Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Comics Review: "JAMES BOND: Himeros #4" Will Put the Viper on Your Ass

JAMES BOND: HIMEROS #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Giorgio Pontrelli
COLORS: Adriano Augusto
LETTERS: Social Myth Studios
EDITOR: Joe Rybandt
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jackson “Butch” Guice; Francesco Francavilla
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated T+

Based on the characters and stories created by Ian Fleming

“James Bond” is a fictional British Secret Service agent created by Ian Fleming, a British writer and novelist.  Fleming introduced James Bond in the 1953 novel, Casino Royale, and featured the character in 12 novels and two short-story collections.  Of course, most people know Bond because of Eon Productions' long-running James Bond-007 film series, which began with the 1962 film, Dr. No.

Over the past 50+ years, Bond has made sporadic appearances in comic books, but Dynamite Entertainment has been steadily publishing James Bond comic books since early 2016.  Their latest James Bond comic book is James Bond: Himeros.  It is written by Rodney Barnes; drawn alternately by Antonio Ruso, Pierluigi Minotti, and Giorgio Pontrelli; colored by Adriano Augusto; and lettered by Social Myth Studios.  In Himeros, 007 finds himself caught in a web of powerful people who will kill to keep their connections to billionaire financier and notorious sex trafficker, the late Richard Wilhelm, from coming to light.

James Bond: Himeros #4 opens in West Brompton, LondonAnton Bates, an arms dealer who enjoyed Wilhelm's services, is meeting with Defense Minister Abara of Nigeria.  Bates wants to sell the minister a new weapon, called “the Viper,” but who is the viper in this deal?

Meanwhile, after having survived a series of deadly assaults by the Bates' assassin, Kino, Bond and Sarah Richmond, Wilhelm's right hand man, fly to Wilhelm's island.  There, Sarah will retrieve Wilhelm's books that, along with what she knows, have made her a target.  Can the two escape the death that seems to await them at every turn?

THE LOWDOWN:  In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is James Bond: Himeros #4, which is one of several Dynamite James Bond comic books I've read.

Writer Rodney Barnes has been slowly building this series to its concluding fifth issue.  Like the second issue, this penultimate fourth issue simmers with drama and trauma.  Like the third issue, Barnes also throws gasoline on the fire for some hot action scenes.

This fourth issue also introduces the series' third artist.  Like the previous illustrators, Giorgio Pontrelli strikes the right tone for the secret agent style of this story and also captures its tropical and sunny settings.  Adriano Augusto's colors always strike the right look regardless of which artist is drawing an issue.  “Himeros” is the Greek god of sexual desire, and after reading James Bond: Himeros #4,  dear readers, I desire the final issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of James Bond comic books will want to try James Bond: Himeros.

A

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


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Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Comics Review: "KISS: Phantom Obsession #5" Gets it In the End

KISS: PHANTOM OBSESSION #5
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Ian Edginton
ART: Celor
COLORS: Valentina Pinto
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt
COVER: Jae Lee with June Chung
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Stuart Sayger; Tim Seeley; Celor
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated Teen+

Kiss is an American, four-man, rock band.  It was formed in New York City in January 1973 by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss, the original line-up that is also considered classic Kiss.  Kiss is best known for its members' face paint and stage outfits, and the group rose to prominence and gained a notorious reputation in the mid to late 1970s with its shocking live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood-spitting, and pyrotechnics.

Dynamite Entertainment obtained the license to produce comic books featuring Kiss' brand and began releasing Kiss comic books in 2016.  The latest comic book is Kiss: Phantom Obsession.  It is written by Ian Edginton; drawn by Celor; colored by Valentina Pinto; and lettered by Troy Peteri.  Phantom Obsession pits the band against Darius Cho, a powerful, super-wealthy, obsessed Kiss fan who wants more than some autographs.

As Kiss: Phantom Obsession #5 opens, Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter learn the secrets of Darius Cho.  That means that they must also confront the secrets of Lyra Tzen, one of Cho's employees.  Since being kidnapped by Cho and presumed dead, KISS has faced it all:  megalomaniacs, giant monsters and robots, and now, a killer android.  Can the greatest Rock N' Roll band in the world survive its final showdown with the true mastermind behind it all?

THE LOWDOWN:  In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Kiss: Phantom Obsession #5, which is only the fifth Kiss comic book that I have ever read.

In the first four issues of Phantom Obsession, writer Ian Edginton offers a breezy adventure that is part Kiss comic book and part superhero comic book.  I thought that Phantom Obsession #4 was the best issue of the series, but issue #5 surpasses it.  The sad back story and the awful costs of a tech billionaire's arrogance and lack of self-awareness come full circle.

As this is the final issue of the miniseries, I think Phantom Obsession will read really nicely as a trade paperback.  For one thing, readers can see the evolution of the art team of illustrator Celor and colorist Valentina Pinto.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Kiss comic books will want to read Kiss: Phantom Obsession.

B

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


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Comics Review: "PURGATORI Volume 2 #4"

PURGATORI VOLUME 2 #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Ray Fawkes
ART: Álvaro Sarraseca
COLORS: Salvatore Aiala and Mohan
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Antonio Fuso
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Russell Fox; Daniel Maine; Szymon Kudranski; Ken Haeser; Alvaro Sarraseca; Nerdy Nereid (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated Teen+

Purgatori created by Brian Pulido and Steven Hughes

“Witches Get Stitches” Part 4


Purgatori is a horror comics character created by writer Brian Pulido and artist Steven Hughes and originally published by Chaos! Comics.  A crimson-skinned, winged vampire goddess, she first appeared in the comic book, Evil Ernie: Revenge #1 (cover dated: October 1994).  Chaos! Comics eventually went out of business, and in 2010, Purgatori became the intellectual property (IP) of Dynamite Entertainment.

Dynamite's first solo Purgatori comic book series is Purgatori Volume 2.  It is written by Ray Fawkes; drawn by Álvaro Sarraseca; colored by Salvatore Aiala and Mohan; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.  Purgatori follows the title character as she deals with a plot against her, formulated by a coven of witches who want her immortality and power.

Purgatori Volume 2 #4 opens in the Nile Basin, Kenya.  Purgatori is about to snack on her “partner,” Asim Darwish, the last of the warriors of St. Luke, the monster-hunting society.  Luckily, he is prepared for just such a dining experience.

Purgatori has the memories of thousand of people in her head – because she ate their souls.  Now, her mind returns to Alexandria, Egypt, 1370 B.C. and the first time she ate someone.  Sometimes, the people she ate affected her.  So why are these witches trying to be a meal?  Why do they want to get into Purgatori's mind?

THE LOWDOWN:  In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Purgatori Volume 2 #4, which is the fourth Purgatori comic book of any kind that I've read.

I can say the same thing I said about the fourth issue of Purgatori that I said about the third issue.  Thus far, writer Ray Fawkes has made every issue of Purgatori an intriguing treat.  Even when he reveals something new about the conspiracy against Purgatori, he also manages to throw in a new twist.  

Together with artist Álvaro Sarraseca, who offers beautifully drawn art, Fawkes presents a stirring dark fantasy series that continues to be an exciting read.  I didn't expect much of Purgatori; after all, I have always ignored the character.  But after four issues, I see the fun that creators can have with the character … and readers, too.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Chaos Comics Purgatori will want to visit Purgatori Volume 2.

B+

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


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Comics Review: RED SONJA Black White Red #6

RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #6
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone; Shannon Watters; Bob Q
ART: Jonathan Lau; Ro Stein; Bob Q
COLORS: Kike J. Diaz; Ted Brandt; Bob Q
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry; Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Jae Lee
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Lesley Leirix Li; Jonathan Lau; Jae Lee; Saphire Nova (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated Teen+

Based on the characters and stories created by Roy Thomas, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Robert E. Howard


Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated: February 1973) saw the debut of a high fantasy, sword and sorcery heroine, Red Sonja.  Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith, Red Sonja was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Robert E. Howard (1906-1936), the creator of the character, Conan the Cimmerian.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring differing versions of the character.  One of those is Red Sonja Black White and Red, an anthology comic book featuring stories from well known comic book writers and artists, with the art presented in black, white, and red.

Red Sonja Black White and Red #6 is comprised of three stories.  The first is “The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples),” which is written by David Avallone; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Kike J. Diaz; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.  The second is “Morgona the Crimson,” which is written by Shannon Watters; drawn by Ro Stein; colored by Ted Brandt; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.  The third is “The Giant,” which is written, drawn, and colored by Bob Q and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.

THE LOWDOWN:   In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Red Sonja Black White and Red #6, which is the fifth issue of the title that I have read.

“The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples)” by David Avallone, Jonathan Lau, Kike J. Diaz, and Jeff Eckleberry:
Envoys from the Kingdom of Levkoy have approached Red Sonja.  They offer gold if she can rescue their beloved Prince Maximilian from six brigands.  But things are not as they seem, and Red Sonja wonders if she should make a different, if not better deal.

Writer David Avallone offers a nice twist on the sword and sorcery mercenary tale with “The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples).”  The treat here, however, is Jonathan Lau's gorgeous art.  Not only does it recall classic Barry Windsor-Smith era and John Buscema era Conan the Barbarian, but Lau also offers inventive and eye-catching page design.

“Morgona the Crimson” by Shannon Watters, Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, and Jeff Eckleberry:
Red Sonja has recently discovered that when she rescues someone they thank her as … Morgona the Crimson!  And the people she helps are so grateful that they gift her food and livestock.  Who the hell is Morgona the Crimson?

Once upon a time, I would have ignored “Morgona the Crimson.”  Over the last three decades, however, I have heard so many horrible tales of identity theft (and also “unauthorized use of an access card) that this story resonates with me.  Shannon Watters' tale is timely and visceral, and Ro Stein's art captures both a sense of dark comedy and Sonja's frustration.  Plus, this tale has a gag cartoon quality that is hard to resist.

“The Giant” by Bob Q and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou:
A fortune teller warns Red Sonja of her demise if she takes on “the Guardian,” a giant that guards a crossing.  After her initial confrontation with the Guardian, Sonja wonders.

“The Giant” has nice art and a clever resolution.  I would like this story to be longer because I want to know what happens afterwards...

It is hard for me to pick a favorite story from the offerings in Red Sonja Black White and Red #6.  I'll call it a tie between “The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples)” and “Morgona the Crimson.”

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Red Sonja will want to try Red Sonja Black White and Red.

A

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


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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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


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Monday, January 17, 2022

BOOM! Studios Shipping from Diamond Distributors for January 19, 2022

BOOM! STUDIOS

NOV210687 ANGEL #1 (OF 8) CVR A MALAVIA $4.99
NOV210688 ANGEL #1 (OF 8) CVR B BLANK SKETCH VAR $4.99
NOV210689 ANGEL #1 (OF 8) CVR C BLOODY BLANK SKETCH VAR $4.99
NOV210683 CURSED PIRATE GIRL DEVILS CAVE #1 CVR A BASTIAN $9.99
SEP210764 FIREFLY RETURN TO EARTH THAT WAS HC VOL 02 $19.99
NOV210751 MAW #5 (OF 5) CVR A KRISTANTINA (MR) $3.99
NOV210752 MAW #5 (OF 5) CVR B DEL DUCA (MR) $3.99
NOV210735 POWER RANGERS #15 CVR A PAREL $3.99
NOV210736 POWER RANGERS #15 CVR B LEGACY VAR DI NICUOLO $3.99
NOV210740 POWER RANGERS #15 CVR F FOC REVEAL VAR LANDRO $3.99
NOV210758 REGARDING MATTER OF OSWALDS BODY #3 (OF 5) CVR A LUCA $3.99
NOV210767 SEVEN SECRETS #13 CVR A DI NICUOLO $3.99
NOV210768 SEVEN SECRETS #13 CVR B LASHLEY $3.99
OCT210749 WE ONLY FIND THEM WHEN THEYRE DEAD #10 CVR A DI MEO $3.99
OCT210750 WE ONLY FIND THEM WHEN THEYRE DEAD #10 CVR B INFANTE $3.99

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Dark Horse Comics Shipping from Diamond Distributors for January 19, 2022

DARK HORSE COMICS

NOV210310 CLOAKED #2 (OF 4) CVR A ARMENGOL $3.99
NOV210311 CLOAKED #2 (OF 4) CVR B ARMENGOL $3.99
JUL219189 LAST OF US PART 2 ELLIE WITH BOW DLX FIGURE $59.99
JUN210365 MINECRAFT TP VOL 03 $10.99

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Dynamite Entertainment Shipping from Diamond Distributors for January 19, 2022

DYNAMITE

NOV210485 HELL SONJA #1 CVR N PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN $50.00
NOV210486 HELL SONJA #1 CVR O LEE LTD VIRGIN $50.00
NOV210593 JAMES BOND HIMEROS #4 CVR A FRANCAVILLA $3.99
NOV210594 JAMES BOND HIMEROS #4 CVR B GUICE $3.99
NOV210598 KISS PHANTOM OBSESSION #5 CVR A LEE $3.99
NOV210599 KISS PHANTOM OBSESSION #5 CVR B SAYGER $3.99
NOV210600 KISS PHANTOM OBSESSION #5 CVR C SEELEY $3.99
NOV210601 KISS PHANTOM OBSESSION #5 CVR D CELOR $3.99
NOV210602 KISS PHANTOM OBSESSION #5 CVR E PHOTO $3.99
NOV218068 KISS PHANTOM OBSESSION #5 CVR L FOC PHOTO VIRGIN $3.99
NOV210628 NYX #3 CVR I BESCH LTD VIRGIN $50.00
NOV210650 PURGATORI #4 CVR A FUSO $3.99
NOV210651 PURGATORI #4 CVR B KUDRANSKI $3.99
NOV210652 PURGATORI #4 CVR C FOX $3.99
NOV210653 PURGATORI #4 CVR D COSPLAY $3.99
NOV218071 PURGATORI #4 CVR J FOC TMNT HOMAGE HAESER ORIGINAL $3.99
NOV218072 PURGATORI #4 CVR K FOC MAINE $3.99
NOV218073 PURGATORI #4 CVR L FOC SARRASECA $3.99
NOV210640 RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #6 CVR A LEE $4.99
NOV210641 RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #6 CVR B LI $4.99
NOV210642 RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #6 CVR C LAU $4.99
NOV210643 RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #6 CVR D COSPLAY $4.99
NOV218078 RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #6 CVR K FOC COSPLAY B&W VIRGIN $4.99
OCT210511 VAMPIRELLA #1 GOLIGHTLY CROWDFUNDER EXC CVR $100.00
NOV210681 VAMPIVERSE #5 CVR J MUSABEKOV VIRGIN LTD $50.00
NOV210682 VAMPIVERSE #5 CVR K HETRICK LTD VIRGIN $50.00

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