Ragman #1 Review

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comics, DC Comics, DC Comics Rebirth, Eva de la Cruz, Gotham City, Guillem March, Inaki Miranda, NCBD, New Ragman Miniseries, Ragman #1, Ragman #1 Review, Ragman Arrow, Ray Fawkes, Rory Regan, Suit of Souls

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

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Old Man Logan #29 Review

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Alpha Flight, comics, Ed Brisson, Frank Martin, Hawkeye, Logan, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mike Deodato, NCBD, Old Man Logan, Old Man Logan #29, Old Man Logan #29 review, Old Man Logan Days of Anger, The Hulk Gang, The Maestro, X-Men

Old Man Logan #29

Review by Paul Bowler

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher Marvel Comics

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

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

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Old Man Logan #28 Review

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comics, Days of Anger Part 4, Ed Brisson, Frank Martin, Hawkeye, Logan, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mike Deodato, NCBD, Old Man Logan, Old Man Logan #28, Old Man Logan Days of Anger, Old Man Logna #28 review, The Hulk Gang, The Maestro, X-Men

Old Man Logan #28

Review by Paul Bowler

Old Man Logan #28 takes Logan’s mission to save the present from the apocalyptic nightmare of his own future to a whole new level, as Logan finds a new ally – Hawkeye! Teaming up again for the first time in Logan’s miss-matched lifetimes, Clint Barton joins Logan in his quest to defeat the Maestro and the Hulk gang. But as the Maestro’s grand scheme reaches its next phase, they face a race against time to prevent global Armageddon!

Days of Anger Part 4 seriously raises the stakes in this issue of Old Man Logan as the creative team of writer Ed Brisson, artist Mike Deodato JR, and colorist Frank Martin continue their outstanding run of this Marvel Comics series. Beginning with a sombre interlude set in the future Wastelands of Logan’s farm, the uncanny parallels forged across time continue to resonate powerfully with the present in Old Man Logan #28 as Logan prepares to fight back after his latest run-in with the Hulk Gang in Yurkon territory, Canada.

Writer Ed Brisson skilfully brings numerous plot threads together as events quickly begin to escalate. Having learned about the Maestro, the alternative universe Banner that brought the Hulk Gang to conquer this world, Logan and Hawkeye must stop at nothing to prevent the Maestro from unleashing the stolen weapons from Department H and destroying humanity. However, their friendship was forged in the future, where their road trips never end well, and Hawkeye soon learns more about the his destiny than even he bargained for! Meanwhile, the Maestro is forced to step up the schedule of his master plan, and Cambria’s role in the wider scheme of things gradually starts to emerge.

Mike Deodato’s artwork brilliantly captures the dark, brooding tone of this issue. As ever, the level of detail and boldly paced action lavished across each page is all marvellously rendered, and Deodato’s characteristic deconstructed page layouts completely immerse you in the story as numerous elements converge. The intricate palette of tones and shades color artist Frank Martin utilizes brings added gravatis to every scene. From the identity of the poacher targeting Logan’s farm in the Wastelands, to the great character moments between Logan and Hawkeye in the present, and the ruthless way the Maestro quells any challenge to his authority this issue of Old Man Logan is without doubt one of Mike Deodato’s and Frank Martin’s finest looking issues so far in this series.

Unfortunately for Logan and Hawkeye, try as they might, the Maestro and the Hulk Gang are once again two steps ahead of them as this issue builds towards its ominous snow swept cliff-hanger. But fate and the future might just provide the help they need…

With its stunning cover by Mike Deodato and Frank Martin featuring Logan and Hawkeye in action, Old Man Logan #28 is another compelling issue packed with rich characterization, bloodthirsty action, and surprise plot developments. Its great to see Logan and Hawkeye working together as well, Ed Brisson scripts some brilliant scenes for them, and Mike Deodato’s artwork constantly delivers on every level. In short bub, Old Man Logan is easily one of Marvel’s best books right now, and cannot recommend it highly enough.

Publisher Marvel Comics

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

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

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Daredevil #26 Review

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Blindspot, Charles Soule, China, Daredevil, Daredevil #26, Daredevil #26 review, Foggy Nelson, Hells Kitchen, Land of the Blind, Marte Gracia, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Matt Murdock, NCBD, Ron Garney, The Man Without Fear

Daredevil #26

Review by Paul Bowler

Land of the Blind begins in Daredevil #26, when a message from an absent friend sends Daredevil on a mission to the other side of the world to rural China. The Man Without Fear must not only contend with the challenges of his new environment, he must also face a new villain, someone that even Daredevil’s extraordinary hyper-senses can’t detect…

This new story-arc from writer Charles Soule, artist Ron Garney, and color artist Matt Milla kicks off in fine style as Daredevil acrobatically leaps across the rooftops of Manhattan. Having won a landmark case that will finally allow heroes testimonies to be used in court, Matt is now back in his traditional red Daredevil costume, and riding high after the Supreme Court ruled in his favour. So, with Hell’s Kitchen unusually quiet as the ramifications of this news begins to sink into the criminal community, Daredevil switches his attention towards those in Chinatown seeking the help of his former protégée Sam Chung – Blindspot.

Blindspot was one of the defining characters of this new volume of Daredevil during its early stages. Sam Chung had built a suit that enabled him to turn invisible, he became Blindspot, and Daredevil chose to mentor him. Together they took down the gangster known as Tenfingers and saved Sam’s mother. Blindspot continued working with Daredevil until he was horrifically blinded (during The Dark Art storyline) by an Inhuman serial killer called Muse. After leaving hospital, Sam disappeared, and Daredevil hasn’t heard from his since.

As Daredevil brings the latest batch of messages for Blindspot to his sister in Daredevil #26, Charles Soule scripts some extremely powerful and emotional scenes as Sam’s sibling struggles to comes to terms with the choices her brother made, and Daredevil’s reasons for continuing to bring her the envelopes left for Blindspot in Chinatown. But not all of them are calls for help; one holds an invitation for Daredevil to go to China, where a fateful encounter with a deadly new enemy waits!

Ron Garney’s artwork stylishly envelops you in this broodingly atmospheric tale right from the outset: from the moody opening scenes in Chinatown, to the interlude at the DA’s Office, and enlisting Foggy’s help, Murdock’s journey to China is vividly detailed and culminates with a jaw-dropping vista of rural China as Daredevil goes in search of a hidden temple. Color artist Matt Milla employs a sumptuous blend of cool shades, rich shadows, and earthy tones over the course of this issue to great effect. Much as I really liked the darker costume Daredevil has worn in this series, its great to see him back in his red costume again, I think it’s a good move, and it makes the character look even more dramatic when seen in such a rural setting like this.

This issue builds to an ominous cliff-hanger as Daredevil finds himself face to face with some old enemies, but not even Matt’s enhanced senses are a match for the new foe waiting in the wings… From the moment you set eyes on that haunting cover Ron Garney you instantly know you are in for something truly special with this issue. Daredevil #26 begins another great chapter in this series, Charles Soule, Ron Garney, and Matt Milla deliver a sublime mix of powerful characterization, intriguing mystery, and eerily staged action sequences to make this issue of Daredevil a thoroughly enjoyable and suspenseful read from cover to cover.

Publisher: Marvel

Writer: Charles Soule / Artist: Ron Garney / Color Artist: Matt Milla

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles / Cover: Ron Garney

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Superman #27 Review

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comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Gable Eltaeb, NCBD, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, Scott Godlewski, Superman, Superman #27, Superman #27 review

Superman #27

Review by Paul Bowler

The Kent family decide to take a vacation in Superman #27: Declaration Part 1 when exhaustion and the super-heroics of recent events in their lives catch up with them. It’s a road trip full of fun, insightful detours, and the unexpected as DC Comics Super-Family enjoy some much needed R&R. But with a dark threat looming on the horizon their probably going to need another vacation to get over this one before they are through!

I simply cannot express enough what a joy Superman #27 was to read. Like the Kent’s, I’ve also been feeling in need of a vacation myself (which is why I took break from reviews N stuff to enjoy Wimbledon), and this issue exemplifies everything I love about Superman since the characters renaissance following DC’s Rebirth. The family dynamic is what makes this title so enjoyable and fun to read. Writers Peter J Tomasi and Patrick Gleason craft a delightful issue here as Lois decides her family needs a vacation, Jon’s glee at checking out their hired camper van is also great fun, and even Clark is forced to agree they need a break after nodding off mid-flight as Superman!

The most compelling and insightful aspects of this issue are explored through the places they decide to visit on their Super-Road Trip. Scott Godlewski’s clear and concise artwork and panel layouts sublimely captures the essence of each location: from the exhilarating fun of bodysurfing at Niagara Falls, to the moving and remarkable story their visit to Rock Ridge Cemetery brings, even something as mundane as a bumper sticker holds a symbolic message of freedom, belief, and coexistence for Jon, together with stops in New York and Philadelphia, are amongst the many highlights that features in this superbly illustrated issue.

It is the people the Kent’s meet along the way that really make this road trip feel like you are witnessing something distinctly special as you read this comic book though, non more so, than when they are joined for dinner by war veteran Ryan Duffy. Needless to say this scene is brilliantly handled, it holds some of this issues most powerful and moving moments of all, and provides a fitting closure for this leg of the Kent’s road trip.

Superman #27 rounds everything off with a lovely scene for Lois and Clark, however a foreboding new menace is developing, duty calls, but this vacation is far from over just yet… I started reading Superman with the Multiplicity arc way back in issue #14 after someone recommend it to me. I’ve never been an avid reader of Superman, certainly not during The New 52, but since reading that issue I’ve become hooked on reading the Rebirth version of Superman.

Although I’m abstaining from reading any of the big comic book events, crossovers, or tie-in issues from ANY of the major publisher this year – TBH I’m fatigued and burned out by the constant monotonous deluge of these events that I find I can muster little or no enthusiasm for them right now – I have to say when I read comics as good as Superman #27 its clear to me why I feel this way. Superman #27 is, frankly, one of the best comics I’ve read this year. Its not flashy, its not a universe shattering epic, and there’s hardly any superpowers on show, its just a meaningful, beautifully told story that will challenge you and make you stop, think, and ponder long after you’ve finished it. In short, Superman #27, as well as providing a shining and timely reminder of just how brilliant comic books can be, is without doubt probably as uplifting and magnificent an issue you’ll read this year, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writers: Peter J Tomasi & Patrick Gleason

Art: Scott Godlewski / Colors: Gable Eltaeb

Letterer: Rob Leigh / Cover: Lee Weeks & Brad Anderson

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