Author Archives: pharoahmiles

The Punisher #1 sees an excellent new protagonist to take on a familiar mantle

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Punisher #1

I remember the first time I read Ghost Rider. It was in the 90s and I had heard a few comic book store owners talk about the different runs the character has had over the years. They all sounded exciting to me. I came to know the character from his new host, Danny Ketch. The detractors around our local comic book store, were more than happy to pronounce their disdain. Their resistance was their love for what came before, unwilling to try something new.

The negativity did not last though. The creative team not only made Ketch indelible but created a masterful story arc. Much like that transition and change, in the debut issue of Punisher, a new man has taken the mantle, in the absence of Frank Castle, but for what purpose?

We’re taken to the scene of what appears to be an arson. It’s clear this wasn’t an accident and the family was targeted, as the police find an undetonated bomb. While it seems the entire family has been murdered, one body is missing, that of the father, Joe Garrison. Thus kicks off the mysterious origin of a new man who will be given the mantle of Punisher. The issue delivers the expected action as moments later, at a bar full of assassins, we see the new Punisher in action as he begins his mission of revenge.

Overall, Punisher #1 features an excellent and intriguing new protagonist to take on a familiar mantle. The story by Pepose is exciting. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that shows why everyone loves this complicated antihero, no matter who dons the skull.

Story: David Pepose Art: Dave Wachter
Color: Dan Brown Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Miguel O’Hara: Spider-Man 2099 #1 is a harrowing dystopian tale

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Miguel O'Hara: Spider-Man 2099 #1

The Blade movies were ahead of their time. They were not your run of the mill monster movies. They were not your typical comic book movies either. They were a hybrid, which showed viewers and filmmakers a new way of blending genres.

The second movie was probably the best out of the three and was directed by a still fresh Guillermo Del Toro. It showed our hero teaming up to take down a bigger threat. In the debut issue of Miguel O’Hara: Spider-Man 2099, we find Blade teaming up with Miguel to take down Marvel Zombie 2099.

We’re taken to Earth 2099, where a siege of zombies have taken over Nueva York, and a zombie has turned Miguel’s mother into one, as he is starting to see just how serious the problem is. We also find Blade in Harlem, where he helps find the root cause, as he deduces that they were genetically engineered. As Blade and Miguel eventually finds out who created this serum in hopes of saving his wife and actually instead creating eternal life. By the issue’s end, our heroes track down our villain, giving him a taste of his own medicine, but their lives are forever changed by it.

Overall, Miguel O’Hara: Spider-Man 2099 #1 is a harrowing dystopian tale that shows what happens when grief makes people do desperate things. The story by Orlando is surprising. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, an excellent story that is both meditative and action packed.

Story: Steve Orlando Art: Devmalya Pramanik
Color: Raúl Angulo Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Kindle

Beware the Planet of the Apes #1 delves deeper into Planet of the Apes mythology

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Beware the Planet of the Apes #1

As a Child born in the late 1970s and growing up in the early 1980s, we were exposed to a lot of movies form the 1970s. Many of those films are now considered classics. Some have even been inducted into the Library Of Congress. Growing up in New York, some of those films were filmed in my city I knew. Some of the more famous movies from that decade being The French Connection and Mean Streets.

One of my favorite movies from that time were the Planet Of the Apes movies. I also grew up in a time when they had re-runs of the television show that was inspired by it. That franchise has always been a commentary on society’s dynamic with race and class. In the debut issue of Beware the Planet of the Apes, two ape scientists seek the help of a human to save a family member.

Beware the Planet of the Apes #1 takes us directly to the Planet of the Apes, where a human settlement is under attack by a brigade of Gorillas and the nephew of a prominent scientist goes missing. A day later in Ape City, his aunt Zira and her fiancée Cornelius look for him. Their trail leads them to Forbidden Zone, where the human he tried to help, Nova, is hiding. They reach out to the local municipal leader, Dr. Zaius, who  denies them entry to the Forbidden Zone, but Zira’s pull to bring her nephew back, forces her to break the rules. By the issue’s end, Zira, Cornelius and Nova go in search of Lucius, arriving at a place familiar to many but may be a vipers pit for our protagonists.

Overall, Beware the Planet of the Apes #1 is a story that delves deeper into Planet of the Apes mythology. The story by Guggenheim is steeped in mystery and revisionist history. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that fans of the franchise will immediately jump on.

Story: Marc Guggenheim Art: Álvaro López
Color: Alex Guimarães Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Pharoahmiles’ Best of 2023

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Local Man #1

It has been a few years since I have done one of these, but here are a few of my favorite things, Enjoy!

BEST ONGOING COMICS SERIES

Birds Of Prey – Kelly Thompson has ben on a tear with these characters , rather than put them in familiar situations, she capitalizes on what makes each of the core team members so magnetic, leaving fans wanting more.

Killadelphia – Rodney Barnes seems to top himself with every new story arc on this rewriting of history as we know it.

Mask of Haliya – this independent comic book which I had the pleasure of reviewing, is one which many Filipino American will see themselves in, while noticing how the series uses our collective belief in everything supernatural.

Enfield Gang Massacre – an old school Western which delves into the “ man on a run” genre, while showing readers exactly why this genre was so beloved in literature and film

Peacemaker Tries Hard! – this otherwise forgotten character got new life because of James Gunn and this series proves why he has staying power, leaning into all the 80s tropes which makes him so lovable.

Star Wars: Dark Droids – a story which uses the otherwise background characters in Star Wars in what would slowly become the rumblings a revolution.

Phantom Road– a different take on zombies while adding another chapter to the lone drifter genre.

Green Lantern – probably my favorite run of this series, where all the creators are at the top of their game, giving a Hal Jordan we have not seen until now.

Miracleman: The Silver Age – Neil Gaiman and Mark Buckingham create a masterpiece in storytelling, while blazing new roads within the context of the era.

Barnstormers – in anticipation of the upcoming Masters Of The Air, this series serves as an excellent primer, but with female protagonists in a stirring story.

Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham -In a different vision of the Caped Crusader, one that remixes him for a different generation and jumps on the fanfare of  the latest Batman film.

Somna – an effectively creepy story which touches on the fear of witchcraft while serving the reader, a strong female protagonist.

Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville – an entertaining book which taps on the teenage energy of its main characters.

Immortal Thor – a story which masterfully blends the comic book and classic Nordic origins of this iconic character, while remembering to tell a great story.

W0rldtr33 – there is nothing like this book from Image and James Tynion IV,, as it massively creepy while giving readers scare jumps at every page turn

Avengers Inc – I can say I normally don’t like any of the Avengers comics, but this one by Al Ewing and Leonard Kirk, has given this franchise new blood in ways we will convert new readers.

Kill Your Darlings – another universe jumping story which reminds me of Kindred, but with witches.

Local Man – a story about what happens when superheroes get cancelled and what happens next.

Wonder Woman – Tom King and Daniel Sampere, do some fine work with Diana, offering reader a fresh view of this icon.

The Incredible Hulk – this series feels like what the 1st Rambo movie felt like, true horror.

BEST GRAPHIC NOVELS

We Are Not Strangers – I had to the pleasure of reviewing this book and interviewing the creator, a true story that is best viewed through the prism of of comics and Tuininga is in rare form here.

Blacula: Return Of The King – a new story of a Blaxploitation icon, not only rewrites what we know of him but reinvigorates the character and show why Rodney Barnes is a master storyteller.

Carmilla: The First Vampire – Amy Chu nd Soo Lee is in rare form as they dives into the dngers of gentrification while adding a different type of vampire into the canon.

Where The Body Was – Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips do not disappoint inanother potboiler thatshows they do crime noir better than most.

The Talk – Darrin Bell gibes in great detail his history of what is to be Black man and how the outside world sees him and people like him.

Roaming – Jillian and Mariko Tamaki offer an interesting tale of visitng New York City in a brilliant outsider view.

Mexikid – this book shows how it is to belong to more than one culture and how ften those of us live in it , find joy and pain within it.

Bonding – a love story which involves two broken people and a society where slugs determine compatibility, offers a fresh take on the romance.

The Sea In You – this twist on the  Little Mermaid is a must read for everyone.

Hungry Ghost – a sobering tale of one woman’s fight  with bulimia.

Queenie: Godmother Of Harlem – a fascinating true story of one of the first gangsters who endured hell and high water to becoming one of the powerful women in Harlem

BEST COLLECTED STORY ARCS

Wonder Woman Historia:  The Amazons –  one of the first titles announced when the DC Black Label imprint was revealed,  it has become a standard bearer for the rest of the line, showing exactly why DC diehards are right to believe in the brand.

Monarch – in another yarn by Rodney Barnes, we get the American version of Attack The Block, this time in Compton, in a gripping tale.

The Department Of Truth;:The Comp Conspiracy Deluxe HC Volume1 – this collection has the first 3 arcs of this secret organization in charge of blurring the liens between truth and fiction when it comes to conspiracy theories

IZombie: The Complete Series Omnibus – this collection houses every single issue, and show just how different the show was from the comic book.

Giga: The Complete Series – a dystopian story which centers around fallen gods and people ravaged by war.

BEST TV SHOWS

RoboDoc – an excellent examination of why the Robocop franchise has lasying power, and just jow ahead of its time it was

What If – one of the best shows in the MCU returned in one of its best seasons yet, giving long time fans of the orginal comic book series, a season worth savoring, as there has not one dud in the bunch .

Loki – the show returned to bookend the main character’s story arc in heartbreaking fashion, leaving fans with their hearts full in a collective gasp of what is to come with next MCU Phase.

One Piece(live action) – as a casual fan of the anime I was skeptical of the adaptation since Netflix has a low bating record in this regard, but they found the magic formula with this one, as it got he heart of the story in spades.

The Fall Of The House Of Usher – ever since Flanagan did Gerald’s Game , I have been a huge fan of his work, and this latest and sadly, last for Netflix, does not disappoint, as not only is the story is hitting on all cylinders but the cast is just as stellar.

Warrior – having been a fan since it was on Cinemax, this latest seasons dwarf the first two, even pulling in martial arts legend, Mark Dacascos into the mix. and although it ultimately got canceled by Max, it will see new life on syndication Netflix, hopefully we can get a 4th season .

Invincible– the show returned a few weeks ago to deliver its first half of its second season, one that has gone where most superhero shows have not gone before, the moral complexity of family politics.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – simply the best of the Star Trek franchise hows on air right now, as it bridges the gap between old school and new school fans, to deliver something both nostalgic and refreshing.

Shrinking – a brilliant Chuck Lorre show which maximizes the comedic talents of Jason Segal, Jessica Williams and Harrison Ford, who shows his versatility as an actor

Slow Horses – the best spy show on TV, possibly ever, as it does not take itself too seriously but has real world stakes and offers some very relatable characters , offering all the suspense of the Bond films without all the gloss.

Changeling – a frightening retelling of a Lovecraftian tale told through the prism of whom it was not intended for, as the narrator fo the show just so happens to be the author

Black Cake – a family drama that examines race, secrets, hidden lives and self-discovery through generations of one family and their repeating of of the original sin.

What We Do In The Shadows – this satirical Office like show about vampires nd their world, dives deeper into what made the film such a delight, sadly it will end its run with upcoming sixth season.

Reservation Dogs – this show was debasingly under watched and underrated, as it had a lot to say, whilst through the voice of comedy

Beef – a show which gets clss divide and race in a way most shows could not in a community that rarely get this microscope, Asian America.

Gen V – one of the best shows Amazon has ever done, as it was no mere spinoff of The Boys, but a whole new story that connects to the bigger Boys universe.

Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters – a show  that more than delivers , as it puts on a master class on world building, giving viewers another side of the organization who defends Earth against these monsters.

The Other Black Girl – a show based on the book that is somewhere between get Out and Single White Female, that is funny, contemplative and full of horror tropes

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off – a show that no only returned the original cast but expanded the sotry, as I have a friends who read the manga that spoke to how this series was the truest to the orginal story.

Blue Eye Samurai – a TV show that combines what fans love about anime while examining race, class and colonialism

BEST MOVIES

Shin Kamen Rider( titled in the US-Shin Masked Rider) – a superhero movie that upgraded the genre , as it truly gets the sinner turmoil that most of the big budgets don’t seem to convey as well as this film, with the action to match.

They Cloned Tyrone – in a movie that would have easily fell into stereotypical tropes , this one went even further than Get Out did in examining societal ills and the class divide.

Polite Society – A movie that combines fantasy with real life, we get something  between Regency romances and Bollywood dramas, an action packed movie from beginning to end, a must see.

Suitable Flesh – a frightening horror movie that will remind many of Denzel Washington’s Fallen, but will leave viewers even more disturbed than that seminal film.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – as a lifelong fan of TMNT, this movie is the ultimate fanboy love letter, as it gets why people love this franchise.

John Wick Chapter 4 – in a franchise that seems to not die, to the delight of move fans, this action movie more than delivers on th e story and action ends.

Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse – this movie is why comic book fans love alternate universes, the endless possibilities that a character(s) may go and this is the closest we have ever seen on screen.

Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny – a fine farewell from Harrison Ford as the titular character and probably the most contemplative examination of age.

M3GAN – this movie was not only scary but it fused the fear of AI and toy dolls into an effective horror film.

Evil Dead Rise – an Evil Dead movie without Bruce Campbell? I was not sure of this one but it worked so well, as it was at times funny, but mostly, it did what horror movies should always do, scare.

Scream VI –  this is the best movie of the franchise so far, as it digs into what makes so good, the moral complexity of the villain.

Totally Killer – definitely one of the most entertaining films of the year , combining sci-fi and horror into a movie which will remind viewers of Back To The Future  but with a serial killer

Still: A  Michael J.Fox Movie – a movie that is meta and conversational, it gives a rare view of its subject.

A Million Miles Away – the true story the first “migrant farmer to go to space” Jose Hernandez, is both affecting and hopeful. 

Air– the true story of how Nike landed Michael Jordan is surprisingly thrilling and will open your eyes to just cutthroat their business is.

Extraction II – Chris Hemsworth returns in this Netflix franchise feels like if the 24 TV show and Crank movies had a baby, and it never disappoints the viewer

The Burial – another true story which gets into another industry that robs millions of people, funeral homes.

Guardian Of the Galaxy Volume 3 – James Gunn’s swan song to the MCU, is the best of the 3 films and gives a sendoff that will have fans choking back tears.

Cocaine Bear – a true story, which was funny, scary and action packed while also delivering one of Ray Liotta’s finest final performances

No Hard Feelings – a throwback to raunchy teen movies where Jennifer Lawrence gets to flex her comedic chops while  delivering a true protagonist evolution

Deadly Hands of Kung Fu: Gang War #1 brings Shang Chi into the city wide battle

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Deadly Hands of Kung Fu: Gang War #1

As someone who has worked in some terrible organizations, it is still bewildering how oblivious people in power are.  As these workplaces often are insidious with fiefdoms and littered with sycophants. Rarely, do you see people who actually know or do their jobs. As one person I know pretty much scared everyone off from her department and is still in charge with only 2 people, vice where they had 14 people.

So it is always hopeful, when they have new leadership. As they come in with their on promises and what they feel is morally acceptable. This is often where idealistic meets pragmatic. In Deadly Hands of Kung Fu: Gang War #1, Shang Chi’s part in the city wide war forces his hand as the head of the Five Weapons Society.

We’re taken to a flashback 20 years ago, in China, when Zheng Zu, then Supreme Commander of the Five Weapons Society, teaches   Shang Chi, the importance of tactical strategy.  We are taken to present day, where Shang Chi wants to stay neutral in the gang war, which is until Lady Yulia and her vampires try to grab a piece of Chinatown, which forces  him to at least defend , with the help or distraction of Spider-Man. He has another run in with Mister Negative, a battle that would visibly wear him down. By the issue’s end, Shang chi used the perception of his injury to thwart out the traitors in his organization, ending their plans for a coup to an end.

Overall, Deadly Hands of Kung Fu: Gang War #1 is an excellent debut issue that shows why Shang Chi is such a beloved character in comics. The story by Greg Pak is brilliant. The art by the creative team is marvelous. Altogether, Deadly Hands of Kung Fu: Gang War #1 is a story that shows evil lurks in corners you do not necessarily see coming.

Story: Greg Pak Art: Caio Majado
Color: Jim Campbell Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Kindle

Timeless #1 is an excellent tale of a grim future that’ll get you excited for what’s next

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Timeless #1

Mark Waid is one of the greatest comics talents alive. He has worked at DC Comics on Superman: Birthright and Kingdom Come and at Marvel on Captain America and Daredevil. His mastery of storytelling is what makes his books so magnetic. My favorite book by him was originally published independently outside of the two big houses. It is the masterpiece known as Empire. It’s a story that revolved around a super villain who has defeated all superheroes but faces internal struggles. In the 2023 edition of Timeless, we get such a villain, but with one hero remaining to stand in his way, Luke Cage aka Power Man!

Timeless introduces a world where Khonshu has raised an ultimate evil in the form of the Immortal Moon Knight. This twisted Moon Knight rules over Earth absolutely, and every one of the planet’s inhabitants live in fear. Civilians either have to believe in him or fall prey to persecution. Luke Cage is the last remaining hero and taken on the attributes of The Sentry, The Hulk and Iron Fist. But, up against a god, is it enough to disrupt any plans Khonshu? And who is this Moon Knight?

Timeless delivers a lot of mysteries that are answered through the comic delivering a somewhat tragic tale in the form of a very long boss fight on a cosmic scale. In-between the fight we get teases of storylines to come to Marvel comics in the year ahead, which is really the draw to the comic.

Overall, the 2023 edition of Timeless is an excellent tale of a grim future where the heroes do not win at the end. The story by the creators is excellent. The art by the creative team is awesome. Altogether, a story that will have fans excited for the next big comics’ event.

Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Art: Juann Cabal
Color: Edgar Delgado Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Josh Tuininga, talks music, and the story behind We Are Not Strangers

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Josh Tuininga

I recently got a chance to catch up with the very busy creator Josh Tuininga, the master mind behind the brilliant We Are Not Strangers.

Graphic Policy: What influence has growing up in the Northwest had on your work?

Josh Tuininga: Well when you grow up in an environment that is wet, cold and dark for the majority of the year, you better well find something fun to do indoors! I think living in the Pacific Northwest has had a very positive impact on my working habits. It’s made me come to really appreciate our long rainy days where I can build a fire, hunker down and just draw and write.

GP: Can you tell me about working with 4Culture?

JT: 4Culture is an Arts & culture organization with funding workshops and public art programs here in Washington State.  I had never applied for a grant before and they made it an amazing experience.  It helped me lay out a plan for my graphic novel project and get initial feedback and encouragement.

GP: Can you tell me about your time at The Medium?

JT: When I graduated from art school, I struggled to make a living selling my artwork and drawing comics. So, I decided to try something else that might help me pay the bills – Graphic Design. I learned as I went and my client base grew quickly so I enlisted my wife to join me and we formed our small little design company, The Medium. Now, we create designs for large corporations, non-profits, local mom & pop shops and everyone in between. This year marks our 20th year as an art + design agency.

GP: Can you tell me about your other career as a musician , especially the music you make with your wife?.

JT: A career? If only! I am a hobby musician. My band, To The River is a collaboration between my wife and I. We have an album on Spotify which we released during the Pandemic. Our music combines elements of analog instrumentation with electronic synths. If you like home grown experimental electronic music with vocals, you should definitely check us out!

GP: Tell me about your love of comics?

JT: I fell in love with comics as a young child, reading newspaper funnies, comic books and creating my own comic strips for my school newspapers. But my dad was a fine artist, and he emphasized the prestige of fine art over cartooning. Determined to be a “real artist,” I attended a fine arts college which was a great experience. I gained a ton of skills and learned about so many disciplines and conceptual ideas. But every once in a while I’d find myself rolling my eyes a little. There was a bit of an elite, pretentious vibe surrounding everything. It was like I was in a secret club for highly educated artsy people.

Slowly but surely, I began to make my way back to comics and I’m so happy I did. Comics are for the masses. Instead of artwork that is closed off in an exclusive art gallery, comics are for everyone. And on the flip side, everyone can make comics. With just a pen and paper, anyone can tap into the same creative potential that produced our most beloved masterpieces.

Why Blue?

GP: What was your inspiration behind Why Blue?

JT: When I had kids, I found myself reading countless children’s books to them at bedtime. Some of the stories I read were amazing. Others weren’t so great. After a while I thought to myself – hey, maybe I should give this a shot! How hard could it be? Turns out it wasn’t so easy. Why Blue? is only about 30 pages and it took me years to finish it!

GP: What do you want readers to get from Why Blue?

JT: Why Blue? tells the story of a little girl who loves asking questions. She asks the classic question “Why is the sky blue?” And she isn’t quite convinced by any of the explanations that she’s getting. In the end she realizes it’s up to her to take all of these answers in, and determine her OWN path.

I wanted to write a book that encourages kids to question the world around us. To be creative, critical and independent thinkers. Which is no easy task raising kids in a world that is constantly telling us how and what to think!

GP: What kind of reception have you had with Why Blue?

JT: Why Blue? was picked up by Xist Publishing in 2012 and it’s still going strong! It’s been translated to Spanish (Por Que Azul?), and I still hear from parents who have discovered it and read it to their kids before bedtime which makes me very, very happy.

Dream On

GP: What was your inspiration behind Dream On?

JT: When I was a kid, my house was filled with music. My parents didn’t just play the music they grew up with in the 60’s, they also introduced me to the music their parents grew up with. Listening to music from so many time periods not only brought us closer together but it also gave us a platform to talk about what the musicians were saying. I made Dream On because I like connecting through music and interpreting an artist’s message. Not to mention, it’s pretty freaking cool when your kids ask you to put on a Doors album and you get a break from bubblegum pop.

GP: What kind of reception have you had with Dream On?

JT: Dream On was my first attempt at a crowd funded project. I funded it through Indiegogo and it was an amazing experience to see my work get supported by my community like that. I will always be thankful to all of the backers who turned my idea for a children’s book that is written entirely with song titles, into a reality.

GP: What do you want readers to get from Dream On?

JT: First and foremost, Dream On is a tribute to Classic Rock and R&B music. I made this book because I want kids to grow up with a love for great music from the past. If you want to introduce your kids to the classics, or if you just want a fun anthology for your library, Dream On is the perfect book for you!

We Are Not Strangers

GP: Can you tell us the story about how did you come to find about your grandfather’s story, and how different it is from We Are Not Strangers?

JT: This project started with a story my Uncle told me about attending his Grandfather’s funeral. It was a typical Jewish event. Close family, friends, relatives he hadn’t seen in years. But there were some people he didn’t recognize at all. A handful of Japanese American guests began to arrive and no one knew who they were or why they came. What my Uncle found out is that his Grandfather had helped these families when they were forced out of the neighborhood and incarcerated during World War II.

His story only took a minute to tell but for the next few days I couldn’t stop thinking about it. How does a Jewish immigrant, with family still overseas threatened by the holocaust end up helping out his Japanese-American neighbors here at home? I had a ton of questions. So, I went back to interview my uncle and I started writing and putting some rough sketches together.

But as I started to research the details, the story quickly began to grow. I discovered other stories of people reaching out to help their neighbors during the war. And I started to learn about the environment that can create this type of remarkable relationship. Next thing I knew, I was interviewing Rabbis on the daily, meeting with Japanese woodblock print gallery owners, and sitting down for Poke bowls with local fishing merchants.

I ended up weaving together the oral histories of many people to create this book. We Are Not Strangers is a historical fiction story based on many true stories about allyship and unity amidst the turbulence of wartime.

GP: What do you feel “allies “ can do to help people of color, and even more so, Asian Americans, in a time where demagogues has made it unsavorily acceptable to attack minorities?.

JT: During my research, I kept asking myself – How is possible that people’s friends and neighbors in their own communities can so quickly change into becoming their enemies? From what I’ve learned, this doesn’t just happen out of the blue. We all know that – sensational news sells. The media and our politicians can promote this climate of fear and misinformation. And during times of conflict, the narrative of dehumanizing groups of people and making them seem dangerous can spread very quickly.

These messages can be so powerful that it makes it very hard for people to go against the grain. Which is why it is so rare that we hear stories of people reaching out to help. I find that one of the best ways to help the people in our communities who are being labeled or targeted, is to reach out and just simply ask how they are doing. A small gesture can create a strong connection and pave the way for other opportunities to offer support.

GP: Can you tell us the story of how you brought We Are Not Strangers to Abrams?

JT: Sure! Working with Abrams has been a dream come true. My agent presented this story to the Editors at Abrams and they were immediately interested in collaborating. It has been a wonderful experience from the get-go. My amazing editor, Charlotte Greenbaum, helped push this project further every step of the way. For instance, I had always envisioned this project in black and white, but when Charlotte suggested color and we started working with the amazing colorist Avery Bacon, there was no turning back. I am very thankful for the entire team at Abrams for their support and belief in this important story and I am so happy that its out in the world for other people to discover.

GP: What kind of reception have you had with We Are Not Strangers?

JT: The positive reception to this story has been a very humbling experience. It has been so amazing to see these true stories of allyship from the past connect with people today. The most rewarding part of this entire process has been at events and signings where I get to meet people who have similar family histories or are excited to tell me what they have learned or discovered by reading this book.

We are also seeing a very enthusiastic response from teachers which is very exciting. One of my dreams for this book is for it to be in an educational setting and I’m thrilled to see that it’s already happening. All of my research and notes are included in the back matter of the book and Abrams has released an accompanying educators guide for We Are Not Strangers which teachers are using in their curriculum.

GP: What do you want readers to get from We Are Not Strangers?

JT: Well, there is still a lot of ignorance and violence out there as we unfortunately see in the news all the time. Which affects our communities right in our own neighborhoods. And sometimes it feels like the cycle of conflict will just never end. I know I’m not the only that has felt pretty hopeless, especially over the course of the past few months with so much unrest in the world.

But true stories of real people from different backgrounds working together and helping each other during uncertain times… I think we can all agree that’s something we could use a lot more of these days. Sometimes it seems like we’re almost encouraged to look at each other as strangers. I really hope that the stories that I’ve highlighted in this book can act as reminder that it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way.

White Widow #2 continues its twist as a better True Lies

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White Widow #2

The movie Don’t Worry Darling is a film which questions past and present concurrently. It features an idyllic environment, which plays out like a scene from the 1950s. All the characters seem perfect and their situations just as infallible This is where we, the audience, notice the  crevices which hide the cracks that allow us to surmise who they really were.

We soon find out that the whole movie was almost an explainer for the existence of incels. It shows just how fragile the male psyche is. Those facades they put on, are not for them, but for those who may be watching. In White Widow #2, Yelena pulls back the layers of the onion of who Armament is and why are these interested in the town of Idyllhaven.

We’re taken to a flashback where Yelena saves Wolverine from an assassination attempt, as she discovers someone is hunting supers for some reason but she also discovers that she may be looking for another occupation. This leads to a scene where Yelena is discussing an healthcare provider the different options she has under her HMO. This is when she runs into a few of her neighbors, some of which she has no clue who they really are, as one of them works for a shell corporation for Armament, which makes her even distrusting. By the issue’s end, Yelena discovers an assassin nearby and Armament uses a far more basic way to intimidate her, which only stirs the pot for her.

Overall, White Widow #2 is a better True Lies that we didn’t know we needed. The story by Sarah Gailey is fun. The art by the creative team is stunning. Altogether,a story that spills with suspense.

Story: Sarah Gailey Art: Alessandro Miracolo
Color: Matt Milla Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Kindle

Daredevil: Black Armor #1 is an exciting return of D.G. Chichester to Daredevil

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Daredevil: Black Armor #1

Now that the MCU is part of pop culture, it’s crazy to think there was a time when it was just considered something for comic book nerds. It’s now something talked about daily, with every decision, casting, plot point, and character dissected by fans. While initially launched as films, the universe expanded to the loosely connected television shows that spanned ABC, Hulu, Netflix, and then the more tightly connected shows on Disney+.

Daredevil was the breakout hit of that television expansion, coming after the lukewarm reception of the initial film starring Ben Affleck. The Netflix adaptation resembled more of the comics in both the characters and the look. Daredevil: Black Armor #1 returns us to a specific time in Daredevil’s history, when he donned a new costume and written by D.G. Chichester who returns to the character in this series.

Chichester wastes no time diving right into various aspects of this time period with Matt needing to fix his costume along with dealing with a rash of missing people in the area. He’s adopted a new name and background but he’s still the do-gooder, using his fists and brain to help those around him.

Chichester gives readers a little background as to the evolution and need for the new armor but doesn’t linger too long on the history. Instead, we get lots of action, some moments that feel very Daredevil, solid villains, and a reveal as to who is behind the missing people hinting at something more nefarious.

Netho Diaz’s art for Daredevil: Black Armor #1 is pretty dynamic and gorgeous. Along with JP Mayer on ink, Andrew Dalhouse on color, and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic looks sharp balancing the varied action. Some of that action might be a simple confrontation while others have the fists, and clubs, flying. Diaz and the team deliver a look that’s solid and takes you back to the time in some ways. Daredevil in his armor looks sharp and almost makes you nostalgic for the controversial costume it looks so good.

Overall, Daredevil: Black Armor #1 is an excellent debut issue that shows why Chichester is a true storyteller and makes you want to go and read his original Daredevil run. The story is exciting and while it doesn’t add to the time period it uses it nicely. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, Daredevil: Black Armor #1 is one of the best debuts this year.

Story: D.G. Chichester Art: Netho Diaz
Ink: JP Mayer Color: Andrew Dalhouse Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #1 is a fun debut issue that is part coming of age and part spy thriller

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Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #1

As you grow up, you begin to form what will become your identity. As you learn about your family, you actually find out about yourself. This si where we understand how we are the way we are. That is why it is important, that you have people who can guide you.

As you search for answers, those who have been there can guide you.  That is why teachers are important and why family history is as well.  So what happens when you find something new bout yourself and you find out that there is a great burden that may come with it? In Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #1, Kamala is about to find out how her world is going to change as she becomes an X-Man.

Kamala has gone through a lot lately. She died. She was ressurected. She found out she was a mutant as well as being an Inhuman. This has caused her to to be unsettled and the comic reflects that with her fighting her nightmares as the comic opens up. She’s confronted by her identity and the important questions around them. But, that’s just a tease of the struggles to come as it’s the first day of a summer internship with Orchis! Having recently discovered that she is a mutant ,she joins the fight against the evil group and is tasked with investigating the corporation responsible for the Mutant Massacre. Something is going on by them within the campus, the question is what and it’s up to Kamala to discover it but she’s a hero at heart and what was supposed to be an undercover operation results in Kamala revealing Ms. Marvel has joined the X-Men as she saves some students resulting in a lot of backlash and raising flags for Orchis.

Overall, Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #1 is a fun debut issue that is part coming of age and part spy thriller. The story that Iman Vellani and Sabir Pirzada have crafted is an absolute joy. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, it’s a story that will exceed fan’s expectations.

Story: Iman Vellani and Sabir Pirzada Art: Carlos Gómez, Adam Gorham
Color: Erick Arciniega Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

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