Dark Horse is back with their newest comic series, Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories- Jace. Writer: Michael W. Conrad, Artist: Caitlin Yarsky, Colorist: Alex Guimarães, and Letterer: Clayton Cowles, have written a beautiful first issue.
Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories- Jace #1 Cover A By Caitlin Yarsky (Credit: Dark Horse Comics)
Caitlin’s artwork on this first issue is both haunting and eerie, but also beautiful and character-driven. She has taken these beloved characters and this world, and really given fans of Magic something to latch onto. I love that we see multiple locations throughout the Magic multiverse. Add in Alex’s coloring and Clayton’s fantastic lettering, and this issue already looks amazing.
Michael’s writing on this first issue is fantastic. He has taken Jace and expanded on his backstory. I am loving seeing him far outside his comfort zone. The writing alone has made this comic so worth reading. Then the art and letters make it that much better.
This first issue sees Jace going and trying to recover his lost memories. We also see him recovering from his mentor, Tezzeret. Now, Tezzeret is also in pursuit of a dangerous magical artifact, which has the potential to reshape or destroy the Multiverse. The ending shows Jace landing in Dominaria.
Overall Grade: 10/10– Michael and crew have written a beautiful first issue. I love seeing these characters in a new light. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series has in store.
Last we saw Frankie ‘PLAYTIME’ Follis she was solidifying that generational trauma be passed to her daughter, while also being back stabbed by her ex-lover. Playtime teeters between good and bad, yet always seems to lean more bad. However, she wants to save her neighborhood from an evil real estate developer. This is not your typical Scooby Doo bad real estate guy. This one actually murders. So, Frankie has put together a team of misfits to take him down, and save Redport.
Creative Team
Script: Patton Oswalt & Jordan Blum;
Art: Scott Hepburn;
Colors: Ian Herring;
Letters: Nate Piekos of Blambot;
Cover A Artists: Scott Hepburn with Ian Herring;
Cover B Artist: Fabrizio De Tommaso.
Minor Threats created by Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum, & Scott Hepburn.
Minor Threats: The Last Devil Left Alive #4 Cover from Dark Horse Comics
The Story for Minor Threats: The Last Devil Left Alive #4
Frankie has a multi-step plan to save Redport from Scadlock and his goons. She’s got fresh recruits looking to follow in their evil ancestors foot steps, some old friends, and an adorable Barfly in drag. Time to grab some food, and take down some tech bros, as Frankie’s multi-step plan has officially been set in motion. Quite literally. However, what speed bumps await, we shall see.
Minor Threats: The Last Devil Left Alive #4 Variant Cover from Dark Horse Comics.
Art
The art for Minor Threats The Last Devil Left Alive continues to be beautifully dark, gross, and fun. My favorite little fly dude got a moment in the sun, and it was hilarious and perfect. Meanwhile, we see new characters and powers creating a whole new world of amazing art. With so much going on in this issue, the lettering had to be spot on to keep the flow, action, and story going, and it nailed it as well.
While every story I have read in the world of Minor Threats has been awesome, I would recommend these comics solely for the art. Fortunately, it truly is the best of both worlds.
We’re building up to a conclusion for Minor threats: The Last Devil Left Alive. A lot of different characters from across the different comics have come together. Desperate times. However, who is loyal can never be known when you’re a supervillain. Especially a supervillain with a pissed off ex. I can’t wait to see how this comic wraps, as this is truly another epic story from the world of Minor Threats!
Cassandra finds her battle with the Blood Wu going beyond the borders of this dimension! She must reconcile her families past and face new challenges and terrors all leading to an unexpected family reunion.
Creative Team: Tate Brombal (WRITER), Takeshi Miyazawa (ART), Juan Castro (INKS), Mike Spicer (COLORS), Tom Napolitano (LETTERS), and David Talaski (COVER).
Batgirl #18. Credit DC Comics. Cover by David Talaski.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
The Story:
I really enjoy it when things get weird, and Tate has continued to take Cassandra’s story in new directions, unafraid of holding back. Her blood and her ties are becoming front and center to this mini arc and are bringing about new challenges. It’s setting her on a path that doesn’t need the Bat Family or Bruce, refreshingly, and allowing her to build as a character. There are hints of betrayal within the plot, and I think that is going to bring about a big boiling point, and I’m interested to see where this all leads.
The Art and Letters:
There is a lot of beauty in the artwork of this issue, especially once we head into the portal. There are a lot of cool spiritual and mystic methods within the art as we lean into the more supernatural side of this character. The art team is leaning into the cultural aspects of this universe, and it looks different than any of the books DC is putting out in a very good way!
Final Thoughts:
Batgirl #18 is bringing Casandra’s past to the forefront as her family and her blood are more important than she has ever known. As we leave on a massive cliffhanger I cannot wait to see what is next!
Overall Grade: 8.9/10
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and check out more reviews by Matt!
Creative Team – Chip Zdarsky, Skottie Young, Dave Sharpe, Tini Howard, Mattie Lubchansky, Mark Waid, Ty Templeton, Dan Panosian, Jim Zub, Ramon Perez, Dave Johnson, Kagan McLeod, Gerry Duggan, Terry Moore, Pat Brosseau, Colleen Coover, Andrew Wheeler, Stephen Byrne, Kyle Starks, Cody Ziglar, Daniele Di Nicuolo, John Kalisz, Joe Kelly, Lucas Gattoni, Gail Simone, Colleen Doran, Graham Roumieu, Lee Gatlin, Joanna Starer, Joe Quinones, Joseph Starkey, Ben Errett, Jeff Parker, Lukas Ketner, Tom Napolitano, Vita Ayala, Maria Laura Sanapo, John Kalisz, Scott Snyder, James Harren, Frank Martin, Mariko Tamaki, Riley Rossmo, Inaki Azpiazu, Ryan North, Erica Henderson, Seth Meyers, Shannon Wheeler, Scott Aukerman, Mitch Gerads, Pat Brosseau, Al Ewing, PJ Holden, Leah Williams, Isaac Goodhart, Joshua Williamson, Javi Fernandez, Marcial Toledano Vargas, Mark Russell, Steve Lieber, Steve Buccellato, Matt Fraction, Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Casey Gilly, J. Bone, Daniel Kibblesmith, Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, Charles Soule, Ryan Browne,
“Chip Zdarsky is a funny guy. Remember when he made that whole April Fools’ gag comic with rub ‘n’ smell farts? Oh, wait, that was me, DC Comics E-I-C Marie Javins. Chip was the one saying, “I’d turn back if I were you,” but he couldn’t stop me. Editors are a self-destructive lot. Which is why this year, I said, “I give up, you do it, Chip, you are so much funnier and prettier and also better with cats than I am.” And look, he went and did it. Chip demoted himself to “editor.” Chip is turning the DC universe on its ear and bringing you savage mockery of all we hold dear, and he is assisted in this brutal task by Matt Fraction, Gail Simone, Skottie Young, and many, many more. Next year? Back to farts.
Includes MAD favorite Sergio Aragones with “A MAD Look at Comic Book Stores,” “Guy vs. Spy” by Jim Zub and Ramón Pérez, and a DC Fold-In by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne. Plus a slew of MAD-style parodies of all DC Comics you hold dear, and some you’ve always hated anyway. MAD About DC #1 will fulfill your every comic book dream, or at least three or four of them.”(cited from DC Comics)
Cover art by Dan Panosian. Published by DC Comics
Inside MAD About DC #1, you’ll see the DC Universe in the format of a magazine. 55 pages of one-shots that are filled with humor, roasting, and satire. With so many different writers and artists, there’s really something for everyone in the pages of the comic. Leaning into the humor aspect of the comic and the spirit of April Fools’ Day, the creative teams went out of their way to make this a fun-filled comic that you can turn off your mind to and just enjoy the different stories.
The Art
With so many different artists working on this bundle of one-shots, you have a huge plethora of different art styles. With artists such as Mattie Lubchansky, Ty Templeton, or Tony Moore, there are so many different vibes to each story. The artists all bring their personal flavor to the comic, making this an enjoyable and fun comic to read.
Final Thoughts
The only word there is to describe this comic is “fun”. On each page, there’s something different, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Capturing the MAD Magazine style format, I’d say the huge creative team knocked this out of the park.
Overall Grade – 10/10
Let me know in the comments below what you thought of MAD About DC #1!
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 MAD About DC #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!
Come celebrate 50 years of Eternals with this Anniversary Special issue that brings together three short stories featuring three talented creative teams!
The first of three stories for this 50th anniversary issue of Eternals, written by Ethan S. Parker & Griffin Sheridan, takes the reader on a journey between Ikaris and Steve Rogers (Captain America). Within the first couple of pages of this story, you get a sense that Ikaris has a sad feeling of being alone. Walking the streets of New York, full of people who show no desire to notice who he is. That really becomes evident when Steve Rogers bumps into Ikaris at a hot dog stand.
Eternals 50th Anniversary Special #1, Credit Marvel Comics. Cover by R.B. Silva & David Curiel.
The story continues with a flashback in time to 1942 in Germany. This is where Steve and Ikaris first met, and a friendship started. It is within those panels that you see these two individuals share the same morals when it comes to protecting innocent lives. This helps to better explain their reactions to one another in the present day at the hot dog stand.
“Of Masks & Monsters”
This second story of three of this 50th anniversary issue of Eternals is written by Ralph Macchio. In this story, you follow the history of the character Ransak. He had a very rough and abusive upbringing. The abuse ranged from mental to physical. Causing Ransak to have a mental shift about who he truly is. This story is said to have taken place within the Eternals series from 1976. The amount of abuse Ransak is subjected to makes you feel remorse for him. No child, let alone an individual, should ever be subjected to that level of abuse. And sadly, it happens to children and adults in our world daily.
“The Lost Eternal”
Patrick Stump makes his Marvel Comics debut with this third and final story in the Eternals’ 50th anniversary issue. This is a futuristic story detailing the whereabouts of a lost Eternal. A young man who has no idea who or what he is is subjected to a battle that causes him much confusion. With a voice within his head, he can conjure powers and abilities that he seemingly did not know he had. This individual poses a threat to the Eternals as a whole and leaves them baffled about how to stop him.
The Writing
Travis:
Ethan S. Parker & Griffin Sheridan bring the reader a very compelling story. Bringing together two Marvel characters from two very different cultures to show teamwork and ultimately friendship. The dialogue between the two characters is very well written and shows compassion sprinkled with minor humor as well. The plot for this story is very compassionate and generally easy to follow.
Ralph Macchio makes a comeback to writing for Marvel Comics with his story. And I really enjoy the fact that he takes his story back to the 1976 Eternals series. For those who may not know, Ralph was a writer and editor for Marvel Comics before his retirement. I found this story to be very entertaining. Giving you a glimpse into a character’s past while also giving the reader a subcategory of modern-day trauma that is prevalent in today’s society.
Patrick Stump impressed me with his debut story for this issue. He brought to life a story of a potential Eternals killer character. And with the buildup of mystery as to why this character has no idea of his full capabilities is fascinating if Marvel would run with that story. I look forward to seeing Patrick write more and to seeing what he has up his sleeves for comic books.
Shawn:
The Eternals 50th Anniversary issue is broken up into three stories. Ethan S. Parker and Griffin Sheridan give us the first story, “Back from the Edge”. Parker and Sheridan created a really unique story that shows us a relationship I had never really thought about before. I always like stories that give us a glimpse into what characters are doing when they aren’t being superheroes, and this feels like an excellent example of that. It’s a satisfying story of camaraderie and friendship.
The second story, “Of Masks and Monsters,” is by Ralph Macchio. I was really intrigued by Macchio’s decision to take a “lost chapter” approach, setting the story during a previous Eternals timeline to fill in some story. Macchio makes it feel like the focus of the story will be one character, but instead, we learn unexpected stories of different characters. Of Masks and Monsters is, at its core, a story of heartbreak, disappointment, and perhaps misplaced hope. Macchio treats readers to an Eternals-centric story that is a drastic and bold departure from the first story, and yet it works so well. The story fills in some blanks from the past and maybe even retcons a few.
The third and final story, The Lost Eternal, marks Patrick Stump’s writing debut for Marvel Comics. Stump, better known as the lead singer of the band Fallout Boy, crafts an extremely interesting story full of action that teases the potential introduction of a new Eternal. In introducing the character, Stump introduces an olive branch to potential new Eternals readers, giving them an entry point to the long-storied history of the Eternals.
ACO Cover
Dale Eaglesham/Guru eFX Cover
Michael Cho Cover
The Artwork
Travis:
Dale Eaglesham, Phil Noto, and Luis Guerrero do a fantastic job with the art for the first story. The art is polished and very detailed. And the coloration on some panels really makes you feel the action that is taking place! Overall, this story had beautiful art that boosted the written story.
Michael Cho and Lee Loughridge make this second story look and feel like it was drafted in the 1970’s! Which is perfect, seeing as Ralph wrote this to be within the 1976 series. The art takes you back to reading books from that era. And that is absolutely majestic for true comic book readers.
Domenico Carbone and Javier Tartaglia bring a very clean and modern look to the final story of this issue. The pencil work is smooth and crisp, leaving easy work for the colorist. The coloration for this story was amazing. The colors are bold and even bright at times for certain panels. Fans of modern era art will enjoy what they see with this story!
Travis Lanham did the lettering for ALL three of these stories! Simply put, he showed a wide range of his lettering talent. Being able to letter three stories that vary in timelines and art styles is amazing! And to do so in a way that makes the stories easy to follow and not take away from the amazing art that is displayed, great job!
Shawn:
Collectively, seven different artists and colorists worked on this story, and it feels like each was perfectly chosen for the story they worked on. Phil Noto, along with Dale Eaglesham and Luis Guerrero, created a bright modern world contrasted with a dark past recollection in the first story.
In story two, Michael Cho and Lee Loughridge took an almost sepia approach to the initial art that provided a great way to move your mind back to the time in the Eternals lore, the story would have been set. Much like the drastic change in narrative tone from the first story, Cho and Loughridge offset the narrative of this story with darker, cooler tones, capturing the sense of hopelessness of the Deviants’ world.
Finally, Domenico Carbone and Java Taraglia do a great job bringing and then disrupting the peaceful wooded scene to life in which Stump’s story is set. The story is brightly colored like the first story, but features a distinct focus on detail that improves the quality of the story
Final Thoughts
Travis:
This 50th Anniversary issue was very captivating for me as a reader. You get glimpses into various storylines dealing with very different plots. Eternal fans will enjoy this issue, and new readers will get a basic understanding of the characters shown as well.
Shawn:
The Eternals 50th Anniversary Special offers an entertaining story for fans of any era of The Eternals, while also serving as a potential gateway for new fans to join the fray. Each story is unique, distinct, and displays the particular talents of each creative team.
If you thought this run of Batman was exciting, just wait until you dive into the 8th issue. Matt Fraction brings in some very welcome faces for Batman to go against his biggest threat yet, the city of Gotham. Attempting to turn the city against the Caped Crusader, a mysterious character who’s been around longer than most, gets into the head of the new mayor. Saying Batman is reckless and works outside of the law, the character uses his cunning manipulation to create a war against Batman and Robin.
Cover art by Jorge Jiménez and Tomeu Morey. Published by DC Comics
Meanwhile, Batman recruits help from a fellow hero to assist him in getting to the bottom of the mystery of this character. What started as just a friendly coffee date turns into much more as the end is met with a wanted poster with Batman’s face on it.
Matt Fraction continues to impress with this run, adding in more excitement and more complications for Batman. There’s plenty of Batman comics around, but this is easily my favorite one. Each issue comes with its own story that furthers the overall plot and makes the story even more invigorating.
The Art
Ryan Sook joins the creative team of Batman for the eighth issue and brings so much heat to the pages of the comic. Alongside Sook is Tomeu Morey, who handles the colors. Both Sook and Morey put their talents on full display in Batman #8, bringing beautiful depths to the pages. Where I can think their talents shine the brightest is a look into the past of the mayor and the mysterious character, fitting in so many different stories and emotions into the two full-page panels. Clayton Cowes handles the lettering and provides an excellent flow of dialogue that matches the tones of the story perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Batman #8 turns the excitement up a notch and sets up some thrilling things that I’m extremely excited to see play out. Hats off to the creative team!
Overall Grade – 10/10
Let me know in the comments what you thought of Batman #8!
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 Batman #8, 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!
T’Challa and Namor meet up to sign a treaty sharing many of Wakanda’s creations and wealth with Atlantis. Unfortunately, the treaty does not include what Namor truly wants, chrono-vibranium. As the negotiations begin and T’Challa welcomes Namor to Wakanda’s Space Station, all may not be as it seems.
Writer: Paul Allor Artists: Salvador Espin and Jethro Morales Colorists: Dee Cunniffe Cover Artist: Stephen Segovia Cover Colorist: Rain Beredo
Writing
I love Paul Allor working on the Marvel Rivals comics. Allor does a great job utilizing the freedom of not being tied to years of established lore to their benefit. The story in this issue really threw me for a loop. I thought I was getting into a drawn-out battle between kings, and instead found myself falling face-first into a heist story. Allor brings such depth and warmth to the characters.
Perhaps my favorite thing about Allor’s work on the Marvel Rivals comic is that Allor is a master of picking out what makes each character. Namor is different in Allor’s comics and on Marvel Rivals from the Namor of the traditional 616 universe. Allor shines, however, at including the perfect parts of the character’s personality to make readers connect with this different version of their favorites. It means understanding what makes T’Challa as a character, and Allor captures that perfectly.
Art
Marvel Rivals: Duel of Kings #1 cover by Stephen Segovia and Rain Beredo. Image from Marvel Comics
Salvador Espin, Jethro Morales, Dee Cunniffe, and Rachelle Rosenberg really did a monumental job with this issue. I feel like the art team did a perfect job balancing art that excites comic purists while also capturing the styles, shapes, and colors of the Marvel Rivals video games.
Cunniffe deserves particular praise for beautiful choices of colors and palettes that make Wakanda feel both grounded and majestic despite being a space empire. Espin and Morales craft looks for Namor and T’Challa that are distinct but feel equal parts regal and powerful. Joe Sabino does a great job handling the narrative device of Galacta without allowing her to draw you away from the main story.
Final Thoughts
Marvel Rivals comics continue to be some of the best comics being put out by Marvel at the moment. They are fun and fresh, providing an amazing gateway for new fans to explore their newfound favorite characters in unique ways. This part diplomacy and part heist story crafted a fun backdrop that leaves me desperate to see what Allor has up their sleeve next
Overall Grade: 10/10
Have you been checking out the Marvel Rivals comics? Let us know in the comments below!
Gwen is struggling with a mistake that she recently made. Causing people close to her to take a break from being Ghost-Spider. But Gwen is not the only one who is struggling with things going on in their life…
Issue nine of All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider by Stephanie Phillips brings you so much emotional drama with Gwen. This issue brings recent events from this series full circle. Another great aspect of this issue is the amount of character star power that, as a reader, I was not expecting. With how powerful this issue is, it is very surprising that this series is coming to a close at issue ten…
All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #9, Credit Marvel Comics. Cover by David Marquez & Federico Blee.
The beginning of this issue directs your attention to the issues that Mysterio is facing regarding his feud with Hammerhead. Which is so powerful within itself. If you know Mysterio, he is focused on the performance of his crimes. Everything he does is a production. Well, this issue focuses on him becoming a “has-been.” That nothing he does now is deemed worthwhile. Which is something that I feel some (if not all) readers can personally relate to.
Moving on to the issue, we further address the struggle that is attacking the soul of Gwen. She made a mistake in issue eight that is following her in more ways than one. Thus, causing her to lose track of time when trying to make it to a show her band was slated to perform. Once realizing how late she actually was, her bandmates try to have a serious heart-to-heart with her. Which doesn’t go over well at all…
Gwen knows that she has done something terrible, but cannot figure out why she doesn’t truly feel bad about what she has done. During some self-reflection, Gwen is cornered by a group of individuals who genuinely care for her and her mental well-being. But the feel of this was that of an intervention, and Gwen was not having that at all. Which makes Gwen take off on the run to a specific location to where she does yet another unthinkable thing… Leaving you to question how this series is only running to ten issues!
The Writing
Travis – Stephanie Phillips has total control over this issue and the roads she wants you, the reader, to wander down. The dialogue between the characters, as well as the internal dialogue, is so impactful to the continuous development of the characters. You feel the turmoil come off the pages and slap you in the face. Which causes you to not only feel sympathy for the characters, but to also go on your own journey of self-reflection.
Megan – Stephanie Phillips creates All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #9 with huge emotions and the ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Seeing Gwen feeling out of control and completely alone put you in your own emotions as you want to see her supported. But when she has everyone in her life telling her that it’s time to put the mask away, it’s very clear that she’s on her own in this. With the ending, it felt like a metaphorical punch to the gut that leaves you extremely anxious to see what happens next for Gwen.
The Artwork
Travis – Paolo Villanelli and Matt Milla brought the fire with this issue! Spider-Gwen comics are well known for their amazing use of vibrant background colors, and this issue is no exception! The action panels are so detailed and colored so perfectly. And the final splash page to end this issue is absolutely gorgeous! I would love to have that specific page as a poster on my wall!
Ariana Maher does an amazing job lettering this issue! The various comment bubbles for specific characters really help to articulate who is saying what within the panels. Another factor that helps with that same topic is the changing of the text color as well! Placement of the comment bubbles is huge within comics, and to me would probably be the hardest part of being a letterer. But Arianna makes it look so effortless! The placement is perfect so as not to take away from the amazing artwork within the panels.
Megan – There’s a beautiful match of the heightened emotions to the art that puts you in Gwen’s exact headspace. You can feel the loneliness and the frustration when no one is listening to Gwen when she tries to explain herself. This is all thanks to Paolo Villanelli, Matt Milla, and Ariana Maher, who all come together to put the tones of the story on full display. Villanelli draws the characters in a way that shows their restless emotions, while giving gorgeous details in each panel. Milla thrives on using the darker tones to highlight the vibrancy of the pages. With every “thwip”, Maher takes you into Gwen’s world and makes you feel everything she’s feeling. Together, the artists truly created something beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Travis – 10/10. I am constantly mesmerized by the emotional draw that Stephanie puts within her stories. And this Spider-Gwen series has not disappointed in that facet at all! You feel the emotional confusion from Gwen as she is trying to deal with the mistake she made. And you relate to the fact that Gwen is like any other human being and doesn’t accept that her friends/family are trying to help her. I cannot wait to see what Stephanie has in store for the final issue of this series with issue ten. Especially how this issue ends… Go get your copy of this amazing story, and all of the previous eight issues to complete the collection!
Megan – 10/10. The story, the artwork, the ability to capture the reader’s attention and hold it throughout the comic goes to show just how talented this team truly is.
Humanity has all but fallen, giving way to a planet overrun by the deadly Xenomorphs. As the Red King sacrifices his people there are more than just the hungry Aliens outside the gates he must be worried about.
Creative Team: Saladin Ahmed (WRITER), Carlos Nieto (ART), Michael Atiyeh (COLORS), Clayton Cowles (LETTERS), and David Yardin and Marcio Menyz (COVER).
Alien King Killer #1. Credit Marvel Comics. Cover by David Yardin and Marcio Menyz.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
Saladin kicks this new run off with a poor child named Mouse and his grandpa going out on a foraging trip for the Red King, who, as we find out, is the one keeping their compound alive on this desolate planet. I love how we don’t have to wait long to get our first Xenomorph as it leaps from the rubble, and Saladin showcases how powerful they are. However, that is all we get to see as we meet a mysterious man who slays a Xenomorph and is out to kill the Red King. It’s a departure from Space Marines being treated as cannon fodder, which I do enjoy; we don’t spend much time before finding out this mysterious Alien killer is related to the Red King. As the duo fights, we’re offered a taste of the bad blood between them before ending on a cliffhanger.
The Art and Letters:
The artwork from Nieto and Atiyeh does a great job of highlighting this futuristic feeling of hopelessness, most often portrayed in this franchise. I love how they showcase a newer type of Xenomorph we haven’t seen before, as this one looks almost like a dog of sorts. The bright acidic green colors that flood the panels were well done and the action sequences hit their marks.
Final Thoughts:
Alien King Killer #1 takes us to a remote planet, wrought with hopelessness and Xenomorphs lurking behind every corner. I would have liked to have seen more action with them as the planet is overrun by Xenomorphs, but I enjoyed what we got to start this new run.
Overall Grade: 8.5/10
Be sure to let us know your thoughts on the comic and check out more reviews from Matt of Hops’ Geek’ News!
Kilroy is back! Creator Joe Pruett brings back his first-ever character with Kilroy is Here. After the interest in Kilroy from one of his more recent releases, Joe Pruett brings Kilroy back in this one-shot from Image Comics. Kilroy is back, and suffering is nearby, but this time, things are a little bit different. Will Kilroy get trapped in the battle between good and evil?
This review is a joint review from Nerd Initiative’s Eda and Shawn!
Creative Team
Writer: Joe Pruett Artist: Dalibor Talajić Colorist: Stjepan Bartolić Letterer: Joe Martin Cover Artist: Dalibor Talajić Published by Image Comics
Writing
Eda: With so little room to work in a one-shot, writer Joe Pruett utilizes the space almost perfectly. He shows us Kilroy, a Constantine-type character riding the whims of life & death. We’re told who he is and aspects of his backstory, though I wish some of these aspects were shown, not just told. The story, while not exactly unique, is paced very well and makes readers feel the gravitas in every panel.
Shawn: It’s good to see Joe Pruett bring Kilroy back. 20 years is a long time between appearances for a character, but Pruett’s writing makes it feel like just yesterday. If you were a fan of the original Kilroy comics, you’ll love this one-shot.
Pruett’s writing for this issue feels as much of guilt and legend as the previous Kilroy is Here comics. The omnipresent omen of suffering and vengeance for the wronged feels like he’s stepped back onto the pages without missing a beat. Kilroy has always been written as a harbinger of death, so it’s nice to see Pruett, the creator of the character, take that and run with it and really have the reader ask themselves questions. Pruett crafts the character in a compelling way that makes you feel sympathy for someone always destined to show up too late to make a difference.
Art
Kilroy is Here #1 Cover by Dalibor Talajić. Image from Image Comics
Eda: The art & colors from Dalibor Talajić & Stjepan Bartolić all feel very intentional and well done. The line work and detail do good on making the characters look and feel real while having this grungier styling. Furthermore, the colors really work in the nighttime setting, as shown by the deep blues and blacks. As a contrast, there are brilliant pops of color to show not just the lighting, but the symbolism of good vs evil.
Shawn: Dalibor Talajić, Stjepan Bartolić, and Joe Martin did an amazing job on this issue. It’s always unique to see new artists step into an existing world that maybe doesn’t have the “company” style like some of the big two characters.
Talajić, Bartolić, and Martin really created something that felt like it could have as easily been pulled from the pages of 20 years of For Kilroy is Here while putting their distinct flavor into it. The scenes are dark and haunting while still showing beautiful detail in architecture and backgrounds. Bartolić does some amazing shading, colors, and shadows that utilize light sources in the scene. Including the lens flare on a night from a car headlight was a nice touch that really stood out from this creative team
Final Thoughts
Eda:8/10 This amazing blend of a well-paced story with interesting characters and beautiful imagery makes me want so much more
Shawn: 10/10 Kilroy is Here hopefully translates to Kilroy is Back! I really loved this issue. As I reviewed this issue and realized it was a one-shot continuation of a previous character, I went back and checked out the previous stories. I think the ability to create interest in the character through a one-shot to drive someone to check out the source material speaks to the quality of the story that this creative team crafted. I hope everyone picks this one up and it translates to an ongoing series of Kilroy is Here.
Overall Grade: 9/10
What did you think about the Kilroy is Here one-shot? Let us know in the comments below!
