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Posted on Jun 05, 2007 - 09:25 AM by Admin |
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Welcome to The Comic Fanatic.Com’s newest ongoing column, The a.i. Report! No, “a.i.” doesn’t stand for “artificial intelligence” - “a.i.” stands for “All Indy”! A review column dedicated to everything outside of the “Big Two.” In our inaugural column, reviews from Devil’s Due Publishing, Boom! Studios, Masterpiece Comics, Ape Entertainment, Illusive Arts Entertainment, Viper Comics and believe it or not, Crack Comics! Read on and find out what big books outside of the “Big Two” you should be reading!
G.I. Joe: America’s Elite #21 - #24 (Devil’s Due Publishing) -
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away known as the 1980s, I was a tremendous G.I. Joe fan. Since the Joes’ return to comics, I have been a casual reader, but not quite the big fan I once was. However, this 4-issue storyline by writer Mark Powers has me more excited about G.I. Joe than…well, ever!
In a mere four issues, Powers has brought me back into the fold with a thrilling page-turner spotlighting the femme fatale known as the Baroness. And this storyline has a little bit of everything that makes a great story great - tons of action, a cast of favorites, betrayal, twists, turns, shockers galore and an ending that sets the stage for an all new Joe continuity.
“Sins Of The Mother” has the Baroness hot on the trail of Cobra Commander, who has acquired a stunning little treasure…the infant son belonging to Baroness and Destro! Powers delivers the definitive Baroness in this storyline - a driven, no nonsense badass, who may just be the deadliest female in the world.
While Joe fans may find it hard to believe that the Baroness could even conceive a child without killing her mate afterward, Powers manages to show readers the very rare, almost-human side of the Baroness. Stow the hankies. You won’t need them, but you will see some of the most incredible characterization ever brought to this villainess, and you will believe this is a mother longing for the return of her child.
In the final issue of this storyline, Powers pulls off another shocker by revealing the true purpose behind Cobra Commander’s plan. Joe fans and newcomers alike will love this revelation and the result of it. This storyline is merely the beginning of the deadliest, most powerful Cobra Commander ever…and even more incredible possibilities for G.I. Joe in the very near future.
Simply put, one of the best G.I. Joe stories ever! Thanks, Mark Powers! Consider me reenlisted!
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Chucky #1 & #2 (Devil’s Due Publishing) -
This is a miniseries I initially had some worries about. As a fan of the earlier “Child’s Play” movies, I have been somewhat disappointed by the latest Chucky film outings. However, the folks at Devil’s Due pulled out all of the stops with this comic book Chucky outing and brought in horror writer extraordinaire Brian Pulido…and all is well…very well!
Obviously a fan of the Chucky flicks, Pulido delivers an in continuity slasherfest that is both gory and “Chucky-accurate.” Pulido gets this character - the dark humor, the vernacular, the sadistic nature…the whole evil little plastic package.
It certainly helps if you are familiar with the Chucky films, but even if you aren’t this is a terrific slasher flick set to paper…better than any Chucky film I have seen in ages!
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Hack/Slash #1 (Devil’s Due Publishing) -
If you have been a visitor to The Comic Fanatic.Com for any length of time, odds are you are aware that I am a huge fan and proponent of this brilliant franchise. Since reading that first Hack/Slash one-shot way back when, I have been screaming, begging and pleading for a Hack/Slash ongoing series. Well, good - and in this case, GREAT things come to those who wait! Creator/writer Tim Seeley has not only heard those pleas, he has answered them…and cranked things up a notch or ten!
Seeley’s debut issue serves as a great jumping on point for new readers, as well as a fantastic continuation for us longtime readers. Seeley delivers disturbing flashbacks revealing Cassie Hack’s humble, demented beginnings. Meanwhile, in the “present”, Seeley offers up the darkest Hack/Slash tale to date…a tale that will shock longtime fans and change one of our “heroes” forever!
Hack/Slash #1 is without a doubt one of the strongest debut issues I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Totally unpredictable. Just when you think “Seeley wouldn’t do that”…he does! A shocking start that will be hard to top! Horror comics - and movies for that matter - don’t get any better than this!
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Salvador #1 (BOOM! Studios) -
You’ve probably heard the old sayings “Every picture tells a story” or “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Well, those sayings have never been truer than they are in this gorgeous debut issue from filmmakers Mark and Michael Polish…a.k.a. The Polish Brothers Construction!
From cover artist J.K. Woodward’s stunning cover to the amazing interiors by Steph Stamb, Salvador #1 is one of the most visually stunning comics I have ever seen. And that’s essential, since this debut issue features no text until the final page.
Through Stamb’s beautiful art, the Polish Brothers and Sebastian Jones tell a moving tale of a fallen angel of a much different sort. I can’t honestly be sure of what’s going on here, but the art is gorgeous and it provides such an intriguing tale, I desperately want to come back for more! Powerful…powerful stuff!
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Magnitude #1 & #2 (Ape Entertainment) -
If I had to sum up this review in one sentence, it would be this: Magnitude is quite simply one of the best superhero comic books I have ever read! And that’s saying a lot since I have been poring through the pages of superhero comics for over 30 years now. But I stand by that statement. Magnitude is THAT good! I haven’t enjoyed a new superhero comic book this much since Robert Kirkman’s Invincible.
Creator/writer Greg Waller is clearly a fan of the superhero genre and as such, he has created a superb superhero read that’s not only a throwback to a grand, almost forgotten age, it might also be the closest thing you’ll find to an original, all ages superhero comic book!
Waller and artist Axel Gimenez offer up a colorful cast of characters that the reader will immediately fall for. In two issues alone, Waller is able to define a vast universe of characters…a universe that’s just begging to be explored to its utmost possibilities.
Waller doesn’t beat around the bush, opting instead to get right to things with the first two issues of this miniseries. (And I can tell you, a miniseries will never satisfy me here…make this one ongoing!) With superheroics, time travel and a dash of sci-fi, Waller crams a lot into two issues without making things seem cluttered. The story and dialogue are sharp - with equally sharp art.
The Magnitude “universe” may seem a little familiar, as Waller pays honorable tributes to various well-known characters and events. Look closely for a well-known photographer who thinks it’s “lame” for a superhero to reveal his identity to the world. Then there’s the Green Lantern-like Combatant, who isn’t so Green Lantern-like in his actions, providing a shocking twist and delivering a truly unpredictable superhero tale.
If you’re tired of being bogged down by continuity you can‘t keep up with, “crises” or “civility”, grab a copy of Magnitude for a refreshing look at how superhero comic books should be done. Now, someone hook me up with the next three issues of this miniseries…and then give us an ongoing Magnitude!
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Nightmare World #1 (Ape Entertainment) -
While I have heard lots of online chatter about writer Dirk Manning and his creation called Nightmare World, I have to admit that up until now, I was a total newbie. However, after reading this debut issue, I am hooked and wanting more!
Manning’s debut issue presents four short stories and three one-pagers that are all eerie in their own right. With dashes of Lovecraft and heaping helpings of EC Comics inspiration, each tale features chilling twists or horrific, ironic turns guaranteed to creep you out and leave you thinking about this book long after you put it down.
Manning is a powerful storyteller, able to tell the reader as much in one page as he does in a dozen or more. I found each story in this issue to be exceptional and eerie, but none more so than the one-pager called “I Miss You.” Manning is a storytelling talent who is set to explode. This is a name you will be hearing more and more of very soon. Hollywood, take notice.
Manning is aided by some of the most impressive artistic talent I have had the pleasure of laying eyes to in ages. From the smooth stylings of Jeff Welborn and the almost-Maguire-like expression-filled illustrations of Josh Ross to the Charlie-Adlard-reminiscent Len O’Grady and the classic-style art of Jason Jam, Nightmare World #1 is an artistic joy to behold.
Nightmare World is a horror anthology done right and a bargain at twice the price. Make this one ongoing. Comic Fanatics and horror fanatics need more books like Nightmare World on the shelves each month. One of the best horror anthologies I have read in ages!
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Dominion #1 (BOOM! Studios) -
Have you ever finished reading a comic book and just thought to yourself, “Dang! That was a GREAT book”? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me upon finishing Dominion #1.
Writer Michael Alan Nelson, from a concept by Ross Richie and Keith Giffen, delivers a white-knuckled thriller that’s impossible to put down. How best to describe Dominion #1? How about this…This is the villainous version of the hit TV series “Heroes”! The anti-Heroes “Heroes”!
Oh, and if you were thinking that you’ve seen a Dominion comic book before, you have. Giffen and Richie were behind that Image book, too…although it only lasted 2 issues. Consider this Dominion Volume 2...and then some!
The story goes that one fine day, different individuals are suddenly blessed - or maybe cursed - with superpowers. However, instead of becoming heroes and fighting injustice, they decide to incite their own brand of injustice. As the world as we know it begins to horrifically change, the only thing that stands between destruction and salvation is a cop armed with only a sidearm and a 20 gauge shotgun with only two boxes of shells!
Fair warning: this is a book that will leave you demanding more! The next issue of Dominion can’t get here soon enough for me!
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Fireblast #0 - #2 (Masterpiece Comics) -
Writer Ace Masters brings us an enjoyable futuristic tale steeped in sci-fi and good ole fashioned noir. Imagine if you will Dick Tracy meets Blade Runner!
Masters eases you into this marvelous new universe over the course of the first three issues, introducing the reader to the main character, Mack Fire, and his lovable holographic sidekick Perfecta. Fire has opened Fireblast Investigations, a new detective agency with a heckuva opening case that sends Mack in search of a missing spaceship captain.
The strength of this story is without a doubt Masters’ storytelling, which truly excels in the “relationship” between Mack and Perfecta. This bizarre relationship is written so well, I would have been completely satisfied to read a comic book series simply based on that alone. But, Masters offers up a whole lot more, including a shocking turn in issue #2.
Fireblast is a fun series that will be fun to follow and watch it grow. Hop on board while you still can!
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Wild Boys: Dawn Of The Wild #1 (Masterpiece Comics) -
As much as I enjoyed Ace Masters’ Fireblast, Wild Boys is without a doubt Masters’ shining gem thus far. Part X-Men, part Guardians of the Galaxy, Wild Boys is a post-apocalyptic gem where the heroes aren’t quite so heroic…and you really can’t blame them!
Genetically created to fight wars, the Wild Boys were put on the shelf, feared by those whom they were bred to protect. While the Wild Boys were away, the vicious alien race known as the Jovarn came to play. Now, with Earth in ruins, the few remaining human survivors are looking for a miracle…but the Wild Boys haven’t forgotten that the human race has already turned their collective backs on them once before.
Brought to incredibly vivid life by the very talented artist known as Irapuan, Masters’ brilliant tale is an excellent character piece. The reader is shown the roots of the Wild Boys and each character stands out on his own. Memorable characters with cool powers and catchy codenames make Wild Boys an addictive must read.
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Sasquatch (Viper Comics) -
If you’re a Bigfoot fan, this anthology is BIG fun! Even if you aren’t a Bigfoot fan and you’re just a fan of great stories and amazing art, this book is still BIG fun! Viper Comics and Dead@17 creator Josh Howard have joined forces to round up one of the most impressive collections of comic book talent to ever grace a spinner rack to bring Comic Fanatics a Bigfoot-sized collection featuring tales that run the creative gamut from sci-fi and comedy to the EC eerie and chilling horror.
Featuring over two dozen individual tales, Sasquatch shines on many fronts, both artistically and storywise. Artistically, we are treated to a couple of tales by Howard himself, one of which reveals that Bigfoot prefers stripes to hearts. Look for more amazing contributions from the super talented Super Real creator Jason Martin, Benjamin Hall, Greg Gatlin, Sean W. Thornton, Tone Rodriguez, Duane Redhead, Paul Harmon, Martin Abel and many, many more.
As a writer, I have always been a story person first, and this anthology is chocked full of incredible tales, many of which tell volumes in just a very few pages. From the shocking “Sasquatch” by Benjamin and Marlena Hall to the fun horror-movie-set-to-paper called “Sawmill Horror” by David Hartman; the powerful Christopher Howard Wolf written “’Squatch” to the hilarious “Smallfoot” by Oddly Normal creator Otis Frampton; the eerie Alex Ness tale “The Primitive Eternal” to the touching “Heart Mountain, WY: 1942” by Tom KurzanskI; the fun “The Sitter” by Courtney Huddleston and Scott Zirkel to the cute “Sasquatch and Timmy” by Wes Molebash; the EC-like “The Bloody Forest Of Sasquatch” by Bryan Baugh to the chilling “An Abominable Christmas” by Jason Burns; the laugh out loud “Yeti Another Day” strips by Nicc Balce and Andrew Gualberto to one of my personal favorite tales, the anthology’s horrific closer, “The Good Scout” by P.J. Kryfko this is one Bigfoot-sized book that will keep you up all night long - reading, laughing out loud or simply too scared to close your eyes!
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Dorothy: Volume VII (Illusive Arts Entertainment) -
With this issue, the circle is complete. Greg Mannino and Mark Masterson round out the familiar “Wizard Of Oz” cast with some not-quite-so familiar new versions of these well known characters. In this issue, Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Toto and the Tin Man are joined by Illusive Arts’ equivalent of the Cowardly Lion…a character who may be somewhat cowardly, but is by no means anything close to a lion!
Masterson and Mannino take this new take on a familiar tale into the previously unexplored realm of horror and sheer eeriness with this issue. The Cowardly “Beast” is a truly horrific creation that defies description. You will definitely have to see this one to believe it. And for true eeriness, check out the “people” of China Country! This one is just plain creepy! Between these two creations alone, you have to wonder just how twisted the minds behind this reimagining of the Land of Oz truly are!
While we are the topic of creepy, big props go to the “actors” portraying Commander Stern and the evil Queen. Stern’s gaze alone is enough to send chills down your spine, and the evil Queen’s demeanor and presence is another testament to the range and talent of the incredible Catie Fisher, who also brings the title character to vivid life in each issue. And if you thought Fisher has been amazing as Dorothy thus far, you ain’t seen nothing until you see her in this issue!
Continued comic book perfection. Always worth the price tag and the only comic book on the shelves today that’s always worth the wait between issues.
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Tag: Cursed #3 (BOOM! Studios) -
Keith Giffen’s marvelous concept is back for a second miniseries and this one just keeps getting better and better. Giffen’s ultimate form of revenge is brought to life - or is that death? - by writer Mike Lieb and one of my favorite horror comic artists, Chee. And the end result is sheer magic!
For those unfamiliar with the “Tag”: it’s simply what it sounds like, with a terrifying twist. An individual is cursed to become zombie-like until they pass along the curse via a “tag.” This individual is made aware of who to tag via images in their mind pertaining to someone who has wronged them in the past. Once the tag is made, that individual is restored to normal…or at least as close to normal as you can be after dealing with something like the tag.
In this issue, Lieb emphasizes something I have believed since the first issue of the first miniseries - Tag would make an incredible ongoing series and an even more incredible ongoing TV series. Hollywood, wake up and take notice of this one now!
In this issue, Lieb puts former tag-ee Ed on the trail of other tagged people in the hopes of stopping this deadly chain of events once and for all by somehow finding the currently tagged person and preventing that person from tagging anyone else. Reading Ed’s efforts to stop something that has apparently been occurring since Cain and Abel drives home the fact that there are dozens - if not hundreds - of stories that can and should be told in this horrifying universe!
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Banana Man #7 (Crack Comics) -
Okay, allow me to get the obvious out of the way right off the bat - this comic book is appealing. There. Someone had to say it. And all puns aside, a truly statement couldn’t be made about Banana Man #7!
Writer Jim Cracchiolo and artist Chris Caldwell have crafted one hilarious comic book filled with some very impressive art. Banana Man is the superhero identity of Andre Andre, a high school nutrition teacher who preached the importance of potassium. And in this issue, Banana Man goes head to head with an equally entertaining character known as Yo-Yo Man. And it’s all packaged and printed on “appealing” banana-yellow paper for the unheard of low price of only 50 cents - a real throwback to a long-forgotten age in every sense of the word.
It really scares me that Cracchiolo has a very similar sense of humor to yours truly. I get the jokes, I laugh at the jokes and I find myself rolling on the floor while my wife sits there shaking her head at me. At times, it’s almost as if Cracchiolo is channeling Batman Adam West himself! This book? Mad Magazine on crack!
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I LOVE indy books and the above books are just a small sample of some of the books I am currently reading. Please, feel free to check out the links to each publisher for more information on each book. And if you’re a writer, an artist, a publisher or just a fan of a book published outside of the “Big Two” and would like to submit books for reviews, drop me a line at Heath@TheComicFanatic.Com.
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