Category Archives: Reviews

Sentry #1 is an exciting debut that’ll renew interest in the character

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Sentry #1

I am what some consider an old comics fan. Many comics fans don’t even  go to comic book stores any longer. Many readers now wait for the collected editions of stories before delving in. It is crazy to think now, that there was a time when the term “graphic novel “ did not exist.

As I remembered when the Death Of Superman happened. It made national and local news. The comic book sold out everywhere. The event spawned a slew of Superman type characters who would claim to take the mantle, some of whom are in ongoing books right now. In the debut issue of Sentry, our hero is dead, just like Superman, and just like in that event series, people with powers like his start popping up all over the world.

We’re taken to Harlem, where we find Jessica Jones, trying to get back to her life as a PI, when an unusual occurrence, happens nearby. This is where Misty Knight and the Aberrant Crimes Division show up the same time as Jessica, as she finds out that residual energy that matches the Sentinel, are found at the site, the same as another incident in Columbus, Ohio. We also meet Mallory Gibbs; a disabled journalist, who is suddenly is empowered with the Sentry’s powers. By the issue’s end, another person has inherited Sentry’s powers, but this time, an Inhuman, and another wants be the only successor to Bob Reynolds.

Overall, Sentry #1 is an exciting debut which is a potboiler with superheroes. The story by Loo is action packed. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that will absolutely renew interest in the character before his big screen debut.

Story: Jason Loo Art: Luigi Zagaria
Color: Arthur Hesli Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Jungle Juice Vol. 2 ups the action while also adding a lot of depth to characters

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IT’S A BUG-EAT-BUG WORLD Suchan’s determined to become the top student at NEST and get his normal life back–which means he needs to ace his first group assignment! The task? Return to human society and track down a single can of Jungle Juice. A job that turns out to be much harder than it sounds…until Suchan and Huijin stumble across a promising lead. But when the two of them follow it to an abandoned warehouse, they quickly realize their luck was too good to be true. Lying in wait for them is a carnivorous insect-human– and he’s about to make Huijin his next meal!

Story: Hyeong Eun
Art: Juder
Translation: Ah Cho
Letterer: Adam Jankowski

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.

Bookshop
Amazon

Yen Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

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

Lunar New Year Love Story is a “best of” the year contender! Great graphic novel to start the year!

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Val is ready to give up on love. It’s led to nothing but secrets and heartbreak, and she’s pretty sure she’s cursed–no one in her family, for generations, has ever had any luck with love.

But then a chance encounter with a pair of cute lion dancers sparks something in Val. Is it real love? Could this be her chance to break the family curse? Or is she destined to live with a broken heart forever?

Story: Gene Luen Yang
Art: Leuyen Pham

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.

Bookshop
Amazon
Kindle

First Second provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Rise Of The Powers Of X #1 is a Worthy Follow Up

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Rise of the Powers of X #1

When writing my review for Fall Of The House Of X #1 I said because of its name and position in the story of Krakoa it had huge boots to fill and invited a lot of comparisons to a much better book, the original House Of X. Rise Of The Powers Of X #1 by Kieron Gillen and R. B. Silva has similarly big boots to fill but in this case fits those boots much better than its sister series did. The original Powers Of X by Johnathan Hickman and the aforementioned R. B. Silva brought big ideas and fundamentally changed the fabric of the Marvel universe as we understand it. While Rise Of The Powers Of X doesn’t exactly go that far it still brings some brain melting twists that inverts your expectations on their head. 

The story as it’s presented is this: ten years after the events of Fall Of The House Of X, Mutantkind has been reduced to a handful on a last ditch mission to stop the machines from ascending to Dominionhood. And that’s about all I can say without spoiling the issue. All that I will say is that this series is not what you think it’s going to be from the cover and premise. There are many appropriately epic moments, everything feels as climactic as you would expect and hope for it to be. This series is definitely a stealth continuation of Gillen’s Immortal X-Men, which has been a stellar book. Immortal X-Men brought big ideas that are absolutely carried over into this series and the two’s connections will become more evident to the reader as they get further into the issue.

In terms of art this series has a distinct advantage over Fall Of The House Of X. Fall Of The House Of X’s covers are by the original artist for House Of X, Pepe Larraz, he doesn’t do the interiors which instead are done by Lucas Werneck, who while a very talented artist, feels like an ill fit for a event book such as it. Rise Of The Powers Of X has the same artist as its predecessor, R. B. Silva. Silva’s style has definitely changed since the original Powers Of X, it’s not the most major change but something definitely feels different, the shading uses a lot more dots and the characters look a lot more 3D? It’s hard to put my finger on what’s exactly different but there is a noticeable change. That being said it still feels appropriate for this book, Silva does a great job of visualizing this future in a unique way that is reminiscent of Powers Of X’s dark futures. Special mention should also be given to colorist David Curiel who brings Silva’s pencils alive in vivid colors.

Rise Of The Powers Of X #1 does a great job of setting up this bold new title, it brings fresh ideas and feels appropriately epic for this climactic chapter of the Krakoan age, I can’t wait to read more. 

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: R. B. Silva
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller and Jay Bowen
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 10.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Deer Editor #1 delivers Fletch with a Deer

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Deer Editor #1

A John Doe slaying lures a journalist into a world of political intrigue, a wi-fi-enabled grotto, and a station locker full of secrets. For Bucky, an editor of the crime beat at “”The Truth,”” it’s all in a day’s work …but he also happens to be a deer. Deer Editor #1 plays it straight with a story that feels like a solid journalist on the case story.

Written by Ryan K. Lindsay, Deer Editor #1 might seem like a silly concept. It’s a reporter investigating a death and getting dragged into political corruption but the reporter also happens to be a deer. It feels like an SNL skit that goes a bit too long. But, the comic works because Lindsay plays it straight. Bucky is a reporter who just happens to be a deer. The jokes are kept to a minimum. “Deer abilities” are also kept to a minimum. Make Bucky human and so far there’d be little difference in the story.

And there’s something in that playing it straight. Lindsay’s pacing of the comic, the rather serious tone of things, Deer Editor #1 feels like it has a lot to thank in Fletch, the film that saw Chevy Chase playing a reporter dragged into a story about corruption. That too you’d think was a comedy but the original also was serious and kept things pretty dialed back as far as the comedy. It was present but it was mainly a story about a reporter who gets tied into a story that spirals, just like Deer Editor #1.

The art by Sami Kivelä helps with it all. With blues, blacks, and whites by colorist Lauren Affe, and lettering by Jim Campbell, the visuals feel like a detective story more than anything else. It just so happens Bucky is a deer, the visuals really don’t emphasize that a whole lot. And that, plus the dialogue, makes what seems like a bizarre concept totally normal.

Deer Editor #1 might seem like a silly concept, but it focuses on its core genre, hitting the beats you’d expect for good and bad. It’s a crime comic that just so happens to have a deer as the main character. It’s also well worth checking for those fans of the crime genre.

Story: Ryan K. Lindsay Art: Sami Kivelä
Color: Lauren Affe Letterer: Jim Campbell
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

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

Purchase: Amazon

Action Comics #1061 kicks off “I, Bizarro” with epic action

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Action Comics #1061

It’s a startling new vision of the Man of Steel’s strangest foe. When Superman’s doppelganger discovers a dark secret about himself, it unleashes the most dangerous version of Bizarro the world has ever seen. Action Comics #1061 is the first part of I, Bizarro, an entertaining start that feels a bit familiar.

Writer Jason Aaron takes on the Man of Steel for the first time with Action Comics #1061. In it, he delivers a Bizarro that feels new, fresh, dangerous, and not a one-note joke. This take is over the edge for good reason, his planet is missing and he blames Superman and Earth’s superheroes for creating too many crisis and causing it to happen. So, how will Bizarro get revenge? With magic you see! It’s Superman vs. opposite-Superman amped up on Magic!

And, it generally works.

Aaron creates a fight that feels like it’s actually a challenge and the visuals knock it out of the park. Where the comic fails is the ending. Where Aaron goes with this feels like a plot we’ve seen before elsewhere… primarily the citizens of Gotham and the Joker. It’s nothing new in that way but, it’s still all done well enough to just roll with it and enjoy.

Where the comic stands out is the very epic feel of it all. John Timms‘ art is amazing with color by Rex Lokus and lettering by Dave Sharpe. Every scene feels epic and cinematic in a good way. The characters, worlds, color, it all pops in a way that makes you want to kick back with a bowl of popcorn and just enjoy every moment. Superman looks like he’s struggling. Bizarro looks menacing. It all feels like it’s on a massive scale only comics can do. Sharpe’s lettering might be the MVP here not only with the difficulty of Bizarro’s speech but done in a way that makes the character feel more and more unsettled as the comic progresses.

Action Comics #1061 is a solid start to this arc. While the overall concept feels like something we’ve seen before, the story and comic is still a hell of a lot of fun and entertaining. It’s an arc you don’t need to know much about and can just hop in and enjoy… and you will.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: John Timms
Color: Rex Lokus Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Story: 8.4 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1 is one for the fans

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Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1

As war is looming on the horizon on the planet Shasu, the leader of the Bloodaxe family is conflicted between living up to his father’s domineering legacy and maintaining the peace. It is up to him to settle the conflicts within himself, and his family, before the entire planet erupts in war. Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1 kicks off a prequel series to the film by Zack Snyder.

I’ll first admit, I haven’t watch Rebel Moon yet. So, without that, I have no idea if I’d enjoy the comic more or less if I did. But, as it stands, I went into Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1 hoping for a comic that might hook me regardless. It didn’t do that. Instead, I found a comic that just wasn’t exciting. Something about it comes off stiff and what should be sweeping and grand moments feel like the boring parts of the Star Wars prequels involving blockades.

With a story by Zack Snyder and written by Magdalene Visaggio, Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1 isn’t bad. It tells its story and eventually gets to the point. The problem is, it’s just rather boring getting there. The comic reminds me of everything I dislike about Dune, which it reminds me of in its execution. There’s bits about ruling and different groups on a planet but there isn’t enough to really care about any of that. And, the eventual twist that’s far too into the comic, never hits you because there’s no reason to care. Without spoilers, a ruler who is set up to be a dick is having his sovereignty stepped on by his galactic rulers who are clearly lying and are bigger dicks. Not sure I’m really supposed to be cheering for anyone here.

Part of the issue is the art by Clark Bint. There’s some inconsistencies in the style with some panels just looking dreadful and bodies contorted in ways that just aren’t possible. During a walk and talk, a head looks like the neck should be snapped to reach the way it is. Then there’s a lack of really using visuals to build the drama. Shocking news comes off flat with scenes that are too panned out and a lack of imagery of the shocking news doesn’t help matters. The comic builds drama but the visuals don’t really nail the payoff.

Rebel Moon: House of the Bloodaxe #1 is just a rough comic. Maybe fans really into the film will appreciate it more but the story drags far too much and the art is inconsistent and doesn’t do the story justice. It can be read without seeing the film, so it has that going for it. But, after reading this debut, not sure you’d then want to watch the film it’s based on.

Story: Zack Snyder Written: Magdalene Visaggio Art: Clark Bint
Color: Francesco Segala Flats: Sabrina Del Groso Letterer: Andworld Design’s Jame
Story: 6.5 Art: 6.0 Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Pass

Titan Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Masterpiece #2 continues to be a masterpiece

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Masterpiece #2

Emma is a brilliant young woman whose life was just turned upside down by a billionaire who says that her long lost parents were in fact very famous thieves. They took the world’s most famous billionaire for a cool billion… before they disappeared never to be seen or heard from again. And now he wants revenge, from her. Follow Emma as she enters into the world her parents left behind and come face to face with the PARAGON. Masterpiece #2 adds so much to the series while keeping up the witty, and humorous, banter.

The first issue set things up, but Masterpiece #2 really focuses in an the mission ahead for Emma and debates if she should even partake. Created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev, Masterpiece #2 continues the cool and fun of the first issue.

Bendis and Maleev put some of the spotlight on the Paragon while expanding Emma’s understanding of the world around her. Her parents are world class thieves but all she knows is their depiction through film, so part of the fun of Masterpiece #2 is the blending of fact and fiction. Another is the interactions of all of the characters, a clash of generations.

Alex Maleev’s art is as amazing as you’d expect. With color by Ian Herring and lettering by Joshua Reed, the comic makes even characters standing around and talking interesting. The body language and facial expressions tell so much of the story and what characters are thinking. There’s also fun with the fact and fiction, for instance the comparisons of the various crews and what’s needed.

Masterpiece #2 is just fantastic. It is packed with laughs, tension, that cool you want from a heist story, all with great art. This is another amazing hit from Bendis and Maleev and one that I already want to see on the big screen and continue any way possible.

Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: Alex Maleev
Color: Ian Herring Letterer: Joshua Reed
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

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