I Reads You: vampires

Showing posts with label vampires. Show all posts

Thursday, October 6, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #18

KILLADELPHIA #18
IMAGE COMICS

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

Rated “M/ Mature”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[This issue includes an afterword by Rodney Barnes.]

A+

10 out of 10

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

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

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

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Friday, August 5, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #17

KILLADELPHIA #17
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Kent Williams
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (September 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

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

“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part V: “To Make Man”

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

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

As Killadelphia #17 (“To Make Man”) opens, Tevin visits an old friend … for a little blood. Later, James, Jr. begins the journey that will return him to humanity after being turned into a vampire. To do so, however, James will have to confront the dark legacy of abuse that gets passed down from father to son. In this case, James, Sr.'s legacy represents both. Plus, a we get a first look at the “Dark Realm,” with some help from Anansi.

Meanwhile, Thomas Jefferson makes a move at being a “vampire king.” So what does the “vampire queen” have to say about that?

THE LOWDOWN: Killadelphia is now in the penultimate chapter of its third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is.” This may be the story arc that most reveals the complexities and multiple layers of Killadelphia, making it more dark fantasy than mere vampire comic book.

Writer Rodney Barnes offers a chapter that is a bit more philosophical than usual. It is surprising, especially considering that he is preparing the readers for some red, hot-blooded Armageddon. It can be a surprise, to both characters and readers, when the revelation comes that everything is worse than thought. On the other hand, it is good that we see more complexity in Tevin Thompkins; he is a most human vampire, and I hope he gets his own something – graphic novel, miniseries, one-shot, etc.

Artist Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Luis Nct are always ready to draw and color the delights and eccentricities in Barnes' scripts. There is an odd balance of surreal, especially in the place where Jim, Jr. must find himself, and artists' suggestions and presentations of the “Dark Realm” are creepy. The other part of that balance is the fire they light back in Philadelphia, conveying through the story that it is about to go down.

I am still impressed that Barnes and Alexander are able to make each issue of Killadelphia unique It blows my mind, and I implore you, dear readers, to drink fully of this cup of red.

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

[Killadelphia #17 has a backup feature: “Elysium Gardens” Part 10 “The End” by Rodney Barnes, Chris Mitten, Sherard Jackson, and Marshall Dillon.]

A+

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/

The text is copyright © 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 affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #16

KILLADELPHIA #16
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: James O'Barr
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (August 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

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

“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part IV: “Have a Little Talk with God”

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

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

As Killadelphia #16 (“Have a Little Talk with God”) opens, Jupiter and the now vampire former President Thomas Jefferson have a long-awaited confrontation. But after the harsh words, can they (vampire) kiss and make up? Meanwhile, Tevin chats up Anansi, and boy, does God have a mouth on him. Can Anansi bring Jim, Jr. back from the world of the creatures of the night to the world of the living, and if He can, why should He?

THE LOWDOWN: Killadelphia moves into the second half of its third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is.” Perhaps, this is the story arc that most reveals the complexities and multiple layers of Killadelphia, making it more dark fantasy than mere vampire comic book.

Twisting and turning the narrative with sharp-teethed glee, writer Rodney Barnes won't let anything lie. Nothing is as it should be or as we would expect it to be. So Killadelphia #16 is one of this series' best issues … if not the very best. Barnes is also all sharp elbows with uncomfortable truths – like the Brad Pitt reference Anansi drops.

As with the previous issue, artist Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Luis Nct dance through Barnes' script, bringing each scene or sequence into life with its own unique look. The graphical storytelling seems to evolve with the story, the lurid and the surreal side by side and proudly delivering the unexpected.

Wow, the bitter and resentful would call Killadelphia #16 “woke,” but truth defends itself very well. And sometimes, some of us should realize that history is your story and maybe it is a tale telling more than some of you wanted. Yes, I have a vampiric thirst for Killadelphia, and you, dear readers, can have that, also.

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

[Killadelphia #16 has a backup feature: “Elysium Gardens” Part 9 “Hellfire” by Rodney Barnes, Chris Mitten, Sherard Jackson, and Marshall Dillon.]

A+

10 out of 10

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

Friday, April 8, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #15

KILLADELPHIA #15
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander with Well-Bee (pp 9-10)
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Paul Pope
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(July 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

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

“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part III: “Manifest Destiny”

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

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

As Killadelphia #15 (“Manifest Destiny”) opens, there is a new vampire player in town, and it's another “Founding Father” and former president. Meet Tom Jefferson. He has a tale to tell, philosophically, of course, and he is making a claim on the throne.

Elsewhere, Toppy and the rest of Abigail Adams' inner circle invade the Sangsters' sanctum. Oh, they also want to know where See Saw has gone, but isn't that his body, all curled up on the floor? Meanwhile, See Saw is meeting important religious figures like Jesus (who is Black), but he may have to go back to an original god to get the help and the answers he seeks.

THE LOWDOWN: Killadelphia hits the midway point of its third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is.” After the pyrotechnics of the previous story arc, “Burn Baby Burn,” this new story line started with a focus on family – damned and otherwise, but now, its pyrotechnics begin.

I find myself endlessly fascinated by writer Rodney Barnes' plots, but sometimes, I really get a chance to admire how he drops history, religion, culture, politics, and philosophy, scattered like drops of enlightening blood throughout his scripts. That he has brought Thomas Jefferson into play shows that Killadelphia is not growing cold, but will keep surprising and scaring us.

Artist Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Luis Nct dance through Barnes' script bringing each scene or sequence into life with its own unique look. From lurid to luminescent, Killadelphia is a comic book of different worlds and different textures and moods and not a place where things are from a melting pot...

Killadelphia #15 is a another great chapter, and you should be reading it, dear readers.

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

[Killadelphia #15 has a backup feature: “Elysium Gardens” Part 8 “The Power of One” by Rodney Barnes, Chris Mitten, Sherard Jackson, and Marshall Dillon]

A+

10 out of 10

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

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #14

KILLADELPHIA #14
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Jonathan Wayshack
36pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(June 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part II: “...And the Sun Washed the Pain Away”

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

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr., who comes home to Philly to deal with the final affairs of his recently murdered father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr. James, Sr. is not dead, but undead – a vampire. Now father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner, a dead president, and a rebellious, but special young vampire in a bid to save Philly from a vampire doom.

Killadelphia #14 (“...And the Sun Washed the Pain Away”) opens with Abigail Adams in full bloom. Like her husband, John Adams, the second President of the United States, she is a vampire. No longer content to be the little wifey, she is determined to be the tyrannical blood queen of Philadelphia. However, she is displeased that John has not remained … displaced.

Meanwhile, James, Sr. is trying to find a way to change James, Jr. from vampire back into a human. Young, black and talented vampire, Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw,” might be able to do it. But first, there are complications, and Tevin has to see a man about a resurrection while another vampire man seeks him.

THE LOWDOWN: Killadelphia is in its third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is.” After the pyrotechnics of the previous story arc, “Burn Baby Burn,” this new story line looks to focus on family – damned and otherwise – although this arc is also spewing forth the sounds of bloody battle.

I have said in previous reviews that writer Rodney Barnes is writing a comic book in which he is building a universe similar to what Neil Gaiman did with The Sandman. Initially, The Sandman seemed like one thing, but by the end of its first 12 issues, and certainly by its twentieth issue, The Sandman seemed like an entirely different series. At the beginning of Killadelphia, Barnes used the concept of the second POTUS being a vampire as a hook. Now, via Tevin, Barnes is taking us to a new underworld, one beyond the surface vampire conflicts. Killadelphia is a great vampire comic book because the author isn't just building a new wing in the library of vampire fiction. He is constructing a new city-state of vampire fiction.

There is a moment in Killadelphia #14 when the art team of illustrator Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Luis Nct recall the lurid cinema of Hammer Films. It is in Alexander's dark, but painterly compositions, and in Nct's lurid colors that this series will sometimes recall previous vampire fiction. However, Alexander often tells the story of Killadelphia by ripping into the neck of vampire fiction and doing new things. When Alexander conveys the anger of Abigail Adams, it is about more than just her determination to rule. We can be sympathetic to the fact that she won't be held down anymore by a mediocre (white) man.

Killadelphia #14 is a another great chapter in this fantastic series. Yes, I am telling you to read it, dear readers.

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

Killadelphia #14 has a backup feature:
“Elysium Gardens” Part 7 “All Power to the People”

Created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

Story: Rodney Barnes
Art: Chris Mitten
Design: Sherard Jackson
Letters: Marshall Dillon
Edits: Greg Tumbarello

The back-up feature, “Elysium Gardens,” remains in Philadelphia, May 1st, 1985. Angela/Zubiya and her pack of werewolves arrived in the City of Brotherly Love and found their prey, Stregherian witch, Tituba, among the Black liberation group, M.O.V.E. Tituba is a descendant of the people who cursed Zubiya and her pack with their … condition. Now, they are ready to kill the witch, but...

Writer Rodney Barnes makes “Elysium Gardens” both allegorical and metaphorical in the way he uses the brutality, savagery, barbarism, greed, and sin of white supremacy, racism, white colonialism, and white settler violence in the character, setting, and plot of his stories. The werewolves are the angry Negroes, but as Barnes reveals in a mini prologue of real-world assassinations, sometimes, the oppressed have to direct their energies in other ways.

A+

10 out of 10

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Tuesday, December 21, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #13

KILLADELPHIA #13
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: David Mack
36pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(May 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part I: “Family First”

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

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr., who comes home to Philly to deal with the final affairs of his recently murdered father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr. Not dead, but undead, the father joins the son, the chief medical examiner (Jose Padilla), and a rebellious vampire to lead the battle that saves Philly from the vampires. But that was just the first battle, and this is a war.

Killadelphia #13 (“Family First”) opens in Los Angeles, where another undead former President of the United States confesses his sins, announces his plans, and re-introduces his family. Elsewhere, John Adams, our nation's second president finds that his wife, Abigail Adams, the vampire queen in control of legions, no longer needs him. Philadelphia will fall at her feet.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the shocking events that closed the last issue, James, Sr. seeks help from Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw,” but the young man is busy with his own revolution. Will he help, or will the help come form an unexpected guest?

THE LOWDOWN: Killadelphia begins its third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is.” After the pyrotechnics of the previous story arc, “Burn Baby Burn,” this new story line looks to focus on family – damned and otherwise.

It is not beyond my imagination to see a future where a few [Negroes] who provide quality entertainment could assimilate …

Good one, Rodney! Seriously, Killadelphia's scribe, Rodney Barnes, has managed to keep this series extra-fresh for over a year. Dear readers, I have rarely had a chance to doubt this series, as Barnes' imagination presents vampire fiction that offers layers, subtext, and alternative views of much of the supernatural that defy the bonds and boundaries of vampire fiction.

The art team of illustrator Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Luis Nct keep this series pumping the warm blood. Alexander's daring and inventive compositions and Nct's hot coloring spurts hotter arterial fluids even when a vampire isn't biting.

Killadelphia #13 is a welcomed return. One of the best horror comic books out today is back in black and red, and I highly recommend it. I think you will like it. I'd stake a vampire on it.

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

Killadelphia #13 has a backup feature:
“Elysium Gardens” Part 6 “The Wake of the Wind”

Created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

Story: Rodney Barnes
Art: Chris Mitten
Design: Sherard Jackson
Letters: Marshall Dillon
Edits: Greg Tumbarello

The back-up feature, “Elysium Gardens,” opens in Philadelphia, May 1st, 1985. Angela/Zubiya and her pack of werewolves have arrived, looking for someone. They have found their prey, Stregherian witch, Tituba, among the Black liberation group, M.O.V.E. And Tituba has a history, or rather, her story to tell.

As he does with Killadelphia, writer Rodney Barnes makes “Elysium Gardens” both allegorical and metaphorical in the way he uses the brutality, savagery, barbarism, greed, and sin of white supremacy, racism, white colonialism, and white settler violence in the character, setting, and plot of his stories.

It is as if the spirits of the ancestors are guiding Barnes' hands. Just over a month ago, media reports revealed that the remains of a child of M.O.V.E. were being used in a Princeton-back online forensic anthropology course – reportedly without the permission of her relatives. Is it a coincidence that Barnes has introduced the organization into this narrative now? I think not; the ancestors move in mysterious ways.

The art by Chris Mitten is a nice change of pace. Mitten captures the emotions and the spirit that resides within the characters' eyes. His graphical storytelling is good for “Elysium Gardens.”

A+
10 out of 10

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/

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).

Monday, October 25, 2021

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for October 26, 2021

DC COMICS:

Aquaman Green Arrow Deep Target #1 (Of 7) (Cover A Marco Santucci), $3.99

Aquaman Green Arrow Deep Target #1 (Of 7) (Cover B InHyuk Lee Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Aquaman Green Arrow Deep Target #1 (Of 7) (Cover C Ivan Reis & Joe Prado Card Stock Variant), AR

Aquaman The Becoming #2 (Of 6) (Cover A David Talaski), $3.99

Aquaman The Becoming #2 (Of 6) (Cover B Khary Randolph Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Fortnite Foundation #1 (One Shot) (Cover A Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion), $4.99

Batman Fortnite Foundation #1 (One Shot) (Cover B Alex Garner Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Batman Fortnite Foundation #1 (One Shot) (Cover C Donald Mustard Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman The Long Halloween Special #1 (One Shot) (Cover A Tim Sale), $7.99

Batman The Long Halloween Special #1 (One Shot) (Cover B Tim Sale), $7.99

Batman The Long Halloween Special #1 (One Shot) (Cover C Tim Sale), AR

Checkmate #5 (Of 6) (Cover A Alex Maleev), $3.99

Checkmate #5 (Of 6) (Cover B Matt Taylor Card Stock Variant), $4.99

DC Connect #18, AR

DC Vs Vampires #1 (Of 12) (Cover A Otto Schmidt), $3.99

DC Vs Vampires #1 (Of 12) (Cover B Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant), $4.99

DC Vs Vampires #1 (Of 12) (Cover C Ejikure Team Glow In The Dark Card Stock Variant), AR

DC Vs Vampires #1 (Of 12) (Cover D Jorge Molina Glow In The Dark Card Stock Variant), AR

Deathstroke Inc #2 (Cover A Howard Porter), $3.99

Deathstroke Inc #2 (Cover B Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Detective Comics #1044 (Cover A Dan Mora) (Fear State), $4.99

Detective Comics #1044 (Cover B Lee Bermejo Card Stock Variant) (Fear State), $5.99

Harley Quinn #8 (Cover A Riley Rossmo) (Fear State), $3.99

Harley Quinn #8 (Cover B Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant) (Fear State), $4.99

Nubia And The Amazons #1 (Of 6) (Cover C Joshua Sway Swaby Megalustre Card Stock Variant), AR

Robin #7 (Cover A Simone Di Meo), $3.99

Robin #7 (Cover B Francis Manapul Card Stock Variant), $4.99

RWBY Justice League #7 (Of 7) (Cover A Mirka Andolfo), $3.99

RWBY Justice League #7 (Of 7) (Cover B Simone Di Meo Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Task Force Z #1 (Cover A Eddy Barrows), $3.99

Task Force Z #1 (Cover B Tyler Kirkham Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Task Force Z #1 (Cover C Rodolfo Migliari Team Card Stock Variant), AR

Task Force Z #1 (Cover E Kyle Hotz Arkham Knight Color Card Stock Variant), AR

Wonder Girl #4 (Cover A Joelle Jones & Adriana Melo), $3.99

Wonder Girl #4 (Cover B Jamal Campbell Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Wonder Woman Black And Gold #5 (Of 6) (Cover A Julian Totino Tedesco), $5.99

Wonder Woman Black And Gold #5 (Of 6) (Cover B Simone Bianchi), $5.99

Wonder Woman Black And Gold #5 (Of 6) (Cover C Rose Besch), AR

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Friday, September 24, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #12

KILLADELPHIA #12
IMAGE COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Todd McFarlane with Luis Nct; Bill Sienkiewicz
36pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(January 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Burn Baby Burn” Part VI: “Endgame”

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

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr., who comes home to Philly to deal with the final affairs of his recently murdered father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr. Not dead, but undead, the father joins the son, the chief medical examiner (Jose Padilla), and a rebellious vampire to lead the battle that saves Philly from the vampires. But that was just the first battle, and this is a war.

Killadelphia #12 (“Endgame”) opens in one of those neighborhoods (a.k.a. “gated communities”) where the well-to-do and rich white people go to avoid the riff raff. One such refuge from the refugees, however, can't keep all the … bad things out.

Meanwhile, James, Sr., Jimmy, and Ms. Padilla head out to the center of the vampire revolution. Now, they will see for themselves just how crazy Abigail Adams is.

Elsewhere, in the afterlife (so to speak). Tevin Thompkins has his own plans for the revolution. First, he needs to see the boss. He needs to see “Corson.”

THE LOWDOWN: The second story arc of Killadelphia, “Burn Baby Burn,” comes to an end, but it ends on a cliffhanger. This is as it should be, if you think about it.

Writer Rodney Barnes has revealed that what we thought to be a rather straight-forward concept is rather complex. Like blood splatter, Killadelphia's plots and subplots go all over the place, but it is a narrative with purpose. This is a world beyond the narrow confines of the world-beating ambitions of would-be vampire gods and monsters. I don't want to be one of those readers who are always saying, “This is the best issue ever!” Still, if each issue isn't better than its predecessor, then, each issue certainly expands the “Killa-verse,” making it all the more alluring. Killadelphia #12 is the best and boy, does it ever expand the undead playing field.

For Killadelphia #12, Jason Shawn Alexander's storytelling is no one thing. Pages seven and eight show the Sangsters and Padilla in a quiet moment of discussion and planning, but a feeling of intensity infuses the moment. A short scene between Tevin and is grandmother is sweet, but without a hint of anything extra – neither irony nor weirdness. However, the opening pages, with their comeuppance of the gated communities, is fun, crazy, and righteous.

Luis Nct's colors are like traffic lights and signals directing our emotions, imaginings, and feelings in specific directions. Marshall Dillon's lettering is our driver, and he takes us to places where our minds will love the fire. Killadelphia #12 reveals that “burn, baby, burn” is not necessarily a bad thing, especially when we get a cliffhanger leading to the next arc instead of only ashes. Killadelphia #12 establishes this series as a top five comic book, without a doubt.

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

10 out of 10

[This comic book includes an “Afterword” by Rodney Barnes.]

Killadelphia #12 has a backup feature:
“Elysium Gardens” Part 5 “Cry Havoc”

Story: Rodney Barnes
Pencils/Gray Tones: Jason Shawn Alexander
Inks: Bill Sienkiewicz
Layouts: Sherard Jackson
Letters: Marshall Dillon
Edits: Greg Tumbarello

The back-up feature, “Elysium Gardens,” has returned to its “present day.” In the wake of their encounter with Malcolm X, Angela/Zubiya and her pack of werewolves go on the attack, but even they know their limits. If they want to use their curse as a key to “Black Liberation,” they need to know more about its origins. Brother Jabir knows where they need to go, and it is a familiar place.

Part 4's appearance of Malcolm X was shocking and an utter delight. Part 5 offers beloved comic book master artist, Bill Sienkiewicz, as a contributor, as an inker, to this chapter. It is the right time for a legend to show up, as the flow of this narrative makes its first great change of direction.

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #11

KILLADELPHIA #11
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander with Luis Nct
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Duncan Fegredo
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(December 2020)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Burn Baby Burn” Part V: “Changing the Story”

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

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr., who comes home to Philly to deal with the final affairs of his recently murdered father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr. Not dead, but undead, the father joined the son, the chief medical examiner (Jose Padilla), and a rebellious vampire to lead the battle that saves Philly from the vampires. But that was just the first battle, and this is an apocalypse.

Killadelphia #11 (“Changing the Story”) opens with the second president of the United States, John Adams, languishing in the … “Afterlife.” He was the mastermind of a vampire revolution, but he was thwarted by several individuals, one being Tevin Thompkins. Now, a kind of surrogate son offers a kind of surrogate father a way back.

Elsewhere, the real father-son duo, the Sangster boys, settle into the reality of doing-it-one-more-time. Meanwhile, there is a change of story for John Adams' queen-of-the-damned-wife when she recounts her love for another damned … wife (so to speak).

Meanwhile, the rebellion born within the rebellion takes a turn.

THE LOWDOWN: As I first write this review, it is Christmas Week 2020. Killadelphia #11 hits comic book shops Wednesday, December 23rd, two days before the Christmas … of the apocalypse. And just as we dread a mutation from across the pond, Killadelphia's story mutates.

Writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander work as if they were a single unit. The work of each has merged into a single powerful graphical storytelling narrative that has made Killadelphia the best vampire comic book in a long time … if not the best vampire comic book ever published in North America.

Of course, Luis Nct's fiery colors burn stronger than ever, and Marshall Dillon's lettering keeps order in the streets of Killadelphia. Sometimes, I think that I am running out of ways to praise this wonderful comic book. Oh, hold on! Have I said that the final issue of the story arc (issue #12) is 40 pages long?! If Beale Street could talk, it would tell you to read Killadelphia right away.

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

10 out of 10

Killadelphia #11 has a backup feature:
“Elysium Gardens” Part 4 “By Any Means Necessary”
Story: Rodney Barnes
Art: Jason Shawn Alexander
Layouts: Sherard Jackson
Letters: Marshall Dillon

The back-up feature, “Elysium Gardens,” first opens on the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California on April 28, 1962 and then, moves to Sicily, 827 A.D. Now, the story moves … back to the future or present in L.A. After hearing a eulogy/speech given by Malcolm X, Angela/Zubiya and her pack decide to use their curse as a key to “Black Liberation.”

Well, I certainly didn't expect an appearance by Malcolm X … even in a comic book that features President John Quincy Adams. And Jason Shawn Alexander's uncanny depiction of Malcolm captures the soul of this man's public crusade. I think that is all I can say … at the moment.

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/

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

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

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

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Tuesday, June 22, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #10

KILLADELPHIA #10
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: J. Scott Campbell with Sabine Rich
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(November 2020)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Burn Baby Burn” Part IV: “Kill Them All”

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

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr., who comes home to Philly to deal with the final affairs of his recently murdered father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr. Not dead, but undead, the father joined the son, the chief medical examiner (Jose Padilla), and a rebellious vampire to lead the battle that saves Philly from the vampires. But that was just the first battle, and this is an apocalypse.

Killadelphia #10 (“Kill Them All”) opens in Deadwood, South Dakota, 1876. And this is the story of Fergus O'Neill. He is a slave, a slave who is a plantation overseer, and a dead-eye shooter, who eventually becomes the mortician known as “Toppy.” This is the story of how Toppy becomes a vampire and an ally of Abigail Adams.

Elsewhere, the Sangster boys, Ms. Padilla, and Police Lt. Zimmerman battle a vampire horde, but the battle goes awry when one of the soldiers forgets the weapons of war. Now, cracks rapidly appear in the foundation of a defense force.

Meanwhile, there is a rebellion being born within the rebellion.

THE LOWDOWN: As I first write this review, it is Thanksgiving Week 2020. Killadelphia #10 hits comic book shops Wednesday, November 25th, one day before the Thanksgiving … of the apocalypse.

I am thankful for Killadelphia. I am thankful for Rodney Barnes' scripts, the writhing dishes of blood pudding that is this narrative. I am thankful for Jason Shawn Alexander's powerful art and graphical storytelling. I am thankful for Luis Nct's fiery colors of damnation. I am thankful for Marshall Dillon keeping peace in the border towns of undead lettering. For all I know, these creative knuckleheads are also immortals … because Killadelphia can't be this good – unless it is a work of the supernatural.

Every issue, I am surprised, and Killadelphia is still killmatic 10 issues on. So, dear readers, give yourself a reason to be thankful this year and pick up Killadelphia #10 and also the trade paperback, Killadelphia Vol. 1: Sins of the Father.

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

A+
10 out of 10

Killadelphia #10 has a backup feature:
“Elysium Gardens” Part 3 “The Skin I'm In”
Story: Rodney Barnes
Art: Jason Shawn Alexander
Layouts: Sherard Jackson
Letters: Marshall Dillon

The back-up feature, “Elysium Gardens,” first opened on the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California on April 28, 1962 and then, moved to Sicily, 827 A.D. Now, the story moves … back to the future or present in L.A. Angela does not want to believe that she is Zubiya or a werewolf, but she may be forced to accept that it is a time of reckoning for her kind.

Previously, I wrote that Rodney Barnes' story and Jason Shawn Alexander's art recalled the black and white horror comics magazines of Warren Publications (like Creepy and Eerie). However, this is something new, and “Elysium Gardens” looks like it wants to break more than just a little ground. I'm more sure of that, now.

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/

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

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

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).

Thursday, May 20, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #9

KILLADELPHIA #9
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

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

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Burn Baby Burn” Part III: “The Dance of Death”

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

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr., who came home to Philly to deal with the final affairs of his recently murdered father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr. Not dead, but undead, the father joined the son, the chief medical examiner (Jose Padilla), and a rebellious vampire to lead the battle that saves “the City of Brotherly Love” from a vampire apocalypse. But that was just the first battle, and this is a war.

Killadelphia #9 (“The Dance of Death”) opens with family dysfunction as Big (dead) Jim and Li'l (alive) Jim squabble. Meanwhile, Abigail Adams reveals her plans for Philadelphia, and her leanings are a bit different and bit more aristocratic than that of her late, late husband, John Adams' ambitions. Plus, the origin of Jupiter Evans, who went from faux-friend and plaything of Thomas Jefferson to put-upon property of a “Founding Father,” is revealed.

THE LOWDOWN: As I wrote before, Killadelphia's first story line, “Sins of the Father,” was and still is quite fantastic. However, the second and current story line, “Burn Baby Burn” is an even more intense reading experience. I am shocked by what writer Rodney Barnes is delivering in Killadelphia, probably the most imaginative vampire comic book since Marvel Comics' Tomb of Dracula, which had its bloody heyday back in the 1970s.

I am also impressed at how Barnes has kept the Sangster boys' relationship fresh and vital... and full of vim, vigor, and vinegar. The complications of old family strife and of assorted cracks in the foundation of a family give this story dramatic heft.

Artist Jason Shawn Alexander's art sets Barnes' passions of his characters aflame. Alexander's illustrations explode off the page, with the contributions of colorist Luis Nct. Alexander's graphical storytelling turns Barnes' script into a comic book that will eventually burn the readers' hands and ignite their imaginations. Plus, Killadelphia #9 offers a suite of Alexander's lovely art as an extra.

As letterer Marshall Dillon scores the vampire apocalypse with his fonts as musical notes, we say goodbye to another issue of Killadelphia... reluctantly. It is one of the best comic books out today – whether the Eisner and Harvey Awards realize that or not.

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

10 out of 10

[This issue features “Selected Works,” paints by Jason Shawn Alexander.]

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/

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

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

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

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #8

KILLADELPHIA #8
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

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

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Burn Baby Burn” Part II: “Oh So Close...”

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

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

Killadelphia #8 (“Oh So Close...”) opens with Jim, Sr. in his grave and ready to move on with his afterlife, but the vampire revolution still plans on being televised. Jim, Jr. and Ms. Padilla are digging through the bloody mess found at the Governor's mansion, and what they discover will require help – even if the help doesn't want to be required. Meanwhile, Abigail Adams and her acolytes make their next move by targeting a big event in an act of violence that cannot be ignored.

THE LOWDOWN: Killadelphia's first story line, “Sins of the Father,” is quite fantastic. Writer Rodney Barnes seems intent on making “Burn Baby Burn” an even more intense reading experience. I don't want to spoil this wonderful issue, but Barnes sends one of his characters on a dark fantastic journey that recalls the travels readers experienced in Neil Gaiman's The Sandman (DC Comics).

Did artist Jason Shawn Alexander also sell his soul at the crossroads? Seriously, in Killadelphia #8, Alexander offers his most imaginative compositions and graphical storytelling. He introduces new landscapes and dreamscapes into this narrative that takes Killadelphia where no other vampire comic book has gone.

Colorist Luis Nct turns out the fiery hues and neon lights for this excellent issue that transports this narrative to new worlds and also conveys the encroaching horror to its next battlegrounds. Marshall Dillon's lettering is becoming its own character, especially as this story goes new places.

Damn, I thought this comic book would settle down. I didn't know that Killadelphia would still be scratching at the window of my imagination by the eighth issue.

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

10 out of 10

Killadelphia #8 has a backup feature:
“Elysium Gardens” Part 2 “Blood Moon”
Story: Rodney Barnes
Art: Jason Shawn Alexander
Layouts: Sherard Jackson
Letters: Marshall Dillon

After opening on the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California on April 28, 1962, the back-up story, “Elysium Gardens,” moves to Sicily, 827 A.D. There, the mystery woman, Zubiya, recounts her dark and mystical past, but it is in the 1960s where she will find some surprising truths.

Rodney Barnes' story and Jason Shawn Alexander's art (with its ethereal and mystical qualities) recalls the black and white horror comics magazines of Warren Publications (like Creepy and Eerie). But it is also something new, and “Elysium Gardens” looks like it wants to break more than just a little ground.

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/

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

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

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).

Saturday, March 27, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #7

KILLADELPHIA No. 7
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

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

Rated “M/ Mature”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 out of 10

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

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/

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

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

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).

Saturday, January 16, 2021

#IReadsYou Book Review: TWILIGHT

TWILIGHT (The Twilight Series Book One)
LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY

AUTHOR: Stephenie Meyer
ISBN: 978-0-316-16017-9; hardcover (October 5, 2005)
544pp, B&W, $22.99 U.S., $28.99 CAN

Twilight is a 2005 young adult novel written by Stephenie Meyer. A vampire romance, Twilight focuses on a 17-year-old girl who falls in love with a 103-year-old vampire who looks like a 17-year-old boy. Twilight is the first in the four-book “Twilight series.” It was also adapted into the hit 2008 film, Twilight, which became the first entry in a five-film franchise.

When Isabella “Bella” Swan moves from Phoenix, Arizona to Forks, a small town in the Olympic Peninsula of northwest Washington state, she thinks that her life will be miserable until she graduates from high school. Forks is not unfamiliar to Bella, as she was born there. After her parents divorced and she followed her mother, Renée, to Phoenix, Bella often returned to Forks to spend summers with her father, Police Chief Charlie Swan. Now, however, because of her mother’s new marriage, Bella is moving in with her father full time.

Adjusting to her new school is not as much as a problem as Bella thought. In fact, the very things that made her unpopular in sunny Phoenix, makes her attractive to the high school kids in this remote rural area. Bella makes, or rather tolerates friends, but then she sees him, Edward Cullen. This pale-skinned Adonis, so beautiful and graceful that he seems supernatural, captures Bella’s attention and imagination. She can’t stop thinking about him, but he’s distant, even hostile towards her. Then, Edward saves Bella’s life in an act of bravery that is as shocking as it is impossible. What is Edward Cullen, and why does he make Bella feel so madly in love and out of sorts that she can’t seem to live without him?

THE LOWDOWN: Since its debut in October 2005, Twilight, the young adult (YA), fantasy, romance novel by author Stephenie Meyer, has been a favorite with teen female readers. Twilight spawned three follow ups (with the four books forming The Twilight Saga) and recently became a hit movie. I am of the mind that novels that are hugely popular and that also spawn a devoted following or fan base might actually be quite good, although many pop novels are really trash. Twilight, however, is a damn good read.

The books strength comes from two strong elements: strong characters (especially the leads) and a deeply seductive romance. Bella and Edward are strong individual characters, but as a pair, they are magic.

Bella comes across as a modern goth-type girl, more stubborn and individualistic than sullen, but she has a romantic’s heart and a generous spirit. She doesn’t dislike people so much as she prefers her solitude. Simply put, Edward is chivalrous. Loyal and brave, his protective way towards Bella may seem odd in this era of the independent woman. On the other hand, it is also easy to see why young women would be attracted to the character of Edward, especially in an era in which young men consider loutish, self-centered behavior to be cool.

How does an author bring the girl who loves solitude and the boy who seems to be a gentlemanly hero from a 19th century romance novel together? This is where the seductive nature of Meyer’s writing comes into play. Meyer builds so much of the text on dialogue, and all that talk gives the novel such warm colors. Even in the cold and damp setting of the evergreen forests of Washington, the way Meyer has Bella and Edward talk to each other brings a heat to the story that the reader feels. In his own way, Edward seduces Bella, and in turn, Bella seduces him in her own way. Their verbal play is searing, and although their conversations run for pages on end, it’s attractive the way real conversation was in the movies, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset.

The majority of the last act becomes a twister of suspense running on the razor’s edge. Still, the thrills exist in the context of this dangerous, but alluring romance that will have readers flipping pages.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers who enjoy a well-written romantic novels, even a supernatural romance, will like Twilight.

A-
7.5 out of 10

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

https://stepheniemeyer.com/
https://www.littlebrown.com/
https://twitter.com/littlebrown
https://www.facebook.com/littlebrownandcompany
https://www.instagram.com/littlebrown/?hl=en

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

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

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Friday, December 25, 2020

#IReadsYou DVD Review: VAMPIRE KNIGHT Volume 1

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Volume 1 (2010)

• Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $19.97 US / $28.99 CAN •
DVD Release Date: July 20, 2010
Studio: VIZ Media
Format: Animated, Color, DVD, NTSC (Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1)
Number of discs: 1
Language: English and Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only)
Running time: 96 minutes; Rating: Not Rated
ASIN: B003JSSPU2

Contents: Vampire Knight anime – Episodes 1-4

Vampire Knight is a shojo manga written and drawn by Matsuri Hino. It was published from January 2005 to May 2013 in the Japanese comics magazine, LaLa. VIZ Media published an English-language adaptation of Vampire Knight as a 19-volume paperback graphic novel series from January 2007 to October 2014 under its Shojo Beat imprint.

Japanese animation studio, Studio Deen, produced an anime series “Vampire Knight,” based on the manga. It aired in Japan for two series in 2008. VIZ Media and Warner Bros. originally released the “Vampire Knight” anime in English via a series of DVD releases, including 2014's Vampire Knight: The Complete Series.

In 2010, Warner Bros released the first collection, Vampire Knight, Vol. 1, which presents “Vampire Knight” Season One, Episodes 1 to 4. The episodes are as follows: #1 “Night of Vampires,” #2 “Memories of Blood,” #3 “The Fang of Penitence,” and #4 “Trigger of Condemnation.” Back then, VIZ Media sent me a copy of Vampire Knight, Vol. 1 for review purposes. This is an updated version of that review I wrote over a decade ago.

Vampire Knight is set at Cross Academy, a private boarding school. Cross Academy has two classes: the Day Class (the human students) and the Night Class (the vampire students). At twilight, the Day Class students return to their dorms and cross paths with the Night Class on its way to school. The Day Class doesn’t know the school’s dark secret that the Night Class students are vampires, but the Day Class girl students are madly in love with the boys of the Night Class

The story focuses on Yuki Cross, the adopted daughter of Headmaster Kaien Cross. She partners with Zero Kiryu, a human student who struggles with the vampire’s thirst, and the two are the Guardians of the school, patrolling the hallways and school grounds to protect the Day Class students from the vampires. Yuki and Zero form a kind of love triangle with Kaname Kuran, a pure blood vampire who is basically the unquestioned leader of the Night Class. The series follows various intrigues related to the conflict between human and vampire, and the story also delves into the pasts of the three leads.

The four episodes included in this first DVD release introduce the plot, setting, characters, and mythology of Vampire Knight in such an easy and friendly way. It will not be long into the first episode that the viewer will believe that she is well on her way to knowing and then loving these characters. The series favors the Night Class over the Day Class, which seems to exist to praise and worship the Night Class. The vampires are beautiful, sexy, and sassy, and their air of confidence is infectious. The Day Class cast of characters is mostly dull.

The star, of course, is Yuki Cross. In a series like Vampire Knight, what is needed is a character that is probably more nosy than curious and also brave enough to go where others will not go. That will make viewers want to follow her quest and investigations, and Yuki will have the viewers hanging onto her. The two male interests, Zero Kiryu and the vampire Kaname Kuran, are also quite good. Their aloof, cocky natures are attractive, and if it is possible for an animated character to have a screen presence, they both have that.

The quality of the animation is good. It emphasizes style and stylishness over movement and features vivid colors, lush background details, and elegant sets. This look is perfect for the Gothic moodiness and romantic melodrama that defines the look and feel of Vampire Knight.

Vampire Knight, Vol. 1 will reveal some secrets, expose Zero’s affliction, and give viewers a shocking look at a kind of vampire that isn’t a sexy, laid back student. While aimed at young women, Vampire Knight is a surprisingly engaging melodrama and will please anyone interested in soap operas – with vampires. This is a cool take on vampire fiction similar to the tales of vampire romance that readers will find in Young Adult book series such as Twilight and Vampire Kisses.

EXTRAS: This is a no frills DVD without any extras, although viewers are offered the option of watching episodes in Japanese with English subtitles or dubbed versions with voice actors providing English dialogue.

A-
7.5 out of 10

Updated review: Thursday, December 17, 2020: by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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

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Friday, December 4, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: SERAPH OF THE END Volume 18

SERAPH OF THE END: VAMPIRE REIGN, VOL. 18
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Takaya Kagami
CARTOONIST: Yamato Yamamoto
STORYBOARDS: Daisuke Furuya
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: Sabrina Heep
EDITOR: Marlene First
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1065-2; paperback (February 2020); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
184pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Seraph of the End is a Japanese dark fantasy manga written by Takaya Kagami and illustrated by Yamato Yamamoto, with storyboards produced by Daisuke Furuya. It has been published in the manga magazine, Jump SQ, since September 2012. VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language adaptation of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series, entitled Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign, since June 2014.

Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign is set in a world in which the trumpets of the apocalypse proclaimed the fall of humanity in the year 2012. Vampires rose from the shadows and began their reign over the Earth. A mysterious virus killed almost all adult humans, sparing those younger than 13 years of age. The children were subsequently enslaved as livestock for vampires. In 2016, the orphan, Yuichiro “Yu” Hyakuya, stepped forward, seeking revenge; his goal was and is to kill each and every vampire.

As Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign, Vol. 18 (Chapters 70 to 74) opens, Lt. Guren Ichinose leads his team back to Shibuya, Tokyo. There, he has a meeting with Kureto Hiragi, who is the cold, cruel, and ruthless heir to the Hiragi family. But the high-and-mighty Kureto has a problem. He led a coup against his father, Tenri, and defeated him, but the godlike being, Shikama Doji, that possessed his father now possesses him. Kureto needs Ichinose's help, but in what way does he need it?

Meanwhile, Shikama has his eye on Yu and the demon in his sword, Asuramaru, and he won't be easily stopped. After all, Shikama also has his eyes on possessing someone else in the Hiragi family!

[This volume includes an “Afterword,” miscellaneous text, and a full-color mini-poster insert.]

THE LOWDOWN: The Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign manga is a dark fantasy series that features lots and lots of vampires. I like vampire comics.

Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign Graphic Novel Volume 18 pairs with Vol. 17, so that creators, writer Takaya Kagami and illustrator Yamato Yamamoto, can initiate major changes in the narrative. This is a pivotal point in the narrative, but the authors make the story clear and clean. The internal mythology and back story don't clutter so much as they illuminate.

Adrienne Beck's translation is clean and straight to the point. Letterer Sabrina Heep offers steady lettering and emphasizes subtle sound effects. So, like Vol. 17, Vol. 18 is certainly one of those payoff volumes for longtime readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire manga will want to try of the “Shonen Jump” series, Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign.

A
9 out of 10

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

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

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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).