Review: Skin & Earth #4

October 15, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Skin & Earth #4 follows En and Tsu on a mission of revenge against Priest, En’s ex and it’s about as interesting as you expect. While some important things are discussed, they’re bogged down by sluggish pacing and dull dialogue. While it is commendable that the narrative kept me guessing where the story would go next, it also left me confused and disinterested in how this journey ends. This series is linked to the latest album by Lights, sharing the same title, with the themes of the songs aligning with the comic, however, the album is a lot better than the comic itself.

Review: Sheena #2

October 15, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

After issue zero and one of this series I was worried going into Sheena #2 and while previous issues with pacing and artwork still remain, the story is moving somewhere and Sheena is given a character to play off of which helps a lot. Our jungle queen is on a mission to find a missing surveyor, or as she says it “sir veyor,” and bring him safely home to protect her village from mercenaries. Of course this is easier said than done and this book mixed a bit of big business machinations with the wonders of nature. Sheena gets to show off her skills and connection with the jungle and the animals that live in it and while the action is limited it was still a decent read.

Review: Destroyer #5

October 2, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

While the previous issue was packed full of backstory that was woven into the current crisis, Destroyer #5 suffers slightly due to its pacing. Everyone is drawing closer to the same location but this moment has to be prolonged artificially. That being said, it’s still a solid read offering more insight to the characters and more history. The themes presented are dark, serious, and often bleak which can be a bit depressing, especially in an issue with less action to break up the doom and gloom. But despite the science fiction aspects, the issues tackled are real and relevant and they’re things that need to be said even if on the pages of a comic book.

Review: Destroyer #4

October 2, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Destroyer #4 does exactly what it needs to do, and it does it well; giving readers a fair amount of backstory while also revving up the anticipation for the next issue and the upcoming finale. This issue provides a lot of lovely backstory for Dr. Baker and the organization that used to employ her while also adding in a fair amount of action as the Monster and Akai face off. Dr. Baker hasn’t been the most classic of leads, it’s very clear the people against her have no good intentions whatsoever. But this series has done a good job of showcasing that things aren’t always black and white so there could always be more twists and turns. For now, we’re given an excellent issue -my favorite, so far.

Review: Daughter of Titan #1

September 30, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Going into Daughter of Titan #1 I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, and after having read it, I’m still left confused. The cover art and title are dynamic, depicting a girl and a powerful robot, but the premiere offers so many plots that we don’t actually get any of what the cover promises. While this is only the first issue so all of the secrets can’t be revealed at once, it sets up so many pieces of world-building that it lacks cohesiveness and there is little to no action. If the cover excited you, then prepare to be disappointed, there are no mech battles this issue. However, we are presented with interesting characters in a world in desperate need of change, a common trope and one of many used here. Fair warning, there is some colorful language used that might not be appropriate for younger readers, which is a shame because this could be a good story for young girls.

Review: Clue #4

September 14, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

We’ve reached issue four of the series and with only two remaining, things should be picking up to get readers pumped, except Clue #4 had the opposite effect on me. This issue didn’t move things along very much, and anything exciting that did happen was quickly brushed over. Two major characters seemingly die and it’s wrapped up in maybe two panels, though given how incompetent everyone in the story is, I’m not even sure if they killed each other properly. I went into this series with rose-colored nostalgia glasses, but the memory is fading, into gray disappointment.

Review: Sheena #1

September 13, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Having not been thoroughly impressed with the teaser, Sheena #0, I went into Sheena #1 hesitant but still hopeful. Surely the story was going to get exciting, and any issues from before would smooth themselves out, right? Somehow this is both better and worse at the same time. We’re given a bit more action, and Sheena faces actual problems this time around, but it’s hard to invest in the story yet, and the artwork isn’t helping either. Mediocre would be the best way to describe this comic, and while that’s not horrible, it’s a disappointment for those like myself seeking more strong, well written female characters on the comic landscape.

Review: Skin & Earth #3

September 13, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Living on the wrong side of town in a post-apocalyptic world and having recently suffered a broken heart, En’s life isn’t going so well at the moment. Skin & Earth #3 introduces a new, mysterious character into her life and that’s about it. The series is the brainchild of Canadian singer Lights and links up with her upcoming album of the same name with songs directly related to the comic itself. However, the songs and music videos currently available have been more interesting than the comic tie-in. Halfway through a run promising crazy romance, cults, and self-discovery for En, yet so far only the first has happened. While a good read, those seeking a faster pace may be disappointed.

Review: Injustice 2 #9

September 6, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

After nine issues of this series, I’m coming to the point where I’m getting bored. While I’ve liked every issue and this one is no different, the pacing is slow, and this is the second issue where not much happens. While I enjoy a good story, world-building and learning about character motivations when I read a superhero comic I want more action than talking. There have been a few issues like this, and for the most part, I enjoyed the story enough to look past the slow pacing, but Injustice 2 #9 made me realize how slowly everything is going, taking pages to move the chess pieces to where they need to be. Our heroes are finally on their way to confront Ra’s Al Ghul, but not in this issue and probably not for another two issues at that.

Review: My Little Pony the Movie Prequel #4

September 6, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Welcome to the last issue in this miniseries, where things certainly end with a bang. Not in an action sense but more in a story sense. I’ve had very lukewarm feelings about this series so far. The last issue was my least favorite of the four but My Little Pony the Movie Prequel #4 somehow pulled out some decent storytelling in the final hour and even made me curious about a character who I previously wrote off as just a bad fan fiction insert. Granted, I still think Tempest Shadow is edgy for the sake of being edgy, but clearly, with good writing, she can still be interesting. If you’re a fan of that character, pick up this issue for sure, and if you’ve somehow enjoyed the previous three, then this will be a nice way to wrap up the story thus far.

Review: Batman Beyond #11

September 4, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Well, this story arc has been a wild ride, for sure. Batman Beyond #11 marks the end of this particular story arc, concluding the fight between Terry and Damien -sadly it’s underwhelming. While I’ve enjoyed the story itself, the more I read the more I was nagged with the logistics of it. The suit that Terry is wearing is dangerous and will push him to fight even if his body and mind can’t take it giving him an easy out as to why he’s fighting Damien and actually surviving in the first place. The suit robs Terry of his agency, until this issue of course where suddenly he has the power to overcome it. However the story arc does a good job of introducing Damien into the Batman Beyond world and this issue gives us a bit of closer as well.

Review: My Little Pony the Movie Prequel #3

September 4, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

I’ll be blunt unless you’re a child or young adult, or a brony, then My Little Pony the Movie Prequel #3 isn’t for you. After reading three issues of this movie tie-in series I’m left underwhelmed and downright bored. Of course, a huge reason is that the main ponies who fans love are nowhere to be found. This series is about characters who will appear in the movie alongside them, who I don’t know or have any connection to yet and this doesn’t help. It’s also simple storytelling with heavy-handed messages of friendship thrown in, and decent enough artwork. I stepped into this miniseries hoping to get hyped for the movie, but so far I’m left with indifference.

Review: Injustice 2 #8

August 31, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Despite the action packed cover and the name “Screams and Arrows,” Injustice 2 #8 is a very subdued issue. I didn’t find this to be a bad thing, but the cover is certainly misleading. This issue deals with the aftermath of Ra’s Al Ghul’s attack on the wedding of Green Arrow and Black Canary, as he kidnaps their son and Black Lightning’s daughters. It serves to move characters into their next position and sets up for the confrontation between the heroes and Ra’s. I enjoyed this issue, the story was good, as was the artwork and it had humor as well. While it makes seem like filler, it was still an enjoyable read.

Review: Sheena - Queen of the Jungle #0

August 16, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Blonde, bold and beautiful; the iconic Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, is back with her own series giving her a revamp for the modern world. While I am not personally well-versed on the character or her past, I know of her and know who she is the minute she takes the scene. Sheena has been around in one form or another since 1937, being the first female comic book character to have her own ongoing series. She’s also had television series and a movie so chances are you’ve seen her before without even knowing it. I decided to give Sheena #0 a shot to learn more about the character and where these writers planned to take her. This issue is short and serves more as a teaser than anything else and is a decent starting point for a reader who may also be as curious as I was.

Review: Skin & Earth #2

August 10, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

After the first issue of this series caught my attention, as the music linked to it, I found myself looking forward to what Skin & Earth #2 would have to offer, despite my suspicions as to where the story would lead. Set it in world destroyed by polish where the rich get richer and the poor just work and die off, this series is done by the musician Lights. She writes it and does all of the artwork which is very commendable, it’s entirely her vision. Her new album is also linked to this comic and so far, two music videos have come out that reflect the story being told here which is great experience to see things coming to life in different mediums. This issue focuses on En’s relationship with her lover and its unfortunate end.

Review: Clue #3

August 10, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Clue #3 marks the halfway point in this fun and colorful series based on the popular Hasbro board game of the same name. While the first issue acted as set up, the second put certain wheels into motion and here we see all of the characters are linked together by a certain flower. The and hows and the whys are still a mystery but everyone in the house, except for Ms. Scarlett and the detectives, see these flowers as very important and valuable. While all the details have yet to be shown to us or the guests, it’s clear Mr. Boddy was in no way just an innocent party host and the events happening in this series have been carefully crafted.

Review: Injustice 2 #7

August 9, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Finding happiness in a time of war isn’t easy but it can lift spirits and keep people sane. Injustice 2 #7 focuses on the wedding of Black Canary and the dimension-hopping Oliver Queen she’s with now. As much as enjoy classic superhero action I also like the simpler moments like this that help round out their personalities and lives. This issue promises to deliver action, romance and plenty of drama for not only the lovebirds but everyone around them. If you think a superhero can ever have a peaceful wedding then you’re sorely mistaken.

Review: Samaritan Veritas #3

August 9, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

Samaritan Veritas #3 brings us the exciting conclusion of this short but impactful series. Samantha Copeland is a genius hacker who came out of hiding to seek revenge on the corrupt President of the United States linked to the death of someone dear to her. She’s used her computer skills and the dark web to get pretty far, kidnapping rich but morally bankrupt people to reach her end goal. The situation is reaching a boiling point, and Sam may not even make it out of this alive, but she’s determined to take the President down with her.

Review: Batman Beyond #10

July 27, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

We’ve been reintroduced to Damian Wayne, Bruce’s son with Talia al Ghul. He’s taken up his grandfather’s mantle and cause, shunning his father and the opportunity to be Batman. In the previous issue, it seemed to be the fault of the suit and its AI, at least that’s what Bruce wants to believe, but in Batman Beyond #10 Damian sets the record straight that his choices were his own. This issue is mainly exposition with some flashbacks and not much action, which is a bummer but I did enjoy the father-son discussions and the look into Damian’s thought process.

Review: Batman Beyond #9

July 27, 2017

By Ashley Gibbs

When the Batman Beyond cartoon first aired in 1999 until 2001, there was no official character who was the son of Batman. The series made a point of explaining why neither Dick nor Tim had taken up the batmantle, so the role fell to Terry. However, now we have Damian Wayne, the biological son of Bruce and Talia and the next logical question would be why didn’t he become the next Batman after Bruce was too old to handle it? Batman Beyond #9 explains this for us very well as Damian explains his story to Terry as they fight throughout the issue as well as Bruce’s own memories. It’s a good issue, even if I don’t care for the explanation given.