Review: THE WAY OF THE HOUSEHUSBAND Volume 1

THE WAY OF THE HOUSEHUSBAND, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Kousuke Oono
TRANSLATION: Sheldon Drzka
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Jennifer LeBlanc
LETTERS: Bianco Pistillo
EDITOR: Jennifer LeBlanc
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0940-3; paperback (September 2019); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
168pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

Gokushufudou is the debut manga from creator, Kousuke Oono.  It was serialized in the magazine, Kurage Bunch.  VIZ Media is publishing the manga in English as a series of graphic novels, entitled The Way of the Househusband, under its “VIZ Signature” imprint.

The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 9) introduces Tacchan Tatsu.  Once upon a time, Tatsu was a Yakuza boss, a man so feared that he was known as “The Immortal Dragon.”  Now, Tatsu is married to Miku, a career woman.  Now, the Immortal Dragon is a “househusband!”  But when he is reunited with Masa, a former underling, Tatsu realizes that the world of the Yakuza is not quite ready to let him go.

[This volume includes three bonus manga stories: “Gin's Walk,” “This is Masa Style,” and “Let's Have a Fair Fight.”]

I found The Way of the Househusband manga to be a delightful read.  It is so odd, but that can be a good thing, which it is in this instance.

The Way of the Househusband Graphic Novel Volume 1 introduces readers to the simple, everyday world of Tatsu, the one fashioned by creator Kousuke Oono.  That world is about cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and eventually DIY crafts for the housewife.  Sheldon Drzka's translation and Jennifer LeBlanc's English adaptation capture the straight-forward dialogue and also this story's undercurrent of sly wit and slight goofiness.

Oono's art is offbeat compared to most manga art; the illustrations seem like something out of a Western alternative comics title.  However, Oono captures the interior and exterior world of Japan in excellent detail.  Tatsu and Miku's apartment looks like a real living space, and the grocery stores and shopping mall spaces... well, they make me feel like I am in some place where actually people shop and consume more than they need.

Of course, this is only Vol. 1.  Still, I find myself drawn into this “VIZ Signature” title, The Way of the Househusband, and I am always up for an interesting spin on the domestic comedy.

7.5 out of 10

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


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


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Review: SCARLET #1

SCARLET No. 1 (2018)
DC COMICS/Jinxworld – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Brian Michael Bendis
ART/COLORS: Alex Maleev
LETTERS: Joshua Reed
EDITOR: Michael McCalister
COVER: Alex Maleev
VARIANT COVERS: Michael Gaydos
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2018)

Rated “M” for “Mature”

Pearl created by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev

Scarlet is a comic book series created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev.  The series was originally published under Marvel Comics' “Icon” imprint, beginning in 2010 and concluding in 2016 with the eighth issue.  Bendis and Maleev have revived Scarlet at DC Comics, publishing it it under Bendis' “Jinxworld” brand.  Bendis writes Scarlet, and Maleev draws and colors the series.  Joshua Reed is the letterer.

Scarlet follows a young woman named Scarlet Rue whose rebellion against corruption ends up starting a new American revolution.  Scarlet and her boyfriend, Gabriel, have an ugly confrontation with a police officer.  After trying to frame Gabriel, a corrupt detective shoot both Scarlet and Gabriel, who dies.  Scarlet survives and then goes on a campaign against the corrupt Portland Police Department.  She films everything she does and posts it online, and her actions lead to a violent protest that eventually causes the devastation of Portland.

Scarlet #1 opens in Portland where we meet Scarlet Rue.  The city is practically like an American version of foreign cities that have been under siege (like Beirut, Lebanon in the 1980s and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina of the 1990s).  Scarlet still shares her campaign with the world, but now, she is starting to wonder how much it is affecting the people trapped in Portland.  Now, her adversaries are about to make her an offer.

I did not read the original Marvel/Icon issues of Scarlet.  Honestly, I do not remember even hearing about the series.  Scarlet #1 2018 does a good job on catching readers up to speed on what has occurred thus far, so that new readers like myself are not lost in a fog of chapters past.  I like that Bendis has Scarlet narrate the story and even break the fourth wall to speak to readers.

It is not often that I dislike anything Bendis has written.  I am starting to feel that way about artist Alex Maleev.  I really like the bleak world that Maleev creates with his illustrations and colors.  Maleev presents a graphical narrative of a war-torn city that is edgy and stark without going full dystopian.  Maleev's graphics keep the story moving with a mean rhythm that is not slowed even by the sections of the story that are heavy with Bendis' exposition.

Thus far, I have read the first issues of three of Bendis' DC Comcs/Jinxworld titles, Pearl, Cover, and now Scarlet.  [I have yet to read the first issue of another Jinxworld revival, United States vs. Murder Inc.]  I can recommend them all to you, dear readers, as I am eagerly awaiting some second issues.

8 out of 10

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


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

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I Reads You Juniors October 2019 - Update #102

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

My "Joker" review is here.

DC TV - From Variety:  Epix has renewed "Pennyworth" for a second season.  The series is inspired by Batman's butler/partner Alfred Pennyworth.

DC TV - From THR:  TV super-producer, Greg Berlanti, is developing two DC Comics-inspired TV series for WarnerMedia's streaming service, HBO Max.  One is a new take on "Green Lantern" and the other is an anthology series, "Strange Adventures," named after the venerable DC Comics' anthology.

From Newsarama:  February 2020 sees the release of an X-Men/Fantastic Four miniseries.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  "Joker" passes "Deadpool" has the highest grossing R-rated film of all time.

DC TV - From Deadline:  The CW has announced that it has picked up both "Batwoman" and "Catwoman" for an additional 9 episodes which will give both series a full season order of 22 episodes.

From ComicBook:  Alex Ross will launch and curate a new Marvel Comics anthology that will be entitled, simply "Marvel."  Ross and Dan Brereton will provide series covers.

MARVEL TV - From Deadline:  Freeform has opted not to renew "Marvel's Cloak & Dagger."

MANGA TV - From WhatsOn: Netflix will debut it "Original Series" anime "Levius" in November.  The series is based on the manga of the same title.

MARVEL TV - From THR:   It is official (apparently) that Marvel TV head Jeph Loeb will leave the company by Thanksgiving.

MANGA TV - From Newsarama:  Netflix releases a teaser for its new CGI animated series, "Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045," which is based on characters and situated introduced in the manga, "Ghost in the Shell."

From ANN:  Seven Seas Entertainment announces new manga licenses, including the "Sazan & Comet Girl" manga.

From Newsarama:  Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque are bringing "American Vampire" back for a final volume, via the "Black Label" imprint.

MARVEL TV - From Variety:  The changes at Marvel Studios may mean the end of Jeph Loeb's time as head of Marvel TV.

COMICS CINEMA - From BleedingCool:  This is the first official trailer for "Bloodshot," Sony Picture's adaptation of the Valiant Comics' title, "Bloodshot."  The film stars Vin Diesel.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Apparently, Jared Leto, who played the "Joker" in the film, "Suicide Squad," tried to sabotage Todd Phillips' recent hit film, "Joker," with Joaquin Phoenix as Joker.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Troy Patterson of "The New Yorker" reviews HBO's "Watchmen."

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Michael Giacchino, who provided the musical score for both of Marvel Studios' "Spider-Man" films, will provide the musical score for Matt Reeves, "The Batman."

From Newsarama:  DC Comics introduces a new format, "Prestige Plus."

COMICS TV - From Newsarama:  Mike Mignola has announced that he is working on a live-action TV series, "The Forever House," which will features stories based on folklore from around the world.

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:  Halle Berry, who played Catwoman in 2004, sends new Catwoman, Zoe Kravitz, a shout-out via Twitter.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  Paul Dano is in talks to play "The Riddler" in "The Batman" film.

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics is planning a line of creator-led imprints, similar to what DC Comics does with "Wonder Comics" (Brian Michael Bendis) and Hill House (Joe Hill).

COMICS TV - From Deadline:  Jeff Smith's comic book, "Bone," will finally get its long-waited animated treatment, as an animated series on Netflix.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Two-time Oscar-nominated actor Jonah Hill is reportedly no longer in talks to play a villain in Matt Reeves' "The Batman."

From Newsarama:  Kevin Feige will oversee a restructured/reunified Marvel Entertainment and Marvel Studios.

From Thrillist:  The 21 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Series Ever, according to Thrillist.

SONY'S MARVEL U - From Deadline:  The female character, Shriek, will join Carnage in Sony's "Venom 2," which is due Oct. 2, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:  Zoe Kravitz has been cast in Matt Reeves' "The Batman" which begins filming in January 2020.

From CBB:  In "Sorry, Not Sorry," writer Philip Schweier talks about the response to comics criticism and reviews.

From PRNewswire:  Saturday, October 26, 2019, fans can get free comics for Halloween from participating comic book shops.  It's "Halloween ComicFest!"

From BBC:  A look at Marvel's past 80 years.

From WABC:  An interview with Marvel Entertainment's Joe Quesada.

From Newsarama:  The site offers a preview of 10 images from "Legion of Super-Heroes #1, which arrives in stores Nov. 6th, 2019.

From Newsarama:  Artist Andre Lima Araujo says that he and writer Brian Michael Bendis are developing a creator owned title for Bendis' "Jinxworld" line, currently at DC Comics.

From ComicBook:  There is yet another "My Hero Academia" manga, "My Hero Academia: Team Up Mission."

From TVLine:  See the first superhero group photo from The CW's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" story line that crosses through the network's superhero TV series, beginning with "Arrow."

From Newsarama:  Veteran inker Mike DeCarlo is in dire financial distress and needs help.

DC COMICS 5G - From BleedingCool:  More gossip about DC Comics "5G" event.  Rumors say Wonder Woman will be the first major hero to die or be replaced.

From BleedingCool:  One of the NYCC 2019 panels was “Comics and Hollywood: What Comic Creators Need to Know Now”.

From Variety:  Actor, comedian, and game show host, Wayne Brady, will have a recurring role on The CW's "Black Lightning."  He will reportedly play a "super-solider" named Tyson "Gravedigger" Spikes.

From Truthout:  The article talks about veteran voice actor, Vic Mignogna (Fullmetal Alchemist, RWBY) who has been accused of sexual misconduct, and the accusations, lawsuits, fan support, and #MeToo implications surrounding him.

From CBR:  Hanna Collins lists 10 things comic books can learn from manga.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  The new film, "Joker," continues to storm October box office records.  It now has the biggest October Monday and Tuesday in terms of money made at the box office on those two days.

From CriticalHit:  The 14 biggest comic book announcements at New York Comic Con 2019.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:   Peter Bart writes: How Jack Nicholson’s Batman Freak-Out Helped Build The Mythology Behind ‘Joker’

From Newsarama:  Beloved actor and Monty Python alum, John Cleese, will make a rare comic book convention appearance at Planet Comicon Kansas City on March 20th and 21st, 2020.  The convention runs from Friday, March 20th to Sunday, March 22nd, 2020.

Marvel TV - From TheWrap:  Marvel TV is producing a TV series, "Helstrom," based on Marvel Comics' "Helstrom" comic book.  Tom Austen and Sydney Lemmon will star.

From TheAtlantic:  The magazines profiles "Batman: The Killing Joke," the 1988 one-shot comic book by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland that obviously influenced Todd Phillips' "Joker" film.

COMICS TV - From Variety:  Aquaman director James Wan has signed on to co-produce the TV adaptation of the Italian comics series, "Dylan Dog," with Italian comics publisher, Sergio Bonelli Editore.

From Newsarama:  The Society of Illustrators will be highlighting the Marvel artwork of Joe Quesada in an upcoming exhibit at their New York City headqaurters.  The exhibition is scheduled to open October 15, 2019.

DC CINEMA:  From RSN:  Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker, Michael Moore, says Todd Phillips' film is about the America that gave us President Donald Trump.

MCU - From TheGuardian:  Legendary, Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese says that Marvel Studios films are "not cinema" and likens them to theme park rides.

From THR:  Some directors take issue with Martin Scorsese's "Marvel movies" comments.

NYCC - From BleedingCool:  Writer Benjamin Percy and artist Adam Kubert will relaunch "Wolverine" as part of "Dawn of X" Wave 2.

From Newsarama:  Here is a preview of "Teen Titans: Beast Boy," the follow-up to "Teen Titans: Raven."

NYCC - From Newsarama:  It's official.  Chris Claremont will be doing more work for Marvel in 2020, including a secret X-Men project.

PEANUTS - From TheNewYorker:  From September: "The Debt That All Cartoonists Owe to 'Peanuts'" by Chris War.

HARVEY AWARDS - From Newsarama:  The winners of the 2019 Harvey Awards have been announced.  "Hey Kiddo" by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Scholastic Graphix) is named "Book of the Year."

COMICS TV - From Variety:  AMC has renewed "The Walking Dead" for an 11th season.  Actress Lauren Cohan ("Maggie Greene") is returning to the series.

NYCC - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics has announces a new "Star Wars" ongoing series that takes place between the events depicted in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi."  Charles Soule will write; Jesus Saiz will draw.

From BleedingCool:  Chris Claremont in talks with Marvel Comics to writer a new "X-Men" project with Salvador Larroca as artist.

From THR:  MSNBC journalist and author, Rachel Maddow, is joining The CW's "Batwoman" in a voice role, that of "Vesper Fairchild," a radio personality.

NYCC - From Newsarama:  2020 will see the launch on a new "Thor" ongoing title from writer Donny Cates and artist Nic Klein.

DC TV - From YahooEntertainment:  When it debuts on Sun., October 6th on The CW, the new comic book TV series, "Batwoman," will feature the first openly gay superhero (Batwoman) played by an openly gay actress (Australia's Ruby Rose).

COMICS CINEMA - From Deadline:  "Black Panther" director, Ryan Coogler, has signed on to produce Legendary's screen adaptation of the Image Comics' title, "Bitter Root."

From Variety:  Dave Gibbons' ("Watchmen," "The Secret Service") comic book, "Treatment," has had its content rights optioned.

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:  Emma Tillinger Koskoff, one of the producers of "Joker," says that she cannot watch comic book movies.

From BleedingCool:  Two years after its debut, Batman: Creature of the Night #4 may finally arrive in November 2019.

From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing hires and re-hires five people for its rebuilding phase.

DC TV - From Newsarama:  Ava DuVernay is developing Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli's DC/Vertigo comic book, DMZ, for the HBO Max streaming service.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Warner Bros. releases the first full trailer for "Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)."

From TheBeat:  An hour-long video interview with "Love and Rockets'" Jaime Hernandez.

From Newsarama:  Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer thinks that her "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" co-star, Elle Fanning, would make a good "Catwoman" for Robert Pattinson's "The Batman."

From CBR:  The legend of the 1950s "Batman" comic book (Batman #165) the Kenner Batman action figure line.


OCTOBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Albatross Funnybooks for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for October 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for October 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for October 2019
From Newsarama:  A Wave Blue World for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for October 2019

HALLOWEEN COMICFEST 2019:
From Newsarama:  28 comic book titles for the industry's fall event taking place Saturday, October 26, 2019 at participating comic shops worldwide.

DC's HILL HOUSE COMICS Debut Solicitations:
From Newsarama:  These are the solicitations for DC Comics' "Hill House Comics" group overseen by Joe Hill.  The line is scheduled to kick off October 30, 2019 with "Basketful of Heads #1."

NOVEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for Novmeber 2019
From BleedingCool:  Aftershock Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM Studios for November 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for November 2019

NOVEMBER 2019 "ADVANCED" COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  DC Comics advanced solicitations for November 2019 (for acetate covers)
From Newsarama:  "Dawn of X" for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for 2019 with some guessing on the site's part


DECEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Red 5 for Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for December 2019

JANUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for January 2020
From Newsarama:  HarperCollins for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Seven Seas Entertainment for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Titans Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vertical Comics solicitations for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for January 2020

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Review: BLOODY MARY Volume 10

BLOODY MARY, VOL. 10
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Akaza Samamiya
TRANSLATION: Katherine Schilling
LETTERS: Sabrina Heep
EDITOR: Erica Yee
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9809-3; paperback (March 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
166pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Bloody Mary is a shojo vampire manga from creator Akaza Samamiya.  The manga was serialized from 2013 to 2017 in the Japanese shojo manga magazine, Monthly Asuka.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of Bloody Mary in a series of graphic novels from 2015 to 2018.

Ichiro Rosario Di Maria is a high school student and a priest, but he also has the “Power of Exorcism,” which enables him to kill vampires.  He meets the vampire, Bloody Mary, who is unlike most vampires because he is both immortal and has red hair.  Bloody Mary wants to die, and Ichiro offers to kill him, but first...  Ichiro wants to kill every other vampire on Earth, and Mary will be his bodyguard.

As Bloody Mary, Vol. 10 (Chapters 37 to 39 to Final Volume) opens, the secret of Mary and “Mary” has been revealed.  Bloody Mary was once a boy named Maria, who had a twin brother named Mary, a weak and ailing boy.  Bloody Mary's alter-ego, “Mary,” a vicious vampire, was an attempt to revive Mary.  In a bid to save Bloody Mary/Maria, Ichiro will make a choice with tragic consequences.  Can Bloody Mary save Ichiro?  And what of Hydra, the female vampire who loves “Mary?”

[This volume includes a postscript and the bonus story, “And Then.”]

In my previous reviews of the Bloody Mary manga, I stated that I liked the series because I liked vampire manga, especially of the “Shojo Beat” variety, which Bloody Mary is.  I found that, over time, the narrative grew stronger as the number of personalities, living and deceased, grew.

Bloody Mary Graphic Novel Volume 10 is the final volume of the series.  It actually ended March of 2018, but I lost track of the series and of my copy of Vol. 10.  Well, it was good to get to the end, although I think that there is back story in this series still to be mined.

The translation by Katherine Schilling makes the most of these final chapters by creator Akaza Samamiya, emphasizing the themes of redemption and resolution.  The lettering by Sabrina Heep captures the lyrical and dream-like quality of this final go-round of Bloody Mary.  Hopefully, new fans of vampire manga will discover this unique spin on vampire fiction.

A
8 out of 10

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


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

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Review: FARMHAND #5

FARMHAND No. 5
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rob Guillory – @Rob_guillory
ART: Rob Guillory
COLORS: Taylor Wells
LETTERS: Kody Chamberlain
MISC. ART: Burt Durand (“Farmhand Calendar” design)
32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(November 2018)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Farmhand created by Rob Guillory

Chapter 5: “The Antique Lady”

Farmhand is a recently-launched comic book series from comic book creator, Rob Guillory, known for his award-winning tenure on the long-running comic book, Chew (Image Comics).  Farmhand is written and illustrated by Guillory; colored by Taylor Wells; and lettered by Kody Chamberlain (who also designed the Farmhand logo).

Farmhand focuses on Ezekiel “Zeke” Jenkins. a husband, father, and graphic designer and illustrator.  He returns to the place where he grew up, Freetown, Louisiana, with his wife, Mae, and their children, Abigail and Riley.  The old family business, “Jenkins Family Farm,” no longer focuses not on “beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes,” but on the growth of human body parts.  Yes, “Jenkins Family Farmaceutical Institute” grows plant-based human organs and tissue.

Farmhand #5 (“The Antique Lady”) finds much trouble a-brewing.  Almost all the fuss centers around the “Jenkins Experimental Stem Cell,” the miracle “seed” that apparently appeared to Zeke's father, Jedidiah “Jed” Elias Jenkins, in a dream.  Zeke's sister, Andrea Jenkins, is learning her father's history with Dr. Monica Thorne, who helped Jed make sense of the science of his dream seed so that he could grow limbs as easily as he would grow trees.  Now, Andrea is also missing...

The first two issues of Farmhand recalled the sensibility of the work of television writer and producer, the late Rod Serling, especially his legendary TV series, “The Twilight Zone.”  I am also reminded of the writings of the late Ray Bradbury, known for his short stories and novels in the genres of speculative fiction, science fiction, and horror.  Like the work of Serling and Bradbury, Farmhand is mysterious, macabre, and entrenched in the rich, black soil of Americana.

By the end of the second issue, however, Farmhand began to reveal a darkly humorous sensibility, which became a kind of gleeful and maniacal comedy in the third issue.  That was when Guillory gave Zeke's children, Abigail and Riley, a showcase to fight a monster.  And it was wonderful!

Farmhand #5 marks the end of the series' first story arc.  It is a really sweet, but scary end to the introductory arc of this series  The situation with Andrea Jenkins chills me because even the disappearance of a fictional woman of color reminds me of the still unexplained 2015 death of jailed African-American activist, Sandra Bland.

Although all five of these issues introduce Farmhand, none of them seem like padded story or comic book decompressed storytelling.  Rob Guillory fills each issue with a... cornucopia of imaginative and inventive characters, creatures, plot twists and... plants.  Each issue is almost like a brand new thing, a chapter in a larger narrative than manages to be its own unique tale – fresh from the farm, of course.

Taylor Wells, with her vivid and beautiful colors, heightens the sense of imagination in this series, while not hiding the fact that Guillory is turning the narrative darker.  Kody Chamberlain's lettering pops off the page and gives the dialogue teeth.  Yeah, the words that are coming out of the characters' mouths have bite.  Holla!

I am enjoying many Image Comics titles, and Farmhand is my favorite right now.  That is saying a lot because Image is killing it every week.  By the way, the farm will be returning to us in March, and the first Farmhand trade paperback is due January 16, 2019 – fresh from the farm, also.

10 out of 10

http://RobGuillory.com

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


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

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BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for October 30, 2019

BOOM! STUDIOS

AUG191417    GIANT DAYS AS TIME GOES BY #1 CVR A SARIN    $7.99
AUG191418    GIANT DAYS AS TIME GOES BY #1 CVR B SARIN    $7.99
AUG191412    JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE OF RESISTANCE #2 CVR A    $3.99
AUG198821    JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE OF RESISTANCE #2 FOC PETERSON VA    $3.99
AUG198825    JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #1 (2ND PTG) MAIN    $3.99
AUG198826    JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #1 (2ND PTG) VAR    $3.99
AUG191413    JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #2 CVR B CONNECTING V    $3.99
JUL191343    JIM HENSON STORYTELLER NOVEL SC    $14.99
AUG191385    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #44 CVR A CAMPBELL    $3.99
AUG198823    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #44 FOC MORA VAR    $3.99
AUG191387    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #44 FOIL MONTES VAR    $4.99
JUN191287    WWE THEN NOW FOREVER TP VOL 04    $16.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 30, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUN190331    ALIENS DEFIANCE LIBRARY ED HC VOL 01    $49.99
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