Review - Quantum And Woody #1 (2017)

Quantum And Woody #1 (2017) - 

Valiant Entertainment

 

Written by Daniel Kibblesmith

Art & Colors by Kano

Letters by Dave Sharpe

Cover by Julian Totino Tedesco

 

Christmas is just days away, but there is plenty of time to stop and get your KLANG on.  Why not snuggle up with a story about a family...er...the worst superhero team ever.  Valiant has been getting us ready for the return of Quantum and Woody for a while, but now it's time to find out if it's worthy of stuffing your stocking.

 

This book wastes no time jumping right into the fray.  We see the brothers doing what they do best (or not, depending on your perspective) and their contrasting styles.  You sort of get wrapped up in that, then you remember what you saw on the cover.  Things may not be quite what you'd expect from the brothers, and that becomes apparent early.  Something happens with one of them, which I will not spoil here, that injects a very significant change in their relationship.  Luckily we don't have to wait until the next issue to see the aftermath, and it takes the book in a direction I wasn't expecting.  The rest of the plot is hard to get into without giving away key details, but I will say that there may be an even bigger change coming for the brothers.  The best way I can put it is:  What if you got an offer that you couldn't refuse, even if it affects someone in your family?

 

This book was definitely a fun read, but what I wasn't expecting, was for the book to have as much depth as it did.  I'm was fully expecting a Deadpool-esque trip down a 4th wall breaking story with plenty of action and inappropriate behavior.  Well...there is some of that, but also brings a tension and emotion that I think any fan of a good story can appreciate.  I admit, I'm not fully up on the lore of Quantum and Woody, but it would be pretty easy for a new reader to jump in here and enjoy this book.  I'd say there is plenty for the diehard fan as well, maybe even more.  Kano's art really brings it in this issue, and I love the focal points on key objects/scenes.  With the excitement of a TV series, this book comes at just the right time.  It also makes me want Joel McHale for the role of Woody even more than I did before.  Get this book, be as surprised as I was and be ready to start tracking down back issues.  I'm a fan.

 

RATING:  PULL / BUY  

Review - Under #1

Under #1 - 

Statix Press

 

Written by Christophe Bec

Art by Stefano Raffaele

Colors by Christian Favrelle

Translated by Mark McKenzie-Ray 

 

Usually when you think of the sewers and comic books, you're thinking of fun loving turtles or a croc that gives the Caped Crusader fits.  Imagine a sewer of almost infinite size, and who knows what lurking in the dark corners.  That brings us to one of the first offerings from Statix Press, as we go Under to explore the Scourge of the Sewer.

 

The story follows the vast sewers of Megalopolis, and the officers sworn to keep things safe and operational.  One of those officers is a Lt. Wilson Jericho, who we know from reading the first few pages of the book, wasn't always a sewer cop.  Being considered the best of the reject band of officers, he is tasked with escorting a scientist by the name of Sandra Yeatman through the sewers to research sightings of massive creatures who lurk in the deepest and darkest corners.  As you can see by the cover, there is plenty to encounter and we do get to see some pretty crazy action sequences.  As you get more into the story, you find out there is much more to this story and protecting the sewer than you would think.  I'll save you a million bad puns, but here's one, it runs deep.  The oversized issue does have a few quick off-shoot stories that tie into everything, but the focus remains on Jericho and Yeatman.  What we're left with is a very bizarre and startling discovery, that should be the perfect kick off to the second issue.

 

There is plenty to like about this book, but there are a few head scratchers, as well.  To start off, the art is very detailed and is really the star of the book.  When you see these creatures, no detail is spared and they really come to life on the page.  I also like that this book doesn't dumb down the science, and actually makes you feel like you might actually be learning something funky.  The problem is, it's hard to really get invested in any of the characters.  You do get some back story for Jericho, but beyond that there isn't much to really grab ahold of.  The "random person enters the sewer" thing is also a bit distracting after the beginning of the book.  I feel like this book is on the cusp of being really good, but can't quite nail the character development.  If that can be cleaned up in the second and concluding issue, this may be a graphic novel you'd want to add to your collection.

 

RATING:  PICK UP 

Review - Witchblade #1 (2017)

Witchblade #1 (2017) -
Image Comics
Written by Caitlin Kittredge
Art by Roberta Ingranata
Colors by Bryan Valenza
Letters by Troy Peteri


Two years is a long time to wait for anything.  After 20 years, and several amazing stories, Witchblade has finally returned.  Image Comics has brought in an all new creative team, and a new host.  Fans are understandably nervous about any revival, and this is no different.  So let's dive in and see if it was all worth the wait.

The new host is Alex Underwood, a former newswoman turned victim advocate, who is wrapped up in a major case in New York City.  As if that isn't stressful enough, she is also hearing thing and having some crazy dreams.  This is no spoiler, since the images have already been released, but we find out right away that she has died.  She has been chosen at the new host for Witchblade, but that adds an all new complication to her life.  Lost in all of this is a really compelling story regarding her case, and a very real subject matter.  I must admit, I went back and forth on how I felt about Alex given some of the decisions she made.  Then I connected with the realism that the character is steeped in.  Creating flaws in (what will be) a powerful character creates another layer that I think will work well in building this story in the early issues.  Witchblade fans know what's coming, but certain circumstances that I won't spoil do create a bit of anxiety.  Alex does something very reckless towards the end of this issue, but it leads to a big payoff on the final page.

One of the things that really kept me reading this book was, it just felt real.  It felt like this was happening to an actual person, with real world reactions to what was going on.  That's hard to do when combining mystical elements with the human world.   Also, being a fan of Caitlin Kittredge's work on Throwaways, she knows how to deal with emotional trauma and knows how to build a story around intense circumstances.  The story, however, could not possibly be as strong as it was without the amazing visuals from Roberta Ingranata.  Witchblade has been known over the years for great art, and I'd stack her work up against any that came before.  Something just feels right about this revival, and I think classic Witchblade fans really need to give this one a chance.  20 years of history or not, I'm already hooked on this one.

RATING:  PULL / BUY

Review - Barbarella #1

Barbarella #1 -
Dynamite Entertainment
Written by Mike Carey
Art by Kenan Yarar
Colors by Mohan
Letters by Crank!

When you say something has a cult following, that usually means you're dealing with something that fans fully embrace no matter what the masses think about it.  When we first saw Barbarella on the screen in 1968, it was different and not exactly well received by all.  Still, the character lives on, in cosplay and in the hearts of fans who continue to find the her even to this day.  She may have started in French comics, but Dynamite is bringing her to American with a new series.  Let's take a look at Issue 1.

My reviews here are always spoiler free, and I will continue to do that, but just know I cannot reveal much here.  Barbarella finds herself somehow entangled in what looks to be a group of beings strictly based in their religion.  It is very much a wrong place, wrong time scenario that doesn't get handled very well.  When things go bad, she finds out that she is not alone and much more about what is going on with those that have captured her.  This is where it gets difficult not to spoil things, as there are a couple of major elements to this story and a reveal that I think is best left to be discovered by the reader.  What I can tell you is, towards the end a risk is taken and we are left with a cliffhanger leading into Issue 2.

I have to be honest here, this book is a bit all over the place.  There really isn't much lead in to what is going on, or even any of the characters that are involved.  Assuming that you know who Barbarella is, that's not a bad thing, but I was hoping for a bit more about the antagonists before just being thrown into their world.  It's obvious what they are, but not why, and I feel like that could have added some depth here.  There are times where this book tries to be about empowerment and a modern way of thinking, but it just feels very forced and really didn't work for me.  Plus, I'm just not sure that this is the book to try to do that with.  If you were trying to completely re-invent the character and lay that foundation, it may work.  Instead it just feels like we're thrown into the second act of a late night B-movie that feels more campy.  If that's what you're looking for, this book may be for you.  I just didn't get a whole lot out of it, and I couldn't get invested in pretty much anything.  I think I'll have to pass.

RATING:  DROP

Review - Fence #1

Fence #1 -
Boom! Box
Written by C.S. Pacat
Art by Johanna The Mad
Colors by Joana LaFuente
Letters by Jim Campbell



When was the last time you watched fencing?  It's ok...the majority of us probably have the same answer.  At the same time, there is something fascinating about it.  Plus, it may be the closest (and safest) we get to any sort of medieval sword battles in modern times.  Would it be crazy to have a comic about a niche sport like this?  Well...call Boom! Studios crazy, because that's what is happening.

Fence is a story that is legitimately about fencing, but also about a group of young adults who are vying for a better future.  Yes, there are scholarships for fencing too, folks.  Nicholas Cox is trying his best to break into the sport and, at the same time, be a part of a group that seems to have been together for a while.  You can imagine how that works out when an outsider tries to venture into any competitive situation.  Not to mention, Nicholas draws the top competitor in the entire competition in his first match.  One thing you really love about Nicholas in this book is his attitude and his competitive spirit.  There is also some vulnerability there, but I won't spoil what that is all about or the results of the match itself.  That determination leads to an opportunity for Nicholas, but I will admit, I did not see the ending of this book coming.  It's surprising, and set up very well.

This book captures the would of young adults quite well.  If you've seen the movie School Ties with Brendan Fraser and Matt Damon, it's kind of like that but less intense (and without the antisemitism.)  Dealing with wanting something and wanting to be a part of something at the same time is a balance that plays well here.  Plus, how can you go wrong when you're artist's name is Johanna The Mad?  I was really getting into the visuals during the match itself, and found myself wanting even more.  That's what this book does very well, overall...it makes you want more.  Sure there is some fencing terminology, but there's no harm in learning a little something.  Nicholas gets training, so in a way, we are too.  While I don't feel like I'm ready to grab a foil and take on the world, I do feel like this is a book that I want to read more of.

RATING:  PULL / BUY

Review - Harbinger Renegade #0

Harbinger Renegade #0 - 

Valiant Entertainment

 

Written by Rafer Roberts
Art by Juan Jose Ryp
Colors by Andrew Dalhouse
Letters by Simon Bowland
Cover by Clayton Henry w/ Brian Reber


Like many Valiant fans, I am really looking forward to Harbinger Wars 2.  Unlike their previous major arcs, which have been stellar, this one feels like it has been building throughout the year.  What we're starting to see now are some Zero Issues that could end up being essential to the upcoming story.  That is one of the many reason I decided to check out Harbinger Renegade #0 this week.


The story is essentially following a H.A.R.D. Corps operation to pursue the dangerous psiot, Alexander Solomon.  Here's the trick, Solomon has the ability to predict outcomes.  We do get to see some of Solomon in this issue, and he is looking for something of his own.  After some logistics, and scene setting, we get to the operation itself.  In true Harbinger Renegade fashion, intense action ensues from there and the vast majority of the remainder of the story is quite a huge battle.  We find something out about the operation itself, and we also find out something that was in the location that was not expected.  That is the most I can tell you without spoiling anything.  This issue does have an aftermath, and let me tell you, this one is REALLY going to matter in future continuity.  I don't want to get too specific, but this could be a catalyst that sets the stage for something bigger.  Whether that is good or bad, that's up to the reader to decide.

I want to start this one with one simple fact, Juan Jose Ryp is one of the best artists in all of comics right now.  His work with Valiant has been beyond impeccable and he is the perfect choice for any Harbinger story.  Hats off to Andrew Dalhouse as well, since I believe colorists are extremely important in telling any story involving psiots.  Zero issues are kind of tricky, because they are usually just a necessary evil to set the tone before you get to the "real story".  This one feels like it is going to be very much a part of that story, and did not play down to regular readers for the sake of a jumping on point.  Roberts also gives you a reason to either hate the H.A.R.D. Corps more, or a reason to root for them, depending on your perspective.  Either way, the hits just keep on coming for Valiant and the Harbinger stories.

 

RATING: PULL / BUY

Review - Deadman #1

Deadman #1 - 

DC Comics

 

Written by Neal Adams

Art by Neal Adams

Letters by Clem Robins

 

Deadman is always a character that I felt deserved his own comic.  He played a very strong, and important, role with the Justice League Dark during the New 52 and also in other larger arcs.  After having a mini-series around the time of Rebirth, I thought may be all we get.  Enter legendary artist Neal Adams, who also takes on writing duties, for a new Deadman book.

This story follow Boston Brand trying to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death, and also appears to be seeking some sort of vengeance.  There is also part of the story with Commissioner Gordon serving as an ambassador for a nuclear site inspections.  We see a couple of more familiar character, which I will not spoil, but there is also quite a bit of bouncing around between storylines.  That makes it really difficult for me to tell you more about this book, other than we get a lot of detail about who was involved in killing Deadman, and who else may be trying to come to that conclusion.

I really wanted to like this book, but it is all over the place.  There were times that I felt completely lost, and even times where I lost track of where in the story I actually was.  It was so difficult, it actually made me think that I was starting on Issue 4 of a series instead of the first issue.  To that point, I have read the second arcs of books before without reading the first one, and I was still able to pick up on the story and it's direction.  I also felt like every familiar character in this book was quite OUT of character.  One character in particular, who is the most recognizable in the book (who isn't the title character) just felt completely off to me.  The art by Adams is good, and at times, gave me a nice 80s throwback vibe.  I read a lot of comics, and have written a lot of reviews, and I have no idea where this book was going or is going.  For that reason, I think I'll have to pass. 

 

RATING: DROP