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Did You Know? Minecraft: Cave Game To Cultural Phenomenon

Mickey Smith
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Did You Know? Minecraft: Cave Game To Cultural Phenomenon

Minecraft is a popular sandbox video game that was created by Markus Persson and released in 2011. It has since become one of the most successful video games of all time, with over 200 million copies sold across all platforms.

There are many interesting and surprising facts about Minecraft that many people may not be aware of. For example, did you know that the game was originally called “Cave Game” and was developed in just six days?

The Origins of Minecraft

Minecraft was officially released on November 18, 2011, after a period of beta testing that began in 2010. The game was initially released for Microsoft Windows, but it has since been ported to a variety of other platforms, including macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and more.

Minecraft was an instant success, and it quickly became one of the most popular video games of all time. As of 2023, Minecraft has sold over 238 million copies across all platforms, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.

In addition to its commercial success, Minecraft has also been praised for its creativity and educational value. It has been used in classrooms around the world to teach a variety of subjects, including history, math, and science. Its open-ended gameplay has also inspired countless players to create their own mods, maps, and other content.

Overall, Minecraft’s success can be attributed to its simple yet engaging gameplay, its endless possibilities for creativity, and its ability to appeal to players of all ages and skill levels.

Gameplay Mechanics

Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows players to explore, build, and create their own virtual world. The game has various gameplay mechanics that make it unique and enjoyable. This section will cover the three main gameplay mechanics: The Modes, The Blocks, and Crafting System.

The Modes

Minecraft has three main game modes: Survival, Creative, and Adventure. Each mode offers a different gameplay experience.

  • Survival: In this mode, players must gather resources, build shelter, and protect themselves from monsters that come out at night.
  • Creative: This mode allows players to have unlimited resources and the ability to fly. Players can build anything they want without worrying about gathering resources or being attacked.
  • Adventure: This mode is designed for custom maps and allows players to explore a story-driven world.

The Blocks

Minecraft is a game that revolves around blocks. Players can gather resources and use them to craft different blocks. There are over 100 different types of blocks in Minecraft, each with its own unique properties.

  • Dirt: This is the most common block in the game and can be found almost everywhere.
  • Stone: This block is used to make tools and weapons.
  • Wood: This block is used to make various items, including doors, fences, and boats.

Crafting System

The crafting system in Minecraft is a fundamental mechanic that allows players to create items and tools. Players can craft items by combining different resources in a crafting table. There are over 300 different crafting recipes in Minecraft.

  • Crafting Table: This is the most important item in the game, as it allows players to craft other items.
  • Furnace: This item is used to smelt ores and cook food.
  • Enchantment Table: This item allows players to enchant their weapons and armor.

Cultural Impact

Sales and Records

Minecraft has been a massive commercial success since its release in 2011. As of 2023, Minecraft has sold over 235 million copies across all platforms, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time. The game’s success has also led to merchandise sales, including toys, clothing, and home decor. In 2022, Minecraft became the first video game to have a Lego set based on it.

Community and Mods

Minecraft’s open-world gameplay has encouraged a thriving community of players and modders. Players can create their own custom maps, mods, and skins, which can be shared and downloaded online. The game’s modding community has created thousands of mods, ranging from simple texture packs to massive gameplay overhauls. Minecraft’s modding community has also inspired the creation of popular mods for other games, such as Stardew Valley and Terraria.

Educational Use

Minecraft’s popularity has led to its use in education. Minecraft: Education Edition was released in 2016, which is a modified version of Minecraft designed for classroom use. The game can be used to teach a variety of subjects, including history, math, and science. Minecraft has also been used to teach programming, with students learning how to code mods and custom game mechanics. In addition, Minecraft has been used to teach soft skills, such as collaboration and problem-solving.

Overall, Minecraft’s cultural impact has been significant, with the game’s success leading to merchandise sales, a thriving community of players and modders, and its use in education.

WONDER WOMAN #1 review – THE NEW ERA STARTS NOW!

NI Staff
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WONDER WOMAN #1 review – THE NEW ERA STARTS NOW!
WONDER WOMAN #1 by Tom King (Mr. Miracle), Daniel Sampere (ACTION COMICS), Tomeu Morey and Clayton Cowles (Credit: DC Comics)

WONDER WOMAN #1 by DC Comics

Creative: Tom King (Mr. Miracle), Daniel Sampere (ACTION COMICS), Tomeu Morey and Clayton Cowles

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we’re checking out the return of one of DC Comics’ Trinity Characters. In their illustrious history, there has been many heroes of legend but three have stood above the rest: Superman, Batman and Princess Diana of Themyscira otherwise known as Wonder Woman!

Since debuting in ALL-STAR COMICS #8 in 1941, the adventures of Diana Prince have become that of legend amongst comic readers. Now poised to start a new chapter under the “Dawn Of DC” banner, there is a ton of buzz surrounding her latest saga due to the talented creative team behind it.

WONDER WOMAN #1 by Tom King (Mr. Miracle), Daniel Sampere (ACTION COMICS), Tomeu Morey and Clayton Cowles kicks off a brand new story that is sure to be one fans will be talking about at the LCS this week. Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on, shall we?

WONDER WOMAN #1 by Tom King (Mr. Miracle), Daniel Sampere (ACTION COMICS), Tomeu Morey and Clayton Cowles (Credit: DC Comics – Cover : Chris Bachalo)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The issue begins in West Billings, Montana with a simple game of Pool at a bar. The narration leads readers to think that an event has already happened. In the moment, there is some unwelcomed banter amongst patrons. The end result is an Amazonian is smashing a disrespectful male head-first thru the table.

As more male patrons of the bar interject themselves into the conflict, the end result leaves them no reward. When the smoke has cleared, nineteen males are dead inside the bar.

DON’T MISS BATMAN AND ROBIN!

The news media is reflecting the public’s shock about this attack. Some are putting a spin on the events. Suddenly, a man’s phone gets a message that interrupts his meeting with two other individuals.

When leaving the meeting, the mysterious figure kills the two businessmen after revealing he was working undercover to expose them. With the bodies laying dead and a room full of scared patrons, the man simply walks up to the counter and leaves his business card to give to the authorities. His name is Sgt. Steel

Steel is now put in charge of a unit known as the Amazon Extradition Entity (A.X.E.). AXE is the result of the Congress-passed Amazon Safety Act, which bans Amazons from being inside U.S. Borders.

WONDER WOMAN #1 by Tom King (Mr. Miracle), Daniel Sampere (ACTION COMICS), Tomeu Morey and Clayton Cowles (Credit: DC Comics – Cover : Mikel Janín)

Readers will need to brace for the viciousness of Steele and his unit. What transpires next will send shockwaves through the DCU.

These actions don’t go unanswered as there is someone who has a very vested interest in discovering the truth and the U.S. might not be ready for what Hell she will bring when she strikes. If that is not enough, just wait for the final moments to add more fuel on an already enraged fire!

BIRDS OF PREY SOARS!

King constructs such a multi-layered conflict in this opening issue. The idea of the Amazons being banned from the United States is a fantastic twist. With Diana being such a popular and respected public figure, the new stat quo brings forth how will the people now look at Diana after Congress makes their move.

King gives some insight to this, but readers can expect the payoff to be later in this series. The question ultimately becomes where will they ultimately side: Diana or the Government?

Steel proves to be a solid foil to what Diana is up against. His blind loyalty is a reflection of the government’s opinions as they push an agenda forward. This is brought to terrifying light on their initial move. The pace nicely builds the tension before the eventual meeting of opposing forces. The action hits when it graces the story but its’ fallout plays a bigger factor. the closing moments throw everything on its’ head as another piece is added to an already impressive puzzle.

Sampere brings this story to life with easy and anxiousness as things swiftly change. The initial outing in the bar paints a vivid picture of the melee that transpired. Excellent full-page panel to light the fuse for this portion. Also noteworthy is the use of the 9-panel page for when the reporters come into the story. Sampere also adds much emotion to the supporting cast of Steel’s attack.

The mannerisms range from scared, frightened to Steel’s maniacal enjoyment of what is happening. The mood changes later as Steel sees exactly who he’s up against as a ill page stand-out visual welcomes that character to the party. The closing moments throw a swerve into where things are heading with a parting image to close out a strong debut chapter.

FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10

Mixing in the superhero world with political conspiracies brings forth a grave challenge to Princess Diana of Themyscira. Through King’s superb writing, the visuals from Sampere and Morey paint a fractured and dangerous new world with one character fighting for justice against insurmountable odds. The hype is completely justified on what is happening within these pages. Don’t miss out on NCBD!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Wonder Woman #1. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

Iron Man Mark II – The Golden Avenger!

Derek Hoskins
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Iron Man Mark II – The Golden Avenger!

Welcome to Paperweight Entertainment’s Hall of Armor! New armors, new multiversal Tony Starks, same great content! We’re still digging into Iron Man’s bag of tricks, each week you’re going to get to take a look at a new armor or version of Iron Man from across comics, film, and TV!

This week we are going all the way back to Iron Man’s second issue ever, Tales of Suspense #40! Tony Stark gave his Model 1 armor a paint job to try to stop scaring children! Did it work? Check out the video below to find out! The Model 1 Mark II “Gold Armor” was first introduced in Tales of Suspense #40 by Stan Lee and Robert Bernstein with art by Jack Kirby and inks by Don Heck.

Want More “Hall Of Armor?” Click HERE

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Who Was The Flash’s (Jay Garrick) First Villain In The Comics!?

Jeremy Bowersock
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Who Was The Flash’s (Jay Garrick) First Villain In The Comics!?

Jay Garrick’s First Villain

Jay Garrick, the original Flash, has encountered his fair share of adversaries since 1942. While many might assume that the Reverse Flash was the first true villain to challenge the fastest man alive, the title actually belongs to the Shade.

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The Shade, a low-level criminal, made his debut in Flash Comics #33 in 1942. Unlike the mobsters and thugs that Garrick had faced before, The Shade possessed the ability to manipulate the shadows and control them with his magical cane, making him the first real villain to go up against Jay Garrick.

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Despite his initial status as a minor criminal, The Shade’s unique powers and abilities made him a formidable opponent for The Flash. With his mastery of shadow manipulation, he posed a significant threat to Garrick’s mission to protect Central City. As the first true villain to challenge the original Flash, The Shade has earned his place in the pantheon of the Flash’s most notorious foes.

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Damn Them All #8 – More Demons, More Mystery

Jeremy Bowersock
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Damn Them All #8 – More Demons, More Mystery
Cover A / Credit: Copyright © 2005-2020 BOOM! Entertainment, Inc

Damn Them All #8 – Boom! Studios

Creative Team: Simon Spurrier, Charlie Adlard & Sofie Dodgson

Welcome to another New Comic Book Day review from the N.I. Bullpen!

When you mix the supernatural and detective stories, you get Damn Them All from Boom! Studios. Hard hitting, captivating and mysterious, the adventure of Ellie continues in issue 8.

Before going over the events in this issue we’ll do a quick recap of issue 7. That combined with the review on issue 8 is sure to tempt even the most skeptical comic book fan. So let’s get right into it, and go over Damn Them All #8 from Boom! Studios!

**POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD** LAST ISSUE REVIEW

Cover B / Credit:Copyright © 2005-2020 BOOM! Entertainment, Inc

Quick Recap

When we last left Ellie and Glas, they had just visited an occultist in an attempt to retrieve a Sigil that controls demons. The man freaked out and leapt through a window in an attempt to flee. As they pursued the man, he was suddenly killed by a mystery person who seemed to clone himself before escaping. 

Now they are still missing the Sigil they were after, and Ellie is contending with a memory of someone from her past that she thought she just saw again. What is going to happen next to our protagonist? Let’s find out!

Cover C / Credit: Copyright © 2005-2020 BOOM! Entertainment, Inc

Cillian Byrne

The issue opens with Cillian having a dream about his past. He and Ellie were once a couple, fighting their way around the world slaying demons. During the dream, or rather memory, Ellie prevents Cillian from killing a demon in Malaysia.  

As Cillian is dreaming, someone wakes him saying “Boss, we got one.” The young man holds a coin up to show Cillian that they have retrieved a Sigil. After examining it, Cillian heads to the roof of his building, telling his underlings “No visitors for a while, alright?”

Another Job

Ellie gets a phone call detailing the fact that the demon Beleth has escaped from the facility it was being kept in. 

Due to the fact that this job is being offered by a former employer of Ellie’s she at first doesn’t seem to care, but after realizing which demon has been let loose, and the fact they still need to find the Sigils that are controlling the demons, she agrees. It also helps that it appears the man has her uncle’s casket and if Ellie completes the job, she will be given the casket and its contents.

She believes that the casket contains some kind of clue to how all of this has happened. 

Back on the building where Cillian is located, we are shown him meeting with a group of Angels who are currently destroying a person on the roof.

Cover D / Credit: Copyright © 2005-2020 BOOM! Entertainment, Inc

Dora

Ellie finds Dora in Alfie’s old apartment. She has been through something major. 

Something has been done to her mind with magic, and she is slowly going mad. Ellie says they need to get her to a Cobbler in town who should be able to help Dora. The Cobbler named Gav is shocked to learn that Dora has been touched by Angelfire which is why Dora’s mind is deteriorating.

He says he can give her something to help, but that he can’t exactly cure the situation. After taking Dora’s middle name as payment, he gives her a potion that is supposed to guard against the “extra-real.” When Glas notices that the liquid comes from demons, Ellie demands to know who sold it and what they bought afterwards. 

After some “encouragement,” Gav reveals that the man bought a set of keys, with the ability to “invoke the unfallen.” Ellie, having obtained the info she was looking for, turns to leave with Dora and Glas, who says he can track the man’s scent easily. Dora, however, has vanished.

Cover E / Credit: Copyright © 2005-2020 BOOM! Entertainment, Inc

Flashback

Here we are once again shown an event from Ellie and Cillian’s past. Ellie is giving Cillian a detailed history lesson on demons, colonists and religion. She tells of the European settlers who were offended that women were the ones to greet them in the new world and not the men.

She describes how ancient native cultures were tricked and forced to turn to Christianity and tells Cillian that the demon she stopped him from killing is not actually a threat. Rather the demon is misunderstood and follows strict rules over who it can and can’t kill or feed on.

Reunion

After the flashback scene, Cillian is again woken up by one of his underlings. They inform him that there is someone across the street that has been yelling at their building for half an hour. That someone is Ellie along with Glas and Dora.

The image of Cillian then appears, covering the entire face of the building, which appears to be wrapped in flame. He says he is glad that Ellie came, because he would also like to offer her a job.

Story Review

Spurrier continues to impress with this story. The twisting plot and constant reveals and surprises makes for a very exciting read. Blending in a detective story with the overarching supernatural theme is making for a very unique comic book reading experience.

What has happened to Dora? Did Angels destroy her mind? What about Cillian, will he and Ellie find their way back to each other, or is Cillian helping the Angles? We are going to have to wait for the next issue to find out what happens next!

Artwork Overview

Adlard and Dodgson are showing their artistic talents in Damn Them All. The grittiness of the environments and the flashy fantastical color schemes make for pure eye candy in comic book form. 

The use of color to evoke emotion is done very well in this issue. The darker the scene becomes, the more serious the situation. Also there is a lot of fine detail in each panel. It never feels forced in though, allowing each panel and scene to flow together seamlessly.

Overall Score: 9 OUT OF 10 – “Must Pull”

This series continues to impress with its latest issue.

The relationship between Ellie and Cillian is obviously going to be a major plot point moving forward. Also I’m interested to see how Ellie handles the situation with Dora, and whether or not Dora’s current mental state can be cured or not. 

This is a supernatural detective story with no shortage of twists and turns. So if you like magic and mystery then you are going to fall in love with this series for sure. Damn Them All #8 from Boom! Studios is a must read comic this week for new comic book day!

As always everyone Be Safe, Be Kind, and Take It Easy!

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Mech Cadets #2 Review – When Hope falls into the darkness

Matthew Roth
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Mech Cadets #2 Review – When Hope falls into the darkness
Mech Cadets #2 by Greg Pak, Takeshi Miyazawa, Ian Herring, and Simon Bowland. (Credit Boom! Studios, Cover by Takeshi Miyazawa and Ian Herring.)

Mech Cadets #2 by BOOM! Studios

Creative Team:

Writer: Greg Pak

Illustrator: Takeshi Miyazawa

Colorist: Ian Herring

Letters: Simon Bowland

last issue review:

The Rundown (Spoilers)

Issue 2 picks up right where we left off with one where General Park is suiting up to go and help the crew as they continue their battle in space against the Shargs. After some deliberation about the insubordination, the team comes together in agreeance that Frank’s cousin along with the alien ally are worth fighting with and attack full steam ahead.

As the group finds out that their tech is being used against them the onlooking General Felix demands Hero 2 be protected at all costs.

Olivia and the crew raid the prison barge as General Felix demands to find out how to break her bond with Hero Force 2. It all comes to a head as Olivia’s father comes to the rescue sacrificing himself to save everyone else.

Mech Cadets #2 by Greg Pak, Takeshi Miyazawa, Ian Herring, and Simon Bowland. (Credit Boom! Studios, Cover by Takeshi Miyazawa and Ian Herring. Variant Cover by Inhyuk Lee and Qistina Khalidah

The Art:

Takeshi and Ian do a wonderful job making this story jolt to life through their colorful action sequences. The duo shines brightly in this issue blending Saturday morning cartoon vibes with anime artistic features that are visually stunning. The crew continues to get stronger as this series goes on.

The Writing:

Greg Pak along with Simon Bowland with the Lettering takes this story to the next level. Pak adds real stakes which are going to make this fun group of kids grow up even faster.

When you think you know what will happen next, Pak throws a curveball leaving the reader leaping from page to page wanting more. Issue 2 builds on this story and continues to bring delight.

Final Thoughts:

Issue 2 is a very strong issue in this run. The art and writing talent are on full display which encaptures our imagination instantly.

It’s a fun story for both kids and adults alike and if you are a science fiction fan at all then there is no reason this is not on your comic pull list each week.

4.5 Cigars

FOR MORE FROM MATT FROM HOPS GEEK NEWS

HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #17 review – Evil lurks behind the heart

NI Staff
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HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #17 review – Evil lurks behind the heart
House Of Slaughter #17 – Creative: Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, and AndWorld Design along with Series development from James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera (Credit: Boom! Studios – cover: Javier Rodriguez)

House Of Slaughter #17 by BOOM! STUDIOS

Creative: Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, and AndWorld Design along with Series development from James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we’re returning to the spin-off series stemming from Boom! Studios’ Something is Killing the Children. With House Of Slaughter, the spotlight is shinning on a specific character of the SIKTC. All the previous tales have been excellent reads, following the “slow burn” drama method fans have come to know and admire. With a brand new arc just beginning, the focus is on Bait, the White Mask with no arms.

House Of Slaughter #17 by Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, and AndWorld Design along with Series development from James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera continues the tale of “Alabaster”. Let’s take a closer look and see how the story is progressing, shall we?

House Of Slaughter #17 – Creative: Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, and AndWorld Design along with Series development from James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera (Credit: Boom! Studios – cover: Werther Dell’Edera)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

LAST ISSUE REVIEW

Erie, Pennsylvania is the home of the latest mission involving the secret Order of St. George. With at least 14 dead in a small town, Bait has been sent undercover into a foster home to start investigating what is the cause of these killings.

The move might be one that other younger members of the order question, but there s much more to this White Mask than anyone realizes.

This issue opens up with Bait waking up in his new surroundings. Making his way down the stairs, the foster house residents are all waiting.

BIRDS OF PREY ARE BACK!!!!

The meeting becomes a touch awkward with Bait keeping his emotions in check. Even with a playful welcome is given, Bait is thinking of taking out his “greeter”.

Things shift gears as another member of the house catches Bait’s attention: Nannette. Bait is distracted by her presence but regroups to focus on the mission at hand. Someone in the house is connected to the case. Someone is going to be exposed.

Readers see Bait go into action. What does he encounter in his travels? Why is he so infatuated in Nan? There are many questions laid out as small clues are revealed to the overall picture coming into view.

House Of Slaughter #17 – Creative: Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, and AndWorld Design along with Series development from James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera (Credit: Boom! Studios – cover: Raul Allen)

Johns delves into Bait’s character for quite a few standout moments. The interactions meeting the house residents plays into his mysteriousness.

It isn’t until Nan makes her appearance that Bait gives any inkling of emotion. The lone action sequence adds more fuel on that building fire of Bait’s true feelings.

KILL YOUR DARLINGS MAKES A SPLASH!

Johns mixes in well-placed breaks to have readers guessing as to what’s a flashback or a dream. The slow pacing gives the character moments time to breathe and build up to a memorable parting page. It’s a great send off and one that looks to be one Bait might not be ready to handle.

Cadonici and Segala mix the moods of the sotry with perfect use of coloring. The blue shading of Bait’s “greeting” inside the house makes for a solid connection to the readers.

Whenever Nan appears, the lighting shifts to an orange-red glow some would think is Bait’s emotions reflecting to the readers.

The action portions play out fast-moving and capped with a great two page flowing spread. The closing images are subtle in comparison but leave nothing behind heading into the story’s next phase.

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

The latest chapter of “Alabaster” keeps reader’s attention with excellent storytelling. Johns’ writing starts peeling back the layers of Bait’s character while the art team mixes in different coloring to lead the readers into the many levels of the mysterious White Mask. Don’t miss this book on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on House Of Slaughter #17. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative.

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The Cull #2 review – What Is “God?”

Jeremy Bowersock
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The Cull #2 review – What Is “God?”
Credit: © 2023 Image Comics, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Cull #2 – Image Comics

Creative Team: Kelly Thompson, Mattia De Iulis, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Welcome to another New Comic Book Day review from the N.I. Bullpen!

Image is at it again with the latest entry from their newest (sure to be) hit series The Cull. What is in store for this group of friends after discovering another world inside a cave? Kelly Thompson is showing off her writing chops yet again and the art of Mattia De Iulis is on another level. 

Let’s stop wasting time and get into The Cull #2 from Image Comics!

**POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD** LAST ISSUE REVIEW

We left the group of Cleo, Katie, Will, Wade and Lux as they had just discovered a mysterious other world inside a cave off a beach near where they live.  

Katie and Cleo are in a relationship, but the disappearance of a boy named Jakey has strained their relationship. Cleo has been depressed and distant, solely focused on trying to find the missing child.

The group had gone to the cave in order to shoot film footage for a school project, but upon entering the cave discovered a whole separate world within. While the rest of the group turned back to leave, Cleo remained where she stood. Katie had asked if Cleo thought she was going to find Jakey inside, to which Cleo said yes. This is where we left off in issue 1.

Credit: © 2023 Image Comics, Inc. All rights reserved.

A Decision Needs To Be Made

Cleo is still standing on the edge, about to venture into this other world by herself. Her friends are realizing that there is nothing they can do to prevent it. So they have a choice to make.

Katie, Cleo’s girlfriend, almost immediately says that she is going with Cleo. The others try to talk her out of it at first. Even suggesting the option of helping her convince Cleo to leave with them. She says that for her, because she loves Cleo, there is no way she can let her go off on her own.

Lux is the next to choose to go with Cleo. After another short debate, Will and Wade also choose to remain and help Cleo look for Jakey. They all realize the fact that there is very little chance that they will find Jakey alive, if at all. They all decide to go anyway. Cleo is surprised and overwhelmed that her friends are willing to go with her into the unknown.

Venturing Forward

After a quick water test from Cleo by stepping into the strange pink water, the group discuss their next move.

Katie begins getting everyone ready to film. Not because she still wants to make a movie, but now they are in a place no one has ever seen. According to her reasoning, this is an opportunity to get footage that will change the world. After getting the others on the same page, and Cleo checking her watch to document the time they began their adventure, Cleo checks a compass. What she sees is concerning. 

Credit: © 2023 Image Comics, Inc. All rights reserved.

The needle of the compass is continuously spinning. They have no way of telling what direction they are traveling. Meanwhile, Lux and Will are filming and marveling at their surroundings. The group starts to debate on whether they are in a parallel Earth, or have traveled through a wormhole of some kind to another planet altogether. Wade has another theory. Wade believes they are in Liminal Space, a place that is a sort of transitional plane between dimensions or worlds. Though obviously they can’t be certain of that.

The first signs of something bad start to show themselves. The thing Wade had in her hand while speaking, suddenly grew legs and a face as she placed it back in the water. The odd creature swims away. Was it a mistake for the group to come here?

The Shores Of A New Land

The group crossed the water from the rock they entered from to a beach on the edge of a forest. Cleo says they should be on the lookout for anything that resembles signs of a child, or some kind of sentient life that they can ask for help. The group then agrees that finding sentient life is what worries them more than anything at this point. 

Credit: © 2023 Image Comics, Inc. All rights reserved.

Just then, a small blue creature resembling a Red Panda appears out of the tree line. Will tries to give it a bracelet from his jacket in an attempt to befriend the animal. It grabs the gift in its paws, stands up on its hind legs and heads off into the trees. They decide to follow the small creature into the forest.

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Into The Forest

The creature seems to stop and go again as if it’s waiting for the group to catch up to it before continuing on. 

As they follow along behind this strange little animal, the group decides to stop a moment so they can all use the restroom. They agree to stay within earshot and visual range so no one gets lost.

Cleo and Katie go to one area, and Cleo heads behind a tree to change her shirt. Katie is watching so that she doesn’t lose sight of Cleo, and notices the scars and cuts on Cleo’s arms, which devastated Katie. Upon touching a tree for balance and removing her hand, there is a bright, glowing handprint left on the tree.

“What Is ‘God’?”

After confronting Cleo about the fresh cuts, Kaite reassures her that they are going to get through everything together. At the same time, Lux and Will are hooking up, reasoning that they might as well, given the fact they have no clue if they are getting home or not. While all this is going on, Wade is investigating the environment.

Wade notices a bright pink light coming from under the leaves on the ground. After lifting one, there are brilliant pink particles floating around beneath the leaves. Just then, the creature they had been following reappears looking rather different than it did moments before. The creature is now tall and humanoid like in its appearance. It stands before Wade, looks down with the bracelet still in its hands and asks, “What is “God”?”

Check Out “The Cull #1” Review HERE

Story Review

Things are only getting more mysterious in this latest issue. Thompson is crafting one heck of a story here intertwining themes of science fiction, mental illness and friendship. 

Katie is willing to do anything in order to support and protect Cleo, even if that means dealing with all her baggage and venturing off into the unknown with her. Lux and Will have what appears to be a budding romance happening and Wade has just been asked a question that has plagued mankind for millennia.

Was it a wormhole that brought them here? Will they find Jakey and make it back to their world? What exactly is this creature they have encountered? Issue 3 will give us more information and personally I can’t wait for it to drop!

Artwork Overview

Iulis’ artwork continues to amaze in this run. The realism and detail combined with the fantastical environments and color makes for a comic book that is a pleasure to read through. 

The colors of this strange new land are still as vivid as ever with a brightness and glow to nearly everything around the group. The environment feels both familiar and alien with plants and animals that resemble things from the real world with fantastic otherworldly variations.

The raw emotion that comes off each character’s face is so well captured you would think this comic is made with photographs and an ai filter. Readers are in for a real visual treat with The Cull.

Overall Score: 9.5 OUT OF 10 – “Must Pull”

This is turning out to be a unique character driven adventure. The relationships between the characters are well written and feel real. There is a sense of urgency as the group searches for clues to Jakey’s location. The mystery of the world they have found themselves in is only growing and with the introduction of a shapeshifting being with the ability to communicate raises the stakes. 

This is a series on par with anything Image has put out in the past. If the story continues at the pace and depth it’s currently at then I foresee this being “the next big thing” in comic books. You will not be disappointed with The Cull #2 from Image Comics on new comic book day.

As always everyone Be Safe, Be Kind, and Take It Easy!

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Enfield Gang Massacre #2 Review – Always on the run

Matthew Roth
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Enfield Gang Massacre #2 Review – Always on the run
The Enfield Gang Massacre #2 by Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips. (credit Image Comics)

Enfield Gang Massacre #2 – Image Comics

Creative Team:

Writer: Chris Condon

Artist: Jacob Phillips

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE REVIEW:

The Rundown:

The showdown has begun as the Enfield Gang and the town sheriff and crew have begun in a shootout for the ages. The gang takes the upper hand before having a stick of dynamite tossed leaving only a sole survivor left to warn the town.

The Enfield Gang Massacre #2 by Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips. (Credit Image Comics)

As both sides lick their wounds and prepare for battle the Sherriff sends a warning message with two of the gang members tied to the back of a horse cart leaving us in suspension for the next issue.

The Art:

Phillips is using the entire color palette in this issue. One of my favorite things is how he uses the dark shadows to contrast with the bright colors such as that of the blood or fire that is in this issue and trust me there is a lot of bloodshed.

Every page is done as though it is a painting you would hang on your walls to marvel at any time you walked by. Using the contrast yet again to portray the seriousness of situations our characters are in without needing any words at all. Jacob had my interest but, after this issue, he has my attention with how strong his artwork is in issue 2.

The Writing:

The Enfield Gang Massacre #2 by Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips. (credit Image Comics)

Chris Condon on the other hand is crafting a classic Western masterpiece. You can tell he has done his homework crafting how both sides would be talking and acting and leaving us questioning if the gang might be innocent after all. He is making the most of this issue driving the story towards a climactic finish and pulling us deeper into this captivating story.

Final Thoughts:

If issue 1 had you on the fence then issue 2 will pull you head first into the deep end. This duo is at the top of their game in this issue putting on a clinic of storytelling.

If you had any doubt a good old-fashioned Western tale could be a hit in this day and age then look no further than The Enfield Gang Massacre.

5/5 Cigars

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The Alternates #1 Review: Nothing is Minor About the Monster Here

Lauren The Hoppy Geek
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The Alternates #1 Review: Nothing is Minor About the Monster Here

The Alternates #1 Creative Team (Dark Horse Comics): 

Script: Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum, Tim Seeley

Art: Christopher Mitten

Colors: Ian Herring

Art & Colors: Tess Fowler

Letters: Nate Piekos, Blambot

Cover Artists: Scott Hepburn, Ian Herring, Tim Seeley, Fabio Moon, Martin Simmonds, Tony Fleecs

Cover of the comic The Alternates
The Alternates Issue #1 – Images Provided by Dark Horse Comics

The Alternates from Dark Horse Comics, Issue #1

While this story is a spinoff of the comic series, Minor Threats, you don’t need to read one to enjoy the other. When I first read The Alternates, I hadn’t read Minor Threats. However, that was remedied almost immediately. The second I was done with Issue 1 of The Alternates, I messaged my local comic book shop to see if they had Minor Threats in stock (they did!). That should give you an idea how much I enjoyed diving into this world.

The Story

Opening page for The Alternates. Images from Dark Horse Comics

This story begins with what looks like a few college girls just having fun making some bad life choices. Then a car crash takes us to a calming and serene forest (with hungry wolves), only to then drop us off at the apartment of our main character: Mary Marie Munoz AKA The Multi Monster. 

While her name may sound metaphorical, it’s actually quite literal in a sense. She’s an outsider among outsiders trying to make a human life for herself. Which includes online dating. However, when she leans over to turn off the chirping of her recent online ‘match’ a Swamp Thing like arm reaches over to grab her phone. Although that later turns out to be minor in comparison to her date’s love of NFTs. 

The next scene is something out of Wreck It Ralph. It’s a support group for The Alternates. Some of which don’t look entirely human. One character had a face that looked so much like a lobster, he made me miss my trip to Maine (lobster rolls…mmmm). All these Alternates have been to a place called The Ledge, and life has been difficult since they returned. They’re all trying to live normal “human” lives, but struggle everyday. The Ledge did something to them. They had powers before, but their powers, among other things, changed. Even among this group though, Mary Marie still feels like she doesn’t belong.  

We get glimpses of her past before The Ledge and during. Her origin story was almost too subtly mentioned, and made me want a full back story on her. While I don’t want to spoil this reveal, I will mention that it involved a Transylvania midwife. However, this story doesn’t have to do with her time before The Ledge. The secret that she struggles with is what happened during her time in The Ledge. 

Like all good stories that suck you in, this issue leaves you with a cliffhanger. It also introduces a few other vital characters I have left out, in the hopes of not spoiling too much, as this is a must read for any comic book fan. 

The Art

As a kid I remember walking through the Disney store asking my mom to buy me every piece of The Lion King art there was. Her response, “you just love eye candy.” The cover of The Alternates is just that, beautiful eye candy. It was even more fun to admire after reading the comic, as I noticed all the details that went into it.

The inside was no different. While some comic books use art simply to show you what is happening (as opposed to describing it), others use it to tell part of the story in a way that words can’t do it justice. The Alternates was the latter. Without the art certain feelings and stories would not have made as much sense. 

Quite often we see flashbacks done in lighter colors, or even black and white. In The Alternates it was done a bit differently. Some of the flashbacks looked like older comics, to the point I would expect the pages to feel like newspaper. It was almost a nostalgic look while still being incredibly beautiful and detailed. 

The Alternates Issue #1 – Images provided by Dark Horse Comics

The Alternates Rating: 9/10

Right away this story got me hooked, and wanting more (hence the immediate purchase of Minor Threats followed by the immediate reading of it). Throughout the book I was sucked into this world, all while wanting to learn more about each character, as well as about this still mysterious place, The Ledge. It also made me giggle at times, which the best comics do. It’s a relatable monster story with pie. I am definitely adding this one to my pull list!

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Check out another review from Lauren. 

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