More Than Capes

Black Panther: Man Without Fear #513 & Mighty Samson #1

2010-12-17T15:31:00.001Z

On top of this weeks comics that are pulled for me by mail order. I popped into my local comic shop and picked up Black Panther: Man WIthout Fear #513 from Marvel and Mighty Samson #1 from Dark Horse.

Interesting my feeling on both of the two were pretty much the same. Firstly the artwork on both was incredible. Francisco Francovilla continues to prove he's the king of pulp. His version of Black Panther is simple but sleak and he simply has a knack for capturing the perfect snapshot of a scene for each panel. I think Patrick Olliffe's work on Mighty Samson could be best i've seen him do. The detail on each page might point to why the comic is being solicited bi-monthly, but for art this good its worth waiting for. Especially impressive was his ability to portray the same character after an 18 year leap in time.

My problems with both book lied in the writing. Both David Liss (Black Panther) and the team of Shooter and JC Vaughan (Mighty Samson) created too much exposition. There was almost too much information to absorb in both comics. I know its 'damned if you do and damned if you don't' when it comes to first issues. You're always either 'writing for the trade' or there's 'too much information' but I think it should be possible to find a happy medium. You need to have just enough happening, just enough character introduction or action scenes, but we don't need everything right off the bat. introduce the reader a bit at a time rather than bombard us.

Even with that said, both books justify another visit with the next issue.

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Wire Hangers #4 Advance Review

2010-08-19T14:59:00.001+01:00

Wire Hangers #4 closes off the first volume of this genre bending series and its time to bring the players together into the depths of the Manhattan Detention Complex. A building nicknamed “the Tombs”. A name that probably holds no irony for the bodies that litter the floor after facing the man melded with Wire Hangers, Jonathan Cypra.

Detective Barillo and Journalist Anna Davis are the other main players who descend on the tombs, and seemingly resolve all outstanding storylines. But as the issue progresses it becomes apparent that this issue isn’t the end, this seems to be start of a mythos. As opposed to be left with all ends tied tightly together, the issue blossoms with possibilities of where the story could be taken from here. That doesn’t mean there are some resolutions regarding those who had been making Cypra’s life more hellish than it previously had been, though.

looking back on the issues of Wire Hangers that I have read, and thinking of all the parts together, its apparent that this has become more of a tour de force than I could have ever imagined. Across the the issues it has beautifully transitioned from Horror, to thriller, to crime procedural, and now with its final issue of this mini series, its a possible anti-hero origin. This has been a true Kaleidoscope of a comic, its a shame their won’t be an issue #5 next month, but I’m definitely hoping for a volume 2. There is just too much possibility here for there not to be.

Wire Hangers is published by IDW Publishing. Pretty much everything bar the lettering is done by Alan Robert, and it has a cover price of $3.99.

You’ll find it on the shelves on Wednesday the 25th of August or you could order the WIRE HANGERS TPB, coming in November with order code SEP10 0393.

Final Cover To ‘LUCID’ #1 Unveiled

2010-07-04T08:40:00.015+01:00

Press Release:

Archaia & Before The Door unveil final cover to 'Lucid' #1.

First title from partnership between Archaia and Zachary Quinto's company to debut in August.

With fans eagerly anticipating the debut of Archaia Entertainment and Before the Door’s first joint comic project, the two companies proudly unveiled the final cover to the first issue of LUCID, which will debut in August in comic book shops, with advance copies available at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Calif., July 22-25, 2010.

Lucid is a four-issue miniseries written and illustrated by newcomers Michael McMillian and Anna Wieszczyk, who also drew the cover. McMillian is a longtime comics fan and no stranger to the entertainment industry, having recently appeared on the hit HBO series “True Blood” and as a recurring regular on the Amanda Bynes CW television series, “What I Like About You.” McMillian is the creator of Lucid and this is his first written comic work. Wieszczyk is based in Poland and her short story, “Acid Sunset,” was recently published inPopgun Anthology Vol. 4. She is also currently working on Halo8’sGodkiller motion comic.

“We’ve been lucky at Archaia to help usher new creative entities into the comics industry, and one of our most rewarding partnerships has been working with Before the Door to develop Lucid,” said Archaia Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy. “In Lucid, Michael McMillian and Anna Wieszczyk dove not only into the world of modern magic, but this history of magic throughout western culture as well, all wrapped up in a day-glo, über-pop comic book that looks unlike anything else on the stands today. I’m very proud we’re finally able to share this fantastic comic with readers!”

Lucid follows the adventures of Matthew Dee, a Combat Mage and covert spy whose skills earn him the appointment of “Protector of the Realm” by the President of the United States. Dee’s mission is to protect America from the grip of dark forces that are conspiring to prevent humankind from reaching its true Magic potential.

“Lucid is my attempt to exorcise a lifelong love affair with comics, swashbuckler action adventures and an unhealthy fixation with fantasy,” shared McMillian, who developed the idea over the course of two years. “Matthew Dee is a pulp hero for the 21st century and I’m very excited Archaia and Before the Door have given me the opportunity to create a new world for him to explore.”

“Michael’s intense passion for comics dovetails perfectly with our mission to tell moving and engaging stories,” said Zachary Quinto (“Heroes,” “Star Trek”). With Before the Door producing partners Corey Moosaand Neal Dodson, Quinto recruited Michael to work with them on their first comic book project. “Lucid was born from Michael’s imagination and developed organically though his collaboration with Before the Door. Along with the enthusiasm and commitment of Archaia, we are proud to present Lucid to comic book fans worldwide.”

Lucid #1 (full color, 24 pages, $3.95, Diamond Order Code JUN10 0745) debuts in comic shops in August 2010.

Archaia and Before the Door are also developing the comic project Mr. Murder Is Dead, written by Victor Quinaz, about a retired top cop who becomes the prime suspect when a not-so-nice man, once nicknamed Mr. Murder, is found dead.

About Archaia Entertainment

Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds. Archaia is: An Elegy for Amelia Johnson, Artesia, Awakening, Beautiful Scars, Berona’s War, The Black Knight, Critical Millennium, Cyclops, The Dark Crystal, Dark Fall, Days Missing, The Devil’s Handshake, The Engineer, Everlast, Feeding Ground, Fraggle Rock, God Machine, The Grave Doug Freshley, Gunnerkrigg Court, Hybrid Bastards!, Inanna’s Tears, The Killer, Killing Pickman, Labyrinth, The Lone and Level Sands, Lucid, Miranda Mercury, Moon Lake, Mouse Guard, Mr. Murder Is Dead, Okko, One in a Million, Primordia, Return of the Dapper Men, Robotika, Saga, The Secret History, Some New Kind of Slaughter, Starkweather: Immortal, Syndrome, Titanium Rain, Trial By Fire, Tumor and 10 more new titles in 2010.

For more information on Archaia or any Archaia titles please visit www.Archaia.com or the Archaia Facebook page at facebook.com/archaiacomics. Follow Archaia on Twitter at twitter.com/archaiacomics.

About Before the Door

Founded by Zachary Quinto, Neal Dodson and Corey Moosa, BEFORE THE DOOR is a production company with projects set up in film, television, comic books and new media. The company’s first feature film, MARGIN CALL, is a financial thriller written and directed by first-time helmer J.C. Chandor. Currently in production, MARGIN CALL features an ensemble cast which includes Kevin Spacey, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Paul Bettany, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker and Zachary Quinto. Before the Door has lined up a slate to follow MARGIN CALL, including film, television and interactive projects.

Wire Hangers #3 Advance Review

2010-07-01T00:01:00.003+01:00

It’s a hard life when you’ve got Wire Hangers intermingled within and without your entire body. You have to live your life as a recluse, hiding amongst the homeless, hiding the wounds a freak set of circumstances inflicted. Lest not forgot trying to cope with the mental scars carried from the sight of your mother hung from that tree.
To make matters worse, it really isn’t your day when you have an ex Central Intelligence director trying to set you up as the serial killer that’s been running around the City

Its a hard life being the City’s wash out detective. Investigating, but not being able to stop death after death. Pills help, prostitutes help, but the one thing that will make things better would be to solve the case. Surely the establishment wouldn’t make life harder by standing in your way?

This issue concentrates on the thrills rather than the horror. Our wired protagonist Cypra is stuck deep under New York city, between the NYPD and General Lazar’s ‘Feds’. They have a potential Serial Killer to take in, if they can agree who will take the glory. It’s Barillo who gets most of the scene time this issue, he might not be the straightest detective in the police force… okay he’s FAR from the straightest detective on the police force, but he’s in a position to finally start joining up the dots and getting to the bottom of the “Suicide King Killer” case and he does it in his own inimitable way.

The twist and turns are definitely not the only thing that make this book something you feel you constantly have to gorge on. The artwork is some of the most atmospheric art appearing on the comic shelves at the moment. It’s the juxtaposition of a cast that are that tiny bit more caricatured than an average superhero book, put against a hugely realistic backdrop. Whether it’s the sight of Barillo drinking in a pub barely lit by the television in the corner or the freezing cold atmosphere amid the sheen of the city morgue each panel will draw you in.

If I were still giving marks out of 10 for my reviews, Wire Hangers would have to get a 9. It's a story that draws you in so much deserves no less.

Wire Hangers is published by IDW Publishing. Pretty much everything bar the lettering is done by Alan Robert, and it has a cover price of $3.99.

You’ll find it on the shelves on Wednesday the 7th of July.

What’s More… For Wednesday 30th June

2010-06-29T19:38:00.013+01:00

What's More is a weekly feature focusing on the pick of this weeks new releases outside the big 2 publishers. You'll find these on your comics shop shelves in the US on Wednesday the 30th of June and in the UK on Thursday the 1st of July:-

After Dark #0 –Radical Publishing - $1.00

Wesley Snipes is another celebrity who understands the power of the comic book. He’s the co-creator of this new series from Radical and it launches with a fully painted 32 page issue, and not many people won’t have the dollar to spare.

Broken Frontier host a massive preview

Mindfield #1 – Aspen Comics - $2.99

It doesn’t matter if you missed the #0 issue featuring their training camp. Just make sure you catch this story of CIA agents fighting terrorism on American soil. Did I mention they were telepathic CIA Agents?

See the preview at Newsarama

Prince of Persia #1 – Dynamite Publishing - $3.99

Publishing a graphic novel and then splitting it up into four to republish it as individual issues isn’t the norm in the comics industry, but that’s what Dynamite Publishing do with this book from Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner.

Five preview pages are up at Comic Book Resources

Velocity #1 – Image Comics / Top Cow- $3.99

How fast can you move? Top Cow’s Velocity has 60 minutes to save her fellow members of Cyberforce, and those 60 minutes are spread across this new 4 issue mini series. Ron Marz and Kenneth Rocafort are the creators of what could turn out to be a real gem.

Race to Newsarama for some preview pages

Archaia Solicitations for September 2010

2010-06-21T20:40:00.003+01:00

Archaia have provided us with cover images and Solicitation text of their titles shipping in September 2010. Hit the jump link to have a look and if you want the Diamond order code just hover your mouse over the respective covers…

DAYS MISSING: KESTUS #1 (of 5)

Retail Price: $3.95 U.S.
Page Count: 32 pages
Format: saddle bound, 6.625” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Phil Hester
Illustrated by David Marquez
Cover by Alex Ross

Archaia and Roddenberry Productions are proud to present the thrilling sequel to the critically acclaimed series DAYS MISSING. DAYS MISSING: KESTUS continues the saga of The Steward, a mysterious being whose ability to “fold” days of time has resulted in critical human events being absent from our historical record. Their existence is not remembered…but the occurrences of these days have forever changed the course of our evolution.
Since humanity’s birth, The Steward has stood as a guiding force for our species. But now, he is not alone! The emergence of the ancient being, Kestus, may put everything he knows in question, and the future of those he means to protect in jeopardy.

FEEDING GROUND #1 (of 6)

Retail Price: $3.95 U.S.
Page Count: 48 pages
Format: saddle bound, 6.625” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Swifty Lang
Illustrated by Michael Lapinski
Cover by Michael Lapinski

This new series is ripped right out of the real-life drama unfolding on the Mexico-Arizona border. FEEDING GROUND reaches a large and diverse audience no matter tour personal POV on the issue. In this factious story, a famine caused by Blackwell Industries drives Diego Busqueda, a noble “coyote,” to lead a band of Mexican border crossers across the unforgiving Devil’s Highway, a desert cursed with blistering days and deadly nights. Back home, Diego’s daughter Flaca discovers that something hungrier prowls the factory fields. Stalked and persecuted, can the Busqueda family maintain their dreams of immigration or will the horrors of the desert tear them apart? Also included is 24 pages of bonus content in Spanish!

MOUSE GUARD: THE BLACK AXE #1 (of 6)

Retail Price: $3.50 U.S.
Page Count: 24 pages
Format: saddle bound, 8” x 8”, full color
Written by David Petersen
Illustrated by David Petersen
Cover by David Petersen

The Eisner Award-winning MOUSE GUARD returns with THE BLACK AXE, a third volume to be told in six bi-monthly issues. Set in 1115, this prequel to MOUSE GUARD: FALL 1152 fulfills the promise the wise oldfur Celanawe made to Lieam the day his paw first touched the Black Axe: to tell the young warrior about the mouse who first wielded the deadly weapon. The arrival of distant kin takes Celanawe on an adventure that will carry him across the sea to uncharted waters and lands, all while unraveling the legend of Farrer, the blacksmith who forged the mythic Black Axe.

LUCID #2 (of 4)

Retail Price: $3.95 U.S.
Page Count: 24 pages
Format: saddle bound, 6.625” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Michael McMillian
Illustrated by Anna Wieszczyk
Cover by Anna Wieszczyk

Things are heating up at the House at Dupont Circle. What is the Prophecy of the Pendragon? What Occult weapon threatens the fate the United States... for the second time? And what exactly is an Astral Amplifier?! LUCID #2 takes you one more giant leap into the strange world of Matthew Dee as the novice Combat Mage races against the clock to prevent President’s Day from becoming a National Day of Mourning!
Written by “True Blood” actor Michael McMillian and illustrated by newcomer Anna Wieszczyk, LUCID is Archaia’s first title published in association with Zachary Quinto (“Heroes,” “Star Trek”) and his production company, Before the Door Pictures.

CRITICAL MILLENNIUM #4 (of 4)

Retail Price: $3.95 U.S.
Page Count: 40 pages
Format: saddle bound, 6.625” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Andrew E. C. Gaska
Illustrated by Daniel Dussault
Cover by Daniel Dussault

The dramatic conclusion to the first miniseries! The gravitic drive vessel Black Rabbit is on the pad for its earthborn launch to new worlds! Prime Minister Blacklytter bans public transmission of the lift off! The Wraith infiltrates the launch bay with the intent of hijacking the starship! Young John Adams makes a stand for his beliefs, and pays the ultimate price! Disaster strikes New Bombay, heralding the end of Hope itself! Angel Rei stares long and hard into a bottle of sleeping pills! Countess Watwani races to stop her husband from committing genocide! All this, and Coney, Eryc and Pandita find their flight out-system blocked by a police force! As all points converge, will Thomm finally realize his grandparents’ dream of a new beginning for mankind, and a future amongst the stars?

THE KILLER: MODUS VIVENDI #5 (of 6)

Retail Price: $3.95 U.S.
Page Count: 32 pages
Format: saddle bound, 6.875” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Matz
Illustrated by Luc Jacamon
Cover by Luc Jacamon

In Venezuela, our Killer has made a pact with the Cubans, leading a campaign of assassinations against a military junta. It’s a crusade of sorts, and well out of character for a stonehearted executioner. So has the Killer finally woken to the world, to a cause? Or, as his buddy Mariano suggests, is his heart just being manipulated by the bewitching Cuban officer, Katia?

THE SECRET HISTORY BOOK FOURTEEN

Retail Price: $5.95 U.S.
Page Count: 48 pages
Format: perfect bound, 6.875” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Jean-Pierre Pécau
Illustrated by Igor Kordey
Colors by Leonard O’Grady
Cover by Manchu & Olivier Vatine

The Watchers. 1945. The two atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki seem to have put an end to the evil plots of William of Lecce. In liberated Paris, Daniel Rosenthal, a survivor of the death camps, learns how to live again. He owes his survival to a “star,” a strange tarot card given to him by the surrealist poet Robert Desnos in the Terezín concentration camp, who also told him about the mysterious cabaret, L’Arcane 17. Daniel begins a descent into a world he did not know existed and into a story that the textbooks do not teach: the secret history.

PRIMORDIA Collected Hardcover Edition

Retail Price: $19.95 U.S.
Page Count: 128 pages
Format: hardcover with dust jacket, 6.625” x 10.25”, full color
Written by John R. Fultz
Illustrated by Roel Wielinga
Colors by Joel Jason O’Chua
Cover by Roel Wielinga

A pair of human infants are abandoned in the depths of an ancient forest and adopted by the strange creatures called Woodfolk. Driniel (Moon) is the night-wanderer, dancing with the Darkling spirits of the deep groves, summoning demons for his arcane pleasures. Alleyar (Sun) is the flame of valor, rising to esteem in the ranks of the Woodfolk hunters and taming a fierce beast with his sorcery. The Woodking's daughter, Princess Vega, must choose between her twin lovers as they are exiled into the savage world of Man. More than human, less than gods, these misfit brothers will change the worlds of Gods and Mortals forever as they uncover the secrets of their own past and parentage.

OKKO VOL. 3: THE CYCLE OF AIR Collected Hardcover Edition

Retail Price: $19.95 U.S.
Page Count: 108 pages
Format: hardcover with dust jacket, 6.875” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Hub
Illustrated by Hub

It is the Spring of 1110 in the official calendar of the Pajan Empire. Okko is called upon to assist the daughter of Lady Mayudama, who has retreated into a profound silence. The best doctors have been unable to provide even a diagnosis of her condition. Okko may prove to be her last resort. But a strange force that has been prowling around the region for over a week has also arranged a meeting with the ronin for a duel of incomparable violence... Collects all four issues of Okko: The Cycle of Air miniseries.

Have you considered…. Broadcast

2010-06-16T22:22:00.002+01:00

Diamonds customer order form date may have just slipped past but you may be able to order the odd comic or book if you work fast.

One book that may have slipped past your radar is BROADCAST coming from NBM Publishing. It’s a 180 page original graphic novel based on the night the infamous War of the Worlds adaptation was played across the airwaves of the United States.

The original War of The Worlds play was nearly 60 minutes long, the first two thirds was presented as new bulletins. BROADCAST, centres on an Indiana town where a storm causes power to be lost halfway through the play, focusing on the tensions of four families sheltered from the rain, and how they react to each other when “news reports” seemingly speak of an alien Invasion.

BROADCAST is written by Eric Hobbs, with art by Noel Tuazon (If you’re a fan of Proof or Cowboy Ninja Viking Tuazon’s work bears shares some stylistic similarities with Riley Rossmo). Hobbs has a 21 page preview over at his website and its well worth a look.

BROADCAST has a Diamond order code of JUN10 1062 and has a suggested retail price of $13.99

What’s More… for Wednesday 16th June?

2010-06-16T14:18:00.007+01:00

What's More is a weekly feature focusing on the pick of this weeks new releases outside the big 2 publishers. You'll find these on your comics shop shelves in the US on Wednesday the 16th of June and in the UK on Thursday the 17th of June:-

Four Eyes #4 –Image Comics - $3.50

It’s taken a while to get here, but the story of dragons in an alternate depression era is finally back with it’s fourth issue. Created by Man of Action studios member Joe Kelly with artist Max Fiumara, a partnership who have also worked together on Amazing Spider-man in the recent past.

Pale Horse #1 – Boom! Studios - $3.99

Boom! Studios built their reputation on producing genre books to fill hole’s in the market that other publishers weren’t filling. Now they bring us the story of Cole, an Ex Slave and Union soldier that turns the Western genre on it’s head.

Some preview pages are here at More Than Capes.

Phantom Unmasked #1 – Moonstone Books - $3.99

They may have almost finished their run of Phantom comics, but there’s time for a two issue mini series before the franchise moves over to Dynamite.

See some preview pages at Phantom writer Martin Powell’s blog.

Spike: The Devil You Know #1 – IDW Publishing - $3.99
IDW’s side of the buffyverse expands with the return of everybodys favourite vampire with an Englsh accent. Written by clockworkstorybook-er Bill Williams with art by the fantastic Chris Cross.
Comic Book Resources have the preview of this one.

Boom! Studios Previews for 06/16/2010

2010-06-14T19:33:00.005+01:00

Boom! Studios have provided us with Previews of their comics shipping June 16 2010.

Follow the Jump to view Previews of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? #11, Farscape #8 & Pale Horse #1

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? #11
Will Rick Deckard escape the Hall of Justice? Find out as the saga that inspired BLADE RUNNER continues! A second bounty hunter joins the pursuit and Deckard crosses another rogue Nexus-6 android off his list. Expect the unexpected in this new issue of DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, the comic THE VILLAGE VOICE declared to be one of the best of 2009!
SC, 32 pgs, FC, (11 of 24), SRP: $3.99

Farscape #8
The startling conclusion to ‘Red Sky at Morning,’ Farscape’s biggest, most startling story yet! All of Moya battles to save Pilot’s homeworld – and one crewmember isn’t coming back! This is a story that could only be told in the comics medium. Another breathtaking Farscape tale from series creator Rockne S. O’Bannon and best-selling novelist Keith R.A. DeCandido. Covers by Joe Corroney and Caleb Cleveland.
SC, 24 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99

Pale Horse #1
BOOM! Studios re-invents the Western – and you’ve never seen the Old West like this before. Ex-slave and former Union soldier Cole has spent the years following the Civil War building a reputation as the most fearsome bounty hunter in the land. But when the tables turn and a bounty is placed on Cole’s head, all hell breaks loose. Finding himself unable to protect the thing most precious to him – his family – Cole goes on a rampage of revenge, leaving only a trail of blood in his wake. With nothing but his horse, his one surviving son and his gun, Cole’s rampage leaves no stone unturned and no culprit alive! Covers by Leonardo Mancoo and Robert Adler.
SC, 24pgs, FC, (1 of 4), SRP: $3.99

Boom! Kids Previews for 06/16/2010

2010-06-14T17:15:00.005+01:00

Boom! Kids have provided us with Previews of their comics shipping June 16 2010.

Follow the Jump to view Previews of Darkwing Duck #1, Donald Duck and Friends #355, Muppet Snow White #2 & Wall E #7

Darkwing Duck #1
You demanded it. And BOOM! Studios delivers. Don’t miss the long-awaited, much requested return of your favorite, Darkwing Duck. Once St. Canard’s greatest protector, Darkwing Duck was known the world over as ‘The Terror That Flaps In The Night.’ Now, mysteriously, DW has not been seen or heard from in well over a year – and St. Canard finds that evil is once again on the rise. But when a nefarious plan threatens everyone, Darkwing Duck knows it’s time for the Duck Knight to return! ‘Let’s Get Dangerous!’ with Disney and BOOM! Studios as one of Disney’s most beloved characters makes a comeback in his own not-to-be-missed original ongoing series!
SC, 24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99

Donald Duck and Friends #355
A brand-new Double Duck arc begins here! When the notorious criminal, Red Primerose, escapes from his prison, it’s only a matter of time before she plots her revenge on The Agency, starting with a high-risk heist in the City of Lights. Enter the Agency’s number one operative, Donald Duck aka Double Duck, in a race against time to track down the villainous vixen and discover the hidden truth behind her schemes.
SC, 24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99

Muppet Snow White #2
The Electric Mayhem arrive home to find they have an unexpected house guest – Snow White, who instantly has an amorous admirer in Animal! Then an open audition for a seventh member, ‘Grumpy,’ has unexpected results, all the while Queen Piggy schemes to become the fairest one of all! Covers by David Petersen and James Silvani.
SC, 24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99

Wall E #7
Everyone’s favorite garbage-crunching robot is back – and he’s cleaning up another big mess! Determined to help his new friend escape Earth’s deserted wastelands and reunite with his family, WALL-E leads a trash-toppling, fun-filled adventure. The last part of ‘Out There’ is a must-read for WALL-E fans!
SC, 24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99

The Rawhide Kid #1 Review

2010-06-11T20:51:00.000+01:00

Can you believe it was seven years ago that the sole original Ultimate series, "Ultimate Adventures" concluded it's run? Seven years since the Rawhide Kid: Slap Leather series firmly put a dividing line between comic readers. Now, after a comic creation hibernation, Ron Zimmerman returns to the character he made the 'campest' man in the west.

Rawhide Kid rides into a lawless town, the Sherrifs, Wyatt and Morgan Earp are missing, Annie Oakley is locked up in jail. It's time some order was restored to Tombstone.

If you watch Glee, you'll be aware of Kurt. A very flamboyant homosexual character who is a blatant stereotype. I found it difficult to read this without hearing the voice of Kurt as the Rawhide Kid, there was the same sort of stereotypical display in action and words but this stereotypical behaviour didn't insult or demean. Within the context of this book, Rawhide Kid was a stereotype amongst stereotypes. Wyatt and Morgan Earp are a pair of easily confused, stupid brother, with an almost classic slapstick feel. The main bad guy constantly demeans his sidekick, who is there as a foil to infuriate. The population of Tombstone perpetually brawl.

In this context the book just works. Rawhide Kid is the most mentally with it, so his character firmly comes across as the lead. The book plays for comedy but not in a "punchline" way, and you don't feel as if you have to insert your own canned laughter, yes its kitsch but it's fun.

Rawhide Kid is a comic book filled with well staged gags and has it's tongue firmly in its cheek. You're guaranteed to finish the issue with a smile on your face.

The Rawhide Kid is published by Marvel Comics. It's written by Ron Zimmerman, has art by Howard Chaykin, and has a cover price of $3.99.

Meta 4 #1 Review

2010-06-10T19:42:00.004+01:00

The greatness of the comic medium lies in the ability to create marvel, wonder and mystery. To envisage worlds which are too expensive or too outlandish to turn into the moving picture and to do so in a stylized way that just wouldn't work in any other format. Ted McKeevers work shows this to great effect in Meta 4.

An astronaut regains, or maybe gains, consciousness in a sandy environment. Amnesia fuzzes our collective memory but It turns out it's not a lunar landscape, but the beach besides the Astroland theme park at Coney Island. It turns out the the park is only slightly more populated than the moon as McKeever's black and white pen work, almost iconically, displays. There are subtleties to his work too, as shown by Meta 4's second character blending into the background until a surreal full appearance in a Santa Suit.

My favourite novels contain only minimal scene descriptions, leaving your imagination to finish painting that scene, characters actions and words carrying the story forward. Interestingly McKeever uses an almost opposite mechanism here. The scenes are painted for us, but the person in the Santa suit "speaks" in images or symbols. A smiley here, a caduceus there, but it really involves the mind and the reader places the final words into this "santa's" voice . In fact this book is not particularly wordy, but it is definitely not a quick read. Each panel brings pause for thought, be it through its imagery or its use of symbols.

I'll confess that my understanding of the issue is not fully complete, but there is a huge amount to intrigue and a lot to reflect on.

This is a book that would not easily be represented on a big or small screen, the characters subtle distortions would hinder that. This is a comic that knows what the medium is, what the medium can do and does it brilliantly.

Meta 4 is published by Image Comics' Shadowline imprint. It's written, illustrated and lettered by Ted McKeever, and has a cover price of $3.99.

What's More... for Wednesday 9th June?

2010-06-09T19:56:00.002+01:00

What's More is a weekly feature focusing on the pick of this weeks new releases outside the big 2 publishers. You'll find these on your comics shop shelves in the US on Wednesday the 9th of June and in the UK on Thursday the 10th of June:-

Shrapnel: Hubris #1 - Radical Publishing - $4.99

The Sci-Fi action continues in another of Radical Publishings bumper sized issues. In an age where a lot of 32 page comics are $3.99, Radical's continual publication of a fully painted 64 page book for $4.99 has got to be admired.

A huge preview is available at Broken Frontier

Meta 4 #1 - Image Comics - $3.99

Eisner nominated Ted Mckeever returns with his latest story. A story of self discovery featuring an Astronaut and a muscle bound woman who dresses up all year round. You want something different then this is for you.

Techland have an exclusive preview of Meta 4

Buzzard #1 - $3.50 - Dark Horse Comics

Eric Powell spins Buzzard from the Goon into his own mini-series. As if that wasn't enough, you get two visual masters of the ethereal in one book as Kyle Hotz provides the art to the "Billy The Kid's Old Timey Oddities" back-up.

Dark Horse's website is the place for the preview

Hawks of Outremer - $3.99 - Boom! Studios

The studio with the exclamation mark brings Robert E. Howards creation of Cormac Fitzgeoffrey to the comic page for the first time. Expect blood and violence against the backdrop of the Third Crusade. Written by Michael Alan Nelson, current scribe of the excellent 28 Days Later comics series.

You can read a 9 story page preview at Comixology

Darkstar & The Winter Guard #1 Review

2010-06-06T00:01:00.005+01:00

It's nice to see the world. Obviously US comics should mainly feature stories based in and around the United States, but sitting at home with you feet up gets a bit boring. Off the top of my head I can't think of any other climes outside the US, the UK and fictional countries where Marvels comics have had a titular team set. It's time to travel to further corners of the globe and see what heroics go on there.

The Winter Guard isn’t like many Marvel teams. The roles of Darkstar, Crimson Dynamo & Red Guardian have been taken by many people and from the sounds of it they are easily replaceable again. Only Ursa Major has been there since the beginning, but that doesn't stop the Russian Executive Security Committee (RESC) from actively looking for a replacement.

The Mix of the cast is good: Red Guardian is a very regimented leader, Ursa Major is very Introspective, Crimson Dynamo can so easily get completely distracted by tech and Darkstar is not sure she can live up to her predecessors. Not the most original traits, by any shot, but their Russianness does come across well, to give a zesty twist to the book. Add in a nice little Agents of Atlas guest spot, and you get interaction helps accentuate the character even more.

I think the most incredible thing that writer David Gallaher has done with this issue, Is the way he's weaved the history of the Winter Guard so intricately into it. You can go in, like me, knowing absolutely nothing about this team, these characters. But a history lesson has been told without being in any way jarring, without interrupting the story's flow and you really can get something out of it. But the history inside the story doesn't overtake the story and it’s a very fulfilling read.

Enter the Heroic Age #1 Review

2010-05-21T00:01:00.005+01:00

Wow, that's a very long list of creators in the font page, but Enter the Heroic Age #1 is an anthology. Five sets of creators have 8 pages to sell their wares and interest you in their respective series that launch or relaunch amidst Marvel's thematic change to the Heroic Age. No, they don't just 'borrow' pages from the ongoings, each story is written specifically for this book to compliment their respective series.

The AVENGERS ACADEMY story focuses on Reptil, a character introduced in the Initiative who can morph his limbs into those of a dinosaur. Tested on by Norman Osborn's corrupt regime, the changes in the political environment give him rise to fight his way out. Chistos Gage uses his excellent grasp of character to thoroughly introduce us to Reptil, he might just be the modern master of the thought caption.

In 8 pages, you'd think it'll be a struggle to create a good story that's set in 2 time periods. Jeff Parker's ATLAS story does just that, giving all the characters face time in their original setting of the 50's and the modern day.

I've not seen any of Jamie McKelvie's art outside an Image book, but his work is perfect for BLACK WIDOW. His women are well formed but not overly sexualised. Together with Kelly Sue DeConnick they choreograph some wonderful action and set up a nice segue into the recently premiered series.

HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD features some ingenious heroics. Jim McCann and the Lopez' bring pure frenetic superhero action. I'll admit to an "Awesome" out loud as I was reading it.

Jeff Parker's second story relaunches THUNDERBOLTS (again). Yes DC used the same idea back in Suicide Squad, but who cares? The theme brings excellent conflict, a chance of redemption and this short story makes Luke Cage really shine.

These are five incredibly varied stories, and with 40 pages of story for $3.99 its good value too. But let me point out one thing, every book that is showcased here (with the exception of their issue #1s) has been solicited with a price of $2.99 on the shelf. With stories as good as these kick those $3.99 books to the kerb and put these on your pull list. It seems Marvel's got some good comics coming.

Justice League: Generation Lost #1 Review

2010-05-17T00:01:00.003+01:00

It’s been a while since the "Bwa-hah-hah" was silenced. Its seven years since the Formerly Known as the Justice League series, and its five years since Ted (Blue Beetle) Kord was killed at the hand of Max Lord. Once, you'd know these characters being in a book would bring a nice bit of frivolity and a smile to you face, but with the tragedy that surrounded these Super-Buddies during the Infinite Crisis, it’s incredibly difficult to anticipate what type of series we're going to get.

Thanks to Blackest Night, Max Lord is back from the dead, He's also now the most wanted and most hunted man on earth with the JLA and the JSA coordinating the search for him. A search that also utilizes every police, military and espionage force in the world. But when a person previously utilized his powers to control heroes and force them to commit the unthinkable, then there is nothing more imperative than making sure he can't do it again.

Giffen and Winick do an excellent job of getting the reader up to speed with a two page catch up on Max Lord's story; everything you need to know is there. There are also nice little overviews of the major players and their powers. Booster Gold, Captain Atom, Fire and Ice are all introduced. It's a perfect introduction for anyone new to comics or DC in particular, but it manages to do it with without patronizing those of us who have been around the block with our comic books. The right balance of action and pacing of story is also there too, the highlight being a confrontation between Lord and Booster Gold where Max Lord lets us know what he truly thinks of the "Spandexed Costume Party".

Lopresti is his usual steadfast self over Giffen's art breakdowns. His male and female figures show heroic poise, but always in realistic proportions, and his ability to capitalize on subtle nuances in facial muscles make him one of the best in the business when portraying expressions.

It’s a shame that there was a small let down in DC's editorial. It’s extremely unprofessional to let establishing text read "Moscow, Russia. The Sight of the decommissioned JLI embassy. Now", especially in a high profile book like this. But in general this was a nice start to the series, there was still no "Bwa-hah-hah", but there was something to get your teeth into.

Wire Hangers #2 Review

2010-05-14T00:01:00.003+01:00

You're punched in the gut so hard you double over. Two hands grab your collar and toss you to the ground. You're helplessly dragged along by the hair legs flailing, heels forcing dust to plume in your wake. That's the feeling I got reading the first issue of Wire Hangers, it just wouldn't let you go until that last page was turned. Could Alan Robert repeat the feat with his second published comic?

Detective Barillo has the car, but he hasn't got the results. His hunt for the Suicide King Killer is only leading him to more bodies and straight into the path of some shadowy federal Agents, lead by the imposing figure that is Agent Neary. Barillo doesn't know Neary, but Neary has a handle on Barillo, he full well knows ofBarillo's habits and failings and how he got hold of that car. He also knows how belittled Barillo will feel when shows him the face of the Killer. "We're on the case for one night and we've already ID'd the Killer".

The procedural part of the story is all well and good but when we're back to the flesh and bones (and metal) of the story we're really rolling. Cypra's origin is revealed, and the tragedy of how a person can be so spindled and mutilated by hangers is revealed. As with the previous issue, the juxtaposition of the humanized words coming from such a monstrous sight is really challenges the fact that he could possibly be the killer.

This series has it all engaging characters, mystery that winds just as the wire winds through and around Cypra's body, and truly incredible, unique artwork. The art is difficult to put into words, but Alan Robert creates an excellent hybrid artwork of photo visual melded with strong character work and scenery enhancements, all gelled together with some incredibly atmospheric colors that would be at home in a Ben Templesmith series

Issue #1 wasn't a fluke. Alan Robert's exceptional work is repeated here, and here's hoping Alan Robert's belated arrival onto the comic shop shelves is the start of a long stay.

iZombie #1 Review

2010-05-11T00:01:00.004+01:00

I, Zombie just as a name sounds as if it's trying to catch on the wave of Zombie comics brought back by Kirkman's Walking Dead some six years ago now. It's not. At face value this is setting itself up to be more Buffy than that.

Gwen is a grave-digger by day, working as a sole woman amongst men, but she's treated as one of the guys, joking and joshing with the best of them. When the day shift ends, instead of going for a drink with the boys, she hangs around Green Pastures cemetery to meet her "stuck in the sixties" friend Ellie. In this case stuck quite literally as monochrome dressed, beehive hairdo wearing Ellie is a ghost. The there's Scott, who carries the nickname "Spot" even though he's Were-Terrier rather than Were-dalmatian.

And thus we come to the crux of my issue this first issue, I have no story to describe or elaborate on as such because the issue is so introductory. There's no straight into the action, no straight into the flesh and bones of the issues at hands. We've got what feels like the first half of a double length TV Pilot, but the network has scheduled it across two weeks. Something that maybe would have been better off had it excused itself with a "#0" on the front cover rather than a "#1".

Don't get me wrong the characters seem interesting enough to see what can be done with them and the last page does set-up future issues, but this is seasoned trade writing rather than issue writing.

Michael Allred's art (yes he's normally known as Mike, but he is credited as Michael in this issue) in partnership with his wife Laura on colors bring out their usual clean and not over-busy style to make the artwork really shine but the whole package is not enough to make me buy next issue.

I wish we had had a $2.99 - $3.99 40 page issue for issue #1 rather than a $1.00 32 pager because with a bit more I may have been pulled in, and been given that "Must read more moment". As I close the back cover, I'm left unsatiated.

Shadowhawk #1 Review

2010-05-07T00:01:00.003+01:00

Almost five years ago to the day the Shadowhawk was relaunched with Eddie Collins at the helm, a young character, of an age similar to that of Mark 'Invincible' Grayson. Eddie's tenure in a solo title lasted a one shot and fifteen issues, a title that in its short lifespan adopted many artistic styles and a lack of its own identity that may have perpetuated its premature end. Now the originally published Shadowhawk, Paul Johnstone is back.
His character was one of vengeance; he punished the bad guys by breaking their spine and giving them a life sentence in an immobile body. So, the question crossing many peoples minds regarding this new Volume of Shadowhawk is there, spoken by long-time character, Detective Nieves, in the comic: "are you going to be the vigilante back breaker of a decade ago or the hero that these people were just starting to embrace?"

There was another thing that differentiated Paul Johnstone from from the average comic book vigilante, he had been injected with the HIV Virus, and fought crime while he was infected. Albeit his valiant efforts of searching through time and across the Image Universe, he could not find a cure and he eventually succumbed to AIDS. His return brings a variety of questions, has AIDS been purged from his system? And if not will modern medicines be enough to keep him alive? If it has gone does this change his perspective on heroism and vengeance?

His former modus operandi is put well into question this issue. A former "Victim" of Shadowhawk has used litigation to win a massive payout for his crippling injuries, and what does money buy in a super-hero world? An exo-suit that not only fully enables a paraplegic, but gives him bursts of speed, strength and a blast power known as the "Kill Switch". The fight excellently shines a light on both Johnstone's state of mind and whether or not a place, ten years from his original time, is a place he can mentally survive in.

Shadowhawk has a solid start, and shows it could possibly find itself revalidated for this current time, and it's got a nice little Niles / Valentino / Robinson back-up to boot. If only it could have been buoyed by a timely Image United schedule.

Incorruptible #5 Review

2010-04-28T00:01:00.001+01:00

Your world's greatest Hero has turned against those he once protected and sometimes you just have to step up to the plate, even if you were more widely known as a Supervillain. To make matters worse, your underage, skimpily leather clad sidekick, 'Jailbait', has gone missing. (yeah, maybe there should have been more attempt to get her to change that name, but teenagers, heh), There's a kidnapping in progress, the girl looks like Jailbait (as in the sidekick, not in general), hallelujah. It's not her though, but the best way to protect the missing Jailbait, is to make other people not realize she's not missing.... "Girl who's just been rescued from kidnapping, please don this skimpy leather costume".

Mark Waid uses the rescued kidnapped victim to good effect, exploring reformed Super-villain, Max Damage’s apparent concern for the missing Jailbait but leaving a question over whether the concern is for his missing sidekick or the safety of his own secrets. There are more questions than that, though, just how does an ex-super-villain respond when put into certain situations? Can he afford to be flexible in what he does? Is there anything that would flick that switch that takes him back to the other side? In fact the unpredictability of this series is its strongest point, this is not by the numbers comics and the only thing that is certain is that at some point Max Damage will meet withIrredeemable’s, Plutonian.

Horacio Domingues comes on board as new series artist this issue and his art is mostly strong, Wildstorm readers may notice a similarity in parts to JJ Kirby (Backlash, New Dynamix). Domigues' action is dynamic, he places much detail in his background and his facial expressions work well. The only (minor) weakness with this particular issue is that he is still getting to know his characters and there is the odd facial angle that is not quite perfected. I've no doubt this will be fixed very quickly.

Incorruptible is easily at a "jump onboard" point and definitely worth a look for people wanting to invest in a hero book without having to keep track with a huge universe.

Wire Hangers #1 Review

2010-04-16T00:01:00.003+01:00

Freddie Krueger, Candyman, I'm sure a huge list of mutilated characters in the horror genre could be made. You'll probably notice from the cover image the hangers weaving in and around this characters flesh, and you might be expecting more of the same. Wire Hangersis certainly steadfast in its deliverance of horror, but add conspiracy, add thrills and add one hell of an atmosphere and you have one substantial read that is certainly not "more of the same".

That disfigured person on the cover, he's Johnathon Cypra, and the a lot of the greatness of this comic comes from the fact that he is humanized within the first few pages. It may be portrayed through a surreal painkiller induced dream while he's blacked out, but as a reader your instantly connected with his character, and throughout the rest of the issue that connection leaves you wondering who the bad guys are.

"Suicide King Killer Claims Two More!" is the headline of the rain soaked newspaper a few pages in and its against this backdrop that the other main players come into play. There's Detective Barillo, pill popper, user of prostitites, man who hasn't been able to save victims one through to twenty-seven. There's Anna, undercover investigative reporter, and some one who has turned Cypra's head. There's the guys who turn up in a federal truck. Hang on, why have these guys turned up in a federal truck?

"Jack-of-All-Trades" Alan Robert not only paces things perfectly through the issue, ramping up the mystery page-by-page turning page, but the ambience created with his color and lighting is perfect. His meld of harsh pencil with what I assume are computer manipulated backdrops create a haunting backdrop to enhance a mood that simply envelops you.

Wire Hangers #1 is a 32 page comic with no-ads, just cover to cover story. Its also a remarkable entrance to the graphic storytelling world. Now how long is it until issue #2?

Cold Space #1 Review

2010-04-14T00:01:00.001+01:00

I was frustrated at the opening splash page of Cold Space. In comics you need to let the picture tell the story and let the written words extend the meaning and bring the picture to life, through speech, thought or explanation. But be careful not to patronize. Having the establishing text “The Frontier of Space, Year 4012” on a page with five spaceships against a backdrop of vacuous space goes pretty close to that. Our introduction to our main protagonist, Mulberry, fares a lot better.

Mulberry has warrants out for his arrest. Larceny, Assault & Racketeering charges mean that the GP's (which I presume is short for Galactic Police) are on his tail. A shot to the bow leaves the GP's able to board Mulberry's ship and its one vs. four. Four obviously isn't enough as Mulberry out-thinks, outwits and outfights his pursuers, but the GP's have the last laugh as a bomb forces a crash landing on an inhabited moon.

Maybe, this is where the “Frontier” line from the first page has more meaning as it suddenly becomes apparent that Cold Space has two feet firmly planted in the “Space Western” Genre, but it's also where it gets far too confusing.

The unexpected shift in scenery is quite a jolt, but then we're introduced to a rash of characters. While their motivation is obvious (all of them are scavengers) it's their posturing that gets confusing. It's hard to tell how many opposing sides that are being dealt with, two? Three? More? Character interactions along the way don't help and I'm left scratching my head.

Boom! Studios produce a lot of good books; I just didn't warm to Cold Space.

Vengeance of the Moon Knight #1 Review

2009-09-18T16:37:00.005+01:00

Writer: Greg Hurwitz
Artist: Jerome Opeña
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Would you like to read a comic where the Hero crash lands in the middle of New York in a strange completely enclosed, flying Machine? Where the Hero bursts out on a souped up and armoured Motorcycle, capturing the bad guys with non lethal gun weaponry?

How about a comic where the hero propels himself from a Ladder extending from a aircraft, using his momentum to knock the bad guys cornering 4x4 onto it's side and surfing on the 4x4's side down a main city street?

How about a comic where a the Hero gets rid of the miniature manifestation of his literal "inner demon" by flicking him out of his taxi?

How about a comic which has one of the most complimentary Writer / Artist teams in recent memory. One where the writers script leaves the artist space to make some incredibly draw dropping panels, while creating an incredible re-introduction to the Hero?

You really should see what Gregg Hurwitz and Jerome Opeña have done with the Vengeance of Moon Knight #1 you know.

Vampirella: The Second Coming #1 Review

2009-09-10T15:11:00.006+01:00

Writer: Phil Hester
Artist: Daniel Sampere
Publisher: Harris Comics

Firstly, I have to admit I know nothing of Vampirella's history or longevity in the comic world. I may well have intentionally avoided it for the overtly sexual costume and covers, having failed to notice the list of top writers who have written the character.

Well the $1.99 on the cover was enough for me to sit up and take notice this time. Harris comics (like Aspen with their $2.50 title Dellec) are trying to counter the consistent price rises to $3.99 at other companies by putting affordable comics on the shelves, and its something people who want to pay less should take notice of.

In The Second Coming, Vampirella is "a myth, a cartoon character, some sort of viral image". In Fact, the marketing has made Vampirella a brand as popular as "Hello Kitty". Well this is the Vampirella that Kelly Robinson-Witten knows. A viral e-mail awakens a seeming memory in her, and suddenly she starts noticing a blood red V tag all around her city. This draws her from her job at Trinidad Women's Resource Action Center to a mysterious encounter at the local library.

Meanwhile Kelly's Husband, workaholic Frank Witten, meets his new project manager over dinner at the underground transit system. The location is as good as any for a gateway to hell, and the dinner laced to turn Frank into a pawn for he who resides below.

Vampirella was a decent little introduction for me, I wasn't overloaded with information about the Vampirella that came before, there was a nice little hook of familial conflict being enhanced to quite a degree and there was nothing more overtly sexual than you'll see in some of Marvels T+ books.

The artwork by Sampere impressed, in fact it's clarity, linework and shading reminded me a lot of Mahmud Asrar's Dynamo 5 work, and he certainly looks like a name to be watched in the industry.

I wasn't expecting anything from Vampirella, I got an interesting title that looks like it will pique my interest without hitting my pocket. Bonus.

Magog #1 Review

2009-09-06T08:00:00.005+01:00

Writer: Keith Giffen
Artist: Howard Porter
Publisher: DC Comics

He's a marine who was critically injured, repaired by a pseudo-god and enhanced in the process. He became a member of the Justice Society, but not a popular one. Thing is he's military trained, not 'Hero must not kill' trained. This sets up collisions with not only his team-mates, but the baddest bads in the DC Universe, in theatres of war across the globe, and closer to home.

With the huge number of characters featured in JSA, Magog has not had much of a chance to be fleshed out. Things are started to be resolved on that front here, and Giffen begins to show us what rules Magog lives by. He brutally takes out young soldiers guiding the living dead of a massacred Sudanese village through the jungle, and, closer to home, trains up a friend to protect herself from her violent partner.

Aided and abetted by his former military colleague, Magog has so many wrongs he feels are going unchecked by his super-powered peers, he even goes as far as using an iPod based random mission selector to choose his next destination.

Giffen weaves into the tale details of a hi-tech arms dealer (a perfect military based story) who matches Magog's brutality, but with less discrimination.

Magog is off to a good start, and it's nice to see DC willing to attempt to vary their line-up by having a character at the "Punisher" end of the Good-guy scale, rather than so many of their characters having similar moralities. I'm looking forward to future issues.