Hal Jordan is a former fighter pilot who became the hero known as Green Lantern after being chosen by the Green LanternRingitself. As part of the Galaxy’s top security force, he has naturally accumulated his fair share of enemies since his first appearance.
Although technically his first villain was Dr. Parris, Hal’s first super-powered foe was actually someone else. His first true threat was a being known as the Invincible Destroyer, accidentally created from the mind of a man named Dr. Phillips. The Destroyer was Hal’s first big test in DC Showcase 23 back in 1959.
After escaping the mind of Dr. Phillips, the Destroyer set out to drop an atomic bomb on Coast City. However, after containing the blast, Hal managed to turn one of the Destroyer’s own attacks back on himself, which led to the destruction of the so-called Invincible Destroyer.
Welcome to another New Comic Book Day review from the N.I. Bullpen!
This is a story about pro-wrestling, racism and corruption. It’s even complete with all the over the top drama you would expect in actual pro-wrestling
I’ll give you all some bullet points of the story up to this point, before diving into the series finale. The outcome of this series isn’t what most might expect, but it’s a solid ending to a great comic series.
Let’s take a look at this series finale, The Gimmick #6 from Ahoy Comics!
**POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD**
The Story So Far
In issue 1, our main character Shane Bryant, a rather ordinary good guy pro wrestler, reveals that he is not so ordinary after all. Secretly processing actual super strength, he puts his fist through a racist opponent’s head on national television.
In issue 2, Shane is on the run from the FBI after his televised killing of his opponent. The person he is on the run with, is also the daughter of the man he killed in the ring!
In issue 3, the mother of Shane’s child Alicia, comes out of retirement returning to the ring. The tabloids have smeared her reputation, her toddler has super strength just like his father Shane and now her reputation is suffering further due to Shanes actions.
Issue 4 sees Shane return to the pro-wrestling scene in disguise, while still evading the FBI and corrupt wrestling promoters alike.
After being unmasked in front of a live crowd, Shane reappears at a fan convention, and everyone after him are converging in the same place. What will the ending consequences be in the final issue?
Everyone that has been after Shane throughout the series are now in his dressing room confronting him. Alicia is arguing with him about his son and his actions, FBI agent Johnson who has been after him is there as well as a corrupt promoter and the daughter of the man he killed.
Some want Shane to go to prison and others just want the whole situation to go away. The FBI agent is having fanboy moments, since he himself is a huge pro-wrestling fan. In the chaos, Shane is escorted out of the building to a waiting car. Agent Johnson and another corrupt agent known as Damato meet outside the car, and Damato makes it clear that this whole thing “was just an accident” and that Shane needs to be back in the ring where he belongs.
He also threatens that if he is unable to keep Alicia and the victim’s daughter quiet, then he would have to do it for him. It seems that Shane isn’t going to be facing any jail time after all.
Later, everyone is at the bar trying to wind down, and Shane reappears yet again. Alicia immediately starts throwing bottles and chairs at him.
Another snag in the whole situation is that Shane’s mother Bonnie wants custody of their child in order to make everything work. Due to everyone’s damaged reputations, if they want to be a family, then they have to act like a family in public and on TV. That means teaming up for a new “gimmick.”
One Month Later
A month after Fan Slam, we are at another live wrestling event. Instead of shying away from the horrible event that led to this moment, the promotion is leaning into it for a storyline. They are now presenting Shane and Alicia as all American heroes fighting against racism and intolerance. They even go so far as to replay Shane killing his opponent as part of their entrance!
The corrupt promoter/ former wrestler James Takeda gets arrested for tax evasion, as well as solicitation since when he is arrested he is with a prostitute at that moment.
Shane’s mother Boonie even comes out of retirement, in an on screen role for the family as Mommy Dearest.Alicia was not made aware of this part of the deal, but it was apparently part of “Shane’s deal” leading Alicia to point out that Shane has serious mommy issues.
Agent Johnson is in the audience at the event with the daughter of the man Shane killed. He goes on to say to her that he knew Shane was going to come out on top of everything in the end. When he is asked, “Why? Because he’s the “good” guy?” Johnson replies “No. Because he’s the white guy.”
Starer gives readers an ending to this story that covers much more than just pro-wrestling.
It’s a deep dive into corruption, racism and family dynamics all wrapped up in a pro-wrestling package. A hard hitting drama with intrigue and comedy sprinkled throughout makes for something new and refreshing on comic store shelves this week.
Artwork Overview
Gogou brings vibrant colors and just the right level of detail to every panel. Very clean line work mixed with a color pallet that never feels forced makes for a wonderful experience throughout.
The way each character’s emotions are expressed only adds to each scene. When Johnson is having a fanboy moment, you can tell he is truly excited by the people around him as a die hard fan himself.
The environments are clean, with not so much detail that it distracts from the scene, yet with enough detail to put you right in the scene with the characters. This keeps the reader’s focus on what’s important rather than veering off to look at every tiny detail in a background.
This was a much deeper series than I was expecting going into it.
I was anticipating a pro-wrestling story similar to what I have seen played out on television in real life. That is not what I got though. In fact this series was such a pleasant surprise that I don’t think any wrestling promoter could have come up with something this interesting if they tried.
This was a fantastic ending to a solid series. If you’re a pro-wrestling fan that is looking for a series with a bit of comedy mixed in with real drama that tackles larger issues, you’ll have a hard time finding something better than The Gimmick #6 from Ahoy Comics this week on New Comic Book Day!
As always everyone Be Safe, Be Kind, and Take It Easy!
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 latest chapter from a new series at Image Comics that traditional superhero storytelling fans want to keep an eye out for. With now four issues in, the saga of Grant Garrison continues to give fans much to talk about.
Since he showed up with amnesia on a highway, Grant Garrison’s life has been surrounded with mystery. Trying to adjust to high school has been the least of his concerns. After a meteor crashes in his high school, an object known as the Sharsrum becomes a part of Grant. It awakens something inside of him. Grant is learning on the fly as he’s developed powers but the world (and universe) isn’t waiting for him to learn.
The Savage Strength of StarStorm #4 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Credit: Image Comics – Cover: Wes Craig)
Mysterious forces have a vested interst in Grant. One in particular is Princess Z’Shan Draigo. She sends the Tiger Clan after Grant to retrieve the Sharsrum.
In the process of conflict, Jen (Grant’s ally and fellow survivor of the meteor) is shot and killed by the Tiger Clan after Grant can’t surrender the Sharsrum. They leave with a stern warning to give them the weapon or more people will die.
This issue opens up with Draigo being debriefed about the Tiger Clan’s run-in with Starstorm. She is none too happy that they returned empty-handed. They explain the first run was a test to see what they were facing. However, Draxus isn’t as patient and steps in to lead the next challenge
Meanwhile on Earth, Grant holds Jen’s lifeless body buy something changes instantly. Jen becomes flying as an energy-fire being. When the pair finally hits the ground to assess, they find out that Eli (Grant’s friend/Jen’s half brother) has changed into a massive figure.
With the police now on the scene, Grant unlocks a doorway to somewhere no one is expecting! Where do they go now? Readers see that the trio crosses into a place where no one can expect.
Plus, there are some familiar faces involved in sending the group onward for the next challenge. After seeing the last page, readers will wonder if the words of warning worked or were they all just wasted air?
The Savage Strength of StarStorm #4 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Credit: Image Comics – Cover: Wes Craig)
Craig moves things along very rapidly with the story unfolding in this installment. Jen’s “resurrection” plays well into the overall picture as there are a LOT of players involved in the Sharsrum hunt. The explanation of powers is still an area that might throw some readers off but more and more, the meteor that hit will more than likely become the catalyst for how there’s an influx of super-powered beings.
Craig throws in some fun one-liners (even referencing himself) in the mix. It helps off-set the latter half, which sets up Grant’s next big challenge. Like previously stated, this series pays great homage to the Kirby themes of classic storytelling. If that is your thing, this is your book.
Craig also goes heavier than usual on two page spreads this issue. For being such a young series, readers get the sense of a grander universe at hand. Craig needs to be applauded for the amount of characters he’s introduced in the short amount of time.
he Kirby influences are quite noticeable, especially in the latter half of this chapter. The amount of detail sprinkled in for those two page spreads give readers a challenge to find new characters in the backgrounds. The final full page panel gets the book lined up for what should be a turning point in the life of the young hero.
FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10
Grant Garrison gets some back-up and guidance for what lies ahead in this vintage superhero-style book. Craig and Finestone give readers a fun tale that is sure to connect with the superhero side in all readers. Keep an eye out for this on New Comic Book Day.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on The Savage Strength of Starstorm. Thanks for reading!
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 a one-shot from an Image Comics series that has captured the 90’s vibe like no other. If you haven’t been reading Local Man by Tony Fleecs and Tim Seeley, you’re missing out. The story of Jack Xaver has brought back the good, bad and what of that era while modernizing his fall from grace in the present.
The series just wrapped up its’ first arc but before starting the new one, readers are gifted a very special issue.
The life and times of JACK XAVER aka CROSSJACK in his post heroic career couldn’t have been more complicated if he tried. After being publicly fired from Third-Gen, Xaver tried returning to normalcy in his hometown of Farmington, Wisconsin, Jack doesn’t receive a hero’s welcome. Xaver also has to deal with the mysterious deaths of The Hodag and Frightside.
Being considered the prime suspect, Jack resumes his his old ways. When Xaver starts investigating, he draws attention from Camo Crusader, leader of Third-Gen with an axe to grind. Their confrontation leads to Camo being killed by Jack , who saves Chief Bucholz in the process of clearing his name…for now.
This new chapter begins with Jack just starting his day greeting his parents It’s not just any other day. It’s Mothers Day. Jack has good intentions but like much of his post-hero life, his reputation proceeds him. Before he can get going with his day, Cheif Bucholz has summoned him down to the police station. When Jack arrives there, readers will be shocked to see who’s sitting in a cell: It’s CROSSJACK from the Third-Gen era!
What is going on here? Can Farmington handle TWO Jack Xaver’s?! Readers follow along as the Jack of old hasn’t come alone. There is a collection of classic Image Characters along for this wild adventure. What could possibly bring this eclectic group together? The journey is pure nostalgia mixed into the present time as the danger hits close to home for Jack. The result is a fun episode that fans won’t want to end.
Fleecs and Seeley continue to bring that certain 90’s era storytelling and mesh it into the present day like no one else. Seeing Jack come face to face (literally) to his past made for a very enjoyable tale. Jack’s realization of how he was back then made for a serious point in his continuous growth.
The throwback characters stole scenes throughout the story. Seeing the interactions was a nice addition to the story at hand. Even the subtle lines referencing characters like “Billy Kincaid” are great easter eggs. The threat at hand is a solid surprise with its’ resolution. The ending doesn’t miss its mark and preps readers for what lies head as the adventures of Jack Xaver brace for another run.
The art keeps the classic feel of the story going forward. Crossjack continues to look the part of a “Youngblood” member with the art reflecting Liefeld’s style in certain panels. The near full page jail panel makes a prime example of this. Another great homage style is certain images of a classic McFarlane character (but probably not the one you think). The story builds the fighting to close with a two page spread worthy of the early Image crossovers of old. For anyone who wants to get a taste of classic Image in the modern time, this issue is one to check out!
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
The early vibes of Image shine bright in a throwback tale that needs to be read by readers young and old. Exceptional writing and art style continues to make the past of Jack Xaver an engaging read in the present with the help of some old readers. Check it out on New Comic Book Day,
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Local Man: Gold! Thanks for Reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative!
Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this edition, we are checking out the latest installment from an award-winning franchise via Dark Horse Comics. The Black Hammer story by Jeff Lemire debuted in 2016 and has garnered multiple awards including some Eisner’s in its’ time of publication.
In 2023, it appears as the series is heading to a conclusion with Black Hammer: the End #1 by Lemire, Malachi Ward, Bryce Davidson and Nate Piekos. Let’s take a closer look and see how things are setting up, shall we?
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNINGS ***
In case anyone is new to the series, “Black Hammer” centers around a group of heroes stranded in the past in the town of Rockwood after an epic battle against the Anti-God. Rockwood is no ordinary place has has a distinct aura to its’ energy. Since that time period, the series has splinted into various spin-offs and crossovers throughout the years. One notable one was with DC Comics’ Justice League.
Now in 2023, thinks look very bleak for these heroes. The issue begins in Spiral City of Earth 312. Golden Guinevere and Zafram are fighting a losing battle against some creatures. When Zafram is disintegrated, Guinevere reverts back to being a child. However, hope for her might not be lost. A figure known as Spacedigger has appeared and teleports her away. Their destination is a space ship helmed by TLKE-WLKE and Colonel Weird. They all watch as the world they were just on explodes!
Meanwhile back in Rockwood, the police are pulling up looking for a missing child. Inspector Insectorneeds to hide as the sheriff starts asking questions. Once the mystery has been solved with the introduction of Lucy Weber, the small group makes its way to a farm long time readers know all too well.
What does Lucy talk with the group about? After witnessing a world die, What is Colonel Weird’s plan? Who or what is causing this? Readers get some clues as to where things are heading. Rest assured, after the final page, they will need to buckle in for one hell of an adventure.
Lemire sets the prime players in motion for what should be an unforgettable final(?) series. The introduction is a big statement at how dangerous the stakes are. Lemire ties in the game planning of Colonel Weird as a solid backdrop during the opening segments.
This builds a brisk pace at where things are heading. The Rockwood portion gives a great balance as Lucy comes back into the fold with a grave warning ahead. Knowing this will be the presumed end, the tone of the book reflects the severity of conflict. This carries thru to the closing image, which lets readers know to get ready for a strong finish.
Ward and Davidson come out of the gate swinging with this issue. The two page spread (featured above) is absolutely eye-catching. Reflecting Weird’s demeanor as events play out makes another big statement. Even new readers (such as myself) will immediately connect with what is involving and how grave the outlook is.
The Rockwood portion plays into that groups reactions to what lies ahead. The panels range from shock to determination. It added to the overall tale nicely. The final sequence will catch some off-guard but leaves no doubt of how things are shaping up.
What may be the final installment of the hit franchise builds the foundations for what can only be a monumental finale. Lemire, Ward and the team balance the excellent writing with dazzling visuals to kick things off in style. Don’t miss out on this for New Comic Book Day!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Black Hammer: the End #1. Thanks for reading!
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: 30th Anniversary Special by Ryan Parrot, Eleonora Carlini, Raul Angulo, Amy Jo Johnson, Matt Hotson, Francesco Mortarino, Joana Lafuente, Ed Dukeshire, Mat Groom, Marco Renna, Sara Antonellini, Sharon Marino, Maria Ingrande Mora, Jo Mi-Gyeong, and Mairghread Scott. (Credit Boom! Studios, cover by Dan Mora.)
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: 30th Anniversary Special by BOOM! STUDIOS
Creative: Ryan Parrot, Eleonora Carlini, Raul Angulo, Amy Jo Johnson, Matt Hotson, Francesco Mortarino, Joana Lafuente, Ed Dukeshire, Mat Groom, Marco Renna, Sara Antonellini, Sharon Marino, Maria Ingrande Mora, Jo Mi-Gyeong, and Mairghread Scott.
PREFACE:
This week celebrates 30 glorious years for our teenage heroes and what better way than to have an epic special drop from BOOM! STUDIOS? There are 6 different tales in this special and due to that, I will be breaking them down into mini-reviews differing from the normal review format and giving overall thoughts at the end.
Story 1: Ode to Ernie by Ryan Parrot, Eleonora Carlini, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire.
This is a short yet classic fun tale of what the team truly means to the city of Angel Grove. Not only do they help the city but, also reveal that the city means so much to them. Parrott does a wonderful job showcasing this in the short time he has but, he’s no stranger to this franchise so I could think of nobody better to hit leadoff. Carlini and Angulo knock it out of the park with electrifying artwork bursting with personality and flavor. 5/5 Cigars.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: 30th Anniversary Special by Ryan Parrot, Eleonora Carlini, Raul Angulo, Amy Jo Johnson, Matt Hotson, Francesco Mortarino, Joana Lafuente, Ed Dukeshire, Mat Groom, Marco Renna, Sara Antonellini, Sharon Marino, Maria Ingrande Mora, Jo Mi-Gyeong, and Mairghread Scott. (Credit Boom! Studios, cover by Dan Mora.)
Story 2: Wedding Vows by Melissa Flores, Hendry Prasetya, Matt Herms, and Ed Dukeshire.
This is a splendid tale that highlights the need for a personal life mixed in with the duties and dangers of being a Ranger. Tommy and Kat are getting married and the team does wonders bringing you a vibe of the special day with the intensity of action and what it truly means to hold a morpher. 5/5 Cigars
Story 3: Alpha Directive by Mat Groom, Sara Antonellini, Marco Renna, Sharon Marino, and Ed Dukeshire.
This is a sad yet heroic tale of the selfless life of servitude Alpha 5 gives to Zordon. We travel through thousands of years in poetic fashion showcasing his loyalty and need to serve the morphing grid. It ends in a bit of tragic cliffhanger which the creative team does wonders in a panel between Zordon and Alpha that will leave you in tears. 4.5/5 Cigars
Story 4: Re-Imagine by Amy Jo Johnson, Matt Hotson, Francesco Mortarino, Joana Lafuente, and Ed Dukeshire.
This story marks Amy Jo Johnson’s return to the Power Rangers and leaves you with wanting so much more which we will get in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return. It felt like a true love letter and a sort of goodbye to the Rangers of old while leaving us with a fresh story to tell. The art did a lot of telling in this story highlighting the life events through another walk down memory lane that really seals the deal on this story as one of the best in the book. 5/5 Cigars
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: 30th Anniversary Special by Ryan Parrot, Eleonora Carlini, Raul Angulo, Amy Jo Johnson, Matt Hotson, Francesco Mortarino, Joana Lafuente, Ed Dukeshire, Mat Groom, Marco Renna, Sara Antonellini, Sharon Marino, Maria Ingrande Mora, Jo Mi-Gyeong, and Mairghread Scott. (Credit Boom! Studios, cover by Dan Mora.)
Story 5: Ranger Academy: Office Hours by Maria Ingrande Mora, Jo Mi-Gyeong, Sara Antonellini, and Ed Dukeshire.
This story is focused on Billy which is heartwarming to see as he is now a grad student turned mentor for Cora who is in another dimension. The way they bond in this story beats any action they could have thrown in. It’s a story of accepting who we are and that is sometimes a refreshing thing for readers to read. 4/5 Cigars.
Story 6: What Time is it?! by Mairghread Scott, Daniel Bayliss, and Ed Dukeshire.
This was the culmination of all the issues and in a good old-fashioned showdown with Goldar, the team delivered a stunning conclusion. If you are looking to go out on a note in an anthology this is exactly how you do it. Everyone had their chance to shine in the end and they knew the assignment. 5/5 Cigars.
Final Thoughts.
This book is a love letter to the rich and heroic history of the Power Rangers. Every page, every panel, every word you could feel the love this team had for this book. Power Rangers is making a comeback in pop culture not that it ever truly left and this is a book for lifetime fans and new fans.
Issue 4 opens up with a flashback of Ken sneaking around the McMax Estate where he begins to learn the real reasons why he and Joe are training so hard and being used as human test subjects. It then cuts back to the current time where Joe finally has found his brother, but their reunion was filled with mixed emotions. The writing in this series by Dylan Burnett has done an excellent job in providing just enough backstory to allow the reader to formulate their own predictions and stay immersed in the story.
The art by Burnett and colors by both Sara Antonellini and Walter Baiamonte provide plenty of nostalgia for readers that grew up playing arcade video games or watched anime. The bright colors along with the simple panel layouts help push the pace where readers can’t help but get excited as they are trying to see what happens next! The use of diagonal panels during some of the intense fight scenes helped convey the overall emotions our main characters were sorting through in this issue. The lettering by AndWord Designs takes the fight scenes to the next level and makes the reader feel like they are watching a story within an arcade game. Some of the lettering also reminded me of when I used to play some of the early game boy games like Pokemon and Zelda.
This action packed issue had its twists and turns making readers feel for both Joe and Ken. With one issue left in the series it’s gearing up for an insane final ride! Make sure this one is on your pull list to catch the epic conclusion next month!
Overall Grade: 9 out of 10
Thanks for checking out my review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let me know what comics you’re reading and hit me up on Twitter. Till next time…
All images of The Hunger and the Dusk courtesy of IDW Publishing
The Hunger and the Dusk Recap with SPOILERS for Issue #1
The first issue of The Hunger and the Dusk, dives right into showing the audience the relationship, or lack thereof, between humankind and orckind. However, while the humans run in fear as they see a trio of orcs in the distance, we’re introduced to said orcs, who are teasing each other in the most human of ways. While the humans grab weapons and prepare to fight the orcs, we learn the land is dying. Everywhere and everyone is struggling.
Before the humans even have a chance to potentially defend their farms, and livelihood, the trio of orcs are murdered in the most brutal of ways. While the audience is still digesting the shock of the unexpected attack, we then see the group of humans was met with the same destiny.
Fast forward six months. Humans and orcs have decided to follow the ‘enemy of my enemy’ rationale. They team up to sign a peace treaty, and fight The Vangol. Everyone naively believes they are safe enough inland, to avoid the Vangol, but an ambush ensues. The Vangol come out at dusk, and attack while muttering, HUNGRY. The humans and orcs come out ahead (and with their heads this time). However, the main take away from this ambush is the relationship formed between a human, Callum Battlechild, and an orc, Lady Gruakhtar “Tara” Iceman. While Tara was to leave with the humans as part of the treaty, the moment they save each other in the ambush, their relationship clearly begins as more than a condition of a clause in a contract.
The Hunger and the Dusk – Issue #2: The Story
Issue #2 hits the ground running with our new unlikely pair: Callum the human, and Tara the orc. Callum quickly tries to make his new friend feel comfortable while being surrounded by a species that she has only ever known as an enemy.
Meanwhile, Tara’s older cousin, Troth is off on his “wedding hunt.” The wedding hunt may seem irrelevant to the main event occurring throughout this story so far, but it’s showing us Orc culture. Both humans and orcs are being humanized. Making you wonder why they were ever at odds to begin with. Was it simply a fight over resources? Or were unnecessary prejudices instilled in them for generations?
The last part of this issue once again focuses on Callum and Tara as they bond over their own tragedies and describe themselves as “war orphans.” However, much more ensues and the ending leaves you with a very concerning cliff hanger.
While these first two issues gave me Game of Thrones vibes, I can already tell there is so much more going on, and we have only scratched the surface.
Images from IDW publishing
Check out another review from Lauren: Klik Klik Boom from Image.
Images from IDW publishing
THE ART:
You can’t love comic books without loving comic book art. The art in these issues does a fantastic job of conveying emotions and personality. All the while still having beautiful details and colors in the background. Comics don’t have detailed descriptions of people’s faces to convey emotions like in books, and they don’t have actors on a screen showing their emotions. They have art on pages that need to show emotion. That was beautifully achieved here. Callum and Tara are young scared strangers getting to know each other. You can clearly see their emotions in every panel they were in.
The saying, ‘don’t judge a book by the cover’ definitely applies to me for this comic. While the art is beautiful from cover to cover and everything in between, it’s not a comic I would I have grabbed, if it hadn’t been recommended. I saw orcs on the cover, and thought…that’s not really my thing. Then half way through issue 2 I felt my stomach ache as I thought one of the characters I already fell in love with was about to meet their demise.
I was hooked by page 3 of the first issue and stayed hooked. This is the quickest I have found myself attached to fictional comic book characters. I will definitely be following this story until the end, and adding it my pull list!
Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories #8 – Written by Michael Moreci with Pencils and Inks by Andy Duggan and Colors by Dan Jackson. Cover by Andy Duggan. (Credit Dark Horse Comics)
Written by Michael Moreci with Pencils and Inks by Andy Duggan and Colors by Dan Jackson. Cover by Andy Duggan.
The Story:
Kylo Ren and General Hux have been tasked to bring the planet Karaxis under the thumb of the First Order by Supreme Leader Snoke. The unlikely duo must work together to convince the people of the planet to stop resisting and submit. However, Hux and Ren have vastly different approaches to persuasion, making the mission all the more difficult.
Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories #8 – Written by Michael Moreci with Pencils and Inks by Andy Duggan and Colors by Dan Jackson. Cover by Andy Duggan. (Credit Dark Horse Comics)
The Writing:
Michael Moreci does a fantastic job with General Hux and Kylo Ren. As I was reading this issue I could hear Domhnall Gleeson and Adam Driver speaking the lines. The back and forth bickering was fun and exactly what I expected between these two antagonistic characters. The plot overall is a simple one, two people who do not get along must complete a difficult task. However, this had the right amount of Star Wars goodness to make a cliché storytelling trope fun and engaging.
Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories #8 – Written by Michael Moreci with Pencils and Inks by Andy Duggan and Colors by Dan Jackson. Cover by Andy Duggan. (Credit Dark Horse Comics)
The Art:
Andy Duggan and Dan Jackson do a fine job with the art in this issue. The colors were vibrant and the line work was on point, espescially with the character design. Kylo Ren and Supreme Leader Snoke really stood out here as the bright spots. While the art style in this book is not one that I typically enjoy, it really worked with the story being told.
The Verdict – 7.5/10
Overall, this was a fun story set in the sequel trilogy. The characters were well written and the art served the story well. However, with Hyperspace Stories being an anthology series, it is hard to get really excited for a story knowing that it will not continue and that did dampen my enjoyment of the issue. This is, however, a good time for fans of Star Wars and for any fan wanting to learn more about Kylo Ren and the First Order.
Welcome to another New Comic Book Day review from the N.I. Bullpen!
Today we are going even further down the rabbit hole with this review. If you are looking for a wholesome Alice In Wonderland clone this is not the book for you. If you love macabre plots and slightly disturbing fantasy elements then you have found the right review!
Let’s get into the second issue of this 5 part series from Boom! Studios, Alice Never After #2.
When we last left Alice, in the real world, Alice’s sister and father were both on their way to meetings about Alice. Instead of the usual doctors or psychiatrists, they were both on their way to different prisons to meet with Alice’s former abusers, Doctor Madsen and Mistress Hulda.
Meanwhile, back in Wonderland, Alice has just come back to the castle after being lost in the forest looking for the White Rabbit. After she was found and guided back to the castle by her friend Dodo. Dodo had also told her that there were rumors of “a shadowy figure lurking about” and that she should be very careful.
Back at the castle, Alice reunites with the rest of her friends, and they have a gift waiting for her. The gift, it turns out, was a dress that used to belong to the wicked Queen of Hearts before Alice defeated her. They have proclaimed Alice to be the New Queen of Hearts.
The issue opens with Alice getting into her new dress as Queen of Hearts. She and her friends are debating the amount of red in the dress. Alice thinks that she would make a better Queen of Diamonds because the dress is VERY red. Her friends from Wonderland of course, think there should be even more.
During the dress debate, a member of the royal court enters the room, telling Alice that she is needed at the High Court at once. As Alice correctly assumes, it must be serious if it demands her appearance at the highest court in Wonderland.
She has another debate, this time with her head judge in the courtroom over whether she should administer beheadings or not. Alice is steadfastly against any beheadings while she is Queen of Hearts in Wonderland. After this back and forth, the reason for the trial is revealed. Someone has come to make a plea to the court. It’s someone who Alice herself banished from Wonderland forever after the defeat of the previous Queen. The Cheshire Cat has returned, and he is asking the court for re-entry to Wonderland claiming to have changed.
We then shift back to the real world, where Alice’s father is meeting with one of her former abusers, Mistress Hulda. They discuss why Alice is medicated, so that she would forget about Charles, her father, robbing graves for teeth to re use in his dental practice. This included the teeth of her own mother. They also discuss Charles putting in a good word with the prison’s warden, in order to try and get Hulda released.
We then see Charles greeting Alice as she is reading a book. The book is Humpty Dumpty and she is reading it upside down. She says “People think he fell. But…they’re reading it wrong.”
In the trial of The Cheshire Cat, the shapeshifting trickster is twisting everything said during the preceding. From having many of the courtiers nearly allowing him to have a vote in his own banishment, to very nearly tricking the High Court into letting him stay in Wonderland without a vote at all! By the end of the trial however, Alice loses her temper with the whole affair.
She orders her guards to remove the Cheshire Cat immediately by saying “The Queen of Hearts commands it!” After the Cheshire Cat is removed from the court, Alice is once again stricken by pains and feelings of illness. She returns to her room to rest.
After Alice wakes up, The White Rabbit finally returns. Alice then informs him that she is now the Queen of Hearts.Rabbit then tells Alice that before the prior Queen took the throne, she was very much like Alice. This concerns Alice, because she just can’t imagine that she could become anything like the last Queen. The White Rabbit clarifies that he didn’t say that Alice would turn bad like the last Queen of Hearts, only that the last queen was very much like Alice a long time ago. Then, as usual, the White Rabbit tells Alice that he must leave yet again.
Alice tries, again, to chase after the White Rabbit to see where he is going. She says that he is the only one he can really talk to. As she tries to leave, she doubles over and vomits.
In the real world, Alice’s sister Edith is at an appointment of her own. Again, not with any kind of doctor… not a free one anyway. Edith is at Newgate Prison, visiting another of Alice’s former abusers, Doctor Madsen.
One of the main factors in Alice’s mental impairment is a surgery performed by Doctor Madsen in the past. Edith is visiting Madsen in order to find out if there is a way for him to reverse the surgery he performed on Alice.
He reminds Edith that Christmas is coming, and that he misses his plants. Madsen asks Edith for Oleander seeds and Earl Grey Tea leaves, in exchange for all the information he had on Alice and the surgery he performed on her. Edith agrees, and leaves the prison. There are now two members of Alice’s family making deals with her former abusers. How will this play out?
We go back to Wonderland and Alice is seated upon her throne. One of her attendants states his surprise at the fact that she is there so early, saying that she must be as excited as everyone else.
Alice, yet again, has no clue what he is talking about. So she asks “Excited about what? What’s going on now?” There are visitors in the castle, Sir Ostrich of Yogurt, Lord Tiger, the Archduke of Tiny Harbor (Gilbert) and the twins Tweedledee & Tweedledum. Alice is just tired of all the craziness at this point and wants to know why they are all here? Her attendant responds “Shouldn’t it be obvious? Every Queen needs a King, Alice!”
What is Charles plotting with Hulda? Will Madsen actually help Edith and Alice? Is Alice getting married?!?! We’ll have to wait until the release of issue #3 to find out!
Story Review
Panosian hits another home run with this issue. Jumping between the real world and Wonderland seems like it should be confusing, but I never feel lost or confused in this issue. The writing is just that good.
The plot is thickening with Charles and Hulda. Just judging by their facial reactions, and the fact that Charles was the one originally medicating Alice to being with, it doesn’t seem like anything good is coming from those two.
We are starting to see that Alice’s health in Wonderland is directly tied to her health in the real world. Her illness only seems to be getting worse, and there is no end to her stress now that she is Queen of Hearts. The Cheshire Cat is attempting to come back and now she is being told she needs to get married!
I’m also interested to see if Madsen will actually give Edith anything useful in her attempt to heal Alice. Is he just a crazy doctor who is craving some tea in prison? Or is he really willing to trade information for some Earl Grey and Oleander seeds?
Artwork Overview
Wonderland has never looked more fantastical than when Spalletta and Segala put their spin on it. The colors are bright and warm especially when Alice is in her throne room or in the chambers of the High Court. I especially like the design of The Cheshire Cat in this series. He oozes mistrust and deceit. From his eyes and mouth to his “knotty” way of speaking, everything about the Cheshire Cat is designed to make you not trust him, and I love it.
Victorian era London feels gritty and dirty thanks to Panosian. The colors are more neutral toned and the environments are all very angular and squared off. The drastic difference in color pallet and character design between Wonderland and London doesn’t throw off the reader either. Instead, it actually helps the reader keep track of where they are in the story on any given page.
The artwork in this series is nothing short of breathtaking.
Overall Score: 9.5 OUT OF 10 – “Must Pull”
Issue 2 is another win for this creative team. The plot is expanding, we are getting more background on the real world trauma that Alice is dealing with and we see that being the Queen of Hearts isn’t always everything it’s cracked up to be.
This is not the Alice In Wonderland story you know from Disney. This is a darker tale, but if you like dark, fantastical stories and plots that twist and turn quickly, you’ll love Alice Never After #2 from Boom! Studios!
As always everyone Be Safe, Be Kind, and Take It Easy!
