Straight Forward Reviews : Shinobi Ninja Princess # 1

Taking inspiration from the assassins of feudal Japan a new series is set to debut in August. Here's an advanced review.

Writer - Martheus Wade

Artist - Martheus Wade

Publisher - Action Lab

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story revolves as the title suggests, a Shinobi Princess who seems to be on the run from some very scary people. As this is the first issue the author decided to have it be an introduction to the characters, their motivations, and their personalities. As an issue for character introductions and hooking people in, it did well enough. It could have used a little bit extra space to give at least glimpses into the motivations of some characters to define them a little better but that isn't to say they are vague.

There's some nice action here too. What you would want out of a comic about ninjas. There's stealth, martial arts and weapons and it's done satisfyingly enough. The comic definitely lets you know there's plenty more even cooler things to come too.

Art

The art seems to be a mix of anime inspired and classic western action cartoon inspired and it's pretty cool. Some of the character designs stand out more than others but they're cool. The designs that stand out to me in particular are Megumi and the female villain. The action scenes are pretty nicely done and look like they could be from a cartoon, which is a good thing. Given the design style that means they look like they flow well.

variant cover

Verdict

For a first issue it does its job and it does it well. It introduced the protagonists and antagonists and set up their personalities. It also built up what seems to be a deeper story than it lets on and entices people to pick up issue 2. If it had at least two more pages, this comic's story runs for 20, it probably could have gone a bit more into why Shianndrea's power is important or how she left her father. But all in all it's a solid book. I give Shinobi Ninja Princess # 1 an 8 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Skyward # 8

Jeremy Dale's adventure epic returns for issue 8.

Writer - Jeremy Dale

Artist - Jeremy Dale 

Publisher - Action Lab

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Three Rivers is in the sights of an enemy with a powerful army on his side and the ruler of Three Rivers is preparing his own for the attack. In the meantime the Rabites are training and scouting for the attack as well and run into some people usually unlikely to be as deep into the woods as they are.

This issue is certainly building towards something epic and possibly catastrophic in the Skyward universe as there's an underlying tension through the whole issue and quite a big bang at the end.

The story moves at a decent pace this issue and gives enough time for characters personalities to be revealed more. Though the issue is remarkably short.

Art

Jeremy's lines and Kathryn Layno's and Hoyt Silva's colors come together to form some of the most charming and full of personality art I've seen in a while. Where a lot of comics, especially in the big two seem to have some technically great, but very similar, art styles this comic is full of a style that is it's own and easily identifiable.

Verdict

While I loved the art and the story is solid it felt like it ended much too quickly. Understandably it has quite a younger reader fanbase but the rest of the story never insulted the intelligence of the kids and it felt like it could have been the length of a standard comic. But the story is still, as stated before, very solid and the art is wonderful so I give Skyward # 8 a 9 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.

Straight Forward Reviews : Fathom Kiani vol 3 # 2

Kiani comes back this month for more action and intrigue in Aspen's Fathom Kiani # 2.

Writer - Vince Hernandez

Artist - Gisueppe Cafaro

Publisher - Aspen

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Kiani makes some new friends and possibly many more enemies in the latest issue. A spoiler free summary is that Kiani meets a man who promises he can help her find what she's looking for and of course we're left to wonder if he really will do what he says about helping Kiani. Kiani herself does not trust him but decides that he's the only lead she has right now and that's all I'll say without spoiling.

The writing in this is well done. Although there's hints and glimpses of action, this issue is about the characters. Their dialog seems very well thought out and Kiani seems to be developing and growing as a character. The other character that wants Kiani for his research also gets fleshed out with a backstory. This issue really does a great job of rounding out it's characters.

Art

The art has been gorgeous in this book. There's lots of eye candy in this book from Kiani's complex hair, to beautiful scenery to a few awesome splash pages. The colors are beautiful as well and really add life to Giuseppe's lines. I've got nothing detrimental to say about the art here.

Verdict

If you want a book where you want a reason for the characters to be fighting and with lots of beautiful art you can do a lot worse than Fathom : Kiani. It has nice art, thought out characters and cool action. I highly recommend it. I give Fathom : Kiani Vol. 3 # 2 a 9 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Archer and Armstrong # 19

The eponymous duo are back again for more action against Bloodshot and the H.A.R.D Corps.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Pere Pérez

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

This issue is mostly action but the story is told through the action, which is nice. It gives important information without feeling like it's dragging on since there is some bullets flying or punches being thrown.

I usually try not to spoil much in these reviews, and this time will be no exception. What I will say about the plot is that it seems to borrow heavily from big budget action movies, but with some more comedy. That is not a bad thing at all because it's still pretty original and it's extremely intriguing. Note that I said this issue borrowed and not copied or stole from action movies. Fred Van Lente knows how to take what's worked before and put his own spin on things to make it uniquely his. Also, if you wanted to see just how far Archer's abilities that were explained in issue 0 and in recent previous issues go this issue shows just that.

Of course Armstrong isn't too far behind in the fray and Bloodshot does show up, but if you want to see them in a more prominent role it seems you'll have a tiny bit of waiting to do. They are important to the storyline of course but this issue is mostly focused on Archer and his fight.

Art

The art in this issue is quite well detailed. On the panels that don't have any action going on it looks like plenty of work went in to give them a specific kind of tone. On the panels with action in it, the art looks like it was made to look like as good as any high quality action animation. Which I'm fairly impressed with.

Verdict

This was a hard book to put down. After reading it once I wanted to go back and look at the action scenes and just take some extra moments to appreciate the art in them. The book still has it's trademark humor too which makes it even more enjoyable. Add all that up and you have a fantastic issue here. I give Archer and Armstrong issue 19 a 9.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Quantum and Woody # 8

Quantum and Woody are back with more wacky antics in issue 8!

Writer - James Asmus

Artist - Ming Doyle

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story has Quantum and Woody acting like real superheroes and selflessly try to save people even though they have such opposite views from them. Yes, you read that right even Woody was acting like a real hero. The jump from guys to having superpowers to guys who actually care about defending others feels believable too.

Also I have to mention that the writing is brilliant and funny overall. It won't just make you bust a gut but it also fairly looks at people's different ideologies and beliefs.

Art

Ming Doyle's art still has this nice retro look to it. Along with Jordie Bellaire's colors adding to that. The colors almost look like old prints except of course without seeing the obvious CMYK dots like old comics had. It's a nice change up from other art styles you see in comics nowadays.

Verdict

Even if the art isn't your cup of tea I still have to give my highest recommendation for this book. The writing is hilarious and on point and it's such a joy to read that I give Quantum and Woody # 8 a 10 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 22

Directly tied into the events of Unity # 4 comes X-O Manowar # 22.

Writer - Rober Venditti

Artist - Cary Nord

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

After the events of Unity # 4 Aric gets back into action, this time with the United States at his corner. The issue's story is all a build up to something that seems to be the next story arc.

Rober Venditti does a great job of adding a sense of foreboding throughout the issue. Even with all the peace and happiness you see in the beginning, you can't help but feel something sinister is in the works.   As cliche it is for me to say, the story really is gripping.

Art

Cary Nord's lines always looks good. The coloring style introduced in this issue is fantastic as well and probably more likely to be liked by a majority of people. Though I did like the way the recent previous issues were colored I do realize that the style wasn't as widely liked.

Verdict

If you read Unity # 4 it's a no brainer that you should read this. If not it's still highly recommended but I recommend picking up Unity as well. This story is well written and has great action and sense of atmosphere. I give X-O Manowar # 22 a 9 out of 10.

Morphin Bracers Interview Special With Bueno of "Gun Caliber" and "Gaion Sigma"

MORPHIN BRACERS GAION SIGMA/GUN CALIBER SPECIAL:

Interview With Bueno

Frankie sits down with the first Non-Japanese Director to ever film a Japanese Toku, Bueno. Join us as he talks about both his upcoming movies, Gaion Sigma and the long-awaited Gun Caliber, as well as the inside track on the business side of Tokusatsu as well as some exclusive news and insights.


Length: 2:13:28

Opening – Persona 3 Hip Hop Remix

Interview

-          Talk about Gaion Sigma

-          Talk about Gun Caliber

-          Talk about the Politics of creating Tokusatsu

-          Get into Garage Hero

-          Get some EXCLUSIVE Information & Announcements

-          Upcoming Projects

Ending – Before My Body is Dry (Don’t Lose Your Way) From Kill la Kill OST

Instrumentals provided by Passion Free Beats Hip Hop

Links:
Gaion Sigma Trailer

Gun Caliber Trailer

Garage Hero Youtube Page

Aka x Pink Trailer

Straight Forward Reviews : Eternal Warrior # 6

Gilad's life on the shambles of what used to be modern civilization with his granddaughter continues. What does he run into on this very different Earth this time?

Writer - Greg Pak

Artist - Robert Gill

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Gilad The Eternal Warrior is out on a journey with his granddaugter after some disastrous events occurred to the village he was ruling as a benign leader. During his wandering he runs into a village run by some power hungry thug who has enslaved many people.

Gilad wants to help, and being the Eternal Warrior, takes action to do just that and through his fighting learns that the situation is much deeper than he thought at first.

The dialog is short and to the point with a lot of Gilad's personality showing through. It's quite different than it is in the other Valiant books taking place in modern times. It seems to show that he isn't afraid to show he cares, especially for his granddaughter.

Art

The art is bloody and magnificent. For a book that takes place in a future where one needs to be strong and

brutal the art does a good job of showing that especially of course in the action scenes.

It also does a good job of balancing the brutality with art that shows compassion as well especially with Gilad toward his granddaughter. Also, Gilad's character design embodies this balance best. He has features of a kindly old man but the muscles and armor also show he isn't one to push.

Verdict

Eternal Warrior does a fine job of telling a story where things are certainly fairly grim but that also have a spark of hope to it. The art looks great and the action scenes definitely make it a fun read. There are some things that definitely remind me perhaps a little too strongly of Pak's earlier work Planet Hulk and on the classic post apocalyptic anime Fist of the North Star. But that may actually be a reason to buy it so it's not something I can really knock it for. I give Eternal Warrior # 6 a 9 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Archer and Armstrong # 17

The Sect Civil War comes to a surprising turn of events and what looks to be the start of a new story arc.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Khari Evans with ChrisCross

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Archer and Armstrong continue on their plan to unite the Sect. As they get closer to their goal a lot of things get in their way from soldiers of the different factions to old friends.

As the events play out in the tomb where the Sect believes the Wheel of Aten is, there are reveals, plans that get foiled and turns of events that happen to change things even with all the obstacles in Archer and Armstrong's way.

Much like Unity there isn't much more that can be said without spoiling the issue and it would be a shame to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet.

Art

The art in this issue is pretty gritty. It has plenty of action and not fantasy action but realistic hard hitting action. Things get bloody, and it is done really well. There is a feeling that people are getting hurt and that bodies, and the environment, are getting damaged.

Verdict

This issue is fantastic. There was lots of laugh and smart dialog. The arc ended in a brilliant way that left the reader wanting more, and the next arc looks like it's going to get pretty epic. I give this issue a 9.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 20

After the all the action in Unity # 2, Valiant hits you again with the latest issue of X-O Manowar which resumes the action where Unity left off.

Writer - Robert Vendetti

Artist - Cary Nord

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

As stated above this resumes right after Unity # 2 so it's highly recommended, heck one could say it's required, to read Unity # 2 before jumping into this. Also, because of that I'll try and not give too much details about the plot in this review in case you don't know what's happening from Unity # 2. You can read the review for that here. On with the review.

This issue tells it's story through action more than expositional monologs and the like. The actions Aric takes against Harada and his team gives insight into his character and shows that he is more resourceful than people would think. There is some meaningful dialog exchanged between Aric and the Eternal Warrior and the Eternal Warrior definitely does some useful stuff in this issue. If you've read the review for Unity # 2 you'll know what I mean.

After the main action scenes we see a build up for what looks to be round 2 or maybe even round 3 and with things changed it definitely leaves the reader with a sense of wanting more.

Art

With this issue being mostly action the art really shines. Seeing the Manowar suit pull off some crazy

feats and Harada's Harbinger powers is fantastic. The panels look like extremely well polished animated movie stills. The art in this is absolutely fantastic.

Verdict

Even while going through this issue looking at minute details there really isn't anything to complain about in this issue. There's a good narrative, lots of action and fantastic art that really conveys how great the action is. I give X-O Manowar # 20 a 9.5 out of 10

Straight Forward Reviews : All New Executive Assistant Iris # 2

Iris is back this month to kick more butt in issue 2.

Written by Brian Buccellato

Art by Pasquale Qualano 

Published by Aspen

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Iris is on the trail of a child who has a lot of people looking to find her. Those other people looking to find her are doing so on the whim of a very wealthy, very powerful man.

The whole issue plays out a bit like a spy thriller. There's tension, chase scenes, stealth kills, all of that is in this issue. The dialog in this issue does this great thing where the story isn't being exposited by a single character in a big info dump but slowly being revealed like peeling open gift wrap. Which, when reading a comic about assassins and spies is how I would want the comic to be read.

Art

The art is very stylish in this issue. The layout of the pages are done in a way where it looks like you're looking at the whole page in motion rather than looking at panels in a comic book. The art direction in this is a cool take on portraying action and it pays off well in this book.

Verdict

Executive Assistant Iris is a tense, sexy, intelligent comic that deserves to be checked out. With stylish action and a story that is more thought out than one would think at first glance it has to be picked up. I give All New Executive Assistant Iris # 2 a 9 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar 18

The last X-O Manowar issue before Unity starts. This is a huge moment.

Writer - Robert Vendetti

Artist - Lee Garbett

Publisher - Valiant Entertainment

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Things ramp up to, as the kids would say, "all the way to 11" in this issue. We've seen the plotting the entire world was starting to take against Aric and we know everybody was monitoring him like a hawk. But now, everyone is making their moves.

This arc had always had tension but this issue has tension that I wouldn't call thick, I'd call it combustible. So much so that you already see explosions occuring. All these moments however are only the signal of the start of the huge events going to happen in Unity next month.

Art

The artwork is something special, just calling it dark or gritty isn't enough because in the very same issue words like vibrant and colorful can be used to describe it.

The art is truly something to behold in this issue. Also of note is the line work of the characters it has this sketch like yet detailed quality to it. There isn't a ton of details on their faces or anything but you can immediately tell who they are and that they're totally unique characters.

Verdict

The writing in this issue is gripping, and that's a word I don't use very often unless I truly feel it is. As a matter of fact I think this is the only review I've said that. (Waits to see someone point out a previous review and prove me wrong.) The art is distinct and has a really style. 

Also considering these are the events that lead directly to Unity you definitely want to pick this up. X-O Manowar 18 gets a 9.5 out of 10.

Heroes Go Out the H.A.R.D. Way in BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS #15

Heroes Go Out the H.A.R.D. Way in BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS #15

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #15from the all-star creative team of co-writers Christos Gage & Joshua Dysart and artistEmanuela Lupacchino! Project Rising Spirit has just activated a new crop of expendable suicide commandos…and they're first field mission is a one-way ticket into the crosshairs of Toyo Harada!

 

Trapped in an enemy stronghold, Bloodshot has been broken – dismantled piece-by-piece, nanite-by-nanite by the Harbinger Foundation’s most disturbed minds. But when Bloodshot’s signal goes dark, who can the black ops military contractor known as Rising Spirit bring in to recover its most expensive soldier? Time to call in…H.A.R.D. Corps!

 

Post-corporate warfare gets a whole lot deadlier when Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #15 flies out the fire and into the Harbinger Foundation on October 16th! And don’t miss the Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #15 Valiant 8-Bit Level Two Variant by artistMatthew Waite, in stores the same day.

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

 

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS #15

Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & JOSHUA DYSART

Art & Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO (AUG131492)

Valiant 8-Bit Level Two Variant by MATTHEW WAITE (AUG131493)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE OCTOBER 16th!

Straight Forward Reviews: Archer and Armstong # 14

Welcome back to another edition of Straight Forward Reviews! This time Archer and Armstrong is under the eye of scrutiny.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Khari Evans

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

This issue is the start of a new arc, with Archer by himself looking to talk to someone with The Sect. There's also some follow up on what happened to Mary-Maria after the events in the Faraway.

The most important thing this book covers, however is the origins of The Sect and the tensions between  each different faction, and each of their different goals. There is also some mentions of things in the Valiant universe that you probably didn't know the Sect had any part in or partnerships with, but considering how big and powerful they are, is really no surprise.

Art

The art seems to grab my attention a little more than previous issues. If I had to pinpoint the reason why it does, I would have to say it's the characters. The detail on them and their designs stand out a lot more than before. The female characters look especially well drawn

this time around.

Verdict

The story starts off a new arc perfectly. It shows some of the aftermath of the previous arc with some being a mystery for now which definitely seems like those mysteries will play a role in this current arc. There's good story building with the origins of The Sect, it really helps the reader understand why the different factions have tension. There's also the mysteries surrounding Archer and his origins. All that combines together to make a story you just have to keep up with.

It also doesn't hurt the art is great too. I give Archer and Armstrong something it hasn't seen in a while but definitely deserves. A 10 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews: Archer and Armstrong issue 13

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

Review by Jeremias de León

Story


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

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

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

Art

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

Verdict

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

Straight Forward Reviews : XO Manowar issue 16

Aric of Dacia has freed his people and has his revenge on his captors. What will he do now? Not that I'll tell you exactly since this is spoiler free. But I will tell you if it's worth picking up!

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

In a very short, I'm going to leave out a lot of details summary: the story sees Aric and Eternal Warrior relationship expanded upon a bit. There's fighting between the two, there's some story focusing on what Aric is going to decide to do now that the threat of the Vine is behind him and there's a glimpse into what the rest of the world that sees him as a threat are planning.

The story actually moved along well this issue. This issue is more about the psychology of the characters rather than any specific events or plans and they do a nice job of conveying all these different things about them, mainly Aric though.

There's also the dialog between Aric and Eternal Warrior about their different ideologies and it's very interesting. Whether you're a martial artist or psychology major or just someone who likes to ponder about human nature, it's actually something worth thinking about. No complaints about the writing here.

Art

Though it's been a little while since I last reviewed an X-O Manowar book I do remember my comments about the different artists who's been on the book since the Valiant relaunch. I was basically saying that X-O Manowar had my top 3 favorite sequential art. It's even better this time around. The action in this issue is so visceral and has such a great feeling of motion that I have to say it's still in my top 3 most well drawn comics. It had me stopping in awe to look at some panels over and over again.

Verdict

X-O Manowar starts an extremely big event in Valiant's universe and from the beginning to the end of the book you get that perfect feeling of tension and stakes and just what kind of consequences we can expect that it's hard not to say pick up this book. Matter of fact I can't find any reason to not say pick up this book. X-O Manowar issue 16 gets a 9.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews: Archer and Armstrong 12

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

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

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

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

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

shout outs if you know the movie this references

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

Art

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

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

Verdict

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

Straight Forward Reviews: Quantum and Woody issue 2

Hello and welcome to another edition of Straight Forward Reviews!

This time, I'm taking a look at issue 2 of Valiant's Quantum and Woody.

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story picks up immediately after issue 1 with the eponymous duo naked after an explosion that gives them their powers. After a run in with the cops, they start to recoup and form a plan on finding out what to do what they set out to do in issue 1; which is find their father's killer.

The writing in this book is brilliant. Honestly, it's one of the funniest books I've read all year and the only book that I believe that can show off comedy chops that are just as good is Archer and Armstrong. Which this book reminds me of in little ways. It is, by no means, a clone but there are similarities in the duo's personalities and with the dialog in the book.

Every page had me at least chuckling but, for a good majority of the book, I was laughing out loud. It was nice to see the kinds of jokes that were being made in this. It's not trying to offend anyone but it isn't afraid to not be politically correct either.

Art


What catches my eye the most are the effects of the characters powers. Quantum and Woody's powers
kind of have the Kirby crackle thing going but in a unique way; and for the kind of powers, they have which aren't really explained yet, by the way.

The character designs look good for this kind of action/comedy comic too. They have slightly exaggerated features that are funny but they are pulled back so the comic can have a look that it is an action comic as well. It pulls off a nice balance.

Verdict

I believe this comic needs some more time before I can go around saying it's my favorite of the year but, if it keeps this up, it just might be that. Next to Archer and Armstrong, of course. Valiant keeps churning out top quality comics in every genre and Quantum and Woody is no exception. This gets a well deserved 9.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Executive Assistant Assassins 13

We're back in the Daisy story arc in Executive Assistant Assassins. What does her journey entail now?

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story naturally picks up where the previous issue left off. With Daisy on the run from her father she and her boyrfriend must be careful wherever they go.

In it we see Daisy get fleshed out more and what kind of man her boyfriend that leads her to who she'll become is. The writing is well thought out and the dialog is alright. What really stands out is Daisy's dialog in particular and her inner monolog. It gives a nice insight into her mental state. 

Her father however, is shown as just someone with pretty much no redeeming qualities. Besides mentioning not wanting to lose Daisy later on in the comic it seems he doesn't care at all. The story is still engaging though.

Art

The art style works really well in this story and it really stands out in this comic. It has a nice eastern flair to it's details. It's really cool and noticable on the page layout and environments especially and it's really darn cool.

Verdict

Is this issue worth picking up? It definitely is. Though I wasn't as enthralled by the story as last issue it was still compelling enough. Especially when it goes into Daisy's emotion and mental state. The art also has a nice flair that's real interesting. I give this issue of Executive Assistant Assassins a solid 9 out of 10