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Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #12

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #12

writer: Matt Wagner
artist: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner (colorist)
cover: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin art”)
FC • 40 pages • $4.99 • Teen+

This exciting and action-packed climactic issue of Dynamite’s critically acclaimed series, finally finds The Sprit in the merciless clutches of the criminal warlord, Mikado Vaas! At last, this mysterious villain has stepped forward to save his daughter, Sachet Spice, and to wreck his ultimate vengeance on one of Comicdom’s most famous and iconic heroes. Beaten and bloody, The Spirit fights on with the help of his beloved and familiar supporting cast… but will this finally prove to be the time that our hero can’t escape death? With thirty pages of inspired story by Wagner and dynamic visuals from the art team of Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner, this highly acclaimed series that was launched to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Will Eisner’s influential character at last reaches its dramatic conclusion.

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Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #11

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #11

writer: Matt Wagner
artist: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner (Colorist)
cover: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin art”)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

In the penultimate chapter of this critically-acclaimed story arc, the noose tightens as The Spirit’s quest finally leads him to confront Sachet Spice, daughter of the internationally feared criminal mastermind, Mikado Vaas!  A desperate chase brings all parties to the very precipice of disaster.  Meanwhile, Ellen Dolan must deal with both her convalescing father as well as figuring out how to cleanly end things with her former paramour, Archie Shales.  Will Mikado Vaas allow his beloved daughter to suffer prosecution at the hands of Central City law enforcement?  Or will the infamous crime lord take steps to wipe out his former prisoner?

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Review: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #11

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spirit11-cov-a-powellI’ll be completely upfront with you; Will Eisner’s The Spirit has been one of my favorite ongoing series for the past year. In fact, while double checking how long the series was supposed to last, I found out that what I assumed was only a twelve issue series is actually just the first twelve part story in a series of indeterminate length.

Yeah, I’m pretty happy right now.

The 11th issue in a twelve part arc is rarely ever the friendliest jumping on point for you, but I’m sure you’ve gathered that. But, almost contrary to my last sentence, this isn’t a horrible place to dive in. Yes, you’ll certainly miss ten issues of back story, but there’s enough given to you throughout the issue that you should  be able to keep up fairly well.

Indeed, the strength of the writing is such that the comic moves along at a relatively steady pace, the same as the entire series, that allows the story room to breath, and allows Matt Wagner (who also authored both Batman And The Monster Men and Batman And The Mad Monk miniseries from perhaps ten years ago) to bring some subtle, and not so subtle – humour into the writing.

Will Eisner’s The Spirit has a beautiful modern retro feel to the art; it’s smooth and easy to follow without loosing any detail. The comic – well, the entire series, really – feels as though it’s a genuine comic from it’s 1940’s setting but with enough of a modern twist to be interesting to today’s readers. Dan Schkade and Brennan Wagner are the perfect team here, and their work is right up my alley. I love it.

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this series. whether you jump on now, grab the back issues, or wait for the trade… you have to read this.

Story: Matt Wagner Art: Dan Schkade Colourist: Brennan Wagner
Story: 8.25 Art: 9 Overall: 8.76 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #10

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #10

writer: Matt Wagner
artist: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner (Colorist)
cover: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin art”)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

The web of danger begins to tighten as The Spirit continues his quest to track down his kidnapper, the mysterious Mikado Vaas — and his best bet is to first locate the crime lord’s equally evasive daughter, Sachet Spice! Convinced that she is in Central City, The Spirit’s search leads him into unexpectedly fragrant territory. Meanwhile, Ebony and Sammy manage to find a lead to tracking down the mysterious assassin sent by Vaas, the cold-blooded Pinky Fingers. The explosive finale is coming… one that might change The Spirit’s world forever! This sensational revival of Will Eisner’s iconic hero is brought to you by the creative talents of legendary author Matt Wagner and the visual team of artist Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner.

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Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #9

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #9

writer: Matt Wagner
artist: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner (Colorist)
cover: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin art”)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

As yet another piece of the mystery surrounding The Spirit’s lengthy disappearance is revealed, our heroes find themselves confronted with a violent attack at the hands of hired gun Pinky Fingers.  The Spirit barely avoids the assassin’s bullet… but are his friends so lucky, as well? Central City proves to be no refuge from the long and deadly reach of the international crime-lord, Mikado Vaas! This critically-acclaimed revival of legendary comic creator Will Eisner’s most iconic character is helmed by Eisner Award-winning writer Matt Wagner and the fresh visual team of artist Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner.

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Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #8

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #8

writer: Matt Wagner
artist: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner (Colorist)
cover: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin art”)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

The Spirit and his comrades continue their search to uncover the secrets of the mysterious and deadly Mikado Vaas. Our blue-masked hero’s quest brings him into contact with an equally secretive and capable character from his past as well as a fellow (and rather unexpected) crusader for justice on the Central City streets. Weatherby Palmer’s desire to unseat Commissioner Dolan runs into a certain immovable object… leading to a far more sinister resolve. Join Eisner Award-winner Matt Wagner and the stylish visual team of artist Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner for the latest installment in the ongoing adventures of one of comicdom’s most iconic characters – Will Eisner’s The Spirit!

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Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #7

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #7

writer: Matt Wagner
artist: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner
cover: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin” art)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

The Spirit’s return to Central City stirs up both resentment and fear among the local crime scene, and mob boss Larson E. Jones soon sets a price on the blue-masked hero’s life. Meanwhile, The Spirit himself tries to set things right in regards to his long-stalled romance with Ellen Dolan, and the detective team of Ebony White and Sammy Strunk dig up evidence that leads to a shadow corporation – one acting as a front for the illicit activities of the mysterious international crime lord, Mikado Vaas! Eisner Award-winning author Matt Wagner continues his loving homage to one of comicdom’s most iconic characters, all the while breaking new ground with the dynamic visual stylings of artist Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner.

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Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #6

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #6

writer: Matt Wagner
artist: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner
cover: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin art”)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

Once again, the narrative shifts to an unexpected locale as an ex-GI finds himself in the role of both mercenary and jailer.  In Wildwood Cemetery, The Spirit finally reveals the course of his unknown exploits to both Ebony and Sammy, a tale that involves smuggled nerve agents, devious traps and a tropical island turned penitentiary.  But the mystery only deepens as the first half of this 12-issue arc reaches its conclusion and our blue-masked hero is left with only more questions than answers as to the course of his own unexplained absence.  This hit series revives one of comics’ most iconic characters at the hands of Eisner Award winning author Matt Wagner and the dynamic art team of artist Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner.

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Review: Unity #25

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UNITY_025_COVER-A_KANOIn the wake of Book Of Death…Unity is no more. But before Valiant’s elite superteam says goodbye, an all-star lineup of writers, artists, and humorists reveal the unusual, offbeat, never-before-seen, lesser-known adventures of Unity! The tales too incredible to believe! The missions too oddball for public consumption!

Think Bloodshot only joined the team long enough to fight the Armor Hunters? Discover his newly declassified Unity missions! You saw Faith help Unity fight their opposite counterparts, the United…find out how else she helped out the team! Remember that time Quantum and Woody’s goat joined Unity? No? Well, it happened! We promise.

The final issue to Unity is billed as a comedy spectacular. And, for the most part it is.

There are some really quite funny stories here, but there’s just as many that fall a bit flat. Let’s not beat around the bush, here, because as the final issue in the current Unity run, this comic is not meant for new readers. If that’s you, and you want to read more about Valiant‘s premier super team, then you’ll want look into the trade paper back collections, and stay away from this issue until you’re a bit more familiar with the characters involved.

As a love letter to the fans, and a celebration of the past 24 issues, the series finale is a unique idea. It’s a largely light hearted look back at the characters we’ve followed across the past couple of years, putting them in situations that are effectively just there to elicit a laugh.

It almost works.

As it is, Unity #25 is an interesting comic. Although it wasn’t quite my cup of tea,  some of the stories within are worth reading, and the eclectic mix of art work truly gives an anthology feel to the comic. This is a comic that is worth checking out for existing fans of Valiant and Unity, but if you’re neither then this is probably not worth your time, but then what did you expect from a series finale?

Writers: Matt Kindt, James Asmus,Donny Cates & Eliot Rahal, Justin Jordan, Elliot Kalan, Daniel Kibblesmith, Micheal Kupperman, and Tom Scharpling
Art: Matt Kindt, Diego Bernard, Kano, Micheal Kupperman, Karl Moline, Pere Perez, Rafer Roberts, Dan Schkade, and Bart Sears
Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Valiant provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review.

Preview: Unity #25

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UNITY #25 (48-PAGE HUMOR SPECTACULAR!)

Written by MATT KINDT, JAMES ASMUS, DONNY CATES & ELIOT RAHAL, JUSTIN JORDAN, ELLIOTT KALAN, DANIEL KIBBLESMITH, MICHAEL KUPPERMAN, and TOM SCHARPLING
Art by MATT KINDT, KANO, MICHAEL KUPPERMAN, KARL MOLINE, PERE PEREZ, RAFER ROBERTS, DAN SCHKADE, and BART SEARS
Cover A by KANO (OCT151745)
Cover B by MATT KINDT (OCT151746)
Cover C by FRED HEMBECK (OCT151747)
Cover D by MICHAEL KUPPERMAN (OCT151748)
$4.99 | 48 pgs. | T+ | On sale DECEMBER 9th

A SUPER-SIZED FINAL ISSUE FREE-FOR-ALL! THE VALIANT UNIVERSE COLLIDES WITH A MASSIVE CAST OF COMEDY ALL-STARS FOR UNITY’S 48-PAGE FAREWELL!

In the wake of BOOK OF DEATH…Unity is no more. But before Valiant’s elite superteam says goodbye, an all-star lineup of writers, artists, and humorists reveal the unusual, offbeat, never-before-seen, lesser-known adventures of Unity! The tales too incredible to believe! The missions too oddball for public consumption!

Think Bloodshot only joined the team long enough to fight the Armor Hunters? Discover his newly declassified Unity missions! You saw Faith help Unity fight their opposite counterparts, the United…find out how else she helped out the team! Remember that time Quantum and Woody’s goat joined Unity? No? Well, it happened! We promise.

Matt Kindt presents the grand finale to his acclaimed two-year run on Valiant’s premier superteam…but not before James Asmus (QUANTUM AND WOODY), Elliott Kalan (The Daily Show),  Michael Kupperman (Tales Designed to Thrizzle), Donny Cates & Eliot Rahal (The Paybacks) and more put Unity through the wringer! Plus: the comics debut of writer/director, creator and host of the cult-favorite podcast The Best Show, professional chump-steamroller, Tom Scharpling!

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