Tag Archives: chris burnham

Review: Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 is an engaging fusion of meat and potato superheroics and off the wall antics. There is a robot gorilla in this comic. Set in Gotham City, it has one foot firmly in the DC Universe and another in heart on your sleeve surrealism. For example, Crazy Jane is the Chief now. (Don’t ask, just read!) With his experience doing fucked up body horror (Nameless) and globe-trotting superhero team-up’s (Batman Inc.), Chris Burnham definitely was the perfect artistic fit for this new iteration of the Doom Patrol, and he and writer Dennis Culver and colorist Brian Reber lay down a first issue that functions as a done in one adventure, a mission statement for the new miniseries, and sets up some fun plot lines down the road rooted in both the original Silver Age Doom Patrol and Paul Kupperberg’s late 1980s Doom Patrol run (If it had more action and fun and less monologuing.) that paved the way for the classic Grant Morrison run.

Until a passionate Cliff Steele monologue towards the end of the issue, Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 goes for big and bold in its layouts and approach to storytelling. The first page is Monsieur Mallah and the Brain fighting General Immortus’ incredibly crumbly zombies (Burnham’s art has great and occasionally unsettling textures to it.) in a full splash before a double pager that’s a cool title page and gives you everything you need to know about the current Doom Patrol lineup. Unlike the recap pages at the house Mickey owns, Burnham and Culver dish out this information visually and verbally with a classic team shot of the current lineup and three panels setting up the trip to Gotham that Robotman isn’t looking forward to.

And speaking of classic, Dennis Culver and Chris Burnham have gone with a Doom Patrol cast that is both traditional and breaks new ground. Of course, there’s Cliff Steele, Larry Trainor, Rita Farr, and the Chief (With a twist.) But there’s also Beast Girl, who is a hyperactive riff on Beast Boy’s appearances in the pages of Doom Patrol before finding fame as a Teen Titan, both New and Go. Culver and Burnham use her abilities in a clever way in the big climactic fight sequence, and she’s pure id with some added splashes of color from Reber. Her and Robotman also have a pleasant father/daughter dynamic that I hope gets expanded on in future issues.

However, the most intriguing part of Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 is one of Jane’s alters becoming a new version of the Chief complete with cloth mask, a keen strategic vibe, and the ability to deconstruct DC Comics’ cash cow at will. Like in previous incarnations of Doom Patrol, the Chief sets the tone for the team and series, but Dennis Culver and Chris Burnham do away with the toxicity and manipulation of Niles Caulder in past comics and replace it with radical honesty and compassion. The Doom Patrol isn’t here to fight monsters, but to save them, and there are factions and folks in the DC Universe that aren’t into this setting up future intrigue in the miniseries. But, for now, it’s cool to see this team kick ass and give heartfelt monologues while simultaneously deconstructing and rebuilding the superhero genre.

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 has loads of nods to past Doom Patrol stories, but Culver and Burnham find new wrinkles especially in their take on Jane/The Chief and how the team interacts with more mainline superheroes although I was totally substituting Lazarus Planet with Invasion! in the page where that’s mentioned. All in all, the book features a quirky cast of characters rescuing societal outcasts and saving the day, but in an offbeat way with Burnham flexing his horror muscles in a PG-13 way and still providing a lot of big action and bright colors courtesy of Brian Reber and shows it’s okay to get weird sometimes and express big emotions.

Story: Dennis Culver Art: Chris Burnham 
Colors: Brian Reber Letters: Pat Brosseau
Story: 8.6 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.8 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review


Purchase: TFAWZeus ComicscomiXology/Kindle

Preview: Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 (of 6)

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 (of 6)

(W) Dennis Culver
(A) Chris Burnham
In Shops: Mar 28, 2023
SRP: $3.99

After the events of Lazarus Planet, more people than ever have active metagenes! Most of these new metahumans have become misfits, shunned and imprisoned by a fearful society. They are hidden away in the dark, lost to a system that only sees them as weapons or guinea pigs-ticking time bombs that can only be defused by the Unstoppable Doom Patrol!

Robotman, Elasti-Woman, and Negative Man are joined by their brand-new teammates Beast Girl and Degenerate and led by Crazy Jane’s mysterious new alter, the Chief, on a mission of saving the world by saving the monsters!

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 (of 6)

Preview: Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1

Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1

(W) Tim Seeley, Dennis Culver, A.L. Kaplan, Alyssa Wong (A) Baldemar Rivas, Chris Burnham, A.L. Kaplan, Haining (CA) David Marquez, Alejandro Sanchez
In Shops: Feb 14, 2023
SRP: $4.99

NEW THREATS WILL RISE! When the Lazarus storm touches down, people from every walk of life stand to be affected. People who are kind, people who are good…and people who are evil. This epic issue will spotlight the many disastrous new villains created by the Lazarus event and the heroes who stand ready to stop them from doing harm to others! What sinister threat brings a new chapter to the Doom Patrol saga? Can a new hero channel the inexorable Still Force energy to fend off evil? What lurks in the corners of the Spirit World for new character Xanthe? And what early clue to the new direction in Arkham Tower will spell disaster for Gotham City?

Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1

Preview: Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1

Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1

(W) Tim Seeley, Dennis Culver, A.L. Kaplan, Alyssa Wong (A) Baldemar Rivas, Chris Burnham, A.L. Kaplan, Haining (CA) David Marquez, Alejandro Sanchez
In Shops: Feb 14, 2023
SRP: $4.99

NEW THREATS WILL RISE! When the Lazarus storm touches down, people from every walk of life stand to be affected. People who are kind, people who are good…and people who are evil. This epic issue will spotlight the many disastrous new villains created by the Lazarus event and the heroes who stand ready to stop them from doing harm to others! What sinister threat brings a new chapter to the Doom Patrol saga? Can a new hero channel the inexorable Still Force energy to fend off evil? What lurks in the corners of the Spirit World for new character Xanthe? And what early clue to the new direction in Arkham Tower will spell disaster for Gotham City?

Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1

Get a First Look at the Final Issue of Skybound’s Creepshow!

Skybound has revealed a first look at Creepshow #5, the final issue of the hugely popular comic book anthology based on Greg Nicotero’s hit Shudder TV series produced and licensed by Cartel Entertainment. Creepshow #5 will arrive in comic book shops on January 25, 2023.  

In the spirit of all iterations of Creepshow in pop culture, each issue of the Creepshow comic anthology series comes packed with two spine-chilling stories.  

First, Steve Orlando and Marianna Ignazzi scare up a sensational yarn about a young man who’ll go to extreme lengths to retain his youth. Fabiana Mascolo on duty for colors, and Pat Brosseau letters the story. 

Then, Clay McLeod Chapman and exciting newcomer Anwita Citriya invite you to a debutante ball so horrifying you’ll be crawling out of your skin. Jordie Bellaire colors the story, and Pat Brosseau letters this story as well. 

In addition to the main cover by Chris BurnhamCreepshow #5 comes with an impressive lineup of variant covers, including a cover by legendary artist Kelley Jones and a 1:10 incentive cover by Vance Kelly.  

Creepshow #5 (of 5) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.  

The full list of covers is below: 

  • CREEPSHOW #5 CVR A by Chris Burnham (NOV220208) 
  • CREEPSHOW #5 CVR B by Kelley Jones (NOV220209) 
  • CREEPSHOW #5 CVR C by Vance Kelly (1:10 Incentive) (NOV220210) 
Creepshow #5

Preview: Creepshow #4 (of 5)

Creepshow #4 (of 5)

(W) Kyle Starks, Henry Barajas (A) Fran Galan, Dani (CA) Chris Burnham, Adriano Lucas
In Shops: Dec 28, 2022
SRP: $3.99

The Creep scares up two all-new standalone stories in this star-studded anthology based on the hit Shudder TV series.
KYLE STARKS (I HATE THIS PLACE) and FRAN GALÁN (Lucky Devil) deliver the story of a ragtag group of kids who hunted a nest of vampires in their neighborhood…and the one who lived to tell the tale.
HENRY BARAJAS (HELM GREYCASTLE) and DANI (Detective Comics, COFFIN BOUND) drop a hellacious tale of a fallen luchador who will do anything to claw her way back to the top!

Creepshow #4 (of 5)

Preview: Bloodshot Unleashed #4

Bloodshot Unleashed #4

Written by DENIZ CAMP
Art by ERIC ZAWADZKI
Colors by JORDIE BELLAIRE
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover A by JON DAVIS-HUNT
Cover B by NICOLE RIFKIN
Cover C by NINO CAMMARATA
Pre-order Cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
On sale DECEMBER 28TH | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | M

A bloody blast from the past!

• In the present, Bloodshot must track down Verlane, a “spent shell” experiencing nightmarish visions of his past being pursued by the authorities.
• In the past, Bloodshot has the fight of his life against Hobbes, exploring what occurred prior to the events of issue #1 to shatter Bloodshot’s family and home.
• Two escaped weapons. Two timelines. One epic issue!

Bloodshot Unleashed #4

Skybound’s Creepshow #4 Grapples with Vampires and Luchadors

Skybound has unveiled a first look at Creepshow #4, the latest issue of the buzzed about five-issue comic book anthology based on Greg Nicotero’s hit Shudder TV series produced and licensed by Cartel Entertainment. Creepshow #4 will arrive in comic book shops on December 28, 2022.   

In the spirit of all iterations of Creepshow in pop culture, each issue of the Creepshow comic anthology series comes packed with two spine-chilling stories.  

First, Kyle Starks and Fran Galán deliver the story of a ragtag group of kids who hunted a nest of vampires in their neighborhood…and the one who lived to tell the tale. Fran is additionally on duty for colors, and Pat Brosseau letters the story. 

Then, Henry Barajas and Dani drop a hellacious tale of a fallen luchador who will do anything to claw her way back to the top! Brad Simpson colors the story, and Pat Brosseau letters this story as well. 

In addition to the main cover by Chris BurnhamCreepshow #4 comes with a stacked lineup of variant covers, including a cover by Dani, a 1:10 incentive cover by Vance Kelly, and a Spawn variant cover by Javi Fernandez as part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of both Image Comics and Spawn. 

Creepshow #4 (of 5) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, December 28, 2022.  

The full list of covers is below: 

  • CREEPSHOW #4 CVR A by Chris Burnham (OCT220131) 
  • CREEPSHOW #4 CVR B by Dani (OCT220132) 
  • CREEPSHOW #4 CVR C by Vance Kelly (1:10 Incentive) (OCT220133)  
  • CREEPSHOW #4 CVR D SPAWN VARIANT by Javi Fernandez (SEP228060) 
Creepshow #4

Preview: Creepshow #3 (of 5)

Creepshow #3 (of 5)

(W) Francesco Francavilla, L Marlow Francavilla, Ariela Kristantina (A) Francesco Francavilla, Jorge Corona (CA) Chris Burnham, Adriano Lucas
In Shops: Nov 23, 2022
SRP: $3.99

The Creep scares up two all-new standalone stories in this star-studded anthology based on the hit Shudder TV series.

FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (Night of the Ghoul, Detective Comics) and L MARLOW FRANCAVILLA welcome you to a barbershop where the locals share tales of their greatest
kills, and the hunters can just as easily become prey.

ARIELA KRISTANTINA (Chain) and JORGE CORONA (THE ME YOU LOVE IN THE DARK) journey to a temple hidden within an island paradise, where many visit – but not everyone leaves.

Creepshow #3 (of 5)

It’s the “Dawn of DC” starting in January 2023

Dawn of DC” is kicking off in January 2023. It’s a year long storytelling initiative from DC Comics. The initiative picks up on the Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths and DC Universe: Lazarus Planet events. The world’s superheroes have emerged from the biggest, most devastating battles of their lives and are reinvigorated in their fights against evil. Readers can expect “epic new storylines,” over 20 exciting new titles, superstar creative teams, and villains that will push the heroes beyond their limits in bold adventures, this line-wide, multievent narrative initiative kicks off with January’s Action Comics #1051.

All year long, DC will be celebrating the classic characters while also embracing the next generation of new heroes, as everyone will be needed to help fight against the darkness. Dawn of DC will shine the spotlight on a number of fan-favorite superheroes and super-villains that haven’t been front and center for some time. 

Dawn of DC is an easy entry point for both lifelong readers and those picking up a comic for the first time to dive into the new stories. Over 20 new comic titles will be launching throughout 2023 as part of Dawn of DC, featuring Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Shazam, the Doom Patrol, Green Arrow, Cyborg, the Penguin, and more.

Kicking off in January with the previously announced Action Comics #1051, Dawn of DC features an exciting new era for the Man of Steel. Action Comics #1051 is the start of a format change that will see three new stories included in each issue from writers Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Dan Jurgens, and Leah Williams. In Superman #1 out in February, from writer Joshua Williamson and artist Jamal Campbell, Clark Kent is settling back into his life on Earth while iconic and new enemies erupt from the shadows to take him on. Jon Kent will also get to forge his own path and will take on the man responsible for his kidnap and torture, Ultraman, in Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 by Tom Taylor and Clayton Henry available at local comic shops in March.

Spinning directly out of Lazarus Planet, the world’s strangest superheroes are saving the world by saving its monsters! In the team’s first main line series in over a decade, the Doom Patrol returns in Unstoppable Doom Patrol by Dennis Culver and Chris Burnham, available in March.

Clark and Jon won’t be the only Kent family members with their own series. Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow by Kenny Porter and Jahnoy Lindsay will launch in April. Determined to find his place in a strange universe, Conner Kent/Superboy leaves Earth behind. But his journey of self-discovery brings him face-to-face with a group of freedom fighters who challenge not just everything Conner stands for but what it means to bear the Superman crest.

Green Lantern fans will have their pick of Green Lanterns in 2023 when both Green Lantern: Hal Jordan and Green Lantern: John Stewart fly into comic book shops! Green Lantern: Hal Jordan by Mariko Tamaki and an artist yet to be announced will be available in April. Fan favorite Hal Jordan returns to Earth and to his blockbuster superhero action storytelling roots. Spinning out of that series and launching later in the year, Green Lantern: John Stewart is by writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson and an artist to be announced at a later date. The beloved John Stewart gets back to basics as the military-trained, gritty, but heroic Green Lantern.

Oliver Queen has been lost since Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, and his family is determined to find him—but there are dangerous forces just as determined to keep them apart at any cost. Green Arrow by writer Joshua Williamson and artist Sean Izaakse, which launches in April, is an action-packed adventure across the DC Universe that sets the stage for major stories in 2023.

A classic title returns with tales of the Dark Knight and core stories building out Dawn of DC! Coming in May, Batman: The Brave and the Bold features top writers and artists, including Tom King, Mitch Gerads, Guillem March, Gabriel Hardman, Dan Mora, Rob Williams and more.

Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths forever changed Victor Stone, and now, as Dawn of DC rises, he might just hold the secret to Earth’s future! He gets his own series, Cyborg, in May from a talent team that will be revealed at a later date.

The creative team behind the smash-hit Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, writer Mark Waid and artist Dan Mora, is reunited once again on Shazam!, available in June. Billy Batson is back as the champion in the action-comedy comic about a boy with powers that rival Superman’s and a whole lot of growing up left to do. We’ll see Shazam hanging out at the Rock of Eternity, his secret clubhouse that can travel through space and time, as well as punching dinosaurs in the face, seeing how long he can hold his breath on the moon, and getting into wild and fun adventures with his tiger, Tawky Tawny, by his side.

After escaping Gotham City and his criminal past to happily retire to Metropolis, the Penguin is forced back into organized crime by the U.S. government! The feathered felon, and Gotham City, will never be the same. Spinning out of the pages of BatmanThe Penguin (working title) will be available in June from writer Tom King and artist Stefano Gaudiano.

Just in time for his 30th anniversary, John Henry Irons must bring Metropolis into the future while trusting his niece Natasha to carry the mantle of Steel. Steelworks will be available in June from a talent team that will be revealed at a later date.

Stay tuned as more from Dawn of DC, including the titles releasing in the second half of 2023, will be announced soon!

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