Velvet #7
Story By: Ed Brubaker
Art By: Steve Epting
Cover By: Steve Epting
Cover Price: $3.50
Digital Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: MAY140743
Published: September 10, 2014
THE SECOND ARC CONTINUES! While Velvet’s been on the run, ARC-7’s top men have been hunting her…now they have her trail, and soon she’ll be in Colt’s sights.
A noir film stuck in endless reshoots. A writer plagued with nightmares from the war and a dangerous secret. An up-and-coming starlet’s suspicious death. And a maniacal Studio Mogul and his Security Chief who will do anything to keep the cameras rolling before the Post-War boom days come crashing down.
Is there now a sub-genre of 1930s style noir crime stories centered around television/movie production? I have been following Satellite Sam on and off since it came out, though I am a few months behind on the story. It was a fresh take on the medium, plugging some new elements into pulp to make it interesting enough to pursue. It was kind of like The Maltese Falcon crossed with Mad Men. With the new Image series The Fade Out by Ed Brubaker, it would seem as though there are now two separate titles challenging for this one small niche.
Satellite Sam already broke this ground with a few of the notable clichés that one might expect. The main character/burnout chasing away his own demons in Hollywood with booze and women, the Hollywood big wigs more concerned with production schedules than the people that work for him, and sassy secretaries who are more capable than they let on. Clichés are not as bad if they are done right, and in the case of Satellite Sam, they exist as a fertile ground for a different take on this time and this genre. The question then, is there anything left for Brubaker? Certainly he has both the mainstream comic credibility from his work at Marvel as well as noir credibility from Fatale. In this case though, it 
seems as though something is missing, as the take on this specific setup doesn’t seem as fresh, especially for someone that has been reading Sam (which is not much of a stretch, considering that Image publishes both of them.)
The story progresses somewhat as one might expect with the main character waking up from a night of drinking without much of an idea of where he had been. Soon there is a discovery of a crime which changes the course of his life. In trying to capture the essence of the period, the presentation of this 
story does seem a bit too disingenuous in a sense. One of the hallmarks of Hollywood at the time was the fact that everything was hidden to some degree, including sexuality. When women’s hemlines were still at knee level, it was of course taboo to show even more, yet this story doesn’t seem to mind, even if we know that it was there. So instead of the nostalgic grandeur of the golden age of cinema, there are gratuitous scenes with naked breasted women or of women kissing, stuff that presumably happened at wild parties back then just as it does now, but also which doesn’t really help to establish either the story or the atmosphere.
I am tempted to give Brubaker a free pass here though. Admittedly this is the kind of story which might be well suited to the medium of comics, but it is seems equally to be a story that depends on a fair amount of setup before it gets going. It is not a superhero story where characters interact with one another in a superficial sense, rather these are honest characters being established. While it might not be up to the level of its predecessor from Image yet, it still does have some potential, and is probably worthy of being picked up by most people that are interested in crime noir.
Story: Ed Brubaker Art: Sean Phillips
Story: 8.2 Art: 7.7 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
The Fade Out #1
Story By: Ed Brubaker
Art By: Sean Phillips
Art By: Elizabeth Breitweiser
Cover Price: $3.50
Digital Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: JUN140463
Published: August 20, 2014
The first project from their groundbreaking five-year deal at Image will have ED BRUBAKER and SEAN PHILLIPS fans, old and new, at the edge of their seats, as they weave an epic crime story unlike anything they’ve done before. Hollywood – 1948. A noir film stuck in endless reshoots. A writer plagued with nightmares from the war and a dangerous secret. An up-and-coming starlet’s suspicious death. And a maniacal Studio Mogul and his Security Chief who will do anything to keep the cameras rolling before the Post-War boom days come crashing down. THE FADE OUT is the most ambitious series yet from the award-winning Noir Masters. Bonus: This 40-PAGE FIRST ISSUE features more story pages, as well as exclusive back pages articles that are only in these single issues!
Fatale #24
Story By: Ed Brubaker
Art By: Sean Phillips
Cover By: Sean Phillips
Price: $4.99
Diamond ID: MAR140508
Published: July 30, 2014
IT ALL ENDS HERE! The final extra-length issue of FATALE! There’s so much story that we needed a lot more room. Will Josephine’s final secrets be revealed? Will there be much tragedy? Will Brubaker and Phillips fans love all the crazy extras jammed into this special final issue? Yes, yes, and yes.
Velvet #6
Story By: Ed Brubaker
Art By: Steve Epting
Cover By: Steve Epting
Cover Price: $3.50
Digital Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: APR140614
Published: July 23, 2014
THE SECOND ARC BEGINS HERE! Following the revelations at the end of issue 5, Velvet’s quest for the truth and her innocence takes her right back to the heart of her own organization—to London, where every move she makes is even more dangerous than the last!
Fatale #23
Story By: Ed Brubaker
Art By: Sean Phillips
Art By: Elizabeth Breitweiser
Cover By: Sean Phillips
Cover Price: $3.50
Digital Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: FEB140600
Published: June 18, 2014
The strangest issue of FATALE yet, as Nicolas Lash finally learns the last of Josephine’s secrets, and the universe will never look the same. Don’t forget that every issue of FATALE contains extra art and articles not available anywhere but the single issues!
It’s been a while since I’ve done some quick comic reviews, but I do read a hell of a lot each week, and I don’t have time to do long reviews for each. So, I decided to bring back my quick reviews to give everything I read their due, and let you know what I think. These won’t be in depth, but you’ll get an idea of what I think of each.
The 7th Sword #2
In the aftermath of a vicious attack, Zenzion’s new leader, Kathleen Galway, seeks out battle-weary Daniel Cray to help defend her people and her home. But will the reluctant warrior pick up his Malathane blade one final time?
The series is two issues in and have been pretty interesting. This is a western/samurai tale set on an alien world. Each issues has been good, but I think the greater story together is what to measure this one by. Still, good for those who enjoy either genre.
Story: John Raffo Art: Nelson Blake II
Story: 6 Art: 5 Overall: 5 Recommendation: Read
Artifacts #37
When someone uses math to access an ancient and evil power, it’s up to Tilly Grimes to find the answer to stopping them. But even with Tom Judge and the Rapture on her side, this may be too big a problem for the Numeromancer to solve.
While I generally thought the story was ok (though resolved rather quickly), my biggest issue with this story arc has been the art, which is WAY too dark at times to figure out what’s going on. Artifacts has seen better days in story and art.
Story: Dan Wichline Art: ROM
Story: 6 Art: 5 Overall: 5 Recommendation: Pass
Axe Cop: The American Choppers #1
President of the World Axe Cop reunites with Super Axe, an old friend from college, and the two of them decide to start a superteam of axe-wielding heroes to defend America, called the American Choppers. They are joined by Captain Axe, Axe Girl, Axe Woman, Axe Dog, and other axe-wielding heroes. The only problem is that there are no bad guys left, but that all changes when mysterious giant creatures attack the city!
I’m very new to the whole Axe Cop thing. I watched the ADHD cartoon series, which lead me to this. My “first issue” and it’s enough for me to come back for more of the Axe family. For folks who are reading this after seeing the cartoon, does Axe Cop now sound like Ron Swanson?
Story: Malachai Nicolle Art: Ethan Nicolle
Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy
B.P.R.D. #119
As Manhattan erupts with Lovecraftian demons, a young psychic must lead the remaining B.P.R.D. crew through the monster-packed streets of New York back to headquarters for safety, as Liz Sherman goes supernova.
This arc comes to a close, and it’s a solid ending. There’s a lot here that gets wrapped up, and that’ll lead to what comes next. I think all those threads that are left hanging are partially why I have this as a read. There’s some plot points I wish were a bit more completed. B.P.R.D. fans should be happy though.
Story: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi Art: James Harren
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read
Brain Boy: The Men from G.E.S.T.A.L.T. #1
Agent Price’s new mission pits him against a doomsday cult leader with a political agenda that poses a direct threat to the president. But a mysterious hive mind has more menacing plans for Brain Boy. He’ll have no choice but to go head to head—brain to brain—with the mysterious Men from G.E.S.T.A.L.T.!
To say Brain Boy is fun is an understatement. There’s a mix of pulp, there’s a mix of modern action. This second volume starts off with a bang and I’m sure this second volume will be as exciting as the first. I mean, the first part of the issue is really exciting, and what a twist.
Story: Fred Van Lente Art: Freddie Williams II
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
East of West #12
A last ditch effort is undertaken to avoid a war between the nations by the most unlikely person on the planet. The remains of the Chosen reassemble.
I’m not sure what I like more, the story or the art. So much happens in this issue, and those actions will reverberate for a long time. An amazing series if you haven’t had a chance to check it out. It’s not too late… though it might be for the nations.
Story: Jonathan Hickman Art: Nick Dragotta
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Flash Gordon #2
As Flash’s heroic reputation grows across the cosmos, his fantastic talents are tested by the Beast Men Of The Outer Lands Of Arboria!
The classic character is back and Parker is doing it with some retro pulp fun with an updated story. If you’re a fan of the character, do yourself a favor and check out the series.
Story: Jeff Parker Art: Evan Shaner
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Forever Evil #7
It’s evil versus evil in the shocking “take-no-prisoners” conclusion to Forever Evil! What will be the fate of Lex Luthor and his Injustice League? Who will live – and who will die? And why is The Hooded Man the most feared being from the Syndicate’s world? Do not miss this startling finale that will leave the DC universe reeling and reveal the secrets to the future!
The DC event wraps up. But something seemed a bit off. While there’s some cool moments, everything wraps up quickly, and the titanic battle I was expecting doesn’t happen. The ending is good, just not as great as it could have been… and we’re not going to go into the delay.
Story: David Finch Art: Richard Friend, David Finch
Story: 7.25 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25 Recommendation: Read
Invincible #111
A new beginning for Invincible as things take a turn down a dark path. Everything changes as Invincible is betrayed by one of his own. You won’t want to miss this explosive issue #1… 1… 1! It packs the punch of THREE relaunched number one issues!
Wow what a brutal issue. I know I’m late to the series, but holy crap is this issue good. It’s a brutal starting point that shakes up the Invincible universe.
Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Ryan Ottley
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Justice League #30
It all changes here with the first chapter of “Injustice League”! The next era of the Justice League begins as heroes quit, villains join and a Justice League roster you’ve never seen before emerges, led by the world’s greatest hero — Lex Luthor?! As the dust settles and the bodies are buried, the violent consequences of Forever Evil must be dealt with — while a mysterious new force sets its target on the League. But is this force friend or enemy? And why does he want Luthor dead? (If you ask Batman, it’s a long list.)
If you want to know where the DC universe goes post Forever Evil this is a good comic to start with. Villains are heroes. Heroes are villains. It’s very interesting, and a great issue to kick off where DC goes next.
Story: Geoff Johns Art: Joe Prado, Ivan Reis
Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Justice League of America #14
In the wake of Forever Evil, the Justice League of America’s mission has come to an end – so where do they go from here? No one’s survival is assured!
As a follow up to the major event, there’s nothing wrong with the series, it’s a good bridge to what comes next. The issue is the fact we already have two issues of Justice League United out, so we know what has happened for the most part.
Story: Matt Kindt Art: Eber Ferreira, Eddy Barrows
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Magnus the Robot Fighter #3
How do you kill a robot fighter? Send a human. LEEJA CLANE: HUMAN HUNTER! Her guns are huge! Her car is fast! Her theme music is awesome! How’s Magnus possibly going to survive against an opponent with no robot parts?
The return of the classic character has been fun so far, but I’m waiting to figure out exactly what’s going on with this world and Magnus. It feels a bit like the Matrix, but with Robots, which is kind of cool.
Story: Fred Van Lente Art: Cory Smith
Story: 7.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Original Sin #2
WHO HOLDS THE EYE? WHO KNOWS ITS SECRETS? The cosmic manhunt for the Watcher’s killer continues. More bodies are discovered. The killer’s trail leads to the far corners of the universe and beyond. And just when Nick Fury and the Avengers think they’ve cornered their murderer… EVERYTHING EXPLODES, unleashing the Marvel Universe’s greatest secrets.
So far this new Marvel event has been interesting, and in the second issue we get one reveal. Overall, the series has been good, though it’s a bit choppy jumping around so much between the various investigative teams.The individual issue is good, I think the overall story will be much better.
Story: Jason Aaron Art: Julian Totino Tedesco
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: Recommendation: Buy
Saga #19
Saga returns! New planet, new adversaries, and a very new direction, all from the same old Hugo Award-winning team.
So, so, so, so, so, so good.
Story: Brian K. Vaughan Art: Fiona Staples
Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.75 Recommendation: Buy
Solar: Man of the Atom #2
In the stunning wake of Issue One’s shocking climax…where is SOLAR? What will massive doses of unstable radiation do to his family? And even if they survive, what horrors are lurking in the stars?
The first issue was good, this second issue has really caught my attention. Where this series goes from here, I’m game and want to see.
Story: Frank Barbiere Art: Joe Bennett
Story: Art: Overall: Recommendation: Buy
Transformers: Windblade #2
Cybertron UNDER FIRE! Someone is out to kill Windblade—but discovering who means turning to some less-than-savory ’Bots. Can Windblade trust her informants enough to stake her life on them? And who will she turn to when the events of Dark Cybertron come back to haunt them all?
A breath of fresh air for the Transformers comics. The look and style of the story are both very different from what’s come before. The style has a manga/anime feel about it, and the story is more of a detective story. Both are very cool, and that, along with such an interesting new character have created an awesome new Transformers series.
Story: Mairghread Scott Art: Sarah Stone
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
Undertow #4
Anshargal and Ukinnu Alal dine with a cannibal god, but it’s more than Kingu can stomach. Zikia’s rescue team is closing in, and so are the deadliest killers ever indoctrinated by Atlantis. The secret origin of the Atlantean missing link as the exploration action roars on!
The excellent series continues into the second half of its miniseries. There so much going on including a discussion of god, country, and so much more. It’s been a fascinating read for four issues, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Story: Steve Orlando Art: Artyom Trakhanov
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
V-Wars #2
With the Vampire Wars burning hotter and bloodier with each new day, Reporter Yuki Nitobe is abducted and brought into the vampire underground. When Yuki is shown the world of these new species of vampires, she realizes no one has been telling the truth! Does she risk everything by exposing both sides or file the report that she knows gives her the biggest ratings?
This series, which is also a book, and soon to be television series, is an interesting mix of politics and action. Here, the vampires are a minority persecuted by normal humans. Are they as innocent as they claim? Is there some greater conspiracy? The second issue continues to look at that bigger picture, but it’s a bit disconnected from the first issue.
Story: Jonathan Maberry Art: Alan Robinson
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Velvet #5
The first arc draws to a shattering conclusion. This series has been absolutely been amazing from start to finish. The art, the story, the amazing female lead, all of it has been fantastic, and makes up one of the best series on the market.
Story: Ed Brubaker Art: Steve Epting
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Velvet #5
Story By: Ed Brubaker
Art By: Steve Epting
Cover By: Steve Epting
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: DEC130602
Published: May 21, 2014
The first arc draws to a shattering conclusion.
Fatale #22
Story By: Ed Brubaker
Art By: Sean Phillips
Cover By: Sean Phillips
Cover Price: $3.50
Digital Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: DEC130570
Published: May 7, 2014
The life story of the man-monster called The Bishop.
As always, every issue of FATALE includes extras and articles every month!
Fatale #21
Story By: Ed Brubaker
Art By: Sean Phillips
Art By: Elizabeth Breitweiser
Cover By: Sean Phillips
Cover Price: $3.50
Digital Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: NOV130502
Published: March 26, 2014
Part two of the most intense arc of FATALE so far! Nicolas Lash and Josephine finally meet again, as everything we know about Fatale gets flipped on its side… when the hunted becomes the hunter.
And don’t forget all the back page extras and articles you can only find in FATALE’s single issues every month!
