#IReadsYou Review: A TOWN CALLED TERROR #1

A TOWN CALLED TERROR #1
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Steve Niles
ART: Szymon Kudranski
COLORS: Szymon Kudranski
LETTERS: Scott O. Brown with Marshall Dillon
COVER: Szymon Kudranski
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Tony S. Daniel
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(April 2022)

Rated “M/Mature”

A Town Called Terror” created by Steve Niles and Szymon Kudranski

Part 1: “A Message from Home”

A Town Called Terror is a new comic book series from writer Steve Niles and artist-colorist Szymon Kudranski.  The series blends the genres of crime and horror fiction.  Letterer Scott O. Brown completes the creative team.

A Town Called Terror #1 (“A Message from Home”) welcomes you to a town called “Terror,” population 1300.  A great man has just come back from the dead – apparently not for the first time.  Meanwhile, Henry West is enjoying some post-coital cuddling with his wife, Julie, when men break into the house, drug Julie, and kidnap Henry.

In the days that follow, Julie is unable to get help for her missing husband.  All evidence, or lack thereof, indicates a phantom crime.  But Henry knows where he is...

THE LOWDOWN:  Steve Niles may be the most famous modern writer of horror comic books in North America.  Artist Szymon Kudranski has been plying his trade on the dark side of comics with stints on Marvel Comics' The Punisher and on Spawn and Nita Hawes NIGHTMARE Blog from Image Comics.

Niles presents an interesting scenario, a town for monsters and freaks, which is not necessarily a new idea.  At least two of Dynamite Entertainment's recent Vampirella comic books series deal with something similar.  Apparently, Niles is bringing organized crime and crime fiction to the world of horror, and that is where it gets interesting.

The major treat here is Kudranski's beautiful art, which is part film-noir and part EC Comics.  His still images are the graphics of luscious blacks and creepy, silky shadows.  Flickering lights on wan faces and the criss-cross, interplay of light and dark and black and white instantly transports the reader to a town called Terror, and to corrupt law enforcement, and even to a happy marriage.

Yes, Kudranski takes you there, dear readers, a scary world where you will want to be for awhile.  Now, we just have to wait for the story to kick in, and, if it does, I think I should be in Terror … for at least awhile.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Steve Niles, Szymon Kudranski, and horror comic books will to try A Town Called Terror.

A-

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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


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#IReadsYou Review: NOCTERRA #7

NOCTERRA #7
IMAGE COMICS/Best Jacket Press

STORY: Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel
PENCILS: Tony S. Daniel
INKS: Sandu Florea and Tony S. Daniel
COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Tony S. Daniel with Marcelo Maiolo
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jason Fabok with Brad Anderson; Dani with Brad Simpson; Tony S. Daniel and Marcelo Maiolo
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Pedal to the Metal” Part One

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.  Inker Sandu Florea, colorist Marcelo Maiolo, and letterer Andworld Design complete the series' creative current 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.  Fourteen years later (“14 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.  Aboard her rig is Bailey McCray, the rig's “bean counter,” and Emory “Em” Riggs, Val's brother who was cured of the Shade infection.

As Nocterra #7 opens, it is almost “14 PM,” fourteen years after the “Big PM.”  The Sundog leads a convoy of four rigs, including itself.  Their goal is Outpost 31, also known as the “Drive-in.”  They're hoping to get information on Bailey's late grandfather, August McCray, who may have been one of the people who helped bring the darkness, but who also claimed to have a way to bring back the light.

Meanwhile, Blacktop Bill meets some old friends.  Can Val and friends save the world?  And what dirty deals with they have to make to do it?

THE LOWDOWN:  After the sour taste that the Nocterra Blacktop Bill Special left in my imagination, I needed the the first chapter of the main series' second story arc, “Pedal to the Metal,” to bring back the good feelings this series gave me.  It did.

From the beginning of Nocterra, writer Scott Snyder has offered his readers a comic book series that reads like an old-fashioned pulp serial, complete with cliffhanger endings.  Nocterra is a mixed genre treat; sometimes it is like a penny dreadful and other times it is constantly dropping apocalyptic science fiction elements.

Now drawing with an inker (Sandu Florea) and with a new colorist Marcelo Maiolo, artist Tony S. Daniel electric storytelling is still … electric, moving swiftly from panel to panel.  Daniel builds up to an occasional big splash sequence that makes the story explode off the page while hitting the key points of the plot.  It makes for engaging and bracing comic book storytelling.

Nocterra is back.  And here, the dark is still good.

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 Blacktop Bill Special

NOCTERRA BLACKTOP BILL SPECIAL
IMAGE COMICS/Best Jacket Press

STORY: Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel
PENCILS: Denys Cowan
INKS: Kent Williams
COLORS: Chris Sotomayor
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Tony S. Daniel with Marcelo Maiolo
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Denys Cowan
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Blacktop Bill Origins” Part One: “Hall of Mirrors”

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.

Nocterra's most terrifying creature is “Blacktop Bill,” whose body is bonded with a matrix of carbon nanotubes.  His origin story is the subject of a new special one-shot comic book, Nocterra Blacktop Bill Special.  It is written by Snyder and Daniel; drawn by Denys Cowan (pencils) and Kent Williams (inks); colored by Chris Sotomayor; and lettered by Andworld Design.

Nocterra Blacktop Bill Special opens somewhere in Florida.  That is where we meet “Blacktop Bill,” the so-called “hitman of hitmen,” But when it comes to killing, for Bill, there is work and then, there are “passion kills.”  Was Nocterra's most terrifying creature a monster before the “Big PM?”

THE LOWDOWN:  In Nocterra #4, on page 13 of the story, Mother Hubbard (at the “Hub Cap”) and Bea Bellweather (in Luxville, Colorado) are having a conversation over a private channel.  Bellweather wants to know the history of Blacktop Bill, and Mother starts telling what he has heard...

Nocterra Blacktop Bill Special is that story, the origin of Blacktop Bill.  I am a fan of Nocterra, one of the best new comic books of 2021, and I am a longtime fan of Denys Cowan, the artist for this special.  Writer Scott Snyder offers what seems like a folk tale side-story to Nocterra, and Cowan's art has a surreal, freestyle quality.

Honestly, I enjoyed it only a little, but I expected more.  Maybe, that's the problem.  Considering that I like Nocterra and that I am a fan of Cowan, I expected something bigger … or perhaps, better...  However, I also see it as the first of something more to come – maybe, something bigger.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel's Nocterra will want Nocterra Blacktop Bill Special.

[This comic book contains a seven-page preview of the comic book series, “Monkey Meat,” by Juni Ba.]

B-

★★½ out of 4 stars

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


https://twitter.com/Ssnyder1835
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#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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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 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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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: 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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https://tonydaniel.bigcartel.com/
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https://twitter.com/deronbennett
https://twitter.com/andworlddesign
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


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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"


https://twitter.com/Ssnyder1835
https://www.instagram.com/ssnyder1835/
https://twitter.com/TonyDanielx2
https://tonydaniel.bigcartel.com/
https://twitter.com/tomeu_morey
https://twitter.com/deronbennett
https://twitter.com/andworlddesign
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


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: 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"


https://twitter.com/Ssnyder1835
https://www.instagram.com/ssnyder1835/
https://twitter.com/TonyDanielx2
https://tonydaniel.bigcartel.com/
https://twitter.com/tomeu_morey
https://twitter.com/deronbennett
https://twitter.com/andworlddesign
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 3, 2021

IMAGE COMICS

JAN210196    FIRE POWER BY KIRKMAN & SAMNEE #9    $3.99
JAN210016    NOCTERRA #1 CVR A DANIEL & MOREY (MR)    $3.99
JAN210017    NOCTERRA #1 CVR B JOCK (MR)    $3.99
JAN210018    NOCTERRA #1 CVR C BOSSLOGIC (MR)    $3.99
DEC209125    NOCTERRA #1 CVR D CAPULLO (MR)    $3.99
JAN210019    NOCTERRA #1 CVR E BLANK CVR (MR)    $3.99
SEP200235    UNEARTH #10 (MR)    $3.99
JAN210223    WALKING DEAD DLX #10 CVR A FINCH & MCCAIG (MR)    $3.99
JAN210224    WALKING DEAD DLX #10 CVR B MOORE & MCCAIG (MR)    $3.99
JAN210225    WALKING DEAD DLX #10 CVR C ADAMS & MCCAIG (MR)    $3.99

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.

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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 24, 2018

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AUG180496    ACTION COMICS #1004 FOIL    $3.99
AUG180497    ACTION COMICS #1004 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG180499    BATGIRL #28 FOIL    $3.99
AUG180500    BATGIRL #28 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG180505    BATMAN BEYOND #25 FOIL    $4.99
AUG180506    BATMAN BEYOND #25 VAR ED    $4.99
JUL180724    BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS HC REBIRTH DLX COLL HC BOOK 03    $34.99
AUG180507    BATMAN KINGS OF FEAR #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
JUL180717    BATMAN TP VOL 07 THE WEDDING REBIRTH    $16.99
AUG180456    BOOKS OF MAGIC #1 (MR)    $3.99
AUG180458    BOOKS OF MAGIC #1 BLANK VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
AUG180457    BOOKS OF MAGIC #1 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
APR180306    DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS JOKERS DAUGHTER STATUE    $125.00
MAR180339    DEATHSTROKE BY TONY DANIEL OMNIBUS HC    $75.00
AUG180519    DETECTIVE COMICS #991    $3.99
AUG180520    DETECTIVE COMICS #991 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG180524    FLASH #57    $3.99
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JUL180755    FLASH STARTING LINE ESSENTIAL EDITION TP    $24.99
AUG180542    JUSTICE LEAGUE ODYSSEY #2 FOIL (RES)    $3.99
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AUG180552    RAVEN DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS #9 (OF 12)    $3.99
JUL180774    SANDMAN TP VOL 01 PRELUDES & NOCTURNES 30TH ANNIV ED    $19.99
AUG180555    SCARLET #3 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
JUL180782    SCARLET TP BOOK 01 (MR)    $14.99
AUG180558    SCOOBY DOO TEAM UP #43    $2.99
AUG180562    SILENCER #10 FOIL    $2.99
APR180303    TEEN TITANS KID FLASH MULTI PART STATUE    $80.00
APR180304    TEEN TITANS WONDER GIRL MULTI PART STATUE    $80.00
AUG180575    TERRIFICS #9 FOIL    $2.99
AUG180573    TITANS #28 (DROWNED EARTH)    $3.99
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JUN180585    UNITED STATES OF MURDER INC TP VOL 01 TRUTH (MR)    $16.99
AUG180469    WONDER WOMAN #57 (WITCHING HOUR)    $3.99
AUG180470    WONDER WOMAN #57 VAR ED (WITCHING HOUR)    $3.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 11, 2018

DC COMICS

OCT170362    ANARKY THE COMPLETE COLLECTION TP    $19.99
NOV170223    AQUAMAN #32    $3.99
NOV170224    AQUAMAN #32 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170233    BATMAN #39    $2.99
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NOV178093    BATMAN WHITE KNIGHT #3 (OF 8) 2ND PTG    $3.99
NOV170241    BATWOMAN #11    $3.99
NOV170242    BATWOMAN #11 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170245    BOMBSHELLS UNITED #10    $2.99
OCT170201    DAMAGE #1    $2.99
NOV178094    DARK NIGHTS METAL #1 (OF 6) 3RD PTG    $4.99
NOV178095    DARK NIGHTS METAL #2 (OF 6) 3RD PTG    $3.99
NOV178096    DARK NIGHTS METAL #3 (OF 6) 2ND PTG    $3.99
NOV170341    FUTURE QUEST PRESENTS #6    $3.99
NOV170342    FUTURE QUEST PRESENTS #6 VAR ED    $3.99
OCT170372    GREEN ARROW TP VOL 09 OLD TRICKS    $24.99
NOV170269    GREEN LANTERNS #39    $2.99
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NOV170275    HARLEY QUINN #35    $2.99
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NOV170301    NIGHTWING #37    $2.99
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OCT170361    NIGHTWING TP VOL 04 BLOCKBUSTER (REBIRTH)    $16.99
OCT170376    SUPER POWERS BY JACK KIRBY TP    $39.99
NOV170308    SUPER SONS #12 SONS OF TOMORROW    $3.99
NOV170309    SUPER SONS #12 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170306    SUPERMAN #39    $2.99
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NOV170324    TRINITY #17    $3.99
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NOV170330    WONDER WOMAN CONAN #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV170331    WONDER WOMAN CONAN #5 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99

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.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 15, 2015

DC COMICS

JAN150409     100 BULLETS TP BOOK 02 (MR)     $24.99
JAN150393     AMERICAN VAMPIRE SECOND CYCLE #7 (MR)     $2.99
JAN150400     ASTRO CITY DARK AGE TP VOL 01 BROTHERS & OTHER STRANGERS     $19.99
NOV140306     BATMAN ADVENTURES MAD LOVE DELUXE ED HC     $24.99
FEB150142     CONVERGENCE #2     $3.99
FEB150174     CONVERGENCE AQUAMAN #1     $3.99
FEB150176     CONVERGENCE BATMAN SHADOW OF THE BAT #1     $3.99
FEB150178     CONVERGENCE CATWOMAN #1     $3.99
FEB150180     CONVERGENCE GREEN ARROW #1     $3.99
FEB150182     CONVERGENCE GREEN LANTERN PARALLAX #1     $3.99
FEB150184     CONVERGENCE JUSTICE LEAGUE INTL #1     $3.99
FEB150186     CONVERGENCE SUICIDE SQUAD #1     $3.99
FEB150188     CONVERGENCE SUPERBOY #1     $3.99
FEB150190     CONVERGENCE SUPERGIRL MATRIX #1     $3.99
FEB150192     CONVERGENCE SUPERMAN MAN OF STEEL #1     $3.99
JAN150376     DEADSHOT BULLETPROOF TP     $14.99
DEC140378     EARTH 2 HC VOL 05 THE KRYPTONIAN (N52)     $24.99
JAN150378     EARTH 2 TP VOL 04 THE DARK AGE (N52)     $14.99
DEC140414     FILTH DELUXE EDITION HC (MR)     $29.99
AUG140391     FRANK MILLERS RONIN GALLERY ED HC     $195.00
FEB150245     INFINITE CRISIS FIGHT FOR THE MULTIVERSE #10     $3.99
JAN150374     INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR 2 TP VOL 01     $14.99
DEC140390     INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR TWO HC VOL 02     $22.99
FEB150284     KITCHEN #6 (MR)     $2.99
FEB150247     SENSATION COMICS FEATURING WONDER WOMAN #9     $3.99
NOV140315     SHAZAM A CELEBRATION OF 75 YEARS HC     $39.99
FEB150286     STRANGE SPORTS STORIES #2 (MR)     $4.99
FEB150271     TEEN TITANS GO #9     $2.99
JAN150410     TOP 10 TP     $24.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

OCT140411     ARROW TV ACTION FIGURE     $24.95
AUG140390     DC COLLECTIBLES ACTION FIGURE BASES (BAG OF 20)     $9.95
OCT140415     WONDER WOMAN ART OF WAR STATUE BY TONY DANIEL     $79.95

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.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 22, 2014

DC COMICS

JUL140236     ALL STAR WESTERN TP VOL 05 MAN OUT OF TIME (N52)     $16.99
APR140291     ANNOTATED SANDMAN HC VOL 03 (MR)     $49.99
AUG140245     AQUAMAN #35     $2.99
AUG140199     ARKHAM MANOR #1     $2.99
AUG140315     BATMAN 66 #16     $2.99
AUG140316     BATMAN BEYOND UNIVERSE #15     $3.99
AUG140266     BATMAN ETERNAL #29     $2.99
AUG140358     BODIES #4 (MR)     $3.99
AUG140289     CATWOMAN #35     $2.99
AUG140366     DEAD BOY DETECTIVES #10 (DEFY)     $2.99
AUG140203     DEATHSTROKE #1     $2.99
AUG140190     EARTH 2 WORLDS END #3     $2.99
AUG140248     FLASH #35     $2.99
JUL140248     GOTHAM CITY SIRENS TP BOOK 01     $24.99
AUG140291     HARLEY QUINN #11     $2.99
JUN140279     HARLEY QUINN HC VOL 01 HOT IN THE CITY     $24.99
AUG140322     HE MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #18     $2.99
AUG140307     INFINITY MAN AND THE FOREVER PEOPLE #4     $2.99
AUG140319     INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR THREE #2     $2.99
AUG140236     JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #35     $3.99
AUG140194     MULTIVERSITY THE JUST #1     $4.99
AUG140220     NEW 52 FUTURES END #25 (WEEKLY)     $2.99
AUG140304     RED LANTERNS #35 (GODHEAD)     $2.99
JUN140284     RONIN DELUXE EDITION HC     $29.99
AUG140242     SECRET ORIGINS #6     $4.99
AUG140243     STAR SPANGLED WAR STORIES GI ZOMBIE #3     $2.99
JUL140245     SUICIDE SQUAD TP VOL 05 WALLED IN (N52)     $16.99
AUG140251     SUPERMAN #35     $3.99
AUG140255     SUPERMAN #35 COMBO PACK     $4.99
AUG140370     UNWRITTEN VOL 2 APOCALYPSE #10 (MR)     $3.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

MAY140418     BATMAN 75TH ANNIVERSARY ACTION FIGURE 4 PACK SET 1     $75.00
APR140324     BATMAN LIL GOTHAM BATMAN MINI ACTION FIGURE     $12.95
MAY140423     DC COMICS NEW 52 JL DARK CONSTANTINE AF     $24.95
MAY140424     DC COMICS NEW 52 JL DARK ZATANNA AF     $24.95
APR140309     SANDMAN OVERTURE LTD ED PATINA STATUE     $299.95