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Review: Under The Flesh #1

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TEMPLATE PAGE SET UP.indd“Staring at the shapeless clouds is therapeutic, sometimes…now it reminds me of a dull screensaver…looks like it’ll be pouring soon.”
– Lt. Ruben Lobos

I am a very big fan of the Zombie genre and The Walking Dead is one of my favorite comic books. I would watch George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead as much as I could and couldn’t be happier when the sequels were released. So, when any kind of Zombie story comes out I gravitate towards the media like a kid at…well…a comic book store. One day, surfing the web, I came across some really cool art and discovered Under The Flesh, a zombie story still in its infancy with incredible characters and a great premise.

In Under The Flesh #1 creator and writer, Gilbert Deltres, introduces the characters of this bleak new world in a manner that best displays the core team of survivors being lead under Lt. Ruben Lobos. Lobos is an elite soldier injected with cell-fusing nanobots that battles viruses while enhancing physical strength and cognition. On the day he was injected, appropriately dubbed ‘Desolation Day’, the world succumbs to an unknown pathogen that only infects the male population. He flees the infected with his jealous girlfriend, Dinah, in tow. They end up with the rest of the cast at a local library for safety as the issue begins to heat up. We don’t learn much more about the Lieutenant’s superhuman abilities, but only issue #1 has been released so far with a KickStarter project already underway this month and more of the story coming out soon.

What made this comic stand out is the fantastic art by J.L. Giles. What initially caught my eye was his incredible action scenes that made me feel immersed into each panel and sequence. The expressions on each of the character’s faces are expertly drawn to give you a better understanding of their trials and misery. The tagline reads that governments crumbled, global military powers wiped out, and societies demolished and all of that is masterfully conveyed in Giles illustrations. I especially enjoyed the landscape scenes that made each page come to life with the perfect use of shades of purple and blue.

In the world of comic books it is extremely difficult to get your work noticed and seen by a large audience. Independent writers and artists have an extremely tough mountain to climb unless they create an amazing story with interesting characters and imaginative illustrations that bring life to the narrative. The creators of the comic book Under The Flesh, Gilbert Deltres and J.L. Giles, have done just that and more. The writing and art harmoniously come together to deliver a comic that you just can’t stop reading. And with Issue #1 available and a KickStarter project underway hopefully we will have plenty more of this story soon to satisfy the Zombie killer in all of us.

Story: Gilbert Deltres – Art & Letters: J.L. Giles – Cover: J.L. Giles
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Check out their KickStarter page at:

http://kck.st/1zhwFmk

Review: Revival #21

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Revival21_Cover“This is no act of God. This is an act of man.”
– Don to Lester Majak

Just when you thought Revival couldn’t get any stranger, the creators go and up the creepiness factor by a magnitude of ten. Revival #21 has become my new favorite issue of the series (I know, I say that every time, but it’s hard not to). It has also become one of my favorite reads overall due to the creators consistently making imaginative and amazing stories with that rural noir feel.

Our main protagonist, Dana Cypress, is headed to Manhattan, at the behest of the FBI, to investigate a ‘reviver’ related murder. This is the first time Dana has ever left Wausau, Wisconsin and it opens up the storyline as we get deeper into the mythology surrounding the revivers. Currently in the middle of the fourth story-arc, Revival feels just as fresh now as it has ever been. Tim Seeley constantly dials up the creep factory with his eerie talking heads and outrageously awesome stories that Dana and the citizens of Wausau go through. Keeping the arcs new and daring in style is what readers enjoy most about this comic and it appears Seeley has done just that with every issue.

The element of the book that I notice immediately are the illustrations that bring you right into this world of the revived dead. Mike Norton‘s crisp lines are what make Wausau come alive, so to speak, adding that extra dimension every great comic book needs. Coupled with colors by Mark Englert and the art in Revival is worth your $2.99 all on its own. Each and every page is truly a masterpiece and it this kind of art and these illustrations that make people glad to be comic book fans.

I recently went to social media to express my enthusiasm for comic book related TV shows. Nothing against ABC’s Resurrection or A&E’s, soon to be aired, The Returned, but what audiences everywhere would certainly love is ten or thirteen episode seasons of Revival. All three shows have a similar premise (the dead returning to their original human, not zombie-like, state), but Revival does it in a way that makes each character relatable and each story something you can’t wait to find out what happens next. Plus, I already have an idea who would play each character.

Revival #21 has it all. Great art and an equally incredible story that makes you want more when you’re done. That is what a comic book should be. It should make you want more when you finish that last page. And I can’t wait for issue #22.

Spoilers below for Revival #21

Thoughts and Discussion

– The translation for what the man in the green hat on page one is -“It is as they say ‘the gods hear only one wish at a time, and nothing more’ ”

– Why did the talking head spontaneously go up in flames?

– The translation for what the talking head says is – “Not for me! I never steal! Please!” then “This is all…”. I’m not sure what “Oh Dollar Oh” means that it kept repeating.

– What is the meaning behind Martha’s dream sequence with the dear?

– What is the identity of the burned man Dr. Ramin goes to visit in the beginning of the issue? And what was with the story and business card Tom gives to Dr. Ramin at the Medical Examiner’s Office? Very strange stuff.

– What does Dana think she saw at the end of the issue?

 

Thank you for checking out my Review! Please comment below so we can discuss the issue more!

Story: Tim Seeley Art: Mike Norton Colors: Mark Englert Cover: Jenny Frison
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Outcast #1

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Outcast01_Cover“I don’t know…I’m ok with that…with “I don’t know” for a little while longer. Until we get more answers.”
– Kyle Barnes

The very much anticipated new comic book series, Outcast, from Robert Kirkman is finally here after months of build-up and advertising. I have read the book three times already and can say I have already fell in love with this creepy, horror comic for many reasons. The first issue promises many terrifying stories ahead for the lead character Kyle Barnes and the supporting cast that combine characters that loathe Kyle and some that genuinely want to help him. Either way, Kirkman has set-up a rich and deep story that should have interesting story arcs and issues for years to come.

I noticed right away that the issue reads a lot like a TV show would play out, which I found helped the story move along very well. I have often said that Kirkman has tweaked his writing style to mimic the way The Walking Dead TV series tells weekly stories since that show started its first season. You can see this influence, of course, in his monthly The Walking Dead comic book. I like how I typed that sentence as if no one has ever heard of The Walking Dead. With Outcast, Kirkman has started off with a double-size first issue that shows off this unique style of writing and it makes for an amazing read. Kirkman has become a master storyteller and it is no wonder that Outcast #1 has surpassed The Walking Dead in sales.

Paul Azaceta is the artist on the book and his style is like nothing I have seen in comics before and I read a lot of comics. The facial expressions of Kyle make you really feel for his character and understand what he is going through. My favorite is Azaceta’s use of, what I like to call, Picture-in-Picture illustrations. Between panels he draws smaller ones showcasing a look here or a smile there that adds so much to the story that you feel like you’re a part of the action. It definitely gives off that TV series vibe. Add to Azaceta’s drawings Elizabeth Breitweiser‘s amazing use of colors and this book is a must for any Pull List. Rus Wooton outdoes himself on letters; an element of comic books that gets overlooked all too often.

Outcast is a comic book that shows us there are no boundaries for this medium. It is eerie and frightening and some of the panels I just could not stare at for too long. Seeing Joshua smile was illustrated perfectly and I’m sure will give some readers nightmares. All of these components come together to create a wonderfully imagined horror comic book that will have fans wanting more immediately after each issue. Don’t get me wrong, there are quite a few great series that operate on all cylinders and Outcast is definitely one of them. The anticipation and build-up to Outcast #1 was well worth the wait…and now I can’t wait for issue #2.

Story: Robert Kirkman – Art: Paul Azaceta – Cover: Paul Azaceta/Elizabeth Breitweiser – Color: Elizabeth Breitweiser – Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Review: The Walking Dead #128

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the-walking-dead-128-capa“If something seems to good to be true…it usually is.”

A lot has changed in the world of The Walking Dead since All Out War, but the writing and art are still captivating. Robert Kirkman continues to weave together a great story, full of mystery and intensity, while adding interesting new characters and creative subplots. Add to that Charlie Adlard‘s mesmerizing illustrations that haven’t faltered after ten plus years on this stellar book and The Walking Dead remains as one of the top comics on shelves today.

The Walking Dead #128, and the new story arc that began with #127, is just as Kirkman described it would be heralding in a ‘new beginning’ for our zombie apocalypse heroes and survivors. We have been introduced to new characters that seem friendly on the outside, but it appears trust is still an important aspect of the new world as well as finding new ways of achieving a certain level of it. Trust is definitely the focal point of this new arc and it will be exciting to see how the survivors gain and lose trust, as well as lie to appear trustworthy. As the Grime’s family and the citizens of Alexandria rebuild their little part of the world it’s important to know that hidden dangers are everywhere.

Some fans may be dismayed by the new direction the comic is taking, but I believe everyone will be on board once a few more issues are released and we see how incredible the current story is going to be. You can already get a sense from this issue that Kirkman still has many more stories to tell and precarious positions for our favorite characters to fall into. Issue #128 has so much potential for future arcs I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Grime’s family and Alexandria as a whole.

It’s incredible to me that after so many issues I am still amazed at how Charlie Adlard captures the tone of the story in every face and in every drawn line and facial expression. You definitely get a sense of what each character senses and feels almost to the point that you can gauge what they are thinking. For a comic book to elicit something of that nature in its readers makes me excited to be a comic book fan, let alone a ‘Walking Dead’ one. While reading Issue #128 I also noticed that it (along with many recent issues) reads and plays out like a TV show episode does. This might be a direct impact The Walking Dead TV show has had on Kirkman’s writing or something else entirely, but I love it all the same. The comic has had a different feel as of late in a very positive way and I think it’s a great time to be a Walking Dead fan.

Thank you for checking out my Review! Please comment below to discuss the issue further!

Story: Robert Kirkman – Art: Charlie Adlard – Cover: Charlie Adlard/Dave Stewart – Ink: Stefano Gaudiano – Gray Tones: Cliff Rathburn – Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Review: The Sixth Gun #41

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6GUN #41 _Page_01“But when the horror…when death…did not come for her quickly…she sought it ought”
– speaking about Griselda

The Sixth Gun #41 is a stand alone story of Drake and Becky’s relentless journey to obtain The Sixth Gun and the five others, but also necessary if we are to understand the history of The Six and from where their power originated. That story is the reveal of Griselda The Grey Witch’s past and what other twisted and dark secrets she holds. We have seen here many times before, but never really knew what her motives were. Why does she want The Six so bad? What does she plan on doing with them once she gets them in her grips? This issue of The Sixth Gun explains The Grey Witch’s history as well as her plans for the future once she gets her hands on all six guns and it only spells out doom and gloom for our heroes Drake and Becky.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is about The Sixth Gun that makes it so enjoyable. Is it the writing, the characters, or the art? It must be a harmonious combination of all three and Issue #41 delivers just like each chapter before it. The art in The Sixth Gun is always a standout part of each book and in this issue we are treated to the wonderful illustrations of Tyler Crook. If you remember from a few past issues, Crook aided Bunn’s co-creator and famed artist Brian Hurtt. Like Hurtt’s top-notch drawings, Tyler Crook’s illustrations take on a cinematic quality that jumps out of the page making you helpless to put it down. Add to this Bill Crabtree’s colors and sometimes I forget to turn the page because I’m staring at each drawing so intently.

The Sixth Gun is the first comic I ever read by Cullen Bunn. I have picked up everything he has written since and he never disappoints. Issue #41 of the The Sixth Gun is a perfect example of how rich and intricate his storytelling can be and the main reason it’s one of the few comic books I read four or five times in a row. The history of the Grey Witch is something I never thought was necessary until now. Cullen Bunn delivers another amazing chapter of Drake and Becky’s adventures preparing us for the inevitable with tales from the very beginning. Learning of Griselda The Grey Witch and her history was the perfect story to tell that breathes more life into one of The Sixth Gun’s most feared villains. Someone asked me once to describe a comic book with one word. If I had to describe The Sixth Gun #41 using just one word it would be, FUN. All the elements I spoke about just now make this a really fun comic to read, re-read then read again.

 

Spoilers for The Sixth Gun below – Warning

Thoughts and Discussion

– Now that Jesup has all Six guns is their nothing in Griselda’s way to utilize their power?

– Now we know that Griselda cannot physically hold any of the ‘Guns’. Will this affect how she uses them for nefarious purposes?

– How will Drake and Becky get the ‘Guns’ back?

– We know that The Grey Witch is General Oliander Hume’s mother and we probably will not see him ever again (maybe?), but will we see The Great Wyrms again? I would love to see Drake and Becky fight them.

 

Story: Cullen Bunn – Art: Tyler Crook – Colors: Bill Crabtree – Letters: Crank! – Cover: Tyler Crook (Top) & Brian Hurtt (Bottom)
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Saga #19

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Saga19_CoverComic Books are meant to be fun little escapes. They should make you laugh, cry, or both. They definitely should entertain and sometimes inspire. It’s a medium that belongs somewhere between a novel and a TV show, and in a class all its own. Saga is all of that and more. Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples have created a masterpiece and I can’t say enough to convince everyone I know, and hopefully anyone reading this review, that they need to read this comic book each month. The run has been on a short hiatus for about the past three months, but is back now and is just as great as when we last left Alana, Marko and Hazel.

Saga #19 begins what promises to be an amazing fourth arc. I’m sure there will be much debate from the first page illustration, but I believe it is one of the reasons that makes Saga so unique and original; the fact that Vaughan and Staples allow their vision to push and go beyond ‘societal’ limits, without sacrificing their originality, is one of the reasons I love this comic. Some of my favorite parts of Saga is when we get narration by Hazel and we get a lot in Chapter Nineteen with a clear view of how much she has grown since the first Chapter. We also get some fun pages showing us the history of the Robot Kingdom and how they got mixed up in the galactic war that Alana and Marko’s relationship helped fan the flames of.

Chapter Nineteen is also a great starting-off point for new readers. Although, I highly recommend you go back and pick up the first three Trades because the story and art are nothing like I have ever witnessed. Vaughan does an amazing job at weaving into this issue a helpful recap through Hazel’s narration, to bring anyone reluctant to start a series in the middle of its run, up to speed.

It’s no mystery why Saga is an Eisner, Harvey and Hugo award winner. Staples’ art is phenomenal and I can’t help but stare at each page in awe. Every landscape, facial expression and structure appears to leap off the page with her surreal illustrations. It mixes harmoniously with Vaughan’s rich story that I read each page three or four times. The three-month break the series took since the last arc was far too long, but did give me time to go back and re-read each issue. New readers of Saga are in for a big treat if they plan on picking up the first three Trades to catch up, but I’m sure that if you get Chapter Nineteen, afterwards, you will become a single-issue reader from that moment on.

Story: Brian K. Vaughan – Art: Fiona Staples – Letters + Design: Fonografiks – Coordinated By Eric Stephenson 

Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Review: The Walking Dead #127

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wd-cover-127“I promise Rick doesn’t bite”
– Jesus to Magna

Yes he does, Jesus. At least he did once. When he was the fearless leader of our little group of survivors years ago. I’m sure he is that same leader. That same tragic hero we all love and root for in the zombie apocalypse. A lot of people love the new Walking Dead, but I’ve read that a few people are not too thrilled with the new direction the comic took with issue #127. Is it a little different? Sure, but don’t we trust writer Robert Kirkman enough to deliver great storytelling time and time again? We have trusted him this far and we have come a long way since Rick’s coma over ten years ago. To those not loving this new arc, I say just give it time and this new beginning will grow on you, I promise.

The Walking Dead #127 was teased by Kirkman, back before the conclusion to All Out War, to be a ‘new beginning’ and a completely different feel to the story. He was absolutely right. It is an entirely different feel and reads like a new #1. We were told that All Out War would alter the story from what we were used to before it began and the biggest, and best, difference is the addition of Stefano Gaudiano on inks. Charlie Adlard is already amazing and continuing to have Gaudiano from All Out War is just icing on the cake.

Warning Spoilers Below

The new arc, appropriately titled ‘A New Beginning‘, starts us off with a few new characters. The mysterious women on the cover, that was teased a few months back and had the internet scrambling to discover her identity, is named Magna and is the leader of this small band of survivors that has been roaming the area for an unknown period of time. Her traveling companions are named Kelly, Luke, Connie and Yumiko. They have no set destination in mind and happen to come across an extremely large herd of walkers when Jesus comes to save them. At this point I could tell that the plot jumped ahead a little, but not exactly sure how much. Jesus, Heath, Eugene, Aaron and Rosita show off their skills at corralling and leading walkers where they please and this is when I think the time has skipped ahead at least a few years, thinking it must have taken some time to coordinate this talent of theirs. The only problem they had was herding the walkers right into Magna’s group, subsequently getting one of their members, Bernie, killed. RIP Bernie, we barely knew you.

After the Herd is safely out-of-the-way, Jesus and the rest of the group go back for Magna’s to bring them to Rick for approval. I really like Magna and think she will be a great addition to the comic. We then shift focus to Rick waking up next to Andrea (their relationship seems to be going strong and survived the time-jump) and he dons his new ‘hand’ or ‘claw’. I’m glad Rick finally got an artificial hand, something that was long overdue. He appears to be settled into the leadership role nicely, as well. Carl looks older and is calling Andrea ‘mom’, which I thought was a little strange. He still has some secrets, however.

The Walking Dead would not be complete without the usual twists and turns and we get one at the end (I won’t spoil it for you). I will go into more detail of it next issue. I wasn’t happy about the issue when I first read it, but after a couple more times I changed my mind. How could you not like this book? It has everything you could want. There are quite a few new characters plus old characters that seem to have larger roles also. It’s a little too early to tell where the story is headed, but, like I said, I trust Kirkman to deliver a quality book every month. Speaking of that, I kind of already miss the bi-monthly release schedule.

Thoughts and Discussion

– What was the misunderstanding Carl had with the cooper’s son, Alex? Is it important to know? I just assumed because it was in the book, but we never really know what it is.

– I’m not sure how I feel about Carl’s new look. I want the sheriff’s hat back.

– I have a theory about Magna and the time jump. Since the comic began, Rick and his group have encountered different villains that all have their own ‘community’. Now, with the time-jump, Rick is the one with the ‘community’ and groups will encounter them. Is Magna and her group the new ‘Rick and the gang’? If that is the case, I am really going to enjoy the ‘new beginning’. It will be cool to see the conflicts that arise from a different point of view.

– Where is Michonne and Ezekiel? The ‘core’ group seems to be broken up and I hope they come together soon.

Thank you for checking out my Review! Please comment below to discuss the issue further!

Story: Robert Kirkman – Art: Charlie Adlard – Cover: Charlie Adlard/Dave Stewart – Ink: Stefano Gaudiano – Gray Tones: Cliff Rathburn – Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Review: The Sixth Gun #40

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Sixth Gun 40c“You want damnation? I’ve got plenty for you.”
– Drake to Jesup

The Sixth Gun #40 concludes the story arc, “Not the bullet, but the fall”, and book 7 of this amazing fantasy western. With all the comic based TV shows getting script orders from top networks recently I was hoping their would be renewed interest in The Sixth Gun for a series. Maybe in the future? For now, I am perfectly happy with the comic book series and at least we have about two years left of that to give us our fill of Drake Sinclair and Becky Montcrief.

Issue 40 has really changed the course of The Sixth Gun and where it goes from here is going to be hectic and crazy for Drake, Becky and Nidawi (should we call her FauxNidawi now?). Jesup is still hot on their trail after they escaped the town of Brimstone and he currently possesses one of the Six. Drake makes a valiant and noble decision by telling Becky she needs to get as far away from him as possible so he can stall Jesup and prevent him from obtaining Becky’s Sixth Gun. One of the elements I love about the comic book is how Brian Hurtt and Bill Crabtree create amazing sequences and panels of gunfights and dire situations so well. Drake and Jesup’s panels really stood out in this issue and the illustrations and color were a huge part of that.

This issue is almost like a ‘season-finale’ with a really huge cliffhanger. Some questions were answered and a few popped up making it a perfect story to end on until we get issue #41 some time next month. Drake and Becky have a long way to go on their journey out of the hole they are in now and I can only imagine how they will do it. Cullen Bunn is an excellent story teller and I look forward to each issue. The next arc is aptly titled ‘The Grey Witch’, and we have been waiting to see this confrontation for a long time.

Thoughts and Questions – Spoilers

– I’ve asked this before, but what is going on with Drakes shoulder? It looks like it is made of armor. It definitely helped him this issue.

– Is Nidawi dead or is Screaming Crow reviving her WHILE he is taking over her body?

– Is Gord really dead? And Where is Asher and Kirby?

– How can Drake and Becky try to stop Jesup and the Grey Witch now? Jesup seems to be unstoppable, but something tells me that whatever is happening to Drake will play an important part in that. Lol, I wish this would become a TV series soon.

– Did becky successfully change the time-line with Gord?

Story: Cullen Bunn – Art: Brian Hurtt – Colors: Bill Crabtree
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Clone #16

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Clone16-Cover

Clone #16 started its fourth arc this week and we can already see the story getting grittier and riskier. The last arc ended with the clone’s and Amelia’s life in danger, but with the promise of an island sanctuary on the horizon. The Coalition and Vice President Davis were spreading the word that clones are bad news for America and need to be dealt with accordingly. It was not looking good for Luke and his band of clone compadres and this new arc appears to be heading in that same direction right off the bat.

Issue #16 is essentially separated into three acts to get the story moving forward. The Clone Sisters are undecided on what to do with Amelia since their father won’t accept her on the island. An island which I thought we would be on by now, but I enjoy this book so much I can wait as long as needed. She is not a clone, but has sacrificed a lot of herself and her life for benefit of all of them. Kazumi wants to keep her safe, however, Meiko and the other three girls want Amelia dead. They come across a cabin in the woods (this is another instance showing that you should never go into a ‘cabin in the woods’) and Amelia decides to see if anyone lives there as it could be a daytime sanctuary for all of the clones on their journey. Their journey, by the way, is taking them all to a private jet two days away. What they find in the cabin adds another twist to the story and with it Clone gets better and better.

The second story revolves around Mrs. K and her involvement in The Coalition. She is still healing from what happened to her the last time we saw her and I honestly thought she was done for. The writers believe there is more to Mrs. K to flesh out and right now her and The Coalition are the antagonists. She is visited by Pastor Snyder and something tells me there is an evil hidden agenda behind his smile and what plans he has for Mrs. K.

The third and final story that starts off in this issue is the journey of Gamma (the clone with the tattoos). He decided to leave the safety of the clone group because he couldn’t be their leader and possibly because of his love for Amelia. Luke has both and I wonder if we will get to see a showdown between the two in the future. We see Gamma getting drunk in a bar before he starts a brawl with some Coalition sympathizers. My guess is he will infiltrate The Coalition and see whats going on inside and it’s only a matter of time until his path crosses with Mrs. K.

Clone is definitely one of my favorite books every month and I can’t wait for each subsequent issue to find out what happens next. The art that Juan Jose Ryp delivers each issue never ceases to amaze me. It is truly unique and adds the perfect compliment to the story especially when added with Andy Troy’s colors. Whether you are a single-issue reader or someone who waits for the Trade you will not be disappointed.

Thoughts and Discussion (Spoilers)

– Creator and writer Schulner (Dracula) will write and executive produce the Universal TV project himself, with Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead) and David Alpert (The Walking Dead TV Series Producer)

– What will happen with Amelia? Will she make it to the island?

– Will the clones ever get to the island?

– What does Pastor Snyder have in store for Mrs. K?

– What is Gamma’s plan when he gets to The Coalition?

Story: David Schulner, Aaron Ginsberg, Wade Mcintyre – Art: Juan Jose Ryp – Colors: Andy Troy – Letterer: Rus Wooton – Cover: Juan Jose Ryp, Andy Troy
Story: 8.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Read

Review: Umbral #6

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Umbral06-Cover“We all do what we must to survive. It’s the strongest instinct. Which means that sometimes, when things don’t go the way we want them to…we do things we never expected.”
– Rascal

Umbral #6 closes out the first arc, ‘Out Of The Shadows’, and continues Rascal’s struggle to stay at least one step ahead of the Redguard and the Umbral. Antony Johnston and Christopher Mitten’s new dark fantasy has proven to be a top book on everyone’s pull list and if you’re not reading this wonderful world-building comic you are missing out. Each issue in the first arc has done an excellent job at creating an imaginative and inventive world that you would come to expect from the same creators of Wasteland. This latest issue completes Rascal’s first chapter and, like the season finale of your favorite television show, answers some lingering questions and prepares you for the next installment.

We last left Rascal hiding out with her friends in the Red Princess Tavern as Prince Arthir (whom we know is an Umbral) and his associates come looking for them. During their escape, Profoss Munty reveals he has a chao-dak, what appears to be a gun of some sort. He shoots the man that threatens Shayim, but loses the gun to Rascal when descending the rope from the tavern room. Prince Arthir finally catches up to Rascal and she threatens to use the gun him, but not before outing him to all his henchmen as being an Umbral himself.

When Rascal and her friends finally get to a safe spot, Dalone attempts to teach Rascal magic and we learn a little more about her life, but it raises more questions then it answers. What is her real name? What was her relationship with her mom like? I assume that’s what the Umbral that attacked Rascal was referring to when she was sleeping. What happened to her? All great questions that we can’t wait to find the answer to, but we will have to wait until the next arc or perhaps longer to find out. Dalone begins teaching Rascal magic and Profoss Munty is the perfect match with ‘science-proves-anything’ take on everything. We learn some secrets about Dalone as well in this issue and his magic powers play a prominent role. Faith versus Science might play an important part in the following arc as Rascal attempts to wield magic to take on the Umbral.

Mitten, Boyd and Mauer combine to create a visual experience in every issue and they continue their brilliant work in chapter six. I love how unique the art is in Umbral and how it looks like nothing I have seen before. The varying shades of purple make each sequence with the Umbral leap from the page. The writing mixes with the art harmoniously making this a comic book not to be missed. I can’t wait to read the next chapter in Rascal’s journey and if it’s anything like the first one then we are in for a great ride.

Thoughts and Discussion

– Who was the man eavesdropping on the king and queen?

– Who was Rascal’s mom, if that is who the Umbral was referencing?

– What is Rascal’s real name and what was her life like before she took control of the Oculus?

– I wonder what the rules are for who or what the Umbral can turn into.

Story: Antony Johnston Art: Christopher Mitten, Jordan Boyd, Thomas Mauer
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

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