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 : Goat # 0

So Valiant has launched a spin off of Quantum and Woody that seems to be much more than it appears.  Much like it's protagonist.

Writer - James Asmus and Tom Fowler

Artist - Tom Fowler

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

So much of this story are spoilers! But without spoilers the synopsis is that this issue delves into the origin of the Goat that Quantum and Woody met and took back with them near the start of that series run.

These origins that revealed are perhaps some of the funniest I've ever read. There were definitely times where I laughed out loud and awkwardly disturbed the people around me. But, it isn't just laughs you actually come to feel for the goat. Those feelings grow to a high point at the end of the issue.

Art

Tom Fowler comes back and his work still looks great as he goes back to drawing the Goat and the boys. Especially noteworthy is the way he conveys effects like fire and explosions.

Verdict

Goat is a winner. With a story that is more well thought out than the cover would have you believe and lots of hilarious moments there is no way this can't be recommended. There's drama, there's action and there's tons of comedy I give Goat # 0 a 9.5 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.

1st Impressions: QUANTUM & WOODY #8

QUANTUM & WOODY # 8
Written by James Asmus
Art by Ming Doyle & Jordie Bellaire
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                Okay. I just want to point out this insanity. Quantum and Woody ended up in a White Supremists Miltia stronghold where they worship Quantum .. till they found out he was black but then they got attacked by Quantum’s company, Magnum Security.  So, the White Supremists decided to let Quantum and Woody lead them in battle. Again, this is absolutely insane.

ART:

                Doyle does a solid job with the art this issue. There is a good amount of detail, some decide emotional facial expression and good angles.  The body types and sizes varied and Doyle did  not disappoint. Yet, there is something about the art that just did not light my fire like Fowler’s did. Doyle still does a good job. Bellaire’s colors are nice and solid. They are not overly powerful, which fits this books style and slapstick panel work. A good job by this art team.

WRITING:

                Asmus writes insanity well. You can tell that Asmus loves every last second of writing anything for this book. The dialogue, the plot , the characters are handled with such care and grace that very few writers can match it alongside the comedic aspects of it. Honestly, I am not usually one for a lot of humor in my comics but this book has been damn solid. Asmus never ceases to amaze me with what Eric and Woody will do to accomplish whatever goal they set for themselves. And this issue definitely had some surprises. The issue is quotable. The interactions are authentic and hilarious. The overall pace of the story was perfect. Asmus hits it out of the park with the ending of this second arc with solid characterization, comedy, action and fun!

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                This book continues to be one of the funniest, unpredictable and enjoyable books I have ever read. The art was good but the story was amazing.

RATING:

                I give Quantum & Woody # 8 a solid 8 out of 10. Pick it up Wednesday, February 19^th.

Greetings from Rainbow Pixie Candy Land!

Writer(s): Dean Rankine Artist Name(s): Dean Rankine Cover Artist(s): Dean Rankine  Take some time for an adventure to a magical world with two cute bunnies... two foul mouthed, drug using, butt-naked bunnies that go on adorably offensive, insultingly hilarious adventures! Your journey into off-color fun begins here, with this mix of Adventure Time and underground comix!   Available in a regular cover for $3.99, and a limited to 1,000 copies  alternate classic comic spoof variant cover for 4.99!   Dean Rankine is a regular contributor to Australian MAD Magazine and he drew, 'My Mother is a Brain-Eating Zombie' and 'Flatman and Ribbon' for the UK's longest running comic, The Dandy. Dean's other credits include  writing and drawing back up stories for Simpsons Comics (Published by Matt Groening's Bongo Comics), Mania, KidZone, Krash, K-Zone, Wacky But True and Kids Alive magazines.    Now Dean is breaking free from the confines of all ages cartooning and letting his twisted skills run wild with the tour-de-force of subversive fun that is Itty Bitty Bunnies in Rainbow Pixie Candy Land!

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.

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.

Match of the Month #5: Tag Team Action

       I've noticed in most of these posts that I haven't been giving the fans of tag team wrestling their fix so I'm here to remedy that right now. This match comes to you from CHIKARA Pro. This promotion (or former if the ending of their last ippv is to be believed) focuses on a mix of lucha libre/comedy style. If you have ever heard of the infamous "invisible grenade" spot, this is where it came from. Oh and CHIKARA had fighting ice cream cones years before Pokemon did. Anyways, on to the participants.

      First off we have Nick and Matt Jackson: The Young Bucks. You may know them better as Max and Jeremy Buck aka Generation Me from TNA. Yeah, those were all terrible names. Regardless of what you call them, they are one of the top tag teams in the world and seeing them in action only furthers the claim. These guys have absolutely fantastic double team maneuvers and not only that, but just the way they execute them is amazing.

      The second team is one that is the definition of cult favorite. It's Fire Ant and Soldier Ant: The Colony. Yes, they are wrestling ants and they are awesome. Remember when I said that CHIKARA was lucha/comedy? Nothing represents that better than The Colony. When you think of someone working their gimmick, few do it better than Soldier Ant as you will see during this match. 

      This tag team bout is from CHIKARA's first iPPV High Noon and is actually the 1st match from the show. THIS IS THE YOUNG BUCKS VS THE COLONY!!!

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.

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.

GOAT BIG or GO HOME in QUANTUM AND WOODY #4!

GOAT BIG or GO HOME in QUANTUM AND WOODY #4!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Quantum and Woody #4 from the acclaimed creative team of James Asmus and Tom Fowler! At last, Quantum gets the drop on the mysterious force behind his father's death! Plus, the staggering first appearance of a little character we like to call…the Goat!

 

Bitterly divided and hopelessly outgunned, Quantum and Woody are getting torn apart! Literally! Can they get their #$@% together before being shredded to atoms by the mysterious Crone and her super-science foot soldiers?! Probably not. But when a new ally emerges from the shadows,

they’ll find the strength to fight baaaaack.

 

The series that IGN calls "one hundred percent amazeballs...a holy experience of the comic book medium" blows even more minds on October 2nd, only in Quantum and Woody #4! Dig it!

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

 

QUANTUM AND WOODY #4

Written by JAMES ASMUS

Art by TOM FOWLER

Cover by RYAN SOOK (AUG131486)

Valiant Level Two 8-Bit Variant by DONOVAN SANTIAGO (AUG131487)

Goat Variant by ROB GUILLORY (AUG131488)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

Straight Forward Reviews: Archer and Armstrong issue 13

So I punched my best friend in the face and then... Oh wait, this is a review. But if you read the latest issue of Archer and Armstrong you'll understand that first line. So what's going on in the Faraway this time? Are they going to finally leave?

Review by Jeremias de León

Story


This issue reaches the climax of the struggles in the Faraway and leads into the next story arc. General Redacted's forces are regrouping Archer and Ivar, Armstrong's brother are trying to regroup with Armstrong and Mary-Maria.

We see a satisfying close to the conflict with Redacted and we see a nice transition to a new set of problems.

The dialog, even with the extreme fantastical elements of the Faraway, are pretty believable. Near the end of the issue especially. Everybody has been in or has known someone in a situation like that. Maybe without stepping foot in a land of flying saucers but we all know about those kinds of situations. Although it was believable some of the dialog near the end had me questioning things though, but when you read it and think of the character's mindsets it makes sense.

Art

The art is nothing short of gorgeous. There were some pages where there's a zoom out showing the scenery and I had to pause and just take a couple extra minutes to soak in the details and beautiful color work of the panels.

Verdict

This issue of Archer and Armstrong has a nice climactic battle and a good transition to the next big chain of events. It still hasn't lost it's comedy touch, and the action scenes in this issue have stepped up from the already impressive action of the previous issue. The high of the previous issue didn't fully come over to this one and the ending though it makes sense was still a little questionable in my eyes, this is a hugely entertaining comic and I give it a 9 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews: Archer and Armstrong 12

So this is the 12th issue of Archer and Armstrong. It's already been about a year since this relaunch debuted. For the past year this has been the highest reviewed comic on Straight Forward reviews. How does the 12th issue do the series justice or are chinks and cracks starting to appear? Let's find out.

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Archer and Armstrong are in different parts of the faraway and are trying to think of what to do next. While this is happening Redacted is planning an all out assault on the Roanoke people living in the Faraway.

What happens next is eye opening, funny and just flat out awesome. Archer's future seems to be a really important one though there are parts about it he feels he would never say or do. Armstrong and Mary Maria have some good dialog and interactions with each other that lead to some personality changing.

Then there is of course just a lot of action because of Redacted's assault. During this you get to see some nice references. There's also more revelations and even more revelations. All well written and all nicely paced.

shout outs if you know the movie this references

The writing certainly stays fresh and more importantly funny, so no complaints here.

Art

The line art is clean, and the colors are vibrant. What stands out to me are the shadows, the effects, and
the way things like flying saucers and the sci-fi elements are drawn. The style works really well because the sci-fi parts look out of place with the rest of the faraway which seem like a natural wonderland.

Action shots look great too, especially Armstrong in action. His power looks to be conveyed really well in this issue.

Verdict

The usual very well written dialog and action has this issue looking great already. If this issue stopped at page 17 I would have given this a 9 or a 9.5. But then it goes on for a little longer and puts a real big smile on my face with more being revealed and more action and that just bumped it up to yet another 10 out of 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.

Straight Forward Reviews: Archer and Armstrong issue 11

We're back with another issue in the escapades of the duo Archer and Armstrong. So far it's been nothing short of fantastic how does this issue stack up?

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story of this issue has explanations and twists and turns like ypu wouldn't believe. Explanations about Armstrong, twists about Archer and explanations about some mysteries that happened in the world they live in that are quirky and, especially in the universe they live in, seem plausible. 

The land of the Faraway is one crazy place with what seem to be aliens, dinosaurs and tribes of native Americans all living in the same place. Archer goes off on his own and Mary Maria and Armstrong are off on their own and get into their own adventure. There are story building elements and also enough explained that make this a real meaty issue. 

Archer meets some people, gets some things explained only to run into another mystery. Armstrong and Mary Maria run into their own problems as they try to just figure out what to do next and Armstrong has to try and deal with Mary Maria's violent instincts.

Art

The art in this issue does two things fantastically. One are the facial expressions, as can be plainly seen on the cover but also throughout the issue. The second are the action sequences. The movement when Archer or Armstrong or Mary Maria or Armstrong fight, run, jump, or shoot are done so well, and everything looks like it's making an impact when it should. The art gets an A plus because of these characters movements and expressions.

Verdict

With this issue adding to the mystery behind Archer's origins and shedding light on other things in their universe while at the same time still offering big laughs and plenty of action, there's really only one way I'm going with this verdict. I'm going to have to give it a full recommendation with a perfect score of 10 out of 10. Pick it up, laugh look at the cool action scenes and tell your friends to do the same.

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. 

Fighting Game Academy

As Broken Infinity has it's one year anniversary (Yay :D ) I present the pilot short for Fighting Game Academy! Please enjoy.