Tag Archives: marco lesko

Oroku Sakai is back in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #1

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #1

As a dark new power rises from the shadows of New York, so does a much darker power return to the city’s streets…for revenge. One of the most terrifying villains in the history of comics is back—and more deadly than ever! Returned forever changed by a maddening ordeal beyond imagining, the Shredder is a man out of time, betrayed by all around him, without the Foot Clan, and quite possibly insane. When one of his former Foot prodigies forms their own rival clan with infernal designs on New York, a recovering Shredder must quest deep into the criminal underworld, where enemies both old and new will discover what defiance will bring them at the end of the Shredder’s blades. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #1 sees the return of Oroku Sakai to the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Written by Dan Watters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #1 is a good start, bringing a bit of mystery to the return of Shredder. It plays off ideas we’ve seen before where someone evil must be used to catch someone even worse. After mysteriously showing up, Sakai jacks up the individuals living in his old headquarters, with only one besting him. That group has been under surveillance and deemed a terrorist organization with designs on building a bomb. Sakai needs to stop them.

The art by Michele Bandini is good. With color by Marco Lesko and lettering by Darran Robinson, Sakai looks like a man broken and tired. A person who has seen some shit. Where the comic doesn’t quite hook is the action which isn’t the most dynamic. It’s good, but it isn’t anything that really stands out. But, overall the art looks good.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #1 isn’t anything new overall, but feels new for this world and it’s done pretty well. While it doesn’t quite completely excite, it is an interesting chapter for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Story: Dan Watters Art: Michele Bandini
Color: Marco Lesko Letterer: Darran Robinson
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: Little Black Book #4

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Little Black Book #4

Writer: Jeff McComsey
Artist: Felipe Cunha
Colorist: Marco Lesko
Letterer: Steve Wands
Cover A: Francesco Francavilla
Cover B: Jacob Phillips
Cover C: Chris Ferguson Film Homage

Criminal heir “Little Stevie” is getting closer to his goal: finding the lost Little Black Book of underworld contacts! He believes it will solve all of his syndicate’s woes — but he’s learning that getting it won’t be easy. Meanwhile, handyman Cole and pregnant wife Tess wrestle with the fallout of using the book… will it tear their new family apart before it has even begun?

Little Black Book #4

Preview: Death Ratio’d

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Death Ratio’d

Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Laci
Colorist: Marco Lesko
Letterer: Sal Cipriano
Cover A: Rahzzah
Cover B: Chris Ferguson & Laci

In this futuristic dark comedy by Eisner and ‘Ringo Award-winning writer Mark Russell, life and death are ruled by social media. One too many dislikes…and you’re dead.

When Arnold awakes from a coma twenty years into the future, he discovers that society is now ruled by social media. Enough “likes” and “upvotes” can unlock fame and fortune but — watch your step! — enough “thumbs down” clicks and the collar around your neck explodes. And you’re done. Now, confused and running on his last Like, Arnold must navigate a world in which the slightest online misstep can have fatal consequences.

Death Ratio'd

Preview: Little Black Book #3

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Little Black Book #3

Writer: Jeff McComsey
Artist: Felipe Cunha
Colorist: Marco Lesko
Letterer: Steve Wands
Cover A: Francesco Francavilla
Cover B: Marco Finnegan
Cover C: Chris Ferguson Film Homage

Cole, a handyman in over his head and hunted by a vengeful crime family, has just escaped a brush with death thanks to a little help from a mysterious figure from his past. Now, he must race to save his pregnant wife while dealing with the fallout of his savior’s reappearance. Does time heal all wounds? Or are new wounds about to be opened?

Little Black Book #3

Preview: Little Black Book #2

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Little Black Book #2

Writer: Jeff McComsey
Artist: Felipe Cunha
Colorist: Marco Lesko
Letterer: Steve Wands
Cover A: Francesco Francavilla
Cover B: Tim Bradstreet
Cover C: Chris Ferguson Film Homage

To get his wife out of trouble, handyman Cole dug into his deceased criminal father’s “little black book” of underworld contacts. Now the syndicate that employed Cole’s father has gotten wind of the book’s existence, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it back. Cole and his wife must face the consequences of their actions — both psychological and in the form of a gang of armed roughnecks that’s about to descend on their home.

Little Black Book #2

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 delivers a brutal start

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1

My history with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles goes back decades but is absolutely spotty. I enjoy the property as a whole but wouldn’t consider myself a diehard fan. I’ve read long runs and hop in when something new kicks off to see what’s going on. Every time it feels like revisiting an old friend. The Turtles, their rogues gallery is one of the best out there with a great mix of characters and history. And, when it comes to faceless hordes, there’ few better than the Foot Clan. With my love of the Foot, I was excited to get a look at Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 which sets them off on a new mission with a mysterious villain waiting in the wings.

Oroku Karai has spent her life in the shadow of lesser men: first her father, then her grandfather, Oroku Saki, the so-called “Shredder.” But no more. Now the Foot Clan is hers to command, and she has grand designs on seeing her clan reach its full potential. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 kicks off with solid action that delivers some entertaining laughs and a solid introduction for old and new fans.

Written by Erik Burnham, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 puts Oroku Karai front and center and she and her Foot Clan are hired to steal some technology. But, to do that, they’ll need to battle through security and a mutant. The Clan is an interesting one featuring Karai, Casey Jones, Rocksteady and Bebop, and a few characters I’m less familiar with. But, Burnham does a great job of making that lack of knowledge not important. The focus is on the mission and the action and really focusing in on Karai, her group, and its dynamic. Particularly, between Natsu and Jones who… don’t exactly get along. It creates a fun back and forth and pacing overall that flows from the action through the aftermath.

Part of the entertainment is Mateus Santolouco‘s art. With color by Marco Lesko and lettering by Shawn Lee, the comic looks fantastic. The action is swift, brutal, and packed. The team does an excellent job of making the action scenes look packed with hordes of security but not making it overwhelming. Then panels perfectly put the spotlight on characters as they deliver brutal beatdowns… or their attempt to. It has no problem not holding back punches and making them as epic and hard hitting as we’d expect. And there’s solid punch lines that mix the dialogue and action to deliver great entertainment. The comic is a fun brawl with a solid dose of humor.

While the formula for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 is familiar, the team delivers it with such entertaining fun. It takes a mix of personalities as this type of “Dirty Dozen” mission entails, and throws them together into brawling action. To some extent it feels like it embraces Turtle side-scrollers hitting the nostalgia even further. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 is a solid, fun, start that’s perfect for long time fans wanting to see what’s next for the Foot Clan and new and returning readers that want to discover that as well.

Story: Erik Burnham Art: Mateus Santolouco
Color: Marco Lesko Letterer: Shawn Lee
Story: 8.4 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Kindle

Preview: Little Black Book #1

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Little Black Book #1

Writer: Jeff McComsey
Artist: Felipe Cunha
Colorist: Marco Lesko
Letterer: Steve Wands
Cover A: Francesco Francavilla
Cover B: Dave Johnson
Cover C: Chris Ferguson Film Homage

Cole, a straight-arrow handyman, finds himself in the crosshairs of a ruthless crime syndicate—along with his pregnant wife. But what is the meaning of the “little black book” of underworld contacts Cole’s deceased father had hidden in his home? Cole’s deceased father believed the best thing he could do for his son was to stay out of his life, but does the apple fall far from the tree…?

Little Black Book #1

Exclusive Early Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 delivers a brutal start

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1

My history with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles goes back decades but is absolutely spotty. I enjoy the property as a whole but wouldn’t consider myself a diehard fan. I’ve read long runs and hop in when something new kicks off to see what’s going on. Every time it feels like revisiting an old friend. The Turtles, their rogues gallery is one of the best out there with a great mix of characters and history. And, when it comes to faceless hordes, there’ few better than the Foot Clan. With my love of the Foot, I was excited to get an early look at Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 which sets them off on a new mission with a mysterious villain waiting in the wings.

Oroku Karai has spent her life in the shadow of lesser men: first her father, then her grandfather, Oroku Saki, the so-called “Shredder.” But no more. Now the Foot Clan is hers to command, and she has grand designs on seeing her clan reach its full potential. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 kicks off with solid action that delivers some entertaining laughs and a solid introduction for old and new fans.

Written by Erik Burnham, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 puts Oroku Karai front and center and she and her Foot Clan are hired to steal some technology. But, to do that, they’ll need to battle through security and a mutant. The Clan is an interesting one featuring Karai, Casey Jones, Rocksteady and Bebop, and a few characters I’m less familiar with. But, Burnham does a great job of making that lack of knowledge not important. The focus is on the mission and the action and really focusing in on Karai, her group, and its dynamic. Particularly, between Natsu and Jones who… don’t exactly get along. It creates a fun back and forth and pacing overall that flows from the action through the aftermath.

Part of the entertainment is Mateus Santolouco‘s art. With color by Marco Lesko and lettering by Shawn Lee, the comic looks fantastic. The action is swift, brutal, and packed. The team does an excellent job of making the action scenes look packed with hordes of security but not making it overwhelming. Then panels perfectly put the spotlight on characters as they deliver brutal beatdowns… or their attempt to. It has no problem not holding back punches and making them as epic and hard hitting as we’d expect. And there’s solid punch lines that mix the dialogue and action to deliver great entertainment. The comic is a fun brawl with a solid dose of humor.

While the formula for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 is familiar, the team delivers it with such entertaining fun. It takes a mix of personalities as this type of “Dirty Dozen” mission entails, and throws them together into brawling action. To some extent it feels like it embraces Turtle side-scrollers hitting the nostalgia even further. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan #1 is a solid, fun, start that’s perfect for long time fans wanting to see what’s next for the Foot Clan and new and returning readers that want to discover that as well.

In store March 20, 2024.

Story: Erik Burnham Art: Mateus Santolouco
Color: Marco Lesko Letterer: Shawn Lee
Story: 8.4 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Pre-Order: TFAW – Kindle

Mark Russell and Laci deliver a futuristic dark satire in Death Ratio’d

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Eisner and Ringo Award-winning writer Mark Russell returns to Artists, Writers & Artisans (AWA) with Death Ratio’d, an all-new futuristic dark satire where social media rules life and death. One too many dislikes…and you’re dead! This horror comedy from Russell and artist Laci is a cautionary tale about systems designed to control expression and behavior, exploring how society organizes itself when ratings affect your day-to-day life.

As one of the comic book industry’s foremost satirists, Russell is an expert at shining a light on contemporary society through the satirical mirror of genre tales. Teaming up with visionary artist Laci, the pair have created a world in Death Ratio’d where your online reputation bleeds into real life with the highest possible stakes. This one-shot format with a fast-paced tale showcasing humor, horror, and the repercussions of nonexistent humanity, offers readers a fresh look at how today’s social practices can be pushed to the extreme and do anything but bring the world closer together. The story uniquely showcases the dark depths human beings are capable of reaching when algorithms gain the upper hand.

When Death Ratio’d protagonist Arnold awakes from a coma twenty years into the future, he discovers that society is now ruled by social media conventions. Enough “likes” and “upvotes” can unlock fame and fortune but watch out, because enough “thumbs down” clicks, and you’re done when the collar around your neck explodes. Confused and running on his last “like,” Arnold must now navigate a world in which the slightest misstep can have fatal consequences.

Death Ratio’d is written and created by Mark Russell with artwork by Laci; covers by Rahzzah and Chris Ferguson; colors by Marco Lesko; and letters by Sal Cipriano. The one-shot will be available Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Death Ratio'd

AWA announces Little Black Book from Jeff McComsey and Felipe Cunha

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 “Their child-rearing years had just begun, but their lawless years lay ahead…” Jeff McComsey and artist Felipe Cunha are returning to Artists, Writers & Artisans (AWA) when Little Black Book debuts on March 13, 2024. Split between the past and present, the original 4-issue series focuses on the ties that bind a father and son in Southwest Texas.

In this explosive new thriller, readers are introduced to Cole, a straight-arrow handyman who, alongside his pregnant wife, finds himself in the crosshairs of a ruthless South Texas crime syndicate when he discovers the little black book of underworld contacts that belonged to his deceased father, a career criminal from whom he’s been estranged for decades. Cole’s father believed the best thing he could do for his son was to stay out of his life, and he might have been right, but how far does the apple fall from the tree…?

Little Black Book features covers by Francesco Francavilla, colors by Marco Lesko and letters by Steve Wands.

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