Leroy Douresseaux Comic Reviews

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Fans of this franchise and of David Lapham.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers who want something more out of vampire fiction.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers who want something more out of vampire fiction.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: The vampire Festivus for the rest of us who arent loyal 30 Days of Nights readers.

Everyone else will discover that comic books can tell stories that matter--because this comic book tells a story that should matter to all Americans.

It seems from the get-go that Abattoir is determined to give its characters and readers pure bloody hell. Fans of horror comics will love this kind of hell.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers always on the lookout for horror comics will find a good one in Abattoir.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers always on the lookout for horror comics will find a good one in Abattoir.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction comic books may want to try After Dark.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction comic books and Peter Milligans work will want to try After Dark.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction comic books and of Peter Milligans work will want to try After Dark.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers who want to follow Alice to Wonderland will want AIR.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for epic in their comic books will choose Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for a little Jerry Bruckheimer in their comic books will choose Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Adult readers with a sense of humor and who want the sword in sword and sorcery hacking, slashing, and generally being thrust into someone or some thing.

Or to put it simply: this is Alex Robinson. Hes done good again. Too Cool to Be Forgotten cheerfully delves into the boredom and drudgery of high school, and takes the glamour out of the fun side " smoking, drinking, partying, and dating. In a popular culture obsessing over comics-related media like Batman, Iron Man, and Watchmen, it would be nice to see more readers discovering something like Too Cool to Be Forgotten.

What does this issue of All Star Superman deliver? It's a nice, prickly take on Superman that recalls at one time or another early Silver Age Superman comics (late 1950's to early 60's), Richard Donner's Superman movies, and John Byrne's revamp of the character in the mid-1980's, which modernized the character (or even slightly pushed him into the future). This is entertaining, but probably works best for readers who regularly visit the comic shop (or regularly receive shipments of comics).

It's clear that the template for Whedon's Astonishing X-Men is writer/co-plotter Chris Claremont and penciller/co-plotter John Byrne's classic run on X-Men from the late 1970s and early 1980s. In fact, this storyline is a something of a re-imagination of X-Men 129-134 " the "Hellfire Club" storyline, with this particular issue remaking the incidents of X-Men #132 ("And Hellfire is their Name!"). Whedon's partner, artist John Cassaday re-envisions this classic story in his own "widescreen" style, but he recaptures the sense of fun, sharp action, and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

In Aw Yeah!: Hasbro Action Figure Jam, Art Baltazar has produced a winning package that even adult fans of these media franchises can like. Why? It's simple: this is a good comic book, and comic books should be good.

Individual issues of the B.P.R.D.: Vampire series are quick reads. There is not a lot of dialogue and little exposition, but the main reason this is a quick read is because the story is so engaging it just demands to be read.

Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon have not run out of ideas; their art for this series is as visually arresting as ever. The striking colors by Dave Stewart remind that B.P.R.D.: Vampire is a graphical narrative. The pictures tell a story that is as impressionistic and psychological as it is literal. You have to read the art and graphics to get the full impact of this story. I'm ready for the finale.

I think the best is yet to come in Bankshot. I am enjoying ChrisCross' art, but the art is also cluttered in many panels, which is (say it with me!) static in the line communication between the story and the reader. I look forward to the next issue.

Even after two issues, it is obvious that Bankshot should continue past this miniseries.

ChrisCross' storytelling captures all the moods and the switches in pace and setting. He visually and graphically creates a balance between the drama and suspense and the action and violence. Boy, though, he can draw some wild and crazy fight scenes. Hurry up, space-time; get us to #4

Corin Howell and Andres Ponce make a good art team. Howell's storytelling strikes the right tone because she maximizes physical comedy, especially facial expressions. Howell makes Bat-Mite a character with believable motivation, attitude, and personality. That is not necessarily easy. Bat-Mite is always on the edge of being nothing more than a plush toy.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for good Batman-related titles will want the new Batgirl.

FOR READERS OF: The Kubert/Delperdang art team makes this an exciting all around Batman title and the flagship of the Batman line.

I cant imagine that Batman and Robin will be all downhill from issue one. Morrison & Quitely are reshaping Batman for the current entertainment and pop culture landscape the way J.J. Abrams and company have redone Star Trek. Yeah, this is the best $3 Ive spent on a Batman comic book since 1986?

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Fans of Batman Beyond must have Batman Beyond: Hush Beyond, and readers of Batman comic books will certainly want to sample this.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers who want The Dark Knight will want Batman: The Dark Knight.

Isabella increases the obstacles against his hero and that makes a compelling story that will, in turn, make readers want to come back for more. I want to come back for more.

Coates collaborators have been stellar since the beginning of this series. New series artist Leonard Kirk's art makes for quiet but powerful graphical storytelling " explosive in scenes when Klaw unleashes his power and powerfully dramatic when the story delves into the past.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Fans of special operations stories may like Blackhawks.

Is it luck that Howard Chaykin has turned out to be so in tune with Guggenheim? Joined by colorist Edgar Delgado, Chaykin usually hits the right notes when visualizing both the present and back stories. Chaykin is dead on in conveying the appropriate emotions and moods, and his static images of action perfectly capture the violence of Blade's world.

Artist Howard Chaykin continues to grow more comfortable with character. This issue, his brushwork is smoother, and Edgar Delgado's color polishes the art, giving it a sparkling shine.

Artist Howard Chaykin has always infused his work with a sense of humor, irony, and a touch of satire. While this isnt American Flagg!, Chaykin has put his stamp on this series. As ever, he reveals so much about a character and of a storys tone and mood in the faces of the characters, such as the playful way he sneakily alters Hannibal Kings mouth and eyes on one page early in this issue.

FOR READERS OF: These opening four issues were an event in what is itself an event series. If comic book fans needed what amounted to an opening weekend of a big event movie, this is it.

This story isn't necessarily about slaying, although there is some slaying. On Your Own is a story of mother and child, and it is a bit surprising, even poignant. It shows the dramatic side of Buffy, and the character drama is what makes Buffy the Vampire Slayer like no other vampire thing.

Captain Midnight #1 is a success. I could find myself reading this series on a regular basis.

Each issue of Castle Waiting resembles a sketchbook or note tablet rather than a standard comic magazine. Medley fills each one with a short comic book story and includes sketches here and there. The entire package seems so much more personal and less the product of a publisher. Reading it is like finding Medleys notebook and peeking inside.

So zombie fans should apply for admission to Chaos Campus; it is actually easy to start reading this comic book. You can enter at practically any point in the series.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #23 is funny, and I'm assuming that it is spoofing the Species film series. I really like the personal reveal, which is one more example of Thompson evolving our fearless zombie fighters. This remains a fantastic comic book, and I enjoyed reading it, although I am not crazy about the artist. Pramit Santra's graphical storytelling is good, but the technical aspects of the art is wanting, I must say. Still, I am ready for issue #24.

Thompson continues to expand the emotional range of the characters, so this gives Chaos Campus a sense of character beyond the comedy and parody. Pramit Santra's graphical storytelling here is good, and her jagged style fits the aggressive mood of the story and the infected characters tendency to tear their victims apart. Russell Vincent Yu's coloring serves this sense of aggression and flesh rending quite well. Plus, the ending bodes well for the next story arc.

I'll say something else that I have said before. I don't know why Chaos Campus is not a multi-media franchise, already on our television and handheld device screens.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Comic book readers who enjoy the aforementioned Owly and also Jeff Smiths Bone will like this.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Fans of Davis and Clan Destine are the obvious targets, but people who want to see a truly special talent working his magic on something personal will enjoy this.

Ming Doyle and James Tynion IV strike the right tone by recalling John's troubled past while offering to take John and their readers to new and imaginative places. I gave up on Constantine after about four issues. I plan on giving Constantine: The Hellblazer at least one entire story arc.

Reality says that under no circumstances would children, even interns in a police program, get to examine corpses, have unsupervised use of crime labs, or get free access to crime scenes. Success dictates, however, that this television crime drama, which is popular with adults, become a teen detective comic book that is every bit as engaging, shocking, and suspenseful as the original, but in a kid friendly way. The highest compliment that I can pay CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Intern at Your Own Risk is that Id kill for more of this.

Conceptually, Damage seems like a blending of Marvel's The Incredible Hulk, Dale Keown's The Pitt, and Tony Daniel's 1990s Image Comics series, The Tenth. Damage is not groundbreaking, but, as I said, the artists, colorist, and letterer deliver a graphics package that is so visually attractive that even my cynical self wants more.

Nocturnals: Carnival of Beasts is excellent material, but its also probably the least impressive in this small body of work. However, Carnival of Beasts is more imaginative and fun than 99 percent of the superhero comics being published by DC, Marvel, Image, or Dark Horse. Years ago, I had a short correspondence with Dan Brereton, and at one point he said that he had to put a lot of work into his comics for what seemed like little return. Ill give my $6.99 and all my admiration to this exceptional artist and comic book creator, even if it doesnt make up for his blood, sweat, and tears.

Truthfully, what I like about this book is what I like about Clowes work. It is his ability to take oddball contrarians and make them so interesting, engaging, and even alluring. After reading Mister Wonderful, I realized that I watched the story of a loser who transforms into a lovable loser as he finally won something, in spite of himself and in spite of what others may think of him. Even when it seems like life is beating him down, Marshall is going to win. Its a wonderful life, indeed.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Those who want this already know who you are.

So let's say that Dark Nights: Metal #1 gets it right by creating anticipation rather than exploding in our hands after only three strokes... I mean, three pages.

I think the other thing that is in Metal's favor is that its creative team was The New 52 Batman creative team for the better part of four years. Thus, Metal actually seems like a continuation of something concrete in the DC Universe, something will not be re-birthed and rebooted away " Snyder and Capullo's Batman. Metal validates that Batman comic book series, and Batman is the anchor for this big event which might mean something important to the DCU for some time to come.

People looking for superhero comic books that don't involve gimmick covers, but do involve intriguing concepts will want Death Sentence.

FOR READERS OF: Detective Comics #826 is for collectors who want a complete run of one kind or another.

The effectiveness of Dinis script carries over into the visualization by penciller Don Kramer (with inks by Wayne Faucher). Kramer creates a nice mix of large, medium, and small panels, and the page design offers a nice rhythm for a crime tale, accentuating the mood of suspense. The content within the panels creates shifting levels of drama in terms of intensity. As this is a mystery tale, one that focuses on secret and lies and hidden identities, Kramer and Faucher make excellent use of shadows, while Kramer, like a cinematographer, makes our point of view active and restless, which keeps up the tension.

So I do not think that Geoff Johns and Gary Frank will produce in Doomsday Clock anything nearly as impressive or as memorable as Watchmen. I do think Johns and Frank could produce a comic book that is better than most superhero comic books that DC Comics currently publishes or has published in the last 30 years. Doomsday Clock #1 hints that it could happen.

THE LOWDOWN: Readers of Hellblazer and The Dresden Files may like Driver for the Dead.

THE LOWDOWN: Readers looking for action-horror hellraising will find it in Driver for the Dead.

THE LOWDOWN: Readers looking for hell-raising horror comics will find that in Driver for the Dead.

Comics / Comic Reviews / More Comics

While the first issue was a kickoff issue and read as a simple introduction to the series, Dungeons & Dragons Legends of Baldur's Gate #2 settles into the heart of the story. A central plot (the search for Deniak) solidifies, and the narrative comes together as writer Jim Zub adds to his colorful band of heroes. I like Delina and company, and I think there will be good times with them. It is obvious that Zub loves the D&D source material, always a good things when adapting a property as a comic book.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers who like anything Wyatt Earp or violent crime comics will like, Earp: Saints for Sinners.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for guns and action will want Earp: Saints for Sinners #1.

Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin is infused with a sense of magic, and the setting is a place to which you will want to return, even if only in your dreams. And the characters " you will want to visit with them again... and again.

At the end of each Legacy first issue or Legacy first chapter, there is a three-page story that summarizes the history of that issue's lead character or characters. Falcon's three-page summary is written by Robbie Thompson; drawn by Mark Bagley (pencils) and Andrew Hennessy (inks); colored by Israel Silva; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Farlaine the Goblin: Book 7, The Final Land is a great final volume. Its themes of forgiveness, redemption, friendship, reinvention, and discovery make this story sparkle with possibilities. That makes Farlaine seem as if his story is ending with him being a goblin in full. Farlaine the Goblin: Book 7, The Final Land is not about finality. Farlaine will go on happily ever after even if his creator never engages him again. He will always be there waiting for new readers to enter a library or a bookstore and to discover his journey.

Fantasy readers of every age will want to try the imaginative, all-ages Farlaine the Goblin books.

Anonymous is a talented cartoonist who is quite skilled at producing black and white comics, and his color art has a quality similar to children's picture books. His stories present obstacles and dilemmas that are honest and genuine with sensible and imaginative resolutions. I expect this series to improve in terms of story and art with each volume, as the cartoonist seems like the kind of artist who is always growing.

The cover of Farmhand #1 plays up the series' sly, humorous side, but I think the dark fantasy-scary tale side of this story will bloom in full.

By the end of it, the loss of life that is the center of Fatherland stung. Why should it? I don't know these people, but Nina Bunjevac made me care enough about them to be hurt.

I think that if the book has a fault, it is that the political and social ruminations are relegated to exposition in caption boxes. The art mainly focuses on the insanity of and the savage humor in Duke and Gonzo's interactions with drugs and with other people. Because I loved the glorious madness of Duke and Gonzo's demented Vegas adventures, I really don't want to find fault with anything, so if you want to believe that this graphic novel is not perfect, there you go... I was genuinely sad when I got to the last page of Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. I guess I'll have to start reading it again.

Finder is the little independent, self-published comic book that is a great, big old science fiction comic book. Through her vivid, expressive storytelling, Carla Speed McNeil presents a world that is at once familiar and old, but also brand new. Finder is a ticket to adventure through a mesmerizing, new science fiction world.

David Hine could be a breakout star writer, only needing his own Swamp Thing, Animal Man, or The Authority to become a newly born star. FVZA testifies to that.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for a special vampire comic book will find it in the exceptionally unique FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers missing Marvel Comics excellent Blade series (from a few years ago) will find joy in the superb FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency.

Sam Johnson's story is a bit odd. Ruby Kaye wants to be just-another-girl and a superhero at the same time, but seems socially awkward. The enjoyable part of the story is watching Ruby work around her conflicts and contradictions, and there is good dramatic potential in the fact that she is blissfully naive about the fact that she is over her head and out of her league. In Geek-Girl #1, Johnson shows that he has the ability to deliver indie superhero comics that are not only good, but also have the possibility of getting better with each new episode.

Sam Johnson's script for Vol. 2's first issue is a little more self-assured than his script for the first issue of the 2016 series. Johnson delves into character and personality and creates drama through that as much as he does through the fight scenes. It all comes through clearly via Paul McLaren's clean lettering and design. Yeah, I still think Geek-Girl will get even better.

So Generations: Banner Hulk & Totally Awesome Hulk #1 is not a pointless event comic book, cynically meant to separate gullible fans from their money. The fan can be a reader this time. This is not a great comic book by any means, but it bridges the past and the future in a way that genuinely speaks to what is unique about our favorite incredible, rampaging, rage monster, the Hulk.

Writer Margaret Stohl offers a story that is little more than what one gets in throwaway comic book annuals. There is, however, a nice push-pull and ebb and flow because the Captain Mar-Vell here is such an early version that he predates the arrival of his apprentice, the former Ms. Marvel, Carol Danvers. The fact that he tries to act as a mentor who tempers Captain Marvel's hotter blood provides some nice humorous moments. Still, what is the point of Generations: Captain Marvel & Captain Mar-Vell #1? It seems like a mere element in a cynical ploy to re-launch Marvel Comics' latest... rebirth.

The other part in delivering this winning tale is the work of artist Paolo Villanelli and colorist Ian Herring. I like that they recall the work of Ms. Marvel's originating artist, Adrian Alphona, without lazily imitating him. Villanelli and Herring create a bright, sunny, positive story that makes me wish this Generations tale had a second life.

In a previous review, I wrote that with Generations Marvel Comics runs the risk of publishing several issues of an event comic book that read like nothing more than, at best, mediocre, Annuals, published for the sake of being published, or, at worst, filler material. For the most part, DC Comics avoided that last year with its introductory Rebirth one-shots; most of those had a point or a purpose " introducing the direction of a Rebirth-relaunched DC comic book. So far, Marvel's Generations has not been as... utilitarian.

I won't call this one of the better Generations entries, but it is a novel approach to bringing familiar characters together.

So Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey #1, the second entry in the Generations series, is the best so far. If the Generations to come are better than this one, the entire series will end up being more than just another cynical Marvel editorial ploy

Generations: Sam Wilson Captain America & Steve Rogers Captain America #1 brings Generations to a close on a high note that the earlier issues did not necessarily suggest. As event miniseries go, this is one of those single issues that are worth remembering even when the overall event miniseries is only remembered for its central plot or concept.

Now, I must say that the art here is beautiful. It is the best work by Mahmud Asrar that I have ever seen. He is a rapidly growing talent, and here, he gives the hackwork story TLC that it does not deserve. Jordie Bellaire does a stellar coloring job on Asrar's compositions. Leave it to Jordie; she'll color the shittiness right of a mediocre comic book, and she just about does that here. Asrar and Bellaire are the reasons I am not giving Generations: The Unworthy Thor & The Mighty Thor #1 a really low grade.

I could have done without the mushy stuff at the end. Part of me wants Marvel to let Wolverine be Wolverine. That would be the stone cold killer of the early new X-Men of the mid-1970s, and not the Logan softened from being part of the X-Men family and by the tragedy of Jean Grey/The Phoenix. That said, I like this action-packed, violent fight comic and its surprising guest appearance.

While newcomer artist Djibril Morissette-Phan is surprisingly polished, he continues to assert control over this narrative with a mood of mystery and with a tense pace. His storytelling is sharp, efficient, and clear. I think that Morissette-Phan puts the explosion in Glitterbomb, and well, I am curious to see where he goes with this series.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Green Arrow fans should give the new Green Arrow a try.

Readers needing their Peter Bagge and/or Hate fix will get it here. Bagge is, as usual, at or near top form, which only makes me want more. Surprisingly, the most delightful bits in this Hate Annual are the six, one-pager that make comedy out of little-known innovators, inventors, and scientists. Part Monty Python-esque history and part gag strip, Bagge exercises his droll wit in these short pieces. Reading Major Walter Reed in Yellow Fever Fever! simply reinforces my belief that Bagge is great simply because he can work comix magic in just a few panels. I would hate for Hate Annual #8 not to be on your buying list.

When I finished reading Helena Crash: Fueled by Coffee, I asked myself if I would read more of this. The answer is that I would. I also asked myself if I would recommend this to readers of my reviews. The answer is also yes. Helena Crash and her comic book is more interesting than most of the Harley Quinn comics DC Comics is peddling to its customers.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Anyone who reads comics.

Current Hellblazer writer, Andy Diggle perfectly captures that Film-Noir, street detective, urban magic quality that has defined this two-decade old series. Diggle has the perfect partner in the expert artist, Leonardo Manco who has an exquisite sense of art direction and set design, not to mention his killer double-page spreads. Diggle and Manco make Hellblazer one of the most rewarding reading experiences on the current American comic book market.

Of course, it helps that he has the ass-kicking artist Leonardo Manco as his partner-in-devilish crime. Manco uses pools of space-filling liquid black, a feverish spattering of ink spots, and unruly lines that race across the page like frantic Bebes kids to create a signature visual tone for Hellblazer that fits the character to a tee.

Hellblazer #242 finishes of The Laughing Magician storyline with something more than just a bang. There are just so many surprises, and the twists and turns are all so inventive. Each of Andy Diggles story arcs, though self-contained, is essentially part of a larger narrative. It seems as if Diggle stripped John Constantine bare of the rags that had come to cover the character to make him leaner and meaner in order to face the meanness Diggle had in store for him. Whats even better is that Diggle has the superb Leonardo Manco at his side capturing the nastiness and brutality with the same subtle grace he uses for the quiet moment of wickedness.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: The flagship of Vertigo horror comic books, its a must read.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Everyone who has ever read even one issue of this series should start again.

Aaron doesn't go away from that foulness and that edginess in Hellblazer #245. In fact, he adds to this title's nastiness by telling a scary story with razor-sharp teeth; even a nip might give you rabies. In fact, if "Newcastle Calling" were turned into a movie, it would be NC-17 if some of the revolting visuals weren't removed. Here, revolting is a good thing. Artist Sean Murphy (Crush, Dark Horse Comics), except for that dreadful last page, gives the story this cool cinematic feel that's like a slasher movie " just right for a tale of stupid young people.

Its not so much a fresher prospective as it is a willingness to go there " that dark side of horror that challenges what we believe in enough to make us a little uneasy and also a lot scared. Horror should be horrifying or horrible " really good or really bad, but not middle-of-the-road, bland, and safe (like so many horror movies). Scab aint safe. It will leave you feeling nasty and unclean.

The closing of the Scab storyline might seem like going out with a whimper rather than with a Bang!, but in a quiet way, Milligan seems to reminding anyone who has forgotten (or informing new readers) what a bastard John Constantine was, is, and will be. Its a good way for Milligan to move onto the rest of his dirty work on this title. All in all, Scab is a good indicator of whats to come.

[This issue also contains an eight-page preview of the upcoming DC Comics/Vertigo series, The Unwritten.]

Perhaps, this is part of Milligans plan to offer bigger ideas, to present magic and the supernatural in the context of real human drama, where consequence of choices is as important as the end result of a spell. This time around, Milligan had the right art team, Goran Sudzuka (pencils) and Rodney Ramos (inks), to strike the appropriate tone and create the perfect mood for this very human tale of love, truth, obligation, and responsibility.

Well, Hellbourne is a good place to discover Thompson's engaging characters. And there looks to be some excellent hell-born hellraisin' fun to be had with this series.

I cannot imagine that readers who like to experience the breath and width of alternative comics and the modern graphic novel would not want to read this. It's bark is flashy, but its bite is substantial. Her Bark & Her Bite is an exceptional debut.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers who never get enough Conan comics to sate their appetites will like Hercules: The Knives of Kush.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: A reader looking not to sate his blood lust, but instead to encourage it will like Hercules: The Knives of Kush.

Home Time: Under the River may end up being the best or be on the shortlist of best graphic novels for any age this year. Campbell Whyte's storytelling is a celebration, an exploration, and a display of shifting drawing mediums and graphical styles. There is more imagination in Whyte's story than you will find in an entire year of most of Marvel and DC Comics's superhero comic book titles.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for good sci-fi action will like Hotwire: Deep Cut.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for great science fiction, fantasy and horror in one super package will like Hotwire: Deep Cut.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for great science fiction, fantasy and horror in one comic book will want to try Hotwire: Deep Cut.

In addition to collecting Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead, this trade paperback includes all the covers (including variants); a discussion with Pugh about the series; a color version of a six-page story published four years ago; and several pages of images from the original version of Hotwire.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers familiar with Gilberts work from having read short installments and episodes in the regular Love and Rockets series will be knocked out by how wonderful these stories read as a whole when connected by a collection. New readers will find the saga of Maria, Hector Martinez, and Gorgo Cienfuego as addictive as the best soap operas and episodic television series.

Janes in Love celebrates young love, but it is a romance that goes beyond merely dating. It is a love of both the humanity that makes us the same and the diversity that makes each of us a unique being. The beauty in what makes us different accentuates those connections that mark us as the same, one group - humans. In Janes in Love, we learn that when art teaches us that, art saves.

Incredible Change-Bots isnt completely a parody, but it is a tribute that reeks of nostalgia. Thats not necessarily a bad thing if youre a fan of both Jeffrey Browns style of cartooning and storytelling, as well as of the Transformers. It may be necessary to like Brown in order to enjoy this, but its also hard to imagine fans of the old Transformers cartoons disliking this. Behind the nostalgia, however, is a moral fable about the futility of destruction initiated over misunderstandings. One gets the idea that if the two robot factions talked to one another, their problems wouldnt exist and they could do great things together. And its fun to see Browns work in full color.

The difference is also that Browns Bighead comics (which often look like ersatz, Golden Age superhero comics) arent mindless drivel, and Bighead is a charmer. You can learn to miss the guy when Brown doesnt bring him around for a while.

The next time I find myself accidentally watching M.M.A, Ill have Jeffrey Browns Deadly Awesome to thank for making me appreciate the fighters and their art.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Mini-comics and indie fans will enjoy these alt-comix tales, some of which feel like newspaper comics.

If the Eisners were less about politics and who is likeable and more about art, then, Ryan could give Loady an Eisner to stick up his butt.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for the next memorable alt-comix series: here, it is.

Jupiter's Legacy is not Frank Quitely's best work, although, as usual, it is more attention-grabbing than the work of most other artists. For me, the best of Quitely remains New X-Men. Still, Quitely's visual style is so unique and iconoclastic that I'd be interested in his art even if he were only producing still-life drawings for an extension course at the local junior college. Plus, Quitely's compositions for Jupiter's Legacy give off an unsettling vibe. Something bad is coming, and Quitely does something bad quite well.

King Conan: Hour of the Dragon #1 Advanced comics review By Leroy Douresseaux May 26, 2013 - 10:33 King Conan: Hour of the Dragon #1 cover image

I was ecstatic upon hearing that Dark Horse Comics was going to adapt into comics, Robert E. Howard's sword-and-sorcery novel, The Hour of the Dragon, one of my all-time favorite books. After reading King Conan: The Hour of the Dragon #2, my initial excitement about the series is truly justified. This is a great comic book. I wonder if writer Timothy Truman and artist Toms Giorello can maintain this high level of quality through the remaining four issues.

Writer Timothy Truman and artist Toms Giorello are telling a story in bold masculine strokes with relentlessly muscular scenes, delivered in an unapologetically bloody visual language. Yet with Jos Villarrubia's colors, it all looks like a fantastic jeweled tapestry. King Conan: The Hour of the Dragon is the best Conan comic book from the best Conan comic book publisher.

Truman has a wonderful collaborator in Toms Giorello, who takes Truman's script and transforms it into comic book art that is a tapestry of exotic backdrops, a striking cityscape, strange costumes, and shadowy backrooms (includes a fine double page spread). This art is not only perfect for Conan, but for just about any Robert E. Howard story. Giorello could probably deliver a stunning comic book vision of Tolkien.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers who enjoy comics based on Robert E. Howard creations may like Legends: The Enchanted.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Legion of Super-Heroes fans may want to try Legion Lost.

The Great Darkness Saga was popular at the time of its publication, but because it was so ahead of its time that it seems of this time; so it deserves the deluxe treatment. Legion of Super-Heroes: The Great Darkness Saga The Deluxe Edition is one of those pricey books that should have place in the home of every reader of superhero comic books.

Readers looking for cool comics for middle school readers and also people who just want to read good comics will want Lifeformed: Cleo Makes Contact.

Lost in the Wash: 2010 Lint-Trap Edition, like the earlier Lost in the Wash chapters, reminds me of horror comics from EC Comics and Warren Publishing. Artist Will Grant is channeling Graham Ghastly Ingels and even some S. Clay Wilson. Horror stories usually keep the reader guessing what comes next, but John Ira Thomas has a surprise on every page. Theres no telling where this is going, but the reader will want to know. Lost in the Wash: 2010 Lint-Trap Edition is wild and wooly the way good horror comics should be.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Love and Rockets Vol. II #20 is a homecoming for all L&R fans before the book moves to its new format with #21.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers of Vertigos series that are set in DC Comics magical universe may want to try Madame Xanadu.

People interested in the history of the American Civil Rights movement must have March: Books One, Two, and Three.

This isn't Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, but it is the kind of fun superhero comic that should appeal to 'tweens and under who would get a kick out of reading an actual comic book featuring Spider-Man, whom they probably only know as the star of film, TV, and breakfast cereals.

The Comic Shop Locator phone number is 1-888-COMIC BOOK.

So Marvel Legacy #1 epitomizes Marvel's real legacy " the short-sighted, self-serving choices instead of the long term choices that come with more risk and less immediate gratification. Plus, Marvel Legacy #1 is just another comic book, fast food hamburger off the corporate conveyor belt " granted that there is some rather nice art inside.

If Melinda Gebbie jammed with Richard Sala, then, the result might be this Trina Robbins/Ed Gorey-ish collection of peculiar comix odds and ends. Magic, myth, autobiography, and lyrics meets in such an unusual way that makes it hard to describe Dame Darcys comix. Gothic, Victorian, and weird Charles Addams might do, but regardless, Meat Cake continues to be a beautiful comic book series that I refuse to miss.

The result of Ewing and Land's efforts is a comic book that is neither mighty nor spectacular, but it isn't completely bad. It is Avengers and if you like Avengers, well...

Devotees of superhero comics will understand why Chaykin eschews exploring the reasons why a police detective and a criminal defense attorney would moonlight as costumed vigilantes, even though the trend the last 30 years is to dig in the dirt to find out why Spider-Man, Batman, and others put on masks, cowls, capes, and even spandex. Mighty Love is simply here to be loved. Its like a neo-golden age Hollywood film, drawn with Chaykins visual detail for urban settings, snazzy interiors, and sharply-dressed characters.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Fans of Sherlock Holmes and detective fiction will find in Moriarty Volume 1: The Dark Chamber a comic book to love.

Alex Ross cover art for New Mutants #1 (one of four covers) even recalls Bill Sienkiewiczs distinctive cover art for the original series back in the mid-80s. This time, Im happily satisfied so far with the New Mutants.

In issue two, Wells creates such a captivating rhythm by constantly moving the action among three settings: the bar where Cannonball and Roberto wait with Shans body, Illyana and Magma at Marcis home, and Shan and Marci trapped in Legions mind. The narrative moves at a breakneck speed, while the plot twists have the reader sitting on the razors edge of suspense. These reviewer-favorite euphemisms are perfect for convincing people. This new, New Mutants series is turning out to be the best New Mutants series.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Even the passing Gilbert fan will find joy in this delightful entry in his oeuvre.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Strictly for Nexus fans whove been waiting.

Incarnate has an excellent lead character in Mot " flitting about the pages like a homicidal Peter Pan, and this series also has a talented storyteller, capably assisted by his creative cohorts. Best of all, Incarnate has a winning for issue, which will hopefully lead to a winning follow up.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers on the prowl for both manga-inspired comics and urban fantasy will like Incarnate.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for edgy dark fantasy will like Incarnate.

Okie Dokie Donuts slyly preaches for hard work and making things with ones hands, but uses vibrant colors and comic book graphics to deliver an entertaining message. Okie Dokie Donuts has the manic energy and sarcastic charm of a Marx Bros. movie, so dont sell it short. You dont have to be a kid to enjoy this sweet treat.

In Other Lives, Bagge simply argues that a lovable loser would find a way to live the same screwed up life even in a reality that he could construct. They is what they is, and the duality that modern life offers will not change that. I will quibble with the ending, but Others Lives is still an exceptional work compared to most comic books. Even in black and white, Peter Bagge can reveal the true colors of the modern American.

Comics / Comic Reviews / More Comics

Readers looking for something truly different and truly good in comic books will want Punks: The Comic.

I assume both creators want to work in this town again, so American comics, both as an industry and as a culture, are probably safe. That and the zealous protection of copyrights and trademarks may keep this dynamic duo from slaying comic book sacred cows. Still, the sky's the limit for Abe, Skull, Fist, and Dog, and I'm sure they'd take a crap on the sky, too.

In the reprint story, Punks proves that it was ahead its time, literally. I think Punks: The Comics may be trying to match its own surreal and cockamamie beginnings. Punks is still just scratching at the black ice surface of its potential. I hope mainstream North American comics has a place for this especially funny comic book.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Anytime theres new Altergott, his fans should come running, but Raisin Pie also offers a chance to view Bordeauxs work which, in one way or another, fits in with other indie and Young Adult comics.

I like being surprised by comic books of which I did not expect much, and this comic book certainly surprised me. I hope that Relic of the Dragon is the first of many comics from Miguel ngel Garca and Adrian Benatar produce.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Do you like Charles Addams, Edward Gorey, Tim Burton, and/or Barry Sonnefeld? Then, this Ignatz entry is for you.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Fans of Richard Sala already want this, but fans of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton will also want Delphine.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: The fourth book is a must for those who have read earlier issues, but it will make the uninitiated really want Delphine.

The best thing about Rip M.D. is the lead character, Ripley Plimpt. Mitch Schauer presents his young star as completely open and honest. Both his imagination and behavior are open to new things and new ideas. He has few preconceived notions and prejudices, and hes always ready to dive into a new mystery, even if that mystery involves delving into the secrets of a monster. Thats why he can be a monster doctor (and if only the human medial establishment were that open to new ideas). This is the perfect set-up: a curious, brave kid and a world of monsters. Hopefully, there is more to come, but our first appointment with Rip M.D. is pure fun.

Right now, I am looking for two things in this new Robotech comic book. One, I want it to be a well-produced comic book with good writing, good art, and overall engaging storytelling. Two, I want it to recall classic Robotech while also exploring new possibilities for the series and also going places the original might have, but did not. So far, I'm getting both of those things from this very entertaining comic book.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for good dark fantasy will enjoy Ryder on the Storm.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for something good and different in urban fantasy will enjoy Ryder on the Storm.

Samurai Jack #2 comics review By Leroy Douresseaux Nov 25, 2013 - 12:24 Samurai Jack #2 Subsciption cover by Genny Tartakovsky

32 pp., Color, $2.99Samurai: Heaven & Earth, Vol. II is the second of two five-issue mini-series about a samurai who journeys across half the world to rescue the woman he loves. Dark Horse Comics published Vol. I in 2005 and published a trade collection in 2006.At the beginning of Vol. II, the samurai Asukai Shiro had briefly reunited with his love, Lady Yoshiko. She is, however, kidnapped by Don Miguel Ratera Aguilar, a man who befriended Shiro with the intention of using him as a political assassin. Issue #2 finds Shiro in Spain with his reluctant ally, Safwah Ibn Badr al Din, the slave trader who originally brought Yoshiko to Europe. The duo finds passage to the New World where Don Miguel, with Yoshiko in tow, is apparently headed. Fate, however, deals Shiro another blow, and he must fight a ship full of sailors who stand between him and his continuing journey to rescue his love.Sometimes, what publishers call "graphic novels" are just trade collections of comic books featuring

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Beyond Savage Dragons regular readers, I think superhero comic book fans who remember 1980s comics will also enjoy this.

Fans of Bryan Lee O'Malley and readers look for exceptional comic books will want to ask for Seconds.

Make no mistake, however; much of this book is funny. Yes, this sh*t will tickle your funny bone as much as it tackles ye olde thinking side. Every single person who buys books about politics and all those who read political cartoons must have a copy of Sh*t My President Says: The Illustrated Tweets of Donald J. Trump. Honestly, in a better world, this book would sell millions.

Brutal, honest, provocative, and funny, Adrian Tomine brings the reader into a minefield of human foibles " a place where conflict is built on mutual hypocrisies and double standards. Shortcomings is simply a grand adventure into contemporary people.

Shrapnel: Hubris is crackling military science fiction with a sharp sense of humor, and while it isnt great, the series grows more intriguing with each scene. The painted art by Concept Art House is sometimes so dark that it is hard to read the graphic narrative, but the art also gives this story of rebellion, both surreptitious and overt, a science fiction Film-Noir mood reminiscent of the film, Blade Runner.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Fans yearning for military science fiction in a comic book format have it in Shrapnel: Hubris.

You'd Better Sloth-Around epitomizes one of the things that The Simpsons does so well, satirize the American desire to get over on people and to beat the system. Simpson Family Robinson Crusoe is a cute send-up of the source material. That may be the best way to define the comics in Simpsons Comics Showstopper " cute, nice, and entertaining, but none of this material is great. This collection may satisfy Simpsons comic book fans, but it is not an exceptional Simpsons comics collection, which I can say about some of the others (like 2018's Bart Simpson Bust-Up).

You don't have to be a fan of The Simpsons to like Simpsons Comics Game On!, but it helps. This volume has so many stories that are inventive and well-executed in their storytelling that fans of humor comics can find at least one story to like.

This early in the series, Dale is still finding his way as a storyteller and is working out a few kinks. Still, it is clear that Skyward is heading in the right direction.

Of course, Gischler has an excellent collaborator and storyteller in artist David Balden. The Spanish artist reminds me of artist Joe Madureira. Here, Balden presents elastic and supple figure drawings that give the characters life and also give them distinct personalities " even the characters who are not around for long. This is dynamic graphical storytelling, with an excellent sense of the dark and the supernatural. And Balden simply makes Spirits of Vengeance look different from other Marvel titles.

Brighter Than a Thousands Suns is a mildly entertaining story, with good structure and even pacing. Im interested if and how it fits in with the stories that follow. [Assignment: Earth begins in 1968, and each following issue jumps forward one year in time.] Alone, this story isnt really that much. The art is okay, with the storytelling being much better than the technique. Byrne allows colorist Tom Smith to create too much of the arts value and texture with his colors, which aint all that. Judging this first issue alone, I cant see much of a reason for Star Trek: Assignment: Earth to exist other than as fan fiction masquerading as licensing. And $3.99 is a bit much to pay for unspectacular fan fiction.

This new Star Wars comic book is like having A New Hope " the day after or what happened after Luke destroyed the Death Star. Writer Brian Wood tells a story that reads as if it were the real thing " the continuing story of the first Star Wars movie. Wood has practically fooled me into believing that this script came straight out of 1977-78.

The rich colors by Guru e-FX dazzle my eyes. It is near perfect, although the colors seem to emphasize a peculiar photo-like quality in many of the faces that Larroca draws. I often don't mention lettering in my reviews, but here, Clayton Cowles actually super-charges the edgy mood of this story.

So I hope that the storytelling in Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi " Captain Phasma gets stronger. This first issue shows the potential of the series, but is itself a bit lukewarm. Of course, this may be because Captain Phasma is still a character that is mostly a blank slate.

Star Wars: Legacy Volume 2 #4 Advanced comics review By Leroy Douresseaux Jun 25, 2013 - 11:06 Star Wars Legacy Volume 2 #4 cover image

This final issue of Star Wars: Legacy Volume 2's first story arc has forced me to make this clear. Star Wars: Legacy Volume 2 is the best new Star Wars comic book series of 2013 " better even than Brian Wood and Carlos D'Anda's new eponymous Star Wars comic book series that has been getting a lot of attention. Star Wars: Legacy Volume 2 is the best Star Wars comic book since Marvel Comics' Star Wars, which ran from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s.

Star Wars: Mace Windu #1 gives the series a good start. If the other first issues of solo miniseries (like the Han Solo and Lando series) are any indication, what follows Mace Windu #1 will be a blast.

The art and graphical storytelling by artist Fernando Blanco is good, if not spectacular. Blanco obviously comes across as a credible Star Wars comic book artist (which is not something everyone call pull off). His layouts, coloring, and page design make up for slightly awkward figure drawing. I think Blanco is an artist that will continue to improve, and I hope to see more Star Wars comic books drawn by him.

The screenplay for the Rogue One film was written by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy (from a story by John Knoll and Gary Whitta), and Alessandro Ferrari and the artists of Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation have done these writers proud. I hope this creative team gets the chance to do a graphic novel adaptation of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and I am sure I am not the only one waiting to see what they can do with this new Star Wars film.

Before this review ends, I must call attention to painter Lee Moyers glorious new coloring for this rebirth of Starstruck. Id buy this comic book just to see more of the color splendor found on pages 6-7.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers who miss Milestone Comics will want to at least try Static Shock.

Readers looking for great comic books will find that in the graphic novel, Sugar Skull.

Superman: Earth One is the Superman book that everyone who reads Superman should be reading. Or put it this way: if you know about Superman, you probably need this book in your hands.

Thompson usually delivers high-quality genre storytelling, and he certainly delivers in again in Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #3. This is an excellent comic book, and, dear readers, head over to comiXology to read it. I hope the final issue does not disappoint, as I have high hopes.

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #4 gives us an excellent ending to an excellent comic book series. So, dear readers, head over to comiXology to read the entire thing.

Sweets: A New Orleans Crime Story is truly unique in crime fiction. New Orleans, however, has been done to death. I would like to see Kody do more crime comics, and Im sure that between Thibodaux and Lafayette, he can find characters and settings to set the world of crime comics on fire.

With this book, DC Comics has made Newton, who is practically obscure now, seem like someone special. For awhile, Newton was special, because he got the plumb assignment of drawing Batman comic books on a regular basis. And you will also believe in Newtons noteworthiness when you see Tales of the Batman: Don Newton.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Teen Titans fans.

Don't judge a comic book by its cover because this cover captures neither the story nor the spirit of this comic book. If the creators have the resources to keep this going, they might actually be onto something that could capture a steadily growing audience.

The Beast reminds me of Thompson's crazy-ass and crazy-as-hell original graphic novel, Southern Hospitality (which predates The Beast by a few years). Both comics are about ordinary people who are really insane slash monstrous killers or are ordinary people who must learn to hack and slash other ordinary people to death. As I said earlier, The Beast is not great, but this comic book is meat for the beast... you know is inside you.

Images and graphics in The Black Bat resemble image and graphics in and perhaps the spirit of Batman comic books. However, what writer Brian Buccellato offers is closer to "street level" comic books that Marvel Comics has produced over the years, featuring characters like Daredevil, Moon Knight, and The Punisher. It's vigilante vs. organized crime, and the superhero costume seems extraneous in the moody, urban fiction edge of Buccellato's script.

The Black Bat #2 Advanced comics review By Leroy Douresseaux Jun 4, 2013 - 10:33 The Black Bat #2 cover image - Cover A with art by Jae Lee

Everything leading up to The Black Beetle: No Way Out #4 was so good. While this last issue is good, it does not reach the heights of what came before it. I thought that a villain such as Labyrinto deserved a more potent last act than what we get here (although this might not be the last time we see him). The reveal and resolution are somewhat disappointing.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is mad and brilliant. If EC Comics and the 1950s copy-cat horror comics that the publisher influenced had created graphic novels, they would look like this first story arc of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, "The Crucible." Sometimes, the witchery is so shocking in this comic book, I think that Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Robert Hack might need some inquisition face-time, or perhaps to be dunked a time or two.

It has been nearly a year since the publication of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #4, and, if I remember correctly, there was a long wait between the publication of the first two issues of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and the third and fourth issues. The previous four issues have been fantastic, so the length of time to grow Chilling Adventures of Sabrina installments were worth the wait. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #5 is so good that I can't be mad. It is certainly worth the wait. Yeah, I'd like to read it more often, but while reading issue #5, the long delay between it and the fourth issue was the last thing on my mind.

Steve Pugh's art and graphical storytelling captures the blunt instrument and precision cutting tool of Russell satire and caustic wit. He layers gentle humor and mockery in every brushstroke. His graphics make the Russell-Pugh duo a creative team like no other. It seems that at least two of DC Comics' Hanna-Barbera series are among its best comic books.

Cartoonist and comic book creator, Jessica Abel, is quoted as saying of The Fun Family, Simply wrenching... Benjamin Frisch subverts the iconography of family cartooning, exposing the seedy underbelly of Americas obsession with the perfect family. That is true, and The Fun Family is a blast to read. I could not stop reading it once I started. I highly recommend The Fun Family, which is still in print two years after its debut.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Crime fiction fans will want The Last Days of American Crime.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Crime fiction fans will want The Last Days of American Crime.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Crime fiction fans must have The Last Days of American Crime.

THE LOWDOWN: Readers who love good comics will want The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century.

As a narrative, The Life and Times of Savior 28 seems to be fiction with the purpose of commenting on recent politics, as well as being (perhaps) a parable about the destructive nature of answering violence with ever increasing violence. As for the first issue, well, I was huge fan of DeMatteis because of comic books like Moonshadow and Dr. Strange: Into Shamballa (Marvel Graphic Novel #23). Here, I enjoyed how DeMatteis wrote Dennis McNultys narration, which gives this comic book the feel of a biographical novel, and sets a nice conspiratorial, dark tone for the narrative. However, this first issue is much too much overview and not enough detail, which keeps this first issue from standing out as something exceptional.

Cavallaros storytelling, however, is not meant merely to recapture the pictorial manners of other artists. Cavallaros post-modern, pop-art comics style (if you will) humanizes DeMatteis story, giving visual soul to a story that is as much political commentary as it is a critique of superheroes. Cavallaro captures both Savior 28s troubles and Dennis McNultys conflicted soul.

In this issue is a battle between Savior 28 and Ms. Jupiter. As I read that sequence, I started to wonder if I was missing the point that this is all a joke. Is this a metaphor for real world violence or a closeted parody of superhero realism?

With his distinctive, retro style, artist Mike Cavallaro has done excellent work on this series. His clean compositions are just right for a story that plays over several eras. Rather than have the art mimic that of comic books from the Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, etc., Cavallaro uses a consistent graphic approach. That reflects what this story is " a recollection from a single point of view and not a wide-ranging history documenting many peoples stories.

Edmondson and Weldele are really good right out the box. The Light #1 is magic, a gripping, chilling tale that is ambitious and promises to be complex. But it is as simply devastating as a scary story can be. I hope #2 can live up to this opening.

Best of all, the White Bolt just looks so cool. That is saying a lot because The Motorcycle Samurai Book One: A Fiery Demise is full of cool-looking characters.

Artist Klaus Shmidheiser captures both sides of this series " the adventure story and the informative. Shmidheisers storytelling can spin a nice superhero yarn, but the artist also has a way of slowing down the fantasy to focus on those segments of the story in which Boyer has to push real world details concerning Burma. Shmidheisers balancing act is worthy of being noticed by comic book fans, and so is this comic book.

For readers of: Although geared towards female YA, anyone who likes Freaks and Geeks may very well like this. The Plain Janes is also a young cousin of Daniel Clowes essential graphic novel, Ghost World, so some fans of alt-comix could have love for this. Although occasionally rough around the edges, this is a treat that left me wanting more.

Because it emphasizes confrontation and violence (of course), The Shadow: Year One #3 is the best issue of the series since the first issue. In fact, this third issue is a big improvement over issue #2, which writer Matt Wagner used to establish what are likely to be the dominate plot lines of this miniseries. That was a dialogue-heavy issue, with an emphasis on establishing the personalities, conflicts, motivations, etc. of the cast " besides The Shadow. There is not a thing wrong with that; it simply came across as flat in its execution.

Believe me when I say that The Signifiers #2 is a steal at $5.95. Three excellent comics serials, plus an interview with some crucial and valuable information: could I ask for more? Yes, I want The Signifiers #3.

The Story of My Tits is triumphant and heartbreaking. It is glorious in its joy and candid in its sadness. Most of all, it is a fantastic read. I did not know that tits could be so alluring and attractive, and it would have nothing to do with sex. Seriously, Jennifer Hayden has offered a story for our times that is timeless in its breath and scope.

With this ninth issue of The Strain, it is official (if it wasn't already) that writer David Lapham and artist Mike Huddleston form a "two-handed engine." Their work is a seamless whole, and, as a horror comic book series, their production is a whole lotta good.

Welcome to the second-to-last issue of The Strain. The Strain #10 bears a resemblance to that kind of second-to-last day of civilization tale found in films like Dawn of the Dead (original and remake), Resident Evil: Apocalypse, 28 Months Later, and The Stand television miniseries. As in George A. Romero's Land of the Dead, some rich guy is sitting back, ready to reap some rewards in the aftermath.

This final issue delivers the confrontation we've been expecting for several issue, but with more than one surprising twist. From start to finish, David Lapham pounded out a page-turning thriller with end-of-issue cliffhangers that satisfied and created anticipation for the next issue. For Mike Huddleston, he composed graphical storytelling that had all the mood and atmosphere that one would expect of horror fiction, but also offered the excitement and suspense of an ecological thriller.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers of all things Stephen King will want The Talisman: The Road of Trials #0.

Artist Tony Shasteens storytelling, good in the prequel story, is actually better. Shasteen conveys the inherent moodiness of the early part of The Talismans narrative. Dressed in Nei Ruffinos colors, Shasteens art becomes a fever dream sodden with the magical potential of The Talisman: The Road of Trials. Hopefully, this series will reach that potential.

Readers will believe in the world artist Tony Shasteen builds. His art conveys to the reader that the Territories is not only a place of exciting magical creatures and places, but also a world of imminent danger and sudden death. The Talisman may be fiction, but Furth and Shasteen will make you believe that the wonder and danger of the Territories is real enough to excite your imagination and also freeze your blood.

The comic book adaptation of The Talisman, the novel written by Stephen King (Salems Lot) and Peter Straub (Ghost Story) and originally published in 1984, gets darker with each page. Written by Robin Furth (a former assistant to Stephen King) and drawn by Tony Shasteen, The Talisman: The Road of Trials threatens to set a new standard for dark and edgy in dark fantasy. Nei Ruffinos colors also make this a nasty piece of fantastic fiction that just will own your imagination. Then, there are the images of the half-smashed head that will be burned into your mind.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for adventure and suspense thrillers will want The Vault.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for adventure and suspense thrillers will want The Vault.

For those who enjoyed: Warren Ellis fans should dig this, especially people who enjoyed his take on superheroes going back to DV8, StormWatch, and The Authority. Readers who want a hardcore Direct Market superhero book that is both exceptionally different and really good will find it here.

FOR READERS OF: People who have money to spend money on Marvel Comics should spend some of it on this. Its probably the most imaginative execution of a Marvel superhero comic since Morrison and Quitelys New X-Men.

I think what most attracts me to Tim Ginger is that this story is so surprising. Just glancing at this book, you would not think that Tim Ginger could turn out to be such a fantastic work. I want to read it again. Tim Ginger is a spectacular American debut for Julian Hanshaw, the calling card that will make readers anxious for his next work.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for Inception-like thrills should try Time Bomb.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for thrillers that are on the razors edge will love em Time Bomb.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Readers looking for top topnotch science fiction/action will want Time Bomb.

Martinson tells this story in graphics that he composes with tight crosshatching, art that can be compared to woodblock prints. It creates a texture that accentuates this narratives subdued emotional power. Tnoharus unabashed love of human drama and relations, however, isnt subdued, which is why Tnoharu: Part Two, like the first book, is both a unique and engaging read.

Every issue of Turok, Son of Stone also has extras about the natural world, the early history of man, and trivia and details about Native Americans. Although much of this material is probably outdated, it adds a nice touch to the naturalistic storytelling of Newman and Giolitti. I always wondered what the Turok comic books were like. If Id known they were this good, I would have sought them out a long time ago. At $49.99, Turok, Son of Stone Volume 8 is a bargain because the quality it offers is worth more.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE: Something about the individual talents that make up this writer, penciller, inker, and colorist team works so well to create a single, unified vision that translates into a highly entertaining comic book. So people who want a superb, double-bang-for-the-buck X-Men comic here, it is!

fter one issue, I'm not ready to pass complete judgment on Uncanny, but it is not bad at all. Uncanny #1 is a good read, slick and polished in its script. It reminds me of one of those espionage television series that were so popular and prevalent in the 1960s. Add some of Richard Stark's Parker to that and you have Uncanny and its star, Weaver. The art by Aaron Campbell yields good, if not spectacular graphical storytelling. Honestly, the art won't "wow" you with prettiness or striking page design, but it is good, clear storytelling.

Believing that Crane is equally good with character drama and kids comics may be difficult to accept, but the rollicking Simon & Jack will not only make you a believer, but also an acolyte of Crane. This is an all-ages tale because its sense of wonder and imagination will captivate all ages, and it is not too early to declare Uptight #4 one of the years best comics.

I think that Wayward will be different from the other titles that Image is publishing, and that's a good thing. I think the Young Adult novel has finally made it to comics in the form of Wayward, and I think it will be one of the standout new titles of the year.

Advertising copy and promotional material describe Wayward as Buffy the Vampire Slayer for a new generation. That may be true, but it is certainly a damn good comic book for any generation that can read. It has the kind of intrigue and sense of mystery that permeate Mike Mignola's Hellboy universe, and it crackles with the kind of magic that fills Harry Potter. I imagine that quite a few comic book readers will be eagerly awaiting each new issue.

Yeah, it's not fluke. Wayward is one of the best new titles of the year. Plus, Zack Davisson offers another hugely informative essay on the mythology of Japan in "The Magical Foxes of Japan."

Wayward offers a mystery that is as unknown as it is alluring. Like Rori following the glowing threads that guide (or lead) her, we don't know where this mystery will take us, but let's follow! Rori is not so much Buffy fighting monsters as she is like Harry Potter guiding us into a fantastic labyrinth of conspiracies and old secrets.

Zub and Cummings leave us with a beautifully drawn and exceptionally told series, and while they leave us with many questions, they also leave us caught in the weave. We want to be Wayward. With each new issue, Wayward expands its scope without losing its great sense of mystery. With similarities to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, yokai manga, and Harry Potter, Wayward is that amazing new fantasy series we've been waiting for DC Comics' Vertigo imprint to give us. Instead, Jim Zub, Steve Cummings, and Image Comics have given it to us. Gimme more.

Readers looking for high-quality, Japan urban fantasy will be happy about the return of Wayward.

Readers looking for high-quality fantasy comic books will want to try going Wayward.

Readers looking for high-quality fantasy comic books should already be going Wayward.

Zub's script does not disappoint, and co-creator Steve Cummings brings the script to life as magical graphical storytelling that remains grounded at the same time it brings the supernatural to life with imagination and inventiveness.

N. Steven Harris' compositions and the sharp inking Dexter Vines lays on them are similar to Jon Davis-Hunt's clean drawing style in The Wild Storm. Harris and Vines deliver good storytelling while graphically tying their work to Ellis and Davis-Hunt's flagship title. I like The Wild Storm: Michael Cray #1 and will be back for more.

Both in terms of plot and narrative, Air will take you to wonderful places and the fare you must pay is embracing new ideas turned strange and strange ideas turned practical. Air is more than a trip to Dorothys Oz or Alices Wonderland. It is an original fairy tale so relevant to our real times.

Wolverine: First Class #1 is, however, a fun read. I wouldnt compare Van Lentes writing to that of Chris Claremont, the man whose Uncanny X-Men stories from the 1970s and 80s are what will shape Wolverine: First Class, but The Buddy System is a nice superhero action/adventure tale. The art, by Andrea Di Vito and Laura Villari, seems to bet better as the story moves along " particularly in the second half of the story when the action kicks in.

If you were looking for a comic book to give a tween reader (9-14 years?), you couldnt go wrong with Wolverine: First Class; in fact, youd go all the way right with this title. Writer Fred Van Lente reminds me of Chris Claremont in his ability to write single-issue X-Men stories that offer character interplay and personality right along side a good fight sequence that puts those mutant powers on display. The art is good (although I wish the coloring didnt provide the texture and detail that a good ink job once did); Andrea Di Vito is good storyteller, but its her excellent graphic design skills that really propel this story. Van Lente and De Vito make this a Wolverine comic book series that I want to read all the time.

The art by Salva Espin is good (although I wish Espins inking provided the texture and feathering rather than the computer coloring). Espin is a good, but not great storyteller, but hes a wonder at drawing action scenes.

The second story, The Worst Gig I Ever Had, drawn by Rich Tommaso, visually looks like it belongs in an indie anthology (like the late Zero Zero or Drawn & Quarterly). Its basically a funny story about one of those crazy high school days one tells friends. Its nice, but pales next to the poignant and undeniable Willful Death.

Zeitgeist #1's ComiXology page: https://www.comixology.com/Zeitgeist-1/digital-comic/308992

Artist Jeremy Smith has compositional skills light years beyond most small press artists, and his skill at figure drawing and design would make him a star at a big company. I can say much the same thing about Thomas writing. For four bucks, you can get work by two of the best creators in American comics and a sweet introduction to a comic book you will want to read again.