All New Fathom # 7 Review

ALL NEW FATHOM # 7
Written by David Wohl
Art by Alex Konat, Mark Roslan, John Ereck & Erick Arciniega
Aspen Comics 

This will be a spoiler free review.

   OH MY GOD! Okay. The penultimate issue of the maxiseries lives up to the hype. While Aspen, Killian and Chance face Vana ... Muiria is attacked by our little princess ... all grown up. And NOTHING will be the same.

THE GOOD:
     Konat and the rest of the art team render one of the most beautiful books to ever hit the stands. Every detail, every background, every facial expression, every single being in this book is rendered to near perfection. Lively detail, wonderously multi-faceted colors and energetic panels let this book really fly. The art is nice, polished and clean with some great digital inking by Roslan and Ereck. Arciniega performs his best color work in this issue. And I can honestly say that Konat draws for this life this issue ... and makes it immortal. The emotional heaviness of the issue just explodes on to these pages and I could not be happier.
    Wohl writes an action packed, strongly emotional issue. This issue is definitely a point of no return with some of our characters and Wohl makes all the work he's done building up to it start paying off in more thans than imaginable. This issue actually made me feel very disturbed. Since reading the events of Fathom- The Elite Saga to this issue ... it all builds and builds well. Aspen is stronger and more confident than ever yet still has a great vunerbility to her character that Wohl allows readers to know; which really makes her one of the best female characters out there. This issue stands among one of the best reads this year ... between the action and the emotional tension, this book demonstrates why to love comics.

THE BAD:
    Bad does not exist in this book ... save for one particular event for one particular character. And I feel so sorry for  ********.


THE VERDICT:
    The art is superb beyond belief and this issue made me tear up. The writing is some of Wohl's best. This is definitely going down as possibly one of the best single issues of any comic I read this year. Grab this book. I give ALL NEW FATHOM #7 a perfect 5 ... out of 5. Buy it Wednesday!

All New Fathom # 7 Preview

ALL NEW FATHOM #7

David Wohl – Story / Alex Konat – Art / Erick Arciniega – Colors

A new direction in the FATHOM Universe continues!

As the Blue capitol city of Muria lies in turmoil, Aspen, Chance and Killian must form an alliance in an effort to undo the incredible damage that Vana has wrought against the world's oceans. However, as life above and below the surface continues to suffer as the water temperature drops, is it already too late? Meanwhile, as her plan nears fruition, Vana unleashes her most deadly weapon of all!

Writer David Wohl, artist Alex Konat and colorist Beth Sotelo team up once again to bring you the latest adventures of Michael Turner’s most beloved creation!

ALL NEW FATHOM #7 is in stores June 18^th, 2014!

Preview: ALL NEW FATHOM # 6

ALL NEW FATHOM #6
David Wohl – Story / Alex Konat – Art / Beth Sotelo – Colors


A new direction in the FATHOM Universe continues!

As Aspen and Chance begin to understand the true implications of Vana's master plan, they realize that the whole world could be in danger, both above and below the seas. But, it may already be too late to reverse the damage! Meanwhile, in Muria, Anya's desperate search for answers regarding her daughter's disappearance lead her to a very surprising, and tragic, conclusion!
Writer David Wohl, artist Alex Konat and colorist Beth Sotelo team up once again to bring you the latest adventures of Michael Turner’s most beloved creation!

ALL NEW FATHOM #6 is in stores April 16th, 2014!

Preview: FATHOM: KIANI (Vol 3.) # 1

FATHOM: KIANI vol 3 #1
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Giuseppe Cafaro - Art / Wes Hartman - Colors /
Josh Reed - Lettering

Kiani has risen!

One of the most powerful figures in the Fathom universe returns for this
epic third chapter! Following the tragic events of The Elite Saga and the
shattering of her family ties, Kiani has risen above the surface and
seemingly disappeared amongst the large expanse of the human population.
However, with a power inside her that is capable of changing or
destroying--the world's landscape, her presence can only remain hidden for
so long!

Returning writer Vince Hernandez joins forces with Trish Out of Water artist
Giuseppe Cafaro to bring you the latest adventures of Fathom's most fierce
and beloved characters. Kiani is back and the world of the Blue will never
be the same again!

FATHOM: KIANI vol 3 #1 is in stores March 12th, 2014!

1st Impressions: ALL NEW FATHOM # 5

ALL NEW FATHOM # 5
Written by David Wohl & Frank Mastromauro
Art by Alex Konat, Mark Roslan & Peter Steigerwald
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                Open this issue with Aspen, Chance and Judith having some lunch till unexpected trouble finds them. They get help from Fyodor Luzhin, the Russian that offered a job dealing with Blue/Military weaponry. Because of ice popping up everywhere, Aspen and Chance head to Russia with Fyodor to see how bad things are. And things only get worse when some secrets revealed end up causing tension between Aspen and Fyodor.

ART:

                Konat has got his stride here. The pencils in this issue are by far some of the best work in Konat’s career. With Roslan’s inks, there was such rich and detailed panel work that the most mundane actions were quite breath taking to look at. Aspen looks absolutely beautiful this issue and Chance is rigged as ever.
                Konat and Roslan give us great panel composition and kinetic action that really are a feast to the eyes. Steigerwald’s colors are a perfect fit to Konat and Roslan’s work. The colors were used well, with a nice blend of shading and tone shifts to set the right mood for each panel.  The backgrounds are nice and detailed as well.  And the overall look of the book is just magnificent. This is how you kick off the new year!

WRITING:

                Wohl does a great job building up events this issue. Using the plot that Mastromauro and he created, Wohl weaves a great issue that helps build upon previous issues and starts setting the stage for the next set of issues. After last issue being very Vana heavy, we only get one scene with her and her “daughter”, which turns out to be fine. Aspen and Chance get a good amount of development this issue. Aspen knows she is in a rock and a hard place and she knows she needs help; hence her going to Russia after being adamantly against it originally. This gives Wohl an opportunity to show us the growth that Aspen is having; dealing with doing the right thing.

                Chance stands behind Aspen during her trip to Russia; finding himself ready to fight again even after they had walked away from each other before. There was even the awkward question if they were a couple and they both said now at the start of the issue; although, you can definitely seen the tension between them.  It is a good touch on the relationship between these two characters to see where they are now.

                Fyodor did not end up being as much of a scumbag as I thought he would be, which I give Wohl kudos for. There are plenty of them already in this book.  Yet, besides that, there is a lot of set up to the end and Wohl paces the entire issue well; giving us a solid ending.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Best issue of the series yet. Writing and Art was absolutely incredible. 

RATING:

                I give All New Fathom # 5 … a 10 … out of 10. Pick it up on January 29^th!

Preview: ALL NEW FATHOM # 5

ALL NEW FATHOM #5
David Wohl ­ Story / Alex Konat ­ Art / Peter Steigerwald ­ Colors

A new direction in the FATHOM Universe continues!

Believing the undersea threat from Vana to be over, Aspen Matthews returns to the surface to try to resume a normal life and finds an old flame waiting for her upon her arrival--Chance Calloway. Meanwhile, tensions rise beneath
the surface as the true extent of Vana's scheme begins to manifest, and she reveals her actual target--the Capital city of the Blue, Muria!

Writer David Wohl, artist Alex Konat and colorist Peter Steigerwald team up once again to bring you the latest adventures of Michael Turner's most beloved creation!

ALL NEW FATHOM #5 is in stores January 29th, 2013!

1st Impression: ALL NEW FATHOM # 4

ALL NEW FATHOM #4

Written by David Wohl & Frank Mastromauro
Art by Cory Smith, Alex Konat, Mark Roslan & Peter Steigerwald

Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                This issue starts to get into the meat and potatoes of the story as we open with some more startling effects of Vana’s plan hitting all around the world. Aspen goes to get help from the Human-Blue Relations office. Yet, Aspen finds that to be a bust till an old friend appears. Meanwhile, Killian goes with some troops to confront Vana.

ART:

                This issue was split between Konat and Smith on pencils. And overall, it is a solidly drawn issue. Smith’s slightly less detailed style seems a bit of a speed  bump in terms of visual changes but it works. The panels are detailed. The backgrounds are full of life. Killian’s scenes were handled by Smith, who does a great job with them. Konat delivers on his pages like always. There was great panel composition, human expression. While Konat’s lines and inking seems a bit cleaner (inking his pages was Roslan), Smith’s inks really work with the heavier inks, as his portions were definitely the “darker” part of the story. Besides the two styles feeling like they don’t complement each other at first, they actually work well together by the end of the book. Steigerwald hits a home run with the coloring for both pencilers, really bring out the best in both. A pretty good job.

WRITING:

                Wohl writes a great issue here. Things are going from bad to worse and Aspen is being proactive; which I found to be a treat. Aspen, overall, is really starting to be an even stronger character as her experience is letting her make decisions for the best of the planet; not necessarily for herself. And while there is a nobility to it, Aspen still retains that this is important but so is her own life she’s building. Her interactions at the Human-Blue Relations Center proved that.

                Yet, the REAL focus of this issue went to Killian. Killian definitely seemed to be do his best to go about things peacefully, as he was commanded to be rather than aggressively, like he wanted to be. Wohl definitely gives us a different side of Killian this issue as he holds steadfast to his duty as he meets with Vana. The issue has some great dialogue and surprises that really work. And Killian meets a “familiar” face once he goes to Vana; which made the issue that much more impactful. Some great pacing from Wohl as well.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The style styles might seem to clash at first but you get comfortable between the two by the end of the book. Solid art. Great story and development.

RATING:

                I give All New Fathom # 4 an 8 … out of 10. Buy it Wednesday, November 27^th, 2013.

Preview: All New Fathom # 4

ALL NEW FATHOM #4
David Wohl ­ Story / Cory Smith, Alex Konat ­ Art / Peter Steigerwald ­
Colors

A new direction in the FATHOM Universe begins!

As Vana brings her attacks below the surface and against the rest of the Blue, Aspen must return to Muria and team up with Killian in an attempt to stem the tide of destruction while trying to discover the truth of what Vana's intentions are. But whose side is Killian really on, and are his motives as genuine as they appear to be?

ALL NEW FATHOM #4 is in stores November 20th, 2013!

Covers by Michael Turner (wraparound), Koi Turnbull, Ale Garza and Alex
Konat!

1st Impressions: ALL NEW FATHOM # 3 Review

ALL NEW FATHOM # 3

Written by David Wohl & Frank Mastromauro
Art by Alex Konat, Mark Roslan, Beth Sotelo & John Starr

Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Aspen goes to Siphon to talk about what’s been doing on, running into Killian. Yet, Killian seems oddly detached since the events of “The Elite Saga”, which troubles Aspen. As she tries to just deliver her news and go, Siphon insists she joins them in investigating. Meanwhile, a giant ice pillar has surfaced in the middle of the Grand Canyon as Chance’s plane is going straight towards it. Finally, we see more of what is going on with Vana’s “daughter.”

ART:

                Konat and Roslan, once again, deliver a visually breath taking issue. There is wonderful detail in all the characters to make them distinct. There are people of different sizes and colors that are rendered well. Konat and Roslan also give some immersive backgrounds that just pop out at you. Panel composition was solid. And the colors by Sotelo and Starr continue to make this book look amazing. Konat and Roslan seem to hit their stride here as every last detail of this book is a feast for the eyes. Really strong amazing work.

WRITING:

                Wohl and Mastromauro pen a solid issue. The pacing of the issue was very static with very little occurring in terms of action, save for the plane, but that was a good thing. We got a chance to see Chance shine, which we have not in some time. Meanwile, the majority of the issue is used for character development. We get more of an idea of the Blue now ruled by Siphon. We also get some great character bits by the “Princess” and Killian. Aspen, even though she is observing what’s going on for most of the issue, goes through some character development herself. She did not want to go back and investigate but she is dragged in anyway. And she seems to be taking a close look at Killian’s actions as well as her powers compared to his. Wohl and Mastromauro make sure that we feel what Aspen feels; that something is up with Killian. This other mystery on top of everything else is starting to mount tension and impact for what’s to come. Smart writing by the duo.  And while this issue did not blow me away in terms of events, I do appreciate the character development taking place.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This didn’t send me to the moon but it was a strong, character issue. The art is amazing. The pacing is good. The events are as big as they felt the last 2 issues but they didn’t need to be. I enjoyed the issue.

RATING:
                I give ALL NEW FATHOM # 3 an 8 out of 10. 

Preview: ALL NEW FATHOM # 3

ALL NEW FATHOM #3
David Wohl ­ Story / Alex Konat ­ Art / Beth Sotelo, John Starr ­ Colors /
Josh Reed - Letters
A new direction in the FATHOM Universe begins!

Aspen Matthews attempts to return to a normal life with her fellow humans
after turning down the Blue's pleas for help. However, the ice queen Vana
and her deadly minions step up their machinations with a devastating attack
on the surface world. Yet, the biggest surprise may be the return of one of
Fathom's most instrumental characters--and someone that shares a painful
past with Aspen!

Writer David Wohl, artist Alex Konat and colorist Beth Sotelo team up once
again to bring you the latest adventures of Michael Turner¹s most beloved
creation!

ALL NEW FATHOM #3 is in stores October 30, 2013!

ASPEN COMICS December 2013 Solicitations

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #2
JT Krul ­ Story / V. Ken Marion ­ Art / Kyle Ritter - Colors

Let the mayhem begin!

PJ takes center stage in the arena, determined to be crowned king of the underground hi-tech battle royale. It¹s man-made machine vs. man-made machine and more! In the streets of Paris, Malikai and Sonia learn more about the growing movement known as Gabriel¹s Voice, and their strong belief in magic--despite ever seeing any firsthand-something Malikai could change
with the snap of his finger. Also, as Grace and Vanyss enjoy a common bond,other magical people are being hunted down half a world away in San Francisco - but by whom and for what purpose?"

Join veteran Soulfire scribe JT Krul, along with the amazing artistic
talents of V. Ken Marion and Kyle Ritter, as an all-new direction for
Michael Turner's fantasy epic Soulfire begins!

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #2 is in stores December 18th, 2013!

FC                                    32 pages
$3.99 (3.99 digital)

TRISH OUT OF WATER #3
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Giuseppe Cafaro ­ Art / Andrea Dotta - Colors

When her life comes crashing down on her‹literally‹Trish discovers she is
more alone than she ever could have anticipated! After the startling
revelation at the conclusion of last issue, Trish must now deal with a
devastating tidal wave that threatens to destroy what little remains in her
life, as well as an even more shocking discovery that she may indeed be the
cause of everything terrible that is happening to her!

Aspen¹s own Vince Hernandez is joined by the artistic talents of Giuseppe
Cafaro and Andrea Dotta to bring to you Aspen¹s newest hit series, TRISH OUT
OF WATER!

TRISH OUT OF WATER #3 is in stores December 4th, 2013!

FC                                    32 pages
$3.99 (3.99 digital)









ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS #4
Brian Buccellato ­ Story / Pasquale Qualano ­ Pencils / John Starr - Colors

It¹s an all-new direction for the Executive Assistant that started it all!

With the clocking ticking and a price on her head, Iris must fight her way
through bounty hunters and assassins as she tries to rescue Cherry from
kidnappers. Badly outnumbered and outgunned, Iris gets an assist from an
unlikely source -- a former Executive Assistant who was honor-bound not to
interfere.

Aspen is proud to welcome writer Brian Buccellato and penciler Pasquale
Qualano to the Iris family! Along with colorist John Starr, this incredible
creative team is ready to bring you an ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS
unlike anything you¹ve ever seen before!
ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS #4 is in stores December 11th, 2013!

FC                                    32 pages
$3.99 (3.99 digital)









OVERTAKEN #4
Frank Mastromauro ­ Story / Marco Lorenzana ­ Art / Wes Hartman - Colors

Prepare yourself to be - OVERTAKEN!

The penultimate issue of Overtaken arrives! Will and Jesse are wounded,
trapped and all alone on a strange new world. Their only goal is to find a
way home, but an army of bloodthirsty aliens has other ideas for them. As
the end draw near, what hope do they have for survival if no hope remains?

Written and created by Frank Mastromauro, featuring artwork by the talented
newcomer Marco Lorenzana, OVERTAKEN is going to take your breath away and
leave you gasping for more!

OVERTAKEN #4 is in stores December 25th, 2013!

FC                                    32 pages
$3.99 (3.99 digital)





ALL NEW FATHOM #6
David Wohl ­ Story / Alex Konat ­ Art / Beth Sotelo ­ Colors

A new direction in the FATHOM Universe continues!

As Aspen and Chance begin to understand the true implications of Vana's
master plan, they realize that the whole world could be in danger, both
above and below the seas. But, it may already be too late to reverse the
damage! Meanwhile, in Muria, Anya's desperate search for answers regarding
her daughter's disappearance lead her to a very surprising, and tragic,
conclusion!

Writer David Wohl, artist Alex Konat and colorist Beth Sotelo team up once
again to bring you the latest adventures of Michael Turner¹s most beloved
creation!

ALL NEW FATHOM #6 is in stores December 25th, 2013!

FC                                    32 pages
$3.99 (3.99 digital)










EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ASSASSINS #18
Vince Hernandez ­ Writer / Jordan Gunderson ­ Art / Teo Gonzalez - Colors

Assassins reaches the end!

The epic finale to ³Blood Origin² reveals the true sacrifice required by
Daffodil to forge the first Executive Assistant Academy! When the odds of
success turn bleak‹and deadly--she must decide whether her choice to
painstakingly continue on with her enterprise, or risk losing
everything‹including her life! Don¹t miss this pulse-pounding conclusion
that is essential canon in the Executive Assistant Universe!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ASSASSINS #18 is in stores December 2013!

FC                                    32 pages
$3.99 ($3.99 digital)