Straight Forward Reviews : Quantum and Woody # 9

Quantum and Woody are back for more antics in issue 9. Just what kind of trouble are they in this time?

Story - James Asmus

Art - Kano

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

The story in this issue focuses on Woody's attempt to be a stand up citizen. A simple premise, but this issue gives you so much with just that, that is all it needs for the story. Through this premise we get character development, character backstory and a build up for the next issue. It was quite a clever issue actually. Sometimes having a laser focus like this for a comic issue or for a television episode is needed. This felt quite satisfying to read through.

There's still the wacky humor that's been present in every issue before this. It not only does not take a back seat but it's actually used to propel the story further. Besides taking some lighthearted pokes at comic books in general there's some jokes about other things that aren't comic book related that are franchises in the real world. One such franchise that was mentioned on page two I never thought would be mentioned in any Valiant comic, or Marvel or D.C for that matter. That franchise just happens to be near and dear to my heart as well so seeing it mentioned was quite a pleasant surprise.

Art

Kano is handling the pencils now, taking over for Ming Doyle from the last issue. He happens to do great work with really big moments like explosions and that was used to great effect in this issue. Especially with Woody's powers.

Verdict

James Asmus is a really clever writer who knows how to grow and flesh out characters and use comedy to great effect to comment on something. This issue is not only funny but well thought out, and has great action. Add references to things geeks like me love and wouldn't expect to see referenced and you have a winner here. I give Quantum and Woody # 9 a 10 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Quantum and Woody # 8

Quantum and Woody are back with more wacky antics in issue 8!

Writer - James Asmus

Artist - Ming Doyle

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story has Quantum and Woody acting like real superheroes and selflessly try to save people even though they have such opposite views from them. Yes, you read that right even Woody was acting like a real hero. The jump from guys to having superpowers to guys who actually care about defending others feels believable too.

Also I have to mention that the writing is brilliant and funny overall. It won't just make you bust a gut but it also fairly looks at people's different ideologies and beliefs.

Art

Ming Doyle's art still has this nice retro look to it. Along with Jordie Bellaire's colors adding to that. The colors almost look like old prints except of course without seeing the obvious CMYK dots like old comics had. It's a nice change up from other art styles you see in comics nowadays.

Verdict

Even if the art isn't your cup of tea I still have to give my highest recommendation for this book. The writing is hilarious and on point and it's such a joy to read that I give Quantum and Woody # 8 a 10 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Archer and Armstrong # 16

The Sect Civil War rages on in the latest issue of Archer and Armstrong.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Khari Evans with ChrisCross

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Archer and Armstrong are back together as a team again as they look to end the Sect Civil War. There's only one thing that can end the war and there's only one man who knows where it is, and that man is constantly drunk.

Archer hatches a plan on what to do with it and the other sect factions are either still fighting or hatching their own plans. We also see where Mary Maria has been. Seems things aren't quite completely fine for her. Without trying to spoil anything it also looks like she may be important in this story arc.

The dialog in this issue is still written quite well and as always manages to at the very least get some chuckles if not some genuine laughs.

Art

The art has a fantastic sense of motion throughout the comic. Whether characters are running or fighting
the motion looks fluid. Something I've been mentioning for forever with this series. It seems every artist that works on this series understands action very well.

Verdict

This issue has a sense of adventure, some comedy, great action and even some social commentary. So it should appeal to a wide variety of people. I still really enjoy this series but something about this issue despite the reveals about Mary Maria and the awesome action doesn't have me as invested as before. This book is still extremely enjoyable however. For it's great dialog and awesome action I'll still give it an 8.5 out of 10.

Mixtape - Robophobia

To answer Sam Jackson's question of why is America so Robophobic.

If you listen to Gundamn@MAHQ you'll probably like this page even more. 

Be sure to check out my deviantart for more stuff.

Straight Forward Reviews : Archer and Armstrong # 15

Archer and Armstrong are back for some more crazy happenings with things like a civil war going on between different factions of the sect among other things.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Khari Evans with ChrisCross

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

We saw what Archer was up to in the previous issue after the events of the Faraway but that was strangely quiet on the whereabouts of Armstrong. Without spoilers, Armstrong is showing making his way around time itself and Archer is shown looking for him.

We get a nice look at how Archer and Armstrong cope by themselves and learn more about their characters throughout the issue. With a bigger focus on Armstrong since the previous issue already gave a lot of attention to Archer.

There's also a funny thing that isn't related to the story at all but is worth mentioning in the story since it has to do with the writing. During the issue you will see "beer stats" and they add a very nice touch of humor to the issue.

Art

This issue had me cracking up and had me really intrigues at a lot of places with the dialog and the "beer stats" but what had me most intrigued was the facial expressions. Seeing Armstrong's face at different points in the comic. His face, and later on Archer's, without any speech bubbles or text said so much without needing any explanations. Major kudos for the art in this issue.

Verdict

For the past few issues Archer and Armstrong had been doing well, but hadn't grabbed me like it did during it's first few arcs. I would say this is a return to form but that's almost insulting because this doesn't just go back to how good it was, it changes it and improves it. The art and the little comedic touches push this book into must buy territory. I give Archer and Armstrong a deserved 10 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews: Quantum and Woody # 5

Quantum and Woody seem to have started to get into their life again after the crazy events of the past 4 issues. But of course, there just has to be something that is going to make their lives harder.

Writer - James Asmus

Artist - Ming Doyle

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The duo have a full house after the events of the last issue and they are trying to figure out what to do with their living situation now. Which includes hosting a clone and a mysterious goat. Or at least Quantum is trying to figure things out.

Without spoilers I'll say that the two split ways and both go through some hijinks involving a building that seems to be a haven for evildoers. There's also plenty of commentary on comic books during these hijinks.

What you really see in this issue isn't so much action but character development for both Quantum and Woody, and their dialog like the previous issues is fantastic.

Art

The artist changed in this issue and it's definitely noticable. Not in a bad way at all, definitely different though. The previous issue was stylized and more modern looking, this time the art looks like a throwback to older comics which is a nice touch. Especially with the dialog about comic books, the retro looking art seems to really bring this issue together.

Verdict

This issue brings the funny and couples it with nice character development and commentary on comic books and current issues. It's nothing but entertaining and I wholeheartedly give this issue a 9 out of 10. Pick it up.

Mixtape Volume 1

Did you miss any of the pages during Mixtape's first month? Well, here are all the pages collected for you! Remember Mixtape is the RANDOM webcomic. So, there is no story and sometimes even panels on the same page have nothing to do with each other! So welcome to the craziness, and be sure to check out my deviantart or even my pixiv for more STUFF. ...I also take commissions $5 for full color drawing. This has more info.

Mixtape - How much did you take?

But what did you expect when you get your acid for free?

Go to my deviantart for more stuff. Also be on the lookout Saturday for a collection of the first month's pages of Mixtape! You know in case you missed any... because you have a life. No no... I get it. You can't be bothered to read random crap. ...I thought we were friends.

BONUS Mixtape - The Power of...!

I told you I'd put up a bonus page. Now to focus on writing again... and then miss another week and then put two more pages... Just kidding.

Visit my deviantart for more stuff like artwork I actually put effort in and to learn more about the stuff I do. http://fighterxaos.deviantart.com

Mixtape - The Answer to Everything

It's a reference to the OLD Mixtape which in itself is a reference to the Simpsons. ...Or so I hear.

Check out my deviantart for more STUFF http://fighterxaos.deviantart.com

Also to make up for no Mixtape last week, because I was writing (and still am writing) my new "comic comic" Gorillas I have a bonus Mixtape for tomorrow.

Straight Forward Reviews: Archer and Armstong # 14

Welcome back to another edition of Straight Forward Reviews! This time Archer and Armstrong is under the eye of scrutiny.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Khari Evans

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

This issue is the start of a new arc, with Archer by himself looking to talk to someone with The Sect. There's also some follow up on what happened to Mary-Maria after the events in the Faraway.

The most important thing this book covers, however is the origins of The Sect and the tensions between  each different faction, and each of their different goals. There is also some mentions of things in the Valiant universe that you probably didn't know the Sect had any part in or partnerships with, but considering how big and powerful they are, is really no surprise.

Art

The art seems to grab my attention a little more than previous issues. If I had to pinpoint the reason why it does, I would have to say it's the characters. The detail on them and their designs stand out a lot more than before. The female characters look especially well drawn

this time around.

Verdict

The story starts off a new arc perfectly. It shows some of the aftermath of the previous arc with some being a mystery for now which definitely seems like those mysteries will play a role in this current arc. There's good story building with the origins of The Sect, it really helps the reader understand why the different factions have tension. There's also the mysteries surrounding Archer and his origins. All that combines together to make a story you just have to keep up with.

It also doesn't hurt the art is great too. I give Archer and Armstrong something it hasn't seen in a while but definitely deserves. A 10 out of 10.

Webcomic: Mixtape - jerks

Some people are just jerks. 

Follow me on deviantart for more comic related stuff, and sketches, and character profiles, and art I actually put more effort in since there's no deadline. http://fighterxaos.deviantart.com Also check out my let's play group TheGameRiffers. There's a podcast I started (but only produce) called the Ikaricast

Straight Forward Reviews : Quantum and Woody issue 4

Quantum and Woody is back with more antics and we're back with another Straight Forward Review.

Writer - James Asmus

Artist - Tom Fowler

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Quantum tracked down an ERA base to find out more about what happened with his father, while Woody is hanging around in front of the mysterious Crone. There's still good amounts of comedy but this issue focuses on fleshing out the backstory of what the ERA is and what exactly happened with Quantum and Woody's dad. 

There's also something mysterious that appears for now to at least not be an enemy that the rest of ERA is terrified of. Something to possibly become a big plot point in the next few issues.

Art

The art in this book is pretty lively. Considering that the book is mainly a comedy one the fact that every character looks a little exaggerated when moving and that some characters have exaggerated features works really well in this issue. 

During parts that act as flashbacks during the issue there is a color overtone for whoever is speaking and that's a cool thing to do too. Overall the art is where it needs to be for the antics going on this issue.

Verdict

First off the writing in this issue is phenomenal, the dialog is a blast to read. Reading about the backstory of ERA and the brothers' dad was great too, and it really makes me want to see what else they learn about him and about their powers. As already mentioned the art is good in this issue and some of the gags, like the one with an ERA member and his body, made me laugh out loud. This comic is seriously funny and seriously entertaining I give this a wholehearted 9.5 out of 10.

Webcomic: Mixtape debuts!

Hello everyone it's your BI VP here Jeremias with something to debut for you guys. I've been talking with some of the other people that work with and for TheBrokenInfinite, especially EIC Frankie and I've decided to work on a weekly webcomic. (I'm shooting for weekly) The plan is to release at least one page a week and every month have those pages collected and put that collection up here using issuu.com.

On top of drawing and writing these little webcomic pages I also happen to be writing two comics as well. As you can see from the comic page there's a reason I'm becoming a pro at writing but not drawing, well, for now at least perhaps all the practice will boost my skill. Basically if my wonky art isn't to your liking I hope you can still enjoy the comedy.

Which brings me to what Mixtape is. Mixtape is a comic about randomness. Every page is just stuff happening. This page happens to have the whole page be about one thing, but sometimes even panel to panel things can be completely unrelated and random. It's basically my way of cooling off from writing stories by having a comic where I do anything I want. I started it when I was 15 and... you CAN look for those old pencil comics if you search hard enough, or you can ask me. But, eh, let's forget about those eh? Here's the debut webcomic page:

If you want to know things like "is this how crappy your normal stuff looks like?" "do the characters have names?" "just what are that red-head's measurements?" Then go here: http://fighterxaos.deviantart.com and check out character profiles and the like. If you're on deviantart go ahead and add me to your watch list too. I do commissions too, $5 for a full color character drawing.

TheGameRiffers: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES)

TheGameRiffers aren't dead! Thanks to VideoDragon for recording this footage of him playing the first NES Ninja Turtles Games. Also thanks to RRPG for being able to salvage the video and audio as it didn't want to render on xaos' computer.

In this riff we have xaos, 16bitJeff and RRPG.

You can follow us on twitter:
xaos- @ikariradio
16BitJeff- @16BitJeff
RRPG - @RRPGreviews

Straight Forward Reviews: Tales of The Family Ashe

Welcome to Straight Forward Reviews where we look at comic books and tell you as plainly as possible, if it's worth your time or not. This time we're looking at the other collection of one shots set in the Princeless universe. Tales of the family Ashe.

You can see a review on the other collection of one shot short stories: Girls Who Rock

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

Since these are a collection of shorts there's naturally more than one storyline here. The story of the first short is a comedic look at Adrienne's older sister Angelica and her adventures in trying to plan an event.

The other story gives a look at the past of king Ashe as a young man, perhaps even a teenager. It's not dark but I would have to say it's the most serious of the stories. This story seems to have the most to do with the plot too. Especially if you remember the beginning of one of the issues in volume 2 and a dream Adrienne had.

The final story has to do with Adrienne's other sister Angoisse and her encounters with a man who seems to swoon over her but you wonder if he actually cares or not. This one is a comedic story too but more serious than the first story.

The writing in each short is great, as always the dialog and character interactions are what stands out the most in Princeless. The stories add something to the understanding of the characters or the universe and in this case that's a really good thing since the characters these shorts focus on are integral to the plot.

Art

Like the previous set of shorts the art for each story is done by a different artist. I have to say it was a real treat seeing these art styles. The artist for the first story Adriana Blake did a great job of having things look like a funny cartoon. Cullen Gardepe on the second story has a fantastic take on serious art that has a nostalgic feel to it. Considering the story the art was for was a flashback in a way it definitely works. Finally Autumn Crossman in the last story has a great way with the line-art as the flowing hair and clothes of Angoisse and the few people she meet give a great stylized look for the story.

Verdict

Each story is captivating for the few pages they get to themselves. The art for each story is really well thought out having a different style that fit each story. Finally the star of the show the writing and dialog is top notch. This is definitely a must get I give it a 9.5 out 10.

Straight Forward Reviews: Quantum and Woody issue 2

Hello and welcome to another edition of Straight Forward Reviews!

This time, I'm taking a look at issue 2 of Valiant's Quantum and Woody.

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story picks up immediately after issue 1 with the eponymous duo naked after an explosion that gives them their powers. After a run in with the cops, they start to recoup and form a plan on finding out what to do what they set out to do in issue 1; which is find their father's killer.

The writing in this book is brilliant. Honestly, it's one of the funniest books I've read all year and the only book that I believe that can show off comedy chops that are just as good is Archer and Armstrong. Which this book reminds me of in little ways. It is, by no means, a clone but there are similarities in the duo's personalities and with the dialog in the book.

Every page had me at least chuckling but, for a good majority of the book, I was laughing out loud. It was nice to see the kinds of jokes that were being made in this. It's not trying to offend anyone but it isn't afraid to not be politically correct either.

Art


What catches my eye the most are the effects of the characters powers. Quantum and Woody's powers
kind of have the Kirby crackle thing going but in a unique way; and for the kind of powers, they have which aren't really explained yet, by the way.

The character designs look good for this kind of action/comedy comic too. They have slightly exaggerated features that are funny but they are pulled back so the comic can have a look that it is an action comic as well. It pulls off a nice balance.

Verdict

I believe this comic needs some more time before I can go around saying it's my favorite of the year but, if it keeps this up, it just might be that. Next to Archer and Armstrong, of course. Valiant keeps churning out top quality comics in every genre and Quantum and Woody is no exception. This gets a well deserved 9.5 out of 10.

StraightForward Reviews: Archer and Armstrong issue 10

Welcome to another edition of Straight Forward Reviews, this time looking at Valiant's Archer and Armstrong. Archer and Armstrong is currently the highest rated series on The Broken Infinite... I think. It's at least the highest rated by this particular reviewer. Does this issue still keep up the awesome?

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

A new arc begins as Archer and Armstrong head to Nevada to discover more about Archer's past and about who he really is.

You get a real interesting narrative focusing on Archer and Armstrong and Mary Maria's different routes on the same base at the same time. It builds the stage nicely for the storytelling in the rest of the arc.

The humor from previous issues is in full force here after the crazy high stakes action from the previous it would seem things did need to simmer down a bit. That isn't to say there isn't a lot of action and it certainly ramps up at the end but there's more laughs abound in this issue.

There's also the intrigue about the Area they're in, there seems to be a lot of research going on with the world of Archer and Armstrong going on there. Plus the mystery of Archer's real origins which of course you won't learn in this issue.

Art

The art has a cool flashy style to it, apparent in the action scenes. Lots of great artists usually are able to make action scenes look like they're flowing. They do not look that way in this case but they are great in a different way. Each shot looks more like a lightning bolt. In that the panels look like they were caught at the moment of impact, and it's quite nice to see.

Verdict

This is a fun read. I don't know how Van Lente just keeps writing this really intriguing and funny stories but he does. The action, comedy and intrigue blend into a super delicious smoothy of awesome and deliver on entertainment. I give Archer and Armstrong issue 10 a 9.5 out of 10. 

Action Lab month: Double Jumpers vol. 1 review

Looking at what can be considered the backbone of Action Lab's Danger Zone line and written by Dave Dwonch with art by Bill Blankenship. Action Lab released this series as single issues under it's normal lime last year. Now it's as one collected volume under the Danger Zone line.
Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

A group of programmers are working on a game and during a bug test switched bodies with the characters in the game. That's an extremely basic description but the story is something where anymore should be experienced yourself by reading it.

The story moves at a brisk pace. Which for this kind of story is welcome. There were parts while reading where there's a kind of a red flag that goes up in your head where you think this part shouldn't go on for too long and it doesn't. Pacing is played like a game and Dwonch handles it masterfully.

There's also the conflicts. Whether it happened in the real world or in the game the tension feels almost palpable. Whether it's about fighting monsters in the game or about what the game characters are doing to the programmers lives while in their bodies in the real world. Even though the premise is sci-fi the problems are believable and you will find yourself caring about what happens.

Characters

Like any good story the characters are well written and have their own unique personalities and act as real human beings. Though I did find myself not being as attached to the characters as I thought. Not because they're not well written, far from it, but because when it comes to their background very little is given. Aside from two characters you don't really know much about their history, not that you need to know about where they went for grade school but some information on why they have the motivations they have would be appreciated. Still that aside they are still well written.

Art

The character designs are not what I'd expect for this kind of story. They are both detailed and simplified. It's a bit like a mix of Japanese manga and western cartoon style. Just looking at the characters by themselves out of context they might seem awkward but the art works very well on the pages and in this story. While looking at the pages they really do have a nice visual style built. It really does work as a comic which is what this is so it's not bad at all.

Verdict

Double Jumpers is a crazy romp through the video game industry and relationships. It is certainly a fun read with action, comedy and off the wall craziness in every page. Character development is great but there could have been more with character backstory. I give this an 9 out of 10.

Archer and Armstrong issue 9 review

Hello and welcome to Broken Infinite's comic reviews. We're back with a new issue of Archer and Armstrong. We've been blown away by the previous issues. Does this hold up?

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Armstrong is in a bind. It seems Archer has gone off the deep end and is attacking his friends. Again, it would seem that way. But the truth is he is under control of something and thanks to this it looks like the Null is going to have it's way and destroy the entire universe. The writing this issue is fantastic. The plot itself is not overly complex where if you missed even one issue you'll be left wondering what's going on but the characters are written extremely well. From their interactions to the growth and change they undergo and that is apparent at the end of the issue the story and writing is fantastic. For ending a story arc it definitely amps everything up and has every character have their moment to shine, which is awesome. There's also a big hint at the end of this book as to what will happen in the next issue and the next story arc. So again, great work here with the writing.

Art

Looking back on the most recent previous reviews the art seemed to not wow me as much, but this issue really stepped it up. What's stands out the most is how well action is drawn. The characters look fluid in every movement they do and the panels look as they should. Like they were photographed or frozen in the middle of performing an action. Character expressions like in previous issues are still a strong point as well. As each time a character made a specific significant expression on their face like say terror it was conveyed so well that you wouldn't need to even read anything to know what they're thinking.

Verdict

I honestly do enjoy this series. To a point where I gave it my only perfect score for two issues. Recent issues were enjoyable but I didn't feel as strongly as I did earlier in the series. But for this issue and for the end of this particular arc, the writing and the art combined in such an awesome way that this issue reminds you again that this is truly an awesome series and for that it gets a 10 out of 10