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!

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.

Straight Forward Reviews : Fathom: Kiani Vol 3 # 3

Kiani comes back for a big dose of action in the latest issue of Fathom: Kiani.

Writer - Vince Hernandez

Artist - Giuseppe Cafaro

Publisher - Aspen

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

A spoiler free summary is as follows. Kiani agrees to follow Luzhin so she can have a better idea of what he really wants back in the previous issue. In this issue she knows what he wants and decides to act based on what she knows. What follows is a lot of action and more light being shed on Luzhin and even on someone from Kiani's past.

The book is written well, nothing has worsened from the previous issue, especially the dialog. As a matter of fact I'd say that the writing in this book fleshes out Kiani even more than the last two issues. All of this good writing was in an issue that was mostly action. The action all served a purpose and helped re-introduce older characters and advance the plot and was pretty satisfying too.

Art


In previous reviews I've mentioned how much I love Giuseppe's art and not a thing has changed. Actually I
think I respect it even more now seeing as this issue was mostly action and I was wondering how something like the battles shown in this issue would look. I was not disappointed. The most impressive thing in the art is how well faces and facial expressions are drawn however. Moments where Kiani and other characters are talking look like what they're saying has emotions and weight behind them.

Verdict

This issue has beautiful art, and a story that seems to be building up to some huge payoffs. While I did praise the dialog and general writing earlier I do have to say that it might feel a bit off due to the way the Blue speak. Which unlike normal humans in the comic seem to speak in very proper English and when they emote but still speak in that proper English it can seem awkward or unnatural. I still highly recommend this comic for everything else though and give Fathom: Kiani vol. 3 # 3 a 9 out of 10.

Preview : FATHOM: KIANI vol 3 #3

Vince Hernandez – Story / Giuseppe Cafaro - Art

Kiani has risen!

Kiani severs her ties with Luzhin and the Volna after discovering the true dangers such a powerful research facility is capable of. However, her escape does not go according to plan—as the Russians prove they are not easily dissuaded from their attempts to become the world’s greatest nation—even if it means killing her in the process!

FATHOM: KIANI vol 3 #3 is in stores May 7^th, 2014!

Preview: FATHOM: KIANI vol 3 # 2

FATHOM: KIANI vol 3 #2

Vince Hernandez – Story / Giuseppe Cafaro - Art
Kiani has risen!
She has spent her entire life fueled by a hatred of the Human race. However, now, Kiani must align her actions to the Russian Scientists of the Volna, in order discover the whereabouts of her long lost sister, Anika. Yet, her past continues to brutally remind her that no one is to be trusted below—or above—the surface!
Returning writer Vince Hernandez joins forces with Trish Out of Water artist Giuseppe Cafaro to bring you the latest adventures of one of Fathom’s most fierce and beloved characters. Kiani is back and the world of the Blue will never be the same again!
FATHOM: KIANI vol 3 #2 is in stores April 23^rd, 2014!

1st Impression: TRISH OUT OF WATER # 5

TRISH OUT OF WATER # 5
Written by Vince Hernandez

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

FLIPPING THROUGH:

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

ART:

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

WRITING:

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

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

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

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

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

RATING:

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

 

Preview: TRISH OUT OF WATER # 5

TRISH OUT OF WATER #5
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Giuseppe Cafaro ­ Art / Ruben Curto, Studio
Parlapa - Colors / Josh Reed - Lettering

The end is here!

Under the surface, Trish discovers the true cost of learning about who or
what she truly is may be the sacrifice of everything she holds dear as well
as her life! Caught in the middle of an age-old war and a lineage of power
she might not escape, Trish must rely on what she¹s learned about what she
can do with her abilities in order to survive!

Aspen¹s own Vince Hernandez is joined by the artistic talents of Giuseppe
Cafaro and Ruben Curto to bring to you Aspen's newest hit series, TRISH OUT
OF WATER!

TRISH OUT OF WATER #5 is in stores March 12, 2014!

Straight Forward Reviews : Fathom : Kiani # 1

Kiani has come back for a third chapter of stories. This time coming back to the surface world a changed person after the events of The Elite Saga.

Writer - Vince Hernandez

Artist - Giuseppe Cafaro

Publisher - Aspen

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story starts off in a way that seems like the right thing to do for introducing a new arc and re-introducing a character. It's a little cliché to have her run into normal people who happen to have a kid that thinks the protagonist is cool. But at the same time it makes sense for her being someone from below the waters and doesn't really hang out much on the surface before to be in a remote area and run into locals that would either be fishers or farmers. She can't just pop up from the ocean depths into the middle of a major urban population. It doesn't waste time with these locals either and when they are seen they do seem to do some good in humanizing her. If not that, at least grounding her.

The other part of the story focuses on people who want to obtain her for scientific purposes. Although there is action in this comic, most of it is focused on setting the stage for what's to come and not so much on super powers and fighting. In this issue it's all about knowing who the characters are and what they want so you can get invested in them first.

Art

The art in this is gorgeous. If the reader is someone who can't keep their attention on something unless an explosion happens the beautiful art should keep them occupied. Which is a good thing since you'll want to know everything that's said in this issue. The colorist Wes Hartman seemed to know exactly which hues to use on every page and it really makes Giuseppe's lines come alive. Just about every page has at least one panel that I wouldn't mind having a really big version of to hang on my wall.

Verdict

This comic has gorgeous art both lines and colors. It has a story that seems to be different than most other comics about super powered people. It could be said this comic is therapeutic in a way, just pick it up and relax with the beautiful art and get inside the extraordinary life of Kiani. I give Fathom : Kiani # 1 a 9 out of 10.

Preview: FATHOM: KIANI (Vol 3.) # 1

FATHOM: KIANI vol 3 #1
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Giuseppe Cafaro - Art / Wes Hartman - Colors /
Josh Reed - Lettering

Kiani has risen!

One of the most powerful figures in the Fathom universe returns for this
epic third chapter! Following the tragic events of The Elite Saga and the
shattering of her family ties, Kiani has risen above the surface and
seemingly disappeared amongst the large expanse of the human population.
However, with a power inside her that is capable of changing or
destroying--the world's landscape, her presence can only remain hidden for
so long!

Returning writer Vince Hernandez joins forces with Trish Out of Water artist
Giuseppe Cafaro to bring you the latest adventures of Fathom's most fierce
and beloved characters. Kiani is back and the world of the Blue will never
be the same again!

FATHOM: KIANI vol 3 #1 is in stores March 12th, 2014!

1st Impressions: TRISH OUT OF WATER # 4

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

Aspen Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

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

ART:

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

WRITING:

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

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

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

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

RATING:

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

Preview: TRISH OUT OF WATER # 4

TRISH OUT OF WATER #4
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Giuseppe Cafaro ­ Art / Ruben Curto, Manuela
Nerolini & MAD5 Factory  - Colors

All Hell breaks loose as Trish and her friends are dangerously confronted by
those under the surface, and the group must tragically separate for their
own good. However, a bigger surprise waits for Trish, as she discovers
secrets about herself that will forever change her life for better or worse!

TRISH OUT OF WATER #4 is in stores January 29th, 2014!

1st Impressions: TRISH OUT OF WATER #3

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

FLIPPING THROUGH:

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

ART:

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

WRITING:

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

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

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

RATING:

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

Preview: Trish Out of Water # 3

TRISH OUT OF WATER #3
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Giuseppe Cafaro ­ Art / Ruben Curto, Manuela
Nerolini & Mad5 Factory - Colors

When her life comes crashing down on her‹literally‹Trish discovers she is
more alone than she ever could have anticipated! After the startling
revelation at the conclusion of last issue, Trish must now deal with a
devastating tidal wave that threatens to destroy what little remains in her
life, as well as an even more shocking discovery that she may indeed be the
cause of everything terrible that is happening to her!

Aspen¹s own Vince Hernandez is joined by the artistic talents of Giuseppe
Cafaro to bring to you Aspen¹s newest hit series, TRISH OUT OF WATER!

TRISH OUT OF WATER #3 is in stores December 18th, 2013!