Monthly Archives: October 2017

Godzilla in Hell

31 Tuesday Oct 2017

Posted by in All, IDW Publishing

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Godzilla in Hell TPB Review

Review by Paul Bowler

Over the many decades of city levelling battles and victories against untold monstrous adversaries, Godzilla now faces his greatest challenge of all in this mammoth 120 page Trade Paper Back edition which collects the epic five-issue miniseries: Godzilla in Hell! Godzilla’s voyage will see him encounter some of the most deadly creatures of all as he confronts the heinous tortures and machinations of hell, facing impossible odds and unimaginable horrors to prove that his is the King of the Monsters, on Earth, and in Hell!!

Plunged into the darkest depths of Hell without warning, Godzilla must now traverse the deepest levels of this infernal realm, where the secret of Godzilla’s damnation awaits, get ready for the most extraordinary story of all time as Godzilla embarks on this twisted odyssey through the very bowels of Hell itself…

Just as each issue of this miniseries saw Godzilla entering a new level of the underworld to fight the impossible horrors of Hell, each issue in the series also had its own distinct style and tone. Godzilla in Hell and its rotating creative team of exceptional talent have brought Godzilla’s tumultuous adventure though Hell to life in spectacular fashion for this IDW miniseries, starting with the writer and artist James Stokoe (issue #1), returning to the character here for the first time here since his landmark miniseries, Godzilla: The Half Century War. Each issue of this five-part series also went on to featured a number of familiar names, including writer and artists Bob Eggleton (issue #2) and David Wachter on issue #5 (Wachter worked on the apocalyptic Godzilla: Cataclysm), Of the new writers to Godzilla, there’s Ulises Farinas and Erick Freitas on issue #3, with art by Buster Moody, and Brandon Seifert handles issue #4 with art by Ibrahim Moustafa.

Each new level of Hell that Godzilla reaches brings with it even more dangerous encounters and revelations: from the breathtaking initial free-fall into Hell, Godzilla must venture though incredible settings, facing devilish atrocities, travelling across craggy landscapes were ancient cities claw at the feted sky, past realms of fie and ice, though shipwrecked wastelands, and unfathomable ocean depths. As demonic incarnations of his greatest foes prepare to mount their attack, clues to what brought Godzilla to Hell spells for an uncanny rematch, with titanic battles on a grand scale, where a wall of living flesh, Destoroyah, King Ghidorah, and an unstoppable force must be vanquished if Godzilla is ever to find a way back to the living world.

The team of writers and artists on this book have done some truly astounding work on this miniseries. Indeed, the various writing and artistic styles make this unique take on the Godzilla franchise seem even more exciting and powerful, as Godzilla reaches each new area of Hell, the shift in tone and style gives us a real sensation of progress though the story, the sheer creativity and inventiveness is astonishing. The narrative pace of Godzilla in Hell is perhaps stronger in some issue than others, but the brilliant premise, together with stunning visuals and incredible action more than compensate for any minor quibbles.

Godzilla in Hell is a fabulous trade paperback collection. Godzilla fans are sure to enjoy this stunning series, in what is perhaps one of the most impressive and unusual Godzilla stories ever told. Add to this the added bonus here of a truly amazing cover galley, along with as the extra sketches and inspirations that made this series a reality, and you will be captivated by this saga which has been brought to you by some of the most talented writers and artist of our time. Godzilla in Hell presents Godzilla with a threat unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, it’s a worthy addition to any comic collection, and highly recommended!

Publisher: IDW

Writers & Artists

James Stoke / Bob Eggleton / Ulises Farinas / Erick Freitas / Buster Moody

Brandon Seifert / Ibrahim Moustafa

Invincible Iron Man #593 Review

18 Wednesday Oct 2017

Posted by in All, Marvel Comics

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Invincible Iron Man #593

Review by Paul Bowler

A startling new era for Marvel’s armored Avenger begins in Invincible Iron Man #593 as Marvel Legacy gets under way. The comatose body of Tony Stark has vanished! Now it falls to Stark’s friends and foes, those who have overseen his business interests and assumed the mantel of Iron Man since his battle with Captain Marvel during Civil War II left Tony in a medically unexplainable coma, to finally decide who will succeed him as the Invincible Iron Man!

Well, now that we’ve got all the hoo-ha with Secret Empire out of the way, Marvel can concentrate on getting things back on track with Legacy. To be honest, this is bit of a quirky issue of Invincible Iron Man, there is a sense of getting back to basics and core elements of the character, which I guess is what Legacy is meant to be all about, and the return to the series’ original numbering – along with a great cover by Adi Granov – gives you a real sense that you are witnessing the start of something with great potential here.

The issue is positively bursting with insightful character moments and exposition, and writer Brian Michael Bendis keeps Invincible Iron Man #593 on an even keel as he skilfully juggles the numerous plot threads. Tony’s AI, Friday is every present throughout, quickly brining us up to speed with current events: with Tony’s condition in stasis at a Stark Facility, Riri Williams role as Iron heart (whose Armor is run by an AI downloaded from Stark’s consciousness), and Victor Von Doom’s self-proclaimed path to redemption as the Infamous Iron Man.

The Star Expo that opens the issue, overseen by Stark’s Mother, Amanda, and Mary Jane Watson, is a poignant affair tinged with both sadness and hope; despite the dour board of directors resolve to spoil the party. Throw in the mystery of Tony Stark’s body going missing and a tense face-off between the Thing and Victor Von Doom after an incident at Riker’s Island, and you have an issue that poses as many questions as it does answers.

Featuring the work of artists Stefano Caselli and Alex Maleey, with Color Artists Marte Gracia and Alex Maleev, Invincible Iron Man #593 ticks all the boxes visually and stylistically, and the transition between artists and color artists doesn’t impede the overall enjoymenty of reading the issue. The panel layouts are straightforward, nothing fancy, the characters and location are well realized, and there’s a nice jaunt around the Marvel Universe as everyone concerned ponders who ya gonna call when Tony Stark goes missing!?! Although there’s probably enough story in this issue for a couple of issues, for me though, the standout scene was between Victor and The Thing, where some especially scathing home truths are finally aired – and about time too!

Ok, now I’m a big fan of Iron Man / Tony Stark. However, I wasn’t impressed with his fate at the end of Civil War II, Riri Williams was ok as Ironheart, but I didn’t really warm to Doom being the Infamous Iron Man that much, and having skipped Secret Empire completely I’m hoping that The Search For Tony Stark Part 1 sets things up for Tony’s return as the one, true, Iron Man. The question is, is that what’s happening here in this issue?

That’s something this issues surprise ending will certainly leave us guessing about for now. While the story is adequate enough, I was hoping the art would be a bit more spectacular, but it’s still a fairly good issue for fans and newcomers alike. Suffice to say; if Marvel Legacy is all about getting back to the core mechanics, ethos, and distinctive look of Marvel’s most iconic characters, then Invincible Iron Man #593 is definitely a step in the right direction.

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Artist: Stefano Caselli & Alex Maleev

Color Artists: Marte Gracia & Alex Maleev / Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowls

Cover: Adi Granov

Marvel’s New Black Panther Trailer is Here!

16 Monday Oct 2017

Posted by in All, Trailers & Posters

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Marvel’s New Black Panther Trailer is Here!

Check out the awesome new trailer for Marvel’s Black Panther!

Really looking forward to this movie!

And there’s a new poster as well!

In theaters February 16! 2018.

Ragman #1 Review

11 Wednesday Oct 2017

Posted by in All, DC Comics

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Ragman #1

Review by Paul Bowler

A hero is forged from adversity in Ragman #1 as war vet Rory Regan struggles to come to terms with his past, and embarks on a mission to confront a sinister new evil rising in Gotham City as the mysterious supernatural vigilante – Ragman! This new DC Comics Ragman mini-series by writer Ray Fakes (Constantine, Gotham By Midnight) charts a bold new reimagining of Ragman’s origin, the Jewish hero whose mystical suit of rags gives him power from the souls it has bound and drained. Fawkes is joined by artist Inaki Miranda and colorist Eva De La Cruz, in brining us this new vision of Ragman, and the series will feature covers by Guillem March.

Ragman originally debuted in 1976, and was created by DC Legends Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. The series was short lived but Ragman’s gritty urban setting, along with his uncanny blend of magic and mystery, has always made this champion of the downtrodden a compelling character, and he’s remained a distinct figure in the DC Universes otherworldly pantheon of characters ever since – albeit often as a guest star. This new Ragman mini-series is the first comic book series to feature Ragman in a major role since 2010’s Ragman Suit of Souls one-shot. The character also appeared in Season 5 of CW’s Arrow TV series, played by Joe Dinicol.

In a nutshell Ragman #1 finds war veteran Rory Regan still haunted by the death of his team-mates after their mission to locate a treasure in the Israeli desert gores disastrously wrong. Now back in Gotham and consumed with survivors guilt, Rory’s ongoing struggle with PTSD leads him to discover that he inadvertently brought the treasure back with him – a rag-tad suit of souls that has the ability to collects the souls of others – and it will change his life forever!

Seeing inhuman things in people’s eyes wherever he goes, events drive Rory towards his eventual transformation into Ragman, and it only then when things start to become clear to him. Together with the disembodied help of his dead team-mate, Rory learns more about the suit of rags, and its strange powers. But a dark evil is building in Gotham City. A demonic force wants the Suit of Souls, soon it will unleash its minions on those he loves most, and Rory must quickly master his new abilities as Ragman to save Gotham from this hellish threat …

Ray Fawkes does a great job in establishing the character of Ragman and keeping the plot moving along at a fast pace, whilst not getting too bogged down in exposition, as he skilfully brings the multifaceted aspects and interpretations of the character together for this new take on Ragman’s mythology. With flashbacks resonating powerfully throughout the narrative as Rory attempts to piece his life back together in present day Gotham, Rory’s struggle with PTSD, his close bond with his father, and the eventual realization of how he became Ragman all splice together with a hauntingly dream-like quality. Fawkes emotionally charged script remains eminently respectful to the character – as well as offering an entirely fresh perspective – and the results is an edgy, mystically tinged, adventure that proves to be as intriguing as it is exhilarating.

The brooding, sombre look of this Ragman series is effectively defined by artist Inaki Miranda and colorist Eva De La Cruz, with boldly stylised page layouts that stylishly reflect the beats of the story. Inaki Miranda packs in a tremendous amount of detail on every page. The characters and expressions are well defined; nerve jangling angles permeate the flashbacks, while the quieter moments as Rory deals with his PTSD sublimely punctuate the narrative. Rory’s father has always been an integral part of the Ragman mythos, and the scenes between Rory and his dad in the Rags N Tatters shop is one of this issue stand out emotional moments. Ragman’s appearance has also been suitably updated, and the character looks even more wild and dramatic than ever as his suit of souls evolves and flow with the strength of Rory’s inner demons. Eva De La Cruz’s utilizes a vivid palette of color throughout, enriching the brooding darkness and accentuating emotions with subtle shifts in tone, contrasting it with a striking Gotham skyline awash with rich urban hues, and building the ominous drama of the cliff-hanger with a spirited fission of color and shadow.

Ragman #1 ushers in an exciting new era for long-time fans of Ragman and offers a great introduction to the character for newcomers as well. Stylishly written by Ray Fawkes, with great art by Inaki Miranda, glorious colors by Eva De La Cruz, and with a stunning cover by Guillem March, Ragman #1 is a reboot that captivates your imagination as it enwraps you in its dark world. It may only be a mini-series, but on the strength of this issue, I certainly hope Ragman becomes a more permanent feature in DC’s Rebirth continuity in the future.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Ray Fawkes / Art : Inaki Miranda / Colorist: Eva De La Cruz

Letterer: Josh Reed / Cover: Guillem March

New Star Wars The Last Jedi Trailer!

10 Tuesday Oct 2017

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New STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI Trailer!

Check out the new trailer for STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, it look amazing! Star Wars Episode VIII THE LAST JEDI is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski.

Star Wars The Last Jedi Official Trailer!

Its brilliant trailer, great to more of the new Star Wars movie, what do you all think of the trailer?

And there’s a new poster as well!

STAR WARS EPISODE VIII THE LAST JEDI is scheduled for release December 15,

 

NY Comic-Con Official Trailer: THE X-FILES Season 11

08 Sunday Oct 2017

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NY Comic-Con Official Trailer: THE X-FILES Season 11

Check out the NY CC trailer for the new series of The X-Files!

The NY Comic-Con Official Trailer: THE X-FILES Season 11

The all-new 10-episode installment once again will be executive-produced by creator Chris Carter, with stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson returning in their roles as iconic FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. The event series will air during the2017-2018season. THE X-FILES originally premiered in September 1993. Over the course of its nine-season run, the influential series went from breakout sci-fi favorite to massive global hit, and became one of the most successful television dramas of all time. The show, which earned 16 Emmy Awards, five Golden Globes and a Peabody Award, follows FBI special agents Scully and Mulder, as they investigate unexplained cases – “X-Files”

Produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Ten Thirteen Productions, THE X-FILES is created and executive-produced by Chris Carter.

The Truth is still out There! Can’t wait for the new episodes in 2018!

 

New Justice League Trailer!

08 Sunday Oct 2017

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New Justice League trailer!

Warner Bros have released the new Justice League Official Heroes Trailer!

In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) selfless act, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes — Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash — it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions!

Justice League is directed by Zack Snyder, from a screenplay by Chris Terrio, based on a story by Snyder and Terrio, Justice League stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Ciarán Hinds, Amy Adams, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons.

Justice League opens in theaters on November 17, 2017.

Old Man Logan #29 Review

04 Wednesday Oct 2017

Posted by in All, Marvel Comics

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Old Man Logan #29

Review by Paul Bowler

The Maestro’s plan is all set to unleash Armageddon in Old Man Logan #29, as the Hulk gang take to the skies to deploy the stolen nuclear weapons across the continents of the world. In his resolve to prevent his own dark future, Logan’s haphazard timelines converge as he teams up with Clint Barton and Cambria. But with time running out a showdown between Logan and the Maestro in Yurkon territory, Canada awaits…

In this issue of Marvel Comics Old Man Logan from writer Ed Brisson, artist Mike Deodato JR, and colorist Frank Martin, Logan and his unlikely allies embark on a desperate course of action to stop the Maestro’s terrifying scheme to wipe out humanity and transform the world into a nuclear paradise Hulks, but will they be in time?

The penultimate chapter of Days of Anger gets under way with an interlude reflecting on Cambria’s recollections of future events in the Wastelands. This sombre opening from Cambria’s viewpoint affords us a greater insight into how the Maestro (an alternative universe version of Banner) gathered the devastated survivors of this dimensions brutal Hulk gangs Banner descendants together, before brining them to this universe and timeline, and gives added clarity to her reasons for defecting from the Hulk gang to help Logan and Hawkeye. Having tracked the Hulk gang across Canada, the dye is now cast, and in an uncanny twist writer Ed Brisson focuses on the major payers in this saga as they each gradually realise with chilling certainty that all of the Logan’s and Banner’s they’d known have been dealt their fateful demise because of them…

Once again, the superb artwork by Mike Deodato and tallents of colorist Frank Martin makes every heart-stopping moment of Old Man Logan #29 leap from the page. From the barren landscape of the Wastelands, to the earth shattering arrival of the nuke packing members of the Hulk gang at various location around the world, powerful character beats resonate with expressions that often deliver far more than mere words can say, and the bloody, violent, bone crunching face off with the Maestro is all beautifully relayed via Deodato’s trademark open-framed page layouts.

With a nuclear Hulkagedon looming, contingencies plans on both sides become apparent as this issue races towards its blood soaked cliff-hanger, and one crucial unseen factor could well decide everyone’s fate! This series is quite simply one of Marvel Comics best titles right now. Days of Anger has built on events gradually, but the confrontation here between Logan and the Maestro has certainly been worth the wait! Old Man Logan #29 is another brilliant issue, Ed Brisson seamlessly brings all the plot threads together, while Mike Deodato’s art and Frank Martin’s colors place us right in the heart of the action, and everything is now in place for what is sure to be this arcs thrilling conclusion!

Publisher Marvel Comics

Writer: Ed Brisson / Art Mike: Deodato JR / Colorist: Frank Martin

Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit  / Cover: Mike Deodato JR & Frank Martin