Tag Archives: dan jackson

EC Comics’ Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 kicks off some classic horror

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Epitaphs From the Abyss #1

From the publisher that drove Tales from the Crypt, Vault of Horror, Haunt of Fear, and many more into the depraved hearts of an unsuspecting world, the immortal EC Comics returns! Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 kicks off the first ALL-NEW series in nearly 70 years! But, in this age of gore-porn and brutal, scary, horror, does the classic still deliver chills and thrills? It’s a whole new era of terror!

Featuring four tales to keep you up at night, Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 is a fun return to classic horror. It’s twists and turns that’ll get you to think more than make you afraid of unknown noises, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun.

Kicking off with “Killer Spec” from J. Holtham, Jorge Fornes, and Dan Jackson, Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 is predictable at times, but still has more than enough to surprise readers. It’s pretty easy to see where the debut story goes but it’s the ending and twists and turns that entertain in an unexpected way. I have no fond memories of EC Comics and remember HBO’s Tales From the Crypt at times scaring the shit out of me as a kid, but I appreciated the “lessons” one would learn at the end. While The Twilight Zone delivered parables with a sci-fi twist, EC to me was the horror cousin of that. Here we get to see where jealousy takes a wannabe writer and makes readers wonder how meta this tale is…

“Senator, Senator” is perfect for this election year. Chris Condon, Peter Krause, and Michelle Madsen explore why an elected official flip-flops on a key issue. Again, like the opening story, it’s not hard to guess where the story is going but it’s the details that stand out. It delivers a nice jab at the current political climate.

“Family Values” by Stephanie Phillips, Phil Hester, Travis Hymel, and Marissa Louise feels like something we’d see in a modern day horror film. Hell, we might have. But, the ending is damn near perfect in multiple ways. A father must choose which family member to kill, or himself, while they’re taken hostage by unknown individuals. Why and for what purpose? You’ll need to read and find out!

Finally, “US vs. US” is another fantastic jab, pun intended, at the current state of the United States. Two individuals must take on a group of freaks and things aren’t what they appear. Brian Azzarello, Vlad Legostaev, and Brittany Peery deliver a story that is very unexpected in the direction it goes and what’s revealed.

Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 might feel tame compared to today’s horror, it’s much more comedic and less about scares, but it mines the classic concept of EC Comics perfectly delivering four tales that’ll entertain and get you to think. Each is varied in story, art, and tone, and each delivers unexpected moments that’ll keep readers guessing. It’s rare when there’s no weak stories in an anthology, and Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 has none. It’s a fantastic start to the classic brand that’ll hopefully breathe new life into this type of horror.

Story: J. Holtham, Chris Condon, Stephanie Phillips, Brian Azzarello
Art: Jorge Fornes, Peter Krause, Phil Hester, Vlad Legostaev
Ink: Travis Hymel Color: Dan Jackson, Michelle Madsen, Marissa Louise, Brittany Peer
Letterer: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Power and Punishment in a Dune: House Corrino #3 preview

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Dune: House Corrino #3, the next issue of a brand new 33-page, oversized, eight-issue, comic book series expanding the rich mythology of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Renowned authors Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, acclaimed artist Simone Ragazzoni, colorist Dan Jackson, and letterer Ed Dukeshire, continue the third and final prequel to the widely celebrated Dune! Available in comic shops May 29, 2024.

The balance of power continues to shift surrounding what was once the most powerful house in the universe, including the Bene Gesserit plot concerning a fateful pregnancy, and the stage being set for further conflict on Ix. In addition to rising tension among the Fremen seeking justice and a harrowing assassination attempt against the imperial family, it will soon become clear that any threat to power does not go unpunished…

Dune: House Corrino #3 features main cover art by highly acclaimed artist Raymond Swanland and variant covers by artists Veronica Fish, Justine Florentino, and Jahnoy Lindsey.

Dune: House Corrino #3

Family Secrets and Assassination Attempts in Your First Look at Dune: House Corrino #2

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Dune: House Corrino #2, the next issue of a brand new 33-page, oversized, eight-issue, comic book series expanding the rich mythology of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Renowned authors Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, acclaimed artist Simone Ragazzoni, colorist Dan Jackson, and letterer Ed Dukeshire, continue the third and final prequel to the widely celebrated Dune! Available in comic shops on April 24, 2024.

As the political intrigue surrounding what was once the most powerful house in the universe, House Corrino deepens, new relations and family secrets are brought to light. The conflict between the Fremen and House Harkonnen takes a monumental new turn, and genocide is used to cover up an assassination attempt…

Dune: House Corrino #2 features main cover art by highly acclaimed artist Raymond Swanland and variant covers by artists Veronica Fish, Miguel Mercado, and Aaron Campbell.

Dune: House Corrino #2

Dune: House Corrino #1 sells out and returns with a second printing

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BOOM! Studios has announced that Dune: House Corrino #1, the premiere issue of a brand new 40-page, extra-length, eight-issue, comic book series expanding the rich mythology of Frank Herbert’s Dune, has sold out at the distributor level! The third and final official prequel to Dune is adapted for the first time by award-winning novelists Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson and artist Simone Ragazzoni, colorist Dan Jackson, and letterer Ed Dukeshire.

House Corrino, once the deadliest House in the known universe as the Imperial family, set up the final pieces leading into the events of Dune and the fall of House Atreides.

While conflicts escalate between the Fremen and House Harkonnen on Arrakis, the Bene Gesserit keep a close eye on Jessica’s pregnancy, and House Atreides takes part in the plan to seal Ix’s fate…

In response to the overwhelming support from retailers and fans, BOOM! Studios has announced Dune: House Corrino #1 Second Printing (FEB247122), featuring cover art by Raymond Swanland, available in stores April 17, 2024.

Dune: House Corrino #1 Second Printing

Your First Look at Dune: House Corrino #1

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Dune: House Corrino #1, the premiere issue of a brand new 33-page, oversized, eight-issue, comic book series expanding the rich mythology of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Available in comic shops March 20, 2024.

The third and final official prequel to Dune is adapted for the first time by award-winning novelists Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson and artist Simone Ragazzoni, colorist Dan Jackson, and letterer Ed Dukeshire, unveiling a closer look at the rising conflict between beloved characters and bitter villains and available in stores March 2024.

House Corrino, once the deadliest House in the known universe as the Imperial family, set up the final pieces leading into the events of Dune and the fall of House Atreides.

While conflicts escalate between the Fremen and House Harkonnen on Arrakis, the Bene Gesserit keep a close eye on Jessica’s pregnancy, and House Atreides takes part in the plan to seal Ix’s fate…

Dune: House Corrino #1 features main cover art by highly acclaimed artist Raymond Swanland and variant covers by artists Veronica Fish, Rebeca Puebla, and Dan Mora.

Dune: House Corrino #1

Abbott’s Adventure Concludes in Your First Look at Abbott: 1979 #5

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Abbott: 1979 #5, the FINAL ISSUE of the new series from writer Saladin Ahmed, artist Sami Kivelä, colorist Dan Jackson, and letterer Jim Campbell. Jump back into the action of the hard-boiled trilogy’s final chapter, continuing March 13, 2024.

In the pulse-pounding conclusion to the Abbott saga, Elena must save Detroit from the Umbra… one last time. To defeat a seemingly unstoppable darkness, Elena will need to push herself to harness her Light power more than she ever has before, and make a sacrifice that just might break her. The Abbott trilogy has all been leading to this as the iconic series delivers an epic and moving conclusion to a story five years in the making.

Abbott: 1979 #5 features a main cover by Taj Francis as well as variant cover art by acclaimed artist Vincenzo Riccardi.

Abbott: 1979 #5

Prepare for the Final Battle in Your First Look at Abbott: 1979 #4

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Abbott: 1979 #4, the penultimate issue of the new series from writer Saladin Ahmed, artist Sami Kivelä, colorist Dan Jackson, and letterer Jim Campbell. Jump back into the action of the hard-boiled trilogy’s final chapter, continuing February 14, 2024.

Elena prepares for the final battle with the Umbra, a massive shadow in the Detroit River under the Ambassador Bridge. But Elena is not alone. Those that bring the light to many, will bring all the light together in the end…

Abbott: 1979 #4 features a main cover by Taj Francis as well as variant cover art by acclaimed artist Ejikure.

Abbott: 1979 #4

Invasive #2 ups the unease with solid horror

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Invasive #2

Dr. Carrie Reynolds and detective Vic Hudgens cut closer to the heart of the mystery behind the “murder surgeons” and the gruesome surgical attacks plaguing their city. While meeting the newest victim, they come face to face with the deranged society of killers stalking their trail . . . and learn just how far Carrie will go to the find the people who hurt her daughter. Invasive #2 keeps up the unease as the duo attempt to find out who’s behind the destruction.

Written by Cullen Bunn, Invasive #2 does a solid job of keeping things focused on the detective aspect of the story. At its heart, the series is two people trying to get to the heart of a mystery. But, the series just happens to deal with unnecessary surgery, creating visuals that create unease. The second issue is no exception to that delivering shocks in the story and with the imagery.

The comic is solid as the duo follow clues and get closer to those behind the horror. But, we learn more about the two as well, a lot more, and some of it is rather surprising. It shows how for they’re willing to go to find the truth. The story creates an unease in numerous ways and the title implies not just the surgery the people within are having but how far our two “heroes” are willing to go to solve the crime.

Much of the unease is helped by the art from Jesús Hervás. Dan Jackson provides color and lettering by Taylor Esposito and all together the comic borders on the edge of having to look away. The visuals are uncomfortable. For someone like me who has trouble with these sorts of visuals, it’s not the easiest of reads but the visuals impressively balance that line that might take it over the top and distracting.

Invasive #2 is another solid issue that continues the shocks in numerous ways. It’s a solid horror comic that continues to show why Bunn is so well regarded in the genre.

Story: Cullen Bunn Art: Jesús Hervás
Color: Dan Jackson Letterer: Taylor Esposito
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Dark Horse brings all-ages Star Wars and Plants vs. Zombies to Free Comic Book Day

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Dark Horse Comics has announced their Free Comic Book Day Silver offering featuring two new stories suitable for readers of all ages, with two separate stories set in the worlds of Star Wars and Plants vs. Zombies. This issue will be available at participating comic shops on Free Comic Book Day, which takes place on May 4, 2024. 

May the Fourth be with you in this all-new tale from Star Wars! 

In the story Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures—Sky Parade Rescue, journey to a galaxy far, far away with the younglings from the sensational Disney+ series Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, including characters from the hit Dark Horse comic series Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures!

The Star Wars short story features writing by Daniel José Older, art by Andy Duggan, colors by Dan Jackson, and letters by Comicraft.

And then, be prepared to learn about The Origin of Zomboss!

In Plants vs. Zombies: The Origin of Zomboss, a Brain-Z Entertainment film crew explores the many past jobs of Dr. Zomboss and what led to him forming a zombie army. The Plants vs Zombies short story features writing by Paul Tobin, art by Lusia Russo, colors by Heather Breckel, and letters by Steve Dutro.

Dark Horse Free Comic Book Day 2024

Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson Finish the Dune Prequel Trilogy with Dune: House Corrino

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BOOM! Studios has announced Dune: House Corrino, a brand new 33-page, oversized, eight-issue, comic book series expanding the rich mythology of Frank Herbert’s Dune.

The third and final official prequel to Dune is adapted for the first time by award-winning novelists Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson and artist Simone Ragazzoni, colorist Dan Jackson, and letterer Ed Dukeshire, unveiling a closer look at the rising conflict between beloved characters and bitter villains and available in stores March 2024.

House Corrino, once the deadliest House in the known universe as the Imperial family, set up the final pieces leading into the events of Dune and the fall of House Atreides.

While conflicts escalate between the Fremen and House Harkonnen on Arrakis, the Bene Gesserit keep a close eye on Jessica’s pregnancy, and House Atreides takes part in the plan to seal Ix’s fate…

Dune: House Corrino #1 features main cover art by highly acclaimed artist Raymond Swanland and variant covers by artists Veronica Fish, and Rebeca Puebla.

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