Dustin Cabeal 7/31/18 Dustin Cabeal 7/31/18

Review: The Nameless City: The Divided Earth

By Dustin Cabeal

The Divided Earth is a strong finish to Faith Erin Hicks’ The Nameless City trilogy. A series that has worn its influences on its sleeve while blazing its own path. I’m sure some have looked at the story and thought, “This should be an animated series!” Maybe they’re right, but this trilogy will always feel more at home in the pages of a comic.

Dustin Cabeal 7/30/18 Dustin Cabeal 7/30/18

Review: Sad Girl, Psycho Baby #1

By Dustin Cabeal

I’ve been a long-time follower of Dan Mendoza’s. To the point that when he launches a Kickstarter, I pay attention to it. Having been flooded with numerous requests for Kickstarter coverage over the years, I’ve grown to ignore the platform when it comes to comics, especially as big publishers have begun to abuse the platform as a pre-order type storefront. The Kickstarter for Sad Girl, Psycho Baby was particularly interesting because it seemed to have a different vibe than his Dollface Kickstarter, which was a title that instantly landed at Action Lab’s Danger Zone imprint.

Dustin Cabeal 7/30/18 Dustin Cabeal 7/30/18

Review: The City on the Other Side

By Dustin Cabeal

The City on the Other Side is difficult for me to review. I bring with me on every review of every story I’ve read. Which is and isn’t fair for everything I review. The City on the Other Side has a lot of similarities to other stories I’ve read. It pulls from a lot of fantasy elements to make a world that’s familiar. On the other side of things, pun intended, if this were someone’s first foray into fantasy stories, it would be interesting and exciting.

Press Release 7/30/18 Press Release 7/30/18

Review: The Unsound

By Dustin Cabeal

I never really intended to read The Unsound until BOOM! sent it along to me for review. It took me a long time to crack open the pages. It had nothing to do with the creative team or the publisher. Just something about it didn’t interest me. You’re probably waiting for the swerve where I say, “but boy was I wrong.” Well, it’s not coming.

Dustin Cabeal 7/30/18 Dustin Cabeal 7/30/18

Review: All Summer Long

By Dustin Cabeal

All Summer Long is not one of those slice of life, coming of age stories that anyone can pick up and enjoy. It is exclusively written for seventh and eighth graders that are entering their tween years of life. When I say exclusively, I mean it. For an adult, this book lacked a lot of emotional depth, but I didn’t hate what it was doing because somewhere, there’s a tween that’s going to read this and relate to it… not deeply or for very long, but for a fleeting moment it will resonate with them.

Dustin Cabeal 7/30/18 Dustin Cabeal 7/30/18

Review: Wires and Nerve vol. 2 – Gone Rogue

By Dustin Cabeal

It took me a while to remember this series. I had to read my own review to remember what it was about and when I did… oh boy, did I question if I had actually picked this book for review. When I did remember the first volume, I took a look at the thickness of volume two and released a heavy sigh. It is almost twice the length of the first volume. I thought, “Maybe this will help the story,” but deep down, I knew it was unlikely.

Dustin Cabeal 7/25/18 Dustin Cabeal 7/25/18

Review: Blackwood #3

By Dustin Cabeal

What’s frustrating about Blackwood is that it’s clearly following the Dark Horse formula of mini-series over ongoings. Its what made Hellboy and the Mignolaverse successful because each new series is inviting to new readers. With Blackwood wrapping in one issue, it’s clear that this segment of the story will come to a close, but that the bigger story is just starting. I’m frustrated because I want to read a lot more of this series and who knows how long we’ll have to wait for it.

Kelly Gaines 7/25/18 Kelly Gaines 7/25/18

Review: Mera: Queen of Atlantis #6

By Kelly Gaines

Allow me to start by saying I made a mistake in my last review of Mera: Queen of Atlantis, and I could not be more relieved. Orm is not marrying his own sister; he's just forcing her to marry Nereus against her will. We can all rest much easier now. Mera's claim on the throne has all come down to this- the final installment of the Mera mini-series. Mera has been a satisfying read, and #6 gives us a trial by combat that would make a Lannister proud and closes out Mera's chapter with a triumphant bang.

Hunter Patrick 7/25/18 Hunter Patrick 7/25/18

Review: Redneck #13

By Hunter T. Patrick

New Start. Redneck seems to take drastic turns in between each arc, or so it has between the first and second, and now the second and the third. The very appropriate title, Redneck, about, well, redneck vampires continues with some dramatic turns. Perry is in trouble after the events of the last issue, so we see some vampire reunions after being separated, from the original family to a brand-new introduction of another family being introduced. The issue serves as set up, beginning with a flashback between a past love of Bartlett’s to a cliffhanger no one saw coming, well sarcastically. This issue does not serve as being strong for twists, but for being strong for set up to start Redneck's third arc.

Damien Becton 7/25/18 Damien Becton 7/25/18

Review: Bone Parish #1

By Damien Becton

Cullen Bunn is another one of those long-tenured, swiss army knife comic book writers who has had extensive runs with just about all of the big name comic book companies. This is for good reason - Bunn is one of the most consistent and reliable writers in the industry. When a Cullen Bunn book comes out, you can bet that you’re going to get an entertaining story. With Bone Parish #1, these statements still hold true. This is an incredibly engaging kick-off to the story and I cannot wait for more.

Hunter Patrick 7/25/18 Hunter Patrick 7/25/18

Review: Justice League Dark #1

By Hunter T. Patrick

A dark, beautiful, way too verbose introduction. James Tynion IV, just coming out of his nearly 50 issue Detective Comics run returns, spinning out of No Justice, which he co-wrote with Snyder and Williamson. Justice League Dark directly spins out of No Justice, with magic failing. Wonder Woman is given a task by the League to create a magic based Justice League. She begins the task, and the issue revolves around the five members of the team, either present or future. Wonder Woman, Zatanna, Swamp Thing, Man-Bat, and Detective Chimp all have their own struggles and their team up is only beginning in this first issue. If fans are looking for a more magical, more horror-based Justice League team, they are in luck.

Dustin Cabeal 7/18/18 Dustin Cabeal 7/18/18

Review: The Weatherman #2

By Dustin Cabeal

The long await return of The Weatherman! At least for me. One of the perks of reviewing comics is that on occasion you get to read comic early, such was the case with this series, but the catch is that you’re then locked in waiting longer than normal for the next issue. I was very excited to read more of this series after the first issue, and now that excitement has only grown.

Dustin Cabeal 7/18/18 Dustin Cabeal 7/18/18

Review: Zombie Tramp #50

By Dustin Cabeal

It’s been a long while since I’ve reviewed Zombie Tramp and admittedly, even longer since I’ve read it. One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about the series is the fact that you can jump back in and still figure things out. It’s how good comics have always been. There was a time you could jump into any comic no matter the numbering, and with a few issues you’d get the story or be there for the next chapter. Everything I learned about comics was done in this way; no shiny #1’s needed.

Hunter Patrick 7/18/18 Hunter Patrick 7/18/18

Review: Ice Cream Man #5

By Hunter T. Patrick

Free falling. The most surprising thing about the series is how strong it began, and how it does the impossible and keep getting better and better. If you missed issues 1-4 do not worry, each issue is a stand-alone tale thus far. Typically, the plot is about madness caused by the mysterious titular character, the Ice Cream Man. This issue is no difference besides the fact that he is never shown in the way he usually is. His catchphrase “lickity-split” is what distinguishes him and this time it is said by various other characters. This is what happens when an entire business building becomes affected by Ice Cream Man. The issue goes from a man jumping off a 100-floor building and confessing his sins, counting down to the bottom, and it moves to the business building and the madness that ensure. This is Ice Cream Man at his most ferocious, or at least so far.

Cat Wyatt 7/18/18 Cat Wyatt 7/18/18

Review: Batwoman #17

By Cat Wyatt

With the last Batwoman plot fully wrapped up, it’s time to start a new adventure. Batwoman #17 brings us the Time of Your Life plot, and of course, that’s actually a time-related pun, not an indication of Batwoman a vacation. Still, it’s good to know that she’s still on the job, even with everything that’s happened between her and Batman.

Damien Becton 7/18/18 Damien Becton 7/18/18

Review: Cyko-KO! #1

By Damien Becton

Alterna Comics has been making a name for themselves by publishing not only comic books that are not only extremely affordable (they’re mostly $1.25), but also creating and publishing truly engaging and unique stories. By publishing Cyko-KO, Alterna ventures into an even more unique and uncharted territory with a 70’s sitcom inspired, 4th-wall breaking, and all-ages aimed comic. Certainly a unique premise, but it does not mean anything if it isn’t executed well. Fortunately, it is, and you’re in for a pretty good time if you’re Cyko-KO’s intended audience.

Hunter Patrick 7/18/18 Hunter Patrick 7/18/18

Review: MCMLXXV #1

By Hunter T. Patrick

Welcome to 1975. Think about everyday life in 1975, if you were old/young enough to remember such a time. Think about the music, and the atmosphere of big cities. Think about the gangs, monsters, and ninjas associated with that time period. If you cannot remember all three of the last part well then you are in for a treat. MXMLXXV introduces 1975 in a vibrant, dark place. The people in this town city are all having to deal with a world that is hard to get by without some random attack from ninjas or the like. The series revolves around a cab driver, who is sexual partners with the DJ who loves to do what a DJ does and constantly play music, this being from the 1970s. The protagonist, the cab driver, is full of fight in her as one has to be in this time.

Cat Wyatt 7/18/18 Cat Wyatt 7/18/18

Review: Batman #51

By Cat Wyatt

Batman #51 is the first issue after the major event that could have been, and unsurprisingly it’s titled ‘Cold Days.’ This holds up for a couple of reasons, one of which being Batman’s mood, the other being the villain portrayed on the cover. It looks like it’s time for another classic Batman versus Mr. Freeze…or is it?

Kelly Gaines 7/18/18 Kelly Gaines 7/18/18

Review: The Hookah Girl

By Kelly Gaines

How do you tell your story when the rest of the world has already decided what your story is? If Hookah Girl is any indication, you do it with paper dolls- paper dolls, humor, and brazen honesty. Marguerite Dabaie's creation is a first-hand account of life in the United States as a Palestinian woman presented to us through a mixture of personal stories, observations, opinions, and visual guides. The result is a comic unlike any I've reviewed before, and I am very glad to have the opportunity to do so.

Cat Wyatt 7/18/18 Cat Wyatt 7/18/18

Review: Green Lanterns #51

By Cat Wyatt

It seems like the Green Lanterns can’t ever catch a break, can they? Set shortly after they had dealt with the Darkstars, the Green Lanterns are now facing a new and less understood threat. Worse, thanks to the conclusion of the last episode it seems like they might not even be able to safely trust their own. This issue, Green Lanterns #51, Evil’s Might, continues on with that threat of concern.