Tag Archives: animosity

Review: Animosity #24

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After taking a break on this series, I dive in with the issue to see if I can pick it up.

Story: Marguerite Bennett
Art: Elton Thomasi, Rafael De LaTorre
Color: Rob Schwager
Letterer: Taylor Esposito

Get your copy in comic shops now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Kindle/comiXology
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AfterShock provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
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It’s a Tale from Animosity for Free Comic Book Day

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AfterShock Comics will release of an all-new, fully illustrated tale from the critically-acclaimed world of Animosity, written by title creator Marguerite Bennett and illustrated by Elton Thomasi with cover by Rafael De Latorre.

Debuting on Free Comic Book Day in May 2019, Animosity Tales is an extension of the dystopian world of Animosity, which is currently being adapted for the big screen by Legendary Entertainment, and brings readers intertwined tales of three lives and a date with destiny amid a black comedy apocalypse where animals take revenge.

Animosity plans to run an advertising and marketing campaign which hopes to achieve Free Comic Book Day’s goal, getting readers into comic shops and transforming them into comic readers.

The comic will also featured revised and updated pages from World of Animosty plus a preview of an all-new AfterShock title debuting in the spring.

Animosity Tales

AfterShock Wants you to Read Dangerously in 2019

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AfterShock Comics is prompting comic readers and fans to “Read Dangerously,” claiming 2019 as The Year of Reading Dangerously. Supported by a robust advertising and marketing campaign, this call to action will serve as the rallying cry behind all AfterShock brand activities and initiatives over the course of the year.

As publisher of many of the most talked about independent titles of the past few years – including Animosity, A Walk Through Hell, Dark Ark, and Babyteeth, AfterShock will push the envelope even further in 2019 with new releases and ongoing series that continue to thrill, chill and challenge – both imaginations and sensibilities. 

Working with top writers, artists and some of the brightest new stars in the creative community, soon-to-debut 2019 titles Stronghold, Oberon, Dark Red, Out of the Blue, and Horde, to name only a few, will cut across all genres to take readers far beyond their comfort zones.

The theme will serve as the focal point of the brand’s 2019 marketing campaign, including new ads debuting in late January on the back covers of all titles, targeted digital advertising, podcast sponsorships, local comic shop initiatives, and prominent placement at major conventions throughout the year. Additional plans will be revealed at the ComicsPRO Annual Meeting to be held in Charlotte in late February.

Underrated: Animosity Volume One: The Wake

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This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: Animosity Volume One: The Wake.

animosity.jpgI’ve had this trade sat in my digital to-read pile for quite some time, and this week I finally got around to reading it. I could give you my take on the central premise, but it sounds so much better straight from the horses mouth (because I basically reworded this the first time I wrote the opening):

“One day, for no reason, the Animals woke up. They started thinking. They started talking. They started taking REVENGE. Collecting the first four issues of the best-selling series, plus the special one-shot issue ANIMOSITY: THE RISE. 

The world is plunged into chaos as the newly-intelligent Animals fight humanity, and simply fight each other, for their own life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. In the midst of the turmoil is Jesse, an 11-year-old girl, and her dog, Sandor, who is devoted to her and her protection. One year after the incident, Jesse and Sandor begin a cross-country journey to find Jesse’s half-brother, Adam, who is living in San Francisco.”

To be honest I actually went into this series knowing only the bare minimum about it, so when the animals woke up I was actually taken aback by the entire thing. I know. The entire premise of the comic caught me off guard when it happened on the opening few pages of the story. It makes me laugh a little, too.

Centering around Jesse and her beloved dog Sandor’s relationship, and his overwhelming desire to protect her because she loves him. He’s one of the few animals not to hate humanity, and others who are still somewhat fond of humans are typically those who weren’t abused or mistreated in any way – and sadly, humans have done far too much of that in our time on this planet. Marguerrite Bennett‘s script is remarkable; she touches on the bigger impact of animals gaining sentience and the political and economical ramifications of this often in passing but with enough detail to answer some of the questions you’ll be having regarding food sources, population control… there’s a lot to set up in this trade, and for the most part the four issues of the main series collected here succeed in doing that.

There is a time jump that some may find jarring, but as with  any time jumps it will give us something to flash back to in subsequent trades and issues.

Artistically, Rafael De La Torre and Rob Schwager deliver. Their animals are able to convey the requisite emotions and atmospheric design needed to pull you from page to gorgeous page. Animosity‘s first volume is remarkably solid and enjoyable – and well worth checking out.

 

Join us next week where there will doubtless be another movie, series, comic or comic related thing discussed that is, for whatever reason, Underrated.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

Each week our contributors are choosing up to five books and why they’re choosing the books. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Javier

Top Pick: Ragman #1 (DC Comics) – I’ve always been fond of this character: a Jewish vigilante preying on Gotham City criminals by harnessing the strength of the Souls of the Guilty as a redemptive force to help them reach heaven. Originally created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert back in 1976, he is now reimagined by the capable Ray Fawkes and Inaki Miranda.

Catalyst Prime Noble Vol 2 #1 (Lion Forge Comics) – Thus begins the second arc as Noble continues his quest to uncover the truth, but spurns his wife who must now fight to get the husband she knew back. It is penned by Brandon Thomas with art by Roger Robinson; and this week features a brilliant cover by Khary Randoph and Emilio Lopez!

Dying and the Dead #6 (Image Comics) – For a while I thought Hickman and Bodenheim had given up on this project. I’m glad they continued with the series centered on an aged commando team doing the dirty work for a secretive sect of Immortals.

BabyTeeth #5 (AfterShock Comics) – Donny Cates has been belting hit after hit, and this is no exception. marines, assassins, mom, and her newborn Antichrist are the frontliners in this well written action-packed series, featuring art by Garry Brown.

Grass Kings #8 (BOOM! Studios) – A well-crafted mystery series set in a fringe town of outcasts, produced by Matt Kindt and Tyler Jenkins.

 

Joe

 

 

Top Pick: Dark Knights: Metal #3 (DC Comics) – This event/story has been so crazy that it just works. Even the tie in books with Gotham Resistance, and all of the other Dark Knights has kept me excited and interested in something that’s creepy, bizarre, and fun. I am throwing up the devil horns on this one! Highly recommended!

Mister Miracle #3 (DC Comics) – Tom King is one of the best writers around, and most people would agree with that. Now add in an older and fun Kirby character and much like King did with Vision, throw him into something new, and you have an edge of your seat formula. King does vulnerable very good, and this has been fantastic so far.

Despicable Deadpool #287 (Marvel) – Deadpool vs. Cable, or at least that’s what this book is making us think. It’s a classic fight between two over the top characters that are getting ready to buddy up or fight in the Deadpool 2 movie. The solicits say Deadpool is turning back into more of a villain, since he has been down on his luck, and has made some pretty major mistakes lately. I am hyped for this one.

Royal City #6 (Image Comics) – Jeff Lemire is one of the best creators in comics right now. I love his writing. I love his art, and I love this series. This follows a family that while it plays with some supernatural elements, it feels very real, and full of emotions. The first trade released just recently, so grab it and see what all the fuss is about.

Animosity Vol. 2 TP (AfterShock Comics) – If you haven’t read this series, then now is the time to grab both trades. It’s a post-apocalyptic world run by animals who can speak. Some want peace, some want revenge, and the humans must do what they can to survive. It’s a lot of fun, and sad at times, but it is an awesome concept and execution.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Falcon #1 (Marvel) – Marvel Legacy has been kicking off and it’ll be interesting to see where this character and series goes, especially considering the entire concept of Captain America has been tarnished and Sam Wilson’s own recent series.

Fighting American #1 (Titan Comics) – The classic character is back and it’s great to see it. I have no idea what to expect but this is one I’ve been looking forward to reading.

Ghost Money #3 (Lion Forge Comics) – The first two issues have been intriguing as all the money gained from 9/11 is explored. Interesting plot and things have really been picking up.

Lazaretto #2 (BOOM! Studios) – A horror comic featuring college students quarantined in a dorm at a college. It’s claustrophobic in all the right ways.

Mech Cadet Yu #3 (BOOM! Studios) – Kids and giant robots! Greg Pak’s writing is absolutely amazing and the art is a really interesting style that enhances the youthful feel of the book. Absolutely love this series.

 

 

Animosity Expands with the World of Animosity

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The world of Animosity expands this September with World of Animosity #1 from writer Marguerite Bennett, artists Rafael De Latorre & Juan Doe, colorist Rob Schwager, letters by Marshall Dillon, and covers by De Latorre and Marcelo Maiolo.

 

A journey through an apocalypse like none ever imagined—this singular one-shot brings readers and fans alike an exclusive look at the characters, creatures, maps, mysteries, enemies, histories, and the road-so-far in a world where the Animals have risen up to take revenge. This standalone collection includes a variant cover gallery, character designs, never-before-seen artwork, and summaries that will not only bring new readers up to speed, but allow existing readers to dive deep with new information into stories they already love!

Review: Animosity #6

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img_5019MINOR SPOILERS BELOW

This is one of my favorite series in the entire medium right now, and Animosity #6 continues what I love about it, even if it wasn’t my favorite issue, it was still good. We continue to follow Jesse, and her hound, Sandor (yes named after The Hound from Game of Thrones) as they travel across the United States, which humanity is no longer in control of. Instead, the country, and seemingly the world is run by animals, but not all of them get along, and most of them do not like humans. The animals fall somewhere between the existing survival tactics they know and the way human beings govern. It is awesome to see the duality and is the strength of the series. I love seeing a charismatic pack leader sound like a politician, similar to what we’ve seen in classics like George Orwell’s Animal Farm or a deer that throws grenades with their antlers. The animals are still figuring things out, and they still need some help from humans (mostly their opposable thumbs) that many of them keep as slaves.

Sandor has vowed to protect Jesse and has proved countlessly that he will do anything to keep her safe, even die. He is the definition of a girl’s best friend, and the relationship he and Jesse share is really sweet.  Now with a group of other animals that she and Sandor trust (as much as he can after what they witnessed), they find themselves in some real danger again when what they describe as a “dragon” takes one of the goat’s brothers. The reveal of what the “dragon” actually is was interesting and made sense if they never saw this animal. These are animals, and although they are now speaking and doing more things like humans do or did, it isn’t like they are browsing the internet or using smartphones daily to search information like that.

Marguerite Bennett has a very original style of writing, and that is a good thing. She stands out among her other books, but to me this one is my favorite of hers that she writes. Animosity always has some great and funny lines that the animals say, and I feel like each issue has a laugh out loud moment of a witty or obscene line from one of them. There was one of those in this issue with Sandor saying something an old angry Texas lawman might say. I really love seeing what dialogue will come out of their mouths each issue. From a plot point, time will tell about the overall story and where it ends up in the end, but for now, I love where this story has taken us in just six issues.

The art by Rafael De Latorre is great. The “dragon” was bright red, and beautiful while also remaining menacing. I am always amazed at how much life he gives the characters, from Jesse to Sandor the hound, Bethesda the Buffalo, and so on. Even when we see a random animal that may only be in an issue, they have a personality, and it’s great. The art goes hand in hand with the personality of the book by capturing facial expressions and marries Bennett’s words perfectly. De Latorre also does a great job depicting some pretty violent or dark scenes. There are countless times that I amazed by where this book goes, and the art does a good job at showing horrors, while not going too far.

This is still one of my favorite comics, and Bennett and De Latorre are working together in perfect sync. It feels a little like Bambi meets a war movie. You can feel for not only these cute characters and the PTSD they are getting from the horrors they see. This is true for the good humans as well. Not all of the humans are bad, but some of the pets hold prejudices that echo what we see in our own society with racism, sexism, cultural differences and judgment. I cannot wait to see where the story leads us, and am always fearful that Sandor will pass or be killed. The relationship between a girl and her dog is so special, and the creators do a great job of making it believable. Just think of the things your pets would say if they could talk. Now laugh at some of the ridiculousness things they would say. I imagine my lab-retriever just going “Dude! Dude! Dude! Do you wanna play? Omg! Lol!y Dude!”. This comic is a lot of fun, while still keeping the tone serious enough for you to feel dread, and like something horrible is always looming on the horizon. Don’t worry though, Sandor is there to protect us.

Story: Marguerite Bennett Art: Rafael De Latorre
Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Aftershock provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Paul

Top Pick: X-Men Prime #1 (Marvel) – Well it wasn’t looking good for awhile there.  It seemed that Marvel was giving up on the X-Men and moving on with other titles.  But, now we have ResurrXion and I am excited!  I can’t wait to see how it all begins here and see the new teams and books take shape.  Not a fan of some of the costume designs I’ve seen peeks of (I’m looking at Rachel Grey) but really cannot wait to see this new chapter take shape.

All-New X-Men #19 (Marvel) – Jean Grey is back and the gangs all here.  This has been a fun title and I’m sorry to see it end.  Yes, I know this team is coming back in X-Men Blue, I just hope it brings along the fun from this first book.  And I am excited to see it focus on the 5 original members (no offense to Idie, Laura and Evan).

Inhumans Prime #1 (Marvel) – I wasn’t at all happy that it looked like Marvel was going to sacrifice the X-Men and make the Inhumans the next “it” thing, but that seems to have all changed.  While I am very excited for the new X-Men books, I am a fan of the Inhumans and look forward to seeing what’s next for them.  The Royal family has left the throne and I’m hearing things about them heading out into space?  Yeah, definitely down for this one.

 

Alex

Top Pick: Divinity III: Stalinverse #4 (Valiant) – Alright, so I’ve already read this, and it’s fantastic. What’s got me excited is the thought of reading the issue without any watermarked art work because this is a beautiful looking issue, and a fantastic conclusion.

Voracious: Feeding Time #4 (Action Lab Entertainment/Action Lab: Danger Zone) – Another comic I’ve already read and loved, my reasons for picking this are very similar to Divinity III: Stalinverse #4 – I want to see the colours pop in print.

Aldous Spark #1 (Grenade Fire, Inc) – So this one’s a bit of a cheat, but it’s sat on my desktop right now waiting for me to read it for a review… and because I plan on doing that this week, and the comic looks pretty bloody awesome, I figured I’d have it as one of my top picks.

Ninjak #25 (Valiant) – It’s taken me awhile to get really excited for this series, and I’m not really sure why, but when I read the first part of The Seven Blades Of Master Darque something clicked and I was suddenly all in with Valiant’s purple clad ninja that blends James Bond with Batman. And swords.

Old Man Logan #20 (Marvel) – The last Marvel book still on my pull list is always going to find a spot here because I am an unashamed Wolverine fanboy. I make no excuses.

 

Joe

Top Pick: Animosity #6 (Aftershock) – This is one of my favorite comic books out in the entire medium, and I wish more people read it. An awesome story about a girl and her dog, and the downfall of humanity.

Dark Knight III: The Master Race #8 (DC Comics) – It hasn’t been all good, but I’ve enjoyed the last few. It feels just different and classic enough for me, even if it doesn’t touch the highs of the original legendary story.

Old Man Logan #20 (Marvel) – Lemire is done in a few issues, so I want to savor these. Also, we are almost at the past lives story arc which has me so excited. I love this book.

Moonshine #6 (Image) – This is such a crazy and original book. Moonshine, gangsters, romance, and werewolves. What isn’t there to like?

Booster Gold/The Flintstones Special #1 (DC Comics) – Mark Russell does amazing work on books like Prez, and The Flintstones, and now he’s giving us this odd gem among the other DC/Hanna-Barbera mashups.

 

Shay

Top Pick: Orphan Black Deviations #1 (IDW Publishing) – It’s a sci-fi bonanza , in a super sized cross over that’ll make the tv lover in you squeal with delight. It’s a 6 part arc and this is the very beginning of what I’m sure will be a lovely story!

Harley’s Little Black Book #6 (DC Comics) – Harley finds herself tossed out of a space ship and stranded with Lobos and his dog/food tester on a rainy planet, with minimal clothing. Hijiniks ensue in this over the top issue of Harley’s LBB .

Suicide Squad/Banana Splits Special #1 (DC Comics) – Yes, it is as silly as you think it is and yes you will laugh your butt off and love it as much as you think you will. It’s a mash-up you didn’t know you needed.

Inhumans Prime #1 (Marvel) – The bridge isn’t over, this is the super-sized issue that kicks it off. RESURRXION Starts now with the first issue in the arc that’ll connect IVX to whatever Marvel has planned next.

X-Men Prime #1 (Marvel) – The X-Men team have a little bridge of their own, Kitty Pryde is back, ready to lead & it’s time to rebuild.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Suicide Squad/Banana Splits Special #1 (DC Comics) – The concept is completely insane, but this is a comic that you didn’t know you need until you’ve read it. It’s off the wall fun and exactly what I was hoping for when DC Comics announced this series of mash-ups. The main story is solid, but the Snagglepuss story by Mark Russell with art by Howard Porter is perfection. Twisted fun that also reflects on the world.

Hook Jaw #4 (Titan Comics) – This is basically Jaws, except crazier, and I’m completely sucked in and sold on it.

Man-Thing #2 (Marvel) – I wasn’t completely sold on the first issue but the back-up story was top notch. I’m interested in seeing the second issue mostly because I have a better idea of what R.L. Stine is going for with this series so it won’t catch me off guard as much.

The Rift #3 (Red 5 Comics) – Time travel fun that’s a great twist on a Twilight Zone like story.

Rough Riders: Riders on the Storm #2 (Aftershock) – Historical figures come together in this weird twist on history. The first issue picks up where the first volume left off and it continues the fun. There’s lots of mysteries to answer and I want to see where this story takes us.

AfterShock and comiXology Team Up for Exclusive Digital Connection Covers

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For the first time, AfterShock and comiXology have partnered to provide limited-time exclusive digital connecting covers across several exciting titles. These covers will only be available to add to your digital collection via the comiXology platform until May 11, 2017.

Issues included are InSEXts #10 (Marguerite Bennett & Ariela Kristantina), Rough Riders: Riders on the Storm #2 (Adam Glass & Patrick Olliffe), Black-Eyed Kids #12 (Joe Pruett & Szymon Kudranski), Shipwreck #4 (Warren Ellis & Phil Hester), Animosity #6 (Marguerite Bennett & Rafael de Latorre), Jackpot! #5 (Ray Fawkes & Georges Duarte), and Captain Kid #5 (Mark Waid, Tom Peyer & Wilfredo Torres). The connecting covers were illustrated by Mike Zagari and colored by Gabe Eltaeb.

Each digital comic will be released over the course of the next month, but can be pre-ordered right now! You’ll need to act fast, as time is extremely limited to get these exclusive digital covers.

Graphic Policy Celebrates Women’s History Month: Our Favorite Women in Comics

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patsy walker aka hellcat 1 featuredLogan: Kate Leth, Brittney Williams, Megan Wilson, and Rachelle Rosenberg’s Hellcat has been a joyful celebration of superheroes, young people, and queerness. I will miss its humor, chibi style art, and especially my bi bae Ian Soo when it ends in a couple months.

faith-8-feat

Alex: Faith (Valiant) I really can’t understate just how enjoyable this series is. There have definitely been some issues stronger than others, but each and every one in the ongoing series (and preceding miniseries) has been nothing short of a pleasure to read.

Jody Houser, Marguerite Sauvage and the revolving cast of artists have taken Faith to stunning heights in an effortlessly charming and warm series that will make you fall in love with comics all over again.

black-panther-world-of-wakanda-4-featured

Shay: Gail Simone brings me LIFE! As does Roxane Gay! And I’m really loving Amanda Conner and her hubby’s direction for Harley Quinn! Also, loving Marguerite Bennett for the realistic portrayal of lesbians in Batwoman!

animosity3

Joe: One of the best titles in the last year is Animosity from Aftershock. This fantastic story is written by Marguerite Bennett who has taken the comic book world by storm lately, and drawn by Rafael de Latorre. Basically, society has collapsed when animals can talk and decide to take over the world from humanity. Instead of a boy and his dog adventure like we’ve seen so many times, we get a girl and her dog. Jesse and her hound, Sandor are not only an awesome pair, but the story is about Jesse’s growth into womanhood without a mother figure. Sandor knows he cannot help like her mother could, but he learns to rely on the other female animals to guide her. It’s brilliant, and everyone should be reading it.

nocenti-daredevil

Patrick: Ann Nocenti’s run on Daredevil blew my mind when it was coming out. It was so different from what I’d been used to seeing from Denny O’Neil and Frank Miller – a strange urban poetry that was as close to magic realism as I’d ever seen in mainstream comics. With an off-kilter humor – the Human Torch showing up in a tight t-shirt reading “Bad!” – twisted romance, and psychodrama. Her writing was like nothing else on the stands.

A huge thanks to the editors and publishers behind the scenes who made a ton of great comics happen: Jenette Kahn, cat yronwode, Diana Schutz, Louise Jones/Simonson, Ann Nocenti, Shelly Bond, Alisa Kwitney, and most especially the inestimable Karen Berger.

Troy: It was a bit short lived, but I think there was a Defender’s title by Cullen Bunn about Valkyrie being tasked with assembling Midgard’s Valkyrie. Fear Itself the Fearless was kind of the prelude series to that. I really would have loved to see this series fleshed out.

monstress #5 featured

Madison: It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with Monstress and Bitch Planet. They’re not for everyone, but they’re two of my go-to recommendations for people who love science fiction or fantasy. Elizabeth Breitweiser, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Jordie Bellaire consistently blow me away with their incredible colors.

Brett: I’m slightly obsessed with M. Goodwin’s Tomboy which is published by Action Lab: Danger Zone. The series follows a teenage girl whose best friend is murdered in a corrupt cop/conspiracy and she gets posessed by an avenging ghost in a way. Think Kick-Ass but a teenage girl in the lead and a manga influence to it all. An amazing mix of horror, action, and manga the hero Addison is a teenager that can kick ass and get some vengeance.

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