Tag Archives: traveling to mars

Weekly Preview! A trio of graphic novels!

There are a lot of comics coming out every week to be covered. Check out some of what we’ll be reviewing and this is only the beginning!

This week’s reviews include:

  • Dictatorship: It’s Easier Than You Think (First Second)
  • Fann Club: Batman Squad – The Justiest Justice of All (DC Comics)
  • The Talk (Henry Holt and Co.)

Not pictured:

  • Astrobots #2 (Massive/WhatNot)
  • Traveling to Mars #6 (Ablaze)
  • The Walking Dead Deluxe #64 (Skybound)

First Second, DC Comics, Henry Holt and Co. provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review

Traveling to Mars #5 does a great job of transitioning from the opening arc to what comes next

Who will be the first person to travel to Mars? There’s work going on now to determine who that might be in reality. Traveling to Mars is that story, with a twist.

Story: Mark Russell
Art: Roberto Meli
Color: Chiara Di Francia
Letterer: Mattia Gentili

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
comiXology/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

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

TRAVELING TO MARS #5

Wednesdays (and Tuesdays) are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in

Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.

007: For King or Country #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – We loved the last miniseries and we’re expecting more fun with this one. Bond fans won’t want to miss out on this.

All the Devils Are Here #1 (Scout Comics) – It says it reinvents the exorcism story, and we’re interested in seeing how it does and if it pulls it off.

Ambassadors #2 (Image Comics) – The first issue was an interesting mix of Willy Wonka and superheroes and how it ties in Millarworld’s bigger picture has us intrigued.

Captain America: Cold War Alpha #1 (Marvel) – An event is coming and this kicks things off!

Dark Ride #5 (Image Comics) – We’re loving this horror series and excited to see where the next arc goes. Who’s corrupted? What are these demons? We want to know more!

Giant Kokju #1 (Image Comics) – A twist(ed) take on the giant monster genre.

The Gimmick #2 (AHOY Comics) – This superpowers meets wrestling series had a very interesting debut and we want to see where it goes from there.

Great British Bump off #1 (Dark Horse) – Described as an Agatha Christie-styled murder mystery set in a competitive baking competition, that has us completely sold on this.

Guardians of the Galaxy #1 (Marvel) – The first issue is entertaining and has us wanting to find out what more happened. Read our early review.

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 6 (VIZ Media) – The series has been great so far changing up the kaiju concept and then it did it again after well into the series. We want to see what happens next! Great action. Great images. Lots of fun.

Maniac of New York: Don’t Call it a Comeback #2 (AfterShock) – You thought Harry was killed? Guess what, that’s not the case. We’re loving this horror franchise.

Missing You (IDW Publishing) – Siblings who recently lost their mother bring an injured deer home to rescue it. We’re already holding back tears.

Phantom Road #2 (Image Comics) – The first issue was really interesting with a pair of individuals transported to a strange world. We’re not quite sure what’s going on and want to find out more.

Red Zone #2 (AWA Studios) – The series about an American Professor of Russian of Slavic studies being called in by the US government for a secret mission to Russia is interesting considering the state of the world.

Seasons Have Teeth #1 (BOOM! Studios) – In a drab, colorless world, the seasons bring change… and also destruction. The seasons arrive to a retired conflict photographer as personified, god-like creatures. Sounds original!

Space Job #3 (Dark Horse) – Each issue has had us cracking up in this workplace comedy meets Star Trek.

Star Wars: Ewoks #1 (Marvel) – Ewoks. Nuff said.

TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo: Wherewhen #1 (IDW Publishing) – It’s TMNT meets Usagi Yojimbo. We don’t need any more reason to be excited for this.

Traveling to Mars #5 (Ablaze) – The series has been an amazing mix of satire, comedy, and drama, all with a ton of heart. One of our favorites this year.

WildC.A.T.s #6 (DC Comics) – The series has delivered great action, solid moments with the characters and finally cracked the code in bringing the Wildstorm world into the DCU!

Weekly Preview! New from AfterShock and First Second

There are a lot of comics coming out every week to be covered. Check out some of what we’ll be reviewing and this is only the beginning!

This week’s reviews include:

  • Maniac of New York: Don’t Call it a Comeback #2 (AfterShock)
  • Reynard’s Tale: Story of Love and Mischief (First Second)

Not shown:

  • Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 6 (VIZ Media)
  • Traveling to Mars #5 (Ablaze)

First Second and AfterShock provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review

Traveling to Mars #4 is another amazing issue with so much depth

Who will be the first person to travel to mars? There’s work going on now to determine who that might be in reality. Traveling to Mars is that story, with a twist.

Story: Mark Russell
Art: Roberto Meli
Color: Chiara Di Francia
Letterer: Mattia Gentili

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
comiXology/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

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

TRAVELING TO MARS #4

Wednesdays (and Tuesdays) are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in

Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.

Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 (DC Comics) – Someone is killing versions of Superman across the multiverse and Jon Kent is called upon to stop the killing.

ARC (Image Comics) – An intriguing comic focused on illegal poaching and those fighting against it.

Black Tape #2 (AWA Studios) – The first issue was interesting about a musician who died and the viper’s circling to take advantage of what’s been left by him.

Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was a lot of fun putting the spotlight on a relatively new character and taking a familiar dynamic and switching it up.

By Water: The Felix Manz Story (Plough Publishing) – The true story of the conflict between establishment reformer Ulrich Zwingli and his student Felix Manz.

Dejah Thoris #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Chuck Brown writing an early chapter of Dejah’s life? Yeah, we’re intrigued.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (IDW Publishing) – With a film coming later this month, check out the prequel comic!

The Gimmick #1 (AHOY Comics) – It’s superpowers meets wrestling in a very interesting debut that sets up an intriguing world and story.

Killchella #3 (Scout Comics) – What should’ve been the festival weekend of a lifetime has now turned into a nightmare. It’s the horror genre mixed with summer music festivals.

New Mutants: Lethal Legion #1 (Marvel) – We’re told this ties into the upcoming “Fall of X” which puts it on our spotlight.

Predator #1 (Marvel) – We’re promised this will turn what we know about the Predators on its head and we’re here for it.

Samurai Doggy #4 (AfterShock) – The previous issue was a visual feast and we’re intrigued what this next issue brings.

Space Job #2 (Dark Horse) – The first issue was hilarious and caught us off guard. We laughed a lot and hoping for more of that in the second issue.

Stoneheart #1 (Image Comics) – A new ongoing fantasy series from Emma Kubert.

Traveling to Mars #4 (Ablaze) – Roy gets an unexpected chance at salvation when his estranged wife agrees to talk to him before his spaceship cuts off communications with the Earth. A surprisingly heartfelt series.

X-23: Deadly Regenesis #1 (Marvel) – An unknown chapter of Laura’s life!

ABLAZE reveals its May 2023 and beyond releases!

ANIMAL CASTLE VOLUME TWO #1

story by Xavier Dorison, art by Felix Delep · SRP: $3.99 · Available May 3rd

The acclaimed series returns!
On the Farm all animals were equal. In the Castle some are more equal than others.

Animal Castle Vol. 2 picks up shortly after the events of Vol. 1 with Miss B trying to convince the animals not to use violence, to end Silvio’s reign.

At the castle, the dictatorship continues. Thanks to the efforts of Miss B and her friends, the animals attempt to remobilize the pacifist movement of the Daisies. But Silvio the bull dictator is trying to keep them under his hoof to keep his power. Helped by his cruel canine militia, he decides to have the rebellious animals imprisoned in the dungeon. But Miss B and her friends will respond once again with trickery…and solidarity!

ANIMAL CASTLE VOLUME TWO #1

LOVECRAFT: UNKNOWN KADATH TP

by HP Lovecraft, Florentino Flórez, Guillermo Sanna and Jacques Salomon · SRP: $19.99 · 200 Pages · ISBN: 978-1-68497-133-6 ·  Available May 17th 

“I think it is beyond doubt that H. P. Lovecraft has yet to be surpassed as the twentieth century’s greatest practitioner of the classic horror tale.” —STEPHEN KING

Randolph Carter, a traveler to dreamland, tries not to wake up before reaching his goal, the elusive Kadath: the home of the gods, a place of fantasy and overflowing imagination. Carter walks through a world full of threats and abominable monsters, but also of palaces, exuberant cities, and geographies that remind man of his insignificant role on the gigantic cosmic chessboard.

What are the reasons to keep going when everything around us is terrifying and lethal? Kadath may offer some answers to this question!

An adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath unlike anything you’ve read before. Collects the complete 8-issue series, plus cover gallery, bonus material, and the original prose story!

LOVECRAFT: UNKNOWN KADATH TP

FAMILY TIME TP

story by Lily Windom, Robert Windom, art by Asiash Fulmore · SRP: $14.99 · 132 pages · ISBN: 978-1-68497-132-9 ·  Available May 17th  

The O’Connell family (Lily – age 13; Tyler – age 11; and their parents) are vacationing in Ireland when they encounter an old man with a mysterious crystal that seemingly teleports them 1,000 years back in time. Unsure whether they have stumbled into a historical re-enactment, the family must befriend Rory, a timid local, battle a medieval tyrant named Ciaran and his henchmen, and figure out how to get back to the present, while Lily learns to use her newfound superpowers.

From the writer/creator of Seven Sons, Robert Windom, and his eleven-year-old daughter, Lily, comes a fun, fantasy adventure. Featuring cover art by Jae Lee, as well as Art Direction and cover art by Sanford Greene (Bitter Root) – both Eisner-Award winning artists–and anime-inspired interior art by new talent and Greene-protege Asiah Fulmore (DC’s Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld).

FAMILY TIME TP

Also coming soon and now open for pre-order and advance solicitation:

CENTAURS, Vol. 1

story and art by Ryo Sumiyoshi · SRP: $12.99 ·
200 Pages · ISBN: 978-1-68497-136-7 ·  Available June 14th  

An epic fantasy adventure set in an alternate medieval Japan, where humans co-exist with the mythic half man/half horse beasts known as centaurs, or “jinba”. The centaur race was long revered as deities in ancient times; however, with the advent of the sengoku (warring states) period, humans started to enslave and use them for military purposes due to their speed, stamina, and ability to communicate in human language. Centaurs living in the plains were rapidly subjugated; in contrast, large numbers of centaurs living deep in the mountains were still free due to their relative isolation.

A wild and proud warrior jinba from the mountains named Matsukaze, known as the redheaded rock tiger, is caught while protecting his son. He is traded to a feudal lord and taken to his land. There he meets another centaur, named Kohibari, whose village was burned down as a child. He is a tame centaur, who had his arms amputated when he was captured, and has given up hope of escaping his human captors. If they can get over their differences and work together, they just might be able to return to the wilds as free centaurs.

CENTAURS, Vol. 1

THE BREAKER VOL. 1-5 OMNIBUS BOX SET

story by Jeon Geuk-jin, art by Park Jin-Hwan · SRP: $90.00 · 1,900 pages · ISBN: 978-1-68497-172-5 ·  Available July 12th  

The story of The Breaker follows Si-woon Lee, a timid high school student who becomes the disciple to Chun-Woo Han, an extremely talented martial artist who is an enemy to the secret martial arts society known as the Murim. However, Si-woon is naive and unaware of his master’s past and the unseen underbelly of the society. How will Chun-Woo manage to teach Si-woon and help him survive in the brutal world of Murim?

Jeon Geuk-jin and Park Jin-Hwan’s fighting manhwa has been praised for its sensational action and captivating storyline, with many charismatic characters and stylish martial arts techniques that will keep you glued to the page! The Breaker Vol 1-5 Omnibus Box Set contains all 5 volumes of the bestselling, critically acclaimed series, collecting them into a handsome box set compilation. Each omnibus contains two volumes, 10 volumes in all. Plus, a folded bonus poster!

THE BREAKER VOL. 1-5 OMNIBUS BOX SET

New May 2023 issues for continuing ABLAZE titles:      

TRAVELING TO MARS #6

story by Mark Russell, art by Roberto Meli · SRP: $3.99 · Available May 24th  

Roy discovers that he is not alone in space, forcing him and the rovers to improvise a strategy for survival.

Eisner award-winning writer Mark Russell and artist Roberto Meli bring you a compelling new sci-fi series…a riveting story of planetary exploration and of finding meaning in your final days.

TRAVELING TO MARS #6

THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #2

story by Michael Moreci, art by Giuseppe Cafaro · SRP: $3.99 · Available May 10th  

They’re barbarians. They loot, they plunder, they conquer. That’s what they do, and they do it alone…until NOW!

When an unstoppable force starts consuming one world after another, sorceress Morgan Le Fey uses her magic to assemble a team of skull-cracking warriors who must somehow work together to save all of existence. There’s the young trickster Anansi, Viking shield maiden Birka, the shape shifting Nanook, and their leader, heir to a fallen kingdom and mightiest of warriors, KULL!

Though their alliance is uneasy, they will do whatever it takes to cut the heart right out of their mutual enemy, leaving a path of ruin through everything and everyone that stands in their way!

Before The Avengers, The Justice League, The X-Men, before it all…stood The Mighty Barbarians! 

THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #2

Traveling to Mars #3 is an amazing read

Who will be the first person to travel to mars? There’s work going on now to determine who that might be in reality. Traveling to Mars is that story, with a twist.

Story: Mark Russell
Art: Roberto Meli
Color: Chiara Di Francia
Letterer: Mattia Gentili

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
comiXology/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

Traveling to Mars #2 adds depth and makes the comic into far more than simple satire

Who will be the first person to travel to mars? There’s work going on now to determine who that might be in reality. Traveling to Mars is that story, with a twist.

Story: Mark Russell
Art: Roberto Meli
Color: Chiara Di Francia
Letterer: Mattia Gentili

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
comiXology/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

Review: Traveling to Mars #2

Traveling to Mars #2

When I see a comic written by Mark Russell, I expect biting satire and lots of laughs. Russell has delivered some fantastic series that hold up a mirror to our world and skewers it… and then some. And while the debut issue absolutely had that, Traveling to Mars #2 caught me off guard in its focus on Roy Livingston the person. This isn’t so much a laugh out loud issue as it is a sad focus on the person the comic revolves around.

Traveling to Mars is about the race to Mars. A corporation has hired Roy to head to the planet. He previously worked at a pet store and the reason he was chosen is because he has terminal cancer and it’s a one way ticket anyways. His trip has been a general secret so his corporate bosses could get ahead of the competition. This issue brings up some of the people Roy has left behind.

As part of the deal, Roy’s mother gets $10 million for his journey. She has no idea what he’s done and what’s coming and we get to see their interaction, a frustrating and at times touching back and forth that delivers some laughs and some feels. But, coming up over and over is Roy’s ex-wife. There’s a sadness and longing presented that makes Roy much more than the screwup he’s presented as. We don’t know the full story but it’s hard to not fee bad for him as he thinks about his current situation and what he left behind. Roy has hit that spot he’s reflecting on his past and maybe realizing he had something left for him on Earth and things weren’t totally bleak.

Where the humor comes is the small observations of Roy. The opening where he recounts the story of a Celtic King and the conclusion he’s a tool and not some great leader/explorer. His interactions and thoughts about the ship itself. They’re all small humorous details that make the issue not so bleak and delivers some laughs. It’s small things that we might notice in our life. Design flaws from engineers who don’t have to go on the trip build up with work arounds that are silly but somehow work. Then there’s Roy’s two companions. Robots who are learning about the world through Roy. You can see where this might turn into a disaster, a reality that’s most likely to come and it’d be surprising if it didn’t.

Robert Meli‘s art continues to be solid. There’s a fantastical sci-fi aspect about it but the comic also remains grounded. But, the biggest thing about Traveling to Mars #2 is how Meli captures Roy’s sadness. There’s really something there by the end where you feel bad for this screw up. It helps turn the comic from some comedic/satire/sci-fi story into something else. There’s a human aspect to it all and a sadness captured by the imagery.

Traveling to Mars #2 continues to surprise. What easily could have been satire about the current race to Mars instead focuses on the man who is nothing but a tool for it. In two issue he’s not so much part of the joke, or the joke itself, he’s instead a man who has regrets and might have made a bad but understandable decision. This is a series that looks like it’s going to surprise us as to where it goes.

Story: Mark Russell Art: Roberto Meli
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Ablaze provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review


Purchase: TFAWZeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

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