Satellite Falling #1
Steve Horton (w) • Stephen Thompson (a & c)
A lone human survived the death of the one she loved, and escaped a corrupt Earth. She now makes her way as a bounty hunter, on a satellite full of aliens. But someone’s about to turn her life upside down…
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Satellite Falling, the latest original series on the horizon from IDW Publishing, kicks off this May, a month replete with creator-owned launches from the publisher.
The sci-fi-themed crime drama introduces readers to unique aliens, settings, and characters, wildly imagined by writer Steve Horton, beautifully rendered by artist Stephen Thompson, with vibrant coloring by Lisa Jackson. Satellite Falling tells the story of a lone human bounty hunter who jettisoned off her home planet after losing the love of her life, and now resides on a satellite spaceport full of aliens. Life, as she knows it, is about to take a turn for the surreal.
With Satellite Falling, Horton intends to explore similar themes he has tackled on past projects, but bringing those concepts to a more cosmic atmosphere. He promises “kick-ass heroines, wall-to-wall action, weird-ass dialogue, and amazing artwork.”
As mentioned, joining Horton on this off-world adventure will be his newest collaborator, Thompson, whose otherworldly art will effortlessly transport fans to an eye-catching universe like no other that instantly sets Satellite Falling apart from other sci-fi sagas.
Satellite Falling marks Stephen Thompson’s creator-owned debut, who jumped at the chance to take on art duties for this ambitious project. “Steve pitched a few concepts my way, and the idea of a single human working as a bounty hunter in a place otherwise inhabited entirely by aliens, haunted by her lost love was too good to pass up.”
In addition to Horton’s breathtaking standard cover for issue #1, retailers can also order a Variant Cover from Judge Dredd artist PJ Holden in addition to a Retailer Incentive Cover by June Brigman (Power Pack). That’s just for starters with more exciting variants on the way for future issues!
Satellite Falling will crash land at your local comic shop this May!
If you’re a Dark Horse fan, it’s a pretty sad week, witnessing the end of three incredible mini-series that are testament to a great publisher supporting some of the best comics art in the business. Throw some Eisners and Harveys at these creative teams!
Akaneiro #3
Justin Aclin’s American McGee video game adaptation finds its awesome end this week with Akaneiro #3. After journeying to a Yokai (demon) infested village, protagonist Kani takes to her own and becomes a red hunter—clearly a special ‘chosen’ one, since she uses the powers without training. This final issue includes a dramatic end, with battle after battle, and the ultimate resolution of Kani and her many personal identities.
Aclin, as I’ve noted before, is rather new to comics, having mostly written Star Wars comics, but he has yet to disappoint (with the exception of the rather novice line used on the last page: “And suddenly it’s months later, and my destiny has been fulfilled.” This line, however, speaks to the quickness with which the series presents itself and ends—abruptly. Not many writers could adapt such a complex world to just three issues, but Aclin has succeeded; it’s the narrative itself, with its complexity, that yearns for at least one more issue (an intermediate one, really). But I’m entirely satisfied with the little bit we got.
Lolos and Atiyeh make one of the best artistic teams I’ve seen all year. Lolos’ art is so unique as to be hardly comparable to other artists with books by major companies, and Atiyeh’s talented coloring puts life in his art, mastering the vibrant end of the color spectrum. Lolos has strayed away from sexualizing what, in the comics industry, would be a perfect target: a young, sword-fighting Japanese girl, with the exception of the third panel on the third page, which is your typical knock-the-character-down-and-show-her-butt shot. Aside from this, Lolos’ work begs no complaints.
In summary: Dear Dark Horse, please make more Akaneiro, and congratulate Aclin, Lolos, and Atiyeh on an incredible series.
Story: Justin Aclin Art: Vasilis Lolos, Michael Atiyeh
Story: 8 Art: 9 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Amala’s Blade #4
If there could be a better mini-series than Akaneiro, it would have to be Amala’s Blade, a gritty, steampunk, sci-fi, fantasy, swashbuckling, haunted assassin’s story that makes a hero out of the most powerful and least sexualized WoC to grace mainstream comics in a long time (sure, a number of powerful WoC, but how many have been without sexualization?). This small story, four issues total, packs a mega-sized punch, and has blown me away both narratively and artistically.
As with Akaneiro #3, it appears that Amala’s Blade #4 is suffering from too-short-a-series syndrome. Steve Horton has managed in the previous three issues (and zero-issue) to pack quite a punch with each one, telling a succinct story that introduces all of the characters and ideas and builds a fascinating world. But this final issue wavers on the edge of the plotting quality of previous issues, with somewhat awkward turns of events in the space of a page, which create the false illusion that Horton is not a skilled writer. Amala starts a war, just as quickly ends it, wants to kill her mother, just as quickly doesn’t, then ghosts force her to do so, and then she banishes the ghosts. All of this narrative splendor is packed into the second half of the comic—that’s a bit much for some twelve pages.
Yet while Amala’s Blade #4 was a departure from the near-perfect narrative development of previous issues, Michael Dialynas’s pages are bursting with art that demands to be made into a paragon of fantasy/sci-fi comics art. I haven’t seen anything else by Dialynas, but I imagine it’s all of the same caliber, and I wouldn’t mind seeing his work on some of the more ‘mainstream’ books in order to give the general comic-reading public an idea of how diverse their books can become.
Amala’s Blade #4, like Akaneiro #3, suffers slightly from crunched plotting. But does that means it’s bad? Hell no! Go buy a copy for yourself, open in up, and be blown away by the best mini-series I’ve read this year! I’ve gotta get my hands on this TPB!
Story: Steve Horton Art: Michael Dialynas
Story: 7 Art: 9 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review
Steve Horton and illustrator Michael Dialynas bring readers the third installment in the Dark Horse mini-series Amala’s Blade, available this week. This series is great fun, the same caliber, excitement, and creativity as books like Akaneiro (also available this week) and Image’s Saga (a TPB is available for the second volume this week, too), and reminds me a lot of Lionhead Studios’ Fable.
Horton and Dialynas provide a world of magic and steampunk, sword fighting and ghosts, assassins and a religious war. It’s about being haunted (in Amala’s case, literally) by the ghosts of one’s past, and recognizing that they can help you kill people—or if you want to be non-violent and metaphorical, it’s about recognizing that past mistakes, triumphs, or failures are constant lessons.
Like Vaugh with Saga, Horton’s narrative always keeps me guessing, with ever more fantastic events and beings around the corner. It’s an original story mixed-and-matched from stories all across Nerdom, and reads a bit like something from Terry Pratchett. What’s even greater is that, despite a final lead, gender really is not an issue, and I haven’t found a single even semi-sexist or gender biased comment in the books. Now that’s a feat, especially when in female-centric books like Wonder Woman the eponymous Amazon can’t get away from Orion’s nickname “Legs.” Yes, Amala is a woman. And yes, she’s the most bad-ass assassin whose fate the balance of factional war hinges upon. No one turns a head (except when they’re getting killed).
Dialynas wonderfully illustrates this issue relying on a new color for the ghosts that has them standing out far better and looking more ghastly, though I really did like the bluish hue from earlier issues. I bring up color because Dialynas uses color to contrast the two opposing forces in this land: the Modifiers are typified by colors in shades of purple and black, while the Purifiers are more naturally colored. This contrast speaks to the artificial weirdness of the magically cyborg Modifiers, best exemplified in the canine cyborg wyrm which Amala fights and then commandeers.
Moreover, however, this issue is pivotal in moving the plot forward, and Horton easily weaves humor, emotional personal stories, and the fate of the land across the pages. I didn’t want Amala’s Blade #3 to end, but by the book’s close I was greatly satisfied to just soak up the art and get giddy for the next issue!
And I’m hoping that Amala’s Blade is not the last we’ll see of Horton and Dialynas’ wild world.
Story: Steve Horton Art: Michael Dialynas
Story: 8.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Amala’s Blade #1
The kingdom of Naamaron is bitterly divided into warring factions: the low-tech Purifiers and the high-tech Modifiers. Both fear the great vizier’s deadliest assassin, Amala. But for all her lethal skills, Amala’s drawing too much attention for the vizier’s taste. So what better way to deal with a troublesome cutthroat than to send her on a suicide mission?
I’m always up for a new female kick-ass lead character and Amala’s Blade features just such a character. I read the zero issue and like the first I was entertained. It’s a fun read and the world presented seems interesting.
But, like the first issue, I wanted more. We get glimpses as to the kingdom of Naamaron, it seems a bit steampunk-ish, but there’s not a lot of detail to it. That frustrated me a little as a reader.
I’d think my issues with this first issue will go away as the series progresses. It seems like a lot of fun and will be a nice read each month. But, as far as first issues goes, it was good, but didn’t suck me back in to be super excited for the second issue.
Story: Steve Horton Art: Michael Dialynas
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
The Answer #4
A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Can Devin and the Answer think their way free of the Brain Trust before CHEMICAL X breaks their brains for good? The explosive conclusion of this superhero mystery!
This is it for the four issue limited series and overall it’s been fun. There was something entertaining about it all, but after four issues there’s still so many questions that I don’t have answered. The series in a way promises “the answer” and it just wasn’t there.
It’s been a fun series. Mindless entertainment where you really can’t think too hard about what’s going on. But, as far as stories, this feels like a second or third story arc for me.
The story is about a secret organization that wants a Librarian and we find out what in this issue, but what that would accomplish and the why isn’t really there. Then there’s the main character of the Answer himself.
Overall, for a series that’s been called The Answer, there’s a lot of questions left. Here’s hoping we get some more issues and get some actual answers.
Story: Mike Norton, Dennis Hopeless Art: Mike Norton
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
The Massive #11
Following a mutiny, the crew of the Kapital are in a race against time to catch their increasingly elusive sister ship, The Massive, when a school of aggressive great white sharks cross their path!
I named this the best non-super hero series of last year. Overall, I felt it was the best series period. The Massive so far has kept that up and is making a case for repeating this year.
This issue is a prime example of why it’s so good. We get the continuation of the ramifications of the previous issue, a bit of a lesson about the environment and a lot of tense moments.
There’s also the subtle theme of this issue, legacy. While discussing the history of the shark, we get an allegory about one’s greater picture in the eco-system and how things can carry on even in the face of disaster. It’s a commentary on Callum Israel’s legacy and that of the Ninth Wave and it’s crew.
The issue just shows how amazing of a series this is, one I can’t recommend enough. It is the best comic on the market, hands down.
Story: Brian Wood Art: Declan Shalvey
Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Mind MGMT #10
Only the Futurist can help Lyme and Meru find Mind Management’s hidden training ground, Shangri-la. But how can they track a man who knows their every move before they do?
I really should spend this review yelling at folks for not reading this brilliant series. It’s one of the few comics on the market that is a complete package from the front cover to the back cover.
The attention to detail on every page is amazing. There’s a side story along the edges, fakes ads, hidden messages, it’s just amazing. There really is no other comic like it on the market, for that alone it’s a must buy.
But then there’s Kindt’s story and art. The story itself is crazy. It follows a shady organization who uses people with special abilities to shape the world. The series is now preparing for a battle to take down that organization as sides are being taken.
The art is Kindt’s usual, which is to say unique and distinctive. If you see his work, you know it’s his. I personally love the style myself.
The series is consistently solid, one of my favorites each and every issue. It’s not too late to get reading and find out what you’ve been missing.
Story and Art: Matt Kindt
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review
Dark Horse Comics is headed to Chicago’s fastest growing pop culture event – Chicago Comics & Entertainment Expo! You can join them for signings at booth #801! Free comics and/or prints with each signing while supplies last.
Please note that lines may be capped or tickets issued for any signing as needed. Inquire about your favorite signings as early as possible. Some restrictions apply. All events are subject to change.
Comics, books, and collectibles will be available for purchase from Dark Horse or your favorite retailer.
DARK HORSE SIGNINGS
FRIDAY, APRIL 26
12:00 p.m. AMALA’S BLADE signing with Steve Horton
Free 8” x 10” print featuring art by Michael Dialynas
1:00 p.m. BATTLEPUG and THE ANSWER! signing with Mike Norton
Free copy of The Answer! #1
2:00 p.m. HUSBANDS signing with Jane Espenson and Brad Bell
Free 5.5” x 8.5” print featuring art by Ron Chan
3:00 p.m. THE SHAOLIN COWBOY signing with Geof Darrow
Free 11” x 17” print featuring art by Geof Darrow
5:00 p.m. BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: SPIKE signing with Jenny Frison
Free copy of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Spike #1
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
10:00 a.m. AMALA’S BLADE signing with Steve Horton
Free 8” x 10” print featuring art by Michael Dialynas
11:00 a.m. CRIMINAL MACABRE signing with Steve Niles and Christopher Mitten
Free 5.5” x 8.5” print featuring art by Christopher Mitten
12:00 p.m. BEASTS OF BURDEN and SCARY GODMOTHER signing with Jill Thompson
Free copy of Beasts of Burden: Neighborhood Watch
1:00 p.m. DREAM THIEF signing with Jai Nitz and Greg Smallwood
Free 5.5” x 8.5” print featuring art by Alex Ross
Free limited edition Dream Thief paper in action figures
2:00 p.m. THE MASSIVE, STAR WARS, and CONAN signing with Brian Wood
Free 11” x 17” print featuring art from The Massive by J. P. Leon
3:30 p.m. THE GOON signing with Eric Powell
Free copy of The Goon #38
5:00 p.m. THE FIFTH BEATLE signing with Vivek J. Tiwary
Free 8” x 10” print featuring art by Andrew C. Robinson
Enter to win an exclusive print signed by writer Vivek J. Tiwary and artist Andrew C. Robinson and The Beatles Stereo CD Box Set
SUNDAY, APRIL 28
10:00 a.m. AMALA’S BLADE signing with Steve Horton
Free 8” x 10” print featuring art by Michael Dialynas
11:00 a.m. DARK HORSE SUPERHERO and BRAIN BOY signing with Freddie Williams II
Free 11” x 17” print featuring art by Freddie Williams II, as depicted on the Dark Horse booth superhero mural
12:00 p.m. EX SANGUINE and THE OCCULTIST signing with Tim Seeley
Free copy of Ex Sanguine #1 and The Occultist #1
1:00 p.m. BATTLEPUG and THE ANSWER! signing with Mike Norton
Free copy of The Answer! #1
2:00 p.m. TO BE ANNOUNCED! Come to the Dark Horse Spring Fever Panel on Saturday, April 27, from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in room W471 to meet two special guests and find out about an exciting new project featuring one of your favorite Dark Horse characters.
DARK HORSE PANELS
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m. SPOTLIGHT ON BRIAN WOOD, Room W471
3:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m. MUSIC AND POP CULTURE featuring various artists and creators, including Vivek J. Tiwary, writer of the upcoming Dark Horse graphic novel The Fifth Beatle, Room W475b
5:15 p.m.–6:15 p.m. DARK HORSE SPRING FEVER with Scott Allie, Jeremy Atkins, Eric Powell, Tim Seeley, Mike Norton, Steve Horton, and surprise guests! Room W471
7:45 p.m.–8:45 p.m. HUSBANDS: TELEVISION AND BEYOND with Brad Bell, Jane Espenson, Sean Hemeon, and moderator Matthew Aaron, Room W471
Official Press Release
AMALA’S BLADE COMES TO DARK HORSE PRESENTS IN FEBRUARY 2012!
November 1st, MILWAUKIE, OR – Dark Horse Comics is proud to announce a brand new three-part story from Steve Horton (DC Holiday Special, Superman 80-Page Giant) and Michael Dialynas (Popgun, Trinkets) appearing in Dark Horse Presents #9 – Amala’s Blade.
Amala was once chosen as a child to be the spiritual leader for her country, to unite the Purifiers and Modifiers and prevent war. She fled into the night. Twenty years of war later, she makes a living as an assassin, but her past is ever ready to catch up to her. Aboard a massive pirate ship, Amala stalks the fearsome pirate captain Cha’Kooh … but the voices in her head, manifesting as ghosts, keep getting in the way!
Amala’s Blade will be featured in issues #9, #10 & #11 of Dark Horse Presents.
“Amala’s Blade is the steam punk-with-swords epic that I’ve been dying to tell,” says Steve Horton, writer and letterer. “Thanks to the extraordinary and talented artist Michael Dialynas, we’ve brought Amala to life. Thanks to Dark Horse Comics, we’ve found an amazing and supportive publisher for our three-issue run in Dark Horse Presents. This story has heart, sword fighting, sarcasm, revenge, pirates, technologically modified villains, a girl steam punk heroine, and a robotic pirate monkey. What more do you need?” says Horton.
Dark Horse Presents #9 is out February 22nd, 2012!
