ten”) opens, Ohara, Nikaido, and Ayane have team up with Tsuchigumo.  These are supernatural spiders that are fighting their yokai brethren.

Now, humans and mystical spiders attack the Fudo Temples, but their tengu guardians are determined to fight back.  Do Ohara and her friends know the entire story of this fight, however?  Meanwhile, Rori and Shirai, thought to be dead, prepare to reemerge.

Wayward writer/co-creator, Jim Zub, sent out advanced review PDF copies of Wayward #10 (which the ComicBookBin received).  This is a pivotal issue.  Not only is issue #10 the closing chapter of the series second story arc, but it also essentially the end of series introductions.  Now, the series is prepared to get on with the big story, as Zub says in an afterword to this issue.

Zub's script does not disappoint, and co-creator Steve Cummings brings the script to life as magical graphical storytelling that remains grounded at the same time it brings the supernatural to life with imagination and inventiveness.  Colorist Tamra Bonvillain delivers striking colors that make the magical energy pop.  Also, integral Wayward contributor, Zack Davisson, delivers two essays (instead of the usual one) that explain the mythology and culture in which Wayward travels.  I think the next 10 issues will blow our minds.

A

[Wayward #10 contains two engrossing essays, “Circle of Protection Tokyo! The Goshiki Fudo” and “Sokushinbutsu – Buddhas of the Living World,” by Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson).]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Review: WAYWARD #7

WAYWARD #7
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings – @stekichikun
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain – @TBonvillain
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon – @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings with Tamra Bonvillain
VARIANT COVER: Sie Nanahara
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

The latest issue of Image Comics' Wayward is in comic book shops today (Wednesday, April 29, 2015).  The comic book, which launched late last summer, is set in Japan and features those creatures of Japanese folklore, yokai.

Wayward is the creation of writer Jim Zub and artist Steve Cummings.  Wayward focuses on Rori Lane, a half-Irish/half-Japanese teen girl, who is trying to start a new life in Japan with her mother, Sanae.  Instead, Rori finds herself connected to the magic and ancient creatures that lurk in the shadows of Tokyo.

Wayward #7 (“Chapter Seven”) continues the focus on Ohara Emi, a high school girl to whom most people pay little or no attention.  Now, she does have people paying attention to her, Ayane and Nikaido, two teens who are part of Rori Lane's little monster-hunting band.

With the arrival of Obon, the Japanese festival of the dead, Ayane wonders what has happened to Rori and Shirai, who were lost during a battle with several powerful creatures.  Meanwhile, these “corrupted children” are the subject of a meeting between Nurarihyon and other yokai, who are themselves in for quite a surprise.

In a bid to keep the word going about his comic book, Wayward writer/co-creator, Jim Zub, sent out an advanced review PDF copy of Wayward #7.  I like this comic book and support it by buying copies, even after reading it for free.

Recently, someone said that Wayward is the next Saga.  I wouldn't know, as I have yet to read Saga, but if it is as good as Wayward, then, I must read it immediately.  This seventh issue of Wayward is, so far, the best issue of the new story arc.  Sometimes, comic books about magic don't feel very magical.  Like The Sandman, this series has a sense of enchantment about it that is... well, enchanting.  I heartily recommend... Oh, the hell with it.  Read this, dammit!

A

[Wayward #7 contains another engrossing essay, “Obon – The Festival of the Dead,” by Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson).]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Review: WAYWARD #6

WAYWARD #6
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings – @stekichikun
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain – @TBonvillain
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon – @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings with Tamra Bonvillain
VARIANT COVER: Takeshi Miyazawa; Max Dunbar with Tamra Bonvillain; Steve Cummings with Tamra Bonvillain
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Wayward is back, y'all!  One of the best new series of 2014 has a new story arc.

After a three-month hiatus, Image Comics' Wayward returns to comic book stores this week.  Wayward is an intriguing new fantasy comic book series that launched at the end of last summer.  It is the creation of writer Jim Zub and penciller Steve Cummings.  Wayward focuses on Rori Lane, a half-Irish/half-Japanese teen girl.  Rori is trying to start a new life in Japan with her mother, Sanae, only to find herself connected to the magic and ancient creatures that lurk in the shadows of Tokyo.

Wayward #6 (“Chapter Six”) apparently opens three months after the events depicted in the issue Wayward #5.  The story introduces Japanese school girl, Ohara Emi.  She is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family, and she is the “quiet,” “obedient,” and “proper Japanese school girl.”  However, changes come into Ohara life when she overhears her classmates gossiping about the “missing students.”  Then, strange things start happening to her.

I got a reminder that Wayward was returning when writer/co-creator, Jim Zub, sent out an advanced review PDF copy of Wayward #6.  I like the introduction of a new character, but I think I spent most of my time reading this issue waiting for Rori.  Zub and Cummings have created magic with Wayward.  This comic book is like one big enchantment that draws me into the story.  I guess I am not the only reader who wants to live in the world of this series.

Still, I'm excited about the beginning of the second story arc.  As a reminder, Wayward's first story arc, “String Theory,” is being released as a trade paperback the same day as Wayward #6 will be calling to you in your dreams.

A-

[Wayward #6 contains another engrossing essay, “Tradition and Japanese Society,” by Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson).]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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