TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: vampire

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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Advanced Comics Review: "NIGHT CLUB II #4" 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.

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

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Monday, January 20, 2025

Review: Netflix's "DAY SHIFT" is More Action-Comedy Than Vampire Horror

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 5 of 2025 (No. 2011) by Leroy Douresseaux

Day Shift (2022)

Running time: 113 minutes (1 hour, 53 minutes)

MPA – R for strong violence and gore, and language

DIRECTOR: J. J. Perry

WRITERS: Tyler Tice and Shay Hatten; from a story by Tyler Tice

PRODUCERS: Shaun Redick, Yvette Yates Redick, Jason Spitz, and Chad Stahelski

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Toby Oliver (D.o.P.)

EDITOR: Paul Harb

COMPOSER: Tyler Bates

ACTION/COMEDY/HORROR

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Dave Franco, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Meagan Good, Karla Souza, Steve Howey, Scott Adkins, Oliver Masucci, Eric Lange, Peter Stormare, Zion Broadnax, and Snoop Dogg

Day Shift is a 2022 American action-comedy and vampire horror film from director J. J. Perry. The film is a “Netflix Original” and began streaming on Netflix, August 12, 2022. The film focuses on a hard-working, blue-collar dad who uses his pool-cleaning service as a front for the true source of his income – hunting and killing vampires.

Day Shift introduces Bud Jablonski (Jamie Foxx). He is the blue-collar dad of Paige (Zion Broadnax), the daughter he shares with his ex-wife, Jocelyn Jablonski (Meagan Good). On the surface, Bud is a hardworking man who runs a pool-cleaning service, “Valley Pool Services,” in San Fernando Valley, California. Bud really hunts and kills vampires in the Valley under the guise of being a pool cleaner. Every time he kills a vampire, which is very difficult, Bud collects their fangs and sells them to a pawnbroker, Troy (Peter Stormare).

However, killing vampires isn't quite earning him the income he needs, so Bud decides to return to “the Union.” That would be the “Hunters Union,” from which he was expelled. He turns to his close friend, the very successful vampire hunter, John Dante Eliott a.k.a. “Big J” or “Big John,” for help. John is able to get Bud provisionally reinstated, but union boss, Ralph Seeger (Eric Lange), won't let Bud work the “Night Shift,” which yields the most profitable vampire kills.

Instead, Bud must work the “Day Shift,” which he was already doing on his own. In addition, Bud is forced to partner-up with Seth (Dave Franco), a young union supervisor. If that were not bad enough, Bud has been targeted for revenge by Audrey (Karla Souza), an ambitious vampire who plans to take over San Fernando Valley where she poses as a real estate agent.

I was familiar with the mixed reviews that Day Shift received, and I had been putting off watching it. However, I am about to watch the latest Jamie Foxx “Netflix Original” movie, Back in Action (2025), in which he costars with Cameron Diaz. Back in Action is the fourth “Netflix Original” in which Foxx has starred (as far as I can tell), following Project Power (2020), They Cloned Tyrone (2023), and Day Shift. For some reason, I feel as if I had to see Day Shift before I watch Back in Action. Go figure.

Tyler Tice and Shay Hatten are credited with the screenplay, but apparently Tice is the originator. Tice's creation is more action-comedy than it is vampire movie, but I do recognize elements that are borrowed or are at least are similar to that of numerous vampire films. As I watched Day Shift, I found that parts of it made me think of Blacula (1972), The Lost Boys (1987), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), Daybreakers (2010), and Priest (2011), to name a few. Of course, no movie featuring vampires hunters and their prey could escape the shadow of the Blade film series, and this movie seems inspired by Blade (1998), Blade II (2002), and Blade: Trinity (2004). Also, Day Shift is obviously rubbing up against Men in Black (1997) and its sequels.

Day Shift's premise is indeed a garbage soup made out of a bunch of leftover ingredients, and the fact that it throws in so many ideas makes it almost seem original... almost. Still, as garbage soup films go, Day Shift is quite tasty. It is more action-comedy than vampire-horror, and director J. J. Perry (in his directorial debut) gets the most out of his film editor, Paul Harb. When Day Shift is moving because of extended, multi-player fight scenes or through its one extended car-truck-motorcycle chase, Day Shift pops the way action movie junkies want their action movies to pop.

The best thing a popcorn entertainment action movie can do is have a star as its hero or as its villain. Day Shift has the Oscar-winning actor, Jamie Foxx (Ray), as its star, and Foxx is the one who gives this film any credibility that hit has. Yes, Dave Franco does a nice turn as Seth, the reluctant sidekick, and any comedy that manages to snag Snoop Dogg is very lucky. However, Foxx willingly buys into this film's goofiness, and the professionalism of his performance keeps Day Shift from seeming like the vampire equivalent of one of those Sharknado movies.

6 of 10

★★★ out of 4 stars

Monday, January 20, 2025

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Thursday, January 16, 2025

Review: John Carpenter's "VAMPIRES" is Still Fun (Happy B'day, John Carpenter)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 36 (of 2005) by Leroy Douresseaux

John Carpenter’s Vampires (1998)

Running time: 108 minutes (1 hour, 48 minutes)

MPAA – R for strong violence, and gore, language, and sexuality

DIRECTOR: John Carpenter

WRITER: Don Jakoby (based upon the novel by John Steakley)

PRODUCER: Sandy King

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Gary B. Kibbe (D.o.P.)

EDITOR: Edward A. Warschilka

COMPOSER: John Carpenter

HORROR/FANTASY and ACTION/THRILLER

Starring: James Woods, Daniel Baldwin, Sheryl Lee, Thomas Ian Griffith, Maximilian Schell, and Tim Guinee

Vampires (also known as John Carpenter's Vampires) is a 1998 American action, neo-Western, and vampire horror film from director John Carpenter. It was adapted from the 1990 horror novel, Vampire$, by author John Steakley. Vampires the movie focuses on an caustic vampire slayer who must track down the vampire master that ambushed and destroyed his team of slayers before the creature can find a relic that will allow it to walk in sunlight.

John Carpenter's Vampires introduces Jack Crow (James Woods), a vampire hunter for the Catholic Church. He leads his "Team Crow," a band of roughnecks and mercenary types who hunt and kill vampires. They destroy a nest of goons (vampires) in rural New Mexico, but Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith), a 600-year old master vampire, ambushes and massacres Team Crow during their victory celebration at a small motel.

Only Crow and his assistant, Montoya (Daniel Baldwin), survive, but Crow ignores the Vatican’s demands that he reform his team. Crow, Montoya, and Father Adam Guiteau (Tim Guinee), a young priest, with tagalong Katrina (Sheryl Lee), a survivor of Valek’s attack, pursue the master vampire through the high deserts that ends in a confrontation to stop Valek from becoming unbeatable.

John Carpenter’s Vampires is a fun action horror flick that rises above being straight-to-video material in large measure because of James Woods hilarious and over-the-top performance as Jack Crow. Crow curses like a pack of sailors, and won’t even spare holy men his vulgar tirades. He beats priests and asks them inappropriate questions about their anatomies and lusts. Woods’ performance is the one thing that entertains even detractors of Vampires.

The film is gory and action-packed, but a little light on genuine scares. It has the charming qualities that make Carpenter’s film fun and unique – pulp storytelling, weird science, and the strange blend of real myth, lore, and culture spun from his fertile imagination. While the characters here, other than Crow, don’t match up to some of Carpenter’s memorable creations from his earlier films, they’re adequate. Vampires is a fun spin on the American pop culture version of vampires, and worth a viewing.

7 of 10

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

March 19, 2005

EDITED: Sunday, January 5, 2025

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Friday, December 27, 2024

Review: "NOSFERATU" 2024: You'll Either Be Impressed or Roll Your Eyes

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 61 of 2024 (No. 2005) by Leroy Douresseaux

Nosferatu (2024)

Running time: 133 minutes (2 hours, 13 minutes)

MPA – R for bloody violent content, graphic nudity and some sexual content

DIRECTOR: Robert Eggers

WRITER: Robert Eggers (inspired by the film, Nosferatu, and the novel by Bram Stoker)

PRODUCERS: Chris Columbus, Eleanor Columbus, Robert Eggers, John Graham, and Jeff Robinov

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Jarin Blaschke (D.o.P.)

EDITOR: Louise Ford

COMPOSER: Robin Carolan

HORROR/THRILLER

Starring: Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgard, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, and Simon McBurney

SUMMARY OF THE REVIEW:

Nosferatu is entertaining – in places, but quite a bit of it is also over-the-top and overdone. Honestly, I'd be reluctant to recommend it to people who don't go to movie theaters too often because they could find better films upon which to spend their infrequent cinema visits

Nepo-baby thespian, Lily-Rose Depp, gives an excellent performance, emphasizing facial expressions and physical feats, but Bill Skarsgard as the Nosferatu, manages only to create a vampire that is as boring as he is scary and ugly

Also, if you remember Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 film, Bram Stoker's Dracula, you will find this film shockingly similar to it

Nosferatu is a 2024 American vampire horror film from writer-director Robert Eggers It is a remake of the 1922 German silent film, Nosferatu. Like that German film, the modern Nosferatu also takes inspiration from the 1897 novel Dracula, written by author Bram Stoker. The new Nosferatu focuses on a young woman and the terrifying vampire that is infatuated with her.

Nosferatu introduces Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp). Since she was a child, Ellen has had a connection to the spiritual and mystical realms. When she was a girl, she called out to a spirit, and that caused her to have a vision of a disfigured and corpse-like creature attack her. This in turns leads to Ellen having a violent seizure.

In 1838, Ellie is now an adult and is newly wed to a husband, the young estate agent, Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult). The couple is living in Wisborg, Germany where Thomas works for “Knock & Associates.” His employer, Herr Knock (Simon McBurney), offers Thomas a generous commission, but to get it, Thomas must embark on a six-day journey to the small country of Transylvania.

There, Thomas will meet the mysterious Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard), who wants to buy property in Wisborg, which he plans to make his new home. However, there is a conspiracy behind this business venture between Knock and Orlok, and Ellen, who is once again besieged by dark, monster-filled dreams, is the prize. Now, Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz (Willem Defoe), a controversial scientist and expert on the occult and mysticism, may be the only one who can figure out what everyone else seems to ignore. And that is the fact that Orlok is a monstrous vampire – a Nosferatu!

First, some history: director F.W. Murnau's 1922 German silent film, Nosferatu, was an unauthorized film adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula (1897). Stoker's heirs sued and the film was ordered destroyed, but several prints survived this purge. So the modern Nosferatu is both a remake of the 1922 film and an adaptation of Stoker's novel. I also find quite a bit of this new Nosferatu to be a literally and spiritually rehash of director Francis Ford Coppola's visionary, Oscar-winning film, Bram Stokers Dracula (1992).

Moving on: Lily-Rose Depp delivers a stunning performance as Ellen, one that is both emotionally charged and also physically impressive, thanks to the scenes in which she portrays having blood-curdling seizures, apparently without the help of computer-generated imagery. Depp makes by far the best out of director Robert Eggers' screenplay, which I find to be shallow and also imaginative only in the superficial way that directors borrow from other directors' films in a bid to seem clever before their sycophants and devotees.

That is exemplified by Bill Skarsgard's Count Orlok. He is both frightening and tedious. Skarsgard is buried under a mound of makeup and likely computer-rendering that makes him look like a homeless and destitute version of the infamous Russian mystic and political Svengali, Grigori Rasputin. The new Count Orlok is a scary mountain of monster-man, but he has no personality, And girl, he grunts his garbled dialogue real good. Ultimately, Skarsgard turn as Count Orlok is no better than one of actor Robert Englund's latter turns as “Freddy Krueger” in one of the many sequels to A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).

Eggers really does not give the rest of his characters great dramatic material. Nicholas Hoult's Thomas Hutter is an embarrassing crybaby, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson's Friedrich Harding is a stubborn moron. Willem Defoe's Von Franz is smart and stupid in alternating waves that suggest that suggests he was created by some AI algorithm. Emma Corrin's Anna Harding (Friedrich's wife) seems very smart and capable, so the male writer's screenplay kills her off way too early.

Yeah, I have a lot of complaints about this new Nosferatu, mainly because it is one of those maddening films that has many brilliant elements that are beset by many tedious, hilarious, and ridiculous elements. This is not “style over substance,” but it is style strangling the shit out of substance. I heartily recommend Nosferatu to fans of vampire films and to adventurous movie lovers, but I would be reluctant to recommend it to people who are not as into movies as I am. Something like Nosferatu would make them roll their eyes.

6 of 10

★★★ out of 4 stars

Friday, December 27, 2024

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Friday, December 6, 2024

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 #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.

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

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

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Friday, November 1, 2024

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

NIGHT CLUB II #3 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Juanan Ramirez

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

Rating: 18+

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

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

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

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Night Club II #3.

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

Artist Juanan Ramírez has built this narrative on capturing the reckless nature of young people with too much power, regardless of whether this power is natural or supernatural and criminal or evil. Now, Ramirez wants to rub the consequences in our faces with his quicksilver storytelling. Colorist Fabiana Mascolo brings the funk to Ramirez widescreen antics in a way that makes this story pop off the page. Clem Robins' lettering, as always, is a perfect accompaniment.

Yeah, shit 'bout to get even deeper.

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

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

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

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

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Thursday, October 10, 2024

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

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

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Ivan Cohen

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Walter Carzon

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Horacio Ottolini

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Silvana Brys

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Rob Levin (reprint)

COVER: Valerio Chiola

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

Ages 8+

“Dine & Dash”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #129 may have the highest rating that I've every given an issue of this series, but the last year or so has featured some really good individual issues. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read this issue, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Lois Lane and the Friendship Challenge” by Grace Ellis and Brittney Williams.]

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

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Sunday, October 6, 2024

Review: Max's "'SALEM'S LOT" 2024 is Scary a Lot

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 44 of 2024 (No. 1988) by Leroy Douresseaux

'Salem's Lot (2024)

Running time: 113 minutes (1 hour, 53 minutes)

MPA – R for bloody violence and language

DIRECTOR: Gary Dauberman

WRITER: Gary Dauberman (based on the novel by Stephen King)

PRODUCERS: Michael Clear, Roy Lee, James Wan, and Mark Wolper

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Michael Burgess (D.o.P.)

EDITOR: Luke Ciarrocchi

COMPOSERS: Nathan Barr and Lisbeth Scott

HORROR

Starring: Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, Jordan Preston Carter, Alfre Woodard, Bill Camp, John Benjamin Hickey, Nicholas Crovetti, Spencer Great Clark, Pilou Asbaek, and Alexander Ward

SUMMARY OF THE REVIEW:

-- Although it lacks big names stars, “'Salem's Lot” 2024 has big scares, as writer-director Gary Dauberman spins a number of some blood-curdling and bone-chilling scenes that are beautifully shot by cinematographer Michael Burgess

-- The movie does lack the character depth of early television versions, it is fairly faithful in some ways to its source material, Stephen King's 1975 novel of the same name

-- I highly recommend the new “'Salem's Lot” to fans of vampire horror films

'Salem's Lot is a 2024 American vampire horror film from writer-director Gary Dauberman. The film is based on the 1975 novel, 'Salem's Lot, from author Stephen King. 'Salem's Lot the movie focuses on an author who returns to his childhood home in search of inspiration for his next novel and discovers that the town is being taken over by vampires.

'Salem's Lot introduces author Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman). He has returned to his childhood home of Jerusalem's Lot, also known as “'Salem's Lot” or “The Lot,” seeking inspiration for his next novel. He meets and begins a relationship with Susan Norton (Makenzie Leigh), a young woman studying to get her real estate license. Their relationship sets tongues a-wagging in the small town.

Also new to the town is the antiques business, “Barlow and Straker Fine Furnishings.” So far, only Richard Straker (Pilou Asbaek) has arrived, but Straker promises that his partner, Kurt Barlow (Alexander Ward), will soon arrive. The problem is that Barlow is a vampire, and before long, he is preying on the Lot, and this town of 1710 starts to find that its living population is shrinking. Now, a teacher, Matthew Burke (Bill Camp); a boy who is a horror fan, Mark Petrie (Jordan Preston Carter); a local physician, Dr. Cody (Alfre Woodard); and a broken down alcoholic priest, Father Callahan (John Benjamin Hickey), join Ben and Susan to form a rag tag team of heroes determined to stop Barlow. As their circle grows smaller, however, can they really take on a town full of vampires?

'Salems's Lot” was author Stephen King's second published novel (following his publishing debut, 1974's Carrie), and it is apparently his favorite of his works. The popular novel was first adapted as a two-part television miniseries that was originally broadcast by CBS in November 1979 (although I remember its length and release date differently). It was again adapted as a two-part television miniseries, broadcast by the TNT cable network in June 2004. I enjoyed both versions, but prefer the 1979 which turned out to be a influence on such vampire films as Fright Night (1985) and The Lost Boys (1987).

I watched the new 'Salem's Lot film to the end of its credits, and the copyright date is listed as the year 2022. Yes, this new 'Salem's Lot has had at least two years of changing theatrical release dates. Outside of a film festival premiere, 'Salem's Lot the movie finally found a home on the streaming service Max (formerly HBO Max). Is 'Salem's Lot good enough to have received a full theatrical release? The answer is yes, but good movies aren't always box office hits. Besides Warner Bros., the movie studio behind 'Salem's Lot, very likely had no idea that the recent sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, would be such a blockbuster hit. It is a crap-shoot, and, in the case of 'Salem's Lot, is now a moot point.

'Salem's Lot's main problem may be that it has no big name actors starring in it, although the lead, Lewis Pullman as Ben Mears, had a supporting role in the 2022 mega-hit, Top Gun: Maverick. Pullman plays Ben Mears as cool-headed and steady-handed, which is an interesting take. And the rest of the cast of 'Salem's Lot is equally good. Alfre Woodard is always a top notch performer whose unique film presence and acting personality always gives a movie some “oomph.” Jordan Preston Carter is a surprising and scene-stealing little hero as Mark Petrie. John Benjamin Hickey and Bill Camp give strong character performances in their respective roles.

Still, I must reiterate that 'Salem's Lot 2024 is a really entertaining and thoroughly scary vampire horror movie. Sure, it lacks the emotional and character drama depth of the early adaptations of King's novel. I also take issue with the fact that even after the heroes learn what they need to fight vampires, they are often caught without them or trapped with too few of them.

However, Michael Burgess' lovely cinematography and Nathan Barr and Lisbeth Scott's eerie film music power-up writer-director Gary Dauberman's most bone-chilling moments and blood-curdling scenes. I don't want to fill this review with spoilers, but what would a 'Salem's Lot” TV or film be without a vampire boy at the window?...

Who knows how 'Salem's Lot would have performed in a crowded Halloween season theatrical release schedule? Still, both summer movie nights and October fright fests have a new visitor, a horror movie hungry to get to you, dear readers. And as always, 'Salem's Lot is thirsty for your blood.

7 of 10

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

Sunday, October 5, 2024

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Wednesday, October 2, 2024

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

NIGHT CLUB II #2 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Juanan Ramirez

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

Rating: 18+

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

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

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

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

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Night Club II #2.

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

Artist Juanan Ramírez has built this narrative on capturing the reckless nature of young people with too much power, regardless of whether this power is natural or supernatural and criminal or evil. Colorist Fabiana Mascolo brings the funk to Ramirez widescreen antics in a way that makes this story pop on the page. Clem Robins' lettering, as always, is a perfect accompaniment.

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

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

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

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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

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

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Saturday, August 24, 2024

Comics Review: "NIGHT CLUB II #1" - Young Vampires Beefin'

NIGHT CLUB II #1 (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: Jae Lee with June Chung

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

Rated M / Mature

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Night Club introduces 17-year-old Danny Garcia, who had ambitions to gain fame and fortune as a YouTube star. 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 #1 opens with Danny and Amy, now a couple, still playing superheroes and filming it for their lucrative YouTube page. They are actively attacking the drug empire of Rufus Tee, much to the chagrin of the police. Meanwhile, former “band mate,” Sam is using his vampire powers to ball hard, and now, he's gotten an attractive offer from a man who should be his enemy.

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 #1.

Reading this first issue of Night Club II, I suddenly remembered how much I really liked the first series and how much I really missed it. I'd love for Night Club to be an ongoing series, but I know that Millarworld doesn't really work that way. Night Club will have a beginning, middle, and end, but I feel like, as far as a vampire-superhero hybrid goes, it could be like DC Comics' Teen Titans.

Instead of offering big surprises in this return, writer Mark Millar and artist Juanan Ramírez build on the narrative that began in Night Club #1 and came to a head in Night Club #6. Millar provides the character drama, and Ramirez spreads it out in big panels and in widescreen storytelling. I think this means that there will be a lot of force applied by various interested parties to other interested parties in this second installment, and I think we'll like it, dear readers.

If you have ever seen the 1987 vampire film, The Lost Boys, you might have wondered what it would be like if the vampire boys got to play to their own interests. Maybe, Night Club II is that story.

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

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

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

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

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

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Saturday, June 1, 2024

Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #34" - Return of the King, Again

KILLADELPHIA #34

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

ART: Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe with Robert Melendrez

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITORS: Greg Tumbarello; Chris Robinson

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander with Lee Loughridge

VARIANT COVER: Jeremy Sorrell

36pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (March 2024)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Death Be Not Proud” Part IV: “Every Father's Sun”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia. The series is currently written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Germán Erramouspe. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

There is a war between the Light and the Dark in Philadelphia, also known as Killadelphia. The human, James “Jim” Sangster, Jr.; Anansi the Spider-God; Toussaint Louverture and his army of killers; and a menagerie of fighters and gods and monsters are on one side or the other or both in the vampire invasion of Philadelphia. Of note is a special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”), and his activities have summoned the most famous Hellspawn, a Savage Dragon, and now, a most infamous vampire king.

Killadelphia #34 (“Every Father's Sun”) opens at an abandoned convenience store and gas station. A Black family is about to experience black-on-black crime, when the criminals open the wrong box. Enter Blacula.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Dragon has a meeting of the minds with his father, the original: “The Dragon.” And pops has something to say about right and wrong.

Elsewhere, an embittered Lord Satan frets over how Spawn destroyed his legions. Seeing an opening, Dracula, recently condemned to the realm of Satan, convinces Satan that his problem is really... Blacula.

Finally, See Saw gets a chance to reconcile with Ray, a friend he feels he betrayed, ultimately causing Ray's death. Ray has the good news, however.

THE LOWDOWN: I have had access to PDF review copies of Image Comics titles for a long time now. Killadelphia #34 is one of them.

Writer Rodney Barnes continues to build the intensity of this – the seventh story arc of the series. I don't want to spoil too much, but the addition of the classic blaxploitation character, Blacula, who appeared in two film, Blacula (1972) and Scream Blacula Scream (1973), is especially sweet. Killadelphia co-creators Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander produced a Blacula original graphic novel (OGN), Blacula: Return of the King, that was published in early 2023.

So where is Killadelphia going? And where is Blacula going with it. Dear readers, let's stay on this dark side.

[Killadelphia #34 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.]

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

[This issue includes an 11-page installment of “Johnny Gatlin” by Rodney Barnes, Syzmon Kudranski, and Marshall Dillon.]

A+

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes

https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex

https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

http://rodneybarnes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259

https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ

https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/

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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #33" - Enter the Savage Dragon

KILLADELPHIA #33

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

ART: Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe with Robert Melendrez

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITORS: Greg Tumbarello; Chris Robinson

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander with Lee Loughridge

VARIANT COVER: Don Aguillo

44pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (January 2024)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Death Be Not Proud” Part III: “A Dragon Out of Chi-Town”

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr.; Anansi the Spider-God; Toussaint Louverture and his army of killers; and a menagerie of fighters and gods and monsters on one side or the other or both in the vampire invasion of Philadelphia. Of note is a special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”), and his activities have summoned the most infamous Hellspawn of all, as well as other original Image Comics characters.

Killadelphia #33 (“A Dragon Out of Chi-Town”) opens with Harold, the boy who gathers rats. He has a very special relationship with the undead, and here is how it goes...

Meanwhile, the shocking appearance of the HellSpawn was the prelude to another unexpected twist. Enter the Savage Dragon. See Saw might have stopped the Spawn from destroying what's left of our heroes, but this rag-tag team of vampires and werewolves will face their toughest challenge. Can See Saw become a dragonslayer? Does he need to be? And what's Purgatory got to do with it?

THE LOWDOWN: It's a new day for Killadelphia. The sixth story arc, “Death Be Not Proud,” has a starring role for the most famous creation from the comics universe of Todd McFarlane, Spawn. Now, Erik Larsen's most famous creation, the Savage Dragon, has arrived for the fun.

Writer Rodney Barnes has shocked and surprised readers of Killadelphia along the way. In “Death Be Not Proud,” Barnes uses the titillation of the comic book crossover to throw all new curve balls at his readers, and the result is a re-energized narrative for Killadelphia. If you needed to be reminded, dear readers, this emphasizes that this series is one of infinite possibilities. In addition, the subplot centering on the young orphan, Harold, also promises some beautiful storytelling.

Where is “Death Be Not Proud” going? Let's keep following, dear readers.

[Killadelphia #33 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.]

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

[This issue includes an 11-page installment of “Johnny Gatlin” by Rodney Barnes, Syzmon Kudranski, and Marshall Dillon.]

A+

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes

https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex

https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

http://rodneybarnes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259

https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ

https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/

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Saturday, March 9, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #126" is in the Books

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #126

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Scott Jeralds

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Scott Jeralds

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Silvana Brys

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Brittany Holzherr (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Valerio Chiola

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

Ages 8+

“Girls Night Ouch!”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 opens with “Girls Night Ouch!,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma making some plans. Not everyone has the same plans for this evening. Scooby and Shaggy have an all-you-can-eat buffet to attend, and Fred is going to investigate a haunted kitchen.

Meanwhile, Daphne and Velma are going to a local bookstore for a release party for the second book in the popular, teenage vampire romance book series, “Once Bitten.” The series' author, Steven Majors, is going to read from “Twice Bitten,” the new book, but his appearance is nothing compared to a surprise appearance. It seems that the book series' star, the vampire Danté, has arrived and is tearing the bookstore apart. Can Daphne and Velma solve this mystery alone?

As usual, the second story, “Ghost Writers,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Jeralds. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #76 (cover date: February 2017).] The story finds Mystery Inc. investigating a haunted library. Paige the librarian wants to know why the ghosts of Edgar Allen Poe and William Shakespeare are haunting her library. Now, Scooby and the gang have to discover what these literary ghosts want.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 has as its theme literary hauntings. The new story is set in a book event at a local book store, and of course, there is an obvious reference to author Stephenie Meyer's Twilight book series. Readers familiar with Twilight will enjoy the references to the book and to its fans and – dare I say it – its devoted, cult-like following.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 is not a particularly good issue compared to recent issues. Still, it's a fun read. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

C+

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Metropolis Grove” by Drew Brockington.]

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

https://www.dccomics.com/

https://twitter.com/DCComics

https://www.facebook.com/dccomics

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

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

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

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Sunday, January 28, 2024

Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #32" - Don't Trust a White Devil While Signing Your Record Deal in the Hood

KILLADELPHIA #32

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

ART: Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITORS: Greg Tumbarello; Chris Robinson

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander with Lee Loughridge

44pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (December 2023)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Death Be Not Proud” Part II: “Whatever Happened to Blake Edwards?”

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr.; Anansi the Spider-God; Toussaint Louverture and his army of killers; and a menagerie of fighters and gods and monsters on one side or the other or both in the vampire invasion of Philadelphia. Of note is a special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”), and his activities have summoned the most infamous Hellspawn of all.

Killadelphia #32 (“Whatever Happened to Blake Edwards?”) opens in West Philadelphia, where two National Guardsmen are about to make a big mistake with Blake Edwards. But isn't Blake supposed to be dead? Well, his desire for revenge against Ron Davies, one of the world's biggest music producers, is very much alive.

Meanwhile, in North Philadelphia, See Saw, Spawn, and a pack of werewolves continue to battle the horde of demons that keep emerging from a... hellhole, while Anansi provides sass and color commentary. With Corson and Lucifer behind this invasion, victory won't come easy.

Elsewhere, Toussaint Louverture is convinced to rejoin the fight, but this time, he has a new weapon. And it's a dragon.

THE LOWDOWN: It's a new day for Killadelphia. The sixth story arc, “Death Be Not Proud,” has a starring role for the most famous creation from the comics universe of Todd McFarlane, Spawn.

To say that writer Rodney Barnes has shocked and surprised me would be to repeat myself for the umpteenth time in several years. What can I say? Here, the definition of insanity would be to keep doing the same thing (reading) and expecting a different result (not be surprised and thrilled). I must say, however, the Blake Edward subplot and the surprise appearance on the final page are almost more than my imagination can take.

The art team of Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe continue to Ragnarok and roll under the fiery coloring of Lee Loughride. Their terrifying storytelling with its stream of terrible fates is truly its own hellish Avengers: Endgame.

Where is “Death Be Not Proud” going? Let's keep following, dear readers.

[Killadelphia #32 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.]

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

[This issue includes an 12-page installment of “Johnny Gatlin” by Rodney Barnes, Syzmon Kudranski, and Marshall Dillon.]

A+

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

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes

https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex

https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

http://rodneybarnes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259

https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ

https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/

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Thursday, January 18, 2024

Comics Review: "KONI WAVES" Crests on Cool Characters and Inventive Elements

KONI WAVES

HAUNTED PIZZA LLC/ARCANA STUDIOS

STORY: Mark Poulton

SCRIPT: Mandy Summers

ART: Renzo Rodriguez

COLORS: Dexter Weeks

LETTERS: Dexter Weeks

COVER: Renzo Rodriguez with Ink Spots

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Irene Strychalski; Chris Graves

ISBN: 979-8-987-45314-8; paperback (November 2023)

56pp, Color, $25.00 U.S.

Koni Waves created by Mark Poulton, Stephen Sistilli, and Dexter Weeks

Koni Waves is an independent supernatural horror comic book that was published as a series of miniseries and one-shots from 2006 to 2010 by Arcana Studio. Created by Mark Poulton, Stephen Sistilli, and Dexter Weeks, Koni Waves focused on Koni Kanawai, a female detective in Honolulu, Hawaii, who specialized in supernatural cases.

Koni Kanawai returns in a new original graphic novel, entitled Koni Waves, that was crowdfunded on Indiegogo last year and was published late last year (2023). The new graphic novel is written by Mark Poulton (story) and Mandy Summers (script); drawn by Renzo Rodriguez; and colored and lettered by Dexter Weeks. In this new story, Koni becomes involved in a complicated murder case that involves supernatural scheme and conspiracy.

Koni Waves opens with Koni Kanawai rescuing her pal, Pete, from the vampires(!) of Black Bear Cove, but that adventure is easy compared to what is coming. Koni's father, James Kanawai, a detective with the HPD, wants Koni to try to get back on the force. Koni, who was suspended apparently after running afoul of Internal Affairs, is willing to give that a try.

Later, at her favorite watering hole, Koni learns that District Attorney Choi believes that he has convicted the wrong man, Danny Snyder, of the murder of Felicity Andrews, an exotic dancer and former associate of Koni's. Taking on the case, Koni contacts Krystal, another dancer and former associate of Felicity's. After snooping around, Koni comes to believe that a local power broker, Prince Hopohopo, is connected to the Felicity Andrews case. However, Koni will discover that this case involves Hawaii's darkest secrets and its edgiest supernatural and spiritual past.

THE LOWDOWN: A few years ago, I came across the Twitter feed of a Mexican comic book artist named Renzo Rodriguez. From the first of examples of his art I saw, I thought he was very talented, but because I had never heard of him previously, I assumed Renzo was a new talent. I would later learn that Renzo was a veteran talent who had been drawing professionally for a long time, including for Zenescope Entertainment.

Last year, I learned that Renzo would be the artist for a crowdfunded project, entitled Koni Waves, so I quickly contributed. I did not know that Koni Waves was a comics property with a history, so I did not know what to expect. Now, having read and received this original graphic novel, I am glad that I contributed to the campaign.

Renzo is obviously influenced by legendary comic book artist Art Adams. Some artists who were influenced by Adams (such as J. Scott Campbell and Rob Liefeld) picked up on Adams' stylish flourishes. However, what Renzo seems to have taken from Adams is the ability to compose complex, multi-panel pages that allows a story to be told in detail without going into overdrive with decompression. Most of Renzo's pages have at least seven panels of varying size, and Renzo composes detailed backgrounds and environments in a way that compares to the work of set decorators for film and television. Renzo makes the world of Koni Waves feel lived-in, like a real place.

All those panels on each page allows scripter Mandy Summers to flesh out Mark Poulton's character-rich story in a way that conveys motivation and personality, plot and mythology, and action and drama. Summers makes Koni Waves read like an actual graphic novel in a way that so-called graphic novels (trade paperbacks) three times its size do not.

Dexter Weeks' precise, rich colors capture the curves, shapes, and contours of Renzo's figure drawing. Those colors make every character seem alive and, in the case of some, seem quite sexy, and they also make the art pop on the page. In addition, Weeks' lettering finds plenty of space for Summers' dialogue, so that nothing is crowded out.

I like Koni Waves, and I'd like to see more of Koni and her closest allies and most dangerous adversaries. This comic book scratches the surface of Koni Waves' supernatural skin, but the freaks want to come out. So I say let them out with more Koni Waves.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of supernatural and occult detective comics will want Koni Waves.

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

https://www.hauntedpizzallc.com/

https://twitter.com/hauntedpizzallc

https://twitter.com/KoniWaves

https://twitter.com/renzo_rocomic

https://twitter.com/WartTheWizard

https://www.instagram.com/hauntedpizzallc/

https://www.youtube.com/c/PrimetimePoulton

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Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #31" is All About FAFO

KILLADELPHIA #31

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

ART: Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITORS: Greg Tumbarello; Chris Robinson

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander with Lee Loughridge

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Francesco Mattina; Jae Lee with June Chung

32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (November 2023)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Death Be Not Proud” Part I: “From Hell the Dead Thing Spawned”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia. The series is currently written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Germán Erramouspe. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr.; Anansi the Spider-God; Toussaint Louverture and his army of killers; and a menagerie of fighters and gods and monsters on one side or the other or both in the vampire invasion of Philadelphia. Of note is a special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”), and his activities have summoned the most infamous Hellspawn of all.

Killadelphia #31 (“From Hell the Dead Thing Spawned”) opens in the wake of the events depicted in Killadelphia #30. See Saw stopped time and now, the rulers of realms light and dark have taken notice. They all want See Saw destroyed, but Anansi is determined to protect him – even if it leads to a battle that brings Armageddon closer. Meanwhile, a Demon King has chosen American comic book's most infamous anti-hero as the champion who will bring him See Saw's head.

THE LOWDOWN: It's a new day for Killadelphia. The sixth story arc, “Death Be Not Proud,” begins with a starring role for the most famous creation from the comics universe of Todd McFarlane, Spawn.

Writer Rodney Barnes offers this series first crossover battle, and having Spawn kicking ass is a genius move considering who the guest-star for this arc is. That bodes well for future guest possibilities (Blacula? Blade? Lando Calrissian?), and this new arc retains Barnes' sharp social satirical touches.

The art team of Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe present a hellscape of Ragnarok and roll. This is their “crisis of infinite demonic Earths,” and they don't hold back. The action is heightened by Lee Loughridge storm front of infernal colors and hues for a battle royale.

Where is “Death Be Not Proud” going? Judging by everything that Killadelphia has presented to date, all Hell is breaking and bustin' loose.

Killadelphia #31 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

[This issue includes an 11-page installment of “Johnny Gatlin” by Rodney Barnes, Syzmon Kudranski, and Marshall Dillon.]

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

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