Reviews Archives - Page 1119 of 1413

Category Archives: Reviews

TV Review: Comic Book Men S5E8 Royal Romita

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Brett

In this episode of Comic Book Men, Legendary comics artist John Romita Jr. draws an original piece for the Stash. Bryan’s interest is piqued by an Evel Knievel toy from his childhood.

So, like Star Trek films, every other is a good episode? This episode shows off what Comic Book Men should be more like and about.

There’s two segments beyond the main portion of the show. The first is the Evel Knievel toy and Bryan. That segment is nice mostly because there’s some humor, but real nostalgia coming from Bryan. He clearly loves the toy and it shows. There’s some great enthusiasm shown, which comes through the screen. There’s also some things said by Bryan which are great, like what he plans on doing with it.

The second “store” segment involves a girl purchasing a Wonder Woman comic. That is great showing off some fandom which is really cool. The guys discuss the character, and though it feels more like a pitch for her upcoming debut, it’s still cool to see.

But, the big thing of the episode is John Romita Jr. coming by the shop. Not only does he do up some art for the store but he just tells stories. This is what the show should be more about. I’ve never seen Romita Jr. speak or seen him at a convention but the guy is someone I could hear talk stories for quite a while. He talks about his father, Stan Lee, getting in to drawing, and his thoughts on being an artist.

It’s all wonderful and I want more of this. It doesn’t need to be creators, but fans, other sellers, this is the type of thing the show should be focused on, fandom and celebrating geek culture and comics. Stay away from the latest crazy adventure, just focus on this, and you’ll have a show unlike all the others.

I doubt next week will keep it up, but here’s hoping, because this episode shows off what the show can truly be.

Overall rating: 8.6

TV Review: The Walking Dead S6E11 Knots Untie

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Brett

Jesus takes Rick and the group to the Hilltop Colony, a peaceful community overshadowed by the power of Negan and The Saviors.

The Walking Dead‘s world has gotten a whole lot bigger in this episode, a rocket of a direction that introduces new locations, characters, towns, and enemies.

This episode sees things go directly from the last episode which had Jesus slip his jail and hint there’s more going on to Rick. That takes Rick and a few others to Jesus’ town, Hilltop, another community that has built a society. But a new society also brings with it new issues, and that comes in the form of Negan and his Saviors.

We learn of the situation, and that leaves Rick and his group in an interesting position, what to do with Hilltop and Negan?

But, all of that comes with some confrontations where Rick gets to be Rick in his special way.

For fans of the comic series, we know what we can expect, and this lays the groundwork of what will be a crazy end of the season and probably in to next season. There’s lots of foreshadowing with characters and new positions, and probably tragedy.

The episode does a fantastic job at laying the groundwork. It introduces us to Hilltop, it also shows how others are living in this world and attempting to build their own world and society. There’s electricity, different equipment, and a different way of doing things.

Things are about to get a whole lot crazier from here.

Overall rating: 8.35

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 27/2/2016

Posted on February 28, 2016 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.

Alex

Faith #2 (Valiant) Is great. There has been much talk about Faith’s size, and how great it i that Valiant are publishing a story about a plus sized woman (and, honestly, it is great), but the thing is – and honestly this is fantastic – is that this four issue miniseries is also brilliant. There’s an honesty to Jody Houser’s writing here that’s refreshing; by having Faith following the traditional superhero trope of being a writer in her secret identity, while at the same time reminding the reader that sometimes when you finally get a job that you want, maybe it won’t actually be what you want (or expect). This is a fantastic series so far, and one that your pull list needs. Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Army Of Darkness: Furious Road #1 (Dynamite): Was pretty solid. It was a great set up for the next issue, and it made me want to continue on. If you’re a fan of Ash, then you’ll be wanting to read this comic. Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: read

The Troop #3 (Titan) Although only three issues in, this series has at times felt very derivative of other, more successful franchises about people born with extraordinary powers, and yet at others it’s so much more than just another X-Men clone. I seem to have a love/hate relationship with this series, because while I wasn’t that fond of much of last issue, this issue is when the series really grabbed me. I’ve likened it to the X-Men before, and while that’s true, this feels like an updated origin for a different team in a similar vein. There’s an originality here that’s refreshing, while still evoking the best parts of Marvel’s Merry Mutants. Honestly, it’s a better X-Book than most of what Marvel is doing. Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Read

Voracious #1 (Action Lab): This is quite possibly one of the best comics I’ve read in a long time because it’s about something completely fantastical. Cooking dinosaurs. Nope, I’m not lying. On top of that, this is a comic about coping with a crushing loss, and how that loss can really impact your life. Voracious handles the subject with some genuine emotional maturity that gets you right in the feels; I understood exactly who Nate was, and what drove him (or didn’t as the case may be). And then, there were the cooked dinosaurs. I loved this comic. Overall: 9.75 Recommendation: Buy

Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #1 (Boom!) This was actually better than I expected. It felt like a modern interpretation on the show I used to watch fifteen plus years ago; I enjoyed it for what it was, but I don’t know if that’s because it felt cheesy and fun or because I have a soft spot for the Rangers. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Judge Dredd #3 (IDW) One of the most interesting takes on Judge Dredd that I have read in years. This series has been pretty new-reader friendly in that while this isn’t a reboot, you don’t need to know much about the character beyond the standard set up to enjoy this series. I look forward to it every month. Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Ryan C

Dark Knight III: The Master Race #3 (DC)*: People like to heap a lot of shit on Dark Knight 2, but I’ll say this much for it — at least that book had a personality, a point of view, and a genuine dynamic energy to it (that most people didn’t care for). This third installment is just a dull re-tread and feels like Azzarello and Kubert are trying to tie up the loose ends left by the second series while aping the style of the first one. Thoroughly lackluster and uninspired work. Overall: 4 Recommendation: Pass

Pencil Head #2 (Image/Shadowline)** : Ted McKeever leaves the murder “mystery” subplot on the waaaaaayyyy back burner to focus on his entertaining, if not exactly new, critique of the comics industry. Sure, we all know it’s a business devoid of ethics, morals, class, and in many cases even dignity — but it’s still fun to be told so yet again by a talent of McKeever’s stature. He’s not above pointing the finger squarely at himself, either, so that earns him a few bonus points in my book. Don’t ask me what the ending’s about, though, I’m clueless. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

Postal #10 (Image/Top Cow) **: How come nobody talks about this series? Far worse stuff from far less talented creators gets debated and discussed to no end, while this unassuming, yet consistently intriguing, title keeps flying below the radar. Bryan Hill has taken over as solo writer now that Matt Hawkins has moved on to Symmetry, and the result is a darker, more foreboding story that’s seeing some very ominous storm clouds gather over Eden, Wyoming — and stay there, growing in size and ferocity as they hang over everyone’s heads (and lives). Isaac Goodhart’s art is, as always, not in any way flashy but perfectly suited to the material. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Black Magick #5 (Image)** : Five issues in, and I’m sorry, but I still don’t see what all the fuss is about. Nicola Scott’s art is gorgeous, no question about that, and if I could score the book on that alone it would probably get a 9/10, but the story from Greg Rucka is almost painfully dull — and I say that as a reader who often enjoys a “slow burn.” Everybody singing the praises of this series would do well to go grab a couple of Coffin Hill trades, which tread much the same ground first — and frankly did so with both more style and, crucially, more substance. Four bucks is a heavy price tag for what’s essentially a black and white comic, too, no matter how pretty the pictures are. This chapter marks the end of the first arc —and my readership. Overall: 4 Recommendation: Pass

Shean

KaijuMax Season One TPB: what happens when you put all the monsters from the Godzilla movies together in a high security prison? Believe it or not, it comes off like Orange is the New Black but with Kaiju. The story and art by Zander Cannon , is nothing short of hilarious. Altogether, a straight up laugh riot.Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read

Mezolith Volume 1 HC: The Stone Age is an era which rarely gets explored from its inhabitants as readers often view it from outsiders eyes such as Turok the Dinosaur Hunter and the show, Primeval. Within this graphic novel , many of mankind ‘s lore is explored through thr eyes of Boika of the Kansa Tribe in Brittanica. The story is at times , beautiful, fantastic , illuminating and escapism at its best . Overall, a solid fantasy that combines realism and mythology into an engrossing tale of the innocence of youth .
Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy

Cyborg Volume 1: Unplugged (DC): I am like many wary readers, as far as the Big 2 go , with the rampant reboots/ rehashes/ remixes/restarts both companies have done that it almost becomes mundane , that is until I read Cyborg. David Walker’s take on this unheralded hero of the DC Universe does much to rewrite many of the misconceptions readers have had of this character as he is presented here in fully fleshed four colors , proving he is a much complicated character. I dare say this take compares to the late great Dwayne Mcduffie’s run on Deathlok, with the ” Soul of Cyberfolk”.Overall, an excellent read which serves more than thriller but an interesting character exploration. Art:8 Story :10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Green Lantern: Volume 7: Renegade (DC): Hal Jordan is on the lam , running around with the lantern glove , he is truly a man with no country, as every bounty hunter in the universe got him in their crosshairs.This story very much reminds of the Batman/ Superman: Public Enemies storyline , but out in the galaxy. The other big difference is his basic instincts as a cop kick in and his thirst for justice is never quenched. Overall, this story comes off as cross between Smoking Aces and Ice Pirates, just plain old fun.
Art: 9 Story :9.6 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy

Batman and Robin Eternal Volume 1 (DC): Batman and Robin have investigated many tough cases and some actually have never been solved as is the cold case that Dick Grayson stumbles upon years later after he stepped down as Robin. Remnants of the case start to whirl through Gotham five years later along with many of Batman’s old partners.
Definitely a page turner as Snyder does his best Dashiell Hamett impersonation, with this firecracker of a tale. Altogether, a strong read from start to finish, that will answer as many questions as it brings up. Art: 8 Story:10 Overall:10 Recommendation:Read

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

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 (**).

Review: Hellboy and the B.P.R.D 1953: Beyond the Fence #1

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Christopher Scott Author

A mysterious creature hunts the children of an idyllic suburban town, and the BPRD get more than they bargained for when their investigation begins to seem strangely familiar.

Ah, the strangeness of Hellboy meets the American idealism of the 1950s. Of course nothing is as it seems as, for some unknown and confusing reading Hellboy may be 9 in human years, but looks much older, given his stature and facial hair. Outside of that odd appearance this reads like a normal Hellboy story, complete with supernatural occurrences that leads to missing kids, missing adults, and even missing animals.

While Mike Mignola created Hellboy, and managed to bring his trademark art-style to the title, Paolo Rivera manages to take the idea into a more realistic style. That is oddly refreshing, despite the respect I have Mike Mignola as a writer and artist. All around the art is superb from it character drawings, to the setting itself.

Story: Mike Mignola, Chris Roberson Art: Paolo Rivera
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Wynonna Earp #1

Posted on February 27, 2016 by pharoahmiles

With all of the different series being picked up by Syfy Channel in the last few months, one would consider their choices haphazard at times with their adaptations (i.e. Dominion) or at other times, wunderkind (i.e. Dresden). Truthfully, science fiction and genre adaptations onto TV, has its limitations, as many cannot live up to its reader’s expectations. An excellent example of this, Game of Thrones, which has seen its fair share of poetic license by the showrunners. Often, leaving out many fan favorites, and exposing plot holes, that George R.R. Martin, may have never heard outside of his readers.

Now when it comes to science fiction western or space westerns, depending who you talk to, those adaptations become a little more obscure. As shows Like Defiance, and movies like Jonah Hex, tend use devices form both genres, to unsatisfying results. Then there are those excellent examples like Firefly, Adventures of Brisco County Jr., West World and Bravestarr, which excel mostly of great character development and intriguing stories. Despite the mostly unsuccessful attempts within this genre, there exists many attempts, including Wynonna Earp, but it derives its mythology from a real life person.

Within this world, exists not only all of the science fiction and western tropes , that one may expect but also some fantasy tropes, as monsters live in this world as well. Wynonna Earp, is a US Marshall, who hunts down Drug cartels, as well as paranormal creatures. Within the first issue, she tracking a pack of ChupaCannibals, which is actually more interesting than it sounds. By the end of the issue, she is a on rampage, as she is on the road to find the main villain, Mars del Rey.

Overall, I hope the second issue, will improve upon the concept laid here, which is magnificent, as it it leaves much to be desired in its execution. The art, is adequate at best. The story, is off to a weak start, but shows promise towards the end. Altogether, I will give this series a few more reads, but if it hopes to get the masses intrigued in the upcoming show, they will have to vastly improve on what they started.

Story: Beau Smith Art: Lora Innes
Story: 6.6 Art: 7 Overall: 6.3 Recommendation: Pass

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Karnak #2

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Logan Dalton

After several months hiatus, Warren Ellis and Gerardo Zaffino’s (with inking help from Antonio Fuso) meditation in minimalism returns with Karnak #2. Its plot is simple. Karnak, an Inhuman martial artist and philosopher, is tasked by S.H.I.E.L.D. to rescue an Inhuman boy from a dark, cult-like organization called the I.D.I.C., who sees him as an archetypical Chosen One. The comic is part martial arts extravaganza, part philosophical debate, and it definitely draws inspiration from the tightly edited, no room for fatty subplots action films of the 2010s, like The Raid, Dredd, Hawywire, and John Wick, with a dash of superheroes and pop philosophy. Plus he one punches a church building.

Most of Karnak #2 is silent sequences involving punching, martial arts moves, and Karnak using literal fragments from his environment to dispatch his opponents. Zaffino and Fuso’s inking style is rougher and scratchier than the previous issue as the cool fighting moves getting covered in speed line and pitch black colors from Dan Brown. The art style is reminiscent of some of Bill Sienkiewicz’s looser work, like Elektra Assassin , but with less of a painting influence even if some panels are hit and miss. But when Zaffino, Fuso, and Brown hit, the result can be pretty breathtaking like Karnak taking out a line of goons with splinters, or the revelation that the creepy, priestlike man keeping the Inhuman boy has his own special ability known as Zen Gunnery. He channels his faith into a weapon in a way similar to Morpheus in The Matrix, but instead of standard issue martial arts and marksmanship, he gets a cool Inhuman power with a burst of red. But he’s no match for Karnak, the philosopher/warrior, who dismantles his flimsy Messianic philosophy

Karnak is definitely the most unlikely protagonist to have a book in All-New, All-Different Marvel. He’s cold, humorless, and tells his opponents how he is going to defeat them, like Midnighter, but with none of his wit. (Ellis was actually the co-creator back in Stormwatch so it’s interesting to pit the characters’ abilities and temperaments against each other.) There is really no suspense when he takes out the Inhuman boys’ guards in the first half of the issue, but Ellis hooks readers for upcoming issues (Other than the promise of more skillful pugilism.) by giving Karnak himself a relatable character flaw: loneliness.

From the opening of the issue where he builds blocks and takes them down while his parents argue about exposing him to the Terrigen mists or not to its conclusion where he drinks water alone while people are kissing and dancing, Karnak is truly isolated. He has no personal connections, and his current mission, argument, or fight is his life. But perhaps he wants to be part of something bigger just like the Zen gunning priest, and it will be interesting to see if Ellis develops Karnak’s character or just uses him as a cipher for fight scenes or philosophical debates.

In its second issue, Karnak continues to develop its identity as a minimalist kung fu philosophy comic with a side of science fiction and an incredibly cranky protagonist. The comic sort of just trails off at the end, but Karnak’s interest in finding the Inhuman “savior” out of true faith or to prove people wrong sets up the rest of the series. Gerardo Zaffino and Antonio Fuso’s art is roughly inked (Almost too rough in some spots.) and hard hitting, but lacks the ballet-like choreography of Ellis’ previous action minimalist Marvel story, Moon Knight #5 that he did with Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire.

Story: Warren Ellis Art: Gerardo Zaffino with Antonio Fuso Colors: Dan Brown
Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.3 Recommendation: Read

Review: He-Man: The Eternity War #15

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Steve Roger

I am Adam Prince of Eternia and defender of the secrets of Castle Greyskull. This is Cringer, my fearless friend. Fabulous secret powers were revealed to me the day I held aloft my magic sword and said “By the power of Greyskull!”, “I have the power!”, Cringer became the Mighty Battle Cat, and I became He-Man the most powerful man in the Universe. Only a few others share this secret, our friends: the Sorceress, Man-At-Arms and Orko. Together we defend Castle Greyskull from the evil forces of Skeletor.

The Eternity War against Skeletor is over. He-Man finally has defeated his arch nemesis but at a great cost. Many of He-Man’s friends and family have perished. Prince Adam has dreams of the future right after the Eternity War, dreams of eventually rebuilding the “Masters of the Universe.” Now several months after the war, the survivors are migrating to Castle Greyskull to live their lives and to re-build. Prince Adam has a plan to help the people and together with Teela and Stratos, Eternia will be alive and well again.

I read this issue three times as I wanted to look at every detail and read every word to really get it’s full impact. The story line was great. Dan Abnett did a great job in this issue of talking bout the present and the future of He-Man and Eternia. It was great to see She-Ra, I don’t think she get enough credit in the comic book world but she is a great character.

The one thing I do wish is that they would talk more about those who perished. I know that there is only so many pages to work with in a comic book, but I think there should have been a homage somewhere. I also like seeing Prince Adam in a more defining role instead of the lazy Prince who doesn’t like to train to fight much like in the beginning of the original 1980’s cartoon series.

Visually it was spectacular! Artist Pop Mhan and colorist Mark Roberts, did a fantastic job in this book. Everything was spot on from Prince Adam’s attire, to Teela and She-Ra’s Armour. The colors really popped and and was really appeasing to the eye.

I thoroughly enjoyed this comic and I can’t wait to read the next one. I was hoping it wasn’t too far removed from what I grew up with as a child and it definitely was all there. Go out and get a copy immediately!

Story: Dan Abnett Art: Pop Mhan Colors: Mark Roberts
Story:9 Artwork 10 Overall 9.5 Recommendation: Read

Review: Dragon Age: Magekiller #3

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Mr. H

“The killing fields”

As I stated before this book has become a monthly guilty pleasure of mine. Greg Rucka (who I never doubted for a moment) and Carmen Carnero turn out their best issue yet. Mathias and Tessa are on the run when a horde of demons start attacking them on the plantation trails.

Tessa has a flashback to her days before Mathias where we learn that decent of great stature. It just so happened she was always looking for the approval of her stern mother and she chides to herself that even though she is living her purpose for the greater good, she’d still fall short in her mothers eyes.

What makes this issue great is the relationship between Mathias and Tessa. It is such a brother/ sister dynamic with a strong sibling rivalry aspect. They are out of their depth and up to their eyeballs in evil demon swarms, yet they never lose their sense of whimsy. There’s a beautiful sequence where Mathias is in grave danger and it’s like they are playing the ultimate game of “William Tell” and Tessa expertly streaks a lone arrow right across the long field and into the demons skull. Immediately after Marius quickly acknowledges his ally he’s rushing back off into the fray. (Little touches like this make the book even more enjoyable)

The book isn’t all battle however. Once the fight is over Tessa takes Marius to quiet quarters so they can lick their wounds. Tessa says to Marius not to move, to which he replies “I could not move even if I wished to Tessa.” She retorts that he better not let the maidens know that fact, for they might get ideas. Marius reply of ” You think they mean us ill?” was quite comical. He is written as a very handsome but sexually clueless man. Again the subtle character moments really make this story more enjoyable than all of the large action sequences.

One can’t rest forever though. As Tessa heads down to the tavern downstairs to decompress from the trials of the day, she wishes to enjoy a simple mug of ale when she is propositioned by an assassin. This turns into a great sequence that I do not wish to spoil here. Trust me, it’s good.

Overall: Three issues in, and it’s only getting better. I like the fact that you do not need to be previously familiar with Dragon Age or it’s universe to find enjoyment out of these characters. It is crafted in a very accessible way. The books tend to be very quick reads but that does not diminish their potency. I am also liking the evolution of Carmen Carnero’s art here. She seems to really be hitting her stride. She has a very interesting style that seems to subtly evolve with each and every issue and for the better. Scribe extraordinaire Greg Rucka makes this a fantasy romp with a lot of balance. I am thoroughly enjoying this book as a casual viewer and hope it progresses to a more permanent format. I don’t need to see a cleric to break this spell that’s been cast on me as a reader. Fantastic job and + 5 dexterity for this one.

Story: Greg Rucka Art: Carmen Carnero
Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

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

TV Review: Broad City S3E02 Co-Op

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Logan Dalton

Broad City airs at 10 PM EST on Comedy Central.

In “Co-Op”, writers Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs put a Broad City twist on a comedy trope as old as Plautus: mistaken identity. For an entire episode, Abbi is Ilana, and Ilana is Abbi. They swap identities because Ilana still wants to be able to use her Co-Op card to buy tasty produce, but hasn’t It is a perfect opportunity for Abbi Jacobson to do an amazing caricature of Ilana Glazer’s perfomance as Ilana

However, Ilana doesn’t commit to the character at all spending most of the episode freaking out about going to her family doctor Angela (played by stand-up comic Judy Gold) in Long Island and completely geeking out about Lincoln (Hannibal Burress) having sex with another girl. Because poly relationships are completely normal, and Glazer demonstrates this through some uproarious physical comedy that in most sitcoms would be met with angry, melodramatic Grey’s Anatomy style relationship yelling. But this is Broad City, and it’s cool to be in a sexual relationship with multiple people as long as everyone consents. (As Lincoln reminds the rambunctious Ilana when she wants to “trick” his lady friend into having a threesome.) “Co-Op” is a great episode of TV to teach friends and family members about being poly, especially if they ask you if you’re Mormon. (Insert sighing noise.)

Like “Two Chainz”, “Co-Op” most striking visuals from director Ryan McFaul come in the cold open that starts as a commonplace conversation about butts and then swerves into a Muppet Babies version of the street harassment that Ilana and Abbi had to deal with earlier in the show at the basketball court. Abbi tells the rude, pre-pubesecent boys that the only time they’ll touch her boobs is when she’s dunking on them , and the streetball game begins. And this is when things get trippy with a level of slow-mo that would make the Wachowskis and Zack Snyder lose both lunch, breakfast, and their midnight snack to show off Abbi and Ilana’s “sick moves”, including Ilana kissing and twerking on the rim. Of course, they dominate because they’re playing little kids, and McFaul quickly cuts from NBA Jam level of epicness to stark reality with crying kids, who can’t handle TV-MA rated trash talk. Even though the cold open has nothing to with the episode’s plot, it’s an opportunity for McFaul to cut loose and for Jacobson and Glazer to show off their background in sketch comedy.

But it’s not like the other scenes in “Co-Op” are lacking in visual panache, like the extreme close-ups of Abbi as she tries to get into the role of Ilana in both her looks (crop top, pigtails, blingy earrings), speaking patterns (Lots of “yas” and “queen”), and facial expressions. She nails rehearsal, but the real thing is much more difficult with Abbi overplaying Ilana so much that her words are incomprehensible. (Jacobson’s delivery of “queen” as “quayn” to her fellow co-op worker is the funniest part of the episode.) Aniello and Downs even through a romantic wrench in Abbi’s path in the form of Phish fanatic and true believer in the co-op lifestyle, Craig, who is interested in this “Abbi” that “Ilana” keeps mentioning. (He also sports a man bun and can pull off tank tops.) And like a vegan homme fatale (Pardon my French), Craig causes Abbi to blow her cover and speak and act like herself while overselling the Ilana act way too much culminating in twerking.

Unfortunately, Craig and Abbi don’t work out due to Craig’s inability to compromise. He cares more about following the rules of the co-op ruled over by Lori (played by Academy Award winner Melissa Leo in time for Oscar Week), the super fertile and super vegan dictator of all natural and organic food in the five boroughs. Abbi cares more about sticking up for her best friend even if it means losing access to tasty food and relegated to “bodega veggies”. It serves to show you can have all the same interests as someone, but not be compatible as romantic partners or even friends. Human beings are deeper than their lists of top ten movies, albums, books, or comics, and successful relationships have this weird, spark of chemistry that goes beyond matching likes and dislikes. So, Abbi might be an enormous fan of Phish while Ilana doesn’t know a single lyrics, but they are incredible because they have shared experiences and just plain click. And the frank discussion of polysexuality along with Abbi rejecting Craig in favor of Ilana might hint and possible romantic developments in the future for the pair.

“Co-Op” proves the old adage that tropes aren’t bad and has Abbi Jacobson give an excellent performance as Abbi pretending to be Ilana while Ilana Glazer shows a new side of Ilana as she loses her usual cool and freaks out about going to the doctor. And along the way, there is a positive portrayal of polysexuality and some neat use of slow-mo, extreme close-ups, and enclosed spaces, like the Co-op and especially Lori’s office, from director Ryan McFaul.

Score: 9.3

Review: Fight Club 2 #9

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Patrick Healy

Fight Club 2 nears its conclusion, taking time for writer Chuck Palahniuk to join the readers in asking, “What happens next?”

After years of marriage, Marla Singer and Sebastian (the narrator of the previous story) have settled down and started a family. Following the return of Tyler Durden, Sebastian’s alter-ego, their boy is kidnapped in order to be Tyler’s new host. Attempting to rescue their boy from Rize or Die, Tyler’s militarized manifestation of Project Mayhem, the two parents set out separately. Now their own resources have brought them together again, facing down Tyler’s new host, Junior.

Does anyone remember the Daffy Duck cartoon, “The Scarlet Pumpernickel”? In it, Daffy Duck is pitching an idea about a swashbuckling hero who doesn’t know how to resolve the climax of his story. Instead, he continues to layer upon tension and story development until he himself is so overwhelmed by expectation he feels compelled to blow his brains out. Chuck Palahniuk plays that role in this story.

Fight Club was amazing story. Fight Club 2 has been amazing, as well. It has built the world of Sebastian and the character of Tyler Durden into an idea that transcends any one man. However, the ideas that drove the story clearly got further than the plot did. As the story climaxes in this issue, with Tyler having begun a nuclear attack intended to cleanse the planet, Sebastian is literally speaking to Palahniuk, receiving instructions on the phone about what to do. Most people will agree a Deus ex Machina is cheap, a thinly veiled one is even more so. However, it such a flimsy device even considered a Deus ex Machina when it fails to deliver the main characters from harm?

The last few pages aren’t spent trying to find out what happens next, eagerly fearing the worst. Instead, the reader begins scanning the last few panels hoping to see any sign the narrative will balance out. It doesn’t. The result is not simply the sense that the story was underdeveloped, it leaves the impression that there should have been a stronger editorial position that ensured the story did not become a writer work-shopping the story during the climax. Which literally happens here.

Climax and conclusion should be a part of the initial proposal for a limited story. It should be presented as evident and logical in the very beginning, long before the book goes to print. What happens instead is the readers spend forty dollars for a story that went out unfinished.

Fight Club 2 is about as high-concept as the original, but when you’re receiving each issue once a month, it takes a moment to try to get all the characters in the right place, to remind yourself the rules of the story. When it’s been several months since the last installment, it’s even more confusing. When the story itself ends with the author throwing his hands up, the stylized flower petals and floating iodine pills are no longer artistic, they are a stylized distraction from what is actually on the page.

At this point, the conclusion in the next issue can’t do much to undo the damage of this issue. The climax has been botched by uncertainty and unwelcome meta-intrusion. If there was no idea how to resolve the conflict and climax of this story, what is the point of the upcoming Fight Club 3?

Story: Chuck Palahniuk Art: Cameron Stewart
Story: 3 Art: 7 Overall: 5 Recommendation: Pass

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

« Older Entries Recent Entries »