Tag Archives: joe sabino

Cable #1 focuses on a threat bigger than Orchis

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Cable #1

All the signs are here: The Neocracy is coming – and with it comes not only the end of mutantkind, but all of the humankind as well! As if rescuing Young Nate from the ongoing threat of Orchis weren’t enough, can Cable root out this growing threat and decimate it before the Neocracy has a chance to take hold. But is he already too late to change the future? Cable #1 has the future hero dealing with a possible new threat beyond Orchis.

Cable #1 is an interesting comic. There’s something a bit throwback about it in its storytelling and its look. Part of the reason for that is Fabian Nicieza, one of the earlier creators to shape the character.

The story has Cable in “modern times” dealing with Orchis who has kidnapped Kid Nate to try to pry his knowledge from him. Really, the comic should be called “Cables” as the two must team up to take on a new threat growing the Neocracy.

The concept is interesting, preventing the threat before it happens. It’s a question I’ve had about the character for quite some time, why he didn’t stop Orchis before it was created? So, we finally get some answers to that… sort of. But, the villain itself is just ok. Neocracy is the next evolution of mutantking and humankind, yes another one, and it’s a bit too similar to the Dominion. It’s all a little too Terminator and the villains a bit too much like others, but overall, it’s an entertaining comic.

Part of that is the art by Scot Eaton with ink by Cam Smith and Victor Nava, color by Java Tartaglia and lettering by Joe Sabino. The comic has a bit of a throwback style to it with Cable sporting bit pouches and over the top weapons. There’s some fine action moments and good humor but overall, the comic looks like Cable comics of the past. Not bad but also nothing that really jumps out as too exciting.

Cable #1 isn’t a bad start and sort of gives a reason Cable hasn’t been more aggressive in stopping horrible timelines, but overall, it’s an ok read. There’s some decent humor, decent action, but nothing so far that really stands out as too exciting so far.

Story: Fabian Nicieza Art: Scot Eaton
Ink: Cam Smith, Victor Nava Color: Java Tartaglia Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Exclusive Preview: Black Panther #7

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Black Panther #7

(W) Eve L. Ewing (A) Chris Allen, Mack Chater
(I) Craig Yeung, Mack Chater (C) Jesus Aburtov (L) Joe Sabino
(CA) Taurin Clarke (VCA) Peach Momoko
Rated T+
In Shops: Dec 27, 2023
SRP: $3.99

A FACTION WAR BREWING IN BIRNIN T’CHAKA?
Black Panther learns the devastation of Kivu’Ma – and must deal with the aftermath. But it leaves him, and all of Birnin T’Chaka, shaken. Beisa enlists Black Panther’s help in her ongoing investigation against Wakanda’s crime families…which leads to an unexpected and beloved Marvel character appearance, who may know a thing or two about living in exile! Plus, Biti as you’ve never seen her before!

Black Panther #7

Thunderbolts #1 kicks off an intriguing team with an interesting mission

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Thunderbolts #1

A revolution is coming! Bucky Barnes, the Revolution, just inherited a mountain of covert intel, and he has one objective: justice. Like lightning. He’s going after the establishment, the people no one else is willing or able to take down, and he’ll do whatever it takes to win. Teaming with the mysterious Contessa Valentina Allegra De Fontaine, Bucky assembles a team of black-ops heavy hitters to pursue high-profile targets like the Red Skull, Kingpin and even Doctor Doom himself. Thunderbolts #1 kicks off a new direction for the classic team name, delivering a start that feels a bit familiar.

Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, Thunderbolts #1 is a fun start to the series that delivers familiar steps. Bucky Barnes has tons of intel after his last adventure (you don’t really need to know about that). And, he now wants to put a team together to take on big threats and willing to do what’s needed to stop them. In some ways, this feels like Secret Avengers and Secret Warriors but with a different team name and different leadership. But, this team is willing to cross lines those other two never really did. That’s clear by the ending that has a villain executed. That seems to be the big differentiation between the Thunderbolts and the Avengers.

The team itself is pretty solid, featuring a mix of personalities that are all “alpha” and thus will clash and peacock to each other. It keeps the story fun and flowing nicely adding for smart ass comments and a bit of showmanship. But that pace extends to the story itself delivering an issue that’s an introduction and generally one and done story. Team is formed, battle happens and is resolved, all in one issue. Also throw in some solid explanations to get readers caught up.

The art by Geraldo Borges is good. With color by Arthur Hesli and lettering by Joe Sabino, it has a pulp style about it with good use of close up panels and characters’ reactions to really drive home the moments. There’s good dynamic moment, each used as an introduction to each team member so far and playing off the fun nature of the comic. It could easily, visually, be shown as a dark, serious, bloodbath, but it sticks to a more fun adventure… where some folks get killed too.

Thunderbolts #1 is a fun start delivering a “comic booky” adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously and achieving a style that feels like modernized serial/pulp entertainment. What the final dynamic of the team is like as it grows will be the key here as the bombast, sniping, and general not getting along will be a fun aspect and draw to the missions themselves. A very different direction for the classic team but a story and style that’s very welcome.

Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Art: Geraldo Borges
Color: Arthur Hesli Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Something Chilling Watches in Your First Look at Hunt for the Skinwalker #4

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Hunt for the Skinwalker #4, the final issue in the brand new series inspired by one family’s confrontation with the unexplainable and terrifying, and what happened when they invited the largest scientific investigation of the paranormal to their ranch. Working hand-in-hand with Dr. Colm Kelleher and George Knapp, and incorporating never-before-seen new revelations, writer Zac Thompson, artist Valeria Burzo, colorist Jason Wordie, and letterer Joe Sabino, adapts the category-defying, godfather of modern day paranormal research non-fiction book, Hunt for the Skinwalker, available in comic shops this December 20.

Between Sasquatches, mysterious creatures in the trees, someone or something watching, and orbs galore, perhaps Tom hasn’t been full of it after all. The NOSS team is on the job, witnessing something bizarre in the distance, something that chills them to the marrow, something with a strange connection to Tom that is finally revealed…

Hunt for the Skinwalker #4 has a main and variant covers by Martin Simmonds, with variants by Alison Sampson and Francesco Francavilla.

Hunt for the Skinwalker #4

Another Bloody Clue in Your First Look at Hunt for the Skinwalker #3

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Hunt for the Skinwalker #3, the penultimate issue in the brand new series inspired by one family’s confrontation with the unexplainable and terrifying, and what happened when they invited the largest scientific investigation of the paranormal to their ranch. Working hand-in-hand with Dr. Colm Kelleher and George Knapp, and incorporating never-before-seen new revelations, writer Zac Thompson , artist Valeria Burzo , colorist Jason Wordie, and letterer Joe Sabino, adapts the category-defying, godfather of modern day paranormal research non-fiction book, Hunt for the Skinwalker, available in comic shops this November 8th.

When a mysterious benefactor offers to buy Skinwalker Ranch, Tom and Ellen can’t agree fast enough. An investigation team is dispatched to carry out the most extensive paranormal investigation to date. Just when they think the case has gone cold and Tom might be lying… another bloody clue reinvigorates their search for the truth.

Hunt for the Skinwalker #3 has a main cover by Martin Simmonds, with variants by Sam Wolfe Connelly and Mondo illustrator Randy Ortiz.

Hunt for the Skinwalker #3

Push Through the Terror in Your First Look at Hunt for the Skinwalker #2

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Hunt for the Skinwalker #2, the next issue in the brand new series inspired by one family’s confrontation with the unexplainable and terrifying, and what happened when they invited the largest scientific investigation of the paranormal to their ranch.Working hand-in-hand with Dr. Colm Kelleher and George Knapp, and incorporating never-before-seen new revelations, writer Zac Thompson, artist Valeria Burzo, colorist Jason Wordie, and letterer Joe Sabino, adapts the category-defying, godfather of modern day paranormal research non-fiction book, Hunt for the Skinwalker, available in comic shops this October 11th.

The bizarre, true history of Gorman Ranch continues as Tom and Ellen witness things they can’t explain, and are desperate to find answers as they have no choice but to stay and try to make farm life work. Between a series of grisly and mysterious mutilations, unexplainable odors, and esoteric orbs, Tom and Ellen push through the terror to get to the bottom of things, but more than the cows are in danger…

Hunt for the Skinwalker #2 has a main cover by Martin Simmonds, with variants by Martin Morazzo, and Paul Azaceta.

Hunt for the Skinwalker #2

Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 sells out and gets a second printing

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BOOM! Studios has revealed that Hunt for the Skinwalker #1, the first issue in the brand new single issue series inspired by one family’s confrontation with the unexplainable and terrifying, and what happened when they invited the largest scientific investigation of the paranormal to their ranch, has sold out at the distributor level ahead of release!

Working hand-in-hand with Dr. Colm Kelleher and veteran journalist George Knapp, and incorporating never-before-seen new revelations, writer Zac Thompson, artist Valeria Burzo, colorist Jason Wordie, and letterer Joe Sabino, adapt the category-defying, godfather of modern day paranormal research non-fiction book, Hunt for the Skinwalker.

Unidentified flying objects. Animal mutilation. Terrifying otherworldly cryptids. Countless strange phenomena. For more than 50 years, a remote ranch in the Uinta Basin has been the most significant nexus for the paranormal. Inspired by one family’s confrontation with the unexplainable and terrifying… and what happened when they invited the largest scientific investigation of the paranormal to their ranch.

In response to the overwhelming support from retailers and fans, BOOM! Studios has announced Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 Second Printing (JUL239082), featuring brand new cover art by Martin Simmonds, available in stores October 4, 2023. 

Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 Second Printing

Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 is interesting but doesn’t excite

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Hunt for the Skinwalker #1

Unidentified flying objects. Animal mutilation. Terrifying otherworldly cryptids. Countless strange phenomena. For more than 50 years, a remote ranch in the Uinta Basin has been the most significant nexus for the paranormal. Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 introduces us to this rather infamous supernatural location and the strange occurrences that put it on the map.

Written by Zac Thompson, Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 is an interesting start to the series. We’re introduced to Ellen and Tom who have recently moved to the ranch to build their life. With their daughter, they attempt to do mundane farming things, but strange occurrences seem to plague them no matter what they do.

Hunt for the Skinwalker is based on the 2005 nonfiction book by Dr. Colm Kelleher and journalist George Knapp that told the story of the Gorman Ranch for the first time. The book spun out numerous investigations, documentaries, fiction, and now this comic, creating a curiosity about the events. Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 does its best to introduce us to the weirdness but as plotted, the first issue feels like a series of events connected only through its characters. It lacks tension, scares, or dread, and instead comes across as the start of an anthology series with stories focused on the phenomena presented.

Part of the stumbling of the issue is the characters themselves, Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 introduces us to the family, but beyond some money trouble, there’s little to get to know them. There’s a lack of sympathy and the emotional toll of it all never quite comes across. It’s “faceless” individuals dealing with odd events as opposed to characters we fear for and want the best for them.

The art by Valeria Burzo is ok. With color by Jason Wordie and lettering by Joe Sabino, the comic’s visuals never really latch on to the build or tension that should be a part of this debut. Instead, phenomena feel more like sketches you’d see in television documentaries, a bit rough and never really delivering awe. With each event, there’s a lack of a real build up to create the tension for the eventual reveal. It all is just thrown at readers to take as is. And, with each event, we’re just presented with what has happened with little interpretation visually as well. We’re given things as visual facts instead of allowing the reader to make up their own mind as to what may or may not be occurring.

Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 lacks up a build up and the tension you’d hope for this sort of story. Things happen rapidly and presented without question. It’s a series of events as opposed to an ebb and flow of quiet, tension, and then catharsis. It feels like a visual Wikipedia entry, delivering facts above a narrative that would have us buy into the story and care what happens to the people within.

Story: Zac Thompson Art: Valeria Burzo
Color: Jason Wordie Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Pass

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Immortal Thor #1 gives us “Dark Asgard”

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Immortal Thor #1

In Norse myths, they called him Thunderer. Vuer has he been called, and Hloriddi. The Gods know him as Asgard’s King, keeper of Mjolnir, hero of the tales. When injustice grips the Earth and ancient powers bring down the sky, he fights for those who cannot – and when the tale is done, we will know what that cost him. This is the story of THE IMMORTAL THOR. Immortal Thor #1 kicks off Al Ewing‘s latest “Immortal” treatment and it does so bringing the thunder and lightning.

Al Ewing has been the go to in recent years for high concept and solid superhero comics. He’s redefined and rebuilt everything he’s touched, and near the top of that list is his run on Immortal Hulk. That series broke down and rebuilt the classic character, delivering a take that mined so much of what makes the Hulk great. Here, Ewing looks to repeat with Immortal Thor #1, kicking off the next phase of that classic character.

Ewing keeps the focus on tales and stories as has been a popular theme in Thor comics in recent years. But, also introduced is the Utgard-Realm, the gods of the gods, and “dark” version of the characters we know it seems. It’s a concept that feels familiar as its presented, kind of Thor’s version of DC’s Dark Knights and the negative Earths. Hopefully the end result is far more than that.

Martin Coccolo‘s art with color by Matthew Wilson and lettering by Joe Sabino is solid. There’s some interesting style changes, when Thor and his friends are doing battle and time on Asgard vs. anything with Utgard. There’s a lot of great visuals and Coccolo’s art really stands out when it does grand or it does really tight focuses. There’s numerous moments that pop and deliver memorable hits that add to the excitement and tension. It creates a grand experience and read.

Immortal Thor #1 is good overall. It sets things up really well and delivers a threat that feels like it actually might be one. But, some of what’s presented feels like things we’ve seen elsewhere so hopefully things begin to stand on their own even more as the series progresses. But, as a first issue, it delivers more than enough to be excited and return for.

Story: Al Ewing Art: Martin Coccolo
Color: Matthew Wilson Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.3 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Caliginous Cryptids in the first look at Hunt for the Skinwalker #1

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Hunt for the Skinwalker #1, the first issue in the brand new single issue series inspired by one family’s confrontation with the unexplainable and terrifying, and what happened when they invited the largest scientific investigation of the paranormal to their ranch. Working hand-in-hand with Dr. Colm Kelleher and George Knapp, and incorporating never-before-seen new revelations, writer Zac Thompson, artist Valeria Burzo, colorist Jason Wordie, and letterer Joe Sabino, adapts the category-defying, godfather of modern day paranormal research non-fiction book, Hunt for the Skinwalker, available in comic shops beginning on September 6, 2023.

Unidentified flying objects. Animal mutilation. Terrifying otherworldly cryptids. Countless strange phenomena. For more than 50 years, a remote ranch in the Uinta Basin has been the most significant nexus for the paranormal. Inspired by one family’s confrontation with the unexplainable and terrifying… and what happened when they invited the largest scientific investigation of the paranormal to their ranch.

Hunt for the Skinwalker #1 has a main cover by Martin Simmonds, with variants by Suspiria Vilchez, and Justine Florentino.

Hunt for the Skinwalker #1
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