Ashley Gibbs 7/26/17 Ashley Gibbs 7/26/17

Review: My Little Pony the Movie Prequel #2

By Ashley Gibbs

I admit I wasn’t too impressed with the first issue of this series. It made me worry if I’d even like the movie at all, to be honest. Then the official trailer dropped and my interest rose again and now, after reading My Little Pony Movie Prequel #2 I am once again curious about this upcoming big screen adventure. While the book is aimed at younger readers and as such certain points are hammered into the ground, the overall story told is well-paced and matched with nice artwork. This series is not a bad lead-up to the movie if you’re looking for some background before heading to theaters.

Ashley Gibbs 7/19/17 Ashley Gibbs 7/19/17

Review: Injustice 2 #6

By Ashley Gibbs

It’s really hard to pick a favorite issue in this series, each one is great and amazing to read. Though, I can’t deny being biased towards Injustice 2 #6 since it has many things I enjoy. I love Supergirl, I love an origin story, and I love how this explains why she’s in the video game at all -and where she has been all this time. Unlike most Supergirl stories, Kara has not landed in a safe space where her cousin can show her the ropes, this alternate universe is harsh and unforgiving. This issue has action mixed in with a touching plot that helps build the world up around the characters.

Ashley Gibbs 7/19/17 Ashley Gibbs 7/19/17

Review: Destroyer #3

By Ashley Gibbs

Here it is, Destroyer #3 brings some much needed backstory on some of the key characters in this series. I will admit I’ve been on the fence as I read the series, I liked it well enough but felt something was missing, and this was it. I wanted to know more about what lead Dr. Baker to where she is now most of all. While this issue is mainly backstory focused there is some action and violence but overall not as bad as previous issues in that regard though I do think things are really amping up to get messy.

Ashley Gibbs 7/19/17 Ashley Gibbs 7/19/17

Review: Clue #2

By Ashley Gibbs

The first issue of Clue left two players dead, and Clue #2 promises to add to the body count. With a cast of colorful characters trapped in a large mansion full of secrets and numerous items that can be used as weapons, this dark and stormy night might prove lethal for everyone involved. Based on the beloved game of the same name, this series is witty and fun while also having plenty of mystery to it. Readers are in the dark of the true motives of everyone involved adding to the suspense though the only character who knows everything, Mr. Boddy, is unfortunately dead so it’s up to the guests to get to the bottom of everything along with readers.

Ashley Gibbs 7/12/17 Ashley Gibbs 7/12/17

Review: Skin & Earth #1

By Ashley Gibbs

When people usually think of comic books they think of the many spandex-clad heroes that constantly save the world and mainstream movies only enforce this. While I do love a good superhero romp, sometimes it’s nice to a read a comic that tells a different story. Skin & Earth #1 is the brainchild of Canadian musician Lights that ties into her upcoming album of the same name. The story being told links up with the album using both a visual and audio medium to engage fans. The first single "Giants" is currently available, as is the music video and you can instantly see the connection. It’s an interesting approach to comics and always positive to see women share their talents in what is a very male-dominated area.

Ashley Gibbs 7/12/17 Ashley Gibbs 7/12/17

Review: Game of Thrones: A Clash of Kings #2

By Ashley Gibbs

Game of Thrones: A Clash of Kings #2 is a comic book adaptation of the second book in George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire, A Clash of Kings. This one follows after the first issue where more well-known characters share their story as the red comet trails across the sky. Fans of the television show, like myself, can follow along with the story without having read the books before, it’s a lovely visual interpretation of the story cutting out a lot of fluff but leaving what is important intact. This issue focuses on three of the Stark children; Arya, Bran and Sansa, during the aftermath of their father’s death.

Ashley Gibbs 7/6/17 Ashley Gibbs 7/6/17

Review: Samaritan Veritas #2

By Ashley Gibbs

Things are getting pretty complicated for Sam in Samaritan Veritas #2. She’s on a mission to take down the President of the United States and end his corruption, but she’s also a wanted criminal knee-deep in the dark and unspeakable parts of the internet. Not above breaking laws to complete her revenge plot she’s hacking, kidnapping and plotting her way to success. Or so she thinks. The government isn’t as stupid as she imagines and they’re hot on her tail. While Sam is willing to go down in a blaze of glory to complete her objective she can’t do so just yet, the game of cat-and-mouse continues.

Ashley Gibbs 7/6/17 Ashley Gibbs 7/6/17

Review: Injustice 2 #5

By Ashley Gibbs

The world is in shambles after Superman’s Regime took over by force only to be defeated by Batman, now Bruce is trying to rebuild things, but there are other forces working against him. Injustice 2 #5 serves as an introduction to Jaime Reyes as Blue Beetle but focuses more on his mentor and predecessor Ted Kord. It’s an interesting story and also a rather sad one, and while I’m not well-versed in either character, I felt this issue did a good job of presenting both of them to me, and I think fans of the characters will also enjoy the writing.

Ashley Gibbs 6/28/17 Ashley Gibbs 6/28/17

Review: My Little Pony: The Movie Prequel #1

By Ashley Gibbs

As an adult, I am fully aware that I am not the target audience for My Little Pony but it’s something I grew up with as a child and find the current show interesting at times. I don’t know much about the upcoming movie so I decided to read My Little Pony: The Movie Prequel #1 to learn more about it. This issue focuses on the villain and sets up his motivations, we also see another character from the movie but only briefly. However, instead of making me more interested it worried me, while I don’t expect Oscar-worthy adventures from the cartoon horse movie, I’m hoping for an interesting plot but starting out by not liking the villain is not good.

Ashley Gibbs 6/28/17 Ashley Gibbs 6/28/17

Review: Clue #1

By Ashley Gibbs

Take one huge mansion, one odd host, a handful of guests and a dark and stormy night, mix it all together and somehow you end up with murder. Clue #1 is based on the classic board game and finds Mr. Boddy murdered after a dinner party with a house of suspects all with color-themed names. I’ve always enjoyed playing the game (outside of the US, you know this game as “Cluedo”) and loved the movie based on it as well so found myself eager to see how this comic re-imagined everything. Sadly, what we get is a lot of unlikeable characters and not much mystery so far. Yes, there is a murder and we may know who did it but this isn’t confirmed, and then there is another murder so while these are mysterious elements I don’t find myself drawn in to solve them quite yet.

Ashley Gibbs 6/21/17 Ashley Gibbs 6/21/17

Review: Miku Hatsune: Acute

By Ashley Gibbs

While I am not a huge vocaloid fan, I do know some stuff about them and of course know who Miku Hatsune is. She’s the cute main mascot that’s taken Japan by storm and her likeness is used to sell many things. That being said, I had never listened to the song Acute before reading this. Had I heard the song, I would have known what to expect of a story based on it. Going in blind, Hatsune Miku: Acute did a good job of shocking me, it’s a darker story than I would have expected from these cute characters. However, at its core, it’s a story of friendship and love and how sometimes jealousy can make us do horrible things.

Ashley Gibbs 6/21/17 Ashley Gibbs 6/21/17

Review: Destroyer #2

By Ashley Gibbs

Destroyer #2 picks up with Frankenstein's monster still continuing his journey to man’s world after his solitude in the arctic was disturbed. However, most of the issue is spent with two government agents as they try to find an important scientist whom the government needs to stop the monster. This issue has good pacing and artwork though there isn’t much in the way of deep story telling being told as it’s more about moving the pieces into the right places. While less intense than the first issue, if you’re into this series then you’ll enjoy reading this one.

Ashley Gibbs 6/21/17 Ashley Gibbs 6/21/17

Review: Injustice 2 #4

By Ashley Gibbs

While Superman was detained in the previous issue, the prison break did succeed in its mission to release Damian Wayne. In Injustice 2 #4 we find out why and if his mother’s appearance in the previous issue was a tip-off, then you know what to expect. While this book isn’t filled with as much action we do get some good story that moves the plot forward for Harley and her situation. We also get some tender memories from Batman though not too much in the way of moving the plot forward with him, but I enjoyed the story told nonetheless. This was a pretty good read that really helps flesh out the characters involved.

Ashley Gibbs 6/21/17 Ashley Gibbs 6/21/17

Review: Injustice 2 #3

By Ashley Gibbs

The prison where Superman and other members of the Regime are being held is under attack by the Suicide Squad led by the false Batman in Injustice 2 #3 but the real Batman has prepared for everything -or has he? This issue is filled with a lot of action during this full on prison break but also some nice reunions. While this issue isn’t filled with a whole lot of character development, it helps move the story forward as the chess pieces begin to fall into position. While the Regime was once the biggest threat this earth had to face, new powers are coming into place from the rubble of the broken world.

Ashley Gibbs 6/12/17 Ashley Gibbs 6/12/17

Review: Wonder Woman: Steve Trevor #1

By Ashley Gibbs

The world is feeling the Wonder Woman fever as her solo movie takes over the box office, what better time to have new comics that readers can jump into without much need for knowing years of her background. That’s what I was looking for from Wonder Woman: Steve Trevor #1, an action-packed story that would shed more light on Steve Trevor and show why he’s important to Diana. What I ended up with were mixed emotions and sadly a sense that this comic will have no lasting impact on me. While Steve Trevor does get to fight bad guys and save the day all on his own, it’s weighed down by a lot of internal monologuing and dialogue moments that ruined my sense of immersion.

Ashley Gibbs 6/10/17 Ashley Gibbs 6/10/17

Review: Game of Thrones: A Clash of Kings #1

By Ashley Gibbs

Game of Thrones: A Clash of Kings #1 is a comic book adaptation of the second book in George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire, A Clash of Kings. Though there is also a television adaptation, this comic isn’t an adaptation of the HBO television series. While I have yet to read the books by Martin, I have seen the show so I was interested in reading this comic. I was hoping for a simplified version of the large books that focused on the important parts and used artwork to express Martin’s loquacious writing style. I enjoyed reading this issue, while some things came up from the book, there are many moments that I do recall from watching the television show.

Ashley Gibbs 6/10/17 Ashley Gibbs 6/10/17

Review: Xena: Warrior Princess Omnibus vol. 1

By Ashley Gibbs

I’ve always had an interest in strong female characters growing up and still do. She-Ra, Wonder Woman and of course Xena, whose television show mixed strength and humor with ancient Greek mythology. I was excited to read Xena: Warrior Princess Omnibus Volume 1 as I have not read any of her comics previously and haven’t seen the show in many years, I was ready for an awesome nostalgia trip. Sadly, what I got instead was a rather mediocre book that I ended up only enjoying one story out of the three provided.

Ashley Gibbs 5/31/17 Ashley Gibbs 5/31/17

Review: Wonder Woman - Annual #1

By Ashley Gibbs

I like Wonder Woman, I like who she is and what she stands for and find her to be a good role model. She stands side by side with Superman and Batman forming a trinity of super hero awesomeness. Wonder Woman Annual #1 comes out at a perfect time as the Amazonian princess is also coming to the big screen in her own movie and I feel this book is an excellent collection of short stories that anyone can can enjoy. You do not need to read any prior comic to understand what’s going on, this is great for anyone who is maybe only discovering the character for the first time thanks to the movie or who is like me, a casual fan who still enjoys the character. While it does help to have at least some knowledge of the DC world, the writing no way depends on you having this which is a strong point.

Ashley Gibbs 5/24/17 Ashley Gibbs 5/24/17

Review: Batman Beyond #8

By Ashley Gibbs

Having been a fan of the television series, I wanted to also give the comic book a chance and choose Batman Beyond #8 to so. I’m usually reluctant to jump into a series in the middle, but thankfully I was able to play catch-up thanks to the good writing. While it’s clear I missed some good action in previous issues this issue was packed with its own action and left me fully entertained. Any time Batman has to face Ra’s Al Ghul and his League of Assassins you know things are going to be messy. But Terry isn’t Bruce, he’s his own (Bat)man and that doesn’t always sit well with people, and certainly not his enemies.

Ashley Gibbs 5/24/17 Ashley Gibbs 5/24/17

Review: Samaritan Veritas #1

By Ashley Gibbs

Samantha Copeland is modern day Robin Hood in the form of a hacker but now she’s on the run from the US government. After the death of the man she loves she went into hiding and enjoyed a simple life until learning the person responsible for his death was now the President of the United States. She’s back and looking for revenge in this high octane adventure that explores government corruption and the dark underbelly of the internet and our world in general. I will admit, this isn’t the sort of story I would normally pick up but I was drawn in by the prospect of a strong female lead and good story about rooting for an underdog. Samaritan Veritas #1 did not disappoint and gained me as a fan.