Tag Archives: john j. hill

SDCC 2020: Donny Cates, Geoff Shaw, Dee Cunniffe and John J. Hill Crossover from Image

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During Comic-Con@Home, Image Comics announced Crossover, a new series from Donny Cates, Geoff Shaw, Dee Cunniffe, and John J. Hill.

During the panel, Cates described the series as “Avengers: Endgame, but as Cloverfield.” The concept for the comic began in 2017 as an “anti-event event” told from the perspective of an average person.

The series is about a comic company line-wide event getting out of control and opening a portal into the real world.

Check out the panel below as well as the cover for the first issue.

Crossover #1

Review: Nailbiter Returns #2

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Nailbiter Returns #2

Nailbiter Returns #2 is a hell of a second issue with twists and turns, some of which are completely unexpected. With a story and art by Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson the second issue just surprises all over. With Sheriff Crane missing, Agent Finch takes her daughter Sharon to see the Nailbiter.

But, where things could easily go Silence of the Lambs, Williamson and Henderson inject a lot of humor to it. Warren has been locked away in a secret prison just passing his time. What has he been doing and why is he here? Finch and Warren explain it all and the trio together really take what could easily been a queezy concept and keeps it kind of light. Warren spins a tale that would be an awesome one-shot while Finch justifies his decision and recounts what he knows. It feels like a “cards on the table” type moment.

But, where things go from there is where it’s really intriguing. Williamson and Henderson flip the script in a way with two Buckaroo Butchers stalking a couple as their next victims and from there the comic gets really shocking as the rug is pulled out from under the reader. It’s really impressive and really entertaining. It also ups the action and pacing of the comic as it compacts expectations.

The art by the duo is fantastic with the addition of Adam Guzowksi on color and John J. Hill handling the lettering. The Warren scene which is just individuals standing around (lets face it a lot of this issue is) could easily be boring. But, the team delivers an expressive nature about Warren which both makes for interesting visuals but really enhances the fact this person has had little contact with the outside world. The art really stands out for the Nailbiter as his energy pops off the page and though he’s a killer… you kind of like him.

The series is fantastic and having fun with tropes and expectations with it being a sequel to a horror story. Like the best, Nailbiter Returns #2 plays with things keeping the readers on their toes and not expecting what to happen next. It creates an excitement and energy about it that’s a hell of a lot of fun to read and experience. It’s a sequel I didn’t know I wanted but two issues in, beyond happy it’s here.

Story: Joshua Williamson, Mike Henderson Art: Joshua Williamson, Mike Henderson
Color: Adam Guzowksi Letterer: John J. Hill
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – TFAW – Zeus Comics

Review: Nailbiter Returns #1

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Nailbiter Returns #1

Nailbiter Returns #1 takes us back to the world of serial killers and mystery. For those who never read the original series, Nailbiter, this first issue does an excellent job of dropping you into this world and catching you up. For new readers, it’s an entry point. For longtime fans, it’s a return to a world of blood, bodies, and horror.

To catch new readers up sixteen of the world’s worst serial killers were all born in the same town. The previous volume solver and buried that mystery… right? Well, violent copycat murders imitating the infamous Buckaroo Butchers have begun on Portland, Oregon bringing Agent Finch back into this strange world. Instead of Sheriff Crane, he’ll be teaming up with Alice, the daughter of one of the serial killers, the Nailbiter himself, to solve this mystery.

Accessible. Leaving you wanting to already know the answers. Slightly scary. Nailbiter Returns #1 is a solid debut comic that builds the tension and delivers some shocks. Writer Joshua Williamson nails, no pun intended, the first issue with all the beats and surprises you’d want from this type of story. There’s not traditional scares but definitely a lot of “wtf” moments that’ll have you excited for the next issue.

There’s such an ease of going into the first issue. With an excellent previous volume, it’d be easy to rely a bit too much on knowledge from that. While I read that volume, it’s been so long, I don’t remember a lot of specifics. So, this debut felt like a fresh read and it delivers just enough info that you’ll feel caught up.

Part of what makes the comic so good is the art by Mike Henderson. There’s such a good use of panels and framing of a scene. The right details are focused in on. Along with the colors of Adam Guzowski and lettering by John J. Hill, the comic delivers chills without the gore. At times it approaches the line into gore porn but never quite crosses it. There’s added smarts there as it allows our minds to fill in the gaps and horrors we imagine can never be equaled by what’s on the page. There’s a good use of letting the reader fill in the gory details.

Story: Joshua Williamson Art: Mike Henderson
Color: Adam Guzowski Letterer: John J. Hill
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – TFAW – Zeus Comics

Review: Batman/Superman #3

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Batman/Superman #3

Batman/Superman #3 continues to deliver a hell of a series as we begin to see the larger picture of what’s going on.

Written by Joshua Williamson the issue has Superman infected by The Batman Who Laughs. The issue teases out what’s to come and by the end, it’s much clearer this is a much bigger story tying into DC’s meta.

Williamson is able to deliver an issue that’s enjoyed on its own. At the same time, for those paying attention to “Year of the Villain” and “Tales From the Dark Multiverse,” you’ll be extra thrilled with the issue. Though this is a race to find out who’s infected and cure them, there’s so much more going on. That, and the fact Williamson is focused on numerous relationships makes the issue resonate.

The art by David Marquez with color by Alejandro Sanchez delivers. There’s some powerful moments and action sequences and you can feel the impact of the punches and crashes. The lettering by John J. Hill adds to the twisted nature of it all, especially Superman, as the infected grow.

The issue delivers and really moves the series and story along. There’s a sense of desperation you can feel coming from Batman as he struggles with what to do. Add in Superman realizing this isn’t an easy fight and you truly get a sense of a struggle. The series is delivering one of the best experiences from DC right now.

Story: Joshua Williamson Art: David Marquez
Color: Alejandro Sanchez Letters: John J. Hill
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.65 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Batman/Superman #2

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Batman/Superman #2

Batman and Superman are locked in battle with Shazam in a solid second issue. Batman/Superman #2 has the pacing down as these two heroes realize they’re up against a hell of a threat. I’ll fully admit corrupted heroes as a concept is a bit of a yawn. Writer Joshua Williamson puts me in my place though with this and the previous issue.

To some extent, Batman/Superman #2 feels like certain beats are attempted to be hit. Williamson delivers the moments we’d expect if Superman and Batman were to fight Shazam. Even though they’re expected, they’re still entertaining. And that’s part of Williamson’s strength. The comic is fun like a wild ride you immediately want more of. You can see the twists and hills but it’s still enjoyable.

Still, while mostly predictable, Williamson delivers mystery as someone lies outside in the shadows directing the corrupted heroes. It’s a tease that is still a lot of fun even with so much of the story spoiled through solicits.

The art by David Marquez is amazing. Along with color from Alejandro Sanchez and lettering by John J. Hill, the visuals nail the tone. The small details on the corrupted Shazam are fantastic and use of lightning top notch. The comic pops visually. The lettering by Hill emphasizes the corruption. There are just amazing pages that had me lingering for quite some time. The art captures the excitement and energy of it all.

Batman/Superman #2 is a fantastic second issue. The cynicism for the concept has gone away. It’s a ride I’m completely strapped in for. It hits the key beats perfectly delivering on expectations but doing so effortlessly and with a hell of a lot of fun.

Story: Joshua Williamson Art: David Marquez
Color: Alejandro Sanchez Letterer: John J. Hill
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Batman/Superman #1

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The follow up to The Batman Who Laughs, Batman/Superman #1 is the newest chapter of the meta story that began with Dark Knights: Metal. Superheroes have been infected by the Batman Who Laughs, but who are the secret six!? Batman and Superman are on the case.

Story: Joshua Williamson
Art: David Marquez
Color: Alejandro Sanchez
Letterer: John J. Hill

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
TFAW

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
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ECCC 2019: Explore the World of Minecraft with Minecraft: Stories from the Overworld

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From blocks to panels, Minecraft returns to comics in this wonderful new anthology collection, Minecraft: Stories from the Overworld! Dark Horse, Mojang AB, and Microsoft have revealed the newest addition in their publishing partnership with more stories to come!

With tales of Witch and Pillager rivals finding common ground, a heartless griefer who bit off more than they could chew, and valiant heroes new (or not!) to the Overworld, Minecraft: Stories from the Overworld tells tales that span the world of the beloved game. Featuring stories from star writers Hope Larson, Kevin Panetta, Rafer Roberts, and Ryan North and exciting artists Meredith Gran, Jenn St-Onge, Stephen McCranie and more, this collection brings together stories from all Realms, leaving no block unturned!

Minecraft: Stories from the Overworld is set to go on sale October 15, 2019. The 88-page anthology retails for $14.99.

Dark Horse, Mojang AB, and Microsoft will also release a Free Comic Book Day offering with a Minecraft story on May 4, 2019. On June 4, 2019, the partners will release Minecraft Volume One by Sfé R. Monster, Sarah Graley, and John J. Hill. 

Minecraft: Stories from the Overworld

High School is a Horror Show this June with Bedtime Games

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Dark Horse has announced the next installment in its storied horror comics line, Bedtime Games! Bedtime Games is a four-issue miniseries from writer Nick Keller, artist Conor Nolan, colorist Kelly Fitzpatrick, and letterer John J. Hill.

Bedtime Games follows three friends who wanted a last hurrah before starting their senior year of high school. While exploring the mysterious past of their school, this friend group accidentally sets free an evil that seeks to pray on their worst nightmares.

The first issue of Bedtime Games (of four) goes on sale June 27, 2018.

The Ghost Fleet: The Whole Goddamned Thing to be Collected

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All eight issues of the critically acclaimed miniseries The Ghost Fleet—from writer Donny Cates with artists Daniel Warren Johnson, Lauren Affe, and John J. Hill—will be collected for the first time into a deluxe, over-the-top volume and available this November from Image Comics.

For the world’s most valuable, dangerous, or secretive cargo, you don’t call just any trucking service…you call The Ghost Fleet. When one of the world’s most elite combat-trained truckers takes a forbidden peek at his payload, he uncovers a conspiracy that will change his life, and the world, forever.

The Ghost Fleet: The Whole Goddamned Thing (ISBN: 978-1-5343-0440-6, Diamond Code JUN178533) will hit stores on Wednesday, November 29th. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, October 9th.

Free Edison Rex! Edison Rex Goes Free Webcomic

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edison_rex_18-1Chris Roberson and his collaborator Dennis Culver have announced their comic Edison Rex will now be available to new readers as a free webcomic while a Patreon funds the creation of the character’s further adventures.

Edison Rex, the story of the world’s greatest villain who appoints himself defender of Earth after defeating the world’s greatest hero, was launched as a digital-first series through Monkeybrain Comics on comiXology in July 2012, assisted by Stephen Downer on colors, John J. Hill on letters, and Dylan Todd on design. It garnered praise from critics and readers from the start. It’s a wonderful comic you should be checking out, especially now.

Now, four years after the series debuted, it is being relaunched as a free webcomic hosted by Hiveworks. The full series to date will be serialized on the site, with updates on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and then will be continuing with all new material. In addition, the creators will be offering exclusive Patron-Only content, including early access to upcoming issues, behind the scenes looks at works in progress, annotations, commentary, and a shirt-of-the-month from the team’s Threadless Artist Shop.

Edison Rex #18 is now on sale through comiXology for just 99 cents.

This is the latest example of comic creators bucking the current sales and distribution model and exploring new avenues of publication.

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