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Ranger Academy #1 gets a second printing

BOOM! Studios has revealed that the hotly anticipated Ranger Academy #1 has sold out at the distributor level!

If you had a chance to join the Power Rangers, would you? This is the question at the very heart of a brand new ongoing series from writer Maria Ingrande Mora, artist Jo Mi-Gyeong, colorist Fabiana Mascolo, and letterers Cardinal Rae and Ed Dukeshire, as they chart a bold new expansion of the Power Rangers Universe!

13-year-old Sage lives on an isolated lunar colony with her adoptive father, but her days on the farm will change forever when she comes across a wreckage with wounded passengers, people from an academy training to be something called… POWER RANGERS. For the first time, discover the amazing school where Rangers are made!

BOOM! has announced Ranger Academy #1 #1 Second Printing (AUG238929), featuring brand new cover art by Alicia Sánchez, available in stores November 1, 2023.

Ranger Academy #1 second printing

Ranger Academy #1 delivers a familiar and fun concept for all

Ranger Academy #1

If you had a chance to join the Power Rangers, would you do it? Would you test your might as a Red Ranger, never surrender as a Black Ranger, inspire those around you as a Pink Ranger, show no fear as a Yellow Ranger, or prove that you’re the smartest kid on the team as a Blue Ranger? Enroll today! Ranger Academy #1 kicks off an interesting addition to the world of Power Rangers. It acts as a perfect entry point for all to enjoy.

13-year-old Sage lives on an isolated lunar colony with her adoptive father. Her days on the farm will change forever when she comes across a wreckage with wounded passengers. They’re people from an academy training to be something called… POWER RANGERS! Writer Maria Ingrande sets up Ranger Academy #1 with a concept we’ve seen before. A kid rebels from their parents and sneaks off for adventure. It’s not a new idea and one that has been done over and over. But, Ranger Academy #1 does it with an enthusiasm and bewilderment that makes it stand out and sucks you in.

I don’t know a ton about the Power Rangers. I’ve read some of the comics and enjoyed them and seen a few episodes of the television show. It’s not a property I ever got into. But, I could get into this. Ranger Academy #1 is a solid start. Ingrande does a great job of introducing Sage, and the reader, to this world. I have no idea if this school has been in anything else, but as someone relatively new to the property, the comic feels like an excellent entry point into not just this aspect but the Power Rangers as a whole. You don’t need to have any knowledge of them. You can dive in and just enjoy the adventure. I’m sure fans of the Power Rangers will get more out of it. But, as someone new, it does a great job of easing me into the world.

The art by Jo Mi-Gyeong is solid. With color by Fabiana Mascolo and lettering by Cardinal Rae and Ed Dukeshire, the comic’s look has youthful energy that its characters exude. Much like the Power Rangers show itself, the comic and what’s shown has a grounded sci-fi aspect about it. While it’s clearly a fantastical world, it doesn’t do it in a way that distracts or gets you focused on small details. Instead, it looks sci-fi, it looks alien, there’s a slickness about it that it’s not our world, but it looks more futuristic than alien. It delivers some wonder in a clean look like we see in Star Wars’ High Republic and Star Trek than some dirty grimy sci-fi story we might see elsewhere.

Ranger Academy #1 also features some excellent backmatter material that expands the world a bit further, acting as a guide to the Academy. You don’t need to read it at all but it adds a bit to the story and likely will get readers more excited for what’s to come.

Is Ranger Academy #1 groundbreaking? No, it’s something we’ve seen before. But, it’s done in a way that’s a lot of fun and full of energy to suck readers in and we’re excited to see what’s next.

Story: Maria Ingrande Mora Art: Jo Mi-Gyeong
Color: Fabiana Mascolo Letterer: Cardinal Rae, Ed Dukeshire
Story: 8.4 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review


Purchase: TFAWZeus ComicsKindle

The 06 Protocol #3 is a choppy return for the series

After the patriarch of the family is killed, a mother finds out he’s part of a super secret government organization.

Story: Lee Turner
Art: Cliff Richards
Color: Lorenzo Scaramella
Letterer: Cardinal Rae

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.

Kindle
Zeus Comics


AfterShock 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

Addictions & Hallucinations Raise Suspicions in Know Your Station #3

BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Know Your Station #3, the next issue in a five-issue limited series from the highly acclaimed writer Sarah Gailey, with star artist Liana Kangas, colorist Rebecca Nalty, and letterer Cardinal Rae, that takes a stab at the ultra-wealthy, their dreams of escaping the very planet they’ve put in peril, and the consequences of a future that might not be so far away, available in February 8, 2023.

Due to her addiction and hallucinations, Elise grapples with the worst possibility–is she the killer? Her bouts of super-strength aren’t providing any comfort from these suspicions, especially as the horror of the next victim greets her! Things are more tense and deadlier than ever as each remaining billionaire receives an anonymous threatening message…

Know Your Station #3 features main and variant cover art by series artist Kangas, and variant covers by highly acclaimed illustrators Becca Carey and Dani.

Know Your Station #3

Mini Reviews: WildC.A.T.s, Danger Street, and Know Your Station!

WildC.A.T.s #3

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 reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.

Logan

WildC.A.T.s #3 (DC Comics)WildC.A.T.s #3 begins and ends with an exciting splash page, and Matthew Rosenberg and Stephen Segovia focus on action in this issue as the Wildcats face off against the newly minted Seven Soldiers of Victory (Not the Grant Morrison or classic one ; more like the Wish.com/ Authority) and one a covert mission to rescue a kid whose death could lead to a Crisis level event. Rosenberg really puts the Wildcats on the shit-end of the stick in this issue, which fits their new role as the Halo Corporation’s sacrificial lambs and dirty workers while the Seven Soldiers get the headlines and good life. Segovia’s skill at page architecture ramps up the team’s mission from routine to impossible as they get holed up in a building, and their only salvation is a character being teleported in from a subplot who can’t fly a chopper. The tenseness of the main plot really helped to start to bond with the team beyond just Zealot with Ladytron’s deadpan quips about bloodstream nanites making her especially endearing. WildCATS is definitely a throwback to the Extreme 90s and the wide screen 00s, but with modern, bleeding edge visual storytelling from Stephen Segovia and smart writing and straightforward plotting from Matthew Rosenberg. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

Danger Street #2 (DC Comics/DC Black Label)Tom King, Jorge Fornes, and Dave Stewart continue to link together obscure DC characters in the apocalyptic murder mystery Danger Street #2. King’s (by way of Dr. Fate’s helmet) storybook-style narration gives the comic a good flow and connects some of the seemingly disparate threads. Some of the most powerful scenes in the issue are the Danger Street Dingbats coming to terms with losing their own and the futility of hope as their cop friend struggles to find a lead on the murder. The stuff with the Green Team and Jack Ryder is pretty standard satire of ultracapitalism, but I love that Stewart uses similar flame colors for the Green Team’s murder basement, the exploding ship, and Darkseid’s realm. Yes, Darkseid still continues to appear in the title and shares a hug that makes you know the world is really coming to an end. This isn’t my favorite comic right now, but Fornes’ layouts and use of close-up’s in emotional scenes are really effective, and I continue to be a sucker for books that dig deeper into the motivations of B and C list characters. Overall: 7.9 Verdict: Buy

Know Your Station #2 (BOOM! Studios)Know Your Station is a class-conscious murder mystery in space from Sarah Gailey, Liana Kangas, Rebecca Nalty, and Cardinal Rae. In this issue, protagonist Elise (A security liaison for a bunch of rich corporate people living in space) tries to find out who killed one of the passengers and her cop partner. This seems straightforward, but Gailey and Kangas make the story compelling by having her dealing with withdrawal symptoms from a psychedelic drug called Blue with the help of the onboard AI St Brigid, who is totally the best character. Rae’s wobbling letters and Nalty’s trippy palette are a standout in this issue and do a great job of simulating her struggles with sobriety and losing time. It’s a visual experience that can only be done in comic and is nicely by suspense and good interactions between Elise and this issue’s red herring Marin, an executive who she has a connection with. Overall 8.8 Verdict: 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 (**).

The Conspiracy Deepens in Know Your Station #2

BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Know Your Station #2, the second issue in a five-issue limited series from the highly acclaimed writer Sarah Gailey, with star artist Liana Kangas, colorist Rebecca Nalty, and letterer Cardinal Rae, that takes a stab at the ultra-wealthy, their dreams of escaping the very planet they’ve put in peril, and the consequences of a future that might not be so far away, available on January 11, 2023.

The horror heats up for the ultra wealthy in their supposed sanctuary! Elise finds herself dragged deeper into the conspiracy as the last body she wants to go missing–does. Even worse, her addiction withdrawals are getting out of hand and causing terrible hallucinations. But those drug-induced delusions are nothing compared to the gut-wrenchingly grisly discovery that she’s about to make.

Know Your Station #2 features main and variant cover art by series artist Kangas, and variant covers by highly acclaimed illustrators Becca Carey and Paulina Ganucheau.

Know Your Station #2

Review: Know Your Station #1

Know Your Station #1

The wealthiest people in the solar system abandoned the Earth for a private sanctuary in space, leaving the rest of us to die amidst cataclysmic climate change. But the 1% won’t be safe for long…A murderer is on the loose, specifically targeting the super-rich. Soon Elise, an employee of the billionaire’s space station, is wrapped up in a deadly investigation, with each issue featuring a new, diabolically different kill! Know Your Station #1 delivers a murder mystery mixed with some biting satire.

Welcome to the First Resort, a space station that has allowed the powerful to escape the chaos below. Writer Sarah Gailey quickly introduces us to who those powerful are painting a picture of a society that feels like it’s a possible future and a future we should despise. What’s intriguing about Gailey’s concept is a murder mystery revolving around individuals who we should despise. Rich and with means and material far beyond what we can imagine, these are individuals who have helped destroy the world they’re escaping. These aren’t murders to mourn are feel bad about. Instead Gailey gives us Elise, an average person who doesn’t seem to fit the rest. Instead, she works as a liaison, dealing with security, but also not a cop. So, a murder is above her paygrade, knowledge, and abilities.

Liana Kangas‘ art is really interesting. With color by Rebecca Nalty and lettering by Cardinal Rae, you’ll want to look for clues and hints as to who the murder is. Know Your Station #1 features some small details here and there that readers may pick up, but, they’re also likely fake outs. Some of the fun of the comic is that experience. There’s also something interesting about the juxtaposition of the murders and the space station. One is very clean, neat, and organized, while the murders are so over-the-top. But, Kangas doesn’t exploit what could easily be gross and shocking.

Know Your Station #1 is an interesting start that’s a who-done-it but with some layers and commentary thrown in. It does what sci-fi does best, comments on society, while also making sure to entertain.

Story: Sarah Gailey Art: Liana Kangas
Color: Rebecca Nalty Letterer: Cardinal Rae
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.1 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review


Purchase: TFAWZeus ComicscomiXology/Kindle

Know Your Station #1 has sold out before its release

BOOM! Studios has announced that Know Your Station #1, the first issue in a five-issue limited series from the highly acclaimed writer Sarah Gailey, with star artist Liana Kangas, colorist Rebecca Nalty, and letterer Cardinal Rae, that takes a stab at the ultra-wealthy, their dreams of escaping the very planet they’ve put in peril, and the consequences of a future that might not be so far away, has sold out at the distributor level before release!

Death is the great leveler, even for the 1%… the wealthiest people in the solar system abandoned the Earth for a private sanctuary in space, leaving everyone else to die amidst cataclysmic climate change. But the ultra-wealthy won’t be safe for long…

A murderer is on the loose, specifically targeting the super-rich! Soon, Elise, an employee of the Avulsion Corporation, is wrapped up in a deadly investigation, with each issue of this outrageously macabre series featuring a new, diabolically different kill!

In response to the overwhelming support from retailers and fans, BOOM! Studios has announced Know Your Station #1 Second Printing, featuring brand new cover art by highly acclaimed artist Jahnoy Lindsay, available in stores January 4, 2023.

Know Your Station #1 Second Printing

Preview: The 06 Protocol #2

The 06 Protocol #2

Writer: Lee Turner
Artist: Cliff Richards
Colorist: Matt Herms
Letterer: Cardinal Rae
Cover: Andy Clarke w/ Jose Villarrubia
$4.99 / 32 pages / Color / On Sale 10.19.22

With W.A.S.P. hot on her trail, Cat saves Missy and her friends from being gunned down by Manjeet’s Correctors. But mother and daughter are now on the run with two other teens and no idea who they can trust or turn to for answers.

The 06 Protocol #2

Review: The 06 Protocol #2

After the patriarch of the family is killed, a mother finds out he’s part of a super secret government organization.

The second issue kicks up the action giving itself a very 80s action film vibe.

Story: Lee Turner
Art: Cliff Richards
Color: Matt Herms
Letterer: Cardinal Rae

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.

Kindle/comiXology
Zeus Comics


AfterShock 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

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