Chin Music #1

Shaw is a man on the run and lost in time. Fleeing ancient enemies, Shaw finds himself in prohibition-era Chicago surrounded by gangers and demons alike and caught between law enforcement and the local supernatural underground. Chin Music is a tale of mysticism and violence like nothing you’ve experienced before.

The first issue is a series of events, connected, but at the same time disjointed. I went in with high hopes considering the pedigree of writer Steve Niles and artist Tony Harris. Two individuals whose past works I’ve enjoyed immensely.

While the concept and the art is cool and the setup seems interesting, this first issue was too disjointed for me. I felt like there were three parts to the story and how one is connected to the other is unclear. It’s a muddied beginning, confusing to me the reader.

There’s events in Egypt, then things with a person I’m assuming is Elliot Ness. And it just cuts from one to the other without explanation, rather confusing overall. I know the series cuts across time and space, but the first issue doesn’t explain that enough, resulting in a story that’s rather confusing.

There’s a good chance when the series is over the whole will be greater than the individual parts, but this first issue was a rough one for me to start with.

Story: Steve Niles Art: Tony Harris
Story: 6.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

The Walking Dead #110

Ezekiel vs. Michonne?

The cover and the teaser above would make you think there’s some massive fight in this issue, but if you’re looking for sword slinging, then go elsewhere. The brilliance of that teaser is the sparing is at a whole other level, the emotional one.

This is easily one of the best issues of the series, focusing on those two characters Ezekiel and Michonne. It’s not a versus in the sense the two characters swing swords, they don’t really do that. Instead the issue is mostly the two characters talking.

This is Ezekiel’s “origin” issue. We learn more about the character, where he came from and how he got where he is, also, what’s up with the tiger. It’s a fantastic issue in that the focus is completely on the characters. And the series is best when it does just that.

In this case, two of the most mysterious characters are shown on an emotional level they haven’t been before and it is beyond fantastic to see.

We also get some movement in the upcoming battle. Wile Exekiel and Michonne are the main focus, Jesus’ mission to stop a traitor is also resolved in a great way.

Overall, this is easily the best issue in a long time, but also one of the best the series has ever released.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Charlie Adlard
Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review