TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: Hanna-Barbera

Showing posts with label Hanna-Barbera. Show all posts

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 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 #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/

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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"

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, 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.youtube.com/user/DCEntertainmentTV

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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"

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 1, 2025

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #7" Offers Meat for the Beast

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #7

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. (November 2024)

Rated “Teen”

“Blip Versus the Creature King!”

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 One, 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 #7 (“Blip Versus the Creature King!”) opens on the Planet Halcyon... and everything is in chaos. Space Ghost and Jan have been taken prisoner. Something is very wrong with Jace's mind. Our human heroes find themselves trapped on a mysterious jungle planet where they face The Creature King, who commands a host of beasts to do his nefarious bidding. Using his “Telepathic Crown,” the Creature King and his beasts will tear down the human civilization.

In our heroes' most desperate hour of need, there is only one member who can save them – Blip! And it's Blip as you've never seen him... or heard him before now.

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 #7, Volume One, however, is not the latest issue that I received because I bought my own copy this time.

… But girl, I still love the heck outta this new Space Ghost comic book.

Writer David Pepose offers a great one-off tale with “Blip Versus the Creature King!” It is riveting to say the least, with every page making me believe that this is it – the end of our heroes. I read it like a man whose imagination has been starving for great comic books stories and finally found a great one to satisfy him. Well, me and old Mister Mind got one of the best standalone issues we've read in a long time. Cheers to Pepose.

Jonathan Lau takes Pepose's story and turns it into powerful and effective comic book storytelling. By the end of his run, Lau may end up being one of the very best Space Ghost comic book artists. Blending moody EC Comics-like atmosphere with an outer space aesthetic, Lau has created a kind of sci-fi Film-Noir that gives futuristic adventure a dark turn to a place where hope struggles to survive. Lau clearly understands that conflict still drives the drama even in the most fantastic of narrative settings and environments.

Andrew Dalhouse's lovely colors give the haunting tones of “Blip Versus the Creature King!” a rich resonance. Letterer Taylor Esposito throws gasoline on the fire to make this story burn, baby, burn, using classic comics cool to heighten the heated action.

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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Friday, January 31, 2025

Comics Review: "JONNY QUEST #4" is Great Free or Purchased

JONNY QUEST VOL. 1 #4

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; Tom Raney with Gina Going; Richard Pace; Chad Hardin with Chuck Obach; Jae Lee; Chad Hardin

28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2024)

Rated “Teen”

Jonny Quest created by Doug Wildey

“Zin Wins”

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #4 opens in Japan at the Fukunaga Corporation. There, Jonathan Quest prepares for a bio-scan that will help him find his younger self, Jonny Quest. He has been kidnapped along with Hadji by Dr. Zin, the arch-nemesis of Team Quest. What the older half of Team Quest doesn't know is that the younger half has met Jasmine Jade, the granddaughter of the infamous “Jezebel Jade,” the mercenary-for-hire and sometimes ally of Team Quest?

Meanwhile, Dr. Zin prepares to make war.

Having bought my own personal copy, I am finally free to say what I really feel about Dynamite's new Jonny Quest 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 free PDF copy of the comic book...

...And I enjoyed reading this issue from a personal copy as much as I enjoyed reading the first three issues of this series as complimentary PDFs from Dynamite. Writer Joe Casey continues to wage war on bad comic books by creating a truly great comic book in this new Jonny Quest that always delivers the good stuff. Casey offers the most intense action yet, and while there are connections to the past, the story really emphasizes the present dangers.

Piriz's art and storytelling are true to the original Jonny Quests TV series, 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 #4 is filled with as many surprises as prior issues. 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://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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Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #131" Knocks the Elf Off the Shelf

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #131

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Randy Elliot

INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Randy Elliot

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Pamela Lovas

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Harvey Richards (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Silvana Brys

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

Ages 8+

“Scaries Not Included”

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? #131 opens with “Scaries Not Included,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Walter Carzon (pencils) and Horacio Ottolini (inks). The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending the “Coolsville Collectible Toy Fair.” There, they hope to collect items for the “Children's Toy Drive.”

What they find instead is agitated toy collectors looking for items that are exclusive to the toy fair. Everyone is caught up in exclusives fever when an elf, specifically an elf-like “drow,” crashes the show. Can the gang survive collector's mania long enough to solve the mystery of this dark elf?

As usual, the second story, “Not Just Yeti,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn Randy Elliot. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #94 (cover date: October 2018).] The story opens at “Benji Ford's Rockin' Gym,” an indoor climbing wall facility. It's being haunted by a “yeti,” and the owner, Benji Ford, believes that the only ones who can help him are the experts of Mystery Inc. While the gang has taken on the yetis a.k.a. “abominable snowmen,” in the past, this is the first time a yeti mystery is set on top of an indoor climbing wall and not at or near the top of a mountain. So what is really going on here?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #131 offers a Christmas-like theme via the opening story, “Scaries Not Included.” Although there isn't much Christmas spirit among the toy collectors in this new story, it is a treat from Scooby-Doo comic book stalwarts: Derek Fridolfs, Walter Carzon, and Horacio Ottolini. I consider that a Christmas gift from this comic book series. Also, “Scaries Not Included” accurately depicts the collector's mania atmosphere that permeates conventions and toy fairs where show exclusive toys, action figures, and play sets are offered.

The reprint story, “Not Just Yeti,” another duo of Scooby-Doo stalwart creatives, Sholly Fisch and Randy Elliot, offer a Scooby-Doo mystery favorite supernatural pest, the yeti. Honestly, yetis in Scooby-Doo television series have always scared me, so I consider this tale a nice offering.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #131 offers a reading experience that is a bit more fun than what the previous issue presented. 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, “Anti-Hero” by Kate Karyus Quinn, Demitria Lunetta, and Maca Gil.]

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

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Sunday, November 24, 2024

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #6" Burns Like a Wildfire

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #6

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 J. Bone

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

Rated “Teen”

“Two Against Moltar!”

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 #6 (“Two Against Moltar!”) opens in the wake of the events in Zorak's lair on Grax-3. Jace feels mentally shattered by the tough choice he had to make in that battle with religious zealot. Now, Space Ghost and Jan fight as a duo, while Jace has decided that he no longer wants to be in on the action and violence.

Meanwhile, Robo-Corp is working hard to keep the forces of the Galactic Federation busy and distracted. To that end, Robo-Corp's CEO, Doctor Xander Ibal, has decided to assist their heaviest hitter, Moltar, in his quest for vengeance against Contra Industries. That Moltar's attack on Contra can gain Ibal access to “Lucidium crystals” is an unexpected bonus. Will Space Ghost and Jan alone be enough to stop the fiery, molten insanity of Moltar?

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 #6 is the latest.

Writer David Pepose and artist Jonathan Lau are creating a true heir to Hanna-Barbera's original “Space Ghost” television series. They have fashioned a kind of sci-fi, outer space, Film-Noir sensibility to add to the original production's moody and ominous atmosphere. Pepose and Lau have brought freshness and newness to Space Ghost without resorting to a reboot. There are no dark and gritty theatrics of the kind that have plagued modern comic books ever since Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen made the industry's balls drop nearly four decades ago.

Space Ghost #6 is a special issue because the authors have seriously considered the trials and tribulations of a child soldier without turning Space Ghost into an episode of “Frontline.” This issue brings some threads from the first story arc to a close, nicely, I must say. As usual, Andrew Dalhouse's lovely colors add the perfect moody haunted tones, and letterer Taylor Esposito once again 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"

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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”

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.

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 Quest, 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"

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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!”

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"

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Monday, September 30, 2024

DC Comics Shipping from Lunar Distributors for October 2, 2024

DC COMICS:

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover B Simone Bianchi Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover C Guillem March Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover D Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover E Mico Suayan Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover F Stephen Bliss Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover G Mikel Janin Villains Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover H John Timms Connecting Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover I Yasmine Putri Raised Ultraviolet Foil Variant), $7.99

Absolute Power #4 (Of 4)(Cover J Juliet Nneka Power Participation Card Stock Variant), $5.99

American Vampire Volume 1 TP, $39.99

American Vampire Volume 1 TP (DC Compact Comics Edition), $9.99

Animal Man By Grant Morrison And Chaz Truog Compendium TP, $59.99

Batman #153 (Cover A Jorge Jimenez), $4.99

Batman #153 (Cover B Tony Harris & Jeremy Clark Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Batman #153 (Cover C David Nakayama Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman #153 (Cover D Kelley Jones Trick Or Treat Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Batman #153 (Cover E Daniel Sampere All In Foil Variant), $7.99

Batman #153 (Cover F Marco Mastrazzo Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman #153 (Cover G Walter Simonson Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman And Scooby-Doo Mysteries #10 (Cover A Erich Owen), $2.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover A Leonardo Romero), $3.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover B Sozomaika Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover C Serg Acuna Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover D Kelley Jones Trick Or Treat Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover E Daniel Sampere All In Foil Variant), $6.99

Birds Of Prey #14 (Cover F Rian Gonzales Card Stock Variant), AR

Catwoman Trial Of The Catwoman TP (DC Compact Comics Edition), $9.99

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Daniel Sampere Wraparound Variant), $4.99

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Wes Craig Wraparound Card Stock Variant), $5.99

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Rafa Sandoval Wraparound Card Stock Variant), $5.99

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Daniel Sampere Wraparound Foil Variant), $7.99

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover E John Giang Wraparound Card Stock Variant), AR

DC All In Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover F Logo Variant), AR

DC Horror Presents Creature Commandos #1 (Of 6)(Cover A Tirso), $4.99

DC Horror Presents Creature Commandos #1 (Of 6)(Cover B Charlie Adlard Card Stock Variant), $5.99

DC Horror Presents Creature Commandos #1 (Of 6)(Cover C Jim Lee Card Stock Variant), $5.99

DC Horror Presents Creature Commandos #1 (Of 6)(Cover D Jim Lee Black & White Card Stock Variant), AR

DC's I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Dan Hipp), $9.99

DC's I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Ejikure Variant), $9.99

DC's I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Nicola Scott Variant), $9.99

DC's I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1 (One Shot)(Cover D TBD), AR

Filth TP (2024 Edition), $19.99

Justice Society Of America #12 (Of 12)(Cover A Mikel Janin), $3.99

Justice Society Of America #12 (Of 12)(Cover B Tony Harris Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice Society Of America #12 (Of 12)(Cover C Marco Santucci Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice Society Of America #12 (Of 12)(Cover D Mike Wieringo Virgin Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Midnight Mass TP, $16.99

Multiversus Collision Detection #2 (Of 5)(Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99

Multiversus Collision Detection #2 (Of 5)(Cover B Serg Acuna Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Multiversus Collision Detection #2 (Of 5)(Cover C Jon Sommariva Card Stock Variant), AR

My Adventures With Superman #5 (Of 6)(Cover A Li Cree), $3.99

My Adventures With Superman #5 (Of 6)(Cover B Ricardo Lopez Ortiz Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Nice House By The Sea #3 (Of 12)(Cover A Alvaro Martinez Bueno), $3.99

Nice House By The Sea #3 (Of 12)(Cover B Lisandro Estherren Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Nice House By The Sea #3 (Of 12)(Cover C Alex Eckman Lawn Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Plastic Man No More #2 (Of 4)(Cover A Alex Lins), $4.99

Plastic Man No More #2 (Of 4)(Cover B Riley Rossmo Variant), $4.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover A Jessica Fong), $3.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover B Jenny Frison Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover C Noobovich Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover D Kelley Jones Trick Or Treat Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover E Daniel Sampere All In Foil Variant), $6.99

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover F Sebastian Fiumara Card Stock Variant), AR

Poison Ivy #26 (Cover G Jenny Frison Card Stock Variant), AR

Scooby-Doo Where Are You #130 (Cover A Valerio Chiola), $2.99

Shazam #16 (Cover A Gleb Melnikov), $3.99

Shazam #16 (Cover B Felipe Massafera Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Shazam #16 (Cover C Ejikure Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Shazam #16 (Cover D Daniel Sampere All In Foil Variant), $6.99

Speed Force TP, $16.99

Strange Case Of Harleen And Harley TP, $16.99

Suicide Squad Kill Arkham Asylum TP, $19.99

This Land Is Our Land A Blue Beetle Story TP, $16.99

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Thursday, September 19, 2024

Comics Review: "JONNY QUEST #2" Welcomes an Old Friend

JONNY QUEST VOL. 1 #2

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; Tom Raney; Richard Pace

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

Rated “Teen”

Jonny Quest created by Doug Wildey

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 faces a new world and mission that spans six decades.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #2 opens on Dr. Zin's version of Marvel's SHIELD helicarrier. His enemies, Team Quest, have returned, and this time he vows they won't escape. Now, he prepares to launch another terrifying assault meant to destroy Johnny, Hadji, Race, Dr. Quest, and Bandit.

Meanwhile, Jonny Quest and company have accepted that a freak event has thrown them sixty years forward in time. If that were not shocking enough, they meet 71-year-old Jonathan Quest, who has built more advanced versions of Dr. Quest's greatest inventions. Now, Team Quest and Jonathan head to the other side of the world in hopes of gaining the help of a longtime ally. However, there is no guarantee that once-familiar allegiances still exist.

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 #2 is the latest, but it is not the first Jonny Quest comic book that I have read.

In this new Jonny Quest narrative, writer Joe Casey, artist Sebastian Piriz, colorist Lorenzo Scaramella, and letterer Taylor Esposito summon the classic “Jonny Quest” cool. The story reads like a Jonny Quest story right out of the 1960s series, completely filled with a sense of mystery, wonder, and discovery. Even the modern setting does not change that because Casey's writing seems related to the heart of the franchise, so Casey offers a new narrative framed in the classic aesthetic.

Piriz's art and storytelling is 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. The coloring by Scaramella adds the finishing modern touch. Even the lettering summons an old school cool vibe that also radiates a modern sensibility.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #2 is not filled with as many surprises as the first issue. However, the second issue proves that the first issue was not a fluke.

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

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

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Thursday, September 12, 2024

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #4" is Only for People Who REALLY Like Good Comics

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #4

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; Bob Layton

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

Rated “Teen”

“The Cult of Zorak!”

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 #4 (“The Cult of Zorak!”) opens at the specially designed Omegan Prison, where Zorak and his army of fanatical Zorathian warriors have broken free. Space Ghost knows that Zorak will seek revenge against him, so he travels to Zorak's most recent base of operations, the planet Bellerophon. It isn't Zorak awaiting the “Guardian of the Spaceways,” however; it is the mighty Titanor!

Meanwhile, Zorak, a prophet and worshiper of Lorak, the Locust of the Apocalypse, plots to bring his mythical god to life. And Jan, Jace, and Blip are about to enter this game of fanaticism.

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

The first four 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. Pepose retains the traditional Space Ghost, but he also rockets the character into a modern sensibility. The Saturday morning pop sci-fi/fantasy is now darker and more menacing. Still, the tone of this comic book series can appeal to readers young and old. Pepose did not forsake a timeless appeal for the temporary thrills of grim and gritty “mature themes.”

I think this series really works because of Jonathan Lau's art and graphical storytelling. Lau captures the edge in Pepose's scripts and turns it into pure rage against evil and into pure passion for justice. Like Pepose, Lau retains the classic appeal of Space Ghost. Andrew Dalhouse's colors make for a gritty narrative, but they keep the classic comic book cool. Letterer Taylor Esposito captures all the emotion that swirls in and out of this story.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 1. It is easily one of the best comic book media adaptations that I have read in years, dear readers. It is almost too good to be true, but true, y'all, it is really good.

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"

You can buy SPACE GHOST VOLUME 1 at Amazon.

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Friday, August 23, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #128" Hails Hydra

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #128

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Georgia Ball

PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Dario Brizuela

INKS: Randy Elliot; Dario Brizuela

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Candace Schinzler-Bell

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Jessica Chen (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Silvana Brys

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

Ages 8+

“Dehydrated”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #128 opens with “Dehydrated,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma visiting a local lake for a lazy day of floating and fishing. Unfortunately, the place is haunted by a three-headed version of the monster of antiquity known as “the Hydra.” And you know, Mystery Inc. is never one to let a mystery go unsolved.

As usual, the second story, “Scuba Scoob,” is a reprint story. It is written by Georgia Ball and drawn by Dario Brizuela. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #54 (cover date: April 2015).] The story finds Mystery Inc. in the Caribbean Islands for some scuba-diving fun via “Scuba-Duba Boat Tours.” However, the boat tour's owner, Farukh, is having trouble with a monster shark. As usual, Scooby and the gang have a mystery to solve.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #128 has as its theme vacations on the water ruined by water-based monsters. This issue is blessed by being drawn by two of the best modern Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Randy Elliot for “Dehydrated” and Dario Brizuela for “Scuba Scoob.” The latter story features some dazzling color and color effects by Candace Schinzler-Bell. In fact, it is the art and colors that really stand out this time around. The stories are nice and feature nice monsters, but these simply aren't stand out stories.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #128 does not match up to the quality of issue #127, but a Scooby-Doo comic book is always a good thing. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, 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, “DC League of Super-Pets: The Great Mxy-Up” by Heath Corson and Bobby Timony.]

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

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Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Comics Review: "JONNY QUEST #1" Makes a Stellar Return

JONNY QUEST VOL. 1 #1

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; Tom Raney; Bob Layton; Richard Pace; Chris Samnee; Chad Hardin

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

Rated “Teen”

Jonny Quest created by Doug Wildey

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; the Quest family bodyguard, Race Bannon; and Jonny's pet bulldog, Bandit.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #1 follows the events depicted in the Jonny Quest FCBD Special that came out in May during Free Comic Book Day 2024. Team Quest returns to their home on the island of Key Palm, where the island is not quite what it is supposed to be... If the island feels like a stranger, well, the Quest home wants to be a stranger, also. It seems simultaneously redecorated and abandoned. However, the truth of this situation is so amazing, unraveling it will take time.

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 #1 is the latest, but it is not the first Jonny Quest comic book that I have read.

One of my favorite previous Jonny Quest comics was and remains Jonny Quest #1 (cover dated: June 1986), which was published by the now defunct Comico the Comic Company. It was even written and drawn by Jonny Quest's creator, Doug Wildey. Twenty years later, DC Comics brought together Team Quest and a bunch of Hanna-Barbera characters in Future Quest #1 (cover dated: July 2016). Another Jonny Quest revival was the direct-to-DVD film, Tom and Jerry: Sea Quest, which featured classic MGM cartoon duo, Tom and Jerry, and Team Quest in a battle to defeat classic Quest villain, Dr. Zin.

In this new Jonny Quest #1, writer Joe Casey, artist Sebastian Piriz, colorist Lorenzo Scaramella, and letterer Taylor Esposito summon the classic “Jonny Quest” cool. The story reads like a Jonny Quest story right out of the 1960s series, completely filled with a sense of mystery, wonder, and discovery. The art and colors look and feel like the visuals of “The Adventures of Jonny Quest.” Even the lettering summons an old school cool.

Jonny Quest Volume 1 #1 is so filled with shockers that I am loathe to spoil it. Suffice to say, dear readers, it is one of the best single issues of 2024.

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.

A+

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

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