Mother Panic #5
(W) Jody Houser (A) Shawn Crystal (CA) Tommy Lee Edwards
In Shops: Mar 22, 2017
SRP: $3.99
While hunting a new target, Mother Panic may have found her first ally in the strange and enigmatic Pretty. But nothing involving Gather House is ever what it appears to be. Can Pretty really be trusted? And what exactly is going on in Violet Paige’s basement?
Mother Panic #5 is chock full of information about Violet Paige’s backstory that writer Jody Houser seeds between stake-outs, surreal and sad conversations with her mentally unstable mother, and a night at the club to keep up appearances. Houser, artist Shawn Crystal, and colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu create a blunt contrast between Mother Panic and her new ally Pretty where she wants to take out Gather House in as few moves and words as possible while Pretty waxes poetic and quotes Lewis Carroll. The main plot inches forward, but at the end of the issue, readers will have a fuller understanding of the pain that motivates Violet Paige to become Mother Panic as well as her moral code.
In his art, Crystal melds twisted, belongs-in-a-Tim Burton film figures (Especially Pretty.) with iconic layout choices like a juxtaposition of a deer in Violet’s rifle scope when she hunted with her dad and a child sleeping in the house that she is infiltrating. Violet will do anything and kill anyone who gets in the way of her revenge on the Gather House, which tortured her and made her into a Weapon X-like lab rat under the guise of her brother sending her to boarding school. But she draws the line at killing kids, which would make her no worse than Mother Patrick and the other doctors, nuns, and teachers, who were responsible for a childhood and adolescence full of torment. This is why they pop up as sharp toothed monsters in her flashbacks, which are almost always red courtesy of Beaulieu. Mother Panic truly has some demons that need exorcising.
Along with flashbacks and a botched team-up with Pretty, Mother Panic #5 has several 
scenes of conversation between Violet and her mother. Houser’s dialogue is stylish and full of Shakespearean and Carroll-eque non sequiturs, but the bond between mother daughter shows in Crystal’s body language for them. Violet is always unmasked when she talks with her mom and looks uneasy around her constantly trying to read and play along with her moods as she goes from anger to delirium and all the places in between. However, she also uses these chats with her mom to air out some deep emotions she has like a gnawing feeling of loneliness as Violet has no friends just a mission. Sure, she sleeps with both women and men, but only to get information on her next target or keep up her image as a vapid, hard partying socialite. Without her mom, Violet would be alone with her revenge.
Writer Jim Krueger and artists Phil Hester, Ande Parks, and Trish Mulvihill “Gotham Radio” backup story takes a turn for the compelling with the appearance of a fan favorite DC Comics, whose reveals is like slowly unwrapping your favorite Christmas present. Hester’s clean art and Krueger’s sometimes deadpan comedic dialogue give the story a laidback feel until it takes a turn for the dark (and awesome) at the end. A Batman-free Gotham detective story is definitely a treat, and I look forward to reading this mystery/commentary on vigilante justice and media alarmism in one sitting when it is all finished.
Jody Houser, Shawn Crystal, and Jean-Francois Beaulieu put Violet Paige’s ultraviolent crusade in psychologically scarring context in Mother Panic #5, which will make you want to give Mother Panic a hug before she pushes you off her and tells you to “Fuck off” before disappearing into Gotham’s dark night.
Story: Jody Houser Art: Shawn Crystal Colors: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics/Young Animal provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Mother Panic #4
(W) Jody Houser, Jim Krueger (A) Shawn Crystal, Phil Hester, Ande Parks (CA) Tommy Lee Edwards
In Shops: Mar 08, 2017
SRP: $3.99
Mother Panic isn’t the only one hunting for revenge in the streets of Gotham City. The terrifying Pretty is after the next name on Violet Paige’s hit list. But is he a friend or foe-and how is he connected to the mysterious Gather House that made Violet who she is?
Mother Panic #4 strikes fear into one of the more problematic elements of the Batman mythos. It’s the fact that when he’s not beating up the usual bank robbers, common criminals, or assassins who work for the al-Ghul family, he is repeatedly beating up the mentally ill. Mother Panic speaks out against that part of Batman in a late night interview as part of her cover identity as the wild, smart mouthed heiress Violet Paige, but writer Jody Houser and a new art team of Shawn Crystal (Arkham Manor) and Jean-Francois Beaulieu (I Hate Fairyland) have her put her ideas to action as well. However, everything is subsumed in her quest for vengeance to take out the men who sent her to the terrifying Gather House after she killed her abusive/rapist father. In this case, Mother Panic’s sights are set towards Layton, the man, who suggested to her brother that she go to Gather.
Crystal brings a more cartoonish art style to Mother Panic #4, but it fits the larger than life slightly Gothic revenge tale tone of the book as well as the spindly “villain” that Mother Panic faces. Childhood is a unifying theme in this issue with plenty of red tinged flashbacks courtesy of Beaulieu, and the big action set piece happens in a Gotham tech mogul’s own personal Chuck-E-Cheese. This infuriates Violet even more because her childhood was filled with tragedy and torture at the Gather House, whose one page appearance juxtaposed with a silhouette of the Mother Panic helmet reveals why she is so driven on her path to retribution. At least, Batman had Alfred to love and watch over him as a kid plus tons of money for fun stuff. Violet was shipped off to a terrible boarding school/tortured chamber and disowned by her own brother, which might be a reason why her methodology is more extreme than Batman.
But along with blood orange explosions and intense fight scenes set in reversion-to-childhood caves, Houser uses narrative captions to develop Violet/Mother Panic’s personality, and how she seamlessly shifts from mouthy socialite to loving, if a little deceptive daughter and task driven vigilante and finally a compassionate hero of all things. Mother Panic puts on a harder edge when she’s around strangers (I.e. talkshow hosts or members of the Batman Family), but softens around her. For example, Crystal and Beaulieu draw Violet as furious with anger lines and red everywhere but then dial down their lines and colors as she embraces and talks to her mom, who has been through a lot of painful stuff too. The hug and halfhearted promise of not hurting her brother Victor is touching, but the caption box from Houser reveals that she’s saving Victor for last. The kind, empathetic daughter is yet another mask she wears.
Mother Panic is more violent and definitely more laconic than Violet Paige, but Houser and Crystal create an ideological connection between these two identities in Mother Panic and make their antiheroine more sympathetic in the process. Violet plays up her sarcastic and misanthropic tendencies so that the press and gossip freaks focus on her sound bites and don’t check deeper into her background and discover that she’s Mother Panic. But even when she’s being the worst talk show ever, Violet’s real views about the world pops up as she violently berates Batman’s “jackboot” approach to fighting crime. Mother Panic fights a mentally ill criminal later in the issue and instead of cold-cocking them, she gives them a hug because they both went to Gather House. It’s preceded by a riveting fight sequence where Mother Panic uses arcade cabinets as cover from gunfire but ends with a revelation that her desire for revenge is also tempered with empathy. Mother Panic terrifies the exploiters but is truly kind to the exploited even if she ends up using them as soldiers in her crusade against crime just like the despised Batman.
Shawn Crystal and Jean-Francois Beaulieu bring an extra level of anger and theatricality to Mother Panic, and the sequence set in Layton’s office has a tragic energy as two characters with horrible childhoods battle in a darkly lit “playroom”. This theatricality extends to Jim Krueger and Phil Hester‘s backup as the quirky Steve Ditko-created vigilante Odd Man begins to investigate the anti-Batman radio host at his daughter’s station.
Jody Houser, Crystal, and Beaulieu add new layers of kindness and darkness to Violet Paige in Mother Panic #4, and the issue functions as a great study of how people interact and behave in different contexts with a side dish of gadgets and punching because this is Gotham City after all.
Story: Jody Houser Art: Shawn Crystal Colors: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Story: 9 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.2 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics/Young Animal provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Scarlet Witch #14
(W) James Robinson (A) Shawn Crystal (CA) David Aja
Rated T+
In Shops: Jan 04, 2017
SRP: $3.99
A RACE AGAINST TIME TO SAVE WITCHES EVERYWHERE!
WANDA’s latest journey for answers has her traveling through alternate dimensions! Amid perils new and old, Wanda, AGATHA and NATALYA will have to fight AIMLESS ONES and INTERDIMENSIONAL DEMONS to discover who is responsible for weakening magic… but with every spell, THE SCARLET WITCH’s lifespan is cut ever shorter… Will she be able to find the source in time?
I love a good redemption story, and I must confess I have a love for all of Marvel‘s naughty and secret clubs. That was my main draw to the latest Illuminati title which sees Parker Robbins AKA the Hood venture forth with his own iteration of the iconic group. Illuminati is essentially a redemption story, and follows the struggle of Titania as she adjusts to post-incarceration life. It’s an endearing story and Williamson does a very good job building pathos for the character. Long story short Titania is set up to fail courtesy of the Hood, who usurps her attempt to go on the straight and narrow with a strategically timed set up. Hood then later inducts her into his new Illuminati.
Though it was nice to see Titania make an earnest attempt to turn over a new leaf, it was a bit painful to see her get duped like this. Doubly so considering her recent possession by the Serpent/Skirnn during the Fear Itself event. Side note I had a bit of disappointment that this was not mentioned at all hopefully it will be addressed in a subsequent issue. The Hood was one member of Norman Osborn’s past Cabal who I felt did not get to flex his muscles enough with the other members. To me he was so perfectly conniving and resourceful that I always wondered how he would perform in non-criminal settings. His ability to network, his knowledge of what battles to join in, and his endless ability maneuver any leverage point he could was and remains very impressive.
Speaking of rehabilitation, and transitioning to the non-criminal world, Illuminati #1 offers some interesting arguments regarding the state of criminals. Where Titania seems to champion the premise that one can make a change and that it would make for a better life, the Hood’s sentiments are more fatalistic. The Hood maintains the view that villains will never be accepted for anything other than what they are, and any attempt to change that will relegate them to a second class citizen status. The Hood somewhat undermines his argument, in that he actively sabotages Titania’s attempt to explain herself, after her foiled employment gig. If Hood truly believes that villains are doomed to constant disenfranchisement he probably wouldn’t have intervened personally as quickly as he had. This adds an interesting wrinkle to his relationship with Titania vis-a-vis their membership in the new Illuminati. It is based on mutual self-interest but mostly cemented through deception that should lead to some interesting developments going forward.
The Illuminati has become a recognized brand and property, and by virtue of that, this newest iteration will have some big shoes to fill. For me the main draw to previous titles has been the political intrigue of the group’s respective missions and some of the controversial memberships. I judge each Illuminati by the influence and connectedness of its membership and what they set out to accomplish. By this standard I am a bit underwhelmed by the current team up. We have the Black Ant, Enchantress, Thunderball and the Mad thinker, who are joined by both the Hood and Titania. Kind of a lackluster assemblage in my opinion. The Hood introduces the teams inaugural mission which will be a heist of Asgardian Weaponry. If this sounds familiar it should. Norman Osborn’s black ops thunderbolt team tried to pull of the same gig during the Siege event. I don’t want to throw out the baby with the bath water, Illuminati is a curious title that sheds light on the disenfranchisement of Marvel’s villains, at the same time however it will need to do more to distance itself from patterns and themes we are already familiar with and show us why it’s members are worth their salt. I’ll keep reading for now just out of curiosity and my soft side for the underdog.
Shawn Crystal‘s art was a pleasure, to my knowledge this is the first time I am seeing it. He does a good job capturing some really menacing expressions from the Hood, whose power set also lends itself well to some creative artistic expression. No matter what power set or demon Hood has sold himself out to at a given time (Norn Stones or being pimped out to Dormammu) Hood has always had some interesting artistic effects to showcase his power set, this issue was no exception in that regard. Crystal also had some fun dragon effects when Iron Fist was fighting Titania that was really fun to see.
Story: Joshua Williamson Art: Shawn Crystal
Story: 7 Art: 10 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Read
Bad guys win every day. And this November, that day has come for this team of villains. Marvel has released your new look at Illuminati #1 – the new ongoing series from writer Joshua Williamson and artist Shawn Crystal! How do the villains of the Marvel Universe live in a world where the sky is constantly filled with heroes? What do they do when they want out of a life of crime? There is no way out. No future. Till now. Who saves the villains? The Hood does. And he wants everyone to have a place at the table. But first things first – he needs an army. With Titania, Mad Thinker, Thunderball, Black Ant and Enchantress at his side – the Hood might just have all the muscle he needs. They don’t want to just survive – they want to thrive. By any means necessary. Be there as a new team of villains is formed this November!
ILLUMINATI #1 (SEP150695)
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art by SHAWN CRYSTAL
Cover by RILEY ROSSMO
Variant Cover by PAUL POPE (SEP150696)
Hip-Hop Variant by BRITTANY HOLLOWAY-BROWN (SEP150697)
Kirby Monster Variant by JACK KIRBY (SEP150698)
FOC – 10/19/15, On-Sale – 11/11/15
This October, blast off into the stratosphere as the recharged group of galactic guardians explode into the All-New, All-Different Marvel Universe in Guardians of the Galaxy #1! Coming to you from legendary comic writer Brian Michael Bendis and rising star artist Valerio Schiti comes a team unlike any you’ve seen before!
Eight months have passed since the end of Secret Wars, and Peter Quill didn’t waste any time abandoning the Guardians and taking the throne as ruler of Spartax. And Rocket didn’t waste any time taking his place as leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy either! Leading a team comprised of Kitty Pryde (now known as Star-Lady), Drax, Groot, Venom and newcomer Ben Grimm, the everlovin’ blue-eyed Thing – Rocket and the Guardians are out to show that even though Secret Wars may be over, the galaxy still needs guarding.
Strap in and hold on!
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1 (AUG150760)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art by VALERIO SCHITI
Cover by ART ADAMS
Variant Covers by SKOTTIE YOUNG (AUG150763), VALERIO SCHITI (AUG150766),
And JASON LATOUR (AUG150768)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (AUG150765)
Hip-Hop Variant by SHAWN CRYSTAL (AUG150761)
Cosplay Variant by CONTAGIOUS COSTUMING (AUG150762)
Kirby Monster Variant by MIKE ALLRED (AUG150769)
Adams Sketch Variant Available (AUG150767)
Blank Variant Also Available (AUG150764)
FOC – 09/21/15, On-Sale 10/14/15
ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #25 (ANNIVERSARY HULLABALOO!)
Written by FRED VAN LENTE, JOHN LAYMAN, RAY FAWKES, JUSTIN JORDAN, DONNY CATES & ELIOT RAHAL, and JOEY ESPOSITO
Art by CLAYTON HENRY, RAMON VILLALOBOS, ANDY KUHN, KHARI EVANS, RAFER ROBERTS, JOE EISMA, and BARRY KITSON
Cover A by CLAYTON HENRY (AUG141720)
Cover B by SHAWN CRYSTAL (AUG141721)
Variant Cover by PERE PEREZ (AUG141722)
Throwback Variant by JIM CALAFIORE (AUG141723)
Variant Cover by MICHAEL WALSH (AUG141724)
$4.99 | T+ | 48 pgs. | On sale OCTOBER 29th
IT ALL ENDS HERE…SERIOUSLY…THIS TIME IT LITERALLY ALL ENDS HERE. (MAYBE?!)
Be here front and center as the original creative team of Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry lead off a 48-page A&A hollapalooza honoring Valiant’s most dysfunctional duo! Plus: Armstrong’s first drink! And much more! Featuring a who’s who of funnybook madcappery with all-new stories and shenanigans from John Layman (Chew), Ray Fawkes (Batman Eternal), Justin Jordan (Dead Body Road), Donny Cates (Buzzkill) & Eliot Rahal (Dark Horse Presents), and many, many more!
THE DELINQUENTS #2 (of 4)
Written by JAMES ASMUS & FRED VAN LENTE
Art by KANO
Cover by PAOLO RIVERA
Board Game Cover by JUAN DOE
Variant Cover by SHAWN CRYSTAL
$3.99 | 32 pages | T+ | ON SALE 9/17/14 (FOC – 8/25/14)
Well…that escalated quickly.
Quantum and Woody and Archer & Armstrong are riding the rails looking for the lost treasure of the Hobo King. Each armed with one half of a mysterious map, these two tandems have unwittingly been pitted against each other in a four-way free-for-all…but can either team get along long enough to achieve their mission? The world’s worst crossover joyride is about to enter uncharted territory!
