#IReadsYou Review: NOCTERRA #6

NOCTERRA #6
IMAGE COMICS/Best Jacket Press

STORY: Scott Snyder
ART: Tony S. Daniel
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Tony S. Daniel with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Emanuela Lupacchino with Dave McCaig; Tony S. Daniel and Marcelo Maiolo
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (August 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Full Throttle Dark” Part Six

Nocterra is a horror and science fiction comic book series from writer Scott Snyder and artist Tony S. Daniel.  Published by Image Comics, Nocterra is set on an Earth that has been experiencing an everlasting night, the “Big PM,” since the sky went dark and the world was plunged into an everlasting night over a decade ago.  Colorist Tomeu Morey and letterer Andworld Design complete the series' creative team.

In Nocterra, any living organisms left unlit in the dark for more than 10 hours start undergoing a biological transformation.  Soon, the living turn into monstrous versions of themselves, becoming something called a “Shade.”

Valentina “Val” Riggs – call sign “Sundog,” – was in the fifth grade the day the “Big PM” occurred.  Thirteen years later (“13 PM”), Val drives a big rig hauler, a heavily-illuminated 18-wheeler known as the “Sundog Convoy.”  A skilled “ferryman” Val transports people and goods along deadly unlit roads between the few remaining human outposts, and now she has her most dangerous haul – Bailey, a girl with a dangerous secret and her brother, Emory “Em” Riggs, who is becoming a Shade.

As Nocterra #6 opens, Val is back in those early days of sanctuary, when she saw the true killing ability of the “Smudges,” the name for a human Shade.  Val has found safety in the mysterious Sanctuary, having brought Bailey to Tiberius McCray, the leader of Sanctuary and the brother of her grandfather, Augustus McCray.

Now, however, the calm has given way to the storm, and Val is surrounded by shocking revelations.  She must prepare for both battle and for survival afterwards for herself, Bailey, and Emory.  Can she see past the darkness into the light?

THE LOWDOWN:  As I have written in some of my earlier reviews of Nocterra, I enjoy writer Scott Snyder's creator-owned series.  I have also told you, dear readers, that I am usually happy to read a comic book drawn by Tony S. Daniels, going back to his early days writing and drawing creator-owned titles at Image, such as The Tenth.  Nocterra has justified my devotion, and this sixth issue ends the series' first story arc with a tremendous payoff for readers who stuck around after the first issue.

Like issue #5, Nocterra #6 gets all thematic, and like the fifth issue, the sixth is the best of the series.  This new issue expands the world of Nocterra in one fell swoop, and the potential for this narrative's long haul excites me with the possibility of new places and so many new dangers.

I don't want to spoil anything, but Snyder, Tony Daniel, Tomeu Morey, and Andworld Design are doing some of their best work as a killer creative team of this amazing title.  Science fiction, dark fantasy, horror, family drama, action:  Nocterra is terribly good, dear readers, equally exiting and mysterious, at all times.  The trade collection for the first arc arrives in October, so take that chance to start at the beginning and then, run on up to catch up with us, the regulars of Nocterra.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel will want to sample Nocterra.

A

★★★★+ out of 4 stars

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


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#IReadsYou Review: NOCTERRA #5

NOCTERRA #5
IMAGE COMICS/Best Jacket Press

STORY: Scott Snyder
ART: Tony S. Daniel
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Tony S. Daniels with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Cary Nord; Francesco Francavilla; Tony S. Daniel and Marcelo Maiolo
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (July 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Full Throttle Dark” Part Five

Nocterra is a horror and science fiction comic book series from writer Scott Snyder and artist Tony S. Daniel.  Published by Image Comics, Nocterra is set on an Earth that has been experiencing an everlasting night, the “Big PM,” since the sky went dark and the world was plunged into an everlasting night over a decade ago.  Colorist Tomeu Morey and letterer Andworld Design complete the series' creative team.

In Nocterra, any living organisms left unlit in the dark for more than 10 hours start undergoing a biological transformation.  Soon, the living turn into monstrous versions of themselves, becoming something called a “Shade.”

Valentina “Val” Riggs – call sign “Sundog,” – was in the fifth grade the day the “Big PM” occurred.  Thirteen years later (“13 PM”), Val drives a big rig hauler, a heavily-illuminated 18-wheeler known as the “Sundog Convoy.”  A skilled “ferryman” Val transports people and goods along deadly unlit roads between the few remaining human outposts, and now she has her most dangerous haul – Bailey, a girl with a dangerous secret and her brother, Emory “Em” Riggs, who is becoming a Shade.

As Nocterra #5 opens, Val remembers those early days of sanctuary, when there was hope to reverse her parents' transformations into “Smudges,” the name for a human Shade.  Now, Val has found safety in the mysterious Sanctuary, having brought Bailey to the her grandfather's brother, Tiberius McCray, the leader of Sanctuary.

Sanctuary is also the place where Val found that mysterious light, “the Lux,” that can reverse Em's transformation into a Smudge.  Now, Val has two choices:  keep herself and Em safe or take Sanctuary for granted and leave.  Val is leaning towards that latter, but is there truth and darkness even in this great light?

THE LOWDOWN:  As I have written in some of my earlier reviews of Nocterra, I enjoy writer Scott Snyder's creator-owned series.  I have also told you, dear readers, that I am usually happy to read a comic book drawn by Tony S. Daniel, going back to his early days writing and drawing creator-owned titles at Image, such as The Tenth.  Nocterra has justified my devotion, and this penultimate issue, #5, of the series' first story arc has made me determined to follow Nocterra's dark highways and byways wherever they might lead.

As a theme in Nocterra #5, Snyder presents the idea that nothing, even sanctuary, is enough for humans.  They will take the bad that is the best for which they can hope and do worse trying to get better instead – even if that will obviously lead to disaster.  Andworld Design's lettering pounds the reads with this issue's ominous mood and dark misgivings about humanity.

Daniels eschews kinetic action for two-fisted conspiratorial drama that carries readers to this issue's shocking cliffhanger.  Tomeu Morey's beautiful colors advances an array of moods and emotions, conveying darkness even in the blinding light of Lux.  So, dear readers, there is time to catch up before this debut story arc ends.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel will want to sample Nocterra.

A

[This comic book includes a preview of Ordinary Gods #1 by Kyle Higgins and Felipe Watanabe.]

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


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#IReadsYou Revew: POST AMERICANA #4

POST AMERICANA #4 (OF 6)
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Steve Skroce
ARTIST: Steve Skroce
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Fonografiks
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2021)

Rated M / Mature

Post Americana is a six-issue miniseries written and drawn by Steve Skroce and published by Image Comics.  Post Americana is set in a dystopian future and focuses on two rebels' attempts to save an area called the “Wasteland” from a rogue President of the United States.  Colorist Dave Stewart and letterer Fonografiks complete Post Americana's creative team.

Post Americana  has two settings.  The first is “The Bubble,” an installation inside the Cheyenne Mountains that is the most sophisticated super-bunker in the world.  Inside, Nathaniel Hawksworthe, the new President of the United States, plans to use the bunker's resources to build the “New America” by basically paving over the second setting, the “Wasteland.”  Determined to stop Hawksworthe are Michael “Mike” Lee, a hapless rebel, and Carolyn, a deadly Wasteland girl, who is already hellbent on revenge against the denizens of the Bubble.  But Carolyn and Mike will have to survive the Wasteland in order to save the Wasteland.

As Post Americana #4 opens, Carolyn has a surprise reunion with her mother, Eve, whom she thought was dead.  A prisoner of the forces of The Bubble, Eve is still a fighter, but our heroes are up against the psychotic Hawksworthe and now, his hoary, old hag of a mother.  When things get tough for Mike, Carolyn, Eve, and company, they will find themselves in need of some help.  Enter a hero from the bygone days, Night Terror.  So how is he alive, and do they really want his crazy-ass help?

THE LOWDOWN:  I wrote in my review of Post Americana #1 that I was a fan of writer-artist Steve Skroce, going back over two decades.  In my review of Post-Americana #2, I expressed joy that Skroce gave readers the fun of a cannibal holocaust-shindig, and I like that Post-Americana #3 gave the readers some history and back story.

As ever, Skroce offers something new in each issue of his creator-owned comic books, and Post Americana #4 is no exception.  Yes, the return of Eve will make readers suspicious, and it should, as it is clear that one should always expect both the next surprise and the curve balls from Skroce.  However, the story of the relationship between Carolyn and her mother tugs at the heart.  And the Night Terror angle is the funky cherry on top – to say nothing of his partner, Donny.

As usual, Skroce gets excellent assistance in creating this fine edition of his latest comic book.  That includes superb coloring from Dave Stewart and lettering from Fonografiks that makes the craziness readable.  I can't wait for the fifth issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Steve Skroce's comics and of post-apocalyptic sci-fi will want Post Americana.

A
9 out of 10

[This comic book features a five-page sneak preview of the comic book, Nocterra #1, by Scott Snyder, Tony S. Daniel, Tomeu Morey, and Andworld Design.]

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


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#IReadsYou Review: NOCTERRA #4

NOCTERRA #4
IMAGE COMICS/Best Jacket Press

STORY: Scott Snyder
ART: Tony S. Daniel
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Tony S. Daniel with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jenny Frison; Tony S. Daniel with Tomeu Morey
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (June 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Full Throttle Dark” Part Four

Nocterra is a horror and science fiction comic book series from writer Scott Snyder and artist Tony S. Daniel.  Published by Image Comics, Nocterra is set on an Earth that has been experiencing an everlasting night, the “Big PM,” since the sky went dark and the world was plunged into an everlasting night over a decade ago.  Colorist Tomeu Morey and letterer Andworld Design complete the series' creative team.

In Nocterra, any living organisms left unlit in the dark for more than 10 hours start undergoing a biological transformation.  Soon, the living turn into monstrous versions of themselves, becoming something called a “Shade.”

Valentina “Val” Riggs – call sign “Sundog,” – was in the fifth grade the day the “Big PM” occurred.  Thirteen years later (“13 PM”), Val drives a big rig hauler, a heavily-illuminated 18-wheeler known as the “Sundog Convoy.”  A skilled “ferryman” Val transports people and goods along deadly unlit roads between the few remaining human outposts, and now she has her most dangerous haul – a girl with a dangerous secret and her brother, Emory “Em” Riggs, who is becoming a Shade.

Nocterra #4 opens in Val's memories of “Day Three” of the Big PM.  She and Em are trapped in the basement, as their parents are transforming into Shades.  They are knocking at the door of the basement, determined to enter and kill their children.  Val and Em have each come up with a plan, but they always follow Val's plans.  Em wants that to change.  So what now?

Back in the present, exposed to the dark for so long, Em is changing.  Val need a “solar lamp” to slow down the change, and she knows where one is located.  It's in the outpost town of Tipton; make that “brought down” outpost town.  Even if Val gets lucky, there still is the problem of getting Bailey to Sanctuary, which might not be there.

THE LOWDOWN:  As I have written in some of my earlier reviews of Nocterra, I enjoy writer Scott Snyder's creator-owned series.  I have also told you, dear readers, that I am usually happy to read a comic book drawn by Tony S. Daniel, going back to his early days writing and drawing creator-owned titles at Image, such as The Tenth.

Well, I am having a blast reading Nocterra, which reads like an old-fashioned pulp serial with its haunting settings, crazy monsters, bad-ass villains, questionable supporting characters, and one against-all-odds female hero.  Nocterra #4 even has a theme: what to do when there only two choices, and both of them are risky, but one means destruction.

Snyder and Daniel are delivering in Nocterra the kind of work that has made them superstar comic book creators.  If you are fans of either, there is no reason that you should not be reading Nocterra.

If you are a fan of colorist Tomeu Morey, then, you want to see how beautifully he colors the dark world of Nocterra.  And I always enjoy reading the lettering of Andworld Design.  Thus, it is easy for me to give this series the highest recommendation, especially when Nocterra #4 delivers a powerful chapter that is built on a riveting backstory in order to deliver a heart-stopping last act.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel will want to sample Nocterra.

A

9 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: NOCTERRA #3

NOCTERRA #3
IMAGE COMICS/Best Jacket Press

STORY: Scott Snyder
ART: Tony S. Daniel
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Tony S. Daniel with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Szymon Kudranski
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (May 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Full Throttle Dark” Part Three

Nocterra is a recently launched comic book series from writer Scott Snyder and artist Tony S. Daniel.  Published by Image Comics, Nocterra is set on an Earth that has been experiencing an everlasting night, the “Big PM,” since the sky went dark and the world was plunged into an everlasting night over a decade.  Colorist Tomeu Morey and letterer Andworld Design complete the series' creative team.

Nocterra introduces Valentina “Val” Riggs – call sign “Sundog.”  She was in the fifth grade the day the “Big PM” occurred.  Any living organism left unlit in the dark for more than 10 hours starts undergoing a biological transformation and changes into a monstrous version of itself, becoming something called a “Shade.”  This is happening to her brother, Emory “Em” Riggs.

Thirteen years later (“13 PM”), Val drives a big rig hauler, a heavily-illuminated 18-wheeler known as the “Sundog Convoy.”  A skilled “ferryman” Val transports people and goods along deadly unlit roads between the few remaining human outposts, and now she has her most dangerous haul – a mysterious man and his granddaughter.

Nocterra #3 opens in Val's memories, as she recalls the time when people changed … when her parents became something else.  In the present, the notorious “Blacktop Bill” and his band of highwaymen (of a sort) are hounding the Sundog Convoy.  He wanted Val to surrender her passengers, Dr. Augustus McCray and his granddaughter, Bailey.  Now, he is out for all their blood, and to escape him, someone inside the big rig will have to make a sacrifice.

Meanwhile, black gums, gnarled bones, and haunting yellow eyes are the signs of someone transforming into a human shade.  Someone is showing at least one sign.

THE LOWDOWN:  As I said in my review of Nocterra #2, I enjoy Scott Snyder's creator-owned series more than I enjoy his recent work for DC Comics.  I also wrote that I am usually happy to read a comic book drawn by Tony S. Daniel, going back to his early days writing and drawing creator-owned titles at Image, such as The Tenth.

Well, I am having a blast reading Nocterra.  It reads like an old-fashioned pulp serial with its haunting settings, crazy monsters, bad-ass villains, questionable supporting characters, and one against-all-odds female hero.  In Nocterra #3, Val proves that she can drive the fury road as furiously as Furiosa.

Nocterra #3, like the previous issue, makes me confident that this series is one worth following.  If you are budgeting, dear readers, drop something else to make sure you enter the world of Nocterra every chance you get.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel will want to sample Nocterra.

A

9 out of 10

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the original graphic novel, “Kane & Able,” by Shaky Kane and Krent Able.]

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


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#IReadsYou Review: NOCTERRA #2

NOCTERRA #2
IMAGE COMICS/Best Jacket Press

STORY: Scott Snyder
ART: Tony S. Daniel
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Tony S. Daniel with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Clayton Henry with Alejandro Sanchez Rodriguez
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (April 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“FULL THROTTLE DARK”

Nocterra is a new comic book series from writer Scott Snyder and artist Tony S. Daniel.  Published by Image Comics, Nocterra is set on an Earth that has been experiencing an everlasting night, the “Big PM,” when the sky went dark and the world was plunged into an everlasting night, for well over a decade.  Colorist Tomeu Morey and letterer Andworld Design complete the series' creative team.

Nocterra introduces Valentina “Val” Riggs – call sign “Sundog.”  She was in the fifth grade the day the “Big PM” occurred.  Any living organism left unlit in the dark for more than 10 hours starts undergoing a biological transformation and changes into a monstrous version of itself, becoming something called a “Shade.”  This is happening to her brother, Emory “Em” Riggs.

Thirteen years later (“13 PM”), Val drives a big rig hauler, a heavily-illuminated 18-wheeler known as the “Sundog Convoy.”  A skilled “ferryman” Val transports people and goods along deadly unlit roads between the few remaining human outposts, and now she has her most dangerous haul – a mysterious man and his granddaughter.

Nocterra #2 opens with Val remembering the early days of the “Big PM,” when her parents were lying to themselves.  Val believes in putting a fist through childish fantasies and through the lies people tell themselves.  So what will she do now that Em is infected, and his transformation into a Shade seems to be happening faster than it should?

Meanwhile, she forces the old man, Dr. Augustus McCray, to tell her the truth, or at least more, about the purpose of his journey.  Val also discovers that “Blacktop Bill,” someone thought to be no more than a ghost story, is chasing her.  What does he want?

THE LOWDOWN:  I enjoy Scott Snyder's creator-owned series more than I enjoy his recent work for DC Comics.  I find all that Dark Nights: Metal stuff mostly unreadable, but I enjoyed Wytches (2014-15).  I am usually happy to read a comic book drawn by Tony S. Daniel, going back to his early days writing and drawing creator-owned titles at Image, such as The Tenth.

I found Nocterra #1 to be a strong first issue because it offered so much background information about the story.  Snyder did keep a lot of secrets, but he gave readers a clear understanding of the basics when it came to Nocterra's lead character, the setting, and the plot.  Still, I wondered if the first issue was a fluke, but, now, I know that I had nothing to worry about.  Nocterra #2 is a fine example of pop comics storytelling, with riveting subplots, a poignant flashback, some important character development, and some wham-bam action.

Tony Daniel's art is not as subdued as it was in the first issue.  The storytelling surges, and even the character moments hop with kinetic energy.  Colorist Tomeu Morey is very important to this narrative, and his colors offer subtle shifts in nightmare world.

I won't hesitate this time.  Nocterra #2 makes me confident that this series is one to follow.  If you are budgeting, dear readers, drop something else to make sure you enter the world of Nocterra every chance you get.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel will want to sample Nocterra.

A
9 out of 10

[This comic book includes a four-page preview of “The Good Asian #1” by Pornsak Pichetshote and Alexandre Tefenkgi.]

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


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#IReadsYou Review: NOCTERRA #1

NOCTERRA #1
IMAGE COMICS/Best Jacket Press

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder
ART: Tony S. Daniels
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Tony S. Daniels with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jock; Bosslogic; Greg Capullo
36pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (March 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“FULL THROTTLE DARK”

Nocterra is a new comic book series from writer Scott Snyder and artist Tony S. Daniels.  Published by Image Comics, Nocterra is set on an Earth that has been experiencing an everlasting night for well over a decade.  Colorist Tomeu Morey and letterer Andworld Design complete the series' creative team.

Nocterra #1 opens in Denver, Colorado in the fifth grade class of Valentina “Val” Riggs.  This is the day of the “Big PM,” when the sky goes dark and the world is plunged into an everlasting night.  Any living organism left unlit in the dark for more than 10 hours starts undergoing a biological transformation and changes into a monstrous version of itself, becoming something called a “Shade.”

Thirteen years later (“13 PM”), Val is a big rig hauler, driving a heavily-illuminated 18-wheeler, and her call sign in “Sundog.”  She is a skilled “ferryman” who transports people and goods along deadly unlit roads between the few remaining human outposts.  At Luxville, Colorado, a well-lit outpost, Val hopes to find her brother Emory a.k.a. “Em” in better condition.  Waiting for Val, however, are two people with a request for help that she cannot refuse and that will change everything.

THE LOWDOWN:  I enjoy Scott Snyder's creator-owned series more than I enjoy his recent work for DC Comics.  I find all that Dark Nights: Metal stuff mostly unreadable, but I enjoyed Wytches (2014-15).

Nocterra #1 is a strong first issue because it offers so much information.  Snyder keeps a lot of secrets, but he gives readers a clear understanding of the basics when it comes to the lead character, the setting, and the plot.  Of course, the next few issues will thrill the readers with shocking reveals and new mysteries, but Snyder does not leave me with the maddening feeling that instead of reading the first issue of a comic book I have actually read a teaser.  Andworld Design's lettering conveys the shifts in tone of the dialogue, from the introspection of Val to the urgent appeals of her brother, Em.

Readers may be surprised to see how subdued Tony Daniels' art is.  His pencils are subtle and impressionistic, more original Mad Max than Mad Max: Fury Road.  The inking captures the nuance in the characterization and the action.  Daniels plus colorist Tomeu Morey is always a good thing, and here, Morey creates the sense of an eternal night dotted by the neon twilight of the human outposts.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniels will want to sample Nocterra.

8 out of 10

[This comic book includes “A Note from Scott,” an afterword by Scott Snyder.]

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


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https://twitter.com/andworlddesign
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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: YEAR OF THE VILLAIN SPECIAL #1

DC'S YEAR OF THE VILLAIN SPECIAL No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

EDITOR: Mike Cotton; Marie Javins
COVER: Greg Capullo and FCO
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jim Cheung with Tomeu Morey; Alex Maleev; Stanley “Artgerm” Lau
32pp, Color, 0.25¢ U.S. (July 2019)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

DC Comics' “Year of the Villain” is a crossover comic book event that officially kicks off in July 2019 with Year of the Villain: The Offer.  Although the beginnings of the event have already been hinted at in regular DC Comics titles like Action Comics, on May 1st, 2019, readers got a first look at “Year of the Villain” a specially priced comic book.

DC's Year of the Villain Special #1 is a .25¢ special preview comic book.  It contains what are essentially the three opening or prologue chapters of “Year of the Villain.”  They are “Doom,” “Leviathan,” and “Justice.”  The final eight pages of this comic book comprise an article that offers text pieces, art, sketches, and a list of 20 individual comic book issues that lead up to the official beginning of “Year of the Villain.”

The following paragraphs include a brief synopsis and review of each of the three chapters offered in DC's Year of the Villain Special #1:

“Doom”

STORY: Scott Snyder
ART: Jim Cheung
COLOR: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
EDITOR: Marie Javins

Amanda Blake Waller, the leader of multiple clandestine agencies, including “Task Force X” (a.k.a. The Suicide Squad), has arrived at the White House for a meeting with the President of the United States.  What she finds instead is Lex Luthor and the Legion of Doom.  Luthor has an offer to make Waller and every supervillain on Earth.

I wasn't planning on reading “Year of the Villain,” but this tense, exciting, eight-page piece got me interested in this event.  I generally don't like comic book events, but...  Plus, there is a shocking ending, and I rarely can resist the lovely art of Jim Cheung, in this case, expertly colored by the great Tomeu Morey.

“Leviathan”

STORY: Brian Michael Bendis
ART: Alex Maleev
COLORS: Alex Maleev
LETTERS: Josh Reed
EDITOR: Mike Cotton

Batgirl has arrived in Seattle to join Green Arrow in battling Merlyn.  However, Merlyn is desperate to tell them something... until Leviathan arrives.  Later, Robin (Damian Wayne) has a shocking question to ask his father, Batman.

This chapter does not start off that strongly; then, it explodes.  Plus, the last panel with Damian offers an explosive surprise.  Oh, and I can't resist the team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev.

“Justice”

STORY: James Tynion IV
ART: Francis Manapul
COLOR: Francis Manapul
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
EDITOR: Marie Javins

The Justice League is at the “Universe's End,” trying to save the Gorathian System from the void.  With so much mind-bending rescues to make, Superman announces that it is time to make the League grow.  Which heroes will get the call?  Batman has a simple answer.

If you are still in doubt about “Year of the Villain,” this eight-page treat will put those doubts to rest.  I think you will want to at least sample some more.  Plus, this story offers lovely Francis Manapul art.

DC Insider: Year of the Villain

WRITER: Andrew Serwin
EDITOR: Mike Cotton

There is a lot of information here.  The lists of pertinent comic books that readers will need to fully enjoy the beginnings of “Year of the Villain” will make preview comic book a must-have.

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: HEROES IN CRISIS #1

HEROES IN CRISIS No. 1 (OF 9)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Tom King
ART: Clay Mann
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Jamie S. Rich
COVER: Clay Mann with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: J.G. Jones with Paul Mounts; Francesco Mattina; Mark Brooks; Ryan Sook
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2018)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

Part 1: “I'm Just Warming Up”

Heroes in Crisis is a recently launched nine-issue event miniseries from DC Comics.  It is written by Tom King and drawn by Clay Mann, and finds the heroes of the DC Universe facing a crisis in the one place that they can find healing.  Colorist Tomeu Morey and letterer Clayton Cowles complete the Heroes in Crisis creative team.

Heroes in Crisis #1 (“I'm Just Warming Up”) opens at a small diner in rural Gordon, Nebraska.  Here, Booster Gold and Harley Quinn will engage in a bloody fight.  Meanwhile, the Trinity:  Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are racing to Sanctuary, an ultra-secret hospital for superheroes who have been traumatized by crime-fighting and cosmic combat.  Patients are winding up dead, and Gold and Quinn could be the reason.

Classic DC Comics prestige miniseries like Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen had killer first issues that had most readers coming back for more, some of them even chomping at the bits for the second issue.  Heroes in Crisis #1 is not a killer first issue, but readers will come back for more because that is the thing to do.

Sometimes, it seems as if comic book readers must read event comic books simply because they will be something different, if not better, than the status quo of the monthly and regularly published comic book series.  After all this is an event miniseries, and that is what many comic book readers do – come back for the second issue of the event.  If Heroes in Crisis does not live up to the hype fewer readers will come back for each succeeding issue, but many will see the series through to the end.

I can say that the art team of illustrator Clay Mann and colorist Tomeu Morey are delivering some absolutely beautiful art.  It's like eye candy!  This may also be Clay Mann's best work to date; at least, I think so.

I will read the second issue, but if you choose to ignore Heroes in Crisis...  Well, it won't be like missing out on Batman: The Dark Knight Returns or Watchmen.

5.5 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 or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: DAMAGE #1

DAMAGE No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

SCRIPT: Robert Venditti
PENCILS: Tony S. Daniel
INKS: Danny Miki
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
COVER: Tony S. Daniel and Danny Miki with Tomeu Morey
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (March 2018)

Rated “T+” for Teen Plus

Damage created by Robert Venditti and Tony S. Daniel

“Out of Control” (Part 1): “Let Loose”

DC Comics is launching a new superhero comics initiative, “The New Age of DC Heroes.”  This line of comic books will consist of eight new comic book series:  The Curse of Brimstone, The Immortal Men, New Challengers, Sideways, The Silencer, The Terrifics, The Unexpected, and the subject of this review, Damage.

Damage is written by co-creator Robert Venditti; drawn by co-creator Tony S. Daniel (pencils) and Danny Miki; colored by Tomeu Morey; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.  Damage focuses on a U.S. Army soldier who is turned into a monster destined to be a weapon of mass destruction.

Damage #1 (“Let Loose”) finds Ethan “Elvis” Avery in a state of transformation aboard a plane, the “Stork-1.”  Ethan doesn't want this transformation because he knows that it will turn him into a living, breathing, ticking time bomb – a monster of which he retains no control.  Ethan will only be in this monster form for one hour, but that is more than enough time for the monster to more than earn his moniker, “Damage.”

I am cynical about the launch of new comic book lines, especially when the Direct Market comic book sales are in free fall, as they reportedly were in 2017.  On the other hand, “The New Age of DC Heroes” is designed and illustrated by a “murders row” of accomplished and popular comic book artists, referred to as “DC's Master Class.”  They are Jim Lee, Andy Kubert, John Romita, Jr., Ivan Reis, Kenneth Rocafort, Philip Tan, Ryan Sook, and Damage artist, Tony S. Daniel.

It is the art and graphical storytelling in Damage that makes this comic book worth a look.  Tony S. Daniel's time at DC Comics has seen him become a highly polished artist, who can draw superhero, action, and fight comics that are good enough to put him in the upper echelon.  His inker is Danny Miki who is in his own master class; Miki could probably ink the pencils of people who can barely draw and turn those pencils into something decent.

The art in Damage #1 is more than decent.  Daniel and Miki deliver strong compositions, potent figure drawing, and detailed backgrounds that are superhero comic book eye candy art.  Colorist Tomeu Morey is always putting more bumps-in-the-coloring-hump, and his coloring here is gorgeous.  Letterer Tom Napolitano throws fonts and word bubbles/balloons like furious punches, and the result is a graphics package that will make people buy Damage #1

Conceptually, Damage seems like a blending of Marvel's The Incredible Hulk, Dale Keown's The Pitt, and Tony Daniel's 1990s Image Comics series, The Tenth.  Damage is not groundbreaking, but, as I said, the artists, colorist, and letterer deliver a graphics package that is so visually attractive that even my cynical self wants more.

7 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.

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

Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE #1

JUSTICE LEAGUE No. 1 (2018)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: Jim Cheung
INKS: Mark Morales
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
EDITOR: Rebecca Taylor
COVER: Jim Cheung with Laura Martin
VARIANT COVER: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (Early August 2018)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

“The Totality” Part One

The Justice League (also known as Justice League of America or JLA) is DC Comics' premiere superhero group.  Conceived by writer Gardner Fox and first drawn by artist Mike Sekowsky, the Justice League first appeared as a team in The Brave and the Bold #28 (cover dated:  March 1960).  The seven original members were Superman, Aquaman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman.  The team received its own book with the debut of Justice League of America #1 (cover dated: October 1960).

For the third time in seven years, Justice League debuts with a new first issue.  This new Justice League 2018 is written by Scott Snyder.  This debut issue is drawn by Jim Cheung (pencils) and Mark Morales (inks); colored by Tomeu Morey; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.

Justice League #1 opens with a comet of golden light streaking across space... and across several periods of time.  Next, there is a glimpse of the Justice League's “Hall of Justice.”  Then, we find Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Flash, Aquaman, and Hawkgirl lead fellow superheroes, including Cyborg and Mr. Terrific, into a fight against bands of Neanderthals that have been biologically and technologically advanced by Justice League supervillain, Vandal Savage.  However, the arrival of some familiar supervillains and arch-nemesis and of something wicked/mysterious this way comes makes a League victory seem Pyrrhic.

Since 1985, DC Comics turns to a cosmic event to either save itself financially or to simply increase sales with a high-profile publishing event.  And quite frankly, I am not interested in another Scott Snyder, time-spanning, multi-universal conspiracy.

But I enjoyed the art in Justice League #1.  I will read any comic book story drawn by Jim Cheung, whose pencils are nicely inked by Mark Morales in this issue.  Tomeu Morey, as usual, colors with the power of Shaka Zulu, turning in such beauty that I was willing to wade through a story in which I had no interest.  Letterer Tom Napolitano, for the umpteenth time, makes the unreadable quite readable.

I have to admit this:  I will keep reading Justice League (2018), if future art teams are as good as the one in Justice League #1.

5.5 out of 10

[This comic book includes a preview of Teen Titans #20 by Adam Glass, Bernard Chang, Marcelo Maiolo, and Rob Leigh.]

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: BLACK LIGHTNING: Cold Dead Hands #1

BLACK LIGHTNING: COLD DEAD HANDS No. 1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Tony Isabella
ART: Clayton Henry
COLORS: Pete Pantazis
LETTERS: Josh Reed
COVER: Clayton Henry with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER: Ken Lashley with Juan Fernandez
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2018)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Black Lightning created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden

Cold Dead Hands Part One: “Ready to Do It All Over”

Black Lightning is a DC Comics superhero.  Also known by his civilian identity, Jefferson Pierce, the character was one of the first major African American superheroes to appear in DC Comics.  Pierce debuted in Black Lightning #1 (cover dated: April 1977), and was created by writer Tony Isabella and artist Trevor Von Eeden.

Black Lightning returns in a new six-issue miniseries, entitled Black Lighting: Cold Dead Hands.  It is written by Tony Isabella; drawn by Clayton Henry; colored by Pete Pantazis; and lettered by Josh Reed.

Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #1 (“Ready to Do It All Over”) finds Jefferson Pierce back in Cleveland, already having to play superhero.  On the plus side, Pierce has been learning to maximize his electricity-based powers, and in his first battle back, Black Lightning takes down members of “The Weathermen,” street thieves in the possession of advanced weaponry.

His success is tempered, however, by the state of affairs in Cleveland.  The local police do not want what they see as superhero interference, and some of them may be willing to shoot Black Lightning to make their point.  Also, Black Lightning's take down of “The Weathermen” has earned him the ire of a very powerful and very bad man.

First, Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #1 looks dazzling from the art, graphics, and design perspective.  Clayton Henry's art features strong composition and dynamic layout and design.  Pete Pantazis posts layers of color that are luscious like flowing cake frosting.  The color effects on the energy blasts from weapons, the arcs of Black Lightning's electricity, and the gold of Lightning's goggles are radiant.

Josh Reed's lettering is quite effecting; at least to me, it seems that the word balloons were placed for maximum effect.  Reed's work never intrudes; instead, he creates a rhythm that builds a sense of rising tension and also suggests that Black Lightning is in an increasingly precarious position.

Isabella's story is also quite good.  He should write more comic books.  I like the way that he creates a sense of tension around Black Lightning, which gives the story edge and latent hostility.  Remember, 12-year-old Tamir Rice, shot to death by a Cleveland police officer, was described as “menacing,” by those who made disingenuous arguments in support of his killing?  That is basically what Black Lightning faces; he is a superhero in a place inclined to think of him as a menace.  We, the readers (at least, some of us) do not think of him as a menace.  Isabella creates a scenario in which many distrust Black Lightning, to one extent or another, so as the narrative precedes, the hero finds himself under a spreading malaise.

Isabella increases the obstacles against his hero and that makes a compelling story that will, in turn, make readers want to come back for more.  I want to come back for more.

A
9 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: BATMAN & ROBIN Eternal #1

BATMAN & ROBIN ETERNAL No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review originally appeared on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV
SCRIPT: James Tynion IV
PENCILS: Tony Daniel
INKS: Sandu Florea
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
COVER: Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER: Mikel Janin
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2015)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

Batman Eternal was a weekly Batman comic book series that began in 2014 and was produced as part of the year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the debut of Batman (in Detective Comics #27: cover dated May 1939).  Although the series was planned to run 60 issues, Batman Eternal lasted 52 issues.

Batman Eternal was enough of hit that DC Comics decided to do it again.  Thus, we get the weekly Batman & Robin Eternal.  Batman Eternal “showrunners,” Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, have written the story for Batman & Robin Eternal.  Tynion will be the lead scripter, with contributions from a rotating team of writers:  Tim Seeley, Geneveive Valentine, Steve Orlando, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly and Ed Brisson.  Tony Daniel is the lead artist, with artists Paul Pelletier and Scot Eaton as contributors.

The first issue of Batman & Robin Eternal is scripted by James Tynion IV and drawn by Tony Daniel (pencils) and Sandu Florea (inks).  Tomeu Morey provides colors and Tom Napolitano letters.

Batman & Robin Eternal #1 opens with two glimpses into the past.  Then, the story follows Dick Grayson, current super-spy and former sidekick, across the skyscrapers of Gotham City.  That brings him into contact with Red Hood aka Jason Todd aka his successor as Robin.  Red Robin aka Tim Drake aka the third Robin joins the fun.

Meanwhile, Bluebird aka Harper Row, who was going to be trained by Batman... before he died, finds herself confronting the new robot-Batman.  Second meanwhile, Grayson is back on the mission for the spy agency, Spyral, but things go bad in ways Grayson does not expect.  Something from Batman's past is coming back to haunt every one of those young people who have fought by Batman's side.

After the 52 inconsistent and red herring-filled issues of Batman Eternal, I am not ready to invest in another weekly Batman comic book.  On the other hand, I am really digging the fantastic comic book artist that Tony Daniel has become over the last decade, especially the last five years.  Sandu Florea is probably the perfect inker for Daniel, and Tomeu Morey's colors do wonders for both the storytelling and the visual appeal of the Daniel/Florea team.

And I must admit that I am intrigued by the second half of this story (because I certainly wasn't feeling the first half).  Plus, I am a sucker for Batman comic books, and it takes extra effort to avoid trying each new one.

For the time being, I plan to keep following Batman & Robin Eternal.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Review: Batman #44

BATMAN No. 44
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review originally appeared on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder
WRITERS: Scott Snyder and Brian Azzarello
ART: Jock
COLORS: Lee Loughridge
LETTERS: Deron Bennett
COVER: Jock
VARIANT COVERS: Tony Daniel with Tomeau Morey (Green Lantern 75th Anniversary Cover)
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2015)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

“A Simple Case”

Once upon a time, American network television sitcoms occasionally offered up episodes that focused on timely and/or relevant events, issues, and topics (sex, teen pregnancy, gun violence, abortion, etc.).  Such series installments came to be known as the “very special episode.”

There are a certain episodes that come to mind when I think of the “very special episode.”  In “Diff'erent Strokes” (which personified the special episode), a bicycle shop owner grooms Gary Coleman's “Arnold Jackson” and Arnold's friend “Dudley Jackson” (Shavar Ross) for sexual assault.  In “Family Ties,” Michael J. Fox's “Alex P. Keaton” loses his virginity to a woman who promptly dumps him, even though Alex had fallen in love with her after the encounter.  In “Good Times,” Jimmie Walker's “JJ” was engaged to a young woman who uses hallucinogenic drugs (angel dust?) that leads to to her jumping through a bathroom widow to her death.

Writers Scott Snyder and Brian Azzarello and artist Jock, with the assistance of colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Deron Bennett offer up what could be considered a “very special issue” of Batman.  The story revolves around the police shooting of an unarmed young black man.

Batman #44 (“A Simple Case”) opens in the Gotham Marshes, near the old city limit.  Fifteen-year-old Peter Duggio, a resident of the Narrows, is found dead.  It looks as if he were dropped straight from the sky.  At first, Batman suspects a supervillain, one of his “rogues gallery.”  Then, it seems that Peter, an unarmed young black man, was shot by veteran Gotham City Police Department officer, Ned Howler.  However, Peter's death is far more complicated, with the teen boy's demise being the center of a web of deceit and lies.  And Bruce Wayne may be in that web.

I first heard about Batman #44 when it became a buzzed-about comic book story for a few days.  It generated only a little fake controversy.  The truth is that “A Simple Case” is not so much about a White cop shooting an unarmed Black kid, as it is about the entire, rotten, corrupted thing that a big city can become.  Peter Duggio's death is the result of criminals, corrupted public officials, law enforcement, and system-wide failure, especially on the part of institutions.

Snyder and Azzarello seem to be say that individuals can make a difference because each person can offer his of her singular focus.  On the other hand, institutions, agencies, organizations, etc. are made of multiple individuals and often cannot provide a singular focus where it is needed – in this case of needing singular focus, Peter Duggio.

The art by Jock is half graphical storytelling and half illustration.  Snyder and Azzarello's story seems separate from Jock's art, but that does not take away from the story.  Sometimes, Jock's art comes across as illustrations for an essay or piece of journalistic writing.  Jock's art becomes comic book storytelling in those moments when Snyder and Azzarello focus on character drama and character interaction.  Lee Loughridge's colors are moody, but also accentuate Batman's quest, giving it a sense of immediacy.  The colors suggest that this story is a dark and moody thriller, but at times, Loughridge understands that the story needs a sense of hope.

Batman #44 is a nice change of pace for the series.  Best of all, it is nice that the creative team offered more than something that is simply of the moment.  Peter Duggio's story is timeless because it depicts problems that just won't go away.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

I Reads You Review: DEATHSTROKE #1

DEATHSTROKE #1 (2014)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

WRITER/PENCILS: Tony S. Daniel
INKS: Sandu Florea
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Rob Leigh
COVER: Tony S. Daniel and Sandu Florea with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVERS: Andrea Sorrentino; Kevin O'Neill
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (December 2014)

Rated “T+” (Teen Plus)

Deathstroke created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez

Deathstroke is a DC Comics character that first appeared in New Teen Titans #2 (cover date December 1980).  Created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, Deathstroke was originally introduced as a character named “The Terminator.”  He was Slade Wilson, a mercenary who was completing the terms of a contract undertaken by his son, Ravager, to kill or capture the Teen Titans.  The Terminator became Deathstroke the Terminator and eventually just Deathstroke, an assassin, mercenary, and anti-hero.

With the re-launch of DC Comics’ superhero line, known as “The New 52,” Deathstroke received his second ongoing series, which ran for 20 issues.  In October of last year (December 2014 cover date), DC Comics debuted a new Deathstroke ongoing series.  It is written and pencilled by Tony S. Daniel, inked by Sandu Florea, colored by Tomeu Morey, and lettered by Rob Leigh.

Deathstroke #1 (“Gods of War”) opens with Deathstroke heading to Russia to complete a contract kill.  He meets his Russian contact, Angelica, for sex before going on a killing spree of associates of his target, a man called “Possum.”  But it's all a set-up.

I thought that The Punisher by Garth Ennis was the comic book with the most extreme depictions of violence ever published by one of the big two comic book companies – that I read, at least.  Deathstroke's pretty art, from pencils to compositions and from design to colors, is a flashy and explosive celebration of graphic violence in graphical storytelling.  I am not offended; I want more.

I am glad that I found a second printing of Deathstroke #1.  It seems like something I want to read, and my mind seems to love the eye-candy ferocity of the story.

[This comic book includes a preview of the Vertigo comic book series, Suiciders, from writer-artist, Lee Bermejo.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

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

I Reads You Review: DETECTIVE COMICS Volume One: Faces of Death

BATMAN – DETECTIVE COMICS VOLUME ONE: FACES OF DEATH
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY/PENCILS: Tony S. Daniel
INKS: Ryan Winn, Sandu Florea, and Rob Hunter
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Jared K. Fletcher
COVER: Tony S. Daniel and Ryan Winn with Tomeu Morey
ADDITIONAL ART: Szymon Kudranski
ISBN:  978-1-4012-3466-9; hardcover
176pp, Color, $22.99 U.S., $25.99 CAN (2012)

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

When The New 52 brought forth “new” Batman comic book series, I found myself crazy-in-love with Detective Comics #1, produced by writer-artist, Tony S. Daniel.  In fact, I preferred Detective Comics to Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo.  I only read the first two issues of Daniel's Detective Comics, but I thought that the first issue reminded me of the first “book” of Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns more than any comic book I had read in a long time.

I bought the first hardcover collection of The New 52 Detective Comics.  Sadly, it took me two-and-half-years to get around to reading it.  In that time, Snyder and Capullo's Batman became one of the bestselling comic book series in North America, and a favorite of mine.  On the other hand, Daniel departed Detective Comics after issue #12.

Batman – Detective Comics Volume One: Faces of Death collects Detective Comics #1 to 7, which comprises two story arcs.  Detective Comics begins with Batman in the midst of a dangerous mission.  He has to find The Joker and also discover what is behind the grisly murders of several of the Joker's acquaintances.  Eventually, Batman battles The Dollmaker, a killer who removes the faces of his victims and even some of their organs.  He uses them as macabre building materials to create new people.  The Dollmaker is also seeking revenge against Commissioner Jim Gordon.

The second story arc centers on The Penguin's off-shore gambling palace, The Iceberg Casino.  The casino is also a front for Penguin's money-laundering operation.  The story also involves Gotham City Mayor Hady's re-election campaign; the mayor's election-year war on Batman; reporter and Bruce Wayne love-interest, Charlotte Rivers; Rivers' sister, Jill; and a cheap hood named Jack Houston, whose ability to change his face has earned him the name “Snakeskin.”

Having finally finished the Faces of Death collection, I have to say that, three years later, “The Dollmaker” arc still thrills me.  I think it is a definite heir to Frank Miller's seminal Batman work from the mid-1980s.  Daniel's Batman is a combination penny dreadful and Saturday matinee thriller; each chapter ends in either a cliffhanger or with a shocking reveal.  Batman fighting in the darkest corners of Gotham, with the threat of death hanging over several people, but especially over him.  Several times, I actually believed that Batman was going to be killed.  I knew better, of course.  Batman isn't going to die-as-in-stay-dead, but still, those stories...

“The Iceberg Casino” arc is entertaining, but is an average to above-average Batman story arc.  It is sort of a Batman as action movie/crime thriller.  Of course, there are some cliffhanger-styled thrills int this story, but this is nothing particularly special.

I think Tony Daniel was unable to maintain the promise of his opening Detective Comics story arc.  In Batman, Snyder's story and Capullo's art create a gripping narrative with striking graphics, one issue after another.  Daniel with inker Ryan Winn also created a graphic narrative full of high-drama and edgy visuals.  Visually, Daniel and Winn offered a Batman that was a bird of prey, and the art had a sense of movement so that Batman always seemed to be racing across a dark, but alluring landscape.

As the second story arc advanced, Daniel's art took on a Neal Adams-quality that moves, but lacks something... perhaps, the edginess it had in “The Dollmaker” arc.  I first discovered Tony Daniel's work back in the mid to late 1990s, on his Image Comics series, The Tenth.  The early issues of that series had the characteristics of a raw, but promising talent.  With Marlo Alquiza inking his pencil art, Daniel delivered art that grabbed the reader with its horror-themed creatures and characters.  After Alquiza stopped inking The Tenth, what was raw, but promising became unfocused and undisciplined.

I'll remember Tony Daniel's New 52 launch of Detective Comics for the promise the early issues offered, with joy, but also with some disappointment.  That promise plus 11 pages of preliminary art, thumbnails, sketches, and pencils have encouraged me to give Batman – Detective Comics Volume One: Faces of Death a high grade.  By the way, Daniel is now working on another relaunch of the DC Comics' character, Deathstroke.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: BATMAN ETERNAL #1

BATMAN ETERNAL #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY/SCRIPT: Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV with Ray Fawkes, John Layman, and Tim Seeley
ART: Jason Fabok
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Nick J. Napolitano
COVER: Jason Fabok with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER: Andy Kubert and Jonathan Glapion with Brad Anderson
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2014)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

Although we are already a few issues in, I just obtained a copy of Batman Eternal #1.  DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. have begun the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the debut of Batman (in Detective Comics #27: cover dated May 1939).  Part of DC Comics’ year-long celebration is the launch of Batman Eternal, a new, year-long, weekly comic book series, which will apparently consist of 60 issues.

Scott Snyder, the writer of the ongoing Batman comic book series, is Batman Eternal’s lead writer with James Tynion IV.  The series’ other writers are Ray Fawkes, Tim Seeley, and John Layman; Layman’s work will appear early in the series, before Kyle Higgins replaces him.  The art at the beginning of Batman Eternal will be provided by Jason Fabok.  Batman Eternal will apparently feature an “immense cast” (according to the “DC Comics All Access” column) and will focus on Batman’s relationship with his allies and with Gotham City (“his city”)

Early in Batman Eternal #1, we meet Jason Bard.  Bard is a young police lieutenant who is transferring to the Gotham City Police Department from Detroit.  He arrives in Gotham, where he gets a welcome from Harvey Bullock.  Meanwhile, Batman and police Commissioner James “Jim” Gordon are on the trail of Professor Pyg.  Then, everything starts to go bad.

I enjoyed reading Batman Eternal #1.  It’s interesting, though not the most interesting Batman comic book of the moment, but it could be.  There is potential here, especially because of the way this first issue begins and ends.  I can say that I am impressed with the art by Jason Fabok.  He has an old-school style, in which he uses his inking to create depth, texture, and feathering – three elements many current comic book artists have given over to the people that color comic book art.

For the time being, I plan to keep following Batman Eternal.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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The New 52 Review: DETECTIVE COMICS #2

DETECTIVE COMICS #2
DC COMICS

WRITER: Tony Salvador Daniel
PENCILS: Tony Salvador Daniel
INKS: Ryan Winn and Sandu Florea
COLORIST: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Jared K. Fletcher
COVER: Tony Salvador Daniel, Ryan Winn, and Tomeu Morey
32pp, Color, $2.99

The first issue of Detective Comics debuted with a March 1937 cover date, and two years later, the 27th issue (cover date May 1939) featured the debut of Batman/Bruce Wayne. Detective Comics would become the “DC” in DC Comics. In fact, DC Comics recently re-launched their superhero comic book line, “The New 52,” and that included a start-over for Detective Comics.

Detective Comics #2 (“Playtime’s Over”) opens with a meeting between Bruce Wayne and fellow CEO, Hugh Marder, before Bruce moves on to some playtime TV news vixen, Charlotte Rivers. Batman’s mind, however, is on the troubles at Arkham Asylum, particularly because someone released The Joker. Batman will get some answers but more questions when he runs into the Dollmaker and his motley gruesome crew.

After the talent and intensity writer/artist Tony Daniel showed in Detective Comics #1, I wondered if he could maintain that for a sustained period. There is only a slight letdown from #1 to #2, which is probably due to the fact that this issue’s hero/villain confrontation isn’t quite as powerful as the one between Batman and Joker in the first issue. Still, Detective Comics #2 is no slouch, as Daniel uses superhero conventions to write a story that is more of a dark crime thriller and horror story – think Chris Nolan’s Batman meets the Saw film franchise.

I still say that Daniel’s Detective Comics is the closest anyone has come to replicating the feel and tone of Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One. With a second issue down, Tony S. Daniel’s Detective Comics remains a winner.

A-

The New 52 Review: CATWOMAN #1

"Bringing sexy back to the DC Universe"

CATWOMAN #1
DC COMICS

WRITER: Judd Winick
ARTIST: Guillem March
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Sal Cipriano
32pp, Colors, $2.99

Catwoman is a DC Comics character associated with the Batman franchise. The best known Catwoman is Selina Kyle, who was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. Kyle first appeared in Batman #1 (Spring 1940) as The Cat.

The character has been a super-villain, but she has also had a complex love-hate relationship with Batman that is sometimes romantic. Since her appearance in Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli’s Batman: Year One, Catwoman has been something of an anti-hero that skirts the fine line between daring good girl and criminal bad girl. Most of the time, she is a thief and cat burglar.

With the re-launch of DC Comics’ superhero line, “The New 52,” Catwoman, who has had a few series of her own, gets a new one. As Catwoman #1 (“…and most of the costumes stay on…”) opens, Selina Kyle’s apartment is destroyed, leaving her homeless. Determined to discover who is after her, Selina takes a job in a bar that caters to Russian mobsters, where she gets information that puts her onto her next burglary. Plus, there is a visit from Batman.

I have finally found a Judd Winick-scripted comic book that I enjoyed – Catwoman #1, although this first issue is mainly set-up for a longer storyline. Still, there isn’t much that is imaginative here in terms of ideas: Russian mobsters and a torrid scene between the Bat and the Cat – nice but familiar.

What makes this series look unique is the art by Guillem March, which is covered in luscious colors by Tomeu Morey. By chance, I discovered March because he drew a pin-up that appeared in a hardcover collection I reviewed. I’ve been crazy about his work since then. I look forward to his run on Catwoman enough to take a chance that Winick will entertain me – even if he only rehashes other people’s crime fiction ideas and plots.

By the way, the controversial, tawdry stuff ain’t as scandalous as some are making it out to be. It’s fairly tame considering all the leather, rubber, and vinyl involved.

B+

September 21st
BATMAN #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/batman-1.html
NIGHTWING #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/nightwing-1.html
RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/red-hood-and-outlaws-1.html
WONDER WOMAN #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/wonder-woman-1.html