Judge Dredd Under Siege #1

Tags

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

Follow @paul_bowler

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

Follow @paul_bowler

Transformers Lost Light #3 Review

Tags

comics, Cybertron, IDW, IDW Publishing, IDW Transformers, Jack Lawrence, James Roberts, Joana Lafuente, Megatron, Rodimus Prime, The Lost Light, Transformers, Transformers Lost Light, Transformers Lost Light #3, Transofmeros Lost Light #3 review

Transforms Lost Light #3

Review by Paul Bowler

Transformers Lost Light #3 finds Rodimus and Co confronting the bizarre status-quo on the alternative Cybertron, just as the Functionist council prepare to reveal an ancient secret. Meanwhile, back on Necroworld, Anode has to address questions about her past, while Swerve, Ten, and Whirl awaken a terrifying monstrosity!

The adventure of Rodimus, the pacifist Megatron, and the miss-matched Autobot Transformer crew of the Lost Light from IDW’s brilliant Transformers More Than Meets The Eye series – where the trials and tribulations that accompanied Rodimus’ crew in their search to find the mythical Cyberutopia saw them loose their only map, their starship, and even their lives for a short while when Necroworld exploded from inside – continues in IDW Publishing’s brand new Transformers Lost Light comic books series by writer James Roberts (Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye) and artist Jack Lawrence (Skylanders, Micronauts).

Having being stranded on Necroworld to face the Decepticon Justice Division after Getaway led a mutiny and stole the Lost Light, Rodimus, Megatron, and their Transformers shipmates tried to return to Cybertron using Brainstorms cobbled together teleporter device. It worked, the only trouble is they ended up in a parallel universe, arriving on an extremely different version of Cybertron where Megatron never existed and the Functionist council now rules.

Transformers Lost Light #3 is a magnificently structured and densely plotted issue by James Roberts. From the – oh dear I really don’t think you should’ve pressed that switch – opening moments back on Necroworld, Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced quickly sets the narrative in motion with some truly delightful moments when Rodimus’ interstellar parallel universe communiqué gives Brainstorm and Nightbeat permission to Squeee! From there the issue rattles along at high velocity as Whirl takes on his hulking Nemesis, Rodimus, Megatron, and other others witness the revelation of one of the Transformers universe’s biggest mysteries, and the ongoing mystery surrounding the archaeologist Anode‘s past, together with her trusty sidekick Lug, faces some extremely difficult questions when she’s accosted by Velocity and Nautical.

Jack Lawrence’s artwork impressively captures the likenesses of each and every Transformer character, there’s a vast roll call of Transformers in this issue of Lost Light as well, and Lawrence deftly ensures that scenes on both Necroworld and the alternative Cybertron are lavishly realized while still retaining a distinct identity all their own. It’s also interesting to spot the variances and similarities with some of the Transformers parallel counterparts. The fight with the Nemesis (Killmaster) is fast and frenetic, the emotional scenes with Anode are also handled beautifully, and the big reveal of Rung’s true alt-mode is real scene stealing moment. The colors by Joana Lafuente stylishly complements the mood and tone of each scene, each of the Transformers liveries boasts a gorgeous mix of vividly portrayed hues and sheens that gleam from the page, and the skilful deployment of velvety shadows heightens the ominous sense of encroaching dread during key moments.

The issue rides a crest of exposition towards an unexpected cliff-hanger of epic proportions that perhaps poses almost as many questions as it answers. I was a huge fan of IDW’s Transformers More Than Meets The Eye, so this new Transformers series had a lot to live up to, but I’m happy to say that Transformers Lost light is shaping up to be every bit as wonderfully exciting, wildly mind-boggling and complicated, hilariously funny, and as big an emotional a roller coaster ride as Transformers: MTMTE ever was.

Transformer Lost Light #3 is another excellent issue from James Roberts, Jack Lawrence, and Joana Lafuente; it has distilled everything that was so loved about Transformers: MTMTE, and then some! This is an issue that demands your attention though, new readers might find the plot a tad overcomplicated in places, but the sheer level of characterization and Transformer action make this new series a veritable delight for Transformers fans!

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Writer: James Roberts / Art: Jack Lawrence

Colors: Joana Lafuente / Letters: Tom B Long

Regular Cover: Jack Lawrence & Joana Lafuente

Follow @paul_bowler