Velvet #1 - Review

Velvet #1

Writer:
Ed Brubaker

Artist:
Steve Epting

What Image Comics says about this title...

'When the world's best secret agent is killed, Velvet Templeton, the personal assistant to the Director of the Agency, is drawn off her desk and back into the field for the first time in nearly 20 years...and is immediately caught in a web of mystery, murder and high-octane action.'

My thoughts about Velvet #1

The narrative is beautifully written and the art is elegant. Brubaker and Epting do well to create a sense of mystery and intrigue in this issue right off the bat. We are delivered an action packed spy comic (with a quality storyline) centred around Agent Velvet Templeton who is naturally more than she appears. The story develops throughout this issue at a fast and manageable pace.

Execution of spy stories is only getting harder for writers of these types of comic books. Spy comics are everywhere and have been done time and time again. So why choose this title? Firstly, the cover art is brilliant (pictured above). Secondly, the mood of the issue is sullen and dark and has that unique Brubaker touch (I loved Fatale, even though I read only a few issues). This is a polished comic book that in my opinion will be worth sticking with.

Epting's art work on this issue is precise and sets the perfect mood for a quality spy comic aimed at mature readers. Dark shadows and silhouettes throughout the later part of the book make this issue visually attractive. 

Readers will regard this comic as well thought out and fitting for the period we might find ourselves in today as 'spy comic book readers' in the modern age of comics. Jess Nevins at the conclusion of the issue provides a fascinating history of spy fiction through the Cold War period which perhaps helps provide insight into the direction Brubaker plans to take Velvet as a spy story.

For me, this comic was the stand-out issue for this week. I was not overly impressed with Pretty Deadly #1, and while I really enjoyed Sex Criminals #2 I found it hard to write a review about that issue (just read it and you'll understand why!). Velvet is this week's must read for me! Go get yourself a copy.

So what do I give it?

A well executed and well thought out spy comic in a world full of spy comics. I give this issue top marks.

Grade: A

What was my favourite comic book cover for this week's new releases?

Those who read my reviews tend to know what I look for in a quality comic book cover. I try stay away from Superhero comic book covers (unless its Wonder Woman and something very unique) and look for something interesting, something different, but always a female!

Whilst I was not dazzled by any particular cover this week, my pick for this week is:

Vampirella #35 
Cover Artist: Fabiano Neves

When the world's best secret agent is killed, Velvet Templeton, the Personal Assistant to the Director of the Agency, is drawn off her desk and back into the field for the first time in nearly 20 years... and is immediately caught in a web of mystery, murder and high-octane action - See more at: https://www.imagecomics.com/comics/releases/velvet-1#sthash.lZdEVHXx.dpuf

When the world's best secret agent is killed, Velvet Templeton, the Personal Assistant to the Director of the Agency, is drawn off her desk and back into the field for the first time in nearly 20 years... and is immediately caught in a web of mystery, murder and high-octane action - See more at: https://www.imagecomics.com/comics/releases/velvet-1#sthash.lZdEVHXx.dpuf

When the world's best secret agent is killed, Velvet Templeton, the Personal Assistant to the Director of the Agency, is drawn off her desk and back into the field for the first time in nearly 20 years... and is immediately caught in a web of mystery, murder and high-octane action - See more at: https://www.imagecomics.com/comics/releases/velvet-1#sthash.lZdEVHXx.dpuf

When the world's best secret agent is killed, Velvet Templeton, the Personal Assistant to the Director of the Agency, is drawn off her desk and back into the field for the first time in nearly 20 years... and is immediately caught in a web of mystery, murder and high-octane action - See more at: https://www.imagecomics.com/comics/releases/velvet-1#sthash.lZdEVHXx.dpuf

When the world's best secret agent is killed, Velvet Templeton, the Personal Assistant to the Director of the Agency, is drawn off her desk and back into the field for the first time in nearly 20 years... and is immediately caught in a web of mystery, murder and high-octane action - See more at: https://www.imagecomics.com/comics/releases/velvet-1#sthash.lZdEVHXx.dpuf

When the world's best secret agent is killed, Velvet Templeton, the Personal Assistant to the Director of the Agency, is drawn off her desk and back into the field for the first time in nearly 20 years... and is immediately caught in a web of mystery, murder and high-octane action - See more at: https://www.imagecomics.com/comics/releases/velvet-1#sthash.lZdEVHXx.dpuf

When the world's best secret agent is killed, Velvet Templeton, the Personal Assistant to the Director of the Agency, is drawn off her desk and back into the field for the first time in nearly 20 years... and is immediately caught in a web of mystery, murder and high-octane action - See more at: https://www.imagecomics.com/comics/releases/velvet-1#sthash.lZdEVHXx.dpuf

Death Sentence #1 - Review

Death Sentence #1

Writer:
Montynero

Artist:
Mike Dowling

Some minor SPOILERS below!

What is Death Sentence?

The real question is; what is G-Plus?

Titan Comics says...

'It's a fatal virus transmitted through unprotected sexual activity. Infected individuals display extra-normal abilities and their life expectancy is six months from the date the virus becomes productive. There is no cure or effective treatment for G-plus. Individuals can expect to feel energetic and physically well until the final weeks, though depression and or extreme mood swings are not uncommon.'

The above quote is your introduction to Death Sentence #1. In this first issue we are introduce to three characters; Verity, Weasel and Monty. Verity is our standout first character, recently diagnosed with G+, she must deal with the reality that she has only six months to live. Each of these three characters has contracted G+ virus and before they die will gain some extraordinary superhero-like ability which will impact them and the people around them.

What did I like about this issue?

This issue provides some of the most creative, emotive and dark writing I have read in modern age comic books. The main characters of this title are going to be faced with dealing with their mortality in a way that is unique to comic book writing. Why? Well, there is an element of 'realness' to this story. Leaving aside the superpowers concept for the moment, this is a story about 3 people who have to decide what they do with the six months of their life that remains. Now that they know they will die soon, what do they do? Do they make the most of it, or do they do nothing and wait for their inevitable end?

I like that this is a new virus that is poorly understood by its sufferers, the broader population and the medical community. Interestingly, the Government takes an interest in this virus and what it does to its victims. I am certain all these elements are going to make for an explosive story.

As a reader you immediate empathise with Verity who moves through the story with a series of conflicting emotions. The writing is flawless, the monologue reads like poetry and the final quote is just splendid...

'And Life is Colour and Warmth and Light;
And a striving evermore for these;
And he is dead, who will not fight;
And who dies fighting has increase.'

Just brilliant!

The art by Dowling is dark and succeeds in being able to show the range of emotions experienced by all the characters in the story. I found the panels busy, but in a well constructed way. The art work comprised strong dark lines that really suits this type of story. The art and story are extremely well thought out.

The explosive ending to this issue will have you wanting more. I am really looking forward to issue #2 which I understand is due for release in mid-November.

People at Titan Comics...I would love an early preview if you would be so kind!

What do I give this issue?

Grade: A+

Some of the best writing I have seen in comics. You must add this series to your collection!

A new addition to my reviews...

I am keen to share with readers my favourite cover for each week. Even though I may not review the title, or even like the story on occasions, there are some great artists in the comic book industry doing some fantastic work.

Comic books are about stories and art. Cover art is a great way for artists to demonstrate their skills. Here is my first entry for the week that has been. Would love your comments if you have them to make.

Robyn Hood Wanted #5
Art by Oracle

Wonderland - Through the Looking Glass #1 - Review

Ivan Nunes Cover C

Wonderland - Through the Looking Glass #1

Writers:
Pat Shand
Raven Gregory

Pencils:
Alessandro Miracolo

What you might need to know before reading this issue...(according to Zenescope)

SPOILER ALERT!!!

After her mother's suicide and the murder of her father at her brother's hand, Calie Liddle sacrificed her brother, Johnny, to the realm of Wonderland. Now Johnny is trapped in the hellish landscape, alone and scared. What will become of him? More importantly, what will become of the Liddle bloodline?

What did I think of this 1st issue of this new series?

This issue definitely fills in some gaps after having read Return to Wonderland and Beyond Wonderland. The story itself feels like Shand and Gregory are really just trying to close the loop left open by previous series. On the whole I found the issue to be average. Nothing inspiring, but worth a read for fans of Wonderland. Maybe for me my interest in this series lies in having some closure with the journey some of the Wonderland characters have taken that have not been explored in detail in previous Wonderland mini-series.


I think that is the point I am trying to get across to readers in this review. To get anything out of this mini-series, you are going to have to be on top of the Return to Wonderland mini-series and the Beyond Wonderland mini-series which are around 5 to 6 years old now. This issue is great for advancing continuity and really explaining the happenings of this amazing Wonderland universe, but will be very unfamiliar ground for new readers. Even old readers should be entitled to be rewarded with some less predictable twists.

Shand and Gregory deal with Johnny's journey to Wonderland well. The Jabberwocky makes his presence known following the events of Wonderland: Down the Rabbit Hole. The real question for me is this; are we making things a little too complicated now? I fear the answer is yes. Each series needs to be able to stand on its own as an interesting story as well as form part of a greater story. I fear that this series may not be able to stand on its own like previous Wonderland mini-series. Maybe time will prove me wrong, but I just don't think that new readers who pick this issue up are going to want to continue with the series, they may feel as though they have just missed out on too much.

One of the things that always brings me back to Zenescope's titles is that they are supported by great art, both cover art and panel art. Cover art as always is brilliant, my favourite would have to be the Nunes cover (pictured above). The panel art by Miracolo was not to my liking. Facial proportions while unique and distinctive were not of the polished standard I have come to expect from Zenescope. 

My verdict?

A good read for Wonderland fans. New readers will probably not feel inspired enough to pick up issue #2 next month. I will stick with it, but I want to start feeling inspired by this mini-series. I'll let you know how I feel about Wonderland: TTLG next month.

Grade: B-

Sorry folks, this may not be an issue you will enjoy if you are new to Wonderland!




So What's Next?

I am really keen to read and review a new title called Death Sentence. Check out the very awesome cover below.

Shahrazad #0 - Review

Shahrazad #0

Writer:
Tom Hutchison

Pencils:
Mike Krome

Colours:
Nei Ruffino

I am always excited by new comic book titles by Big Dog Ink and to be completely honest I was not sure whether Shahrazad was going to be a title I would be interested enough to follow. I am a Penny for Your Soul reader and for a short time I read BDI's Legend of Oz - The Wicked West series. So I have been unsure about whether I should pick Shahrazad up off the shelves....let's just say that I'm glad I did.



Now I don't normally review an issue #0 of any title. You are really only given a taste of things to come. You are introduced to the main character/s and the basic storyline. All in all, an issue #0 is the hook to get you to reading issue #1 and beyond. I am reviewing Shahrazad #0 because I was absolutely blown away with the potential this title has. With Mike Krome on pencils and the Nei Ruffino on colours readers are blessed with a visual array of concepts and ideas for this title. Clearly the Persian Queen will take us all on many exciting adventures, and if this is the standard of the art work readers will continue to see, well, I plan to be a long-time fan of this title.

Shahrazad is about to tell us the story of her life. She starts this in a narrative sense and this pleasantly persists throughout the issue. Shahrazad will introduce readers to tales of the past, adventures in secluded lands and of modern times. Fantasy and adventure is what we can all expect from this title.

The art work is just amazing. Mike Krome demonstrates his mastery on pencils and readers are shown the beauty of the characters as well as of the tale itself. Krome's smooth and soft lines make this issue a real pleasure to view. His attention to detail is just extraordinary and if Krome continues to be part of this title's creative team you can expect to collect some attractive and extremely well drawn comic books.

There is something special to be said for the genius that is Nei Ruffino's colours in this issue. We see rugged jungle scenes come to life with explosively warm colours and then in the next panel we see cold blue scenes of space and machines of the future. Krome and Ruffino had me studying every panel of this introductory issue and I really felt I was given a great introduction into a great comic book story concept.

So what do I give this issue?

Grade: A

Being an issue #0, readers should still remain cautious, but in the case of Shahrazad, I advise cautious optimism. I am optimistic that this will be a title to collect.

Enjoy!