Tag Archives: ian herring

Preview: Minor Threats: The Fastest Way Down #1

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Minor Threats: The Fastest Way Down #1

(W) Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum (A/CA) Scott Hepburn
In Shops: Apr 03, 2024
SRP: $4.99

The hit superhero saga that’s Watchmen meets The Wire returns from Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum and superstar artist Scott Hepburn. Frankie Follis AKA the costumed criminal Playtime has won. Twilight City’s greatest hero The Insomniac and its greatest villain The Stickman are dead, allowing Frankie to unify the super crook underworld and assert herself as the Queenpin of Redport. But Frankie is feeling the pressure from every side. Rival gangs are challenging her authority, Scalpel her consigliere is pushing her to legitimize her empire, and the act of murdering The Insomniac has broken something deep inside her. Frankie is about to learn the hard way… heavy is the head that wears the supervillain crown. In the vein of Sin City, Black Hammer, and The Boys, this noir-ish superhero caper, focuses on a lower-class kind of criminal, similar to the Coen Bros most pulpy films, but set in a high concept world of heroes and villains.

Minor Threats: The Fastest Way Down #1

Masterpiece #2 continues to be a masterpiece

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Masterpiece #2

Emma is a brilliant young woman whose life was just turned upside down by a billionaire who says that her long lost parents were in fact very famous thieves. They took the world’s most famous billionaire for a cool billion… before they disappeared never to be seen or heard from again. And now he wants revenge, from her. Follow Emma as she enters into the world her parents left behind and come face to face with the PARAGON. Masterpiece #2 adds so much to the series while keeping up the witty, and humorous, banter.

The first issue set things up, but Masterpiece #2 really focuses in an the mission ahead for Emma and debates if she should even partake. Created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev, Masterpiece #2 continues the cool and fun of the first issue.

Bendis and Maleev put some of the spotlight on the Paragon while expanding Emma’s understanding of the world around her. Her parents are world class thieves but all she knows is their depiction through film, so part of the fun of Masterpiece #2 is the blending of fact and fiction. Another is the interactions of all of the characters, a clash of generations.

Alex Maleev’s art is as amazing as you’d expect. With color by Ian Herring and lettering by Joshua Reed, the comic makes even characters standing around and talking interesting. The body language and facial expressions tell so much of the story and what characters are thinking. There’s also fun with the fact and fiction, for instance the comparisons of the various crews and what’s needed.

Masterpiece #2 is just fantastic. It is packed with laughs, tension, that cool you want from a heist story, all with great art. This is another amazing hit from Bendis and Maleev and one that I already want to see on the big screen and continue any way possible.

Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: Alex Maleev
Color: Ian Herring Letterer: Joshua Reed
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Jeff the Land Shark makes his animated debut with It’s Jeff & the Avengers. Watch it now!

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Everyone’s favorite mischievous Land Shark is coming to Marvel HQ!

Jeff the Land Shark will make his first animated appearance in the new motion comic series It’s Jeff & The Avengers, now available on Marvel HQ! The series is written by Kelly Thompson, writer of the hit It’s Jeff Infinity Comic, and features art by Marvel Fairy Tales Infinity Comic team of Dax Gordine and Ian Herring.  

Marvel HQ, Marvel’s official family platform, kicks off the new series today with a special holiday episode titled “Merry Shark-Mas,” with 8 additional episodes running in 2024.

Masterpiece #1 delivers more Bendis and Maleev magic

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Masterpiece #1

Emma is a brilliant and driven 16-year-old. She has paid for school with her next level inventions and is well-known for her funny and honest webcomics. Then, one day, one of the most famous billionaires on the planet confronts her with the truth about her world. Emma discovers she is the only daughter of two of the greatest, most charismatic master criminals of all time. They also stole something from that billionaire and he wants Emma to pay it back. Masterpiece #1 kicks off an intriguing heist story with an unlikely protagonist.

Created by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev, the duo have shown off they have comic magic together. Masterpiece #1 clicks with an intriguing young girl at the center of the story, parents who you want to find out more about, and a villain you just want to punch.

The premise and concept as a whole are interesting because as presented, Bendis and Maleev make it kind of hard to like anyone. It’s thieves vs. thieves vs. a kid with an attitude. There’s a whole lot of slaps that are deserved it feels like, but I want to read more!

The duo have nailed a debut that teases enough that makes you want to find out more and get the whole story. They just create “cool.”

It helps Maleev’s art is fantastic as usual. With color by Ian Herring and lettering by Joshua Reed, everything looks great. Little goes over the top to break the reality of it all. My only quibble is a scene where Emma has a covering over her head and as it’s pulled off it looks like it has eye slits, which kind of defeats the purpose of a headcover, which fully covered her head the panel before. Otherwise, even the arrival of a mysterious character at the end feels completely plausible and normal.

Masterpiece #1 is a solid debut from a team that delivers great comics. It feels like a new concept and sets up enough you want to find out more and see where it all goes. This is absolutely another entertaining hit from Bendis and Maleev and not to be missed.

Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: Alex Maleev
Color: Ian Herring Letterer: Joshua Reed
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Break the Rules in Your First Look at Mech Cadets #4

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Mech Cadets #4, the next issue of a brand new chapter in the hit mecha series by co-creators Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, with colors by Ian Herring, and letters by Simon Bowland. Available November 8, 2023.

While Olivia and Frank risk everything by breaking quarantine (and the rules), Maya and Stanford are in pursuit, with Stanford dumbfounded by Olivia’s perceived recklessness. But Olivia knows what she’s doing–more than ever before–and is after a bit of essential information that could mean success…and finding Franklin and General Park.

Mech Cadets #4 features a main cover by series artist Takeshi Miyazawa with Ian Herring,  variant cover by acclaimed artist Kei Zama with Josh Burcham, and connecting variant cover by Inhyuk Lee.

Mech Cadets #4

Breach Protocol in Your First Look at Mech Cadets #3

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Mech Cadets #3, the next issue of a brand new chapter in the hit mecha series by co-creators Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, with colors by Ian Herring, and letters by Simon Bowland. Available October 11, 2023.

The cadets and robos are stuck in quarantine–desperate to find any and all information about the alien threat–and eager to get back into the fight while economic tensions on Earth rise. Meanwhile, Frank urges Olivia to breach protocol and rescue his cousin Franklin; will she cave to the pressure of someone she has more in common with than expected, or stick to playing by the rules?

Mech Cadets #3 features a main cover by series artist Takeshi Miyazawa and Ian Herring, and variant covers by acclaimed artists Sonny Liew and Miguel Mercado.

Mech Cadets #3

Unexpected Allies and Ultimate Sacrifices in Your First Look at Mech Cadets #2

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Mech Cadets #2, the next issue of a brand new chapter in the hit mecha series by co-creators Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, with colors by Ian Herring, and letters by Simon Bowland. Available September 13, 2023.

The cadets don’t know what’s in store for them when they discover a Sharg prison! But solemnity strikes as the battles rage and our heroes and even their Robos have tragedy in store. And as all feels hopeless, Hero Force Two comes under attack, and an unexpected ally will make the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good…

Mech Cadets #2 features a main cover by series artist Takeshi Miyazawa and Ian Herring, and variant covers by acclaimed artists InHyuk Lee and Qistina Khalidah.

Mech Cadets #2

Mech Cadets #1 sells out and gets a second printing

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BOOM! Studios has announced that Mech Cadets #1, the first issue of a brand new chapter in the hit mecha series by co-creators Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, colorist by Ian Herring, and letterer Simon Bowland, has sold out at the distributor level on the same day as its animated series debuted on Netflix worldwide! 

Stanford Yu, Olivia Park, Maya Sanchez, and Frank Olivetti are back in action a year after saving the world from the threat of a Sharg invasion. But how will the Sky Corps Central Command and the cadets themselves handle the fact that Mech Cadet Olivia Park, the teenaged pilot of the Supra-robo Hero Force 2, has become the most powerful person on the planet? Meanwhile, the threat of the Sharg takes on a whole new dimension with a shocking revelation that threatens everything our heroes know about their robos and themselves!

In response to the overwhelming support from retailers and fans, BOOM! has announced Mech Cadets #1 Second Printing, featuring cover art by series artist Takeshi Miyazawa with Ian Herring, available in stores September 6, 2023.

Mech Cadets #1 Second Printing

Preview: Mech Cadets #1

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Mech Cadets #1

(W) Greg Pak (CA) Ian Herring (A/CA) Takeshi Miyazawa
In Shops: Aug 09, 2023
SRP: $4.99

Fans of the highly anticipated Netflix series won’t want to miss this perfect companion series by highly acclaimed writer Greg Pak (Star Wars: Darth Vader), superstar artist Takeshi Miyazawa (She-Hulk), and colorist Ian Herring (Spider-Man / Deadpool).

General Park-head of Sky Corps Academy-must assemble a team of heroes to protect humankind from alien invasions, and Stanford Yu, Maya Sanchez, Frank Olivetti, and Park’s own daughter Olivia may have been pulled into the role by fate… as they are Earth’s best hope.

But there is more to their relationships with the symbiotic, sentient giant Robos they pilot… and the alien threat of The Sharg is far more epic and widespread than any could imagine!

While Mech Cadets makes a fresh debut for new readers and viewers, long-time fans can delight in having more adventures after the long awaited collection of Mech Cadets Book One!

Mech Cadets #1

Mech Cadets #1 is a solid jumping on point

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Mech Cadets #1

General Park–head of Sky Corps Academy–must assemble a team of heroes to protect humankind from alien invasions, and Stanford Yu, Maya Sanchez, Frank Olivetti, and Park’s own daughter Olivia may have been pulled into the role by fate… as they are Earth’s best hope. Mech Cadets #1 is the kick-off follow up to Mech Cadet Yu, the fantastic debut series.

Written by Greg Pak, Mech Cadets #1 picks up not long after the initial series. The team of cadets are riding high from their victory but their lack of following orders has created a situation where they’re on a short leash. Their celebration is short, as they have to deal with emergencies that piss off their leaders even more. It’s a solid start to the series, catching up new readers and continuing the excellent path from the previous volume.

Pak sets things up nicely and you know where it’ll go. With an emphasis on the team ignoring orders, you know that will come back in a negative way with some disaster happening due to it. But, it also creates a fun brashness about it all where these mecha pilots come off as hot shots instead of stiff soldiers. It pits youth against adults and the result is entertainment.

There’s absolutely a difference in philosophy here and Pak emphasizes that in the initial mission that has the team dealing with flooding and looting. That bit is a bit choppy and some of it doesn’t make complete sense but overall it moves the narrative along well and plants the flag in a lot of ways.

The art by Takeshi Miyazawa is solid. There’s a nice aspect to the comic where it feels like mecha and kaiju for younger readers. That’s not a bad thing at all as it makes the comic a bit more younger reader friendly and overall fits the youthful focus on the story. Miyazawa is joined by Ian Herring on color and Simon Bowland on lettering and it overall creates a comic that’s visually as full of energy as its characters are. The robot designs are solid and the kids each have a lot of personality in their body language and actions. The action as a whole is solid with the last segment of the comic really amping it up.

Mech Cadets #1 is such a welcome return of the series. Though it’s been a bit, it feels like no time has passed and we’re on to another adventure taking on alien invaders. If you have never read the series, pick up this issue and when you’re done, you’ll want to go back and see what you missed. Can’t wait to read more and see where things are going.

Story: Greg Pak Art: Takeshi Miyazawa
Color: Ian Herring Letterer: Simon Bowland
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

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