Comics Review: "VATICAN CITY #1" Breaks Hell Loose

VATICAN CITY #1 (OF 3)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Per Berg

COLORS: Per Berg

LETTERS: Per Berg

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Per Berg

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Per Berg; John McCrea

40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (April 2025)

Rating: 18+

Vatican City created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Vatican City is a new Millarworld miniseries from Dark Horse Comics.  It is created and written by Mark Millar and drawn, colored, and lettered by Per Berg.  Vatican City is set in a world overrun by vampires, except for Vatican City, which is the main target of the vampires.

Vatican City #1 opens in Princeton, New Jersey.  There, Professor Derrida is about to discover that he is to play a key role in a vampire plot that is steadily taking over the world.

A few hours later, Guido Cavelti, recently of the Swiss Air Force, is in Vatican City, the independent city-state within Rome, Italy that is the government of the “Holy See” (the Pope and the Papacy).  Cavelti is there to be interviewed about a position with the Swiss Guard, the security that protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace.

Before he knows it, however, Cavelti is in the middle of a rescue operation, trying to save everyone inside Vatican City.  There is an invasion of monsters just outside its borders.

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 Vatican City #1.

While reading this, I thought of a few apocalyptic and vampire films to which Vatican City #1 has at least a passing resemblance – in one way or another.  That includes 28 Days Later (2002), I Am Legend (2007), Daybreakers (2009), to name a few.  Of course, Vatican City's writer, Mark Millar, has dealt with vampires before, as he has did when he launched his wonderful vampire-as-superheroes franchise with Night Club #1.

Millar throws the readers right into the action, and as always, Millar action is bracing action – filled with equal parts thrills and chills.  I don't want to spoil anything, but, of course, there is a shocking surprise to close out this first issue.

The art, colors, and letters by Per Berg (also known as Per Darwin Berg or by the pen name, “Narwhal”) are both representational and impressionistic, possibly because Berg is depicting a world that is rapidly shifting from the natural to the supernatural.  One thing that Berg's storytelling certainly does is create the sense of rapid breakdown and hopelessness, which are perfect modes for apocalyptic fiction.  Berg wants the reader to guess at what is happening more than know what is happening.

Well, Millar and Berg have certainly given readers a reason to come back for the second issue.  I suggest that you do so, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar, of vampire comic books, and of horror apocalypse will want to read Vatican City.

A

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

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

THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #5 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Matteo Buffagni

COLORS: Giovanna Niro with Laura Ciondolini

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Matteo Buffagni with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Matteo Buffagni

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

Rating: 18+

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

“The Death of Cordelia Moonstone”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A+

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

DC Comics Shipping from Lunar Distributors for February 26, 2025

DC COMICS:

Absolute Transmetropolitan Volume 3 HC (2025 Edition), $125.00

Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (Cover A Hayden Sherman), $4.99

Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (Cover B Homare Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (Cover C Jeehyung Lee Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (Cover D Mike Perkins Card Stock Variant), AR

Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (Cover E Homare Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman '89 Echoes #6 (Of 6) Cover A Joe Quinones & Paolo Rivera), $3.99

Batman '89 Echoes #6 (Of 6)(Cover B Joe Quinones Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World's Finest Volume 5 Secret Origins HC, $24.99

Batman Superman World's Finest Volume 5 Secret Origins TP, $17.99

Batman The Long Halloween The Last Halloween #5 (Of 10)(Cover A Tim Sale), $4.99

Batman The Long Halloween The Last Halloween #5 (Of 10)(Cover B Bill Sienkiewicz Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman The Long Halloween The Last Halloween #5 (Of 10)(Cover C Rob Liefeld Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Black Canary Best Of The Best #4 (Of 6)(Cover A Ryan Sook), $4.99

Black Canary Best Of The Best #4 (Of 6)(Cover B Rachta Lin Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Black Canary Best Of The Best #4 (Of 6)(Cover C Kendrick Kunkka Lim Card Stock Variant), AR

DC Connect #58, AR

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover A Mikel Janin), $4.99

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover B Bruno Redondo Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover C Ariel Olivetti Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover D Ryan Benjamin Black History Month Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover E Dustin Nguyen Hush Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Detective Comics #1094 (Cover F Juan Ferreyra Card Stock Variant), AR

Detective Comics #31 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A Bob Kane), $6.99

Detective Comics #31 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B Bob Kane Foil Variant), $9.99

Detective Comics #31 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover C Blank Card Stock Variant), $7.99

Flash #18 (Cover A Mike Del Mundo), $3.99

Flash #18 (Cover B Saowee Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Flash #18 (Cover C Stephen Segovia Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Flash By Grant Morrison And Mark Millar The Deluxe Edition HC, $49.99

Flash By Grant Morrison And Mark Millar The Deluxe Edition HC, $49.99

Green Arrow #21 (Cover A Taurin Clarke), $3.99

Green Arrow #21 (Cover B Marc Aspinall Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Green Lantern #20 (Cover A Ariel Colon), $4.99

Green Lantern #20 (Cover B Stephen Segovia Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Green Lantern #20 (Cover C Fernando Blanco Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Green Lantern #20 (Cover D Michael Allred Card Stock Variant), AR

Green Lantern (2023) Volume 2 Love And War TP, $19.99

Green Lantern Dark #3 (Of 7)(Cover A Werther Dell Edera), $4.99

Green Lantern Dark #3 (Of 7)(Cover B David Nakayama Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Green Lantern Dark #3 (Of 7)(Cover C Tran Nguyen Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Harley Quinn #48 (Cover A Elizabeth Torque), $3.99

Harley Quinn #48 (Cover B David Nakayama Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Harley Quinn #48 (Cover C Jorge Fornes Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Harley Quinn #48 (Cover D Gleb Melnikov Hush Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Harley Quinn #48 (Cover E Bailie Rosenlund Card Stock Variant), AR

John Constantine Hellblazer Dead In America HC, $39.99

Justice League International Volume 1 Born Again TP (2025 Edition), $39.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover A Dan Mora), $3.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover B Christian Ward Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover C Lucio Parrillo Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover D Salvador Larroca Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover E Ryan Benjamin Black History Month Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover F Fico Ossio Wraparound Card Stock Variant), AR

Justice League Unlimited #4 (Cover G Gavin Guidry Card Stock Variant), AR

Little Batman Month One #4 (Of 4)(Cover A Patrick Ballesteros), $4.99

Metamorpho The Element Man #3 (Cover A Steve Lieber), $3.99

Metamorpho The Element Man #3 (Cover B Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Penguin Volume 2 All Bad Things TP, $19.99

Power Girl #18 (Cover A Yanick Paquette), $3.99

Power Girl #18 (Cover B Elizabeth Torque Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Power Girl (2023) Volume 2 More Than A Crush TP, $19.99

Superman #23 (Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99

Superman #23 (Cover B Nathan Szerdy Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #23 (Cover C Dan Panosian Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #23 (Cover D Guillem March Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #23 (Cover E Kaare Andrews Hush Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #23 (Cover F Dave Johnson Card Stock Variant), AR

Titans (2023) Volume 2 The Dark-Winged Queen TP, $19.99

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

Advanced Comics Review: "NIGHT CLUB II #5" Wakes the Dead

NIGHT CLUB II #5 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Juanan Ramirez

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

Rating: 18+

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

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

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

Night Club II #5 opens in Philadelphia, specifically at St. Luke's Hospital.  Amy is there to steal blood.  In fact, she has been stealing from blood banks all over the city.  Why is Amy a blood thief?

Risso, Kendra, and their vampire gang killed Danny and Sam.  Amy believes that if vampires are real, then, some of the stories and myths about them must be real, also.  Relying mostly on old horror movies, Amy has concocted an idea of how to bring her friends back from... the wherever.

Meanwhile, Risso pays a visit to someone to whom he believes he owes a flex.  Plus, the Philly police are deep into an investigation of all these missing teens.

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 #5.

Night Club II is full of surprises, and writer Mark Millar always drops surprises in his comic books.  The unexpected is to be expected, and this fifth issue of Night Club II does not disappoint.  The Hammer Film Productions vampire movies are clearly a point of reference here.  Christopher Lee first plays Count Dracula in Hammer's 1958 film, Dracula (known as Horror of Dracula in the U.S.).  In later Hammer-Lee Dracula films, the Count is revived via methods that are similar to the process Amy is using to revive her partners in superhero/vampire crime.

Artist Juanan Ramírez has built this narrative on capturing the reckless nature of young people with too much power, regardless of whether this power is natural or supernatural and criminal or evil.  Ramirez's storytelling has made Night Club II a vampire comic book like no other.  He brings Millar's unique concept to life with a style that is both gaudy and earthy. Night Club jumps off the page with Ramirez's incomparable graphics, and colorist Fabiana Mascolo brings the funk and flash to Ramirez's art.  Clem Robins' lettering, as always, is a perfect accompaniment.

Night Club II does not disappoint, dear readers.  It's vampire+.

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

A

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

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

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

The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Comics Review: "THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #4" Breaks the Hell Outta Hell

THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #4 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Matteo Buffagni

COLORS: Giovanna Niro with Laura Ciondolini

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Matteo Buffagni with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Matteo Buffagni

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

Rating: 18+

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

“The Death of Cordelia Moonstone”

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

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

The Magic Order 5 #4 opens on a lonely, rural Texas road in 1978.  This is the story of how Clyde Bailey ended up with three demons inside him.  He eventually tamed the demons and tried to make up for the wrong he did because they controlled him.  Now, doing good means saving Cordelia.  But there are so many magical denizens after her – from “Skin-Walker Sam” the magical hit-man to the magical world's most attractive bounty hunter, who has been sent by Sister Moon.

Meanwhile, after kidnapping and killing boys for years, Grandmaster Samuel Mott and his splinter group, “the Fellowship of the Bell,” believe that they have finally found the boy with the “bell” inside his small body.  It is the bell that will summon the Fellowship's ancient gods.

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 #4.

It is possible for each issue of The Magic Order 5 to be crazier than the previous issue, and I know that because issue #4 is nuttier than issue #3.  And that's a good thing.  However, The Magic Order has always been slickly produced, no matter how dark the narrative became, but now, the darkness seems paramount to drama, which scares me as much as it attracts me.

Millar certainly benefits from an artist who uses his favorite drawing implements to transform his scripts into glorious graphical storytelling (comic book storytelling).  Line by line, artist Matteo Buffagni creates a world of such fearsome darkness, treacherous magic, and magical treachery that mesmerizes the reader.  In the end, Buffagni makes The Magic Order 5 one of the best comic book series about magic ever published in North America.

The glorious hues of Giovanna Niro are a symphony of colors of light that accentuate the spellbinding aura of this narrative.  Finally, there is Clem Robins – reliable Clem Robins, and his lettering is the soundtrack of this deadly game of thrones and bones.

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

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

A+

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Comics Review: "PRODIGY: Slaves of Mars #5" is a Family Affair

PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS #5 (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

40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (January 2025)

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 #5 opens on Mars.  Elijah ascertains that he and Edison's father, Whitney, discovered a series of “star gates” on Earth.  So Edison and Elijah head to the most consequential star gate, the one in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, and that's how they got to Mars.

Now, it is time to get down to three mysteries:  First, who murdered their father?  What is the full story behind the secret mission to Mars?  And what is the terrible fate of the human race is facing sooner than it thinks? The answers are shockers.

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 #5.

While the fourth issue was a blast to read, Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #5 offers the reader a chance at a variety of emotions.  The issue is at once humorous and then, scary.  It contemplative and talkative by measures before moving onto weird conspiracies and threatening futures.  Millar goes full “Ancient Aliens,” secret space programs, and the Anunnaki.  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, as in the earlier issues, unveil the surprises in a steady stream of straightforward storytelling.  Landini's storytelling here is more cautious, and does not race across the pages.  Now, Landini wants us to savor doom, and Assarasakorn colors it all in the red hues of bad dreams.  As always, Clem Robins provides the perfect soundtrack to this chapter with his classic lettering – this time more muted and ominous.

Without spoiling things, I can say that Millar's script is the kind that a father would write, with its resolutions and redemption.  It is more about legacy than inheritance, and more about pointing the way than making the way.  That makes Prodigy: Slaves of Mars a unique entry in a idiosyncratic franchise.

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

A

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/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

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

The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Comics Review: "NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #5" Asks, "Do You Kiss Your Cows with That Mouth"

NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #5 (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

40pp, Color, $6.99 U.S. (January 2025)

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 #5 opens on an island where billionaires gather to indulge in the worst fantasies mankind can imagine outside the watchful eye of the authorities.  That's where Nemesis is – using his Alton Albrecht identity, of course.

Nemesis is a guest of notorious billionaire, Adrian Zigo, and he plans on being a poor guest.  Nemesis is on a mission that involves each and every one of these billionaires on the island and half their wealth.  However, Nemesis' first sidekick, Sang, is also on the island, and he is leading an assault team in high-tech suits and bearing a hard-on for Nemesis.  Is Nemesis finally trapped for real and looking at his demise or is his new sidekick, Pedro, also on the island?

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 #5.

Writer Mark Millar offers an explosive finale for Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #5, as he did for the previous Nemesis series.  His depiction of the billionaire class as plutocratic dullards who are always looking to indulge their depraved desires is timely.  It is only a little ironic that a substantial portion of the readers for a comic book like Nemesis are chumps for the tech bros and would gladly serve the whims of the super-rich.  Rogues Gallery is cathartic precisely because fiction is the only scenario in which the ultra-rich get their comeuppance.

Artist Valerio Giangiordano continues to deliver stellar storytelling with a gritty, crime-noir spin on violent superhero/fantasy action.  If Nemesis is a take on an evil version of Batman, Giangiordano gets in on the spirit of things and draws several close ups of Nemesis that look like some of the close-ups of Batman that Frank Miller drew for his seminal graphic novel, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.  Letterer Clem Robins captures the deranged narcissism of the title character by making us believe this comic book has a soundtrack.

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery offers one of the best lines that I've read in a comic book in recent memory:  “Do you kiss your cows with that mouth?”  If you missed this series, dear readers, there should be a trade paperback available soon.  That's how you can make up for this transgression... before Nemesis finds out.

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

A

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

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

The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Comics Review: "THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #3" is More Proof of This Franchise's Greatness

THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #3 (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. (December 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 her death – the punishment for using black magic (back in Volume 1).  However, a new case has dropped itself in front of her, but it all may be a front for some really bad people trying to collect the price on Cordelia's head.  The end is coming in three days.

The Magic Order 5 #3 opens on a lonely, rural Vermont road.  “Skin-Walker Sam,” the magical hit-man, makes his latest move in a track that will bring him closer to his target, Cordelia Moonstone.  Meanwhile, Cordelia believes that she has uncovered the identity of the entities behind the kidnapping of male toddlers from across the country.  The “why” is horrific, especially because the perpetrators were supposedly destroyed by The Magic Order long ago.

Later, when a walk in the city turns into a dog day afternoon, Cordelia will have to rely on a really bad hombre, Clyde Bailey, to save her life.  Meanwhile, Sister Moon is sending someone to claim the magic world's most attractive bounty.

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 #3.

I have often said that The Magic Order is my favorite of the titles that Mark Millar has created for Netflix since it bought Millarworld.  Millar has filled this franchise with surprises, and each issue of The Magic Order 5 gets crazier with the unexpected.  The Magic Order has previously been described as “Harry Potter series meets The Godfather,” and if that is true, then, it is more like The Godfather.  I will say that adults who have to tolerate Harry Potter only because of their kids will find that someone has created a supernatural drama and crime thriller just for them.

The art team of Matteo Buffagni and colorist Giovanna Niro are delivering stellar work early in this series.  At the halfway point, Buffagni's storytelling dives deep into the peril of Cordelia Moonstone with Niro's coloring blazing a dazzling path to the finale.  As usual, 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 the twenty-first century's best American comic book about wizards and sorcerers.

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/

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Comics Review: "NIGHT CLUB II #4" - Jack's Tribe is Winning

NIGHT CLUB II #4 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Juanan Ramirez

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 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 #4 opens as Risso, Kendra, and their friends run wild through their Philadelphia stomping grounds.  As the high school jocks and cool kids, they were bad enough when they were regular human beings.  As vampires, they are monsters.  Risso was a minor thug for the local drug lord, Rufus Tee.  Now, Risso wants everything Tee has, including his life.

These young vampires are terrorizing the town and not even the cops can stop them.  Amy/Yellowbird is alone in the wake of what seemed like Danny/Starguard's destruction.  What is her next move if she is going to stop Risso and Kendra in their vampire tracks?

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 #4.

Writer Mark Millar uses the first issue of Night Club II to bring us to the current state of affairs.  With the second issue, Millar quickly moves things forward, and shit gets real deep, real quick.  Issue #3 is the best and most consequential of this series... so far.  Now, issue #4 moves into the aftermath of the third issue's shocking affairs.  I think that there are a lot of “secrets” to Millar's three-decades long successful tenure writing comic books for U.S. publishers.  One of them is that he always has at least one major surprise per issue, and that surprise never seems contrived.  In this fourth issue, Millar shows off another “secret of his success,” and that is to always keep things fresh.  I'll be honest, dear readers, after this fourth issue, I thought Risso should have his own comic book.

Artist Juanan Ramírez has built this narrative on capturing the reckless nature of young people with too much power, regardless of whether this power is natural or supernatural and criminal or evil.  Ramirez's storytelling has made Night Club II a vampire comic book like no other.  Stylish and gaudy, Night Club jumps off the page with Ramirez's incomparable graphics.  Colorist Fabiana Mascolo brings the funk and flash to Ramirez's art.  Clem Robins' lettering, as always, is a perfect accompaniment.

Night Club II does not disappoint, dear readers.  It is one of the standards in American 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.

A

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/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Comics Review: "PRODIGY: Slaves of Mars #4" Goes Into the Star Gate

PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS #4 (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. (November 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 #4 opens with a flashback to the day 15-year-old Elijah left the Crane family because he just couldn't take his father's antics any longer.  Move to the modern day, and Elijah ascertains that their father discovered a series of “star gates” on Earth.  So Edison and Elijah head to the most consequential star gate, the one in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.  Now, it is time to get down to the mystery of their father, Whitney, and his involvement with a mission to Mars.  They're about to get more answers than they expected.

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 #4.

Of course, Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #4 is a blast to read, just as the first three issues were.  This being the penultimate issue (second-to-last), writer Mark Millar fills it with surprises.  He also continues to tease 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 unveil the surprises in a steady stream of straightforward storytelling.  Throwing 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.

We have been set up for a great ending, dear readers.  Catch up if you need to.

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

A

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/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

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.

A

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/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Comics Review: "THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #2" - 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/

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

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.

A

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/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

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.

A

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/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

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 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 #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.

A

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/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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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.

A

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/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Comics Review: "THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #1" is Absolutely Ultimate

THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #1 (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 Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Matteo Buffagni; Jae Lee with June Chung

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 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 – 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 #1 opens in the aftermath of the end of Madame Albany and the “wizard wars.”  Cordelia Moonstone is preparing for the end, but a new case has dropped itself in front of her.  A woman named Carly Summers has had two of her children kidnapped eight years apart by a man who never opens his eyes.  He also beats Carly with a baseball bat before snatching away each child.

Cordelia's investigation, however, with her apprentices, Gator Lloyd and Ashley McPherson, goes bad.  The time to pay the ultimate prices for her sins is now.

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 #1.

The Magic Order #1, The Magic Order 2 #1, The Magic Order 3 #1, and The Magic Order 4 #1 all started off with a bang.  Why open with a whimper when you can medieval on your reader's ass and he or she will gladly come back for more.  Mark Millar is probably the only “mainstream” comic book writer who consistently delivers outstanding pop comics.  He has taken many of the genres and sub-genres in which Marvel and DC Comics' ply their trade and lifted them to the heights of high-concept, inventive entertainment.

One of them is magical fantasy, and Mark has made The Magic Order explosive and outrageous in a way that Marvel has not with its various Doctor Strange comic book series.  If you want to read a comic book that is as close to the intensity and insanity of Marvel Studios' 2022 film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, then you don't want a Doctor Strange comic book.  You want The Magic Order 5 #1.

The art team of Matteo Buffagni and colorist Giovanna Niro deliver stellar work in this debut issue.  It is as if they are doing fine art Eurocomics for a Louvre publication.  Buffagni's art makes the world of the natural and supernatural a seamless whole where no one's power makes him or her safe.  Niro's color blends the horrific with the surreal to prepare us for many surprises to come.  Finally, Clem Robins's lettering is the machine gun cherry on top of this narrative.

The Magic Order 5 is supposed to conclude this franchise.  Dear readers, let us gather here today and for the next five issues for what I suspect will be the grandest of send-offs.

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/

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).