Brand New! RAI # 3 Review

RAI # 3
Written by Matt Kindt
Art by Clayton Crain

Valiant Comics

This will be a spoiler free review.

                Spylocke and Father keep some secrets. Rai is looking for answers. And a certain Doctor in the Valiant Universe decides it is time to spill. 

ART:

                The book is still one of the most gorgeous, detailed books that has ever graced the comic book market. The richness of Crain’s work just brings so much life and action into this wonderous work. There is such kinetic actions. The fluid look of the art is really grabs your eyes. Crain gives us some great expressions with our characters and Rai in particular. The near cinematic style of the book really allows you to immerse yourself in New Japan.  The colors, like I said in previous reviews, are toned extremely well. They are not as dark as they normally are and Crain does some great scenes with Lula.  From the first panel to the last panel, every last piece and line in this book creates a truly immersive and powerful tapestry that will make you want more.

WRITING:

                Kindt writes another solid issue. We got to learn something fairly big this issue as the murder mystery starts to open some interesting facts about Rai and Father. More importantly, we start looking at the fact that this future is considering Earth  Hell while New Japan encompasses so many different cities we used to know. Definitely some great world building. And I love the characterizations of Rai, Lula, Spylocke and …., who really develop and further as main characters in their own way. Kindt does a good job of answering some questions while only making you ask more afterward. My only gripe, and it is very little, is the introduction of the Positron. Maybe it is just me but I felt that it’s addition to the book is …placed in the wrong part of the story. It felt, to me, that is should have come up much sooner than it did. Yet, I am sure it fits into whatever Kindt has planned. Otherwise, this was a great read.

FINAL VERDICT:
                For every answer, we got more questions. The action was insane. The art is absolutely ridiculous. The writing is fairly solid with one minor hiccup. But still, I feel fully immersed into this future and more more.  Kindt and Crain are definitely shining with this work.  I give Rai # 3 a 4.5 … out of 5.

Brand New: MIDNIGHT TIGER # 1 REVIEW

MIDNIGHT TIGER # 1
Written by Ray-Anthony Height & DeWayne Feenstra
Art by Ray-Anthony Height & Paul John Little
Action Lab Entertainment

This will be a spoiler free review.

                Our new book opens with a homeless man … with powers of manipulating fire attacking people in a bar. We got to our main hero, who was stops a somewhat familiar family from being robbed then does his homework.
                A school confrontation seems to hit Gavin personally … as well as have connections to a mysterious gangsta named P- Stone.


ART:

                Height creates one of the most visually appealing and detailed works in his career. There is a great amount of detail and variety of characters. Backgrounds are also filled in nicely, not skimping on them. Gavin’s got a great look for a young teen and a hero that is believable and striking.  Little helps breath a lot of life and color into Height’s work as they knock it out of the park with this first issue visually. We see different angles, different perspectives and great movements with the action.  Just the uses of side angles and over the shoulder perspectives were really entertaining this issue.  There is a richness in the line work and coloring as they do a great job with the light source and color of this book … particularly during the mugging/battle. I really enjoyed it and found it extremely well done. 

WRITING:

                Height and Feenstra jump us into some action while also developing Gavin as a character and his world in one swift shot. We get a quick retelling of his origin (which was done in the FCBD issue) while blasting off into the present with Gavin had taken time to become Midnight Tiger. While he’s fairly new, you can see that he’s had some experience with this by now and Feenstra and Height display that. Gavin comes off really believable and multi-faceted right away as we see him butt heads with a “friend”, deal with his father and his over all beliefs compared to those he cares about around him. Our hero is a good guy but definitely flawed … in a good way. I applaud the writers for doing that right off the back … allowing readers to relate to the character and feel more invested.  And while we got some great world building, Height and Feenstra did enough to really leave some open plots for upcoming issues of the series. The current main plot is already hitting close to home for Gavin and our writers make sure you are in. Plus, what we see of Gavin’s inner circle seems to be interesting right off the bat as we have him disagreeing with not only his father, but with some friends as well. It is definitely a different direction from many other super hero solo titles where the friends seem to be fully behind our hero while parent (s) is not. Great, solid writing that makes me want more. 

FINAL VERDICT:

                The art was amazing. The story was superb. The characters are interesting and varied. And there are some great Easter Eggs for comic books fans in the issue that just make you smile. I am all in on this book. I give Midnight Tiger # 1 a solid 5 … out of 5. 

Jack Hammer # 4 Review

JACK HAMMER # 4
Written by Brandon Barrows
Art by Ionic
Action Lab Entertainment

This will be a spoiler free review.

                It’s the final show down between Jack and the Black Smile with an election and lives on the line. Conspiracies will be revealed and Jack and Charlie go all out to stop the Black Smile and his crew.

ART:

                Ionic  does a great job this issue. He adds a slight bit more of detail this issue, giving everyone a nice look with his unique art style. The detail he adds is great as it makes the action look good and the emotion of the issue is conveyed well. Backgrounds are good. The colors and shading work, add a good element of mystery; which fits the theme of the book.

                My only real gripe is that distance shots aren’t the greatest. Otherwise, the action was good. The people are distinct. And there are some decent backgrounds.

WRITING:

                The plots of the miniseries and the issue tie up well.  The plots with Goodman and the Black Smile are fully connected here and Barrows allow the mystery and the detective work leads to a strong climax. Jack, Charlie, Stu and more get some great development this issue. Barrows allows everyone to shine in one manner or another this issue, allowing the book to feel very powerful and complete. The main plot gets showcased well throughout the whole issue as we learned some more answers, leaving us with more questions. The dialogue was very strong and the pacing was near perfect. A really great ending for this miniseries.

 FINAL VERDICT:
                I really enjoyed this last issue. Things got tied up well. We got some mysterties for future mysteries with Jack Hammer. The cast got to shine and the art was pretty good. This issue really left me feeling satisified and wanting more of Jack. I give Jack Hammer # 4 a solid 4 out of 5.

Dry Spell # 1 Review

 DRY SPELL #1
Written by Ken Krekeler
Art by Ken Krekeler
Action Lab: Danger Zone

This will be a spoiler free review.

Note: I know I already reviewed this before a month ago but have yet to find the original review …. Soooooooooo … here we go again.

                Our story opens in a world of super heroes and our main character, Tom Ferris, is “enjoying” a mundane life as an office worker. At night, he dreams of the life he used to have … among the super heroic elite. And then … one day at work, that door to the elite starts to open again and things will never be the same.

ART:

                The art is simply gorgeous.  A mixed water colored and traditional coloring helps give the book its own sense of style and grace … and every scene is matched perfectly with tones that help set the mood and really draw you in. Krekeler does a great job with his line work, giving just enough detail to his characters and background to make them different but allows the colors and the inks help his art achieve this vibrancy and originality. Krekeler’s panel work goes from simple to outrageous, allowing readers to really keep a focus on the art while allow it to tell its story in its own way. It is truly magnificent some of the panel work when Tom is “under the influence;” allowing stunning art to really shine through. Krekeler conveys emotion well, shows people in different sizes and colors and really gives good perspectives. Really an outstanding job by Krekeler.

WRITING:

                The issue was near perfection from start to finish. Drawing on series like “Watchman” for an artistic opening with its opening page to its final panel, Krekeler allows readers to get a great dose symbolism and authenticity.  Krekeler speaks to the everyday man wishing to be something more with Tom Ferris while also talking to those men and women who think about their glory days. Krekeler uses the dream of always wanting to be more and to be back at your highest point as driving forces for the issue, allowing not only explanation on Tom’s actions but set up for the main plot of the book as well.

                Krekeler constructs Tom Ferris to be a relatable character from when we first meet him to his decision to go out with “the old gang” for a night out on the town. Krekeler also reminds us the dangers of going back to our glory days; as old vices might rear their ugly head as well but seamlessly ties it into the story well. The distinct differences in Tom in his mundane life and Tom during the end of the book are very obvious but are built upon well. Krekeler builds a good supporting cast around Tom that already starts to pull at him in different directions while also uses them to maintain a level of mystery. And while the ends kind of stops the story more than ends it, overall, the first issue was solid with great pacing and wonderful characters.

FINAL VERDICT:

                Honestly, this was a great first issue. The art was spectacular. The writing was superb. The characters were relatable and the premise seemed very authentic. I enjoyed this first issue and really and looking forward to looking at Tom Ferris a bit more, next issue. So, with that, I would like to give Dry Spell # 1 a solid 4.5 out of 5. 

Lola XOXO # 2 Review

LOLA XOXO # 2
Written by Siya Oum
Art by Siya Oum
Lettering by Josh Reed
Aspen Comics

This will be a spoiler free review.

            Lola comes face to face with Edgar, the owner of the horse she was riding. After a small back and forth, Lola ends up working for Edgar. In the meantime, we see a guy named Monarch kill a lion …Seriously.  He and his girlfriend, Kami, seem to be under the control of a guy named Huntington … but not for very long.

THE GOOD:

           

            Can I continue to say that this is one of the most beautiful books out in the market? Seriously, the detail and style that Oum puts into every panel puts a lot of other books to shame. Oum raises the bar here between great amount of detail and a really vivid coloring/painting style. Each page is alive and feels very textured just by looking at it.

            The story is definitely heating up this issue as we get to know more about New York City after the “tragedy” of the first issue.  Lola gets some great characterization and development as we learn a bit more about her attitude, her determination and her values within  the pages. Oum also does a great job introducing new major plays Monarch, Kami and Edgar. Each of these characters definitely have strong, distinct personalities that you see immediately and Oum grows upon those organically. The dialogue was a great level between strong and authenc.

THE BAD:

            Nothing bad this issue at all.

THE VERDICT:

            Honestly, last issue started us off, but this issue pushed things into overdrive. This book really engrosses you into its world and characters well. Aspen’s got another hit with this book. I give Lola XOXO # 2 5 stars out of 5! Pick it up today in shops. 

Comics News: RAI # 1 Sells Out First Week & Gets 2nd Printing!!!

RAI #1 Smashes into First Week Sell-Out; New Printing in Stores with June's RAI #2!


 

Valiant is proud to announce that RAI #1 – the debut issue of Valiant's newest ongoing series from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (Unity, Mind MGMT) and superstar artist Clayton Crain(Carnage) – has rocketed through its 36,500 copy print run and is now completely sold out at the distributor level.  A second printing – with a new cover featuring Crain's stunning, digitally painted interior art – is now scheduled to arrive in stores June 4th, alongside the series' next blockbuster issue, RAI #2.

The year is 4001 A.D. – led by the artificial intelligence called “Father,” the island nation of Japan has expanded out of the Pacific and into geosynchronous orbit with the ravaged Earth below. With billions to feed and protect, it has fallen to one solitary guardian to enforce the law of Father’s empire – the mysterious folk hero known as Rai. They say he can appear out of nowhere. They say he is a spirit…the ghost of Japan. But when the first murder in a thousand years threatens to topple Father’s benevolent reign, Rai will be forced to confront the true face of a nation transformed…and his own long-lost humanity…

On June 4th, pick up RAI #1 SECOND PRINTING and RAI #2 to discover why critics are calling Matt Kindt & Clayton Crain's RAI the most daring new series of the summer:
 

"An immersive experience…unlike anything else in comics." – Comic Book Resources
"Rai is off to a killer start… This is a book you really need to check out." – Comic Vine
"Rai is just plain amazing…  It’s impossible to overstate how great Crain’s work is here." – IGN
"Maybe the best looking comic Valiant has produced yet, and a book that has nearly unlimited potential…" – Multiversity Comics
"A beautifully visualized, engaging artifact of future noir… [Rai] comes with the highest praise." –PopMatters
 

The first title of the VALIANT FIRST publishing initiative, RAI is a series unlike anything else in comics today – and a perfect introduction to Valiant’s award-winning line of titles! With major new #1 debuts arriving all summer long, look to VALIANT FIRST each month to discover a whole new array of titles that will have you reading Valiant FIRST when you head home from the comic shop:

• MAY: RAI #1 by Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain
• JUNE: ARMOR HUNTERS #1 by Robert Venditti and Doug Braithwaite
• JULY: ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT #1 by Joe Harris and Trevor Hairsine
• JULY: ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER #1 by Joshua Dysart and Robert Gill
• AUGUST: THE DELINQUENTS #1 by James Asmus, Fred Van Lente, and Kano
• SEPTEMBER: THE DEATH–DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 by Jen Van Meter and Roberto de la Torre

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

RAI #1 CRAIN SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (MAR148327)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 6/4/14 (FOC – 5/12/14)

RAI #2 (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover A by RAUL ALLEN (APR141423)
Cover B by MICO SUAYAN (APR141424)
Mask Cover by RIAN HUGHES (APR141425)
Variant Cover by BART SEARS (APR141426)
Variant Cover by PAOLO RIVERA (APR141427)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 6/4/14 (FOC – 5/12/14)

Preview: Archer & Armstrong # 20

First Look: "AMERICAN WASTELAND" Begins in ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #20!


 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #20, the FIRST ISSUE of "AMERICAN WASTELAND" – an all-new story arc from New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente and rising star Pere Perez! Start reading here this Wednesday as Archer & Armstrong take on a cabal far more deadly than any ancient curse – the secret cult of American celebrity!

His whole life, Obadiah Archer has been lied to about his true heritage – but when he and his immortal pal Armstrong arrive in L.A. to meet his real parents, they find them in the clutches of the Church of Retrology! What insidious plans does The Lizard King, the head of the favored religion of the Left Coast’s rich and famous, have in store for Valiant's premier conspiracy busters? And what lurks inside The Lizard King's mysterious hotel hideaway? Archer & Armstrong are about to take a trip into the darkest reaches of Hollywood history, and they can check-out any time any they like…but they can never leave!

On May 7th, the mojo rises for "AMERICAN WASTELAND" – beginning right here in ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #20!
 

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #20 (NEW ARC – "AMERICAN WASTELAND")
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by PERE PEREZ
Cover A by SHAWN CRYSTAL (MAR141405)
Cover B by MICHAEL WALSH (MAR141406)
Variant Cover by MICO SUAYAN (MAR141407)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 5/7/14 (FOC – 4/14/14)

 

BON JOVI Gets FAME Treatment From Bluewater Productions

Bluewater Productions announced the third release comic book biography for “Rock Music Month” featuring the lives of famous rock musicians. Bon Jovi is the recent musician who will be illustrated be part of the popular biography series.

Fame: Bon Jovi is released on April 29^nd in print as well as digital. For “Rock Music Month” Bluewater this month has so far released bio comic books on both Kurt Cobain and Freddie Mercury in their Tribute series. 

Written and drawn by Jayfri Hashim, the story of Bon Jovi is being retold in this comic book. This story will feature New Jersey’s favorite musicians in the rock-band Bon Jovi, who survived three decades of trials and tribulation. Bluewater goes back to the early years of the band and how frontman Jon Bon Jovi gets a record deal and has kept the band going for decades. The classic rags to riches story, what kept the band going strong and will it be the end of the crossroad?... it will all be told.

"We get a lot of requests on subjects to tell their stories in this unique medium. Bon Jovi has always been at the top of the list when people mention to us who they would like to see a comic book of”, says publisher Darren G. Davis.

The comic book is available for pre-order on iTunes:  http://bit.ly/1m1W6EK

Print copies of Fame: Bon Jovi can be ordered for $3.99 at Comic Flea Market here: http://bit.ly/XKXzyo

You can download this title on Wowio, ComiXology, DriveThru Comics, Google Play, My Digital Comics, Overdrive, Iverse, iTunes, Kindle, Biblioboard, ComicBin, Nook, Kobo and wherever eBooks are sold.

Bluewater has focused on other music icons in the past such as Paul McCartney, Prince, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Keith Richards and more.  A new graphic novel featuring these musicians will be out in June called Icons of Rock and Rock.

Coming soon are comic books of David Bowie, George Harrison as well as Monty Python. 

Bluewater will also be translating some of their titles in Spanish.  This week being released in Spanish is Fame: Justin Bieber and Fame Selena Gomez.

Bluewater Comics biography comic book series has been featured on CNN, The Today Show and in Billboard, Rolling Stone, People Magazine as well as many other publication and media outlets.

.

About Bluewater Productions

Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10^th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.” Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry’s top artists and writers. For more information, visit www.bluewaterprod.com

1st Impressions: JACK HAMMER # 3

JACK HAMMER # 3
Written by Brandon Barrows
Art by Ionic
Action Labs Entertainment

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Jack, with the help of Ramona, finds a way to piece together what’s been going on. It seems that the company Technotrends has had some dirty dealings. The CEO, Eddie Newman, found out about them and hence the beginning of this series. As more and more answers are uncovered, the mastermind behind the whole caper is making his final moves to deal with Jack … once and for all.

ART:

                Ionic does a pretty good job here.  All the characters are well rendered and this is more detail this issue than in last with the backgrounds and characters. We got some pretty decent classic background work from Ionic.  The movement of the characters look more fluid this issue, which makes the action stand out more during those moments during the second half.

                Solid, classic panel work here; definitely going with the noir, crime drama feel of the book. Ionic makes sure the colors are not too vivid; thus, creating a great atmosphere for the issue and the overall genre of the comic. While some of his perspective shots with characters in the distance aren’t very detailed, but do not take away from the book this issue.

WRITING:

                Meanwhile, Barrows produce a good issue as he speeds towards the arc’s climax. Barrows presents a very capable detective in Jack Hammer as he starts filling in holes to the mystery behind Eddie Newman’s death and the kidnapping of his wife by super-powered thugs.

                What I love about the book is that the super powers are very much secondary. Barrows focuses more on the plot and mystery aspects of the book. This allows Barrows to really focus on Jack as a characters and even feel more relatable.  Thus, the battle at the end of the book feels a bit more exciting, because the stakes feel much higher.  This isn’t a world where super powers are as common place as Marvel or DC … they are a bit stricter here. There is a good grasp of reality that helps give the book a strong identity and it shines very much this issue.  

                The book is paced extremely well as it goes on a consistent uphill climb towards the climax. The dialogue feels authentic with good homage to old noir or gumshoe flicks. Barrows presents the pieces of the mystery coming together very well, allowing Jack to be our guide. The villain’s reveal seemed a bit typical till you actually got into his/her motivation.  Barrow shines as we see super powers dealt with a bit differently here.

                Barrow’s does produce a good issue. The only thing that is keeping it from being a great issue is that it’s a bit dialogue heavy. Sure. There is a lot happening ; but there is a large amount of dialogue that ends up interrupting the flow. Otherwise, a solid job from Barrows.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This issue was good. It moved towards the climax. There was a lot happening but didn’t feel cluttered.  The art was good and the writing was strong. The dialogue heaviness of it might interrupt the flow a little. Otherwise, a great read.

RATING:

                I give Jack Hammer # 3 an 8 … out of 10. Pick it up now!

Comics News: Eisner Nominated artist N. Steven Harris Represents Watson and Holmes at C2E2

Eisner Nominated artist N. Steven Harris represents Watson and Holmes at C2E2

(New Jersey-April 25th, 2014) New Paradigm Studios announced today that their artist N. Steven Harris will be set up in artist alley at C2E2 booth U6. New Paradigm's title Watson and Holmeshas been nominated for two Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards: Best New Series (by Karl Bollers and Rick Leonardi) and Best Single Issue (#6 by Brandon Easton and N Steven Harris. There will be giveaways, tshirts, and books for purchase that can be signed by the artist as well!

Can't make it t C2E2? The following stores will have a special Watson and Holmes to hand out on Free Comics Day:

New Dimension Comics- Pittsburgh, PA area- various locations

Little Shop of Comics -Scotch Plains NJ

Clockworks Comics and Cards - Union NJ

Jokers Child – Fair Lawn, NJ

Comics and More – Plymouth Meeting Mall, PA

About Watson and Holmes: A Study In Black

Collecting the entire first arc of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson re-envisioning as African Americans living in New York City's famous Harlem district. Watson, an Afghanistan war vet, works in an inner-city clinic; Holmes, a local P.I. who takes unusual cases. When one of them ends up in Watson's emergency room, the unlikely duo strike up a partnership to find a missing girl. Watson & Holmes bump heads along the way as they enter a labyrinth of drugs, guns, gangs and a conspiracy that goes higher and deeper than they could have imagined. Containing epilogue issue #5 as well as chock full of extra material on the evolution of a new classic.

About N. Steven Harris:

In addition to his work on Watson and Holmes, N. Steven Harris has been busy creating and illustrating (Brotherhood of) The Fringe, and co-creating Ajala: A Series of Adventures, along with Robert Garrett, N. Steven Harris has had a career spanning over 20 years in the comic book industry. His highlights include DC Comics, Aztek: The Ultimate Man, a character which he co-created along with Grant Morrison and Mark Millar, Batman: Officer Down, (DC Comics), X-Force101, Deadpool Annual ‘98(Marvel Entertainment), and a comic book called The Crush (Motown, Image Comics). In early 2011 Mr. Harris collaborated with the late L.A. Banks, best-selling novelist of “The Vampire Huntress Legends” series on a comic book adaptation that took place just after the novel series, published by Dynamite Entertainment. He also illustrated a Jimi Hendrix motion comic called Mojo Man released in 2011 through iTunes.. When he is not doing comics or teaching young people through arts organizations, Mr. Harris does storyboards for advertising agencies like Ogilvy & Mather and Berlin Cameron, and products like Samsung, and Glaceau Vitamin Water. He also has participated in gallery shows showcasing comic book art in New York, Philadelphia, Georgia, Chicago, California, and, even one in Japan.

Visit www.newparadigmstudios.com for more information!
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NewParadigmStudiosFollow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NPStudios

About New Paradigm Studios:

We at New Paradigm Studios want to change the existing paradigms of comic book storytelling. To publish cutting edge stories that exceeds your expectations of written and visual narrative. We want to push the boundaries of art and publish stories that are true to their core values and do not play it “safe.” Prepare to break the norm in experiencing conventional storytelling, for the stories at New Paradigm Studios there are no limits.

1st Impressions: ETERNAL WARRIOR # 8

ETERNAL WARRIOR #8

Written by Greg Pak
Art by Robert Gill, Mark Pennington, Guy Major & John Rauch
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Gilad ends up helping the mystery king take down the worshippers of Nergal. With Guns and Robots. It does not end well for some.

WRITING:

                Pak is a capable writer. The dialogue is good. The pacing of the issue was a bit fast, yet still hit all the beats well. We got some development for Gilad and Caroline dealing with the violence and children seeing things they end up mimicking later and the profound weight that comes when children see too much. Pak uses Caroline as Gilad’s redemption for having failed his other children. Although, that might not be the full case. 

                The conflict comes and goes. It serves its point. And the narration does let Pak make some strong statements at the end. Yet … the ending point just felt like filler. Sure. It is strong character arc for Gilad but here we are, posed with a future storyline of them fighting the warriors of Nergal, who we found out in the previous storyline, are being lead by Gilad’s son. It might be just my own expectation but since the revelation, I was thinking we’d see Gilad face his son in this storyline or possible connect to Rai because many of Valiant’s book introduce heroes in one book then give them a spin off.  No dice. And while the issue was solid … it just left me feeling ‘meh.’

ART:

                Gill and Pennington deliver a strong, beautiful art. It is detailed. Backgrounds, people, robots … you name it and these two really give us some detailed work. The varied amount of things lets Gill and Pennington really burst through the page. From action to quiet moments, Gill and Pennington grace us with a good amount of emotional expression as well. 

                Major and Rauch back them up with beautiful color that really makes their work look alive. The more lighter tones help keep in the mind of the landscape that these characters are in. Their colors make that future feel realized. Overall, a spectacular job by the art team.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Eternal Warrior # 8 finished the storyline but left me feeling like it was just ‘filler’. It advanced the character of Gilad but nothing we were hinted at showed up with was a let down. Otherwise, it is written pretty solid.  The art was amazing though.

RATING:

                Eternal Warrior # 8 gets a 7 … out of 10. It looks great and the story is just ok. 

1st Impressions: GHOST WOLF # 1

GHOST WOLF # 1
Written by El Torres
Art by Luis Czerniawski, SIKU and Sandra Molina
Amigo Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                We start with a prologue that started with the world is young and learn the origin of Ghost Wolf. Fast forward a thousand years, still during the time of barbarians as the tribe of the Ghost Wolf have become enslaved by the cannibalistic army, the Bahatch.  We get introduced to Demne, our main character , as he still verbally battles against his enslavers. And it only costs him …in both good and bad ways.

ART:

                The art for this issue was solid. Czerniawski and Molina present a nicely rendered, gritty origin of Ghost Wolf.  We get the bloodstained origin in great, detailed glory. Czerniawski brought a great amount of detail in the battles as well as the background. Molina gives some really great color, giving darker tones of reds, browns and more to make the story match the tone … dark.
                Then the main story begins as our narrator is revealed to be a man known as Demne.  And Siku presents a detailed, very graphic opening tale for our lead. Siku brings us people of all shapes and sizes. The battles are gory. Yet, Siku has enough versatility to be able to draw great character moments. Siku also isn’t shy from using different angles and persepective. Siku’s style might turn some people off but I like it. It could be comparative to a fusion of Mike Mignola and Keith Giffen with Siku putting his own spin on it. I love the angles that Siku uses throughout the book. And while the people are detailed, the one thing that isn’t are the backgrounds. They are very simple. Siku’s colors make them very trippy and interesting … but detailed backgrounds are the only thing that really hurt this book. And honestly, it does not hurt it much at all. A great job by the art team.

WRITING:

                El Torres presents us a legend told in the ways of old, verbally. That personal connection to the main character was easily established in the prologue and carries through the entire book because of the way this issue was told.  Torres makes you come into this world where the Ghost Wolf is among the greats.

                Torres tells both stories this issue well, making the pacing for both roll by and merge together wonderfully. The dialogue, what little of it, told us a little of our characters and world that Ghost Wolf is in. There is a sense of the theme that you have to give up something to get someone you want and Torres blends that in seamlessly.
                The book is a beginning of a legend. Torres firmly establishes his versatility as a writer with the narration and the story structure. A fantastically well-written first issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                Ghost Wolf # 1 is one of the better first issues of the year. It establishes our main character. It does something uncommon in terms of storytelling. The art is good. And the story is amazing.

RATING:

                I give Ghost Wolf # 1 an 8 …. Out of 10. Buy it when it hits shelves!!!

1st Impressions: X-O Manowar # 24

X-O MANOWAR # 24
Written by Robert Venditti
Art by Diego Bernard, Alison Rodriguez & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                This issue went by fast with great action and ground work as Aric faces off against Malgam. After his battle, we get more of Aric’s current status quo.

ART:

                Diego Bernard and Alison Rodriguez do a beautiful job this issue. The panels are crisp with solid art, great inking and good perspectives. We open the issue with some good action as Aric takes on Malgam. Bernard and Rodriguez gives us a grand battle. Then, later on, when things get quiet at the second half of the issue. From Aric talking with Colonel Capshaw to his camp in Nebraska, Bernard and Rodriguez do a wonderful job showing us the quieter moments, drawing good emotion and great backgrounds.  Just the look on Aric’s face on the facet was priceless and really shows the skill this team has. Reber delievers some of his best colors yet, making Bernard and Rodriguez’s work look even more amazing and vibrant. A beautiful drawn issue. Bernard will be one of the biggest names in comics if he keeps this up.

WRITING:

                Venditti gives us a great, balanced issue between action and character development. The fight with Malgam goes as long as it needs to, with leaving Aric with enough mysteries to search out.  Yet, Venditti also does a great job giving us enough of a prelude to Armor Hunters at the end there with some members of that team. Giving us hints to what will come without completely spoiling it, I give Venditti kudos for that. Plus, the scene between Aric and Saana in their tent was one of the most powerful scenes in this series yet. Venditti makes the reader remember to not take things for granted … like water and the reactions by both characters really carried along the point that Aric loves his people more than anything.
                The dialogue was good and the pacing was great. Overall, Venditti proves himself among the best writers in the business now with this issue. 

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                A well written, beautifully drawn issue that both hints at what’s to come while still giving us development and beauty.  A great issue.

RATING:

                I give X-O Manowar # 24 a 9 … out of 10. Pick it up Wednesday!

Preview: ALL NEW FATHOM # 6

ALL NEW FATHOM #6
David Wohl – Story / Alex Konat – Art / Beth Sotelo – Colors


A new direction in the FATHOM Universe continues!

As Aspen and Chance begin to understand the true implications of Vana's master plan, they realize that the whole world could be in danger, both above and below the seas. But, it may already be too late to reverse the damage! Meanwhile, in Muria, Anya's desperate search for answers regarding her daughter's disappearance lead her to a very surprising, and tragic, conclusion!
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 #6 is in stores April 16th, 2014!

Comics News: Action Lab Teams With Geek Riot

For Immediate release ACTION LAB CREATES HAVOK WITH GEEK RIOT Publisher tag teams with media representation and consultancy firm PITTSBURGH P.A.- Action Lab Entertainment, the comic book industry’s center of pop culture cool is pleased to announce our partnership with Geek Riot Media. Action Lab will, for the first time through Geek Riot offer advertising space in Action Lab and Action Lab: Danger Zone titles. Action Lab will also work with Geek Riot to develop products, initiatives and merchandise for various vendors including custom comics and games. GEEK RIOT MEDIA was founded by Kris Longo - ongoing contributor at Bonfire Agency and former DC Comics' Advertising and Custom Publishing Sales Manager - to provide unparallelled experience in pop culture advertising strategy to marketers, media partners and publishers alike. In ACTION LAB, Longo has found an ideal addition to the ComicsUnited Advertising Network of publishers. "The warm reception we have received from media agencies and marketers alike has been immediate and overwhelming. ACTION LAB is one of the best and most ambitious publishers in comics, and their content will surely prove to be an ideal destination for brands seeking new and exciting advertising and content alignment opportunities." said Longo.  Kevin Freeman, President of Action Lab Entertainment added "This is an exciting partnership for Action Lab.  It expands our footprint into untapped markets and hopefully will bring new readers to our books.  We are definitely looking forward to working with the fine folks at Geek Riot."  For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com. ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA. ABOUT GEEK RIOT MEDIA: GEEK RIOT MEDIA is the first specialized media representation and consultancy firm dedicated to delivering curated, new-to-market geek-targeted advertising opportunities to brands nationwide. So much more than a simple publisher's representative, GEEK RIOT MEDIA provides unparalleled experience in pop culture advertising strategy to media partners and advertisers alike. For more information, contact Kris Longo @ kris.longo@geekriotmedia.com

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1st Impressions: LOLA XOXO # 1

LOLA XOXO # 1
Written by  Siya Oum
Art by Siya Oum
Aspen Comics
FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Lola was a little girl. Her parents  took her to LAX in Los Angeles, sending her to her grandmother’s in New York City.  Yet, after a few hours, Lola’s plane is forced to make an emergency landing in Ohio because out of nowhere, Los Angeles and New York City both blow up in a blaze.  Lola meets Conrad in Ohio as she tries to call her parents.
                Fast forward several years as Lola has now grown up. And after many broken promises from Conrad, Lola decides to go search for her parents … in a post apocalyptic New York City.

ART:

                Let me just say this  . .. this book is GORGEOUS. It is well penciled. There is plenty of detail. The people and proportions vary. The backgrounds are vast and detailed. The water colors used on the pencils making Oum’s work look better than ever. This book’s art simply grips you from the moment you open it.
                Oum makes great use of panels to give the book a great feel of how epic this story will be. The colors used create beautiful and haunting atmosphere from start to finish in the book. The post apocalyptic world is full of a grainy-ness that feels authentic. And the overall designs of the characters are appealing and help set the mood. Honestly, one of the most beautiful books I have ever seen.

WRITING:

                Oum opens the book with our lead and make sure she is relatable from the word go.  Lola really connects with her child like fears to her fears of loneliness to her wanting to grow up and venture the world. Oum presents us a strong lead heroine who can still be vulnerable.  Oum gives an interesting supporting cast starting to develop around her. I say starting cause Oum does two very important things this issue: give us enough attention on our lead to want to follow her and world build. We got our starting point and Oum leaves plenty of mystery.

                The pacing of the book works for its opening issue. It has just enough to let us know what is going on, introduce and let us care about the main character, start the main plot and get us on our way. Oum’s dialogue is on point, feeling authentic. The sense of mystery and scope of what has happened to the world is definitely a plot point alongside the main plot itself. Oum presents us with a well-written, intriguing first issue that shoots off right off the gate.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The book looks beautiful and reads well. There is a sophistication to its story and art that make it stand out.  Aspen has a hit with this book.

RATING:

                Lola XOXO # 1 gets a 10 … out of 10. One of the best first issues I have ever read. Pick it up April 9^th, 2014.

Comics News: THE MIGHTY TITAN Is Now Available For Order in PREVIEWS

Imagine for a moment that you are the world’s strongest protector—TITAN, an invincible superhero who cannot be harmed by knife, bullet or bomb.  Now, imagine Titan’s mortal, regular-guy alter ego is told he has cancer.  What then?

That’s the premise of “The Mighty Titan,” Joe knows intimately what it’s like to deal with cancer— he’s been diagnosed and has beaten the disease… twice.

“I created ‘The Mighty Titan’ during my first bout with kidney cancer,” says Joe, “It was tough to take my personal experiences and put them on paper to entertain while giving people a glimpse of what I and other cancer survivors I’ve talked to have gone through battling this deadly disease.  It’s our way of dealing.”

Many comic industry veterans have helped Mr. Martino realize his vision.  Issue #1 features a cover by legendary artist Jerry Ordway, colored by Danielle Alexis St Pierre. “The Mighty Titan” also boasts the talent of penciller Luca Cicchitti, inker Jeff Austin, colorist Keith J. Betancourt and letterer Adam O. Pruett.

Make no mistake: even with its themes of vulnerability, loss and hope, “The Mighty Titan” is a fun superhero comic with vile villains, giant Mechs and amazing mythological creatures.

Concludes Joe, “I’m doing this comic series for my kids, Alyssa, Vincent and Alexander.  How we deal with misfortune defines us. I want them to know that, and never give up… just like Titan.” 

Check out The Mighty Titan in the April Previews Catalog. Item Code: APR141344

Red Anvil Comics’ major goal is to make not just “great comics” but to make great comics that either one of the founders would spend their own money to purchase in stores if they weren’t already the creators. With this goal in mind, the company’s initial line up consists of The Mighty Titan, Owlgirls, War of the Independents, Shadowflame and Cyberine Corps. Please see www.redanvilcomics.com for more information.

Con News: VALIANT Brings VALIANT FIRST to WONDERCON 2014 with EXCLUSIVES, PANELS, SIGNINGS, and More!

VALIANT Brings VALIANT FIRST to WONDERCON 2014 with EXCLUSIVES, PANELS, SIGNINGS, and More!


 

From April 18th–20th, get the inside track on RAI, ARMOR HUNTERS, THE DELINQUENTS and the rest of Valiant's power-packed VALIANT FIRST publishing line-up at WonderCon Anaheim 2014!

With special guests including James Asmus (writer – Quantum and Woody, The Delinquents), David Baron (colorist – Archer & Armstrong, Shadowman: End Times), Joshua Dysart (writer – Harbinger,Armor Hunters: Harbinger), and Robert Venditti (writer – Armor Hunters, X-O Manowar), stop by Booth #210/212 inside the Anaheim Convention Center for a weekend packed with special signings, free giveaways, and con-exclusive products you won't find anywhere else – including the all-new Harbinger #22 "Death of a Renegade" WonderCon Exclusive Variant by red-hot artist Michael Walsh(Secret Avengers, Comeback)!

Limited to 500 copies, this WonderCon-exclusive release captures Valiant's team of wayward teenage heroes just before they strike out into the pages of the most important Harbinger story ever told in"Death of a Renegade" – an all-new turning point beginning in April's Harbinger #22 that will see one of the Renegades' own fall…and change everything that follows in its wake.

Then, join an all-star panel of Valiant creators and staff on Saturday, April 19th at 11:30 AM PST inRoom #203 for the VALIANT COMICS: INSIDE VALIANT FIRST panel presentation, spotlighting the biggest wave of must-read releases yet from one of the most acclaimed and in-demand publishers in comics today! What do you read FIRST? All summer long, Valiant will be rocketing to the top of your read pile with VALIANT FIRST – an all-new initiative unleashing a major #1 issue each month from May onward by some of the most talented creators in comics. And, with ARMOR HUNTERS, the Earth-shaking comic book event of 2014, just weeks away, check in here to find out what the future holds for Valiant's award-winning heroes. Plus: get your first look at all-new news and artwork from RAI, THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE, UNITY, X-O MANOWAR, QUANTUM AND WOODY, HARBINGER,BLOODSHOT, and much more!

We’ll see you at WonderCon!

 

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VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT – WONDERCON 2014 SIGNING SCHEDULE
BOOTH #210/212

Friday, April 18th:

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Robert Venditti, David Baron

Saturday, April 19th:

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Joshua Dysart
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Robert Venditti
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: James Asmus
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: David Baron

Sunday, April 20th:

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Robert Venditti
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: James Asmus
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: David Baron

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For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

For more information on WonderCon 2014, visit http://www.comic-con.org/wca‎.