Author Archives: Christopher Scott Author

Review: Gwar Orgasmageddon #4

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Join GWAR, SAWBORG and BOZO (the DESTRUCTO brothers), SEXECUTIONER, and ROBO-SLEAZY as they finish their quest to get back to the present, fix the future, and kick Mr. Perfect’s stupid butt all over the timescape! The final issue has dinosaurs, samurai, nazis, penguins, robots, 30s gangsters, robots, robot penguins, crack dealers, grindhouse movies, and not only that but it reveals GWAR’s new look! That’s right folks: GWAR’S NEW COSTUMES AND THEIR ORIGIN right here! This explosive final issue wraps the craziest fever dream ride in 2017’s comics. Join GWAR and creators in the finale to this ridiculously bonkers chapter of Scumdog Lore!T

The clash of humor and violence continues in this final issue written by Matt Miner and Matt Maguire. With a serious amount of time jumps, as Gwar mangles history, the issue brings things to a mixed ending as Gwar teams up with its enemies, to fight Mr. Perfect. But, that’s not all as the issue also gives us some more short tales at the end.

The art by Tom Neely and Matt Maguire is action packed in this issues. The two have no problem making visual puns at history with appearances by Abraham Lincoln, Donald Trump, and more. That’s in addition to packing in a serious amount of gore and violence (but that’s what we’d expect). Can’t also forget a shoutout to some mutant looking penguins.

Writer: Matt Miner, Matt Maguire Art: Tom Neely, Matt Maguire
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Zodiac Starforce: Cries of the Fire Prince #2

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Winter break isn’t so relaxing for the team! A creature from the dark dimension Nephos has been summoned to their town by unknown enemies. The girls also discover they aren’t the only Zodiac Starforce team–are they friend . . . or foe?

In Zodiac Starforce: Cries of the Fire Prince #2 things get complicated as Nephos paints the town red which grants Alice and her friends their powers back in the processes. There’s some nice twists and turns as the Zodiac Starforce manage to encounter him, almost defeating him. Then Nephos reveals he is more powerful then the simple dancer he claimed to be. However, with the appearance of another Zodiac Starforce near the end, I’m curious to see how it impacts the story and where this all goes. Writer Kevin Panetta has me really interested in what is up his sleeve.

The art by Paulina Ganucheau continues to be well balanced. The issue shows off the “normal” aspects of the Zodiac Starforce members’ life as they deal with family and school and then balances all of that with introducing parts of Cimmeria’s kingdom. Despite the briefness of the glimpses, you can see the influence of Arabic and Medieval culture in it. It’s impressive to be able to seamlessly blend things so unlike each other and make it all work so well.

Story: Kevin Panetta Art: Paulina Ganucheau
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Zodiac Starforce: Cries of the Fire Prince #1

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An elite group of teenage girls with magical powers have sworn to protect our planet against dark creatures . . . as long as they can get out of class! Known as the Zodiac Starforce, these high-school girls aren’t just combating math tests–they’re also battling monsters!

 

After defeating a former Zodiac Starforce member and her mean-girl minions, the girls thought they’d get a little break! But a new big bad’s come out to play, and demons are starting to overrun the downtown!

Zodiac Starforce: Cries of the Fire Prince #1 continues shortly after the first volume ends. Intelligently, the first issue makes sure to include a brief retelling of the past volume to refresh fans and introduce fans who are unaware of the first volume. That’s super helpful when there’s breaks between series and helps make a new volume new reader friendly. Writer Kevin Panetta does an amazing job keeping a quick pace for the story while managing to balance character development and action. We also get a bit of a reveal of who the next villain may be.

Artist Paulina Ganucheau continues the “Sailor Moon” inspired art style. She manages to give the Zodiac supernatural element some great detail. It also showcases a very colorful visual style in the process in addition to showcasing some series action as the story unfolds.

A solid start to a series that’s entertaining and action packed and manages originality despite familiarity.

Story: Kevin Panetta Art: Paulina Ganucheau
Story: 8.5 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: The Realm #1

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Fifteen years ago, our world was overrun by creatures of myth; orcs, dragons, and other nameless horrors threw the entire planet into total chaos. Today, the shattered remnants of civilization must fight just to survive in a deadly new era of violence and mayhem. While a powerful sorcerer marshals his forces, a group of warriors embark on a journey to reclaim our world from the growing darkness.

A post-apocalyptic fantasy, western, is probably the simplest way to summarise The Realm the new series co-created by Seth M. Peck and Jeremy Haun. After some sort of apocalypse, humanity has returned to a medieval like society in order to survive. Enter Will Nolan, an escort/bounty hunter/bodyguard who seems to thrive in this new world. I’m curious to see where this story manages to go forward, and how they explore this strange world which is a mix of fantasy and zombie apocalypse.

The Realm‘s artwork manages to balance violence, action, and a dark atmosphere well. There’s a good amount of flowing action scenes throughout and the issue keeps readers on their toes. We’re also briefly introduced to two mysterious unnamed characters, a sorcerer, and a barbarian warrior, each with a real world vibe to them but at the same time mixing in fantasy tropes. The world is an interesting landscape with art that’s full of details giving us hints about this world and telling it’s own story.

The first issue is a solid start of what is sure to be the next hit that everyone will want. A great beginning and a great mix of genres.

Story: Seth M. Peck Art: Jeremy Haun
Color: Nick Filardi Letters: Thomas Mauer
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Kingsman: The Red Diamond #1

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Kingsman: The Golden Circle is in cinemas in September, and Millarworld and Image Comics have launched the sequel to the hit comic book series by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons with Kingsman: The Red Diamond. Working-class super-spy Eggsy follows in his mentor’s footsteps but is still rough around the edges for a Kingsman agent. Rejected by his high school crush and hot on the heels of a rescue mission to save Prince Phillip, he embarks on an international terror plot in a story that starts where James Bond draws the line. A new creative team of Rob Williams and Simon Fraser take the helm for this six-issue miniseries.

By the time you get to the end of Kingsman: The Red Diamond #1, it’s surprising how even the most simple plans can take a turn when you’re a secret agent. Despite managing to save a Prince, Eggsy is placed on forced leave, which puts a bit of a cramp in his plans and has him heading home to see his mom and old neighborhood. This provides some interesting introspective as Eggsy is forced to think about where he is versus where he’s come from. It’s an interesting spin you don’t often see with this sort of story and one the original movie did well. But, the story isn’t all about Eggsy’s return home. There’s something sinister afoot, so I doubt the leave will last. We’re presented with a new villain, one that feels like a riff on a classic Bond villain, so we’ll see how he’s presented to make him stand out from the pack.

The art differs from Kingsman: Secret Service, yet that isn’t a bad thing. The action and intrigue remain as the story begins to unfold, and it’s all presented in a fun way. It feels as though Fraser is being allowed to create the world in his own style as opposed to mimicking whats come before. The headquarters of the Red Diamond is in the highlight of the issue evoking a classic sci-fi underwater lair made for villains.

A fun first issue that continues Eggsy’s adventures while at the same time reminding us of his past. A new creative team is allowed space to do “their thing” which pays off in the end.

Story: Rob Williams Art: Simon Fraser
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Space Riders: Galaxy of Brutality #2.3

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Space God Monster versus Space God Monster and The One True God of Evil sings the damn ENDSONG plunging entire galaxies into the AGE OF THE ABYSS and who are the only ones that can stop it?? You know damn well who, the SPACE RIDERS!! This chapter puts the ultimate in penultimate!!

Things of myth begin to appear as the Endstorm is unleashed in Space Riders: Galaxy of Brutality #2.3. This forces Captain Peligro to act on behalf of all space riders. He comes to the rescue of the captive ones in the process, as the fight for the life of the galaxy begins. Will it survive, or is this the end? Fabian Rangel Jr. delivers cosmic sci-fi entertainment that feels like a trippy heir to the King Jack Kirby.

The art by Alexis Ziritt continues its vibrant and psychedelic color scheme, revealing more and more influence of Jack Kirby. It brings in a lot of traditional classic science fiction elements in the process creating a combination that’s as much a draw visually as it is in the narrative. The giant space whale manages to steal the spotlight with its own imposing form.

The series is a fun visual treat that is a must for anyone that loves classic sci-fi psychedelic comics.

Story: Fabian Rangel Jr. Art: Alexis Ziritt
Story: 8.5 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Black Mask Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Gwar Orgasmageddon #3

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Join the greatest heavy metal band to ever terrorize an audience, the all-mighty GWAR, as they rampage through the past to catch Mr. Perfect and shut him down for good. One part revenge, two parts bloodlust, all parts GWAR craziness! See GWAR’s influence on modern technological inventions, watch GWAR kill more historical dead guys, and drop in on a very special 1990s talk show episode taping. That’s right, this is the issue you demanded: GWAR of yesterday meets GWAR of today and things are gonna get…emotional.

In Gwar Orgasmageddon #3, the battle against the Kraken has a violent end, as the band tries to fix the cock-ship. When it displaces them to 16th Italy, they run into an old friend, an old enemy, and Leonardo DaVinci. It seems Sawborg has been busy since his run in with Mr. Perfect. The issue is the usual craziness that we’ve come to expect so far. This isn’t for the faint at heart. With only one issue left, I’m curious to see how this murderous tale of revenge and humor ends.

The art manages to mix in sizable quantities of gore, violence, and humor. It even gives a small cameo of the Oderus Urungus, as they appeared on the infamous Jerry Springer show. There’s also some interesting views of Renaissance era Italy. Even the violent scenes are getting more gore, as the series progresses.

This is a series that doesn’t take itself too seriously and likes to amp things up as high as it can go not just over the top but setting a new bar of insane fun.

Story: Matt Miner, Matt Maguire Art: Jonathan Brandon Sawyer
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Gwar: Orgasmageddon #2

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Thrown into the past by Mr. Perfect, our favorite “Scumdogs of the Universe” GWAR are fighting their way through time like a horde of insane drunken children, killing and defiling all in their path. Find out what REALLY happened in our human history and get the full story of GWAR’s involvement in World War II, Aztec human sacrifices, and the sinking of the Titanic, plus meet the BRAND-NEW MONSTER with a name so foul we can’t print it here and an appearance so obscene we couldn’t draw it on the cover! This book is a gut punch of social conscience wrapped in a blood-soaked corpse and sprinkled with comedy dynamite.

Dinosaurs, Nazis, dragons, human sacrifice, and a Kraken, oh my. Gwar: Orgasmageddon #2 outdoes the first when it comes to humor and violence of the first as the cock-ship randomly transports them through time. This forces them to shape history as the locals react to their presence. The additional tales at the end continue the humor in disturbing and perverse ways.

The art style continues to blend humor and violence in a spectacular fashion. The issue increases the amount of violence and action when the story calls for it but also dials it back when neccessary at the rare times when it isn’t needed. That creates some contrast and changes things up as things manage to somehow get stranger as the story progresses.

Story: Matt Miner, Matt Maguire Art: Jonathan Brandon Sawyer
Story: 8.5 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review Vampblade Vol. 4

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Comic fan, cosplayer, and shop manager Katie Carva continues her quest as Vampblade. Fighting invisible other-dimensional vampires straight from the 90s comics of her namesake, the blades push her to all new extremes! It’s all new next-level Vampblade adventures, shiny and chrome! Vampblade Vol. 4 collects the complete first story arc for the second season of the hit Danger Zone series

The fourth volume of Vampblade brings us more humorous violence, geek themed puns, and even a cameo from the king of cameos. It’s comes complete with vampire space dicks, a car chase in the Batmobile, all in the Windy City of Chicago.  What’s great is that the trade includes a brief summary of the first three volumes allowing new readers to easily jump on board. It’s a must have for fans of other characters who merge humor, violence and fourth wall breaking.

The art continues what I enjoyed about the first three volumes blending action and humor. The series even gives subtle nods to other Action Lab series, like Zombie Tramp.

Despite all of that, the strange end scene manages to steal the show gving us space dicks with a different look and an overhaul in color and appearance. It’s all about variety!

Story: Jason Martin Art: Marco Maccagni, Winston Young
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Action Labs Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Grimm Fairy Tales: Tarot #1

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The Mysterious Order of Tarot has emerged from the shadows with its sights set on ruling the Realms of Power. With the courts of Swords, Cups, Wands, and Pentacles at his command the Emperor is ready to launch his assault on the Grimm Universe and the only thing that stands in his way is a wild card named, Talisman.

Grimm Fairy Tales: Tarot #1 gives us an inescapable destiny and a man who is stubborn enough to run from it. Always on the run, he attempts to avoid all he can to become the King of Pentacles and that means relying on those whose past actions are extremely suspicious. Reluctantly Talisman has very litttle choice, as his life may depend on it.

The art by Ranto Rei blends fantasy and reality seamlessly. It showcases various magical worlds for brief periods of time, as the story leaps between them and Earth. It manages to pack in a lot of action and story in the process as well. It even shows various creatures of myth, including the Morrigan and goblins.

Story: Joe Brusha Art: Renato Rei
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

 

Zenescope provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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