Tag Archives: rob leigh

Ghost Machine’s Redcoat #2 sneak peek introduces… Albert Einstein?

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The Ghost Machine universe is heating up and Image Comics presents a first look at Ghost Machine’s next issue of the critically acclaimed, Redcoat, by Geoff Johns, Bryan Hitch, Andrew Currie, Brad Anderson, and Rob Leigh.

Following the red-hot, sold out success of Redcoat #1, issue #2 picks up with Simon Pure hunted by a bloodthirsty cult. The immortal mercenary discovers his powers may have its limits and the former British soldier must accept help from a 12-year-old genius named Albert Einstein.

Redcoat #2 Final Order Cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, April 22:

  • Cover A by Bryan Hitch & Brad Anderson – Lunar Code 0324IM267
  • Cover B by Ivan Reis & Danny Miki – Lunar Code 0324IM268
  • Cover C 1:50 copy incentive by Ivan Reis & Danny Miki foil variant – Lunar Code 0324IM269

Geiger #2 goes nuclear in this preview from Ghost Machine

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Image Comics has revealed a first look at Geiger #2 by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Brad Anderson, and Rob Leigh.

Following the red-hot, sold out success of Geiger #1, Tariq Geiger, his two-headed wolf Barney, and their surprising newfound companion begin their quest along the radioactive roads of the former United States to find a cure for the Glowing Man’s nuclear-powered condition. But in order to obtain the information they need, Geiger’s crew must first help a local sheriff catch and kill a masked raider that’s pillaging the town. But what Geiger ultimately discovers chills him to his glowing green bones. And The Electrician isn’t far behind…

The second printings of the Ghost Machine Day launches and Geiger #2 will all be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, May 8.

Geiger #2

Geiger #2  Final Order Cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, April 15:

  • Cover A by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson – Lunar Code 0324IM235
  • Cover B by Ivan Reis & Danny Miki – Lunar Code 0324IM236
  • Cover C 1:50 copy incentive by Ivan Reis & Danny Miki foil variant – Lunar Code 0324IM237

Grendel Prime returns to Earth in Grendel: Devil’s Crucible – Defiance

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Following Grendel: Devil’s Odyssey, the latest story arc in the epic saga of Grendel, comes an all-new Grendel tale in Grendel: Devil’s Crucible—Defiance, the first of three series in the all-new Grendel: Devil’s Crucible storyline. This series is written and illustrated by visionary creator Matt Wagner, colored by Brennan Wagner, and lettered by Steve Dutro and Rob Leigh. The first issue features a main cover by Matt Wagner and Brennan Wagner together, and a variant cover by Brennan Wagner, solo.

A new story arc begins: Grendel Prime has returned to Earth, but things are not as he left them. The pockets of humanity that remain and the “Necro Lords” that rule them have turned against the Grendels. Grendel Prime will need to hide his identity as he explores his suddenly hostile home planet.

Grendel: Devil’s Crucible—Defiance #1 (of 4) will arrive in comic shops on July 3, 2024. It is available for pre-order now at your local comic shop for $4.99. 

Sinister Sons #1 is a lot of setup with potential

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Sinister Sons #1

They’re bad to the bone, ready to brawl, and the sons of two of the deadliest villains in the galaxy: they’re the Sinister Sons and the DC Universe will never be the same! When the son of General Zod was cast off of his adopted homeworld of New Kandor, Lor-Zod runs afoul of a kid on a mission: Sinson is out to prove he’s got what it takes to live up to the family name of Sinestro! But all is not as it seems, and the sons’ journeys will take them into the heart of darkness. Sinister Sons #1 is an interesting debut that shows potential but doesn’t quite excite.

I should really start off by saying, I loved Super Sons. There was an infectious fun about the comic and Damian and Jonathan’s dynamic was fantastic. The series soared because of that. So, going into Sinister Sons #1, that’s honestly what I’m looking for, how its two leads play off each other. Unfortunately, the comic is all setup to that point giving us very little.

Unlike that other series, Sinister Sons #1 has a tough task. It needs to really introduce these two characters who aren’t that known within the DC Universe. They’re more on the obscure end of things with fathers far more famous. They don’t quite have the history like Damian and Jonathan did when they teamed up. Writer Peter J. Tomasi clearly recognizes this taking his time in the first issue to get the two together but more importantly fill in the gaps of important info that we need to know. And he, and the comic, does that really well.

Where Sinister Sons #1 is the fact it takes forever for the two to meet and even then, we don’t get much of them playing off each other. It’s a cliffhanger in that way. So, the “main event” and meat of the story is really set aside for the second issue.

The art by David LaFuente is cool. I like the character and world designs. It has a bit of a rock and roll vibe about it all that fits the characters. The color by Tamra Bonvillain adds a bit to the alien aspect of it all delivering some pop to the visuals. The lettering by Rob Leigh adds to the emotion of it all. Visually, the comic has the negative youthful energy its two leads exude.

Sinister Sons #1 isn’t a bad debut at all. It has a focus and a need to achieve and it does it well. It’s just not what readers really want to see, which is the two leads likely not get along while working together. It’s the setup leading to the eventual payoff. So, on its own it flounders a bit but as a part of the overall story, it’s likely to be a solid opening chapter.

Story: Peter J. Tomasi Art: David LaFuente
Color: Tamra Bonvillain Letterer: Rob Leigh
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Ghost Machine #1 doesn’t live up to the hype or talent within

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From the powerhouse creative collective that is Ghost Machine comes an extra-sized 48-page special introducing its all-new shared universes of strange, fun, and action-packed characters: Geiger! Redcoat! Rook! The Rocketfellers! And many, many more!

Creators: Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Ivan Reis, Peter Snejbjerg, Peter J. Tomasi, Maytal Zchut
Color: Brad Anderson
Letterer: Rob Leigh

Get your copy 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.

TFAW
Kindle

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Fan Expo HQ signs Ghost Machine’s creators for exclusive appearances

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Fan Expo HQ and Ghost Machine—the recently launched creator-owned and operated media company from celebrated creators Brad Anderson, Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Rob Leigh, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Ivan Reis, Peter Snejbjerg, Peter J. Tomasi, and Maytal Zchut, published by Image Comics—has agreed to a series of exclusive appearances for the Ghost Machine creators at Fan Expo HQ’s upcoming 2024 North American conventions, including:

  • MEGACON Orlando – February 1-4, 2024
  • FAN EXPO Philadelphia – May 3-5, 2024
  • FAN EXPO Denver – July 4-7, 2024
  • FAN EXPO Chicago – August 16-18, 2024
  • FAN EXPO Canada – August 22-25, 2024

Under the exclusive appearance agreement, Ghost Machine will have a branded booth and a number of its creators will attend signings and other activities in the course of each aforementioned convention. Additionally, Ghost Machine will design one Fan Expo variant cover for each attended event which will retail exclusively at the Fan Expo Store.

Action Comics #1054 shows the heart of Superman

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Action Comics #1054

As Superman and Natasha Irons race to save Steel from the newly transformed Metallo, the Super-Twins are lost–and alone–against the nightmarish threat of the Necrohive! How will Lois and the House of El find them? There’s something rather quaint and relaxing about Action Comics #1054. While the comic is full of action, it also is very positive getting to the heart of what makes Superman super.

Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Action Comics #1054 has the Necrohive and Metallo causing terror and the people of Gotham not quite sure as to what to do. Some of the sentiment has turned against Superman and his family, a play off of the b xenophobic as well as general distrust of people doing actual good in our real world.

Metallo, much like today’s zombie online sheep, is being manipulated by someone else, driving the chatter against Superman no matter how clear he is in the right. And Johnson has Superman confronting Metallo in a solid fight that is full of eye-popping visuals and excitement. But, most importantly, Johnson has Superman stay true to himself. In spite of Metallo’s negativity and being convinced Superman will murder him, Superman reaches out his hand to help his foe. No matter how beat down he has been and the destruction Metallo has wrought, Superman remains true to himself in even helping his enemy. He’s the ultimate good doer. There’s an interesting reflection on the vitriol thrown at so many online and their willingness to turn the other cheek and attempt to still do good. Superman remains his positive self.

The art by Mazy Raynor, with color by Matt Herms, and lettering by Dave Sharpe looks great. There’s something about this series so far that has remained steady delivering a colorful, cheery look, no matter how brutal fights might get or how down moments might be. The look has matched the attitude of the comic. There’s some great visuals and the fight between Superman and Metallo looks solid.

Dan Jurgens continues to write and draw “Home Again” taking place some time ago in a “lost tale.” Jurgens is joined by Norm Rapmund with color by Elizabeth Breitweiser, and lettering by Rob Leigh. The story involves an alien princess trying to find Superman and instead finding Jon. It’s been entertaining though this chapter feels a bit predictable towards the end.

A new story also begins in “Steel Forged” which focuses on John Henry Irons. Written by Dorado Quick with art by Yasmín Flores Montañez, color by Brad Anderson, and lettering by Dave Sharpe the comic is a good one introducing John and beginning to set him apart from Superman. It adds a little depth to what I remember of his introduction way back in the “Reign of the Supermen” storyline. Where it goes should be interesting and feels like a nice way to spotlight more of the Super family.

Overall, there’s something rather nice in Action Comics #1054. The comic doesn’t have the doom and gloom of so much of what has been put out there and instead delivers the uplifting tale you’d hope from Superman. It has the action without the dark cloud hanging over everything. It’s been a while since I’ve really been into Superman and DC is delivering a monthly dose of positivity that’ll keep me coming back for more.

Story: Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Dan Jurgens, Dorado Quick
Art: Mazy Raynor, Dan Jurgens, Yasmín Flores Montañez
Color: Matt Herms, Elizabeth Breitweiser, Brad Anderson
Ink: Norm Rapmund Letterer: Dave Sharpe, Rob Leigh
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Action Comics #1052 continues a super new direction

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Action Comics #1052

Metallo has attacked and done some damage. The crown jewel of Superman’s new Metropolis is in ruins, and the increasingly violent Blue Earth movement is keeping the entire Super-Family on their toes. Action Comics #1052 does a solid job of balancing the action from the previous issue, the family aspect that has returned to the series, and setting up a solid mystery regarding Metallo.

With a main story written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Action Comics #1052 is interesting in that at first the story contradicts the recently launched Superman #1. Metallo is being manipulated but by who? He hears a voice telling him what to do and we’re led to believe it’s Lex Luthor up to his usual antics, even behind bars. But, in the newly launched Superman #1, Luthor is trying to help Superman. So what gives? That answer and more is here as Metallo’s plans see more questions raised but also a bit clearer at the same time.

But, what stands out about this new starting point is the focus on Superman and his family. It’s not just Clark, Lois, and Jon, there’s the extended family of other Superman characters and the refugees from Warworld. It delivers the heart and in a way grounded aspect of the series.

That’s all helped by the art of Rafa Sandoval. With color by Matt Herms and lettering by Dave Sharpe, the visuals feel bright and hopeful, even when things are dark. The art matches the tone and Sandoval has a talent of really highlighting moments of humor and heart and caring that really emphasizes what makes Superman and his family so great.

But, the super comic is super-sized featuring two back-up stories as well.

Continuing “Home Again,” writer Dan Jurgens continues this lost tale of a mysterious alien looking for Superman and has come across Jon. With art by Lee Weeks, color by Elizabeth Breitweiser, and lettering by Rob Leigh, the second chapter sets up more of the various points of danger to come but feels like chapter in an overall story as opposed to really standing on its own.

Power Girl’s adventures continue in “Head Like a Whole” written by Leah Williams, with art by Marguerite Sauvage, and lettering by Becca Carey. It does a solid job of having Power Girl and Supergirl clash in a way and getting it out there of the rather odd position Power Girl is in. She’s a member of the Superman family but not really treated that way. It’s an oddity and there’s hints the dynamic might be explored more in future chapters. It’s a nice chapter and really emphasizes the “family” aspect of the comic.

Action Comics #1052 continues the new direction for the series and Superman family and continues to do an excellent job of balancing things. There’s the action and long story but it also focuses in on what makes the Man of Steel and the characters around him great. There’s a warm, welcoming, aspect to the comic that extends to every story within making this a series that focuses on Superman as well as his extended family.

Story: Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Dan Jurgens, Leah Williams
Art: Rafa Sandoval, Lee Weeks, Marguerite Sauvage
Color: Matt Herms, Elizabeth Breitweiser Letterer: Dave Sharpe, Rob Leigh, Becca Carey
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Justice Society of America #2 is a bit too insider baseball

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Justice Society of America #2

When it came to DC and Marvel growing up, I was mostly a Marvel person. I’d hop into DC during major events or changes but it was a world I generally wasn’t too familiar with. Especially after so many events, the continuity and history of characters to me was a bit confusing and a hurdle to get into. In recent years, I find the stories DC puts out to fall into those that respect and celebrate the past but forge a new path that are easy to get into or ones that go deep into continuity and history. Those latter stories are ones where much of the appreciation comes from the deep history of the characters and if you don’t know that, you feel like you’re missing out on a lot. Justice Society of America #2 is the latter unfortunately, a literal ride through history.

On its surface, Justice Society of America #2 is a simple story. Huntress, the leader of a future JSA travels back in time to find Doctor Fate to prevent tragedy. Writer Geoff Johns can’t keep it that focused though. Instead, Justice Society of America #2 features Huntress being ripped through time meeting various Doctor Fates in different eras. And, unless you really know those versions or eras, it feels like a big shrug of the shoulders. It feels like the meat of the comic relies on knowledge of who these characters and versions are.

There is something to the art featuring the talents of Mikel Janín, Jerry Ordway, and Scott Kolins, color by Jordie Bellaire and John Kalisz, and lettering by Rob Leigh. The different eras each bring a different style and look and all together, it’s the most entertaining aspect of the comic. While some of the characters are “the same,” there’s subtle differences in their look and style capturing each era.

Justice Society of America #2 follows a pattern of Johns’ recent work where the whole tends to be stronger than the individual part. While this issue doesn’t excite, it has references DC fans will appreciate, you just need to know the history. Hopefully, it all comes together eventually in a way everyone can enjoy it, but as is, this is for the diehard fans.

Story: Geoff Johns Art: Mikel Janín, Jerry Ordway, Scott Kolins
Color: Jordie Bellaire, John Kalisz Letterer: Rob Leigh
Story: 6.75 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Pass

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Action Comics #1051 brings the family together for a super debut

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Action Comics #1051

I will admit I am not a regular Superman reader. I tend to check out new creative teams or events and then slink away soon after. It’s a character that I appreciate but with so much out there, there’s only so much time to read. Action Comics #1051 kicks off this year’s new DC publishing initiative, “Dawn of DC,” which brings in new creative teams and new directions for characters. It felt like the perfect opportunity to see what was going on with the Man of Steel and it might be enough of a start to keep me around for a while.

Action Comics #1051 is an interesting direction for the series which has at times focused on other members of the Superman family in that it does exactly that, focus on the Superman family. It’s everyone from Superboy to Jon, to Supergirl, and the Superman of China. They’re all here and more delivering a debut that delivers a vision of where the series is going to go and takes on an anthology spin. Not only is there a main story focusing on Big Blue and his pals but also two additional stories focused in on other members of team Superman.

Picking up from the previous issue, the featured story is written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson with art by Rafa Sandoval, color by Matt Herms, and lettering by Dave Sharpe. “Speeding Bullets” sees the return of Metallo as the Super crew are taking all that they’ve learned over the years in an attempt to usher in a new age of technology to help Metropolis and the whole world. There’s a treatise in a way, driven by Superman’s time on Warworld. The plan is to do more and we see this “team” attempting to do exactly that. This feels like the first time in a while that the Super-family is exactly that. They have a shared goal and vision and are going to do what so many of us has wondered why they haven’t, use their powers to “do more”. It’s also a chapter that has one of the best moments ever between son and mother that is both horrific and funny. But, most importantly, there’s a balance of a group of superpowered individuals that you can see the good in and want to cheer for mixed with some great action and a reflection on how a world might really react to them. This is the new status-quo and it looks like it’s going to be a good one. The art is wonderful with some great visuals that do a fantastic job of mixing those family moments with big explosions. This story alone is worth getting this issue.

“Home Again” takes things back a bit. Written by Dan Jurgens with art by Lee Weeks, color by Elizabeth Breitweiser, and lettering by Rob Leigh, the story takes place a bit after Superman and Lois moved to California. They return to the home with Jon picking up after the story from The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special. It’s just a tease of what’s to come but Jurgen’s writing and the art delivers a story that feels like a bit of a classic in some ways. Jurgens has such a handle on the characters it’s a fantastic read with a slow build going in an unexpected direction. The art by Weeks, Breitweiser, and lettering by Leigh has an ominous feel to it creating an interesting mix with Jurgens’ storytelling style. It’s the perfect morsel to have you excited to see what’s next.

Wrapping things up is “Head Like a Hole.” Written by Leah Williams with art by Marguerite Sauvage, and lettering by Becca Carey the story ties into the current “Lazarus Planet” event going on. Power Girl’s powers have changed and she’s now working as a counselor helping heroes. There’s a bit of Heroes in Crisis to it but the story takes on a touching subject of helping Beast Boy after his tragic experience. It’s not all depressing. The colorful pop art mixed with some funny moments brings a levity to what could easily have been a downer.

Action Comics #1051 is a solid start to the series. With a new anthology focus, it has a little bit of everything making it easy to change things up and keep things fresh. The trio of stories each have their own strengths with a variety of styles and voices and a wide focus. Overall, a solid start to the “Dawn of DC.”

Story: Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Dan Jurgens, Leah Williams
Art: Rafa Sandoval, Lee Weeks, Marguerite Sauvage
Color: Matt Herms, Elizabeth Breitweiser Letterer: Dave Sharpe, Rob Leigh, Becca Carey
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

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