When it comes to iconic screen actors, none were better than Sean Connery. As his presence was phenomenal to watch. As a family member mentioned upon his passing, we were the last generation to see him on the big screen. As the current state of the world will only have younger generations looking him up versus discovering who he was from an older generation.

One of his most iconic roles is that of Henry Jones in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. As his role in that movie showed his range and just how endearing he truly was. The one scene that stands out in my mind in that movie is the one where our hero encounters the last Templar knight. In Acursian Chapter 16, Charlie encounters someone similar to the character in that iconic scene.

We find Nate fending off their magical foes, as they try to thwart Charlie from entering the Witches realm, as the witch Charlie encounters doesn’t know if he is trustworthy yet, but he soon finds out what exactly Jock did in this time and space.  We are also taken back to the Isle of Shadows, where Corra has just defeated Aeron, but their mother’s health is slowly fading. We are also taken to 1560, off the coast of Ireland, where Grace gives Bregon, a weapon to defeat his sisters once and for all. By the issue’s end, Nate may be in danger, as his scuffle, leads to him rapidly vanishing.

Overall, Acursian Chapter 16 is an excellent entry that adds a few more twists. The story by the creative team is enjoyable. The art by the creative team is brilliant. Altogether, the story gives readers a few more plot points to ponder.

Story: John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika LewisArt: Beni Lobel and Tommy Lee Edwards
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Children need parents like plants need water. Our nurture and care to them set a precedent in their minds of what they are expected to do when they are in our shoes. That is why it is critical, that we remain present through their developing years. This is where they begin to form their value system and their identity.

As that is the reason why we question the parents when adults become something less than despicable. This is why when criminals do what they do, we look for the root cause. That is why the act of nurture is so essential. In Acursian Chapter 15, we find out what happens to Charlie’s family in his absence.

We are caught up with Charlie and his friends, back in Milwaukee, in present-day,  where Allison catches him up on what has transpired over the last 13 years, including raising their son by herself. We are also taken back to the Isle of Shadows, where Corra comes back to help her sisters fight Aeron, but he summons the Harpies to aid him. We are also taken to 1560, off the coast of Ireland, where Grace and Bregon catch up with each other. By issue’s end, Charlie and Nate go to Chicago, as they know a way to end the curse, one that is more than Charlie bargained for.

Overall, Acursian Chapter 15 is a great entry that elevates the plotline. The story by John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis is pleasing. The art by Beni Lobel and Tommy Lee Edwards is exceptional. Altogether, the story gives readers more of what they have come to enjoy from this series.

Story: John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis Art: Beni Lobel and  Tommy Lee Edwards
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

The best thing about time travel stories is the changes that happen. There are always possibilities that you never saw coming. It also stands to reason that there are things which you wanted to happen, and you do everything in your power to ensure it. This is where things always get tricky and one choice can let things go awry.

One of the best examples of messing with time travel is the brilliant but short-lived show Timeless. The show used familiar tropes within the genre, but also capitalized on telling some unique stories. One of the biggest stories which made the show great and heart-wrenching, was when they erased the protagonist’s sister, a catalyst that only pushed our protagonist to correct time. In Acursian Chapter 14, we find out how Charlie deals with changes and consequences.

We are caught up with Charlie and his friends, back in Milwaukee, hoping they came to the place before the dagger showed up in their lives. We are also taken back to the Isle of Shadows, where Ceillech’s warriors are trying to free the King, but Aeron is not going down without a fight. We are also taken to 1520, off the coast of Ireland, where Grace uses the dagger to steal some loot, but not before arriving back in Alba’s cave, where Bregon is awaiting her. By the issue’s end, Charlie finds out that time has jumped 13 years and Allison doesn’t know who Nate is.

Overall, Acursian Chapter 14 is a grand entry that pushes stories in different directions. The story by the creative team is rewarding. The art by the creative team is outstanding. Altogether, the story becomes even more imbued in time jumping.

Story: John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis Art: Beni Lobel and  Tommy Lee Edwards
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

As a child, you often worship your parents. As children, we often need love and attention, and if our parents do that we know that we have someone we can always count on. It is often with the ravages of time, that armor slowly sheds away, bit by bit, year by year. Then we go from figures we revere to figures we often identify with.

We often find ourselves, whether in secret or out loud, acknowledging the weaknesses our parents pass on to us. We rarely revel in the strengths that we inherit. It is often when we find out something new about that loved one, we find out a truth about them that adds to their legend. In Acursian Chapter 13, we find out how Charlie deals with a new revelation about Jock.

We are caught up with Charlie and his friends, as they finally open Jock’s treasure box, revealing some oddities to his whereabouts before Charlie was born, and how he may have been well aware of the Isle of Shadows. We are also taken back to the Isle of Shadows, in Alba’s Cavern, where Alba reveals to Bregon, that a face from his past, may be the key to getting everything he wants. Also, we find out Nate has had the dagger all the time, and possibly in the nick of time, as Hoover’s police squad has the friends in a standoff. By the issue’s end, Connell finally slices the time back to where it needs ot be , but it may be too late.

Overall, Acursian Chapter 13 is a marvelous entry that raises the stakes for our heroes. The story by John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis is gratifying. The art by Beni Lobel and Tommy Lee Edwards is superb. Altogether, the story ratchets up the action in this installment.

Story: John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis Art: Beni Lobel and Tommy Lee Edwards
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

As a fan of history, one of the time periods that has always captured my attention was World War II. AS plenty of movies, television shows, and books often romanticize this era, and for good reason. As it a bygone era, both evoked a change of the guard and how the world was in conflict with itself. As a new evil saw itself rising in Germany when the country struggled with direction.

What is the most interesting event is how the countries diverged to two sides. As it was not as easy, as picking good and evil, even though the movies made it look that way. As the world’s sense of morality and amorality is as different as every person, there are levels to what one condones. In Acursian Chapter 12, we witness how two villains align.

We are caught up with Charlie and his friends, as Connell receives some parting shots from Hoover’s police force while the friends look for a way out. We are also taken back to the Isle Of Shadows, in Alba’s Cavern, where we find out Alba was behind Bregon’s sudden rise to power, as she set everything in motion for her own selfish purposes. As we also find out who Nate really is and how everything did not happen by accident. By the issue’s end, Charlie finally finds out why he is embroiled in all of this, leading him to make a crucial decision.

Overall, Acursian Chapter 12 is an incredible entry that lets the reader into everyone’s motivations. The story by the creative team is fulfilling. The art by the creative team is amazing. Altogether, a story that finally gives us stakes.

Story: John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis Art: Beni Lobel and  Tommy Lee Edwards
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

When it comes to legacy, one often contemplates how the physical embodiment of one’s life is carried on. As your children often take on many of your gifts as well as your sins. This often seen in the public eye, in mmany variations form actors to politicians. As one of Obama’s many tethers to the public, is his embrace of both of his parents , through their complicated relationships to each other.

As our lives go in many directions, and we only hope to be closer to our children, the older they get. WE try to impart our wisdom the best we can and we only hope they do better than us. It is often when we are not with them, that their true natures often emerge, and in that, we often see a reflection of ourselves in them. In Acursian Chapter 11, our protagonist finally sees his father in himself.

We are caught up with Charlie and Corra in Hoover’s America, where Charlie may have found a clue that only his father could have left. We are also taken back to the Isle Of Shadows, where the Queen has been sentenced to stone while the King is at his son’s mercy, only to be given clemency. Charlie ends up discovering a treasure trove left by Jock, which will fill in the gaps to why his family has held onto these secrets. By the issue’s end, Charlie and his friends face off against the local authorities.

Overall, Acursian Chapter 11 is a dazzling chapter that adds a layer of tension to the story. The story by John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis is satisfying. The art by Beni Lobel and Tommy Lee Edwards is unbelievable. Altogether, a chapter that ramps up the action.

Story: John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis Art: Beni Lobel and Tommy Lee Edwards
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

As a parent, we often make sacrifices that we don’t vocally espouse. That is the point of being a parent, being selfless, taking care of the ones you love, and doing almost anything that’s needed. That “almost anything” is where most test the bounds of our love. You can only hope it is reciprocal but your children’s’ reliance on you is unquestionable.

We have seen our share of parents throughout comics. Most seem pretty bad but a few are pretty good. Parents can be conduits for our life’s journey. We can always hear our parent’s words no matter how far away they are or if they are still with us. In Acursian Chapter 10, one matron makes a powerful sacrifice.

We’re taken back to the Isle Of Shadows, where Ceillech’s mother is down to her last breaths, imploring Ceillech to take her to Alba, as she is their only hope. We also catch up with Charlie and Corra in Hoover’s America, where they are hiding out in an abandoned house, hoping to figure out a plan to find the dagger, but right when they get comfortable a SWAT team looks to apprehend them. WE find Ceillech making a deal with Alba, one that would seal her fate and force her daughters to find the talismans. By the issue’s end, Charlie starts to question Nate’s powers and he may have found a clue where the dagger is.

Overall, Acursian Chapter 10 is a brilliant chapter that lends empathy to the antagonists. The story by the creative team is rewarding. The art by the creative team is incredible. Altogether, a story that adds another piece to an already intriguing story.

Story: John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis Art: Beni Lobel and  Tommy Lee Edwards
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has mastered the art of storytelling. Granted, most of it has been culled from decades of creators expanding this vast universe in comics. This doesn’t take away from what they created on the screen within the dozens of movies that have already captured the public’s imagination. The films have molded these characters into what the world now considers the standard template of the superhero.

One of the heroes that has been introduced within these live-action films is Thor. His comics have been some of the best to come from the House of Ideas and the movies show why. In Thor: Ragnarok, Odin is dying, and in a bittersweet moment, gives a solemn goodbye. In Acursian Chapter 9, one matron looks for serenity in her last moments much like Odin.

We find Ceillech’s mother, slowly fading away, and looking for her husband before it is too late. We also catch up with Charlie and Corra in Hoover’s America, where everything is not what it used to be and Nate has been captured by the authorities. They soon are reunited and we find out Nate is not exactly who he seems to be. By the issue’s end, we find out Bregon might bring about the end of the Isle of Shadows by killing his parents.

Overall, Acursian Chapter 9 is a brilliant entry that gives the reader a closer view of the stakes. The story by John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis is satisfying. The art by the creative team is amazing. Altogether, it’s a story that delivers the readers the buy-in they need.

Story: John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis Art: Beni Lobel and Tommy Lee Edwards
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

As a fan Of Back to the Future movies, I definitely have my favorite ones. Each of the movies had its own appeal and its memorable scenes. Each of them shows the range of each actor in the ensemble. The darkest of three movies to me was Back To The Future II.

That movie showed the dark consequences of changing just one thing from the past, the “butterfly effect”. The things Marty McFly did at the beginning of the second movie causes a ripple effect through the timeline. Good intentions sometimes have dire penalties. In Acursian Chapter 8, Charlie finds out how dagger changes the direction of life much as Marty did.

We find Charlie now on the run, as every magical being in the vicinity is hunting him down. As we soon find out that when they lost the dagger that America became a totalitarian government, becoming completely unrecognizable to Charlie and his friends, causing them to hide until the morning in a basement, where they figure out the next steps. By issue’s end, Charlie finds out his family’s dark secrets through a memory recall by one of the witches, and possible fatality changes the stakes.

Overall, Acursian Chapter 8 is an excellent entry that finally tells the whole story. The story by John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis is rewarding. The art by the creative team is dazzling. Altogether, a story which gives readers the parts of the story that has alluded them.

Story: John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis Art: Beni Lobel and  Tommy Lee Edwards
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

As a fan of Back to the Future, I’ve watched the trilogy way too many times. It’s one of those films that still stands up to time. Michael J Fox is at his best while Christopher Lloyd shines. Director Robert Zemeckis also solidifies his position as a visual storyteller with the films.

As the movies became a staple of modern American cinema, they also became an earmark in popular culture. What I enjoyed about the movies was how it was written for everyone to watch without saying outright that it was made for the family. I also enjoyed how it insisted on real-world stakes if one thing changes. In Acursian Chapter 7, Charlie finds out the hard way just how much things changed when a certain chess piece is moved.

We find Charlie dealing with the fallout of Jock’s death, as he loses the dagger of time in the process. We are also taken back in time to see how the dagger gained it power where one Scottish ruler uses it in a Blood oath to ensure his victory on the battlefield. Charlie is told of how the loss of the dagger may mean the difference between life and death. By the issue’s end, we find exactly how it has changed his life by the loss of it, realizing now he has made a colossal mistake.

Overal, Acursian Chapter 7 is an immense entry that has our heroes with their back to the wall. The story by John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis is gratifying. The art by the creative team is stunning. Altogether, a story that shows our heroes as they suffer their first great loss.

Story: John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis Art: Beni Lobel and Tommy Lee Edwards
Story: 9.0 Art:9.0 Overall:9.0 Recommendation: Buy