All posts by La Cracha Handy

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About La Cracha Handy

My name is La Cracha Handy. I started blogging 7 years ago. I am currently building my brand as an independent author-publisher of nonfiction books on relationships and parenting. My first book, Leaving the Hidden Path: Motivational Guidance for Women with Young Children Considering Divorce, will be released in the spring of 2022. I am also a pop culture geek. I read and collect comic books, play Pokemon Go, and build model rockets. I love Star Trek: The Next Generation and Doctor Who. My name is prounced "Lacrisha."

Meet The New Robyn Hood

Zenescope Entertainment, , , ,

robynhood

Don’t let the cover fool you. Robyn Hood, by Zenescope Entertainment, actually takes from the rich and gives to the poor.

Robyn is from the Realm of Myst. It was intended for her to be killed as a baby, but her life was spared and she was taken to Earth. There she was raised as an orphan. Although she grew up with problems at home and at school, Robyn was able to manage to have compassion for others without a struggle.

After an unfortunate accident between Robyn and a group of students from the ritzy high school she attended, she was transported back to the Realm of Myst. There in the city of Bree, she goes up against King John in order to free the people from his evil reign.

Robyn Hood is a great series. Action, fantasy and fairy tales. Robyn is both good and bad at the same time. A beautiful and compassionate young lady that can kill you with a single shot from her bow and arrow. Despite not having any knowledge of her true background or destiny, she can sense that she was sent to Bree for a reason. This comic is well-written and flows flawlessly at a rapid pace. I love the interactions among the characters. This is a mini-series with five issues so it’s a very good read for those that are new to reading comics.

Pat Shand did an excellent job with Robyn. She’s not your ordinary sassy teenage girl with a bow and arrow. Reading the comic will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for the new and improved Robyn Hood, as told by Shand. Of all the Zenescope titles I’ve read, Robyn Hood is the most compelling character so far.

The art is great at times. Other times it’s okay. Dan Glasl is behind the pencils and Tom Mullin is behind the colors. Either way, the artwork backs up the dialogue to make it a good comic.

VERDICT

I highly recommend Robyn Hood. If you like action, fairy tales and fantasy, then this is the comic for you.

NOVA #1 Review

Marvel Comics, , , , ,

nova

“Hey isn’t that the kid from the Ultimate Spider-Man Cartoon?” I asked when I learned Nova was getting his own Marvel NOW! title. Guess what? I was right.

I don’t know much about the history of Nova, Nova Corps or Richard Ryder. But I do watch Ultimate Spider-Man on television, therefore I know about Sam Alexander. So I was more than anxious to get my hands on Nova #1.

Sam Alexander is your typical teenager. Problems at home and school. Bad attitude.

The debut issue is filled with detailed events leading up to Sam becoming a member of the Nova Corps. But it’s obvious from the beginning that Sam has ties with the Corps.

I definitely plan to continue reading Nova, to see where it’s heading. My decision was heavily influenced by the last page of the comic. The look on Sam’s face when Gamora and Rocket Raccoon appeared in front of him is priceless. Besides, I want to know what they’re about to tell Sam. Did Jesse, Sam’s dad, get killed? Was he captured? All I really want to know is why is Gamora holding a helmet?

I think Jeph Loeb did a great job setting up the story. The dialogue and pacing of the story makes it reader friendly for all ages.

Loeb also did a great job with Sam’s character development. The attitude, victim of bullying at school, and home life stresses are so realistic. As a parent of a tween son (with an attitude like Sam’s at times), I have to give Mr. Loeb a big shout out on this one.

The creative art team of Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines and Marte Gracia deserve a round of applause. Great artwork. I especially like the detailed facial expressions and the cover page.

I’m thinking this Marvel NOW! series will go far.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

If you like and want to read a good story that isn’t rushed and has great artwork, then NOVA is a title you should definitely jump on.

Justice League of America #1 Review

DC Comics, , , , , ,

jla1

I originally planned to buy all 50 state variant covers for Justice League of America #1.  That’s right.  A cover for each state.  Why did I change my mind?  Because I can take the money I would have spent on all those covers that would only sit and collect dust, and buy a variety of comics.  So I’m proud to display my MICHIGAN cover!

Amanda Waller, Director of A.R.G.U.S. (secret branch of U.S. military) is passive-aggresive, and manipulative from the beginning.  She wants Col. Steve Trevor to organize and train the members of the Justice League of America (JLA).  Although Amanda says the JLA will help other super-heroes, it’s pretty clear that A.R.G.U.S. plans for the JLA to take down the Justice League. If necessary.

The issue focused on Amanda and Steve reviewing the profiles of each team member and the reasons they were chosen.

  • Katana
  • Hawkman
  • Martian Manhunter
  • Vibe
  • Stargirl
  • Catwoman
  • New Green Lantern (Simon Baz)
  • Green Arrow

How Steve Trevor plans to organize and train the team is beyond my wildest guess.  I can’t wait to see how he plans to train Katana and Hawkman.  Katana was an assassin who came to America to track down her husband’s killers.  Hawkman (he scares me, and yes I love it) is a police officer from his planet (Thanagar) that captures Thanagarian fugitives.  He also passes judgment on the fugitives.  Read the comic so you’ll know how he passes judgement.  I’m trying my best to not put in spoilers.  I’m also trying my best to get you to read this comic, because that’s what this blog is all about!

Martian Manhunter is not one to be messed with.  He’s powerful, yet mysterious.  Spooky is the word I like to use.  He pops up out of nowhere.  He also knows the true reason Steve agreed to organize the team.  But he warned that he will erase the minds of everyone in the building if Amanda Waller or any other government official makes a move against him.  Including Steve.

Can A.R.G.U.S. be trusted?  I don’t think so, especially Amanda Waller.  Steve Trevor is going to have his hands full trying to organize such a powerful and diverse group.  The team roster is established and each member of the JLA has been paired with a member of the Justice League that he/she is going to take down.  IF it comes to that.

The debut issue ended with The Secret Society being mentioned.  What’s that about?  You’ll just have to wait and see like the rest of us.

Geoff Johns grabbed my attention with this story from the beginning.  Powerful opening.  Strong dialogue throughout.  Rapid progression.  Perfect timing.  I know this series is going to be around for a very long time.

I love the artwork by David Finch.  Scenes flow flawlessly between panels.  Sonia Oback did a great job with the colors.  I especially like the dark panels.  It gives me a sense of fear and suspense.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

This is one series you definitely want to jump on.  I have no doubts about this one at all.

Superior Spider-Man #4 Review

Marvel Comics, , , ,

spidey4

Otto Octavius appears to enjoy being Superior Spider-Man. He also appears to enjoy bragging about it. He constantly compares himself to Peter Parker, talking down about Peter in every way possible. This may be due to Otto realizing Peter never made plans. He just went out and did his thing without thinking twice about it.

Not only does Otto brags about capturing more criminals than Peter, he also says he does a better job at tying up loose ends. A specific point in reference is when Otto captured the underage minions of the Vulture and turned them over to Child Protective Services.

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN. I can go on about it, but my husband told me to stop putting spoilers in my reviews! So I decided I’ll just get to the point and tell why I’m still loving this series.

Otto Octavius vowed to be a better, stronger and smarter Spider-Man. He said he was going to be Superior Spider-Man. After only four issues, you can see the differences between Peter Parker and Otto Octavius. Otto stated Peter never made schemes or plans. That he was a man of limited vision. Well that is not Otto Octavius. Otto is an evil genius. With a plan. With a scheme. How is he able to capture more criminals than Peter? With the spider bots that he placed all over the city. He takes a lot of the calls from the bots, others he directs the bots to contact the appropriate authorities, such as the police or fire department. Now that’s a plan.

Although Otto likes being Superior Spider-Man I can’t help but notice his anger and frustration with Peter for not living up to his full potential. After showing a groundbreaking walking device for Aunt May to the head of Horizon Labs and demanding to be recognized as Doctor Peter Parker, Otto becomes enraged when learning Peter never received his Doctorates. So what does Otto do? He re-enrolls in college to earn that last credit and work on a thesis! That’s right. Peter Parker was just a credit and thesis away from a Doctoral degree. Peter was so busy web slinging that he never took take the time to fullfil his other obligations.

The story gets even better as Marcus Lyman escapes from an asylum, committing several murders on his way out. Marcus, aka Massacre is a mass murderer. He lost all empathy for humanity after he was brain damaged in a car bombing that killed his wife. Spider-Man gave his word to the mayor that he will end Massacre.

The story ended with the two escaped minions of the Vulture running into a long-time enemy of Spider-Man, who said he would keep them safe from Spider-Man. He’s also one of my favorite villains. Who is it? Another reason for you to start reading Superior Spider-Man!

The series is progressing rapidly. I still don’t know how Dan Slott can pack so much information within a few pages. The dialogue is strong. It’s both funny and serious. Compelling characters. I like the fact that Peter Parker’s ghost is still around, and that he can’t be heard by anyone. It’s good for the story.

What I’m liking the most from this story is Otto Octavius. I don’t know ALL about Spider-Man and his enemies, but I know enough to know Otto is showing a side the world hasn’t seen before. I’ve always liked villains but I’m drawn more to Otto right now. He is still that evil genius with the plans and schemes. And although he’s showing a dark side of Spider-Man through his recent handling of the bad guys, there is a soft spot in his heart. By the way, Doctor Octopus has always been my favorite Spidey villain.

Ryan Stegman is not the artist on this issue (I’ve come to know and love his work on SSM) but the artwork is still great. Giuseppe Camuncoli did a great job and I like Edgar Delgado on the colors.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

You know what to do. So hurry up and start reading if you haven’t already.

The New Ghostbusters #1 Review

IDW Publishing, ,

ghostbusters

I didn’t read the original Ghostbusters series, so I really didn’t know what to expect with the re-launch. So when I bought The New Ghostbusters #1, by IDW Publishing, I quickly skimmed through the pages to see who was in it and what the ghosts looked like. I was in for a big surprise because I hadn’t read any of the press releases or previews.

The Ghostbusters (Peter, Egon, Ray and Winston) were abducted one at a time, by a ghost that resembled each of them. They wind up in what looks like another dimension.

Who you gonna call now? The New Ghostbusters!

  • JANINE. Ghostbusters secretary.
  • KYLIE. Ray’s bookstore manager, paranormal researcher.
  • MELANIE. FBI special agent

After creating a chaotic scene at a ghost busting site, the ladies are given a proposition by the city. Either agree to micromanagement by the Paranormal Contracts Oversight Commission (PCOC) or have charges filed against them by the city. Since none of the ladies have technical skills with the proton equipment, they also have to add a technician to their team. RON ALEXANDER. Janine hesitantly agreed.

This is a pretty good debut issue. Great dialogue with lots of jokes, all at a good pace. I like how Erik Burnham began with showing what happened to the original Ghostbusters. If you’re looking for a good set-up for a story, this issue has it.

Dan Schoening did a great job on the artwork. I also like the coloring by Luis Delgado. I especially like the ghosts. They’re the typical ghostbusters ghosts. Ooey, gooey and slimy. Just how I remember from the film!

I wasn’t really feeling the story, probably because I rather watch it on television (cartoon comes on QUBO channel), but I’m curious as to what’s going to happen next. I want to know how The New Ghostbusters are going to handle not being able to have a say in the coordinating and prioritizing of their cases. Especially their most important case, finding the guys. I also want to see how well Janine and Kylie work with Ron. Last but certainly not least, I want to know where the guys are and how they plan to get home. So I plan to read the next issue to see where it’s heading.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

If you’re a fan of Ghostbusters then you will want to start reading this series.

Grimm Fairty Tales Presents: Wonderland Review

Zenescope Entertainment, , , , , ,

wonderland1

Grimm Fairy Tales Presents:  Wonderland

I was already a fan of Zenescope’s Grimm Fairy Tales.  But when I learned that Greg Horn was going to be a variant cover artist (pictured above) for issue #1, I immediately emailed the comic shop to request cover B.

Grimm Fairy Tales Presents:  Wonderland is what happens after the Wonderland Trilogy (Return to Wonderland, Beyond Wonderland, Escape From Wonderland).  Callie Liddle and her daughter, Violet try to live normal lives.  They learn soon enough they can’t escape the realm of madness, and is on the run once again.

The series begins with the spirit of the Mad Hatter using a troubled teenage boy named Sammy to carry out his madness and evil schemes, including brainwashing an entire town and murder.  In case you don’t already know, Mad Hatter’s name is Johnny and he is the brother of Callie.

Wonderland is full of chaos, madness, murder and betrayal.

The relationship between mother and daughter is breathtaking, as Callie gives her all into making sure Violet is safe.  Violet wants to live a normal teenage life.  Callie knows this is not safe and forbids Violet from doing most teenage activities.  Living a life on the run is causing the relationship between Violet and her mother to deteriorate.

The series is a twisted fairy tale filled with horror, chaos, suspense and murder.  The Mad Hatter, Queen of Spades, and the Queen of Hearts are just a few of the characters that Callie and Violet will encounter from the realm of madness.

The artwork is great, especially the covers.  Zenescope is known for their explicit covers.  But there’s nothing explicit about the stories.  Just pure horror, chaos and madness.  And I love every bit of if.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

If you like:

  • fairy tales
  • stories with a twist
  • horror
  • chaos
  • suspense

then I highly recommend this series.