Sovereign is an intriguing mythological world, with many different factions all occupying the same time. Issue 1 follows numerous groups throughout this fantasy world, shedding light on the different kinds of people that share the lands. The issue contains monsters, mythology, high fantasy, hunters, religion, all mixed in to create an intriguing world that creates enough mystery to make you want to read more, but doesn’t give away anything major plot points and give away too much.

Chris Roberson once again proves why he works on so many comic’s, he craft’s worlds of mystery and intrigue that make you want to read more. Sovereign is an unusual book that may not be for all tastes, and reading in the pdf format (that i read) I don’t think helps really, this is a book that needs to be read in print for you to get the full feeling of the story as it opens up before you. On art duties for this book is Paul Maybury, who was handpicked by Roberson for this story. The panels are dark and easily help to add to the feelings portrayed in the issue, and the character design is so varied almost making you second guess what you thought of the cultural background of each character and group.

Sovereign is a comic that will split comics fans I think, some may say this isn’t for them, some may say this is a great book. I am kind of on the fence, the book creates enough feeling to make me want to read on,  but wasn’t a “WOW” kind of book. I urge everyone to at least, give it a shot. You may be surprised what you read.

Please let me know your thoughts, comments and even if you just want to chat to me @jaybwebb on twitter

The Fuse is a new comic that comes from yet another long line of Image number 1’s. Many of which have been amazing, some have been not so well received, but even they have been good reads.

The Fuse #1 from Anthony Johnston and Justin Greenwood, of course published by Image comics, definitely falls into the “do not miss this book” category of the recent wave of image titles. It has sci-fi, cops, death, and intrigue. Anthony Johnston writes a brilliant, futuristic, cop murder mystery, set on an “Elysium” style spaceport. He clearly shows a lot of sci-fi influences from his own life, and he obviously enjoys creating vast universes, while keeping this particular issue confined to a few key areas.

The combination of Anthony’s words and the art from Justin Greenwood crafts a vast world, without letting too much out of the bag. Justin’s art together with colours from Shari Chankhamma help to keep the book moving at a great pace. All this and letters from Ed Brisson, the book doesn’t take long to get into the story, but it also creates one big problem…

You have to wait for the next issue!

The Fuse #1 “The Russia Shift” is going to be, In my opinion, the next Image book to be a big deal, and if you are not picking this up this week you most definitely should be.

Please let me know your thoughts, comments and even if you just want to chat to me @jaybwebb on twitter

Whenever you discover a writer/creator that you really enjoy, you find yourself following everything they do with great passion and enthusiasm. People feel like that about the big superstar creators; Scott Snyder, Grant Morrison and Alan Moore to name a few. When you feel this way about an independent writer/creator you begin to feel more connected to the writer. I discovered this when I got chatting to Joe Martino. After a drunken New Year’s Eve chat, I ended up digitally buying all Joe’s work on Comixology. When I went into comic shops around that time, no one seemed to have even heard of Ripperman, or Shadowflame, so I began spreading the word as much as I could myself. This is where my passion for independent comics began, and it has grown stronger with every indie comic I read. When I saw that Joe had brought his next project to Kick-Starter it really was a must have for me, I may have to scrimp and save every penny I have, but I have to be a part of this project somehow.

After I read issue #1 of “The Mighty Titan” you begin to see the emotion, time and effort Joe puts into his comics, and Titan #2 is no different! It tells the story of a super powered hero, indestructible to his enemies, who contracts a very human, very intimate illness that no one would ever expect. Titan and his human alter‐ego Mark are diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer, something that many people have to live through every minute of every day, including the creator of this book. Joe has always been very open about this book being the most personal thing he has worked on, extracting aspects of his own life, and translating them into Titan’s story.

The art in this book by Luca Cicchitti, has a very classic feel to it. The panels look as if they are from an awesome old-school comic; Luca has such a traditional style to his pencil work it’s very cool to look at. This book also features another amazing artist on pencils, drawing the flashback scenes of issue #2 is Cory Smith. Cory brings a very different style of art to the opening pages. These two styles fits together seamlessly, depicting the difference between the flashback scenes and the main section of the story. The two styles complement each other so well.

Inking credit once again goes to Joe’s long-time collaborator Jeff Austin. Jeff shows just how versatile he can be, working with both Luca and Cory. I know Inkers quite often have specific ways of working, or with specific artists but Jeff seems to effortlessly switch between the varied styles of both artists, and elevates their work to even greater levels.

The colours by Keith J Betancourt are captivating, bringing a bold, bright feeling to the big action scenes, but dark undertones when required. Keith works brilliantly with the varied art styles, and also emphasizes the feelings portrayed on the page and in the script.

Letterers never seem to be given due credit and are only really noticed if their work is seen to be poor. Adam O’Pruett does a fantastic job as the letterer, rounding off an amazing second issue collaboration on a comic making big moves in the comic book community. At the time of writing this post issue #3 is 304% funded with 28 hours still remaining!

The Mighty Titan was set to be Joe Martino’s final comic, his swan song if you like. I’m happy in the knowledge that this has now changed, and he will be bringing us more great work next year.

Joe clearly poured his heart and soul into the script and creation of Titan, and it absolutely jumps from every single panel of this book, he has clearly picked his collaborators very wisely. I hope this post helps people to seek out the work of Joe Martino. I have chosen not to give away any of the story in this article, I want everyone to go check out this book, and all the previous books, and share them with everyone they know who reads comics.

The one spoiler I am happy to disclose is that my letter appears in the letters section! As you can guess from the way I talk about this book and Joe in general, I’m very happy about this.

Please all go check out Joe Martino (@jgmcomics) and tell him you want to read his books.

Please let me know your thoughts, comments and even if you just want to chat to me @jaybwebb on twitter

One of the friendliest people you will ever talk to on twitter is the creator/writer/artist/letterer of Monkey Squad One, Doug Michel. A creator owned comic that Doug initially produced purely for his nephews, has gone from strength to strength currently standing at issue #12. I have been lucky enough to receive some issues of MS1, from issue 6 to 12 including annuals.

The main story begins in the St. Louis headquarters of U.N.C.L.E, the Ultimate National Covert Logistics Ensemble. The agency has a crime fighting team known as Monkey Squad One, a young team of heroes comprised of 3 young men; Logan AKA Major Destruction, Connor AKA Kojiro, and Brendan AKA Captain Kidd. The team are called in to deal with a threat from the evil Dr. Metropolis and his army of killer robots, who are aiming to take over Washington D.C. MS1 swings into action, determined to save the president from the evil Dr and his killer robots, only to discover that the Doctor isn’t the only person on the way to kill the president! This is where we encounter the S.I.S for the first time. S.I.S is the Society of Evil Sisters and appear to be the arch enemies of the Monkey Squad boys. Needless to say battle ensues and the boys are put to the test…….

The boys are put to the test…

This is where I’m going to leave my story review, I don’t want to spoil anything. If you haven’t already, I strongly recommend you purchase this book from http://thewayofthecomicbookronins.bandcamp.com/merch

The creator Doug Michel is someone that I would like to think has become a pretty good friend, or as close as friends could be in twitter terms. Having spoken at great length with Doug about his comic it becomes evident how proud he is of his work. On reading issue #1 it’s clear that Doug puts his heart and soul into his work as his personality really shines through. His sole purpose in creating this comic was to entertain his nephews, the big kid that i am i would be so happy if someone made this for me. Its everything that a kid could want in a comic, it’s fun, quirky, and has Ninjas AND a Bad Baby!!

It’s fun, quirky, and has Ninjas AND a Bad Baby!!

The only other contributor credit in this book belongs to Sean Fagan. Anyone that has read Monkey Squad One prior to this will be familiar with the black and white pages of art, as Doug made this comic completely on his own. When he announced he was going to re-release issue one in full colour, it sounded like a bold move. Sean’s colours fit seamlessly into this book like they’ve been there since day one. On first seeing the dark purple sky scenes in the book, they contract perfectly with the uniforms and the battle scenes between the main characters.

This is a perfect pairing, a complete meeting of minds.

I have been a huge fan of Monkey Squad One from the moment I set eyes on it, even helping out with the creation of #MonkeySquadMonday. This is the hash tag for everything and anything that is Monkey Squad One related, Doug also uses it to post some of his work and exciting additions to the Monkey Squad universe.

Sean’s colours fit seamlessly into this book like they’ve been there since day one.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough to people. Please click HERE and buy this book for a tiny fee, (I was the first one to buy it), and help support this amazingly unique comic book that is firmly tongue in cheek. Together we can share the MS1 experience and keep it in the consciousness of the world.

Everyone needs a bit of MS1 in their lives!

Please let me know your thoughts, comments and even if you just want to chat to me @jaybwebb on twitter

Adam has repackaged and renamed his creation, he is preparing to release “Toxic Storm” on the world.

When I first met Adam Cheal he introduced me to his horror comic creation “Zyklon B” (see previous post) I enjoyed the book a LOT, I even own some of the original art and my signed copy is about to take its rightful place on the wall. Now Adam has repackaged and renamed his creation, he is preparing to release “Toxic Storm” on the world.

“We are pleased to officially announce that the Toxic Storm Graphic Novel is going to be released by UK publishing giant Markosia Enterprises Ltd. The book will be released monthly as a four part digital miniseries via Comixology, iverse/comics +, iBooks, Kindle, Kobo, Nook, Sony, and DriveThru Comics with the trade paperback novel to follow shortly after. More information regarding the release dates will be posted on the website as they become available.

www.toxicstorm.com

We are pleased to officially announce that the Toxic Storm Graphic Novel is going to be released by UK publishing giant Markosia Enterprises Ltd.

Synopsis

Simon Fisher is unjustly convicted and sent to the gas chamber at San Quentin prison. Using occult power, he transforms into a deadly toxic gas to escape his fate. Simon embarks on a quest of revenge on those responsible for his condition. Special FBI Agent “Jack Storm” enlists the help of Simon’s former cell mate and mentor “Caleb Fontana” to track him down. Caleb has a hidden agenda and betrays Jack Storm resulting in his death. Through the power of a gemstone obtained from an ancient demon, Jack Storms body is reanimated into a terrifying and deadly alter ego. Roles are reversed as he’s the one seeking vengeance and will stop at nothing to get it. This is a tale of revenge and redemption for good and evil, in a true 80′s B-Movie video nasty style.”

CREATIVE TEAM

• Adam B. Cheal (Writer/creator)
• Alberto “Renzo” Rodriguez (Artist)
• Mike Summers (Colorist)
• Mindy Lopkin (Letterer)
• Jimmy Kerast (Cover Colors)

On reading “Toxic Storm #1” I have completely been drawn back into this story. Adam has crafted a horror story, however not in the traditional sense. The characters are believable, and you can completely relate to the emotions and feelings portrayed by the people who are the focus of the story. Adams passion for horror and hero comics shines through on every single panel.

Adams passion for horror and hero comics shines through on every single panel.

Adam has picked an amazing team to work on his creation, Alberto “Renzo” Rodriguez has taken up quite the task reworking a pre-established comic. “Renzo” has created (and also reworked some of the previous pages) brilliantly. His art works perfectly with the rest of the team, his style has a dark undertone that works well with the gritty, gruesome prison scenes, and the horrific revenge attacks. Colours from Mike Summers fit the art very well, and Mindys letters just round off the book brilliantly.

Recently I have been speaking to Adam about the news that he has now signed a publishing deal with british comics publisher “Markosia”

Markosia was established in 2005 and has become one of the UK’s leading publishers of graphic novels. Based in London, it has gained a reputation for producing a diverse range of comic books and graphic novels that cover almost all genres, with the highest possible production values.

Some of the creators that have worked on Markosia titles include ‘Midnight Kiss’ artist Ryan Stegman (Superior Spider-Man), ‘Starship Troopers’ artist Neil Edwards (Fantastic Four), ‘Of Bitter Souls’ artist Norm Breyfogle (Batman), ‘Dark Mists’ artist Lee Garbett (Batman), ‘Scatterbrain’ artist Szymon Kudranski (30 Days of Night) and many more.

Their varied range continues to impress as the company goes from strength to strength. 2013 promises to be the most exciting year to date for this dynamic company as they embark on a range of thrilling new ventures designed to take them to even greater heights as they strive to take their stories to the masses.

May 4^th 2013 will be Markosia’s debut foray into the Free Comic Book Day arena as they showcase a number of exciting titles that will be launched this summer. These include the all ages adventure ‘Endangered Weapon B’, retro sci-fi adventure ‘Project Luna: 1947’, super hero satire ‘Hero: 9 to 5 – Quietus’, supernatural war story ‘Heart of War’ and more supernatural adventures in the long-awaited ‘The Case Files of Harlan Falk’, five years in the making!

These are just five of the exciting new range of titles coming in 2013, with many more in production for the future.”

I have been lucky enough to have a sit down with the man behind the graphic novel series we are all going to want to be part of our collections…Mr. Adam Cheal.

I love horror and always have since I was a kid. I grew up in the house of horrors, figuratively speaking of course. – Adam Cheal

Adam, first, I want to say thank you for the opportunity to review your book again. You clearly have a passion for the horror genre, with an anti-hero twist of course. Where did you find the inspiration for this graphic novel series?

We find inspiration in our daily lives, the situations that arise and people that influence and inspire us. As you said, I love horror and always have since I was a kid. I grew up in the house of horrors, figuratively speaking of course. Every one growing up as a kid had one of those houses where you would all pile round and watch horror films. That was my house. We watched Hellraiser, Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13^th, Halloween and many other classics. My parents were Clive Barker and Wes Craven. My love of 80’s horror and video nasties is what inspires me most. Horror always takes me back to my happy place.

Where did you find the team you chose to work with on your creation?

When you first get into comic book creating, the path is never as straight forward as just putting a team together and off you go. I made a ton of mistakes and lost quite a bit of time and money before hooking up with a team that had the talent and passion for the book to do it justice. I now only work with people that I have either worked with in the past or come recommended by people I know and trust.

I know from our many chats you are a fan of comics and graphic novels. What made you choose this style of writing over writing traditional literature?

As I said earlier, when I was younger, my main passion was films. I never really read many comics as a kid other than the odd Judge Dredd book. It wasn’t until my twenties that I really discovered the first book that blew me away. A friend put a copy of “Watchmen” in my hand and I was hooked from then on. I read mostly Alan Moore books from then and he showed me the power that sequential art can have. I was always interested in creative writing but made the leap into comics as I feel it’s the perfect bridge between the traditional written word and films.

What stuff do you read now?

I read quite a few now and my taste is still for horror and the dark, the darker, the better. I love Raven Gregory’s take on Alice in Wonderland and read loads of Zenescope books. The independent scene is putting out some incredible books and without the constraints of being publisher friendly, they can show and say what they want, nipples and all!

The publishing company you signed with (Markosia) is a great thing for our UK comic scene, and maybe developing that a bit more. Was it an easy choice to make the decision to sign with Markosia?

Signing with Markosia is a no brainer for me. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am trying very hard to promote the UK comic book scene. That’s one of the things we are trying to do with our British Showcase Anthology coming out later this year. Markosia have been at the forefront of the UK comic book scene for years and have big plans for the future. I am very proud to be a part of that and excited for the future.

Signing with Markosia is a no brainer for me. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am trying very hard to promote the UK comic book scene.

I am so pleased that “Toxic Storm” is going to make its way on to the world stage, how does it feel to see something you have worked on for so long to make a move into the big leagues that is the current comic scene?

It’s a dream come true. It’s been a long road and at times you have to question your commitment and wonder if you are on the right path. The whole team involved have worked so hard and it’s great that the hard work has all been worth it. I think that the first time I walk into a comic book store and see a copy of the book on the shelf, will be a magical moment I will remember for all time.

You have always been a huge promoter of the independent comic movement, tell us all about your work on the “British showcase anthology”?

How the book came about is quite something. During the course of getting into making comics, I found that the UK had such a wealth of talent but not much buzz (compared to the USA). One of the things I started doing was writing a weekly column for Comicbooked.com called “British Showcase”. I had met so many hard workers, great artists and other creators that I wanted to help them gain some exposure. The articles went down really well, so I thought, “Hey, why don’t we all pool our resources and make a comic together that showcases our talents over here?” I sent out an email to a bunch of people I knew and respected and the response was mind blowing. Harry Markos from Markosia loved the idea and is working hard to make it something special. The book is a collection of twenty original and unique stories from forty UK creators and its going to rock! The book will launch in October this year.

Although this post is about “Toxic Storm” I know your next project is underway, which I’m very interested in myself, what can we look forward to with that?

I am already working on a new book with artist Russ Leach. It is called “Terminus at Fenton’s Green”. It’s a Lovecraftian style tale set in Victorian London with Demon’s, top hats and steam trains. The idea for this one has been kicking around in my head for a couple of years after a particularly disturbing nightmare resonated with me for weeks afterwards. Russ is a great artist and has the perfect sequential story telling skills to make this something special. Mike Summers (Toxic) will be working closely with us to give this book a unique and haunting look. Although this book is a horror, I wanted it to be something more that that, so its also a mystery. Both visual and written clues are embedded in the story for the reader to discover. Once you know the twist ending, the clues are all pretty obvious and it will make repeat reading allot of fun to see if you can find them all.

Once again, I want to thank you for the chance to review you work again, and for taking the time to answer my long-winded questions. This is my first ever interview let me know how I have done, ha-ha! Best of luck Adam, you have my full support!

“Thanks J, my pleasure.”

I hope you all take the time to go and contact Adam via his twitter @adamcheal, on the Toxic storm twitter account @toxicstormcomic, also via on at www.toxicstorm.com. I urge everyone to make a note of this comic book title, because it’s going to be huge.

Please let me know your thoughts, comments and even if you just want to chat to me @jaybwebb on twitter

“Masks,” the first Dynamite crossover featuring the publisher’s lineup of famous pulp heroes of yesteryear!

The concept of comic book crossovers quite often leaves people thinking “oh no, not another one” which more often than not is a very justified reaction. Dynamite comics recently decided to crossover all their main pulp heroes, which sounds like a lot when you consider the amount of properties they have, The Shadow, Green Hornet, The Spider, even Zorro just to name a few. Although if you have been following any of these stories recently, this really has the potential to be something amazing.

The story begins in 1938, a time with no superheroes, just vigilantes in masks. We encounter Green Hornet and Kato in the middle of dishing out some justice, when The Shadow appears and things quickly come to a violent conclusion for the criminals. Green Hornet and Kato have never met the Shadow before, however they quickly come to learn he is working towards the same course of justice as them, although they learn this the hard way.

Green Hornet and Kato have never met the Shadow before, however they quickly come to learn he is working towards the same course of justice as them…

We then come to learn of the “Justice Party” a political group that is run by all the major criminal organisations of the United States. This also brings to light that they have an ulterior motive to being the law. This does not sit too well with our crime fighters, who learn that justice needs to be served, as the law is quickly becoming more and more corrupt. After the introduction of the new law enforcement officers, the new comrades must swing into action to serve the justice the world needs.

After the introduction of the new law enforcement officers, the new comrades must swing into action to serve the justice the world needs.

Chris Roberson has done such a brilliant job on this issue. His writing is perfect, from the dialogue between characters to the justice party announcements it all just flows together brilliantly. I am not sure if Chris has a history of writing these characters, or if he is a fan of the whole pulp era, but he expresses a knowledge of the era the story is set in, and really portrays the characters well and their interactions together.

I know this issue’s interiors are all a one off, and anyone that knows me will know I am a HUGE Alex Ross fan. This issue is truly one of the best books, art wise, I have seen for a long time. Ross’ painting skills are known in the comic book world and he does not disappoint with this. The dark tones of the night scenes are made to give the dark shadowy effect of the main characters their desired effect, and are brilliantly done, while the bright lights of the club, and street scenes give the alter-egos of the characters the blending in effect they need.

This issue is truly one of the best books, art wise, I have seen for a long time. Ross’ painting skills are known in the comic book world and he does not disappoint with this.

This entire book has blown me away, the crossover event I hoped it would be. I am a fan of the whole pulp style heroes, and Dynamite in general. I know many people will already have this book by the time I write this, but if you have not I can’t recommend it any more. This would be the perfect time to jump on board and start getting a feel for the pulp heroes and their era.

You can follow Jason Webb on his blog jaybwebb.wordpress.com or on Twitter at @Jaybwebb

Drunk on comics is a podcast about comics, conventions, and all other things nerdy. The show stars Derek, Tony, Kevin, and Matt.

Drunk on comics is a podcast about comics, conventions, and all other things nerdy.

In the “off the shelf” section of the show, the guys review all the biggest comics releases of the week. Each member of the team takes their own pick of the week, and tells you all about it. All these guys absolutely know their stuff, and you can really hear the passion and the inner fan coming through.

“Kevin’s Longbox” is where Kevin looks at a comic from the past, which more often than not makes me search eBay instantly.

With “news and notes” the guys go over all the geeky news that has made the headlines any given week. If its comics or movie or tv, it all gets covered and more.

The section “Indy Turnpike” Derek picks up a book that is published by a company outside the big 2 publishers. Often it opens up a lot of people to books that they may not have even heard about. It’s a great opportunity to see comics from smaller companies that will often not make most people’s shelves.

“InterWebs” is a website that Tony looks at which could be from any part of the nerd world, whether its a web comic, or a nerd blog, just a fun website for you to check out

“Booze and a book” is a great section where the guys pair a comic book release, with an alcoholic beverage. As you may guess from the title comics are often paired with alcohol but this section gives a specific comic to a certain drink.

In the middle of all this awesome, Derek, Tony, Matt, and Kevin (The Fearsome Foursome) often go off on a different topic, as they see fit (or just wish to interrupt, haha) which results in a lot of fun.

This podcast was the first podcast I’ve ever subscribed too. I know there is a LOT of others out there but this one is so appealing because the guys are just 4 friends sitting around talking about something they love. This is the sort of thing you imagine would happen if you sit around with your friends. It’s very well done, the guys really know their stuff but they have a blast talking about it.

I really enjoy every single episode of “Drunk On Comics” and I can’t recommend this podcast enough, it’s really well put together. Please take some time out to go check out the website www.drunkoncomics.com, where you can find all the awesome podcasts, as well as the artists alley section, and just a whole lot of cool stuff.

Either check it out on the website, or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

I give this podcast “Two Mugs Up” and I really hope that everyone reading this goes and checks it out, I know you won’t regret it!!!

You can follow Jason Webb on his blog jaybwebb.wordpress.com or on Twitter at @Jaybwebb

I recently opened my mind to publishers other than the big 2 at which point I discovered Dynamite Comics! The rest is history...

Throughout the past few months, I have been picking up more comics than I ever did before. I used to only pick up a few books each month. I began to open my mind to publishers other than the big 2, and as we all know by now I’m all for the smaller comics companies putting out the best work, and then I discovered Dynamite Comics!

I slowly picked up a few of their comics, other than the odd issue I picked up randomly, I didn’t get too many. Then I discovered a pulp hero called “The Shadow” was about to relaunch with a new issue 1 and a new creative team which I got on the basis of the brilliant covers. I loved the story, and I realised that they had another pulp hero about to relaunch in much the same way. Needless to say “The Spider” was a smash for me personally. The writing and the art both played a huge part in this becoming a personal favourite of mine instantly, along with “The Shadow” they quickly became must-haves on my list every month.

“The Shadow” and "The Spider" quickly became must-haves on my list every month.

This really made me notice Dynamite a lot more. They were putting out some awesome creations almost on a weekly basis and started to make me think that I should be picking up more of their books. Characters that I was unfamiliar with at first. Then another book called “Prophecy” which was a crossover of some of the most iconic franchises dynamite own. Vampirella, Red Sonja, Dracula, and Pantha. This only made me want to read more about these characters.

With the upcoming releases of “Peter Cannon Thunderbolt” and “Damsels” they show no signs of slowing down on their mission to bring us some of the most amazing comic stories us comics fans will ever read. Many of these comics span many different times and many different parts of the world. From the vast middle earth style lands of sandpoint in “Pathfinder”, to New York as we know it today in “The Spider”, to globe trotting of the 1900′s in “The Shadow” and just about everywhere in between. They really engage the reader in many different times and places that give you a great experience when reading their comics.

With the release of “Prophecy” i got a taste of some of the most iconic characters Dynamite own inc. Vampirella, Red Sonja, Dracula, and Pantha all in one book!

The writing in these books is brilliant. The art in these books and in particular some of the amazing covers provided, by some of the true legends in the industry, are on another level. With maybe 4 issues per book, you can make the decision which particular legend you are going to go for each week/month.

I promise you that if you take a chance on at least one Dynamite comic, you will see that most of the comics you enjoy each month come from them in no time.

You can follow Jason Webb on his blog or on Twitter at @Jaybwebb

The new Hawkeye series by Matt Fraction and David Aja

Hawkeye begins with a huge single page action shot of our hero, which is one of the first and only times we see Clint Barton as Hawkeye. This is a very good thing as it takes you through the story through the eyes of the alter ego of the avenger, showing the non-superhero side of Clint. Matt Fractions writing brings a whole new light to the marvel superhero genre. I have the same problem with a lot of the other Avenger’s books, they all seem to blend together and the writers could all change round and no one would notice. However this new take on Hawkeye is refreshing and I know a lot of people have been surprised by the quality of this story.

Matt Fractions writing brings a whole new light to the marvel superhero genre.

The art by David Aja is on another level, and really gives a complete feel to this issue. It has a very different look to other marvel books, as it’s not so much of the crisp lines. It has thick black lines, and has a really easy style to it, which makes the whole issue very good to look at.

The art is the real star for me personally, however this shouldn't take anything away from Matt’s writing.

This comic is totally different to anything marvel has put out for a while, which brings with it the aspect of moving away from the standard of the other Avengers titles. The art is the real star for me personally, however this shouldn’t take anything away from Matt’s writing. The complete experience of the creative team has given us a great first issue to a story I hope will carry on for a long time. Judging from the previews I think it will.

You can follow Jason Webb on his blog or on Twitter at @Jaybwebb

By the power of Grayskull!!

When I was a kid, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was the single biggest thing in my life. I always had a sword strapped to my back, and always watched the cartoons. So of course when issue 1 of a new DC comics series of He-Man came through the post, I couldn’t contain my inner child.

We begin the issue in a dream, and talk of great power, and great battle between good and evil. Then we come back to the forest of Eternia, where Adam is going about his daily activities as a woodsman. We learn that when he isn’t chopping down trees and such he is a carer for his farther. When he returns to his duties, he is distracted by a bird, who although he hasn’t seen this bird before he knew its name as if it told him himself. After more dreams, Adam has an epiphany and realises he should go away and search for powers of which he dreams.

Witnees the throne room filled with all the evil you could imagine, including the dreaded Skeletor.

Only things aren’t what they seem, and we are quickly introduced to the villain of the issue Beastman. Who knows all about Adam and his journey, and has been sent to stop him. This brings out things in Adam that he doesn’t realise are there. After the battle, Adam continues on his journey. This then brings us to a throne room filled with all the evil you could imagine, including the dreaded Skeletor.

This book was always going to have to do a lot to impress fans like myself. The writing by James Robinson may not be to everyone’s liking. However I feel like this was a great method to use as he gives you just enough to keep you wanting more, but not too much to throw out the whole story very quickly. Although it may seem slow to take off, it just makes me more intrigued as to where the story will go in the following issues.

This is a great introduction back into Eternia and the magical world of my childhood hero.

Art by Philip Tan is good, on the few pages we actually get to see He-Man and the other heroes and villains of the story have a huge magical feeling to them like they are going to jump off the page. The pages in between have a completely different feel to them, like its two different books but all wrapped up in an awesome first issue. Although it may not be to everyone’s taste, this is a great introduction back into Eternia and the magical world of my childhood hero.

You can follow Jason Webb on his blog or on Twitter at @Jaybwebb

Earth One is a retelling of the origins of the caped crusader himself.

Batman earth one is a retelling of the origins of the superhero, who is just about the most recognisable character in history. We have all heard or seen or read different origin stories. This can be the cause of many arguments amongst Bat-fans. Now with Geoff Johns and Gary Frank taking the caped crusader down a different path, this will only add to the legendary mythology that already surrounds the dark knight.

Our story begins on the roof tops of Gotham, and a chase through the dark shadows. Batman chasing down a man he is trying to apprehend, which doesn’t exactly go to plan. This takes us back to the time of Thomas and Martha Wayne, which introduces Alfred Pennyworth, only not as we know him. He is an ex-marine, and friend to Dr. Wayne and also a former patient. He is asked to work security for the family as they go on the mayoral campaign trail, not only for them but their young son Bruce. After the tragedy of the loss of his parents (some things can’t change) Alfred is named as Bruce’s legal guardian, and so ensues the young boys training to becoming the caped crusader. The story shows a completely different side to the relationship shared by Alfred and Bruce. Although not so far from the original origin story, is enough to give you a completely different aspect on the whole history between them.

Alfred is named as Bruce’s legal guardian, and so ensues the young boys training to becoming the caped crusader.

After the funeral we meet Detective Jim Gordon, and even for a brief moment Barbara too. This brings in the introduction of Officer Harvey Bullock as Jim’s new partner. Both Jim and Harvey go out onto the streets of Gotham as they make their way to security detail for the corrupt criminal mastermind that is the mayor. Who is none other than Mayor Oswald Cobblepot. This is where the paths of the two main focuses of the story first cross, only little do they know they will become close allies in the war on crime in Gotham City.

The development of the relationships in this story are so perfectly written, and give a real in depth look at the ways that both Batman and Jim Gordon help each other along their own paths to the legends they will one day become, although not always knowing they are destined to become closer than they ever would expect in the most dangerous city in the world. Also the story shows all the people in their lives around them, that all adds a familiarity to this epic retelling of the story the world knows in many different ways. Geoff Johns writing throughout is of such a high standard, he is absolutely written a perfect Batman story. He has created a reimagining of the story that has been done many times before, only adding his own spin to it.

Every single panel is a masterpiece of comic art.

The art of Gary Frank is incredible, it really has a dark gritty feel that only portrays the elements of danger throughout the city, and its entire criminal underworld. Every single panel is a masterpiece of comic art. The lines, the backgrounds, even the serial killer “The birthday boy” although may have a humorous look is still menacing.

With both Geoff and Gary doing such amazing work, I can see this book making many top 10 lists, as it has mine.

You can follow Jason Webb on his blog or on Twitter at @Jaybwebb

Just a small post, I was thinking earlier that at the moment, through all comics mediums this really is the best time to be a comics fan. Honestly I can’t remember a week that hasn’t included a new number one issue, or a relaunch of an existing character, my obvious prime example of this being the relaunch of Batman.

What does the big reveal in Court of Owls mean to Batman going forward?

I have not been this into a story arc for a long time. I honestly think that Scott Snyder has made history, not only in batman but throughout the whole mythology surrounding the Dark Knight. Not too many writers in recent time have introduced an enemy into the batman villain hall of fame, as Snyder has with his court of owls. Not only that but the history altering revelations that have recently occurred during issue 10 (no spoilers in case you have been living under a rock and haven’t read it yet,) but another introduction into Batman not only completely changes the game, but also adds another branch to the origins of the Wayne family that changes the way you think about Batman. Scott Snyder was made to write batman, may he carry on for a long time!

There has also been some completely new stories released, such as Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Americas Got Powers by none other than Jonathan Ross to name but a few that are currently some of my favourites. The combination of great art and brilliant writing has made the current time, not only the most fun, but one of the most interesting times to be a comic fan. With all these current relaunches and new books being introduced comic book pull lists are getting larger every single week, but also people are still picking up their previous books on top, with the impending release of Spawn #220 and the Walking Dead #100, the books that have always been a must for most of us are still keeping pace with the new guys on the block.

AMC's Walking Dead TV show opened the eyes of a new audience to the joys of the comic series!

Not only are comics slowly becoming more and more popular, but they are now so much more influential across all other forms of entertainment. The Walking Dead TV shows and even to a certain extent the Big Bang Theory on the small screen brings the geek culture to a much broader audience. Just take a glance at the current cinema release schedule,  it looks more and more like a comic shop release list every week and with the excitement levels at fever pitch for the Dark Knight Rises and the Amazing Spider-Man movies plus the buzz surrounding the new Dredd film it shows no signs of letting up. These are all bringing the stories we as comic fans know and love to a much larger audience that maybe otherwise wouldn’t have known such stories without seeing them at the cinema.

And who isn't going to see the Dark Knight Rises? Not many i bet.

So to sum this up, right now is the greatest time to be a comic book fan, the industry as it stands now, makes geeks like me and you the coolest people on the planet. This really is the time to introduce all your family and friends to the comics you love, because maybe, just maybe they will be more interested than you think!

You can follow Jason Webb on his blog or on twitter at @Jaybwebb