Tag Archives: comic book

War Is Hell, But What If She Looked Like This? Valiant Releases a Lettered and Colored Preview of The Forgotten Queen #1

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Valiant has revealed a stunning first look at the lettered and colored pages from The Forgotten Queen #1, the debut issue centered on the powerful immortal with the uncanny ability to cause conflict and violence wherever she goes!

Long ago, the mighty generals of the Mongol Empire rode from Siberia to Carpathia and conquered all who stood in their way. Legends tell of a witch who walked with them, who could infect the hearts of any warriors in her midst with an unquenchable thirst for battle and bloodshed…a War-Monger. And now she is walking again!On February 27th, 2019, superstar-in-the-making Tini Howard and powerhouse artist Amilcar Pinna unleash hell in a brand-new saga of honor, love, and savagery that’s centuries in the making, featuring covers by Kano, Viktor Kalvachev, and Veronica Fish!

Review: Britannia: Lost Eagles Of Rome #3

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BRITANNIA3_003_COVER-A_MACKAntonius Axia has survived the wilds of Britain and witnessed the horrors of his own homeland…and now, the trail of Emperor Nero’s stolen eagles relics has led him and gladiatrix Achillia to the newly annexed province of Egypt! But, those who once held power in the Fertile Crescent might not be so quick to welcome them…or any other nosy Romans, for that matter!

There’s something strangely refreshing about reading a comic that is effectively a police drama set in the first century AD. Unlike the previous two issues, there’s no hint of the supernatural elements that featured in the previous two minieries (nor the titular island), but I find the lack of these things add an interesting element to the story – Antonius is waiting for, or at least aware of the possibility that these things exist in the world, but hasn’t yet come to the conclusion these things are the only solution.

Peter Milligan is joined by a host of talented artists this issue (full credits below), and once again delivers a comic that maintains the consistent quality established from the outet of this miniseries and avoids any of the pacing issues that can plague four issue story arcs. Contrary to what you’d expect, there is a definite feeling at the end of this issue that the story can be wrapped up in the following 22 odd pages; most four issue miniseries I’ve read lately seem to spend two and a half issues setting up the story only to rush it’s conclusion in the following issue. No, instead we get a well paced comic that balances the proceedural aspects of a detective show with the swordplay you’d hope given the timeframe of the story.

Artistically, the comic is another win as Robert Gill (with Juan Castro and Brian Theis)’s line work is clean, concise and oh-so-easy to read. The choreography during the fight scenes highlights our heroes’ skills without diminishing the threat of those they’re facing, and the scenary has a beautifully ominous feel about it. Surely the sense of forboding within these pages comes from Jose Villarrubia (with Andrew Dalhouse)’s colouring work.

Britannia: Lost Eagles Of Rome #3  has this miniseries on pace to be the best yet of the three in Peter Milligan’s story – and was the first in which I wasn’t waiting for the cameo of another Valiant character. Ultimately, if you’re already reading this series then you’re going to be happy with this issue. If you’re not partaking in Britannia, why not?

Story: Peter Milligan
Art: Robert Gill with Juan Castro and Brian Theis
Colours: Jose Villarrubia with Andrew Dalhouse Letters: Dave Sharpe
Story: 8.8 Art: 8.9 Overall: 8.9 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Dark Souls: Age of Fire #2

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DARK SOULS: AGE OF FIRE #2

Writer: Ryan O’Sullivan
Artist: Anton Kokarev
Cover A: Pablo Fernandez Angulo
Cover B: Anton Kokarev
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: June 20, 2018

Direct tie-in to Dark Souls One, debuting on Nintendo Switch and being rereleased on PS4, Xbox One and PC in 2018!

Written by superstar writer Ryan O’Sullivan!

Return to the very beginning of the Dark Souls story with a dramatic retelling of the legends of Gwyn – Lord of Cinder and Knight Artorias!

Underrated: Comics Not In Diamond’s Top 300 For February

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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 Diamond’s top 100 sellers for February.

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 300 in sales.

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 300 for January’s comic sales, according to Comichron, which is why they’re Underrated.

ARM_001_COVER-B_RYPTMNT Universe #19 (IDW)
February Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 213 / 7,429
A new story that feels freshly familiar to fans of the Turtles that acts as a showcase to some newer characters. This series has been consistently thoroughly enjoyable for some time, and this issue is no exception.

Bloodborne #1 (Titan Comics)
February Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 227 / 6,766
A series based on a video game that doesn’t suck? Believe it or not, yes. I read this before playing the game, and the comic was more than capable of standing alone as a creepy and intense setting, but after playing the game a little I can honestly say this comic is a brilliant adaptation.

Armstrong And The Vault Of Spirits #1 (Valiant) 
February Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 271  / 5,038
A one shot story about family, immortality, and bad luck. Armstrong brings his friends to his gargantuan vault of various wines and spirits to reminisce about days gone by, only to be attacked by an evil alliance of all of his enemies. Blending comedy and emotional impact seamlessly into an brilliantly fun comic, this should have been read by more people than it was.

Fence #4 (Boom!)
February Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 374 / 2,601
Innocent, entertaining and a perfect break from some of the more universe spanning multi-part epics from other publishers. A not so guilty pleasure of mine that reminds me of when I used to stab other people in white coats (though not nearly as well).

Fu Jitsu #1 (Aftershock)
February Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 442 / 1,204
An utterly crazy concept where the villain is Robert Wadlow (who didn’t die). I have no words for this series, other than it’s a blast.

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.

Preview: Despicable Deadpool #295

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Despicable Deadpool #295

(W) Gerry Duggan (A) Matteo Lolli (CA) Mike Hawthorne
Parental Advisory
In Shops: Feb 28, 2018
SRP: $3.99

BUCKET LIST Part 4
Wade continues checking off his BUCKET LIST! Deadpool continues to wrap up his remaining business, you know, just in case. This time…Madcap is back to ruin his life! Then – is Deadpool really going to kill Apocalypse? That’s his next target…sort of…

Underrated: Comics Not In Diamond’s Top 300 For January

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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 October.

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 300 in sales.

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 300 for January’s comic sales, according to Comichron, which is why they’re Underrated.

fighting american 4Fighting American #4 (Titan Comics)
January Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 410 /1,838
A continuation of Kirby and Simon’s original series that finds the 50’s heroes (and villains) in the modern day, this series has been an off beat hero-out-of-time style romp that fans of Kirby and/or Simon should be checking out.

Comic Book History Of Comics: Comics For All #2 (IDW) 
January Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 401 /1,999
What better way to explore the history of  comics than via comics? This well researched and engaging series is a fantastic window into the history of comics; there is a lack of focus on some artist and creators, but as a stepping stone into comic book history then this is as good a place as any to start.

Walt Disney Comics And Stories #741 (IDW)
January Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 361 /2,863
Innocent, entertaining and a perfect break from some of the more universe spanning multi-part epics from other publishers. A not so guilty pleasure of mine.

Will Eisner’s The Spirit: Corpsemakers #5 (Dynamite)
January Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 314 /3,829
The conclusion to the miniseries that will pull you away from traditional capes and tights and back into the Spirit’s noirish world. It’d be a much better idea for you to pick up the full series, or the eventual trade, than starting with this issue – but then whatever floats your boat, right?

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.

Underrated: Comics Not In Diamond’s Top 100 For December

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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 October.

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 November’s comic sales, according to Comichron, which is why they’re Underrated.

cp noble 7Catalyst Prime Noble #7 (Lion Forge)
December Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 442 /925
Obviously this isn’t a first issue, but it’s still a criminally unread series that is part of a fantastic and exciting superhero universe. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything under the Catalyst Prime banner.

Skin and Earth #6 (Dynamite)
December Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 263 /4,689
A comic written and drawn by the musician Lights as a companion to her recent album, the comic may not be on your radar, but it’s one that you should take your time with; allow the music and art to permeate your brain and circle around the grey matter before digesting the story. It’s ambitious, but it works.

Judas #1 (Boom!)
December Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 224 /6,671
A very interesting look at Judas after his betrayal of Jesus. It’s a surprisingly ambitious comic that deserves your attention, not necessarily for the subject matter, but rather the unique way the comic is constructed.

Ninja-K #2 (Valiant)
December Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 167 /10,396
A new look at Valiant’s purple clad spy, and the history of MI6’s Ninja Programme is explored in this series. It doesn’t hurt that it’s some of the best writing Ninjak has seen in some time, and the comic looks fantastic; plus, it’s still early enough for you to hop right into the series without having to play significant catch up.

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.

Review: Riftworld Legends #1-#4

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In the Age of Discovery, explorers searching for India stumble on the mythical lost continent of Hy-Breasal. When two seamen are marooned on its hostile and uncharted shores, their struggle for survival triggers an epic, sprawling adventure. This is the secret history of Earth’s collision with a fantastical realm of monsters and magic at the dawn of the Renaissance. It is the story of the ordinary men and women who cross between worlds, destined to become heroes.

Riftworld Legends is an unexpected adventure or misadventure of forbidden history. The series reveals what the current ruling religious doesn’t want the public to know. The point of view the story is told from changes as past and present switch on and off. The series manages to balance both without becoming overwhelming as they lead to each other and plotlines converge.

The art is colorful and brings in a proper sense of danger and fantasy to the story. There’s the standard fantasy of giant monsters, Orc-like creatures, undead skeletons, and lush tropical jungles.  The series also features some well done if brief fight scenes as the two main characters in the story try to survive.

Story: Jonathan Williams Art: Daniel Wong
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Joe Books LTD provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review

Preview: Dan Dare #4

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DAN DARE #4

Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Alberto Foche
COVER A: Alberto Foche & Jordi Escuin LLorach
COVER B: Chris Weston
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC – 32pp – $3.99 – On sale: January 3, 2018

FINAL ISSUE!

DAN DARE, the alien warrior princess AU TAWEEN, DIGBY and PROFESSOR PEABODY have successfully boarded the mysterious TREEN ship that had invaded the Sol system. From his moon base prison, THE MEKON hacked into the Treen ship and released an incredibly virulent Treen computer virus that not only infected the ship’s computer systems but also somehow infected the alien crew itself.

Unfortunately, the virus also attacked Dan and the others.

Dangerously sick, it was only the timely intervention of The Mekon that saved their lives when he engineered a cure for the computer virus. However, after she had recovered and come face-to-face with The Mekon, Au Taween went berserk, snatched a guard’s gun and attempted to shoot him. Dan stepped between them and attempted to protect The Mekon, just as Au Taween prepared to fire…

Underrated: Comics Not In Diamond’s Top 100 For November

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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 October.

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 November’s comic sales, according to Comichron, which is why they’re Underrated.

Unholy Grail #4 (Aftershock)
November Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 311 /4,496
A revisionist take on the legend of King Arthur, this series asks “what if Merlin wasn’t a wizard, but a demon instead?” It’s a darker take than you’re used to because of the demon infusion, but the Cullen Bunn scripted tale breathes a new life into the legendary story. It also doesn’t hurt that the comic looks great.

Fence_001_A_MainFence #1 (Boom! Box)
November Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 235 /7,484
An all ages tale about a fencer from a less privileged background with plenty of raw talent trying to compete against some of the best fencers in his age group. It’s a coming of age style story that handles the sport of fencing admirably well, and was one of Graphic Policy’s most anticipated comics the week it came out. Go find out why.

Eternity #2 (Valiant)
November Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 221 /8,647
The continuation of the Divinity story finds two of the most powerful beings in the Valiant universe travelling the galaxy in search of their kidnapped child. Chock full of Kirbyesque imagery, the fourth miniseries in the saga is also a pretty accessible jumping on point as well, oddly enough, as very little of the previous saga has been mentioned thus far. A wonderfully imaginative story told only as Valiant can tell it.

ETERNITY_002_COVER-A_JELENAKill Or Be Killed #14 (Image)
November Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 126 /16,936
A more realistic take on a gun wielding vigilante who murders evil people to sell their soul to a demon. Yes, I realize that sentence shouldn’t work, but you’ll see how great this is when you give it a look.

Deathstroke #25 (DC)
November Sales Rank/Comics Sold: 109 /20,899
I have an interesting relationship with this series. I’ve always thought that it’d do better in terms of the story if you were to read it in large chunks, but if you’re looking for something a little different from DC that doesn’t shy away from the villain’s past, then you should check out this intelligently written series that doesn’t hand you anything on a silver platter.

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.

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