TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: Comics Review

Showing posts with label Comics Review. Show all posts

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #130" Showcases Valerio Chiola

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #130

DC COMICS

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Scotty Beatty

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Robert Pope

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Scott McRae

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Heroic Age

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Dezi Sienty

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Kwanza Johnson (reprint)

COVER: Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (December 2024)

Ages 8+

“Mayor May Not!”

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? #130 opens with “Mayor May Not!,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending a costume ball thrown by Mayor Flowers. The party is also a campaign event for the mayor's reelection campaign. It seems as if the mayor has invited the whole city to this event, but did he also unknowingly invite a werewolf?

As usual, the second story, “Paranoidal Activity,” is a reprint story. It is written by Scott Beatty and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #19 (cover date: May 2012).] The story opens as the Mystery Machine drives up to “the Spectral Silk Mill.” Mystery Inc. has been called to this old silk mill by its current owners, Mr. Stanislaus and Mr. Oliveri, to discover if the place really is haunted. For their latest case, the gang has decided to test their new high tech equipment in the detection of ghosts. Will that work, or will it just get in the way of the ghost-busting?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #130 doesn't really have a theme so much as it finds its ghostly instigators in suspects that manage to be both surprising and expected. This isn't a particularly good issue, but like #129, the lead story is drawn by Valerio Chiola. I really dig Chiola's quirky and funky illustrative style which brings some needed freshness to the pages of this series that is well into its second decade. Chiola's squashed and stretched art reminds me of legendary cartoonist and Plastic Man creator, Jack Cole, and it looks like some of the graphical storytelling frequently found in kids' comics and graphic novels.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #130 may not be top of the line, but it is still a Scooby-Doo comic book. 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, “Deadman Tells the Spooky Tales” by Franco and Sara Richard, Isaac Goodhart, and others.]

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

https://www.dccomics.com/

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Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Comics Review: "DUCKTALES Volume 1 #1" is Ready for Adventure

DUCKTALES VOLUME 1, ISSUE #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Brandon Montclare

ART: Tomasso Ronda

COLOR: Tomasso 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. (November 2024)

All Ages

Based on “Uncle Scrooge” by Carl Barks

“Four Corners of Your World” Part One: “The More Things Change...”

“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 #1 (“The More Things Change...”) opens in “The Money Bin,” the large storage building where Scrooge McDuck keeps his three cubic acres of cash. Huey, Dewey, and Louie are engaged in the drudge work that is counting their Uncle Scrooge's money when suddenly old McDuck himself suddenly appears while engaging in his favorite hobby – diving and swimming in his cash. This excites the nephews, but they want more.

Suddenly, they want to hear stories about the old days when Scrooge was building his fortune. The boys imagine faraway lands and legendary places. But what if they knew what their uncle knows? The greatest mysteries may be right there in their hometown of Duckburg.

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 #1 is the latest.

This first issue sports nice art and colors by Tomaso Ronda, and Ronda's graphical and illustrative style would be a perfect fit in any one of the classic Disney comic books published in the U.S. over the last four decades. Even Fabio Amelia's lettering feels like Disney comics.

However, writer Brandon Montclare's story for this debut issue feels like a waiting game, as if Montclare simply wants to establish this central conceit. The real adventure is like the adventure stories the nephews want so badly: it's coming, but not just yet. The end of this first issue teases some interesting characters and intriguing possible future story lines. In the meantime, it seems that we have to wait a little longer. However, that means this series does not start off with a blast, which is not quite the “DuckTales” way.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sunday, November 10, 2024

Comics Review: "NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #4" Has a Perfect Last Panel

NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #4 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Valerio Giangiordano

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Valerio Giangiordano with Lee Loughridge

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

Age range: 14+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery is a five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar. It is a sequel to the miniseries, Nemesis Reloaded (2023) and Big Game (2023). Published by Dark Horse comics, the new series finds the super-killer, Nemesis, on a mission of revenge. Rogues' Gallery is drawn by Valerio Giangiordano; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clem Robins.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery finds Nemesis on a mission to once again be the world's greatest super-villain. Now, out for revenge against everyone who wronged him, Nemesis must rebuild his empire and his fortune... this time with a sidekick, Pedro Hernandez, following him every step of the way.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #4 opens in the compound of billionaire Adrian Zigo. Nemesis and Pedro are there in their fake billionaire identities under the guise of attending Zigo's charity auction. The duo is really present in order to launch their plot to steal a hundred million-dollar diamond.

But there is always a surprise, and it comes in the form of an attack led by Andy, the nurse who was once kind to Nemesis before the villain blinded him. Andy and his men are surprisingly well armed, but the biggest surprise is the identity of the person who joins the attack against Nemesis and Pedro.

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 comic book to mark my return is Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery #4.

Mark Millar continues to deliver in this, the ultimate modern super-villain comic book franchise. For the fourth issue, Millar unleashes action violence on a level to match that of a Hollywood action movie. However, Millar is never without surprises, and he offers two shockers, one related to the real-world that took my breath away.

Artist Valerio Giangiordano continues to deliver stellar storytelling with a gritty, crime-noir take on violent superhero/fantasy action. Why do what everyone else is doing when you can do you, as Giangiordano is doing. There is a deranged, edgy comedy vibe here that takes Nemesis to a new level. Colorist Lee Loughridge, who knows how to deal with “the dark,” perfectly accentuates Valerio's storytelling with colors that suggest murder, mayhem, explosions, and more murder. Letterer Clem Robins captures the deranged narcissism of the title character by making us believe this comic book has a soundtrack.

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery promised to be a good time, and it has delivered all the way to the penultimate issue. It may also end up being the best evil Batman comic book in ages.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books and of Valerio Giangiordano's art will desire Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery.

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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

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

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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/

https://twitter.com/archiecomics

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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Monday, November 4, 2024

Comics Review: "THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #" - You're Just Caroline from the Block

THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #2 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Matteo Buffagni

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

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. (October 2024)

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 the end, her punishment for using black magic. 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.

The Magic Order 5 #2 opens in Lincoln Park Hospital, Chicago. Cordelia is under the care of a psychiatrist who insists that her name is not Cordelia Moonstone, but is instead “Caroline Stone.” Also, She isn't the leader of monster fighting wizards; she is really a hotel receptionist.

Cordelia Moonstone was raised to believe that her family was all that stood between the world we know and the other world of eternal darkness. Has it all been in her imagination? Is she really simply just a woman with serious mental health problems? Are the only monsters the ones that exist in her head? Clyde Bailey, a former really bad hombre, may be the only one who can answer those questions.

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 5 #2.

Mark Millar is probably the only “mainstream” comic book writer who delivers outstanding pop comics every time, and I don't mean starts off great and... peters out. I mean A-rated entertainment every time. The Magic Order 5 has certainly started out as consistently outstanding pop comics. As Millar executes twists and turns in the narrative, we have no choice but to batten down the hatches as we vainly try to figure out where this franchise ends, why it ends, and how it ends.

The art team of Matteo Buffagni and colorist Giovanna Niro deliver stellar work early in this series. The compositions have a fine art quality that when merged with the plot creates a disquieting sense of doom. This makes The Magic Order 5 seem like a well-appointed funeral. Finally, Clem Robins's lettering is the gentle chamber music by which to read this deathwatch.

The Magic Order 5 is plotting something mind-bending; that I know, dear readers. Don't miss it.

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, November 1, 2024

Comics Review: "NIGHT CLUB II #3" - Sh*t Gets Deep

NIGHT CLUB II #3 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

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. (October 2024)

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), Yellowbird (Amy). But jealousy has broken up this vampire-superhero trio...

Night Club II #3 opens as Sam begins to realize that he has made a mistake. However, he is NOT ready to realize how big a mistake it is. Once upon a time, three nerdy friends became the first vampire-superheroes and also the coolest superheroes around. Now, their high school's worst bullies are a new gang of vampires. Will this be a case of out with the old (The Night Club) and in the with the new (the assholes)?

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 #3.

Writer Mark Millar used the first issue of Night Club II to bring us to the current state of affairs. With the second issue, Millar quickly moved things forward, and shit got real deep, real quick. The result is that issue #3 is the best and most consequential of this series... so far. Millar has mastered upping the ante, so he is relishing slowly tearing down everything we thought we knew about The Night Club.

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. Now, Ramirez wants to rub the consequences in our faces with his quicksilver storytelling. Colorist Fabiana Mascolo brings the funk to Ramirez widescreen antics in a way that makes this story pop off the page. Clem Robins' lettering, as always, is a perfect accompaniment.

Yeah, shit 'bout to get even deeper.

Night Club II does not disappoint, dear readers. It's taking us where we never expected to go in vampire comic books.

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://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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

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Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Advanced Comics Review: "BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #3" Raises the Stakes

BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #3 (OF 3)

BAND OF BARDS

STORY: Austin Allen Hamblin

ART: Mariana Meira

COLORS: Mariana Meira

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

EDITOR: Chuck Satterlee

COVER: Mariana Meira

VARIANT COVER: Trey Baldwin

Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2024)

Rated: “Teen”

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks is a three-issue miniseries written by Austin Allen Hamblin and drawn and colored by Mariana Meira. Published by Band of Bards, the series focuses on a retired lawman who fights to the death in order to entertain an alien television audience. Letterer John Ira Thomas completes the series' creative team.

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks focuses on Clint, a retired police detective who was investigating a string of unexplained disappearances in the southern part of the United States. One of the missing was Clay, Clint's younger brother by twelve years. The search resulted in Clint being abducted... by aliens. Intergalactic cable's biggest hit show is “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks” (BGSR), and the alien producers need a steady supply of rednecks, which they get by kidnapping humans. Clint is the latest combatant.

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #3 opens with a celebration of “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks'” anniversary program, and the celebratory anniversary match is a doozy. It's Clint versus... his brother Clay?! But isn't Clay dead? Well, that's alien science for ya! And Clay is out for blood, while Clint has no idea of what's to come. Plus, Oweful, the alien creator of “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks,” has a deadly surprise for everyone.

THE LOWDOWN: Series writer Austin Allen Hamblin hooked me up with a PDF review copy of Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #3. It is the third Band of Bards publication that I have read.

Hamblin has delivered a pleasant ending to this pleasantly surprising series. For BGSR, he recreated some of the irreverent and edgy humor that readers found in such venerable sci-fi/fantasy anthologies as Heavy Metal and 2000AD over the last five decades. Hamblin did all that and set up this three-issue miniseries so that it can give birth to a media franchise. The ending here does not have to be an ending, and that's what I want – more rednecks.

Mariana Meira's art is stylish and visually appealing. Her storytelling is solid and captures the exciting nature of Hamblin's script. Meira's menagerie of alien beings also recalls the early years of Jaime Hernandez's “Locas” stories in Love and Rockets. It is in that strangeness of aliens that meets with the strangeness of outsider humanity. She spins this weird yarn into its surprise ending, which hopefully will give her a chance to expand the concept in the (near) future.

Yes, Big Guns Stupid Rednecks is not perfect, but it is perfectly grounded in the cool weirdness of comic books. Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #3 promises that there can be bigger guns and stupider rednecks. Some of us want that.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of outrageous sci-fi comedy and of 2000AD will want to give Big Guns Stupid Rednecks a try.

A-

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

https://bandofbards.com/

Austin Allen Hamblin:

Website: www.hamblincomics.com

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAllenHamblin

Online Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HamblinComics

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Sunday, October 27, 2024

Comics Review: "GEEK-GIRL #13" Rolls Out a Barrell of Fun

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #13

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVERS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Art Voyager with Chunlin Zhao

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rated T+

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 3: “Interlopers”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers. Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker. Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl,” but the female super-villain, Identity Thief, has stolen her powers.

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #13 (“Interlopers”) opens in Geek-Girl's superhero headquarters where Pig Head and his League of Larcenists teammates – Dog Woman and Chromex/Delfi Matrix – make their escape after Pig Head's rescue. They can't completely escape, however, as erstwhile ally, Joe Cyborg, is sending them straight to boot camp.

Meanwhile, Summer continues her journey towards gaining super-powers and becoming a superhero. She is in Augusta, Maine at “The Cowbell” bar where she hopes members of “The Hive” can help her obtain powers. Plus, Ruby continues her own journey towards regaining her powers.

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and her (mis)adventures. I like this comic book enough to keep encouraging you to give this series a try, dear readers.

Geek-Girl carries over story lines and threads from Geek-Girl #11, Geek-Girl #12, and the one-shot, Fake Geek-Girl #1. Writer Sam Johnson packs most issues with a lot of characters, which can sometimes drag on the pace of the narrative. On the other hand, sometimes, a lot of characters equals a lot of fun. I can't get enough of this large ensemble cast, as is the case with this issue. They're intriguing and lovable, even when they're being evil and repulsive. Many of them are just as interesting or, at least, almost as interesting as the title character.

Artist Carlos Granda is quite good at capturing facial expressions and the quirkiness and oddness in the way people act in relationship to emotions and speech. He certainly conveys the fun of a large cast with this issue. His clean drawing style recalls the simple purity of the lowbrow weirdness that made superhero comic books explode in the 1960s. Granda maintains the simplicity of wonder that many modern superhero comic books have lost. Granda's excellent works shows all the more under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors and Paul McLaren's lettering.

I had a blast reading Geek-Girl #13, and I continue to recommend it to you, dear readers. Geek-Girl captures the charm and magic of classic comic books with a clever modern touch.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

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

You can buy a physical copy of Geek-Girl #13, both regular editions and limited variant editions, via eBay UK here or at https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fss=1&_saslop=1&_sasl=cabracinicomics&LH_SpecificSeller=1

You can also buy a physical copy of Geek-Girl #13 at Indy Planet here or at https://www.indyplanet.com/geek-girl-13

Geek-Girl #13 in a digital edition can be ordered via comiXology or at https://www.amazon.com/Geek-Girl-13-Sam-Johnson-ebook/dp/B0DDYC9YK9/

You can get more information about Geek-Girl here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Comics Review: "JONNY QUEST #3" Dives Deep Into More Trouble

JONNY QUEST VOL. 1 #3

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Joe Casey

ART: Sebastián Piriz

COLORS: Lorenzo Scaramella

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Matt Idelson

COVER: Chad Hardin

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Anthony Marques; Richard Pace

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

Rated “Teen”

Jonny Quest created by Doug Wildey

“The Rising Son”

“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 #3 opens in Japan at the Fukunaga Corporation. There, Jonathan Quest and Dr. Benton Quest repair the “Quantum Counter,” the device that brought Team Quest to the future and may very well return them to 1964. However, someone from their past wants the device also, and how is that someone connected to Jade a.k.a. “Jezebel Jade,” the mercenary-for-hire and sometimes ally of Team Quest? Plus, Dr. Zin makes his move.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Jonny Volume 1 #3 is the latest, but it is not the first Jonny Quest comic book that I have read.

This new Jonny Quest comic book is set in the present, but it feels like classic 1964 Jonny Quest. Writer Joe Casey, artist Sebastian Piriz, colorist Lorenzo Scaramella, and letterer Taylor Esposito summon the classic “Jonny Quest” cool. As I said in my review of the second issue, this story reads like a Jonny Quest story right out of the 1960s series, completely filled with a sense of mystery, wonder, and discovery. There isn't anything with new, however. With this issue, Casey throws in some of the most intense action yet – new action. And while there are connections to the past, there are motorcycles and bad-ass bad guys.

Piriz's art and storytelling are true to the original, but both art and storytelling have a clean, modern mood that is like other recent science fiction and adventure comic books. Piriz also makes this new Jonny Quest seem fresh and alive, as if this concept really belongs in modern times. The coloring by Scaramella adds the finishing modern touch. Even the lettering by Taylor Esposito summons an old school cool vibe that also radiates a modern sensibility.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #3 is filled with as many surprises as the first issue. So why aren't you reading this, dear readers?

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"

https://twitter.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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Comics Review: "ARCHIE Halloween Spectacular #1" Wants to Party on the Dark Side

ARCHIE HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR (2024)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Ian Flynn; Dan Parent; Francis Bonnet

PENCILS: Steven Butler; Dan Parent; Rex Lindsey; Bill Galvan

INKS: Lily Butler; Bob Smith; Rex Lindsey; Bill Galvan

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Rex Lindsey

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. (November 2024); In-store October 2, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

Archie and the Gang in “Party Hardly!”

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

Archie 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 now continues in the Archie Halloween Spectacular. It will conclude in Josie and the Pussycats Annual Spectacular, No. 1 (November 6, 2024).

Archie Halloween Spectacular offers four reprint stories and opens with a new five-page story featuring Mother Striga, “Party Hardly!” 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.

Archie and the Gang in “Party Hardly!”:

As the story opens, Sabrina warns Jughead that something strange is going on in the Fae Folk community. Meanwhile, over at Hodge Manor, the party to end all Halloween parties is happening. How did Veronica convince her father, Hiram Lodge, to let a wild party go on in his home? Does Mother Striga have something to do with that? And why is Archie on the arms of magical bad girl, Amber Nightstone?

THE LOWDOWN: Over the last few years, Archie's marketing department has been sending me PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is the new one-shot comic book, Archie Halloween Spectacular (2024 edition).

This Halloween special includes three reprint stories featuring classic Archie Comics superheroes such as “The Web” and “The Crusaders.” The highlight, of course, is the new story, which is the middle part of the Mother Striga story arc. A lot happens in this story with writer Ian Flynn filling every panel with action and dialogue that informs the readers and moves the narrative forward. Flynn makes “Party Hardly's!” manic weirdness work.

As was the case with the Sabrina Annual Spectacular, the stars here are the art team of penciller Steven Butler, inker Lily Butler, and colorist Glenn Whitmore. They create a playfully macabre and pop Gothic sensibility that really sells this story's setting, plot, and characters. Whitmore's other-worldly, almost psychedelic colors are the perfect accompaniment to the Butlers' monster-mash aesthetic for this story. Also, Jack Morelli's lettering puts the finishing touch to this delightful tale. They make me wish that “Party Hardly!” was a longer story.

Dear readers, I will always recommend classic and classic-style Archie Comics stories. So, of course, I think you should read this.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will definitely want to get a copy of Archie Halloween Spectacular.

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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Monday, October 21, 2024

Comics Review: "PRODIGY: Slaves of Mars #3" - Remembers it for You Wholesale

PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS #3 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Stefano Landini

COLORS: Michele Assarasakorn

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Stefano Landini with Michele Assarasakorn

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Stefano Landini

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

Rated M / Mature

Prodigy created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars is a five-issue comic book miniseries produced by writer Mark Millar. It is the third entry in the Prodigy series, following the original 2018-19 six-issue miniseries, Prodigy, and the 2022 miniseries, Prodigy: The Icarus Society. This new series' creative team is comprised of artist Stefano Landini; colorist Michele Assarasakorn; and letterer Clem Robins. Prodigy focuses on the adventures of the world's smartest man, Edison Crane.

In Prodigy: Slaves of Mars, Edison returns to New York City from an adventure in the Himalayas to find his company, Crane Solutions, in disarray. He also learns that his father, the former Senator Whitney Crane, is dead on Mars after discovering some shocking secret. Now, a wanted man, Edison only has one person left to whom he can turn. That would be his older, smarter brother, Elijah Crane.

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #3 opens with the Crane brothers still on the run. Froth Schroeder, the man who tore down Edison's life and likely killed their father, continues to hunt them. He's also closer to them than they realize.

Edison and Elijah have to team up in order to find out who murdered their father, and that investigation might take them to a secret colony on the surface of Mars. First, however, there is going to be a never-to-be-forgotten fight at the White House Press Association Dinner.

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 title to mark my return is Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #3.

Of course, Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #3 is a blast to read, just as the first two issues were. Writer Mark Millar teases us with more of his obsessions with “Ancient Aliens” and secret space programs. You already know about Millar's love of secrets and conspiracies if you have read Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1 or read Prodigy: The Evil Earth, the trade collection of the first miniseries.

The art team of illustrator Stefano Landini and colorist Michele Assarasakorn continues to throw caution to the wind. They present graphical storytelling that races from page to page in a loose drawing style and muted coloring style that captures the weird aesthetic of this franchise. As always, Clem Robins provides the perfect soundtrack to this chapter with his classic lettering.

Prodigy is back. The Slaves of Mars are calling us. Don't be a fool, dear readers; get this.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of his comic book, Prodigy, will want to read Prodigy: Slaves of Mars.

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://www.netflix.com/

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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

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Thursday, October 17, 2024

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #5" Ragnaroks It

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #5

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; Michael Cho; Bjorn Barends; Ken Haeser

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

Rated “Teen”

“The Dawn of the Devourer!”

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 1 #5 (“The Dawn of the Devourer!”) opens at Grax-3 where Space Ghost is on a rampage to find his nemesis, Zorak, who kidnapped Jan and Jace. Zorak, however, is quite happy to see Space Ghost, as he has a very special need of him.

For today marks the new day, the Dawn of the Devourer – All hail the Locust of the Apocalypse!" And Space Ghost is going to help him arrive, or he will see Jan and Jace destroyed. Meanwhile, where is Blip, and how will young Jace come out of this trauma?

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 Volume 1 #5 is the latest, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

The first five issues of Dynamite's Space Ghost revival comic book are a pure delight. Writer David Pepose is making me rapidly run out of good things to say about his storytelling. I think I'm repeating myself already. While Pepose retains the traditional Space Ghost narrative aesthetic, he raises all kinds of unholy hell for the climax of this battle with Zorak. For me, this hints at continued great things to come from this excellent writer.

Artist Jonathan Lau also wants to actually raise Hell with his graphical storytelling. Lau captures the madness in Pepose's script for issue #5 and lets loose his guns to recall the best chaos of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Andrew Dalhouse in turn unleashes fire and brimstone to amplify Lua's storytelling into an red, orange, and yellow inferno. Letterer Taylor Esposito adds the fuel to make it all burn, baby, burn.

I'm having a blast reading Space Ghost Volume 1, dear readers. I want this 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 1.

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

https://twitter.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, October 12, 2024

Comics Review: "THE TERMINATOR #1" Delivers a Strong Opening Salvo

THE TERMINATOR VOLUME 1, ISSUE #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Declan Shalvey; Sal Crivelli

ART: Luke Sparrow with Colin Craker; Colin Craker

COLORS: Colin Craker

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Declan Shalvey

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Edwin Galmon; Sway; David Cousens; Alex Ross; Declan Shalvey

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

Rated “Teen”

The Terminator created by James Cameron

“Out of Time” and “Buried Alive”

The Terminator is a 1984 American science fiction action film. It would be the beginning of a media and merchandising franchise that yielded several films, a live-action television series, an anime streaming series, and video games, to name a few.

Co-written by the film's director, James Cameron, and producer, Gale Anne Hurd, The Terminator focuses on three characters. The first is a cyborg, called a “Terminator,” that is sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 to kill a young woman. Her name is “Sarah Connor,” and she is destined to give birth to “John Connor.” John will grow up to be the savior of mankind when he successful leads human military forces against the Terminators creator, “Skynet,” a AI super-intelligence determined to destroy humankind. The third character is “Kyle Reese,” a soldier from 2029 sent to the past by an adult John Connor to protect his mother.

One aspect of the Terminator franchise is comic book publishing. Beginning in 1988, numerous publishers, including the defunct NOW Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing, and Dynamite Entertainment, among others, have published Terminator comic books. Dynamite has the license again and is kicking it off with The Terminator Volume 1. It is written by Declan Shalvey; drawn by Luke Sparrow and Colin Craker; colored by Craker; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry. The Terminator Volume 1 takes place post-original film and finds Skynet sending Terminators throughout time in a bid to destroy all the people they see as threats and also their ancestors.

The Terminator Volume 1 #1 (“Out of Time”) opens in Alaska in the year 2018. Harper and Penny have been on the run for almost 40 years. In the beginning, they thought they were running from the man who showed up and destroyed their lives. He wouldn't stop hunting them, and he killed both their parents and killed Penny's brother. But they are about to discover that this man is not what he seems, and perhaps, is more than he seems.

After failing to kill either Sarah Connor or her son, John, Skynet has another plan. There is a new front in the “War Against the Machines.” Terminators are dispatched across the globe and throughout time to target current resistance fighters, their ancestors, and anyone else unlucky enough to be in Skynet's strike zones. These secondary assignments are as straightforward as the primary missions of the T-800 and T-1000 Terminators of the first two films, and time is literally on the machines' side. When all of history becomes a war zone, nowhere and no time are safe.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. The Terminator Volume 1, Issue #1 is the latest, but it is not the first Terminator comic book that I have read.

The spirit and creativity of James Cameron and his creation, the Terminator franchise, hang over this first issue of The Terminator Volume 1, and that will certainly be the case throughout this particular series run. This new comic book launches itself off the events depicted in the original film, The Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), both co-written and directed by Cameron. I have to give writer Declan Shalvey credit; this first issue is a page-turning read that introduces this series central conceit. Judging by the first issue, I think Shalvey will offer some fun issues.

The art team of Luke Sparrow and Colin Craker present a small press aesthetic with a simplicity that deftly conveys the sense of fear and dread that hangs over any narrative about Terminators hunting people. The violent action is straightforward and brutal and is effective without any illustrative theatrics. Harper and Penny's plight seems genuine and consequential. Colin Craker's colors even give the story a dark future mode and mood, while Jeff Eckleberry's clean lettering effectively delivers the sparse dialogue and exposition that Shalvey efficiently offers in this opening issue.

In addition to the main story, there is a back-up story, entitled “Buried Alive,” that introduces itself with a two-page opener. It is not as if “Out of Time” is not good enough, but this first issue offers an exciting teaser for a second serial. I gotta say, dear readers, that my initial skepticism, though light, was a thing. After this first issue, it's no longer a thing, so you should read this first issue... at least.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of The Terminator franchise will want to read The Terminator Volume 1.

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

https://twitter.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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Thursday, October 10, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #129" - Don't Look Back in Anger

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #129

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Ivan Cohen

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Walter Carzon

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Horacio Ottolini

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Silvana Brys

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Rob Levin (reprint)

COVER: Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Ages 8+

“Dine & Dash”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #129 opens with “Dine & Dash,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma coming off their most recent case which I guess could be called “The Case of the Goblin Golfers.” Fred decides to treat everyone to dinner at his favorite place, but his favorite place is now a sports-themed bar and restaurant called “Munch Madness.”

Before there was Munch Madness, there was the “Pizza Playhouse,” Fred's favorite... haunt when he was a boy. The restaurant even featured a band of anthropomorphic animal performers, “the Pizza Pack.” Although the performers were animatronic, Fred loved them, especially “Elliott the Elephant.” Fred is feeling a nostalgic sense of loss when a phantom version of Elliott suddenly strikes, so now Mystery Inc. has a new mystery to solve.

As usual, the second story, “Magic Hassle,” is a reprint story. It is written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #79 (cover date: May 2017).] The story opens at night as the Mystery Machine drives up a mountain road to “Mystic Mansion.” It is “the world's most famous magicians' hangout,” and Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo are invited guests to an event being held there.

Tonight is special, as the magician, “Rickey D,” is debuting a new trick in order to tests the skills of Mystery Inc. Surprisingly, there is something going on between Rickey D and another popular magician, “Murdstone the Magnificent.” However, that is put aside after some tools-of-the-trade disappear, and a vampire arrives to break-up the show.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #129 has as its theme nostalgia. The focus is specifically on how people resent the change or disappearance of things they loved fiercely in the past. In the first story, “Dine & Dash,” Fred is disappointed that his childhood pizza restaurant slash playground has been replaced by an adult sports bar that is now a clubhouse which emphasizes buffalo wings and sports. In the reprint story, “Magic Hassle,” Murdstone the Magician resents his young rival, Rickey D, and his flashiness and prefers a legendary and groundbreaking magician and escape artist whose act lost favor with audiences decades in the past.

Nostalgia and resistance to cultural change are timely subjects, especially after at least a quarter-century of the rise of so-called “toxic fandom.” That aside, nostalgia as a theme here makes for highly entertaining stories. I will say, though, that “Magic Hassle” has an awkward ending.

Many of the recent new stories in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? Have been written by Derek Fridolfs, who is also a comic book artist. He often draws the cover art for the issues for which he has written a story. For issue #129, Valerio Chiola draws the opening story and also draws the cover art. So it is both odd and delightful to see Chiola's quirky graphical and illustrative style featured as the cover art. Also, “Magic Hassle” is drawn by one of the very best modern Scooby-Doo art teams, Walter Carzon (pencils) and Horacio Ottolini (inks), and the art features the brilliant colors of Silvana Brys. The art is a big reason why I am giving this issue a high rating.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #129 may have the highest rating that I've every given an issue of this series, but the last year or so has featured some really good individual issues. 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, “Lois Lane and the Friendship Challenge” by Grace Ellis and Brittney Williams.]

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

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Saturday, October 5, 2024

Comics Review: "NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #3" - Enter the Rogues

NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #3 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Valerio Giangiordano

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Valerio Giangiordano with Lee Loughridge

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

Age range: 14+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery is a five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar. It is a sequel to the miniseries, Nemesis Reloaded (2023) and Big Game (2023). Published by Dark Horse comics, the new series finds the super-killer, Nemesis, on a mission of revenge. Rogues' Gallery is drawn by Valerio Giangiordano; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clem Robins.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #3 opens after Nemesis and Pedro enjoy a night of debauchery. They steal weapons and tech in preparation for a big score at a charity auction being held by billionaire, Adrian Zigo. However, Nemesis does not realize that the family of some of his victims have also come to possess super-tech technology.

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. I mark my return with Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery #3.

Mark Millar continues to deliver the ultimate modern super-villain comic book. In this third issue, Millar offers lots of really dark, really black comedy. He also throws a wrinkle into Nemesis pimp game with a new complication.

Artist Valerio Giangiordano has taken Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery down a different path, both visually and graphically in terms of story, from that of the franchise's earlier artists. Valerio captures all the darkness, vileness, and evil in Nemesis and places him at the heart of some nasty, hard-hitting storytelling. With this issue, he gives the narrative its deranged, edgy comedy vibe, proving this character is not one note. Colorist Lee Loughridge, who knows how to deal with “the dark,” perfectly accentuates Valerio's storytelling with colors that suggest murder, both muted and glaring. Letterer Clem Robins captures the deranged narcissism of the lead in this new series.

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery promises to be a good time, which is has delivered, thus far. It may also end up being the best evil Batman comic book in ages.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books and of Valerio Giangiordano's art will desire Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery.

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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

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Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Comics Review: "NIGHT CLUB II #2" - Stupid Is as Stupid Does

NIGHT CLUB II #2 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Juanan Ramirez

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

Rating: 18+

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Night Club II is a new 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), Yellowbird (Amy). But jealousy has broken up this vampire-superhero trio...

Night Club II #2 opens as Sam turns down an offer for new employment. Now, he is burying his bitterness about the relationship between Danny and Amy between the legs of his new “girlfriend,” Kendra McQuade.

Not long ago, Sam was the sweet, chubby best friend at school. Then, he became a vampire- powered jock who hammered win after win on the basketball court. The girls love him, but has all that crazy stupid love simply made Sam stupid enough to create trouble for himself?

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 #2.

After reading the first issue of Night Club II, I suddenly remembered how much I really liked the first series and how much I really missed it. However, the first issue of the second series was just a reminder of of the first series' craziness and warm-up for the new craziness that writer Mark Millar would bring to Night Club II #2. I still say that this franchise is a vampire-superhero hybrid that takes DC Comics' Teen Titans and gives them a supernatural teen dysfunction makeover.

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. Colorist Fabiana Mascolo brings the funk to Ramirez widescreen antics in a way that makes this story pop on the page. Clem Robins' lettering, as always, is a perfect accompaniment.

Night Club II does not disappoint, dear readers. It's taking us where we never expected to go.

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"

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