Penny For Your Soul - Death #1 Review

Penny For Your Soul - Death #1

Writer:
Tom Hutchison

Artist:
J B Neto

What do I need to know about this title to get started?

Penny For Your Soul - Death #1, is the first issue of volume 3 of the Penny For Your Soul series. In short, hell (yes, the big place downstairs, fire, brimstone etc.) is currently capitalising on the opportunity to steal souls. And what better place to stage this heist than in Babylon (A Las Vegas-like city of sin). Agents of Lucifer lure the weak and vulnerable to enter into contracts to sell their souls in exchange for some cash and the promise of good times (as is the case for Patrick, this issue's first victim). The capturing of souls through a mechanism akin to a market transaction makes this story engaging and interesting.

What can I expect from this issue?

SPOILER ALERT!! - Don't read this if you plan on buying this issue!

A little bit about the quality of the book first. I am always impressed with the exceptional quality of Big Dog Ink's comic books. Readers that purchase BDI's books are rewarded with a high quality book (great paper stock and print quality). I love owning BDI's stuff. They are comic books you want to keep forever.

My favourite of BDI's stories to date is the Penny for Your Soul series. It is fun and perfect for more mature readers, but has a serious sub-text about human actions, consequences and morality generally. You become engaged in an imaginative story to which readers can relate. Of course if you find creative writing about sin, christian religious doctrines about heaven, hell and morality a bit offensive, you might want to steer clear of this title. But if you did steer clear for that reason alone, you would be missing out.

So we start by being introduced to Mary Magdalene who is now in charge of the third circle of hell. She is running the show and wants to do things a little differently. As part of this scene, we are introduced to a woman who is being mistreated (in so far as one could be mistreated in hell, but ignore that paradox for the moment). We may discover her significance in later issues but it might just have been a plot device to introduce us to Magdalene. Either way, it makes for a dramatic and intense opening to this issue. We are later taken to Babylon where Danica begins to discover irregularities between the number of souls that have been purchased through contract and those that are actually reaching hell (call it an accounting irregularity). Through Patrick (a random unsuspecting victim of his own weakness) we discover the cause of the shortfall of souls making it to hell....her name is Eve. I won't say anymore, you must read the first issue of this series. You won't be disappointed.

What did I like about this issue?

The story flowed through this issue perfectly. A real tribute to Hutchison's writing. Readers are given a glimpse of hell as it operates in the context of this story which is important for new readers that might be new to Penny For Your Soul. We are introduced to a new character called Eve and are given a glimpse of what motivates her. Each part of this story is well paced and provides just enough information to keep you wanting more. This is an extremely well written first issue. The art by Neto is dark. Characters are given very heavy shadowing which conveys the darkness that surrounds them. My only criticism would be that I have in the past liked the vibrant colours of the previous series. It would seem that this volume might be taking a different direction, which is okay, I still thought highly of the art in this issue. I love the way Eve has been drawn as well as the colours chosen for this character. She jumps right off the page (well done Oren Kramek on colours).

What did others think about this issue?

No reviews to recommend that you read just yet...sorry!

What do I give it?

Grade: A

This is a solid start to a favourite title of mine from Big Dog Ink. If you have enjoyed this title in previous series', you will enjoy this issue too.

Down The Rabbit Hole #3 Review

Down the Rabbit Hole #3

Writers:
Raven Gregory
Pat Shand

Artists:
Gregbo Waston
Yusuf Idris

The story so far...

After the urges of a supernatural force drive Alice to attempt suicide, she is hospitalised for her perceived mental illness. Her family is left to function without her, leaving Lewis, Johnny, and Calie to venture down separate, dark paths. But during her stay at the hospital, Alice realises the truth - Wonderland is after her family and she is the only one who's aware of it. It's then that Alice makes the decision to protect her family at any cost necessary.

What can you expect from this issue?

This issue gets you inside Alice's mind. You are given insight into the Wonderland that she sees as she lives her everyday life. Alice returns home from hospital and from the moment she enters her home she is plunged into the horrors and torments of a Wonderland keen to get the better of her. She is introduced to the white rabbit upon her return home who taunts her and threatens her family. Alice's father comes to visit and presents her with a gift which is also an instrument of Wonderland's torment. Alice tries to rekindle romantic feelings with her husband to find that Wonderland will never leave her alone. Alice's emotional state is causing an emotional distance between her and her children. In the end, Alice may have been transported back to Wonderland, but I'll let you make that call. I'm still trying to figure it out!

What did I think of this issue?

The real stand out for me is the artwork. The reader is visually transported to this turbulent and colourfully brilliant Wonderland that is present within Alice's fragile mind. The art is just superb. Alice is drawn and coloured consistently throughout this issue. Every panel drawn conveys emotion which tells so much of Alice's journey. This is what comic books are about.

The writing by Gregory and Shand is good. Their writing is true to the chilling and shocking place Wonderland is for Alice. The writing succeeds in convincing the reader that Alice's family is in imminent threat from the perils of Wonderland.

This issue and the series so far is really providing amazing context to the Return to Wonderland series I read many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed. This series is about Alice (not Calie) and that makes this series so much more informative and enjoyable. Finally I get to read about Alice's struggle after returning from Wonderland.

What did others think of this issue?

There is just one review the I could find by Unleash the Fanboy...

Unleash the Fanboy Review 

So what do I give this issue?

Grade: A

Alice is drawn so brilliantly in this issue that I had to give it top marks! Just check out how awesome this art is...

Kick-Ass 3 #2 - Review

Kick-Ass 3 #2

Writer:

Mark Millar

Artist:
John Romita Jr.

Dave Lizewski always wanted to be a superhero. Now he's leading an entire superhero team.

What can you expect from this issue?

(Spoiler Alert...maybe!)

An awesome balance between action scenes and story development, with the scales slightly tipped toward story development. Kick-Ass is set upon by a bunch of muggers which I'll leave you to read about. This leads him to an introduction to someone significant in his life. We are later introduced to Rocco Genovese, a mob boss who is inwardly displeased with the actions of Chris Genovese (Red Mist). As Chris Genovese is being dealt with, his mother Angie Genovese takes an unexpected decision which does not generate the outcome that she had planned.

What did I think of this issue?

Trust me when I say that I have given away very little by what I have said above. This amazing comic book will have you pouring over the pages a second time to ensure you devour every part of this very cool story. Chris must pay for his actions and this is what is being worked through as part of this issue. Millar's writing is simply brilliant and engaging. He gets you deep into the mind of Angie Genovese and the decisions she is struggling with.

Millar of course does not let his fans down by bringing a fair amount of humour to this issue. When you read about the Batman: Year One speech scene of this issue you will be in stitches. It is brilliant. Millar is great at showing this bunch of wanna-be superheros as never being able to truly grapple with the real danger they face. Millar allows the reader to feel the good coming from Dave Lizewski's actions, but at the same time you constantly laugh through the stupidity of it all. This entire series is an amazing ride of shocking violence (sometime a bit confronting) and clever comedy.

John Romita Jnr never fails to impress. He draws the most intense action scenes (only a few in this issue though), but in this issue he demonstrates his skill with drawing characters grappling with a mix of emotions (Chris and Angie Genovese mostly). Facial expressions are accurate to the circumstance and a tribute to Romita's brilliant drawing style. His distinctive style is perfect for the Kick-Ass series.

Not much of Mindy in this issue, but she is in prison right now...I have no doubt we will see a lot more of her real soon.

What did others think?

Comic Vine gave this issue full marks as will I....here is what Comic Vine had to say...

Comic Vine Review 

What do I give it?

Grade: A+

This is a great issue which forms part of a great series. I recall buying the very first issue and thinking that this series was going to impress and many years on I have not yet been disappointed. Top marks for this issue.

Enjoy.

Uber #4 - Review

Uber #4

Writer:
Kieron Gillen

Illustrator:
Caanan White

The story so far...

1945 Europe.

Days before the fall of Berlin, a secret German program for manufacturing enhanced humans turns certain defeat into unlikely victory - and horror. As part of the following offensives, Hitler orders his generals to prepare a terror mission against Paris. Meanwhile, spy Stephanie has returned a portion of the secret of Uber manufacture to Britain. The Allies are now attempting to create enough Ubers - and pray one of them is able to stand against the seemingly unstoppable power of the human Battleships.

What can you expect from this issue?

A story that is really picking up in pace (not that it was slow in past issues) but you definitely get a sense that the race is on for both sides. The Nazis appear to have the upper hand at the moment with a fully established superhuman force making their way to Paris to wreak havoc. Britain of the other hand is just trying to get their superhumans up and running having stolen the 'science' from the Nazis. A guest appearance by Winston Churchill can be expected. This issue focuses mostly on Britain's attempts to meet the challenge being posed by the Nazis and make sure they secure the upper hand in the war. It outlines the challenges and difficulties faced by the British in creating their own superhuman force and the dangers of getting it wrong. Meanwhile, Germany's superhumans appear organised and on their way to destroy Paris.

What did I like about this issue?

I am convinced that Uber is a great story and a hit comic book. I did have minor reservations about it in the beginning but this series is keeping a fast pace and remains interesting. Gillen is clever at slowly revealing the process by which superhumans are created. The mysterious powers of the crystals keeps the reader guessing throughout the story. This is a very different kind of war story. The bad guys might just win WWII! Gillen's superhumans are the equivalent of the problem faced by the Allies in WWII had the Nazis been able to perfected nuclear warfare. I see similar parallels and the reader is constantly forced to consider an alternative reality of a Nazi victory.

White's illustrations give Gillen's writing a dark and gruesome edge. I just love the way he draws spy Stephanie. Did anyone else notice her hair colour change on the second to last page of the issue? Or am I wrong? Irrespective, I love the intensity of this character and her sense of purpose and mission which can only be conveyed through White's masterful illustration. White is great at giving the Nazis a really dark feel. Grey clouds and terror surrounds the Nazi superhumans as they travel across Europe. A real sense of fear comes through in the art panels devoted to the Nazis superhumans.

A discouraging distraction...

I was disturbed to read that there are commentators out there that have formed an unjust view that Gillen and/or White have created Nazi propaganda in the creation of this comic book. This was observed by Bleeding Cool website...

Bleeding Cool Article 

On a more positive note, I also enjoyed reading this article by USA Today...

USA Today Review 

There are clearly ethical issues with creating a book that would contemplate a Nazi victory at the end of WWII. I really think Gillen and White have a comic book that explores the horrific extent people and nations might go to achieve their own goals of State. This is a clever book for sensible comic book enthusiasts. This is not a piece of Nazi propaganda, but a fictional exploration of what nations do to achieve victory in times of conflict.

So what do I give it?

Grade: A

This is a great comic book. I am keen to see what happens in the next issue? Will the Nazi superhumans get to Paris? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Enjoy!

Robyn Hood - Wanted #3 - Review

Nei Ruffino

Robyn Hood - Wanted #3

Writer:
Pat Shand

Art:
Larry Watts

The story so far...

Using magic that Marion has harnessed from blessed crystals, Will Scarlet arrives on Earth just in time to break Robyn free from police custody. But Will's absence has left Nottingham vulnerable, allowing Guy of Gisbourne to lead the Dark Horde on a rampage through the city. Gisbourne captures Marion, taking her back to the mysterious Sheriff of Nottingham. Back on Earth, before Robyn can agree to come back to Myst with Will, she is pulled into a portal by Avella, Gisbourne's hired assassin.

What can you expect from this issue?

Franchesco

Straight up you can expect some great fight scenes between Robyn and Avella. Shand's writing carries you through the intensity of the fight scenes well. I really like what Shand has created in Avella, the assassin. She is without a doubt the most outstanding character and I think at times throughout this issue outshines Robyn. Without giving too much away, Avella experiences a few on the job frustrations (don't we all) and disappears for a while. I suspect she will be back though. I hope so, she is the only character I am finding interesting at the moment with this issue.

We may have been introduced to the beginnings of a romance between Robyn and Will as Robyn examines her conscience and her past experiences (good and bad). Whilst this is not such a bad thing, I hope it does not lead to a distraction in the overall direction of this series. I think it is fair to say that we all want Robyn to dispense justice on Gisbourne and this little Prince John, however I think we will be waiting a little while longer given how this issue has ended. There is serious trouble ahead for Robyn if she finds herself captured by Gisbourne....no spoilers here, but the cliffhanger ending to this issue will have you wondering and asking yourself 'what the hell is going on here?'

Jamie Tyndall

What did I like about this issue?

There is a seamless continuity to this series which is something I prefer when reading comic books. I read so many titles that I am grateful when I am given a taste of where things left off in the last issue (my memory fails me as I get older). Shand does this well, without it taking up precious art panels. Shand demonstrates his skill in storytelling by keeping you engaged between the two opposing forces throughout this story. This is really important. What keeps you engaged is that constant back and forth of good versus evil with neither gaining he upper hand...well at least not in this issue. So well done Shand, great storytelling and like many other readers I am head over heels for this Robyn Hood.

I think the story is a little let down by the art work. Watts is a solid comic book artist and knows how to tell a story through illustration, but I just struggled with the way Will and Gisbourne were drawn in some of the panels. I think Watts did well to ensure the characters expressed the right emotion to carry the story, and his female characters are drawn really well. Gisbourne comes off a bit too cheesy and/or cocky, when the right look should have been one of cunning and deceit. That said, Watts sets up the panels nicely and has created a well illustrated issue.

The Covers

Just a quick comment about the covers for this series. I have been amazed at the different interpretations that have been given by artists of this new Robyn Hood character. Each month readers are spoilt for choice as to which cover they take home. This is brilliant work Zenescope, keep it up. This blog entry features images by three of my favourite artists - Tyndall, Franchesco and Ruffino. 

Franchesco

What did others think about this issue?

I could only find one reviewer that I thought gave this issue considered thought...

Unleash The Fanboy Review

So what do I give this issue?

Grade: B+

This is a good issue and I will continue to read this series because the storytelling and the art is engaging and you can't help but love this interpretation of Robyn Hood. That said, this is not an 'A' grade issue, but it is close.

Enjoy!

Lazarus #2 - Review

Lazarus #2

Writer:
Greg Rucka

Art:
Michael Lark


What does Image tell as about this comic so far...

Following an attack on Carlyle holdings by the Family Morray, Forever's father Malcolm, the Carlyle Patriarch, has summoned his children to the family estate outside Seattle. The question? Shall Carlyle go to war with Morray?

What can you expect from this issue?

A story so strong on character development that you are drawn into it absolutely. The story is extremely well paced for my liking even though the story as this stage moves a bit slow. This is not a bad thing when you have a talented writer like Rucka telling the story though. As you will recount from issue #1 that I reviewed a little while back, we are reading about the potential up and coming conflict between the Carlyle and Morray families. Out of this issue you will develop a strong sense of the pressures faced by the Carlyle family as they must strategise to retain influence as one of the top families in this new world order.

While the struggles of the Carlyle family give you a good introduction to this family and their relationship with the family patriarch Malcolm, the Lazarus of this family 'Forever' is struggling with her conscience as well as with her sense of duty and mission. She knows she must protect her family's interest and do her father's bidding, but her inner voice does not believe her family's interests should be protected at any cost. That said, she does not make this feeling known out of her sense of duty. She has a strong relationship with her father, a real sense of trust exists between them, even to the exclusion of others (enough said about that...no spoilers here).

What did I think about this issue?

It is brilliantly crafted. The writing flows seamlessly through the issue and the art work has strong dark lines. Some have described this series as a well crafted soap opera and I would have to agree with them. This is a captivating series and is a demonstration that even though you might be dealing with a typical dystopian apocalyptic world (typical of many other stories like it), you are drawn into it based on the quality of the writing and art work combined. A genuine example of how comic books with mature stories can be a truly rewarding read. Lazarus is one of the best comic books on the shelf at the moment as far as these types of stories go. This is a dark world and Lark does well to create that sense affluence for the Carlyle family, but at the same time succeeds in his illustrations showing a real sense of hopelessness and desolation for those humans considered worthless in this new world. 

You are drawn to consider how economic theory plays out in this story and its impact on society. The extremes of capitalism are present in this amazing tale but you still are not entirely certain how everything works just yet. Clearly modern teaching on capitalism tends toward wealth, technology, property etc. being available to the few, while the rest of the world lives in whatever conditions are permitted through limited opportunity. These concepts are at the heart of this world created by Rucka and Lark and it is a story that is totally captivating.


What did others think of this issue?

Comicosity has a few good things to say...

Comicosity Review

Comic Vine is without doubt one of the best sites to seek out reviews, here is what they had to say...


Comic Vine Review

IGN gives you a brief but great run down of the characters...

IGN Review

What do I give this issue?

Grade: A

Looking forward to the next issue.

Wonder Woman #22 - Review

Wonder Woman #22

'The Calm'

Writer:
Brian Azzarello

Art:
Cliff Chiang

What can you expect from this issue?

In this issue you will be introduced to the world of New Genesis. This is Orion's home and the home of his father the Highfather,  king and ruler of this high-tech people. He is somewhat critical of his son's judgement and abilities and this father/son tension continues throughout most of this issue. Remember that Wonder Woman got a pretty hard beat-down in issue #21 and Orion has brought her to New Genesis to heal. This issue is aptly named 'The Calm'. Wonder Woman and her cohort are really re-grouping in this issue for what you will come to see will be a major showdown with the First Born. This issue is less about Wonder Woman and more about Orion. I think this is a good thing because Orion as a character up until this issue has not been well developed. He is such a pivotal character to this story that an Orion-based issue had to be on the cards for Wonder Woman fans. Later in the issue Wonder Woman finds herself back in a post-apocalyptic London after leaving New Genesis. One of the faithful have fallen in this issue...no spoilers here! The God of War appears to remain an ally of Wonder Woman which is the highlight of this issue for me.


What did I think of this issue?

The pace of this issue is somewhat slower, but I really got a sense of who Orion is and how keen he is to share Wonder Woman's mission to protect Zeke (Zola's baby). What I mean to say is that character development takes top priority over action scenes. This is good thing when Azzarello is steering the ship. Predictably, Orion's attitude (as can be seen in previous issues) has a lot to do with his relationship with his father. I like that I am more in touch with his character now. I never really like issues of Wonder Woman where she takes a bit of a back seat to the events going on around her, but I knew it was only going to be temporary. 

I was delighted to see Cliff Chiang behind all the art in this issue. His simple line-work and angular style is what makes Chiang's art distinctive. His personal style of illustration makes him an expert storyteller alongside Azzarello as writer. Queen Hera (the beautiful Goddess this blog is named after) is very present in this issue. Her presence for me softens the group of fighters/survivors that Wonder Woman has around her. Hera provides this amazing contrast between the grouping of allies Wonder Woman has. I hope for great things for Queen Hera in future issues. Apart from Wonder Woman, she has to be my favourite character in this series. Queen Hera has fallen from a great height but even in this issue remains majestic and I hope an ally to Wonder Woman's cause...but we will see in future issues I suppose.


What did others think of this issue?

If you know something about comic books you know that everyone loves this new series of Wonder Woman. Its contrast from previous series is stark and remains a high quality reinvention of this character. Most reviewers recognise this, and this can be read in their reviews...

Unleash The Fanboy Review 

The Pop Cultist Review 

There are many more reviewers you can seek out to get a better feel for how great this issue and series is. I encourage you to check out what others have to say.

I am reading a lot of great titles right now, but this is my favourite superhero title right now. Nothing else comes close to this new series of Wonder Woman in both storytelling and art work.

So what do I give this issue?

Grade: A+

The Highfather and Queen Hera

Welcome to New Genesis! Wonder Woman makes her first visit to Orion’s homeworld and comes face to face with the Highfather...and sees the strange hold he has over his uncontrollable son! - See more at: http://www.dccomics.com/comics/wonder-woman-2011/wonder-woman-22#sthash.QRuEgqTH.dpuf

Welcome to New Genesis! Wonder Woman makes her first visit to Orion’s homeworld and comes face to face with the Highfather...and sees the strange hold he has over his uncontrollable son! - See more at: http://www.dccomics.com/comics/wonder-woman-2011/wonder-woman-22#sthash.QRuEgqTH.dpuf