Fathom Vol. 4 #4

Beautiful artwork, fun story, entertaining characters, that sums up this issue of Fathom which takes Aspen and her team to the Middle East.

A weary and frustrated Aspen arrives in Saudi Arabia at the request of scientists from an international conference of deep-sea researchers, but mostly, looking to avoid the scornful eye of the U.S. Government. However, Aspen soon realizes her refuge from the Americans’ concerns has now become a solution for a new groups’ crisis. At the request of the powers-that-be, she is hesitantly thrust back into the depths to moderate a search for oil reserves that soon turns into a discovery far greater—and potentially far more catastrophic—than what they ever could have anticipated.

The world presented here is pretty cool and unlike anything else I’ve seen.  The idea of oil reserves, fine enough, but the way the ocean is presented under the oil is really cool and amazing.  This is an untouched world that holds so much possibilities and wonders.  The art is amazing and story has me wanting to come back for more.  I’m slowly getting into Fathom and the way this issue ends I can’t wait to read the next issue and go back and see what I’ve been missing.

Story: Scott Lobdell Art: Alex Konat Colors: Beth Sotelo

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Lady Mechanika #3

I love, love, love Lady Mechanika.  The steampunk world it lays out, the visuals, characters, everything is amazing.  This third issue doesn’t disappoint in any way, even coming out with so much expectations from me.

From the imaginative mind of Joe Benitez with colors by the incomparable Peter Steigerwald, comes this all-new, critically acclaimed, supernatural action-adventure series! LADY MECHANIKA’s quest to retrieve the ‘Mechanical Girl’ along with her mysterious maker takes her to the strange and wondrous Cirque du Romani, where she encounters a bizarre—and also dangerous—troupe in search of answers. Along the way, even more shocking clues to the girl’s whereabouts are uncovered, and Mechanika is driven to attend the world famous Mechanicon!

At the heart of it all, the story is a murder mystery with Lady Mechanika attempting to track down another mechanical girl.  Instead she stumbles upon a corporate conspiracy in a world I’ve never seen before.  The story is cool, but visually the series is amazing.  This is unlike anything I’ve seen before and I want more, more, more.  It seems to be quite a bit between issues, and that’s the only downside, but when the quality is this good, getting anything makes me happy.  I still think steampunk is going to be the next big genre, and Lady Mechanika will be one of the crown jewels leading the way.

Story: Joe Benitez Art: Joe Benitez Colors: Peter Steigerwald

Story: 8.5 Art: 9.25 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

The Scourge #6

I’ve only read this issue and the issue before and this is a comic I want to see as a movie.  I also want to read the previous four issues I missed.  The comic is a father and son taking on demon like creatures.  It’s pretty straightforward, but it’s over the top action fun.

It’s SWAT officer John Griffin’s final stand! He’s New York City’s only hope in avoiding complete annihilation. All he has to do is get past countless bloodthirsty gargoyle-like creatures in an attempt to kill his best friend…and save his son in the process! Take a deep breathe, this is going to be one hell of a last ride!!

It’s really easy, if you like people kicking ass, shooting guns, crazy action like dangling from the Statue of Liberty, all with that infamous countdown until things go boom, this is for you. It’s unrealistic, but that’s what makes the comic so good.  This is a big screen action movie in comic form, and I have no idea if they could pull it off as an action movie.  It’s good, really good and looks like we’ll see more, which I can only hope.  If you haven’t read the previous issues, go grab those and this one, for those that have been reading, you’ll enjoy the ending.

Story: Scott Lobdell Art: Eric Battle

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Graphic Policy was provided with FREE copies for review