Tag Archives: alters

Review: Alters #3

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img_0057issue #3 of Alters picks up with Morph in semi-critical condition after a battle with Matter Man. Chalice, still coming into her powers, made a mistake in the last issue giving some members of the team with serious reservations about welcoming her fully into the fold. Chalice, still living as a male in day to day life, is feeling down on herself about the role she played in Morph’s condition. Her besty Darren knows something up but, is cool giving Chalice space to find the right time to come clean.

There’s a lot going on in this issue and it’s all good. The story gets pushed forward in a way that reminds you of why Alters is such a compelling series. The comic also gets bonus points for its trans representation. Chalice feels real and you get to watch her transformation into not only a women but, an alter. There’s something nice about the way Paul Jenkins portrays Chalice in both male and female roles. There is no trans angle, Chalice is just living her life trying to be who she is, it isn’t a big deal, the way it should be in real life.

The story in this issue is well written, honest, and superbly shown through Leila Leiz‘s simplistic yet detailed artwork. There is just enough information in each panel to give the reader a feeling of being swept into the story like a fly on the wall. The artwork combined with Jenkins open storytelling skills makes Alters #3 a great read and a nice continuation of not only Chalice’s story but, the world of Alters that he has created in this series.

I enjoyed reading this issue and the series itself has been solid, even though we’re only three issues in I feel for the characters and enjoy the world that has been created and the characters that live in it. There are no wasted panels or word and everything seems real and unforced. This issue was no exception to the momentum and expectations the previous two issues set up, in fact, the series seems to be getting stronger and better with each new issue.

Story: Paul Jenkins Art: Leila Leiz
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Aftershock provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Alters #1

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alters-1Issue #1 of wrier Paul Jenkin‘s Alters starts off like every other comic book origin story. At least that’s what I thought I was getting myself into. Another origin story, with super villains, super heroes and those with powers who refuse to join the penultimate battle. The cover art lead me to believe that I was in in for a fun little side step along the lines of Powers, Misfits or Gotham the TV show. I was wrong.

Alters is way more than just your average super powered human origin story because Chalice, is way more than your typical super-powered human. Chalice has recently come into her powers and she’s not quite sure what to do with them yet. She’s still trying to figure out how to use them. Her first go at flying took her from her hometown of Cleveland to NYC where she crashed into a wall. Chalice uses all of the teenage snark that you’d expect from a super powered human who’s just discovered she can do what she wants. There’s something refreshing about her honesty. She openly admits all that she doesn’t know about her powers. She laments about how no on does it right the first time. She’s real.

Chalice uses all of the teenage snark that you’d expect from a super powered human who’s just discovered she can do what she wants. There’s something refreshing about her honesty. She openly admits all that she doesn’t know about her powers. She laments about how no on does it right the first time. She’s real.In Chalice’s world, being a human with powers is still very rare and not exactly the best thing because one of the supers “Matter Man” went rogue and is pretty much holding the US hostage because he’s unstoppable. He’s forcing all Alters who come into their powers to report directly to him. If the don’t he throws a temper tantrum and goes on a destructive rampage.

In Chalice’s world, being a human with powers is still very rare and not exactly the best thing because one of the supers “Matter Man” went rogue and is pretty much holding the US hostage because he’s unstoppable. He’s forcing all Alters who come into their powers to report directly to him. If the don’t he throws a temper tantrum and goes on a destructive rampage. Chalice is discovered by a group of Alters who are standing against Matter Man and they try to recruit Chalice during her fall from grace , building bounce during her flight to NYC. Alters is extremely well written and with just this aspect of the story alone, Alters could have been a huge hit, maybe even a TV show or movie. But, Paul Jenkins doesn’t rest on the typical story, or the comedy flair campy version of a person with powers. Paul takes it a step further. Our sassy and brave superhero in the making isn’t just a cis-girl, she’s transgender. This isn’t a review on that aspect, that’s for others to weigh in on and Jenkins has said he has consulted with and talked to transgender individuals to get things right.

It’s a bold choice and it plays very well into the story as the series seems to be focusing on identity as a whole. The revelation of Chalice’s gender identity doesn’t feel like a gimmick, it was a thought out decision that’s an important aspect of the story and adds a level of depth. The tone of the story and of Chalice’s identity adds a layer to her and, her struggles aren’t written for sensationalism, they’re written as life. It feels like there’s so much realism in Chalice’s hiding who she is from those in her real life when she’s out of the mask. You can feel her pain and longing for acceptance. She’s a real person with feelings who’s going through some very real things and the compassion and care that Jenkins takes to developing this character is amazing.

Often in media we see sexuality and gender identity used heavyhandedly to sensationalize or add a shock factor to a story, in Alters it seems organic. You can feel every emotion that the hiding of who she is causes her. You cringe at the deceptions she has to engage at to keep herself safe & the people she loves in the dark. Despite how strong she is, you find yourself wanting to reach through the pages, hug her and, tell her it’s going to be alright. Chalice seems like a real person, which is a testament to the great story and brilliant writing in this series.

Story: Paul Jenkins Art: Leila Leiz
Story: 8.9 Art: 8.3 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Aftershock Comics provided a FREE copy to Graphic Policy for review

Around the Tubes

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angelcatbird.0It’s a new week and we’re gearing up for Small Press Expo! If you’re in the Washington, DC area, or up for a trip, it’s a convention that’s a definite must get to.

Until then, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

USA Today – Comic book readers still prefer print over digital – Do you?

Washington Post – What Marvel canceling Nighthawk means for superheroes of color – What do you think it means?

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Talking Comics – Alters #1

Daily Dot – Angel Catbird

Talking Comics – Batman #6

Talking Comics – Batman Vol. 9

Talking Comics – Daredevil #11

Talking Comics – Eclipse #1

Talking Comics – Glitterbomb #1

Talking Comics – The Great Divide #1

Nerdist – Moonshine #1

ICv2 – The Osamu Tezuka Story: A Life In Manga and Anime

Talking Comics – Skybourne #1

Comic Attack – Skybourne #1

Talking Comics – Superman #6

Talking Comics – Tomboy #7

Around the Tubes

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Rise of the Black Flame #1 CVRThe weekend is almost here! What geeky things do folks have planned? Sound off in the comments below!

While you decided on what you’re doing, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.

Around the Tubes

Comics Alliance – #YesHomo: Phil Jimenez On Feminine Design and Industry Change [Flame Con] – Jimenez is always awesome to see what he says.

The Beat – Interview: Alexis Fajardo on Adapting Myths for Modernity in Kid Beowulf: The Blood-Bound Oath – This sounds cool.

Comics Alliance – DC’s Geoff Johns Reveals How ‘Justice League’ Will Address ‘Batman v Superman’ Criticisms – It’ll be interesting to see how it turns out.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Newsarama – All-New, All-Different Avengers #14

CBR – Alters #1

ICv2 – Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Vol. 1

Talking Comics – Cyborg: Rebirth #1

Comic Attack – Glitterbomb #1

Nothing But Comics – Kill or Be Killed #2

Talking Comics – Rise of the Black Flame #1

The Beat – Strong Female Protagonist

Talking Comics – Supergirl #1

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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angelcatbird.0Wednesdays 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: A&A: The Aventures Of Archer And Armstrong #7 (Valiant) – The last issue was one of the better ones I’ve read in this series, which is saying a lot when it comes to A&A’s quality.  I’m remarkably excited to get my grubby mitts on this issue.

Angel Catbird Vol.1 (Dark Horse) – The early reviews I’ve read have been very good, which is awesome. Other than the cover and the preview text, I know next to nothing about the TPb other than it’s apparently very good. Sometimes, that’s the only reason you need to read something.

Batman #6 (DC Comics) – Another week, another Batman comic. Strangely, the twice-monthly shipping isn’t bothering me as much as I thought it would… probably because Tom King and David Finch are still going very strong right now.

Moon Knight #6 (Marvel) – I think I must be one of the very few people for whom this series isn’t clicking for. I recognise it’s good, but I’ve been picking it up primarily because of the art, not the quality of the story. But I have faith in Jeff Lemire, and I’ve also found the series has been getting better issue by issue. At some point, the series is going to click for me, and I’m really hoping its here.

Ninjak #19 (Valiant) – Ninjak’s team up with the Eternal Warrior continues here, and it’s a safe bet that any comic featuring the Eternal Warrior will be on my pull list – this comic is no exception. Although not quite as good as Wrath of the Eternal Warrior, this story is only one issue in.

 

Anthony

Glitterbomb #1 (Image Comics) – Jim Zub has been part of a slew of excellent titles throughout his career, including the current ongoing at Image, Wayward. Glitterbomb looks to be another intriguing concept from Zub with newcomer artist Djibril Morissette-Phan. The premise looks to attack celebrity culture and fame with a twist of horror and violence. Morissette-Phan, whose previewed art, with the colours of K. Michael Russell, makes this series look even more intriguing and gritty.Kill or Be Killed #2 (Image Comics) – The first issue contained some rather unexpected moments for a series that appeared to be purely grounded in reality. The creative team of Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips, and Elizabeth Breitweiser are no strangers to implementing supernatural elements (see the fantastic Fatale). Dylan is the front and

Kill or Be Killed #2 (Image Comics) – The first issue contained some rather unexpected moments for a series that appeared to be purely grounded in reality. The creative team of Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips, and Elizabeth Breitweiser are no strangers to implementing supernatural elements (see the fantastic Fatale). Dylan is the front and center vigilante-esque protagonist whose agenda to kill those deemed as scum of the Earth is initiated by a mysterious demon after a failed suicide attempt. It’s too early to tell whether this is more of a projection of the mindset of Dylan or a full on horror element part of the story. Either way, this looks to be another hit title for a team that continues to impress.

Paper Girls #9 (Image Comics) – With another Erin (whom may or may not be one to trust according to the last issue) thrown into the mix, things are getting pretty hectic in the present time. Oh, and there are some gigantic monsters fighting amidst the city.

A&A: The Adventures of Archer and Armstrong #7 (Valiant) – Archer and Armstrong have found themselves amongst a circus troupe of Armstrong doppelgangers as the duo continue their journey to find the immortal’s long-lost wife. A&A continues to be one of the funniest and more entertaining comics on the stands that never fails to be filled with laugh out loud moments.

Kim and Kim #2 (Black Mask Studios) – The first issue of Kim and Kim introduced an energetic and colourful world centered around bounty hunters Kimiko Quatro and Kimber Dantzler. They have propelled themselves forward into the midst of a pretty heavy situation involving a particular bounty that looks to be the driving force for Kim and Kim. With a real punk aesthetic and

 

Shay

This is a damn good week for comic book lovers. Whether you’re into the big boys of DC and Marvel , or the mini majors with an indie edge like Image. It’s about time to get your geek on!

Top Pick: Everafter: From the Pages of Fables #1 (Vertigo) – Full disclosure, I am such a Fables fan that I have a tattoo of the cover of issue #7 on my arm. Of course, I’m hella hyped for something new from the geniuses behind the Fables brand. Here’s to more bad ass ladies, shifty bad guys and what I’m sure will be a fun ride. Philip Willingham himself recommends it and it’s from The Wolf Among Us creators.

Rise of the Black Flame #1 (Dark Horse) – There’s a cult, missing girls, the jungle of Siam! It sounds like an adventure mystery that will give you chills!

Batman Arkham: Poison Ivy TP (DC Comics) – All of Poison Ivy’s ( aka Red) greatest hits and fights against Batman in one place. Who doesn’t like a little female bad assery ?

Color Your Own Women of Power (Marvel) – It’s a fun time and a coloring book for fans. You can now color in ( or out of ) the lines and make your own fantasy costumes for your fave lady superheroes. What’s not to love about the chance to put something functional on your faves?

Glitterbomb #1 (Image Comics) – Looks like it has some promise. Dark forces beyond our control hell bent on tearing down celebrity culture and beauty. Should be a fun read and an interesting series of it plays its cards right and shows us the ugly behind the beauty.

 

Brett

Top Pick: The Sheriff of Babylon #10 (Vertigo) – Hands down the best comic out there right now. It’s entertaining, but also a brutal and honest look at life in Iraq post war. Writer Tom King gives a visceral feel to each issue and artist Mitch Gerads’ art is absolutely amazing in its detail.

Cyborg: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – A new creative team takes on Cyborg and I’m really intrigued to see where writer John Semper Jr. takes the character.

Supergirl #1 (DC Comics) – I really enjoyed writer Steve Orlando’s take on the character in his Rebirth issue. He’s clearly focused on the teenage and immigrant aspects of the character and making sure it’s all fun too.

Alters #1 (Aftershock Comics) – I’m intrigued on this one which sees a world where people are changing by gaining powers, but also a new hero is transitioning from male to female at the same time as gaining powers. I hold my breathe hoping this one is a story featuring a transgender character done right, but who knows.

Eclipse #1 (Image Comics) – An interesting concept of a world where sunlight kills people so the survivors are forced to live in nocturnal cities and someone begins to use it as a weapon for murder. Sounds original and intriguing.