Review: Serenity – Leaves on the Wind #3

Since we missed last month’s review of issue #2, let me just catch you up to speed.  Zoe needs to get a medical ship ASAP but the crew has to find a way to do it without being detected. Despite Malcom’s attachment to Zoe he has to leave her with a tearful goodbye. Later, Zoe is approached by a man that is set on finding Malcom but Zoe won’t betray him. Back on Serenity, River decides to dive into her unconscious to get useful information that may help the crew’s situation. So right from the start, you get to see inside River’s mind and the chaos of her childhood. I loved that the issue opened up to this scene and getting lost in the disarray of her psychic conscious.  Her brother is by her side as she sleeps but someone from their past easily ambushes them. He reveals himself as Jubal, the man they left out in space. Kaylee gets the best of him though and he becomes their captive.

River reveals to the crew that there are other kids like her and she is set on rescuing them. I think this is going to lead to uncovering more dirt on the corrupt alliance. Well, with that being said Zoe ends up being thrown into an unknown prison camp. I think Zoe will reunite with her baby and the crew before the arc is over.

So much happened in this issue and I think we are gearing up for an amazing new adventure with the crew.  I thought that with the last issue I would be finding myself disinterested but issue 3 has brought back my attention. Hopefully Zack Whedon, keeps the momentum going with the rest of the arc but I think we are in good hands.

I just want to commend Dan Dos Santos for his cover this month and his depiction of River. Serenity always has solid artwork and I am so impressed with the creative take on the universe.  I can’t rave enough about how much I love the illustrations in this series. Georges Jeanty is a veteran in the industry and his talent shines through in Serenity.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Zack Whedon Artist: Georges Jeanty Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Protectors Inc. #5

Protectors Inc. is Superhero Noir story relating to a mystery of murder, strange disappearances, and a group of super wealthy super powerful super heroes (?) that might just be involved.  At the center of this story is Detective John Riley, a straightforward and hard-nosed investigator who has been given the task of investigating the death of one of the thought to be invincible "supers". He hasn't had much success thus far. But his luck might be about to change as he has an interview with the rest of the brood of heroes(?) who are affiliated with the general area. But then again, not much is known about these people either outside of their general biographies. The only thing missing here in this issue is the fog. I guess you could count the fog and mist that appears when the supers are around. That would make it rather fitting I would say. But the noir style is everywhere. And it is this noir that makes Protectors Inc quite an interesting tale. This story may be about superheroes(?), but it has a 1940s style detective story at its heart. And the pieces are starting to fall into place!  Well, not really, but we do get a glimpse of our possible killer, dressed out in stealth mode of course. At the end of this issue, little is still known. But more is known than previously and writer J. Michael Straczynski slowly ticks away at us, offering a few teases here and there that keeps the story moving and infuses an interest in wanting to know more. It is a masterful stroke by a masterful writer.

Gordon Purcell's art adds to the noir portraying the characters with a harshness and grit that fits well into the story. But with Micheal Atiyeh's coloring, the noir feel is not present. It is in that coloring though that makes Protectors Inc a standout for comics. It uses noir styles, but adds its own style with the bright and bold colors. The tones are dark, yet the color is bright. It is an interesting touch.

I have read five issues of Protectors Inc, and I must say that all five have been a treat. It is an interesting story brought to life by a talented creative team. It is one that you should give a closer look the next time you are perusing through the aisles looking for something new.

Score: 4/5

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski Artist: Gordon Purcell Publisher: Image/Joe's Comics Price $2.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Empowered – Internal Medicine (One-Shot)

You should buy this issue. It’s not that I’m tired of telling people about how damn good this series is, because I will get to that, it’s because I’m going to start with the most important info first. Which is, you should buy this issue. Now onward into my review. While I clamor for a new mini-series or just for this series to start-up as an ongoing again, I also appreciate these Empowered specials that Adam Warren is occasionally producing. The main reason is that he continues to bring in interesting talent to work on the series and while most of them have been up and coming artists, this time it’s a veteran artist: Brandon Graham. Graham has an interesting art style that you either love or hate; I myself reside in the former category of the two. His work here is stunning.

Make no mistake, Graham brings his trademark style to the series, but his talent as an artist is that he’s able to still capture the world of Empowered. He captures Emp’s personality and beauty, but then captures Ninjette’s as well. Without trying to sound like a pervert (I’m sure I’ll fail), but I appreciate that Graham drew Emp’s nipples through the suit. Now I know how that sounds, but when you think about it she’s wearing a skin tight suit and so it’s only biology that she would nip. It’s that weird yet brilliant consideration that makes Graham’s style so good.

On the story side of things, Warren again splits the story into two. The opening and close of the story is all Warren and his style has not slipped or deteriorated in the least bit. The story he tells is actually quite sad, but you’ll have to read all of it to figure out why. I will set the stage by telling you that Emp and Ninjette are called in for emergency surgery on a baby ship. It’s literally a baby ship as the mother ship (which is what you’d expect) hovers above. Mother and baby are essentially living space ships, but the baby has a nasty parasite that’s taken up residence inside of it. It’s up to Emp and Ninjette to clear out the parasites otherwise Mother ship is going to destroy the planet.

There’s plenty of twists and story to read still, but Warren of course makes the issue humorous and entertaining. One of the greatest reading experiences you can ever have is reading a comic book with a big goofy grin on your face and that’s exactly what I experienced while reading this issue.

Is there more to say about this issue? Tons, in fact there’s so much I want to pick apart and talk about and just comment on in general, but then what reason would you have to read the comic? I don’t want to spoil it so I will end it here saying the very thing I said in the beginning… you should buy this issue.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Adam Warren Artist: Brandon Graham (Colored Artwork) & Adam Warren (Black & White Artwork) Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Skullkickers #25

A brief intro to Skullkickers if you never read the title, it’s an odd fantasy comic that will leave your head scratching. Ok I admit it’s a guilty pleasure to read this title off and on. Time to pick up a new arc and adventure. I only ask myself if this will be a great chapter or fall short. Snow and lots of it as we find our many heroes buried in it. Also with the snow is lots of blame. With the blame there are a lot of alternate heroes with the exception of our Elvish friend Kusia. As our heroes figure out what’s going on they have no real-time because they are attacked by Dwarven snow swimmers. They are small, quick and deadly in the snow. Really they look like tiny masons to me. After defending many off the band has to retreat. They fall off a cliff using the dwarves to cushion the fall. Dead Rolf on the other hand doesn’t stand a chance and is captured.

Dead Rolf is brought to the Dwarven king. Here, his fate will be decided. He is asked who he is and he exclaims he is Rolf Copperhead. The air leaves the room. This cannot be…

The heart of this story really is the set up; the beginning where everyone is named so nobody gets lost on who is who. There are a lot of doppelgängers to remember. But mainly this is a set up to the new arc; it’s not bad, but it doesn’t stand out either. It’s full of action and one-liners describing the action which is a signature of the series. This first issue of the arc is one of those gems that you can skim through and in the action you can feel the story already. The art does detail the action well and tell the story well. It’s the one thing of this title that has been a strong point.

This is a great starting point in this series because it’s a new arc. But it’s middle of the road reading. It is a niche title and like I said a guilty pleasure that I like to read here and there.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Jim Zub Artist: Edwin Huang Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Wraith #5

Christmasland may sound like a great place to go. But after reading (and experiencing) Christmasland during Issue #4 and now #5, I must say that it might not be the best place to visit. That is unless you really dig on the disturbing and evil tones that permeate everything in this (Dark) Magic Kingdom. You will feel right at home if that's the case. As for a story, Wraith: Welcome to Christmasland is a creepy prequel to Joe Hill's bestselling novel NOS4RTU.  And as far as chills and thrills go, it delivers. It is cold, it is unpleasant. It is disturbing. Oh yeah, it is pretty damn cool too. A guilty pleasure to indulged in and enjoyed.

Issue #5 has our band of escaped convicts (and remaining wounded prison guard) trapped and at the mercy of Christmasland and it's inhabitants. The inhabitants are devilishly delightful demonic deviant youths of whom Mr. Charles Manx is their caretaker and soul essence sucker. They seem happy there though. But I'm not quite sure what happy is exactly as they all have super sharp teeth, evil eyes, and a penchant for games of torture and pain. Manx had picked up the escapees after being contacted by one of them who he apparently shared a past with as well as some of the youthful inhabitants.

Reading this issue may just be the only time you actually feel bad for the bad guys, as they are trapped like helpless flies to the spider of Manx and his kids. Well most of them are pretty bad and probably deserve whatever they get. But there is one prisoner named Luellyn and the prison guard that you really begin to bond with during this issue. Hill writes out a dialogue between the two that let's you know these are the closest things to innocents that now reside in this playground for the twisted.

C. P. Wilson III's art is quite disturbing. He does an amazing job in everything regarding Christmasland and these images will stay in your head (and nightmares) for sometime to come. I never realized people smiling could look so sinister. As for Hill, he has spent a lot of time writing on Charlie Manx and his depiction is one of confidence. Manx has all the answers. All the others are just out there, fodder left out to be destroyed when he is ready to destroy them, and not a moment more. We are sitting in the front seat to see. What he has planned next is anyone's guess. But based on the surprise ending that occurs here, I am 100 percent certain that it is going to be pretty nasty. Escapees beware.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Joe Hill Artist: C.P. Wilson III Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Umbral #5

In every book, a little backstory must fall, and in its fifth issue, Umbral definitely makes it rain. There are quite a few things going on in issue five - including the return of a once thought dead character and the continuing machinations of undercover demons who are searching for an artifact of ultimate power called The Oculus, making this issue yet another robust offering in a series I never thought I would get into. Unlike in the issues leading up to this one, Johnston and company tell a more explicit tale here in the way they directly address the history of this world, rather than simply giving away small dialogue-driven hints. That coy approach was something which has been a real strength for the series, so I was worried its steady watering would turn into a deluge and flood - something that could very easily dilute the story.

However, the almost immediate moral ambiguity given the teller of the tale (who comes from a green-skinned race of “baby-eaters” called the Yuliangan) does a great job of injecting doubt within its believability. In other words, it could all be either a lie, or at least a tale skewed by personal perception - something which is very important in historical retellings. Just ask North Korea. Or America, quite frankly.

To briefly sum it up (without any spoilers), Rascal’s associate, a “Profoss” (I’m guessing a sort of monk-teacher) named Munty tells the story of how the Umbral came into the world of men. To me, his story feels very Greek/Roman mythology-inspired, pitting three brothers who rule sections of the world against each other, thus leading to the great war that was only quietly whispered about previously. He also explains other elements (sometimes literally) of this world, like the origins of the powerful pink rocks called Mist, and why magic has since been outlawed across the planet.

Altogether, Munty spins an interesting yarn, though as I mentioned above, one that is not without its clichés. Still, I had a great time dipping my wick (so to speak) further into the story behind Umbral, and I’m especially excited to see how our main character, Rascal, is going to fit into it, as she is now more blatantly being pegged to be some sort of savior.

It doesn’t hurt that all of this includes the great anachronistic verbal style of this world, in which you’re just as ready to accept someone screaming “Fie on thee” as you would another being all “Fuck you!” Along with a very gripping story filled with butt-loads of action, that kind of parlance makes this book easy to approach and appreciate.

The art from Christopher Mitten continues to be a great boon for this book, as well. His work looks like a marriage between religious stonework and stained glass, and reminds me very much of Andy Belanger’s stuff in Kill Shakespeare, which I happen to really enjoy. Mitten’s art, however, is perhaps more chiseled and ancient-feeling, which of course goes well with the story being told here, since it’s set in a place that could very well be a broken future, or a forgotten past. Credit must also go to colorist Jordan Boyd, who does an exemplary job of setting the various different time periods here against each other via tone. Really great stuff.

Other than the backstory filler, not too much happens in this book, and for my tastes, it ends pretty suddenly and without the believable “mid-escape from danger” feel I think the team wanted to inspire, but that to me was less important than taking a moment to set up some foundation as to what is happening in this world. Again, I enjoy all of the slight winks in this story’s telling much more than I would if it was all spelled-out, but I think this crew has established the right mix of believability (or indeed lack thereof) this time with more significant meat.

Umbral continues to be a great surprise of a series, and one that I look forward to more with each and every reading. Johnston also does a fantastic job of enticing even more with the ongoing cryptic blurbs with which he decorates his back covers, and just like the different fingers of story, I can’t wait to see how this will all finally coalesce.

Reckoning: 4/5

Scribe: Antony Johnston Illuminator: Christopher Mitten Painter: Jordan Boyd Flourisher: Thomas Mauer Printsmith: Image Comics Commencement: 3/26/14

Review: My Little Phony – A Brony Adventure

Well this is a thing. I say it that way because how else would you say it? Content aside this is actually a very interesting look at fandom. Fandom that is not limited to ponies, but also comics as well. Sure while the intended target is Bronies the male fandom for My Little Pony, you really could replace “pony” with anything: comics, movies, Pokemon, anime, Skittles. Seriously you can… I mean you’d have to change the ending, but it still works. The gist of the story is that two grown ass men are watching footage of the new “My Tiny Horsey” at Comic Con… yup Comic Con. One is an old school fan, preferring the original look of the Horsies while the other prefers their new look. They begin to one up each other in a series of douchbaggery that includes flash mobs, permanent tattoos, hair alteration and well… experimental surgery.

Really it’s the ending that you’re reading for. The story itself is a very quick read. Moreci and Seeley write some very believable dialogue and by that I mean that you will probably hate all the characters. The gem that they deliver really is the statement about fandom and that dedication to any creative construct that is corporate funded (let’s be honest it doesn’t matter who owns it) is not worth so much dedication and definitely not such… severe dedication. It’s amusing and the ending is quite funny.

The art is solid. I mean they capture the “horsies” and the fandom. The coloring for the real world felt too muted and weakened the art, but it wasn’t terrible. It just could have been better. Really with a different coloring style this book could have been fantastic looking and I think that would have made the spoof better. A good spoof should look better than the original and this falls short in that category.

As it stands, it’s an okay spoof. I don’t know who’s going to buy it. Lapsed My Little Pony fans? Current My Little Pony fans? People that dislike My Little Pony fans? You see… it’s a strange demographic that they’re chasing with this book. I hope they find their audience or upset the audience that they’re hoping for, but really it wasn’t for me. I figured I’ve reviewed an issue of My Little Pony, why not review a spoof… I’ve done that. I will say this, I love crazy little one shots like this. In five years this will be one of those things that you stumble upon and are amazed by.

Score: 3/5

Writers: Michael Moreci and Tim Seeley Artists: Ken Haeser and Kewber Baal Publisher: Dynamite Comics Price: $4.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Star Wars: Legacy #13

I’m really going to miss the day that Dark Horse is no longer able to publish anything from the Star Wars universe. I know that that day is getting closer and closer, but I promised myself that I would try to take advantage of each opportunity that I had to read my favorite comics from my favorite publisher. My monthly pull list is really going to shrink at the beginning of next year. But until then, I’ll keep reading as much as I can. So I’m glad to say that Star Wars: Legacy is one of the best Star Wars books out there, if not one of the best books in general. I jumped on to this series a little late, but it’s safe to say that I am on the edge of my seat every time that I pick up an issue. Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman have found a way to stay loyal to Star Wars mythology, but bring something new and original to the universe. That couldn’t have been an easy feat. I have been a Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember, but I haven’t always been a fan of the newer stories that have been told. I’d like to think that the original trilogy never happened, and sometimes I still think that it was just a really bad nightmare after a night of heavily roofied drinks and greasy snacks, but the painful truth manages to surface from time to time. Anyway, I’m getting off topic. This comic is an instant classic, and I can’t wait for the hardcover omnibus that will inevitably take its place of honor on my shelf. So here’s what going on this month. After Ania crash lands the ship on which she is being held captive, she appears to be the only one that survived. Except maybe for Ramid. He may not be completely out for the count just yet. Unfortunately, there is a bounty hunter eagerly waiting for Ania to remove herself from the wreckage. Bust like most bounty hunters, this one isn’t really too concerned about the state of her bounty. Alive is good, but dead works just as well. I don’t know who this bounty hunter thinks they are, but Ania doesn’t plan on being taken without a fight.

The script this month is really strong. This comic has one of the best casts in current comics. That makes it easier for a writer (I assume) to keep the dialogue strong and relevant. You actually care about what these folks are going through, especially when it isn’t just filler for the lack of story that actually exists in a lot of stuff that is being published today. The fact that this team isn’t on some kind of committee, is a sin. I’ll be curious to see what they move on to when this series eventually ends. I mean, there can only realistically be nine more issues, right? Maybe they’ll continue the series as Marvel. Who knows? I would still feel weird though. Dark Horse has kinda been my home for comics for a while. Luckily, Angel, Faith, and Buffy will still be around. I think that I’d start pulling my hair out if they ever left. But I digress.

And what more can I say about Gabe Hardman, other than that this dude rocks? His art just feels like Star Wars. He was obviously meant to draw this universe, if you believe in fate that is. His work kinda feels like movie concept art to me. I’ve always liked that look, but it is expertly constructed here in Legacy. Good stuff, man.

Well I’m still stoked for whatever happens next. And I guess that that’s all you can ask for when reading an ongoing series like this. You know, I always end up leaving a series after the fourth or fifth issue if it hasn’t managed to blow my skirt up yet. I knew right off the bat that I would be reading this until the end after the first issue. Well I at least hoped that I would. Looks like I will be.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Corinna Bechko & Gabriel Hardman Artist: Gabriel Hardman Publisher: Dark Horse Price: $2.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Mind MGMT #20

Most issues of Mind MGMT could be described, on some level at least, as what the K.I.D.S. these days call “meta,” meaning that the series plays significantly on its own abstract existential nature. This time, however, I think it reaches a new postmodern apex, and not just as a story about clandestine agents. With structural elements, like the text which frames the pages of almost every issue in this Dark Horse original series, there has long been a distinctive nod that this book was flirting with being self-aware, but the end of this issue all but confirms its existence as an ongoing written thing, while at the same time maintaining its fourth wall; it’s deft, delightful and pretty fucking genius.

The plot of this one sees powerful mental manipulator Henry and pseudo-clairvoyant Duncan meet up with a guy named Big Jim, who, as his name implies, is a bit of a giant. He is also, of course, a former agent of Mind Management, though one that was taken on more out of pity than anything else.

His story as an outcast through a few different societal levels is at the same time endearing and harrowing, not to mention familiar to anyone who has had the fortune of reading Kindt’s amazing book, 3 Story: The Secret History of the Giant Man. If you haven’t read it, you should do that.

As important as Big Jim’s story is, in and of itself, so too are the interactions he shares with his ill-proportioned strong-man best friend, Chip (who looks like he jerks off WAY too much) and a terrifying character who I’m looking forward to seeing more of in the future: the “Right-Hand Men,” mute and murderous conjoined twins. Awesome.

As you might expect, these stories lead our split team of ex-agents (those on the side of Meru, anyway) into great peril, but that’s not what makes this issue so stand-out. The true fun happens when we find out the identity of the unseen “narrator” (for lack of a better word, with perhaps “author” or “biographer” being better ones) of the story, and indeed how we find out that person is doing the telling.

Once more, Matt Kindt proves to be a master of making you read a story one way and forcing you to think about it in another. To me, there is no better success in written fiction than that - and this guy makes it look so damn easy, like a magician, an escape artist or a circus ringleader.

In terms of art, this is the same grand yet simple calibre to which regular readers will have grown accustomed, and I honestly believe Kindt is setting new standards of visual consistency. I know that sounds weird in a book that is this stylized, but once you acquire a taste for his work, here and in his other books, and realize what to look for in it, you quickly learn to appreciate how good he is at maintaining his singular style. I’ve said it before, but I honestly can’t imagine Mind MGMT looking any other way.

I should mention that this issue, like the one that preceded it, mostly forgoes the type along the margins for full-page bleeds. I’m not sure what ominous portent such a decision implies, but for some reason it’s a bit jarring after seeing the borders so regularly embellished in almost everything leading up to this issue. And that’s a compliment.

Of course, it’s those small inclusions and exclusions that always keep you on your toes, that make this an exercise in traversing the “meta.” Kindt must be, himself, a Mind Management operative, able to get inside your head with the story he’s written while simultaneously eliciting you to write your own to fill in the gaps he teases. It’s a clever trick, and one from which I just can’t see myself ever tiring.

Score: 5/5

Writer/Artist: Matt Kindt Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Elfquest: The Final Quest #2

The new issue of Elfquest could not have come soon enough. I absolutely fell in love with the series just from the first issue. With that being said let me recap what happened last month. We saw our tribe of elves’ hunt, turn into a plot to ambush the hated Junn. [Spoiler] In this issue, we are back in the middle of the fight. Ember warns her tribe to retreat as the evil humans want their healer’s magic. Despite Ember’s best efforts one of her warriors is killed and another wounded. Then to add to the momentum, amongst all the chaos Ember and Teir have enough time to get it ON.

Even after their escape, the elves are being hunted and Ember makes a painful decision. She lets Junn’s men capture her to learn what he has in store for her.

What will Teir and the tribe do without their leader? Does Junn intend to kill Ember? Questions that may soon be answered in the next issue of Elfquest.

As I have mentioned in the previous review, I think reading up on previous arcs would contribute to the understanding of this storyline but I’ll give you a general idea. Cutter is the leader of the Wolf riders and he is also very wise; he feels that a dark change is upon them. Ember is Cutter’s daughter and now has her own small tribe. Junn is an evil human that wants to destroy the elves’ way of life but needs their healer, Mender, to cure him.

Wendy and Richard Pini’s work is a brilliant collaboration. The pages of colored illustrations bring their world alive. Everything from how the elves interact with each other to their intricate costumes is amazing. I have no complaints.

I’d also like to add that I really dig the equity of genders in this story. The females are just as brave and fierce as the males.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Wendy and Richard Pini Artist: Wendy Pini Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Deadly Class #3

Deadly Class is a book where a lot seems to happen when you’re reading it, but once you put it down, you’re hard pressed to come up with a significant thing you just read. So this is the third issue of an ongoing, and at this point, I’m going to assume you’re either okay with me discussing salient plot points and goals, or else you’re just here for the spoilers, which is cool if that’s what you’re into. We all got lured in by issue one’s strong claim that the main character, Marcus, was in it to win it—his victory as a character looks like him assassinating President Ronald Reagan. That’s ballsy. That’s fucking bold, and I was hooked. Issue two was a drag, after a point. Fun, but perhaps needlessly perverse, introducing a character by not really introducing them, rather the weird stuff they do.

Issue three picks up a plot thread of the first “homework” assignment from assassin school for Marcus, and one of the rival students whose name escapes me (this is why I used to solely read trades—names get away from me so easily), which is to kill a homeless person and not get caught. It takes a solid half of the issue before that is addressed as what they’re doing, besides parkour to look cool. I’m okay with a cool parkour sequence, because Wes Craig is a hell of an artist, but it seems masturbatory when it’s twelve pages. This issue has a lot of Marcus’ internal monologue, which is decently interesting, but the issue also has a lot of pointless debate between Marcus and the other student. At one point they get in a classic The Smiths vs. Eric B. & Rakim argument, and it’s... flat. “I’m a white kid who likes the Smiths and you’re a black kid who likes Eric B. & Rakim.” That’s the whole debate, and it still goes on for a full-page. The issue itself starts to feel sort of like a thirty-page version of the sequence in Fight Club where Tyler and the Narrator talk about how self-improvement is masturbation. In snippets, that works. In an extended scene, it drags. There’s a lot of cliché to the dialogue in this issue, and Remender is usually better than that.

The other problem I have with this issue, and actually the series writ large, is that there doesn’t seem to be a huge reason for it to be set in 1987, except for residual Reagan-angst. To illustrate: Mad Men. That show is definitively set in the 1960s, but the big point isn’t to say, “Look at these foolish people from the past, and how much better we are.” The point is to watch and say, “Look at these foolish people from the past; they’re exactly like us.” In order to do this, Mad Men plants itself in an era, because specificity leads to universality: Kennedy is running against Nixon; everyone smokes all the time forever; women are treated as undereducated objects and not breathing beings with goals. Deadly Class lacks much of that, beyond the passing references to Reagan and the Sandinistas in possibly the most complex backstory for a revenge plot ever, and the occasional reference to disaffected Vietnam vets. We get a world that we should be able to recognize, but we’re dropped into an insular-by-nature school where the time period may as well be Shogun-era Japan for all its narrative relevance.

Having said all that, Wes Craig is straight up knocking it out of the park every month. His compositions are fun and lively, even for the most mundane scenes. I can’t wait until he gets to illustrate some large-scale gang war type stuff (that has to be coming, I hope). The high point of this issue is honestly the two pages of his process sketches at the back. It’s the kind of backmatter I wish would show up more in floppies and not just trades, so I treasure its inclusion here.

Overall, this is a better issue than number two, but not as good as number one. It’s got a logical endpoint, but I don’t see it getting there in a way that’s that interesting, at this point. I’m willing to give it one more month, but my expectations are less-than-high.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Rick Remender Artist: Wes Craig Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Spaced Out #2

I couldn’t tell in the first issue if this comic was about to get real technical or be perfect for kids and adults to enjoy. I finally discovered in #2 that the comic is very two sided. I think that is why I haven’t fully jumped on board this ship. The biggest problem was the characterization. If you are going to dive into plot twist between villains and a completely new planet, you really ought to have a good base for all your different people, or in this case aliens. I think it would be hard for a young kid to fully understand everyone’s motivations or roles they are playing. The vocabulary is very high end too, so I couldn’t recommend this to kids. All of this would make it tough to label an all-ages book. Then you have this other side where the art appeals to kids. The colors are bright and just by judging this book by its cover, you would think this is a children’s series. Don’t get me wrong, I love books that have playful art to it, but when you add a space monkey, cutesy banter, and the bright art then you get a comic that visually appeals to the younger eye. As I have said, Spaced Out is a little confused on the path it is taking.

Let me tell you some things that were enjoyable. If you have just joined this comic this is a great jumping on point. The comic goes into some much needed background story on Bops, so that made me happy. We pretty much get thrown into this comic with issue #1. Bops and his sidekick Max are being chased. We don’t really know why, but as far as we can tell the main reason is because Bops is from a different planet. I don’t know when Bops picked up Max, but I would assume he met him in this new land. The first thing I liked about this second issue is the setting up of the team idea. At first, I thought Bops would be on his own, but he has assembled quite a team of characters.

This is where the background information helps. Bops is from Earth. He learned our language when being sucked into a wormhole on his first space mission. He landed on Tiklopis. His newly formed gang of friends is trying to get Bops back. Although I don’t know why he would want to go back and especially after being more humanized, I doubt our world would accept him as normal. We don’t know why these characters are helping Bops either. We get small remarks that Max is very loyal to him, but again we don’t know why.

Although I liked this issue better than the first one, I still haven’t seen that “hell yeah” factor that a space setting comic can give us so easily. I am hoping #3 will deliver on all ends. It seems like the series is building into something bigger. Also with the ending I am hoping it is foreshadowing some more background information, so the reader can fully grasp Tiklopis.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Brent Sprecher Artist: Ramon Salas Publisher: Blue Water Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Real Heroes #1

We all know that there are comic book movies based on comics but what if there were comics based on a comic book movie? In that comic you could have the actors that play heroes in their movie be heroes in real life. Wouldn’t that be crazy… wouldn’t it? September 11th 2001, a young Chris loses his father in the attacks. Cut to the present and adult Chris is the Olympian, a super powered individual and leader of the Olympians; a super hero team that protects the planet in a Marvel’s Averger-ish way. As they battle the evil entity known as the Brainchild and his Devastator machines, we soon see that this is nothing but a summer block buster from Hollywood named the Olympians: Devastation.

On Hollywood Blvd tons of press and media sit outside of Grauman’s Chinese Theater for the red carpet premiere of the latest comic book movie. An entertainment reporter for CNN is covering the moving and giving a load of exposition for our cast. As she does, the movie’s cast linger around the theater while deciding on which after party they should attended and we are treated to more examples of the cast and their personalities. But before anything can happen, the theater is attacked by a swarm of real life Devastators. They begin to obliterate everyone and everything.

As the Olympian cast flees frantically they are teleported to an empty room. They open the door to see that they are no longer in the same theater. As they try to figure out what’s going on, their host appears and explains everything.

First off the good, the art is great.  Hitch’s art has always been his strong suit. I do understand that this is his first time writing his own story and doing the art. That being said the idea for me and me alone is completely stupid and the reasoning is completely lost on me. Okay so actors being forced to play heroes because some asshole saw them in a movie and that he could pass them off as a threat to whomever or whatever is trying to kick his ass?  My question is, if you have that kind of power, talent or tech than why not create a weapon or leave the planet that’s being attacked or get something or someone else besides actors that have the personalities of the ripest twats ever. I mean it, they all suck. There’s is no likable quality to any of them. They are pompous, self-righteous, typical Hollywood shitheads. It’s really hard to cheer for them let alone hope that they make it out alive.  As for Chris, the only one who doesn’t seem to be completely annoying but one thing is for sure he doesn’t get a free “cool guy” pass because his father was a hero that died in 9/11. I’m also still not sure why it had to be 9/11. Firefighters are heroes on all occasions not just in tragic events. It felt tacky and unnecessary to add that event in hope to gain favor.

Basically Real Heroes has great art work but the story needs a lot of work and explanation.  Sure a lot of my grips could be solved and answered in the second issue. My guess is that they’re going to grow out of their selfish ass-face traits as they go on their epic quest and become better people. Or maybe they’ll all die horrible deaths.  Too bad I won’t be around to see any of it.

Score: 1/5

Writer/Artist: Bryan Hitch Publisher: Image Comics/The Hitch Factory Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Eternal Warrior #7

Eternal Warrior is quickly revealing itself to be a cyclical book for me. What I mean is, I keep shifting on whether or not I actually like it. I started out not loving it, then I did, and now it’s veering again into relative dullness. Interestingly, its title belies the consistent longevity of its enjoyment. But can it be saved? In its seventh issue, Gilad has led his new kingdom away from the nuclear-poisoned city in which they used to slavishly build robots, in an attempt to cure his granddaughter and the rest of his “people” of their radiation sickness. This leads him on an adventure through robotic wolves, mutant bears, something called “The Death Cult” and stockpiles of futuristic weaponry.

This book has become something of a wondering minstrel, but one that has the potential to become aimless, with Gilad jumping from town to town to either help or more likely threaten people, and then lead them with his great and undying wisdom, and one of his many pointy things.

It’s still good, but the formula is now getting a bit stagnant and it doesn’t show any sign of stopping. It’s pretty much a given, for example, that he is going to march (again) to another decrepit facility forgotten by Man (again) and save/stab stuff (again). I’m not saying he doesn’t do it well, but he does it a whole hell of a lot, and my interest in this lather/rinse/repeat storytelling is beginning to wane.

Another annoying thing is that this world doesn’t offer much (if anything) in the way of an interesting or imaginative alternative to any other post-apocalyptic wasteland. Hidden bunkers from yesteryear, semi-sentient metal dogs, giant robots ... I mean, how many times have we seen this kind of thing play out before in other stories?

I think what Eternal Warrior desperately needs to do is to get back in touch with the mythology that made it stand out as its own individual story. I want to see this “Year 4001” landscape define itself differently now that it has established a sort of familiarity with the reader. The one thing that is promising is that this Death Cult bodes a reunion with Gilad’s erstwhile son, which could bring everything back to the series’ first arc before the jump. I, at least, think it’s high-time that we began learning more about what happened in that gap.

What continues to be pretty great is the evolving nature of Gilad’s so-called granddaughter, Caroline, in that it is ... troubling. Her obsession with killing folks and getting her mitts around a shooter this issue offers a bit of insight into the loins from which she most probably sprung, and it’s again interesting to see Gilad treating her differently; this time, nurturing that aggression, rather than attempting to temper it as he once did his daughter, who remains conspicuous by her absence.

The art here from Robert Gill is solid, but it did feel rushed. Backgrounds were sparse, action was clunky and it doesn’tt look as good as it has in most issues previous, which is really a shame. There are still a few cool visual moments, like Gilad’s felling of a robo-pup, but they are staggeringly few and far-between.

I’m still on-board with Eternal Warrior, but it needs another status change to mix things up again, like that which brought us to 4001 in the first place. I am hopeful that the creative team knows this and is setting something up for next issue. If not, then unlike the titular character, this is going to have a very short life indeed.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Greg Pak Artist: Robert Gill Colorist: Guy Major Publisher: Valiant Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Hacktivist #3 (of 4)

Ed Hiccox searches Tunisia for the rebels after having scuttled the YourLife servers in the last issue.  When he does come across Sirine, he finds that Tunisia is a very dangerous place. Back in the States, Nate Graft reveals that the loss of the servers is directly attributed to Ed’s actions.  We have to see if he’s doing this as a part of a greater plan or if he has turned on his lifelong friend.  Agent Ori describes Ed’s actions as terrorism, so the government’s position on the genius is none too friendly.

Out of his comfort zone, Ed must design a way to help Sirine and the other freedom fighters.  He’s got rudimentary equipment, but his intellect is as sharp as ever.  On the battlefront, Ed realizes that his actions can have fatal consequences.

Under Agent Ori’s supervision, Nate traces the world for signs of Ed and other evidence of sve_Urs3lf’s actions.  We also see Nate making a very curious maneuver that could either betray Ed or save his life.

We will have to wait to issue four to see…

Marcus To continues his high level of illustration.  Simple details are brilliantly expressed while difficult ideas such as Ed’s pattern recognition come through with noted clarity.  His pencils help to translate a rather challenging story into a very readable tale.

Hacktivist #3 does read like a bridge issue.  That is, it does not have the pacing or intrigue of the previous two issues.  The issue does connect the first start of the arc with the huge climax anticipated in the final part of this miniseries.

Issue 3 is, by no means, a dip in quality.  The chapter serves a very utilitarian purpose.  Overall, the concept of this book is compelling, so while this issue has some third act problems, it does an excellent job of setting up the anticipated conclusion.

Our two protagonists have endured some amazing challenges that have taken them fully from their positions at the start.  We now get to see how Ed and Nate will return everything back to the start—or as close to it as they can get.

Score: 4/5

Writers: Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly Artist: Marcus To Publisher: Boom Studios/Archaia Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Furious #3

The term “there’s never been anything quite like it in the superhero genre” is something that gets thrown around a lot. The problem is that it’s rarely true and when it is it’s more of a statement for a single issue rather than an entire series. The thing about Bryan JL Glass and Victor Santos’ Furious is that the above statement is absolutely true, but because it’s such a buzz statement or pull quote cliché you have to think of another way to describe it. It’s a difficult task because I don’t know of another superhero title that has a character quite like Furious… or a world quite like the one she lives in. In fact we still don’t even know that much about her. Unlike other superhero titles that obsess over the origin story, Furious has been obsessed with establishing Furious aka Cady Lark’s personality. Sure there’s an origin story of sorts, but the focus isn’t on how Lark received her powers; instead it’s about how Lark threw away fame and became a secret superhero.

There is of course a mystery to her powers and in this issue she learns a little about them, but that is the charm of this series… she doesn’t know. She doesn’t seem to know how she flies or how she can take a bullet, but she learns and studies and uses practical mathematics at times to figure out what she’s doing. PRACTICAL MATHEMATICS IN A COMIC BOOK! Brilliant.

Let’s talk about this issue though.

The story begins four years in the past which isn’t uncommon for the story to dabble in. We actually pick up with Cady’s father as he celebrates his daughter’s birthday alone in a bar. He’s buying drinks for the bar until his credit card is maxed out. Someone recognizes him as his Cady’s dad just as she comes on the news drunk and partying. He tips the bar tender and then leaves, but where he goes will surprise you. It also very likely changes Cady’s course in life.

In the present we find Cady in full “Beacon” gear, though she’s now embraced the name the media has given her “Furious.” She spots a fire on top of a building and finds a man trying to get her attention. She asks him what he’s doing and he says he was trying to signal her so that she can help his wife… yeah Cady’s suspicious as well especially when he says that he didn’t call 911. She heads down into his apartment and discovers that he’s a hoarder which starts to make things even weirder.

I am going to have to spoil an aspect of the story to really talk about the strengths of this issue so if you don’t want anything else spoiled go ahead and skip to the bottom since I’m not sure how much of the story will seep into the rest of my review.

Now then, to put it plainly the dude jumps Furious and dumps a ton of his junk on top of her including a weight set. Now in previous issues we probably wouldn’t think this is an issue and that Furious would just dump the stuff off of her and beat the guy’s ass, but here she can’t… because she’s afraid for the first time. The dude is a crazy misogynist serial killer and the reason he’s a creepy ass character is because there are real people that think like him in the world.

Now this could just appear as the typical pitfall of a female superhero having a depowering moment at the hands of a man, but it is very much the opposite. It could just be my opinion, but I found this scene between Furious and the misogynist to be one of her most powerful scenes for several reasons. The first is that it built Furious’ character immensely as she was put in a state of helplessness and even remarks to herself that it must be what the people she’s beaten up feel like. That sense of powerlessness in which your very life is in someone else’s hands. There was a point to her being in that situation and it wasn’t just to strip her of her confidence or make her feel like less of a person, even though that’s what the killer wants. Instead she sees things from her victim’s perspectives.

If this scene isn’t a statement on how to overcome feelings of desperation and come out the victor then I don’t know what is. Furious starts off as the victim which is something that she’s been trying to escape being from the first issue and with that realization she’s able to overcome the situation. Again a powerful statement.

The other thing that’s great about this scene and furthers Furious’ character development even more is that she stops herself. Instead of leaving the man to die or taking his life herself, she makes sure that he’s arrested for his crimes against other women.

This is an incredible issue and at times it was uncomfortable to read. I had this fear in the back of my throat that this wonderful series was going to go down the same path so many other comics have gone down in which the female lead is depowered and turned into a victim. Instead the creators made her fight through it and come out even stronger than before.

It’s also important to point out that while the story is uncomfortable at times, it’s Santos’ visuals that truly make it shocking and scary at times. His artwork is the key to the entire issues success and while I don’t have the space to drone on and on about the power in his visuals, just know that without him… this series doesn’t work. Without Santos’ artwork, there is no Furious.

There’s still so much I want to say about this series. I want to talk about the crazed version of Cady Lark running around, the troubling accident that took Cady’s sisters and just the mysteries that surround this series, but that would make for a long and boring review. Instead I will just say that this series continues to get better and better with each issue and no… there isn’t another title out there that’s anything like it.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Bryan JL Glass Artist: Victor Santos Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Ash and the Army of Darkness - Annual 2014

Ash, cult hero of the Evil Dead and Army of Darkness films continues his battle with supernatural evil forces (Deadites) through time in this comic book adaptation by Dynamite! Comics. In this annual, Ash brings his wisecracking wit and chainsaw hand to Ancient Egypt, the pirate-laden Barbary Coast, and the pioneer days of Arizona.  A benevolent magician quested the hero to confront an evil witch who had stolen Ash’s soul.

Off through time goes Ash, and he delivers on the catchphrases and evil stomping we have come to expect from the displaced S-Mart worker.  Particularly entertaining were the lines, “This sermon’s about to go Old Testament” when Ash fought mummies and monsters in Ancient Egypt and “That booty isn’t yours,” uttered when he defended some maidens from marauding pirates.  Although he loses his horse, Horse, he gains new hoofed friends in Camel and Donkey.  That silly kind of fun has endeared Ash to audiences since 1981.

Nacho Tenorio provides the artwork for this annual.  He captures the titular hero in good detail.  However, the creatures did not come off as menacing as in the standard comic run.  Enlarged, iris-less eyes glowing red seemed to pass off as the signifier of evil.  Lacking was the ooze and rot associated with the possessed in the Ashiverse.

I wasn’t sure if it was because I read a digital copy, but the coloring seemed so dark that most of the action was indiscernible.  Too much shadowing may be the reason why Tenorio’s details might have been washed out.  Most panels came off as pitch black with some streaks of color.  This is not dark and brooding atmosphere; this is just terrible color design that detracted from the art.

A Quick Aside on Annuals

My philosophy on annuals is as follows: An annual should be a comic outside the standard story arcs that provides an additional tale not able to be told in the standard narrative structure.  For example, an outstanding example of a well-constructed narrative is the 1996 The Flash annual (#9) that takes place in a world inside the speed force.  While The Flash does not appear, we are told a story that occurs inside the immediate influences of the character’s powers.  That’s bold, creative, and entertaining—and how an annual should read.

Now that you understand my philosophy on comic book annuals, you can understand why I’m somewhat disappointed in this book that sells for a dollar extra than a standard issue.  This annual provides no further entertainment than what you would get from a standard price issue in the normal arc.  This chapter—albeit a moderately entertaining one—would have been a stand-alone issue in the regular run of the comics.

Due to the issues with the artwork and the overall lack of creativity in this annual’s execution, I cannot rate it too highly.

Score: 2/5

Writer: Shannon Eric Denton Artist: Nacho Tenorio Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment Price: $4.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Omega Comics Presents #3 – Eastsiders

When the average person thinks of comic books they think of superhero comics. It is the nature of the beast and the only thing that will change that is diversity of material. It’s why I love independently produced comics because usually they’re anything but superhero related. Not always though; more and more I do find myself giving indie superheroes a shot because I’ve broken away from the mainstream superheroes completely. Books like The Red Ten have shown me that there is the potential for different and great superhero stories in the world of indies. Obviously I’m using the above statement for my lead in for Omega Comics Presents, which is an anthology style title with a focus on superheroes. The bulk of the story is a tale called Eastsiders: Electric! Now it could just be considered a sci-fi/supernatural tale, but in the world of comics anything with supernatural abilities is basically a superhero so that’s why I’ve dubbed it so.

The story introduces a man by the name of Jake. He narrates as he enters a convenience store to pick up some party supplies to celebrate the release of his friend Jimmy. You see Jimmy has just gotten out of the slammer after a six month stay and he wants to stay out and get his shit together. For some reason he wants to celebrate at the docks which Jake finds kind of weird. When he arrives he hears a death cry and sees a car pull away. Jake runs over to find four bodies dead and burnt, but only their flesh is gone. Jake must have shit timing though because the cops show up and well… they don’t believe that he had nothing to do with the murders.

The story continues as it reveals character with powers and a world that seemingly knows about them, but only in whispers and government cover ups. Meanwhile there’s a council that deals with superpowered individuals that also seems to believe Jake committed the crime before even checking the evidence.

The enjoyable part of Eastsiders is the world that it creators. The idea that superpowered people are somewhat new to this world and yet they regulate themselves in a way is interesting. There are other titles that you could mesh for a comparison, but the charm of the series is that it’s not quite like anything else in the genre. Sure there’s influences and maybe even glimmers of other universes, but it’s really just doing its own thing.

Pj Perez does a grand job with the narration; Jake is interesting and the way he sets up a scene or runs through things that trigger his memory, make him very relatable. Jake narrates for two pages and while interesting it doesn’t exactly echo what’s on the page, but then in a roundabout way the visual and the narration meet up and connect. It was very impressive storytelling for sure. António Brandão also does a fine job on the art for the story. His visuals give Jake personality and drive the visual storytelling forward. Overall Brandão is a solid fit for the story and genre.

There is a second story in the issue called “Hard Time”, by Russell Lissau and Justin Castaneda. The easiest way to describe it is a “what if” style of story: what if the Juggernaut (called the Devastator here) was locked in prison and loosely followed the plot line for Shawkshank Redemption? That’s pretty much it, but it’s a spoof of sorts so it’s goofy and full of references to movies about prison. It was okay and entertaining for the most part. Personally the jokes have already been done, but this time it was a supervillain, but there was nothing super about him.

This actually ended up beating my expectations. I will definitely be back for the next installment of Eastsiders and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone that likes the superhero genre, but doesn’t always need a corporate mascot on the front cover.

Score: 4/5

Writers: Pj Perez, Russell Lissau, Alex De-Gruchy Artists: António Brandão, Justin Castaneda, Mike Kennedy Publisher: Pop! Goes The Icon Price: $4.99 Release Date: 3/26/14 Website

Review: The Midas Flesh #4

The kids of the Midas Flesh who have dared to defy the mighty and evil Federation may be meeting their demise as we begin part #4 of this eight issue set of the Boom Box line of comics by Boom Studios.  Ryan North of Dinosaur Comics and Adventure Time fame has teamed up Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb in creating a quite unique and original story of revolt against a superpowered foe. Joey, (the tough girl) leader, Cooper, (the dinosaur) science officer, and Fatima, (the moral and opinionated) pilot of the three’s space vessel have discovered a planet that has been hidden for hundreds of years that houses a secret that could be the most destructive power in the whole universe.  As they have harnessed in a piece of the destructive cargo, interference has occurred through the FSM Titanic, a colossal supertanker science ship, that is also armed to the teeth and ready to put an end to the mettling kids who have dared to challenge the Federation. The kids have a very powerful asset however in the Midas Flesh that can even eliminate something as monstrously huge as the Titanic. But with great power comes great responsibility and our kids are at odds in what to do. Destroy the Titanic that houses lots of innocents as well, or die having failed their mission.

I have been real up and down on the story as I feel like it is kind of geared towards kids, but it has very intense and serious adult themes in it as well. It doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. But then I realize, it is exactly what it is supposed to be. It is a fairy tale kind of story utilizing kids on the backdrop of a simple good versus evil story. It is starting to grow on me some. Not quite as intensely as Midas' gold touch, but more like a slow fungus. Still though, it's not too bad.

Lamb's writing really throws some serious issues that are demonstrated perfectly in this issue with Fatima's refusal to work to destroy the cruiser. She recognizes that there are innocents on board and a real moral dilemma is argued out here between the three. It makes one think. Paroline and Lamb's artwork can be described as "cute", yet serious too. Once you get over all the smiles and the talking dino, you begin to see a flow to the art that is likable.

I am still not completely sold on The Midas Flesh. But with each passing issue, I am getting a little bit closer to liking it. We are now halfway through. My attention is peaked. Let's see if things can be delivered.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Ryan North Artists: Shelli Paroline, Braden Lamb Publisher: Boom/Boom Box Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/26/14

Review: Star Slammers #1

I am a big fan of Walter Simonson, his Thor run is one of the definitive Thor runs that any new reader should tackle. His run on Thor made Thor into more than just a guy that swung a hammer saying "Thee" and "Thou’s." He gave Thor a different side and the stories he created still holds up when you read it today. This week IDW releases another of Simonson's classics in Star Slammers a story about three mercenaries that were the best of the best of not just in the world, but the entire universe.  Where ever there was a near impossible task to undertake it was the Star Slammers who you would call.   This series is not a new story about the Slammers but a re-release of Simonson's old material remastered.  A great pick up for fans of Walter Simonson’s work or a great pick up for people wanting to know more of Simonson’s early work or if you’re like me curious to see who these Star Slammers are. The first issue of the Star Slammers does a great job of giving you enough back story to understand who the Slammers are and what is their role. Simonson sets them up with a great blend of action and disposition where it introduces a world that is in conflict with another enemy that are great warriors. The Slammers arrive to the world the best way they know how by blowing half of the forces up and then landing in their contractors area. I found this to be a cool way to introduce our heroes because it establishes right away that these Slammers are here for business.  The story flows pretty well going from action to back story, and you never feel like the book is lagging even in the back story moments of one of our heroes; you get a good balance of action panels and story.

The art in this book while it does feel dated to its period it still showcases Simonson art abilities. You can really appreciate Simonson's work in this issue.  The detail and design of the Slammers is just gorgeous; you can really tell that he took his time to create these designs and the level of detail that the heroes have makes you appreciate the talented work of Simonson. Also his art for close-ups is really good as well. You can appreciate Simonson's level of detail in those close-ups and they look damn near flawless.

Len O’Grady's work on the colors is magnificent as well. His coloring really makes Simonson drawing just comes to life.  And I love how he uses an entire gamut of colors depending on where the Slammers are at the point of the book. His timely use of the different colors at the right time really make this book pop and it helps the book feel like you are out in space having an adventure.

Overall, I recommend picking up Star Slammers it’s a great book for Simonson fans and Star Slammers fan that want to reminisce on the old series or for newer readers that want to experience something new from one of comic’s best.  The story is not too slow, it balances itself well between story and action, and the art is superb in the book.  I will give issue two a shot just to check out some Simonson art.

Score: 4/5

Writer/Artist/Creator: Walter Simonson Colorist: Len O’Grady Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/26/14