A Legacy of Violence #11
(W) Cullen Bunn (A/CA) Andrea Mutti (L) Rus Wooten
As Nick and Hector chase after the Sheriff, with villagers in tow, the situation has gotten completely out of control. Meanwhile, Cayce meets a very interesting patient who knows more than he leads on… What will be the fate of Nick and the Sheriff? What does this mysterious patient have in store for Cayce? Find out in the penultimate issue of A Legacy of Violence!
Desperate to reveal the government coverup of the alien robot incident, Conrad “Duke” Hauser now sits on the government’s most wanted. Desperate and bloody, Duke turns to the only ally he has left to help him expose the truth and reveal what he experienced. Yet, he might find help from a mysterious person who could either help or betray him equally.
Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly’s Duke #2 continues Duke’s adventures and further the strong worldbuilding of the new Energon-connected universe. Considering my previous lack of background knowledge of G.I. Joe, Williamson does an excellent job of making the miniseries welcoming to new and old fans alike. I never felt lost nor out of touch with the ways previous canon and characters become remixed for the presentation of the new iteration. Also, the introduction of iconic characters never comes across as winking and nodding to the reader but in a more natural manner without taking me out of the story. More impressively lies in how the world feels lived in, and the characters already have formed relationships and histories. The more minor touches and character interactions hit at past stories and deepen what exists in this universe. What could have easily been a simple rehash of what came before, Williamson dives deep into the canon and takes unexpected twists and turns for the reader’s enjoyment.
Tom Reilly’s art demonstrates again why it compliments Williamson’s writing so well. Reilly’s retro and pulpy style captures the espionage and science-fiction tone of the miniseries. The clean-cut line art and strong paneling convey the suspense and action essential to the narrative. In addition, his utilization of sound effects within the art and even in the background adds to the pulpy fun. Reilly balances that line of vintage aesthetic with a modern and stylish flair. Jordie Bellaire’s colors strengthen Reilly’s already incredible art and reflect the work of classic adventure comics. Rus Wooten’s lettering completes this gorgeous issue as it matches the action by switching between round and spiked word balloons along with bolding specific words. Duke #2 fills that void of those looking for expertly drawn comic book art combined with engaging action in a comic.
Duke #2 further demonstrates the fertile potential of the Energon Universe and the longevity within it. I am highly impressed with Williamson and Reilly showcasing beloved characters in new light and circumstances, as nothing truly feels untouchable to the universe. The pair enormously respect the material but never let it prevent them from charting into new territories. Before this, I would not have considered myself a G.I. Joe fan, but now I understand why the brand has lasted so long. Duke #2 continues the strong streak from the other titles of the Energon Universe, making each release feel essential. Considering where the latest issue lands, the team demonstrates the vast possibilities of where Duke and the series can go and might end up. There is still a way to go before the iconic G.I. Joe team forms, but the pair is making the journey incredibly worthwhile.
Story: Joshua Williamson Art: Tom Reilly
Color: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: Rus Wooten
Story: 8.8 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.8 Recommendation: Read
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
A Legacy of Violence #8
(W) Cullen Bunn (A/CA) Andrea Mutti (L) Rus Wooten
Dr. Patel is left broken after what he did and Cayce is made to witness his madness go far beyond measure. Meanwhile, Nick remembers a vital moment from his childhood and is taken by a local to a less than ideal situation.
Project Superpowers: Fractured States #1
Writers: Ron Marz and Andy Lanning
Artist: Emilio Utrera
Covers: Mike Rooth (A), Gary Frank (B), Geraldo Borges (C), Paula Andrade (D), Rus Wooten (E), Blank Authentix (F)
FC | 32 pages | Horror / Action / Adventure | $3.99 | Teen+
As the nation is torn apart, someone is murdering all the patriotic heroes. A mysterious amnesiac awakens in a sealed underground base, naked and abandoned. This John Doe emerges to the year 2052, where the entire Project Superpowers Universe has been turned on its head. The United States is no more, ravaged by environmental disaster, and fragmented into warring regions. The Black Terror is now many — revolutionaries trying to save the republic. But who IS John Doe? Why can’t he remember anything? And does his presence in this brave new world bring its salvation…or its doom?
Artist Nick Dragotta teams with Caleb Goellner for an all-new, sci-fi adventure in Ghost Cage. Rus Wooten will also lend his design and lettering talents to the series, Frank Martin Jr. will re-team with Dragotta on covers, and David Brothers will provide expert insights as editor on the title. This three, extra-length, issue miniseries is set to launch from Image Comics on Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
In Ghost Cage, when his megacorp power plant falls under attack by terrorists, the super-scientist who revolutionized and controls all energy on Earth sends his ultimate creation (and an adequate employee) in to destroy his most monstrous secrets.
I was a bit mixed on the debut issue of Ultramega. There was a lot of it I liked but its over-the-top nature is what really stood out to me. The story was ok with some interesting concepts thrown in but overall, it was the story buildup before the credits of the film roll. Ultramega #2 is much of the same with an interesting world teased but not enough fleshed out.
Written and with art by James Harren, Ultramega #2 takes us to a world where kaiju are now worshipped and the former hero of Ultramega is now a bit frowned upon. We just accept this state of things going from giant battles of the previous issue to this apocalyptic land. We’re presented with factions that are rather typical and expected delivering a world that feels like its been seen before. None of it is bad but the story as a whole doesn’t jump out as anything really new or exciting.
There’s some small details that make the issue a bit memorable but the end result is a lot of good concepts that aren’t fleshed out enough much like the debut. The comic opens, for instance, with the creation of Ultramega and its kaiju nemesis not long after the creation of the universe. The how and why are left open but its other aliens introduced are just left out there. It glimpsed at something more that’s so far not delivered on. I fully expected it was a story being told by the new society setting up their new belief system. Nope, it’s just something presented. Much like the debut issue we’re delivered on a bit of a feint as well. The most interesting aspect of the second issue is really a fake-out for something else, setting up the conflict to come.
The art, like the first issue, is the more interesting aspect of the comic. There’s a kinetic and energetic feel about it. The designs are interesting and world really well thought out. It’s a look though we have seen before though and a style that’s not common but been there. There’s something interesting about it all though, and I’m not quite sure exactly what that is. There’s a pop sensibility that Harren brings infusing multiple influences to deliver a series that relies heavily on its visuals.
Ultramega #2 isn’t a bad issue but much like the first it left me wanting. There’s too much that’s left out there that readers just need to accept. Some explanation of the history and world would have helped the story and an opening that ties a bit more into the actual story would have helped as well. As is, the comic is a bit choppy as presented. Ultramega #2 does bring a pop-sense to the concept of kaiju which makes it stand out a bit from the other similar titles but the reliance on those visuals also seem to be holding the series back a bit.
Story: James Harren Art: James Harren Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.85 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
