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!

Comic News: ROGUES! Mega Hit on Comixology

ComiXology just announced the Best Sellers of their digital offerings and Amigo Comics is incredibly proud that they are leading the charge!

A story NOT about super heroes, NOT about zombies, but all about barbaric era´s, muscle man and sultry women, stories about sword&sorcery, talented sword-wielding thieves and their camaraderie.

Be sure to check out ROGUES! digital releases, and keep up as we are not only gearing up with our Volume 3 story arc, but as we are also featuring Juan José Ryp (Clone, Black Summer, Robocop, Wolverine: The Best There Is) and the return to what RYP  does best: draw stunning action and gorgeous girls!
Here is the link to the ComiXology-list so you can see for yourself as well as something to share with your friends, family and fans on social media. WE DO NOT LIE!! > https://www.comixology.com/comics-best-sellers

Rogues! #1

Written by El Torres
Art by Ruben Rojas, Juan Jose Ryp
Colored by Fran Gamboa

Genres Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Mature

Page Count 28 Pages
Digital Release Date September 18 2013
Age Rating 17+ Only

`The Curse of the Chicken´

It began with a job for a rich Baron's son, a simple task enough for two hardened rogues like Bram and the Weasel: To rescue the beautiful daughter of a wizard. But it ended with the most horrible curse that a thief can endure... chickens!

https://www.comixology.com/Rogues-1/digital-comic/43503

1st Impressions: SKYWARD # 6

SKYWARD # 6
Written by Jeremy Dale
Art by Jeremy Dale & James Rochelle
Action Lab Entertainment

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                After Jon deals with his humiliation from last issue, Abigail talks with him. As Quinn gets sanctuary from the Rabites, they are suddenly attacked by the assassin known as Skerrigan.

ART:

                Dale and Rochelle do a magnificent job this issue.  Each panel is detailed. Dale does a great job of giving us all kinds of people, creatures and backgrounds, rendering them with style. From Jon’s more skinny form to the Rabite General to Skerrigan, Dale gives us plenty of things and people to look at with different kinds of proportions.  Alongside the vast forests, Dale also does well drawing action as we see our Rabites and Jon face Skerrigan this issue.

                Rochelle’s colors keeps Dale’s work looking vivid and energized. There is beauty with each page and there is a lot of love in this book, from the detail that Dale puts in it. This was a solid issue from this art team.

WRITING:

                Dale writes a solid issue. We get some great characterizations from Iwi, Jon, Shura and Quinn this issue. Jon in particular gets spotlight but Dale does a good job of making it flow very naturally instead of feeling heavy handed. Having Skerrigan watch them and chime in on the events occurring was a nice touch as well, giving a bit more personality to the assassin.

                 Dale has the issue flow very naturally as it goes through its main cast. While Tanner and Abigail did not have much to do this issue, Dale gives us plenty of development with the other characters. The plot was simple enough yet Dale shines it with his race of warrior rabbits and Jon taking center stage. The dialogue is solid and believable while Quinn gets a moment this issue. Overall, Dale tells a good story this issue as it sets up for what is to come.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                Dale and Rochelle give us a solid issue with action and great character development. It begins to set the stage and we get to learn more about the Rabites.

RATING:

  I give Skyward # 6 a solid 8 … out of 10. Pick it up April 2^nd, 2014.

Preview: SKYWARD # 6

 
SKYWARD #6
Writer(s): Jeremy Dale
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale
Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale
Variant Cover(s): Randy Green


 NOW AN ONGOING SERIES! Skerrigan has uncovered Quinn's hidden sanctuary--
now it's a fight to the finish as Quinn, the Travelers, and the Rabites fight for their lives! Also, is
that an army at Three Rivers' gates? From rising star creator Jeremy Dale (GI Joe, NFL Rush
Zone, Marvel Kapow!), this issue also features a variant cover by Randy Green
(Buffy,Witchblade, Dollz) with Laura Martin (Thor, Authority)! Book hits selves on April 2nd,2014.

DVD News: Get Tolkien This Christmas With Rise of the Fellowship DVD

GIVE A TOLKIEN GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS!

RISE OF THE FELLOWSHIP NOW ON DVD!

December 3rd, 2013- Before you see The Hobbit : Desolation of Smaug, spend some time with the Fellowship. Phase 4 film's highly-anticipated love letter to Tolkien, RISE OF THE FELLOWSHIP is now available on DVD at Walmart, Amazon and Itunes.

A group of LORD OF THE RINGS fans embark on an amazing and amusing journey in director Ron Newcomb's fantastical and fun adventure. RISE OF THE FELLOWSHIP, features LORD OF THE RINGS online.  This comedy was written in honor of online gamers and The Lord of the Rings. Full of Tolkien-references and good-hearted parody,

Justin Moe, Emma Earnest, Jayme Bell, Alyssa Jacobsen, and Cole Matson star in a film that "will keep the audience laughing throughout and, at times, provide real tension" (lotroplayers).
 

Buy the DVD on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Fellowship-Justin-Moe/dp/B00FEZXIW8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386091887&sr=8-1&keywords=rise+of+the+fellowship

Stream the movie at Walmart via Vudu: http://www.vudu.com/movies/#!content/493444/Rise-of-the-Fellowship

View in Itunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/rise-of-the-fellowship/id722853473

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

1st Impression: SOULFIRE # 6 (Vol. 4)

SOULFIRE # 6  (Vol. 4)
Written by JT Krul & Frank Mastromauro
Art by Giuseppe Cafaro, Mike DeBalfo & Nei Ruffino
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                It’s a BIG showdown between Oris (in Grace’s body)  and the Elemental Dragons vs  Malaikai, Benoist and the other. And the showdown has some radical repercussions.

ART:

                The art was superb this issue. Cafaro and DeBalfo do an amazing job with the pencils. Sharp detail with everyone. Great proportions with the characters. A good amount of details, including the backgrounds. And there are some panels that are poster worthy in this issue. There is a great amount of facial expressions and action that real fit the piece. The detail was definitely great; especially on the larger panels with the dragons and Oris. Any previous gripes I had about these two were washed away this issue. Ruffino’s colors deliver to the sharp pencils. The shading and tones are perfect for each scene and the overall grandeur of the book is heightened by Ruffino’s sharp and vivid colors. A great job by this team.

WRITING:
                This book continues to be entertaining. The stories are epic. The characters feel and act believable. The plot is good. And there is a sense of wonder that grips you through Krul’s writing when you read this book.  There are a lot of characters in this book but Krul juggles them all with ease. And the deepening stories  that come from this issue’s battle are both personal and profound.
                Unfortunately, there is one major problem with this issue: The pacing. The fight does take up most of the issue; I was actually expecting it to take up the entire issue and possibly a bit of next issue.  Yet, it still takes up a good chunk of it. Yet, there is a feeling, with this many characters that the battle moves far too quickly. Oris is an embodiment of Chaos (or so , we are lead to believe); And with the battle with the Dragons was great. It was just a bit too fast for me.  I enjoyed the last few pages because I was not expecting them but overall, things were moving too fast.  Otherwise, this is a solid book.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Great art. Good writing. Yet, the pacing is what hurts the story and the book.

RATING:

                While the pacing does hurt the book, the art was even better than the last couple of issues. I give Soulfire # 6 an 8 out of 10.  

Preview: SOULFIRE # 6

SOULFIRE # 6
JT Krul - story/Giuseppe Cafaro, Mike DeBalfo - Pencils/Nei Ruffino -
Colors/ Josh Reed - Lettering

Michael Turner's epic fantasy adventure surges forward into a bold new era!
As Malikai and his technologically infused magical allies try to save the
world from the destructive force of the elemental dragons, Grace is
freakishly transforming before their very eyes and becoming the living
embodiment of Oris--the chaos demon! Can the group save her in time, and
perhaps save the world in the process? Or will this be the decisive battle
where everyone loses, no matter what the outcome?

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.

Comics News: Monte M. Moore Kickstarts His Art Book

For Immediate Release Monte M. Moore is announcing the Kickstarter Campaign to produce his 7th "Art of Monte Moore" art book entitled MISCHIEF, which includes art from the last 10 years of his career in the PIN-UP, GAMING, COMICS and ENTERTAINMENT industries. For those not familiar with Kickstarter, it is an AMAZON backed fundraising platform for Creatives to launch new projects. In essence you are pre-ordering the Mischief art book and this helps the creator cover expenses for the publishing and shipping of the book, and allows said creator not to have to go through a Publisher who reaps most of the benefits of the artist's efforts. This campaign includes GREAT rewards like custom sketches, signed prints, games, and private commissions for drawings and paintings (including the FRONT and BACK covers of the book!) Monte Moore now asks if you would like to aid him in producing the next Art of Monte Moore book and enjoy the images for yourself, or as a gift for someone you know. Please visit the page and pledge your support. For those not interested in Fantasy Art Books, there are also those who pledge their financial support to the project to help the artists meet their goals, and ask for no reward/item in return, but know they have done a good thing in supporting the Arts. If you would like to learn more about the project and watch the video Michael Moore has created, see the rewards and goals and images from the book, then please visit this link:http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2044665875/mischief-the-art-of-monte-m-moore

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!

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.

SPECIAL: A Look at Brandon Easton's BRAVE NEW SOULS- BLACK SCI-FI & FANTASY WRITERS OF THE 21ST CENTURY

Here is a sneak peak of prolific writer, Brandon Easton's upcoming documentary dealing with a brand new generation of African-American creators in movies, novels, graphic novels and more.

 The sneak peak talks with many different creators as well as ends with an interview with director/producer of the film, Brandon Easton. Easton has worked for over 15 years as a writer, working on many scripts to animation (Thundercats) as well as comic books, such as his recently Glyph Award Winning book, Shadowlaw.

Here is an extended look at the film.

1st Impression: Skyward # 2

SKYWARD  #2
Written by Jeremy Dale
Art by Jeremy Dale & Steve Downer
Action Lab Entertainment


Here's my review of Skyward # 1

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                We open our issue with meeting some new characters:  a tracker named Abigal, a seemingly reluctant soldier named Jon & their fathers,  Abigal’s dad is the regent of the area while Jon’s dad, Tanner, is a soldier.  After Jon scares away Abigal’s prey, the two go back to their fathers. Their  fathers are discussing the events of last issue loosely as they find Corin’s house burnt to ash.

                Abigal immediately stops herself from being a typical female archetype by find the tracks of Quinn and his dog. Abigal, Tanner & Jon decide to follow the trail and reconstruct what happened to Quinn meanwhile, we find our big bad,  Herod, gets  visit from something called the Vox.


ART:
                The art this issue was full of life. There was a lot of energy. And the rougher inks actually helps enhance the overall look of the book.  The rough inks gave the characters a more defined look while also really helping give backgrounds a little more depth. Dale truly does his best with each and every panel, handling it with care as we get everything from the strong and beautiful Abigal to the ugly & grim Slog Riders to the glowing … (NOT SPOILING IT)

                Downer’s colors really help Dale’s work come to life. Everything is vibrant with the touches of darkness it needs when only the panel or scene demands it.  Between the intense art of Dale and the vibrant colors of Downer, we will see what happens soon.

WRITING:
                This issue was framed so very well.  There are so many things right about this issue. The dialogue was fresh and authentic. The characters were fresh, interesting and diverse in personality. The pacing was near perfect.  Yet, what I enjoyed most about the issue was the way that events were shown & explained.  Using Abigail and her skills, she back tracks and reveals what had happened to Quinn through the issue. This is indeed a way of storytelling you don’t see often in fantasy books. The way that Abigail went about it would fit a police drama. Kudos to Dale with his unique way of telling in order to tell us what happened to Quinn. Only making the issue that much more enjoyable to read.

                My only gripe is that how little we spent with Herod this issue but I assume that Herod will get built upon more in the coming issues.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                Last issues great start is only enhanced by this issue. It was a well told, innovative issue that allowed new characters to shine and let’s the reader immerse themselves a bit more in this new world. Strong art and vivid colors make the journey that much more enjoyable.


RATING:

                A great first issue is followed by a great, innovative second issue. I give Skyward # 2 a 9 out of 10. Well done. Order it & buy it when it hits stores.

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.

StraightForward Reviews: Princeless Vol.2 issue 3

Welcome to another edition of StraightForward Reviews this time we look at the continuation of Jeremy Whitley's Princeless

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Adrienne meets her sister Angelica and tries to rescue her though it seems she doesn't want to get rescued. During this we also get more backstory on Adrienne's father and his allies. Then not much later we see a fight scene between Adrienne and one of the king's men. A comically awesome fight scene at that. This issue does a little bit of world building too. At least in glimpses. We learn more of other races of people and how the people besides Adrienne view the world and at least one of her sisters.

Jeremy Whitley continues, like in the past issues, with great character dialog and interactions that make the comic really engrossing.

Art

The direction the art takes in this issue is reminiscent of animation more than a comic book. Which makes sense with a story about colorful characters in a fantasy world. It truly lends itself well to the action scenes especially. Since it shows great dynamic movement but doesn't come across as too gritty or dark which you wouldn't want in an all ages book that can be seen as being given to younger readers. It's extremely eye-catching and imaginative. Going back to the action scenes it's the kind of art you should go back and look at over and over so you can soak in how creative it really is.

Verdict

No doubt about it Princeless is a real winner. It's captivating, charming, and has real substance to it. The characters really shine and the art is enjoyable. I give Princeless a well deserved 9.5 out of 10.

Skyward # 1 Review

SKYWARD # 1
Written by Jeremy Dale
Art by Jeremy Dale & Steve Downer
Action Lab Entertainment


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            We get ourselves a tale of a father and a son. We see how mundane their life is, even though the father is a MOUNTAIN of muscle, only to find it stripped away little by little in the course of this first issue. Meet Quinn and his father, Corin. Through the course of the issue, you get to learn of their relationship, Corin’s past and see how things fall apart as Corin’s past catches up to him.


ART:

            Jeremy Dale loves this property. You can tell in every line, every ink, every single panel within this book. Dale gives us an energized style that is very pleasing to the eyes. You can see hits of anime/manga and classic comic book and fantasy influences in his art. The shading is used just right with each and ever panel to convey the mood and emotion of the scene.  The characters look distinct and full of life.

            One of the many things I loved about this first issue was that it really showed us a nice mix of fantasy and mundane. Corin is a hulk of a man but with great proportions. You can see why anyone would idolize Corin physically, thanks to Dale’s art and Downer’s colors. Downer’s colors really enhance Dale’s work, gripping readers tightly to the world of Skyward and not letting go.

            The background were rendered well. The animals were very well drawn. Even the Slog Riders looked frightening and starkly contrasted the peaceful setting … which I believe is what Dale was going for. There is a great amount to the eyes to be attracted to as Dale artistically gives us the end of peace in this comic with really great visuals. There is a lack of blood but that does not work against the art during climatic scenes. A simply stunning looking book through and through.


WRITING:

            Dale takes on writing chores for the book as well. And I must say that Dale knows what he’s doing. With introducing Quinn and Corin together, Dale gives us not only the strong bond between father and son but characters that are whole relatable while also showing the differences of how people are to what people aspire to be all in one shot. Quinn is young. He is full of life and excitement that Dale captures that childhood joy and wonder well.  Corin is strong (physically and mentally) with strong ethics that make him the type of man any young boy aspires to be. This definitely works to grab readers and keep them glued to what happens throughout the issue.

            There is a definite theme war will find you anywhere. And Dale does a great job, slowly but sure amping up the fantasy aspects of the books alongside the philosophical aspects of war and peace in one shot. Corin’s past being revealed in a great conversation between him and Herod was done well . .. giving hits of the man Corin was and their former friendship.

            The dialogue in the book was light, easy and fun. The character interactions were felt authentic, really breathing life to the characters. Dale does a lot in this issue but really helps easy in the fantasy that is to come very well. I really enjoyed the book.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Skyward was a stunning start to the series. The characters felt real. The art was full of energy, strong and captured mood and emotion well. The overall themes were easy to understand and relatable. Quinn makes a great guide to our story of a boy who is about to be forced to grow up. And the seeds of what is to come are planted very organically throughout this first issue. A great job but Dale & Downer.


RATING:

            I give Skyward # 1 a 9 out of 10. Really great first impression. Buy the book!

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.  

PREVIEW: Soulfire (Vol 4) # 4

SOULFIRE (vol 4) #4

J.T. Krul – Story / Mike DeBalfo – Art / Nei Ruffino  - Colors

Michael Turner’s epic fantasy adventure surges forward into a new era!

Possessed by the chaotic spirit of Oris, Grace seems all but unstoppable as her reign of terror storms across the globe. Cities are being destroyed. People are dying. In the Everlands, one of Malikai's closest friends is facing death from Grace's violence. Can the combined power of magic and technology save them? And if so, will the result be a miracle…or an abomination?"

From veteran SOULFIRE scribe J.T. Krul, and featuring the amazing art of Michael DeBalfo along with fan favorite colorist Nei Ruffino, this is the SOULFIRE tale three volumes in the making! New and returning fans will NOT want to miss out as the biggest SOULFIRE story ever told continues right here!

SOULFIRE (vol 4) #4 is in stores March 20th, 2013!

FC                               32 pages                                 $3.99