Godzilla: World of Monsters Review

Tags

Godzilla, Godzilla Cataclysm, Godzilla Gangsters & Goliaths, Godzilla Oblivion, Godzilla World of Monsters, IDW, IDW Publishing

Godzilla: World of Monsters

Review by Paul Bowler

IDW’s Godzilla: World of Monsters features some of the King of the Monsters greatest sagas in one massive 335 page volume that collects the three Godzilla graphic novels: Gangsters & Goliaths by John Layman and Alberto Ponticelli, Cataclysm by Cullen Bunn and Dave Wachter and Oblivion by Joshua Fialkov and Brian Churilla. 

This trade collection begins with Godzilla: Gangsters and Goliaths by superstar creators John Layman (Chew) and Alberto Ponticelli (Unknown Soldier). This outstanding tale is  perhaps as bizarre as it is ingeniously inventive, when Godzilla ends up classing head on with the Tokyo criminal Yakuza underworld after Detective Makoto Sato embarks on the quest to take down a notorious crime syndicate. Sato’s mission unfortunately earns him a tropical getaway to Monster Island. Here he must fight for survival against gangsters and goliaths – whilst ensiling the help of some very unusual friends along the way. Gangsters & Goliaths is a quirky and exciting spin on the usual Godzilla tropes, with a great story by John Layman, and stylish art from Alberto Ponticelli.

Next up we have Godzilla: Cataclysm by Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun) and Dave Wachter (The Guns of Shadow Valley). Bunn’s ominous Godzilla story takes place many years after a terrifying monster apocalypse that virtually wiped out all of mankind. Now that disaster is only a nightmarish memory for Hiroshi, the elder of one of the few surviving human tribes. But the apocalypse isn’t over yet, far from it, and Hiroshi’s memories of the past may end up being the only hope of saving the future of mankind. This grim tale makes for compelling reading, and the impressive artwork by Dave Wachter depicts the apocalyptic world and monster in action in vivid detail.

Godzilla: Oblivion, written by Joshua Fialkov Doctor Who, I Vampire), with art by Brian Churilla (Big Trouble in Little China), rounds off this Godzilla collection with an adventure set on an Earth where there are no monsters, until a scientist builds a machine that creates a portal to another dimension leading to an Earth-like world where monster rule and Godzilla is the mightiest of them all. When a team embarks on a voyage to explore this alternate reality, they discover what happened to that world, and their frantic return to their own Earth risks brining something very nasty back with them. Oblivion has a unique Sci-Fi unique twist in the story, although the art is a bit variable at times, and lacking in finer detail. Minor quibbles aside, Oblivion remains a fun and action packed Godzilla adventure. 

Godzilla: World of Monsters showcases some of the best collections from IDW Publishing’s extensive Godzilla comics.  This trade paper back features Godzilla at his best, reigning supreme no matter what world or timeline we find him in, and this excellent trilogy of epic tales has something for every  Godzilla fan to enjoy.

Publisher IDW Publishing

Writers John Layman, Cullen Bunn, Joshua Fialkow

Artists  Alberto Ponticelli, Dave Wachter, Brian Churilla.

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice #1 Review

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David Tipton, DS9, Greg Scott, IDW, IDW Publishing, Odo, Scott Tipton, Star Trek, Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice #1, Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice #1 Review, Star Trek DS9

Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Terror strikes the Promenade in Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice #1 leading Constable Odo to investigate a web of mystery and deceit across the station. As the crew of DS9 try to establish the cause of the explosion, Odo uncovers a wealth of suspects and motives to look into, and it quickly become apparent nothing is quite as clear cut as it first seemed…

Stalwart Star Trek writers Scott Tipton and David Tipton brings us the first Deep Space Nine comic book series in a decade, with this new four-part Star Trek series from IDW Publishing. Set against the backdrop of the darkest days of the Dominion War, the issue opens with Garak and Bashir taking one of their frequent lunches on the Promenade, but their meal is cut short when an explosion rips through the eatery. Garak saves Bashir, but casualties are high, and Odo’s brief interview with the owner who survived the blast soon finds the finger of blame pointed squarely at her rival – Quark!

Scott Tipton and David Tipton always manage to capture the tone of the Star Trek series and the character they are writing about perfectly. Indeed, they’ve done a fantastic job here in brining this slightly shadier corner of the Star Trek universe and the world of DS9 and her crew to life in the most sublime way imaginable. Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice #1 immerses you in an intriguing tale of lies and vengeance, one where everyone seems to have a motive for murder, revenge, or just plain old greed.

Greg Scott’s distinctive, noir style artwork is well suited to the sombre, brooding atmosphere of this storyline. Page layouts are unfussy, concise and focus tightly on characters and their interactions, and all the main cast of DS9 are well represented throughout. Scott ensures scenes also reflect the essence of this Star Trek series extremely well, with colorist Felipe Sobreiro using a muted pallet of deep tones and hues to great effect to punctuate the action with subtle flourishes as Odo’s investigation progresses.

Constable Odo must find out if the attack could be terrorism, politically motivated, revenge, or just a case of someone trying to get rid of the competition. A terse exchange with a fellow cremate and vigilantism brewing in the air certainly doesn’t help matters either for Odo’s investigation as the spotlight of suspicion falls on a usual suspect to provide an intriguing cliffhanger to the issue.

So, if like me, you are a big fan of DS9’s somewhat darker, edgier tone, you are going to find a lot to enjoy here with this new series from IDW. With its gripping story by Scott Tipton and David Tipton and moody artwork by Greg Scott, Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice #1 is great issue and a welcome comic book return for the crew of the space station on the edge of the final frontier.

Publisher: IDW

Writers: Scott Tipton & David Tipton / Artist: Greg Scott

Colorist: Felipe Sobreiro / Letterer: Neil Uyetake

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

 

Transformers Vs Terminator #1 Review

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Alex Milne, Dark Horse Comics, David Mariotte, IDW Publishing, John Barber, Megatron, Optimus Prime, Sarah Conner, Starscream, T-800, Terminator, Tom Waltz, Transformers, Transformers Vs Terminator, Transformers Vs Terminator #1, Transformers Vs Terminator #1 review

Transformers Vs Terminator #1

Review by Paul Bowle

Skynet Vs Cyberton in Transformers Vs Terminator #1, an epic new crossover from IDW Publishing and Dark Horse Comics, where a lone Terminator is sent to 1984 to save Earth from a terrifying future!

This new mini-comic book series sees the Terminator going head to head with the Decepticons, to escape annihilation in the future, and potentially team up with Sarah Conner and the Autobots in the first part of Enemy of my Enemy. The creative writing talents of David Mariotte, Tom Waltz and John Barber have ingeniously spliced established legacies with a time-twisting storyline that effectively turns both franchises on their heads.

From the ravaged future of Los Angeles 2029, its clear Skynet and the Autobots have fallen before the might of the Decepticons. Fortunately Skynet (now the final remnants of the resistance), has managed to locate the last vat grown epidermal T-800 and sent him back in time to 1984. It doesn’t take long for the T-800’s path to cross Sara Conner’s, where the young waitress quickly becomes embroiled in his mission to reach Mount ST. Hilary, and alter future events by terminating the Cybertronians that have crash landed there.

The narrative and pacing were sound enough to make this first issue of Transformers Vs Terminator engaging enough. Some might baulk at the characterisation and depiction of Sarah Conner in this issue though. Her role and purpose may have been deemed irrelevant by Skynet, but there are still glimmers of the powerful warrior she was originally destined to become, and I have a feeling we will still see Sarah Conner become a force to be reckoned with as this mini-series progresses. The T-800 here is a bit of an oddity, he’s coldly logical one moment, and grinning with glee the next. Lots of familiar Easter eggs from the Terminator franchise pepper the narrative too. However, I found the scenes in the future far more engrossing than the somewhat pedestrian plotting as events unfolded in the present, and the issue felt a little disjointed in that respect as a result.

Alex Milne’s artwork is very good, along with the colors by David Garcia Cruz, and there’s some impressively staged sequences that positively leap out at you. Lots of familiar Autobot characters now litter the war torn battlefield of the future, and Skynets last stand in their stronghold against the advancing Decepticons is also brilliantly realised. I would have loved to seen more of the giant T-8000 in action here against the Decepticons, so it was a shame we only got a fleeting glimpse of it lumbering into battle. The Terminators have a mix of the Genisys / Dark Fate design of the T-800 Endoskeleton about them, which also looks really good. Some of the scenes set in 1984 do look a little rough around the edges in places, although I think that’s more to the choices of panel layout here, the rendition of the waitress Sarah Conner is spot on though, and the contrast between the future versions of the Decepticons and the more classic Transformers seen in this issue are also especially striking.

IDW Publishing and Dark Horse Comics uniting to bring their unique takes on the Transformers and Terminator franchises together is a clear no-brainer, in fact it makes you wonder why its taken so long for them to get around to it. I’ve always been a big fan of Dark Horse’s Terminator comics and IDW’s Transformers, so it’s great to finally see them team-up like this. The creative team has a long association with Transformers comics, but they’ve also cleverly incorporated the Terminator saga to weave a story where the T-800 travels back in time to wipe out the Cybertornians before they can jeopardise the future, whilst skilfully splicing the mythos of both properties in the process. Although Transformers Vs Terminator #1 wasn’t quite the mind-blowing start that I’d hoped for with the mini-series, the intriguing premise has me hooked, and if – like me – you are a fan of either franchise you’ll still find plenty to enjoy here as this epic clash between Skynet and Cybertron gets underway!

Publisher: IDW

Story By: David Mariotte, Tom Waltz, John Barber

Written by: David Mariotte and John Barber

Art: Alex Milne, Colors: David Garcia Cruz

Letters & Design: Jake M. Wood, Cover A: Gavin Fullerton

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Judge Dredd Under Siege #1

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2000 AD, Dredd, IDW, IDW Publishing, Judge Dredd, Judge Dredd Under Siege #1, Judge Dredd Under Siege #1 review, Mark Russell, Max Dunbar, Mega City One

Judge Dredd Under Siege #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

All hell breaks loose in Judge Dredd Under Siege #1 when contact with the Patrick Swayze Block is suddenly lost. What initially seems like a routine mission quickly goes awry when Dredd and Judge Beeny’s investigation finds the rundown development has become the first stage in an attack on Mega City One itself!

This dark, satirical new four-part Judge Dredd series from IDW Publishing continues to build on IDW’s successful relationship with Rebellion – the UK publisher of 2000 AD. Judge Dredd Under Siege #1 brings all the familiar hallmarks of the iconic character to the fore as writer Mark Russell (The Flinstones, God is Disappointed in You) and artist Max Dunbar (Gears of War, Micronauts) weave a gritty action-packed storyline barbed with edgy humour.

From its powerful opening scenes there’s no doubting that the Law is indeed everywhere in Mega City One. Following a quick visit to the Grand Hall of Justice this issue quickly gathers pace and sets Dredd on his mission to the Patrick Swayze Block to find Judge Beeny. With the building on lockdown and overrun with mutants, the atmosphere and tension builds steadily as Dredd and Beeny find some unlikely allies. Its ingenious how writer Mark Russell also blends such a pointed social commentary into the script via the sci-fi prism of Mega City One to give us all food for thought, especially how neglect and the breakdown of society has turned the Patrick Swayze Block into a living nightmare for its residents to such a degree the shit has piled up so high – quite literally in fact – that its about to bite everyone in Mega City One on the ass.

Max Dunbar’s artwork, together with the vibrant tones and shades of colorist Jose Luis Rio, complements Ruseel’s tautly structured script perfectly. The seamless, free-flowing page layouts effortlessly conveys the drama and tension, Dunbar’s impressive realization of the exteriors and interiors of Mega City One and the Patrick Swayze Block look as ominous as they are futuristic, and his rendition of Dredd is also powerfully striking. Likewise, the depiction of the waste channel is equally shocking, as are the mutants and their leader Talleyrand, and the fire fights as Dredd and Beeny engage the insurmountable threat they face is also well staged and draws you right into the heart of the action.

The issue throws several curve balls your way as it builds to a thrilling cliff-hanger. Judge Dredd Under Siege #1, with its great story by Mark Russell and artwork by Max Dunbar, delivers on every level. I’ve been really looking forward to this new Judge Dredd series from IDW and I’m happy to saw it exceeded all my expectations, and then some!

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Writer: Mark Russell / Artist: Max Dunbar

Colorist: Jose Luis Rio / Letterer: Simon Bowland

Cover A: Max Dunbar / Cover B: Alan Quah

 

Godzilla in Hell

Tags

Bob Eggleton, Brandon Seifert, Buster Moody, comics, Erick Freitas, Godzilla, Godzilla In Hell, Godzilla In Hell TPB, Halloween, Ibrahim Moustafa, IDW, IDW Godzilla, IDW Publishing, James Stoke, Ulises Farinas

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

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Star Trek Boldly Go #11 Review

Tags

Captain Kirk, IDW Publishing, Klingons, Marissa Louise, Megan Levans, Mike Johnson, Star Trek, Star Trek Beyond, Star Trek Bodly Go, Star Trek Boldly Go #11 Review, Star Trek Boldy Go #11, Starfleet, USS Enterprise

Star Trek Boldly Go #11

Review by Paul Bowler

The new voyages set after the events of Star Trek Beyond continue in Star Trek Boldly Go #11, with the former crew of the Enterprise now either reassigned or forging their own paths in this stellar Star Trek series from IDW Publishing. Now the space pirate Eurydice has returned with a mission for Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Endeavour, one that could expose secrets that will have major implications for the galaxy!

A new chapter in Kirk’s appointment as the temporary Captain of the USS Endeavour gets under way in this issue of Star Trek Boldly Go, along with McCoy, and Sulu, as events flashback to the climatic moments of a fierce battle between the USS Heisenberg and three Klingon warships above the planet Axanar. Captain Garth overcomes the impossible odds and prevents war breaking out. These events go on to become a valuable lesson for new cadets at Starfleet Academy, and subsequently provide the first meeting between Captain Garth and Cadet Kirk.

The first part of this two-part story from the Trek creative team of writer Mike Johnson, artist Megan Levens, and colourist Marissa Louise stylishly builds from the establishing flashbacks as Captain Garth’s fateful mission to Antos IV entwines with the Kirk’s current assignment on the Endeavour in the present. With Kirk’s log entry initially driving the narrative, writer Mike Johnson gives us a real sense of how the Endeavour’s crew have knitted together following the events at Bable, focusing on key characters via the day-to-day running of the ship, and we are left in no doubt that Captain Kirk will miss this crew when his time as interim Captain is over. However, the calm is soon shattered when the Endeavour encounters Thalia, daughter of the feathered space pirate Eurydice, who asks Kirk to help her find her mother who has recently gone missing.

Featuring impressive artwork by Megan Levens, this issue of Star Trek Boldly Go cleverly balances past and present events. Megan Levens clear and concise style effectively relays the action whilst perfectly emulating the clean lines and glossy look of the new film series, characters are reasonably well realized, and the scenes featuring the starship vessels are also dramatically presented – especially the opening battle between the Heisenberg and the Klingons. The colors by Marissa Louise bring added clarity to each scene; with bold tones and delicate hues seamlessly blending together to nicely complement Megan Levans art.

Returning to Antos IV with Thalia, Kirk is quickly on the trail of Eurydice, and it soon becomes apparent that everything is not quite as it seems… Boasting an eye-catching cover featuring the Enterprise by George Caltsoudas, Star Trek Boldly Go #11, with its character driven storyline by Mike Johnson and great art by Megan Levens, is another excellent issue in this IDW Star Trek series.

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Writer: Mike Johnson / Art: Megan Levens / Colors: Marissa Louise

Letters: Andworld Design / Regular Cover: George Caltsoundas

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The X-Files #17 Review

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Chris Carter, comics, Dana Scully, Fox Mulder, Greg Scott, IDW Publishing, Joe Harris, Menton 3, Mulder, Scully, The Cigarette Smoking Man, The truth is out there, The X-Files, The X-Files #17, The X-Files #17 review, UFO

The X-Files #17

Review by Paul Bowler

Everything comes to a head in The X-Files #17 as the pieces of the epic conspiracy FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully have faced begin to fall into place. This case has already tested Mulder and Scully to breaking point in their relentless pursuit of the Truth, and now dark forces have infiltrated the highest levels of government…

The X-Files #17 not only concludes the four part Resistance story-arc by the series’ fabulous creative team of Joe Harris, Matthew Dow Smith, and Jordie Bellaire, it also marks the end of IDW Publishing’s thrilling ongoing X-Files comic book series executive produced by the X-Files creator Chris Carter.

Kicking off with one of Menton 3’s gloriously striking covers; an epic season finale feel permeates every aspect of this issue of The X-Files. From here writer Joe Harris quickly builds the tense, brooding atmosphere that’s become so indicative of this story-arc as military forces in the Sea of Japan experience uncanny systems failures east of North Korea, before the scene shifts to Alexandria, Virginia, where Mulder finds Scully. However, recent events have caused them both to question each others judgement, and the fallout from last issues explosive cliff-hanger inevitably leads to some pretty heated exchanges between them!

Harris has deftly woven the X-Files mythology together with pertinent and contemporary issues over the course of the Resistance storyline, and this issues subtexts of the unpredictable nature of a new administration and rising tensions between the Pentagon and North Korea proved an extremely timely backdrop for Mulder and Scully’s quest for the truth. The schism between the Old Ones and the Black Site is also clarified as events bring Mulder, Scully, and Director Skinner to a secret facility where the fate of the mysterious Firas Ben-Brahim and the full scale of the conspiracy with alien forces collide with startling results.

Matthew Dow Smith’s excellent artwork, as always, superbly recreates the look and tone of the TV series. The finer nuances of Joe Harris’ script are also brilliantly realized, Dow Smith’s art captures that unique chemistry between Mulder and Scully perfectly, and together with Skinner as well in this issue we are treated to some truly fantastic scenes between them. The panel layouts are stylish in their simplicity and give a nice flow to the narrative. The colors by Jordie Bellaire infuse every scene with subtle shades and rich tones, with dusky greys and vivid greens in particular all beautifully accentuating the shadowy settings in this issue. From the scene setting opening on the Sea of Japan, to Mulder and Scully’s visit to Peters Mountain, and the spectacular extraterrestrial tinged finale this issue looks every bit at impressive as the powerful story it conveys.

Although I’m sad IDW’s X-Files ongoing series is finishing, as they say, all good things must come to an end… The creative team of Joe Harris, Matthew Dow Smith, and Jordie Bellaire have collectively done some truly outstanding work on the X-Files comics over the last three and a half years, their contribution to the legacy of the X-Files has been unparalleled, and will always be held in high regard. I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing many issues of The X-Files and I’m genuinely going to miss this IDW series. The X-Files #17 may close the comic book files on UFO‘s, the unexplained, and the paranormal for now but its not the end of The X-Files at IDW Publishing, and just like the spookiest of X-Files TV episodes Harris, Smith, and Bellaire leave us wanting more and sure in the knowledge that the Truth is still out there…

Publisher IDW

Writer: Joe Harris / Art: Matthew Dow Smith / Colors: Jordie Bellaire

Letterer: Christa Miensner / Cover: Menton 3

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Transformers Lost Light #8 Review

Tags

Anode, Autobots, comics, Cybertron, Cyberutopia, Decepticons, IDW Publishing, James Robers, Joana Lafuente, Lug, Megatron, Nautica, Optimus Prime, Priscilla Tramontano, Rodimus Prime, Tom B. Long, Transformers, Transformers Lost Light, Transformers Lost Light #8, Transformers Lost Light #8 review, Velocity

Transformers Lost Light #8

Review by Paul Bowler

The search continues in Transformers Lost Light #8 following their adventure in the parallel Functionist universe, which culminated with Megatron becoming separated from his crewmates, and Rodiums and Co departing from Necroworld. He’s found some new friends along the way too, including Anode, a blacksmith skilled in facilitating the Cybertronian birthing process, and her trusty sidekick, Lug. Now a trip to the lost property hub of the universe begins a new and ever eventful chapter in the Transformers saga as their quest to uncover the secrets of the Knights of Cybertron brings Nautica, Velocity, Anode, and Lug to the Howling Town…

From the opening flashback to Caminus, one thing that strikes you about this new issue of IDW Publishing’s Transformers Lost Light, is just how well it caters for both long-term Transformers fans and new readers. This skilfully crafted new story-arc by writer James Roberts quickly immerses us in events. Rodimus has dropped Nautica, Velocity, Anode, and Lug off on the planet Troja Major, a bustling intergalactic market-place where they hope to find a replacement map to Cyberutopia. Not everything is quite as Lug remembers it though, and it transpires Troja Major has been rebranded as the bereavement capitol of the galaxy.

While Nautica and Velocity lean some startling facts about clans of the Knights of Cybertron in a Museum of curios, Anode and Lug investigate a strange compound where they discover newly formed Transformers with some rather disturbing alt modes! This is Transformers at its very best. Roberts deftly brings all the strands of the plot together, it’s all deeply engaging and fascinating stuff, and the way that the Transformer characters different personalities all spark off each other as they bungle through their adventures is a joy to behold.

Similarly, the artwork by Priscilla Tramontano proves a delightful complement to James Roberts intricate scripting. The subtleties of the open and overlapping panel layouts effortlessly guide you through events as they unfold, each seamlessly flowing into the next, brooding revelations and frenetic action peppers the narrative at key intervals, and the level of detail Priscilla Tramontano crams into each panel is astonishing – especially in the market place and the museum. The colors by Joana Lafuente are rich and vibrant throughout, with bright shades and bold hues accentuating the finer nuances of Tramontano’s art beautifully, and the Transformers and their surroundings look even more impressive as a result

After a run in with a strange race of creatures packing some serious firepower, Anode and Lug bump into Wipe-Out and take refuge in a local bar where they compare notes, share intriguing new viewpoints, and settle their nerves with a swig or two of Engx. It seems someone has been hunting Blacksmiths, organics are in league with the Black Block Consortia in the middle of a turf war, but why do they need Blacksmiths? Whatever the Consortia’s reason might be, as this issue of Transformers Lost Light draws to a close, it looks like Anode and her friends will soon find out!

Bursting with exposition diligently lettered by Tom B Long, Transformers Lost Light #8 commands your full attention, and it does so with ease as the series continues to build on the rich legacy of insightful characterization and multi-faceted storylines of its illustrious forerunner – Transformers More Than Meets The Eye – with this issues terrific story by James Roberts and stunning art by Priscilla Tramontano. IDW is constantly knocking it out the park with their Transformers titles, Lost Light is another fine addition to the Cybertronian’s mythos, and Transformers Lost Light #8 is one of the most compelling and fun issues so far.

Publisher: IDW

Writer: James Roberts / Art: Priscilla Tramontano

Colors: Joana Lafuente / Letters: Tomb B Long

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Star Trek The Next Generation Mirror Broken #1 Review

Tags

Captain Picard, Cardassians, comics, Dave Tipton, DS9, IDW, IDW Publishing, JK Woodward, Klingons, Scott Tipton, Star Trek, Star Trek Mirror Universe, Star Trek The Next Generation Mirror Broken, Star Trek The Next Generation Mirror Broken #1, Star Trek The Next Generation Mirror Broken #1 Review, Star Trek TNG Mirror Broken #1, The Enterprise

Star Trek The Next Generation Mirror Broken #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Get ready to boldly return to the Mirror Universe in Star Trek The Next Generation Mirror Broken #1 as Captain Jean-Luc Picard resolves to seize command of the Empire’s deadliest new warship, the ISS Enterprise! It is a quest fraught with deception, intrigue, and murder – with allies and enemies vying for power at every turn. Picard aims to use the Enterprise to restore the Empire to its former glory, the challenge he faces is immense, but fortunately he has a cut-throat crew on his side that will do whatever it takes to succeed!

IDW Publishing’s new six part Star Trek: The Next Generation Mirror Broken mini-series, written by David Tipton and Scott Tipton, and illustrated by J.K. Woodward, kicks off in fine style with this exciting first issue. The Tipton brothers are a winning team when it comes to writing Star Trek, having already brought us many popular Star Trek comic books, including the Star Trek / Planet of the Apes: The Primate Directive crossover series and the FCBD Star Trek TNG Mirror Broken special (which was also the prequel to this mini-series).

The Tipton’s take on the Mirror Universe is a fascinating and insightful one, particularly as their was never a TV episode featuring the STTNG crew in this alternative dimensional pane. Star Trek TNG: Mirror Broken shows how the aftermath of the STTOS crews’ adventure in the episode Mirror Mirror (1967) that led to that universes Spock’s more logical and tolerant rule over the Terran Empire, was ultimately overrun during the Klingon / Cardassian alliance that was eventually forged during the TNG / DS9 era. With most of its fleet in ruins, the balance of power in Alpha Quadrant has shifted, and the Terran Empire has been driven back to Earth.

Captain Picard and the crew of the ISS Stargazer are among the few remaining starships of the fleet left defending the Empire. Following a run in with a Cardassian vessel, the Stargazer visits the Mars shipyards of Utopia Planitia, where Captain Picard learns about a new warship that’s secretly being constructed for the Empire, and it’s a ship that could shift the balance of power in his favour!

Star Trek TNG Mirror Broken presents us with a sleeveless, pumped up, and ruthlessly ambitious Captain Picard. Even the familiar Picard phrases have a far more sinister, edgier, inflection to them. Picard has been playing the long game, and it looks like the Captain’s steely patience is about to pay off. We also meet some of the other TNG crewmembers in this issue, including the alluring Inquisitor Troy, the efficient Commander Data is ever present with his seemingly stoic penchant for Borg-like perfection and adaptations, there’s a decidedly cunning version of Barclay as well, and the downtrodden La Forge seems equally as cunning as Picard.

Well known for Fallen Angel, longtime Star Trek artist, J.K. Woodward’s art is a perfect choice to illustrate IDW’s STTNG Mirror Broken and realize a darker version of the Next Generation crew in the grittier reality of the Mirror Universe. From the scene setting opening flashback, to the brooding introduction of Picard, J.K. Woodward’s stellar artwork instantly transports you right into the heart of this Mirror Universe saga. The likenesses of all the characters are stunningly realized, the bridge of the Stargazer feels alive with activity during the fight with the Cardassians, and the scenes with La Forge, Picard, and Data on Mars crackle with suspense.

As this year is the 30^th anniversary of Star Trek The Next Generation, it makes this Mirror Universe comic book epic all the more exciting, and its great to see these Mirror Universe versions of Picard and Co reunited for this daring escapade to take the Enterprise for themselves and make the Terran Empire great again. Star Trek The Next Generation: Mirror Broken #1, with its intricately crafted storyline by David Tipton and Scott Tipton, and stunning art by J.K. Woodward, certainly gets this IDW mini-series off to a terrific start, and a must read for all Trek fans this new comic book day. Make it so!

Publisher IDW Publishing

Writers David Tipton & Scott Tipton / Art and colors by J.K. Woodward

Letters AndWorld Design / Cover by J.K. Woodward

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ROM #8 Review

Tags

Alessandra Alexakis, Chris Ryall, Christos Gage, comics, David Messina, Dire Wraith D’rge, Dire Wraiths, IDW Publishing, IDW Revolution, IDW ROM, J. H. Williams, Michele Pasta, Paolo Villanell, REVOLOUTIONARIES, REVOLUTION, Rom, ROM #8, ROM #8 review, Rom The Spaceknight

ROM #8

Review by Paul Bowler

The Space Knight faces a new challenge in ROM #8 as his mission to rid the Earth of the Dire Wraiths following the arrival of two of his fellow warriors from the Solstar Order, Livia, and Orphion, who not only have links to ROM’s past, but have travelled to Earth to stop the Dire Wraiths at all costs – even if that price is the destruction of Earth!

IDW Publishing’s new ROM series continues to go from strength to strength in ROM #8, with plot and script by Chris Ryall and Christos Gage, pencils and Inks by Paolo Villanell, and colors by Alessandra Alexakis. Following ROM’s initial skirmish with Orphion and Livia, Police Officer Camilla Byers was finally cured of the Wraith influence consuming her body (her infected arm was blown off during the battle), ROM’s attempts to reason with his Space Knight brethren only compounds their differences further during a run in with two rogue G.I. Joe operatives, and the Dire Wraiths begin to hatch even darker schemes to vanquish the Solstar Knights.

ROM #8 sees ROM and Livia racing to intercept Orphion as he launched an attack on a drilling platform controlled by the Wraiths. Chris Ryall and Christos Gage continue to explore the bond between thee Space Knight characters as the issue. It seems ROM has deviated from their orders strict adherence to the Solstar Code, something which Orphion, his uncompromising superior officer has been sent to investigate, together with Livia, ROM’s childhood friend and former lover, but she Orhion’s Space Knight partner now and follows his orders to the letter.

Their differences creates an exciting and tense dynamic between this trio of Solstar Knghts, especially when Orphion’s plan to flood the rigs drill with neutralizing energy to send a shockwave into the planets core and destroy the Earth becomes apparent, something which ROM is vehemently too opposed and selflessly prepared to put his life on the line to prevent! Ryall and Gage also build on the subplot involving the two aggrieved G.I Joe soldiers with an axe to grind about ROM’s actions during REVOLUTION, and Darby’s ongoing struggle to cope with her PTSD and her experiences with ROM all take a startling turn.

Paolo Villanell’s artwork brings the stylish action-set pieces to life in this issue with a bold fervour that places us right in the thick of the action at all times. This issue unfolds in exhilarating blockbuster-like fashion, with ROM’s conflict with Livia and Orphan rapidly intercutting between numerous angles and viewpoints across the bold page layouts. Villanell ensures the Space Knights unique attributes and tactics are all impressively realized, and the raw strength and power displayed in their frenetically paced combat is an awesome sight to behold. The color by Alessandra Alexakis strikes a perfect contrasts between the gleaming metallic hues of the Space Knights and the fire fights of dazzling energy bolts that pepper the action, whilst the brief interludes featuring G.I. Joe operatives Beach Head and Grunt and war veteran Darby Mason respectively utilize warmer tones to provide a distinct contrast for these scenes away from the central conflict at the heart of the issue.

ROM #8: Reinforcements Part 4 is packed with wall to wall Space Knight action. Darby also makes a shock discovery, ROM’s no holds barred showdown with Orphian reaches a major turning point, and the Dire Wraiths gather their dark sorceries as they prepare to unleash a frightening new horror against the Space Knights!

The characterization of ROM is pitch perfect throughout, from the subtle redesign of his classic armor, right through to the inflections of his dialogue, this series is lovingly structured to respect the character, and with the recent addition of two new Space Knights in the aftermath of the REVOLOUTION cross-over this title is really firing on all cylinders. Whether you’re a fan of the original Marvel comic book ROM series by Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema, or a complete newbie, ROM #8 has something for everyone to enjoy as Chris Ryall, Christos Gage, Paolo Villanell, and Alessandra Alexakis continue make this reimagining of ROM one of the standout titles in the IDW Publishing and Hasbro Entertainments shared universe of characters.

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Plot and script: Chris Ryall and Christos Gage / Pencils and Inks: Paolo Villanell

Color by: Alessandra Alexakis / Letters by: Shawn Lee

Regular Cover: Nelson Daniel

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