Author Archives: Brett

The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip is so very weird and entertaining

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4.5 billion years ago . . . an AI paperclip named CheckMate was designed to fix grammatical errors. Exhausted of correcting “who” vs. “whom,” it concocted a plan to eliminate spelling errors once and for all. All life-forms would be turned into something beautiful, practical, perfect: a paperclip.

Thankfully, it was buried in the debris. Long forgotten . . . until it was accidentally freed. Now CheckMate has invaded every computer on Earth and is bent on fulfilling its dastardly plot. There’s only one trio who can save the day: the First Cat in Space, the Moon Queen, and LOZ 4000. But when CheckMate zoops First Cat’s spacesuit, our titular hero is now powerless. The fate of the world depends on…a regular little kitty cat.

Story: Mac Barnett
Art: Shawn Harris

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.

Bookshop
Amazon
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Barnett Harris provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

The Books of Clash Vol. 4 is another fun entry focused on Valkyrie and Log!

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A nameless, villageless ronin Valkyrie with no memory of her past has been wandering from one village to the next, fighting for money, glory, and honor. But that all changes when she stumbles (literally) on an old friend who remembers exactly who she is and where she came from. Now, the pair must join forces to find out what happened to their village and save their teammates before it’s too late!

Story: Gene Luen Yang
Art: Les McClaine
Ink: Alison Acton
Color: Karina Edwards, Alex Campbell

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.

Bookshop
Amazon
Kindle

First Second provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

FML #1 conjures some rock and roll magic

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FML #1

FML #1 is about a group of metal kids who face a medley of bizarre foes and encounters in Portland, Oregon during a worldwide pandemic. Riley is a teen that sketches out his heavy metal future with a ballpoint pen between monster movies and band practice. But musical stardom needs to compete with high school, the temper of a former Riot Grrrl mother, the morbid obsessions of a goth sister, and the eccentricities of bandmates that threaten to drive him and everyone around him insane. The balance gets harder after a ritual during a party in Portland’s Forest Park causes him to wake up one day to discover that the creatures, witchcraft, and metal world he’s obsessed with may be a bit closer to home than he preferred.

Misfit kids pulled into an adventure is a story plot that has been around for decades. It’s one I’ve enjoyed over and over again and there’s so much quality when it comes to it. That basic plot idea has been mixed with every genre you can think of with some fantastic results. Writer Kelly Sue DeConnick dives into it with FML #1 that takes a group of kids and adds a little horror and magic to the mix.

FML #1 is an interesting debut. We’re introduced to four girls who are part of a band and a world not far off from our own. There’s fires raging around a city creating pour air quality. Threats of school shootings. True crime podcasts. But, at the same time something is a bit odd about it all and rather off.

That’s part of the charm of the series as this group of kids argue with each other and others in their school and spend the time at a creepy old building telling spooky stories. And that is all where the comic really takes off as one of their games turns all too real.

Part of the charm of it all is David López’s art. Combined with Cris Peter’s colors and Clayton Cowles’ lettering the comic has a look that’s rock and roll and indie with a mix of mainstream. The character designs all have a massive amount of personality but it’s small details on the pages where things stand out. Riley spends a lot of time on his art journal and that journal look is applied at different moments for the comic, even a panel, making things pop. It’s a hell of a choice that takes the art to another level and really drives home the characters, look, and especially the feel of it all. It delivers a bit of punk zine aesthetic to the finished product.

FML #1 is a fantastic start with a style that stands out. It goes in with a vision and a voice and executes it quite well. There’s tons of questions to ask about it all, and there’s some odd things about the kids, but overall, it’s a comic that takes a familiar concept and mixes it up for a unique delivery that we’re excited to see more of.

Story: Kelly Sue DeConnick Art: David López
Color: Cris Peter Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.35 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.45 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Batgirl #1 kicks off with lots of action for fans of Cassandra Cain

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Batgirl #1

Hold on to your seats, clutch your pearls, and rejoice in celebration because Cassandra Cain is taking center stage in her first solo Batgirl series in nearly two decades! When a deadly group of assassins shows up to kill Cassandra, Lady Shiva comes to the rescue, and they must put their complicated past aside and work together as mother and daughter to ensure they make it out alive. Unfortunately, things are never as easy as they seem, and Cass must embark on a jaw-dropping, martial-arts filled adventure in her quest for truth and justice…and revenge?! It’s a Batgirl book like never before, so join us as we dive into the psyche of one of Gotham’s deadliest fighters, while exploring her deep and complex relationship with her mother. Batgirl #1 shines the spotlight on Cassandra Cain in a fairly new-reader friendly debut.

Written by Tate Brombal, Batgirl #1 is an action packed start that throws readers into the action quickly. And with a character of few words, action is exactly the language this comic goes for. It opens with Cass confronting her mother who is there with a warning. The two of them are being hunted by a mysterious group who then attacks.

Batgirl #1 doesn’t break any ground but it keeps things very focused on Cass and her mother, Lady Shiva. It dives into the relationship they have which is best described as love/hate. Where Brombal’s writing really stands out is the focus on Cass’ “language.” Cass focuses in the movement and expressions of individuals and much of the story is told through that. We learn so much through Cass’ observations as to her mother’s reactions and micro-tells.

All of that is courtesy of Takeshi Miyazawa whose art focuses in on all of those details. Miyazawa is joined by Mike Spicer on color and lettering by Tom Napolitano. The art narrows in on the details Brombal lays out with panels highlighting the small details which tell so much of the story.

Batgirl #1 doesn’t break new ground but it does everything really well. The storytelling is things we’ve seen before but Cass’ observations and how that and the art come together to deliver the details feels fresh and different. While this may appeal mostly to fans of Cassandra Cain, it’s a debut that’s well worth checking out.

Story: Tate Brombal Art: Takeshi Miyazawa
Color: Mike Spicer Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

JSA #1 is an interesting debut that relies too heavily on continuity

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JSA #1

Long-time fan favorite characters Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Jade, Obsidian, Jesse Quick, Hourman, Ted Grant, and Sandman are all back on the roster as DC’s first super team faces their greatest and most personal challenge yet. Will golden age ideals hold true in a world recovering from the events of Absolute Power? Or do they need a more hardcore approach to stand a chance against the new Injustice Society of America? JSA #1 brings the classic team into the “All In” world in a debut that’s a bit of a mixed experience.

I love Jeff Lemire‘s writing. He’s a name that I see on a comic and I know I need to check it out. I’ve rarely walked away from his comics without at least being entertained, though at times a bit perplexed. He’s one of those creators that can deliver amazing comic experiences. Which makes JSA #1 all the more frustrating.

The idea of “Golden Age” superheroes attempting to figure out their role in a modern world is a really intriguing one. JSA #1 teases that in some ways with a team divided in how to go about dispensing justice. But, it’s more of the “modern” members of the JSA. Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and more are missing, having been whisked away by some unknown force. That leaves the newer members to not just figure out what happened but also how to go about it.

And that begins my frustration with JSA #1. The idea of Golden Age heroes figuring out how to be heroes in the modern world is an amazing one. But, that’s not what this is. This is more modern heroes fighting over the direction of the JSA while some hold onto the ideals of those Golden Age heroes. The main attractions aren’t really there for much of the comic.

Which leads into the second problem with the issue, you really need to know who these characters are. A lot of the conflict comes from personal relationships and personalities. None of which is really explained leaving new readers generally in the dark as to who these characters are and why they have beef with each other. The comic’s biggest challenge is its history and continuity. For a first issue, it relies too heavily on it.

The art by Diego Olortegui is ok. With color by Luis Guerreo and lettering by Steve Wands, the comic looks good but not great. There’s some aspects that really stand out and others not so much. There’s a few panels where things are fantastic but again others where its rather average. The characters themselves look good, the action is decent, the emotion is generally there but still, it feels a bit “daytime soap” as opposed to grand superhero epic.

JSA #1 isn’t a bad start but it’s also not inviting to new readers. I generally have no idea who these characters are let alone the conflicts they have with each other leaving me generally in the dark for personal one-on-one scenes that rely heavily on all of that. The comic feels like a continuation of what’s come before instead of using what has come before as something it can tease, wink, and nod to, while still being a welcoming read for those that are new. JSA #1 is for the hardcore fans only at this point.

Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Diego Olortegui
Color: Luis Guerrero Letterer: Steve Wands
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Absolute Superman #1 is a bold new take on the classic hero

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Absolute Superman #1

Without the fortress…without the family…without a home…what’s left is the Absolute Man of Steel! Absolute Superman #1 introduces the classic hero in DC’s “Absolute Universe,” delivering an interesting take with amazing art.

DC’s “Absolute Universe” is reimagining DC’s heroes in a world where they don’t have the tools, the expertise, the support, and more to help them in their battle for justice. It’s more of a back to the roots concept focusing on the core of DC’s classic characters with new origins and a new status-quo. Absolute Superman #1 introduces the Man of Steel with a backstory that’s familiar but whose initial mission is something new and very interesting.

Written by Jason Aaron, Absolute Superman’s backstory of an alien child sent off world from a dying planet remains unchanged. The specifics are different, but the basics are there. But, it’s Superman on Earth where the changes are really present.

Aaron’s Superman is hiding out, apparently destroying mining operations of Lazarus Corps. The company is abusing the local population to mine raw materials and Superman is interfering for some reason. That all leads to a confrontation and the introduction of a familiar character. Superman as protector of the abused working class is an interesting position to put the character in. At its heart, again its what reporters should be doing, but instead of investigating these wrongs, this is hands on action.

Superman himself is different in many ways. The character is younger and a bit more reserved. His suit feels more like something X-O Manowar would wear and introduces some familiar concepts but in new and different ways.

The art by Rafa Sandoval is jawdropping. With color by Ulises Arreola and lettering by Becca Carey, the comic looks amazing in every way. The design of Superman feels like a younger, slightly angrier individual, but also at its heart a hero you want to trust. The settings deliver detail that tell so much of the story and situations. When the action kicks up, it sucks you in and you forget about the world around you. Visually, it’s a “darker” take on the character but one that still feels like it’s fighting against injustice.

With Aaron’s attention to detail and focus on class on Krypton and Superman’s initial battle to protect exploited workers, Absolute Superman #1 is a hell of a start with a focus and statement to make. It’s the standout of DC’s “Absolute Universe” and a standout for all comics currently on the shelf.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: Rafa Sandoval
Color: Ulises Arreola Letterer: Becca Carey
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Register! reminds us about the history and fight to expand the vote in the United States

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Register! by Andrew Aydin and Valentine De Landro is a captivating journey through American constitutional amendments, focusing on the 26th and 15th. It blends history with contemporary narratives, offering an inspiring read for all ages.

Story: Andrew Aydin
Art: Valentine De Landro
Color: Marissa Louise
Letterer: Clayton Cowles, Josh Reed
Research by: Joshua Rogin, Andrew Aydin

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

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Solo Leveling Vol. 9 packs a lot into one volume and starts to reveal the bigger picture

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Jinwoo follows the call of the system and returns to the double dungeon that started it all in the hope of finally receiving some answers. What he doesn’t expect is to find his toughest opponent yet! Meanwhile, an S-rank gate looms over Tokyo, and after the loss of their strongest hunters, Japan turns to outside help―but with a worldwide increase in magic beast activity, only one S-rank hunter accepts their offer…Will that be enough to stop the magic beasts before they lay waste to Japan and beyond?

Original Story: Chugong
Art: Dubu (redice Studio)
Adapted by: h-goon
Translation: Hye Young Im
Rewrite: J. Torres
Letterer: Abigail Blackman

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.

Bookshop
Amazon
Kindle

Yen Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Blade & Bastard Vol. 1 has just enough of a unique spin to make it stand out

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Deep in the depths of the dungeon, a man spends his days scouring the treacherous floors for bodies of dead adventurers. His name is Iarumas, and he has no memory of the life he lived before he was resurrected from a corpse. The living keep their distance from the cold, sullen man―Iarumas consorts primarily with the dead. That is, until he meets Garbage, a feral young swordswoman who is the sole survivor of a massacred party. With Garbage by his side, Iarumas ventures farther, searching the dungeon for clues to his past while avoiding the inevitability of a permanent ashen demise…

Story: Kumo Kagyu
Art: Makoto Fugetsu
Design: so-bin
Translator: Sean McCann
Letterer: Madeleine Jose

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.

Bookshop
Amazon
Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Get Out and Vote this Tuesday!

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This Tuesday, November 5th is the US election and we’re encouraging everyone to get out and vote if you haven’t done so already. Over 80 million individuals have already done their duty and made their voice heard at the ballot box. Today is the official day and the last day to do so. If you haven’t already cast a ballot, you still have time today.

This is the most important election of our lifetime. That is often thrown around but from someone who has worked dozens of elections with dozens of candidates over 25 years, this isn’t an exaggeration. We have a chance to make our voice heard and say the direction we want to see this country go. Democracy is literally on the ballot.

Yesterday, I made an endorsement and think there’s one choice when it comes to President and really one party to support up and down the ballot this election.

This is a choice between an attempt to support normalcy or a continued march towards fascism and election interference. The stances of the candidates and parties are clear.

There’s so many elections are every level that are vital and could spell doom for the future of our democracy if the wrong individual is elected.

There are still lots of local races, ballot initiatives, bonds, and more to vote on, and some of these will set the direction of the country!

You still have a lot of time to figure out everything you’ll be voting for. If you need to find your polling place or what’s on your local ballot Vote 411 can help. Vote.org is another site that can help you as well.

If you go to vote and encounter an issue call the voting rights hotline at 866 OUR-VOTE. 

Most importantly, get out and vote this Tuesday!

Captain America Vote
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