Tag Archives: comics

Batman Kings of Fear #1 Review

22 Wednesday Aug 2018

Posted by in All, DC Comics

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Batman Kings of Fear #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Renowned artist Kelly Jones returns to the Dark Knight’s world with Batman Kings of Fear #1, the first issue in DC Comics stunning new miniseries written by former Batman editor Scott Peterson. Batman has been watching over Gotham City for many, many years, but now the Dark Knight is beginning to question the effectiveness of his relentless war on crime. Plagued by self doubt, insecurities, and personal fears that threaten to overwhelm him Batman must now face Scarecrow as he unleashes chaos in Arkham Asylum! This blockbusting new six-issue miniseries has Batman confronting the darkest challenge of his crime fighting career and portrays Scarecrow in a terrifying new way that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Batman Kings of Fear #1 kicks off in a fittingly macabre fashion as Batman takes on the Joker and stops another of his maniacal schemes. Kelly Jones striking visuals and Scott Peterson’s intense storytelling quickly immerses us in the warped schism that Batman and the Joker seem perpetually condemned to play out. Scott Peterson weaves some especially insightful and haunting dialogue into their journey to Arkham Asylum – so much so that the Clown Prince of Crime even seems to jangle the Dark Knight’s nerves at one point. Once inside Arkham the dark humour, a snarky Doctor, and the ensuing breakout of mayhem all collude to ramp up the ominous air of brooding menace that’s been closing in on Batman right from the outset.

Kelly Jones illustrated some of the most acclaimed Batman comics imagery during the 1990’s, including the brilliant Batman & Dracula trilogy – which kicked off with Red Rain back in 1991 – and many of the covers for the acclaimed Knightfall storyline where Bane broke the Bat. Esteemed writer Scott Peterson also worked as an editor on the Batman books during Knightfall and many other pivotal Bat-stories from the 90’s. Its great to see Jones and Peterson working together again like this on Batman Kings of Fear, and their shared creative vision for the Dark Knight shines through just as vividly now as when they originally worked together on the Batman books in the 90‘s. The story in Batman Kings of Fear is not connected to DC Comics current Batman storylines, but is instead set after Bruce has been the Dark Knight for many years – giving the creative team the scope to explore the core facets of the character in new and dynamically exciting ways.

Artist Kelly Jones brings all the hallmarks of his distinctly dark, horror-tinged gothic style to Batman Kings of Fear, and then some! I’ve always been a huge fan of Kelly Jones artwork, especially Jones’ portrayal of Batman as a constantly shifting shape that always seamlessly blends in with the shadows. One of the major highlights in this issue is a face-off with some of the darkest members of Batman Rogues Galley – a truly jaw dropping sequence that places you right in the heart of Batman‘s nightmarish predicament. Another nice touch with Batman Kings of Fear is that it features the Dark Knight in his classic costume – yellow oval and all! I love how Kelly Jones always renders Batman’s billowing cape in a way that gives him an almost supernatural visage, effectively making the cape and cowl as equally a distinct character in its own right. It is this, together with Michelle Madsen’s gloriously sombre color pallet that perfectly encapsulates the raw, terrifying, almost primal presence that makes Batman so uniquely special and intimidating.

The greatest threat though comes from the Scarecrow’s terrifying plot against him. Jones and Peterson’s darkly compelling story is made even more striking by having Scarecrow as the major villain of the piece, and this creative team certainly don’t look like they will shy away from brining the most frightening aspects of this creepy iconic character from Batman’s rogues gallery to the fore either.

Batman Kings of Fear #1 hurtles along at a cracking pace, the eerie atmosphere is brilliantly offsets by the spectacular visuals, and the chilling cliff-hanger rounds off this start of this superb miniseries in fine style. Kelly Jones and Scott Peterson have certainly crafted a brilliant premise here, with Scarecrow seeking to make the Dark Knight face his greatest fear, and I’ve no doubt the creative team will continue to weave their dark magic as this story unfolds. If you like your Batman classic, unburdened by recent continuity, and laced with overtones of gothic horror then Batman Kings of Fear is the Bat-Book you’ve been waiting for!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Scott Peterson & Art and Cover: Kelly Jones

Colors: Michelle Madsen / Letters: Rob Leigh

Variant Cover: Bill Sienkiewicz

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Sci-Fi Jubilee 6th Anniversary!

19 Tuesday Jun 2018

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Sci-Fi Jubilee 6th Anniversary!

I’m very happy to say my blog Sci-Fi Jubilee has now reached its 6th anniversary! Wow, this last year seems to have flown by so fast as well! Needless to say I’ve have had a brilliant time writing this blog over the last six years, writing countless TV, film, and comic book reviews and articles from a wealth of different genres – especially when it comes to Doctor Who and Comic Books – which I real love writing about!

But of course, Sci-Fi Jubilee wouldn’t by anything without any of you! I always look at these anniversary posts as a way to say a big thank you to each and every one of you for reading and following my blog. You have always been so kind and generous, especially when I fell ill with a chest infection earlier this year, and you have constantly given me so much amazing support via your comments on my blog, nominating Sci-Fi Jubilee for blog awards, and sharing my reviews on Twitter, WordPress, and Sci-Fi Jubilee’s Facebook page.

Thanks to you my YouTube Channel is now a key feature on the blog as well. I really enjoyed doing the walkthroughs and videos I’ve done for Infamous Second Son, Monster Hunter World, and God of War (PS4). The channel continues to grow and I want to thank you all for your subscriptions, comments, and words of encouragement that has made the YouTube Channel such a fun and welcome addition to Sci-Fi Jubilee.

You know when I started this blog I never could’ve imagined that Sci-Fi Jubilee would go on to become as big a part of my life as it has, and I can’t thank you enough for that. Most of all though it is your feedback and support that makes Sci-Fi Jubilee and blogging feel so enjoyable and special to me. Sci-Fi Jubilee has grown so much over the last six years, its given me some amazing opportunities, enabled me to write on other websites and projects, and its all thanks to you! Cheers for all your awesome support everyone, and here’s to another fun year of reviews on Sci-Fi Jubilee and walkthroughs on my YouTube Channel in the year ahead!

 

Batman White Knight #6 Review

13 Tuesday Mar 2018

Posted by in All, DC Comics

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Batman White Knight #6

Review by Paul Bowler

Gotham’s most iconic alliance is shaken to the core in Batman White Knight #6 as Gordon’s trust in Batman reaches breaking point! The Dark Knight’s fall from grace has been orchestrated by the reformed Joker – aka Jack Napier – now seemingly cured of his homicidal madness by therapy and medication. But the drug Jack relies on is gradually loosing its effect, the city is slowly descending into chaos, and with Batman defeated it’s up to Jack to step up to the plate when the Neo Joker finally instigates her grand plan to seize Gotham…

Set in a world that has uncannily turned the Batman into the villain and the Joker into a hero, Batman White Knight, with its story and art by Sean Murphy, and colors by Matt Hollingsworth, continues to go from strength to strength with every successive issue. Napier’s ascension in this mini-series has seem him cured and released from Arkham, from where he’s gone on to expose the corruption that has festered in the GCPD for decades, becoming a champion of the middle-classes, and covertly using an army of super-villains – along with the collateral damage this conflict causes – to discredit the Batman‘s standing in the eyes of Gotham‘s citizens.

Batman White Knight #6 sees this mini-series reach a major turning point, as Murphy’s dark tale brings Batman’s world crashing down. Seeing Gordon resolve to bring Batman in is a powerful, defining moment here, as is Nightwing assisting him by delivering the means for him to do so, and the subsequent fracturing this has on the Bat-Family when Batgirl, aghast at Nightwing’s actions, refuses to have anything to do with the plan.

This book and its starkly grim take on the Bat-Mythos, especially the look and tone of Gotham itself – being more industrial and gothic, and less generically NYC like most of the main Bat-Books – are key elements that really make Batman White Knight stand out from the crowd. Sean Murphy’s edgy, moody artistic style further enhances the grim sense of foreboding in this issue, while Matt Hollingsworth’s richly atmospheric colors bring added gavatis to every scene. The sheer fan boy glee at seeing the Batmobile from the1989 Tim Burton Batman movie Vs the Batman White Knight’s Batmobile in a high-speed chase sequence is undoubtedly one of the big highlights of the issue, however, it is the blood-spattered, bone-churching face-off between Batman and Jack Napier that follows which really steals the show – whilst also vividly illustrating the warped schism Murphy has crafted between the Batman and the Joker in this mini-series.

With Batman facing an ignoble fate in Arkham, its not long before the Neo Joker, having taken control of the villains utilizing Mad Hatter’s technology, seems hell bent on holding the city to ransom after she unleashes a giant freeze cannon on Gotham. Other standout moments that shine in this issue are an especially poignant scene between Mr Freeze and Batgirl, and Harley tires in vain to get through to Jack again as he prepares to face Neo Joker.

This was another thoroughly enjoyable issue. With its intense action, brooding characterization, unexpected plot twists, and striking visuals Sean Murphy and Matt Hollingsworth constantly keep you on your toes in Batman White Knight #6, and as this mini-series enters its final act we are left wondering if the Batman can find possibly find a way back from everything that‘s happened, or will the Joker have the last laugh after all?

Publisher DC Comics

Writer / Artist / Covers / Sean Murphy

Colors & Cover Colors Matt Hollingsworth

Leters Todd Klein

Bloodborne #1 Review

21 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by in All, Titan Comics

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Bloodborne #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Get ready to delve into the dark world of Yharnam once more in Bloodborne #1: The Death of Sleep, from Titan Comics, written by Ales Kot (Generation Gone, Zero), with art by Piotr Kowalski (Wolfenstein, Dark Souls).

A nameless Hunter awakens in a foreboding, ancient, city, a place gripped by a horrifying epidemic. Here, terrifying monsters are waiting to strike at every turn and the streets are awash with blood. Into this nightmare the Hunter seeks a way to escape the seemingly endless Night of the Hunt that has damned Yharnam There is only one hope left and the Hunter must set out on a gruesome, blood-soaked quest to bring this nightmare to an end once and for all…

Based on the best selling videogame world of Bloodborne and its expansion DLC content The Old Hunters, Bloodborne #1: The Death of Sleep will mark a welcome return to Yharnam for fans of the gory, tough-as-nails game. Indeed, writer Ales Kot ensures this first issue includes all the familiar Bloodborne tropes – and then some! From the lone Hunters introduction to his initial encounters with the beastly horrors stalking Yharnam’s shadows, Kot quickly sets the scene. One particular narrative thread – the pale blood – is a mystery that was never really fully explained in videogame itself, and as such it provides a rich vein of drama for Kot to tap and facilitate key plot developments in the issue.

Piotr Kowalski’s artwork brings every visceral, blood-drenched moment of Kot’s intense script to life while the gorgeous colors by Brad Simpson adds vivid clarity to the flesh-rending carnage. If you’ve played the game, you’ll know how hideous and grotesque the monsters in Bloodborne are, and Kowalski’s art impressively recreates the distinctive look and feel of these monstrous creatures. As you’d expect, the action is slick and brutal too, and like the games unforgiving nature that all-too familiar “You Died” moment is something that surprisingly feels almost serene here – rather than the almost throwing the controller across the room rage that the Bloodborne game often made you feel when your Hunter met a grisly end.

While obviously aimed at fans of the Bloodborne game, there’s plenty of mystery and terror for horror fans to enjoy as well without any prior knowledge of the game. Boasting a striking cover by Jeff Stokley, along with a choice of three variant covers, the strong story and impressive art in Bloodborne #1 gets this new Titan Comics book off to a great start and I’m eager to see where the Hunter’s quest takes him next.

Publisher: Titan Comics.

Writer: Ales Kot / Art: Piotr Kowalski.

Colors: Brad Simpson / Lettering: Aditya Bidikar

Cover: A Jeff Stokley, Cover B: Game Cover, Cover C: Potr Kowalski & Brad Simpson, Cover D: Andre Lima Arujo & Chris O’Halloran.

The Walking Dead #174 Review

07 Thursday Dec 2017

Posted by in All, The Walking Dead

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The Walking Dead #174

Review by Paul Bowler

It’s a solitary life for some in The Walking Dead #174, as the spotlight falls on the series’ infamous big bad and former Saviors leader, Negan. Because of his help during the Whisperer War, Rick granted Negan his freedom, on the condition that his lived alone and away from all of the surrounding communities. Negan’s solitary existence has given him time to reflect on the past, but not all off Rick’s allies agreed with his decision…

The Walking Dead #174 is a challenging, unexpected, and welcome change of pace from recent issues as writer Robert Kirkman offers us a powerful insight into Negan’s character and what he’s been up to since the Whisperer War. Some might say it’s about time we had a Negan centric issue like this, others might worry it will demystify Rick’s foul mouthed, bad-ass, nemesis too much, but they’d be wrong on both counts.

Negan’s been around for seventy five issues now, but here we finally begin to get an idea of the inner rage, torment, and grief that drives him. Never in a million years would I have dreamt that Negan would have green fingers either! However, the glimpse of Negan simply living day-to-day in the Zombie apocalypse ultimately proves as moving as it does unsettling, especially when dark echoes from the past start creeping in to tarnish his new found freedom.

Charlie Adlard’s art in this issue magnificently captures the uncanny blend of ordinariness and the macabre that seems to permeate every scene. Negan’s life away from Rick and the other communities plays out amidst a series of seemingly unrelated events, the inks by Stefano Gaudian and gray tones by Cliff Rathburn stylishly accentuates the emotional beats of this issue, and the way an old love from Negan’s past returns – albeit briefly – hits home with chilling clarity as we realize exactly where the narrative is leading us.

The final confrontation in this issue between Negan and Maggie is one that I’m sure many will think has also been a long time coming. Love him or hate him, Negan’s impact on the Image Comics series (and indeed the TV series), has led to some of The Walking Dead’s most talked about storylines. He’s been a divisive character at times, his actions have been heinous, evil, and truly horrifying, and his ruthless glee in dealing out death with Lucille is probably only matched by the rapturous barrage of four letter words and twisted comments that constantly pepper his dialogue at every given opportunity.

Although the main storyline has had a few up’s and down’s since the Whisperer War, Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard get things back on track with The Walking Dead #174’s great story of revenge, redemption, and closure to make it one of the best issues of TWD of the year. Where Negan’s character goes from here will be interesting to say the least. Whatever the future holds for Negan, one thing’s for sure, with the six-part New World Order story-arc beginning in January, big events are in store for The Walking Dead in 2018!

Publisher: Image

Writer: Robert Kirkman / Pencils & Cover: Charlie Adlard / Inks: Stefano Gaudiano

Gray Tone: Cliff Rathburn / Letterer: Rus Wooton / Cover Colors: Dave Stewart

 

Old Man Logan #31 Review

29 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in All, Marvel Comics

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Old Man Logan #31

Review by Paul Bowler

Old Man Logan #31 begins the first major Marvel Legacy adventure for the man formerly known as Wolverine, as he confronts a deadly new threat – the Hand! Upon his return to Tokyo, Old Man Logan becomes drawn into a ferocious conflict involving the Hand, and they are now stronger than ever! In his battle with the feuding clans, Logan will also have to face the mysterious Scarlet Samurai, a lethal adversary like no other he’s faced before…

Friends and foes, both past and present return as the adventures of Marvel Comics grizzled time-displaced alternative dimension version of Logan continues with Scarlet Samurai Part 1, the brand new story arc from writer Ed Brisson, artist Mike Deodato JR, and colorist Frank Martin. Following his run in with the Maestro and the Hulk gang in Canada, Logan’s travels bring him back to Kabukicho, in Tokyo, where his reminiscing about this place he once called home briefly eclipses Logan’s apocalyptic future in the Wastelands.

Violent action, drama, and brooding intrigue permeate every aspect of Ed Brisson’s tautly woven scrip as Old Man Logan’s momentary peace is shattered by a brawl with henchmen from the Crazy Thunder Clan empowered by a new drug that gives them uncanny regenerative abilities. You can’t have a slug-fest like this in Tokyo without the Silver Samurai being involved somehow, and sure enough the Yashida Corporation developed the drug, Regenix, and the mystery of who has been supplying it to the Crazy Thunder Clan is soon ruthlessly uncovered.

From the shadowy, neon lit side streets, to the gleaming vista of the Tokyo skyline, the fantastic work of artist Mike Deodato and colorist Frank Martin effortlessly brings the various locales featured in this issue to life. Dedato’s trademark open-panel style and dramatic use of perspective places you right in the thick of the action. Every scene feel larger than life, especially when Logan tracks down the Crazy Thunder Clan, and the battle which follows – just like their earlier confrontation – is a blood splattered collage of visceral action and severed limbs as Logan’s berserker rage kicks into high gear! Frank Martin’s colors accentuate the action perfectly, with urban grey tones contrasting beautifully with the shiny modern hues of Yashida Corp, while the brutal violence and unflinching detail jostles with ominous shadows amidst the crimson carnage.

As the issue races towards its devastating high-rise cliff-hanger, Logan makes a fortuitous discovery, Gorgon – who has also led the Hand into battle against Wolverine in the past – makes his move, and the Scarlet Samurai finally steps into the fray!

From the moment you see that gorgeous cover by Mukesh Singh, you just know that you are in for something special with this issue of Old Man Logan. The first part of this new saga is a real scene setter. There’s plenty here for long term fans to enjoy, but this issue is also a great jumping on point for new readers too (especially as it also features a brief recap of Old Man Logan’s back story by Robbie Thompson, Andrea Sorrentino, Lee Loughridge). The Tokyo setting is impressively realized, the plot moves along at a blistering pace, and the mystery surrounding the Scarlet Samurai will no doubt prove an intriguing and bloody one for Logan to solve. The creative team of Ed Brisson, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin are really hitting their stride now, this series continues to go from strength to strength, and Old Man Logan # 31 gets this new story-arc off to a great start!

Publisher Marvel Comics

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

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

The Walking Dead #173 Review

13 Monday Nov 2017

Posted by in All, Image Comics, The Walking Dead

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The Walking Dead #173

Review by Paul Bowler

Twilight confrontations and a major new threat rises in The Walking Dead #173 as Jesus fights for his life and Michonne’s team head for Ohio. While the eighth season of the Walking Dead is going all-out for the All Out War storyline on TV right now, the character in the Image comic book series are still picking up the pieces after The Whisperer War – the Walker skin wearing group that unleashed a Walker herd on Alexandria and razed the Hilltop to the ground!

So, with Rick devastated by Andrea’s death after she was bitten by a Walker and Dwight still doubting his role at either Alexandria or the Saviors Sanctuary, last issues cliff-hanger which saw Jesus and Aaron set off to help with the rebuilding of the Hilltop – only to be ambushed by the hulking Whisperer leader Beta – finally seemed to herald a resurgences in hostilities with the Whisperers. However, although The Walking Dead #173 does deliver an edge of your seat face-off between Jesus and Beta, the resolution proves to be somewhat surprising to say the least!

Kirkman manages to keep the plot moving along at a brisk pace. There’s some great character moments for Jesus and Aaron, Maggie is still coming to terms with Rick’s decision to let Negan remain free after he helped them during the attack on Alexandria in The Whisperer War, and Carl and Lydia’s rekindled relationship back at the Hilltop is tested when Lydia begins to feel jealous about Carl’s friendship with Sophia.

The art by Charlie Adlard, together with inks by Stefano Gaudiano, and gray tones by Cliff Rathburn, are on fine form as ever. In the no-holds-barred fight between Jesus and Beta, every nerve jangling moment plays out in a flurry of fists, kicks, blades, and bullets. The quieter character moments skilfully punctuate the action, while the starkly rendered and uncluttered page layouts seamlessly relays the action and various locations – no mean feat considering how a lot of events in this issue take place in almost pitch black darkness.

For the most part, Robert Kirkman has dealt with the aftermath of The Whisperer War adequately enough, but things have felt like they’ve been coasting a bit for a few issues. It seems the resurgence of the Whispers might not be in the offing after all, especially if the encounters with them in this issue are anything to go by. Hopefully we will also find out more about the group Eugune made contact with on his radio soon as well, but will they be friends, or foes?

Meanwhile, during their trek to Ohio, Michonne’s group encountered Princesss, a feisty new spear wielding character who has already proved her worth by fighting alongside them against Walkers. I must admit, although I found Princess a bit grating initially, the character brings some vibrant new traits into the group, and it’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the survivors react to her. That is, if they survive that long as this issue sees Princess, Michonne and her team confronted by an unknown threat in a particularly eerie setting.

With its strong characterization from writer Robert Kirkman and great art by Charlie Adlard, The Walking Dead #173 is a good overall issue. It feels more like a scene setter really, with characters and situations settling into place, and now with the New World Order story-arc on the horizon there is a real sense that big game-changing events are on the cards.

Publisher: Image.

Writer: Robert Kirkman / Pencils & Cover: Charlie Adlard / Inks: Stefano Gaudiano

Gray Tone: Cliff Rathburn / Letterer: Rus Wooton / Cover Colors: Dave Stewart

Old Man Logan #30 Review

01 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in All, Marvel Comics

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Old Man Logan #30

Review by Paul Bowler

Its all blood, claws, and nukes in Old Man Logan #30 as the showdown between the Maestro and Logan reaches its startling climax! In Logan’s quest to avert both his own nightmarish future in the Wastelands and prevent the Maestro and the Hulk gang from unleashing Armageddon in present, his criss-crossed timelines have united Logan with Clint Barton and the female Hulk gang defector, Cambria. Together they pursued the Maestro and the Hulkling children across Yurkon territory, Canada, where Logan’s savage battle with the Maestro now faces the sudden emergence of the most deadly, and unexpected threat of all…

Marvel Comics Old Man Logan series from the creative team of writer Ed Brisson, artist Mike Deodato JR, and colorist Frank Martin continues to soar to new heights of excellence as the thrilling Days of Anger storyline concludes!

The Maestro has been a formidable adversary for Logan, this alternative universe version of Bruce Banner has used the Hulk gang (savage Banner descendants Logan fought back in the Wastelands) to implement his mad scheme and wipe out humanity, but now events have come to a head. Although the Hulk gang and their missiles have been neutralized thanks to Cambria’s intel and Puck’s help on the Alpha Flight space station, the Maestro, Logan, and his unlikely allies now find themselves held to ransom by a child with a nuclear bomb!

Briefly revisiting the bleak future of the Wastelands to finally reveal how the Maestro managed to bring the Hulk gang to this dimension, events quickly spiral back to the present day where opposing sides and loyalties prepare to square off in this riveting issue of Old Man Logan as writer Ed Brisson piles on the tension and suspense at every given opportunity. Each line of dialogue crackles with menace and raw emotion as the youngest member of the Hulk gang, Malakai, threatens to detonate the final active nuke and kill them all.

The nail bitingly dramatic face-off which ensues quickly becomes a battle of wills, but with the Maestro and Logan only compounding the situation further it’s up to Cambria to try and convince the frightened child that the Maestro has been lying to them all along. The frenetic action builds at an astonishing rate form heron in, with Ed Brisson throwing some ingenious plot twists and character beats into the mix along the way, and there are some genuinely shocking moments of jaw-dropping carnage to look out for as well!

Boasting some of the series’ most striking, and emotional scenes to date, artist Mike Deodato’s characteristic borderless panel layouts completely immerse you in the action. Events build at a rapid pace amidst the snow swept landscape of Yukon territory, with characters and their expressions all hauntingly realized by Deodato’s intricate work and lavish attention to the finest details, while colorist Frank Martin utilizes an exquisite fusion of bold hues and subdued tones to further accentuate the unfolding drama with stunning clarity. Every page is a dazzling spectacle of singularly framed and moments: the Maestro’s raw strength and power, Cambria’s defiance, Hawkeye’s valiant stand, and Logan’s berserker rage as he goes toe-to-toe with the Maestro are all just some of the blockbusting highlights that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading this issue.

A trio of codas are forged in the resolution of Days of Anger that are as powerful as they are emotional, the underlying themes of this story-arc are brought to the fore, and the aftermath ultimately has a profound effects on all of the major players involved. Ed Brisson, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin have done fantastic work with this series, Old Man Logan #30 rounds off this storyline in fine style, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what this creative team have in store for us with their next arc: The Scarlet Samurai!

Publisher Marvel Comics

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

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

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

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