Tag Archives: aftershock comics

Aftershock Announces Tim Seeley and Priscilla Petraites’s Brilliant Trash

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AfterShock has announced a brand new title, Brilliant Trash from Tim Seeley, with art by Priscilla Petraites, which hits stores in November. The comic will feature color by Marco Lesko and covers by Mike Norton and Seeley.

In the days to come, a super powered teenage girl wipes the heavily disputed Old City of Jerusalem from the face of the globe. Now, in American dystopia after the “Lady Last Word Incident”, a click-bait headline writing “journalist” holds the key to a med-tech conspiracy that could turn people into gods for the price of days off their lives. But in a world where news is tailored to every viewpoint, will anyone believer her?

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 8/6

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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.

 

Ryan C

Redlands_01-1Redlands #1 (Image)** – Not sure what to make of this one yet. On the one hand, Vanessa R. Del Rey’s free-flowing and expressive artwork is gorgeous, and Jordie Bellaire’s colors are always top-notch. It’s as a writer, however, that Bellaire clearly has something of a learning curve ahead of her — plunging us into the middle of the action right off the bat, we never learn many of the characters’ names, have no clue as to their motivations, and frankly, beyond some sort of siege on a redneck sheriff’s station, we don’t even get much of an idea of what’s going on, never mind why. The creators seem to have an admirable agenda that they’re working towards here, but they have a long way to go to get readers invested in it and at $3.99 a pop, I simply wasn’t given a clear enough idea of the basic premise of this comic to justify sticking with it. Overall: 4. Recommendation: Pass.

 The Divided States Of Hysteria #3 (Image)** – Whoever’s still left reading Howard Chaykin’s latest will find this installment to be something of a bummer as very little happens by means of plot progression, and all we get is a re-hash of the few particulars we already know. Okay, everyone’s a bastard — we get that much. Beyond that, all this issue does is run in place. Still love Chaykin’s art and Ken Bruzenak’s one-of-a-kind lettering and effects, though. Overall: 5. Recommendation: Buy if you’ve come this far, pass if you haven’t.

Unholy Grail #2 (Aftershock)** – I’m really digging Cullen Bunn and Mirko Colak’s revisionist take on the Arthurian legend, and like the first issue, this one successfully “time-jumps” around to fill us in on all the particulars in a breezy, rapid-fire manner. Colak’s lavish artwork is definitely the star of the show here, but the script does what it needs to in order to maintain your interest, as well. Overall: 7.5. Recommendation: Buy.

Grass Kings #6 (Boom! Studios)** – Matt Kindt and Tyler Jenkins wrap up the first arc of their series in fine style as the showdown between our drop-outs and local law enforcement comes to a head, with potentially far-reaching consequences for all parties involved. There’s some great character development in this issue, and Kindt delivers at least one genuinely touching moment, all aided and abetted by Jenkins’ gorgeous and moody watercolor art. Overall: 8. Recommendation: Buy.

Patrick

 Kill Or Be Killed #11 (Image)** – And here we are, right back where we came in, with the fight in #1. Although our guy Dylan is trying to get his life back together, get back on his meds, catch up on his schoolwork, go to a party with his ex, his demon just won’t let him be. Nothing spectacular, just a solid issue that sets up the third arc quite nicely. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy.

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

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 (**).

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 7/22

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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.

Ryan C

RoyalCity_05-1Royal City #5 (Image)** – Jeff Lemire wraps up the first story arc of his long-form series with an issue that’s an almost unconscionably quick read given its $3.99 cover price, but the biggest blunder comes with the poorly-executed and clumsy double-cliffhanger, which actually serves up the most surprising revelation first and then follows it up with one that you already saw coming. Still, the art’s lush and beautiful, and the story at least moves all the major plotlines forward. Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Read

Winnebago Graveyard #2 (Image)** – The second issue of Steve Niles and Alison Sampson’s fast-moving homage to ’70s cult horror is every bit as masterful an evocation of its various “source materials” as was the first, and while you can predict every beat in the story, who are we kidding? That’s a big part of the charm here. Granted, as sparse as the script is chances are this thing should simply have been released as a 64-page special (or, if you absolutely must pump the public for cash, a graphic novel), but Sampson’s art is so flabbergastingly gorgeous that I’m more than happy to shell out for bucks a pop for it in singles. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

 Jimmy’s Bastards #2 (Aftershock)** – Garth Ennis and Russ Braun are the definition of a “known quantity” creative team at this point, and if you like their brand of irreverent, bordering-on-sick-and-wrong humor and cartoonishly exaggerated, but still very much grounded in reality, illustration, odds are you’ll get a kick out of this story about a James Bond stand-in being hunted down by his literally hundreds of illegitimate kids. Personally, I do like it, and so I’m having all kinds of guilty-pleasure fun here, especially since this issue kick-starts the plot into gear much better than the first did. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

Batman #27 (DC)** – It seems pretty early on for “The War Of Jokes And Riddles” to need an “interlude,” as this issue bills itself as being, but whaddya know — once again Tom King shows that his stand-alone stories in this series are so much better than his long-form “arcs.” The origin of Kite-Man is far from the joke one would expect, and King deftly handles some very sensitive and tragic subject matter with genuine skill and compassion — and that double-splash with The Joker saying “good grief” is the biggest laugh we’ve gotten from any Batman book in decades. Fill-in artist Clay Mann, for his part, does a pretty nice job with a style of illustration that falls somewhere in between that of the the series’ two regulars, David Finch and Mikel Janin. All in all a great read that’s nice to look at. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Patrick

IHateFairyland_14-1 I Hate Fairyland #14 (Image)** – Skottie Young is back on story and art, sending Gert into the labyrinth of Loveth Lovelord to retrieve the Balls of Redemption. If she succeeds (naturally, defeating the dragon at the centre), she gets her wish to become good. If she fails, she marries the creeptastic LL. Along the way, she also makes any number of marriage deals and indeed faces a dragon. This issue just clocks along with a cocky skip in its step and is great, sour-candy fun. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Lazarus X+66 #1 (Image)** – This is the first in what I take to be a series of standalone issues that explore Greg Rucka’s very complex world. Good idea! In this story, Rucka and artist Steve Lieber deliver the story of Casey Solomon’s training to be an ultra-elite Dagger. It’s a very solid basic training story, and Lieber does a great job on the art, but if you didn’t know it existed in the Lazarusverse, you would think it was taking place in today’s mundane reality. In that sense, although it adds a bit to Casey’s story, it doesn’t follow through on the promise of exploring and expanding the world. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Bitch Planet Triple Feature #2 (Image)** – As I thought, the second issue of this anthology feature finds its feet: as Kelly Sue DeConnick points out, the tone is not “mercilessly bleak” but ROBOCOP. And I will always buy that for a dollar. Real quick: Che Grayson and Sharon Lee De La Cruz bring us the “Miss Tween Neck Competition” – but what price victory? And what other very precise anatomical competitions are also going on?… In “This is Good for You,” Danielle Henderson, Ro Stein and Ted Brandt make a very sharp link between “self-care,” “family values,” and “compliance.” And anchoring the pack, Jordan Clark and Naomi Franquiz’ “What’s Love Got To Do With it” brings us the story of Amaya, a nurse who, upon turning 30, needs to avoid the Old Maid Tax, receiving for her birthday a literal Biological Clock. This issue is the one you’ve been looking for, Kelly Sue. Overall: 6.5, 8, and 9. Recommendation: Buy

 Bettie Page #1 (Dynamite)** – The premise is that we are reading the secret diary of Bettie Page, who in 1951, in exchange for a lift to Hollywood, became a federal agent. Writer David Avallone gives us a tough-as-nails, sharp-as-a-tack Bettie, and Colton Worley nicely captures her look. But otherwise, it’s a bog-standard story of a secret cult plot that takes way too long to develop and does not otherwise require the presence of its protagonist. When you have an iconic character on your hands, I think you can do a lot more with it. Mostly it made me want to go back and watch Mary Harron’s excellent Notorious Bettie Page. Well-made and professional but missing heart and spark. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read 

 

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

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 (**).

Underrated: Comics not in Diamonds top 100 sellers for June

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This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: Comics not in Diamonds top 100 sellers for June.

This week we’re going to be looking at a list of comics that are all fantastic, but don’t get the attention that they deserve. Now I’m not even going to pretend to have a definitively exhaustive list of underrated comics here, because we’re hoping  that you decide to check at least one of these series out next time you’re looking for something new either online or at your LCS, and giving you a huge list to check out would be counter productive to that. Instead, you’ll find four to six comics that are worth your attention that failed to crack the top 100 in sales. You’ll notice that there’s only one comic from a publisher featured – this was done to try and spread the love around, rather than focus exclusively on one publisher.

Where possible, I’ve also avoided comics that have appeared on the last version of this list, but the only hard stipulation for this week: not one of the comics made it into the top 100 for May’s comic sales, according to Comichron, which is why they’re Underrated.

 

mother russia 1Mother Russia #1 (Alterna)
June Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 361 /3,298
Alterna’s range of newsprint comics have been a fantastic addition to my pull list, with the stories on offer crossing numerous different genres and styles, and each one easily being worth the price of admission. Mother Russia is set toward the end of the second World War and stars a Russian sniper as she faces off against hordes of zombies to save a child. For a buck and a half, you really can’t go wrong with this gem.

Catalyst Prime Accell #1 (Lion Forge)
June Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 347 /3,644
A rather unique take on the whole speedster idea where Accell doesn’t speed up like characters such as the Flash and Quicksilver, but rather can move faster than thought for a limited time… and when he slows down all the injuries he would have sustained catch up to him. As a take on a speedster, it’s fun and a fresh character that you can’t help but want more of.

Pestilence #2 (Aftershock)
June Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 253 /7,056
A medieval zombie series that reimagines the Black Plague as something with a little more shuffling and biting. Absolutely brilliant stuff.

SW_002_COVER-B_SAUVAGESecret Weapons #1 (Valiant)
June Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 125 /21,938
An offbeat series about a group of rejects with powers that are basically useless (think turning your skin into a statue like hardness… but then being unable to move, just like a literal statue) have to band together in order to face off against a killer who is much better equipped to take them down. Beyond this, the sense of camaraderie and family among the rejects echoes back to the early X-Men comics; this miniseries did better in the sales charts than I expected, but it’s still an underrated gem.

 

Unless the comics industry ceases any and all publication look for a future installment of Underrated to cover more comics that aren’t cracking the top 100.

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 7/15

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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

SpiderMenII-Turner-aSpider-Men II #1 (Marvel) When the first Spider-Men came out I was reading a lot of Spider-Man comics, but I have since dropped off from the series (a couple years ago, actually). Still, I wanted to see whether we’d finally find out who the Marvel 616 version of Miles Morales is, so I picked this issue up  –  and I’m glad I did. This comic was entertaining, enjoyable, and almost without any real substance. I loved it in the way you like a movie you can turn your brain off and not have to think too hard. Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

X-Men Blue #7 (Marvel) You know sometimes you read a comic, kinda enjoy it, but then you kinda don’t because you don’t give a shit about the event it’s tying into? That’s exactly how I felt about this comic. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

George

DDCAST_Cv1_ds V3Dark Days: The Casting #1 (DC) I was really impressed with the the first part of this storyline, so naturally I was a bit let down with this one just being more of the same plot advancements that could have been put into the first issue. The artwork is still solid and there are a nice couple of bits but DC really just stretched this for another 4.99. I would get it for the art but story wise nothing that wasn’t really covered in the first part.

Christopher

Dept H #16 (Dark Horse) Writer and Artist: Matt Kindt Dark Horse Mia’s early life and her relationship with her father. How she learned more about him through interviews and journals than by spending time with him. Along with revealing how Roger and Mia’s father met in the process. Which does leave one to wonder given how complicated Mia’s relationship with her seems, why is she so intent on catching the killer. Is it to get justice, or to thank them for freeing her from her father’s shadow? Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Ryan C

dept h 16Grass Kings #5 (Boom! Studios)** – The shit begins to hit the fan in the fifth issue of Matt Kindt and Tyler Jenkins’ family drama set in a breakaway, “off-the-grid” community, and while it’s certainly exciting and visually interesting, a poorly-timed composite flashback/present-day “mash-up” scenario at the end that features actions that don’t quite line up with each other dulls the impact somewhat and places this installment just a notch below the previous four. Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Read

Briggs Land: Lone Wolves #2 (Dark Horse)** – Speaking of “off-the-grid,” the second issue of the second arc in Brian Wood and Mack Chater’s long-form series sees the walls begin to close in around the separatist Briggs clan as a de facto hostage situation turns into a lot more than anyone bargained for once the feds get involved. Chater’s art is a bit more generic in its appearance this time out, but it’s still more than solid, as is Wood’s pacy, dynamic script. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

World Reader #4 (Aftershock)** – Jeff Loveness’ script gets out of the way and lets Juan Doe’s amazing, borderline-psychedelic art do the bulk of the storytelling in this issue, as we finally meet a “psychic survivor” of sorts from the genocidal intergalactic force that’s been wiping out all life on one planet after another. The book takes all of about five minutes to read, but it’s worth going back and looking at time and time again to fully absorb the gorgeous images. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

The Divided States Of Hysteria #2 (Image)** – Howard Chaykin’s been getting more Briggs_Land_Lone_Wolves_2Apublicity than at any point since the early days of “American Flagg!” with this one, and while most of it has been understandably negative (that sickening, since-pulled cover was the very definition of “not a good idea”), it’s also beginning to look like both “camps” in the controversy surrounding this series are wrong. There was no gang-rape of a transgender woman last issue — in fact, she killed everybody trying to abuse her before they could — while at the same time, the right-wingers who were bitching about the cover to the first issue, which featured a Muslim woman in a red-white-and-blue burqa, were eager to defend the aforementioned no-longer-forthcoming cover to issue four, which featured a lynched Pakistani man with his balls cut off.

So, ya know, these fuckheads are pretty much as racist as we always knew they were.

In any case, at the end of the day, it seems that Chaykin played both sides like a fiddle in a move that would make “B-movie” huckster William Castle proud. This time out we finally get to see the ties that bind our disgraced former CIA operative and the various serial/spree killers together, as Chaykin sets up his ultra-violent, non-super-powered “Suicide Squad” premise more fully. The art is noisy, cluttered, and ugly — as it’s supposed to be — but all my fellow leftists who walked away from this comic after last month (assuming they ever read it at all) are missing out on a pointed critique of the privatized, for-profit prison system, the mercenary-for-hire industry exemplified by the likes of Erik Prince’s notorious Blackwater, and the racism and Islamophobia that Trump rode all the way to the White House. This book’s politics are worn openly and proudly on its sleeve, and I have to admit I get a chuckle imagining all the “alt-righters” who have flocked to Chaykin in recent days and weeks having their blood pressure raised when they actually sit down to read his story. There’s some sort of method to all this madness, and while it hasn’t revealed itself fully yet, it’s fascinating to watch it all unfold. And Ken Bruzenak is just plain killing it and earning every dime (and then some) with his awesomely garish lettering and effects.

world reader 4.jpegI can sympathize with those who were offended by that cover that was probably never going to come out anyway (although I do have to wonder what these outraged individuals would make of the work of Johnny Ryan, S. Clay Wilson, Mike Diana, and even Crumb — seriously, people, read some undergrounds, it’ll broaden your horizons!), but there’s a “sweet spot” that’s being hit here for what few left-leaning readers of this comic remain : this is confrontational, in-your-face, unflinching stuff that effectively rebukes every single politically conservative position it takes aim at. In vintage Chaykin style, he’s managed to piss off all his allies and fleece all his true foes. I’m not sure I’d go so far as to say that I admire that by any means, but his willingness to stand alone takes some guts, that’s for sure. Overall: 8. Recommendation: Buy.

Shean

The Defenders #3 ( Marvel) – We catch up with the gang shortly after an attempt by Diamondback to kill Luke Cage, whose confrontation was disturbed by Punisher. They slowly look for answers on the Punisher’s motivation while Diamondback questions Black Cat’s reason for saving Luke.They soon catch up with the Punisher, who gets close but are stopped by the Defenders. By issues end, Iron Fist gets into a fight with Diamondback and finds a supreme opponent. Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

defenders3Black Panther and the Crew #4 (Marvel) – In this issue, we get a flashback and a catch up for readers. In the flashback, the OG Crew, deals with some unsavory characters in Mississippi, as they say struggle with having Northern sensibilities in Jim Crow South. In the present day story, Luke Cage and Misty Knight look for answers about the mysterious corporation who runs Americops and where their true interests lie. By issue’s end, both generations of the Crew meet, and what could happen next probably will be the game changer. Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Patrick

Kill or Be Killed #10 (Image)** – Following hard on last issue’s massive cock-up, we find out from Ed Brubaker in one simple phrase how Dylan keeps getting away with murder: “They were too busy trying to be super-cops.” What’s fascinating to me about this series is how the noose keeps getting slowly tighter even as the actions of the cast of characters get looser, and good intentions are continually translated into really bad ideas. Sean Phillips and Elizabeth Breitweiser give us a rainy, grey cemetery of an issue on the art right until the explosion of hellfire-framed-in-white on the last page. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Cinema Purgatorio #11 (Avatar)** – Moore & O’Neill give us a movie musical version of the Black Dahlia murder (and very few comics writers do musical comics as well as Alan Moore). I could go for more of this, as I start to wonder what if Fox had made musicals of its films noir (as, despite the “My Fair Dahlia” title, this is not MGM). In “Code Pru”, we get a good look at the boss, who is even more monstrous than any of Pru’s patients. There’s a mystery brewing as to the circumstances and purposes of Pru’s job, but she seems to be too pissed off at her situation to see it… And over in cinema 3 of this multiplex, “Modded” goes shopping, but Fringe is more chosen than choosing. And just what is chainsaw rhythm reggae action? “… the daemonatrix lingo is more about exciting nouns than actual descriptive content.” But I’ll take exciting nouns over boring adverbs any day. (As usual, I skipped “A More Perfect Union” – if these guys would give me a straight history of the Civil War, I’d be interested – and “The Vast”, which is about boring adverbs in comics form). Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Mage: The Hero Denied #0 (Image)** – Matt Wagner returns to the adventures of Kevin Matchstick for one last series. This is a fun preview (featuring oh-so-90’s skateboarding warrior “The Steeze” – who Matchstick winkingly refers to as “youngblood” before sending him home). I have a weakness for heroes who can just do what they do without a lot of posing and wasted energy (must be my own middle age showing), and if Kevin does have better things to do with his time than fight stone-ogres, I’m very curious to know what they are. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

kajumax s3 1Kaijumax Season 3 #1 (Oni Press)** – Zander Cannon continues to amaze with a heartfelt, humorous, horrible monster story that starts with a cabin in the woods, takes what appears to be a long detour through the story of a poor, put-upon giant goat, gets lost near a mysterious lake in Minnesota and then – oh my Goj – comes together and sets up the rest of the story in a great twist. Get on this. Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

 

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

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 (**).

AfterShock Comics in October 2017

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ALTERS #7

$3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 10.11.17
writer: Paul Jenkins
artist: Leila Leiz
color: Leonardo Paciarotti
letterer: Ryane Hill
cover: Leila Leiz

The story of No-Damn-Name, a loving mother

Chapter 2: Reflections

Sensing that time is running out on the safety of the world’s newest Alter, Chalice expands her search. But as she closes in, new complications arise: Chalice finds herself juggling impossible responsibilities to her family, her Alters family, and an impoverished, now-homeless family she barely even knows. As past guilts intensify, she must stand fast against the pressure of her new responsibilities, or be consumed.

 

From the writer of Wolverine: Origin, Sentry and Hellblazer with artwork by 2007 Russ Manning Award finalist Leila Leiz!

ANIMOSITY #10 (MR)

$3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 10.18.17
writer: Marguerite Bennett
artist: Rafael De Latorre
color: Rob Schwager
letters: Marshall Dillon
cover: Rafael De Latorre w/ Marcelo Maiolo

In the first issue of a new arc, Sandor, Jesse, and the survivors, hear rumors of a mysterious Walled City where safety may be waiting…

 

From the brilliant mind of creator/writer Marguerite Bennett (INSEXTS, Bombshells and Batwoman) with artwork by 2017 Russ Manning Award finalist Rafael De Latorre (SUPERZERO).

ANIMOSITY: EVOLUTION #1

$3.99 / 32 pages / color / on sale 10.18.17
writer: Marguerite Bennett
artist: Eric Gapstur
color: Rob Schwager
letters: Marshall Dillon
cover “A”: Elizabeth Torque
cover “B”: Mike Rooth

NEW SERIES!

A new, additional ongoing ANIMOSITY series!

One day, the animals woke up. They started thinking. They started talking. They started taking revenge. Now, they’ve started building. In a city by the sea, a new power is on the rise…and they’re making an animal kingdom all their own.

From the brilliant mind of creator/writer Marguerite Bennett (INSEXTS, Bombshells and Batwoman) with artwork by Eric Gapstur–ANIMOSITY: EVOLUTION is an exciting new series that expands upon this already amazing world!

BABYTEETH #5

$3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 10.11.17
writer: Donny Cates
artist: Garry Brown
color: Mark Englert
letterer: Taylor Esposito
cover: Garry Brown

Home is where the heart is. Also, in this case, it’s where an assassin kicks down the door and just, oh man, just starts killing people. It’s The Prarie Wolf vs a teenage mother, an old marine, and a nine-pound antichrist. Oh and….where in the HELL is Heather?! FIND OUT HERE! (You’re gonna like it!)

 

From Donny Cates, the writer of Buzzkill, Paybacks, Redneck and the breakout hit God Country, comes a pulse-pounding new series with art from THE REVISIONIST’s Garry Brown!

DARK ARK #2

$3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 10.25.17
writer: Cullen Bunn
artist: Juan Doe
letterer: Ryane Hill
cover: Juan Doe

As the floodwaters rise, Shrae’s ark full of fiendish beasts continues on its seemingly endless voyage. But below deck, the matriarch of the naga clan has been viciously slain, and the monstrous voyagers are quick to point clawed fingers to blame each other for the murder. As tensions rise among the monsters, Shrae’s very human family is at risk of becoming victims themselves.

From writer Cullen Bunn (X-Men Blue, Deadpool, Venom) and artist Juan Doe (AMERICAN MONSTER, WORLD READER) comes a sinister tale of biblical proportions that HAD to be told at AfterShock Comics.

FU JITSU #2

$3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 10.25.17
writer: Jai Nitz
artist: Wes St. Claire
cover: Wes St. Claire

Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man and wielder of the Atomic Katana, has attacked Washington DC and conquered the United States. Now it’s up to Fu Jitsu to stop Wadlow. But it’s tough trying to save the world while fighting with your ex-girlfriend that you’re still very much in love with.  Oh, and Fu’s martial arts powers go haywire, so he’s got that going for him. Which is nice.

From Jai Nitz, the award-winning writer of El Diablo, Sucide Squad Most Wanted and Dream Thief, comes this action-packed new series with art from Teen Titans Annual artist Wes St. Claire!

JIMMY’S BASTARDS #4

$3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 10.11.17
writer: Garth Ennis
artist: Russ Braun
color: John Kalisz
letterer: Rob Steen

Chaos descends on London as the mysterious Gender Fluid is suddenly revealed to the world, putting everyone—except Jimmy and Nancy, oddly enough—through some rather extreme changes. Daniella bites off more than she can chew, Sir X struggles to get abreast of the situation, and our hero finally comes face to face with the results of his life of excess.

From the creator and writer of Preacher and The Boys comes the brand-new series that HAD to be told at AfterShock Comics.

THE NORMALS #6

$3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 10.18.17
writer: Adam Glass
artist: Dennis Calero
color: Adriano Augusto
letterer: Corey Breen
cover: Juan Doe 

“Psycho Killer”

When the Westing Corporation finally catches up with the Normals, there’s a price to pay for their freedom…but that very thing might also destroy them as a family! The Normals will finally learn the truth about what it means to be human…and it’s an ugly truth. So ugly one of them won’t make it out alive.

Created and written by Adam Glass (executive producer of Supernatural & writer of Suicide Squad) with art by Dennis Calero (X-Men Noir).

PESTILENCE #5

$3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 10.4.17
writer: Frank Tieri
artist: Oleg Okunev
colors: Rob Schwager
letters: Marshall Dillon
cover: Tim Bradstreet

As the Church’s conspiracy tightens and the zombie outbreak reaches its peak, Roderick Helms and his men must storm Westminster Abbey to find the one object that can end it all! Will Fiat Lux succeed? Or will the zombie apocalypse reign forevermore?

Written by the master of violence, gore, and mayhem, Frank Tieri (Marvel vs Capcom, Wolverine, Deadpool), with spectacular art from illustrator Oleg Okunev, and covers by Eisner Award-nominated artist Tim Bradstreet (The Punisher, Hellblazer)!

ANIMOSITY TPB Vol 2.

$14.99 / 136 pages /color / on sale 10.4.17
writer: Marguerite Bennett
artist: Rafael De Latorre
color: Rob Schwager
letters: Marshall Dillon
cover: Rafael De Latorre w/ Marcelo Maiolo

As Jesse, an 11-year-old girl, and Sandor, her faithful and protective bloodhound, continue their cross-country journey, their faith in life, death — and each other — is tested at last.

Collecting ANIMOSITY #5-8 and the WORLD OF ANIMOSITY one-shot!

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 7/8

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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.

 

 

Ryan C

unsound2The Unsound #2 (Boom! Studios)** – I thoroughly enjoyed the first issue of Cullen Bunn and Jack T. Cole’s horrific take on Milos Forman’s “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” but the second sees the story take a rather dramatic leap forward that feels more forced by pacing concerns than it is achieved through anything like a natural transition. We’ll see where it goes, though, since it’s not a “deal-breaker” by any means and Cole’s art remains absolutely gorgeous. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Green Arrow #26 (DC)** – Hmmm — Ollie hits the road with a fellow super-hero in tow : where have we heard this one before? The Flash steps — sorry, runs — into the role formerly occupied by Green Lantern in this one, but lackluster story and art from Benjamin Percy and Stephen Byrne ensure that nobody will be forgetting about Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams anytime soon. Overall: 4.5 Recommendation: Pass

Babyteeth #2 (Aftershock)** – Another agreeable (if far from memorable) installment in Donny Cates and Garry Brown’s new “Teen Mom” meets “The Omen” horror series is equally divided between moving the story forward at a natural rhythm and forcing some long-range foreshadowing into the proceedings, which actually succeeds at what it’s trying to do reasonably well despite the fact that it probably shouldn’t. Brown’s art remains pitch-perfect for the content and Cates’ characterization is strong enough to keep this reader on the hook for at least a bit longer. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

Snotgirl #6 (Image) – It took a long time for Bryan Lee O’Malley and Leslie Hung’s somewhat surreal series to grow on me, given that it sure reads more like what 40-year-olds think 20-something fashion bloggers live like rather than it does anything like how they actually live, but if you can get over the absurdity of both the premise and the protagonist’s economic situation (how many people in the entire country make their living running independent fashion blogs? Maybe three? Yet there are more than that in LA alone according to this book), the cartoony art and intriguing mystery of the story should be enough to keep you around. Some new additions to the supporting cast throw a welcome spanner into the works and despite a lengthy hiatus, it seems that neither of our creators has lost their enthusiasm for this project in the least. Overall: 7.5. Recommendation: Buy

Alex

unholy grail 1.jpgBatman #26 (DC) Not a bad issue, when all is said and done, Tom King seems to be building slowly toward what will hopefully be an explosive story. As a build up issue this isn’t bad and carries the momentum of the previous issue (for better or for worse) forward… but all I really want to read is the follow up to Batman #24, not an in-the-past-cstory. . Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

All New Wolverine #22 (Marvel) I don’t read as many things with the Guardians of the Galaxy as I probably should, because I always enjoy when they show up in other comics. Like this one. While I felt that they were the highlight, it was more to do with Gabby and Jonathan interacting with Rocket and Groot. As the first part in a three issue arc, it’s good enough to have me coming back for more. Overall: 7.25 Recommendation: Read

Unholy Grail #1 (Aftershock)* I picked this up purely because my LCS told me I may like it, but other than knowing it might be up my alley, I had no idea what the comic was about. King Arthur has always been a good way to hook me into the idea of a story, but I’m often picky when it comes to giving said story a try,so much so that had I known this was a tale based around Camelot I may have skipped it entirely  (I believe Bernard Cornwall has written the definitive take on the legend), but I’m glad I gave it a shot. The art is brilliant, and Cullen Bunn has written a deeply atmospheric tale, the extent of which hasn’t been fully revealed yet. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Patrick

Stray Bullets #25 (Image/El Capitan)** – Flashback to a flashback. When heavy Spanish calexit-1Scott tells cool psycho Kretchmeyer “sometimes you’ve got to get your hands a little dirty,” he has no idea what he’s talking about. As always, David Lapham is a master of letting his characters do what’s absolutely worst for them even though they themselves think they’re on top of everything. And as we hit 700 pages (!) of “Sunshine and Roses,” every layer we peel off these characters just proves that old pulp hack Shakespeare right: “The worst is not so long as we can say, ‘This is the worst’.” Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

 Calexit #1 (Black Mask) – Political thrillers and near-future dystopias are really tricky: for me, the barriers to suspension of disbelief are very high. You have to get the details balanced just right in order for the push into fiction to really send us flying off the rails. Push too hard and it means that you weren’t where you needed to be at the start. In short, Matteo Pizzolo has way too much pushing to do to justify the premise of Calexit. I mean, on page 1, he has President Trump speaking in complete sentences using words with two or more syllables. I buy Trump getting re-elected, but his syntax is egregiously mishandled and broke my trust in just a few panels. Never mind that we then get a psycho torturer guy with creepy glasses (who apparently also can order National Guard privates to commit atrocities) and a Steve Bannon lookalike who is not Steve Bannon. Which is too bad, because I think if Pizzolo and artist Amancay Nahuelpan had stuck with the very charming rogue character of Jamil, the amoral courier with a heart of gold, I would have been down for anything. Clearly Nahuelpan loves drawing this guy because he has the only genuine expressions and body language in a book that is full of caricature. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #7 (Archie) – I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this dreadful delight. Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and artist Robert Hack bring us the tale of Sabrina’s father, Edward Spellman – and it is just about as perfect as I can imagine an American horror comic to be, with just the right blend of sly and clever humour (the three witches in the hairdresser salon killed me) and actual horror. Robert Hack’s scratchy art (I take it he colors as well) reminds me of Hammer films and 60’s and 70’s paperback covers. This issue is a great jumping-on point and I am jumping on. Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Shean

Deadpool_Kills_The_Marvel_Universe_Again_Walsh_CvrDeadpool Kills The Marvel Universe Again #1 (Marvel) – In the debut issue of the sequel to one of the craziest series in 2012, returns with Deadpool being mind controlled once again to kill Marvel’s superhero roster. This time, he is being mind controlled by a team of villains that seem to have a few motives in play. His connection as an Uncanny Avenger has given him unfettered access to places where most villains can’t go, so his first victims, are 2 of his teammates. By the end of this first issue, we find out he has enough control to ask for help but not enough to stop killing. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

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

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 (**).

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Alex

Top Pick: X-O Manowar #4 (Valiant) – Two years ago, I would have laughed at you if you told me I’d be super excited to get my hands on this comic (despite having access to review copies I still buy this every month), I’d have laughed at you for hours. I genuinely though X-O Manowar was a stupid name with a stupid concept. The. I gave it a chance… and now it’s one of my favourite series. Each issue is a monthly highlight for me.

Scrimshaw #1 (Alterna) – The newsprint movement returns with another comic at $1.50. I have no idea what it’s about but every one of Alterna’s newsprint comics have been great so far. No reason not to get this, really.

 

Shay

Suicide Squad #20 (DC Comics) – I am hella excited for the start of the “False Flag” arc. A new arc means new mayhem and after what happened last issue, it means a new team leader and I can’t wait to see how it all shakes out.

Throwaways #9 (Image) – I think they’ve finally gotten the hang of things and there’s more focus than tricks in this issue.

Deadpool vs Punisher #5 (Marvel) – We’ve come to the end of the road and I am eagerly awaiting this finale while “Let the Bodies Hit the Floor” plays on a loop in head.

Jean Grey #3 (Marvel) – The newest take on Jean Grey isn’t here for the Phoenix foolishness and she will find a way to keep her out of her mind and body by any means necessary. So obviously, I’m all the way here for this!

 

Paul

Top Pick: Jean Grey #3 (Marvel) – I’m really enjoying this book and love how Jean Grey is being portrayed; a strong female character out to take control of her own life. She’s gotten flashes of The Phoenix coming for her, and surprisingly the X-Men aren’t taking it seriously (you’d think after everything they’ve been through with the Phoenix the mere mention of it would cause panic). But now Jean is off on her own to get some answers and do what she can to shape her destiny and not follow the path of her past self. It’s a great read with great writing and I strongly recommend it.

The Defenders #2 (Marvel) – I’m really liking seeing these characters together in their own book, even if it is to coincide with the upcoming Netflix series. There’s plenty of action and good banter between the characters and I can’t wait to see where this title goes.

Totally Awesome Hulk #20 (Marvel) – I don’t read this title, but I am really excited about the Weapons of Mutant Destruction crossover with Weapon X. I want to keep up with all the pieces to see this puzzle come together.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Batman/Elmer Fudd Special #1 and Jonah Hex/Yosemite Sam Special #1 (DC Comics) – DC has been knocking it out of the park with their crossovers. First their Hanna-Barbera ones and now with Looney Tunes. Each issue has been fantastic to read and generally have been good to great. They are exactly what comics should be, lots of fun.

Bankshot #1 (Dark Horse) – Alex De Campi and Chris Cross’ new series about a man who is either a modern-day Robin Hood or a terrorist. I read the first issue and immediately wanted to check out more.

Clue #1 (IDW Publishing) – The classic board game turned movie is now a comic book. I liked the game and loved the film and can’t wait to see what IDW does with it. I’m fully expecting multiple ending fun.

Eleanor & Egret #3 (AfterShock Comics) – A beyond adorable comic series about an art thief and her bird and the policeman who’s attempting to track them down. The story is cute and art is amazing.

Medisin #2 (Action Lab: Danger Zone) – The concept is great, doctors who treat villains. The first issue hooked me and I’ve been looking forward to seeing what the second is like.

 

Animosity Expands with the World of Animosity

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The world of Animosity expands this September with World of Animosity #1 from writer Marguerite Bennett, artists Rafael De Latorre & Juan Doe, colorist Rob Schwager, letters by Marshall Dillon, and covers by De Latorre and Marcelo Maiolo.

 

A journey through an apocalypse like none ever imagined—this singular one-shot brings readers and fans alike an exclusive look at the characters, creatures, maps, mysteries, enemies, histories, and the road-so-far in a world where the Animals have risen up to take revenge. This standalone collection includes a variant cover gallery, character designs, never-before-seen artwork, and summaries that will not only bring new readers up to speed, but allow existing readers to dive deep with new information into stories they already love!

AfterShock Comics Announces Dark Ark from Cullen Bunn and Juan Doe

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This September AfterShock Comics will release Dark Ark, their second titles with writer Cullen Bunn featuring art from Juan Doe, letters by Ryane Hill and covers by Doe and Phil Hester.

The wickedness of mankind has moved the Creator to destroy the world by way of the flood. Noah has been tasked with building an ark to save his family and the animals of the world. But this is not Noah’s story. For darker powers have commanded the sorcerer Shrae to build his own ark and save the unnatural creatures of the world—such as the vampires, the dragons, the naga, and the manticore. But what will happen on a vessel crawling with monsters, where insidious intrigue and horrific violence are the rule of law?

Dark Ark #1 is on sale September 20, 2017.

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