#IReadsYou Review: THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM: Perfect Edition Volume 2

THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM: PERFECT EDITION, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Kazuo Umezz
TRANSLATION: Sheldon Drzka
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Molly Danzer
LETTERING: Evan Waldinger
EDITOR: Joel Enos
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0938-0; hardcover (February 2020); Rated “M” for “Mature”
760pp, B&W, $34.99 U.S., $46.99 CAN, £28.00 UK

The Drifting Classroom is a legendary shonen manga from creator, Kazuo Umezz.  Many manga creators, fans, and critics consider Umezz to be the most influential horror manga artist ever.  Starting in October 2019, VIZ began publishing a new English language edition of The Drifting Classroom in its “perfect edition” format.  According to VIZ, The Drifting Classroom: Perfect Edition features an all-new translation and new content and revised story elements gathered in a deluxe hardcover format.  If I understand correctly, the original eleven graphic novels in The Drifting Classroom series will be collected in three hardcover omnibus books with a trim size of 5 3/4  x 8 1/4.

The Drifting Classroom focuses on sixth-grader Sho Takamatsu.  One morning, Sho's school, Yamato Elementary School, is apparently struck by the tremors of an earthquake.  People near Yamato discover that the school has disappeared after the earthquake; at first, they think the school was destroyed in an explosion.  However, Sho, the teachers, the students of Yamato Elementary, and a visiting pre-school child (Yuichi “Yu” Onodo) emerge from the school to discover that Yamato Elementary is now surrounded by what seems like an endless wasteland of sand.  They come to believe that in the aftermath of the massive earthquake, the school has been transported to the future.

As The Drifting Classroom: Perfect Edition, Vol. 2 (Chapters 16 to 29) opens, the surviving students have accepted that they have been somehow transported into the distant future – at least some of them.  Now, they are confronted by strange plants and strange bugs, suddenly appearing in a world they believed to be barren.  But is any of it real?  That is what Sho and the other students have to figure out when a giant bug-monster attacks the school.

Then, what seems like a moving black mass is eating the students alive.  Plus, the students fight what may be an epidemic of the “Black Plague.”  Sho's mother, Emiko Takamatsu, finds a way to bridge “separated time” in order to help Sho.  Some of the students go on a rampage, and others create a crazy new religion.  And finally, an old adversary returns.

I previously called The Drifting Classroom manga a mixture of horror and science fiction.  The series is a seamless blend of horror and science fiction, and I really can't tell where one genre begins and the other ends.  The science fiction side of the narrative follows the adventures of a group of elementary school students trapped in what resembles a post-apocalyptic world.  The horror element focuses on the students in constant brutal conflict that gradually, inevitably shrinks the population that was originally 862 humans.

The Drifting Classroom: Perfect Edition Volume 2 focuses on the endless conflicts in which the children face – man versus man; man versus nature; and man versus himself.  Several times while reading Vol. 2, I thought of Lord of the Flies, and other times the characters seemed like nothing more than hapless castaways lost on another world.

Sheldon Drzka (translation) and Molly Danzer (English adaptation) present dialogue that perfectly captures the breakneck pace of The Drifting Classroom and also the desperation and the mania of the students.  Umezz brilliantly fashioned a series of terrifying situations in which to place his characters, and as much as they thrill me, I also find poignant moments in the English-language version .

I highly recommend this second volume of The Drifting Classroom: Perfect Edition to fans of horror manga and to fans of classic manga series.  It is a must-read, and, for the “special edition” collectors, a must-have.

8.5 out of 10

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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#IReadsYou Review: MY HERO ACADEMIA Volume 15

MY HERO ACADEMIA, VOL. 15
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Kohei Horikoshi
TRANSLATION/ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Caleb Cook
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITORS: Mike Montesa; Jon Bae
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0100-1; paperback (October 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

My Hero Academia is a Japanese superhero manga series written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi.  It has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since July 2014.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of My Hero Academia as a series of graphic novels since 2015 under its “Shonen Jump” imprint.

The series is set in a world where, one day, people start manifesting superpowers called “Quirks.”  Some use their powers to commit crime, which creates the need for heroes.  If someone wants to be a superhero, he or she enrolls in the Hero Academy.  What would a person do, however, if he were one of the 20 percent born Quirkless?  Middle school student Izuku Midoriya has no chance of ever getting into the prestigious U.A. High School for budding heroes.  Then, Midoriya meets the greatest hero of them all, All Might, who gives him a chance to change his destiny…

As My Hero Academia, Vol. 15 (Chapters 129 to 137; entitled “Fighting Fate”) opens, Midoriya is on his work study, patrolling the streets with his new mentor, the “permeation” phasing-warping hero, “Mirio Togata.”  Mirio is also the sidekick of “Sir Nighteye,” who is now in charge of Midoriya's work study.  Now, the young hero and Mirio encounter Eri, a young girl in need of help.  Suddenly, a man claiming to be her father appears.  Is he Chisaki Kai, the notorious leader of the secretive yakuza organization known as “Shie Hassaikai,” and if he is, whatcha gonna do, heroes...?

Next, the U.A. High third year “Big Three”:  “Fat Gum,” “Tamaki Amajiki,” and “Red Riot” encounter a territorial dispute among criminals.  One of them is a troubled young man who is more dangerous than he looks – much more dangerous...

[This volume includes bonus art and bonus illustrated character profiles.]

THE LOWDOWN:  People who have read my reviews of previous volumes of the My Hero Academia manga know that I really like this series.  It is one of the best (if not the best) superhero comic books in the entire world.

My Hero Academia Graphic Novel Volume 15 is a pivotal volume, as was Vol. 14.  Vols. 12 and 13 were turning point volumes.  Vols. 14 and 15 find creator Kohei Horikoshi working on the next big confrontation between the good guys and the really bad guys.  Yeah, “the League of Villains” is still at it, but with a bad-to-the-bone and bad-ass new ally.

Caleb Cook's translation captures the fun that is at the heart of My Hero Academia.  Cook's translation reads the way a superhero comic book should; there is a sense of mystery, a conspiracy, and a riveting, fast-paced narrative that forces the readers to follow along.  John Hunt powers through with lettering that conveys the pot boiling and the slam-bang action.  He helps to make Vol. 15 one of My Hero Academia's best volumes.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of superhero comics and of shonen battle manga will want to enroll at the “Shonen Jump” school, My Hero Academia.

A+
10 out of 10

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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#IReadsYou Review: LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT Volume 1

LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Io Sakisaka
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Nancy Thislethwaite
LETTERS: Sara Linsley
EDITOR: Nancy Thislethwaite
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1309-7; paperback (March 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Love Me, Love Me Not is a shōjo manga written and illustrated by Io Sakisaka, the creator of such manga as Strobe Edge and Ao Haru Ride.  Love Me, Love Me Not was serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Bessatsu Margaret, from 2015 to 2019.  VIZ Media is publishing an English-language edition of Love Me, Love Me Not as a series of graphic novels.

Love Me, Love Me Not, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 4) opens the spring before Yuna Ichihara enters her first year of high school.  She is pained that her best friend, Satchan, is moving away.  On her way to the train station to say good-bye to her, Yuna meets a strange girl about her age, and the girl asks Yuna for money.  The girl, Akari Yamamoto, promises to pay Yuna the following day, which she does.  When they leave the train station, however, they discover that they live in the same apartment building.

The girls instantly become friends, but discover that they explore and look at love in completely different ways.  Yuna is an idealist, and Akari is a realist.  Throw in Yuna's childhood friend, Kazuomi Inui, and Akari's brother, Rio, and this becomes a complicated case of love and friendship.

The Love Me, Love Me Not manga is like creator Io Sakisaka's other manga.  Sakisaka's shojo romances are sweet confections... on the surface, but bite enough times and you, dear readers, will find a pungent or tart side.

Love Me, Love Me Not Graphic Novel Volume 1 offers so much of Sakisaka's lovely, ethereal art.  It looks like a film shot through greased lens.  The heart of the story is a bit more solid.  Yuna and Akari are teen girls in a state of growth and change, and as they navigate their first year of high schools, their thoughts and feelings don't fit simple descriptions like “idealist” (Yuna) and “realist” (Akari).  The “tart” or edgy elements arrive at the end of this first volume.

JN Productions (translation) and Nancy Thislethwaite (English adaptation) do excellent work capturing the nuances of this story.  While reading Vol. 1, readers will find that Yuna, Akari, Inui, and Rio are four distinct personalities, and, as these characters are endearing, they will want to meet again.  Also, Sara Linsley strikes the perfect tone with her lettering... especially for that killer ending.

8 out of 10

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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#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS: Extra Credit #7

CHAOS CAMPUS: EXTRA CREDIT No. 7
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: Ricardo Mendez (2017 Monterey Comic Con Convention Exclusive cover)
32pp, Color, $9.99 U.S./.99¢ digital-comic (2017; digital release date – April 12, 2017)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“The NecroMager”

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a zombie apocalypse comic book series that mixes in elements of comedy, horror, and adventure.  The creation of B. Alex Thompson, Chaos Campus is published by Thompson's company, Approbation Comics.  Chaos Chaos is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

Thompson is also producing a Chaos Campus side series, Chaos Campus: Extra Credit, which offers readers something “extra,” but (apparently) in continuity to the main series.  Thompson also releases a “convention exclusive” variant cover edition of Extra Credit.  Thompson recently provided me a copy-for-review of Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #7 – Convention Exclusive 2017 (for the Monterey Comic Con).

Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #7 opens in the middle of Paige's funky dream that finds her in a too-revealing swimsuit, in a situation of submission and humiliation, and in a meeting the mysterious Locus.  Back in the waking world, Paige reunites with Jamie and Paige and also with the ongoing battle against the “Neo-Zombies.”

There are also some new complications.  Jamie makes a shocking announcement.  A killing machine named “Denvey” joins the fray.  Locus is real, and she has friend named “Spook.”  And a friend, Brian, turns out to be a budding magic-baddie and a total frickin' asshole and ass-wipe.

As usual, I enjoy whatever Chaos Campus comic book I read.  Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #7 does not have the dramatic (or humorous) chops of the regular series, but it is wacky, offbeat, and gleefully gruesome.  I enjoyed the guest characters:  Locus, Spook, and Denvey, which are the property of comic book creator, Adam Black.

The art by Ricardo Mendez is quite nice.  What he lacks as an experienced draftsman, Mendez makes up with imaginative illustrations.  To me, Mendez feels like a natural at comic book storytelling.  As usual, Alivon Ortiz delivers strong coloring, this time conveying the chaotic situation of this issue.  Letterer, Krugos, gets the most out of “sound effects,” especially “Budda Budda” for gunfire.

So, for those who can't get enough zombie education from Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies, you'll get schooled in the ways of necromancy and backstabbing in Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #7.  You, dear reader, can even get this “Extra Credit” from comiXology.

7.5 out of 10

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

Buy Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #7 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com
Visit Adam Black and Locus Comics at http://locuscomics.com/


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

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#IReadsYou Review: BLACK PANTHER #1

BLACK PANTHER No. 1 (2005)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Reginald Hudlin
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.
INKS: Klaus Janson
COLORS: Dean White
LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos
COVER:  John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson with Dean White
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S., $4.25 CAN (April 2005)

“Who is the Black Panther?” Part One

The Black Panther, also known as T’Challa, is a Marvel Comics character and was the first black superhero to appear in mainstream American comics.  Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the Black Panther first appeared in Fantastic Four #52 (cover dated:  July 1966).

On occasion, I have come across some Black Panther comic books that I have liked, and Black Panther has appeared as a guest or co-star in other comic book series that I find memorable, such as in Fantastic Four #241, during John Byrne's incredible run as writer-artist during the early to mid-1980s.

Still, the Black Panther comic book that I have loved the most did not arrive until early 2005.  That year, Marvel Comics launched a new Black Panther series under the “Marvel Knights” (MK) banner.  It was written by Reginald Hudlin, a movie director and producer, who was best known, at the time, for directing House Party (1990) and Boomerang (1992).  He would go on to earn a best picture Oscar nomination as one of the producers of Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained (2012).  This Black Panther comic book was drawn by John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks); colored by Dean White; and lettered by Chris Eliopoulos.

Black Panther #1 (“Who is the Black Panther?” Part One) opens in the Black Panther home land, the central African nation of Wakanda, during the 5th century A.D.  The story also visits Wakanda during the 19th century.  It seems that these are two moments in Wakandan history when the mysterious nation ably defended itself from outside raiders.  In the early 21st century, however, outside forces seek to penetrate the defenses and veil of Wakanda, this time successfully.

Within the last year, Marvel Studios has announced that it is producing a Black Panther feature film; has cast an actor to play Black Panther/T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman); and has selected a director for the film (Ryan Coogler).  So I decided to re-read 2005 Black Panther #1 again, which I had not read since it was first published.  It would be a start to rereading as much of that series as I could before Black Panther makes his first feature film appearance in the upcoming film, Captain America: Civil War.  Another reason for me to revisit this series is the anticipation of author, journalist, and political and cultural commentator, Ta-Nehisi Coates' upcoming work on the character.

I think what I like about Black Panther #1 is that it makes Wakanda and the legacy that is Black Panther so bad-ass.  Of course, Reginald Hudlin delivers a stellar script, full of enthralling action and mystery.  John Romita, Jr.'s pencils are some of his most stylish art, and Klaus Janson's stellar inking strengthens the compositions and storytelling.  Dean White's colors make the story seem as if it is on fire, almost too hot to handle for the imagination.  The Ohio Players said Fi-Ya!

However, it is the sense that the Black Panther mythos is as powerful as any other Marvel superhero mythos or world, and that makes this comic book so cool.  Black Panther is not a token, and he is more than historical.  His is a world within the larger world of the Marvel Universe with which others will have to reckon.  This is the gift that Reginald Hudlin gave to Black Panther.  Hudlin picked up on the strong work that Christopher Priest began in his 1998 Black Panther, which was the first step in making Black Panther a major character, for reals, and Hudlin kept it too-real for some readers slash haters.

Ta-Nehisi Coates, I hope you can make the Panther's claws sharper than ever.

A

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


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

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I Reads You Juniors March 2020 - Update #76

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

COVID-19 AND COMICS:

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics plans to forge ahead with releasing its publications both in print and digitally... by whatever means necessary... as comics market is halted by COVID-19.

From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics says that starting April 1st it will not monthly comics books in digital form until they are widely available in print.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics has provided Diamond Comic Distributors with an extension concerning the money Diamond owes Marvel.

From Newsarama:  Diamond Comic Distributors will cease distributing products beginning with the April 1st, 2020 release date and will resume at a later unknown date.

From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing has announced that it will suspend publications of its titles slated to be released in the month of May 2020.

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SONY MARVEL U - From Newsarama:  Sony has pushed its Marvel film, "Morbius," from July 31, 2020 to March 19, 2021.

IN MEMORIAM - From CartoonBrew:  The Mexican artist and cartoonist, Roman Arambula, has died at the age of 83, Wednesday, March 19, 2020.  In the 1970s, he first began drawing Donald Duck comic books for Western Publishing and then, in 1975, Arambula began drawing the syndicated "Mickey Mouse" newspaper comic strip, which he would do until 1990.  He also worked extensively in the animation industry.

COMICS TO FILM - From DigitalSpy:  Actor David Harbour says that the 2019 "Hellboy" reboot film failed before filming on it began.  Harbour played the title character in the film which was a box office bomb.

DC TV - From Newsarama:  Ahead of the release of DC Universe/TheCW's "Stargirl," Geoff Johns, the creator and showrunner for the series, pens a personal letter.

IN MEMORIAM - From Variety:  French illustrator and comics artist, Alberto Uderzo, has died at the age of 92, Tuesday, March 24, 2020.  Uderzo and French comics writer-editor, Rene Goscinny, created the long-running French comics series, "Asterix."

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:  Warner Bros. executives are in preliminary discussions to make their big, tentpole summer movie release, "Wonder Woman 1984," a digital release in light of movie theater closures due to COVID-19.

Marvel - From Marvel:  Marvel introduces the new "New Warriors."

ARCHIE - From THR:  This June, the Archie Comics gang teams-up with Flash Gordon in "Archie Meets Flash Gordon."

DC TV - From Deadline:  A production assistant on The CW's "Batwoman" was injured on-set and paralyzed.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Warner Bros. will make "Birds of Prey" and "Just Mercy" early digital home entertainment releases - August 24th, 2020.

From BleedingCool:  Indie comics publisher and creator, Jason Reeves, talks about Black/African-American indie comics and more.

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics is rush-soliciting a "Black Widow" comic book in anticipation of Marvel Studios' "Black Widow" film is due May 1st.

CORONAVIRUS:

From Newsarama:  Due to the coronavirus outbreak, Dynamite Entertainment joins Image Comics in making its March-shipping products that are distributed by Diamond Comic Distributors, full returnable on the part of comic book retailers.

From Newsarama:  DC Comics employees are among the WarnerMedia employees asked to stay home due to coronavirus concerns.

From Newsarama:  2020 WonderCon in Los Angeles, which was scheduled for April 10th to 12th, has been postponed indefinitely.

From Newsarama:  Warner Bros. Television has suspended production on The CW's "Riverdale" TV series due to coronavirus fears.

From BleedingCool:  ACE Comic Con Northeast  in Boston is delayed/cancelled due to coronavirus fears.  The show was to take place this month and will try to move to October.

From Newsarama:  Diamond Comic Distributors has cancelled its April 14th to 16th 2020 Retailer Summit.

From Newsarama:  NYC's MoCCA Arts Festival, scheduled for April 4th and 5th, has been postponed.

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FOX MARVEL U - From THR:  "The New Mutants" is one of three films that have had their release dates pushed back by Disney due to coronavirus fears.

BATMAN - From Newsarama:  Here is a look at the "Batman" and "Batman-related" comic books due for June 2020.

SONY MARVEL U - From TheWrap: Robert Orci, one of the genius screenwriters behind "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" (2014), is writing a Spider-Man spin-off movie for Sony Pictures.  Details about the project or character are being kept under wraps.

IN MEMORIAM - From Newsarama:  "Golden Age" comic book artist Allen "Al" Bellman has died at the age of 95, Monday, March 9, 2020.  Bellman was known for his work with Timely Comics (the forerunner of Marvel Comics) and drew stories featuring "The Human Torch" and the "Young Allies," among others. Bellman left comic books in the early 1950s, but he later became a regular on the comic book convention circuit.

From Newsarama:  Here is a look at the "Superman" publications being solicited for sale in June 2020.

From THR:  Mariko Tamaki will take over as writer of DC Comics' "Wonder Woman" ongoing series, beginning with Wonder Woman #759.

From Newsarama:  Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok's long-awaited miniseries, "Batman: 3 Jokers," will finally arrive when the first issue hits stores June 17, 2020.

From ComicBook:  Warren Ellis thanks fans for the success of the animated series, "Castlevania" (Netflix), for which he is a writer-producer.

From PA:  Penn College is featuring an art exhibition of World War II era comic book covers, "Victory for a Dime: The Fighting Comic Books of the Second World War."

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Ben Affleck, who until recently played Batman, says the 2017 film, "Justice League" was plagued with "one problem after another."

MANGA TO FILM - From GameSpot:  A list of Easter eggs and manga references in the recent hit anime film, "My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising."

From SeattleTimes:  The site celebrates the 30th anniversary of cartoonist Peter Bagge's seminal comic book series, "Hate," which was published by Fantagraphics Books.

From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment offices preps for the release of the "Bloodshot" movie.

IN MEMORIAM - From Newsarama:  Comic book artist Frank McLaughlin has died at the age of 84, Wednesday, March 4, 2020.  Although he worked for Marvel, DC Comics, Archie Comics, and Valiant Comics, McLaughlin is best known for his work for Charlton Comics and for creating the Charlton character, "Judomaster."

BOOK NEWS - From Newsarama:  Marvel/Asmodee's line of prose novels featuring Marvel Comics characters has announced four debut novels:  "Domino: Strays," "Doctor Doom: The Harrowing of Doom," "Legends of Asgard: The Head of Mimir," and "Legends of Asgard: The Sword of Surtur."

From DCBlog:  Writer Tom King talks about his new maxi-series, "Strange Adventures."

From Worth:  Investor James Murdoch (son of Fox News' Rupert Murdoch) talks about his investment in the comic book start-up, AWA (Artists, Writers & Artisans).

From SoraNews24:  Regard "scanlations," one manga artist says that she cannot afford to offer her work for free.

DC TV - From Newsarama:  The "Stargirl" TV series will debut May 11th on the "DC Universe" streaming service and on May 12th on The CW.

THE BATMAN - From Deadline:  Director Matt Reeves has posted images of "The Batmobile" with Robert Pattison as "Batman" standing next to it.

From Newsarama:  Warren Ellis' planned reboot of WildStorm's "WildC.A.T.s" is not happening.  It was to be the third entry in Ellis' reboot of the WildStorm Universe, which began with "The Wildstorm" (24 issues) and continued in "The Wildstorm: Michael Cray."

STAR WARS - From Movieweb:  This article offers a few details on Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: The High Republic" comic book, which will be written by Cavan Scott, and will be part of the over "The High Republic" publishing campaign.

From Cleveland.com:  This is a profile of comic book writer, Tony Isabella, who created the DC Comics' character, Black Lightning.  Isabella is set to appear on the season finale of The CW's current "Black Lightning" TV series.

From ANN:   Japanese publishers Shueisha and Shogakukan announced that they are posting back issues of some manga magazines digitally for free for a limited time, due to many schools, venues, and events in Japan temporarily closing due to concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus illness.

FOX MARVEL U - From Newsarama: There is a new TV spot for the final film in 20th Century Fox's "X-Men" franchise, "The New Mutants," that finds the young mutants on lock-down.

From LATimes:  Jaime Hernandez is among the finalists for the "40th Annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes."

From CBR:  The site has previews of every DC Comics' title arriving Wed., March 4th.

From Newsarama:  Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates will end his four-year run as the writer of Marvel's ongoing "Black Panther" comic book series.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Director James Gunn celebrates the end of film for "The Suicide Squad" with a large group photo of the entire cast and crew.  Gunn also talks about how filming came at a hard time in his life.

COMICS TO ANIMATION - From Crunchyroll:  One of the "Crunchyroll Originals" is an animated series based on Warren Ellis and Paul Duffield's webcomic, "FreakAngels," which has been collected as a series of graphic novels.  The link leads to a press release that includes a trailer introducing the eight new series.

From KyodoNews:  "Paidon" is a manga plotted and designed by artificial intelligence (A.I.) that learned the artistic style of the late Osamu Tezuka, the creator of "Astro Boy."  It is being published in Japan Thurs., Feb. 27th in the magazine, "Morning."

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MARCH 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  March 2020 comics solicitations for 23 publishers
From Newsarama:  :01 First Second for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Artists, Writer and Artisans for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Book for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for March 2020

APRIL 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Media for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Devil's Due for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2020

MAY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  A full-list of titles available for "Free Comic Book Day 2020" on May 2, 2020.
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Aspen for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Behemoth Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Complex for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publihsing for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for May 2020

JUNE 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for June 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Source Point Press for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for June 2020

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#IReadsYou Review: DOWNFALL

DOWNFALL
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Inio Asano
TRANSLATION: Jocelyn Allen
LETTERS: Joanne Estep
EDITOR: Pancha Diaz
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0936-6; paperback (February 2020); Rated “M” for “Mature”
246pp, B&W, $14.99 U.S., $19.99 CAN, £9.99 U.K.

Reiraku is a manga created by Inio Asano, the author of such manga as Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction and Goodnight Punpun.  Reiraku was published in the Japanese manga magazine, Big Comic Superior (Shogakukan), from March 10 to July 28, 2017.  VIZ Media is publishing an English language edition of Reiraku as a single-volume graphic novel, entitled Downfall, released under the VIZ Signature imprint.

Downfall (Chapters 1 to 7 to Final Chapter) introduces Kaoru Fukuzawa, a successful manga artist.  He recently finished his breakthrough series, “Goodbye Sunset,” and the fifteenth and final tankobon (graphic novel) collection of the series has just been released.  Although Fukuzawa has ended his manga, he does not know how to start a new one.

All that matters in the manga industry, Fukuzawa believes, is selling copies.  Sales of “Goodbye Sunset” collections had been slipping towards the end, and Fukuzawa believes that such cruel realities of the industry have destroyed his “pure love” for manga.  Also, Fukuzawa's marriage to Nozomi Machida, a manga editor, seems to be failing, and she appears to be moving on from him to work with new manga artists.  If Fukuzawa can figure out the formula for creating a new hit manga, will everything be okay?  Can he fill the void inside himself?  Or maybe Fukuzawa himself is the problem.

The Downfall manga, like some of Inio Asano's other manga, is about self-absorbed young men.  They tend to be cruel to others in ways that they themselves might not recognize... if they bothered to care.  Sex is defined only by these young men's needs, as seen by the number of young women with whom Fukuzawa's “engages” and by how he ultimately treats them.

The Downfall Graphic Novel is the portrait of the manga artist as a “monster,” in the context of his relationships with those closest to him personally and professionally.  Downfall is not so much about watching a guy fall apart as it is about him fulfilling a prophecy; years prior, a “cat-eyed” woman already told him what he was and would be.  I think Kaoru Fukuzawa's “downfall” had already begun by the time readers meet him in the present day of the story.

The English translation by Jocelyn Allen captures the essences and layers of Asano's earthy and blunt dialogue with its sense of realism.  Asano's beautiful, textured art tells the story in a painfully human style, alternating between intimate and aloof.  Allen's translation gets that the dialogue is what drives the story and is what defines the conflict between characters.

The lettering by Joanne Estep is both elegant and precise, and Estep seizes upon Fukuzawa's unrelenting self-absorption.  Once again, Inio Asano has produced a powerful story of a calamitous personality, and the English edition is an engaging, absorbing read.

9 out of 10

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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