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Where the Body Was brings Brubaker and Phillips’ crime stories to suburbia

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Brett

A boarding house full of druggies. A neglected housewife. A young girl who thinks shes a superhero. A cop who wants to be left alone. And a private detective looking for a runaway girl. These stories collide one fateful summer in Where the Body Was, a tale of love and murder in the suburbs, told from a dozen different points of view. All the neighbors on the block have an opinion about the murder and how it happened, but which of them is telling the truth?

Story: Ed Brubaker
Art: Sean Phillips
Color: Jacob Phillips
Letterer: Rus Wooton

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Edenfrost #2 reveals its mystical mystery

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Brett

After a pogrom chases them out of their home, Alex and Yuli flee to a forest in the Ukrainian countryside, where the opposing forces of the Russian Civil War are poised to clash. Desperately seeking shelter from the cold, the siblings take refuge in a lonely hunting cabin only to realize that their new host may be just as dangerous as the threats that await them out in the wild. Edenfrost #2 teases the mystical aspects of its story while reminding us its grounded in history.

Written by Amit Tishler, Edenfrost #2 continues the intriguing series that mixes history, religion, and mysticism. Taking place during the Russian Civil War, the story focuses on two Jewish kids on the run after their village is attacked. There’s also a deepening mystery about a Golem, a mystical being with deep Jewish roots.

Edenfrost #2 sees Alex and Yuri getting to know their new host. While she’s rather hard to like, Tishler does a solid job of fleshing out her background and history within the pages so she’s not quite a one-not possible villain. She’s antisemitic, but also naive to the world, and torn over the Russian soldier who has strung her along. Hints at numerous tragic moments in her life create a character who is fully fleshed out in less than a comic, something other writers would take much longer to pull off if at all. It creates a character fully realized that we can both dislike and have sympathy for. It also ups the feeling of danger regarding Alex and Yuri, a tense aspect for the issue that plays until the very end.

Tishler also teases what’s going on between the two. There’s something about a bloodline, legacies, and bond, all intriguing and hinting and the deeper story of Alex. Who, or what, is at the beginning is something that we get to discover as the series progresses but it’s part of that blending of fact and fiction that makes the series intriguing. It’s a comic that feels like an alternate history but at the same time it’s not.

Bruno Frenda‘s art continues to impress. It still reminds me of the art from Advance Wars for the Nintendo DS, but that’s not a bad thing, it’s a style I like. There’s something interesting about that art in that it feels both fantastical and grounded at the same time. Fenda also does a great job of showing off the various emotions throughout the issue. The characters deliver the unease of the situation with their looks and body language. Taylor Esposito‘s lettering is also great in it packs in a lot of dialogue on the page without making it feeling overwhelming.

Edenfrost #2 continues an intriguing series. The story slowly teases out the mystical aspects of it all while the comic keeps reminding readers there’s actual history involved in the comic. It also breaks a mold of keeping Jewish lead characters in certain situations, diving a bit into Judaism that you don’t see too often. Overall, an intriguing series that has us interested in seeing what’s next.

Story: Amit Tishler Art: Bruno Frenda Letterer: Taylor Esposito
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Mad Cave Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Kindle

The Deviant #3 Shows How Men Make Monsters

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Brant Lewis

Despite the police catching the supposed Deviant Killer in 1972, a similar set of murders committed by a masked killer dressed as Santa has resurfaced in the present day. But how was the man found guilty of the crime caught, and what led to the police officer charging him for it? The Deviant #3 flashes back to the supposed investigation of Randall in the wake of the two boys murdered by the cop who got attacked by the Deviant Killer.

After holding the cards close to his chest for the previous two issues, James Tynion IV lets the reader peek behind the curtain and see what led alleged murderer Randall to get arrested and end up in prison. Tynion does not excuse Randall’s other reprehensible actions but showcases the gray shades of humanity within our alleged monsters. Although the issue does not advance the story’s plot significantly, it provides greater context to the crimes that Michael has been investigating for his comic book series within the narrative.

Similar to the past two issues, Tynion dives deeper into the fears and anxieties directed at queerness. By placing the point of view on homophobic policeman Paul for the issue, he not only critiques the harmful stereotypes associated with queerness but illuminates the difficulty for the LGBTQ+ community in late 20th century America. Outside of the usage of “faggy,” the police describing Randall as “funny” and how Paul questions him furthers the commentary on the idea of queerness aligning with deviancy and how alleged boogeymen are created. Randall cannot exist as a gay man who committed horrific actions but can only exist as a monster defined by his queerness to the police and how people remember the crime.

In addition, I still greatly enjoy the Christmas setting for not only contrasting the horror tone of the story but providing a sense of melancholy and isolation relatable to the queer experience. Even in a season of cheer and joy, it can be hard to enjoy it due to the internal baggage we carry. This decision also grounds the narrative by placing it in a more realistic setting to highlight the horrific nature of the murders. The flashback showcases how an unthinkable crime can significantly impact the residents in a close community.

Joshua Hixson’s artwork and colors remain a strong point for the series. He effortlessly balances the mundanity of a city like Milwaukee while contrasting it with visceral imagery. It feels perfectly expressive while not sacrificing the characters’ humanity or the story’s seriousness. His more muted color scheme also pairs with the tone well and never feels like Christmas overshadows the story. He makes sure Christmas is a backdrop element but not standing in the limelight with excessive reds and greens. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering fits the naturalism of the story and never feels out of place with the narrative.

The Deviant continues as another strong original series by Tynion that is not afraid to look at and critique these serious topics through a queer horror lens. Even if January has arrived, each new issue feels like a new Christmas present, and I get more excited towards its release each month. There is no horror comic book series like it on the market right now.

Story: James Tynion IV Art and Color: Joshua Hixson
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Invasive #2 ups the unease with solid horror

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Brett

Dr. Carrie Reynolds and detective Vic Hudgens cut closer to the heart of the mystery behind the “murder surgeons” and the gruesome surgical attacks plaguing their city. While meeting the newest victim, they come face to face with the deranged society of killers stalking their trail . . . and learn just how far Carrie will go to the find the people who hurt her daughter. Invasive #2 keeps up the unease as the duo attempt to find out who’s behind the destruction.

Written by Cullen Bunn, Invasive #2 does a solid job of keeping things focused on the detective aspect of the story. At its heart, the series is two people trying to get to the heart of a mystery. But, the series just happens to deal with unnecessary surgery, creating visuals that create unease. The second issue is no exception to that delivering shocks in the story and with the imagery.

The comic is solid as the duo follow clues and get closer to those behind the horror. But, we learn more about the two as well, a lot more, and some of it is rather surprising. It shows how for they’re willing to go to find the truth. The story creates an unease in numerous ways and the title implies not just the surgery the people within are having but how far our two “heroes” are willing to go to solve the crime.

Much of the unease is helped by the art from Jesús Hervás. Dan Jackson provides color and lettering by Taylor Esposito and all together the comic borders on the edge of having to look away. The visuals are uncomfortable. For someone like me who has trouble with these sorts of visuals, it’s not the easiest of reads but the visuals impressively balance that line that might take it over the top and distracting.

Invasive #2 is another solid issue that continues the shocks in numerous ways. It’s a solid horror comic that continues to show why Bunn is so well regarded in the genre.

Story: Cullen Bunn Art: Jesús Hervás
Color: Dan Jackson Letterer: Taylor Esposito
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #303 delivers solid action as alliances are formed

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Brett

Who’s allied with who? Who’s making a move on who? With four different groups all making moves, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #303 is a fun issue that begins the next arc.

There feels like there’s a new energy when it comes to G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. While the series continues the story Larry Hama began so many years ago, with a new art team and new publisher, it feels a bit fresh. G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #303 continues the chaos that has been stewed the last few issues as the various forces make their moves.

Serpentor Khan has a new ally with Revanche and is quick to put it all to work and a test as various teams make their move to test out capabilities and also see what others are up to.

Hama makes the issue feel like a game of chess in some ways with each group making moves and attempting to figure out what the opposing force is up to. This leads to some exciting moments and an ending that’s a clear fake out. There’s also something kind of fun and intriguing with Serpentor teamed with Revanche, an almost classic horror movie monster force teamed with advanced AI. It’s a combo that works and works well.

That’s partly due to Chris Mooneyham. With color by Francesco Segala, flatter Sabrina Del Grosso, and letterer Pat Brosseau, the comic looks fantastic. The Joes look like their classic serious self but it’s Revanche and Serpentor’s forces that stand out. Revanche has a great look to them, invoking some familiar technology based villains. Serpentor’s forces have a tinge of horror to them but it’s not over the top distracting. Instead it looks more like a disease that’s corrupted those infected.

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #303 is a solid comic. It’s somewhat predictable in some ways but enjoyable and fun. The art is top notch and it moves the story arc along with some pretty big moments that’ll play out for some time. It’s not too late to dive into this next step for G.I. Joe and it’s well worth the dive in.

Story: Larry Hama Art: Chris Mooneyham
Color: Francesco Segala Flatter: Sabrina Del Grosso Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Cable #1 focuses on a threat bigger than Orchis

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Brett

All the signs are here: The Neocracy is coming – and with it comes not only the end of mutantkind, but all of the humankind as well! As if rescuing Young Nate from the ongoing threat of Orchis weren’t enough, can Cable root out this growing threat and decimate it before the Neocracy has a chance to take hold. But is he already too late to change the future? Cable #1 has the future hero dealing with a possible new threat beyond Orchis.

Cable #1 is an interesting comic. There’s something a bit throwback about it in its storytelling and its look. Part of the reason for that is Fabian Nicieza, one of the earlier creators to shape the character.

The story has Cable in “modern times” dealing with Orchis who has kidnapped Kid Nate to try to pry his knowledge from him. Really, the comic should be called “Cables” as the two must team up to take on a new threat growing the Neocracy.

The concept is interesting, preventing the threat before it happens. It’s a question I’ve had about the character for quite some time, why he didn’t stop Orchis before it was created? So, we finally get some answers to that… sort of. But, the villain itself is just ok. Neocracy is the next evolution of mutantking and humankind, yes another one, and it’s a bit too similar to the Dominion. It’s all a little too Terminator and the villains a bit too much like others, but overall, it’s an entertaining comic.

Part of that is the art by Scot Eaton with ink by Cam Smith and Victor Nava, color by Java Tartaglia and lettering by Joe Sabino. The comic has a bit of a throwback style to it with Cable sporting bit pouches and over the top weapons. There’s some fine action moments and good humor but overall, the comic looks like Cable comics of the past. Not bad but also nothing that really jumps out as too exciting.

Cable #1 isn’t a bad start and sort of gives a reason Cable hasn’t been more aggressive in stopping horrible timelines, but overall, it’s an ok read. There’s some decent humor, decent action, but nothing so far that really stands out as too exciting so far.

Story: Fabian Nicieza Art: Scot Eaton
Ink: Cam Smith, Victor Nava Color: Java Tartaglia Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Avengers: Twilight #1 shows potential

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Brett

In a gleaming new world of prosperity, Captain America is no more. But Steve Rogers still exists, floating through an America where freedom is an illusion, where The Avengers are strangers and his friends are long dead. But is the Dream? How do you assemble Avengers in a world that doesn’t want them? Avengers: Twilight #1 is an interesting debut which takes place in the future but is a reflection of events today.

There’s something rather quaint about comic book heroes in today’s world. We’re seeing the worst in humanity right now with the rise of rightwing populism across the world partially fueled by anger and partially fueled by lies. We live in a world full of lies and erasure of history, a denial of facts and reality. So how do heroes fit in that sort of world? That seems to be what writer Chip Zdarsky is attempting to explore with Avengers: Twilight #1.

In this possible future, Captain America has retired with a new group of Avengers out there. But, as we learn this group of Avengers isn’t so much about upholding freedom. Instead, this is a world where freedom has been rejected and a fascist undertone has taken hold. Free speech is frowned upon and lies are perpetuated to sully the legacy of what has come before. This isn’t a post-truth world, it’s one full of propaganda run by the few to benefit the few.

Zdarsky focuses on introducing this world mostly. We get a little bit of action and things really start rolling at the end, but the issue is mostly us getting a lay of the land. And, it’s an interesting concept. How it fits into the 3 billion possible futures… who knows, but more than enough is introduced to entertain readers. But, the comic still feels a bit forced in some ways. There’s things just thrown out there as far as fates of characters and events of the past that are a bit jarring. There’s scenes that just happen with little lead up to them. There’s a bit of a staccato aspect in that way.

The art by Daniel Acuña is pretty solid. It’s an interesting world with lots of details and the characters we know feel worn down and aged. There’s a lot of small details of the technology to remind us it’s the future but beyond a bombardment of ads, the overall feel never quite feels like the “big brother” world that the dialogue leads us to believe. While there’s a lot of cool, something feels like it doesn’t quite nail it with the visuals, just like the story and dialogue itself doesn’t quite nail what it’s going for.

Avengers: Twilight #1 shows off a lot of potential. There’s something there as far as commentary about the current state of the world and the road we’re marching down. There’s something there about this particular future. The concept of heroes retired and a world that has rejected them is interesting. What’s teased could be really good. But, Avengers: Twilight #1 lays a lot of groundwork, hinting at the bigger world and story. It’s the setup but what’s to come will be the meat to really determine if this is any good.

Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Daniel Acuña Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Cobra Commander #1 is a hell of a start

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Brett

The Rise of Cobra begins here. In a world where the Cobra organization hasn’t formed, one man’s sinister plans to utilize the mysterious alien substance known as Energon sends shockwaves across the globe. Who is Cobra Commander? Where does he come from? And what horrors is he planning to unleash that will rock the world-and maybe the universe-to its core? Cobra Commander #1 kicks off a new chapter in the Energon Universe introducing the terrorist organization to come.

To say Cobra Commander #1 is good is an understatement. It’s the perfect companion comic to Duke #1, which takes us through Duke’s journey pre-G.I. Joe. Both written by Joshua Williamson, both breathe new life into the 40 year old property. Williamson has taken a lot of what has come before and remixed it a bit. Transformers are on Earth. Cobra and G.I. Joe don’t exist. This is how both of those organizations came to be.

Slight spoilers ahead

While I try to avoid spoilers, it’s hard to say why Cobra Commander #1 is so good without them. As stated above, this is the story before Cobra existed. The person who will become Cobra Commander is just a scientist in Cobra-la. Yes, the organization introduced in G.I. Joe: The Movie is central to this comic. Williamson brilliantly uses the juxtaposition between the Transformers and Cobra-la to drive the story. One is a technology based world and beings while the other is organic. Cobra Commander has gotten ahold of a Transformer, running experiments and using what he’s learned to add technology to Cobra-la’s world. This has caused unrest among the people and Cobra Commander, after being injured is sent on a mission into the world, thus begins the organization that will be known as Cobra.

Williamson does an amazing job of blending together so much. The introduction of Transformers to this world feels natural and organic and the impact of that too makes sense. He uses the various concepts and ideas that have been around for quite a while in new ways to create a fresh take that feels logical. It just makes a hell of a lot of sense and everything is a natural progression. It also creates the sense that Void Rivals, Transformers, Duke, and now Cobra Commander are part of a connected world but it’s being done in a way you can enjoy just one series. If you read them all though, you get the bigger picture and more dots connected.

The art by Andrea Milana is fantastic. With color by Annalisa Leoni and lettering by Rus Wooton, the details and look of everything is top notch. Milana and the team create a world that’s familiar, it takes its style from classic G.I. Joe. But, like Duke, there’s small tweaks here and there. It’s minor things but it all comes together in a way that makes the comic feel fresh in story and visuals. The team also captures the rather epic nature of some events. They play out like big action sequences and you can almost picture them on the screen with classic voice overs. The visuals embrace what has come before but chart their own course too.

Cobra Commander #1 is good. It’s really good. The comic might be the strongest debut out of all of the Energon Universe and has me excited to see what comes next. This is a Cobra Commander that already feels manipulative and scheming and where those machinations go and how it connects to everything else is going to be one hell of a ride.

Story: Joshua Williamson Art: Andrea Milana
Color: Annalisa Leoni Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #302 helps transition to the next story arc

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Brett

As the Joes mourn their fallen brother, dangerous new forces are mounting against them. Cobra Commander returns to Springfield and the now mutant Serpentor Khan turns to a deadly new ally you won’t see coming! G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #302 begins the transition wrapping up the previous arc and kicking off what’s to come.

Story: Larry Hama
Art: Chris Mooneyham
Color: Francesco Segala
Flatter: Sabrina Del Grosso
Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics
Kindle: https://amzn.to/48q2vCp

Duke #1 kicks off a new era for G.I. Joe weaving a story that’s full of action and paranoia

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Brett

Conrad Hauser has made first contact with an alien being…or was it a UFO? Was it both? But no one, not even Colonel Hawk, will believe the story of the jet fighter converting into a colossal alien robot that nearly killed the man known as Duke. Now, one of the US Army’s most decorated officers is on the hunt for answers, drawn into a conflict that no amount of training could ever prepare him for. A war that only a real American hero has any chance of surviving… Duke #1 kicks off a new era for the classic character setting up a new future for the force that will be known as G.I. Joe.

Story: Joshua Williamson
Art: Tom Reilly
Color: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Rus Wooton

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

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