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The Warden #2: The Call

TravisComicHaven
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The Warden #2: The Call

Detroit is in shambles with the news of multiple kidnappings. The authorities have no leads. Will this case ever be resolved? Who will answer the call to action…?

Creative Team

David Timm Jr. & Cody Karamol (Writers), Matthieu Pereira (Artist), Roman Stevens (Colorist),
Jimmy Greenhalgh (Letterer), Jonny Wise (Cover Artist)

Publisher: IronClad Comics

The Call

Issue two of The Warden is a flawless continuation from issue one. The Detroit Police Department is now on the scene of a break in. Not just any break in though. The crime scene is an absolute mess leaving the authorities baffled with what they are witnessing.

Call
The Warden #2, Credit IronClad Comics. Cover by Nate Wells


Things are so bad with this case that Matt (a detective) is on the verge of a breakdown. You can imagine the amount of stress officers go through when they are working crime scenes depending on the nature of the scene. But this breakdown isn’t from what he (Matt) is seeing, it is from what he is hearing about what took place. A single individual took out all of the criminals with their bare hands while going up against rapid gun fire…

This issue also takes time to focus on the main character of the story, Henry. We see Henry within a church going through a confessional. This is where you see a struggling Henry. Not just with his life or his job, but rather something bigger and deeper that has been battling Henry for eight years. Once you read Henry’s confessional your eyes are open widely for the rest of the issue!

Within this issue you also get to witness a complete shift in character from Emma (reporter). Within issue one, Emma was struggling with staying in Detroit because of the doom and gloom that she has reported on for the previous five years. She wants more and within this issue she gets her wish. Emma happens upon information about the case that Matt is working and it sways her to stay in Detroit. Could it be the mysterious individual who took down the criminals with no help at all…

The Writing

David Timm Jr. & Cody Karamol did this issue justice with it being a continuation from issue one. The writing continues to be easy to follow as well as dynamic during high emotion panels. Character development continues throughout this issue with the characters that we already know, and even with new characters that are introduced. The layout of this issue makes you feel like you’re watching a drama on television.

The Artwork

Matthieu Pereira continues with his dark and ridged pencil work in issue two. Paying close attention to the fine and minor details of the crime scene panels. He does an excellent job capturing the emotional turmoil of Henry during his confessional panels as well. All around I am very impressed with his artwork and look forward to more from Matthieu!

Roman Stevens helped make the art from Matthieu feel like a television drama coming off the pages! Feeding into the tone of this story with his fantastic color choices yet again. The team of Matthieu and Roman was the best fit for The Warden, and I hope they continue to work together.

Jimmy Greenhalgh duplicated his performance from the first issue! Everything about the lettering in this issue was pure perfection, and not much more can be said about it. Perfection!

My Thoughts

Issue two is a great follow-up issue for this story. The character development continues strongly, and the story continues to build from the previous first issue. The plot of this story is flawless and so smooth to follow. There are never any points while reading that you find yourself questioning if you missed an important detail. This story is showing great promise and is entertaining to read. Follow the link below to IronClad Comics and get your copy now!

Grade: 9/10

Comic Book Reviews & Nerdy News: Nerd Initiative
Get Your Copy of The Warden #2 Here: IronClad Comics
The Warden #1 Review: The Warden #1: Mediocre Times
My Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS BELOW IN THE COMMENTS SECTION!

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GHOSTWOOD #1: The Case of Adelynn Abernathy

Megan Nichole
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GHOSTWOOD #1: The Case of Adelynn Abernathy

Creative Team – Zach Zeman, RJ Silvers

Published by Hidden Gnome Comics

You can check out Ghostwood #1 here!

MORE FROM NERD INITIATIVE HERE!

The Story

The town of Ghostwood is the only state in the United States that has legalized vigilantism, and the impact that has on the towns is clear. People are disappearing, citizens are dying, and mystery hides behind every corner. No matter where you go, you run the risk in running into the monsters that lurk in darkness, the metahumans. Something must be done because change is in the air, and it’s not for the better of Ghostwood.

Cover art by RJ Silvers. Published by Hidden Gnome Comics

The story follows Terrance Vigil, a government agent who has his eyes on re-opening the IPC, a government program that was shut down long ago. The IPC is a mysterious government entity that has many uses, but one of them being to monitor vigilantism and that’s precisely what Ghostwood needs. Vigil can’t do this alone, so he brings on a new recruit named Agent Roth. Getting Roth familiar with a new case, Vigil shows him the files on a woman named Adelynn Abernathy, a missing woman who seems to have been the target of one of these monstrous entities. With people like Adelynn going missing more often than not, now is the perfect time for this new IPC team to take on the metahumans!

The Writing

Zach Zeman brings a new story that’s dripping in the horror energy we all know and love. The story hooks you very quickly as the tone is set immediately. Opening up with a look at one of the metahumans shows you exactly what kind of monstrous energy Vigil and Roth are up against. It’s clear they have their work cut out for them.

With Ghostwood being the only state that has legalized vigilantism, there’s so many places to go with this story. Within the fantastic story, we see quite a few different towns and even more compelling characters that stand out on their own. There’s so much to enjoy about Ghostwood #1, especially if you’re a horror fan.

The Art

The artwork of Ghostwood #1 is as compelling as the story. In Ghostwood #1, you’ll see so many different monsters that all bring their own level of terror. Along with the looks of the monsters, there’s also a fantastic use of vibrancy throughout the comic that that practically makes the characters pop off the panels. I really enjoyed that aspect as it’s not usual to get that kind of vibrancy in a horror comic. RJ Silvers does a phenomenal job at keeping your eyes hooked to each panel and brings a whole new depth to the story of Ghostwood.

Final Thoughts

Zach Zeman and RJ Silvers prove with Ghostwood #1 that they are a dynamic duo that’s changing the game of horror comic. Ghostwood #1 will keep you laser focused into the story and the world building takes off and will leave you wanting to learn more.

Overall Grade – 9/10

You can keep up with everything Ghostwood here!

You can check out RJ Silvers here!

This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Ghostwood #1, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!

Pokémon: Celebrating 30 Years!

TravisComicHaven
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Pokémon: Celebrating 30 Years!

It’s hard to believe that it has been thirty years since Pokémon was first released to the world. Can you remember your first encounter with Pokémon? Are you still a “die hard” trainer still trying to catch ’em all?

Gotta Catch ‘Em All!

When Pokémon debuted in 1996, I was instantly a fan! This was the brand that started my collector itch at a young age. The thrill of the hunt for your favorite Pokémon card(s), or the super rare cards at the time. Being overly excited to tag along with mom to the grocery store just hoping to get a new pack. But the trading cards were just the start to a fandom that would gradually grow at a record rate!

The need for more from the Pokémon brand grew to new heights resulting in toys, collectibles, video games, movies and tv shows. I can recall pestering my parents to get me every toy that was included inside of a Burger King Kids’ Meal. Especially the collector gold plated cards that were released as a promotion for the first Pokémon movie. You were one of the cool kids if you were able to collect the entire set, and I had the entire set!

Pokémon Stadium, Credit Nintendo.


I can think back on the video games that were released by Nintendo too! My first game was Pokémon Yellow on the Gameboy Color. I would play that game for hours running through AA batteries like crazy! You could even play with your friends via a link cable that you would connect to each other’s Gameboy in order to battle. And let’s not forget Pokémon Stadium for the Nintendo 64! This game allowed you to catch, train, evolve and battle your Pokémon. At a young age this was a must at sleep overs. Testing your skills as a Pokémon trainer amongst your friends into the wee hours of the morning.

Pokémon was monumental to me growing up. It provided an avenue for my friends and I to bond other than sports. This was my generations version of baseball trading cards. Only difference is that there was a game attached to them. Battles, using the cards you have worked so hard (rather your parents) to collect to use them in a fighting platform with no true violence. So many relationships were gained from Pokémon. I am truly thankful that I have gotten to experience the fandom!

Pokémon Today

As time would have it, I grew up. And I drifted away from Pokémon for some years. Missing out on multiple generations of cards and games. But then came Pokémon GO! A mobile app game that allowed you to wonder around your neighborhood catching Pokémon in the wild. Allowing you to have a whole new experience with the fandom like never before! I still to this day enjoy opening that app to see what Pokémon are nearby.

Pokémon Pocket, Credit Pokémon Pocket App


As for today, I still interact with the Pokémon fandom. There is another app that a coworker introduced me to that I have to play every day, Pokémon Pocket: Trading Card Game. This game allows you to open five card packs, giving you the ability to turn into a Pokémon Trainer again. Collecting, trading and battling cards on a digital platform the same way you would in real life. This is providing people to connect even more throughout the world!

In closing, Pokémon has a die-hard fandom that has made it to thirty years and is still going strong! Everything about this brand has evolved with the times proving that it is not just for one generation. Sure, you still have the original trainers from 1996. But you also have generations that follow that get new and different species of Pokémon and story dynamics. Pokémon was a big part of my childhood, and it’s made its way back to me now as an adult. Happy anniversary Pokémon! Here’s to another thirty years!

Pokémon Pocket: Click Here

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The Warden #1: Mediocre Times

TravisComicHaven
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The Warden #1: Mediocre Times

“All men can be criminals, if tempted; all men can be heroes, if inspired.” – G.K. Chesterton

Creative Team

David Timm Jr. & Cody Karamol (Writers), Matthieu Pereira (Artist), Roman Stevens (Colorist),
Jimmy Greenhalgh (Letterer), Nate Wells (Cover Artist)

Publisher: IronClad Comics

Mediocre Times

The Warden is an independent comic book published by IronClad Comics. David Timm Jr. & Cody Karamol created IronClad Comics while in college at Bowling Green University. I had the opportunity to meet these gentlemen at a small local convention in Indiana in 2025. Great men who aspire to put IronClad Comics on the map! The plans they have for their debut series, I am sure, they will become noticed in no time at all.

Warden
The Warden #1, Credit IronClad Comics. Cover by Nate Wells


Issue one of The Warden takes place in Detroit, Michigan, in 2004. Within this setting, there have been multiple female child abductions throughout the city. This causes mass chaos in Detroit among the various day-to-day crimes that take place.

We are introduced to the main character of this series, Mr. Henry Hunt. Henry has one of the most dangerous jobs within the city of Detroit, a corrections officer. Going through the panels after the introduction, you gain the feeling that Henry is emotionally disconnected. The job he wakes up to do every day is taking its toll on him.

You are also introduced to the “power couple” for this series, Emma and Matt. Emma is a local reporter for a newspaper, striving to reach her full potential, but is finding that the city is not providing her with what she dreams of. Matt is a detective for the Detroit Police Department. Now you understand why I said, “power couple.” These two share an interesting dynamic, almost a Lois and Clark type of feel.

Henry’s coworkers find him strange. Something is going on with Henry, and while reading and looking at the panels, you get this sense that Henry doesn’t even know what is wrong with him. Leaving readers to ponder what is in store for him next.

The Writing

David Timm Jr. & Cody Karamol have something really special with this first issue. They show off their skills in creating a script that flows and brings you plot and character development. The dialogue between characters makes you feel like you’re actually there for the conversation. The way they focus this series on a real-life setting rather than a work of fantasy helps to make the reader relate more to what is happening.

The Artwork

Matthieu Pereira does a great job bringing this story to life through his art style. The art is rough and rigid, playing into the tone of what is taking place in the city and with the main character. Just from this first issue, I can say that I hope Matthieu stays on this project for its entirety!

Roman Stevens shows his skills filling in the blanks left behind by Matthieu. The colors chosen for this issue hit you on emotional levels, setting the tone for the reader. The shading for this issue is spectacular! Minor areas that you wouldn’t expect to be shaded are, and that helps build the panels even more.

Jimmy Greenhalgh proves to be a master of his craft, lettering this issue. The dialogue and narration are crisp and clean for the reader. Comment and thought bubbles are perfectly sized and placed in the panels in a fashion that does not take away from the amazing art to be seen.

My Thoughts

The Warden, after this first issue, has become one of my favorite independent books! Once I started reading this issue, I was not able to put it down and was saddened when it was over. This book plays on real-life events portrayed by characters that people can relate to or feel sympathy for. This is the first issue of many in this ongoing series from IronClad Comics, and I am thrilled to be subscribed to their Kickstarter to obtain every issue of this story. I urge you to give this series a try! Follow the link below to their website and order your issue today!

Grade: 9/10

Comic Book Reviews & Nerdy News: Nerd Initiative
Order The Warden Here: IronClad Comics
My Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW!

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Star Trek Starfleet Academy S1E8 The Life of the Stars (Review)

OffthecuffTom
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Star Trek Starfleet Academy S1E8 The Life of the Stars (Review)

Does art imitate life or does art imitate art while imitating life? This episode dives into the emotional depths of what Trek can be.

Don’t call it therapy, call it “Theater”

Finally, we get the long-awaited return of Lt. Tilly. She is called back from training the 3rd years on special assignment to help the recruits deal with the emotional feedback they weren’t ready to handle. Not to mention Tarima’s return not to the War College but the Academy instead.

In the excitement and confusion, the cadets must choose a play; SAM chooses “Our Town,” which is perfect, as the show’s themes provide the lens through which to view their own problems as a coping mechanism.

L-R: Zoë Steiner as Tarima, Kerrice Brooks as SAM, and Bella Shepard as Genesis in season 1, episode 8, of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+

Glitching Out

Unfortunately, SAM has been dealing with the fact that her trip to the holospa on All Worlds Day didn’t work out. The only way to fix it is to return home with The Doctor and The Captain to receive special treatment from her people.

The entire time, she is trying to connect with The Doctor to have a relationship, we finally realize he has been so distant with her because of his own past with his own Holo-Family, and distanced himself from forming such bonds

On Kask, the creators could not fix SAM, but when The Doctor figured out that the reason SAM was glitching was that she was only 200 days old and had never had a childhood to reference the social and emotional skills needed to persevere, particularly after the incident on the Miazaki.

The Life of the Stars gets a 7.5 out of 10

L-R: George Hawkins as Darem, Karim Diané as Jay-Den, Romeo Carere as Ocam, Bella Shepard as Genesis, and Sandro Rosta as Caleb in season 1, episode 8, of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit: John Medland/Paramount+

From the Warp Core

Seeing this episode was written by the same team that did the Sisko episode makes total sense, given the episode’s tone.

Was this the right episode for Tilly to come back? Yes! Was it a little too late? YES! Should this episode have been done right after Episode 6, I think so! A few scenes from Ko’zine could have been cut and added to the beginning of this one.

Again, there are some poignant stylistic choices in this episode, and some that made no sense, like the fact that, once again, just our merry band of misfit cadets are the only ones who need therapy? There we obviously see 2 other cadets in the scene in the artium.

Also, why would the Captain/Chancellor go on an away mission to help a single student? Especially to a planet that isnt a part of the federation itself? And for 2 weeks?!

I’m not saying this entire episode was bad again, just the obvious plot holes. But the overall progression of the characters in this instance, considering how much I have trashed on the trauma-feelings-focused writing, made sense. Now, can we get to some sort of Trek-style problem of the week?

How will The Doctors relatiship with SAM change the dynamic at the Academy? With only two episodes left and knowing that season 2 just wrapped, how are we going to end this “freshman year”?

Check out more Articles from Tom (here)

If you want to see what elses that keeps Tom so OFF THE CUFF: (CLICK HERE)

Hit Point Press Launches Big Bads: Most Wanted On Kickstarter

Kat
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Hit Point Press Launches Big Bads: Most Wanted On Kickstarter

Hit Point Press has released their latest project onto Kickstarter. 

Big Bads: Most Wanted is here, and it will collect: 

“25+ boss monsters from the Big Bads line and includes tons of new content – campaign frames, a new shadowy organization players can join, plus campaign frames that connect multiple Big Bads into a larger story.” 

The book is going to be including:

  • 250+ pages
  • 25+ boss monsters
  • Full backstories, tactics, and stat blocks
  • Dozens of new magic items and minions
  • Character options, including backgrounds, feats, and equipment
  • 90+ adventure hooks
  • Big Bads campaign frames
  • A guide to G.E.I.S.T – You can join the Big Bads in this new shadowy organization, the antithesis to the Big Bad Bureau
  • G.E.I.S.T recruitment boss monster files
  • Battle maps

Now yes: there is a new villain organization out there, and they are taking applications. Meet G.E.I.S.T. or Great Evil Inciting Supervillainous Threats. Now, the nice thing is you have the option to either join or fight G.E.I.S.T., so there are some fun things with that. 

Some of the villains included in the book are:

  • The Vengeful Familiar Baudelaire
  • The Haunted Grandfather Clock Zifferblatt 
  • The Fiendish Gambler Ontranto
  • The Terrifying Conqueror Worm
  • The Fire Elemental Lord Charrox
  • The Nasty Necrotroll Gutraxr

There are also a lot of new weapons in the book, and those include:

  • Grandmother Mercy’s Candy Cane Duelist Blade 
  • Teodora Eliss’ Dagger of Denouncement 
  • Charrox’s Legendary War Pick Lucinda 
  • The Means Of Production 
  • Phaign’s Mirror

Hit Point Press also has a preview on their website for one of the villains, The Creepy Possessed Doll Mirabelle. As far as the campaign’s Stretch Goals, the only one that has been unlocked is:

  • New Big Bad: Vhidokk

The still-locked stretch goals include:

  • Alchemy VTT Conversion 
  • 2 New Big Bads: Cawthorn & Ur-Tor

The book is on Kickstarter until April 2nd, so if you want to support it, now is the chance to check it out.

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Escape #6 – “No Help is Coming”

Yancy Arce
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Escape #6 – “No Help is Coming”

Milton Shaw walks into the belly of the beast in Escape #6 by Rick Remender, Daniel Acuña and Rus Wooton from Image Comics.

Escape #1 by Rick Remender & Daniel Acuña, Image Comics

PREVIOUSLY

Milton Shaw and his flight crew were on a mission to bomb and destroy the Narenian’s Titan Cannon. A gargantuan sized prototype air defense weapon. Recently manufactured, deployed and tested by the Narenian Forces. Until now, the skies had been dominated by the Allied forces. But with the addition of the Titan Cannon in the battlefield all that could change. 

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

Unfortunately, Milton’s aircraft was shut down from the skies before hitting the intended target. Not only they missed the Titan Cannon on the first pass. But their bombs landed on the civilian buildings surrounding it. Thus, ending the lives of countless Narenian civilians. Obviously, the Titan Cannon was a massive target. However, the Narenian’s purposely tried hiding it in between civilian buildings. Mainly with the hopes the Allied forces wouldn’t risk taking civilian lives.

THE BOMBER ACE

If there was a pilot capable of executing this high risk high reward mission, that would be Captain Milton Shaw, nicknamed “the Bomber Ace”. With a record of twenty-seven successful bombings under his belt. Captain Shaw was handpicked for this assignment. Unfortunately for Milton and his crew, the Narenian forces were more prepared than they anticipated. The Titan Cannon was protected by a sizable air fleet and plenty of air defense artillery and anti-aircraft guns. Additionally, the crew missed the target on the first pass. Probably because of all the commotion. 

Escape #3 by Rick Remender & Daniel Acuña, Image Comics

NOT FAILED, BUT POSTPONED

With most of the crew dead and the airplane severely damaged Shaw had two options left. Retreat, fly away and get blown up in mid air. Or aim the plane down, causing as much damage as possible before bailing out and figure out the rest on the ground. As you already know, Milton chose the latter. Thus, we have taken for a thrilling and suspenseful ride. Now, alone and surrounded, no one is coming to rescue him. Not this deep behind enemy lines. Regardless of his misfortune, Milton decided to finish his mission. 

Escape #5 by Rick Remender & Daniel Acuña, Image Comics

*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #6*

Escape #6 Cover B 1 in15 Niko Henrichon Variant, Image Comics

ONE MAN ARMY

After evading capture by the Narenian foot soldiers for days, Milton made his way to the location of the Titan Cannon. As to be expected, the target is secured behind an impenetrable fortress. Surrounded by watchtowers, foot patrols and only one access point. However, Milton would not be deterred. With Occam’s razor type of reasoning, Milton finds his way inside the fortress. Only to be faced with some problematic information.

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

Intensity is what you will get from Daniel Acuña’s visual storytelling. Intense action, intense tactics and even intense one-on-one conversations. The climactic moment of Shaw’s odyssey is only palpable because of Acuña’s technical prowess. 

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

FINAL THOUGHTS

I believe this series was originally solicited for 6 issues. However, Escape has been successful enough to be extended. Hence the one month break between issues 5  and 6. Also the 3 month break between issues 6 and 7. This is to enable Rick Remender to rewrite the plot to be better told in a few more issues. This is always great news for the fans. This was well earned and to my opinion, necessary. Congratulations are in order. 

LET US KNOW YOUT THOUGHTS ON ESCAPE #6 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW:

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Inglorious X-Force #2 – It’s training day for Ms. Marvel!

Derek Hoskins
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Inglorious X-Force #2 – It’s training day for Ms. Marvel!
Inglorious X-Force #2 – Cover – R.B. Silva & David Curiel (Credit Marvel Comics)

Inglorious X-Force #2

Writer – Tim Seeley

Artist – Michael Sta. Maria

Colorist – Romulo Fajardo Jr.

Letterer – Joe Caramagna

Cover – R.B. Silva & David Curiel

Read the review of the last issue of this series HERE!

Inglorious X-Force #2 – Cover – Stefano Caselli & Federico Blee (Credit Marvel Comics)

The Story:

Cable has taken on the task to discover the future assassin of President Kamala Khan… and it’s someone on his new X-Force team.

The Writing:

In his second issue, Tim Seeley continues to craft a wonderful mystery full of interesting and intriguing characters. This issue expertly advanced the story, making me desperately want more by giving small bits to move the mystery forward. Seeley writes these characters so perfectly, each one has a unique voice and the team is as chaotic as any reader could hope for.

The Art:

The art work of Michael Sta. Maria and Romulo Fajardo Jr. in this issue was an absolute feast for the eyes. Particularly the display of powers towards the end of the issue. Each page was filled with a beautiful display of just how violent and dangerous this team can be. The cover invokes the early years of X-Force with the right amount of nostalgia and modern art styles.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Another issue into this series and it continues to fire on all cylinders. The character interactions, the action, and the mystery all coalesce to create a fantastic comic book and one you do not want to miss!

Check Out More From Derek HERE

Have you read this issue? What did you think about it? Let us know in the comments below!

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“Vampirella #11” Review – A New Tale Arises!

Eda Thomas Bagwell
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“Vampirella #11” Review – A New Tale Arises!

Writer: Christopher Priest
Artist & Colorist: Ergün Gündüz
Letters: Willie Schubert
Editor: Matt Idelson
Main Cover Artist: Lucio Parillo

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Source: Lucio Parillo & Dynamite Comics

Writing to Die For

To start off, the writing here is absolutely fantastic and tells a deep, well-meaning message. We pick up after the end of the previous issue, where Vampirella and gang got sent back in time after she rejected the advancements of Chaos the Mad God. In order to properly set up the message of this new arc, readers are introduced to both the setting and the villains at the focal point; vampires masquerading as federal agents in an old west town.

I’ll admit that I was a bit thrown off at first, as this was a fairly drastic setting change from the first issue, but once the purpose became clear, I was entirely onboard. As of right now, the purpose of this arc seems to be similar to that of the utter masterpiece that is “Sinners” by Ryan Coogler. Writer Christopher Priest seems to be a telling a story of how colonialism impacts minority communities, using the idea of the vampire as a metaphor. Without going into too much detail so as to not ruin any surprises, this is shown to us using the Shoshone tribe and the correlation between them and Vampirella’s love, Légere. I absolutely love that this topic is being brought up in relation to a character as longstanding as Vampirella and am very excited to see where Priest takes this!

Source: Derrick Chew & Dynamite Comics

Art With a Bite

After having done work on “Vampirella” in previous years, artist Ergün Gündüz returns in a jaw-dropping way. While there’s some panels where the details aren’t too great or the action looks a bit stiff, his true excellence really shines through in others. One of the first things I noticed was the usage of shading and light to perfectly capture an eerie mood. My favorite example is a splash page that involves a big train next to what looks like a mill, set at night with the light of the train illuminating our four antagonists. The second I saw this, I felt a chill run down my spine, something that I’m sure was Gündüz’s intention.

Art credit also deserves to be given to the cover artists, especially Lucio Parillo, Derrick Chew and Elias Chatzoudis. All three of them absolutely shine and deserve the recognition. I especially love Derrick Chew’s cover just for his particular art style alone. It speaks to me and my love of both vampires and anime.

Source: Elias Chatzoudas & Dynamite Comics

Final Thoughts

The writing is absolutely alluring with a staunch, powerful message and artwork that backs it up near perfectly. Any “Vampirella” fan will want to sink their teeth in!

Overall Grade: 9/10

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Were you able to pick up “Vampirella #11”? If so, what’d you think? Let me know in the comments below!

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“Tomb Raider: Sacred Artifacts #2” Review – A Feast For Fans

Eda Thomas Bagwell
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“Tomb Raider: Sacred Artifacts #2” Review – A Feast For Fans

Writer: Casey Gilly
Artist: Antonio Di Caprio
Colorist: Eren Angiolini
Letterer: AndWorld Design
Editor: Patrick Thorpe
Assistant Editor: Tara McCarron

*Spoilers Ahread*

Image by Dark Horse Comics.

Wading Deeper

Keeping in line with last months issue, this feels like yet another easy home run for Casey Gilley! With seemingly every line, she makes it more obvious that she’s either a massive fan of the franchise or does her research. That leads me to something I’m loving about these books and that’s the nods and references to the franchise’s past while taking it into the future. In this issue in particular, we get a nod to the game “Temple of Osiris” as Lara and Carter briefly mention their time in Egypt.

It’s in that very same moment that we meet a new character in Carter’s girlfriend Anna, who I have a sinking feeling isn’t who she claims to be. That being said, her and Lara seem to have a very flirty relationship upon first meeting, though that could just be my queer woman heart speaking (and hoping). Wherever this newfound relationship with a fellow adventurer goes for Lara, I’m certainly excited to find out! It really doesn’t help that the book leaves off on a fantastic cliffhanger involving the villain of focus for the miniseries.

All in all, the writing here is engaging and absolutely superb. It’s as witty as it should be while keeping tensions high and the mysteries coming! It also continues to be a perfect gateway for those looking to get into the franchise. I’m already eagerly awaiting for when next month’s issue enters my box at my local comic store.

Art For the Ages

Artist Antonio Di Caprio and colorist Eren Angiolini return to do yet even more utterly fantastic work. Nothing feels amiss here as they do everything they can to bring readers into this world, going into even the finest details. The catacombs are perfectly dark and mysterious while the walls are lined with different colored bricks. The character expressions are so lifelike, showing wide ranges of emotions, which really doesn’t help sometimes with my previous note of “Lara and Anna being flirty.” The cherry on top is the accurate lighting in every scene. If a light source is behind a character, it absolutely shows on both their head and their face.

Final Thoughts

Gilly’s “Sacred Artifacts” remains a perfect gateway for newcomers while being a fantastic read for longtime fans! I can’t recommend this series enough.

Overall grade: 10/10

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