All New Soulfire #6 Review

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #6
Written by JT Krul & Frank Mastromauro
Art by V. Ken Marion, Mark Roslan, John Ercek & Erick Arciniega
Lettering by Josh Reed
Aspen Comics

 This will be a spoiler free review. 

 

                We get the aftermath of Malikai revealing that Michael is a fake and find that Malikai’s reveal had some unexpected effects. Meanwhile, Rainier shows why magic is such a force in this world and the price that Cole and Jayden will have to pay for find out.

WRITING:

                The issue is very well paced. There has been several different subplots that Krul has juggled but this issue, it deals with two main issues primarily: Malikai dealing with the aftermath of his actions and Rainier being confronted by Cole and Jayden. And while Malikai’s plot gets handled well, getting into some philosophical debates, the majority of the issue deals with some development for Rainier, Cole and Jayden.

                Krul does a good job present us with how deep Rainier’s plot is going as we do get some very powerful scenes with him, Cole and Jayden in the book. The issue flows extremely well. And while we do not get a mention of Abel this issue, unlike it states in the over, Krul uses the space effectively as he brings out more of Cole and Jayden this issue as a result. It is kind of a double edge sword there … not having Abel there but making sure to finish out a plot and develop characters that were already set in motion.
                That’s the only thing that really goes against it. Otherwise, the dialogue was excellent and the pacing was great.

ART:

                This book continues to be beautiful. Marion, Roslan and Ercek do so very well to breathe life into this book.  The artists give a good amount of detail, detailed clothing and characters that really stand out and good perspectives. Yet, I found in this issue that backgrounds were scarce. There are backgrounds with color and there are fully detailed background. I found that the non detailed background might be a bit much in some instances … but otherwise, this art continues to be amazing. Arciniega’s colors really bring out the best of Marion, Roslan & Ercek’s art, giving a great tone and mood to every scene. 

                The action in the issue was great and Marion, Roslan and Ercek convey emotion so very well that it really keeps your eyes glued. A great job by this team.

FINAL VERDICT:

               

                This was a good issue with developing plots, character development and answering some questions. That said, both covers for the issue feature characters not in the issue at all and the lack of backgrounds here and there was slightly disconcerting. Yet, these aren't that major in the grand scheme of things.   The art and characterization really are superb and this issue makes me want more.  I give All New Soulfire # 6 a 3.5 out of 5. 

Preview: All New Soulfire # 6

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #6

JT Krul – Story / V. Ken Marion – Art / Erick Arciniega – Colors

PJ and Alori continue to compete in the death-defying battle royale that is Pandemonium, but while most competitors seek the top prize of winning, someone has a more sinister agenda - revenge against PJ’s mentor and ally, Benoist. The technological mastermind Abel finally returns to the pages of Soulfire—and death and destruction are sure to follow!

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #6 is in stores July 16^th, 2014!

All New Soulfire # 5 Review

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #5
Written by JT Krul & Frank Mastromauro
Art by V. Ken Marion, Mark Roslan & Erick Arciniega
Aspen Comics

This will be a spoiler free review.

                Malikai decides to confront Michael … only to bring the police around. Meanwhile, Rainier gets his plan off the ground while Grace returns with Vanyss “together” while introducing Benoist, PJ and Alori. We end our issue with Abel getting ready to make his own move.



THE GOOD:

                Marion, Roslan and Arciniega gives us an outstanding showing with beautiful art. Panels are nice, crisp and full of detail. The panel compositions and perspectives a great, dynamic and eye catching. The characters are all varied. Backgrounds are detail to really bring about a fully realized world and the overall look and feel of the book is just explosive. The colors are perfectly brushed all over the page and we got some great work from Marion over all. This book’s art is just perfection on page.
                Krul continues to build up plots and characters this issue. Grace’s new relationship is definitely a stand out that gives her something different after all that had occurred in the previous miniseries.  We definitely see a bit more development for Malikai,  Jayden, Michael and Rainier. The dialogue is great. The overall plots are starting to come together this issue well as it is building at a good pace to a finale. A strong issue.

THE BAD:

                Pj and Benoist take a big back seat this issue … more so than any other issue.  While the cast of the book is big, they have had a bigger role the whole series thus far. So, this issue feels a little off but that is my only complain.

THE VERDICT:

                The art is stunning. The story is solid. The plots are running towards the end of the series and are developing well. This issue starts connecting dots and definitely helps set up the book run towards its end. It’s a great ride over all and the issue definitely makes me look forward to more. I give All New Soulfire # 5  4 stars out of 5!  

All New Soulfire # 5 Preview

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #5
JT Krul – Story / V. Ken Marion – Art / Erick Arciniega – Colors



For centuries, the dark lord Rainier has set his sights on mastering the world’s science and technology in order to bring about his rise to power, yet now he's realized the error in his ways. As Rainier attempts to regain his connection to magic, he may be able to regain everything that was once lost to him!

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 continues!

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #5 is in stores June 18^th, 2014!

1st Impressions: ALL NEW SOULFIRE # 4

ALL NEW SOULFIRE # 4

Written by Frank Mastromauro &  JT Krul
Art by V. Ken Marion, Mark Roslan, Erick Arciniega & Kyle Ritter
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                As we open our book, readers get to feast their eyes on Michael, who is seemingly an angel. I say seemingly cause Malikai doesn’t really believe Michael. Meanwhile, during some fights in Pandemonium, Benoist, PJ and Alori watch as one combatant, Brix, beat his adversary … then beat him again to a bloody pulp.  Grace is dealing with feeling a lack of joy with magic as Vanyss gives her a different perspective. And there is a traitor amongst the group .. .



WRITING:

                Krul does a solid job this issue, handling multiple plot elements and giving everything just enough attention so that nothing is neglected. We get some strong character development for PJ, Grace, Malikai, Vanyss and Alori this issue as each of the plot points start building. Krul and Mastromauro’s plots begin to open up new mysterious with each one while examining this new place where technology meets magic.

                One of the things I love most about the issue is that Krul isn’t afraid of showing Malikai’s more selfish nature as well as some strong development for PJ. As the plots sprang forth, there is a lot of talk of belief when it came to Michael, which drove Malikai up the wall. Sonia’s reaction definitely seemed very natural.

                The overall issue flowed extremely well, allowing for character moments to come in and sit well enough.  A strong showing by Krul this issue.

ART:

                Marion just gets better and better. The detail in this issue is sick. Marion does a great job giving readers this world where there are grand buildings, lots of lights outside and all sorts of different places. Marion does not skip on detail for characters as people looked different and had different proportions, depending on the character.

                Panel work is pretty solid as we got some really nice panels and angles within the panels. Simple things like a looking down angle from Grace flying to a tilt on Benoist after beating Brix shows Marion has a good eye and knows how to construct good panels. Roslan makes sure each and every pencil is inked to really set off Marion’s pencils to their best. This gives great detail that helps jump the work right out of the page. And the colors by Arciniega and Ritter produce these great images to jump at the readers. And while people may think that there is similar face syndrome for some characters, overall, Marion and Roslan do a good job of making each character distinct. A solid job by this art team.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                The art is amazing. The story is solid. There are some big mysterious to be revealed and the traitor amongst the group really sets things off. I believe we are about to get into the third act of this story and looking forward to it.

RATING:

                I give ALL NEW SOULFIRE # 4 a solid 8 … out of 10. Pick it up Wednesday!!

Preview: ALL NEW SOULFIRE # 4

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #4
JT Krul – Story / V. Ken Marion – Art / Kyle Ritter - Colors

This is no game anymore. Someone is trying to kill PJ, but is it an overzealous combatant in the arena competition or another? Or possibly, someone looking to settle a score with the man behind the man - Benoist? Meanwhile, Malikai confronts the strange messiah who has entranced the believers of Gabriel's Voice, but are his actions justified or just plain jealous?
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 continues!
ALL NEW SOULFIRE #4 is in stores April 23^rd, 2014!

EXCLUSIVE!!! Interview With Aspen EiC & Writer Vince Hernandez!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to bring to you an exclusive interview with Aspen Comics' own Editor-In-Chief, Vince Hernandez. His name should very familiar to many of you who read Aspen books because he also writes several of them including Charismagic, Executive Assistant: Assassins & one of Aspen's most recent new books, Trish Out of Water.  I am extremely honored to share this interview with you all now. 


1.First, the 10 for 10 initiative of this year has came & went. How does it feel? Do you feel it accomplished it's goal?


VH: It feels great, and actually, we’re still very much in the thick of the initiative as some of the releases from later in 2013 are winding down as we speak. It’s been a consistent workflow for now more than a year and half. When we first set our parameters for what we wanted to accomplish with the “10 for 10”, several of them were actually intangibles that we couldn’t quantify with statistics. Things like retailer support, new readers and brand awareness are all some of these intangibles that we achieved along the way. You really can’t put a value on that. Overall I think, yes, we certainly met and exceeded our initial goal for the program.



2. When you first were coming up with 10 for 10, did you believe it would do as well as it did?

 VH: A lot of the credit for the initial idea should go to our President Frank Mastromauro who came up with the broad strokes of the plan and then we filled in the gaps to make it something special. I believe all of us at Aspen offer different perspective in these matters and usually I can be very realistic/cynical in these matters initially, so I had a very good idea of what it would accomplish but I don’t think anyone expected the kind of sales totals we initially saw in those first few titles, and eventually the high point in July with the release of All New Fathom #1, our highest selling book of last year. I think it surprised us all.



3. There were a slew of new titles this year from Aspen. Did you feel like any of them were big gambles compared to your more tenured titles like Soulfire & Fathom?

VH: Absolutely, and I would be lying if I didn’t offer my own property as example #1: Trish Out of Water. I was absolutely terrified that readers and fans would not accept this type of title from us—an adolescent story of a teenage girl dealing with not only special powers but also puberty. It was a risk and I’m very pleased that everyone at Aspen had enough faith in me to allow the story to unfold without any major alterations. That meant a lot to me. On the other hand, we had several titles such as Legend of the Shadow Clan, BubbleGun and Jirni that I knew fans would enjoy. Our fans are very outspoken about what they like to see, so for us, it’s a matter of applying that formula while also expanding our own creativity and doing what we enjoy doing. It’s not always going to be action-adventure or fantasy, it can be something completely out of left field.


4. There were so much diversity in the line this year & in general. Is that a factor when deciding titles?

VH: Well, we never want to go to the same well twice, to me that doesn’t feed creativity. I’m very aware and honored of some of the genres we’ve helped establish as viable to the broader market as a whole. A few years ago, you didn’t see any steampunk books out on the market and now there’s a new one every week it seems. I can’t help but feel that Joe Benitez’ Lady Mechanika had a lot to do with that. I like to think we tend to stay on the cusp on these new trends but really—it’s a crapshoot. You never know what’s going to be the next big thing.



5. Switching gears, you wrote a slew of titles this year. How was juggling writing all those titles while also being EIC of Aspen?

VH: It’s a lot harder than people probably assume, but I think I have it down to a science at this point. I can generally write a full script (and that’s an actual full script with both panel descriptions and dialogue) in about a day, give or take. And I think this speed is a direct reflection on the knowledge and experience I have with managing books. When it comes down to it, you just have to sit down and write, and then write more and more. Procrastination and excuses spell disaster for writers.

6. There was a lot of build up to Charismagic this year. How did it feel building that through  Charismagic The Death Princess & Charismagic Vol 2? Do you feel satisfied how far the characters have come?

VH: Not at all! And I mean that in the best possible way. I have so many untold stories to tell, and I can’t wait to bring those to life. Building the world up to this point has really been satisfying. A lot of creators only end up with one issue or maybe an initial arc but in just a few short years Charismagic has already seen two volumes, a spinoff mini as well as a digital-only exclusive book for charity, so I can’t complain. It’s been great.


7. How was it coordinating Executive Extinction? How did that event come together?

VH: That was an idea I had that took to David Wohl the creator, and Frank and Peter, and we decided to cross over both the Executive Assistant: Iris proper series and the EA: Assassins ongoing into one giant event. It was fun but like all things event-based in comics, it was a lot of hard work! Over ten issues that had to be connected in continuity. It wasn’t easy. There were a few things I wish we could go back on but overall I think we provided an entertaining series with some long-lasting implications in the EA universe.


8. Let's talk Trish Out of Water for a second. How did that book come about?

VH: When we decided on the “10 for 10” initiative, I knew I wanted to provide a property that stood alone as something different from what we’ve done before. I think we accomplished that hopefully with Trish. Like any Aspen title, it took a lot of planning and initial discussions as to what the series would be, how it would fit into the overall skeleton of the “10 for 10”, and how it would be marketed. Once we had those first few talks nailed down, I was able to flesh out the concept more in my head, and like most projects I work on, tell the story I want to tell. The rest is history.

9. Overall, how do you feel about your writing over the past year? Do you feel you have developed as a writer?

VH: Well, I’ve actually been writing professionally since 2004 so I don’t feel like this year was any different from many of the previous ones beyond the fact that the workload was noticeably increased. I think in 2012 I wrote about 25-30 books and in 2013 I wrote closer to 45 titles so really it was just a little more typing than usual. As far as my development as a writer, I think I’ve learned something from every book I’ve written, and continue to do so. It’s an ever-evolving process that never really stops.



10. Any advice to aspiring creators who want to make comics?

VH: Yes. Follow your dreams but be realistic with your approach. Study the masters and take notes. This industry is littered with creators that don’t plan out their future with a business model, but rather, think that one property or their next series will be the one that hits big. The reality is that you have to approach everything like a labor of love. What you put into it is what you’ll get out of it, but if you go in thinking you’re going to have the next Walking Dead then you’re fooling yourself. Image Comics is probably asking themselves when their next Walking Dead will arrive. It’s not an exact science. Hard work and dedication will be your most successful tool.


11. Finally, what can we look forward to in 2014 from you & Aspen?

VH: We’re taking a measured approach this year with some very special new properties that we think people will really enjoy. In March, our popular Fathom heroine returns in Fathom: Kiani volume 3. In April, creator Siya Oum brings us her long-awaited new series Lola XOXO and let me tell you that it looks and reads amazing! In May we have the return of “10 for 10” alumni book Jirni for its second volume, which is looking brilliant already. In May we also have our new Free Comic Book Day offering, Worlds of Aspen 2014, that features two exclusive zero issue stories of Peter Steigerwald’s new book, The Zoo Hunters as well as my new series, Damsels in Excess, with Mirka Andolfo out in July--and I cannot wait for people to check it out. We also have another very big initiative planned but I can’t reveal more than that for now but stay tuned!

1st Impression: ALL NEW SOULFIRE # 1

ALL NEW SOULFIRE#1
Written by JT Krul & Frank Mastromauro
Art by V. Ken Marion, Mark Roslan & Kyle Ritter
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We open to a mystery in France that starts 2 years prior to the main story. Then we fast forward to 2213, where Mal and Sonia are watching PJ fight a giant metal spider mech. Benoist is coaching from the sidelines as PJ does his best to win the battle … within a stadium.
                After which, the gang meets up with Grace and they all go to Paris for a tournament. But, as they go to Paris, Grace uncovers a new mystery.

ART:

                Okay. His work was breath taking in Fathom-The Elite Saga but Marion really out did himself here. There is an energy to this issue that is just intense and full of life. The characters and backgrounds are nice and detailed. The character designs really work well in this “All New” beginning, giving Mal a pony tail. Marion’s pencils and Roslan’s inks just give a smooth, detailed look into this future of Soulfire. Panel composition is great with good angles, nice poses and people of all shapes, colors and sizes abound.
                The battle was definitely well rendered as Ritter provides some of his best color work to date. This is indeed one of the best looking books I have seen all year.  The lines are nice and clean but with a nice edge to them. The designs are great. And everyone looks distinct. Overall, this book’s art is AMAZING.

WRITING:

                Fresh from his first volume of Jirni, Krul comes into All New Soulfire, giving it a new energy. We start with a progressively smaller cast right now; which actually works to the books advantage. We catch up with the last volume with ease as this NEW volume makes it easy and accessible to readers. Krul gives us some solid characterizations from all the main characters, really capturing their voice of who they are now while still fitting in to the continuity of the previous Soulfire series.

                The story’s pacing was excellent. Nothing lasted too long or was overly wordy; just a nice pace. The dialogue fit the group well as PJ seemed to be a little more enthusiastic here, but that works for him. There is a lot to this world but Krul gives us a familiar spot, Paris, to be our backdrop. And as the multiple plots just start, Krul makes sure to go back to the first scene with the end of this issue; leaving readers wanting more. A magnificent job by Krul.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This was a PERFECT first issue.

RATING:

                Do I really need to say it? Okay. I will. ALL NEW SOULFIRE #1 gets a 10 … Out of 10!! Buy it on November 13^th, 2013.

Preview: ALL NEW SOULFIRE # 1

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #1
JT Krul ­ Story / V. Ken Marion ­ Art / Kyle Ritter - Colors

Aspen's final 10 for 10 series makes its red-hot debut!

In the future, technology is everywhere, but there's a greater source of
power and wonder now out there - magic! After saving the world from the
destructive force of chaos itself, Malikai and his friends try to return to
a life of normalcy. PJ is determined to be Benoist's heir in the battle
arena, where cybernetic technology rules the day. Malikai is just happy to
be with Sonia again, yet he can't help see that Grace is still haunted by
the scars of the past. Meanwhile, a secret danger grows in the shadows
between magic and technology, and it has a name - RAINIER! Don't miss this
exciting premiere issue of the ALL NEW SOULFIRE!

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 right now!

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #1 is in stores November 13th, 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)