TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: Anthology

Showing posts with label Anthology. Show all posts

Friday, February 14, 2025

Comics Review: "ARCHIE Valentine's Spectacular No. 1" is the Official Comic of Valentine's Day

ARCHIE VALENTINE'S SPECTACULAR #1 (2025)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Jamie Lee Rotante; Daniel Kibblesmith; Craig Boldman; George Gladir

PENCILS: Holly G!; Dan DeCarlo; Rex Lindsey

INKS: Jim Amash; Rex Lindsey; Rich Koslowski, Dan DeCarlo

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Rex Lindsey; Bill Yoshida; Vickie Williams

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2025) – On-sale February 5, 2025

Rating: All-Ages

“Riverdale is Where the Heart Is!”

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 annual Archie Valentine's Spectacular No. 1. The 2025 edition of this comic book has one new story and three reprint stories, with one of the reprints being a two-parter. Entitled “Riverdale is Where the Heart Is!,” the new 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.

Archie and the Gang – featuring Hearts, Flowers, & Candy: “Riverdale is Where the Heart Is!”:

As the story opens, the Spirits of Valentine's Day: “Flowers, Hearts, & Candy,” have come to Riverdale, which they believe is “a place where love grows.” Their tour of this romance capital of the world will allow them to witness love in all its glory – from loving friends and to romantic couples. Their tour will take them from the brightest and most familiar spots to the gloomiest and most supernatural locales in Riverdale. But even in Riverdale, does everyone get a Valentine.

THE LOWDOWN: Archie Comics has been sending me PDF review copies of their titles for several years. Archie Valentine's Spectacular No.1 is the latest.

“Riverdale is Where the Heart Is!” isn't a great story so much as it is a nice story just in time for Valentine's Day. It is warm and sweet like cocoa, and its sentimental emphasis on everyone getting a treat for Valentine's Day can pull on the heartstrings. The creative team of Rotante, Holly G!, Amash, Whitmore, and Morelli deliver a charming love letter to readers.

As a bonus, one of the reprint stories is a “Betty and Veronica” tale drawn by Archie Comics' legend, the late Dan DeCarlo. Entitled, “The Trophy,” it offers a classic scenario Betty and Veronica fighting a girl (Cheryl Blossom) for Archie's attentions.

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

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

[This comic book includes “Editor's Notebook” by Mike Pellerito, featuring art by Vincent Lavallo and Holly G!]

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

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Monday, February 10, 2025

Comics Review: "SAVAGE TALES #1" Offers a Fab Four of Tales

SAVAGE TALES #1 (2025)

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone; Kurt Busiek

ART: Hamish Cook; Eman Casallos; Mariano Benitez Chapo; Benjamin Dewey

COLORS: Jorge Sutil

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry; Simon Bowland

COVER: Arthur Suydam

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Liam Sharp; Rafael Kayanan; Arthur Suydam

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2022)

Rated Teen+

Savage Tales is the title of an anthology comic book series that has been used by both Dynamite Entertainment and Marvel Comics (twice). Dynamite recently brought its version back as a series of occasionally-published one-shots.

The 2025 edition of Savage Tales #1 has four short stories. Three of them are new stories written by David Avallone. These stories feature Gullivar of Mars (drawn by Hamish Cook); John Carter and Dejah Thoris of Mars (drawn by Eman Casallos); and Vampirella (drawn by Mariano Benitez Chapo). All of Avallone's stories are colored by Jorge Sutil and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

The fourth entry is a Red Sonja story written by Kurt Busiek; drawn by Benjamin Dewey; and lettered by Simon Bowland. This story was originally published in Red Sonja: Black, White, Red #1 (July 2021).

I will summarize and review each story individually.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, the marketing department at Dynamite Entertainment has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is the 2025 edition of Savage Tales #1, but this is not the first time I have read a Dynamite Savage Tales comic book.

Gullivar of Mars: “His War Chapter Three” by Avallone and Cook:

Captain Gullivar Jones is based on the character, Lt. Gulllivar Jones, who first appeared in the novel, Lieut. Gullivar Jones: His Vacation, written by Edwin Lester Arnold and published in 1905. Writer David Avallone has been reworking the character over the past few years.

“His War” chronicles Jones' life since he first left Mars and eventually fought in “the Great War” (World War I). Now, Jones has returned to Mars twenty years after his original time on the planet. What he discovers is that he might be the reason for the once lush planet's sorry state, and his reunion with his beloved “Heru” (a princess of Mars) is also off to a sorry state.

Avallone has a deft touch with vintage and classic characters, and because of author Edwin Lester Arnold's influence on the science fiction sub-genre, “planetary romance,” Gullivar Jones is both vintage and classic. This may be the best chapter of Avallone's revival yet, primarily because he immediately puts Jones in a life or death situation. Hamish Cook's art and storytelling captures the edgy mood and tense action of the story's first person narration. Cook makes me wish that this story could be published as a graphic novel.

John Carter and Dejah Thoris of Mars: “A Mutiny on Mars” by Avallone and Casallos:

“A Mutiny on Mars” opens in the distant past on the planet of “Barsoom” (Mars”) and finds royal couple, John Carter and Dejah Thoris, on a scientific expedition. Instead of science, they find betrayal and a plot to kidnap John.

Avallone weaves a nice tale that will entertain those familiar with the world of Edgar Rice Burroughs' “Barsoom” series. Eman Casallos and Jorge Sutil's art and colors give this story the kind of exotic and esoteric aesthetic that at least I expect of comic book stories set in the world of Barsoom.

Vampirella: “The Real Thing” by Avallone and Chapo:

Avallone weaves a rather surprising and delightful tale featuring Vampirella, a truly classic character that often suffers from overexposure. Vampirella is working as a lowly assistant on the television series, “Draculette.” Among the production crew, there are some real doubters who are about to discover the truth about vampires. The question is whether or not Vampirella will step in to save the day or let the blood flow.

Mariano Benitez Chapo proves to be perfectly capable of turning Avallone's humorous scripts into a fun comics story that pops on the page. Avallone is really good at blending supernatural horror comics with humor comics, and Chapo's art captures the snappiness of Avallone's banter here. They'd make a good pairing on an Elvira series. As he does in the other two original stories, Jeff Eckleberry adds a stylish flair with his lettering for this story.

Red Sonja: “Seeing Red” by Busiek and Dewey:

“Seeing Red” opens in a place called the “Mountains of Night” where Red Sonja will enter a crypt as part of a deal she made with an ambitious wannabe ruler. What she's finds is certain death at the hands or claws of a creature that moves too fast for her to see. And that's got the “She-Devil with a Sword” seeing red.

I did read the 2021 Red Sonja: Black, White, Red series – every issue except the first, so “Seeing Red” is new to me. Kurt Busiek delivers a tale that reads as if it is a Conan the Barbarian tale from Marvel Comics' classic black and white magazine, The Savage Sword of Conan. Benjamin Dewey's art certainly sells this story's classic Marvel vibe with rock-solid compositions that are perfect for Red Sonja's comic book brand of sword and sorcery. As always I love the pounding vibe Simon Bowland's lettering gives this story.

If I had to reluctantly pick a favorite comics story in Savage Tales #1 (2025), it would be a difficult choice. So, I will instead suggest you get this comic book, dear readers, and decide for yourself.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of anthology comic books will want to read Savage Tales #1.

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

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Sunday, December 29, 2024

Comics Review: "ARCHIE Christmas Spectacular" 2024 Edition is the Thought That Counts

ARCHIE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR (2024)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Ron Cacace; Tom DeFalco

PENCILS: Holly G!; Rex Lindsey; Steven Butler; Pat Kennedy

INKS: Jim Amash; Lily Butler; Bob Smith

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

VARIANT COVER ART: Kubert School

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2025; on-sale December 4, 2024)

Rating: All-Ages

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina in “Revenge Gifting”

Archie Comics frequently publishes holiday themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “the Archie Gang”). The latest is the Archie Christmas Spectacular, 2024 edition. It features one new story and four reprint stories. The new story is a humorous tale tied to the (very dark) Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series and is entitled, “Revenge Gifting.” The story is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina in “Revenge Gifting”:

Amber Nightstone is the fiercest magical rival of Sabrina Spellman, a.k.a. “Sabrina, the Teenage-Witch.” Now, Amber is on a mission to get Sabrina... the best Christmas gift ever?!

In her own unique way, Amber has... convinced Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead to help her find a gift for Sabrina. Why would Amber buy her sworn enemy a gift? Well, in the spirit of the holidays, Sabrina gave Amber a gift made of real amber. Not one to appreciate the thought that counts, Amber is determined to outdo Sabrina and give her an even better gift. But can you get the perfect gift for someone you really haven't taken the time to know?

THE LOWDOWN: I have been reading comic books, on and off, for decades. I have sporadically read Archie Comics titles over that time. For many years now, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. Archie Christmas Spectacular is the latest.

Even if you have only read Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #1, you know that as a “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” tale, “Revenge Gifting” is really an “Archie & Friends” story, and it is a nice one. Writer Ian Flynn offers up that perfect kind of holiday comics story that captures the true meaning of Christmas. The art team of Holly G! and Jim Amash brings out the humor in Amber Nightstone in the wake of her misfortune in the Josie Annual Spectacular, No. 1. Their art finds the fun in her.

The rest of this issue features reprints of classic-style Archie Christmas and holiday stories. There are guest appearances by several Archie Comics superheroes, including the “Ralph Hardy” and “Ivette Velez” versions of the Archie Comics' superhero, “The Jaguar.” The Shield and The Mighty Crusaders also appear.

Dear readers, I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics, especially when it comes in Christmas packaging – anytime of the year.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie Christmas Spectacular.

B+

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

https://archiecomics.com/

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https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Saturday, December 14, 2024

Comics Review: "NOW #13" Offers Comics From Around the World

NOW: THE NEW COMICS ANTHOLOGY #13

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

CARTOONISTS: Roman Muradov; Nathan Gelgud; Caitlin Skaalrud; Stacy Gougoulis; Cyntha Alfonso; Josh Pettinger; Ross Murray; Steven Weissman; Emil Friis Ernst; Kayla E.

DESIGN: Kayla E.

EDITOR: Eric Reynolds

COVER: Kayla E.

BACKCOVER: Kayla E.

ISBN: 978-1-68396-963-1; paperback (May 2024)

112pp, Color, $12.99 U.S.

NOW: The New Comics Anthology is an alternative-comics anthology series launched in 2017 and edited by Eric Reynolds. Now is published by alt-comix and art comics publisher, Fantagraphics Books. Over its four-plus decades of existence, Fantagraphics has published what is probably the most diverse collection of comic book anthologies in the history of North American comic books. That line-up includes such titles as Anything Goes, Critters, Mome, Pictopia, and Zero Zero, to name a few.

NOW: The New Comics Anthology #13 offers a selection of works from ten cartoonists and comics creators, as well as a back cover “comics strip” from one of its contributors, Kayla E. Now #13, as usual, holds to editor Eric Reynolds' creed (from NOW #1) that this anthology showcase “...as broad a range of quality comic art as possible...”

The current contributors list also includes a Leroy favorite, the great Steven Weissman. But let's take a look at each of Now #13's cartoonists' contributions individually:

THE LOWDOWN: The illustration that acts as Now #13's cover art is entitled “There is a Great Void,” and is produced by Kayla E. Kayla is all over this issue.

“Conceptual Illustration” by Roman Muradov:

This is a funny one-pager about a particular moment in an art/illustration class. It reminds me of the stories friends of mine told me about disputes between instructors and professors and students in college art classes.

“Paul Schrader on Big Decisions and Pauline Kael” and “Paul Schrader: Man of His Word” by Nathan Gelgud”:

Cartoonist Nathan Gelgud's comics are sometimes about the movies and movie stars, and he offers two such entries in Now #13. The first is this volume's second story, “Paul Schrader on Big Decisions and Pauline Kael.” The second is this volume's fourth story, “Paul Schrader: Man of His Word.” Both of them focus on real-life screenwriter and film director, Paul Schrader, who is best known for his collaborations with director Martin Scorsese. Schrader wrote Scorsese's 1976 film, Taxi Driver, and co-wrote his 1980 film, Raging Bull.

These two stories portray Schrader, who can be both outspoken and an outspoken asshole, as the put-upon one. That gives the “adversaries” in both stories a target for their ire, which in turn creates humorous scenarios. I find these two stories entertaining because I am a fan of American films and of its history, but both stories would be funny even if the characters had different professions. I could read a rather large collection of these humorous American cinema-related stories, or I'm sure I could enjoy more of Gelgud's work in general.

“How to Make Comics” by Caitlin Skaalrud”

If someone were to describe making comics, Skaalrud's contributions to Now #13 perfectly captures what it can be like trying to make comics. Sometimes, it is a vain attempt to orchestrate chaos and then, attempt to make chaos friends with madness and disorder. Also, “How to Make Comics” is a beautiful and lyrical narrative work.

“Pig” by Stacy Gougoulis:

Told in pages of three-color, with the third color shifting at varying intervals, “Pig” is about love and mortality. Centering on an elderly woman in need of a heart and on the pig that might provide that heart, Gougoulis' story challenges the reader's perception of how the story should, could, or would end. I'm not crazy about “choose your adventure” stories because I want to read the author's story even if I don't like the ending (see Anthony Horowitz's Moriarity: A Novel). “Pig” exemplifies why we should almost always choose the author's adventure.

“Escape from the Center” by Cynthia Alfonso:

This is like an exhibit at a college art show, and that's okay. I like it.

“Laird Bell” by Josh Pettinger:

This is a very sharp short, short story that uncomfortably made me think of the recent fatal shooting attack on a CEO of a repulsive health insurance conglomerate. With “Laird Bell,” Pettinger deftly manages to make what is scary seem sweet, quaint, and humorous. Sadly, fiction is the only place where scenarios involving stalking and homicidal intent are sweet.

“Anything Sinister” by Ross Murray:

If there is an entry here that could launch a television series on a streaming network, it is New Zealander Ross Murray's “Anything Sinister.” Focusing on a woman beset by a mysterious and debilitating back injury, it encapsulates how an unexpected event, especially a lingering medical condition can leave a person without any resources or without enough resources to make his or her life not fall apart. Considering the events of my life these past years, I felt “Anything Sinister” in my heart. It made me tear-up.

“The Vals Vs. Fresh Gurls” by Steven Weissman:

This story is a lot funnier and more playful than Weissman's usual Now contributions.

“Lizard Person” by Emil Fries Ernst:

The Danish cartoonist offers a story that is impressively metaphorical. You won't see the ending coming, although it seems obvious once you get there.

“You Cannot Live on Bread Alone” and “L'il Kayla Takes a Tumble” (back cover) by Kayla E.:

Kayla E. takes old comics and re-purposes them for her dark tales of domesticity and modern life. If the classic TV series, “I Love Lucy,” were created today, it would be closer to Kayla E.'s vision than it would be to the original 1950s series.

I usually pick a “best of” entry after each edition of Now that I review. My favorite Now #13 entry is “Anything Sinister” by Ross Murray. The truth is that I could have picked any of several stories as my Now #13 favorite. This edition of the series really emphasizes something that can get lost in the focus on the art comics aspects of Now, and that is the fact that this anthology has featured and continues to feature some excellent storytelling in the form of the comics medium. Also, there is a nice international flavor to Now #13.

If Now were a prose anthology, critics would call it “literary.”

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic alternative-comics anthologies and of The New Yorker will want to discover NOW: The New Comics Anthology.

A+

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

You can buy NOW #13 at Fantagraphics.

https://www.fantagraphics.com/

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtLxEaspctVar287DtdsMww

Now #13 contributors on the Web. Please, visit them and maybe buy something:

Cynthia Alfonso: https://www.instagram.com/zyn_vaites/

https://www.kaylaework.com/

Emil Friis Ernst: https://www.beingernst.com/

https://nathangelgud.com/

https://www.stacygougoulis.com/

Roman Muradov: https://bluebed.net/

https://www.rossmurray.com/

https://www.instagram.com/josh_pettinger/?hl=en

Caitlin Skaalrud: https://www.talkweirdpress.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wei_ss_man/?hl=en

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Thursday, November 28, 2024

Review: THE KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE (Rembering Jim Abrahams)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 206 (of 2004) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)

Running time: 90 minutes (1 hour, 30 minutes)

MPAA – R

DIRECTOR: John Landis

WRITERS: Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker

PRODUCER: Robert K. Weiss

CINEMATOGRAPHERS: Robert E. Collins and Stephen M. Katz (D.o.P.)

EDITOR: George Folsey Jr.

COMEDY

Starring: Marilyn Joi, Saul Kahan, Colin Male, Neil Thompson, George Lazenby, Donald Sutherland, Bill Bixby, Bob Liddle, Evan C. Kim, Master Bong Soo Han, and Tony Dow

The Kentucky Fried Movie is a 1977 American sketch comedy and anthology film from director John Landis. It was the first film written by the film-making team of Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker (abbreviated as ZAZ). That would be Jim Abrahams and brothers David Zucker and Jerry Zucker. The Kentucky Fried Movie contains a series of sketches that spoof various film genres.

Before they hit it big with Airplane! and The Naked Gun movies (based on the former ABC comedy, “Police Squad!), brothers David and Jerry Zucker and partner and childhood friend, Jim Abrahams, wrote The Kentucky Fried Movie. Directed by John Landis, The Kentucky Friend Movie is a collection of comedy skits; most are very short. All are highly irreverent, and so many are very tasteless.

The skits spoof film and television; most of the TV jokes revolve around television newscasts, commercials, and infomercials. The film features many celebrity cameos including appearances by Donald Sutherland and Bill Bixby, as well as appearances by the filmmakers themselves. The film also features an appearance by Australian actor, George Lazenby, the second actor to portray fictional British secret agent, James Bond, in Eon Productions' James Bond film series. Lazenby played Bond in the 1969 film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

The Kentucky Fried Movie is fondly remembered by those who saw it as teenagers and twenty-somethings, and it was still popular when I first attended college in the mid-1980’s. I have lost track of how many friends and acquaintances have recommended the film to me.

Personally, I find that very little of The Kentucky Fried Movie remains funny or relevant, although the racy bits are still…a bit saucy. The Bruce Lee spoof, “A Fistful of Yen,” and the skit, “Catholic School Girls in Trouble” were well done and quite sharp for its time and remain so. However, the film’s best short may be the closing segment which features a couple engaged in raw, passionate sexual intercourse on a living room sofa while a leering band of TV newscasters watch from the other side of the screen on a television set. That alone is worth the price of admission, but otherwise The Kentucky Fried Movie is uneven and hit or miss.

5 of 10

C+

★★½ out of 4 stars

EDITED: Thursday, November 28, 2024

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Thursday, November 7, 2024

Comics Review: "JOSIE Annual Spectacular #1" is Rockin' the Monster Suburbs

JOSIE ANNUAL SPECTACULAR, NO. 1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn, Holly G!

PENCILS: Steven Butler; Dan DeCarlo; Holly G!

INKS: Lily Butler; Jim DeCarlo; John Costanza

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Bill Yoshida

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Steven Butler and Lily Butler with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2024); on-sale November 6, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

Josie and the Pussycats in “Encore No More!”

In December 1962, Archie Comics introduced the character, Josie Jones, in Archie's Pals 'n' Gals #23 (cover dated: Winter 1962-1963). Created by Dan DeCarlo, Josie Jones would become “Josie McCoy,” and she would join her friends, Melody and Valerie, in the band, “Josie and the Pussycats.”

Archie is releasing a trio of “annual spectaculars” that involve the machinations of a new character, “Mother Striga.” She made her debut in Sabrina Annual Spectacular, No. 1. Her story continued in the Archie Halloween Spectacular. Striga's debut arc concludes in Josie Annual Spectacular, No. 1 (November 6, 2024).

Josie Annual Spectacular, No. 1 includes one new story and two reprint stories with the second reprint being a two-part tale. The new story, the Mother Striga tale, is entitled “Encore No More!” It is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Josie and the Pussycats in “Encore No More!”:

Alexandra Cabot makes an emergency call to her friend, Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Apparently, Mother Striga has bewitched Josie and the Pussycats, and their concert at Eyegore Estates has turned into a real monsters ball. Their music is brainwashing the monster-people. Luckily, Sabrina believes that this state of affairs can play in her favor in ending the threat of Mother Striga. But she'll need Alexandra's help to do it.

Meanwhile, Sabrina's cat, Salem Saberhagen, and Alexandra's cat, Sebastian, are reunited. Now, it is up to them to do their part to free Josie and the Pussycats.

THE LOWDOWN: I have been a fan of the Josie and the Pussycats franchise since I was a small child. I am crazy about classic Josie comic books that were published from the 1960s to the early 1980s, and I still love the two 1970s animated television series based on the comics.

Josie Annual Spectacular No. 1 brings an end to the Mother Striga introductory story arc. I imagine that the character will make a return, likely in an “Archie Horror” one-shot. Writer Ian Flynn does good work getting a lot out of what amounts to a 15-page story that is serialized over three issues. Honestly, he offers enough subplots and ideas for three full issues, but he ends this arc on a nice and unusual note. I must mention that while “Encore No More!” is ostensibly a Josie and the Pussycats tale, Josie supporting character, Alexandra Cabot, and Sabrina are the leads.

I am really impressed with the art throughout this arc. The team of Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks) deliver some really good-looking art. Their compositions are like an homage to Josie and the Pussycats legend Dan DeCarlo, but with a stylish modern sensibility. It really is eye candy. The colors by Glenn Whitmore add a surreal touch to the art and to the story, while also giving the narrative a kind of low wattage occult edginess. The lettering by the great Jack Morelli gives voice to the spicy dialogue which closes this story on a winning note... and a note of warning.

In these reviews, I always warn readers that I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. Josie Annual Spectacular No. 1 is kinda new because it is classic-style Archie Comics with an eye towards reinvigorating it. I recommend this entire “Mother Striga” line.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Josie and the Pussycats will definitely want to get a copy of Josie Annual Spectacular No. 1.

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

https://archiecomics.com/

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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Saturday, January 20, 2024

Comics Review: "WORLD OF ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #136" Revives Two Obscure Features

WORLD OF ARCHIE (JUMBO COMICS) DOUBLE DIGEST #136

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Daniel Kibblesmith; with Mike Pellowski; Bill Golliher; Frank Doyle; and various

PENCILS: Holly G!; Steven Butler; with Stan Goldberg; Bill Golliher; Dan DeCarlo, Jr.; and various

INKS: Jim Amash; Lily Butler; with Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick; James DeCarlo; and various

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; with Barry Grossman and various

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; with Bill Yoshida

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

192pp, Color, $9.99 U.S. (March 2024); on-sale January 10, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

“One Shot Worth a Million,” “The Perfect Specimen”

World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest is part of “The Archie Digest Library” series. Debuting in late 2010, World of Archie Double Digest is a mini-trade paperback-like series that features stories reprinted from across the publishing history of Archie Comics. Sometimes, however, these digests offer original stories.

World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #132 reintroduces three characters from the “Golden Age” of Archie Comics (when it was known as M.L.J. Magazines, Inc.). These characters return in two new stories.

The first new story is “One Shot Worth a Million.” It is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli. It introduces modern versions of two characters.

The first is “Fran Frazer,” who first appeared in MLJ'S Top Notch Comics #9 (cover dated: October 1940). She was one of those female “roving-reporters” characters, and she roamed the world as a photo journalist. She had a miniature camera, which she disguised as various fashion accessories, and Fran used it to collect evidence against the wicked and the corrupt. Fran was usually accompanied by the second reintroduced character, Hal Davis. The modernized Fran Frazer is a freelance photographer and journalist for “Strife Media.” The modernized Hal Davis is her romantic rival and is also now an African-American character.

Fran Frazer in “One Shot Worth a Million”:

Why is Archie Andrews skulking around the docks in the dead of night? Veronica Lodge wants to know. Well, Archie is assisting freelance photographer and journalist, Fran Frazer, in her investigation of criminal syndicate activity at the docks. And it involves Lodge Industry, which Veronica's father, Hiram Lodge, owns.

By the way, why is Veronica skulking around the docks? Well, she is assisting Hal Davis, Fran's (romantic) rival. Can Archie and Veronica stop bickering in time to help Fran and Hal unmask corruption at the docks?

The second new story is “The Perfect Specimen.” It is written by Daniel Kibblesmith; drawn by Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

The story reintroduces “Young Dr. Masters,” a physician who engages in dangerous adventures and misadventures to help patients. The character had his own comic book, The Adventures of Young Dr. Masters, which ran for two issues (cover dated: August and November 1964). The series was apparently an adaptation of the 1962 novel, Young Doctor Masters (Belmont Books), written by Frank Haskell. That Frank Haskell is not to be confused with Frank A. Haskell (1828-1864), the author and Union Army officer who served during the American Civil War. The modernized Dr. Masters is a television doctor and author.

Young Dr. Masters in “The Perfect Specimen”:

During his television show, Dr. Masters announces that he is about to embark on a six-city book tour for his upcoming book, “The Perfect Specimen! Health, Beauty, and You!” The tour will kick off in Riverdale, where Masters hopes to find the one “local teen” who “truly embodies the spirit of health and beauty.” That person would be the “perfect specimen” to appear on the book cover and to accompany Dr. Masters on his book tour.

Betty and Veronica each believes that she is the “perfect specimen.” Thus, begins their latest battle of the beauties, but can these two friends and rivals survive a health and beauty war of attrition?

THE LOWDOWN: For many years now, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. World of Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #132 is the latest.

“One Shot Worth a Million” and the “The Perfect Specimen” exemplify how Archie Comics has perfected the six-page humor story over the last several years. Archie Comics has always been good at humor short stories and stand-alone tales, as they've been doing it for decades. However, these new, tight, six-page tales that pepper Archie digests and single-issue anniversary specials are concise in their delivery of a beginning, middle, and end with a substantial plot. But there is a problem...

Often, I come across six-page stories that would be better served by being at least twice their length. That is the case with both these stories, but especially with “One Shot Worth a Million.” Writer Ian Flynn mixes espionage, teen humor, and comic romance with flair in this story, a hybrid with potential that demands to expanded into a longer story. The art team of Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks) certainly have the storytelling chops to keep the humor and comic action humming along for longer than six pages. Alas, it was not to be.

The rest of World of Archie Double Digest #132 is a mixture of winter-themed tales and high school hijinks, which Archie fans will always welcome. I should warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want World of Archie Double Digest.

B+

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

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Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Comics Review: "NOW #12" - If Cannes Gave Out a Palme d'Or for Comics

NOW: THE NEW COMICS ANTHOLOGY #12

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

CARTOONISTS: Cecilia Varhed; Bhanu Pratap; Cynthia Alfonso; J. Webster Sharp; Kayla E.; Noah Van Sciver; Rahel Suesskind; Francois Vigneault; Tim Lane; Max Clotfelter; Matt Lawton & Peter Bagge

DESIGN: Jacob Covey

EDITOR: Eric Reynolds

COVER: Alex Graham

BACKCOVER: Noah Van Sciver

ISBN: 978-1-68396-695-1; paperback (February 2023)

112pp, Color, $12.99 U.S.

NOW: The New Comics Anthology is an alternative-comics anthology series launched in 2017 and edited by Eric Reynolds. Now is published by alt-comix and art comics publisher, Fantagraphics Books. Over its four-plus decades of existence, Fantagraphics has published what is probably the most diverse collection of comic book anthologies in the history of North American comic books. That line-up includes such titles as Anything Goes, Critters, Mome, Pictopia, and Zero Zero, to name a few.

NOW: The New Comics Anthology #12 offers a selection of works from thirteen cartoonists and comics creators, as well as a back cover “comics strip” from one of its contributors, Noah Van Sciver. Now #12, as usual, holds to editor Eric Reynolds' creed (from NOW #1) that this anthology showcase “...as broad a range of quality comic art as possible...”

The contributors list also includes a Leroy favorite, the great Peter Bagge. But let's take a look at each of Now #12's cartoonists' contributions individually:

THE LOWDOWN: The illustration that acts as Now #12's cover art is entitled “Untitled,” and is produced by Alex Graham. Like the cover for Now #11, it looks like something at least partially inspired by the animation seen in late British sketch comedy television series, “Monty Python's Flying Circus” (1969-74).

“Coronation Station” by Cecilia Vårhed:

While riding a commuter train – apparently during the height of the COVID pandemic – a young woman is harassed by a quintet of hipsters who are too cool to wear face masks. After making them feel guilty, she finds herself invited to an apartment where a “spiritual experience” brings about unpleasant revelations.

Despite its surreal twists, “Coronation Station” captures the tensions of the pandemic. The lead character is absolutely lovable, and I find that Vårhed has composed this story in a way that makes me feel connected to her lead. This story is both a fascinating slice-of-life and slice of recent history. I'd love to see this character again.

Big Head Pointy Nose” by Bhanu Pratap:

A boy with a beak-like nose and mouth feels out of place until... he doesn't. This 16-page story has a picture book quality. In fact, Pratap's lavish, rich colors convey a story that embraces both an alt-comix aesthetic and a story book sensibility.

Untitled by Cynthia Alfonso:

This 18-page story reminds me of the animation and production design of the films, Pink Floyd – The Wall (1982) and Heavy Metal (1981).

Untitled by J. Webster Sharp:

If David Cronenberg's nightmare about a ventriloquist's dummy and Tim Burton's dream about doll-making were somehow merged, there would be trouble. Or we'd get Sharp's visually striking eight-page short story.

“Precious Rubbish” by Kayla E.:

Kayla's nine-page story riffs off old St. John Publications romance comics and religion. Divided into five vignettes, it plays with childhood trauma and the adult securities inherited from them. I enjoy Kayla's comix, although they trouble my imagination. The thing is that Kayla E.'s work exemplifies the experimental, adventurous spirit of Now.

“Mellow Mutt” by Noah Van Sciver:

Yarn-spinning, tale-tellin,' and lies shape this lovely four-page story by Noah Van Sciver, one of my favorite regular contributors to Now. Set in the halcyon days of the original theatrical release of Jurassic Park (1993), Noah summons pieces of the ghosts of Peanuts and one of those 1980s coming-of-age Hollywood movies. “Mellow Mutt” epitomizes the crazy imagination of children, and how they can take mass media and make of it what they will.

“Monster Finger” by Rahel Suesskind:

A booger eats a booger. This colorful throw-back short comix is an absolute delight even if I lack the imagination to adequately describe it to you.

“The Bird is Gone” by François Vigneault:

I first came across the “passenger pigeon,” the extinct species of pigeon that was once the most abundant bird in America, via a “CBS Evening News” segment decades ago. Vigneault's seven-page comix, “The Bird is Gone,” is a history of the demise of the passenger pigeons in gory and horrific detail. Ostensibly a historical piece, the aesthetic of “The Bird is Gone” recalls another extinct entity, EC Comics. Dark and detailed, the story is a damnation and condemnation of Americans' careless appetites and of our appetite for destruction.

“Li'l Stevie” by Tim Lane:

This story is not the first comix in which Lane has used the late actor, Hollywood legend, and screen icon, Steve McQueen, as his subject/muse. This is story made me do some research, and I was shocked to discover that McQueen had a very troubled childhood (to say the least).

Lane uses the form of the early comic book and style of the “Big Little Book” to detail the horrors of Li'l Stevie's boyhood, with Li'l Stevie being a stand-in for Steve McQueen. In drawing “Li'l Stevie,” Lane uses the visual style of cartoonist Ernie Bushmiller and his famed comic strip, Nancy. The result is a spellbinding, heartbreaking tale. Other than an actual audio-visual recording of McQueen's childhood (which obviously doesn't exist), I don't think anything can convey the loneliness and desperation of an abused Li'l Stevie with more blunt force and brute power than what Tim Lane does here. This is not genius. It's fucking genius.

Untitled by Max Clotfelter:

This one-pager, a reminiscence of a comic book fan's experiences with other comic book people, is a delight. Is there more? I must have more.

“The Cartoonist” by Matt Lawton and Peter Bagge:

Burt Fisher is a newspaper cartoonist who draws a single-panel comic, “The Ruckus Room,” which he inherited from his late father, who created it. Fisher hates the strip, and he says that he has been trying to destroy it via his take on the strip. However, his version of The Ruckus Room has proven to be quite popular with readers. With deadlines piling up, Burt's editor, Nancy, has hired an assistant to help him. The young man, named Glen, is about to discover just what a mess Burt Fisher is.

The Ruckus Room is a thinly-veiled version of the classic newspaper comic, The Family Circus, which was created by the late Bil Keane, who drew it until his death. One of Bil's four sons, Jeff Keane, now writes and draws the strip. I think “The Cartoonist” is less about The Ruckus Room and more about Burt Fisher, one of those self-absorbed GenX types who ages into a slightly sociopathic curmudgeon. Matt Lawton and Peter Bagge seem like a perfect pairing, at least I think so and want more. I've been reading Bagge's comix and comic books for four decades (Lord, help me), and “The Cartoonist” is the pure essence of him.

I usually pick a “best of” entry after each edition of Now that I review, but, as far as Now #12, I can't. There are five stories here from which I could pick a favorite, but I don't won't to slight any of them by saying, “this one is the best.” The other stories are experimental and also explore the medium of comics in interesting ways, and even the stories that perplex me also impress me. Not only does editor Eric Reynolds have a knack for getting acclaimed veteran and star cartoonists to appear in Now, but he also has a golden eye for talent – emerging cartoonists or little seen creatives.

Now #12 – wow, I don't know if I have the words to convey just how impressed I am with this edition. I'll take the easy way out and say that I'm blown away.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic alternative-comics anthologies will want to discover NOW: The New Comics Anthology.

A+

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

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Thursday, June 22, 2023

Comics Review: "BATTLE CHASERS ANTHOLOGY" - Best Way to Read Original Series

BATTLE CHASERS ANTHOLOGY

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Joe Madureira and Munier Sharrieff

PENCILS: Joe Madureira; Adam Warren

INKS: Tom McWeeney with Joe Madureira; Adam Warren

COLORS: Liquid!; Christian Lightner; Aron Lusen; Ryan Kinnaird

LETTERS: Richard Starkings & Comicraft

COVER: Joe Madureira with Grace Liu

ISBN: 978-1-5343-1522-8; paperback (September 25, 2019)

32pp, Colors, 24.99 U.S.

Rated “T/ Teen”

Battle Chasers created by Joe Madureira

Battle Chasers is an American fantasy comic book series created by artist Joe Madureira. Launched in April 1998, the series was sporadically published for nine issues over a period of a little over three years. Battle Chasers #1 to #4 (cover dated: April to October 1998) were published by Image Comics' studio, Wildstorm Productions, via its “Cliffhanger” imprint. Issues #5 to 8 (cover dated: May 1999 to 2001) were published by DC Comics via Wildstorm Productions and its “Cliffhanger” imprint. The series returned to Image Comics for Battle Chasers #9 (cover dated: September 2001). Although there was some art produced for a Battle Chasers #10, the issue was never published.

Well, Battle Chasers #10 finally arrives June 14th, 2023 (at least 21 years late) albeit with new series artist. So I decided to go back and reread the original run, and there is a handy way to do that.

Battle Chasers Anthology, originally published in September 2019, collects every Battle Chasers comics story. That includes Battle Chasers #1 to 9; the eight-page story from Battle Chasers Prelude (cover dated: February 1998); the 10-page story published in Frank Frazetta Fantasy Illustrated (cover dated: Summer 1998); and the Joe Madureira-Adam Warren “Red Monika: Interlude” serial, which was originally published in Battle Chasers #6 and #9.

[This volumes also includes a 21-page sketchbook section; a 10-page pin-up and illustration gallery; and 27-page cover art gallery.]

Battle Chasers takes place in a “steampunk” nineteenth century-type fantasy world. It focuses on five main characters. The first is Gully, a ten-year-old girl who possesses a pair of magical gloves left behind by her father, the great warrior, Aramus, who disappeared. Next is Garrison, a legendary swordsman and grieving widow; he has a powerful magical sword. Knolan is a powerful 500-year-old wizard. His companion is Calibretto, a towering “Wargolem,” who is also an outlaw and the last of his kind.

The four join forces to find Gully's father. They must also stop four extremely powerful villains that were inadvertently released from imprisonment by the fifth main character, Red Monika, a rogue and a voluptuous bounty hunter. Meanwhile, the legacy of Aramus, the machinations of King Vaneer of the Unified Territories, and the secrets of Knolan begin to poison everything and everyone around them.

THE LOWDOWN: I was a huge fan of Joe Madureira a.k.a. “Joe Mad” in the 1990s. I used to call him “the young master” because his talent, abilities, and art seemed to explode every few months into something even better and more beautiful. I even collected multiple pages of Joe Mad's original art.

So I was ecstatic when his first creator-owned comic book, Battle Chasers, was announced in 1997. I was so excited about Battle Chasers when it arrived in the spring of 1998 that I also bought one of the variant covers. I enjoyed the series, but it was a bit hard to follow because … well, because Mad took two and a half years to deliver nine issues. For instance, there was a 16-month delay between the publication of Battle Chasers #6 (August 1999, DC Comics) and #7 (January 2001, DC Comics).

In the end, Joe Mad abandoned the series to work in the video game industry and went on to co-found a video game company. Eventually, he did return to Battle Chasers, and Battle Chasers Anthology was published in 2019.

It is through Battle Chasers Anthology that a reader can see how imaginative, inventive, and fun to read Battle Chasers was and is. Having the series gathered in one book allows a reader to enjoy the series without waiting months or a year-and-half to read each chapter. The story flows, so the overall narrative comes across as impressive and well-thought out, and except for some wonky names for people, places, and beings and some awkward dialogue, the script writing by Munier Sharrieff is really good. Engaging plots, interesting character, and surprising cliffhangers make this an exciting and gripping read. Battle Chasers is a wild gumbo of video games scenarios, Dungeons & Dragons, and anime and manga. Still, it is original rather than being a pastiche, although on the surface, it might appear to be as such.

To that end, along with the end of his run on Marvel Comics' Uncanny X-Men, Battle Chasers is peak Joe Mad art. His creature design for this series is still impressive, and there was nothing like it, at least in American comic books, back then. Battle Chasers' character design is also quite good, simply because none of the lead characters or main supporting and guests character look remotely alike.

Like Tim Townsend did when he inked Joe Mad, Tom McWeeney uses his inks to control the wild energy and eccentricity that showed itself in Mad's comic book art after he left Battle Chasers. In the 1990s, I thought that there were no better comic book colorists than Liquid Graphics a.k.a. Liquid! Twenty years later, the studio's work on this comic book still looks amazing. Even the lettering by Richard Starkings & Comicraft stands out as exceptional – even today. I'm starting to believe that, in spite of their lateness, Battle Chasers and the other two original Cliffhanger titles were not only peak 1990s mainstream comic books but also a peak in mainstream comic books in general.

I wanted to read Battle Chasers Anthology just in case I decided to read the finally arrived Battle Chasers #10 (Image Comics). I enjoyed this collection so much that I feel that I have to at least read this new issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of artist Joe Madureira and of his former comic book series, Battle Chasers, will want Battle Chasers Anthology.

[This volume includes an introduction by Jeph Loeb and an afterword by Joe Madureira.]

[MISC ART: Joe Madureira; Joe Madureira and Tom McWeeney with Liquid!, Joe Maduriera and Alex Garner; Joe Madureira and Vince Russell; Joe Madureira and Richard Starkings; Ed McGuiness and Liquid!; David Finch and Liquid!; Travis Charest and Richard Friend; Ed McGuiness and Jason Martin with Justin Ponsor; Travis Charest and Richard Friend with Liquid!; Joe Chiodo; Adam Warren with Liquid!; Humberto Ramos and Sandra Hope with Liquid!; J. Scott Campbell and Richard Friend with Liquid!.]

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

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Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Comics Review: "BETTY & VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER: Game On #1" Goes Virtual Reality

BETTY & VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER: GAME ON #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ron Robbins; Bob Bolling; Rex Lindsey; George Gladir

PENCILS: Dan Parent; Howard Bender; Bob Bolling; Rex Lindsey; Pat Kennedy

INKS: Bob Smith; Henry Scarpelli; Bob Bolling; Ken Selig

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Digikore Studios

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante, Vincent Lavallo, and Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

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

Rating: All-Ages

Betty and Veronica in “Sabrina is Be Glitched”

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.” Two of Archie Comics' main characters are Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie Andrews.

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Betty and Veronica. The latest, apparently the twentieth in the series, is Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1 (#20). It features one new story and three reprint stories. Entitled “Sabrina is Be Glitched,” the new story is written by Ron Robbins; drawn by Dan Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Betty and Veronica in “Sabrina is Be Glitched”:

The story features appearances by Sabrina the Teenage Witch and by new Archie Comics characters, Amber Nightstone and Trick & Treat. “Sabrina is Be Glitched” opens at “Riverdale Arcade.” Inside, Archie is impressing his pals, Trevor and Sabrina, with his arcade game skills.

Using Trick & Treat and her own magic, Amber transports Archie and friends into a magical MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game). Now, Betty and Sabrina must launch a bid to save Archie from Amber's tricks. Veronica, Cassie, Jughead, and Kevin join the virtual reality mayhem. But is the solution to this trap really about who trusts whom?

THE LOWDOWN: Archie Comics often sends me PDF copies of their titles for review. I received Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1 about two weeks ago. [This review has been delayed because thieves have stolen my car and have ransacked my home for my comic book and periodicals collection.]

“Sabrina is Be Glitched” is the brand new story that kicks off Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1, which is a collection of tales of video games, digital drama, and virtual reality madness. “Sabrina is Be Glitched” is not a great story, but it is entertaining. The story shows that Amber Nightstone can become quite a foil for the Archie Gang. Also, even this story reveals her potential as a star. We'll see.

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1 is important because it features another early appearance of characters that can play a big role in the world of Riverdale.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica Friends Forever: Game On #1.

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

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Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Comics Review: "Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel" is a Great Tribute, Great Read

KOLCHAK THE NIGHT STALKER 50TH ANNIVERSARY SOFTCOVER

MOONSTONE BOOKS

STORY: David Avallone; Jonathan Maberry; Peter David; R.C. Matheson; Kim Newman; Tim Waggoner; Steve Niles; Rodney Barnes; Gabriel Hardman; James Aquilone; Nancy A. Collins; James Chambers

ART: Julius Ohta; Marco Finnegan; J.K. Woodward; Paul McCaffrey; Clara Meath; Szymon Kudranski; Jonathan Marks Barravecchia; Gabriel Hardman; Colton Worley; Warwick Caldwell-Johnson;

COLORS: Zac Atkinson; Szymon Kudranski; Colton Worley; Warwick Caldwell-Johnson;

LETTERS: Tom Napolitano; Tom Napolitano with DC Hopkins

EDITOR: James Aquilone

COVER: Colton Worley

MISC. ART: Jerry Ordway with Zac Atkinson; J.K. Woodward; Dan Brereton

ISBN: 978-1-946346-14-8; paperback (October 21, 2022)

188pp, Color, $24.99 U.S.

Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel is a 188-page comic book anthology that celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the former ABC television series, “Kolchak: The Night Stalker.” This graphic novel is edited by James Aquilone and published by Moonstone Books.

“Kolchak: The Night Stalker” was a television series that blended horror, fantasy, and science fiction. It aired on ABC during the 1974–1975 season for a total of 20 episodes. The series was preceded by two ABC television movies, The Night Stalker (1972) and The Night Strangler (1973).

The TV series and two movies followed wire service reporter named Carl Kolchak, who was played by the late actor Darren McGavin (1922-2006). Kolchak worked for the Chicago branch of the Independent News Service (INS), a small news wire service. He often investigated mysterious crimes and events and they were usually caused by forces, creatures, monsters, entities, etc. that were of supernatural, science fiction, and/or fantastic origins. Carl Kolchak was created by the late writer, Jeff Rice (1944-2015).

2022 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the debut of “The Night Stalker” TV movie (specifically January 18, 1972). To commemorate that anniversary, editor and publisher, James Aquilone, launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for an anthology graphic novel telling all-new comics stories that would span Carl Kolchak's entire career as a reporter of the supernatural and as TV’s greatest monster-hunting reporter.

The result was a hugely successful campaign and the eventual release of Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel. This special 188-page graphic novel is comprised of 12 all-new stories that chronicle the adventures of the intrepid Carl Kolchak from the 1930s to the early 2000s.

The stories are written by a stellar line-up of novelists, television writers, and comic book scribes. The list includes David Avallone, Rodney Barnes, James Chambers, Nancy A. Collins, Peter David, Jonathan Maberry, and Steve Niles, to name a few. The artists include Jonathan Marks Barravecchia, Szymon Kudranski, Paul McCaffrey, Julius Ohta, J.K. Woodard, and Colton Worley, to name a few.

THE LOWDOWN: There is more than one edition of Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel, including one that will contain a series of prose stories featuring Carl Kolchak. My review will be of the 188-page “Cover A” paperback edition that contains the 12 stories and a short illustration gallery of variant cover art.

First, allow me to gush, dear readers. If Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel is not the best horror comics anthology of the 21st century that I have read, it is definitely in the top three. I can't think of a better one that I've encountered over the last twenty-plus years.

It is bracketed by a fine opening story and a pitch-perfect closing story. The opening tale, writer David Avallone and artist Julius Ohta's “The Funny Place,” introduces a young Carl Kolchak who is coming into his own. Avallone does not make the mistake of doing what the film, Solo: A Star Wars Story,” did and show us the origins of every single habit for which television viewers and fans would come to know Kolchak. I'd like to see Avallone and Ohta produce a YA graphic novel expansion of their take on young Carl Kolchak. I know it likely won't happen, but a fanboy can dream...

The closing story, writer James Chambers and artist Paul McCaffrey's “The Last Byline,” is masterstroke as a concluding story in an anthology. It recalls Kolchak's debut, The Night Stalker; is a summation of his work and motivation; and is a fitting end … with his boots on.

In between, the writers and artists introduce new spins on the adventures of Carl Kolchak, such as Nancy A. Collins' and Warwick Caldwell-Johnson's “The Sin Feeder” and Jonathan Maberry and Marco Finnegan's “The White Lady.” Writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jonathan Marks Barravecchia summon the spirit of original “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” episode, “The Zombie,” with the superb “Voodoo Child.” It is a timely rumination on the pervasive poverty of black and brown inner city neighborhoods and also police violence, with a seeding of George A. Romero's “Dead” films.

I actually cannot pick a personal favorite story from Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel because they are all so damn good. “The Nest” by Tim Waggoner and Clara Meath may be the sweetest. I unequivocally endorse Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel. I think the version that I am reviewing costs $32 to purchase from James Aquilone's Monstrous Books website. I am sure, dear readers, that some of you have spent much more on reading material that is not nearly as good as this book.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Carl Kolchak and of “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” will very much want Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel.

[This volume includes introductions by R.C. Matheson and James Rice.]

A+

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

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Thursday, January 5, 2023

Comics Review: "SAVAGE TALES: Winter Special One-Shot" Has Four Hot Stories

SAVAGE TALES: WINTER SPECIAL ONE-SHOT

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Scott Bryan Wilson; David Avallone

ART: Max Fuchs; Eman Casallos; Mariano Benitez Chapo; Hamish Munro-Cook

COLORS: Gab Contreras; Adriano Augusto; Adrian Woolnough; Jorge Sutil

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

COVER: Arthur Suydam

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2022)

Rated Teen+

Savage Tales Winter Special One-Shot contains four short comics stories. There is a Draculina story, “Juicing with the Devil,” which is written by Scott Bryan Wilson; drawn by Max Fuchs; and colored by Gab Contreras. Next up is a John Carter & Dejah Thoris story, “A Honeymoon on Mars,” which is written by David Avallone; drawn by Emas Casallos; and colored by Adriano Augusto. Third is Vampirella story, “Crypt Junkies,” which is written by Wilson; drawn by Mariano Benitez Chapo; and colored by Adrian Woolnough. Last is a Captain Gullivar Jones story, “His War Chapter II,” which is written by Avallone; drawn by Hamish Munro-Cook; and colored by Jorge Sutil.

All four stories are lettered by Taylor Esposito. I am reviewing each story separately.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, the marketing department at Dynamite Entertainment has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Savage Tales Winter Special One-Shot, which is the second time I have read a Dynamite Savage Tales comic book.

Draculina in “Juicing with the Devil” by Scott Bryan Wilson, Max Fuchs, and Gab Contreras:

Story: A skinny young man is transformed from weakling to muscular strongman – by a demon. The cost for this is that the transformed human must join his demon benefactor in a wrestling match against Draculina...

My thoughts: This is a delightful story, very well drawn and colored. The writer perfectly captures both the desperation and subsequent self-delusion of a guy who finally gets everything he thought he wanted and more.

John Carter & Dejah Thoris in “A Honeymoon on Mars,” by David Avallone, Emas Casallos, and Adriano Augusto:

Story: An aerial outing sends John and Dejah on a rescue mission, but the result is the revelation of John Carter's savage past – one that is longer than he expected.

My thoughts: This story is beautifully drawn by Emas Casallos and colored by Adriano Augusto in a way that remind me of stories from issues of old Heavy Metal and Epic Magazine. Writer David Avallone deftly reconciles or perhaps, redeems John Carter of some of his past military affiliations, with emphasis on one in particular.

Vampirella in “Crypt Junkies” by Wilson, Mariano Benitez Chapo, and Adrian Woolnough:

Story: Trash TV junkie, Vampirella, has a chance to appear on her favorite reality television series, “Crypt Junkies.” The show basically breaks into sealed graves, tombs, crypts, etc. in order to “see the wonders inside.” But maybe no one should be opening the "Grave of Omuo."

My thoughts: This is another very well drawn story, and it really conveys the power and tragedy of writer Scott Bryan Wilson's clever tale. I'd call “Crypt Junkies” one of the few original comic book stories that genuinely mixes the styles of Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft.

Captain Gullivar Jones in “His War Chapter II” by Avallone, Hamish Munro-Cook, and Jorge Sutil:

Story: The story opens in France, September 1918. The Earth man, Gullivar Jones, who once adventured on Mars, is now returned to Earth and trapped in the muck and mire of World War I. He can wish himself away from this and return to Mars, but now, how is life on Mars?

My thoughts: Gullivar Jones is the science fiction military man created by Edwin Lester Arnold. Jones made one literary appearance in the 1905 novel, Lieut, Gullivar Jones: His Vacation. Now, writer David Avallone is giving him new life in the medium of comics. I think what Avallone is doing is creating a sequel to a character that was short-lived, or he is, at least, giving new life to an abandoned character. In two chapters, he and Munro-Cook have breathed new life into Captain Gullivar Jones in a way that is true to old-timey science fiction and is also an intriguing reboot. What makes me anticipate more of this is that the possibilities are endless … or at least Avallone and Munro-Cook think so.

Wow. This issue is full of excellent stories, all well lettered by award-winning letterer, Taylor Esposito. If I have to reluctantly pick a favorite comics story from Savage Tales Winter Special One-Shot, I will have to make a difficult choice. I think I will go with “Crypt Junkies,” if only for the fact that it feels like it has potential to be a media franchise, but my eye is also on Gullivar Jones.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of anthology comic books will want to read Savage Tales: Winter Special One-Shot.

A+

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

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Friday, October 14, 2022

Comics Review: "CREEPSHOW #1" is the "Shingo" Show

CREEPSHOW #1 (OF 5)
IMAGE COMICS/Skybound

STORY: Chris Burnham; Paul Dini & Stephen Langford
ART: Chris Burnham; John McCrea
COLORS: Adriano Lucas; Mike Spicer
LETTERS: Pat Brosseau
EDITORS: Alex Antone and Jon Moisan
COVER: Chris Burnham with Adriano Lucas
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Declan Shalvey; Vance Kelly; Robert Hack; Bryan Silverbax; Ivan Tao; Felix Morales; Tone Rodriguez; Joseph Schmalke; Rob Csiki; Skan Srisuwan; John Giang; David Mack; Miguel Zapata; Chinh Potter; Tyler Kirkham; Tony Max; Steven Russel Black; Ciro Nieli; Casey Parsons
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (September 2022)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Creepshow is a new horror comic book anthology series from Image Comics. It is a TV-tie in to the horror anthology television series, “Creepshow,” that currently streams on “Shudder” and later airs on the cable TV network, “AMC.” Of course, both the comic book and TV series are descendants of the 1982 horror and comedy film, Creepshow, which was directed by the late George A. Romero and written by Stephen King. Each issue of Creepshow the comic book will feature different creative teams with uniquely horrifying (and sometimes horrible) standalone stories.

Creephow #1 contains two stories. The first is “Take One,” which is written and drawn by Chris Burnham and colored by Adriano Lucas. The second story is “Shingo,” which is written by Paul Dini and Stephen Langford; drawn by John McCrea; and colored by Mike Spicer. Both stories are lettered by the great Pat Brosseau. Creepshow's horro host, “The Creep,” narrates the story.

THE LOWDOWN: I'm going to summarize and review each story separately:

“Take One” by Burnham, Lucas, and Brosseau:
It's Halloween night. Scaredy-cat Phil is wearing a poorly made mummy costume, and he is trick-or-treating with his asshole friends, Nate and Erik. They come upon the house of the late Mr. Xander, who apparently died the way he treated his neighbors. Well, although his house is dark, there is a bowl of full-size candy bars on the porch. “Take One” says the sign in the bowl, so what will happen if Phil, Nate, and Erik help themselves to more?

I love Halloween stories – prose and comics. That said, “Take One” is an embarrassment. The punishment does not fit the crime, and the level of violence is neither comic horror nor scary horror. I have enjoyed some of Burnham's work (Nameless, Secret Wars: E is for Extinction) in the past, but “Take One” is lame horror trying to pass for clever.

On the other hand, I have to admit that Burnham's art and Lucas' colors are nicely atmospheric. Too bad it's wasted on a wack-ass story.

“Shingo” by Dini & Langford, McCrea, Spicer, and Brosseau:
As the story opens, Sandy Clark is angry, determined, and desperate to find a party entertainer for her daughter, Fiona's birthday party. It looks as if Fiona's dad, Tom Clark, has also come up short. Enter Shingo; he (or it) is the party entertainer with the appetite to make any party unforgettable.

After the fumble of “Take One,” I didn't expect much from “Shingo.” I know that many consider Paul Dini a “legend” for his work on the 1990s animated TV series, “Batman” a.k.a. “Batman: The Animated Series.” However, I find his comic book work to be hit or miss or miss or mediocre. I don't know how the collaboration between Dini and Langford worked, but “Shingo” is brilliant.

It is everything that comic horror or horror comedy should be. It's crazy, wacky, satirical, farcical, droll, and witty and also have an batty monster. The title boogey is “Shingo,” who is like a gleefully mean-spirited blend of PBS's “Barney,” the purple dinosaur from PBS' long-running “Barney & Friends” TV series, and a mangy “Teletubby” (from the British PBS import TV series, “The Teletubbies”). The ending and the final-girl-heroes are the double cherries on top.

Artist John McCrea, a master of blending the comic, the violent, and the horrifying, makes this story sing. Other artists could make this story work, but not as well as McCrea, who also gets some perfect coloring from Mike Spicer.

“Shingo” saves Creepshow #1, and my grade for this issue reflects “Shingo” and not so much “Take One.” I think “Shingo” has the potential to be a good horror movie in the vein of director Michael Dougherty's 2015 film, Krampus. And I would be remiss if I didn't say that Pat Brosseau's lettering throughout this issue is outstanding.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic horror comic book anthologies will want to read Creepshow.

[This comic book includes an afterword by Greg Nicotero, the executive producer of Shudder's “Creepshow.”]

A-

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

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