Review: "JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK: Apokolips War" - As Endings Go, This One is Good

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 8 of 2022 (No. 1820) by Leroy Douresseaux

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War – video (2020)
Running time:  90 minutes (1 hour, 30 minutes)
MPAA – R for bloody violence, language, and some sexual references
DIRECTORS:  Matt Peters and Christina Sotter
WRITERS:  Ernie Altbacker and Mairghread Scott; from a story by Mairghread Scott (based on characters appearing in DC Comics)
PRODUCER:  Amy McKenna
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Sam Register and James Tucker
EDITOR:  Christopher D. Lozinski
COMPOSER:  Frederik Wiedmann
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Tiger Animation

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/FANTASY

Starring:  (voices) Matt Ryan, Camilla Luddington, Taissa Farmiga, Jerry O'Connell, Rebecca Romijn, Rosario Dawson, Jason O'Mara, Stuart Allen, Hynden Walch, Rainn Wilson, Liam McIntyre, Ray Chase, John DiMaggio, Roger Cross, Shemar Moore, Christopher Gorham, and Tony Todd

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is a 2020 straight-to-video animated superhero film from Warner Bros. Animation.  It is the thirty-eighth film in Warner Home Video's line of “DC Universe Animated Original Movies.”  This film features the marquee DC Comics superhero teams:  Justice League, Teen Titans, and Suicide Squad.  The title of the movie references the supernatural-leaning version of the Justice League, the “Justice League Dark.”  In Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, the Earth's remaining superheroes engage in an epic battle to save what is left of Earth from Darkseid.

As Justice League Dark: Apokolips War opens, Superman (Jerry O'Connell) has devised a plan in which the Justice League will lead a first-strike attack on the all-powerful New God, Darkseid (Tony Todd), who has made two failed attempts at conquering Earth.  The plan is also for the Teen Titans to stay behind and protect the planet.  Unfortunately for the heroes of Earth, Darkseid has learned of their plans and overwhelms them with his “Paradooms,” a genetic hybrid creature made from combination of Darkseid's Parademons and Doomsday, the alien creature that once “killed” Superman.

Two years later, Earth is in ruins, and Darkseid has placed three devices, known as “Reapers,” on Earth to mine the planet's core of its magma.  Some superheroes, such as Cyborg (Shemar Moore), Wonder Woman (Rosario Dawson), and Batman (Jason O'Mara), are now Darkseid's slaves.  Many of the surviving heroes blame Clark Kent/Superman for leading them into failure, and worse, Superman has been forcibly de-powered after Darkseid tattooed his chest with liquid kryptonite.  Still, the Man of Steel has not given up on saving Earth.

Supeman and Lois Lane (Rebecca Romijn) have hatched a new plan to stop Darkseid.  Clark recruits the remaining Teen Titans, Damian Wayne/Robin (Stuart Allen) and Raven (Taissa Farmiga), who is struggling to maintain her father, Trigon's (John DiMaggio) imprisonment.  But everything may hinge on the troublesome con man and sorcerer, John Constantine (Matt Ryan).

Within the “DC Universe Animated Original Movies,” there is the “DC Animated Movie Universe.”  The line began in 2013 with the straight-to-video release of Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and is comprised of 15 feature length films.  The point of the “DC Animated Movie Universe” was to make animated films that were loosely based on “The New 52.”  Started in 2011, “The New 52” was the publishing initiative in which DC Comics relaunched its entire line of superhero comic books.

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is the last film in the “DC Animated Movie Universe.”  That factoid is second in importance to the fact that Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is a really good DC Comics animated film.  The film probably uses the “Justice League Dark” title rather than simply “Justice League” because of the tone of the story and because, in many ways, John Constantine, the star of 2017's Justice League Dark animated film, is the lynch pin of Apokolips War.

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War takes the viewers in some inventive and intriguing directions in regards to characters, relationships, and mythologies.  The film offers a surprising amount of emotionally fulfilling character drama and arcs, including the usual Lois Lane and Clark Kent relationship.  However, John Constantine and Zatanna (Camilla Luddington) offer a poignant pairing, but the most surprising is the romance between Damian Wayne and Raven.  They're good enough to be the stars of their own animated film.

The surprising turns and compelling directions in which this film travels are matched by some high quality animation, a strong script, and some surprisingly lean and mean directing.  Such a large cast and so many subplots could have dragged on Apokolips War.  Instead, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is an exciting and riveting film, and it is a great way to end one universe in the DC Comics multiverse.

8 of 10
A

Wednesday, August 18, 2021


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Comics Review: "BLUBBER #6" - WAP: Wet Ass Pupusi

BLUBBER #6
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

CARTOONIST: Gilbert Hernandez
EDITOR: Eric Reynolds
COVER/BACK COVER: Gilbert Hernandez with Paul Baresh
24pp, B&W, $4.99 U.S. (August 2021)

Blubber is an intermittently published, black and white, alternative comic book series written and drawn by Gilbert Hernandez, cartoonist, comic book creator, and graphic novelist.  He is best known for being one-half of the duo referred to as “Los Bros.”  Gilbert and his brother, Jaime Hernandez, are Eisner Award (Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards) winners, and they have produced the seminal, alternative comic book series, Love and Rockets (Fantagraphics Books), for the last four-plus decades.

Blubber offers short stories and vignettes featuring a cast of misfits, monsters, and anthropomorphic types.  Beto also presents his usual mix of bizarre characters, strange stories, and outlandish sex and sexual acts, all hallmarks of his comic book output going back to the beginning of his early career.

Blubber #6 is comprised of multiple one-pagers and a few short stories.  It also opens with a one-page comic inside the front cover (frontispiece) and ends with another story inside the back cover.  I'll discuss each story individually, to one extent or another.

THE LOWDOWN:  The inside front cover story is entitled “Giving It a Go.”  It's about giving a device called the “Fuck-U-Later” a go.  Mila gives it a go.

That I don't find this disgusting says a lot about me.  That I kinda wish there was such a device...

“Ulu Extreme Productions Present 'Young, Fast and Scientific'”:
Pupusi's ability to take the voluminous ejaculations of Maximiliano a.k.a. “Max” during the filming of the movie, “Young, Fast and Scientific,” impresses people on the set.  So Kolchak, Wilfer, Zoe, Ulu, and John Dick (he of the three-foot+ erection) join in on the fuck-tastic fun.

As usual, Beto shows the facility of his pen in drawing exaggerated genitalia.  However, he does “stick the landing” by drawing natural looking genitalia on Page 3.

“But is it Pretty?”:
Corazon has breasts that aren't real, but feel real.  She does however have a well-endowed member that is real.  Well, Mila wants to put that member to use.

All I can say, Beto, is “Wow!”

“The Nahanny”:
Peaky, the athletic trainer who appeared in “Ulu Extreme Productions Present 'Young, Fast and Scientific',” is back in this half-page, five-panel story.”  A non-human character wants to suck on her biceps.

I like Beto's design work on the non-human character, whose name may be Kemp or “The Nahanny.”  Beto's character designing talent is probably not appreciated enough.  I can see the influence of “Silver Age” comic books on this genius in “slick” drawings.

“Kemp”:
Kemp sucks on Zoe's balloon-like breasts, with disastrous results.

This story shares the page with “The Nahanny.”  The panels are almost too small to read, but I didn't let that stop me.  And I like the characters.

“The Damn Loo!”:
“Tin Man,” the robot character featured on the cover, (sexually) assaults one of Beto's signature cryptids, the “Loo.”

Once again, I am digging the design of the Loo.

“Cisnero's Secret”:
Pipusi spurns the advances of Cristobol and Efren, but she takes it up the bum from Cisnero.  Apparently, this action takes place with The Beatles 1967 pop tune, “Strawberry Fields Forever,” playing in the background.

I like that this one-pager deals with something that vex's almost all men.

“Gay Wheeler”:
Gay Wheeler is not gay … but he is willing to perform oral on Max, who says he isn't gay either.

This a cute story, but it gets better when Beto offers us Corazon' ability to bang her own boobs.

“Don't Fuck with the Loo”:
This time the Loo gets the best of Tin Man.

Untitled:
John Dick's penis is so long (and thick) that he has a … hard time finding someone to adequately pleasure him and it.  Luckily, Cisnero comes along and tries to offer John a “soothing blowjob.”

It's funny that John says he is not gay, so what Cisnero is doing to him must be a dream.  But it is a dream he hopes to have over and over again.  Soothing blowjob … I hear ya talkin,' girl.

“The Thighs Have It!”:
Efren takes advantage of Kolchak's thighs, among other sexual delights.  Cisnero and “Strawberry Fields Forever” guest star.

All I can say about this one-page is that the thighs do indeed have it.  This story also shows off Beto's talent at cartooning the human figure.

“The Fruit of His Loins”:
The story focuses on a young man who is referred to as “Our Man,” but his name may be “Norte.”

This story, about narcissism and sexual hang-ups, showcases Beto's skill at cartooning exaggerated body parts...

“Plunk”:
More porno adventures at “Ulu Extreme Productions,” this time without the cameras.

“Clipper”:
Still more porno adventures at Ulu.

“Plunk” and “Clipper” are indeed true pornographic comics.  That's a good thing, and they're kinda nice.

“Dr. Sanz Was What?”:
Dr. Sanz wants to create a stimulant for penis augmentation.  After inventing a formula, he tries it on himself.  A dream shows him the possibilities of having an augmented member … the bad … and the good.

Beto's drawings of Dr. Sanz's face recalls the similarity of his graphical style to the late writer-artist Darwyn Cooke's.  The two collaborated on the odd miniseries, "The Twilight Children" (DC/Vertigo, 2016), and “Dr. Sanz Was What?” makes me think that they did share some aesthetics.

“Wilfer's Way”:
Wilfred likes to bang breasts and finds all other sexual acts to be nonsense.  But what if Pupusi could come up with something that was like fun-bag-fun, but not exactly it?

This one pager may be the best story this issue.

“Tamba”:
Peaky is enjoying sex with men, but is she ready for sex with cryptids?

What would Blubber be without multiple sex-with-cryptids stories?

“Fuck the Loo”:
Tin Man and Snowman the cryptid wreck the Loo.

 A funny story, especially because we learn that the Loo is a Republican.

“Zoe Loves Her Work!”:
Zoe loves her work – having sex.  Cisnero, Mila, and Efren do, too!

What can I say about this story.  I love reviewing comic books when it lets me read stories like this.

“Submitted for Your Disapproval”:
Baby meets Corazon … in a way.

I can love this story because Baby is in it.

The inside the back cover story is “Secret Sex.”  This story takes place partially in Efren's past and is about a woman he banged 35 years ago.  This is a lovingly drawn 20-panel one-page story.  I'd like to have the original art for it.

After reading any issue of Blubber, I think that Gilbert Hernandez is the only modern cartoonist doing true modern underground comics.  Blubber recalls the classic erotic/porn comics of R. Crumb, but Hernandez's work is more purely surreal.  I treasure Blubber #6, as I do every issue, because I see it as a gift from the rebellious spirit of a master of alternative comics.  Plus, my mind played “Strawberry Fields Forever” throughout the entire issue.

Blubber is the product of a master who just draws whatever the heck he wants to draw.  He submits it for your disapproval, and probably wants you to disapprove, dear readers.  But I won't, King Gilbert.  I'll always approve.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Gilbert Hernandez must have Blubber.

A+

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


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Comics Review: "RED ROOM: The Antisocial Network #4" - Red Rooms Are Forever

RED ROOM: THE ANTISOCIAL NETWORK #4
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

CARTOONIST: Ed Piskor
EDITOR: Eric Reynolds
COVER: Ed Piskor
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kayfabe; Jim Rugg; John Gallagher; Geof Darrow
MISC. ART: Preston Asevedo; Small Man Big Mouth; Andrew Gutierrez; Mike Manzi; David Lawless; Adam Lemnah; Anthony Negron; Charlie Franz; Ralph Bednarski; Vinny Olmstead; Tony Fero; Jay Daken; @Gigacrab; Jeff Brown; Slowhed; Dr. Ben Anthony; Yaakov Agrat; George Vega; Steve Meesey; Michael Murphy
32pp, B&W with some color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2021)

Red Room: The Antisocial Network is a four-issue comic book miniseries from cartoonist Ed Piskor.  It is part of an overall series, entitled Red Room, that will be published by Fantagraphics Books as three miniseries for a total of twelve issues.  Piskor is best known for Hip Hop Family Tree, a comic book that chronicles the early history of Hip-Hop culture.  It has been published in webcomic, graphic novel, and serial comic book form.

Red Room focuses on a murderous, dark web subculture in which a secretive audience pays with cryptocurrency so that it can view “murder for entertainment” in real time via webcam.  A “Red Room” is a place on the Internet with an encrypted I.P. address.  Each Red Room is a webcam stream where viewers can watch a “torture star” murder another human being in the most brutal, savage, vile, and stomach-turning ways.

Red Room: The Antisocial Network #4 opens with the notorious host of this comic book, “the Crypto-Currency Keeper.”  He informs his viewers that Red Rooms existed before the World Wide Web did and takes them back to the days of VHS and Betamax with a story entitled “Cyclical Terror!”

This is the story of Raina Dukes.  Her father, Edward, was the victim of Red Room star, Donna Butcher.  The torture and murder of Edward was titled “Donna Butcher Gets Her Man!,” and was one of the most notorious snuff videos of the 1980s.  However, the tape was digitized for the Internet, gaining it an ever growing audience.  The death of her husband dragged on Raina's mother until the day she died.  Raina has been plotting her revenge for decades...

“Pure Evil!” is the story of Evie.  Once she was Donna Butcher, and her Red Room exploits made her famous.  However, hubris and tax evasion led her to federal prison.  “Snuff Said!” is the story of the eventual meeting of a torture celebrity (Donna Butcher) and revenge seeking victim (Raina), so how will it all work out in the end, for both Evie/Donna and Raina?

THE LOWDOWN:  In “Morgue Files,” Ed Piskor's afterword for each issue of Red Room, he discusses how the spirit of EC Comics' publications shaped Red Room #4.  EC Comics was probably the first great comic book publisher that actually produced excellent comic books crafted by the best writers, artists, and editors.

Science fiction, fantasy, horror, war stories, crime stories, and tales of comeuppance:  EC Comics did it all with style and superb craftsmanship – and a little fine art.  EC's horror comic books also had a horror host/mascot.  The most famous may be “the Crypt-Keeper” from the classic EC title, Tales from the Crypt, which was the inspiration and source material for the HBO television series that ran from 1989 to 1996 and for two spin-off films.

EC Comics which had its heyday from 1949- to 1954 could not have published something like Red Room, as notorious as it comic books were.  However, Piskor's art and story are true to the spirit of EC, especially Red Room #4.  Piskor's compositions and page design are … I'm not sure if I have the words.  If he uses an assistant to help draw Red Room's pages, I would still call him incredible.  If he draws all this by himself, I'll call him “Muad'Dib.”  The craziness, the violence, the anger, the suffering, etc.:  it all comes through the powerful graphical storytelling of Red Room: The Antisocial Network #4.

This fourth issues proves that Red Room: The Antisocial Network is both one of the best debuts of 2021 and one of the best comic books of 2021.  Through the allegories, metaphors, and symbolism, this series has the gift of having a ring of truth and of being prophetic.  If the antics in Red Room seem silly and exaggerated to you, dear readers, your favorite news source can introduce you to the Ukraine.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Ed Piskor's work and of alternative comics as science fiction will want to read Red Room: The Antisocial Network.

A+

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


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Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #19" - Return of the King

KILLADELPHIA #19
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander with Germán Erramouspe
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Nick Runge
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia and Elysium Gardens created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“The End of All” Part I: “Hope Springs Eternal”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander and is published by Image Comics.  At the center of this series is a police officer caught in a lurid conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia, “the City of Brotherly Love.”  Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., thought to be dead.  He is actually a vampire.  Now father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner, a dead president, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly from an ambitious and murderous former First Lady, Abigail Adams.

As Killadelphia #19 (“Hope Springs Eternal”) opens, Jim Sr. and his allies make their final stand against Abigail Adams.  She is already in the process of dispatching her husband, John Adams, the second President of the United States and a vampire.

Sangster needs allies.  Enter the werewolves of Elysium Gardens.  Abigail also has new allies, including the necromancer Thomas Jefferson!  Will the demons unearthed from America's past threaten the existence of Philadelphia and of the world as we know it?

THE LOWDOWN:  Killadelphia's fourth story arc, “The End of All,” begins.  It is being described as a turning point in the series.

The truth is that most issues of Killadelphia are turning points in the narrative.  Writer Rodney Barnes continues to expand this series beyond – way beyond – its initial description as a vampire comic book.  The characters are rich and complex, and the fact that the characters are who they are … well, it is bold and visionary.  After all, the so-called “Founding Fathers” of the United States were always vampires, so Killadelphia is telling you the truth.  Seriously, just about every issue has something new, sometimes something unseen in mainstream comic books.  Thus, Killadelphia is about changing and turning, transforming the predictable into the unexpected.

Welcome back, Killadelphia.  And dear readers, you don't need to have read the previous issues to enjoy Killadelphia #19.

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

A+

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


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Comics Review: "VAMPIRELLA DRACULA UNHOLY #3" is the Best Issue Yet

VAMPIRELLA  DRACULA UNHOLY VOLUME 1 #3
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Christopher Priest
ART: Donny Hadiwidjaja
COLORS: Mohan
LETTERS: Willie Schubert
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Lucio Parrillo
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Shannon Maer; Rose Besch; Ken Haeser; Zoe Lacchei; Michael Sta. Maria; Jimmy Broxton; Peach Momoko; Lucio Parrillo; Nerdy Nereid (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rated Teen+

“Homeland”

Vampirella is a vampire and female superhero created by the late author and science fiction and horror expert, Forrest J Ackerman, and designed by comic book artist, Trina Robbins.  Vampirella first appeared in Vampirella #1 (Sept. 1969), the debut issue of a black and white horror comics magazine from Warren Publishing.  Writer-editor Archie Goodwin changed the character from a hostess of horror comics to a leading character in her own stories.

In 2010, Dynamite Entertainment obtained the character and has been publishing new Vampirella material since then.  Dynamite's latest Vampirella comic book series is a follow-up to the recently concluded Vampirella Volume 5 and is entitled Vampirella Dracula Unholy.  The new series is written by Christopher Priest; drawn by Donny Hadiwidjaja; colored by Mohan; and lettered by Willie Schubert.  The series follows Vampirella and her new husband, FBI Agent Mathias “Matt” Ecsed, who carries the “Dracula virus,” which might allow Dracula to return.

Vampirella Dracula Unholy Volume 1 #3 (“Homeland”) opens in the Bronx, New York home of Detective Joshua Wallace of the NYPD.  He has been investigating Matt for the death of Ray Ford, a corrections officer found dead … with puncture marks on his neck.  So Vampirella pays him a visit for some info.

Then, it's on to Corona, Queens, New York where Matt's mother lives.  It's time for Vampirella to meet her mother-in-law and also Eriq, the man Matt was supposed to marry!  Who's the home wrecker, now?  Meanwhile, the shadow of Dracula looms as the vampire lord asserts himself into assimilating his new human host.

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 Vampirella Dracula Unholy #3.  It is one of many Vampirella comic books that have engaged my imagination these last few months.

Writer Christopher Priest presents his readers with the best issue yet of Vampirella Dracula Unholy.  There is enough good stuff in this third issue to fill two issues.  In this issue's story, “Homeland,” Priest delivers some excellent character drama, especially in the form of confrontations.  There is a lot going on here, and Priest designs all of it to keep our attentions and to keep us coming back for more.

Artist Donny Hadiwidjaja's moody storytelling style and Mohan's shadowy colors make this issue feel like a real horror comic book.  They even make a vampire lord look … quite lordly.  So I am surprised by how good Vampirella Dracula Unholy Volume 1 #3 is and the series as a whole.  There is some good reading here, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Vampirella comics will want to read Vampirella Dracula Unholy Volume 1.

A

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


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Comics Review: "BARBARELLA Volume 2 #7" is Another Fine Issue

BARBARELLA VOLUME 2 #7
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Sarah Hoyt
ART: Madibek Musabekov
COLORS: Ivan Nunes
LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Carla Cohen
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Derrick Chew; Butch Guice, Carla Cohen; Celina Kirchner; Mike Krome; Ken Haeser; Madibek Musabekov; Jimmy Broxton; Lucio Parrillo; Rachel Hollon (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rated Teen+

Barbarella is based on the creator created by Jean-Claude Forest

“The Land Before Time's Running Out!”

Barbarella is a female, French, science fiction comic book hero.  Created by the late French comic book writer-artist, Jean-Claude Forest (1930-98), Barbarella first appeared in a comics serial for the French publication, V Magazine, in the spring of 1962.

In 2017, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing original English language Barbarella comic books.  The latest series is Barbarella Volume 2.  It is written by Sarah Hoyt; drawn by Madibek Musabekov and Tommaso Bianchi; colored by Ivan Nunes; and lettered by Carlos M. Mangual.  In this new series, Barbarella and her pals, Vix, and Taln (the blind “angel” and A.I. friend.), travel through space in service of the Brotherhood, combating tyranny.

As Barbarella Volume 2 #7 (“The Land Before Time's Running Out!”) opens, Barbarella has trashed another ship in her quest to find “The Lady of Qruyx” a.k.a. “The Lady.”  Barbarella awakens to find herself and Vix caged like animals on the planet, Blibaico.  Unfortunately, what lies outside her cage in the larger world is more dangerous.  Barbarella has a plan and luckily … George the Glofen.

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 Barbarella Volume 2 #7, which is the sixth issue of the title that I have read.

Series artist Madibek Musabekov returns to join writer Sarah Hoyt for a fun issue of dinosaurs and new friends and enemies.  Hoyt does an excellent job on guest character, Ced Tivings Loronto, an alien who studies alien history and archaeology.  As usual, I had fun reading Barbarella by this creative team.  It really is an inventive and imaginative space opera comic book.

The creative team makes every issue feel fresh and new.  I have to admit that I am surprised that it is so good.  So give it a try, dear readers.  This comic book should be a big hit

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Barbarella will want to try Barbarella Volume 2.

A

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


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Comics Review: "PURGATORI Volume 2 #5" Offers a Complicated Ending

PURGATORI VOLUME 2 #5
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

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

Rated Teen+

Purgatori created by Brian Pulido and Steven Hughes

“Witches Get Stitches” Part 5/Finale

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 #5 opens in London.  Inside the lair of the coven of young body-snatching witches who want her body, Purgatori struggles against their power inside a “banishing circle.”  The witches are set to take everything, and if they win, every soul Purgatori's got and all the power she's accumulated are theirs for the taking.  One side will win everything, and the other side will lose big!

Meanwhile, in the Nile Basin of Kenya. Asim Darwish, the last of the warriors of St. Luke, the monster-hunting society, is about to learn some things.  Here comes the “Holy Messenger” or “Messenger from God.”  But all is not how it seems.

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 #5, which is the fifth Purgatori comic book of any kind that I've read.

Well, apparently, the fifth issue of Purgatori Volume 2 is the end of the series, but this isn't the last we see of Purgatori and Asim Darwish.  That aside, writer Ray Fawkes offers a final issue that is good, but lacks the punch of the previous volumes.  This feels like what it is – a somewhat aborted ending of a story arc – because there is more to come.

Artist Álvaro Sarraseca delivers some deftly designed art.  There are two magical battles here, and Sarraseca makes them look wild and weird.  At least, I was convinced that Purgatori was in danger (although her troubles may only be just beginning).  So I recommend this series, and I have to state the obvious.  I will be waiting for whatever is next.

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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