By Robin Jones
Written by Garth Ennis
Art by Facundo Percio
Published by Avatar Press
In space, no one can hear your city sized spaceship meld into an alien one…
In the vein of Ridley Scott’s Alien, Garth Ennis and Facundo Percio bring us a Sci-fi classic in the making with Caliban.
In the future, mankind is traversing the stars, speeding across the known universe between time and space at warp speeds. We are mining the universe for its resources, sending them back via freight to an earth resembling a “tumour breathing through a smokestack.” The crew of the mining ship Caliban believe this to be just a regular mission, a mind numbingly boring sub-space trip. As with all things apparently mind numbing and boring, something extreme and horrifyingly unexpected happens. The Caliban melds with an Alien ship mid-warp, the two ships attempting to exist in the same space at the same time. Something lurks in the dark of the phased ships, something looking for prey.
Caliban is a beast of a different nature from Ennis. Whilst famous for particularly grissly scenes, highly charged dialogue and creatively stringing together swearwords, Caliban is a tense, moody, atmospheric story which is leading you into the horror to come. We are introduced to Nomi, our protagonist, an aspiring novelist, she is documenting her time on the Caliban by dictating her memoirs. This method of exposition works two fold. In a world building sense, it delivers horrific throwaway lines about the effects of living in space like ”stillborn things that go straight in the trash” and “suns too bright to look at” leaving the reader to imagine such things. The second way it works is to show the pure tedium of steering a huge spaceship through warp. What Ennis does is merely show the smallest glimpse of just what is out there, which is a much more frightening prospect as to what is waiting for the crew in the dark. San, our other main protagonist is a tough talking, sarcastic grease monkey and a nice parallel to Nomi’s introvert. The back and forths between her and Nomi really shows Ennis’ writing at it’s best, delivering sarcastic jibes, personality traits of the two and believable characters.
Percio’s art is beautiful. it’s obvious that he has the Caliban’s entire schematics planned out in his mind, and his art reflects this knowledge of the ship and it’s inner workings. There’s a futuristic enough element to the ship, but a realism often lacking in Sci-fi, the inclusion of grease on San when she finishes up fixing things, the mass of wires and panels that they have to work with and the ships unpolished finish really give the art a distinct realism. When Percio gets down to the horror, it leaps off the page at you, viscerally drawing you into the art work, a man half melded into a space ship is a distinct set piece, a terrifying end produced beautifully on the page. The actual merging of the two ships is a visual behemoth, a two page spread which genuinely made this reader gasp with shock, excitement and fright. Percio’s shadows loom ever further into the panels as the story continues and seems to be a pre-cursor to what lies in store for Nomi, San and the reader as Caliban continues.
In conclusion, Ennis and Percio deliver a tense, atmospheric and, crucially, believable Sci-fi tale. By toning down on the blood and shock value, the truly horrifying scenes are given an extra weight, especially if you compare this to Ennis’ Crossed. The added depth and restraint keep you on the edge of your wits, as the reader expects shocks and when delivered they truly shock. This is a fantastic first instalment to what should be a tense, fraught, Sci-fi horror series. A must for fans of Ennis, horror and Sci-fi!
I give this a blood curdling 10 out of 10!
In cyber space, everyone can hear you scream as you order the rest of Caliban right HERE
Posted on April 12th, 2014
Category: PULP FRICTION, REVIEWS
Tags: Avatar Press, Caliban #1 Review, Comic Blog, Comic Reviews, Facundo Percio, Garth Ennis, Horror comics, Robin Jones, Sci-Fi comics
By Robin Jones
I haven’t been reading comics for very long, in fact I started reading them around the same time I started writing about them. So last year. In that time I have had a list of comics recommended to me, which if written down as a list, in a really, REALLY small font type, it would already be as long as my entire body. From classic DC runs like Frank Miller’s Batman, Gerry Conway’s Firestorm, to Marvel runs from the likes of Bendis, Hickman, to being shown and discovering independent comics released from publishers like Valiant Comics, Avatar Press, Dynamite and Image. Stories, writers, artists and possibilities seem to be endless! Many writers stand out of the crowd in many different ways, but none stand out as much as one writer for me and that writer is Garth Ennis.
Ennis is synonomous with horror, ultra violence, pushing the boundaries, religious subtext, imaginative strings of swear words, (some so good they’d make Malcolm Tucker blush… and for those who don’t know who that is…WHY NOT!) an exploration of male friendships and the odd cunt or two. Mr Campbell, proprietor, owner, slave driver and brandisher of the whip at Inter-Comics got me started on Ennis, suggesting I read The Boys. Subsequently, I did a post about reading the first story arc, which can be read here if you haven’t already read it. Ennis loves to subvert the superhero mythos and nowhere is this more evident than in the scathing, satire drenched pages of his and Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti’s The Pro or the afore mentioned The Boys. Ennis tends to prefer real world problems than the pointless gesturing of Superheroes. Even his big two work has focused mainly on the more grizzled, realistic characters, like with his long running stint at the helm of The Punisher, or his Nick Fury stories. I recently read “My Wars gone by” and it was unputdownable and other made up words as well. Fury came across exactly how I imagine him, world weary, tired of the bullshit and with a hard on for war. Same with Frank Castle.
The Boys is as subtle as a sledgehammer. It has one goal and one goal only, to kick down your front door, fuck your wife, smash your teeth in, shit on your carpet and leave with a wink, a smile and a red bearded Simon Pegg-a-like calling card on the bedside table. You’ll feel dirty, used and abused, but if you’re of the right disposition, you’ll come back for more. And you’ll have a huge bowl, you’ll ask all your friends to put their car keys in it as you show them the newly planted Wisteria in the front garden, your HUGE inflatable waterbed and the nice, shiny gimp suit that the misses brought back from the shops, and I’m strangely fine with this. It’s nice to read a book full of cunts and fucks and whores and hamsters being secreted into bodily orifices, because the real world is full of cunts and fucks and whores and such. And God we love it for it.
But then there’s Preacher and Crossed, comics tinged with horror. Crossed #1 – 9 is my favourite survival horror story. It’s cold, uncaring, brutal and doesn’t hold back. It’s exactly what a world would be like if it all went to shit. Yet despite that, it’s still painfully funny, with such classic, all age fun character’s as “Horsecock”, “Stump” the dismembered sentry, an old man who had a tendency to kill young lads and store their body parts and various other misfits and miscreants who Ennis somehow managed to make us find likable. It’s the same with Preacher. What other comic could justify a character with an arse for a face, played seriously against the backdrop of God’s disappearance? Then all Ennis’s characters are shades of grey, much like George R R Martin’s characters in Game of Thrones, there doesn’t seem to be a black and white in his mind, and again it’s the same as in the real world. We are all shades of grey, some darker, some lighter. It’s relatable for all of us, and it’s another reason why his books are so damn good!
I mean, even his stories with cute puppies, wagging tails and floppy dog ears are full of DEATH, VIOLENCE, DESTRUCTION and more DEATH!! Rover Red Charlie is Ennis’s Homeward Bound, which was Disney’s Stand By Me. It’s a tale of friendship in the face of adversity, overcoming great obstacles, and in Ennis’s case, DEATH and the end of the world. It’s a dogs life…and yet the canine characters are relatable, we can see traits of ourselves in them and you feel for them, you worry about the plight they have laid out in front of them. So you know something. It’s exciting for me, as a relatively new reader of comics still, that I have Ennis’s Punisher run to read, I have half of Preacher to read and his Batman. Then there’s his Hellblazer, Judge Dredd, Stitched and so many others! I count myself lucky as I have this all to read and discover, and if you haven’t read any of his stuff, you’ll be able to share in my enjoyment. But then if you have read a wealth of his work, you’ll understand my excitement! Expect updates on my Ennis Exploits as we go along!
Now, enough rambling and writing effectively an open love letter to Garth Ennis’s work, it’s time for something important. It’s time for your answers to the #SundayMorningQuestion! This week, we asked “Who is your favourite comic book writer?” So, here’s your answers ladies and gents:
Steve Tasteslikedoom Fable – Warren Ellis. Really looking forward to his take on Moon Knight
Steven Mckee – Garth Ennis, Ed Brubaker, Greg Rucka. There really isn’t much between them. Brubaker’s Cap, Daredevil, Winter Soldier, Catwoman and Gotham Central all fantastic. I haven’t read a bad thing from him.
Jack Dalton – Rucka, Brubaker, Snyder, Morrison, and Manpaul & Buccalatto
James Gibbons – Warren Ellis, Scott Snyder & the almighty BKV!
Anna Readman – Brian Wood or Scott Snyder
Duggi Douglas – Garth Ennis
Matt Saviker – Alan Moore I guess or Morrison
Mark Williams – I have three, Alan Moore, Grant Morison (apart from what he has been doing in the DCU at the moment) and Garth Ennis.
Matt Jay – I’d have to agree with the 2 above and say Alan Moore. I am still new to reading comics but what I have read from Moore has stuck in my mind the most. Swamp Thing, Watchmen, Killing joke. More swamp thing trades are coming soon
Mike Kane @SpikaelKane – I’m apparently falling in love with Jason Aaron. *swoons*
Adam Cheal @AdamCheal - Erm, is there anyone better than Alan Moore? Don’t think so.
Inter-Comics @InterComics – Mine obviously is Garth Ennis, but followed closely by Brian K Vaughan and, not everyones cup of tea, Geoff Johns
Julie Dalton – I don’t have a fave. But I’m gonna point out a writer who doesn’t get enough recognition – Bill Mantlo. The man worked on EVERYTHING!
Chris Mager – I can’t pick a fave. I have to have a variety. if i read too much of one writer i start to notice all their flaws. But i like Robert kirkman, Scott snyder, Brian K Vaughan, Bendis, Waid, Duggan, Remender
Finally, it’s time to announce which title won my vote for which to read and talk about next. By a long shot, the winner was Cullen Bunn’s The Sixth Gun! Therefore, next time, expect cowboys, ghosts, injuns, shoot outs, saloons and dancing girls. Ya varmints.
Until next time…
For more comic views and reviews follow Robin on Twitter at @Hulksmash1985
Posted on January 23rd, 2014
Category: PAPERCUTS AND INKSTAINS VOL. 2, REVIEWS
Tags: Arseface, Avatar Press, Crossed, Dynamite Entertainment, Garth Ennis, Nick Fury, Preacher, Punisher, The Boys, The Pro
By Robin Jones
Written by Garth Ennis
Art by Michael Dipascale
It’s issue #2 of Garth Ennis’s end of the world tale of dogs, friendship, arsehole cats and feeders gone insane. It’s the story of three best friends at the end of the world. Yes it’s Rover Red Charlie #2.
The human race has gone mad. It’s unclear as to whether it was a disease, biological weapon or genetic trait that’s done it, but the worlds population has turned into a bloodthirsty, horrific, murderous, rampaging mess, and that spells trouble for our heroes, Rover; Red and Charlie. Three dogs on a mission to leave Manhattan. After the first issue of dodging blood thristy, crazy feeders, Ennis switches the focus this issue to the inevitable struggle for who will be top of the domesticated foodchain.
Yes, this time around the problem for our three furry friends isn’t the humans, but the dogs age old enemy. The cat. It seems Ennis really has a disliking for cats, he portrays them as cold, calculated, murderous and cunning. Their encounter with our heroes has the trio questioning their tactics and plans for their own survival in this new world.
Ennis’s writing is brilliant, he takes a concept you wouldn’t think would be captivating or compelling, a story about three dogs, and warps and twists it into a complex survival story, with depth, a wealth of charactertisation and Ennis’s trademark snappy dialogue. Charlie, our idealistic hero, is all for helping the “feeders” since he was trained as a helper dog, Red is the big, dopey, loveable character and Rover is the smarter, biting funny one. They’re the “Stand by Me” crew of comics!
Michael Dipascale’s art works extremely well for the story at hand. The range of expression, emotion and characterisation he manages to portay in his art is astounding. The cats look evil, the dystopian backdrop of a shattered and broken Manhattan is familiar but at the same time un-nerving. In most of the subtler panels, Dipascale make sure we don’t forget the sheer weight of carnage and destruction our demise has caused. A pool of blood here, a dismembered body part there. He makes sure that despite the tale of companionship unfolding in the dialogue, there is still the underlying theme of desolation and a changing of times.
Rover Red Charlie is well worth the read. It’s compelling, intelligent, funny and has an individuality of it’s own. It is a must for fans of Ennis’s work, a must for those who love a good survival story and a must for those who read “Watership Down” or “the Animals of Farthing Wood” as a child. BUY THIS BOOK!
I give this 10 out of 10!
Click HERE to view the Rover Red Charlie series!
For more comic views and reviews follow Robin on Twitter at @Hulksmash1985
Posted on January 20th, 2014
Category: PULP FRICTION, REVIEWS
Tags: Avatar Press, Comic Reviews, Garth Ennis, Hisspot, Michael Dipascale, Robin Jones, Rover Red Charlie #2 Review
Click HERE to watch Matt’s review of Rover Red Charlie #1
Three friends at the end of the world, knowing when it is and when it isn’t the right time to sniff an ass.
Hey I’m Matt, the reviews I do are spoiler free for the most part (except for sequential issues where I might mention what happened previously) but I aim to give you an overview of the story/art and basic quality of the book so you can make an informed decision and not waste those precious £!!
If there’s books you’d like to see reviewed just leave a comment and I will do my very best.
Follow Matt on Twitter! – https://twitter.com/Ass_H4t
Check Matt out on Youtube! – http://www.youtube.com/user/jezzamatic?feature=watch
Posted on December 6th, 2013
Category: MATT ON COMICS, REVIEWS
Tags: Avatar Press, Comic Review, Garth Ennis, Matt Saviker, Rover Red Charlie review, Youtube comic community, Youtube Comic Reviews
By Daniel Cole
Daniel Cole brings you episode #005 of the Six Shooter!
Welcome to the Six Shooter! This is a weekly column that will review six specific comics. Big new releases, small interesting titles and random curiosities. All will be looked at. The way it works is that there will be a brief review of the comics followed by our rating system. Our ratings are:
Headshot (Best of the week)
Hit (Read)
Miss (Don’t Read)
Misfire (Worst of the week)
After last weeks hiatus Six Shooter is back and ready to look at this weeks offerings. So lets do this!
BATMAN 66 #1 – DC COMICS
Adam West’s Batman is everything that is odd and silly about the character.
Written by Jeff Parker
Art by Jonathan Case
It is a given that nearly everyone is familiar with the 60s Batman TV show. It was high camp and trippy fun that made household names of Batman and Robin. Adam West’s Batman is everything that is odd and silly about the character.
What Jeff Parker and Jonathan Case have done is recreate the TV show and embrace the ridiculousness of it all. As a result we have a comic that captures the TV show’s camp feel and that is a good thing. Having this Batman back is refreshing and gives us a caped crusader who isn’t bogged down in an overtly serious tone.
The plot is a simple but effective, utilising one of Batman’s more colourful villains. The Riddler just suits this style of Batman 66 and his mania is excellent. The dialogue is pure cheese, but is a constant source of humour. Parker has nailed the actors deliveries perfectly and manages to throw in some great Robin one-liners (HOLY TIGHTROPE!)
Jonathan Case’s art has a pulpy charm to it that really sells the book. The colour work alone is a visual treat as the bright colours pop off the page. His panel layouts are dynamic and the action is fun. Sometimes the pencils are a little simplistic in places and the thick inking shows that up, but on the whole the book’s visuals mirror the TV show’s aesthetic.
It isn’t going to blow you away, but it is a fun read that plays heavy on childhood nostalgia for the TV show. Parker and Case are a great team and have constructed an engaging and camp book that explores a take on Batman that has been sorely missing in the recent comics.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – HIT
SUICIDE RISK #3 – BOOM! STUDIOS
The idea that a cop buys a superpower from a back alley is a nice set up and from this issue we are finally hitting some ground with the story.
Written by Mike Carey
Art by Elena Casagrande & Andrew Elder
Although the premise behind Mike Carey’s latest series isn’t really original, it at least has a little depth to the world. The idea that a cop buys a superpower from a back alley is a nice set up and from this issue we are finally hitting some ground with the story.
That being said this issue still has pacing problems and the need for exposition drags the first half of the book down. Carey goes to great lengths to make the reader sympathise with the main character here, but Leo continues to be somewhat of a blank canvass. His emotional distress at last issue’s events is hammered out here and the script overworks that angle, which leaves it feeling too artificial. Leo’s brother is nothing more than a plot device as he tells Leo one villain’s backstory and gives him details on another super powered person. These elements make the first half of the issue a tedious read.
But the second half isn’t that much better. However the introduction of a character with the powers of a drug without the side effects is handled well. But the little action scene is a by the numbers affair and the issue’s cliffhanger doesn’t do much to entice you back.
Elena Casagrande’s art is functional and clear, but it lacks any real impact. It looks just like your standard comic book. That isn’t a bad thing as the plot is told well visually, but you won’t exactly remember the comic for its art.
Suicide Risk has a lot of problems, but even its good points only raise the book up to an average read. The concept might be better suited to TV as the way this issue is paced and plotted seems to have that medium in mind. It has potential to improve and Carey is a very capable writer, but for now this is a middle of the road title.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – MISS
ABSOLUTION RUBICON #1 – AVATAR PRESS
This issue is, as you’d expect, all set up and places the reader six months after its main character turned into a murdering vigilante.
Written by Christos Gage
Art by Daniel Gete & Digikore Studios
The main problem with Christos Gage’s Absolution Rubicon is that we’ve seen it all before. Super powered vigilantes murdering the bad guys are so commonplace now that it is becoming tiresome.
It would seem that Gage has been inspired by Mark Millar’s recent output. We have characters swearing, graphic depictions of violence and a completely cynical approach to superheroes. This issue is, as you’d expect, all set up and places the reader six months after its main character turned into a murdering vigilante. All the major players are put on the board and Gage gives them all motivations. It isn’t a bad script technically, but the familiarity of it all makes the book a bland read.
The one true interesting concept (criminals appealing their time in prison) is dealt with in such a quick fashion that it is no longer relevant before the issue hits the halfway mark. The way Gage introduces the two female protagonists is the highlight of the whole issue. Using the speed dating framing device to get across these two characters personalities in a succinct way.
Gete’s art is more focused on delivering bloody action than consistent quality. It isn’t hard to follow but the detail drops from time to time. He has a lot of fun in the action scenes, but he isn’t really suited to the more talkative moments.
The book isn’t terrible by any means and you can see that it is aiming for a specific audience. But the concept isn’t thrilling, the characters don’t really capture your attention and the art is mediocre. As a first issue it does what is needed of it, but little more.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – MISS
THEREMIN #2 – MONKEY BRAIN COMICS
The main selling point of the book is the almost poetic text boxes that straggle a fine line between interesting and pretentious.
Written by Curt Pires
Art by Dalton Rose
Curt Pires and Dalton Rose’s time travel based comic rushes along at a break neck pace. It is especially noticeable due to its small page count. On top of this the book is crammed with ideas that makes it seem almost necessary to read again once you’ve finished.
There is a pulp feel to the title, but it isn’t overt. The main selling point of the book is the almost poetic text boxes that straggle a fine line between interesting and pretentious. However the gung-ho attitude to murder from a lot of the characters is a little too much and one will wonder how far down the rabbit hole Pires went as we see Buddhist talking chimps being slaughtered.
Dalton Rose’s art is well defined and gives the book a distinct style. His art is very expressive, but it is quite rough. However this gives the book a solid visual identity. The use of colour and lighting effects is where the art shines. Rose really knows how to colour a book with the projector panel being the best image in the issue.
It is quirky and it is hard to decide whether that is a good or bad thing. There is something alluring about the crazy ideas on display here, but the execution seems rushed and a little incoherent due to the rapid pacing and limited page count.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – MISS
SATELLITE SAM #1 – IMAGE COMICS
Sex, violence and TV in the 1950s. It’s a concoction that suits Howard Chaykin down to the ground.
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Howard Chaykin
Sex, violence and TV in the 1950s. It’s a concoction that suits Howard Chaykin down to the ground. It is also a great fit for Fraction as his script trundles along nicely as the opening chapter of Satellite Sam comes to an interesting end.
One thing is instantly noticeable about this issue. The black and white choice really enhances Chaykin’s art style. His pencil work is detailed and his visual story telling is the best he’s done in a while. His characters look great and they perfectly fit into the darkly styled world he has created. Bold inking makes the book look striking and Chaykin’s use of lighting and shade gives the art depth.
Fraction’s script is talky, but in a great way. The characters are well defined and the hectic atmosphere of a TV production is captured perfectly. The ramifications of Satellite Sam’s death are intriguing and the issue makes you want to find out more about how these stressed characters deal with everything now the star of the show has gone.
It is a well-paced issue that is filled with great dialogue and character work. The plot is engaging, with Fraction setting up his story whilst delivering a satisfying first issue. Chaykin is on top form, as he enhances Fraction’s script to no end. If Satellite Sam keeps up this quality then it will be a must have title.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – HEADSHOT
MASKS AND MOBSTERS #9 – MONKEY BRAIN COMICS
This issue is a stand-alone tale where two members of the mob meet a Namor-esque character. The ensuing story is simple but entertaining.
Written by Mike Henderson (Script Assist Joshua Williamson)
Art by Mike Henderson
Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson’s crime anthology is an excellent title. It is an interesting concept told in an interesting way. Taking the masks back to the golden age and having them fight the mobsters instead of super villains.
This issue is a stand-alone tale where two members of the mob meet a Namor-esque character. The ensuing story is simple but entertaining. The creative team play on the concept of an aquatic super being. With the mobsters cleverly getting the creature on their side. It all ends with a Mask appearing and a scuffle. It is a light read but it will stay with you.
Before we talk about the art inside the comic let us admire the fantastic front cover from Henderson. It’s a haunting and moody piece of art that perfectly encapsulates the tone of the world Masks and Mobsters inhabits. The art inside the comic is just as striking. The noir look might be the go to style for this type of tale but Henderson really makes it work. The decision to make the sky a black backdrop makes the white coloured characters and world pop off the page. Henderson proves that he is an excellent storyteller with this one issue.
This is a gorgeous looking book with a fun story. It maybe a quick read but it’s a well-crafted one. It is easily one of the best looking comics out there.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – HEADSHOT
VERDICT
Three misses is disappointing but it is also a week that has two headshots. So we can call that a win.
Do you agree with the reviews? Did we get them wrong or right? Have any suggests on what we should review next week? Get in touch in the comments section.
For more comic views and reviews follow Dan on Twitter at @gizmo151183
Posted on July 5th, 2013
Category: REVIEWS, SIX SHOOTER
Tags: Absolution Rubicon #1 Review, Adam West, Avatar Press, Batman 66 #1, Comic Reviews, Daniel Cole, DC Comics, Image Comics, Masks and Monsters #9 Review, Monkey Brain Comics Reviews, Satellite Sam #1 Review, Six Shooter #005, Suicide Risk #3 Review, Theremin #2 Review
By Daniel Cole
Daniel Cole brings you episode #004 of the Six Shooter!
Welcome to the Six Shooter! This is a weekly column that will review six specific comics. Big new releases, small interesting titles and random curiosities. All will be looked at. The way it works is that there will be a brief review of the comics followed by our rating system. Our ratings are:
Headshot(Best of the week)
Hit (Read)
Miss (Don’t Read)
Misfire (Worst of the week)
This week is full of zombies, mysteries, reinvented superheroes and Darth Vader. It’s another eclectic collection of titles. So lets do this!
AMELIA COLE AND THE HIDDEN WAR #2 – MONKEY BRAIN COMICS
It seems that there have been many attempts at exploring magic since the introduction of a certain boy wizard.
Written by Adam P. Knave & D.J. Kirkbride
Art by Nick Brokenshire
It seems that there have been many attempts at exploring magic since the introduction of a certain boy wizard. Amelia Cole is not specifically geared towards the same market as Mr Potter though.
Knave and Kirkbride blend superhero and militaristic elements into this magical themed world and the outcome is mixed at best. There is nothing inherently wrong with the concept, but it seems like the execution is a little lacking. This is mainly due to a weak main narrative and bad dialogue. Amelia herself has too much “attitude,” which makes her an unlikable lead. Her thoughts are displayed in text boxes that don’t engage. Although they are intended to add depth to Amelia, they’re too forced and come off as superficial statements.
The narrative of the issue is well paced and the structure works well. But the content is a little uninspiring. The whole plot revolves around Amelia waking up and getting back into the game whilst The Omega Company find something in the desert. It may move the overall plot forward, but it lacks a hook to keep you interested. The opening flashback about Lemmy is the only part of the narrative that is engaging.
Brokenshire’s art is solid. The use of slanted layouts for the action scenes gives them a sense of motion. His character depictions work for the script and have a charming quality about them. However the backgrounds are bare and the colouring is flat, which adds to the issue’s problems.
The title’s concept is lost due to this issue’s mediocre presentation. The narrative is uninteresting and the script is marred by terrible dialogue. It isn’t the worst read you’ll ever have but it is utterly forgettable.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – MISS
X-FILES SEASON 10 #1 – IDW PUBLISHING
The issue’s moody visuals give the book a distinct quality and the writing is solid.
Written by Joe Harris (script) & Chris Carter (Story)
Art by Michael Walsh & Jordie Bellaire
This continuation of the cult TV show certainly starts like an episode of the X-Files, with a teaser before the title sequence. The issue’s moody visuals give the book a distinct quality and the writing is solid.
Walsh’s pencils might be simplistic in some respects. But his Mulder, Scully and Skinner look like their real life counterparts and there is much to appreciate from that alone. The big spacious panels evoke the feeling that you are watching television and the layouts are simple but effective. Empty panel space is used to accentuate a reveal (Mulder) and the heavy inking gives the book a noir quality that really works. As always colourist Jordie Bellaire is on fine form with her colours giving a depth to the art.
Harris’ script has the unenviable task of living up to the fans of the show. But he is more than up to the challenge. His character work shines more than the actual plot. Mulder and Scully are fleshed out and Harris make’s sure new readers can get in on the action as well. The interplay between the characters is fun, but some of Mulder’s humour does fall flat.
The only problem really is the plot. Granted Harris and Carter have to get their main characters back into the game, but it seems a little too contrived. The central mystery might hook a lot of readers, but the “someone hacked into the X-Files” angle isn’t the best opening gambit for this series.
However this is a title that will please both fans and new readers. As a first issue it’s a success. It has a great visual identity and the characters are engaging. The plot may not be exciting, but it has enough about it to make most readers come back for the next instalment.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – HIT
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #24 – MARVEL COMICS
Bendis has made both Cloak and Dagger instantly likable as characters.
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by David Marquez & Justin Ponser
This issue is all about (re)introducing Cloak and Dagger to the Ultimate Universe. Their powers are the same, but their origin has had a much-needed overhaul. Bendis manages to link these new heroes to the Roxxon brain trust, who have been scheming for a while now. Bendis fills the issue with bad pseudo science and his talking head style does slow the pace of the narrative somewhat. But the new origin makes sense and surrounding it with science fiction elements keeps it in line with Ultimate Spider-man’s universe.
Bendis has made both Cloak and Dagger instantly likable as characters. There is history there and the flashbacks provide the reader with a succinct background to them both. However this being a Spider-man comic you’d expect he’d make an appearance. Well Mile Morales is still grieving from his mother’s death. Bendis continues the “I’ve quit” storyline and although it works in theory, Morales is barely in this issue. Therefore this aspect of the issue has no weight as Bendis is more focused on his new toys. He sacrifices Mile’s continued development to showcase his new take on Cloak and Dagger.
But for any problems the script has David Marquez more than makes up for it with his art. It is quite literally beautifully to look art. He has an eye for the human form and he is easily one of the best character artist working in comics. Every emotion is captured perfectly. His pencils are detailed, clean and dynamic. His fight scenes are kinetic and pop off the page. The redesigns of Cloak and Dagger aren’t especially inspiring, but Marquez sells them. Especially Cloak who is a wonderful visual.
The comic succeeds as an introduction to new characters. But it does little to truly move along Mile’s story. He is somewhat of an afterthought. But the art is excellent and that alone makes this issue worth a read.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – HIT
STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE NINTH ASSASSIN #3 – DARK HORSE COMICS
He dispatches enemies, leaps around and walks menacingly. He does everything that Darth Vader does and it is presented perfectly.
Written by Tim Siedell
Art by Ivan Fernández, Denis Freitas & Michael Atiyeh
The creative team deliver a nearly silent issue that just has Vader searching for answers. It isn’t a revelatory character study and it isn’t something that deepens the Star Wars mythology. It’s a comic that show’s off how utterly cool the character can be. He dispatches enemies, leaps around and walks menacingly. He does everything that Darth Vader does and it is presented perfectly.
Siedell essentially lets Fernández tell the story through the visuals. But the script has a great pace to it and the limited dialogue delivers both exposition and characterisation. The less Vader speaks means that when he does it has impact. Cold and practical seem to be his defining traits. This less is more approach to the script really elevates this simple story.
Fernández does the heavy lifting and he does it well. Vast landscapes, alien beasts and lightsaber action are handled with the same level of detail. The book looks great and it is impressive that Fernández can create some distinct emotional reactions on the blank armoured faces of the issue’s cast. Best of all is the way in which he inserts heroic imagery into certain scenes, for example Vader putting his lightsaber back after killing a creature.
It isn’t the most interesting plot, but the execution is excellent. The lack of dialogue is a boon to the issue. There is little depth here, but the Sith Lord will entertain you.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – HEADSHOT
EXTINCTION PARADE #1 – AVATAR PRESS
The author of World War Z adds another zombie tale to his bibliography.
Written by Mark Brooks
Art by Raulo Caceres & Digikore Studios
The author of World War Z adds another zombie tale to his bibliography. But this has a twist as Brooks decides to tackle another highly popular supernatural creature, the vampire.
From the off Brooks wastes no time in introducing everything you need to know about his new concept. Vampires are arrogant and have underestimated the threat zombies present. Brooks criticises previous popular incarnations of vampires, but crucially he doesn’t build a unique angle for his own interpretation. The main character’s narration is overwrought and reminiscent of other fictional vampires (namely Lestat). The whole concept is overplayed and makes for quite a tiresome read.
The art is rough, but the colouring has a bizarre sheen to it. This is due to the way in which the character and backgrounds are shaded. Caceres pencils are in direct conflict with Digikore’s colours and the book doesn’t quite come together visually. The detailed rotting corpses and violence impress, but it isn’t anything we haven’t seen before.
And that is what the main problem is with the issue. The familiar visual and narrative elements detract from the main concept, which isn’t that interesting to begin with. It may set-up the overall plot and characters, but Mark Brooks’ script is utterly uninspired. The Extinction Parade is a lifeless book with nothing to offer.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – MISFIRE
BATWOMAN #21 – DC COMICS
As always the book’s visual structure is impressive and Francavilla has a lot of fun playing with the layouts. The crocodile theme is a stroke of genius and makes the book a great visual experience.
Written by J.H. Williams III & W. Haden Blackman
Art by Francesco Francavilla
This newest issue of Batwoman focuses on Killer Croc as we get a break from the main narrative.
As always the book’s visual structure is impressive and Francavilla has a lot of fun playing with the layouts. The crocodile theme is a stroke of genius and makes the book a great visual experience. However Francavilla’s actual art within the panels is a little inconsistent. The tone of the script doesn’t exactly go with the pencils, which often look a little cartoonish. The quality of the art changes throughout as detailed character work becomes simplistic by the end of the issue.
But Williams and Blackman’s script is good enough to hide the arts problems. Killer Croc’s narration is filled with character. There are moments of humour to be had, but the overall narrative actually explores Croc’s life. The writing team manage to make Croc empathetic and the plot actually earns its happy ending.
Although the art lets the issue down somewhat, the actual panel layouts and the script are enough to call this issue a successful character piece. Williams and Blackman continue to provide DC with one of its better titles.
SIX SHOOTER RATING – HIT
Verdict
Overall it has been a good week. A surprising star performance from Darth Vader has been the standout comic. Proving that good storytelling can come from a great understanding of how to use the medium. The good outweighs the bad for another week and although there was one utter failure of an issue, it is a good time to enjoy comics.
Do you agree with the reviews? Did we get them wrong or right? Have any suggests on what we should review next week? Get in touch in the comments section.
For more comic views and reviews follow Dan on Twitter at @gizmo151183
Posted on June 21st, 2013
Category: REVIEWS, SIX SHOOTER
Tags: Amelia Cole and the Hidden War #2 Review, Avatar Press, Batwoman #21 Review, brian michael bendis, Daniel Cole, Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Extinction Parade #1 Review, marvel comics, Six Shooter #004, Star Wars Darth Vader and the Ninth Assasin #3 Review, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #24 Review, X-Files Season 10 #1 Review
By James M. Clark
Written by David Lapham
Art by Gabriel Andrade
We as readers have come to expect nothing less than the best in violence, sex and gore from David Lapham and Gabriel Andrade over these past 8 issues.
Ferals #8 begins with some good ole fashioned werewolfing and hard-core sex. We as readers have come to expect nothing less than the best in violence, sex and gore from David Lapham and Gabriel Andrade over these past 8 issues. As Dale Chestnutt is balls deep in his FBI partner and has her bent over the kitchen table, a knock at the door from the local ferals interrupts Dale’s passionate romp much to everybody’s chagrin.
There’s a decapitator known as the ‘Headless Horseman’ that’s been making his rounds and doing what he does best: decapitating people
Dale’s female counterpart has become rather accustomed to Dale’s rough and rumble S&M love-making and has to go as far as caking on some extra foundation to hide the scars and bruises; reminders of a time well-had. It seems the top brass at the FBI is holding out on Dale; there’s a decapitator known as the ‘Headless Horseman’ that’s been making his rounds and doing what he does best: decapitating people (I hope you didn’t think he was the best at giving head; he’s the best at taking heads away).
Dale makes for the wilderness with his fellow Feral compatriots only to find they are less than interested in welcoming Sven Halvorsen (Dale’s newly adopted moniker to hide his real identity) to their feral community. There’s a bit of a misunderstanding: Dale’s claim of enjoying hunting wolves turns out to be a shared pastime of these local ferals, though they want to hunt him.
There’s a bit of a misunderstanding: Dale’s claim of enjoying hunting wolves turns out to be a shared pastime of these local ferals, though they want to hunt him.
Elsewhere, as Pia (Dale’s partner) makes her way into town to get in good with the local females, she too runs into a misunderstanding. As a group of local women kick her ass from here to there, the local women then realize Pia is not the revolving man-door they were looking to put a hurting on. Turns out, one of the women is after a nasty little number that has been cheating with her husband.
Pia (Dale’s partner) makes her way into town to get in good with the local females, she too runs into a misunderstanding.
Dale’s adventure in the wilderness by his lonesome is setting us up for something big as he stumbles across a deer with its head severed from its body (remember what I was saying about that headless horseman?). When Dale finally discovers said severed deer head, it’s a bit too late: he’s walked right into another werewolf’s territory! After a scuffle, Dale stumbles upon a missing school bus full of kids, all of their heads missing. Just who is this sick fuck? And will Dale be able to stop him in time before he commits another atrocity?
The last page as always hooks us just like an AMC Breaking Bad cliff-hanger: 20 or 30 feral werewolves descending from a hill, all bound for a Dale Chestnutt buffet! This series is becoming far and away my favourite book to pick up. The David Lapham Wednesday’s are my favourite of the month. I’m hoping to see this series win an Eisner or at the very least be nominated… it’s fantastic. I can’t stop raving about it to friends or harassing David Lapham on twitter about how good his work is. You should pull this entire series if you haven’t already and prepare yourself to see werewolves at their coolest!
After a scuffle, Dale stumbles upon a missing school bus full of kids, all of their heads missing.
Click here to view Ferals at: www.Inter-Comics.com/Ferals
Follow James on twitter @JamesMClark87 or check out his website: http://50shadesofbloodandviscera.wordpress.com where he reviews only the most bloody and visceral comics!
Posted on September 26th, 2012
Category: 50 SHADES OF BLOOD AND VISCERA, REVIEWS
Tags: 50 Shades Of Blood and Viscera, Avatar Comics, Avatar Press, Comic Reviews, comics, Crossed, David Lapham, Ferals, Ferals #8 review, Ferals review, Gabriel Andrade, James M. Clark, Werewolves
Written by David Lapham
Art by Gabriel Andrade
When we last saw Dale Chestnutt, he was in a pretty rough state from the events of the first Ferals arc (see issues #1-6; previously reviewed) which culminated in a Mexican stand-off and shoot out free-for-all between Dale, Christopher Ingebritsen and the Ferals clan as well as the FBI agents.
I’m telling you… dude can draw some seriously mean mountains!
Ferals #7 opens with some beautiful landscape art by Andrade of the snow-topped West Coast mountains. Having just come back a few days ago from vacation in British Columbia and Washington, I’m telling you… dude can draw some seriously mean mountains! I was pretty rattled when the shop I visited in Washington didn’t carry Avatar titles because I didn’t get to read this until I got back yesterday and I can’t go without my Avatar titles. But wait… I was talking about that epic shootout! Dale is somehow alive, though barely and page 1-3 show Dale chowing down on gorgeous Gerda’s innards. Page 2-3 really blew me away with a great double page shot of Dale stuffing his face full of Gerda’s guts.
Page 2-3 really blew me away with a great double page shot of Dale stuffing his face full of Gerda’s guts.
Page 4 brings us back to reality with Dale hospitalized though unscathed by the events of Ferals #6. How can this be? As the FBI explains to Dale and fills us in; the feds are taking care of him and having his nails trimmed as far back as possible so that he doesn’t go Feral on their asses. Yet not too much can contain a handsome, slick-talking, shit-kicking werewolf like Dale Chestnutt and the feds have to unleash a blast of buckshot on Dale though he obviously survives now that he’s Feral.
The feds have come in to a position of power over Dale!
The feds have come in to a position of power over Dale and aren’t seeking to experiment on him, though readers get the impression that their use of him in another Ferals cell spells nothing but bad news down the line for our beloved anti-hero. I was a bit pissed that Lapham killed off that babe Gerda but trust me, there’s a lot more sex to come; did you honestly think Dale wouldn’t continue boning babes? Hell yeah he would.
Dale uses his charm on the locals!
I don’t want to spoil it any more for you guys, this series is amazing, you should all go out and buy it or give David Lapham, Gabriel Andrade and Avatar Press an apology for being such an ignorant shithead and not reading it.
Click here to view Ferals at: www.Inter-Comics.com/Ferals
Follow James on twitter @JamesMClark87 or check out his website: http://50shadesofbloodandviscera.wordpress.com where he reviews only the most bloody and visceral comics!
Posted on September 24th, 2012
Category: 50 SHADES OF BLOOD AND VISCERA, REVIEWS
Tags: 50 Shades Of Blood and Viscera, Avatar Comics, Avatar Press, Comic Reviews, comics, Crossed, David Lapham, Ferals, Ferals #7 review, Ferals review, Gabriel Andrade, James M. Clark, Werewolves
Crossed Badlands #12 opens with a hilarious page of “Yellow-Belly” aka Edmund dreaming of umm… well, some big round butt as he floats into it somewhere in the dreamy cosmos.
Crossed Badlands #12 opens with a hilarious page of “Yellow-Belly” aka Edmund dreaming of umm…
We can see the progression of our protagonist from yellow-bellied grade-A pussy to the burgeoning possibilities of Edmund being a hero (this is the same dude that hid in a barrel as his mom, dad and brother were violently raped by Crossed geeks). Edmund puts his foot down in this issue – the crossed geeks will no longer violently fuck and kill their way across his community – when he decides he is going to do what he should have done from the hop; warn everyone that the geeks are coming!
We can see the progression of our protagonist from yellow-bellied grade-A pussy to the burgeoning possibilities of Edmund being a hero
Lapham’s hilarious characterization of a whipping boy turned hero can’t help but win the hearts of his readers as we cheer for him to kick some Crossed ass.
Lo and behold! Nobody believes the starry-eyed teen as he runs around a small town telling everyone that the geeks who raped and pillaged a local carnival are coming to spread their madness and pandemonium to the neighbouring communities. But wait! Our hero discovers a biker bar and as he so aptly puts it: “Biker’s kick ass”.
You’re gonna cheer so hard when you see who Edmund has to go toe to toe with!
The biker’s aren’t nearly as stupid as the local townies and ask Edmund to take them to the carnival so they can witness firsthand where the infection began. This leads to another brilliant Jacen Burrows 2-page spread of the Crossed rampantly dismembering circus animals as the bikers and Edmund stumble upon ground zero.
As the bikers and Edmund prepare themselves for a no-holds bar, knock-down, drag-out brimming to the tits with violence war everybody takes a night to relax: Biker-style. Edmund partakes in the festivities enjoying beers, cigarettes that don’t smell like cigarettes and the warm embrace of a biker babe whose “Butt was really nice and a bit jiggly”. If you had of told me the cowardly loser introduced in Crossed: Badlands #10 would be sliding up inside some biker tail not 2 issues later; I would’ve called you a moron.
If you had of told me the cowardly loser introduced in Crossed: Badlands #10 would be sliding up inside some biker tail not 2 issues later; I would’ve called you a moron.
Edmund gets some war paint tattooed on his arm before him and his biker comrade’s head out to kick some sadistic zombified ass! Another beautiful Jacen Burrows 2 page spread of the biker’s gunning down Crossed with some kick-ass Uzi’s and biker babes. This issue comes with a reappearance of a character from Edmund’s quiet high-school days; you’re gonna cheer so hard when you see who Edmund has to go toe to toe with!
The latter pages of the story are gripping as we witness just exactly how far Edmund has progressed from pussy to cold-blooded killer and the events of Crossed: Badlands #12 definitely take their toll on the psyche of an otherwise harmless young man. This issue is one not to be missed! A brilliant cliff-hanger ending to be concluded next issue in Crossed: Badlands #13 before the beginning of The Darkness writer David Hines’ arc.
Follow James on twitter @JamesMClark87 or check out his website: http://50shadesofbloodandviscera.wordpress.com where he reviews only the most bloody and visceral comics!
Posted on September 8th, 2012
Category: 50 SHADES OF BLOOD AND VISCERA, REVIEWS
Tags: 50 Shades Of Blood and Viscera, Avatar Comics, Avatar Press, Comic Review, comics, Crossed Badlands #12 Review, David Lapham, Jacen Burrows, James M. Clark
As the Crossed descend on the town, the townies start to realize perhaps Edmund has a good reason to be such a cowardly bitch!
Part two of David Lapham’s “Yellow-Belly” arc continues in Crossed Badlands #11 written by David Lapham with art by Jacen Burrows
The issue opens with Edmund having returned home from the carnival and confessing to his mother and a police officer the brutality he witnessed while at the carnival with his father and brother (both now dead; having fallen victim to the Crossed in issue 10).
The issue opens with Edmund having returned home from the carnival and confessing to his mother and a police officer the brutality he witnessed.
Edmund’s yellow-bellied cowardice begins to show even more in this latest issue with a series of events that would test any man’s mettle. However, Edmund’s pant-peeing cowardice isn’t just yellow… it’s downright ‘yella’. As the Crossed descend on the town, the townies start to realize perhaps Edmund has a good reason to be the cowardly bitch that he is and perhaps they could all do with taking a page from his book. One of the guys that gave Edmund such a hard time at school even commends Edmund for this and thanks him for warning them about the plagued legions of Crossed wreaking havoc on the town.
Edmund’s pant-peeing cowardice isn’t just yellow… it’s downright ‘yella’.
We’re introduced to some more characters from the school Edmund attends and are given their backstory. The events of this issue lead to an epic few final pages with more great art by Burrows and as much pandemonium as readers can handle!
The events of this issue lead to an epic few final pages with more great art by Burrows and as much pandemonium as readers can handle!
Having a go at a series after Jamie Delano is a tough task for any writer but Lapham has taken the reigns with fervour and delivers some really high-octane story. Jacen Burrows shows more and more that he was meant for the series and I’m really hoping Avatar Press pairs these two again in other Crossed arcs.
Follow James on twitter @JamesMClark87 or check out his website: http://50shadesofbloodandviscera.wordpress.com where he reviews only the most bloody and visceral comics!
Posted on September 8th, 2012
Category: 50 SHADES OF BLOOD AND VISCERA, REVIEWS
Tags: 50 Shades Of Blood and Viscera, Avatar Comics, Avatar Press, Comic Review, comics, Crossed Badlands #11 Review, David Lapham, Jacen Burrows, James M. Clark
David Lapham take reigns as the writer of Crossed: Badlands with issue #10.
Following the six issue “Homo Superior” 6 issue arc by Jamie Delano, David Lapham take reigns as the writer of Crossed: Badlands with issue #10. Returning from his previous run on Badlands, artist Jacen Burrows gets back at things with some disgustingly good depictions of the carnival of horrors David Lapham has in sore for his 4 issue “Yellow Belly” arc.
Just take a look at the regular cover: a perverted POV angle from the inside of a dark recess of the carnival that Lapham’s brought to town in “Yellow Belly”.
"Yellow Belly" introduces us to an interesting character named Edmund a.ka. 'Yellow Belly'
“Yellow Belly” introduces us to an interesting character named Edmund a.ka. ‘Yellow Belly’, not only because of his cowardly nature (see Burrow’s panels from the barrel scene; GLORIOUS!) but also because he peed his pants in the sixth grade. Edmund or ‘Yellow Belly’ is a loner high school kid close to graduation.
Lapham’s got a bit of a sense of humour with his intertextuality if I’m playing my cards right. We’re introduced to a ‘tough as nails’ football player named Joe Rigg (the UFC Fighter?), Katie Weiner (Gretchen Weiner? Lacy Chabert’s character in Mean Girls?) and Betty Ford.
Meet Katie Weiner AKA (Gretchen Weiner? Lacy Chabert's character in Mean Girls?)
Edmund’s parents come through and pay for the car insurance as a gift and he decides to head to the local county fair, full of “Freaks, Geeks, And Other Oddities”. Burrow’s art of the weird and unusual and the midway lights in all their splendor is breathtaking, fun and enjoyable. Things quickly turn from glitz and glamour to the grey and the grim after a brief stint by a vicious Freak Geek.
When the Geek – who is really just a hoax – discusses his job with his boss and the possibility of losing his job, he’s suprised to see one of the Crossed has come to replace him! Edmund and his family must run to safety, but who will make the cut? Edmund seems a bit too weak for the world of the Crossed so we will just have to see if he has the guts to survive 4 issues of brutality under the pen of Lapham.
Edmund seems a bit too weak for the world of the Crossed so we will just have to see if he has the guts to survive.
This issue is an awesome precursor to Lapham’s contribution to the series and the setting is fantastic! Stop by your local comic shop today and pick up your issue of Crossed Badlands #10!
For more on Avatar titles: follow me on twitter @JamesMClark87 or check out my website: http://50shadesofbloodandviscera.wordpress.com for reviews on Ferals, Crossed and Alan Moore’s Fashion Beast starting in September.
Posted on July 29th, 2012
Category: 50 SHADES OF BLOOD AND VISCERA, REVIEWS
Tags: 50 Shades Of Blood and Viscera, Avatar Comics, Avatar Press, Avatar reviews, Comic Reviews, comics, Crossed, Crossed Badlands, Crossed Badlands #10 review, Crossed review, David A. Lapham, David Lapham, Jacen Burrows, James M. Clark
David Lapham teams up with killer artist Gabriel Andrade for a tale of debauchery that involves rather hairy circumstances!
David Lapham (Stray Bullets, Crossed 3D, Crossed Badlands #10-14) teams up with killer artist Gabriel Andrade for a tale of debauchery that involves rather hairy circumstances; David Laphamthat of a werewolf nature. These two pair up for David Lapham’s creator-owned series Ferals which is sure to knock the socks off any true horror fan.
Let me start by saying I’m a big fan of Avatar Press and I highly recommend their books to anyone. I’m on a crusade with @InterComics to promote the shit out of Avatar’s books because they’re amazing transgressive comic fiction that shouldn’t be ignored.
Meet Dale Chestnutt, a boozer, a cop and an all round good-looking guy with an appetite for the ladies!
Ferals takes place in remote Minnesota towns and the narrative centers around a hard-drinking cop who usually thinks with his small head and sorts out the details later. Dale Chestnutt is everything you could hope for in an anti-hero extraordinaire: he’s a boozer, a cop, good-looking and he’s usually looking to get frisky with whatever female happens to sit on his lap.
The series begins in issue #1 with an introduction to Dale, followed by the murder of his friend and fellow police officer by a wretched werewolf creature that has ties to the mysterious babe that Dale meets near the end of issue #1, Gerda Ingebritsen. For fans who like babes drawn with utter precision and in scarily-good detail; Gabriel Andrade doesn’t disappoint. Since I started reading this series, I’ve had this question in the back of my head: who draws better boobs? Gabriel Andrade or Darrick Robertson? I really can’t come to a conclusion as to who can draw ta-ta’s better, but you should be the judge and grab a copy of Ferals today!
Who draws better boobs? Gabriel Andrade or Darrick Robertson, you be the judge!
There are a few things I would like to point out to readers as to why this series is so damn good you need to go buy it. First: David Lapham writing noir-horror… the story is creepy but funny and has a very pulp/noir vibe to it that will just suck you right in. Two: The violence… This series gets brutal pretty fast just like Avatar’s Crossed series. If you like blood and guts and dismembered people and all sorts of crazy, sick, twisted shit you don’t even want to fathom: you’ll get scared pretty damn good by Ferals. There’s a few instances of mutilated genitals in compromising positions throughout the first story arc of this wonderful series, so it is NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN. Three: SETTING! As I read more and more Lapham, I realize how much of a master he is with setting. The remote and secluded small towns that Ferals takes place in contribute to the eeiry mood set in the story.
I’d also recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of HBO’s True Blood, particularly fans of the werewolf character Alseid. For fan’s of HBO in general; please read Avatar titles. I’ve been looking for the HBO of comics for some time and I most certainly stumbled across it when I started picking up Avatar titles recently. Vertigo and Image have great series geared towards adult readers, but Avatar achieves what Marvel’s Max brand hope to: to push comics to the max and create comics for the adult reader with content not appropriate for children. I’m not saying anything against Max or Vertigo or Image, I love them! I am saying that Avatar competes quite well with them and I often find myself digging into my Avatar titles first when I get home from the comic shop.
The werewolf clan depicted in Lapham's Ferals holds many secrets and a few are slowly being leaked into the fabric of the story.
The werewolf clan depicted in Lapham’s Ferals holds many secrets and a few are slowly being leaked into the fabric of the story and becoming bigger storylines as the series unfolds. They are a highly interesting group of people who come to play a big role in Dale’s motivations in the latter issues of the first arc. Currently, Ferals #6 is on shelves while we eagerly await the unveiling of the next story arc which begins with #7 in this great Werewolf-cum-Crime series.
For more on Avatar titles: follow me on twitter @JamesMClark87 or check out my website: http://50shadesofbloodandviscera.wordpress.com for reviews on Ferals, Crossed and Alan Moore’s Fashion Beast starting in September.
Posted on July 29th, 2012
Category: 50 SHADES OF BLOOD AND VISCERA, REVIEWS
Tags: 50 Shades Of Blood and Viscera, Avatar Comics, Avatar Press, Comic Reviews, comics, Crossed, David Lapham, Ferals, Ferals #1 - #6 review, Ferals review, Gabriel Andrade, James M. Clark, Werewolves
Crossed Badlands #9
Last Wednesday marked the end of Jamie Delano’s genius run on Avatar’s Crossed: Badlands with the conclusion of his “Homo Superior” storyline. Crossed: Badlands #9 brings to a close the events that have been culminating in the Florida Everglades.
After issue #8, Steve is our lone heroine, cutting a murderous swath of violence across the Everglades in order to survive and protect the young child growing inside her. Armed with but a few remaining bullets and some make-shift spears, Steve makes her last stand against the Crossed at a desolate hotel on the beach. Delano gives us his thoughts on maternal instinct in a sadistic, plague-ridden world and delves more into Steve’s back-story.
Armed with but a few remaining bullets and some make-shift spears, Steve makes her last stand against the Crossed at a desolate hotel on the beach.
Issue 9 takes place 4 months after the epic events of issue 8, with Steve alone and very close to giving birth. Leandro Risso gives us an interesting re-introduction of Steve and the former “Homo Superior” characters that have now fallen victim to the Crossed plague. Delano takes a step back and allows Steve to reflect on her life, her mother and her professional career before the Crossed plague. I don’t want to ruin it for anyone but Steve isn’t exactly Mary Poppins or Supernanny, she’s been a mean bitch for all of his Badlands arc and don’t be surprised when you find out how Steve helped her co-workers cope with on-the-job stresses.
Issue #9 takes place 4 months after the epic events of issue #8, with Steve alone and very close to giving birth.
Badlands #9 can EASILY compete with the release of Walking Dead #100, with a stunning conclusion no reader can foresee!
Pick up Crossed: Badlands #9 here today!
Going Forward
As Badlands #9 was the conclusion to Jamie Delano’s run with Crossed, issue #10 is a completely new storyline and new take on the Crossed by hard-boiled crime writer David A. Lapham (Stray Bullets, Ferals, Dan the Unharmable, Deadpool MAX). Lapham will be writing a 4 issue arc (#10-14) which will be followed up by a David Hine storyline. If you’re not familiar with Lapham’s work, you’re in for a treat. As this series progresses it only gets better and I’m sure Lapham will have something brilliantly violent in store for readers.
As this series progresses it only gets better and I’m sure Lapham will have something brilliantly violent in store for readers.
You can follow James on twitter at @JamesMClark87 or visit him at his website 50shadesofbloodandviscera.wordpress.com
Posted on July 22nd, 2012
Category: 50 SHADES OF BLOOD AND VISCERA, REVIEWS
Tags: 50 Shades Of Blood and Viscera, Avatar Press, Comic Reviews, Crossed, Crossed Badlands #9 Review, David A. Lapham, James M. Clark, Jamie Delano
There is no hope. There is no help. There is only the Crossed.
I, like many, was delighted to hear that Ennis and Burrows were returning to a new series of Crossed. The excitement didn’t last long however, as the three short episodes failed to deliver the punch that had been expected and I was left thinking “Is that it? Is that the best you can do?”
With the slightly flat-feeling Scottish arc cut short, Crossed: Badlands marched on from #4 with Jamie Delano and Leandro Rizzo at the helm. The story moved to Florida, but the concept was the same; a group of misfits struggling (and inevitably failing) to outsmart ravenous hordes of the Crossed and their own complex issues.
The artwork for this arc follows the same style as previous Crossed episodes. This is Rizzo’s first major published work with hard lines, dark colouring and women who appear to defy gravity. It’s stark style compliments the story and of course scenes with the Crossed doing what they do best are intricate and graphic. The amount of gratuitous sex and violence that the Crossed revel in seems to take a slight back seat until much later in the arc, with the focus being on the survivors. I found the change to be a pleasant break from the usual formula and didn’t detract at all from the horror. The wraparound covers for the entire Crossed: Badlands series seem to have little to do with the story inside but I find that these covers (which are the only ones I receive) are the most richly illustrated and have the most going on in them, they feature Crossed tableaux’s from groups around the world, including Buddhists and Indian Gods.
The wraparound covers are the most richly illustrated featuring Crossed tableaux’s from groups around the world, including Buddhists and Indian Gods.
The tried and tested maximum gore and heightened shock factor are continued, all be it in a slightly subtler vein, in the Delano story arc, as are strong gender themes and sexual politics that Delano often weaves into his work(most notably World Without End 1990). Five dysfunctional people are thrown together in their desperation to survive. Steve is a torture hungry ex-Military murderess and Greg is ‘Joe Regular’, a family man trying to escape his family. Their mutual curiosity keeps them travelling South to the Florida keys together. Their story is intertwined with those of Ashley and Ashlynne, twin teenagers with a close relationship. Also travelling to the Keys is Leon, whose meth lab is the only thing preventing his father from beating him to death at the compound they inhabit.
One thing Crossed usually manages quite well is the use of strong female characters. They have previously been seen in Crossed and Crossed: Family Values. Here the story is led by the female characters, however in a move away from the typical heroine figure Delano’s women are hard and uncompromising, their thirst for a place in the new world coupled with their own unstable and questionable morals pre-Crossed create a horrifying backdrop to the impending Crossed threat.
In a move away from the typical heroine figure Delano’s women are hard and uncompromising
As seen in previous Crossed story arcs, the role of the dysfunctional family has its part to play in the complexities of the survivors. Leon is trying to escape a Father whose idea of perceived justice is a sound beating and a day trapped at the bottom of the communal toilet. His need for closeness and human interaction is his ultimate downfall. The twins have their own special bond, which leaves no room in Ashley’s mind for anyone else, they are bonded in blood, from the same egg and Ashley sees this as a divine biological right to her Sister. The idea that anyone else could have her seems obscene and when pushed, her murderous need to protect her kin, her property, takes over in an outburst of bloodlust. Greg’s nightmare was being trapped in a marriage with two children, with responsibility and duties, a situation that looks set to repeat itself when Steve falls pregnant. Whilst Steve has always been a loose cannon, and the idea of motherhood repulses her.
Both stories in the Crossed: Badlands arc so far have introduced the idea of new life and the survivors trying to repopulate the Earth. In both instances the outcome is not good, suggesting that there will be no new world, that the population will die entirely and the Crossed will prevail as long as they can eat.
Both stories in the Crossed: Badlands arc so far have introduced the idea of new life and the survivors trying to repopulate the Earth.
I enjoyed this arc, I thought the shift in focus from traditional ‘hero’ figures was appealing enough to provoke empathy and the reader is able to emote, despite the characters being devoid of any redeeming features. The move away from graphic Crossed atrocities was also a nice change and well received. Even I, a self-confessed lover of horror-gore and boundary pushing imagery, was getting slightly bored of constant panels of Crossed in situations that were designed to provoke horror and disgust and not a lot more to the story or the reader.
I think the ending to the arc in episode #9 had a nice finish and left the reader wondering what would become of the child, assuming Steve crosses over (and I think it’s safe to assume she will, becoming one of the first willing Crossed). Often the imagination of the reader will come up with an ending that will fit their view of what they have just read, and I think the ending of #9 left few ‘loose ends’ as the reader can piece together what will happen next from the previous story.
Crossed: Badlands #10 moves on to the story of a man who was at a carnival with his family when the Crossed struck.
I am, however, looking forward to Crossed: Badlands #10 which moves on to the story of a man who was at a carnival with his family when the Crossed struck. I imagine that will be back to the blood-soaked gore fest of old, with Clowns! No matter how perverse or absurd this series becomes I cannot help but keep with it, as it is well worth delving into, if you can stomach the Crossed themselves.
You can follow Miss Murder Grey on Twitter at @Murder_Grey
Posted on July 18th, 2012
Category: REVIEWS
Tags: Avatar Press, Comic Review, comics, Crossed Badlands, Jamie Delano, Leandro Rizzo, Miss Murder Grey, MY VALENTINE HAS HOLLOW EYES
Crossed Badlands #8 Wraparound Cover by Jacen Burrows
First things first, I want to give a shout out to both Inter-Comics and Avatar Comics! Good day to you nerds and babes, James M. Clark here from Guelph, Ontario, Canada and this is my first time writing a review for Inter-Comics.
Down to business: Jamie Delano (Hellblazer, Dr. Who, and Captain Britain) and Leandro Rizzo produced my favourite comic last week and I’m itching for the next issue. For all you Walking Dead fans out there I would be so bold as to say Crossed kicks Walking Dead’s ass pretty hard, even with Walking Dead’s #100 coming up. Why? Because Crossed boasts the intense combination of Rizzo and Delano. Delano writes impeccable horror and is a seasoned vet, having written Hellblazer some 20 years ago and only gotten better since. Rizzo’s art lends itself well to Delano’s dark, twisted and funny as hell story with some brutal violent, gory imagery and T n’ A thrown in to boot. If you like Walking Dead but you need a bit more violence and gore, pick up Crossed Badlands #8 today!
Crossed Badlands #8 is the penultimate chapter in Jamie Delano‘s six-issue “Homo Superior,” with the next issue, #9 bringing the events of Delano’s run to a close. Gregory, Steve, Leon, Ashley and Ashlynne have made their way further through the Florida Everglades, having to fight off Crossed Hordes along the way. One, or two, or maybe three or four of them will die! Will they become the Crossed? Who will survive? Who’s going to be left standing for issue 9, the big finale?
Who will survive? Who’s going to be left standing for issue 9, the big finale?
Starting in issue #10, David Lapham (Stray Bullets, Ferals, Dan the Unharmable, Deadpool MAX) will begin his run on the Crossed series, following his previous Crossed 3 and Crossed 3D. Avatar Comics has confirmed they have the first 50 issues of the series plotted via Twitter and that they have a roster of amazing talent to bring on past Lapham’s run.
You can follow James on twitter at @JamesMClark87
Posted on June 28th, 2012
Category: 50 SHADES OF BLOOD AND VISCERA, REVIEWS
Tags: Avatar Press, Comic Reviews, comics, Crossed, Crossed Badlands, James M. Clark, Jamie Delano, Leandro Rizzo
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