Alex K Cossa, Author at Graphic Policy

Author Archives: Alex K Cossa

Review: Ninja-K #2

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Alex K Cossa

“One by one, the operatives of MI-6’s covert “Ninja Programme” are being murdered by an unseen threat that is as mysterious as it is deadly. But who could possibly have the knowledge and expertise to eliminate the lethal men and women of Britain’s most secret service…and why are they hellbent on reaping revenge against Colin King and his predecessors? As the walls close in around him, Ninjak must confront the bloodstained legacy that spawned him… before his own name gets crossed off the list…”

It has been a long time since I’ve been as excited to read a new issue as I was when I picked up Ninja-K #2. The first issue encapsulated almost everything I love about Valiant comics with its ability to pull the reader into an unfamiliar world with ease, before scratching the surface of the characters within the story (which is all you needed in that issue) while simultaneously hinting at the deeper layers of their relationships that have been built on and off page in their previous appearances all wrapped up in a suitably gritty and fantastic art package. So it is with some excitement that I dropped everything when Graphic Policy’s Blogger-In-Chief Brett sent me the review copy and immediately dove right into the issue at hand.

I am utterly ecstatic to report, dear readers, that Ninja-K #2 is every bit as good as the first issue.

We get less of a background on MI6’s Ninja Programme, although it is still present, and a bit more of a focus on Ninjak, or Ninja-K, himself this issue as he tries to figure out who is responsible for picking off the former Ninja operatives. The comic balances some fantastic action sequences with the slower paced more story driven aspect of the comic incredibly well, with neither throwing the pace of the comic out of whack; the non-action parts a brimming with an underlying tension that, for this humble reviewer at least, is more enthralling than the explosive action early in the comic.

Christos Gage‘s script is great, but it’s when you see Tomas Giorello‘s art and the muted vibrancy of Diego Rodriguez‘s colours that the comic becomes a shining example of what is possible within the medium. Ninja-K is perfect for readers who want an intelligent thriller that doesn’t hand feed you the details (and yet doesn’t make them obscure enough that only hardcore fans can figure them out). Frankly, this is one of the top series on the racks at the moment, and you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t it.

Story: Christos Gage Art: Tomas Giorello Colours: Diego Rodriguez
Story: 9.3 Art: 9.15 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided a FREE copy for review. I’m buying a copy anyway.

DC Rebirth: Recap and Review Comics Released 12/13

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Alex K Cossa

Welcome to Graphic Policy’s DC Rebirth: Recap And Review where we take a look at the comics released under DC‘s Rebirth banner and try to work out just how accessible they are for new readers – we’ll also be providing recap of sorts for the relevant story beats up until the issue in question in order to help you figure out if the series is something you’re interested in.

Each comic will receive a rating of Friendly or Unfriendly based on how easy it was for new readers to pick them up; the ratings are based solely on the issues released in the post-Rebirth ongoing series. More consideration regarding the comic’s accessibility will be given for the specific issue being read rather than the series overall, but if reading a back issue will help, then that will be mentioned. You’ll also notice that each comic will get a rating that falls on Graphic Policy’s typical ten point scale, which is there to help you pick between issues if you only want to check out one or two.

Not every comic is covered week to week, and that’s because I sometimes forget to read them (although that doesn’t happen often), or I really can’t bring myself to pic up the issue. If I have missed an issue, typically I won’t go looking for back issues to catch up on events – this feature is all about accessibility for new readers, after all.

Action Comics #993 Superman has gone back in time to save Krypton, and Booster Gold arrived half a second too late from the future to stop him. The rest you can puzzle out on your own in the Friendly issue you have in your hands. 7/10

Detective Comics #970 Uhm…. This is a decent issue, I suppose, but it’s really not that friendly (which means it’s Unfriendly) as there’s a LOT to cover and the comic doesn’t give you breathing room to figure it out. Honestly, any recap I give you will be worse than if you went in blind. 6/10

The Flash #36 Part one of a new arc, which does make for a Friendly jumping on point, all things considered, finds Barry Allen at the center of a murder in the Iron Heights prison in a return to basics for the series (which means this is a really good starting point). 7.75/10

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #34 I had actually forgotten all about what happened here last issue, and then the opening page reminded me. It’s a bit of a forced recap, but it works well enough for new folks – or for folks like me who have a terrible memory. Friendly, and half decent/ 7/10

New Super-Man #18 While the New Super-Man is trapped in Lex Luthor’s house while he tries to activate his full abilities (and instead opens a gate to Hell), Lex and Superman try to break through Luthor’s defenses to help him. Kong Kenan describes this issue best when “oh forget it, just punch anything with more than one head!” If you don’t worry to much about the plot, then you’ll enjoy this sloberknocker of a Friendly comic. 7.5/10

Red Hood And The Outlaws #17 The Outlaws have been convinced to go on a mission with the Suicide Squad in a very cold location. Ultimately, this Friendly issue is a lot of fun, even if lacking a little in substance. 6.5/10

Supergirl #16 It looks like Supergirl’s reputation is in the tank, and while someone is trying to actively ruin her in the public eye, the DEO is trying to apprehend her for her perceived crimes. I think. The issue is borderline Friendly. 7/10

Titans #18 For whatever reason I’ve missed the last couple issues of this series, and honestly have very little idea what’s going on here. Thankfully, despite this being a climactic (and probably emotional issue if you’ve been reading the series a little) battle, it’s quite Friendly. 7.5/10

Wonder Woman #36 If you give the issue time, and soak in all the details, then you’ll find this Friendly without a recap. It is also, conveniently enough, one of the better issues in the series for a month or two. 7.25/10

That’s a wrap for this week folks. I’ll see you next time!

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 12/17

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Alex K Cossa

Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for.

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.

Joe

Mister Miracle # 5 (DC Comics) King and Gerards have been weaving a wonderfully epic tale using the eternal war between Apokolips and New Genesis as a back drop. That is not where the book shines though. King has an amazing way of making these awe inspiring deity-like characters so very human. I loved everything in this issue. Where have we ever seen a trial of a Superhero much less a New God, take place in his living room? The issue issue the aftermath of Scot Free being sentanced to death by the New Highfather, Orion. Scot does what anyone would do with their last days: spend it with the person he loves most. The way Barda is presented here is such a joy as she is trying to hold it together knowing her love is sentanced to imminent death. They take selfies with fans, have a last meal and get hilariously stuck in traffic just like any human couple and it never feels above them. King has found a way to make the New Gods very relatable and this whole series has been a triumph. I might be out of line here but Overall: 10. Yeah thats right. Read if you disagree. It’s that good.

Shean

Despicable Deadpool #290 (Marvel) We catch up with Wade and Cable as they chase Stryfe, Cables evil across time and space. Their travels bring them to NYC, where they get in a scuffle with some Vampires . The funniest scene in the book is when they enter a portal where the reader gets to see 100 different versions of fun himself.By book’s end, Deadpool kills Viking Cable as the duo realizes Stryfe is about to make some clones of himself once again. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

She Hulk #160 (Marvel) We catch up with Jennifer shortly after being abducted by The Leader and his sycophant, Robyn. As this issue becomes the Marvel version of “Misery”, as Robyn regails her with tales of how much of a fangirl she is of She-Hulk. We flashback to how Robin abducted Jennifer and gets into the reasons why. By the end of this episode, Robyn becomes Jennifer’s version of Abomination. Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Buy

Ryan C

Brilliant Trash #2 (Aftershock) – This series seems to be shifting its focus to a third protagonist in just its second issue, while the main character who appeared on the cover last time out is literally nowhere to be found. If that makes it sound like writer Tim Seeley’s attention span is spread pretty thin, well — that’s precisely the case. Priscilla Petraites’ art is still nice enough, if unspectacular, but it’s not only difficult to see where this book is going — it’s difficult to figure out where it is now. Overall: 3. Recommendation: Pass

Grass Kings #10 (Boom! Studios) – An uncharacteristically weak issue this time out, as writer Matt Kindt deepens the murder mystery that has moved to the series’ core with clumsy and stilted dialogue, while Tyler Jenkins’ watercolor-style art looks nice enough on a “macro” level — but on a “micro” level is pretty damn flawed given that his characters’ facial expressions often bear little to no resemblance to the action taking place in the scene or even to the words coming out of their mouths. A weird one, to be sure. Overall: 4. Recommendation: Pass.

Mister Miracle #5 (DC)** – What’s supposed to be the last day of Scott Free’s life proves to be a compelling examination of his relationship with his wife, Big Barda, that’s by turns touching, philosophical, romantic — and even kinky (although the particular bit of “adult fun” they’re into shouldn’t be all that surprising given that we’re talking about an escape artist here). All that being said, the “cliffhanger” ending, while brutal, is anything but surprising. Apart from that, though, Tom King and Mitch Gerads are still firing on all cylinders. Overall: 8. Recommendation: Buy

Royal City #8 (Image)** – Jeff Lemire’s slow-burn trip back to the early ’90s is certainly compelling, if so far free or anything remotely resembling surprises, but it’s the humanity of his central characters that’s the real “hook” here, and those hooks are getting into readers very deeply indeed by this point. Nothing flashy or overwhelming here, just solid, smart, resonant storytelling that pretty much anyone can relate to. Quiet and gripping at the same time? That takes some real skill right there. Overall: 8. Recommendation: Buy

Logan

WicDiv Christmas Special (Image) The WicDiv Christmas Special is the sexiest and most emotional piece of fanservice you will read in 2017. Kieron Gillen and guest artists Kris Anka, Jen Bartel, Emma Vieceli, Rachel Stott, and Chynna Clugston-Flores show the beautiful, volatile relationships of the Pantheon before everything went haywire. The Anka drawn Baal and Inanna penises are definitely the main attraction here. Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write. See you next week!

Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).

Those Two Geeks With Alex & Joe Episode Thirteen

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Alex K Cossa

Alex and Joe are back and stay on topic for once (kinda)!

On the docket this week: The geeks have seen Justice League, and want to talk about it. And they do. For the second time because last time the recording failed (which goes a little way to explaining the gap between episodes and the lack of Episode Twelve). They also talk about Batman #36, and the snubbing of Logan at the Golden Globes

As always, the Alex and Joe can be found on twitter respectively @karcossa and @jc_hesh if you feel the need to tell them they’re wrong individually, or @those2geeks if you want to yell at them together on twitter or email ItsThose2Geeks@gmail.com.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you ~~next week~~ in the future!

Underrated: Valiant’s Comics

Posted on December 16, 2017 by Alex K Cossa

This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: the comics from comic book publisher Valiant Entertainment

I’m not going to lie to you, folks. I haven’t had a lot of time (or desire, truth be told) to read comics over the last couple of weeks, so I was sat in front of my laptop on a Friday night (yup, the height of socialization, me) wondering what the bloody hell I could write about for this week’s Underrated knowing that I had less than twelve hours to get something halfway decent, maybe even entertaining, written for your enjoyment.

Well I got something written, but I’ll leave it to you to tell me if it’s enjoyable.

Inspiration struck when I noticed a certain email containing review copies of a couple of pop up in my inbox and I realized that for the first time in a couple of weeks I was genuinely excited. The comics in question, rather obviously, came from Valiant. And that got me thinking about the series that Valiant have been publishing over the past year, and which you should be reading.

XO2017_TPB_001_COVER_LAROSA

X-O Manowar (2017) After the first series concluded after 50 issues, Valiant relaunched X-O Manorwar with a new creative team who took the character into the far reaches of space. Aric of Dacia is a time displaced Visigoth prince in command of arguably the most powerful weapon in the universe – the X-O Manowar armour. On the planet Gorin, Aric has found a peaceful existence that is disturbed when he’s conscripted into a war not his own. A war he wants to fight without the armour.
The retired gunslinger style story is set against fantastic operatic visuals that leave you in no doubt as to the setting, and odds, of the war depicted in a series that has been getting better with each issue. You don’t need to have read the previous 50 issues (I didn’t) to enjoy this story. Look for the collected editions at your LCS (X-O Manowar: Soldier is the first, and would make an excellent gift for your comic loving, uh, loved ones this season).
Bloodshot Salvation Bloodshot: a man who was subjected to untold tests from a shadowy organisation, whose blood is full of tiny little machines (called nanites) that give him various different powers (the one you’ll see most often is rapid healing), and was frequently brainwashed after each mission. Now, finally, he’s free, and he has a family. This series picks up after the at-times-phenomenal Bloodshot Reborn (which, again, isn’t required reading) and finds the former killing machine trying to protect his new family, as well as a tale set eight years into the future. The two stories have yet to intertwine, but they’re bound to at some point. Only four issues in, this series is far more grounded than X-O, and yet just as exciting to look at.
Ninja-K The second issue is due to hit the shelves this week, which is perfect timing for those of you who want to dive into this stylish spy thriller that meshes Batman with James Bond. Once again, no prior knowledge is required when picking up the first issue. Personally, this is the reason I got all giddy over the week’s comics.
Divinity/Eternity Matt Kindt and Trevor Hairsine have created a really interesting character in Abram Adams, the Russian Cosmonaut with the powers of a god. The Divinity trilogy has been released sporadically over the years, and is worth reading in its entirety (which is why I’m breaking my own rule), which will get you prepared for the latest sequel Eternity which is laced with a Kirby-esque space background of incredibly vivid colour.

Review: Judas #1

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Alex K Cossa

Judas Iscariot journeys through life and death, grappling with his place in “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” and how much of his part was preordained. In a religion built on redemption and forgiveness, one man had to sacrifice himself for everyone…and it wasn’t Jesus.

Any story that takes on the subject matter that this comic is presenting runs the risk of being drowned by people refusing to read it, or reacting before they’ve read it, which robs the story of its chance to be given a fair critical chance. Although one could argue that the very nature of the subject matter can leave it ripe for just such a reaction. The preview text of the comic was interesting enough, so I figured I’d give the Boom Studios published comic a shot.

Written by Jeff Loveness, and featuring art from Jakub Rebelka, Judas #1 is an ambitious comic. You’ll notice that the issue is comprised almost entirely of an internal monologue from the man in the title, which gives the comic a feeling more like an illustrated novel than a traditional comic book. It’s dangerously close to being a pretentious way to utilize the medium, but as the comic never quite crosses that line it remains an introspective look into one of the most reviled men in history (or fiction, depending on where you stand).

The combination of the art and the lack of specific speech bubbles work strongly in the comic’s favour, elevating what could easily be a controversial story people read because they want an opinion on it into a comic you should read as an example of what comics are capable of doing. There’s a level of promise here that belies the “pretty good” feeling I had while reading the issue, even though I enjoyed the comic; indeed, it was upon further reflection (and a second read through) that Judas began to open up to me as being more than just a comic courting controversy simply for telling a story that, frankly, has no reason not to be told.

Regardless of your religious beliefs, and assuming you’re at least passingly familiar with who Judas is (as in he’s the dude who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, which led to the Crucifixion), then you’ll be able to appreciate the comic’s study of the man who sold out Jesus, and the effect that act (whether preordained or not) had on him. Is this a man deserving of forgiveness, or redemption? Has he been unfairly judged by people in the two thousand odd years since the betrayal? I’m looking forward to seeing how the series handles these questions in the coming issues.

Story: Jeff Loveness Art: Jakub Rebelka
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Bloodshot Salvation #4

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Alex K Cossa

This is the story of two brothers, who were born into nothing and reaped an inheritance of anger… This is the story of Rampage – an imperfect reflection of Bloodshot’s potential, one enhanced by the very same nanite technology, but fueled by an inextinguishable furnace of hate… This is the story of the Valiant Universe’s most terrifying new villain, and a preview of the pain he has yet to inflict on an unsuspecting world…

After last issue’s cliffhanger ending, Bloodshot Salvation #4 takes a different track as it fleshes out the backstory of two major players in the series, the Scarred Man and Rampage, which means we’ll have to wait until at least issue five to get some form of resolution to the aforementioned cliffhanger. It’s almost enough to make a person feel a little miffed, or it would be if Jeff Lemire didn’t produce a compelling, if slightly telegraphed, story as he and artist Mico Suayan take a brief but welcome look into the antagonists of the series.

The story itself, although not the most complex, or original if we’re being honest (but then you show me an entirely original origin type story these days that’s still of a high caliber) is both engaging and well told; you may suss out the ending by the midpoint, but you’ll still enjoy the journey as told by a writer at the top of his game. But just because I could see where the story was heading didn’t mean that there wasn’t a couple of smaller, more character based surprises for me toward the end of the comic.

Mico Suayan is, once again, on utterly brilliant form as the brings the story to a visceral presence as you read the comic. The underlying sense of dread as the tale unfolds, and the very palpable fear of the young characters wouldn’t be half as effective were it not for Suayan’s art and colourist Diego Rodriguez.

Bloodshot Salvation #4 is a bit of a break from the story running though the first three issues, but it’s one that teases out the cliffhanger of the previous issue with a fleshing out of characters that, ultimately, needed a bit of fleshing out. How this will play into the rest of the series, well we’ll find out sooner or later, eh?

Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Mico Suayan Colourist Diego Rodriguez
Story: 8.75 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided a FREE copy for review. I will purchase my copy anyway.

DC Rebirth: Recap and Review Comics Released 12/6

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Alex K Cossa

Batman #36 Batman got engaged to Catwoman. That’s all you need to know about perhaps the best issue of this series in a LONG time. Needless to say, this Friendly issue is a must read for anybody who enjoys the relationship between Batman and Superman. 9.25/10

Cyborg #19 An interesting, and ultimately Friendly, story that has the cybernetic hero far out of his usual environment. Unfortunately it’s entirely forgettable after Batman #36. 6.75/10

Deathstroke #26 Deathstroke has been captured (four days ago) and his team of young heroes, Defiance, are unsure if his disappearance is another of his tests (as he is wont to do to assess their effectiveness) or if he’s genuinely in peril – though the young team aren’t overly sure how smart you’d have to be to kidnap Deathstroke. This series is best read in solid chunks (think trades), and picking up the series randomly tends to leave you hovering around the Friendly/Unfriendly line. Generally, the series has been at the very least worth reading. 7.25/10

Green Arrow #35 Ollie Queen has been accused of a murder he didn’t commit (the supposed victim was kidnapped and held underground for sometime before being rescued in a catatonic state – and now Ollie doesn’t want to put her through more trauma so he’s facing trial for her murder… it’s a noble yet foolish gesture), and he’s also broke. In order to secure some evidence he needs, he needs to head underwater… the issue is relatively Friendly at this point. 7/10

Green Lanterns #36 This issue is actually pretty Friendly all by its lonesome, even if it is the second in a two part story. Not the best, honestly, but enjoyable nonetheless. 6.75/10

Justice League #34 Pretty sure this is a standalone story, and as such it is Friendly, but once again not the best representation of the characters with as we follow what is essentially a day-in-the-life tale. Not a bad story to pick up, and nice breather after several long arcs. 6.75/10

Nightwing #34 I’ll be completely honest with you: aside from the very basics I don’t remember too much about this series. Thankfully, there’s a recap given through the narrative on the first page that will get you right up to speed. It’s a Friendly, and very enjoyable twenty odd pages, but it’s also the end of an arc. Whether you start here or next issue, that’s up to you. 7.5/10

Superman #36 Look, I won’t beat around the bush. This is an Unfriendly mess at the best of times, and a convoluted waste at others, so if you want to start on this series, wait for the next issue. You’ll thank me. 5/10

That’s a wrap for this week folks. I’ll see you next time!

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 12/10

Posted on December 10, 2017 by Alex K Cossa

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.

Logan

Iceman #8 (Marvel) Having not one, but two Icemen spices up Sina Grace’s banter starting with a hilarious scene where they talk about boys while an unnamed Pyro spouts off banal dialogue about mutant rights. Artist Robert Gill really sells the scene by having ice golems beat the bad guy up in the background while young and old Iceman have a heart to heart. Speaking of heart to heart, the tension between Iceman and his parents continues as they see young Iceman as a chance to get things “right”. It’s emotionally difficult, but bolstered by plenty of jokes, boy drama, and Gill’s beefcake take on Daken, who is likely going to play a role in future issues. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy

No. 1 with a Bullet #2 (Image) Jacob Semahn, Jorge Corona, and Jen Hickman really hit their stride in No. 1 with a Bullet #2 by exploring the emotional fallout of a sex video of protagonist Nash Huang and her boss leaking via high tech contact lens cameras. Corona uses close-ups and Hickman uses clashing colors to show Nash’s feelings of sadness and rage in a character driven issue that deals with the real life problem that men think they’re entitled to women’s bodies. In light of the sexual abuse of men like Harvey Weinstein and more, this is tough, yet important read and looks at real world issues in an empathetic way through the lens of the horror and sci-fi genres. It also has a hell of a cliffhanger. Overall: 8.9 Verdict: Buy

Shean

Iron Fist #75 (Marvel) As the battle Royale rages on, Choshin, Constructor as well as Sabretooth kick heads, as it is every man for himself.As Sabretooth and Iron Fist catches up with Constrictor, they find someone else wearing his costume, who has a whole separate agenda. Choshin unfortunately gts his hands on the Book of the Iron Fist and unleashes some ungodly evil.By issue’s end, our heroes and Choshin’s goons arrive in KunLun, making it one step closer to taking down the Iron Fist once and for all. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Spirits of Vengeance #3 (Marvel) Right from the onset of this issue, we feel an origin story for “Blood Money”, as it goes all the way back to Judah and his thirty pieces of silver.This issue also serves as an introduction to our villain, Nacrodamus, which is the most powerful evil the Spirits of Vengeance has ever seen. Our heroes venture into the underworld through an ancient gateway, Port Brimstone.By issues end, they enter a barlooking much like the Most Eisley Cantina, except with demons galore in place of aliens, finding the very person who Judas the silver pieces. Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Buy

Ryan C

The Fix #10 (Image)** Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber return after a long hiatus with an issue that, frankly, shows plenty of rust. There’s a few laughs, but the overall tone and tenor of the book seems a shadow of its former self, scripting and art both seem a little lazy, and the cliffhanger is bog-standard “let’s see how he gets out of this one” stuff. Overall: 4 Recommendation: Pass

The Gravediggers Union #2 (Image)** Wes Craig and Toby Cypress continue to impress with their nascent series, as this second issue serves up more eye-popping art, original concepts, sharp and concise dialogue, and smart “world-building.” These guys are building something kinda special here, and the growing cast of characters is uniformly interesting and compelling. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Violent Love #10 (Image)** Frank J. Barbieri and Victor Santos put the wraps on their “Badlands/””Natural Born Killers”-inspired crime series with a terrific final issue that wraps up every loose thread and serves up a deliciously cold little bit of revenge at the very end. Terrific art has been a hallmark of this book throughout, and this one pulls out all the stops on the visual front, as well. The back-up feature by Ryan Ferrier and Jamie Jones closes out in thoroughly satisfying fashion, as well. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Batman #36 (DC) Whaddya know, I actually liked this one! Tom King’s dialogue is still overly-stylized and frankly somewhat interchangeable from one character to the next, but he “gets” the dynamic of the Batman/Superman friendship, the simple plot manages to stay on the right side of the clever/cliche divide (albeit just barely), and the art by brothers Clay and Seth Mann is superb and dynamic. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

Christopher

Dept H #21 (Dark Horse) Mia gets a powerful gift from Roger that reveals a lot. Not only about Roger and Hari’s relationship, but the lives of Mia’s parents. The one Roger saw in person, and through film. Revealing how he loved and disposed the happiness Hari found. Showing the final moment of Hari’s life in splendid and grainy black and white footage that really stands out in this issue. Contrasting vastly with the rest of the panels in this issue. Overall: 9

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write. See you next week!

Underrated: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

Posted on December 9, 2017 by Alex K Cossa

Released in 1999, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace was written and directed by George Lucas, produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by 20th Century Fox. It is the first installment in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Ahmed Best, Pernilla August, Brian Blessed, Ray Park, and Frank Oz. It is also widely known for being a stonking pile of manure.

Released sixteen years after Return Of The Jedi, The Phantom Menace was set 32 years before Star Wars, and follows Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they protect Queen Amidala, in hopes of securing a peaceful end to a large-scale interplanetary trade dispute. Joined by Anakin Skywalker—a young slave with unusually strong natural powers of the Force—they simultaneously contend with the mysterious return of the Sith.

Now that you’ve read (basically) the first two paragraphs of the Wikipedia entry, allow me to tell you why this movie is underrated.

Look, I’m not claiming it’s good, just that it isn’t (quite) as bad as you think it is. And it does have good moments. If I can’t convince you, maybe I’ll make you laugh…?

Anyway.

If you’re of a certain age, or your parents are, then you would have been beyond excited to see this movie when it hit the theaters in 1999. I remember watching the lines on the local news back in England being in awe that anybody would care about a movie that much, but nearly twenty years later I can begin understand the level of excitement people would feel surrounding the return of such a beloved franchise – indeed, as I type this I am already planning to line up for the latest Star Wars flick, The Last Jedi, two hours before the screen doors open. But that’s after having two good movies released in the last two years, so can you imagine the excite fans of the franchise would have had in the weeks and months (hell, years) leading up to May 19th, 1999 when the movie finally opened for the masses. It would have been incredible! In the years before the widespread usage of the Internet (in comparison to what we see now), there were conversations in schools, at the water cooler and frankly anywhere fans would gather. The excitement was palpable wherever nerds and fans gathered. It’s hard to overstate how much hype was in the air surrounding the first Star Wars movie in sixteen years.

And then the movie was released.

If you’ve never seen this movie, then you should check it out. It’s a great send up of nerd culture circa 1998 with a touching heart. Rumour has it the movie is based on real events – whether that’s true or not I’m unsure.

Look, without beating around the bush, it’s safe to say that it didn’t live up to expectations. At all. The movie is widely regarded as the worst live action entry into the saga, and rightly so, and fans have often said that the movie is best left forgotten in the deep recesses of history. Which is a touch harsh, but I understand where they’re coming from. But here’s the thing; despite the movie’s obvious flaws, I still feel like it gets the short end of the stick quite a bit.

Why? Well let me break out the bullet points…

Firstly, it was the first Star Wars movie in a generation, and as such it was the first time that many of us were able to sit in a chair and experience that title sequence – next time you see a Star Wars movie in the theatre and those titles start to roll with that music… you tell me that isn’t an incredible moment. Almost makes what came after those titles worth watching.
Secondly, you can’t tell me you weren’t grinning from ear to ear with the extensive lightsaber duels. Everything is better with lightsabers.
Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, there were people for whom this was the first Star Wars movie they’d experienced and as such it served, for those folks at least, as a gateway into the franchise.
How many of you who did see, and loath, this movie in the cinema rushed out to see Episode II – Attack Of The Clones opening night because it couldn’t have been as band as this one, right? It wasn’t, was it? If nothing else, that the first movie was the worst in the new trilogy should be seen as a bright spot.
Dual lightsaber! Darth Maul’s dual blades were the first time we had seen a break from the standard style lightsaber from the original trilogy, which opened up a breadth of on-screen options for the iconic weapon going forward.

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace was always doomed to fail. No movie with as much hype as this one will ever meet expectations. But eighteen years on, while the movie may not hold up visually any more with the advances in digital technology, and Jar Jar Binks is still an annoying fuckwit, I came to realize that the movie isn’t as bad as you would think. Aside from Jar Jar, and a little too much time spent on the pod racing subplot, the movie isn’t bad. Could it have been better? Absolutely – I won’t argue that. But it wasn’t as bad as you’ve heard, certainly not as bad as its reputation would have you believe.

Next week we’ll return to a more comic themed Underrated. Until next time!

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