Tag Archives: josh burcham

The Horror of Godzilla #1 is a reactive, harrowing peek into the origin of the more than a little post-apocalyptic universe

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The Horror of Godzilla #1

The fittingly named The Horror of Godzilla is an eco-horror take on the original 1954 Godzilla film from Ethan S. Parker, Griffin Sheridan, Tristan Jones, and Josh Burcham that also acts as an origin story for the kai-sei energy that has defined this era of Godzilla comics. I’ve definitely fallen behind on the current Godzilla comics, but thankfully this is set decades in the past and is easy to jump in with even the most cursory knowledge of the King of Monsters. Similar to the excellent Shin Godzilla film, The Horror of Godzilla #1 jumps from biblical destruction to board room arguments plus there’s a missing scientist. It explores the time-honored theme of the folly of humanity and science in the face of natural forces as a plan for renewable energy backfires big time.

The art team of Jones and Burcham are in full multi-genre mode in their visual storytelling going from massive full page shots of Godzilla and the damage he’s caused to Tokyo to grey tone, almost handheld camera style of panel angles for folks trying to flee the city at all costs. Josh Burcham’s color palette has an apocalyptic drabness to it, but there are interjections of green representing the kai-sei that Godzilla secretes and has terrible consequences for anyone who comes into contact with it. It’s a leit motif that appears on almost every page of the comic culminating in a full-on body horror/mutation moment. There’s something truly sinister about this incarnation of Godzilla, and Parker and Sheridan back this up in the scientist Dr. Morrison’s dialogue when she talks about how Godzilla isn’t a hungry animal, but destruction personified. The Horror of Godzilla #1 isn’t an action book ; there’s not fighting back, just running and scrambling to figure out the situation.

But, despite being surrounded by disasters, Morrison is still optimistic about kai-sei energy’s ability to save the world from Godzilla and high energy bills. She’s a Baby Boomer optimist trapped into the most pessimistic story. I don’t think there’s a single positive panel in The Horror of Godzilla #1. Morrison might say that she has a plan, but then Ethan S. Parker, Griffin Sheridan, and Tristan Jones cross cut to an old man covered in green goo. The government committee during her hearing is quite confrontational, but from an in-story perspective, she screwed up on an extinction event level so, of course, they’re not going to be the most sympathetic audience. Jones effectively uses close-ups to show how drained and traumatized she is from her actions, and how basically the entire world is up a creek without a paddle. Plus it’s easier to find a scapegoat than a solution.

The Horror of Godzilla #1 is a reactive, harrowing peek into the origin of the more than a little post-apocalyptic universe. Parker, Sheridan, Jones, and Burcham transform Godzilla into something genuinely scary that effects humanity beyond just knocking down buildings and causing mass panic in the streets. To be honest, the victims are creepier than the monster, and at this stage in the game, no one has any answers, which makes the comics that more compelling. As an enthusiast of both kaiju and slasher stories, The Horror of Godzilla really hit the sweet spot for me.

Story: Ethan S. Parker, Griffin Sheridan Art: Tristan Jones 
Colors: Josh Burcham Letters: Tom Napolitano
Story: 7.8 Art: 8.6 Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Blood Faces Impossible Odds in Blood & Thunder #13 by Benito Cereno, E.J. Su, MSassyk, and Robert Kirkman

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Skybound and Image Comics have revealed interior pages and the lineup of variant covers for Blood & Thunder #13. From writer Benito Cereno, artist E.J. Su , colorist MSassyK, letterer Rus Wooton, and co-creator Robert Kirman, the first chapter of an all-new story arc arrives in comic book shops on May 13, 2026.

Blood is in the last place she expected – PRISON!

After the surprising conclusion of the previous issue, Blood finds herself in an impossible situation and desperate to get the odds back in her favor. But without Thunder, the galaxy’s most wanted woman will need to find new allies… 

In addition to the main cover by E.J. Su and Dee Cunniffe, the lineup of variant covers for Blood & Thunder #13 also includes an open-to-order cover by Nick Roche and Josh Burcham, a 1:10 incentive variant cover by Karen S. Darboe, and a 1:25 incentive variant cover by Pete Woods.

Blood & Thunder #13

The full list of covers is below:  

  • Blood & Thunder #13 Cover A by E.J. Su & Dee Cunniffe (Lunar Code: 0326IM0280) 
  • Blood & Thunder #13 Cover B by Nick Roche & Josh Burcham (Lunar Code: 0326IM0281) 
  • Blood & Thunder #13 Cover C (1:10 Incentive) by Karen S. Darboe (Lunar Code: 0326IM0282) 
  • Blood & Thunder #13 Cover D (1:25 Incentive) by Pete Woods (Lunar Code: 0326IM0283)

Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures gets a Deluxe Hardcover Library Edition

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Dark Horse Books and Wizards of the Coast present the Dungeons & Dragons: Animated Adventures Library Edition, a new deluxe hardcover book collecting all three of IDW’s Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures series. The Saturday Morning Adventures series is written by David M. Booher and Sam Maggs, illustrated by George Kambadais and Jack Lawrence, colored by Kambadais, Josh Burcham, John-Paul Bove, Kendall Goode, Ed Pirrie, and Ben Pirrie, and lettered by Ed Dukeshire and Rus Wooton. This edition will also feature brand-new cover art by Rex Xie and a variant cover art gallery.

Once upon a time, a group of six friends hopped aboard a Dungeons & Dragons–themed rollercoaster, and it magically transported them to the Forgotten Realms!

When the kids arrived, they met Dungeon Master, who gifted them with enchanted items that gave them powers. Noble ranger Hank, charismatic cavalier Eric, dexterous acrobat Diana, wise magician Presto, clever thief Sheila, and brash barbarian Bobby just wanted to find a way back home—but instead, they end up fighting off forces of evil or helping those in need.

Tag along with the team as they leap through a mysterious portal and find themselves at a spooky monastery in Waterdeep! Get out the sunscreen and hit the beach with the kids as they plan on having summer vacation, only to end up tangling with dragons! And finally, set sail for the swashbuckling Sword Coast where the friends find themselves clashing with pirates!

Get ready for some fun adventures this summer with the Dungeons & Dragons: Animated Adventures Library Edition! This edition will be available August 4, 2026 in bookstores and comic shops and is now available for preorder at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local comic shop or bookstore for $49.99.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Animated Adventures Library Edition

The Center Holds #1 is an interesting start to a new superhero universe

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In a world where superheroes have become commonplace, heroes are required to join a union or else face serious financial liability for the damage caused during battles. Enter the Superheroes’ Union: A team-up of genius Scyber, psychic Lakshmi, the mysterious Keeper, and child prodigy Nekkotron, among others, as they battle villains and bureaucracy alike. And though the delicate balance of mitigating damage while saving lives is already tough enough, they’ve got their own worries with a constant stream of villains rising up to challenge them.

Story: Larry Hama
Art: M.D. “Doc” Bright
Color: Josh Burcham
Letterer: Janice Chiang

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.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

The Center Holds #1 Has a Lot Packed in to the First Issue

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The Center Holds #1

In a world where superheroes have become commonplace, heroes are required to join a union or else face serious financial liability for the damage caused during battles. Enter the Superheroes’ Union: A team-up of genius Scyber, psychic Lakshmi, the mysterious Keeper, and child prodigy Nekkotron, among others, as they battle villains and bureaucracy alike. And though the delicate balance of mitigating damage while saving lives is already tough enough, they’ve got their own worries with a constant stream of villains rising up to challenge them. The Center Holds #1 introduces a new superhero universe that shows a lot of potential.

Written by Larry Hama, The Center Holds #1 packs a lot in the first issue. There’s about a half-dozen characters introduced, a team, lots of dynamics, a new world, and some villains. That’s quite a lot. And the issue does a good job of doing it. Mixing action and some quieter moments, by the end of the debut, we get a good sense of the various characters and a lot of teases about them.

The Center Holds #1 is interesting as it keeps things rather broad. This isn’t a debut focused on one character, instead if delivers a little bit on a bunch and does so in a way that you leave wanting to find out more. Hama doesn’t make it clear exactly what’s going on with everyone, instead these heroes all have their quirks and secrets that leave you guessing and intrigued to find out more.

The world itself is interesting. While it’s similar to ours, there’s dynamics and details that make it feel futuristic in some ways and alien in others. It’s small details that flesh out what we can expect and builds a bit of a backstory too as we’re given clues as to where things stand currently.

The comic also marks the final work of M.D. “Doc” Bright. The art looks good with a style that’s a bit of a throwback in some ways. It feels a bit like early 00s or late 90s in some aspects but Bright’s style creates intriguing characters and does a great job of building mystery. The comic features colors by Josh Burcham and lettering by Janice Chiang. Together it looks good with some fun action.

The Center Holds #1 is an interesting debut that feels like a bit of a throwback in some ways and definitely matches Hama’s style we see in his current G.I. JOE run. The debut balances introductions and mystery and sets up a world that has dynamics that show off some potential. If you’re looking for an alternative superhero comic from the big two, this is one that’s worth checking out.

Story: Larry Hama Art: M.D. “Doc” Bright
Color: Josh Burcham Letterer: Janice Chiang
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

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

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer #2 is a lot of fun action but not much else

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When slave owners can’t stop the formidable ninja warrior Harriet Tubman, they call on the help of Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, and Demons to stop her. Harriet Tubman must lead a family of slaves to freedom while battling an army of darkness.

Story: David Crownson
Art: Joey Vazquez
Color: Josh Burcham

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.

TFAW
Zeus Comics

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Break the Rules in Your First Look at Mech Cadets #4

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BOOM! Studios has revealed a first look at Mech Cadets #4, the next issue of a brand new chapter in the hit mecha series by co-creators Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, with colors by Ian Herring, and letters by Simon Bowland. Available November 8, 2023.

While Olivia and Frank risk everything by breaking quarantine (and the rules), Maya and Stanford are in pursuit, with Stanford dumbfounded by Olivia’s perceived recklessness. But Olivia knows what she’s doing–more than ever before–and is after a bit of essential information that could mean success…and finding Franklin and General Park.

Mech Cadets #4 features a main cover by series artist Takeshi Miyazawa with Ian Herring,  variant cover by acclaimed artist Kei Zama with Josh Burcham, and connecting variant cover by Inhyuk Lee.

Mech Cadets #4

Robotech: Rick Hunter goes beyond the original anime!

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Robotech: Rick Hunter #1 (of 4)

Writer: Brandon Easton
Artist: Simone Ragazzoni
Colorist: Bryan Valenza
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: August 2, 2023

After the devastating events of the Macross saga, RICK HUNTER must face an all new threat, along with the ghosts of his past – when a Zentraedi splinter group attacks Yokohama, Rick is called to investigate! Piloting the new prototype YF-4 Veritech, Rick encounters old friends and new enemies, all while recounting the moments of his life that shaped most epic moments in the ROBOTECH universe!

JUN231180 COVER A: INHYUK LEE
JUN231181 COVER B: DERRICK CHEW
JUN231182 COVER C: SIMONE RAGAZZONI
JUN231183 COVER D: JOSH BURCHAM
JUN231184 COVER E: NAHUEL GREGO
JUN231185 COVER F: COLOR BLANK SKETCH ($4.99)
JUN231186 COVER G: FOIL DERRICK CHEW VIRGIN ($13.99)
JUN231187 COVER H: 10 COPY INCV INHYUK LEE B&W VIRGIN
MAY238451 FOC: DERRICK CHEW VIRGIN

Robotech: Rick Hunter #1 (of 4)

Frank Frazetta’s Tales of Science-Fantasy #1 delivers lessons about tyrants

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Frank Frazetta's Tales of Science-Fantasy #1

Frank Frazetta’s Tales of Science-Fantasy #1 is the debut of a new quarterly anthology series, each issue focusing on another masterpiece by the godfather of fantasy art, Frank Frazetta. In this story, inspired by the painting “Alien Crucifixtion,” writer Denton J. Tipton and artist Miguel Ángel Ruiz chronicle the final days of a brutal planetary dictator pursued by enemies and allies alike.

Generally, I’m not too familiar with Frazetta’s works. I know some of the more famous art (Death Dealer) but the stories and worlds around them are pretty foreign to me. So, to see comics spun out of his paintings has been interesting and what I’ve read, it’s been a bit mixed for me. Not knowing the “original material” hasn’t helped at all. So, I went into Frank Frazetta’s Tales of Science-Fantasy #1 with a wide open mind, intrigued about a comic based on a painting. And, but the time I finished reading, I wanted to learn more.

Tipton delivers a one-shot comic that’s entertaining and feels a bit of a parable as well. Duce is a dictator whose people are fed up and no idea who he can trust. We’re given the motivations of the various individuals in pursuit and who he must deal with to survive. And in the end, we’re left with a lesson to ponder and think about. It’s a whirlwind story that is perfect for expansion. What exactly has Duce done? What was the breaking point of the people? There’s potential here to explore our society through this fantasy world, as good sci-fi does. As is, Frank Frazetta’s Tales of Science-Fantasy #1 is an entertaining read that feels like the Cliff’s Notes of events. It’s not a bad thing but there’s a lot packed into this one issue. And even with so much thrown at readers, it entertains with its twists and turns.

The art by Miguel Ángel Ruiz is interesting to me. With color by Josh Burcham and lettering by Jacob Bascle, there’s a familiarity with the world and characters, as if they’re riffed on other works. I’m not familiar with how much Frazetta fleshed out but you can see things like John Carter of Mars within. Like the story itself, there’s a lot of small details that leave you wondering and wanting to learn more about the world. The team does an excellent job of delivering the emotion of the characters it focuses on. Whether it’s Duce’s anger, the frustrations of soldiers, or the cloud of evil hovering over others, the comic does a solid job of conveying where everyone stands and a bit why just in their body language.

Frank Frazetta’s Tales of Science-Fantasy #1 is an intriguing start to the series. It has that anthology feel with a nice lesson in the end for readers to ponder and chew on. What’s better, the debut leaves us wanting more from this brutal world. Despite its fascist leader, it’s a start that leaves a lot to explore and lessons to be learned in a reflection on our reality.

Story: Denton J. Tipton Art: Miguel Ángel Ruiz
Color: Josh Burcham Letterer: Jacob Bascle
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Opus Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics

Review: Transformers: Best of Arcee

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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

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