Tag Archives: jake m. wood

Traverse the galaxy with two Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures collections

Posted on by

Dark Horse Comics presents Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – The Complete Phase I, collected in one volume for the first time. The compendium is written by New York Times bestselling author Daniel José Older, illustrated by Harvey Tolibao, colored by Rebecca Nalty, and lettered by Jake M. Wood. The Complete Phase I collects the entire series including short stories and will be followed by the collection of another Phase I four-issue miniseries, Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures: The Monster of Temple Peak and Other Stories, written by Cavan Scott, with interior and cover art by Rachael Stott, lettering by Studio RAM and colors by Watermark Studio.

Set hundreds of years before the Skywalker Saga, Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – The Complete Phase I chronicles a time of galactic renaissance when the Jedi are at the height of their power and the Republic is experiencing unparalleled peace…until a mysterious evil known as the Nihil threatens to cast its shadow over all the free worlds of the galaxy!

Follow the adventures of Lula, Farzala, and Qort, untested Jedi Padawans, and their Masters, Torban “Buckets of Blood” Buck and Master Yoda, on their mission to rescue the inhabitants of the planet Trymant IV in the wake of a deadly Nihil attack. Two of those citizens, teenagers Zeen and Krix, will have to decide whether to go against all they believe and trust the Jedi, or go it alone and risk falling prey to the Nihil’s evil plans. 

Perfect for readers of all ages, The Complete Phase I collects the entire Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures (Phase I) series by Daniel José Older and Harvey Tolibao, with six never-before-collected issues, a new epilogue story, and of course, the fan-favorite The Galactic Bake-Off Spectactular one-shot!

In Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures: The Monster of Temple Peak and Other Stories, follow former Jedi Padawan turned saber-for-hire monster hunter Ty Yorrick in her first comics appearance along with other epic stories from Phase I of The High Republic initiative.

Review: Transformers: Best of Arcee

Posted on by
Transformers: Best of Arcee

When it comes to 80s cartoons, I can’t say that there were really any strong female protagonists. The exception being She-Ra, and even that franchise was marred with problematic representations. Then there were overtly sexualized female characters like Smurfette in The Smurfs.

As it was very rare to find any real character development in any of those characters mentioned. It was not until the Transformers movie, where we even saw character like Arcee, who can stand on her own. She not only was a fierce warrior but had a prolific story that carried on in comics. In Transformers: Best of Arcee we get to know more about this Transformers’ iconoclast.

In “An Uneventful Night”, Arcee gets in a friendly fight with her brothers , one in which she learns a n important lesson and saves Earth from a falling spaceship. In ”No Fair Fight”, Arcee delivers the a decisive blow in defeating Galvatron.  In “The Life Of Sideswipe”, Arcee and the rest of the Transformers find out an old ally has outlived his usefulness, giving him an honorable death.  In “Unforgivable”, Arcee flirts with a long time rival, showing her true intentions at the very end.  In “Aspects Of Evil Part 2”, Hot Rod and Arcee fight off an ambush from Galvatron as he attempts to steal the Matrix. In the last story ”Run”, we find out how Arcee and her brothers left Cybertron for Earth

Overall, Transformers: Best of Arcee is a fun set of stories which gives this character her proper spotlight. The stories by the creators are exceptional. The art by the creative teams are magnificent. Altogether, it’s a set of stories that will have fans wishing there was more.

Story: Mairghread Scott, John Barber, Simon Furman, Brian Ruckley
Art: Sara Pitre-Durocher, Andrew Lee Griffith, Kei Zama, Art Wetherell, Umi Miyao, Beth McGuire-Smith
Color: Yamaishi, Josh Burcham, John-Paul Bove, Josh Burcham
Letterer: Tom B. Long, Glib, Jake M. Wood
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Transformers: Shattered Glass II

Posted on by
Transformers: Shattered Glass II

While it was fun to dive into the first volume of Transformers: Shattered Glass, the comic miniseries didn’t feel so much story as a series of shorts tied together. It was an introduction to this twist on the classic Transformers where the Autobots are despots and Decepticons are the ones fighting for freedom. While interesting, it never quite clicked for me as a whole. Transformers: Shattered Glass II on the other hand feels like it can hit the ground running having set things up in the previous volume. Without the need to world build, it can instead focus on the action, the drama, and deliver a much more focused start.

Written by Danny Lore, the issue takes us to where the resistance currently stands but also the corruption of one particular Cybertronian, Ultra Magnus. For those who don’t know the character, Magnus is a rather serious individual focused on the law and rules. He basically has a stick up his ass. Tight, humorless, he’s the rules lawyer (quite literally depending on the take).

Lore delivers an interesting corruption of Magnus as Optimus uses his knowledge of the rules and laws to bend Cybetron to his rule. We get to see through Magnus how the rule of law can be used to impose a fascist state. We also get to see how easily those who uphold that law can become a tool of that fascist state as well. With a Faustian like bargain, Magnus has taken over the Wreckers, Optimus’ chosen shock troops to impose the rule of law. But, in modern times there’s an uprising and one warlord’s city has fallen to the Decepticons. So, what will someone who is so focused on the rule of law do? That seems to be the focus and hopefully this volume keeps that very tight focus instead of following the first volume’s tour of this new world.

The art by Marcelo Matere and Andrew Lee Griffith is solid. With color by John-Paul Bove and lettering by Jake M. Wood, Transformers: Shattered Glass II delivers much of the same as the first volume. The characters are familiar and keep their general design but there’s slight changes that might make them stand out. The obvious part of that is their color but there’s more. In Ultra Magnus’ case, his face hides a secret and with some of the Wreckers, it might be something as simple as a mustache. The body language and emotion too has slight tweaks. We can see some of that towards the end as the Wreckers overlook what Magnus has done. Their expressions and stances say so much about their personalities. It all works and works really well, especially for long time fans of the characters.

Transformers: Shattered Glass II doesn’t feel like as much a tour as the first volume, instead delivering quite a few “holy shit” moments in the first issue alone. It feels focused in on the corruption of one character and their journey and if it continues that, this could be one of the best Transformers miniseries in quite a while.

Story: Danny Lore Art: Marcelo Matere, Andrew Lee Griffith
Color: John-Paul Bove Letterer: Jake M. Wood
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Transformers: Fate of Cybertron

Posted on by
Transformers: Fate of Cybertron

IDW Publishing has had a hell of a run with the Transformers license spanning 17 years. Some of that has been amazing, some a bit bumpy, but a lot of it was very entertaining. I didn’t enjoy the latest volume a whole lot, but decided to check out the finale of the run, Transformers: Fate of Cybertron.

Written by Brian Ruckley, the over-sized one-shot delivers the final stand of Optimus against Megatron for the fate of Cybertron. The issue wraps things up nicely but delivers few surprises, it feels like it’s pretty standard, checking off a lot of boxes.

Optimus attempts to be the voice of reason, wanting to end the conflict as peacefully as possible. Megatron wants nothing of that, headstrong and convinced his way is the correct and only way forward. He demands an audience to prove that.

The comic really only has a limited number of directions it could go. There’s little chance Megatron would win, it would leave a sad, depressing legacy for the series. So, the only two logical outcomes are a draw, entrenched in battle forever, or Optimus wins by defeating Megatron or he sees the light. The latter was also unlikely. Going that route would sully the legacy and what has come over and over in other volumes. So, that leaves us with the middle and where it all goes from here. And that’s an expected speech for us to attach our hopes to. As I said, pretty expected events.

The issue is packed with Transformers artists, Andrew Griffith, Winston Chan, Alex Milne, Ed Pirrie, and Angel Hernandez. They’re joined by Josh Burcham, Josh Perez, and David García Cruz on color and lettering by Jake M. Wood. The art is pretty good. The art style does shift at times and it’s noticeable. But, the comic hits the notes you want with titanic fights between combiners and a chaotic battle where you pause to see all of the bots taking part. But, the comic generally lacks that memorable visual moment that sticks with you.

Transformers: Fate of Cybertron does what it needs to. It wraps up the current volume in a nice package delivering the hope that Optimus and the Autobots represent. It’s not a memorable finale, but it is one. For those who have read the series up to this point, you might get a bit more out of it all but from the casual reader, it doesn’t feel like an ending to remember.

Till all are one.

Story: Brian Ruckley Art: Andrew Griffith, Winston Chan, Alex Milne, Ed Pirrie, Angel Hernandez
Color: Josh Burcham, Josh Perez, David García Cruz Letterer: Jake M. Wood
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics

Review: Transformers: War’s End #1

Posted on by
Transformers: War's End #1

IDW’s run with the Transformers is winding down ending at some point later this year. Who knows how things will wrap up or where the current series will go in that time. Transformers: War’s End #1 feels like it kicks off the plan to bring the current run to a close. Exarchon is back, threatening to ramp up the current war even further. His third faction looks to shake up both Decepticon and Autobot and their current war.

Written by Brian Ruckley, the series feels not so much a stand-alone read but a spin-off to the current storyline. It’s an interesting concept and story with a direction that feels a bit obvious in some ways. But, it adds a layer to the ongoing tale Ruckley has been spinning. And that’s both good and bad.

If you’ve been reading the ongoing Transformers comic series or know the lore, you’ll be able to dive into Transformers: War’s End #1 fairly easily. If you haven’t been keeping up with the ongoing comic, like me, or your eyes glaze over from the words “Three-fold Spark”, this is a tough one to get into. It’s a comic I could appreciate in its broad concepts and where things were going but the specifics and details is what lost me. There’s a lot thrown in for ongoing readers, which is totally fine. It just makes it more difficult for new readers to pick up and read this debut. It’s doable but maybe not as enjoyable if you have all of the details.

The art by Jack Lawrence is good. With ink by Matt Froese, color by John-Paul Bove and Priscilla Tramontano, and lettering by Jake M. Wood, the comic looks like the consistent style IDW has put out for some time. The action is entertaining, the characters expressive, the designs nailed down. It’s standard style with a bit more of the cartoony look the latest volume has delivered.

Transformers: War’s End #1 is good. It has me wanting to check out the second issue but also had me a little lost as to the various factions and who Exarchon is. The threat is hinted at but the case is never really made that this is a major deal that could destroy everyone. The issue really missed that throwing readers into the story instead of building up things so we have a villain to really fear.

Story: Brian Ruckley Art: Jack Lawrence
Ink: Matt Froese Color: John-Paul Bove, Priscilla Tramontano Letterer: Jake M. Wood
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comixology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Review: Transformers: King Grimlock #2

Posted on by
Transformers: King Grimlock #2

Transformers: King Grimlock #2 continues the Transformer lost in a world of fantasy concept with an issue that features a lot of good and some very frustrating aspects. In the issue, Grimlock sets off to find his place in this strange new world but finds himself in the maw of a beast big enough to swallow a Dinobot!

Steve Orlando has set up an interesting second issue that focuses in on Grimlock having to make decisions as to what he stands for. We get a sense by the end of where his lines are and it leaves us with a frustrating protagonist. We can guess by the end he’ll have learned some solid lessons but we’re at a point where you just want to slap the character.

Transformers: King Grimlock #2 does a solid job of continuing to set up the world as Grimlock must face multiple obstacles in his journey. Giant creatures able to swallow him. Wood robots to battle. The fantasy setting still works even though at its center is a giant robot that can transform into a dinosaur.

It helps that Orlando keeps the focus on the characters. You get the frustration as Arko must deal with Grimlock. This is a person who has been summoned to save a people and he’s not just rejecting the role but showing a very self-centered aspect to it all. It makes for an interesting, but frustrating, time.

What’s really frustrating about the comic is the art by Agustin Padilla. It might be the fact I read it on a tablet but there’s numerous moments I can’t tell what’s going on. The panels are too close to the action and the storytelling would have been helped by pulling back a bit to give a better view as to what’s going on. But, Padilla’s art is solid when it’s clear. Joined by Jeremy Colwell on color and Jake M. Wood on lettering the characters and world really pop and look great. There’s just a few too many panels and sequences that are hard to make out exactly what’s going on.

Transformers: King Grimlock #2 continues an interesting series. This is one that’ll be really judged when all five issues wrap up but so far it’s teasing some interesting things to come. With a nice focus on Grimlock and adding in some interesting back and forth with Arko, the issue delivers a sword and sorcery concept with a main character that’s a little different than expected.

Story: Steve Orlando Art: Agustin Padilla
Color: Jeremy Colwell Letterer: Jake M. Wood
Story: 7.95 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.45 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Review: Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies

Posted on by
Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies

As a child of the 80s, one of the major changes to Saturday morning cartoons was the introduction of mecha anime. The term wasn’t used then, we just saw it as cartoons with robots. We had a plethora to choose from, giving us different protagonists to root for. An example was Voltron.

One which actually was pretty great despite its comparisons to other cartoons was GoBots. The gold standard and the one which has spawned a massive franchise was The  Transformers. The series at its core is a story about refugees starting a new life. In the powerhouse miniseries, Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies, we’re transported back to that time and witness a battle for the Decepticons.

We catch up with our narrator, Shockwave, as he regales us with a tale about a time when Cybertron was still in existence. As we find Optimus and Megatron on the same side, but with differing opinions on how to guide Cybertron in its future, leading to the eventual civil war. This pushes Megatron to make hasty moves to steal power, send an unsanctioned group of Decepticons to look for the Ark on Earth in 1017. We also find the Autobots, on a mission of their own, the Ark, not knowing if they will ever be able to make it back, is also sent to Earth but to disrupt Megatron’s plans and with a double agent, Punch in their midst, every move is vital. As we soon find out Shockwave, is part of a group that keeps Cybertron alive, Project Dreadknought, turning the planet in a “war world”, something Megatron looks to use to eviscerate all life on Earth. Meanwhile, Shockwave and Skyfire, along with the Dinobots, have their own plan, which is spoiled by the Decepticons, who are killed. As we find out that this was part of Shockwave’s plan, leading Straxus to become an Ilege, in an effort to gain control for him and get Megatron out of the picture. What he didn’t count on, was a betrayal, and him taking a knee to Megatron. By the story’s end, the Autobots defeat the Decepticons but not without sacrifices, ones that would cost them dearly.

Overall, Transformers ’84: Secrets & Lies is a fun story that gives the reader some insight into why the Dinobots were buried for so long. The story by Simon Furman is layered and exciting. The art by the creative team gives the reader, the feel of those 1980s comics. Altogether, a story that gives us a ton of character insight and is well worth a trip down memory lane

Story: Simon Furman Art: Guido Guidi, John Paul Bove, Jake M Wood and Tom B Long
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW – Bookshop

Review: Transformers: Beast Wars #1

Posted on by
Transformers: Beast Wars #1

For as much as a fan as I am of Transformers, I must confess I never watched Transformers: Beast Wars or got into the toys. The show released at a time when I had moved on from regular enjoyment of the property. The CGI and twist on the Transformers concept didn’t appeal much as well. It felt like a bit like a knock-off product. 25 years later, I get my actual first real experience in Transformers: Beast Wars #1, and now I feel like I’ve missed out.

Transformers: Beast Wars #1 is a new start to the property, treating it as an “ultimate” version of the property. There’s many familiar concepts for fans of the animated show but things are slightly different and as it progresses will vary more. The comic serves as a solid introduction to the property. Galwar has stolen a secret document that leads to a lot of power as well as a ship to travel in time. On the other side, Primal is tasked to pursue Galwar, who is no going by the name Megatron. From there, a familiar comic is born as the two sides battle in space, eventually crashing on an unknown world.

The opening of the comic, beyond the theft, is similar to the classic original series as well as the eventual Transformers: Beast Wars. While I can’t say how close this comic is to its animated inspiration but writer Erik Burnham has described it as the “ultimate” version of the property. It’s similar to the original but as it progresses the comic will differ more and more from the animated series. We see that already with the introduction of two new characters.

The art by Josh Burcham and lettering by Jake M. Wood is solid stuff. It has its own style that’s familiar but different from the other IDW Transfomers comic. It also draws inspiration from but doesn’t attempt to copy the CGI series. The designs for the characters, and their eventual transformation, is really good. The result is a look that’s somewhere between IDW’s traditional Transformers and superhero comics. The characters look like their animated selves and things look solid without going over the top with the action.

Transformers: Beast Wars #1 is a good introduction to the property. It has me excited to see what’s next and has me wanting to go back and watch the animated series. It’s fun in many ways. Its focus on the personality of the characters, as opposed to the action, gives it a different voice from other Transformers comics too. It’s a celebration of 25 years and has me excited for the next 25.

Story: Erik Burnham Art: Josh Burcham Letterer: Jake M. Wood
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Review: Transformers: Escape #1

Posted on by
Transformers: Escape #1

With Cybertron spiraling into war there’s far too much story to be told within the pages of the main Transformers comic book series. Transformers: Escape #1 kicks off the miniseries focused on certain aspects of the ensuing chaos and an attempt to escape.

Cybertron is descending into a state of war catching the civilians and unaligned in the crossfire. Organics are under attack from the Insecticons and the wounded are hunted by Decepticon gangs. If there’s hope, it looks to lie in the Ark program, the giant ships decommissioned from an earlier time.

Transformers: Escape #1 is an interesting comic featuring some well known characters in roles that feel rather odd since we know them from a later time. Characters we associate with the Autobots play pacifist tending to the wounded or only acting in defense. There’s talks of the numbers not being there to withstand Megatron and the solution is… to run.

Writer Brian Ruckley delivers a rather frustrating story whose lesson feels like it’s mostly to let bullies win and run for your life. It’s such an un-heroic story it’s hard to not lose respect for some of the future Autubots we love. Sure, we’ll see them evolve in their thought process but there’s little debate and the choice is so clear to head elsewhere, not stand and fight. It comes off as cowardly especially compared to those who are indeed taking a stand with Optimus Prime. Transformers: Escape #1 feels like it’s telling a sliver of the story and one where it’s really difficult to respect the decisions made. Maybe it gets better in future issues but there’s some characters here I just wanted to punch.

Beth McGuire-Smith provides the art with Priscilla Tramontano on color and Jake M. Wood on lettering. The characters look good but there still feels like there’s a crispness to the art that’s been missing since the new volume started. There’s nothing bad at all to it it’s just missing that little extra special. There is some solid detail though when it comes to the Insecticons and especially their teeth. It might seem like a small thing but it really drives home their characters and motivations of eating.

Transformers: Escape #1 isn’t bad in any way. If you’re reading the main series, you’ll want to get this. But, it feels like a missed opportunity. We get characters on the run from war, unwilling to stand and fight. They also don’t in any way come off as heroic by hatching a plan to get innocents to safety. They’re saving themselves as much. But, that’s emphasized by those that are doing exactly that and that may be the point of it all? The first issue doesn’t quite hook the reader but it’s possible it’s done what I dislike on purpose to deliver some growth as the series progresses.

Story: Brian Ruckley Art: Beth McGuire-Smith
Color: Priscilla Tramontano Letterer/Design: Jake M. Wood
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics

Review: My Little Pony/Transformers #1

Posted on by
MY LITTLE PONY/TRANSFORMERS #1

Two properties that I’d not expect to crossover are My Little Pony and Transformers. The exception might be the more kid-friendly Transformers: Cyberverse or Rescue Bots. The concept of robots that turn into things and ponies in the same universe just doesn’t quite jive. Not to mention the fact My Little Pony, in my little experience, doesn’t exactly scream intergalactic civil war, lasers, and death. But, despite being so different, My Little Pony/Transformers #1 actually works!

The story is simple. An evil wizard pony wants allies and through a spell accidentally pulls Decepticons and Autobots through their space bridge into the world of My Little Pony. From there, the battle begins as Decepticons attempt to take over Equestria while the Autobots play their best defense and try to figure out what’s going on.

My Little Pony/Transformers #1 actually features two stories but they’re blended together in a seamless transition that makes it so it’s not noticeable at all. James Asmus handles the first story involving the mashing of worlds while Ian Flynn does the second focused on Arcee who takes on Starscream.

Despite the tonal differences between the two properties, the comic works and works well. The strengths of each are played off of each other and the general “wtf” reaction from everyone makes the story feel a bit more grounded. The characters seem to recognize the silliness of it all in a sort of meta self-awareness.

The violence of the Transformers is downplayed a bit and lets face it, the Decepticons would probably roll through Equestria fairly quickly if they wanted. But instead of the violence we get Starscream’s ego being his downfall and logically preventing a genocide of ponies. He wants the adulation and followers, and needs ponies the achieve that.

The art style of the comic is interesting with Tony Fleecs and Jack Lawrence handling the first and second stories. Their styles are really close to each other so there’s a pretty easy transition from one to the other. The Transformers are adapted to be more in the style of My Little Pony and I think that’s the one thing I don’t enjoy. It’d have been interesting visually to have each kept their distinctive look and style. The tone of the series would be different though and it wouldn’t be as kid-friendly as likely. Visually though, it could have been cool.

Fleecs, Lauren Perry, and Luis Antonio Delgado provide the colors for the comic, and Jake M. Wood and Neil Uyetake handle lettering. The art team really set the tone of the series making it much more geared towards younger readers. A shift in look more towards the Transformers could have made the result feel a bit more adult.

The concept might seem like it shouldn’t work but the team pulls My Little Pony/Transformers #1 off. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and seems to know it’s a bit goofy. But, more importantly, it knows it should just have fun. I never mashed up these toys into battle together as a kid but as an adult I get to see what might have been and escape into some innocent and fun entertainment.

Story: James Asmus, Ian Flynn Art: Tony Fleecs, Jack Lawrence
Color: Tony Fleecs, Lauren Perry, Luis Antonio Delgado Letterer: Jake M. Wood, Neil Uyetake
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics

« Older Entries