Tag Archives: lizard men

Review: Lizard Men #2

At no time in recent history has popular culture and politics clashed in the ugliest ways. As America faces several conflicts in the coming years, just a few years ago, I can remember when many of this was just fodder for late night hosts, now much of it is a scary future. As part of the recent documentary about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “King in the Wilderness,” much of the documentary covered what happened in his last years. The years when no one cared for his message, when no one funded his demonstrations, and when much of the movement struggled in the shadows of its former self.

The “wilderness” that is referred to in the documentary is the future and as much as one wishes to be optimistic about geopolitical issues, it is certainly grim. Our current political climate feels like a mediocre reality show, with an incompetent frontrunner who continuously screws up despite the many chances. The more our news reflects many of the political parodies of yesteryear, the harder it becomes to tell the difference. In the most recent installment of Lizard Men, we find out just how difficult it is to govern, especially for someone so far out of their depth.

We catch up with Dylan, as he struggles with his new digs, as his old haunts still calls out to him. We are also introduced to a new character, a young British spy, who is hired to find and protect at all costs. We soon find out the current mess he thought he got himself into, is an elaborate hoax by the Lizard Men to assert their authority. By issue’s end, every action has a consequence, as Dylan finds out rather quickly, leaving peoples live in great danger.

Overall, an excellent continuation to a great series as the story expands showing to what extent the Lizard Men will go to stay in power. The story by Steven Horry is funny, dramatic, action packed and gritty as hell. The art by the creative team is astonishing and vibrant. Altogether, a great issue which only elevates the book.

Story: Steven Horry Art: Catia Fantini, Chiara Bonacini, Ken Reynolds and Mira Manga
Story: 9.7 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.8 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Lizard Men #1

Many movies over the years have taken swipes at people in power, either in dramas or comedies.  They are even more ridiculous, when they’re comedies, as they rarely pull no punches. Who can forget Jack Nicholson’s superb performance as President Jack Dale in Mars Attacks. Then there is Kevin James portrayal as both a relatable but strong president in Pixels.

There is Kevin Kline’s excellent work as doppelganger to an actual president alongside Sigourney Weaver in Dave. Then there is my favorite movie, which draw some real-life parallels to some existing oligarchies, Moon Over Parador, starring Richard Dreyfuss and immortal Raul Julia, where Dreyfuss occupies a similar doppelganger situation but is humorously controlled by Julia’s iron-fisted chief of staff. The line between reality and these films, are becoming ever increasingly slimmer, as the current political climate looks more like a schoolyard.  This is why the debut issue of Lizard Men, was almost too real to read, as certain reactions of the protagonist reminded so much of a certain orange colored glutton.

We are introduced to Dylan Zamani, a washed up former rock star, who seems to be always on the right side of luck.   As he becomes the Prime Minster of Great Britain, a race he could not believe that he would have won. As he takes office, he soon realizes that many of things that comes with the new job, are not what they seem. By the end of the issue, the power he thought came with the job, comes from somewhere more insidious.

Overall, a excellent first installment which combines, melodrama, with comedy and science fiction, into something highly enjoyable. The story by Steven Horry is hilarious and surreal. The art by the Catia Fantini, Chiara Bonacini, and Ken Reynolds is visceral, smooth and gorgeous. Altogether, a good debut for a miniseries, which will make you wonder, can any of this be real?

Story: Steven Horry Art: Catia Fantini, Chiara Bonacini, Ken Reynolds
Story: 9.0 Art: 9 Overall: 9.2 Recommendation: Buy