Ed Allen Comic Reviews

If you’re a fan of Conan, or even if you’ve never read a Conan story before and simply enjoy high-octane adventure stories, then I can’t recommend Queen of the Black Coast highly enough. Cleverly written and impressively illustrated, it achieves the remarkable feat of being true to Howard’s original Conan stories yet also feeling fresh and contemporary, making it one of the finest comic-book adaptations I’ve ever seen.

With its artisanal production and unusual aesthetic, holding an issue of Copra in my hands feels special; it’s comics as cottage industry and for that alone I think it’s something to be encouraged. Give it a go, I’d be surprised if you regretted it.

Five Ghosts: the Haunting of Fabian Gray #1 is an outstanding start to what promises to be a thrilling miniseries. Barbiere’s characters are interesting, with believable dialogue and interactions, and his plot is utterly compelling. I’m genuinely looking forward to reading the next issue. With 32 gorgeously illustrated story pages, this comic represents excellent value for money compared to the mainstream superhero monthlies and I’d be surprised to hear from anyone who didn’t enjoy it. Strongly recommended for anyone who enjoys good comics and since you’re reading this that probably means you.

For a lot of readers I can see the interest in Manara Library vol.4 will be virtually academic - a chance to own a high quality copy of two significant graphic novels by one of Europe’s most accomplished comics creators - but I would also recommend it to anyone who’s look for something very different from what they might ordinarily be reading, especially if they want a comic which pushes at the boundaries of mainstream social acceptability. While the two stories each have their own flaws, they are also daring, inventive and undeniably thought provoking tales told by a master of the comics craft. Judging Manara Library vol.4 as a whole, I can only endorse it as an essential read for comics enthusiasts.

Those of you who are already fans of Brandon Graham's previous work shouldn't need much encouragement to give Multiple Warheads (Alphabet to Infinity) #1 a try; the rich imagination we've come to expect from Graham is hard at work and his artwork has never looked better. If you haven't already encountered his comics then this issue is the perfect place to start. Multiple Warheads is a charming comic, one which features high adventure and a scattering of madcap concepts yet remains (relatively) grounded by a knowing sense of humor. I can promise you that this comic will be unlike anything else you read this month and I can't wait to read next month's installment. Highly recommended.

Those of you who are already fans of Brandon Graham’s previous work shouldn’t need much encouragement to give Multiple Warheads (Alphabet to Infinity) #1 a try; the rich imagination we’ve come to expect from Graham is hard at work and his artwork has never looked better. If you haven’t already encountered his comics then this issue is the perfect place to start. Multiple Warheads is a charming comic, one which features high adventure and a scattering of madcap concepts yet remains (relatively) grounded by a knowing sense of humor. I can promise you that this comic will be unlike anything else you read this month and I can’t wait to read next month’s installment. Highly recommended.

Non-Humans #1 is a very strong opening issue that covers a lot of bases without feeling overstretched - a testament to Brunswick and Portacio’s ability to pace a story. The varied cast of characters are bound together by relationships which show a lot of promise for enabling drama to unfold in the coming issues, yet it’s also clear that we can expect to see a lot of action in this miniseries. I also was impressed by the imaginative setting, which allows for a fresh take on the concept of artificial life being integrated into human society and Brunswick’s script skilfully blends it with the familiar yet still compelling misfit detective genre. Personally I can’t wait to read the next issue and I hope you can find yourself a copy of Non-Humans #1 before it inevitably sells out at your local store.

If you aren’t already reading The Manhattan Projects then I urge you to do so, and if you’re still uninterested then you’d better have a damn good reason why not (especially after I went to the trouble of writing a spoiler-free review). This is one of those stories that make me glad to read comics, and I'm willing to bet it will make you feel the same way too.

Each new episode in Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra's comic has brought fresh twists and turns in a complex plot with rapidly escalating stakes. I'm completely hooked, I can't wait to see where the series goes from here and I think it has the potential to be remembered as an all-time classic comic, though since I am obviously already invested in the series you could easily accuse me of bias here. Regardless, if you aren't already following The Manhattan Projects then I can't emphasise enough just how badly you need to read this; obviously I can't guarantee it will suit your tastes but if you do take to it then there's very few monthly comics more rewarding than this one.

I warned you earlier that Wild Children might not be for you, but I would still urge everyone to at least give it a try. I can honestly say I’ve never read anything quite like it (not even Grant Morrison’s crazier work) and I would love to see such a thoughtful and innovative comic be rewarded with commercial success.

Bizarre and beautiful, fantastic and fun; always psychedelic and occasionally profound - The Zaucer of Zilk #1 is an absolute delight and it’s surely one of the most unique comics of 2012. You owe it to yourself to read this.

Even if you haven’t read the previous miniseries, Billy the Kid’s Old Timey Oddities and The Orm of Loch Ness #1 is definitely worth your time. Powell and Hotz will hit you with a one-two combo of a fast paced story told through fantastic artwork and I have no doubt that you’ll enjoy your purchase.

If you’re interested in Brik Jones you can check out the publisher’s website at www.FightingLionComics.com and follow on twitter via @FightingLionCMX.

While it probably won’t suit the tastes of readers who dislike artsy stories and prefer their comics to be simple and uncomplicated, Change #1 is an imaginative and highly intriguing introduction to a mini-series which a shows a lot of promise. I can’t wait to read the remaining three installments and I hope they live up to the high expectations this issue has given me. Change is different from anything else on the shelves, it’s ambitious, daring and compelling and if you’re at all interested in psychedelic science fiction comics then you need look no further because this is undoubtedly the right choice for you.

If you enjoy comics then you will almost certainly enjoy Chew: Special Agent Poyo. It’s a wonderfully absurd ‘one and done’ action-comedy that I highly recommend; the art is fantastic, the script is finely crafted and overall I can’t honestly say that I’ve read many better one-shot comics than this. While you won't be moved by the story - and that’s not its purpose - you will surely be entertained.

Overall this is a solid first issue and I’d happily recommending it to anyone who’s looking out for a new horror comic to follow. While it’s unlikely to give long-time comic readers or veterans of the horror genre something they have never seen before, it is the level of craftsmanship that’s gone into producing Colder #1 that makes it stand out from the rest. Tobin’s script successfully establishes the core cast and sets us up for the conflicts to come while Ferreyra’s superb artwork imbues Tobin’s characters with distinct personalities of their own and enables this comic to pack a powerful punch.

To get 104 pages of story for $8 in today’s monthly comic book market is excellent value for money and amongst the variety of stories contained within Dark Horse Presents #14 there’s probably something for everyone; it’s also an excellent showcase for the talent currently working at Dark Horse and I’d be very surprised if Tony Puryear in particular didn’t go on to have great success in the industry. If you’ve never tried Dark Horse Presents (or any comics anthology) before then I would definitely recommend issue #14 as a perfect starting point; if you have tried the format before and didn't like it then this might just be the comic that changes your mind.

If you enjoy comics (I have to assume you do since you’re reading this) and you’ve got eight bucks to spare then there’s no good reason for you to let Dark Horse Presents #15 pass you by. I’ve read a lot of comics anthologies in my time and it’s not often that I’ve seen a such a consistently high level of quality throughout an issue as I have in this publication. As I said in my review of issue #14, don’t allow yourself to be put off by the fact that most of these stories have already started - with one or two exceptions they’re all easy to get into - and the sheer variety of the content should ensure that there will be something that you enjoy inside. Quantity and quality - you’d be crazy not to try it.

If you truly love comics (and I doubt you'd be reading this if you didn't) then you owe it to yourself to give Dark Horse Presents #16 a try. I'll certainly be back for next month's issue and once you've had your first taste I think you will be too.

Five Ghosts: The Haunting of Fabian Gray #2 is a seamless continuation of the exciting first issue, with even more emphasis on the action and the same consistently brilliant illustration. In the two issues released so far, Five Ghosts has not been a thematically or meaningfully deep story but in terms of its aesthetic surface and delivery of its cathartic moments it absolutely shines. If you like the sound of a pulp genre adventure comic with aspects of horror added into the mix then this comic is surely worth your time; the creators of Five Ghosts know its purpose, understand the possibilities and restrictions of its subgenre and ensured that it excels within that space.

For collectors who are interested in owning a fully restored slice of comics history these Haunted Horror comics should be a worthwhile investment and with 45 story pages of IDW’s high quality printing they make for excellent value compared to most of the monthly market. That said, I don’t think that the artwork in all of these stories will appeal to the more hardcore tastes of today’s adult horror fans, who may see them as comparatively tame next to such casually dispensed body-horror as the Joker’s recent “human tapestry” in Batman (or his “face” for that matter). With that minor caveat in mind, anyone who is interested in seeing the development of comics history or is simply looking to have some fun with a set of uniquely amusing stories should give Haunted Horror #5 a try.

Brendan McCarthy will be drawing next month’s backup story, so I’m definitely going to be back for more. It’s actually quite refreshing to see a younger Dredd, one that’s unencumbered by the decades of development we’ve already seen in 2000AD and the Judge Dredd Megazine. If you’re curious about Judge Dredd or even if you’ve never heard of him before then Judge Dredd #1 is well worth your time and money - check it out.

The art and story are both good enough that people who have never heard of William Shakespeare could read it without feeling ripped off, but I probably wouldn’t recommend it to them over a number of alternative fantasy comics. For those of you who are already well read in Shakespeare’s work I can enthusiastically recommend Kill Shakespeare: The Tide of Blood #1; it’s an interesting and enjoyable opening chapter in a potentially exciting reinterpretation of the bard’s canon. As for myself, I’m going to check out the first of the Kill Shakespeare stories because I’m very keen to see how McCreery and Del Sol’s world reached this point.

Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia is the essential book for Zelda enthusiasts and, given the fact that it temporarily managed to knock Fifty Shades of Grey off top of the amazon bestseller list, it looks like Dark Horse have a massive hit on their hands. Zelda fans: read it now!

Lobster Johnson: Caput Mortuum works as both an introduction to the character and a fan-pleasing addition to the BPRD universe. It's a neatly crafted one-shot from a group of talented and experienced creators who know their craft very well. While it's unlikely to blow anyone away and doesn't have the space to explore its setting or ideas in any depth, it's a highly entertaining read and it certainly gets the thumbs (claws?) up from me.

In the meantime, anyone who can get ahold of this miniseries in trade or single issues would do well to give it their time. There's a fresh, conceptual richness to Non-Humans aligned with some punchy, heartfelt plotting and fans of action sci-fi are likely to be very pleased with what they find in its pages " assuming they aren't turned off by the art.

The strength of Francavilla’s artwork alone should be enough to sell this comic, cloaking a straightforward action romp in a gorgeous pulp aesthetic and making each a page a genuine delight. If you enjoy gritty retro-styled costumed capers or are simply looking for an easily digestible yet highly cathartic diversion from your usual comics then look no further, Francavilla’s expertly crafted Black Beetle #0 is an ideal choice for you.

I can’t recommend Transfusion #1 highly enough. The art is gorgeous, the story is highly intriguing and overall it makes for an excellent debut issue; what more is there to say? Read it.

At $5.99 Trigger Girl 6 doesn't come cheap but it's effectively a double-length comic (46 story pages and a backup feature including bonus artwork) which has the added advantage of being a completed and cathartic story with some positive morals at its core. If that's not enough to persuade you, Noto's artwork surely places it amongst the most beautiful comics released this week.

Breath of Bones #1 is a fine introduction to a mini-series that has the potential to be rather moving and a worthwhile action comic, with solid artwork and writing throughout. There's nothing especially groundbreaking about it, in terms of genre or techniques, but it is very well done. While I am looking forward to some cathartic golem vs Nazis action in future issues, it's also nice to see a WW2 series that doesn't fall into the trap of glorifying war and, while I wouldn't blame those of you who decide to wait for it to be released in trade format, I would heartily recommend Breath of Bones to anyone who is looking to jump on a new mini-series this week.

It’s possible that because I previously read and reviewed issue #1 I have familiarised myself with the visual language of Popeye, felt less alienated and therefore fooled myself into thinking that Sagendorf’s writing is better in issue #2 - but I’d rather believe that these stories are genuinely funnier. The punchlines are better, there’s a few more knowing in-jokes from Sagendorf to the reader and the stories were more tightly focused on Popeye’s core cast of supporting characters. If you enjoyed the first issue of Classic Popeye you’ll enjoy this even more and if you are yet to sample some of these vintage Popeye comics then you should give the second a try; it’s just good ol’ fashioned fun and it’s sure to be an interesting addition to your collection.

I wasn't blown away by Creator Owned Heroes #3 but I would happily recommend it to anyone who wants to try out something a little different from what they usually pick up. The comic strips are fun, the articles make for a good read and you'll get a lot more bang for your buck than you would from most of the $3.99 comics put out by the 'big two' right now.

As for me, I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far and I’m looking forward to seeing what issue #5 has to offer.

At this point I'm not sure whether or not I am a fan of Linsner's Dawn but it would be foolish of me to deny the skill at work in this comic. His ability to speak to readers with such immediacy through his art is the aspect of this one-shot that's most likely to draw in new fans and I expect long-term followers of his work will be delighted to see this title back on the shelves of their local store. Linsner is a genuine storyteller, and I'd happily recommend The Swordmaster's Daughter, a comic which has found a happy middle ground between the babes and brawls side of fantasy comics and the more thoughtful side of the spectrum, to anyone who's interested in trying a new fantasy genre piece this week.

Like I said earlier, with Haunt #24 I feel like I'm reviewing two comics at once: on the one hand is the phenomenal art, with Fox's frantic and expressive lines combined with the eye-poppingly gorgeous colors by Ivan Plascencia; while on the other is Casey's generally competent script, which features some decent dialogue but was sadly undermined for me by the unclear story and an absence of easily relatable characters to draw readers in. I would happily recommend that you check out Haunt #24 for the artwork alone, and if it sounds like I'm being too harsh on Casey it's only because I think Haunt is painfully close to being a damn fine comic.

If you’re new to Judge Dredd and looking for a way to introduce yourself to the character then you should benefit from buying a copy of Judge Dredd #2 and what’s more is that you’ll be able to get your hands on some gorgeous Brendan McCarthy artwork. Veterans of 2000AD might be less likely to enjoy a younger and less complex Dredd but I wouldn’t rule it out - it’s certainly worth a look.

Unfortunately Mudman has suffered from delays (and I’m willing to bet that it will again) which may cost it some readers, but it’s still deserving of your attention. Mudman #5 is not a groundbreaking comic, and I don’t think it’s likely to appeal to a lot of superhero fans, but it is a hell of a lot of fun and it’s unlike anything else you’re likely to find at your local comicbook store. The simplicity of Mudman’s story - especially compared to most mainstream superhero comics - means that it’s easy to jump in without reading the previous four issues too, so If you’re at all curious about seeing what a truly British superhero comic is like, you’ll do well to check out Mudman #5.

Overall I think that P.B.Soldier is definitely worth investigating. It’s got a great concept, I enjoyed reading the first episode and it’s available for free at its home page (see link below).

If you’re looking for a humorous all-ages comic then IDW’s Popeye #5 is a good place to start, and because each issue is completely self contained there’s no need to worry about picking up the first four (unless you really enjoyed it and want more). Similarly, curious long-term fans of the Popeye franchise won’t be disappointed and will find that this series is true to its roots, making good use of the same kinds comedy as its predecessors without feeling dated. I can’t see Popeye appealing to the majority of comic book fans but there’s definitely a niche for this series to fill.

Classic Popeye #1 is a difficult comic to give a single definitive score to. The quality of the art is consistent throughout but the script is as likely to frustrate you as it is to amuse and I think that any adult who isn't already familiar with Popeye will be completely lost. I also have doubts about how long it can sustain a regular readership beyond a handful of truly dedicated fans once the novelty of its old school stylings wears off. In spite of this, I would recommend that everyone gives Classic Popeye #1 a try; it's quirky, it's actually pretty funny at times and it's not often you get a chance to own a fully restored piece of comic book history like this.

It’s possible that because I previously read and reviewed issue #1 I have familiarised myself with the visual language of Popeye, felt less alienated and therefore fooled myself into thinking that Sagendorf’s writing is better in issue #2 - but I’d rather believe that these stories are genuinely funnier. The punchlines are better, there’s a few more knowing in-jokes from Sagendorf to the reader and the stories were more tightly focused on Popeye’s core cast of supporting characters. If you enjoyed the first issue of Classic Popeye you’ll enjoy this even more and if you are yet to sample some of these vintage Popeye comics then you should give the second a try; it’s just good ol’ fashioned fun and it’s sure to be an interesting addition to your collection.

While I suspect that this particular issue would work a lot better as the first chapter of a collected trade paperback, hardcover or graphic novel, I still think that it's definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of adult-oriented sci-fi or superhero comics. As an a collaborative piece of art Sex stands out from the crowd, with its heavily stylized combination of lettering, color and design elements it feels like one of the most individual comics on the shelves right now and anyone who's looking for something with a little more novelty than the average super-story should also find Sex appealing. I'm very curious to see where the story goes from here and I will definitely be back for more; hopefully the plot can gather some pace before I become too impatient with it to continue.

Ultimately, what you take away from Sex #2 depends upon your expectations for it. Those of you who are expecting an immediately gratifying foray into a sex-positive world of sensual and passionate adventures in the mold of Milo Manara’s stories are likely to be disappointed, while those of you who want something that’s either purely pornographic or cerebrally challenging will feel similarly unsatisfied. On the other hand, anyone who approaches Sex with an open mind and a willingness to take their time with it is much more likely to have a fulfilling experience than those who try to rush it. It’s certainly a beautiful aesthetic experience for those who aren’t alarmed or offended by nudity or the prospect of detailed sexual interactions and, while I suspect it will read better as part of a paperback or hardcover collection, it’s certainly worth giving Sex #2 a try if you’re looking to try something new.

Regardless of my complaints, Sex is something that I would urge you all to try at least once, especially if you’re looking for something different from the typical superhero experience. It’s only possible for talented creators like Casey and Kowalski to fall short when they aim high and I think it’s fair to say that they’re aiming high with Sex. I’m very curious to see how the series will develop from here and given that there’s a lot of people who I think will enjoy this comic, particularly its artwork, I would hate to think that my personal tastes have turned you off.

Regardless of my personal issues, this is an undeniably unique and well-made comic and I would recommend that anyone who hasn't already tried Sex should make a point of doing so this week. The story might move slowly but with Kowalski's art and Simpson's colors it's a feast for the eyes and if it tempts you into reading some Milo Manara or Moebius comics then, if nothing else, it will have done a valuable public service.

Personally I'd like to see a little more action in the issues to come but there's enough quality in this installment to make me want to persist with the series. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #14 has got more heart, a stronger sense of morality and is generally more likeable than almost all of the superhero comics I've read recently - so I'd happily recommend it to anyone who might be looking for something outside of the usual 'capes 'n' tights' genre or is feeling nostalgic for this cult comics franchise.

Ultimately, what you take from Enormous really depends on what you expect from the comic and I fully appreciate that the things I disliked about Enormous might be the very same things that other people love about it; sadly though I thought like this story works far better in theory than it does in execution. Speaking personally: I can’t honestly recommend it to you unless you’re prioritize the spectacle over the story.

For dedicated fans of the Grimm-niverse I would certainly recommend Realm Knights, it's clearly of some significance to continuity and there's quite a lot of fun to be had with it if you approach it with in the right frame of mind, but for outsiders like myself I wouldn't be so sure. Readers who already know that they don't like the kind of comic Zenescope publish are extremely unlikely to have their minds changed by it. I can't honestly say that this issue appeals to my tastes but there's enough individual elements within the story which I liked that I'm prepared to give Zenescope's Grimm Fairy Tales another shot.

To some it will seem as though given Kuzimu a pretty harsh score but I feel that it’s a fair reflection of the exasperation I felt at times while reading it. I’m no philistine - I understand what that much of the first half of this graphic novel is trying to do, I appreciate that it’s supposed to progress at a meditative pace and I am well practiced in decoding poetic verse - I simply don’t think that its reflections on the afterlife succeeds until real conflict is introduced in the later stages of the book. I’d love to read comments from anyone who found the writing to be as compelling as I did the art (and I'm willing to admit I might have missed out on some crucial aspect of the book which could invalidate everthing I've said here) but just as Uren has produced his comic on his own terms, I have got to review it on mine.

This isn’t a bad comic, but it isn’t a comic for me. As far as I can see it's basically a pulp fantasy story without any meaning or significance beyond its own internal world and it's such a quick read that for $3.99 you're really not getting much value for your money. That said, if you like straightforward fantasy adventure stories with large portion of cheesecake on the side then you should check out Soulfire vol.4 #1 (at least flick through it at your local store if you get the chance), because there’s every chance you’ll enjoy it a lot more than I did.

I actually expected Witchblade #164 to be a lot worse than it is (sorry Witchblade fans and creators - that's just my personal prejudices at work I guess) and I can see why it would appeal to a enough readers to make it one of Image's longest running comics. It's not a comic I'll be purchasing for myself but it clearly understands its target market and hits that mark with some degree of accuracy and confidence. If you're expecting a deep or particularly clever story then I'd advise you to look elsewhere and the same goes for those of you who are after a contemporary aesthetic, but if you're after a quick schlocky read with strong nineties vibe then you might want to give Witchblade a try.