Preview: SHADOWMAN # 14

"Fear, Blood, and Shadows" Grip SHADOWMAN #14!

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #14! Peter Milligan and Roberto de la Torre's savage exploration of the Shadowman mythos continues here on January 8th in the next chapter of the brand new story arc, "Fear, Blood, and Shadows"!

As the Shadowman loa begins to exert its influence in even more unexpected ways, Jack Boniface is quickly coming to terms with the darkness inside him and finding out firsthand just how brutal unchecked power can be. With word of Shadowman’s increased unpredictability spreading across New Orleans, Jack's former allies in the Abettors grow even more suspicious of their latest trainee…and begin to consider drastic measures…

On January 8th, pick up Shadowman #14 to find out why fans and critics agree – master storytellersPeter Milligan and Roberto de la Torre have unleashed a devastating new vision of New Orleans' nocturnal guardian:

"Sick, twisted and absolutely engaging… Time to turn back to the darkside, people." - IGN
"4.5 stars… We got ourselves a damn fine comic."– Comics Bulletin
"I can't wait to see how this arc goes forward… Must Read" - The Weekly Crisis
"Milligan and Roberto de la Torre have brewed up the perfect cauldron…" – Bloody Disgusting

For more information on Shadowman and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit Valiant.CinderBlock.com.

SHADOWMAN #14 ("FEAR, BLOOD, AND SHADOWS" – PART 2)
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art & Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (NOV131280)
Valiant Signature Series Variant by BOB HALL (NOV131281)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 1/8/14

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!

Misfortune High - On magic and diversity

Hello again fine folks on TheBrokenInfinite! I am back to tell you about Misfortune High a comic written and drawn by Jules Rivera. Who worked with Jeremy Whiltey on their first collection of short stories, particularly the short story titled "Meet The Smiths". The comic is set in a world where magic users are commonplace and focuses on a rich snob magic user who gets sent from the elite magic school he was in, to a magic school on "the bad side of town" and, as one would assume antics ensue.

Like with Nutmeg this kickstarter is not asking for much either, just enough to print a full run of the comic, with stretch goals going toward a higher quality print like making it hardcover and also even toward the second book, out of a planned five.

If you like fantasy that looks like its set in modern times and that has plenty of charm, please go ahead and back it or spread it to people who also would like it and can back it.

If you want to know more about Jules Rivera (she explains more about who she is on her kickstarter of course) she is a freelance illustrator and animator based in Los Angeles, and as I mentioned has worked with comic book creators like Princeless' Jeremy Whitley.

Check it out, spread the word http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/julesrivera/misfortune-high-book-1

Preview: Charismagic # 5

CHARISMAGIC #5
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Vincenzo Cucca ­ Art / Emilio Lopez, Wes Hartman -
Colors / Josh Reed - Lettering



Be prepared because everything you thought you knew about magic is about to
vanish!

The brutal laws of the Golden Realm come crashing down on Hank, Sudana and
Sparkles as they discover they have definitely come to the wrong place to
rescue mankind--and it could cost them their lives! To make matters worse,
the vile beast Torgan, along with Hector and Alle, have picked up the trail
of the group, and will stop at nothing to catch their prey!

Featuring a returning cast of Charismagic¹s favorite characters along with
several new and astonishing faces and creatures of magic, this new volume of
CHARISMAGIC is a perfect jumping-on point for all!

CHARISMAGIC #5 is in stores September 4th, 2013!

1st Impression: CHARISMAGIC- THE DEATH PRINCESS # 3 Review

CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS # 3
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Emilio Lopez & Mirika Andolfo

Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Kon is forced to face off against his friends as Orlana controls them using her powers. Kon then does his best to battle his friends … except one as one friend dies, thanks to Orlana’s actions. Samsun plays a crucial role that leads to a dismal fate for another member of Kon’s group.

                This does lead a character in chains, another character exiled and finally, the rest of the characters moving on to undo Orlana’s damage and directly leads into the current storylines in Charismagic Vol. 2.

ART:
                Lopez does a good job this issue. Nice smooth pencils give the book a nice energy this issue, which is an improvement from the last.  The backgrounds were good this issue as well as panel composition. Lopez works hard to give you dynamic panels this issue and it really works during the final battle between Kon and his friends.  The anime-influenced Lopez gives is both simple in overall composition but detailed enough to really catch your eye.  There is a lot of emotion Lopez conveys this issue between the characters; especially Kon, Samsun and Orlana. You can see it on their faces throughout the issue.

                Also, the colors were majestic and vivid as Lopez and Andolfo bring their A game.  The shading of the characters are well done, allowing to give the right tone of the panel they are used in … mostly to give a sense of mystery or fear. The desert, the ruins … even the dungeon had the right colors and right shading to lure readers eyes in.

                Overall, a good job by the art team.

WRITING:

                Hernandez does a great job this issue in wrapping up this pivotal story of the past. The characters all have resolutions to their stories that will carry over to the second volume of Charismagic. This battle ends up being much more personal than Kon original anticipated.  Even more so for Eshera, Samsun and the others and Hernandez handles  their characterization perfectly. From Eshera’s objections to leaving Orlana alive to Samsun’s confusion to Kon’s overall sense of responsibility, Hernandez gives enough time for all characters to shine … which makes this ending that much more tragic.
                Hernandez certainly paces this issue much better with the last. While a lot does happen this issue as well last, there was a nice flow from one event to the other and did not feel crammed. The plot is tied up in a very realistic, emotionally gripping ending. The resolution didn’t feel like they were coming out of nowhere and Hernandez makes sure there is enough left over to link to the current volume of Charismagic while still making sure this story stand on its own. It deepened the mythology of Charismagic while also giving background to characters we’ve come to know in the other Charismagic books. Kudos to Hernandez for a strong finish to this miniseries.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                While issue # 2 was okay, I did enjoy this issue better. There was a better flow and the stakes certainly were high enough.  Hernandez gave us really great character work and a very emotionally gripping end while Lopez and Andolfo gave us strong, vivid art that definitely worked this issue.

RATING:
                I liked this book  … more than I thought I would. I give Charismagic: The Death Princess # 3 a 9 … out of 10. Pick it up Today!

Preview: CHARISMAGIC - THE DEATH PRINCESS # 3

CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS #3
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Emilio Lopez ­ Art

The final battle for Earth will decide the fate of not only all magical beings‹but also mankind as well! The powerful Kon and his collective group of magical entities wage war on Orlana and her thundering army, as they must defeat the Death Princess at all costs, or risk losing everything! Created and written by Aspen¹s own Vince Hernandez, with stunning art by Emilio Lopez and Jocelyn Dunn, don¹t miss out on the final issue of CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS! CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS #3 is in stores August 14th, 2013!

Preview: CHARISMAGIC # 3

CHARISMAGIC #3
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Vincenzo Cucca ­ Art / Emilio Lopez, Wes Hartman -
Colors

Be prepared because everything you thought you knew about magic is about to
vanish!

The group reunites at the House of Illusions and finally unlocks the secrets
of the mysterious wooden box that nearly cost Hank and Kenny their lives.
Yet, the true reveal of its power quickly becomes evident, as the group
enters an entirely new realm‹one that will take them to new heights beyond
their wildest imagination. However, their trail is not hard to follow,
especially for Torgan, the magical lion made of fire!

Featuring a returning cast of Charismagic¹s favorite characters along with
several new and astonishing faces and creatures of magic, this new volume of
CHARISMAGIC is a perfect jumping-on point for all!

CHARISMAGIC #3 is in stores July 3rd, 2013!

Charismagic (Vol 2) # 2 Review

CHARISMAGIC  (Vol 2.) # 2
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Vincenzo Cucca, Mark Roslan & Emilio Lopez
Aspen Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            This issue picks up with Hector and Alle inside the San Marina Nuclear Power plant to use its power to summon a powerful magical beast … a lion known as Torgan. Torgan is tasked by Hector, Alle and Serke to search for 2 very different things.

            Meanwhile, with all the chaos in the world, Sudana and Sparkles split up from Hank and Kenny, who must looking for something mystical … in a graveyard. Sudana and Sparkles end up in an old theater with …GIANT SPIDERS!!! 

            A surprise alliance is spoke of and as Kenny  and Hank talk about how magic makes Hank different from a normal human … we end with them getting a horrifying face to face with Torgan.


ART:

            Cucca and Roslan deliver their A game again in this issue. The backgrounds were detailed and distinctive. Sudana was beautiful and looked powerful. Alle looks even more threatening then she did last issue. Emotion is convey superbly though Cucca’s & Roslan’s art. Things that are magical are majestic while the mudane looks good but just that … mundane.

            This issue amped up the kinds of people and things we see and Cucca and Roslan deliever it with class and style. Clean lines. Great detail without being overly detailed. Lopez’s colors seal the deal with beautiful vivid colors when needed. Lopez obviously knew this issue had a darker tone and a sense of ominous as his colors really puts that on display, going for slightly darker shades but not being too dark.

             A really strong showing that will captivate your eyes through many panels throughout the issue. Well done by the artistic team. 

 

WRITING:

            Hernandez loves what he does in this book and you can tell. Quiet moments are impactful and don’t feel forced. There is a lot of humanity this issue that make you think about the nature of magic compared to the nature of regular humans. It was also great from Hernandez to touch on that throughout the issue without being overly preachy or over doing it through Hector, Hank and Kenny.

            The main plot itself is gripping and interesting. With Serke, Alle and Hector making their moves against Earth, Sudana, Hank and company are doing all they can to fight back the invading demons. And while the plot has been done to death, Hernandez breathes new life into it with how the characters are going about their actions and the sheer variety of characters we see.

            We see Haven this issue which was a surprise to me to be a fairy. A male fairy at that. Not something you see all the time. And the dialogue feels very real, especially the conversations Hank and Kenny have this issue about how Hank feels about having magic. There was a great authenticity to the exchanges. 

            The overall pacing was great. Alle is turning into one grade A bitch of a villainess while we see Hector still wanting to keep his humanity, making him even more compelling. Hernandez lays down enough ground work this issue to allow for so many things to come. And the cliffhanger was perfect. Really great job by Hernandez.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

             Great art. Strong, believable and consistent writing. Entertaining exchanges. Great assortment of characters. Wonderous beings amist the mundane and blending that well. A great issue all around.


RATING:

            I give Charismagic (Vol 2.) # 2 a 9 out of 10. Really great issue. Get it when it comes out June 5^th … or if you are at Phoenix Comic Con, this weekend from the guys over at Aspen. 

Straight Forward Reviews: Jirni #2

Hey guys welcome to another edition of Straight Forward Reviews! This time we're looking at issue 2 of Aspen Comics' Jirni. A series that's been getting some hype behind it and has been selling well with it's debut. How does issue 2 hold up?

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

This issue begins with Ara traveling with the companion she made in the first issue. As for how that happened, go read that first issue. Ara is determined to look for anything that can help her find her mother and in this issue we see some parallels to her own story with the person she agrees to help. Though of course not exactly the same, as you would see when you get to the end of the issue.

One word comes to mind when it comes to Ara and what I feel from her in this comic. That word is determination. There's some more detailed flashbacks on what happened to her and how she got to be how she is. It really makes her resolve and her anger and sorrow palpable.

There's also a lot of mystery going on. Though you may be able to see where some things are going it's still intriguing plus, just because things look like they're going one way it's very possible it could do a 180. The writing in this really is a lot better than you might think.

Art

The art is truly gorgeous. The effects of Ara's power and the other magically powered beings magic are done really well. The action scenes are fluid and brutal. It's almost like a ballet of destruction in a way whenever Ara fights. The characters themselves are designed beautifully. They all have grace to them and the coloring work, with a lot of purples and blues mixed in with earth tones gives the comic a feel that there is magic at work because it's so different looking from the rest of the world. Even after reading the comic you might want to go back and just look at the art again because it's so pretty.



Verdict

I was honestly much more impressed by this work than I thought I would be. The writing isn't bad and the art is well, in plain english, just so darn pretty I can't see why I would stop anyone from picking this up. I give Jirni #2 a deserved 9 out of 10.

Charismagic # 1 (Vol. 2) Review

CHARISMAGIC # 1 (Vol. 2)
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Vincenzo Cucca, Mark Roslan & Emilio Lopez
Aspen Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            We open to South Central LA where things look normal till out of no where, demons from The Void arrive, ripping through gang bangers like sliced salami. Sudana wakes up screaming from her vision, only to find out that it is true. Hank tries to console her but she definitely feels that Samsun is plotting is way back to Earth while getting help on Earth.

            Meanwhile, we find that the people are helping him are Hector and Allie, who are related to Hank. Sudana talks to Kon over the phone as to figure out what to do as she reveals that she knows about Hector and Allie but has not told Hank about their involvement yet.

            What is worse is that after the call, Hank, Sudana, Sparkles (the cat) and their friend Kenny step out of the casino .. . for a GIANT SNAKE to attack. As this is all going down, we get a horrific ending and look to Allie & Hector’s plan as they drive to …

ART:

            Cucca does some really smart and beautiful panel work here. The normal every day and the mystical are smashed together and looking uncomfortable together, which really helps the book. The characters look very defined and different, none looking the same. Cucca and Roslan really flesh out the types of things you can see in this first issue with demonic creatures, gang bangers, mystics and more. The backgrounds look good and there is great use of panels and shots throughout the book that keep the book visually interesting.

            Some artists, I find, do not draw animals well but Sparkles, the mystical simemese cat, was rendered beautifully. Roslan’s strong inks really set things apart and help Lopez blow your minds with wonderous colors. The tone, coloring and impact of each scene was made better through Lopez’s colors. This art team works and works extremely well. I look forward to seeing what else they’ll throw at me next issue and beyond.


WRITING:

            This issue was extremely entertaining. There was characterizations, depth, plots and a nice look into the world of Charismagic. While there is a sense of people reading the first volume would feel better informed, Hernandez reintroduces the characters well in this issue. He does not insult readers intelligence. The gangstas in South Central sound like gangstas in South Central. Kudos on making sure of getting the slang and wording right.
 

            I love Sudana already for the multi-faceted character that she is in this one issue. You see her deal with her duty to protect the world. You see her wanting to spare pain to Hank. You see her kind of leading things along. I like what we know of Hank already. I love Sprinkles! And Hernandez does this with ease. Readers may not know about the characters but you get the feeling that you will get told as the series goes along.  We get an idea of what the bad guys are up to without being brow beaten with the idea.

            We get just a touch of background of the last series but it does not over dominate … which makes this issue stand as a new # 1. The pacing of the issue was handled well.  Nothing felt that it dragged or went on too long.  Great work from Hernandez.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Charismagic # 1 was a fun, intriguing, gripping first issue. We get interesting and complex characters. A plot that will connect with the main characters in an emotional level. We have a lot of interesting and epic situations that come out of no where but make sense because it is magic. Fantasy art and strong dialogue. This title is a win-win in my book.


RATING:

            I’m pretty damn blown away right now. So much so that I give Charismagic # 1 (Vol. 2) a 9.5 … out of 10. Great job. BUY IT WHEN IT COMES OUT MAY 1^st!!

Soulfire (Vol. 4) # 4 Review

SOULFIRE  (Vol. 4) # 4
Written by JT Krul & Frank Mastromauro
Art by  Mike DeBalfo & Nei Ruffino

Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

            So … let me be perfectly frank here. (Ha. I made a funny.) There is a LOT of EPIC SHIT that goes down this issue. Benoist  had sacrificed himself to save others and now … the frightening suggestion fusing magic and technology to save him is being devised with interesting results.

            While this is happening, there is definite conflict as the King comes in, finding these methods disgusting . . . even threatening Faye, his Queen. Malikai talks things over with Sonia about the world might be coming to the end for humanity much like the Ice Age was the end of the Dinosaurs. Sarin and Nisaba coming in as several others are talking and Nisaba accusing them of conspiring against Sarin. A small fight ensues but ends when . ..  nah. Not tell you that.

            I will say this. Remember when Malikai compared to what was happening now to the coming of the end of Dinosaurs. Well, we get PLENTY of evidence of that!

ART:

            I have to say right off the bat that Mike DeBalfo is an extremely talented & amazing artist. The visuals in Soulfire were damn near breath taking. There was a lot of beautiful detail. The thick inks really help show off the grandeur of the book and its characters. I honestly can say that several panels and pages would make spectacular posters alone. Ruffino’s colors help accentuate DeBalfo’s art into vivid pieces of art. The characters are nice and detailed. The backgrounds are astounding. DeBalfo & Ruffino’s art is honestly eye sex.

            Which gets me to my one real issue with the art. DeBalfo’s art on some of the smaller panels with people in the distance looks blurry. It could have been hurried due to the fact of the detail to the larger panels but these smaller panels with people in a distance looked rushed. It is really the only blemish on an otherwise magnificently rendered comic.

WRITING:

            Mastromauro works with JT Krul on the plot while Krul does the heavy lifting in terms of writing. And I really enjoyed this issue. The scope of the comic is epic and Krul proves it within these pages. I seriously yelled “HOLY FRELL” (I’m a fan of Farscape: get of it) at least 5 times during the comic. The story was gripping.

            The characters were all relatable. There was a large cast in this book and I really am not familiar with them but now, I want to know all about them. Malikai, Faye & Benoist really resonated with me most of all.  I enjoy the elements of fantasy mixed with modern day in Soulfire. Especially, I loved the aspect of magic vs technology coming to head in this particular issue.  And how the answers to their current problems does not lie with either one individually.

            The pacing for the book was strong with nothing that felt too out of whack that isn’t on purpose. Like I said, there were moments that Krul wrote in that made me yell outloud several times. Krul really shines in this book and world.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Soulfire Vol. 4, # 4 was an exciting issue that will captivate you and astound you. There are a lot of characters but you don’t feel lost. Besides the minor complaint, this really is a stunning, fascinating book full of intrigue, versatility and wonder. This book is clearly one of the most original books out there now.


RATING:

            I give Soulfire Vol. 4, # 4 a 7.5 out of 10. Besides the minor panel fubs, it is a good book. Pick it up.