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OUT OF THE LONG BOX #035 – SOVEREIGN #4

By Chris Fenn

Sovereign #4 Survival
I wanted Sovereign to be the Game of Thrones of comics. I wanted to be able to get into an epic world of fantasy, swords and politics and be reading each page with bated breath. Sadly I am not reading with baited breath; I’m counting down the pages until the book has finished.

This book started off in a really unusual way because we were told about the basic forces of this universe and the previous eras of the world. It feels like this is how the first issue should have begun, but reading it in the fourth issue feels like Chris Roberson thought it was pretty cool and wanted to shove it in somewhere.

I feel this issue as a whole really missed an opportunity; last issue ended with a zombie king being killed by his sons, and the guys that deal with disposing of the dead warn everybody of worse things to come. This issue basically dissolves into everybody talking to each other.

Sovereign #4 Intro
Now I enjoy good bits of writing and dialogue, I find films like Clerks massively engaging because of the dialogue between characters, but in Sovereign it feels overly indulgent of itself. I understand that this is a fantasy world, and it will have more fantasy-sounding people and places, but I honestly feel completely lost reading this. I have no idea who or what places are called.

Perhaps this is a problem with me though, I did used to call Prince Oberyn in Game of Thrones ‘Yellow Man’ because he was a man who wore yellow, but I never felt lost with that; I knew who people were talking about even if I couldn’t remember the names myself, and I can’t say I have that same level of understanding with Sovereign.

I do kind of like what Roberson does at the end of each issue, having a piece of prose that helps explain things to the reader and fleshes out the world, but when I’ve not really been enjoying the plot I find it difficult to care what’s written there. Truth be told, I missed out reading this part for the last couple of issues because I didn’t get what the others were talking about.

I think Sovereign is a brilliant idea and it’s something I know I would love to watch, but the way it’s written doesn’t lend itself to monthly comic book reading. Perhaps this is something that would translate better to trades, and produce the small prose parts as a reader’s companion or something.

Sovereign #4 Daemons
I’ve given this book the first four issues, and I think it’s time for me to drop it. I got caught up with it during the closing pages of issue three, but it felt like issue four has taken a few steps in the wrong direction.

I’d be interested to see what anybody else thinks of Sovereign; is there a nuance I’ve missed and this is a gem? You tell me! Go check out the first couple of issues and let me know on twitter @fenneth1989

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Posted on June 26th, 2014
Category: OUT OF THE LONG BOX, REVIEWS
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WEBB OF SHADOWS #012 – SOVEREIGN #1

By Jason Webb

Sovereign #1A
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 #1B
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

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Posted on March 18th, 2014
Category: REVIEWS, WEBB OF SHADOWS
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WEBB OF SHADOWS #007 – “MASKS #1”

By Jason Webb

“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

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Posted on December 31st, 2012
Category: REVIEWS, WEBB OF SHADOWS
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