All New Soulfire #6 Review

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #6
Written by JT Krul & Frank Mastromauro
Art by V. Ken Marion, Mark Roslan, John Ercek & Erick Arciniega
Lettering by Josh Reed
Aspen Comics

 This will be a spoiler free review. 

 

                We get the aftermath of Malikai revealing that Michael is a fake and find that Malikai’s reveal had some unexpected effects. Meanwhile, Rainier shows why magic is such a force in this world and the price that Cole and Jayden will have to pay for find out.

WRITING:

                The issue is very well paced. There has been several different subplots that Krul has juggled but this issue, it deals with two main issues primarily: Malikai dealing with the aftermath of his actions and Rainier being confronted by Cole and Jayden. And while Malikai’s plot gets handled well, getting into some philosophical debates, the majority of the issue deals with some development for Rainier, Cole and Jayden.

                Krul does a good job present us with how deep Rainier’s plot is going as we do get some very powerful scenes with him, Cole and Jayden in the book. The issue flows extremely well. And while we do not get a mention of Abel this issue, unlike it states in the over, Krul uses the space effectively as he brings out more of Cole and Jayden this issue as a result. It is kind of a double edge sword there … not having Abel there but making sure to finish out a plot and develop characters that were already set in motion.
                That’s the only thing that really goes against it. Otherwise, the dialogue was excellent and the pacing was great.

ART:

                This book continues to be beautiful. Marion, Roslan and Ercek do so very well to breathe life into this book.  The artists give a good amount of detail, detailed clothing and characters that really stand out and good perspectives. Yet, I found in this issue that backgrounds were scarce. There are backgrounds with color and there are fully detailed background. I found that the non detailed background might be a bit much in some instances … but otherwise, this art continues to be amazing. Arciniega’s colors really bring out the best of Marion, Roslan & Ercek’s art, giving a great tone and mood to every scene. 

                The action in the issue was great and Marion, Roslan and Ercek convey emotion so very well that it really keeps your eyes glued. A great job by this team.

FINAL VERDICT:

               

                This was a good issue with developing plots, character development and answering some questions. That said, both covers for the issue feature characters not in the issue at all and the lack of backgrounds here and there was slightly disconcerting. Yet, these aren't that major in the grand scheme of things.   The art and characterization really are superb and this issue makes me want more.  I give All New Soulfire # 6 a 3.5 out of 5. 

Preview: All New Soulfire # 6

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #6

JT Krul – Story / V. Ken Marion – Art / Erick Arciniega – Colors

PJ and Alori continue to compete in the death-defying battle royale that is Pandemonium, but while most competitors seek the top prize of winning, someone has a more sinister agenda - revenge against PJ’s mentor and ally, Benoist. The technological mastermind Abel finally returns to the pages of Soulfire—and death and destruction are sure to follow!

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #6 is in stores July 16^th, 2014!

Preview: Soulfire Annual # 1

SOULFIRE ANNUAL #1

JT Krul, Agnes Garbowska, Mark Roslan - StoryAgnes Garbowska, Lori Hanson, Giuseppe Cafaro - ArtJuancho, Valentina Pinto, Agnes Garbowska - Colors

Michael Turner’s SOULFIRE returns!

Aspen's first ever SOULFIRE ANNUAL arrives, jam-packed with three all new stories featuring some of the most popular characters in the SOULFIRE universe—and more! Join veteran SOULFIRE writer JT Krul as he presents a young Grace in a world long forgotten, full or dragons and danger! Fan favorite illustrator Agnes Garbowska debuts a new SOULFIRE story all her own, as she handles the writing and art duties in a special tale featuring Grace and several other SOULFIRE favorites! And BubbleGun creator Mark Roslan explodes onto the scene with a futuristic bank robbery that even the magic of Malakai may not be able to stop!

Don’t miss out on the debut of the first ever SOULFIRE ANNUAL #1 in this thrilling oversized issue featuring a re-mastered SOULFIRE cover by series creator Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald!

SOULFIRE ANNUAL #1 is in stores July 16^th, 2014!

Preview: Damsels in Excess # 1

DAMSELS IN EXCESS #1

Vince Hernandez – Story / Mirka Andolfo – Art

Five realms. Five princesses. Zero men.

In the land of the Five Realms, the existence of men has long since been evaporated from the hearts and minds of women. Princess Bethany--ruler of Evanfar, the largest and most prominent kingdom, finds herself at the center of a vast conspiracy that could not only threaten her kingdom—but also her life! Journey to a place where magic is abundant, unicorns and ferrets can command armies, and five women struggle to find balance—and power--in an ever-changing fairy tale world!

Creator Vince Hernandez and artist Mirka Andolfo present to you the newest Aspen hit series – DAMSELS IN EXCESS!

DAMSELS IN EXCESS #1 is in stores July 23^rd, 2014!

Lola XOXO # 3 Review

LOLA XOXO # 3
Written by Siya Oum
Art by Siya Oum
Aspen Comics

This will be a spoiler free review.

Lola is getting adjusted to working for Edgar while still trying to reach out to Kami. Lola finds that working for Edgar has its advantages and disadvantages. Meanwhile, Monarch proceeds to mount a rescue for Kami while Connor does the same for Lola.



ART:

  As normal, the art is this book is breath taking. The panels are full of life with great backgrounds, character expressions and porportions and just all our beautiful, painted like coloring. Every page just gives off a great sense of the world we see here ... full of grime, decay and danger. While there was not much action this issue, Oum does a great job with strong panel compositions, proportions and overall great perspectives. Honestly, this book's art is near perfect ... save for the last few pages. It seems as if they were done in a hurry. They are okay but not as good as the rest of the book. I am not sure it was a mood effect because of the snow in the issue or just a choice ... but the last few pages looked rushed. But this is still one of the best looking books on stands now.

WRITING:
Oum's pacing is perfect in this issue as we get to continue her main story while advancing several other plots at the same time. We get to see a bit more of Edgar's operation that allows us to see how Lola is living now while also see how Lola is adjusting to working for him and reaching out to Kami as much as she can. This definitely gives her multiple dimensions to her personality. Meanwhile, Edgar, Connor and Monarch all get significant character time this issue, helping those characters get fleshed out. Oddly enough, in Kami's silence, we get to see her own development as the issue goes along. And while we are still learning much about this world, Oum does a great job blending new facets of this future with her main plotline.
The dialogue was very strong this issue, nothing feeling like worthless banter while each sentence either built character, showed different aspects of the new world or helped set up what was to come. And the ending ... was a shocker. I was DEFINITELY not expecting what happens at the end. Some superb writing from Oum.


FINAL VERDICT:

This book continues to just get better and better. While the art in the end isn't as great as earlier in the issue, it is still a beautifully drawn book. Honestly, this issue had such great writing and it helped move along the story well. Definitely a strong showing by Aspen. I give Lola XOXO # 3 a solid 4.5 out of 5.

Straight Forward Reviews : Fathom Kiani # 4

Kiani and Luzhin face off in a final battle. What will become of Kiani and her mission? Should you just wait until next month? Find out in a straight forward review.

Writer - Vince Hernandez

Artist - Giusepe Cafaro

Publisher - Aspen

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Kiani fights Luzhin with his new powers as Casque decides to lend a hand and fight everyone else. When I say "everyone else," I mean everyone else by the way.

The dialogue during the fights do have some meaningful words mostly when it comes to Luzhin's ideals versus Kiani's but most of the book is just fights and people spouting how they can't be beaten or how they'll beat you.

The first three issues felt like they were actually doing a good job of building things up; and even though some things could be seen a mile away, like Luzhin's plans, it did have some nice character building. It felt like all that came together for a bit of an anti-climactic showdown. For a final showdown with someone who has super awesome powers stolen from the main character, Luzhin's fight was extremely short. There was a very nice epilogue after the fight however and it seems like the next issue will be having some really cool characters and action.

Art

The line-art by Giusepe Cafaro and colors by Wes Hartman are so detailed and vibrant that it just makes you want to keep reading and not put the book down until it's done. The action is great and the character designs are just downright pretty.

Verdict

Although the awesome build up did feel like it was kind of anti climactic with such a short battle, it did have it's cool moments and the epilogue did instill some excitement for the next arc. With that I give Fathom: Kiani # 4 an 8.5 out of 10.

All New Fathom # 7 Review

ALL NEW FATHOM # 7
Written by David Wohl
Art by Alex Konat, Mark Roslan, John Ereck & Erick Arciniega
Aspen Comics 

This will be a spoiler free review.

   OH MY GOD! Okay. The penultimate issue of the maxiseries lives up to the hype. While Aspen, Killian and Chance face Vana ... Muiria is attacked by our little princess ... all grown up. And NOTHING will be the same.

THE GOOD:
     Konat and the rest of the art team render one of the most beautiful books to ever hit the stands. Every detail, every background, every facial expression, every single being in this book is rendered to near perfection. Lively detail, wonderously multi-faceted colors and energetic panels let this book really fly. The art is nice, polished and clean with some great digital inking by Roslan and Ereck. Arciniega performs his best color work in this issue. And I can honestly say that Konat draws for this life this issue ... and makes it immortal. The emotional heaviness of the issue just explodes on to these pages and I could not be happier.
    Wohl writes an action packed, strongly emotional issue. This issue is definitely a point of no return with some of our characters and Wohl makes all the work he's done building up to it start paying off in more thans than imaginable. This issue actually made me feel very disturbed. Since reading the events of Fathom- The Elite Saga to this issue ... it all builds and builds well. Aspen is stronger and more confident than ever yet still has a great vunerbility to her character that Wohl allows readers to know; which really makes her one of the best female characters out there. This issue stands among one of the best reads this year ... between the action and the emotional tension, this book demonstrates why to love comics.

THE BAD:
    Bad does not exist in this book ... save for one particular event for one particular character. And I feel so sorry for  ********.


THE VERDICT:
    The art is superb beyond belief and this issue made me tear up. The writing is some of Wohl's best. This is definitely going down as possibly one of the best single issues of any comic I read this year. Grab this book. I give ALL NEW FATHOM #7 a perfect 5 ... out of 5. Buy it Wednesday!

All New Soulfire # 5 Review

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #5
Written by JT Krul & Frank Mastromauro
Art by V. Ken Marion, Mark Roslan & Erick Arciniega
Aspen Comics

This will be a spoiler free review.

                Malikai decides to confront Michael … only to bring the police around. Meanwhile, Rainier gets his plan off the ground while Grace returns with Vanyss “together” while introducing Benoist, PJ and Alori. We end our issue with Abel getting ready to make his own move.



THE GOOD:

                Marion, Roslan and Arciniega gives us an outstanding showing with beautiful art. Panels are nice, crisp and full of detail. The panel compositions and perspectives a great, dynamic and eye catching. The characters are all varied. Backgrounds are detail to really bring about a fully realized world and the overall look and feel of the book is just explosive. The colors are perfectly brushed all over the page and we got some great work from Marion over all. This book’s art is just perfection on page.
                Krul continues to build up plots and characters this issue. Grace’s new relationship is definitely a stand out that gives her something different after all that had occurred in the previous miniseries.  We definitely see a bit more development for Malikai,  Jayden, Michael and Rainier. The dialogue is great. The overall plots are starting to come together this issue well as it is building at a good pace to a finale. A strong issue.

THE BAD:

                Pj and Benoist take a big back seat this issue … more so than any other issue.  While the cast of the book is big, they have had a bigger role the whole series thus far. So, this issue feels a little off but that is my only complain.

THE VERDICT:

                The art is stunning. The story is solid. The plots are running towards the end of the series and are developing well. This issue starts connecting dots and definitely helps set up the book run towards its end. It’s a great ride over all and the issue definitely makes me look forward to more. I give All New Soulfire # 5  4 stars out of 5!  

All New Fathom # 7 Preview

ALL NEW FATHOM #7

David Wohl – Story / Alex Konat – Art / Erick Arciniega – Colors

A new direction in the FATHOM Universe continues!

As the Blue capitol city of Muria lies in turmoil, Aspen, Chance and Killian must form an alliance in an effort to undo the incredible damage that Vana has wrought against the world's oceans. However, as life above and below the surface continues to suffer as the water temperature drops, is it already too late? Meanwhile, as her plan nears fruition, Vana unleashes her most deadly weapon of all!

Writer David Wohl, artist Alex Konat and colorist Beth Sotelo team up once again to bring you the latest adventures of Michael Turner’s most beloved creation!

ALL NEW FATHOM #7 is in stores June 18^th, 2014!

Fathom Annual # 1 Preview

FATHOM ANNUAL #1
David Wohl, Nei Ruffino, Vince Hernandez – Story

Dennis Calero, Nei Ruffino, Jordan Gunderson – Art -


Michael Turner’s FATHOM returns!


Aspen's first ever FATHOM ANNUAL arrives, jam-packed with three all new stories featuring some of the most popular characters in the Fathom universe—and more! Join veteran FATHOM writer David Wohl as he gives us an inside look at Aspen's former love interest, Chance Calloway, and his thrilling exploits away from her, as he adapts to a whole new world of Blue and Human cooperation! Fan favorite illustrator Nei Ruffino debuts a new FATHOM story all her own, as she handles the writing and art duties in a special tale featuring Aspen Matthews and her new close friend Judith! And Fathom: Kiani writer Vince Hernandez takes Aspen Matthews on a journey to discover a lost city hidden deep under the surface of the water, only what she discovers instead is far more shocking! 

Don’t miss out on the debut of the first ever FATHOM ANNUAL #1 in this thrilling oversized issue featuring a re-mastered FATHOM cover by series creator Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald!

FATHOM ANNUAL #1 is in stores June 18th, 2014! 

All New Soulfire # 5 Preview

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #5
JT Krul – Story / V. Ken Marion – Art / Erick Arciniega – Colors



For centuries, the dark lord Rainier has set his sights on mastering the world’s science and technology in order to bring about his rise to power, yet now he's realized the error in his ways. As Rainier attempts to regain his connection to magic, he may be able to regain everything that was once lost to him!

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 continues!

ALL NEW SOULFIRE #5 is in stores June 18^th, 2014!