Category Archives: Reviews

Early Review: The Mighty Barbarians #1 gathers warriors from across reality to save existence

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The Mighty Barbarians #1

When an unstoppable force starts consuming one world after another, sorceress Morgan Le Fey uses her magic to assemble a team of skull-cracking warriors who must somehow work together to save all of existence. There’s the young trickster Anansi, Viking shield maiden Birka, the shape shifting Nanook, and their leader, heir to a fallen kingdom and mightiest of warriors, KULL! The Mighty Barbarians #1 kicks off an uneasy alliance to take on a mutual enemy and leave a path of ruin through everything that stands in their way to do so.

Writer Michael Moreci is one of those creators whose projects I want to check out when I see their name on them. Moreci’s Barbaric, published by Vault Comics, has taken the sword and sorcery genre and infused it with a lot of new and interesting elements that has made the series stand out. So, going into The Mighty Barbarians #1, I was intrigued to see what Moreci might do with another sword and sorcery fantasy series and how it’d be different. The answer is simple, by playing it relatively straight.

The Mighty Barbarians #1 has existence being threatened by the Aleph forcing Morgan Le Fey to travel across worlds and recruit a team to stop them and save existence. Moreci in the setup has taken a concept and opening that feels like it’d be quite at home in any of the superhero team comics by the big two. It’s a start that’s familiar, we’ve seen so many times. The difference is the fantasy setting and characters that have been established on their own through their various publishing/storied histories. The team brings together characters and personalities we might have not seen interact before setting up a very intriguing and entertaining potential.

At it’s heart, the story feels like a traditional superhero comic in concept, with a fantasy setting. Scenes feel right at home in the Avengers or Justice League and you could see those characters replacing these easily. Hell, with “snake men” being the villains, it feels like a side companion to the recent Savage Avengers run. But what’s interesting is how Moreci makes the comic different from all of those and Barbaric. Despite the setup and imagery, the comic plays things rather straight. There’s little comedy. There’s little jokes. It feels like a fantasy comic in every way. Unlike Barbaric which pokes fun at tropes and norms of the genre, The Mighty Barbarians #1 feels like it leans into them a little, though doesn’t play them up. This is a team fantasy adventure so far, no more, no less.

The art by Giuseppe Cafaro fits the feel Moreci goes for perfectly. The character designs have both a fantasy feel but also a little bit of a “superhero” vibe to it all. The images are full of excitement and energy as the team is assembled and the short segments of battle introduces us to each member. Like the tone of the comic itself, the look has more in common with the Avengers than it does with Conan. That’s not a bad thing as it helps deliver a pop of a start that’s energetic and makes the comic stand out a bit.

The Mighty Barbarians #1 is a fun start. It takes the traditional fantasy adventure and mixes it with a more modern sense and style. While the comic itself doesn’t blaze any really new paths, it does deliver an entertaining start that fans of the characters or fantasy adventure will want to check out.

Story: Michael Moreci Art: Giuseppe Cafaro
Story: 8.1 Art: 8.15 Overall: 8.1 Recommendation: Buy

Ablaze provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Frank Frazetta’s Tales of Science-Fantasy #1 delivers lessons about tyrants

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Frank Frazetta's Tales of Science-Fantasy #1

Frank Frazetta’s Tales of Science-Fantasy #1 is the debut of a new quarterly anthology series, each issue focusing on another masterpiece by the godfather of fantasy art, Frank Frazetta. In this story, inspired by the painting “Alien Crucifixtion,” writer Denton J. Tipton and artist Miguel Ángel Ruiz chronicle the final days of a brutal planetary dictator pursued by enemies and allies alike.

Generally, I’m not too familiar with Frazetta’s works. I know some of the more famous art (Death Dealer) but the stories and worlds around them are pretty foreign to me. So, to see comics spun out of his paintings has been interesting and what I’ve read, it’s been a bit mixed for me. Not knowing the “original material” hasn’t helped at all. So, I went into Frank Frazetta’s Tales of Science-Fantasy #1 with a wide open mind, intrigued about a comic based on a painting. And, but the time I finished reading, I wanted to learn more.

Tipton delivers a one-shot comic that’s entertaining and feels a bit of a parable as well. Duce is a dictator whose people are fed up and no idea who he can trust. We’re given the motivations of the various individuals in pursuit and who he must deal with to survive. And in the end, we’re left with a lesson to ponder and think about. It’s a whirlwind story that is perfect for expansion. What exactly has Duce done? What was the breaking point of the people? There’s potential here to explore our society through this fantasy world, as good sci-fi does. As is, Frank Frazetta’s Tales of Science-Fantasy #1 is an entertaining read that feels like the Cliff’s Notes of events. It’s not a bad thing but there’s a lot packed into this one issue. And even with so much thrown at readers, it entertains with its twists and turns.

The art by Miguel Ángel Ruiz is interesting to me. With color by Josh Burcham and lettering by Jacob Bascle, there’s a familiarity with the world and characters, as if they’re riffed on other works. I’m not familiar with how much Frazetta fleshed out but you can see things like John Carter of Mars within. Like the story itself, there’s a lot of small details that leave you wondering and wanting to learn more about the world. The team does an excellent job of delivering the emotion of the characters it focuses on. Whether it’s Duce’s anger, the frustrations of soldiers, or the cloud of evil hovering over others, the comic does a solid job of conveying where everyone stands and a bit why just in their body language.

Frank Frazetta’s Tales of Science-Fantasy #1 is an intriguing start to the series. It has that anthology feel with a nice lesson in the end for readers to ponder and chew on. What’s better, the debut leaves us wanting more from this brutal world. Despite its fascist leader, it’s a start that leaves a lot to explore and lessons to be learned in a reflection on our reality.

Story: Denton J. Tipton Art: Miguel Ángel Ruiz
Color: Josh Burcham Letterer: Jacob Bascle
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Opus Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics

The World After the Fall Vol. 2 has some cool moments but isn’t clear as to what’s going on

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The tutorial is over, and Jaehwan’s journey continues in the vast realm of Chaos! After years of solitude inside the Tower, he finds himself in the company of others once again. But something seems…off with these people.

Story: singNsong
Adapted: S-Cynan
Art: Undead Gamja
Translation: Webtoon
Letterer: Phil Christie

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 Boxer Vol. 2 is another amazing volume that’ll leave you guessing who the hero and villains are

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The Boxer Vol. 2 covers chapters 10 through 20 and sees Yu make his in ring debut. Another amazing volume that’s as much about the characters as it is the action in the ring.

Story: JH
Art: JH
Translation: Webtoon
Letterer: Adnazeer Macalangcom

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

Reynard’s Tale: A Story of Love and Mischief has some fantastic art

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Inspired by the 12th century tales of the indomitable trickster fox Reynard, this offbeat tribute to the archetypal rogue has a satisfyingly old-fashioned feeling to it. Although this Reynard adventure is entirely the creation of modern fairytale master Ben Hatke (Mighty Jack), it fits seamlessly into the body of Reynard tales still beloved in Europe to this day.

Story: Ben Hatke
Art: Ben Hatke

Get your copy in comic shops! 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

What Happens Next? Talent Show Troubles is a fun return of “choose your own adventures”

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Megan Hathaway is in charge of Sunbright Middle School’s talent show, and everything is going wrong.

With over 25 different endings, What Happens Next: Talent Show Troubles is an interactive misadventure you’ll be coming back to over and over!

Story: Jess Smart Smiley
Art: Jess Smart Smiley

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

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 6 rocks the action and delivers some twists

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Kafka is a kaiju clean-up man with dreams of joining the defense force. Now that they’ve raised the age of admission, he has a second shot to do so. Unfortunately, he’s also become part kaiju.

Story: Naoya Matsumoto
Art: Naoya Matsumoto
Background Art: Osamu Koiwai
Finishing Work: Jiro Sakura
Weapon Design: Mantohihi Binta
Translation: David Evelyn
Touch-up Art and Lettering: Brandon Bovia
Design: Jimmy Presler
Editor: Karla Clark

Get your copy in comic shops! 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
comiXology/Kindle
Zeus Comics

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

Maniac of New York: Don’t Call It a Comeback #2 adds a lot to the latest volume

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The Maniac is dead… or is he? What’s going on!? You can never keep a good slasher down as Maniac of New York: Don’t Call It a Comeback #2 adds to the body count and some interesting directions for the series.

Story: Elliott Kalan
Art: Andrea Mutti
Color: Andrea Mutti
Letterer: Taylor Esposito

Get your copy in comic shops! 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
comiXology/Kindle

AfterShock Comics 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

007: For King and Country #1 continues Bond’s battle with Myrmidon

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007: For King and Country #1

James Bond has been branded a traitor by his own government. As M sends the entire 00 division after 007, Bond must go underground with only one ally: Gwendolyn Gann, 003 – another traitor, presumed dead, secretly on a clandestine mission with global implications. 007: For King and Country #1 is the second chapter in Bond’s return and he’s now on the run.

Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, 007: For King and Country #1 continues the story that began with the six-issue series 007. Myrmidon has made huge steps becoming a global military force, one that’s been accepted by world governments. Bond and Gann have been revealed as double agents, accused of spying for the corporation and traitors to their country. Now, they’re lying low in an attempt to survive as everyone seems to be after them. 007: For King and Country #1 delivers a debut that’s full of global implications and lots of paranoia.

Johnson does an excellent job of keeping the story from the previous volume going but also creating a debut that is welcoming to new readers. You’re caught up as to where things stand while also not being bogged down with too many details. The issue also delivers action and really focuses on what’s to come and the real threat is. It’s the moments after the slick opening for a Bond film that really kicks things off instead of just delivering high octane action.

The art by Giorgio Spalletta is solid. With color by Francesco Segala, color assist by Agnese Pozza, and lettering by Jeff Eckleberry, the comic is able to mix action as well as quieter paranoia. From an opening that feels like a big budget sequence, the comic shifts to the duo hiding out but it’s all presented in a way that’s tense and makes you wonder what will happen next. You trust no one and through art that’s rather sparse as far as people, it allows you to focus on each person presented and each setting and wonder if anything will happen.

007: For King and Country #1 is an entertaining opening that puts Bond in an interesting position. It’s one we’ve seen before to some extent but with how things are presented, it’s never quite felt to this level. Add in how the issue wraps up, and this is a new series where it feels like everything is on the table and no one can be trusted. It’s Bond on his own versus the world.

Story: Phillip Kennedy Johnson Art: Giorgio Spalletta
Color: Francesco Segala Color Assistant: Agnese Pozza Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Captain America: Cold War Alpha feels like being dropped in the middle of a story

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Captain America: Cold War Alpha

I’ll admit, I haven’t been keeping up with the two Captain America series currently being released. While I enjoyed the first few issues of each, I fell off regularly reading them, as there’s so much coming out and only so much time. But, I tried to keep up with a general idea of what’s going on. And, as expected, the two series have come together for a crossover event, “Cold War” which kicks off here with Captain America: Cold War Alpha.

Written by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and Tochi Onyebuchi, the comic and event brings together plot lines from each series. Bucky Barnes is now the Outer Circle’s New Revolution. He’s now teamed up with the White Wolf who he has freed from prison. Steve Rogers’ adopted son, Ian, A.K.A. Nomad, is abducted which has him bringing together his friends and allies Sam Wilson, Sharon Carter, and Misty Knight to help figure out what’s going on. Steve thinks Bucky is still on his side but playing a game they can’t figure out, but what’s shown throws so much into question.

If you haven’t been reading things up to this point, you might be lost starting with Captain America: Cold War Alpha. The issue does what it can to catch readers up but there’s a lot to pack into one issue. The very basics are laid out and you can limp your way through the issue but it’s a tough read and it feels like you’ve come into a film a missed the first half hour. Still, there’s some solid action and the comic captures a good action vibe.

That’s helped by the art by Carlos Magno. With color by Guru-eFX and lettering by Joe Caramagna, the comic has a big screen picture vibe about it. The scenes are over the top, settings feel grand, and the action is on a pretty big scale. None of this comic feels small or intimate, this is a big swing for entertainment.

Captain America: Cold War Alpha has its moments and feels like a summer popcorn action film, but, it also feels like a story that you really need to know what has been going on before. The issue does what it can to catch readers up but it doesn’t quite nail that down and might leave readers even more confused. If Dimension Z or Ian are completely foreign to you, this is a kick off that might fall a bit flat.

Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Tochi Onyebuchi Art: Carlos Magno
Letterer: Joe Caramagna Color: Guru-eFX
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

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