Batman #48 Review

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Bat Bot, Batman, Batman #48, Batman #48 review, Bruce Wayne, Danny Miki, DC Comics, FCO Plascencia, Gotham, Gotham City, Greg Capullo, Jim Gordon, Mr Bloom, Scott Snyder, Superheavy, The New 52

Batman #48

Review by Paul Bowler

Mr Bloom’s deadly seeds begin to flourish in Batman #48, unleashing an army that could turn everyone in Gotham against its new Batman. Gordon must face the chaos that Mr Bloom has unleashed on the city, but his robotic nano-carbon Bat-Suit has been destroyed, and the new Dark Knight is running out of options fast… Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne’s new life without the shadow of the Bat is thrown into turmoil, when he encounters a stranger whose return instigates a chain of events that might change Bruce’s life forever…

Batman #48 finds Jim Gordon reeling after the attack from Mr Bloom’s super-powered-seed army, just as he was on the verge of unmasking Gotham’s newest super villain. Now, as Batman emerges from the wreckage of the Bat-Truck, this eighth part of Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s Superheavy arc becomes a nail biting battle for survival for Jim as Mr Bloom’s grand design for Gotham blossoms amidst a super-powered riot of violence and damnation. Meanwhile, Bruce returned to the park bench where his new life began after Endgame, where he meets a mysterious man who also miraculously survived an “accident” nearby.

Yes, the Joker is back, and it seems the clown prince of crime has also survived Endgame without the memories of his past life, or so it would seem… Now that Bruce’s memories have begun to return following his argument with Duke and the haunting vision in the subway station in Batman #47, it is perhaps ironic that Bruce Wayne has met this man – who we are led to believe is the Joker – that also just happens to be in the same state of mind which Bruce found himself in after he survived the events of Endgame. I love the ambiguity of these scenes, Snyder has pitched it so well, and you will find yourself hanging on every word.

It is here, in Batman #48 that we begin to see how Snyder is brining the pieces of the Superheavy arc together. We’ve watched as Gordon stepped up to become Gotham‘s new Dark Knight, seen the introduction of the new robot Bat-Suit, addressed the very essence of what Batman really stands for, and witnessed the surprise return of the amnesic Bruce Wayne living a new life with Julie Madison and working at the Lucius Fox Center for Gotham Youth. Now in Batman #48 we have a chance meeting that sees Bruce and the Joker sitting on a park bench, as if they were just two ordinary guys, and with the menace posed by Mr Bloom also drawing notable comparisons with terror threats and social divisions now faced in the world today, everything is now eclipsed by the impending conclusion of what is Scott Snyder’s most innovative and cathartic Bruce Wayne story of all.

Just like the Joker was to Bruce’s Dark Knight, in many ways Mr Bloom has become the arch nemesis to Gordon’s new Batman, and this issue presents Gotham’s new super-villain with a chance to really up his game. With the seeds of Mr Bloom’s influence now sprouting like weeds from the cracks in society all over Gotham, the full extent of Mr Bloom’s powers, his plans for Gotham, and its citizens becomes clear. Even Jim finds himself unable to escape from the gip of his foes schemes and paraded as an example to reinforce Mr Bloom’s warped ideology. Yet, on a park bench, the lives of Bruce Wayne and the Joker have been inexorably drawn together in Gotham once again, but this time their fates are converging from drastically different perspectives, and it’s a sure bet everything will hinge on the outcome of this bizarre turn of events.

Snyder has explored the dark, almost symbiotic parallels between the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime in ways that few could have imagined possible: from the raw terror unleashed on the Bat-Family by the Joker in Death of the Family, the early origins were then revisited in Zero Year and remoulded, before the savage showdown in Endgame brought both of their worlds crashing down around them, and now we reach a point where everything culminates with their resurrection in Superheavy. Of course the sublime twist this time is that Bruce and the Joker now find themselves on the opposite sides of the mirror. The scenes here on the park bench between Bruce and the Joker are some of the most intense, thought-provoking, and memorable that Snyder has ever written for the characters. Yes, Jim Gordon’s role as the new Batman has been fascinating to explore, all the new gadgets, the Bat-Bot, and giant robots are great fun, but these are the moments that now repay our faith in Snyder and the entirety of this arc as a whole.

Greg Capullo has certainly pulled out all the stops for this issue. Every page is a mesmerising tour de force of striking visuals from Capullo, from Gordon confronting the unnervingly creepy Mr Bloom and the onslaught of his super-seed-powered doppelgangers, to the beautifully crafted scenes with Bruce and the Joker, and Mr Bloom’s monstrous new form, Capullo’s work on Batman #48 is some of his finest ever. Danny Miki’s inks bring added definition and clarity to every page and FCO Plascencia’s sumptuous use of color immerse us totally in the atmosphere of the story. The sheer scope and scale of this issue is immense: from the turmoil sweeping across Gotham, Mr Bloom cuts a swath of terror that slices right into the very heart of the city itself, unearthing the dark parallels with many contemporary issues, and the scenes in the park resonate powerfully with the raw emotion of the decision that Bruce knows he now faces. The team on this book are simply amazing, the story, the art, it all clicks together so perfectly and it makes every issue breathtaking to read.

Batman #48 is a resounding success on every level. Frankly, if this issue doesn’t dispel any doubts you might have had about this arc; then nothing will! The thrilling events over the final pages will have you on the edge of your seat as horror strikes at everything Bruce has come to cherish, while Gotham and Gordon writhe in Mr Bloom’s clutches, the path to the island of stability goes critical, and Geri Powers finally gives the order we‘ve all been waiting for. But nothing, absolutely nothing can compare to the way the heartbreaking closing scene kicks the door in at the last possible moment to make your jaw hit the floor…

So, after the all shocking events in this issue, were will things go from here? Will Bruce end up having to give up his new life with Julie Madison and his work at the Lucius Fox Center for Gotham Youth helping the deprived areas of Gotham to become Batman again? After all, that “final invention” is still sitting there in the Bat Cave gathering dust. Could it be that the Joker will end up being the one that ironically gets the chance of a new life instead of Bruce? Whatever the final outcome, I’m sure Snyder’s labyrinthine imagination has conjured up a resolution in Batman #50 that will completely blow our minds, and we won’t even see it coming!

Publisher DC Comics / Writer: Scott Snyder / Art: Greg Capullo

Inks: Danny Miki / Colors: FCO Plascencia / Letters: Steve Wands

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Suicide Squad Official Trailer!

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Batman, Ben Affleck, Bruce Wayne, David Ayer, DC Comics, Harley Quinn, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, New Suicide Squad Trailer, Suicide Squad, Suicide Squad Movie, The Joker, Warner Bros

New Suicide Squad Official Trailer

Check out the awesome official trailer for David Ayer’s Suicide Squad!

Warner Bros Pictures have also released a new Suicide Squad poster!

SUICIDE SQUAD arrives in theaters August 5th.

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Star Wars Rebels Season Two – Mid-Season Trailer

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Ahsoka, Darth Vader, Ezra, Kanan, Star Wars, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars Rebels Season 2, Star Wars Rebels Season 2 Mid-Season Trailer

Star Wars Rebels Season Two – Mid-Season Trailer

Check out the Star Wars Rebels Season Two – Mid-Season Trailer & get a glimpse of what’s to come in Star Wars Rebels Season Two! The thrilling mid-season trailer features Ezra, Kanan, and Ahsoka, along with returning friends and foes.

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Reyn #10 Review

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Aurora mistress of Light, comics, Image Comics, Kel Symons, Nate Stockman, Pat Brosseau, Paul Little, Reyn, Reyn #10, Reyn #10 review, Reyn Vol 1 Warden of Fate, Reyn Vol 2, Seph, The Followers of Teck, The Land of Fate, The Venn

Reyn #10

Review by Paul Bowler

The sublime blend of sci-fi action and magical fantasy adventure continues in Reyn #10, where following a furious battle against his enemies, Reyn has now been fatally wounded after his mission to rescue Seph from the Venn stronghold. Seph brings the last Warden of Fate to his spirit guide Aurora mistress of light – the invisible entity that normally only Reyn can see and hear – who begins to tell Seph of Reyn’s origins…

Reyn #10 delves into the mysteries and secrets of Reyn’s past, as the Image Comics sci-fi fantasy series, written by Kel Symons (The Mercenary Sea), with art by Nate Stockman, colors by Paul Little, and lettering and Design by Pat Brosseau, explores the uncanny mythical and technological legacy of his creation and role in the Land of Fate!

Writer Kel Symons has crafted an intricately detailed world with this series. After the shock revelations that the Land of Fate was really an artificial environment on one of three huge space arks used to evacuate the world before a catastrophe overtook the sun, along with how the Venn’s involvement caused the Great Cataclysm and influenced events on board, Reyn risked life and limb – quite literally – to rescue Seph from the Venn stronghold in the Rift, but the price was catastrophically high for Reyn! Now, as Seph struggles to cope with the full extent of Reyn’s injuries, Aurora finally reveals the shocking truth of who Reyn really is.

This final issue follows Seph’s arduous journey to help her fallen comrade. It’s a voyage that takes her across the Land of Fate, with only Aurora to guide her, and once their final destination is reached he pieces of the puzzle slowly begin to fall into place. Kel Symons brings all the threads of this magical fable together with assured skill, mixing high drama, adventure, and humour as the history of the Land of Fate gradually unfolds. Aurora’s character has been one of the most delightfully quirky highlights of this series, for the most part Reyn has been the only one who could speak to her, but now that Aurora and Seph must work together to save Reyn, this issue finally reveals just how crucial Aurora’s role has been to ensuring the legacy of The Wardens of Fate continues. Seph’s relationship with Reyn is also a key factor to some pretty major events here as well, especially when she is faced with a heartrending choice that will ultimately decide Reyn’s fate.

Reyn #10 is without doubt the pinnacle of Nate Stockman’s excellent work on this Image Comics series. Stockman’s incredible visuals have made every issue of Symons’ sci-fi / fantasy saga a joy to read, now the culmination of that epic adventure plays out in Reyn #10 as the storylines converge with Reyn’s, Seph’s, and Aurora’s destinies in the most sublime way imaginable. Nate Stockman brilliantly conveys Seph’s lonely journey across the Land of Fate, past events and the arrival of the Venn are relayed in vivid detail, and Reyn’s true beginnings gradually become clear in via striking blend of fantasy, monsters, and advanced technology. Paul Little’s colors are as lavish and vibrant as ever, and the lettering and Design by Pat Brosseau is exquisite.

Everything is resolved in a way that is both completely indicative and as bold as we’ve come to expect from this outstanding sci-fi / fantasy series. Kel Symons concludes the story arc with a wondrous, perfectly staged coda, and Nate Stockman rounds everything off with a beautiful final page is simply breathtaking.

Reyn was one of the most enjoyable new titles I had the pleasure of reviewing in 2015. Yes, I’m a bit late with this review of the final issue, but now that the trade collections of Reyn Vol 1: Warden of Fate and Reyn Vol 2 are both available, I though it would be a good time remind you all just how great this series was. Reyn was envisioned as a 10 issue storyline, but who knows, if the trades do well, maybe we will see more adventures featuring Reyn and Seph in the Land of Fate one day? Either way, the story ends on a high note, Kel Symons, Nate Stockman, Paul Little, and Pat Brosseau did some amazing work on this series, and I’d certainly recommend checking out the Reyn trade collections if you can – you won’t regret it.

Publisher: Image / Writer: Kel Symons / Art: Nate Stockman

Colors: Paul Little / Lettering and Design: Pat Brosseau

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The Walking Dead #150 Review

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Carl Grime, Charlie Adlard, Dwight, Image Comics, Lucile, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Stefano Gaudiano, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #150, The Whisperers, TWD, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #150

Review by Paul Bowler

Everything comes to a head in Image Comics The Walking Dead #150 as Rick Grimes faces his toughest challenge so far. With the people of Alexandria demanding action against the Whisperers, Rick’s leadership and vision for the communities is under threat. Seeking advice from the captive Negan, he refuses to lie to his people like the former Saviors leader suggests, instead Rick decides to train his people like an army to fight the Whisperers, just as Dwight chooses to leave the Sanctuary, taking the infamous baseball bat “Lucile” with him. Now in The Walking Dead #150 Rick will have to fight tooth and nail to hold onto his leadership, whilst finding the resolve to stay true to everything he has strived to hard to build, and rally his people to unite against the Whisperers.

The Walking Dead #150 is one hell of an issue. Sure, this arc has been something of a slow burner at times. But following the Whisperers horrific act of terror against them, which lead to Rick clashing with Maggie after she admitted having Gregory executed for trying to murder her, and saw Andrea take Carl and Lydia, the daughter of the Whisperers leader, Alpha, to the Hilltop for their own protection as unrest grew in Alexandria. Rick’s ensuing consultation with Negan was an unexpected, yet insightful move on Rick’s part. However, the former Saviors leaders advice didn’t get him released from captivity like he expected, but it did give Rick the impetus he needed to tell Eugene about his plan to form a military, which will focus the community, thereby quelling the unrest, and give Rick and his friends time to figure out the best way to strike back against the Whisperers.

It’s clear now how Robert Kirkman has been building the series towards this pivotal moment. He’s saved the payoff for this epic 150^th issue, there’s some big game changing events in this issue, and its certainly been well worth the wait. Right from the start we are privy to an apparent departure, which I’m pleased to say isn’t actually quite as final as we might’ve expected, before events shift back to Alexandria, where Rick must tackle a brutal challenge to his authority from an unexpected quarter. Its a shocking, brutal, and really gives us something to sink out teeth into.

This issue of The Walking Dead is edge of the seat stuff at times, with Rick battling back from the edge of oblivion, before taking decisive action that he hopes will finally bring his community together as a cohesive fighting force. Its not all doom and gloom though, there’s time for a passionate interlude for Carl and Lydia over at the Hilltop, and Dwight’s initial departure is also tinged with a ray of hope, and companionship too.

Everything culminates with Rick’s address to his community at Alexandria. Robert Kirkman pulls out all the stops here, in what is possibly one of the series’ finest moments ever, as Rick Grimes speaks to his people and implores them not to jeopardise everything they’ve built together by going off half-cocked for revenge against the Whisperers – despite how the Walker-Skin wearing Whisperers mercilessly killed some of their people and stuck their now zombiefied heads (including Ezekiel’s) on spikes as a warning to stay out of their territory.

Rick is terrified of things going back to the way they were before… when everything started way back during the aftermath of the outbreak, before Rick and his group arrived, before the these communities found each other and finally coexisted in peace. Rick, his friends, everyone in these communities, they’ve all lost so much already. If anything, its not only Rick’s words here that resolutely defines him as their leader, its an act of selfless mercy that sets him apart from everyone else in the room, and its that moment that makes this issue so outstanding.

The Walking Dead #150 is a superb showcase for Charlie Adlard’s incredible artwork. Each scene powerfully relays the actions and emotions of the characters and situations perfectly. Intricate, flowing page layouts set the brisk pace and tone of this issue, Adlard often takes us right up close to the action as well, most notably when Rick is fighting for survival. There are some impressively detailed full page scenes as well, each depicting single key story beats that strikingly punctuate the action throughout the issue. The inks by Stefano Gaudiano brings out the vivid clarity and detail of Adlard’s pencils, every scene stands out from the page, and the grey tones by Cliff Rathburn and lettering by Rus Wooton complete the striking visuals for this extra special issue.

The Walking Dead #150 is a celebration of the amazing talent that have worked so hard on this Image Comics series of the last twelve years. Its evolved into something really special, been ground breaking in every sense of the word. This 150^th issues features a cover by Charlie Adlard and Dave Stewart, there are also some amazing variants as well, including one by Tony Moore, whose variant cover mirrors that distinctive original issue #1 cover, and there are also variants by Jason Lator, Ryan Ottley, Charlie Adlard, and a blank sketch variant.

The Walking Dead #150 is a landmark issue in very sense of the word; in fact, it is everything we hoped it would be, and then some. The action doesn’t let up for a moment, its brutally violent, with characterization to die for, and by that two-page closing moment you will be left in no doubt whatsoever who is in charge… One thing’s for sure, the scene is set for some big events to come, here’s to the next exciting chapter of The Walking Dead!

Publisher: Image / Writer: Robert Kirkman / Art: Charlie Adlard

Inks: Stefano Gaudiano / Grey tones: Cliff Rathburn / Letters: Rus Wooton

Cover A Charlie Adlard and Dave Stewart / Cover B Blank Sketch

Cover C Jason Latour / Cover D Tony Moore / Cover E Ryan Ottley

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Transformers #48 Review

Tags

Andrew Griffith, Autobots, Buster the dog, Conquerors Part 3, Cybertron, D.O.C, Decepticons, Galvatron, IDW Publishing, Jazz, John Barber, Josh Perez, Optimus Prime, Soundwave, Tom B. Long, Transformers, Transformers #48, Transformers #48 review

Transformers #48

Review by Paul Bowler

Optimus Prime’s quest into the Sea of Rust to find answers to his role as a Prime, saw him encounter a new female combiner, Victorion, who also had questions of her own for the Transformers new space messiah. Meanwhile, Galvartron and Soundwave took advantage of an opportunity that left Arcee and the other Autobots trapped on the Ark 7 fighting for their lives. Now in Transformers #48 the events unfolding back on Earth at the Earth Defence HQ may decide the outcome of the conflict in Conquerors Part 3! Yes, everything has been leading to this moment as the fate the Autobots, the human race, and post-war Cybertron all now rests with two of the Transformers greatest heroes: Buster the dog and D.O.C the drone!

Transformers #48 written by John Barber, with art by Andrew Griffith, and colors by Josh Perez, is the penultimate issue of this new story-arc for IDW’s Transformers comic book series, and this issue finds two of the most unlikely heroes of all helping out in the most extraordinary of circumstances as we race towards issue #50!

So, how can a tale about a dog and a drone be so pivotal to current events in the Transformers universe? Well, easy, when your have a writer of the calibre of John Barber at the helm. After all the all-out-action of previous issue, any preconceptions you might have had about this issue being little more than a fill-in before the main event are sorely mistaken, as Transformers #48 proves to be a thoughtful, moving, and beautifully written instalment. Buster and D.O.C the drone not only make the most adorable team, their adventure at the Earth Defence HQ is crucial to events as they get caught up in bigger plot-lines gradually unfolding around them, and its all skilfully handled by Barber in a way that makes every scene an absolute delight to read.

The art by Andrew Griffith’s captures every nuance Barber’s story perfectly, with crisp, clear layouts, every page is bursting with detail, and there are some clever uses of perspective to accentuate Buster’s and D.O.C’s viewpoints as well. The vision of writer and artist are as one in Transformers #48, I was completely engrossed in this story, the lovely bond that formed between Buster and D.O.C was genuinely heart-warming, the colors by Josh Perez enhanced every scene as events built towards a thrilling cliff-hanger, and special mention goes to the brilliant lettering by Tom B. Long who brought Buster’s and D.O.C’s personalities and quirky friendship to life so beautifully as their adventure took centre stage for this issue.

Several plot threads begin to slot into place as the issue draws to a close. Garrison Blackrock visit to Spike’s cell at the EDC HQ finally sees Blackrock’s schemes revealed at last, while Skylink, Jazz Jetfire, and Kup escape their gruesome predicament with some unexpected help in their most desperate hour of need.

Transformer #48 is another superbly written issue by John Barber, which, together with Andrew Griffith’s great artwork, this IDW Transformer series becomes even more exciting and action-packed with each successive issue, and with its shock-twist ending, Transformer #48 sets everything up a thrilling finale to this Conquerors story arc!

Publisher: IDW / Writer: John Barber / Art: Andrew Griffith / Colors: Josh Perez

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Daredevil Season 2 Trailer

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Daredevil, Daredevil Season 2, Daredevil Season 2 trailer, Daredevil Trailer, Marvel, Netflix

New Daredevil Season 2 Teaser Trailer & Poster!

Here’s a brand new atmospheric teaser trailer and poster for the second season of Marvel’s Netflix-exclusive Daredevil series. The trailer and poster don’t give much away but they certainly get us in the mood for the new series. Interestingly this trailer also confirms the launch date 03: 18: 16 for season 2, so the rumoured clash with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was unsubstantiated. Daredevil Season 2 will be available in its entirety on Netflix a week earlier, on March 18^th

And here’s the new poster!

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Invincible Iron Man #5 Review

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Alex Maleev, Brian Michael Bendis, comics, David Marquez, Doctor Doom, Invincible Iron Man #5, Invincible Iron Man #5 Review, Iron Man, Justin Ponsor, Madame Masque, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, The War Machines, Tony Stark, Victor Von Doom

Invincible Iron Man #5

Review by Paul Bowler

Marvel’s new Iron Man series, written by Brian Michael Bendis, with art by David Marquez, and colors by Justin Ponsor, has ushered in a new era for Tony Stark’s life, and a brand new shape-changing suit of armor with a super efficient new A.I called Friday.

Now the first big story arc concludes in Invincible Iron Man #5, as Madame Masque’s spate of world-wide thefts of magical artefacts concludes in a showdown with Iron Man and Victor Von Doom – the former ruler of Latveria now sporting a sharp suited new look, and his face also restored – in Chicago at the new Jackpot nightclub owned by Mary Jane Watson!

Brian Michael Bendis gathers all the plot threads of the first arc together in this action packed issue as Iron Man and Victor Von Doom confront Madame Masque in Chicago on the opening night of Mary Jane’s new nightclub. The battle is fast and frenetic. This team-up between Iron Man and Doom brings a unique blend of technology and magic to the fight as they square off again Whitney, who is now possessed by demonic forces, and even Mary Jane gets to play a crucial role at a critical turning point in the showdown.

The art by David Marquez is excellent throughout, its bold, the all-out-action unfolds across the dynamic page layouts with blistering speed, and the intensity of the technology and magical energies involved is exquisitely realised by color artist Justin Ponsor. The attention to detail is staggering, especially when things go all Exorcist on us, and the resolution also has a great “facial hair bros” coda as well. Perhaps most surprisingly of all this issue is how well Tony and Victor work together as a team, and it would seem the one time ruler of Latveria may indeed be about to turn over a new leaf, I guess we shall have to wait and see.

Invincible Iron Man #5 brings the first story arc to a close in fine style. I really like the new direction this series is taking, Bendis has done a great job establishing the new status-quo and Iron Man armor, there’s even a job opportunity for Mary Jane, now that will be interesting, and the closing moments set us on course for more action-packed adventures – especially with the all-new story arc The War Machines set to begin next issue!

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: David Marquez /Color Artist: Justin Ponsor

VC’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer & Production / Cover Artists David Marquez & Justin Ponsor

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The Amazing Spider-Man #6 Review

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Cloak and Dagger, comics, Dan Slott, Marte Gracia, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Matteo Buffagni, Mister Negative, Parker Industries, Peter Parker, Shanghai, Spidey, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man #6, The Dark Kingdom

The Amazing Spider-Man #6

Review by Paul Bowler

A new story-arc begins: The Dark Kingdom! Peter Parker’s company Parker Industries is brining cutting edge high-tech to the world, it also equips S.H.I.E.L.D, and the Uncle Ben Foundation offers humanitarian aid all over the world. Following the battle with Zodiac and Scorpio in the UK, The Amazing Spider-Man #6 finds Peter Parker back in Shanghai, where one of Spider-Man’s deadliest villains has returned: Mister Negative! What is Mister Negative’s plan, and how has he got two fan-favourite Marvel heroes to join forces with him?

Its another busy day at Parker Industries filled with plenty of new innovations and action-packed web-spinning for Peter Parker in Marvel’s The Amazing Spider-Man #6, where, following a flashback to a well organised breakout of a high security prisoner on Stronghold 1: the department of justice prison transport, writer Dan Slott kicks off the story in earnest as we find Peter enjoying a brief respite from his executive role and wall crawling duties on the rooftop of the Shanghai branch of Parker Industries. After a quick Spider-Sense tingling white-knuckle ride in the Spider-Mobile, things get a little more complicated for Peter, as business and politics become awkwardly entwined, before news of the arrival of Mister Negative means its time for some Spidey action!

This issue covers a lot of ground in a short space of time, but it doesn’t feel rushed though. The opening flashback is handled really well, it’s a good way to reintroduce Mister Negative, and the surprise of having him teamed up with Cloak and Dagger is another neat twist – especially with the unexpected role reversal of their powers.

Matteo Buffagni’s art is also very good, each scene is well presented, the characters are all nicely defined, and the page layouts stylishly convey the fast-paced action. Mister Negative is also an intersting villain, its great to see him return, and his powers certainly makes him one of Spider-Man’s more unusual adversaries. I like the contrast Buffagni’s art highlights between Peter’s high-flying business life and his wall crawling adventures as Spider-Man. There’s some awesome Spider-Mobile action as well, I love that car, it always looks stunning, and that wrecking ball scene is sure to leave you with a big silly grin on your face!

I’m also really pleased to see the return of Cloak and Dagger in this issue of The Amazing Spider-Man. Dan Slott has really brought a new spin on the characters here, especially how their powers have now been drastically altered by Mister Negative. The artwork of Matteo Buffagni really captures the essence of these characters perfectly, they dominate every scene they appear in, and colorist Marte Gracia employs subtle shades and tones to great effect throughout to make this one of the most impressive looking issues of the new series so far – and let’s not forget that gorgeous cover by Alex Ross as well, this one’s a real stunner!

Amazing Spider-Man #6 gets The Dark Kingdom arc off to a great start. Dan Slott is on great form once again, his writing always seems to draw me into the story, and he has a great handle on all the characters, which together with Matteo Buffagni’s art and Marte Gracia’s colors, makes this another standout issue. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this story develops, especially after that cliff-hanger ending, and to finding out exactly how and why Cloak and Dagger are now working for Mister Negative.

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Dan Slott / Art: Matteo Buffagni

Colorist: Marte Gracia / Cover Artist: Alex Ross

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OI OI OI! #7 & MAGPIE Preview

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Andrez Bergen, Australia, Australian, Australian comic magazine, COMICOZ AUSTRALIA, Frantz Kantor, IF? Commix, Magpie, Nat Karmichael, OI OI OI! #7

OI OI OI! #7

& MAGPIE

On January 31st, 2016, writer Andrez Bergen we will be debuting a brand new superhero story in the pages of Australian national comic magazine Oi Oi Oi! The story is called MAGPIE, written by Andrez Bergen, with art by veteran, super-talented Aussie artist Frantz Kantor

Magpie is very much in the spirit of, well, The Spirit – taking on the concept that people like Will Eisner and Tarpé Mills did of telling complete stories and off-beat vignettes, with a sense of humor as much as a nod to noir, over 8-page installments. A homage to the comics of the golden age to the contemporary, it also carries with it a pastiche/deconstruction of multi-media pop-culture sensibilities, and the odd breaking of the fourth wall.

Just under 2 years ago, Nat Karmichael at COMICOZ – lamenting the fact that Australia had no nationally-released comic magazine, available to people everywhere, that Australian artists and cartoonists could contribute to and be paid to see their work published – decided to do something about this. He began by publishing an Australian comic magazine that was available in newsagents around the country. Maybe you have heard about it. It’s quite likely you haven’t.

The publication is called Oi Oi Oi! Its further intention? To regularly publish a national comic anthology available on Australian newsstands, telling Australian stories to and for all Australians. To date, 6 issues have been published on a quarterly basis and featured the work of almost 40 different Australian artists and cartoonists. #1 won a Golden Stapler Award for ‘Best Collaborative Zine’ in 2014, and #4 was nominated for the same award in 2015. The second issue was short-listed for a prestigious Ledger Award ‘for excellence in Australian comics’ in early 2015.

Which brings us up to date, and #7 – which is set to be rolled out at the end of January, 2016, introducing a brand new superhero story arc titled Magpie, by the award-winning writer/artist team of Andrez Bergen and Frantz Kantor. #7 also features Seven by Alisha Jade, Preston Peace by Jeremy Staples (words) and Dillon Naylor (art); Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (words) and Frank Candiloro (art), with Rene Pfitzner‘s brilliant Goblins at College rounding off the issue.

OVERSEAS FANS! You are welcome to subscribe: it’s A$60 for 4 issues, and – for a limited time only, while stocks last – you will get the FREE Special Nostalgia Issue. Subscriptions begin with the current issue on sale on Australian newsstands.

Find our more about COMICOZ AUSTRALIA

on their website http://www.comicoz.com

 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ANDREZ BERGEN’s WORK

FROM IF? COMMIX VIA THEIR SITE:

iffybizness.weebly.com

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