Coffin Hill #2 - Review

Coffin Hill #2 

Writer:

Caitlin Kittredge

Art:

Inaki Miranda

The Waters and the Wild

In this issue we take a short trip back to explore some of Eve's past. Her friendships, her relationship (of sorts) with Nate who is now the Coffin Hill chief of police. 

Eve was troubled in her youth and still struggles to deal with the fact that she is from a special line of witches dating back to the Salem witch trials. 

Two kids go missing in the Coffin Hill Woods and Eve feels obliged to act. She believes (unlike others) that evil lurks in the Coffin Hill Woods and that this evil traces back to her mother. In this issue Eve makes a discovery that perhaps proves her theory.

Kittredge does well to balance the past and the present when telling this story. Eve's past experiences inform her feelings and actions in the present. Kittredge structures this story brilliantly. You will be able to follow this story easily because of the very well written narrative. Great work by Caitlin Kittredge. As a reader you are given just the right amount of information in this story to remain ever curious about how the bigger picture will unfold. Kittredge draws you into this dark and affluent Coffin Hill society with the promise of mystery and many dark secrets to be revealed. This story totally lives up to my expectations of a quality horror/mystery comic book. 

  

 

A bit about the artist. For the record, Inaki Miranda is an exceptional comic book artist. Before I comment on his work on Coffin Hill #2, I have to compliment Miranda on his amazing work on Fairest (spin off series of Bill Willingham's very successful Fables series). I first saw how brilliant Miranda's work was in an issue of Fairest some months ago, specifically in The Hidden Kingdom story arc. There is a particular piece of art where Rapunzel is walking down a street in Japan that is a must-see. The detail in the line work is exceptional. Go find that issue and own it, now! 

So when I saw that Miranda was drawing the panel art for Coffin Hill I knew it would be a quality series. I think what appeals to me most about Miranda's line work in this issue is his emphasis on the eyes of the characters. The eyes really tell the story visually; they are ever expressive and compliment the facial expressions perfectly. If you have not read this issue yet, consider how the drawing of the eyes of Eve in particular tell her story. Just brilliant. Can't wait to see more.

Just off topic for the moment...Here is a taste of Inaki Miranda's work on Fairest I just mentioned...brilliant! I hope he does not mind that a took it from his blog site. Here is a link...go check it out...

http://inakimiranda.blogspot.com.au/

Inaki Miranda Panel Art

So what do I give Coffin Hill #2?

Grade: A

This is turning out to be one of DC Vertigo's better titles. Go get it and see for yourself. 

Cover Art - My Pick of the Week

My cover of the week has to go Ken Lashley for his work on the cover of Zenescope's Oz #4. The perfect balance of greys and blues, with a particularly hot Dorothy on the cover!

Alex + Ada #1 - Review

Alex + Ada #1 

Writers:
Jonathan Luna
Sarah Vaughn

Art:
Jonathan Luna

SOME SPOILERS HERE!

So what's it about?

Alex our main character lives in a world where advanced artificial intelligent robots are a part of everyday life for humans. These AI robots are very much like humans. They are manufactured to assist humans and provide company...and maybe genuine friendship? 

Alex has recently parted ways with his girlfriend Claire and is having a bit of a hard time working through his issues. In short he seems depressed. Emily knows Alex is going through a hard time so does something special for him (you can read about that in your own time).

We are introduced to Isabel a friend of Alex's. She will be one to watch I predict!

Alex is close with his grandmother and receives an unexpected gift from her. And that's the beginning of Alex + Ada.

So what did I like about this issue?

Alex's world is high-tech, clinical and lonely. You feel for Alex. You know things in his life could be better. I think Luna and Vaughn succeed in getting the mood perfect for this issue. Luna's thin and detailed line work make this a pleasant comic book to read and ponder. Vaughn's artistic influence is present throughout this issue from the work I have seen. I thoroughly enjoyed those panels where you as the reader are required to study the art work to gauge what the character is feeling without the distraction of unnecessary dialogue or narrative. Alex's party scene comes to mind here. You realise as you read this issue that it is not important what the party guests are saying, just the mood of the party and what that tells you about Alex's life and perhaps the society in which he lives. You are required to apply your own powers of interpretation to the art work which makes this issue a terrific read. It will remind you of the power of comic book illustration as a means to tell a story.

Script quality and artistic expression is everything is this issue and the last few pages will draw you in.

Don't be fooled! This is not some half-baked AI cyborg type comic book where robots are slaves to humans. This is a human story and certainly one of the better releases for this week. I am really keen to see how Alex (and I presume Ada our AI robot) are going interact as this story moves through future issues. I suspect the real trick to this comic book series is going to be reminding yourself that Ada is a robot as she influences Alex's life. A story about robots that may really become a story about humans, about people!

It seems that this is a slower paced and reflective comic book series, and that's what makes it brilliant. Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn have created the an outstanding comic book series worth reading and holding on to.

So what do I give it?

Grade: A

Go get yourself a copy if it hasn't yet sold out and just study the drawings as you move through this issue. You will enjoy every moment.

So what's my favourite cover for this week?

I plan to review Penny For Your Soul: Death #3 in coming days, but I really liked the exclusive cover by Mike Debalfo that I will probably never get my hands on! For those without religious sensibilities...enjoy!

Shahrazad #1 - Exclusive Review

Mike Krome Cover

Shahrazad #1 - Exclusive Review

Writer:
Kim Hutchison
Kari Castor

Art:
Mike Krome

Covers:
Mike Krome 
J Scott Campbell

Shahrazad is my new favourite warrior and protector.

Big Dog Ink Comics offered me an exclusive preview of Shahrazad #1 to review prior to it hitting shelves on 27 November 2013...well, maybe one or two days later for us Australian comic book geeks.

Before I share my thoughts....go and order your copy from your comic book retailer now! I'm about to explain why...

J Scott Campbell Cover

The narrative told by Shahrazad herself really draws you into her adventure. As the reader you feel the sincerity behind the her story and you can't help but want to understand more about this character. The way the character has been positioned to engage the reader in this issue is first rate. Great work by writers Kim Hutchison and Kari Castor. Extreme care has been taken to ensure you have time to consider Shahrazad's mood and feeling in each panel of this issue. That is to say the narrative is perfectly paced in order for you to enjoy both the story and the amazing art work (more on that in moment). This is every bit a story of adventure and discovery for you the reader. 

In this first issue, Shahrazad is faced with the perils of the ocean (No Spoilers here!) She must engage in combat with its inhabitants and in the process be drawn to an exotic island where more danger and intrigue awaits her and her fellow sailors. I'd love to tell you more but I won't...I hate spoilers as much as the next comic book geek! But just look at these eyes (pictured below)...amazing...they will draw you in!

This issue combines the old world with the new world in a way that works really well. New world naval ship (and technology) with old world style (uniforms). Shahrazad's uniform has got to be the hottest uniform I've seen on a female navy officer in...well...ever! It compliments the character's beauty and at the same time gives her a sense of authority which she carries with her throughout her travels.

I want this review to focus on the strength of the characters because that is what makes this issue a success. The writers give Shahrazad a command presence as well as a genuine sense of compassion at pivotal times throughout this issue. You can't help but love this character.

The art work by Mike Krome is splendid. Facial expressions suit the circumstances and the drawing of female form is elegant. Colours bring this issue to life with deep blues and greens that add to the intensity of this comic book adventure.

It is quite hard to be critical of this issue. It has everything I would expect from an adventure story. I look forward to seeing how this series develops over coming months.

What do I give this issue?

Grade: A+

This is one to collect!




My favourite comic book art piece (not cover) for this week...

Normally at the end of each of my reviews I select a cover that I think represents my favourite for the week. Well, comic book shipments were late this week to Adelaide, Australia, and I was not particularly impressed with anything in particular from this week's new releases, so I have opted for this splash in Shahrazad #1...the mean girls of the water...maybe?