Tag Archives: hassan otsmane-elhaou

A billionaire’s daughter has gone missing in Missing on the Moon

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From writer Cory Crater and Argentinian comic book artist Damian Couceiro, comes Missing on the Moon, your next neon-noir obsession and the latest sci-fi series from Mad Cave Studios! 

The year is 1997, and crime on the Moon runs rampant…and in the Lunar colony of Buzztown, a billionaire’s daughter has just gone missing. Washed-up private investigator Daniel Schwinn is tasked with finding the missing child, but in the process discovers a dark conspiracy stemming back decades…

Schwinn will have to navigate a world of undead drug addicts, mechanized robocops, and blue-skinned Soviets known as Darksiders to discover the truth. In doing so, he’ll have to confront his own allegiances, and try to atone for past mistakes since resurfaced.

Missing on the Moon #1 (of 4) drops Dec. 18th; and features colors by Patricio Delpeche, letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, and Covers A & B by Damian Couceiro.

Choices will determine destiny in Assassin’s Apprentice III

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Dark Horse Comics presents the third and final chapter of the comics adaptation of Robin Hobb’s beloved fantasy novel, Assassin’s Apprentice, in Assassin’s Apprentice III. This next six-issue comics arc follows Fitz as he takes his final steps towards becoming an assassin and is faced with a decision that will define his destiny. Assassin’s Apprentice III #1 arrives this December and is written by Robin Hobb and Jody Houser, art by Ryan Kelly, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, with cover art by Anna Steinbauer.

Having barely escaped Skill training with his life, Fitz is convinced he will fail Galen’s final test. The students will be separated and must use their connection through The Skill to find their way back to the keep. But when tragedy strikes in Buckkeep, Fitz must decide between completing Galen’s test or following his instinct to rush to the aid of those most dear to him.

Assassin’s Apprentice III #1 (of 6) will arrive in comic shops on December 11, 2024, and is available for pre-order at your local comic shop for $3.99.

Assassin’s Apprentice III #1

The Deviant #7 Has Derek Shine a Light to Save Michael from the Darkness

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The Deviant #7

Locked behind bars and blamed for the recent killings, Michael waits in a jail cell as the public believes him to be the new Deviant Killer. His partner Derek takes it upon himself to solve this decades-long, horrific mystery to free his partner from prison. Derek realizes he can only save Michael and clears his name by meeting the original accused Deviant Killer, Randall Olsen. As Derek works on his investigation, FBI Agent Hall reaches out to a true crime fan who sells replica Deviant Killer masks that match the one found in Michael’s closet. The Deviant #7 by James Tynion IV and Joshua Hixson gives Derek and Michael a potential light of hope out of this extremely dark tunnel.

The issue’s highlight lies in Derek and Randall’s conversations as two generations of the LGBTQ+ community talk to each other. Even before prison, Randall had to build up high walls to survive in society and only made them higher since being framed as the Deviant Killer. Seeing the worst homophobic aspects of society firsthand made him into a bitter ghost of a man that others could project their thoughts onto. Derek does not back down and can break his shell by giving him hope that the future can improve by citing his relationship with Michael. More importantly, it lies in the solidarity of the different generations of the LGBTQ+ community to fight back against oppression. Derek acknowledges the darkness that Randall experienced but does not look away or escape but understands it. Unlike Michael’s preoccupation with his personal history and feelings towards Randall as a monster, Derek sees the man’s flaws first. I applaud Tynion for not pulling any punches in this confrontation and making Randall into a fascinating and complex queer character. Lastly, I do find it interesting how he also highlights the more subtle homophobia that still exists in the modern day with the online trustworthy crime merchant describing Agent Hall as “faggy” after he leaves. As a Black gay FBI agent, he does not experience as much overt and explicit homophobia but more dog whistles, such as in the case of his interactions with Paul. Even if you belong to a high office, you are still defined by your queerness. Despite not explicitly stating his overall emotions towards the case, it becomes hard to ignore how much of his identity as a gay man impacts how he sees the case compared to the other cis het members of law enforcement. 

Conversely, Agent Hall questions a woman who sells serial killer memorabilia and merchandise to true crime fans. During their talk, Tynion demonstrates how people like her do not care about the victims or even any of the people involved but are more invested in the mythology and how to sell it, especially after she decides to market her masks tied to real-life crimes due to the killer using one. Although not all true crime fans lack humanity like her, the presentation of Midwestern Nice, in contrast with her capitalistic nature, underlines the horrific nature of capitalizing off real-world tragedies for profit. Especially now with true crime becoming a hot bed within entertainment, it can become easy to fall into the crafted narratives instead of understanding the real world consequences these events cause. Obsession creates a black vortex that sucks you in and will gradually drain the air from your lungs. 

Hixson’s atmospheric visuals capture the chilly and melancholic nature of the story. I appreciate Hixson’s continuing the slow and deliberately paced narrative in his drawing, colors, and paneling. It all feels well structured, with each moment serving a specific purpose that draws the reader deeper into the story. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s emotive lettering makes the story more thrilling and enthralling.

Tynion and Hixson are crafting a unique tale in The Deviant #7 that touches on themes and ideas extremely close to me and other members of the LGBTQ+ community. I give Tynion a lot of credit for taking these big swings and hitting another home run in this issue. Even when it feels like darkness has fully engulfed your life and you have no hope left, sometimes you need a helping hand to help you swim to the surface and find the light.

Story: James Tynion IV Art/Colors: Joshua Hixson Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Kill All Immortals #1 Has Us Hooked

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Kill All Immortals #1

A thousand years ago, Viking explorer Erik the Red and his four adult children discovered a mysterious source of immortality. Now, in our modern world, they are an enigmatic billionaire family with a powerful banking empire. But when Erik’s only daughter, Frey Asvald, seeks to finally be free from her family’s influence, she must be prepared to reveal their supernatural secrets and confront her well-trained siblings in a deadly and epic struggle for power. Kill All Immortals #1 kicks off an intriguing series that feels like a bloody version of Succession.

Written by Zack Kaplan, Kill All Immortals #1 is a solid start to the series. It teases its concept throughout the issue, instead focusing on its main characters who we’re quickly taught to fear. They’re businessmen who bring a brutal and bloody aspect to how they go about theirs. It’s an interesting start that sets up a myth and then quickly shows readers that myth is reality.

Kaplan makes sure to deliver twists and turns and what seems like a story of corporate battles, is in fact a much deeper family struggle with an ending that feels more like The Menu than anything else.

The larger than life characters are brought to life through the art of Fico Ossio whose art emphasizes their cold strength. With color by Thiago Rocha and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, the visuals are perfect for the comic. From glitzy and glam to bloody and brutal, the art captures each moment and gives us a perfect understanding of the characters that will make up our power struggle.

Kill All Immortals #1 is an interesting debut that has us wanting to read the second issue immediately. Yes, there’s a dash of Succession but it feels more like the horror of The Menu and its cat and mouse game by the end. Where this series goes will be interesting and we can’t wait to find out.

Story: Zack Kaplan Art: Fico Ossio
Color: Thiago Rocha Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Zatanna: Bring Down the House #1 delivers some debut magic

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Zatanna: Bring Down the House #1

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…please put your hands together for Zatanna Zatara! The greatest entertainer in the crappiest hotel and casino of Las Vegas! Not that the ritzier spots on the Strip haven’t come calling, of course. But since a devastating instance of magic gone wrong that forever changed the course of her childhood, Zatanna would much rather live out her days as a top-hat-and-fishnets-wearing sleight-of-hand stage act than bother with real magic. These days, she doesn’t think much of the past at all. That is, until an interdimensional vortex cracks open during Zatanna’s act, and a terrifying demon crawls out to kill her. If she hopes to survive the horrors that follow it, she’ll need to take herself and her power seriously for the first time in a long time–and fast. Because when it comes to your past, you can run…but you can’t hide forever! Zatanna: Bring Down the House #1 is a fantastic start that delivers a lot of tricks and a little bit of magic for a debut issue.

Written by Mariko Tamaki, Zatanna: Bring Down the House #1 puts the spotlight on the beloved character in a DC Black Label series that’s intriguing.

Zatanna is a magician who doesn’t do magic. Instead, she works at a Las Vegas casino entertaining with tricks for those who buy a waterpark ticket. While offered a lucrative gig by another casino, she’s focused on her life and rather grumpy. Something from her past is bothering her and through flashbacks we get a sense of the trauma that sticks with her today.

Tamaki delivers a focused issue that has Zatanna being stalked in multiple ways, metaphorically and literally, as she struggles with her life. She’s clearly uneasy seeking out answers from others, a listless individual who feels a weight on her shoulders that’s holding her down and back. There’s a lot to relate to with that by readers. Tamaki mines the experience that we’re all haunted by our past, decisions, and mistakes, and we all struggle in some way to move forward. The amount may vary from person to person. It creates a debut that’s relatable and sucks readers in.

The art by Javier Rodriguez is solid. With color by Rodriguez and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, the comic’s visuals are sexy but not distracting. Zatanna was always a titillating character and Rodriguez acknowledges that with the art with teases. The visuals also play off of Zatanna’s issues as well. Visual queues ups the paranoia and unease that Zatanna oozes. It captures a character that’s unsettled.

Zatanna: Bring Down the House #1 is a fantastic debut that does a massive amount of justice to a character who has a solid fandom. It’s a great start that brings excitement and a lot of depth and humanity to the character and sets up what should be another interesting release from DC’s Black Label.

Story: Mariko Tamaki Art: Javier Rodriguez
Color: Javier Rodriguez Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

The Body Trade is an unrelenting revenge story set against the backdrop of America’s aftermarket for dead bodies

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Mad Cave Studios has announced an all new twisted crime series, The Body Trade, by critically acclaimed writer Zac Thompson, with inks by Argentinian artist Jok and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou; featuring cover B by Jacob Phillips.

Kim Krilic is a divorced ex-con who’s trying to atone. However, his short temper tends to get the best of him. When he returns to Florida to bury his estranged son, he’s sickened to find an empty grave. His son’s remains were sold into “The Body Trade”. Armed with righteous fury, Kim sets out to reclaim his child’s corpse. But one act of vengeance causes everything to spiral out of control. 

The Body Trade is an unrelenting revenge story set against the backdrop of America’s aftermarket for dead bodies. It’s a neo-noir crime thriller rife with bloodshed and brutality, in the tradition of Blue Ruin and Hell or High Water!

For fans of Vince Gilligan and Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers, The Body Trade #1 busts out Sept. 18th, and is now available for preorder.

The Body Trade #1

The Sickness #5 is packed with creepy visuals that’ll get your skin to crawl

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If you’re feeling sick, The Man may be following you…

1945: Daniel broods after a failed confrontation with The Man. The only impact of his friends’ plan was to exacerbate his symptoms to the point that the hallucinations feel more alive than ever. Whatever this illness is, it wants something from Daniel.

1955: George performs an autopsy on the housewife who murdered her family, resulting in disturbing revelations. However, he comes to a standstill in his attempt to trace patients with similar symptoms. Little does he know, The Sickness is closer to him than he could ever imagine.

Story: Jenny Cha, Lonnie Nadler
Art: Jenna Cha
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

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.

Uncivilized Books

SDCC 2024: The Exorcism at 1600 Penn is chilling new horror from IDW

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IDW Publishing is known for acclaimed horror titles that grip readers and send shivers down their spines. Now, the publisher presents a new terrifying tale: The Exorcism at 1600 Penn.

Kelly Doyle has been elected as the first woman president of the United States at a time when political and international tension is at an all-time high and could spill over at any moment. As the new President works tirelessly to avoid World War III while also balancing being a mother to two teenagers and navigating a rapidly changing media landscape, little does she know that the nation’s hallowed halls will also become the ultimate demonic battleground for good versus evil. 

From writer Hannah Rose May, artist Vanesa Del Rey, and colorist Jordie Bellaire, The Exorcism at 1600 Penn is a true passion project for the creative team as they unleash a nightmare filled with topical themes.

The Exorcism at 1600 Penn #1 (of 4) is lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou and will also feature variant covers by Stephanie Hans and Jock. The debut issue goes on sale 10/16/24 and fans will have until 9/9/24 to pre-order at their local comic shop. IDW will be offering limited copies of a special preview edition of the comic at San Diego Comic-Con 2024.

Curt Pires’ Money and Simulation Theory come to print from Dark Horse

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Curt Pires is the visionary and boundary pushing writer of such hits as Wyrd, You’ve Been Cancelled, Indigo Children, and YOUTH and founder of TECC Content. Now, Dark Horse will bring Money, a white-knuckle conspiracy thriller illustrated by Luca Casalanguida, with colors by Mark Dale, and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou and Simulation Theory, a sci-fi conspiracy thriller grounded in the prescient questions of modern society illustrated by Darryl Knickrehm, with colors by Mark Dale, and lettering by Micah Myers, to print for the first time.

Money is perfect for fans of drama stories like Succession, Game of Thrones, and comics like 100 Bullets.

Everything you’ve heard about the illuminati is true. Five families have ruled the world since time immemorial. They are . . .

Europe: The Medici Family
US: The Rothschilds
Middle East: The Sawri Family
China: The Yinling Family
South America: The Helu Family

Every 10 years a meeting is held. To elect a new leader. To shape the future of the world. That meeting is tomorrow. This is the story of what happens next. This is the story of how the world ends.

MONEY, collects issues 1-5 of the Comixology Originals series [128 pages / color / on sale November 19, 2024 bookstores / November 20, 2024 comic shops / $22.99 / $29.99 pbk / ISBN: 9781506746920].

MONEY

Fans of Ready Player One and Chinatown will enjoy Simulation Theory.

The near future. Resources are scarce. Inflation is rampant. Environmental catastrophe is looming. The good news is there’s a way out: The Verse. A one-to-one digital simulation of reality.

Liquidate all your assets and transfer your consciousness into the metaverse. You can live in a virtual world, with a virtual mansion, with infinite virtual money, and you can live that way for as long as you’d like. Inside the simulation there is no harm, no violence, no problems. And, just to sweeten the deal: The Corporation will keep your body on ice, in cryo storage for ten years, just in case you change your mind.

Ash is one of the last holdouts, but when she’s nearly killed in the “real world” over a gambling debt, she takes up an offer from an old friend who works for the corporation, and transfers into the simulation. While there she stumbles upon something that puts her in more danger.

SIMULATION THEORY, collects issues 1-5 of the Comixology Originals series [128 pages / color / on sale February 4, 2025 bookstores / February 5, 2025 comic shops/ $22.99 / $29.99 pbk / ISBN: 9781506746937].  

Simulation Theory

The Witcher: The Edge of the World comes to comics

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Dark Horse Books and CD PROJEKT RED continue their presentation of Andrzej Sapkowski‘s original short stories from his acclaimed collection, The Last Wish, now in graphic novel format. Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher: The Edge of the World features another story from the collection and more monsters and mystery. A devilish tale full of shocking twists, The Edge of the World is reverently adapted by writer Magdalena Salik, with artist Tommaso Bennato, colorist Chris O’Halloran, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. Like The Witcher: A Grain of Truth and The Witcher: The Lesser Evil before it, The Witcher: The Edge of the World will be presented in a beautiful hardcover volume. Kai Carpenter returns as the cover artist for the third short story adaptation.

Work is hard to come by for Geralt. And for his bardic traveling companion, Dandelion, the doldrum of the road is not a worthy subject for his rhymes or ballads. As they travel to the edge of the known world, townsfolk speak of many stories, but it seems that’s all they are-recitals of monsters and superstition-until a man follows Geralt with news of a devil scavenging the local fields. Get rid of the beast, but under no circumstances is it to be killed. Only how can Geralt hunt the creature, when there are no such things as devils?

Experience one of the stories that inspired the hit games by CD PROJEKT RED when Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher: The Edge of the World arrives in bookstores on December 17, 2024 and in comic shops on December 18, 2024. Pre-order at your local comic shop, bookstore, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or TFAW for $17.99.

The Witcher: The Edge of the World 
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