Tag Archives: comics

The Punisher #16 Review

Marvel Comics, , , , , , , ,

 

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I would have to be as crazy as Deadpool to even consider taking down The Punisher, a dangerous vigilante who’s armed with big guns and explosives.  Even the Howling Commandos, the special ops unit with secret orders to take him down, couldn’t do it.

In case you don’t already know, Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, was a Marine, husband and father.  When his family was killed by accident, during a mob hit, he became a bitter and fierce vigilante.

I had to set my comic book reading aside for a minute a few months ago.  Unfortunately, The Punisher was one of the comics I was reading every month.  However I started back reading it at issue #13, when I read a tweet about the Howling Commandos taking Frank Castle’s only remaining relative and her family, as hostage.  Well, knowing how violent and aggressive skullguy can get, I had no choice but to jump back on.

I can briefly tell you what I know since I jumped back on to one of my favorite Marvel comic book titles.

Punisher had plans to rid Los Angeles of Dos Soles, a dangerous and powerful gang.  The Howling Commandos intercepted and captured him.  Punisher became suspicious of who was giving the elite combat unit their orders and why.  He was able to convince the team leader to release him so that he could find the truth behind the madness.

In the current issue, skullguy makes his way to Washington to find the perpetrator that put the hit out on him.  When Punisher confronts the perpetrator, he not only gets his questions answered, he also learns that he’s not working alone.

Punisher is eventually spotted and makes a run for it, but his escape gets halted by a prominent figure.  I try not to give spoilers, but I can’t help but to give one when I discuss the art.

Nathan Edmondson is the creative writer of this mature, action-packed title.  Very intense scripting.  Fast-paced, but not difficult to follow.  Strong, solid characters with sharp dialogue.  Lots of aggression, violence, and political corruption.

Impressive artwork by Mitch Gerads.  Fine details.  Great action scenes.  Realistic looking characters, especially the man of the hour, The Punisher.  Panels are dark and violent, yet surprising.  Earlier I stated that I try not to give spoilers.  Well I can’t help it this time.  Below is Gerads introduction of the character that Punisher will face-off with in the next issue.

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I like what Gerads did there.

I love a badass, which is why Punisher is one of my boyfriends in the Marvel Universe.  He’s strong, aggressive, extremely dangerous, and has a body that would make a lot of men here on Earth jealous.

There is no doubt that I will continue to read The Punisher.  I am aware that Marvel is about to start playing with the emotions of its’ comic book fans with the Secret Wars crossover.  I have not had the time to read into the event as much as I’d like to, so at this time I’m not sure what the fate of this series will be.

The Punisher #16 was released March 18, 2015.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I strongly recommend The Punisher.  This issue gets 5/5 stars.

Trinity of Sin #1 Review

DC Comics, , , , , , , ,

trinityofsin1

The Phantom Stranger, Pandora, and The Question.  The three greatest historical sinners have teamed up to save the world, or have they?  Trinity of Sin, DC Comics new ongoing monthly series, has already caught my attention with its amazing debut issue.

  • The Phantom Stranger – Traitor
  • Pandora – Opened a box and released ALL of the world’s sins and evils
  • The Question – Has no recollection of his crimes.  Memory erased by the Council of Eternity at sentencing.  The Council even erased his face!  Fueled by anger and hatred.

As a supernatural and comic book fan, I can honestly say that Trinity of Sin is a comic book worth giving a chance.  With DC Comics titles that stole my heart such as Demon Knights, Constantine, Justice League Dark, Pandora, and The Phantom Stranger, there was no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t get hooked on this title.

J.M. DeMatteis is the writer.  Great script.  Perfect timing, not hard to follow.  Great character interactions.  Loads of suspense, monsters, and black magic.

The astounding visuals are provided by Yvel Guichet (pencils), Jason Gorder (inks), and Gabe Eltaeb (colors).  I have nothing but the highest of praise for this team of visual storytelling.

Take a look at the following panels from the creative art team.  I included a page from Question, Phantom Stranger and Pandora, as they each face their terrifying monsters.  Note Eltaeb’s coloring.  Beautiful, yet amazingly frightening.

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There is no doubt I will continue to read Trinity of Sin, a supernatural title that is already living up to its expectations.  If you are a fan of comic books, supernatural, magic, and entertaining stories, then you definitely need to read this new series.

Even if you are not a comic book reader, give Trinity of Sin a try anyway.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I highly recommend Trinity of Sin, the new ongoing monthly comic book series by DC Comics.  I am giving this issue what it rightfully deserves, 5/5 stars.

Gotham Academy #1 Review

DC Comics, , , , , , ,

gothamacademy1

Dark.  Eerie.  Creepy.  Spooky.  Strange.  Weird.  Mysterious.  Supernatural.  That is the description of Gotham Academy, a prestigious prep school located in that bizarre Gotham City.

Gotham Academy is obviously unlike any other prep school.  The campus is haunted, and some, if not most, of the students act just as strange as the teachers.  It is the beginning of the school year, and students are already being warned to stay away from the north hall.

Gotham Academy is a new, ongoing monthly teen drama comic book series by DC Comics.  This debut issue focused on two characters:

Olive Silverlock – Pretty sophomore.  Battling personal issues that we don’t know about yet.  “Nanny to Maps Mizoguchi.  Quiet and socially withdrawn.  Wants to break-up with her boyfriend, but he doesn’t know it yet.

Maps Mizoguchi – Freshman.  Overwhelmingly eager.  Outgoing personality.  Younger sister of Kyle, Olive’s boyfriend.

This strange and fun comic was written by Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher.  Perfect story setup.  Well-written script, very easy to follow.  Great character interactions.  I especially like the distinctive character personalities.

The outstanding visuals were provided by Karl Kerschl (artist), Geyser (colors), and Dave McCaig (colors).  I really like the character facial expressions, especially the creepy looking headmaster.  My favorite page is when Olive and Maps took a fall while Bruce Wayne was giving the school assembly’s keynote speech.  I literally laughed out loud.

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I enjoyed reading Gotham Academy.  I was actually hooked within the first few pages.  I definitely plan to continue reading this teen drama comic for at least the first couple of story arcs.

If you are looking for comics to read for teens, or just a good supernatural story with lots of strange twists, then I suggest you start reading this new title.  I found it to be a good read for all ages.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I highly recommend this title, so Gotham Academy #1 is getting what it deserves, 5/5 stars.

Do You Read Comics or Not?

My Rants and Tantrums, ,

BEWARE!  I am in full rant mode.  No holds barred in this post.  I run an honest blog, therefore I am voicing my honest opinions.  Consider yourself warned.

I am stepping up on my soapbox to address a very important issue, comic reading.

I have a serious question.  Do you read comic books or not?  I am often told by people that they read comics.  Some may say they used to read them.  But most of them actually say they read, as in present tense, comics.

  • Demon Knights
  • Red She-Hulk
  • Trinity of Sin:  Pandora
  • Trinity of Sin:  The Phantom Stranger
  • Elektra
  • The Fearless Defenders
  • New Warriors
  • All-New Ghost Rider

If you are reading comics, then why in the hell are the above titles cancelled, getting cancelled, or being placed on notice?  There are plenty of other cancelled books, but my frustration level increases with each title I type. There is no reason for any of those books to face the chopping block.

There is a difference between like and read.  If you tell me that you like comic books, then I will just simply say okay.  But if you tell me that you read comics, then be prepared for me to engage in conversation, starting with asking which comics you read.

AVENGERS, X-MEN, SPIDER-MAN, BATMAN, SUPERMAN, WONDER WOMAN.

Some readers only stick to the Big 2 titles.  That is fine, but keep in mind that there are more comic books from these publishers, besides the big guns listed above, screaming for a purchase on the store shelves.  I should know, I read A LOT of them.

We need to stop crying over the fact that Monica Rambeau decided to ditch her trench coat and dookie braids, and support the hell out of Mighty Avengers.

And now we’re throwing hissy fits because Magneto is bald.  So the f**k what?  Magneto is a great comic book, and we need to support that one as well.

If you truly read comics, then you should have no problem telling me what you read when I ask you.  Instead I mostly hear, “Well I, uh, used to read…”  Hold it right there.  You DO NOT read comics.  You USED to read comics.

If I am asked what comics I am reading, I will easily ramble off several titles, walk away, turn around and say, “Oh yeah.”  Then ramble off one or two more titles.

Don’t believe me?

  • Morning Glories
  • Constantine
  • Justice League
  • Justice League Dark
  • Wonder Woman
  • Harley Quinn
  • Thor:  God of Thunder
  • Ms. Marvel
  • Moon Knight
  • Magneto
  • Punisher
  • Deadpool
  • Loki:  Agent of Asgard
  • Mighty Avengers
  • Afterlife with Archie
  • Sex Criminals
  • Grimm Fairy Tales of Terror

Those are the comic books I read every month.  That does not include mini-series like Super Secret Crisis War, or Helsing.

There are a variety of comic books on the shelves besides mainstream superhero titles.

Do you like horror, supernatural and fantasy?  Then check out comic books by Zenescope.  Titles like the newly released Tales of Terror, and their flagship title, Grimm Fairy Tales are excellent choices.  Wonderland is also a good choice.

DC Comics offer great titles like Justice League Dark and Constantine.

Image Comics offers Ghosted, Five Ghosts, Morning Glories, and several more wonderful books.

If you like sick and bizarre, then you will want titles by Avatar Press, like Crossed.

BOOM! Studios and Archie Comics offer a lot of fun comic books.

Don’t forget Valiant and Dark Horse.

I don’t care whether you read your comic books in print or digital format, we need to pre-order, consistently read, and spread the word. Blog, tweet, Facebook, Tumblr, and whatever else social media platform you use. Just get the word out about your favorite comics.

And another thing. Stop commenting and/or complaining on the feeds and timelines of creators if you’re not reading their books.

People attend comic conventions by the thousands. I wonder how many of them actually read comics. I’m guessing not too many. If so, then there wouldn’t be all those low book sales and cancellations.

I’m thinking about attending a couple of conventions and doing a survey. I’m going to ask as many people as I can if they read comics, and the titles.

Especially all those girls that walk around in costumes. I really want to ask them if they even know anything about the characters they’re cosplaying.

There are too many low title sales, and too many cancellations. We can put an end to it by reading and spreading the word.

I know that I talked a lot of smack in this post, but that’s alright. At least I backed it all up.

Jackdaw #1 Review

Grimmsmoore Comics, , , , , , , ,

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Who, or what, is Jackdaw?

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Richard Rael has two jobs.  During the day he is a wealthy businessman.  But at night, he is Jackdaw, a dark and mysterious crime fighter.  Not much is known about Jackdaw.  And Thrasher, his female superhero sidekick, appears to be the only one that knows his true identity.

Joyce Sunn, aka Thrasher, is a graduate student and wants out of the crime fighting business.  However she don’t have the nerves to tell Richard.  Although she suffers silently, she does a good job at being a sidekick.  Actually Thrasher is a badass.

Jackdaw is an online comic, or webcomic, and is also published on Comixology.  This indie comic is published by Grimmsmoore Comics.

Kelly Shane is the writer of this dark, mysterious, and complex story.  Well-written script with good timing.  Compelling characters.  Great character interactions.  I found the story a bit wordy at times, but after reading it a second time, I found it to be helpful.  A lot of information is given in this issue, but it’s not too revealing.  Overall I believe Shane did a wonderful job with the set-up of the story.

Text was brought to life by Brian Barr.  The comic is in black-and-white, and it makes the story even darker.  Finely detailed.  Realistic looking characters.    I especially like the fight scenes.  Barr deserves a round of applause for his excellent visuals.

I plan to read the second issue, if I can ever get caught up on my current comic reading.  I need to find out if more is revealed about Richard Rael’s personal life, and if Joyce finds the courage to tell him she wants out.  And just who is that crazed Jackdaw fan?

It is no secret that I support both mainstream and indie comics.  Indie comic creators deserve a shot just as much as those creating comics for the Big 2.

You can learn more about this indie comic on its’ website.

If you are a fan of mystery, then you may want to give Jackdaw a try.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I enjoyed reading Jackdaw.  I am giving this issue 4/5 stars.

New Suicide Squad #1 Review

DC Comics, , , , , , ,

newsuicidesquad1

The New Suicide Squad is back with new players, more chaos, and violence to the extreme.  The DC Comics New 52 title is a relaunch of the comic book series that was cancelled a few months ago.

Belle Reve is a prison for superhumans.  Select prisoners are given the opportunity to have their sentences reduced by participating in a secret government program.  Task Force X, or Suicide Squad, participants carry out covert missions, including assassinations.  To keep the prisoners in check, tiny bombs are implanted in their necks.

Amanda Waller was program director, but she is no longer trustworthy.  A new player has been called in to run Task Force X.  Victor Sage gets to call the shots, but Waller is still involved with the program.

Sage added Deathstroke and Joker’s Daughter to the team, and Joker’s Daughter already has Harley Quinn ticked off.

newsuicidesquad1a

Sean Ryan is the writer of this dark, violent, and exciting series.  Sharp dialogue, excellent character interactions.  Fast paced but not hard to follow.

The outstanding visuals are provided by Jeremy Roberts (artist) and Blond (colors).  I have nothing but the highest of praise for the artwork.  Realistic features, phenomenal action scenes.

Roberts was the winner of the Harley Quinn Talent Competition, and it’s good to see that his talent is not going to waste.

I plan to finish the story arc to see where it’s headed.  I need to find out how Sage plans to control Deathstroke and Joker’s Daughter since they are not prisoners of Belle Reve, and they don’t have bombs in their necks.

I am also interested in Sage and Waller’s business relationship.  Waller has always been that woman I love to hate.  But Sage appears to be as corrupt as 10 politicians molded together.

I have a strong feeling that this title will get added to my pulls.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

There is no doubt that I strongly recommend New Suicide Squad #1.  DC Comics has a lot of great comic titles currently on the shelves, but this series deserves a shot.  I just hope it lasts this time.  This issue gets what it deserves, 5/5 stars.