TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: Comics Review

Showing posts with label Comics Review. Show all posts

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #10" Made Me Holla

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #10

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Anthony Marques

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“Who is the Space Spectre?!”

Space Ghost is a superhero character created by the American animation studio and production company, Hanna-Barbera Productions. The character first appeared in the Saturday morning cartoon series, “Space Ghost,” which was originally broadcast on CBS from September 1966 to September 1967 for 20 episodes.

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period. Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Entitled Space Ghost Volume 1, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, twins Jan and Jace Keplar and their pet monkey, Blip, meet that legendary cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost Volume One #10 (“Who is the Space Spectre?!”) opens at the Interstellar Research Platform near Black Hole X. There, a man with dark plans gets a comeuppance before the plans get a chance to be born, let alone turn dark.

Meanwhile, at Robo Corp Tower, the CEO of Robo Corp, Dr. Xander Ibal, plots the launch of “Project Ultima,” via the “Ultima Satellite,” which will give Robo Corp galaxy-wide expansion and influence. A dark and shocking figure from the future emerges, however, presenting a new threat to Robo Corp, to Space Ghost and his family, and to everyone.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost #10, Volume One is a recent issue that I have received.

Every time I feel like I'm running out of gas when it comes to reviewing writer David Pepose and artist Jonathan Lau's Space Ghost, I read another issue and get a jolt up my ass. Suddenly, I'm feeling new energy to sing the praises of this series. If the original 1966-67 TV series were said to have a true sequel, it would be this reboot that is more like a narrative retelling than an IP demolition, which is what many reboots turn out to be. Pepose is certainly imaginative in the elements he brings to this Space Ghost comic book, but this time, in the plight of the “villain,” there is genuinely poignant drama that resonates throughout the story.

Artist Jonathan Lau turns this story into all-powerful comic book storytelling. He builds the drama and blows up the action, and I guess I finally have to admit something. I love the brawny, gritty, musculature that he layers on the figures of Space Ghost and on this chapter's “adversary.” It is almost like vintage physique photography, and it gives me a case of man-crush. Anyway, Lau is doing superstar work on this series, and I don't know if this is his best work. It gets hard to tell because sometimes Lau's work here seems like all “be best.”

Andrew Dalhouse's lovely colors continue to set this story afire, turning drama into an inferno. Letterer Taylor Esposito continues to do his best cinematic scores, giving sound to the elegant silence of comic books that the best letterers bring to life in the reader's imagination.

I'm having a blast reading Space Ghost Volume One, dear readers. Don't say that you want “great stories with great characters” – in a whiny voice – if you aren't reading this. That only makes me doubt your sincerity about wanting the “great.”

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume One.

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

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Friday, March 28, 2025

Advanced Comics Review: "THE OMEGA ELEVEN #1" is a Blast of a Blast-Off

THE OMEGA ELEVEN #1 (OF 4)

MONSTROUS BOOKS

STORY: James Aquilone

ART: Zac Atkinson

COLORS: Zac Atkinson

LETTERS: Jeremiah Lambert

FLATS: Thiago Aguiar

EDITOR: James Aquilone

COVER: Zac Atkinson

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dave Acosta; J.K. Woodward; Zac Atkinson

32pp, Color, $7.99 U.S.

The Omega Eleven created by James Aquilone and Zac Atkinson

The Omega Eleven is an upcoming four issue miniseries from Bram Stoker Award-winning writer James Aquilone and artist-colorist Zac Atkinson. Published by Monstrous Books, the series is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. Letterer Jeremiah Lambert and flatter Thiago Aguiar complete the creative time. The series focuses on a time-traveler who must assemble history's greatest villains in order pull off an impossible heist in an effort to save the Omniverse.

The Omega Eleven #1 introduces Doctor Omega and his partner, 14-year-old Jack Dawkins, a.k.a. “The Artful Dodger.” Aboard Omega's time-traveling ship, “the Cosmos,” they travel to Camelot, circa 1138 AD, to steal “the Philosopher's Stone” from Merlin. However, the first steps in that process begin a series unfortunate, then catastrophic events that create a rift in the Omniverse.

There is a cascade of disastrous convergences, so the question is how does one fix an existential disaster of the ultimate scale? The answer is you gather a band of eleven. So who will be the Eleven?

THE LOWDOWN: James Aquilone provided me with an advanced PDF copy for review of The Omega Eleven #1. I can say that as a literary and comic book editor, James Aquilone delivers the good stuff. Now, he seeks to deliver the good stuff as a comic book writer. I have to admit that I really like The Omega Eleven #1.

This first issue has more than a passing resemblance to the BBC's legendary science fiction television series, “Doctor Who” (1963 to present). There are several appearances and references from vintage literary works. Of note are the works of Maurice Leblanc and Gaston Leroux. The Omega Eleven will remind readers of at least the first volume of Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill's The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (1999-2000), Terry Gilliam's cult film, Time Bandits (1981), and the beloved Robert Zemeckis film, Back to the Future (1985). Of course, the Arthurian legends play a big role in this first issue and likely will continue to haunt this narrative.

That aside, The Omega Eleven feels like a labor of love. Aquilone has fashioned his influences and beloved storytelling into something that is familiar, but eccentric and contrary in its own unique way. He left me begging for more, and since he provided me with an advanced PDF copy for review, I won't ignore any future links of coming issues that he sends.

I am a little familiar with artist Zac Atkinson, but what he does in this first issue shocks me. He is a gifted storyteller in the medium of comics, and he brings this story to life. I don't know how many artists could match his storytelling here, which is a gumbo of weird fiction, pulp fantasy, vintage literature, pop comics, and popular culture. In modern phraseology, Aquilone and Atkinson have killed it with this first issue. I hope they deliver on the promise and the potential on display here in future issues. In the meantime, run over to the The Omega Eleven Kickstarter and give like your entertainment life depended on it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: If you miss The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, then, The Omega Eleven is ready to provide you with some reading pleasure.

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

The Omega Eleven – The Metropolis Job Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manbomb/omega-eleven-2?ref=c49po0

https://x.com/jamesaquilone

https://monstrousbooks.com/

https://monstrousbooks.com/shop

https://x.com/MonstrousBooks

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Monday, March 24, 2025

Comics Review: "SILVERHAWKS #2" is Fully in Flight, Too

SILVERHAWKS, VOL. 1 #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Ed Brisson

ART: George Kambadais

COLORS: Ellie Wright

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Lucio Parrillo

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; James Stokoe; Geraldo Borges; Ivan Tao; Lesley “Leirix” Li; Manix; Mark Spears; Lucio Parrillo

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“Bluegrass and Hotwing Night at the Starship Casino”

“SilverHawks” was an American animated television series developed by Rankin/Bass Productions. Lorimar-Telepictures provided the distribution for TV syndication and the Japanese studio, Pacific Animation Corporation, produced the animation. Rankin/Bass created “SilverHawks” as a space-based equivalent of its earlier animated series, ThunderCats (1985-86).

“SilverHawks” was set in the galaxy of “Limbo.” It focused on the bionic space enforcer, Commander Stargazer, and his recruits, “the SilverHawks,” heroes who were “partly metal, partly real.” They fought the evil Mon*Star, an escaped alien crime boss. He could transform into an enormous armor-plated creature with the help of Moonstar, a “solid star” in Limbo.

The “SilverHawks” property now belongs to Warner Bros. Discovery, and Dynamite Entertainment has a license to produce comic books based on many WBD properties. Dynamite is launching a SilverHawks comic book series, SilverHawks, Volume One. It is written by Ed Brisson; drawn by George Kambadais; colored by Ellie Wright; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

SilverHawks Volume 1 #2 (“Bluegrass and Hotwing Night at the Starship Casino”) opens beyond the edge of the Limbo Galaxy, aboard the “Starship Casino.” There, the rock 'n' roll duo of “Bluegrass” and “Melodia,” a.k.a. “Electric Sky,” are about to perform.

Meanwhile, at “Hawk Haven” within the Limbo Galaxy, Lt. Jonathan Quick of the Interplanetary Force B (IFB) has discovered that he is no longer quite himself. In the wake of the attack on the IFB by the notorious smuggler, “Hardware,” what's next for Quick?

What do these two dramas have in common? One features a man about to begin his “Silverhawks” training. The other features a man who is about to discover that his dreams of rock 'n' roll fame have not diminished his ability to discern right from wrong.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. SilverHawks, Volume One: Issue Two is the first SilverHawks comic book that I've read.

I was pleasantly surprised by Dynamite's Gargoyles #1. I had never watched the television series, but the first issue produced by writer Ed Brisson and artist George Kambadais made me want to finally discover the TV show. In the riveting first issue of the new SilverHawks series, Brisson deftly brought together the past and present, expertly tying them together to create what is likely the series' central conflict. With this second issue, Brisson begins to bring together the next era of heroes.

Kambadais, who seems gifted when it comes to science fiction-fantasy comic books, continues to make this series crackle from page to page with exciting action and engaging intrigue. Still, he expertly begins the process of introducing the new players. Ellie Wright's colors make the art shimmer and shake with the energy of a new beginning. Jeff Eckleberry's lettering is always reliable in creating a rhythm for the narrative, and it does so here.

I expected very little from Silverhawks #1, but after two good issues, I expect a lot from the series. This could be a really good comic book that is in for a long run.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series and of “SilverHawks” will want to give SilverHawks, Volume One a try.

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

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Sunday, March 23, 2025

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #9" is Some Powerful Sh*t

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #9

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (January 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“Invasion of the Space Armada!”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period. Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Entitled Space Ghost Volume 1, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, twins Jan and Jace Keplar and their pet monkey, Blip, meet that legendary cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost Volume One #9 (“Invasion of the Space Armada!”) opens on Cetia-7, the Galactic Federation Homeworld. Having defeated the Space Ghost, General Metallus has launched a full-scale invasion of Cetia-7. When the planet falls, it will make the sound of an empire being born, an empire under the iron rule of Metallus. Don't count your empires before they hatch, Metallus, because you can't keep a good hero down.

Meanwhile, Jan, Jace, and Blip continue their valiant effort. Believing Space Ghost to be dead, the children and their pet monkey are determined to save as many people as they can. Can Space Ghost's young allies hold on until help arrives?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost #9, Volume One is a recent issue that I have received.

Writer David Pepose has closed his two-part battle royale between Space Ghost and one of his most powerfully dangerous adversaries, Metallus, with enough power to light up a galactic homeworld. Pepose is so good at this Space Ghost comic book writing thing that I am starting to believe that if Space Ghost has a canon, this comic book stands right behind the original 1966-67 TV series.

Artist Jonathan Lau art makes Pepose's powerful script into all-powerful comic book storytelling. His art is textured and beautiful, dark and dangerous, and brings sexy back. Nothing Lau does as an illustrator is ordinary; his art leaps off the page and dazzles my imagination. It makes you believe that this is the great battle for the survival of the Galactic Federation ever.

Andrew Dalhouse's lovely colors bring new meaning to conflagration. Intergalactic planetary destruction usually only looks this good in movies with the help of CGI. Letterer Taylor Esposito goes symphonic with his fonts. I can feel the sound his lettering imparts.

I'm having a blast reading Space Ghost Volume One, dear readers. I am running out of words to praise this, but I won't run out of desire to read it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume One.

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

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Advanced Comics Review: "SUPERGUY #1" is a Super-Duper Great Read

SUPERGUY #1

STORY: Anthony Iannaccio

SCRIPT: Anthony Iannaccio

ART: Joey Murphy

COLORS: Joey Murphy

LETTERS: Joey Murphy

COVER: Joey Murphy

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Ahmed Raafat; Dominque Barlow; Billy Lahiff

28pp, Color, $10.00 U.S., $13.00 (variants); reward bundles

Superguy created by Anthony Iannaccio and Joey Murphy

“There Goes My Hero”

Superguy #1 is a new comic book from writer Anthony Iannaccio and artist Joey Murphy. The series follows the adventures and misadventures of a self-absorbed superhero, who is usually in his underwear, and his earnest robot sidekick, who has a mysterious and likely dark past. The story and script are by Iannaccio and the art, colors, and lettering are by Murphy.

Superguy #1 (“There Goes My Hero”) opens in Thebig City, specifically Thebig City Elementary School. It was supposed to be the school's “Graduation Day,” but that has been canceled so that they can have “Superguy Day!” Although the kids are excited to see Thebig City's favorite superhero, that superhero, the aforementioned Superguy, can't be bothered to show up on time.

Superguy can't even be bothered to do his job, so that's why his loyal sidekick, Robotguy, steps into the job and starts saving the day. Eventually, however, that is going to rub a super-someone the wrong way. Before long, there is a battle for the ages, and no one really understands how bad it will get or how many players are watching from the sidelines.

THE LOWDOWN: Last year, Anthony Iannaccio sent me a PDF copy of a Superguy preview story that he and Joey Murphy produced. Iannaccio also generously provided me with an advanced PDF copy of Superguy #1, which is the subject of a new Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.

I was really impressed by the Superguy preview I read last year. It was the kind of comic book story that young'un Leroy would have flipped over. I can say the same for Superguy #1, and I've been trying to figure out why that is so.

Perhaps, I think of Superguy as something that will appeal to comics readers, young and old, because it seems as much like a broadcast network animated television series as much as it is actually a comic book. Superguy is sort of like Fox's long-running animated series, “The Simpsons,” combined with humor of Seth MacFarlane, another Fox animation mainstay, but without the more obviously adult content. Superguy #1 is a humor comic book that does not downplay the superhero fantasy elements, and it is also a superhero comic book that does not temper the humor. Perhaps, I see its potential for broad appeal in the fact that it broadly embraces more than one or two genres and subgenres.

Iannaccio and Murphy are a good team; they are like a seamless pairing that cannot go astray. Iannaccio offers a suite of snappy comedy, sharp dialogue, and lively jokes that it usually takes a team of writers to produce. This is an impressive feat on his part. Murphy is a humor comics artist with solid drawing and storytelling chops. There is a consistency in his compositions that suggests a veteran talent, even if Murphy hasn't been doing this a long time. Murphy's art and storytelling depicts humor and comic timing so well that this also makes it seem like he is an old hand at comedy and comics.

In his own way, Superguy is a lovable man-child, full of jealousies and self-importance. Robotguy is a stand-up hero, as good as any human good guy, but destined to face his darkness. I love these characters. I love this comic book. I love what Iannaccio and Murphy are doing here. So far, their Superguy #1 Kickstarter is doing exceedingly well. I hope they make enough dough to fund at least a few more issues of Superguy because this comic book is a super-read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of pure comic book fun will want to read Superguy #1 over and over again.

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

Linktree for Anthony Iannaccio social media: https://linktr.ee/mrtonynacho

Link to the Joey Murphy's IG page: https://www.instagram.com/jorion/

Kickstarter link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mrtonynacho/superguy-1

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Saturday, March 22, 2025

Comics Review: "ABSOLUTE BATMAN #1" is the Dark Knight Begins

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #1

DC COMICS

STORY: Scott Snyder

ART: Nick Dragotta

COLORS: Frank Martin

LETTERS: Clayton Cowles

EDITOR: Katie Kubert

COVER: Nick Dragotta with Frank Martin

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Wes Craig; Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Mitch Gerads; Ian Bertram; Jim Lee and Scott Williams

36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2024)

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

“The Zoo” Part One of Five

Batman is a DC Comics superhero that was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and that debuted in the Detective Comics #27 (apparently first published on March 30, 1939). Batman is the alias of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and industrialist who resides in Gotham City. Batman's origin story begins when he is a child and his parents are murdered in front of him, leading young Bruce to swear vengeance on the city's criminal element.

The story of Bruce Wayne and of how he became Batman has been its own “Goldberg variations.” [2012's Batman: Earth One Volume One is an example.] Now, comes a new line of DC Comics, “Absolute Comics,” which is similar to Marvel's “Ultimate Comics” line, in that Absolute Comics presents alternate versions and the changed narratives of familiar DC Comics characters and their back stories. Welcome to “Earth-Alpha” and the “Absolute Universe.”

The first entry in the Absolute Comics line is the recently launched comic book series, Absolute Batman. It is written by Scott Snyder; drawn by Nick Dragotta; colored by Frank Martin; and lettered by Clayton Cowles. In the new series, Batman/Bruce Wayne isn't a billionaire with seemingly unlimited resources, but he is still a vigilante by night and now, a thug in the streets.

Absolute Batman #1 opens with a glimpse into the past. There, we see the incident that spurred young Bruce Wayne onto the mission of 24-year-old Bruce Wayne. Wayne is a talented, multi-skilled, much-employed, blue-collar civil engineer who fights crime at night as a mysterious vigilante.

In the present day, Alfred Pennyworth is some kind of operative, a secret agent working for a mysterious agency. His tasks including spying, monitoring, and killing for his bosses. He is currently in Gotham City investigating the “Party Animals,” apparently a criminal organization with worldwide reach. These “Party Animals” are in Gotham, killing and terrorizing in the most brutal fashion, and Pennyworth has an eye on them and on a new player in town.

However, this new player in town is like no other Gotham “player,” and he's going to show the Party Animals that he can be every bit as ruthless and as violent as they can be... and more. Who is “the Batman?” Without the mansion...without the money...without the butler...what's left is the Absolute Dark Knight!

THE LOWDOWN: I do not received review PDFs from DC Comics. I bought a copy of the fifth printing of Absolute Batman #1 from “Stronghold Collectibles” at their booth at the recent Louisiana Comic Con 2025 (March 8-9) in Lafayette, Louisiana. So I'm free to say what I want, although, as I remember it, DC does not require people who receive access to their review PDFs to give positive reviews.

Honestly, I enjoyed reading Absolute Batman #1, not as much as I enjoyed series writer Scott Snyder's 2011 Batman #1 (or Tony S. Daniel's 2011 Detective Comics #1). But I enjoyed it nonetheless. My reading of this first issue suggests that Absolute Batman #1 seems like a kind of prequel or perhaps actual reboot of sorts of Frank Miller's seminal graphic novel, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (DKR). I could see the Batman/Bruce Wayne of Absolute Batman becoming the 50-year-old Batman/Bruce Wayne of DKR more than I can see the various iterations of Batman in Detective Comics or in the Batman ongoing comic book becoming DKR's vigilante.

Absolute Batman artist, Nick Dragotta, seems to be doing a riff on the art and compositions of Snyder's 2011 Batman collaborator, artist Greg Capullo. I'm impressed with Dragotta's take on Batman's costume, but his graphical style is still The New 52 era Capullo. That said, Dragotta's colorist, Frank Martin, an accomplished comic book colorist, seems to be going vintage in his coloring for this first issue, which I think recalls Richmond Lewis' coloring of David Mazuchelli art on the famous story arc, Batman: Year One (1987).

I can say that letterer Clayton Cowles is just being his good old self, and that is very good enough. His shifting fonts give Absolute Batman #1 style and flair, and the lettering actually encouraged me to really invest my imagination in the story.

I enjoyed this first issue enough that I may seek out more individual issues of Absolute Batman. Or I might just wait for the trade paperback collection. I can say that I'm interested in reading a Batman comic book on a regular basis more than I have been for at least half a decade.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Batman comic books will want to read Absolute Batman.

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

https://www.dccomics.com/

https://x.com/DCComics

https://www.facebook.com/dccomics

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

https://www.pinterest.com/dccomics/

https://www.periscope.tv/DCComics/1ZkKzezXwZdxv

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Thursday, March 20, 2025

Comics Review: "DARKWING DUCK #1" Makes Another Strong Debut

DARKWING DUCK VOLUME 2 #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Daniel Kibblesmith

ART: Ted Brandt & Ro Stein

COLORS: Dearbhla Kelly

LETTERS: Fabio Amelia

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Tad Stones

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mark Bagley; Ted Brandt & Ro Stein; Nicoletta Baldari; Ciro Cangialosi; Tad Stones

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2025)

Rated “All Ages”

“Year One” Part One of Twelve: “Hi, Voltage!”

“Darkwing Duck” was an animated superhero comedy television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. It originally aired for three seasons (for a total of 91 episodes) from 1991 to 1992, both as part of the syndicated programming block, “The Disney Afternoon,” and as part of ABC's Saturday morning lineup. “Darkwing Duck” focused on a suburban duck, Drake Mallard, and his superhero alter-ego, “Darkwing Duck.” The character was a parody of the pulp fiction vigilante character, The Shadow, and his alter-ego, Kent Allard.

A little over two years ago, Dynamite Entertainment launched a new Darkwing Duck comic book series. Now, it has recently relaunched the series with Darkwing Duck Volume 2. It is written by Daniel Kibblesmith; drawn by Ted Brandt & Ro Stein; and colored by Dearbhla Kelly; and lettered by Fabio Amelia. The new series revisits Darkwing Duck's first year as a superhero.

Darkwing Duck Volume 2 #1 (“Hi, Voltage!”) opens at night in the city of St. Canard. Then, the story moves to the suburbs of St. Canard, specifically the Mallard residence. Drake Mallard is regaling his adopted daughter, Gosalyn Mallard, with tales of his adventures as Darkwing Duck. It is, however, early in his crime-busting career, but Darkwing is ready to have... an arch-nemesis?! Meanwhile, one such candidate presents himself when Megavolt goes after “the max-capacity super battery.”

Meanwhile, Gosalyn does not want an early bedtime when her father is off having adventures. She wants to visit “the St. Canard-Once-a-Year-After-Hours-Fun-Time-Carnival.” And to do that, she needs to convince tonight's guard dog, Launchpad McQuack, that he wants to have fun, too. What are the chances both the father's and the daughter's missions cross paths?

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 Darkwing Duck Volume 2, Issue #1, one of a few Darkwing Duck comic books that I have read.

I have never watched an episode of the “Darkwing Duck” animated series, although I have always wanted to do so. My only previous experience reading a Darkwing Duck comic book was Dynamite's 2023 series, and I only read the first four issues.

However, the work of this new series' creative team might make me stick around longer. Writer Daniel Kibblesmith spins a yarn that offers the usual fun of Darkwing Duck, while depicting a hero in the early days of his crime-busting. Still, Kibblesmith finds the joy in the character and personality of Darkwing Duck and in the series' signature brand of humor rather than focusing on the mechanics of a superhero's “Year One.”

The art team of illustrators Ted Brandt & Ro Stein and colorist Dearbhla Kelly offer a spry first chapter of storytelling that sparks on the page with adventure and humor. Brandt & Stein capture the Disney graphical aesthetic, while Kelly colors the story in a way that suggests something vintage or, at least, of recent vintage. Letterer Fabio Amelia keeps the energy going with battery-charged sound effects, captions, and word balloons.

I hope that Dynamite can find continued success with Darkwing Duck. There is an audience for this title, and it could be you, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Darkwing Duck will want to try Dynamite's new Darkwing Duck Volume 2 comic book series.

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

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Comics Review: Dani Diaz's "DREAMOVER" Graphic Novel is a Dream to Read

DREAMOVER

IDW PUBLISHING/Top Shelf Productions

CARTOONIST: Dani Diaz

EDITOR: Leigh Walton

EiC: Chris Staros

ISBN: 978-1-60309-546-4; paperback with French flaps | 6" x 8.5" (January 14, 2025)

Diamond Code: NOV241133 (January 15, 2025)

312pp, Color, $19.99 U.S.; $26.99 CAN

Age: 13 to 17

Grades: 8 to 12

Dreamover is a 2025 original graphic novel created by Dani Diaz. Published by Top Shelf Productions, this full-color, paperback book is Diaz's debut work. Dreamover follows two best friends, adolescents who are becoming more than friends when a sleepover becomes a “dreamover.”

Dreamover opens in the pre-smartphone 2000s. It introduces two characters who have been friends since the third grade. Amber is a headstrong girl and goofball with a temper, while Nico Davis is shy and self-conscious boy. Amber has had a crush on Nico for a long time, and she can't hide her feelings any longer. Amber and Nico are also close with a few other friends. There is Drew, who seems to be on the verge of coming out, and also Stella and Grace, who are already, seemingly a couple.

The friends have just finished eighth-grade, and that milestone is being marked by an eighth-grade beach trip. There, Amber confesses her love to Nico and discovers that the feeling is mutual. This begins a glorious and blissful summer of first love.

However, when the school year comes around again. Amber, Nico, and their friends have entered high school, specifically Barrington High with its 2000 students. Amber and Nico cling to each other through bullies, homework, early mornings, and other stressful situations. As they maintain their closeness, however, Amber and Nico begin to alienate and neglect Drew and Stella and Grace.

Amber wishes she and Nico could get away. One night, Amber gets her wish after the two fall asleep playing video games. Soon, a sleepover turns into a dreamover, but it isn't as perfect and as magical as it sounds...

THE LOWDOWN: I have been on the mailing list of Top Shelf Productions editor-in-chief, Chris Staros, for over two decades. Back in January, I received one of his emails that announce new publications. When I saw the write up and promo art for Dreamover, it was like being struck by magical lightning. I knew I had to read it, and my Amazon gift card balance made that a possibility.

Comics are not so much a “sequential art” as they are a graphics-based art that yields graphical storytelling. In Dreamover, author and creator Dani Diaz through her work here testifies to the fact that not only illustrations, but also colors and lettering are art when it comes to comic book storytelling. They are a narrative grouping that makes storytelling more than about mere words.

Dreamover is a story told through pictures and graphics. The narrative is not about the intellect, but is about emotions, impressions, and visuals. We have to feel as much as we read. That's how we understand Amber and Nico: the tumult and exhilaration which defines both their relationship with one another and with their friends and also the surreal journey through dreams and dreamscapes that ultimately challenges each individual's expectations. Diaz touches upon magical realism, coming-of-age drama, and slice-of-life melodrama, but most of all she grapples with the reality of how a small and intimate relationship between two children involves big and complicated emotions.

In time, as more people discover Dreamover, Dani Diaz may discover the back-handed joy of “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” The visual and graphic splendor of this story and how the author uses it to depict the vagaries of young love has some similarities to the colorful wonderland comics narratives of the past. That includes the work of Windsor McKay, Moebius, Chester Brown, Trina Robbins, and Jim Woodring, to name a few. As these artists had disciples, so I believe that Diaz will, also. I have to believe that Dreamover will have descendants, so to speak. That is because Dreamover is magical and inescapable, and I wish this graphic novel didn't have an ending.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of young adult original graphic novels and of Top Shelf's YA graphic novels will want to read Dreamover.

A+

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

You can buy DREAMOVER directly from Top Shelf Productions or you can buy it from Amazon, in which case I collect a bounty on that sale.

https://x.com/topshelfcomix

https://www.topshelfcomix.com/

https://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/dreamover/1116

https://x.com/IDWPublishing

https://idwpublishing.com/

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Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Comics Review: Disney's "DUCKTALES #3" is in the Clink

DUCKTALES VOLUME 1, ISSUE #3

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Brandon Montclare

ART: Tommaso Ronda

COLORS: Tommaso Ronda

LETTERS: Fabio Amelia

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Ivan Bigarella

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Francesco Tomaselli; Carlo Lauro; Alan Quah; Ivan Bigarella; Tomasso Ronda

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2025)

All Ages

Based on “Uncle Scrooge” by Carl Barks

“Four Corners of Your World” Part Three: “The Duckburg Clink”

“DuckTales” was an animated television series that ran from 1987 to 1990. Produced by Walt Disney Television Animation and Tokyo Movie Shinsha, DuckTales was syndicated to American local television stations and ran for 100 episodes. The series also yielded a theatrical spin-off movie, DuckTales The Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990). In 2017, a second “DuckTales” series ran for 69 episodes over three seasons (2017-2021).

DuckTales was inspired by and based upon the Uncle Scrooge comics book and other comic books set in the world of Donald Duck that Carl Barks, legendary comic book writer-artist, created mainly from the early 1940s and into the 1960s. The TV show followed the adventures of Donald Duck's uncle, Scrooge McDuck; his three grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie (who were also Donald's nephews), and a close group of friends.

There were several DuckTales-related comics publications and comic books published on and off over a period from 1988 to 2020. Dynamite Entertainment brings DuckTales back to comic books with DuckTales Volume 1. It is written by Brandon Montclare; drawn and colored by Tomasso Ronda; and lettered by Fabio Amelia.

DuckTales Volume 1 #3 (“The Duckburg Clink”) opens at night in a jail cell in the Duckburg City Jail. There, we find Uncle Scrooge!... and the Beagle Boys! It seems that earlier that night, Uncle Scrooge and the nephews went treasure hunting in Craven Caverns, which is near the jail. Meanwhile, the criminal matriarch, Ma Beagle, was leading her sons, the “Beagle Boys,” in a jail break that took them down an underground path. Paths cross, and Uncle Scrooge lands in the clink.

For as long as Scrooge McDuck has been a successful tycoon, he's had to deal with swindlers, burglars, and every other kind of chiseler (including Flintheart Glomgold) who wants to get their hands on his hard-earned fortune. The most infamous group of those scheming miscreants that hound Scrooge's every step is the infamous family known as the Beagle Boys.

Now, opposing forces must become supporting forces if Beagle and Duck families are going to be freed from incarceration in Duckburg's jail. Will this union work?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. DuckTales Volume 1, Issue #3 is the latest.

I thought the first issue of the new DuckTales comic book series was more an introductory chapter than a first chapter of a serial. With the second issue, writer Brandon Montclare really began the storytelling simply by digging into the legacy and world Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge comic books (sometimes called the “Duck universe).

The late comic book writer-artist, Carl Barks, left a back list and a character catalog that is rich with storytelling potential. Flintheart Glomgold, who first appeared in Uncle Scrooge #15 (cover dated: September 1956), and the “Beagle Boys,” who first appeared in Walt Disney Comics and Stories #134 (cover dated: November 1951), are characters from which a savvy writer can spin Disney comics gold. Later Disney comic book creators, such as Don Rosa, and also the “DuckTales” television series writers added to the Duck universe. Montclare deftly taps into the past, and this time the result is “The Duckburg Clink,” which reads like a classic Disney comic book.

Artist Tomasso Ronda continues to present beautiful art and engaging storytelling. His art looks as if it has stepped from a Disney animation reel, and Ronda illustrations make the story pop with suspense and fun. Ronda will be well remembered for his run here by Disney comic book fans for capturing the colorful magic of the wonderful storytelling worlds of Disney. Fabio Amelia's lettering completes the spell in making Issue #3 fit right in as an true Disney comic book.

DuckTales #3 is an impressive third issue. It suggests that this series has staying power, and I hope that you, dear readers, help it stay around.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Disney comic books and of DuckTales will want to try DuckTales Volume 1.

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

https://www.disney.com/

https://x.com/Disney

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Advanced Comics Review: "THE HERCULOIDS #1" Revives a Classic

THE HERCULOIDS VOL. 1 #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Tom Sniegoski

ART: Craig Rousseau

COLORS: Omi Remalante, Jr.

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Joseph Michael Linsner; Bjorn Barends; Felipe Massafera; Mike Mignola; Rob Liefeld; Francesco Mattina

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“The Herculoids” created and designed by Alex Toth

“The Herculoids” was an American Saturday-morning animated television series that was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions. It originally aired on CBS for 18 episodes from September 1967 to January 1968. Rooted in science fiction and fantasy, “The Herculoids” featured characters created and designed by the late Alex Toth (1928-2006).

“The Herculoids" was originally set on the planet Amzot and featured eight regular characters. The main characters were members of a space barbarian family: Zandor, the father; Tara, the mother; and Dorno, the son. In order to keep their planet safe from invaders, they fight alongside the other five regulars, a group of giant pets: the laser dragon, “Zok,” the space rhinoceros, “Tundro,” the rock ape, “Igoo,” and the shape-shifting duo of “Gloop and Gleep.”

Over the decades, there have been comic books featuring The Herculoids, published by Gold Key Comics, Marvel Comics, and DC Comics. The latest is The Herculoids Volume 1, which is part of Dynamite Entertainment's licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery. The Herculoids is written by Tom Sniegoski; drawn by Craig Rousseau; colored by Omi Remalante, Jr.; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

The Herculoids Volume 1 #1 opens with the story of the legendary planet that is fabled for its riches and for the terrible fates that befall anyone or any entity that seeks to exploit those riches. Known alternately as “Quasar,” “Pentagoran,” and “Shorin-Zahh, it is best known as “Amzot.”

Quen-Tel, a mercenary, believes that he has found the information that will show him the way to this world hidden in the furthest reaches of space. He leads an expedition to the planet with boldness and confidence. However, he is about learn why those who survive Amzot's terrible fates speak of their encounters with horrific, imposing monsters that guard the mysterious world. Still, the lure of its abundant resources is too great to resist. Raiders and pirates continue to come from across the galaxy, and Quen-Tel leads the latest.

Will this expedition also discover why survivors tell blood-chilling tales of those who protect Amzot from constant attacks? Will these sentient beings meet The Herculoids?!

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. The Herculoids Volume 1, Issue #1 is the latest, and this maybe the first comic book featuring The Herculoids solo that I have read.

The Herculoids does not open with a bang. Writer Tom Sniegoski offers a gentle introductory tale, although there is some “fantasy violence. This is a chapter that reintroduces the characters of the famed vintage Hanna-Barbera Saturday morning animated series. Issue #1 is also a tame introduction for those who are new to the tale.

Artist Craig Rousseau offers an unadorned first issue with plain, straightforward storytelling, and Omi Remalante, Jr.'s coloring keeps-it-simple-stupid. Jeff Eckleberry captures the classic vibe of old cartoons and vintage comics with his lettering. I believe that this first issue is relatively quiet as the creative team plants the seeds that will rapidly sprout into an intense first arc. That is, however, for next time.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series and of “The Herculoids will want to read The Herculoids Volume 1.

B+

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

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https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Saturday, March 1, 2025

Comics Review: "THE MAGIC ORDER V #5" Fights for Itself

THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #5 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Matteo Buffagni

COLORS: Giovanna Niro with Laura Ciondolini

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Matteo Buffagni with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Matteo Buffagni

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2025)

Rating: 18+

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

“The Death of Cordelia Moonstone”

The Magic Order 5 is a six-issue miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Matteo Buffagni. This is the fifth installment of The Magic Order series, which began with the 2018-19 miniseries written by Millar and drawn by Olivier Coipel. The Magic Order is a band of sorcerers, magicians, and wizards – with a focus on the Moonstone family and its leader, Cordelia Moonstone – that live ordinary lives by day, but protect humanity from darkness and monsters of impossible sizes by night. Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series creative team.

The Magic Order 5 finds Cordelia preparing for her death – the punishment for using black magic (back in Volume 1). However, a new case has dropped itself in front of her, but it all may be a front for some really bad people trying to collect the price on Cordelia's head. Cordelia Moonstone is going to die soon... and there's nothing she can do about it. The end is coming in a matter of days.

The Magic Order 5 #5 opens in The Magic Order's new headquarters in Chicago. There, Clyde Bailey (the wizard who ended up with three demons inside him) and ten other wizards will try to save Cordelia from an assassination attempt by the magical world's most attractive bounty hunter. She has been sent by her mother, Sister Moon, at the behest of “the Fellowship of the Bell.”

Led by Grandmaster Samuel Mott, this splinter group has finally come into possession of the “Bell” that will summon the Fellowship's ancient gods. And Mott does not want Cordelia in his way. Cordelia has escaped death countless times, but who is going to save the master escape artist this time? Or will she have to save herself?

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is The Magic Order V #5.

It is possible for each issue of The Magic Order 5 to be crazier than the previous issue, and I know that because issue #4 was nuttier than issue #3. Issue #5 decides that instead of being crazy, it's simply going to toss up a hook shot of a revelation. The Magic Order, which has always been slickly produced, offers fight comics fun, as writer Mark Millar prepares for the big finale next issue.

Line by line, artist Matteo Buffagni has created in The Magic Order V a world of such fearsome darkness, treacherous magic, and magical treachery that mesmerizes the reader. However, Buffagni can also make explosions that bring a kind of action movie mania to this series, which he does this time. The glorious hues of Giovanna Niro turn this chapter into a symphony of pyrotechnics and thrilling chases. As always, Clem Robins uses his lettering to create a soundtrack of destruction.

The Magic Order 5 is plotting something mind-bending; that I know, dear readers. Don't miss the twenty-first century's best American comic book about wizards and sorcerers. It's a shame that this is supposedly the final entry in the series.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of The Magic Order will want to read The Magic Order 5.

A+

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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Friday, February 28, 2025

Comics Review: "NIGHT CLUB II #6" and the Vampire Showdown

NIGHT CLUB II #6 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Juanan Ramirez

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2025)

Rating: 18+

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Night Club II is a six-issue miniseries written and created by Mark Millar and drawn by Juanan Ramírez. A Dark Horse Comics publication and a Netflix production, Night Club II is a sequel to the 2023 miniseries, Night Club. Both series focus on a teen boy who is bitten by a vampire and decides to make the best of his new condition. Colorist Fabiana Mascolo and letterer Clem Robins complete Night Club II's creative team.

Night Club II focuses on 17-year-old Danny Garcia. After being turned into a vampire, he passed his new found powers unto his friends, DJ Sam Huxley and Amy Chen. Now, they're the superheroes: Starguard (Danny), Thundercloud (Sam), and Yellowbird (Amy). But jealousy has broken up this vampire-superhero trio and opened the door to a disaster of newer, more nihilistic and narcissistic vampires.

Night Club II #6 opens with the reconciliation of Danny, Sam, and Amy. But now, it's time for this trio to settle the war with Risso, Kendra, and their vampire gang. The problem is that the gang may be a wee bit larger than our heroes think it is.

In this shocking conclusion to the second volume, heroes are dead and villains are triumphant. One thing about vampire stories, however, is that even the coldest and most rotting corpses might not stay dead for long.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Night Club II #6.

Mark Millar closes out Night Club II with a bang, and though it is full of blood and gore, Issue #6 closes out the series with a sly grin. This issue may be the most humor-infused yet, or perhaps, I'm interpreting a sense of humor that really isn't there. Still, Millar says goodbye-for-now to the series with another surprise... because that is the way it should be.

Artist Juanan Ramírez has built this narrative on capturing the reckless nature of young people with too much power, regardless of whether this power is natural or supernatural and criminal or evil. Ramirez's storytelling depicts the joy of victory with a wink and smile from start to finish. Night Club jumps off the page thanks to colorist Fabiana Mascolo funky and flashy colors. Clem Robins' lettering, as always, is a perfect accompaniment – a musical interlude of fury and funny.

Night Club II does not disappoint, dear readers. Be on the lookout for the trade collection.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of vampire comic books will want to be bitten by Night Club II.

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

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Sunday, February 23, 2025

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #8" Puts Mustard on the Beat

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #8

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Anthony Marques and Fran Crivelli with Nick Caponi; Francesco Mattina; Jae Lee; Jonathan Lau;

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2024)

Rated “Teen”

"The Reckoning of Metallus!"

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period. Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Entitled Space Ghost Volume 1, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, twins Jan and Jace Keplar and their pet monkey, Blip, meet that legendary cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost Volume One #8 ("The Reckoning of Metallus!") opens in the past on the Planet Vector. Before there was the Space Ghost, there was the loving husband and father, Dax. Then, General Metallus destroyed it all.

Present day: Space Ghost and Jan and Jace answer a distress call from the “Starship Ulysses.” Much to Space Ghost's shock, the past has returned not only to haunt him, but also to destroy him. Can Jan and Jace rescue Space Ghost? Can they save themselves from the shocking secrets behind their mentor's tragic history?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost #8, Volume One, however, is not the latest issue that I received because I bought my own copy this time.

Having bought my own personal copy, I am finally free to say what I really feel about Dynamite's new Space Ghost comic book. I don't have to feel obligated to say good things in order to show my appreciation to Dynamite for gifting me a complementary PDF copy of this comic book...

… But girl, I love the heck outta Space Ghost #8, just as much as I've loved the other issues of this fan-frickin-tastic series. Free PDF or paid copy: the quality is always high.

Writer David Pepose … I don't know what to say anymore. He is writing a really good comic book. People are always looking for good comics. If I told you that Space Ghost was titled Absolute Space Ghost or Ultimate Space Ghost or One World Under Space Ghost or Dark Metal Space Ghost or Crisis on Infinite Ghost Planets or Taylor Swift Presents Jan and Jace... would you then believe me that Pepose is writing one of the most entertaining comic book currently awaiting you in comics shops? I might be wrong, but you, dear readers wouldn't think that I was wrong if you tried even just one issue.

Artist Jonathan Lau continues to turn Pepose's story into powerful and effective comic book storytelling. Lau brings the pain to Space Ghost's conflict with Metallus. He presents it on a big canvas in a way that convinces the reader that our hero is deep in the shit when it comes to being in trouble. Nothing Lau does is regular; his art leaps off the page and is always in the reader's face.

Andrew Dalhouse's lovely colors burn up this story and has this entire chapter feeling like everything is falling apart, which it is... for our heroes. Letterer Taylor Esposito throws gasoline on the fire, as if he finally has an opportunity to create explosions like a mad bomber.

I'm having a blast reading Space Ghost Volume One, dear readers. I want this enjoyment for you, too. This Space Ghost is super, man.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume One.

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

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Saturday, February 22, 2025

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #132" Brings Disorder in the Court

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #132

DC COMICS

STORY: Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Robert Pope

INKS: Randy Elliot; Scott McRae

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Jason Lewis

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)

COVER: Randy Elliot with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2025)

Ages 8+

“Trial and Error”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #132 opens with “Trial and Error,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Randy Elliot. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma at the county courthouse. Why are they there?

The gang are witnesses for the prosecution in the trial of the crooked real estate developer, “Ethical” Ed Morrissey, who pretended to be an “alien gorilla” as part of his real estate scams. The problem is that a trio ghosts: a judge, a prosecutor, and bailiff, has appeared, and these apparitions are determined to put our favorite ghost-hunting detectives on trial. And the punishment is being sent down the River Styx.

As usual, the second story, “Go for Broke,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope (pencils) and Scott McRae (inks). [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #31 (cover date: May 2013).] The story opens at Bunny's ski lodge where a ghost on skis is terrorizing and, in some cases, even hurting the lodge's guests. Now, it's time for Mystery Inc. to get involved, but the last time they tangled with that ghost, they all ended up with broken legs!

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #132 offers as a theme scheming ghosts. For me, however, the best part is that this issue offers the work of some of my favorite Scooby-Doo artists. Randy Elliot rocks the courtroom with some traditional Scooby-Doo antics, while the art team of Robert Pope and Scott McRae dazzle (as always) with a mystery that is staged in a traditional Scooby-Doo setting, the haunted ski lodge.

Writer Sholly Fisch anchors this issue with two imaginative tales. Stalwart Scooby-Doo comics colorist, Silvana Brys, delivers the goods, as usual, while colorist Jason Lewis dazzles in the reprint story, “Go for Broke.” Letterer Saida Temofonte is perfect for Scooby-Doo.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #132 is as enjoyable as Issue #131 was, so hopefully, this is the start of a good run in the series. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read this issue, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Primer: Clashing Colors” by Jennifer Muro & Thomas Krajewski and Gretel Lusky.]

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

https://www.dccomics.com/

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https://www.periscope.tv/DCComics/1ZkKzezXwZdxv

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Thursday, February 20, 2025

Comics Review: "JONNY QUEST #5" and the Cross-Temporal Boogie-Woogie

JONNY QUEST VOL. 1 #5

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Joe Casey

ART: Sebastián Piriz

COLORS: Lorenzo Scaramella

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Matt Idelson

COVER: Chad Hardin with Chuck Obach

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Richard Pace; Anthony Marques; Chad Hardin with Chuck Obach; Jae Lee; Chad Hardin

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2024)

Rated “Teen”

Jonny Quest created by Doug Wildey

“Zin Wins”

“Jonny Quest” (also known as “The Adventures of Jonny Quest”) was an animated science fiction-adventure television series. It was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions for the television studio, Screen Gems, and was created and designed by comic book artist, Doug Wildey. The series ran for one season on ABC (September 1964 to March 1965), on prime time, for a total of 25 episodes

The series focused on a boy, Jonny Quest, who accompanied his scientist father, Dr. Benton Quest, on extraordinary adventures. The other members of what came to be known as “Team Quest” were Jonny's adopted brother, Hadji Singh; the Quest family bodyguard, Roger “Race” Bannon; and Jonny's pet bulldog, Bandit.

Over the decades, there have been comic books featuring Jonny Quest. The latest is Jonny Quest Volume 1, which is part of Dynamite Entertainment's recent licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery. The series is written by Joe Casey; drawn by Sebastian Piriz; colored by Lorenzo Scaramella; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new adventure, Team Quest has been transported from the year 1964 to the present day where they meet 71 year-old Jonathan Quest and begin a... quest to return to their own time.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #5 opens aboard Dr. Zin's airborne carrier craft. Jonny's boy-out-of-time adventure comes to an explosive end as he and Team Quest take on Dr. Zin one last time. If they can bring their old enemy down, how will they ever be able to return home? And even if they do find a way home, will they be able to resist the urge to use the “Quantum Counter” and their knowledge of what is to come to change history?

Do the Jonny Quests of two eras have an answer to these questions? Or will they have to rely on another octogenarian member of the Quest family... or another member of the Jade family?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Jonny Quest, Volume 1, Issue 5 is one of the titles that I received.

Writer Joe Casey wraps up his first Jonny Quest arc with a bang. The best thing about this story line is that its ending is ambiguous and filled with a sense of mystery and of the unknown. Casey offers this: anything can happen, or nothing can happen. Or it can all happen all over again.

Artist Sebastian Piriz's storytelling is true to the spirit of the original Jonny Quest TV series, in terms of art, storytelling, and aesthetic. Piriz's clean, modern style sets a mood that makes this entire arc seem lost in time and buried in ambiguity. The coloring by Scaramella sheds light on the sense of mystery without revealing it. Even the lettering by Taylor Esposito summons an old school cool vibe that also radiates a timeless sensibility.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #5 is filled with as many surprises as prior issues were. I hope you get to read this, dear readers, even if you wait for the trade collection.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series and of Jonny Quest will want to read Jonny Quest, Volume 1.

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

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