Jack Hammer # 4 Review

JACK HAMMER # 4
Written by Brandon Barrows
Art by Ionic
Action Lab Entertainment

This will be a spoiler free review.

                It’s the final show down between Jack and the Black Smile with an election and lives on the line. Conspiracies will be revealed and Jack and Charlie go all out to stop the Black Smile and his crew.

ART:

                Ionic  does a great job this issue. He adds a slight bit more of detail this issue, giving everyone a nice look with his unique art style. The detail he adds is great as it makes the action look good and the emotion of the issue is conveyed well. Backgrounds are good. The colors and shading work, add a good element of mystery; which fits the theme of the book.

                My only real gripe is that distance shots aren’t the greatest. Otherwise, the action was good. The people are distinct. And there are some decent backgrounds.

WRITING:

                The plots of the miniseries and the issue tie up well.  The plots with Goodman and the Black Smile are fully connected here and Barrows allow the mystery and the detective work leads to a strong climax. Jack, Charlie, Stu and more get some great development this issue. Barrows allows everyone to shine in one manner or another this issue, allowing the book to feel very powerful and complete. The main plot gets showcased well throughout the whole issue as we learned some more answers, leaving us with more questions. The dialogue was very strong and the pacing was near perfect. A really great ending for this miniseries.

 FINAL VERDICT:
                I really enjoyed this last issue. Things got tied up well. We got some mysterties for future mysteries with Jack Hammer. The cast got to shine and the art was pretty good. This issue really left me feeling satisified and wanting more of Jack. I give Jack Hammer # 4 a solid 4 out of 5.

Action Lab Entertainment September 2014 Solicitations

 SOLICITATIONS: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT FOR SEPTEMBER 2014 
The following titles will be available for purchase in comic shops everywhere! 



 

CRIMSON SOCIETY#1
Writer(s): Mike Hunau
Artist Name(s): Carlos Trigo
Cover Artist(s): Carlos Trigo (r), Daniel Logan (v)
 
 In the very near future, supernatural beings live among humans in peace, yet Jack Crimson finds his life as a werewolf frustrating, and wants nothing more than a cure. Desperate to free himself from this curse, he makes a series of decisions leading him down an unexpected path. Join Jack as he makes his way through this dark new world. Features a variant cover by Daniel Logan (Ghost Town), limited to 1,500 copies!

32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99/$4.99 Variant
 


DRYSPELL # 3 (Bi-Monthly)

Writer(s): Ken Krekeler
Artist Name(s): Ken Krekeler
Cover Artist(s): Ken Krekeler
 
 The stage is set. Tom Ferris, once little more than an office drone, is about to return to the man he once was. Side-by-side with masks and costumes, he has calculated a grand return to the limelight of his yesteryear. His entourage assembled, his target marked, his city is calling to him. It watches and waits for the black.
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                                          $3.99
 
 
 
  
EHHM THEORY: EVERYTHING AND SMALL DOSES #1
 
Writer(s): Brockton McKinney
Artist Name(s): Larkin Ford
Cover Artist(s): Larkin Ford (reg), Jerry Gaylord (var)
 
 Action Lab's underground hit series returns! Time-jumping assassin monkeys, an evil military super-force, and paranormal ex-lovers plague Gabriel Ehmm and his blood-bound talking feline Mr. Whispers in this eye-smashing, brain-messer of a sequel entitled; Everything and Small Doses. Features a variant cover by Jerry Gaylord, limited to 1,500 copies!
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99/$4.99 Variant


 
THE F1RST HERO # 2 (OF 4)
Writer(s): Anthony Ruttgaizer
Artist Name(s): Phillip Sevy (art), Fred C Stresing (letters/colors)
Cover Artist(s): Lee Moder (standard cover), Ray-Anthony Height (variant)
 
 Back on American soil, Jake settles into his normal life. But when the police attempt a violent takedown on a teen extrahuman, will Jake endanger that normal life and use his own powers to save the boy? Or will he keep quiet and abandon the youth to his grisly fate? Variant cover by Ray-Anthony Height (Midnight Tiger and Marvel’s: Fear Itself, Spider-Girl) limited to 1,500 copies!
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                    $3.99/$4.99 Variant

 

JACK HAMMER :USURPER #1 (OF 2) (Bi-Monthly)
Writer(s): Brandon Barrows
Artist Name(s): Ionic
Cover Artist(s): Ionic
Just as things are starting to get back to normal for Jack McGriskin and friends, a new shadow falls across their path... and lands squarely on Ramona! A mystery man stalks her through the streets of Boston, but is she his target or only a means to an end?
 32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC                                    $3.99

 
 

MIDNIGHT TIGER #3 (Now a monthly series)
 
Writer(s): DeWayne Feenstra, Ray-Anthony Height
Artist Name(s): Ray-Anthony Height
Cover Artist(s): Ray-Anthony Height (Marvel: Fear Itself, Spider-girl, Image: Noble Causes)
 
 Gavin has to shake down an old friend for some intel, but may end up going too far. Unfortunately for Gavin, Powerstone and the Apollo Bay Police Department are on the hunt…and it’s MidnightTiger season!
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                   $3.99
 


 
MISHKA AND THE SEA DEVIL HC
Writer(s): Xenia Pamfil
Artist Name(s): Xenia Pamfil
Cover Artist(s): Xenia Pamfil
 
 Eleven days trapped on a mysterious island. Eleven chapters drawn in eleven different styles. One incredible artist. After a chance encounter at sea, fisherman Mishka washes ashore on an uncharted island. Surrounded by monsters and worse, can Mishka survive long enough to solve the mystery of the Sea Devil and return home? Join her, Captain Furball and Admiral Ghost on the adventure of their lives!
100 pgs./Teen/ FC                        $24.99


 
 
SHINOBI: NINJA PRINCESS #2 (OF 6)
Writer(s): Martheus Wade
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade (Pencils, Inks, Colors) Marvin Chevealier (color assists)
Cover Artist: Tressina Bowling
 
 After successfully completing her first mission, Shianndrea is allowed to accompany Kim on reconnaissance to New Tokyo in order to spy on the Azumi Ninja Clan. Things can't be better! However, just when things are getting cozy between the two ninja, Ai joins the mission, making these three ninja a crowd.
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                    $3.99




SKYWARD VOL.4: SINS OF THE FATHER
Writer(s): Jeremy Dale
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale
Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale
 
 Jeremy Dale and Action Lab proudly present the fourth volume of the smash-hit, SKYWARD! In the wake of the Battle at Three Rivers, it's certain that new alliances must be formed to withstand the armies of the Brother Kings. Enter: The Berserkers! Continuing the fantastic action-fantasy epic from CGS 2013 Breakthrough Creator and Harvey Award nominee Jeremy Dale (G.I. Joe, Marvel Kapow!), following the thrilling tale of Quinn and his dog, Jack-- as we travel ever further into the strangeness of the unknown! Collects Skyward #10-12!
96 pgs./ All Ages/ FC                                    $9.99  

 
SOUTHERN DOG#2 (OF 4)
Writer(s): Jeremy Holt
Artist Name(s): Alex Diotto
Cover Artist(s): Riley Rossmo
 
 After revealing his involvement with the KKK, Jasper’s farther forces him to confront a bully from school through violent tactics. Refusing to participate, Jasper fleas the scene only to succumb to another "episode" as the beast inside of him resurfaces. Unable to fight it, Jasper suddenly finds himself in the middle of his town's racial war. Featuring series covers by red-hot artist Riley Rossmo (Drumhellar)!
32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99

 
  
ZOMBIE TRAMP #3
 
Writer(s): Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Artist Name(s): TMChu
Cover Artist(s): TMChu
 
 Zombie Tramp has fallen in with the wrong crowd in her adventure to Las Vegas… specifically, the undead clutches of the king of Sin City’s sex trade. Now she’s being forced to wed the jump-suited monster of a man in a private ceremony at the Grand Canyon! But in this unholy wedding, “Til death” is just the start. Features a “risqué” variant cover limited to 2,000 copies!
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99/$4.99 Variant

 For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.
 
ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.

ACTION LAB Solicitations For July 2014

Solicitations: Action Lab Entertainment for July 2014
The following titles will be available for purchase in comic shops everywhere! 


BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA #4 (Bimonthly)
Writer(s): Pavel Balabanov
Artist Name(s): Pavel Balabanov
Cover Artist(s): Pavel Balabanov
 
 Bo and his new special forces unit are in a showdown with the Rasta Gang. It’s all out battle with our plushy protagonist, exosuits, ninja-girls, and Jamaican octopus-controlled zombies!

32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99

 

DRYSPELL # 2 (Bi-Monthly)
Writer(s): Ken Krekeler
Artist Name(s): Ken Krekeler
Cover Artist(s): Ken Krekeler

 
Tom Ferris has started seeing the world differently. As colorful heroes shine for all to see, Tom's new friends have revealed a different path; a path where he's free to express himself--where he can embrace who he should have been, instead of who he is. And the world turns, waiting.

32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                                          $3.99

 
FRACTURE: VICE AND VIRTUE TPB
Writer(s): Shawn Gabborin
Artist Name(s): Chad Cicconi (p/i), Bill Blankenship (c)
Cover Artist(s): Chad Cicconi (p/i), Bill Blankenship (c)
 
 In this exciting installment of FRACTURE, Jeff fights to assert control over his own mind in an increasingly complex world. With his control slipping and everyone around him in peril, Jeff is forced to seek help from an unlikely source -- his evil side's former ally! At a mind-bending pace, this volume crash es towards a final confrontation -- with all Jeff's "marbles" on the line! Collects Fracture V2 issues 1-4.
 
 
128 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                        $11.99


JACK HAMMER TPB
Writer(s): Brandon Barrows
Artist Name(s): Ionic
Cover Artist(s): Ionic
 
In Boston, powers are real, heroes are rare and Jack McGriskin is a private detective with a strong right arm and a nose for trouble. When a missing person he’s been hired to find turns up dead, he stumbles into a network of corruption stretching from the streets of Boston to the halls of Congress and the clues lead him back to a world he’d left behind. Collects Jack Hammer #1-4.

128 pgs./ All Ages/ FC                                    $11.99        

 
MIDNIGHT TIGER #1
Writer(s): DeWayne Feenstra, Ray-Anthony Height
Artist Name(s): Ray-Anthony Height
Cover Artist(s): Ray-Anthony Height (reg). Jerry Gaylord (v)
 
 Having lost all hope in the heroes of his world, fate steps in and gives young Gavin Shaw the power to do the things they have not. Only as the teenage hero Midnight Tiger does his city have a chance at redemption. Retailer incentive cover by Jerry Gaylord!

32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC                                    $2.99/ $3.99 Variant
 


  
Writer(s): Jeremy Dale 
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale 
Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale (reg), Craig Rousseau (var) 
 
 Clearly, it's time for action. With the startling events of last issue leaving our heroes reeling, it's time to enlist aid from the northlands. Onward... to the home of the Berserkers! From Breakthrough Talent of 2013 award nominee creator Jeremy Dale (GI Joe, Marvel Kapow!), this issue also features an incredible RETAILER INCENTIVE variant cover by Craig Rousseau of Perhapanauts fame!

32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC                                   $2.99/ $3.99 Variant


    

ZOMBIE TRAMP VOL 3 #1 (Ongoing)
Writer(s): Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Artist Name(s): TMChu
Cover Artist(s): TMChu, Jerry Gaylord, Josh Howard, Jamal Igle
The series relaunch previewed with a Free Comic Book Day issue continues here. Join creator Dan Mendoza for the all new adventures of the cult hit series featuring his undead anti-hero, Zombie Tramp, now brought to life by the amazing talents of new superstar artist TMChu. It’s kinky supernatural fun as Zombie Tramp hits the road, starting in… sin city of course!
Special Notes: Also available in 3 cover variants; risqué, Josh Howard (Dead@17), and Jerry Gaylord (Fanboys vs. Zombies) and a special retailer exclusive Jamal Igle (Molly Danger, Supergirl) cover.

32pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                      $3.99/ $4.99 Variants

Action Lab Entertainment's New Releases for the week of April 23rd, 2014

ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT COMICS IN STORES THIS WEEK New Releases for the week of April 23rd, 2014 (If links do not open when clicked, copy and paste them into your favorite web browser.)    FRACTURE VOL.2 #4 (of 4) Writer(s): Shawn Gabborin Artist Name(s): Chad Cicconi (p/i), Bill Blankenship (c) Cover Artist(s): Chad Cicconi (p/i), Bill Blankenship (c) Steve Bryant In this climactic last installment of the newest arc of FRACTURE, the city of Triton is held hostage by the Society of Thorns and its minions, while Virtue fights Jeff for control of their shared existence. An unexpected ally joins the battle with disastrous consequences, leading to a final shocking twist. Variant cover by Steve Bryant (Athena Voltaire)! FC/ 32 pages / $2.99 standard /$3.99 Variant edition      RATED PG      GHOST TOWN Vol.1 TPB Writer(s): Ryan Lindsay, Dave Dwonch Artist Name(s): Daniel Logan, Justin Greenwood Cover Artist(s): Justin Greenwood  The unthinkable has happened. In the wake of time displaced  terrorist attacks on Baltimore and Las Vegas, Washington DC has been  evacuated. With the government uprooted, the abandoned Capital has  become a refuge for bandits, smugglers, hardened criminals and those  who have chosen to stay behind in this pre-apocalyptic Ghost Town. Collects the four issue series’ first arc. FC/ 116pages / $11.99      MATURE READERS         JACK HAMMER #3 (of 4) Writer(s): Brandon Barrows Artist Name(s): Ionic Cover Artist(s): Ionic  With the architect of Eddie Newman's death revealed, Jack goes on the offensive to  confront the mastermind pulling the strings of Boston's underworld and rescue Newman's kidnapped widow. He knows the who and the how, but the questions remain: why? And does he stand a chance? Variant cover by Des Taylor (The Trouble with Katie Rogers) FC/ 32 pages / $2.99 standard /$3.99 Variant edition     ALL AGES       SKYWARD VOLUME 2: STRANGE CREATURES TPB Writer(s): Jeremy Dale Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale  Jeremy Dale and Action Lab proudly present the second volume of the  runaway hit action-fantasy, Skyward! New, curious allies and strange, twisted enemies  emerge as Quinn runs headfirst into a conflict that's bigger than he ever dreamed  possible. Who will catch up to our young hero? Enter... The savage Rabites! Or will it  be Skerrigan who ends our hero's journey? Continuing the series that TMStash lauds as  "...Breathtaking. You won't be able to put this down!" Thrill to the fantastic storybook  adventure from Jeremy Dale (G.I. Joe, Marvel Kapow!), following the exciting tale of  Quinn and his dog, Jack-- left orphaned by an invasion of his homeland. Collects  Skyward #4-6, as well as the critically-acclaimed Halloween Comicfest 2013 short story,  "Into the Grim." FC/ 96 pages / $8.99      ALL AGES        VAMPLETS: THE UNDEAD PET SOCIETY                                               Writer(s): Gayle Middleton and Dave Dwonch Artist Name(s): Amada Coronado (p), David Dwonch (i) Bill Blankenship (c) Cover Artist(s): Amanda Coronado (a), Bill Blankenship (c)  The Legend of the Ghost Pony begins here in this terrifyingly sweet installment from  Hasbro designer/illustrator of My Little Pony Gayle Middleton! Ghost Ponies have been the harbingers of the weird for years. Whenever they appear, creatures near have disappeared, never to return. Where do they come from? What is their terrible secret? And what is the Ghost Pony’s connection to a vampyre baby named Lily Rose Shadowlyn? Find out in this all new adventure! Variant cover by Gayle Middleton herself. FC/ 32 pages / $3.99 standard /$4.99 Variant edition      ALL AGES