1st Impression: TRISH OUT OF WATER # 5

TRISH OUT OF WATER # 5
Written by Vince Hernandez

Art by Giuseppe Cafaro, Ruben Curto, Manuela Nerolini & Mad5 Factory
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Trish must face her destiny as the new queen of an age-old blue city. As the battle draws to a close, Trish must deal with her enemies who will stop at nothing to kill her and wipe out their people.

ART:

                Cafaro gives us some dynamic panel work this issue.  There was great detail this issue with both the characters and backgrounds that really help draw readers into the world of the book.  Also, Cafaro had some great expressions of emotion from Trish dealing with her new status to the kids( Darren, Claire and Perry) finding out what our good Captain Ito has been up to.  There are some fairly descriptive panels … for most of the books. During a few of the pages in the middle of the book, the detail didn’t look as sharp.
                And while the colors were good, there was a little too much white burn effect at times with this issue. It felt more balanced last issue. This time though, it feel there was a bit much of it. Otherwise, Curto, Nerolini and Mad5 Factory do a solid job with the coloring. Everything felt a bit gritty but fitting given the story.  Still, we got some good panels and a fitting finale.

WRITING:

                Hernandez completes volume one of Trish Out of Water with a bang that ties together much of the plots that were introduced during the course of the season. The plots tie together to form a strong ending.  The dialogue felt powerful and authentic with all of the characters. The impact of Trish dealing with ‘her people’ weighed heavily.

                The pacing of the issue was perfect. All the subplots were handled and, in typical Hernandez style, we are left with one hell of a cliffhanger that sets up for another volume.  Hernandez constructs a story where a girl becomes a woman and the affect to those around her well. Trish really gets to a point where there is no turning back and we live it with her.

                There is something to be said of her story and what will happen to Trish after this. Hernandez knows this after we were with her on this journey of discovery. As for Claire, Darren and Perry, there is much that needs to be done with them but I guess that is for the next volume. Overall, Hernandez delivers a satisfying end to a girl’s journey into her own destiny.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Trish Out of Water # 5 really delivers with a strong ending. While the art was good, there were some spots that could have been better. Overall, it was a solid way to end this series.

RATING:

                I give Trish Out of Water # 5 a 7.5  … out of 10.

 

1st Impressions: TRISH OUT OF WATER # 4

TRISH OUT OF WATER # 4
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Giuseppe Cafaro, Ruben Curto, Manuala Nerolini & Mad5 Factory

Aspen Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We find the chief of police visiting Trish’s Mom, finding out her final fight. Meanwhile, Trish’s father is training Trish to be able to use her “Blue” abilities while her friends watch from the sidelines.  Later, her friends go away only to run into some trouble in the form of Oron. Oron wants Trish and he will go through his friends to do it. Yet, Trish’s friends get help from an unlikely source.
                Meanwhile, Trish and her Father find some startling revelations while in the deep.

ART:

                Cafaro is definitely hitting his stride. (I Know I used that in the All New Fathom review; sue me) Seriously though, Cafaro’s style is definitely a bit cleaner this issue with some really strong pencils. There is a good amount of detail and the coloring team of Curto, Nerolini and Mad5 Factory really do a spectacular job enhancing Cafaro’s pencils. Details are clearly seen. There is a good amount of backgrounds that are decently rendered. The style definitely looks cleaner this issue than previous issues.
                Action in this book is done well with some good panel composition. The colors are not overly brightened yet still have a nice, ethereal glow of white to them during the panels in Hereta.  There are some good angles to the panel work and the panels tell the story well.  A solid job by the art team.

WRITING:

                Hernandez continues to play with the reader as some revelations lead to more questions and it really makes me want to scream … in a good way. I am very much invested in this book now and after this issue, even more so. The revelations this issue were very well done. There were built up well from the beginning of the series.  The staggering revelation at the top  of the issue to the Earth-shattering revelation in the final panel, Hernandez makes sure this issue holds a lot of weight and character development. Yes. There is a good bunch of that. And oddly enough, it isn’t from Trish. Trish essentially takes the back seat for most of the issue but Hernandez makes it more than okay.  We get a chance to see father and daughter bond but then we are treated to development from the Police Chief and Trish’s friends.  They get some good spotlight  and a little bit of growth as each of them decide that they want to defend Trish from the Blue that are hunting her. 
                Plus, the final revelations at the end of the book were a strong surprise as it just hints at the beginning of Trish’s destiny.

                The dialogue was solid and the pacing of the issue was perfect. Another stellar job by Hernandez.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This was the issue that was the beginning of the end and it delivered. We are getting a stronger, more realized world in this book with new locals and the supporting characters getting a good amount of time to shine.  Everything seemed to progress well and the opening and ending of the book will leave you staggered. The art was solid and better than before.

RATING:

 I give Trish Out of Water # 4 … a 9 out of 10. A great job.

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 Impressions: TRISH OUT OF WATER #3

TRISH OUT OF WATER # 3
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Giuseppe Cafaro, Ruben Curto, Manuela Nerolini & Mad5 Factory
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Trish is kidnapped only to be rescued by an unlikely … let me rephrase that … an unsuspected hero. We get more into the origins of Trish’s parents as Detective Bruno decides to face off against the Blue.

ART:

                Cafaro has hit his stride here. With a good amount of detail with his sketch-like, but detailed style, Cafaro does a great job with making some visually appealing panels. Everyone looks different and distinct, good amount of background detail and some strong panel work make up a great looking book. The colors by the various colorists continue to make Trish Out of Water a more visually distinctive book, alongside Cafaro’s art. The use of white is somewhat diminished here and it definitely works for the book. Overall, a strong showing by this art team.

WRITING:

                Hernandez continues to give us hit after hit this issue with good action, character development and plot. We learn some answers to some burning questions this issue but Hernandez makes sure for every question answered, there is a new question asked. The characterizations of Trish, Detective Bruno and more were really solid with great, authentic dialogue and some outstanding character moments this issue that definitely will grab readers interests and feel relatable. The issue had some excellent pacing and Hernandez does his use surprise reveals this issue … but better as one surprise is out of left field while the other could have been surmised if you paid attention to the previous issues. Kudos to Hernandez for writing a solid issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                From the word go, this was a solid issue from beginning to end.

RATING:

                I give Trish Out of Water # 3 a 10 … out of 10. Pick it up December 18^th, 2013.

1st Impression: TRISH OUT OF WATER # 2

TRISH OUT OF WATER # 2
Written by Vince Hernandez

Art by Giuseppe Cafaro, Ruben Curto & Studio Parlapa
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                While the first issue set up the story and introduced Trish, this dives into the storyline. Trish gets caught up saving her cheating boyfriend with her “former” friend after a massive tidal wave hits. Meanwhile, Detective Bruno starts to believe that there are sleeper agents of The Blue amongst humanity. Things continue as more on the mystery behind Trish’s murdered parents and Trish herself.

ART:

                Last issue seemed to be growing pains for Cafaro but he did a serviceable job then. This issue seems to really have hit Cafaro’s stride as his rough pencils work really well this issue. There is a lot of detail and emotion conveyed. And while it does look rough, the style definitely looks a bit more polished this issue. There is a great amount of excitement generated in Cafaro’s panels that really help it. And Curto & Studio Parlapa’s colors really bring out the best of Cafaro’s work this issue with strong, consistent and good coloring. Really a wonderful job by this art team.

WRITING:

                Hernandez does a ridiculously wonderful job this issue. The pace was perfect. The characterizations were authentic. The dialogue was real. And Hernandez really helped build a connection to this book to Fathom without it being so overt. Trish is a wonderful character who is growing up and adjusting, but still very strong. Trish is handling two very difficult situations for a teen girl with a great amount of character. And it is very believable. That is what I enjoy about this issue. Trish isn’t just crying over things. She’s got a lot on her plate and is freaking out … but not moping, whining or complaining about it. Really allows readers to find Trish more likable and interesting overall as a character.
                The story itself was great from start to finish as we get one major surprise in the beginning to end on a bigger cliffhanger at the end. Trish’s supporting cast is getting fleshed out well; making these group of teens more and more interesting. Kudos to Hernandez for a great job of capturing today’s teen culture in a fantastic situation.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                GREAT story. Good art. Wonderful and diverse characters. Strong Characterizations. We got a winner folks.

RATING:

  I give Trish Out of Water # 2 a 9.5 … out of 10.

1st Impression: ALL NEW FATHOM # 2

ALL NEW FATHOM # 2
Written by David Wohl & Frank Mastromauro

Art by Alex Konat, Mark Roslan & Beth Sotelo
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Aspen faces off with some old enemies but they end up retreating. She then realizes how big the threat is and goes to Muria to speak to the Elite Council as she is welcomed by an old “friend.” Meanwhile,  we find our main antagonist getting ready to bring forth war into the world through a VERY familiar character that ties into Fathom: The Elite Saga. Finally, Chance is flying in the Grand Canyon, only to find something he wasn’t expecting EVER.

ART:
                Okay. Konat. You have won me over. When I heard that All New Fathom was not going to be drawn by V. Ken Marion, I was a little disappointed. This issue shattered those disappointments and more. Konat gives us some of the most spectacular pencils he’s ever delivered. There are nice and detailed with a great sense of style. There is a sharpness to his work that adds to the detail and really makes it stand out. Roslan’s inks just intensifies it with good shadows and strong inks that really exemplifies Konat’s pencils.  Sotelo’s colors are vivid, enchanting and bold brings out Konat’s work. There is a great amount of different angles and spectacular backgrounds that were rendered.  All in all, some breath taking work from the art team.

WRITING:

                We got a good issue here. Some great action with Aspen and some really good development as she swallows her pride to get help. Yet, what I have to say that really got me this issue were the THREE … different surprises we had. One of them was Fathom going to Muria and seeing  ….  The second is our main antagonist and the reveal of what she has done since the Elite Saga. And finally, the last page. Wohl writes a strong issue with good action and a lot of great twists that really hold the readers attention. The dialogue was great and the issue had solid pacing. Kudos to Wohl and Mastromauro for this book.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Spectacular art. Good story. GREAT SURPRISES.  Great book.

RATING:

                This issue surprised me more than the first and was better. For the second time this week, I am going to do this: ALL NEW FATHOM # 2 gets a 10 … out of 10.

Preview: ALL NEW FATHOM # 2

ALL NEW FATHOM #2
David Wohl ­ Story / Alex Konat ­ Art / Beth Sotelo ­ Colors

A new direction in the FATHOM Universe begins!

Aspen Matthews is no stranger to bitter reunions, but this one could be her
last! As the ice soldiers threaten to wipe out everything in their
path‹including Aspen, she must also attempt to uncover the mystery of their
true intentions, before all of mankind is blanketed by their sub-zero
devastation. However, this reunion is nothing compared to the arrival of an
old acquaintance, one whom may might help‹or hinder her plan for survival!
The ALL NEW FATHOM continues!

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 #2 is in stores on August 28th, 2013!!

Fathom (Vol.4) # 9 Review

FATHOM (Vol. 4) # 9
Written by David Wohl
Art by Alex Konat & Beth Sotelo
Aspen Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            Mr. Nakamura has been “dealt” with as a being of the Blue has come to possess Aspen’s friend, Judith. Now, the possess Judith faces off against Aspen as our heroine does her best to save not only her friend Colin and Nakumara’s assistant, Midori … but eventual Judith herself.

            The showdown leads to some big changes as Aspen finds herself in a fight for her life in the body of a friend.


ART:

            Konat drives in some wonderful pencils and inks this issue as we get a stunning, underwater/underground battle between “possessed” Judith and Aspen. Konat brings his A game with some really inspired pieces and panel work throughout the entire issue. There is a lot of Michael Turner-influence in his work yet there is a bit more detail here and there that makes Konat stand out.

            The medium inks really help bring out the best of Konat’s pencils as the characters look wonderful. Konat also has a great sense of style and composition as the panels are giving in some pretty dynamic angles that we see rarely in comics. Add Beth Sotelo’s colors to add life, mood and vibrance to really enhance Konat and you have yourself a well-drawn comic. The dark hues really worked for the ominous mood of the final battle. Kudos to the art team for a great job.


WRITING:

            This issue definitely is for those who have been following the whole time and the pay off really works. We get a personal, climatic final battle as well as Aspen closing this chapter of her life. Wohl really brings a sense of “this is the end of an era” during this issue.

            Aspen has definitely come a long way and this issue, we see a woman who is strong and ready to take the world. Wohl does not spend much time with Colin this issue as there is a focus on Judith, which is sad. Yet, we do get to see Aspen say goodbye to both Judith and Colin which felt fulfilling. Aspen ends up saying a few more goodbyes as she realizes that she has come to the next stage of her life. Wohl gives readers a woman looking forward after she finished what she needed to do.

              The battle was great. And I do like that Wohl has Aspen say goodbye to several people. Yet I think the battle seemed to over take it. Still overall, It was a good issue.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            I believe this issue really focused on saying goodbye. We got a good climatic battle between “possessed” Judith and Aspen, we got to see Aspen say her goodbyes and the end of the status quo. Wohl makes a nice ending that if anyone wanted to jump off could but at the same time, got you excited for the future. Konat and Sotelo’s art really grips you. Yet, I think the majority of the issue focused more on the battle than goodbye … making it seemingly a little unbalanced. Still, a good issue.


RATING:

            Fathom (Vol. 4) # 9 gets a 7 out of 10. It’s good with great character pieces but a little shaky. Still, definitely pick it up as it is a major ending in Aspen’s life and a good read.