Comics Review: "VAMPIRELLA Mindwarp #4" - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

VAMPIRELLA MINDWARP VOLUME 1 #4

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Jeff Parker

ART: Benjamin Dewey

COLORS: Dearbhla Kelly

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Joseph Michael Linsner

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2022)

Rated Teen+

“They Find Out”

Vampirella is a vampire and female superhero created by the late author and science fiction and horror expert, Forrest J Ackerman, and designed by comic book artist, Trina Robbins.  Vampirella first appeared in Vampirella #1 (Sept. 1969), the debut issue of a black and white horror comics magazine from Warren Publishing.  Writer-editor Archie Goodwin changed the character from a hostess of horror comics to a leading character in her own stories.

In 2010, Dynamite Entertainment obtained the character and has been publishing new Vampirella material since then.  The latest is Vampirella Mindwarp Volume 1.  This new series is written by Jeff Parker; drawn by Benjamin Dewey; colored by Dearbhla Kelly; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.  The series follows a mad chase across time and space, as an aged sorceress tries to steal and inhabit Vampirella's body.

Vampirella Mindwarp Volume 1 #4 (“They Find Out”) opens in 1969... because Baroness Liesel Gruzal attempted to possess Vampirella's body.  The result was that Vampirella and the Baroness have been projected back into their bodies in the past.  Now, the Baroness is in a castle in Bavaria doing great evil... Or is she really just enjoying her new life?

Meanwhile, Vampirella is headed to Bavaria on a train full of vampire hunters!  Her companions:  Ren, now in the body of Pendragon the Great (a popular magician of the 1930s and Vampirella's friend); Adam Van Helsing of those Van Helsings; and Ravashi, the young woman who is a mystic, know that Vampirella can get them out of this jam.  But how will she do it?

THE LOWDOWN:  Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Vampirella Mindwarp Volume 1 #4, which is one of many Dynamite Vampirella comic books I have read.

Vampirella Mindwarp #1 surprised me, so I have been diligently following the series since.  Writer Jeff Parker has made sure that the following issues are living up to that great opening chapter with a series of twists and turns that are not only unexpected, but also endlessly delightful.  This issue's resolution to the vampire hunters dilemma I count among them.

The team of artist Benjamin Dewey and colorist Dearbhla Kelly is delivering an eye-popping pop-art confection.  They remind me of the husband-wife art team of Michael and Laura Allred in graphical style and storytelling substance.  Vampirella: Mindwarp is humorous, delightful, and mystical … and mind-warping – so to speak.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Vampirella comics will want to read Vampirella Mindwarp Volume 1.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from January 22nd to 31st, 2023 - Update #26

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

DC STUDIOS - From Deadline:   DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran finally revealed their plans for an inter-connective universe of DC Comics character-based film and television.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Will Smith and Martin Lawrence announced that "Bad Boys 4" is in pre-production.  "Bad Boys for Life" directors El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are also returning.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  FX has cancelled its "Hulu" series, "Kindred," after one season.  The time-traveling drama is based on the novel by the late Octavia E. Butler.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of 1/27 to 1/29/2023 weekend box office is "Avatar: The Way of Water" with an estimated 15.7 million dollars.

From Here:  Negromancer's review of "Avatar: The Way of Water."

SUNDANCE - From Deadline:   The 2023 Sundance Film Festival has unveiled its Jury and Audience Award winners for 2023.  Focus Features' "A Thousand and One" has won the "Grand Jury Prize."  "The Persian Version" won the "Audience Award."

TELEVISON - From Deadline:  HBO has renewed its hot horror drama, the videogame adapation, "The Last of Us," for a second season.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  In the wake of his hit biopic, "Elvis," receiving eight Oscar nominations, director Baz Luhrmann sighs a "first-look" deal with Warner Bros Pictures.

SCANDAL - From Deadline:  Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" has announced that it has ended its association with Justin Roiland, co-creator of "Rick and Morty."  Roiland is facing two felony counts related to domestic violence in Orange County, CA.  The series will continue under the watch of the series' other co-creator, Dan Harmon, with the characters Roiland voiced, being recast.

From Variety:  20th Television Animation and Hulu Originals have announced that they have also ended their association with Justin Roiland.  Thus, he has been dropped for the animated series, "Solar Opposites," which he co-created, and the Aussie-animated, "Koala Man," which he executive produces.

From WeGotThisCovered:  No voice actor or creator is bigger than his character.

OSCARS - From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2023 / 95th Academy Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced Sunday, March 12, 2023.  "Everything Everywhere All at Once" leads with 11 nominations.

From THR:  Malaysian acting icon, Michelle Yeoh, has become the first "Best Actress" Oscar nominee (for her role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once") to identify as Asian.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Franchise star, Brendan Fraser, stunned fans of his hit series, "The Mummy" (1999), and its sequel, "The Mummy Returns" (2011), by making an appearance at a screening of the two films in London.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  CBS is giving its Monday night sitcom, "The Neighborhood," a sixth season renewal for the 2023-24 broadcast season.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 1/20 to 1/22/2023 weekend box office is "Avatar: The Way of Water" for an estimated take of 19.6 million dollars.

From Here:  Leroy Douresseaux's review of "Avatar: The Way of Water."

From Variety:  "Avatar: The Way of Water" crosses the 2 billion dollar-mark in worldwide box office, becoming the sixth film to do so.  James Cameron has directed three of the films that have done so, including the original "Avatar" and "Titanic" (1997).

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  The current season of CBS' long-running drama, "NCIS: Los Angeles" (Season 14), will be its last.  The finale is set for May 14, 2023.

OBITS:

From Variety:  The actress, Lisa Loring, has died at the age of 64, Saturday, January 28, 2023.  She was best known for her work as a child actress, playing "Wednesday Addams" on the former ABC sitcom, "The Addams Family" (1964-66).

From Variety:  Film and television actress and film producer, Cindy Williams, has died at the age of 75, Wednesday, January 25, 2023.  Williams was best known for the role of "Shirley Feeney," on the late ABC sitcom, "Laverne & Shirley" (1976-82), with the late Penny Marshall playing "Laverne DeFazio."  Williams and Marshall also appeared as the characters in five episodes of the late ABC sitcom, "Happy Days."  Williams also appeared in the 1973 film, "American Graffiti," and its 1979 sequel, "More American Graffiti."  After "Laverne and Shirley," Williams had many starring, recurring, and guest roles on numerous TV series.

From Deadline:  Former child actor, Lance Kerwin, has died at the age of 65, Tuesday, January 24, 2023.  Kerwin shot to fame in the late 1970s as a teen actor.  He starred in "The Loneliest Runner," a 1976 semi-autobiographical made-for-TV movies written and directed by Michael Landon ("Bonanza," "Little House on the Prairie").  Kerwin starred in NBC's controversial drama, "James at 15" (1977-78), and also starred in the TV movies, "James at 15" (1977) the preceded it.  Kerwin also starred in the 1979, two-episode TV miniseries, "Salem's Lot," an adaptation of Stephen King's 1975 novel of the same name.

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AWARDS:

From Oscar:  The nominations for the 2023 / 95th Academy Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced Sunday, March 12, 2023.

From Deadline:  "Top Gun: Maverick" wins "Best Picture" at the "AARP Movies for Grownups Awards" held Saturday night in Beverly Hills.

From Variety:  The nominations for the 2023 Writers Guild Awards have been announced.  Winners will be announced Sunday, March 5, 2023.

From Variety:  The nominations for the 2023 EE BAFTA Awards have been announced. The Netflix World War I drama, "All Quiet on the Western Front," leads with 14 nominations.  The winners will be announced Sunday, February 19, 2023.

From Deadline:  The winners were announced at the 2023 / 28th annual Critics Choice Awards.  "Everything Everywhere All at Once" was named "Best Picture."

From Deadline:  The nominees for the 2023 / 34th Producers Guild of America Awards have been announced in both film and TV categories.  The winners will be announced Sat. Feb. 25th, 2023.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2023 / 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced Sun., Feb. 26th, 2023.

From Deadline:  The National Society of Film Critics has named "Tar" its "Best Picture" of 2023 and its star, Cate Blanchette, as "Best Actress."

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2023 / 23rd Annual Black Reel Awards have been announced.  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" and "The Woman King" have tied for the lead in nominations with 14 apiece.  The winners will be announced February 6, 2023.

From Deadline:  The Black Film Critics Circle named "The Woman King" the "Best Film" of 2022.

From Deadline:  The winners of the 2022 Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and "Tar" tie for "Best Picture" award.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2023 / 80th annual Golden Globes Awards were announced today (Mon., Dec. 12th).  "The Banshees of Inisherin" led the film field with eight nominations. ABC's "Abbot Elementary" lead the TV side with five nominations.  The winners will be announced January 10, 2023.

From Deadline:  The American Film Institute (AFI) has named its "AFI Awards Film" list of "Top 10 Films of 2022."  The list includes "Avatar: The Way of Water," "Top Gun: Maverick," and "The Woman King."

From THR:  The African-American Film Critics Association name "The Woman King" the "Best Film of 2022."

From Deadline:  The nominations for the "2023 Critics Choice Awards" in the television categories have been announced.  ABC's sitcom, "Abbot Elementary" leads the nominations.  The winners will be announced Sunday, January 15, 2023 and broadcast on The CW.

From Variety:  The 2022 / 88th Annual New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) Awards have been announced.  Todd Field's "Tar" wins "Best Film" and "Best Actress" (Cate Blanchett).  Keke Palmer wins "Best Supporting Actress" for her performance in "Nope."

From Deadline:  "Everything Everywhere All at Once" wins the "Best Feature" award at the 2022 / 32nd Annual Gotham Awards, one of two wins for the film.

From IndieWire:  The nominations for the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced.   "Everything Everywhere All at Once" leads with eight nominations.  The winners will be announced March 4th, 2023.

From Variety:  The nominations for the 2022 / 32nd Annual Gotham Awards were announced a month ago.  Todd Field's "Tar" leads with five nominations.  The winners will be announced Monday, November 28th.

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TYRE NICHOLS:

From NBCNews:  Tyre Nichols' death: A summary and timeline of his encounter with Memphis police officers

From YahooNews:  In the 67 minutes of the Tyre Nichols video, brutality followed by nonchalance.

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BRITTNEY GRINER:

From CBSNews:  WNBA star Brittney Griner has been released from her Russian imprisonment in a one-for-one prisoner swap for notorious international arms dealer, Viktor Bout.

From NBCNews:   Brittney Griner will enter a system of isolation, grueling labor and psychological torment when she is transferred to a penal colony, the successor to the infamous Russian gulag, to fulfill a nine-year sentence handed down Tuesday in Moscow, former prisoners and advocates said.

From NBCNews:  A Russian court has rejected Brittney Griner's appeal of her nine-year prison sentence on (fake) drug charges.

From Reuters:  Russia says that it is ready to talk prisoner swamp for Brittney Griner and U.S. Marine veteran Paul Whelan, but also scolds the U.S. Embassy.

From TheDailyBeast:   Legendary NBA bad boy and champion (Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls), Dennis Rodman claims that he has been given permission to go to Russia and help free imprisoned hostage, WNBA star, Brittney Griner.

From Vox:  Vox's Jonathan Guyer talks the Brittney Griner case with Danielle Gilbert, a Dartmouth professor who is writing a book about states and rogue actors that take hostages.

From ESPN:   A Russian court sentenced WNBA star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison Thursday, Aug. 4th.  Griner was arrested Feb. 17 for bringing cannabis into the country and pleaded guilty July 7, though the case continued under Russian law.

From ESPN:  The Biden administration has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.

From RSN:  "Will Support From LeBron James, Joe Rogan, Kim Kardashian, and Other Celebrities Help Free Brittney Griner From a Russian Prison?" by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar via Substack

From ESPN:  Detained WNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty on Thursday to bringing hashish oil into Russia, telling a judge that she had done so "inadvertently" while asking the court for mercy.

From CBSSports:  The Brittney Griner situation explained.

From RSN:  According to The Washington Post Editorial Board: "Brittney Griner is a hostage, plain and simple."

Comics Review: "ARCHIE Valentine's Spectacular" Offers Fun Classics and a New Character

ARCHIE VALENTINE'S SPECTACULAR #1 (In-stories and on digital Wed., Feb. 1st)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Jamie Lee Rotante; Greg Crosby; Craig Boldman; Dan Parent

PENCILS: Holly G!; Pat Kennedy; Rex Lindsey; Dan Parent

INKS: Jim Amash; Jon D'Agostino; Rich Koslowski; Rudy Lapick

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (March 2023)

Rating: All-Ages

“More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!”

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character.  In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”).  One of them is the Archie Valentine's Spectacular No.1.  It features one new story and four reprint stories.  Entitled “More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!,” the new story stars Archie Comics' newest character, “Cassie Cloud.”  The story is written by Jamie Lee Rotante; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Introducing Cassie Cloud in “More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!”:

The story opens at the "Valentine's Spectacular Dance."  The newest student at Riverdale High is Cassie Cloud, who recently transferred from Centerville.  Cassie is tall, confident, funny, and catching all the guys’ attention – much to the chagrin of the girls.  Betty and Veronica notice, however, that Cassie doesn't seem interested in the attention of the most popular boys in school, including Archie and Reggie.  So Ethel and Midge join them for some research into Cassie.

Why is the hot new girl hanging out with the likes of Dilton, Toño, Raj, Randolph, and even Simon a.k.a. “Prankenstein” – all known as nerds?  And do the girls have something to learn from her about learning to love the “short kings?”

THE LOWDOWN:   I have been reading comic books, on and off, for the better part of five decades.  I have sporadically read Archie Comics titles over that time, so I usually miss the publisher's introduction of new characters.  Thus, Cassie Cloud isn't the only character that is new to me in Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.

I think she has a lot of potential, as set up in this nice five-page story that is “More Than Meets the Eye: Rise of the Sports King!”  Cassie is similar to classic Archie female characters like Betty and Veronica, but she is different enough, especially in terms of her interests, to create hopefully exciting new story scenarios across all Archie titles.  Writer Jamie Lee Rotante and artist Holly G! have created a winning story for this character, and hopefully, they will do more.

The rest of Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1 is comprised of reprints:  three “Veronica” solo stories and one “Jughead” solo.  One Veronica story, “Valentine's Day Dilemma,” finds Archie struggling to figure out what kind of Valentine's Day gift he could give to the rich girl (Veronica) who already has had a better version of anything he can afford.  In “Sweets to the Sweet,” Jughead is sure that he has the perfect way to scam the girls of Riverdale out of their Valentine's candy.

If you are like me and love classic-style Archie Comics, you will love these stories.  And Archie Valentine's Spectacular is for you.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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BOOM! STUDIOS

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Dynamite Entertainment Shipping from Diamond Distributors for February 1, 2023

DYNAMITE

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IDW PUBLISHING

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Comic Books, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for February 1, 2023

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

NOV221166 ANCIENT ENEMIES #2 (OF 6) $5.99

DEC221496 ARCADE WORLD GN CHAPTERBOOK VOL 06 DRAGON FLAMES $9.99

DEC221135 ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #337 $9.99

DEC221134 ARCHIES VALENTINES DAY SPECTACULAR 2023 $2.99

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SEP222294 BIBI & MIYU MANGA GN VOL 03 $10.99

DEC221163 BLACK TAPE #1 (OF 4) CVR A PANOSIAN (MR) $3.99

DEC221164 BLACK TAPE #1 (OF 4) CVR B DEODATO JR & LOUGHRIDGE (MR) $3.99

DEC221165 BLACK TAPE #1 (OF 4) CVR C HEAVY METAL HOMAGE (MR) $3.99

JUL222075 BONDING PEOPLE & THEIR PARASITES HC VOL 01 (RES) $24.99

NOV221793 CATEGORY ZERO CONFLICT #2 $4.99

AUG222322 CHERRY MAGIC GN VOL 06 (MR) $14.99

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DEC220980 CHILDREN O/T BLACK SUN #2 CVR B BROWN (MR) $3.99

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JUL222313 EVIL SECRET SOCIETY OF CATS GN VOL 02 $14.99

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NOV221865 FIRSTBORNS #2 (OF 4) CVR A VASSALLO (MR) $3.99

NOV221866 FIRSTBORNS #2 (OF 4) CVR B PANTERA HOMAGE COVER (MR) $3.99

NOV221426 FLESH EATING CHEERLEADERS FROM OUTER SPACE #4 CVR A ZANE STA $4.99

NOV221723 FRANK FRAZETTA DEATH DEALER #9 CVR A MANCO $4.99

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SEP221793 GREATEST NAME IN COMICS DAREDEVIL SEASON 1 #2 $5.99

AUG222252 HAPPY KANAKOS KILLER LIFE GN VOL 06 $14.99

SEP222297 HER ROYAL HIGHNESS SEEMS TO BE ANGRY GN VOL 04 $12.99

NOV221765 HOUSECAT TROUBLE GN VOL 02 LOST AND FOUND $13.99

MAR228944 HOW HEAVY ARE DUMBBELLS YOU LIFT GN VOL 10 (MR) $12.99

MAR228982 I AM NOT A SUCCUBUS GN VOL 02 (MR) $13.99

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AUG222257 IM IN LOVE WITH VILLAINESS GN VOL 04 $12.99

OCT221914 KARL THE VIKING TP VOL 02 $32.99

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NOV221867 NOBODYS GIRLS #3 (OF 3) CVR A SAN JUAN (MR) $3.99

NOV221868 NOBODYS GIRLS #3 (OF 3) CVR B CONNELLY (MR) $3.99

DEC221039 PAIGE PROVES IT GN CHAPTER BOOK SPOOKY STORY $10.99

NOV221963 PHOENIX FILES #1 (OF 3) CVR A VITORINO $5.99

NOV221964 PHOENIX FILES #1 (OF 3) CVR B TOLIBAO $5.99

NOV221965 PHOENIX FILES #1 (OF 3) CVR C GARVEY $5.99

NOV221966 PHOENIX FILES #1 (OF 3) CVR D EL TABANAS $5.99

NOV221882 PLUTO ROCKET GN VOL 01 NEW IN TOWN $9.99

OCT221653 PRINCE VALIANT HC VOL 26 1987-1988 $39.99

NOV221869 PURPLE OBLIVION #3 (OF 4) CVR A SIMONE (MR) $3.99

NOV221870 PURPLE OBLIVION #3 (OF 4) CVR B SIMONE (MR) $3.99

NOV221805 RED WINTER FALLOUT #2 (OF 4) $4.99

DEC221621 REFUGE GN $19.95

NOV221871 SARA LONE #4 CVR A ARLINGTON DAY (MR) $5.99

NOV221872 SARA LONE #4 CVR B ARLINGTON DAY (MR) $5.99

NOV221873 SARA LONE #4 CVR C ARLINGTON DAY (MR) $5.99

AUG222212 SAYONARA FOOTBALL GN VOL 15 $12.99

DEC221913 SEIREI GENSOUKI SPIRIT CHRONICLES GN VOL 01 $15.99

NOV221188 SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT #2 MAIN CVR A MARTINEZ (MR) $3.99

NOV221189 SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT #2 MAIN CVR B HASSON & HAESER (MR) $3.99

NOV221190 SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT #2 MAIN CVR C CLASSIC PHOTO (MR) $3.99

NOV221191 SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT #2 MAIN CVR D 1/350 B&W LTD ED (MR $9.99

DEC221508 TALES FROM NOTTINGHAM #1 (MR) $3.99

OCT221530 TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #137 DLX ED (MR) $19.99

OCT221531 TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #137 PHOTO CVR (MR) $19.99

OCT221939 THUD DOUBLE VISION MAGAZINE #3 $9.99

OCT221513 TITAN MOUSE OF MIGHT #1 (MR) $4.99

NOV221325 VIGIA #1 (OF 5) CVR B BOGATCH $5.99

AUG222291 YAKUZA FIANCE GN VOL 02 $14.99

SEP222299 YURI ESPOIR GN VOL 03 (MR) $12.99

MAGAZINES

NOV221404 COMIC SHOP NEWS (100CT BUNDLE) #1850 $PI

NOV221405 MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE #49 $8.99

BOOKS

NOV221544 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS BEHOLD SEARCH & FIND ADVENTURE HC $10.99

SEP221794 HERO BUSINESS COMPENDIUM SC $79.99

NOV221893 INTO THE JUNGLE BOYS COMIC STRIP HIST WWII $25.00

AUG222303 LONER LIFE IN ANOTHER WORLD LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 04 $14.99

SEP222319 MAIDENS BOOKSHELF MOON OVER THE MOUNTAINS $19.95

NOV221100 MARVELS SPIDER-MAN SCRIPT TO PAGE SC $22.95

JUL222370 MUSHOKU TENSEI JOBLESS REINCARNATION LIGHT NOVEL VOL 20 (MR) $13.99

NOV221762 NEIL GAIMAN PIRATE STEW SC $9.99

MAR222245 REINCARNATED AS A SWORD LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 11 $13.99

DEC221362 SECRET IDENTITY SC NOVEL $18.99

NOV221766 STAR WARS PRINCESS & SCOUNDREL SC $17.99

DEC221915 UNWANTED UNDEAD ADVENTURER LIGHT NOVEL VOL 09 $14.99

----------------------

DC Comics Shipping from Lunar Distributors for January 31, 2023

DC COMICS:

Action Comics #1051 (Cover J Dan Mora Foil Variant), AR

Action Comics #1051 (Cover K David Nakayama Foil Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman Legends Of Gotham #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Carmine Di Giandomenico), $5.99

Batman Legends Of Gotham #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Nathan Szerdy Card Stock Variant), $6.99

Batman Legends Of Gotham #1 (One Shot)(Cover C David Nakayama Card Stock Variant), AR

Catwoman #51 (Cover E Joshua Sway Swaby Foil Card Stock Variant), AR

DC Connect #33, AR

DC Power A Celebration #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Jahnoy Lindsay), $9.99

DC Power A Celebration #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Sozomaika Card Stock Variant), $9.99

DC Power A Celebration #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Taj Tenfold Card Stock Variant), $9.99

DC Power A Celebration #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Ken Lashley Card Stock Variant), AR

DC Power A Celebration #1 (One Shot)(Cover E Sozomaika Foil Variant), AR

DC’s Harley Quinn Romances #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Amanda Conner), $9.99

DC’s Harley Quinn Romances #1 (One Shot)(Cover B David Talaski), $9.99

DC’s Harley Quinn Romances #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Elizabeth Torque), AR

Flash One-Minute War Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Serg Acuna), $5.99

Flash One-Minute War Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Serg Acuna Foil Variant), AR

Lazarus Planet Legends Reborn #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Vasco Georgiev), $4.99

Lazarus Planet Legends Reborn #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Rafael Sarmento Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Lazarus Planet Legends Reborn #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Laura Braga Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Lazarus Planet Legends Reborn #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Minkyu Jung Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Lazarus Planet Legends Reborn #1 (One Shot)(Cover E Reilly Brown Card Stock Variant), AR

Lazarus Planet Legends Reborn #1 (One Shot)(Cover F Vasco Georgiev Foil Variant), AR

Milestone Compendium Volume 2 TP, $59.99

------------------

Comics Review: "THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES #3" - Twerkin' for the Talon

THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES (2022) #3

DC COMICS

STORY: Matthew Cody

ART: Erich Owen

COLORS: Erich Owen

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITOR: Kristy Quinn

COVER: Erich Owen

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Ages 8+

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

“Night of the Owlful Party!”

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries was a 12-issue comic book limited series that DC Comics published in 2021 and 2022.  The series brought the characters from both the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and Batman comic book series together.  Over the past five decades, Scooby-Doo and friends have joined Batman and (often) Robin to solve mysteries in various animated television series and comic books.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries sold well enough that DC Comics began a second series in October 2022.  The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #3 (“Night of the Owlful Party!”) is written by Matthew Cody; drawn by Erich Owen; colored Erich Owen; and lettered by Saida Temofonte.  This issue guest-stars The Talon of the Court of Owls.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #3 opens in Gotham City at one of the city's most haunted old buildings, the abandoned Owl Court Hotel.  It is said to be home to the most terrifying ghost in Gotham – The Talon of the Court of Owls, Gotham's most secret of secret societies.

Tonight, however, it is the site of the grooviest celebration, the birthday part of one of the city's richest daughters, Bibi Powers.  Well, it was supposed to the grooviest.  So far, Bibi's only guests are the members of Mystery Inc.:  Fred, Daphne, and Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo.  Velma and Bibi were … friends back in Velma's days as a cheerleader.

The guests barely have time to dance before the legendary owl-beast, The Talon, appears.  Luckily, Bruce Wayne is also at the hotel on business, so that means The Batman is also nearby.

THE LOWDOWN:  As a child, the most important characters in my life were Batman and Robin and Scooby-Doo and company.  I am still excited about the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo coming together.  Obviously, The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries is one of those comic book series that is perfectly made for me.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #3 features the character Talon, an element in “the Court of Owls,” the Batman adversaries that first appeared in Batman (2011) #6.  I think the Court of Owls and everything to do with them is ridiculous and contrived, but I like this issue.

I like the art by Erich Owen, which looks like a blend of computer-rendered backgrounds and hand drawn characters in the foreground.  It looks kind of weird, but the technique works.  The illustration and colors for the first page combine to create one of the best opening pages that I have seen in years.  It's pitch perfect for “Night of the Ow1ful Party!”

Speaking of story:  in “Night of the Owlful Story!,” writer Matthew Cody offers a one-off tale that feels like an episode of a Scooby-Doo television series.  I like the way Cody plays out the party and the action.  He makes Bibi a brat, a snob, and a “mean girl,” but she is harmless and kinda cute.   The highest compliment that I can give this story is that I did not want it to end.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the union of the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo will want The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries.

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “My Buddy, Killer Croc” by Sara Farizan and Nicoletta Baldar.]

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.dccomics.com/

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The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------

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Comics Review: "GREEN HORNET: One Night in Bangkok" Pulls No Punches

GREEN HORNET ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK, ONE SHOT

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Shannon Eric Denton

ART: Jethro Morales

COLORS: Jorge Sutil

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Dynamite Editorial

COVER: Dan Panosian

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Rated Teen+

The Green Hornet is a superhero character created in 1936 by radio and television producer, George W. Trendle, and radio and comic book writer, Fran Striker.  The character debuted in “The Green Hornet,” a radio program that premiered on January 31, 1936, on Detroit station, WXYZ.  The Green Hornet is the alter ego of Britt Reid, the wealthy young publisher of “The Daily Sentinel” newspaper.  Clad in a long green overcoat, gloves, green fedora hat, and green mask, The Green Hornet is a crime-fighting vigilante, but the police and public believe that he is a wanted criminal and crime lord.

Over the years, the Green Hornet has appeared in various mediums, including comic books.  Dynamite Entertainment has had the license to produce Green Hornet comic books since 2009.  The latest is the one-shot comic book, Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok, One Shot.  It is written by Shannon Eric Denton; drawn by Jethro Morales; colored by Jorge Sutil; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.  The story finds Green Hornet facing a wily assassin seeking revenge against the Hornet.

Green Hornet: One Night in Bangkok opens in Bangkok where the world's foremost assassin who goes by the name, “Snake,” fights a tune-up match.  When the Hornet ruled Chicago, he sent Snake's crime boss father to state prison, where he would later die.  Two weeks later, Snake is in the Hornet's new stomping grounds, Century City, and he wants revenge.

Descending on Century City, Snake sets out on a bloody campaign to decimate the criminal population, all the while declaring to those he has let live that he is doing this for the Green Hornet.  Now, the Hornet must leap into action in order to salvage his reputation and to confront Snake before more lives are lost.  To do so, Britt Reid will have to lose his softness and regain the edge of the Green Hornet.

THE LOWDOWN:  Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok, One Shot, the very first Green Hornet comic book that I have read.

Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok reminds me of the 1980s Daredevil comic books written by the late Dennis O'Neil for Marvel Comics.  They were not quite up to the stuff of Frank Miller's run on Daredevil, but they were edgy, and O'Neil would always match Daredevil against formidable foes that could hurt him.

Writer Shannon Denton pits the Green Hornet against that Snake, a brutal sociopath who kills and maims as if it were nothing more than an ordinary chore for him.  Snake is rather … charming, and I wouldn't mind seeing him in his own comic book.  Because of him, I enjoyed read Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok, One Shot, and Denton certainly leaves me wanting more.

Here, Jethro Morales, a stylish artist with a straight-ahead storytelling method, recalls the spirit of artist Klaus Janson's Daredevil and The Punisher comic books for Marvel in the 1980s.  The more Morales draws comic books the better he will get.  In fact, Jorge Sutil's coloring for this issue is quite good, but Morales' storytelling would still be strong in black and white.

Letterer Taylor Esposito deftly handles what can be, at times, a dialogue heavy issue, and he is the final piece a really good creative team.  I'd like to see them tackle more Green Hornet.  In the meantime, dear readers, you can enjoy Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok, One Shot.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Dynamite's Green Hornet comic books will want to read Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok, One Shot.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

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The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------

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Comics Review: Disney's "GARGOYLES Volume 1 #2"

DISNEY'S GARGOYLES #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Greg Weisman

ARTIST: George Kambadais

COLORS: George Kambadais

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: David Nakayama

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Rated “Teen”

“Here in Manhattan” – Chapter Two: “Idyll or Nightmare”

“Gargoyles” was an animated television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation that ran for a total of 78 episodes over three seasons, from October 24, 1994, to February 15, 1997.  The series focused on “gargoyles,” a species of nocturnal creatures that had spent a thousand years in an enchanted petrified state.  Reawakened in modern New York City, they are stone by day, but when day falls, they are warriors, the city's night-time protectors.

“Gargoyles” has been adapted into comic books by both Marvel Comics (1995) and Slave Labor Graphics (2006-09).  Dynamite Entertainment is the new license holder and begins its publication with Gargoyles Volume 1.  The series is written by “Gargoyles” creator Greg Weisman; drawn and colored by George Kambadais; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.  The series will act as a “Season 4” of the original television series, following Weisman's preferred story line.

Gargoyles Volume 1 #2 (“Idyll or Nightmare”) opens at sunset in Manhattan.  Night arrives, and the Gargoyles have awakened from their stone sleep!  The child of Maggie Reed a.k.a. “Maggie the Cat” and her husband, Derek/Talon, is due.  Will Goliath and the clan be in time to save Maggie and her unborn mutate child from Sevarius and David Xanatos?

Meanwhile, Dominic Dracon leaves Bellevue Hospital, pretending to suffer from dementia.  However, a gang war is brewing, and he must find a way to deal with Dino Dracon and Tomas Brod, the gangster trying to cut in on Dracon turf.

THE LOWDOWN:  Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Gargoyles #2, only the second Gargoyles comic book that I have read.

Although I was aware of the “Gargoyles” animated series, I never got around to watching it, but I do remember that it had a substantial fandom.  So far, I find the series a little difficult to follow because I am still figuring out this universe, but I am intrigued by the story.  I think longtime fans will enjoy the work of series writer Greg Weisman, as he is following up the story lines he developed for the animated series and is moving them forward as he wishes (I assume).

I also immensely enjoyed artist George Kambadais' art on Dynamite's recent John Carter of Mars miniseries.  The dynamic illustrations and shimmering colors he brought to John Carter, Kambadais brings to Gargoyles.  He deftly captures the intense emotions of Weisman's story and makes this story crackle and hop.

I think that this story arc, “Here in Manhanttan,” will read better as a trade paperback, but fans of the franchise will want to read it now.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the Gargoyles franchise will want to try Dynamite's new Gargoyles comic book series.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

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The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: "THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN" is Entertaining and Artsy, Until It Becomes Tiresome

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 5 of 2023 (No. 1894) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Running time:  114 minutes (1 hour, 54 minutes)

MPA – R for language throughout, some violent content and brief graphic nudity

WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Martin McDonagh

PRODUCERS:  Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, and Martin McDonagh

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Ben Davis (D.o.P.)

EDITORS:  Mikkel E.G. Nielsen

COMPOSER:  Carter Burwell

DRAMA/COMEDY

Starring:  Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan, Gary Lydon, Pat Shortt, Sheila Flitton, Bríd Ní Neachtain, Aaron Monaghan, and David Pearce

The Banshees of Inisherin is a 2022 black comedy and drama from writer-director Martin McDonagh.  The film focuses on two longtime friends who come to an impasse when one abruptly ends their friendship, with alarming consequences for both of them.

The Banshees of Inisherin opens in 1923 on the fictional Irish isle of “Inisherin,” near the end of the Irish Civil War (1922-23).  Small dairy milk producer, Pádraic Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell), and folk musician, Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson), are friends … until just this moment.  Colm abruptly begins ignoring his longtime friend and drinking buddy, Pádraic.  “I just don't like you no more,” Colm tells him.

Colm eventually clarifies, saying that he finds Pádraic to be too “dull” and does not want to waste any more time on him.  Colm says that he would instead like to spend the remainder of his life composing music.  Pádraic is crushed by the loss of Colm's friendship, and even his sister, Siobhán Súilleabháin (Kerry Condon), can't life his spirits.  When Pádraic continues to make attempts to speak to him, Colm gives him a shocking ultimatum – one that could lead to tragic consequences.

A friend of my sister's once said of films like The Banshees of Inisherin, “What's the point?”  What kind of film is The Banshees of Inisherin?  It is a prestige drama, the kind to which some people refer as “Oscar bait.”  The Banshees of Inisherin did recently (as of this writing) receive nine nominations at the 2023 / 95th Academy Awards.  It is well-written by writer-director Martin McDonagh, and there are several nice characters.

But what's the point?  I had had enough of Padraic and Colm's “war” before the film was over.  I would say that I was done with them with about 40 minutes left.  At first, I was willing to go along, and I was intrigued by the mysteries and complexities of this friendship gone wrong.  Then, I found them tiresome, in spite of the good performances by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, especially the former.  Their feud is contrived, and I get that storytelling is basically a contrivance.  It's just not supposed to come across as so obviously contrived as this film's friendship turned sour.

The film has two outstanding supporting performances:  Kerry Condon as Padraic's sister, Siobhan, and Barry Keoghan as a sweet, but simple young man, Dominic.  I wanted to see more of those two actors and get to know their characters better.

One critic unfavorably compared The Banshees of Inisherin to early films of brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen.  That is correct, right down to the fact that Carter Burwell has composed film scores for both the Coens and for Martin McDonagh.  However, The Banshees of Inisherin lacks the wit, style, and purpose of any of the Coens' films.  The Banshees of Inisherin is a very well made film about sadness and despair, seemingly for art's sake.  I would never call it a bad film because it is a prestige drama that has indeed become prestigious.  I like the prestige of The Banshees of Inisherin, but I'm just not willing to call it one of 2022's best films.

7 of 10

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

Thursday, January 26, 2023

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