Paul Nolan Comic Reviews

What's here is good. Building on the franchise with extrapolation on events, but accessible to those who may not have dabbled within the series before. Keeping well within what Alien is known for. So if you have a hankering for survival horror, this will satisfy you're craving.

If the remaining parts of this 6 part series read as well as the first this could be a series that attains the prestige of Busieks and Ross' Marvels. Though on this issue my one complaint is the abruptness of its ending which left me questioning if the review copy was missing pages, and for that reason I must slightly downgrade the book from a perfect rating. Though that said, grab this from the comic shelf, all signs point to it being one hell of a story.

Reading Butterfly #1 led me to realize I sometimes don't give comics the time they deserve. I read it once and I took it in. I read it a second time and I understood the depth to it.

The unexpected shift in scenery is quite a jolt, but then we're introduced to a rash of characters. While their motivation is obvious (all of them are scavengers) it's their posturing that gets confusing. It's hard to tell how many opposing sides that are being dealt with, two? Three? More? Character interactions along the way don't help and I'm left scratching my head.

The Mix of the cast is good: Red Guardian is a very regimented leader, Ursa Major is very Introspective, Crimson Dynamo can so easily get completely distracted by tech and Darkstar is not sure she can live up to her predecessors. Not the most original traits, by any shot, but their Russianness does come across well, to give a zesty twist to the book. Add in a nice little Agents of Atlas guest spot, and you get interaction helps accentuate the character even more.

There is no way you could describe the comic book 'Effigy' of being roughly made. You certainly won't want to burn it either. It one of those books you'll probably want to digest a few more times before the next issue hits too, just to soak in the atmosphere.

Jeff Parker's second story relaunches THUNDERBOLTS (again). Yes DC used the same idea back in Suicide Squad, but who cares? The theme brings excellent conflict, a chance of redemption and this short story makes Luke Cage really shine.

Incorruptible is easily at a "jump onboard" point and definitely worth a look for people wanting to invest in a hero book without having to keep track with a huge universe.

IXth Generation is a grand amalgamation of sci-fi and heroics, ideology and adventure, and best of all, its accessible. Highly recommended.

Michael Allred's art (yes he's normally known as Mike, but he is credited as Michael in this issue) in partnership with his wife Laura on colors bring out their usual clean and not over-busy style to make the artwork really shine but the whole package is not enough to make me buy next issue.

Lopresti is his usual steadfast self over Giffen's art breakdowns. His male and female figures show heroic poise, but always in realistic proportions, and his ability to capitalize on subtle nuances in facial muscles make him one of the best in the business when portraying expressions.

In my view, we've now got the best of Both worlds. If the comics continue like this, the more Quantum and Woody, the better.

All in all Reyn is off to a fair start. Though not perfect, there is always space for comics that the likes of Sojourn once took. And aren't the unlikely characters that fall into heroics rather than look for it always the best?

Does Secret Identities do enough to differentiate itself from the crowd? Yes, it brings a new dynamic to team super-heroics, and really questions the edge of morality. This ones well worth the $3.50 entrance fee.

His former modus operandi is put well into question this issue. A former "Victim" of Shadowhawk has used litigation to win a massive payout for his crippling injuries, and what does money buy in a super-hero world? An exo-suit that not only fully enables a paraplegic, but gives him bursts of speed, strength and a blast power known as the "Kill Switch". The fight excellently shines a light on both Johnstone's state of mind and whether or not a place, ten years from his original time, is a place he can mentally survive in.

Michael Gaydos art, coated with Kelly Fitzpatrick's hues, exudes grit and grime. A permanent duskiness amplifies the atmosphere of the comic. It's a hand in glove fit for Swierczyskis words, and the final package we're presented with is a perfect example of modern pulp fiction.

Rest of the series ordered, Game pre-ordered. This world could rival the Resident Evil and Silent Hill franchises…

"Jack-of-All-Trades" Alan Robert not only paces things perfectly through the issue, ramping up the mystery page-by-page turning page, but the ambience created with his color and lighting is perfect. His meld of harsh pencil with what I assume are computer manipulated backdrops create a haunting backdrop to enhance a mood that simply envelops you.

This series has it all engaging characters, mystery that winds just as the wire winds through and around Cypra's body, and truly incredible, unique artwork. The art is difficult to put into words, but Alan Robert creates an excellent hybrid artwork of photo visual melded with strong character work and scenery enhancements, all gelled together with some incredibly atmospheric colors that would be at home in a Ben Templesmith series