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!

Preview: FATHOM- THE ELITE SAGA # 5

FATHOM: THE ELITE SAGA #5
Vince Hernandez ; JT Krul ; David Wohl ­ writers / Ken Marion ­ pencils /
Kyle Ritter - colors

The most epic storyline in Fathom's 15-year history reaches its finale!

The future of the Fathom Universe will be forged as Anya¹s quest to reunite
with her kidnapped‹and extremely powerful‹daughter brings her to a place
that Aspen Matthews remembers all too well. Here, in the place where it all
started, the battle for the baby¹s life, as well as their own, will be
waged‹and no one is certain to survive!

Aspen newcomer Ken Marion is joined by an all-star group of past and present
FATHOM writers, all coming together for a FATHOM story 15 years in the
making! Plus, fan-favorite artist Talent Caldwell returns with a stunning 5
part interconnecting cover that all leads up to an unbelievable new
direction in the All New FATHOM Universe!

FATHOM: THE ELITE SAGA #5 is in stores July 17th, 2013!

Preview: FATHOM- THE ELITE SAGA # 4

FATHOM: THE ELITE SAGA #4
JT Krul ; Vince Hernandez ; David Wohl ­ writers / Ken Marion ­ pencils /
Kyle Ritter - colors

The ending to the most epic storyline in Fathom's 15-year history draws
near!

The return of one of the most significant Blue citizens to ever live will
shatter the fabric of the Fathom Universe as we know it! While Anya will
learn that Anika's fate may be tied to the arrival of this person‹which
could lead to the baby's unfortunate demise!

Aspen newcomer Ken Marion is joined by an all-star group of past and present
FATHOM writers, all coming together for a FATHOM story 15 years in the
making! Plus, fan-favorite artist Talent Caldwell returns with a stunning 5
part interconnecting cover that all leads up to an unbelievable new
direction in the All New FATHOM Universe!

FATHOM: THE ELITE SAGA #4 is in stores July 10th, 2013!

Preview: FATHOM: THE ELITE SAGA # 2

FATHOM: THE ELITE SAGA #2
JT Krul ; Vince Hernandez; David Wohl­ writers / Ken Marion ­ pencils

The most epic storyline in Fathom¹s 15-year history continues!

Anya rises above the surface and right into the hands of the US Government,
in order to get the attention of Aspen Matthews, her last resort for help
under the surface. Meanwhile, Killian relentlessly continues his search to
unite his family once again, by confronting the pain and destruction of his
past in the treacherous lava city of Aescylot. However, the Blue¹s new Elite
Commander will discover the city of fire has ushered forth a new savior‹and
she is no stranger to Killian!

Aspen newcomer Ken Marion is joined by an all-star group of past and present
FATHOM writers, all coming together for a FATHOM story 15 years in the
making! Plus, fan-favorite artist Talent Caldwell returns with a stunning 5
part interconnecting cover! Fantastical new lands will be explored, and a
host of new (and deadly!) characters will be introduced, all leading up to
an unbelievable new direction in the All New FATHOM Universe!

FATHOM: THE ELITE SAGA #2 is in stores June 26th, 2013!

Preview: FATHOM: THE ELITE SAGA # 1

FATHOM: THE ELITE SAGA #1
Vince Hernandez ; JT Krul ; David Wohl­ writers / V. Ken Marion ­ pencils

The most epic storyline in Fathom¹s 15-year history starts now!

Aspen Matthews is attempting to find solace above the surface by distancing
herself from the demons of her past. Kiani is imprisoned within the
underwater capitol city of Muria. And Killian is in search of his missing
wife Anya, and his newborn child Anika, who fled their home in his absence.
Yet, all of their paths will soon collide as the child¹s true nature could
lead to immense power falling into the wrong hands, and those in search of
her will stop at nothing to obtain her!

Aspen newcomer Ken Marion is joined by an all-star group of past and present
FATHOM writers, all coming together for a FATHOM story 15 years in the
making! Plus, fan-favorite artist Talent Caldwell returns with a stunning 5
part interconnecting cover! Fantastical new lands will be explored, and a
host of new (and deadly!) characters will be introduced, all leading up to
an unbelievable new direction in the All New FATHOM Universe!

FATHOM: THE ELITE SAGA #1 is in stores June 19th, 2013!