No Tomorrow #2 - Review

No Tomorrow #2 - Review

Writer:
Raven Gregory

Artist:
Luca Claretti

I will spend most of this review sharing my thoughts regarding No Tomorrow #2. In truth, picking issue #2 up off the shelf was hard because I was not that impressed with issue #1. With all the great titles available to comic book readers the first issue of any series has to get you hooked straight away. So lets just say I took a chance with this second issue, and my thoughts have changed regarding this title. I will keep reading No Tomorrow because the Goddess of Death seems like such an interesting addition to the Grimm Fairy Tales Universe.

But before I share my thoughts, this week I have also read two other great titles. The first was Sex Criminals #1, which is a great book by Matt Fraction. It is totally out there (no, its not about sex criminals in the way you might think)...pick up the title and you'll see what I mean. I look forward to reviewing a future issue. The second title that I am keen to continue to read is Hit List #1 (Zenescope). Hit List #1 is face paced, action packed and totally engaging. Apart from being a great title, I totally love Jamie Tyndall's cover (pictured). This is another title I will review soon.

Mike Krome and Ula Mos...love Mos' work!

Jamie Tyndall Cover (Totally Awesome!)

Now, No Tomorrow #2...

After setting off a devastating earthquake in Denver, the Goddess of Death turns her attention to the city of Chicago and proceeds to cause an office building to collapse. But her activities are witnessed by everyday family man, Patrick Gale, the lone survivor of the devastating catastrophe.


I really liked the perspective that Gregory provides at the start of the issue. The Goddess of Death takes us through the devastation of The Black Death, the Spanish Flu, the time when the world was set upon by the Smallpox virus. After the earthquake in Chicago, Death takes us to New York City where she has plans for more destruction. But to Death's surprise Patrick can see her present in the natural world. This unsettles the Goddess of Death. Patrick and his family appears to become her target once this is realised. The Goddess has set destructive plans in place in New York City (I won't ruin the end of the issue for you). I am looking forward to what happens in issue #3.

So what did I like about this issue?

I enjoyed the idea that such a powerful Goddess can be seen by a mere mortal. This would be terrifying and confusing at the same time. Patrick sees her destruction and it's all a mystery as to how and why this is all possible. I like the hint the reader is given about the legend of Keres (no spoilers here!). It is this entire story concept that engages the reader throughout this issue. It is what I enjoyed the most about the issue and it is all due to Gregory's skill as a storyteller. I just love the way the Goddess is drawn by Luca Claertti. Claretti shows the reader a visually dark and seductive woman who can appear both gentle and malevolent at times throughout the issue. A great representation of the Goddess of Death.

So what do I give this issue?

Grade: A-

Part of me still reserves judgement about this series. I really like what I am seeing so far, I hope the momentum around the storyline continues to build and the artwork continues to be dark and emotive.

Wonderland - Down the Rabbit Hole #4 - Review

Greg Horn Cover

Wonderland - Down the Rabbit Hole #4

Writers:
Raven Gregory
Pat Shand

Artists:
Gregbo Watson
Vincenzo Federici

So where are readers at with Wonderland - Down the Rabbit Hole so far...

When Alice realises that her perceived mental illness is truly the evil of Wonderland attempting to hurt her family through her; Alice decides to fight back. However, Wonderland is ready for battle and as Alice takes a bath, a ghastly, faceless girls drags her down into the depths of the water to show her the reality of her family's unavoidable future.

 What can readers expect from this issue?

Sean Chen and Sanju Nivangune Cover

Readers can look forward to a great sense of continuity coming through in this issue. For those of us that read 'Return to Wonderland' years ago, this prequel series, and in fact this issue, is where you really start to see the stories connect. Wonderland is certainly making its presence known to Alice, but who it is truly after is revealed in this issue (no prizes for guessing who if you have read Return to Wonderland).

The dispute that takes place between Alice and Calie really gives this issue an intensity that makes this issue brilliant. While Alice's family is torn apart by Wonderland, you see why Alice is the way she is in later series. This issue is where readers will see the dots connect which is genuinely rewarding for Wonderland fans.

Also, expect amazing comic book covers. I have featured most of them (including reference to the artists) in this blog entry.

What did I like about this issue?

Jimbo Salgado and Vinicius Andrade Cover

The writing is great and showcases Gregory and Shand's skill in helping long time Wonderland readers engage and stay in-sync with a brilliant story adaptation of Wonderland. For me, the intensity of the writing of the fight between Alice and Calie was what made this issue great. As for the art work, I really found the smooth lines of Alice and Calie visually pleasing. I think many fans will be blown away with the art work on pages 6 and 7 (Wonderland panel). It is very much what Wonderland fans love about the art that has accompanied this whole series, however for me it was pages 4 and 5 which show Calie listening to her iPod unaware that Alice is being dragged into the tormented world of Wonderland. While the art is brilliant, the colours by Francesca Zambon are amazing and flawless. 






What do I give this issue?

Grade: A

This issue for me was all about the amazing art. The visual impact of Wonderland created by Watson and Federici and colours by Zambon makes this issue great.

Enjoy!

Anthony Spay and Mike Capprotti Dragon-Con Exclusive Cover

Wonder Woman #23 - Review

Wonder Woman #23

Writer:
Brian Azzarello

Art:
Cliff Chiang

What do I need to know before reading this issue?

The original WW New 52 team of Azzarello and Chiang are back in Wonder Woman #23 to bring you an action packed and thoroughly amazing issue. We left issue #22 knowing that Wonder Woman was going to be going hand-to-hand with the First Born and issue #23 does not disappoint. If you have read previous issues you would understand that the First Born has re-emerged and is pretty keen to avenge the way he has been treated over the years. Of course Wonder Woman, Orion, the God of War, Zola, Hera and Zeke are caught in the middle of the battle to come.

What can I expect from this issue?

A brilliantly written and drawn confrontation between the First Born and Wonder Woman with the God of War on her side.This is an issue that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was a particular fan of War's little trick to balance the fight between the First Born and Wonder Woman. It was a really surprise to see and rarely am I surprised by what turns up in superhero comic books these days. I think when you have a great writer like Azzarello writing for Wonder Woman, great twists are what you can expect. But more so, I really liked the relationship that was formed between the God of War and Wonder Woman. You can tell they share a deep bond and that really comes out in Chiang's artwork.

What did I like about this issue?

Just about everything. Chiang's art continues to develop WW as a strong yet vulnerable and humane character. Azzarello and Chiang give her a depth not seen in other superheroes. That's probably why this series of WW remains the best of The New 52 releases by DC.

What did others think about this issue?

I agree with this reviewer from Comic Vine...the best WW issue of all time...

Comic Vine Review 

This is issue now forms part of the trinity of perfection...

IGN Review 

What do I give this issue?

Grade A+

This issue for me is the best in this series so far. I am just so impressed that even after 23 issues, Wonder Woman is still the benchmark in comic book writing for me as has been since Azzarello and Chiang turned this character into something quite wonderful in 2011!