TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Comics Review: "GREEN HORNET: One Night in Bangkok" Pulls No Punches

GREEN HORNET ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK, ONE SHOT

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Shannon Eric Denton

ART: Jethro Morales

COLORS: Jorge Sutil

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Dynamite Editorial

COVER: Dan Panosian

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Rated Teen+

The Green Hornet is a superhero character created in 1936 by radio and television producer, George W. Trendle, and radio and comic book writer, Fran Striker. The character debuted in “The Green Hornet,” a radio program that premiered on January 31, 1936, on Detroit station, WXYZ. The Green Hornet is the alter ego of Britt Reid, the wealthy young publisher of “The Daily Sentinel” newspaper. Clad in a long green overcoat, gloves, green fedora hat, and green mask, The Green Hornet is a crime-fighting vigilante, but the police and public believe that he is a wanted criminal and crime lord.

Over the years, the Green Hornet has appeared in various mediums, including comic books. Dynamite Entertainment has had the license to produce Green Hornet comic books since 2009. The latest is the one-shot comic book, Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok, One Shot. It is written by Shannon Eric Denton; drawn by Jethro Morales; colored by Jorge Sutil; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. The story finds Green Hornet facing a wily assassin seeking revenge against the Hornet.

Green Hornet: One Night in Bangkok opens in Bangkok where the world's foremost assassin who goes by the name, “Snake,” fights a tune-up match. When the Hornet ruled Chicago, he sent Snake's crime boss father to state prison, where he would later die. Two weeks later, Snake is in the Hornet's new stomping grounds, Century City, and he wants revenge.

Descending on Century City, Snake sets out on a bloody campaign to decimate the criminal population, all the while declaring to those he has let live that he is doing this for the Green Hornet. Now, the Hornet must leap into action in order to salvage his reputation and to confront Snake before more lives are lost. To do so, Britt Reid will have to lose his softness and regain the edge of the Green Hornet.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok, One Shot, the very first Green Hornet comic book that I have read.

Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok reminds me of the 1980s Daredevil comic books written by the late Dennis O'Neil for Marvel Comics. They were not quite up to the stuff of Frank Miller's run on Daredevil, but they were edgy, and O'Neil would always match Daredevil against formidable foes that could hurt him.

Writer Shannon Denton pits the Green Hornet against that Snake, a brutal sociopath who kills and maims as if it were nothing more than an ordinary chore for him. Snake is rather … charming, and I wouldn't mind seeing him in his own comic book. Because of him, I enjoyed read Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok, One Shot, and Denton certainly leaves me wanting more.

Here, Jethro Morales, a stylish artist with a straight-ahead storytelling method, recalls the spirit of artist Klaus Janson's Daredevil and The Punisher comic books for Marvel in the 1980s. The more Morales draws comic books the better he will get. In fact, Jorge Sutil's coloring for this issue is quite good, but Morales' storytelling would still be strong in black and white.

Letterer Taylor Esposito deftly handles what can be, at times, a dialogue heavy issue, and he is the final piece a really good creative team. I'd like to see them tackle more Green Hornet. In the meantime, dear readers, you can enjoy Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok, One Shot.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite's Green Hornet comic books will want to read Green Hornet One Night in Bangkok, One Shot.

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

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

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

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Friday, January 27, 2023

Comics Review: Disney's "GARGOYLES Volume 1 #2"

DISNEY'S GARGOYLES #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Greg Weisman

ARTIST: George Kambadais

COLORS: George Kambadais

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: David Nakayama

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Rated “Teen”

“Here in Manhattan” – Chapter Two: “Idyll or Nightmare”

“Gargoyles” was an animated television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation that ran for a total of 78 episodes over three seasons, from October 24, 1994, to February 15, 1997. The series focused on “gargoyles,” a species of nocturnal creatures that had spent a thousand years in an enchanted petrified state. Reawakened in modern New York City, they are stone by day, but when day falls, they are warriors, the city's night-time protectors.

“Gargoyles” has been adapted into comic books by both Marvel Comics (1995) and Slave Labor Graphics (2006-09). Dynamite Entertainment is the new license holder and begins its publication with Gargoyles Volume 1. The series is written by “Gargoyles” creator Greg Weisman; drawn and colored by George Kambadais; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry. The series will act as a “Season 4” of the original television series, following Weisman's preferred story line.

Gargoyles Volume 1 #2 (“Idyll or Nightmare”) opens at sunset in Manhattan. Night arrives, and the Gargoyles have awakened from their stone sleep! The child of Maggie Reed a.k.a. “Maggie the Cat” and her husband, Derek/Talon, is due. Will Goliath and the clan be in time to save Maggie and her unborn mutate child from Sevarius and David Xanatos?

Meanwhile, Dominic Dracon leaves Bellevue Hospital, pretending to suffer from dementia. However, a gang war is brewing, and he must find a way to deal with Dino Dracon and Tomas Brod, the gangster trying to cut in on Dracon turf.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Gargoyles #2, only the second Gargoyles comic book that I have read.

Although I was aware of the “Gargoyles” animated series, I never got around to watching it, but I do remember that it had a substantial fandom. So far, I find the series a little difficult to follow because I am still figuring out this universe, but I am intrigued by the story. I think longtime fans will enjoy the work of series writer Greg Weisman, as he is following up the story lines he developed for the animated series and is moving them forward as he wishes (I assume).

I also immensely enjoyed artist George Kambadais' art on Dynamite's recent John Carter of Mars miniseries. The dynamic illustrations and shimmering colors he brought to John Carter, Kambadais brings to Gargoyles. He deftly captures the intense emotions of Weisman's story and makes this story crackle and hop.

I think that this story arc, “Here in Manhanttan,” will read better as a trade paperback, but fans of the franchise will want to read it now.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the Gargoyles franchise will want to try Dynamite's new Gargoyles comic book series.

B+

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

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

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

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Thursday, January 26, 2023

Review: "THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN" is Entertaining and Artsy, Until It Becomes Tiresome

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 5 of 2023 (No. 1894) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Running time: 114 minutes (1 hour, 54 minutes)

MPA – R for language throughout, some violent content and brief graphic nudity

WRITER/DIRECTOR: Martin McDonagh

PRODUCERS: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, and Martin McDonagh

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Ben Davis (D.o.P.)

EDITORS: Mikkel E.G. Nielsen

COMPOSER: Carter Burwell

DRAMA/COMEDY

Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan, Gary Lydon, Pat Shortt, Sheila Flitton, Bríd Ní Neachtain, Aaron Monaghan, and David Pearce

The Banshees of Inisherin is a 2022 black comedy and drama from writer-director Martin McDonagh. The film focuses on two longtime friends who come to an impasse when one abruptly ends their friendship, with alarming consequences for both of them.

The Banshees of Inisherin opens in 1923 on the fictional Irish isle of “Inisherin,” near the end of the Irish Civil War (1922-23). Small dairy milk producer, Pádraic Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell), and folk musician, Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson), are friends … until just this moment. Colm abruptly begins ignoring his longtime friend and drinking buddy, Pádraic. “I just don't like you no more,” Colm tells him.

Colm eventually clarifies, saying that he finds Pádraic to be too “dull” and does not want to waste any more time on him. Colm says that he would instead like to spend the remainder of his life composing music. Pádraic is crushed by the loss of Colm's friendship, and even his sister, Siobhán Súilleabháin (Kerry Condon), can't life his spirits. When Pádraic continues to make attempts to speak to him, Colm gives him a shocking ultimatum – one that could lead to tragic consequences.

A friend of my sister's once said of films like The Banshees of Inisherin, “What's the point?” What kind of film is The Banshees of Inisherin? It is a prestige drama, the kind to which some people refer as “Oscar bait.” The Banshees of Inisherin did recently (as of this writing) receive nine nominations at the 2023 / 95th Academy Awards. It is well-written by writer-director Martin McDonagh, and there are several nice characters.

But what's the point? I had had enough of Padraic and Colm's “war” before the film was over. I would say that I was done with them with about 40 minutes left. At first, I was willing to go along, and I was intrigued by the mysteries and complexities of this friendship gone wrong. Then, I found them tiresome, in spite of the good performances by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, especially the former. Their feud is contrived, and I get that storytelling is basically a contrivance. It's just not supposed to come across as so obviously contrived as this film's friendship turned sour.

The film has two outstanding supporting performances: Kerry Condon as Padraic's sister, Siobhan, and Barry Keoghan as a sweet, but simple young man, Dominic. I wanted to see more of those two actors and get to know their characters better.

One critic unfavorably compared The Banshees of Inisherin to early films of brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen. That is correct, right down to the fact that Carter Burwell has composed film scores for both the Coens and for Martin McDonagh. However, The Banshees of Inisherin lacks the wit, style, and purpose of any of the Coens' films. The Banshees of Inisherin is a very well made film about sadness and despair, seemingly for art's sake. I would never call it a bad film because it is a prestige drama that has indeed become prestigious. I like the prestige of The Banshees of Inisherin, but I'm just not willing to call it one of 2022's best films.

7 of 10

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

Thursday, January 26, 2023

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Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Comics Review: "THE MAGIC ORDER 4 #1" - No Time to Catch a Breath

THE MAGIC ORDER 4 #1 (OF 6)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Dike Ruan

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Dike Ruan with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Rafael Albuquerque

36pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Rated M / Mature

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

The Magic Order was a six-issue comic book miniseries written by Mark Millar and drawn by Olivier Coipel. Published in 2018-19, the series focuses on The Magic Order, a band of sorcerers, magicians, and wizards – with a focus on the Moonstone family. They live ordinary lives by day, but protect humanity from darkness and monsters of impossible sizes by night. Two more six-issue miniseries, The Magic Order 2 (2021-22) and The Magic Order 3 (2022), were recently published.

The Magic Order 4 finds the Order in turmoil. A six-issue miniseries, this fourth installment is written by Millar; drawn by Dike Ruan; colored by Giovanna Niro; and lettered by Clem Robins.

The Magic Order 4 #1 opens immediately following the revelations of The Magic Order 3's finale. The Magic Order is in turmoil because Cordelia Moonstone was forced to expel her brother, Regan, and strip him of his powers because of his crimes. Now, whispers of discontent persist among the other wizards, and a coup is brewing

Some are tired of the rules under which they have all been living. They want to enjoy having magical powers – really enjoy those powers. An old enemy has returned in a shocking new guise, and she may be able to help the discontented become contented.

THE LOWDOWN: My favorite Mark Millar Netflix creation is The Magic Order. It always surprises me, and before I read each issue I wonder not if, but how I will be surprised. Every time I think I might creep away and choose a new Millarworld favorite to love, The Magic Order drags me back.

Dike Ruan, the artist for The Magic Order, has a drawing style that is similar to The Magic Order's earlier artists, Olivier Coipel and Stuart Immonen. This fourth series is dark and filled with explicit violence and brutal murders, as was the first two series, so it is appropriate that Ruan is the artist here. The Magic Order 4 is different in tone from The Magic Order 3, which hopped around dimensions, realities, and time zones, which the third series' artist, Gigi Cavenago, captured with an kinetic style that crackled around the shifts in space-time-magic.

I am determined to spoil as little as possible, but I can say that Millar goes for the readers' nuts and the jugulars in this first issue. As great as Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is, its sequels, which have their good points, lack the intensity of the original. The Magic Order sequels are different because Millar never lets up. He allows each installment to stand on its own as a shocking, but substantial narrative. Each sequel of The Magic Order is complete as a plot, even as it receives elements from previous installments and also sends out elements to what follows it.

So, here we are with the start of The Magic Order 4. It seems to say that power corrupts and the absolute power of reality-altering magic will absolutely corrupt everyone that it touches. Millar and Dike Ruan are a determined pair; they want us to feel the pain this time.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of The Magic Order will want to read The Magic Order 4.

A+

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

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Comics Review: "DARKWING DUCK Volume 1 #1" is a Strong Debut

DARKWING DUCK VOLUME 1 #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Amanda Deibert

ART: Carlo Lauro

COLORS: Carlo Lauro

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: David Nakayama

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Rated “All Ages”

“Darkwing Duck in… The Dark Flight Returns”

“Darkwing Duck” was an animated superhero comedy television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. It originally aired for three seasons (for a total of 91 episodes) from 1991 to 1992, both as part of the syndicated programming block, “The Disney Afternoon,” and as part of ABC's Saturday morning lineup. “Darkwing Duck” focused on a suburban duck, Drake Mallard, and his superhero alter-ego, “Darkwing Duck.” The character was a parody of the pulp fiction vigilante character, The Shadow, and his alter-ego, Kent Allard.

Over a 15-year period, beginning with Disney Comics in 1991, “Darkwing Duck” was adapted into comic books. Disney Adventures Magazine published Darkwing Duck comics stories. Marvel Comics, BOOM! Studios, Joe Books, and IDW Publishing also published Darkwing Duck comic books. The current license holder is Dynamite Entertainment, and they are debuting Darkwing Duck Volume 1. The series is written by Amanda Deibert; drawn and colored by Carlo Lauro; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

Darkwing Duck Volume 1 #1 (“The Dark Flight Returns”) opens in St. Canard, the city hyper-vigilantly defended by the terror that flaps in the night, the ferocious fowl who plucks the evil eye from the face of foul play... Darkwing Duck! Today, the city is unveiling a statue of their hero to honor him for all he has done to protect the city from evildoers.

However, one of those evildoers, the electrified villain, Megavolt, puts the shock on everyone, turning Darkwing Duck's adoring followers into followers that want to “get him!” Can Darkwing Duck save the day? With the help of his trusty sidekick, Launchpad McQuack, and his adorable adopted daughter, Gosalyn, Darkwing Duck just might be able to deliver a shock of his own.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Darkwing Duck Volume 1 #1, the first Darkwing Duck comic book that I have read.

I have never watched an episode of the “Darkwing Duck” animated series, although I have always wanted to do so, nor have I previously read a Darkwing Duck comic book … although I have wanted to do so. So it is with great pleasure that I tell you that I found pleasure in reading Darkwing Duck Volume 1 #1, my first Darkwing Duck comic book.

The work of artist-colorist Carlo Lauro here is quite good. It reminds me of the kind of comic book art that readers would have found in Gladstone and Disney Comics back in the 1980s and 1990s. Also, writer Amanda Deibert's story provides a nice, concise overview of the action, characters, and settings.

I hope that Dynamite can find success with this title and its other recent Disney release, Gargoyles. There is an audience for these titles … if it can find them.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Darkwing Duck will want to try Dynamite's new Darkwing Duck comic book series.

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

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

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

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Comics Review: "AMERICAN JESUS: Revelation #3" Makes the "Left Behind" Series Irrelevant

AMERICAN JESUS: REVELATION #3 (OF 3)

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Peter Gross with Tomm Coker

COLORS: Jeanne McGee with Daniel Freedman

LETTERS: Cory Petit

COVER: Jodie Muir

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Rated M / Mature

American Jesus created by Mark Millar and Peter Gross

American Jesus is a comic book series created by writer Mark Millar and Peter Gross that is being published as three comic book miniseries. American Jesus began life as Chosen, a three-issue miniseries that was published by Dark Horse Comics in 2004, and continued in American Jesus: The New Messiah, a three-issue series published by Image Comics in 2019-20.

The series concludes in American Jesus: Revelation, a three-issue series written by Millar; drawn by Gross with Tomm Coker; colored by Jeanne McGee and Daniel Freedman; and lettered by Corey Petit. The series offers the epic conclusion to the greatest story ever told.

American Jesus: Revelation #3 opens in 1969 at the birth of Jodie Christianson, the Anti-Christ. Now, he is the President of the United States and is slated to kick of the End of Days. However, moments after his birth, who really wants the little bastard?

Meanwhile, Catalina, who is the Savior and the Christ-reborn, is an an honest-to-god black woman. She awaits Jodie in the city of Megiddo. Will a 2000-year-old prophecy be finally fulfilled? … Will it be fulfilled the way it is supposed to be fulfilled?

THE LOWDOWN: Netflix/Millarworld sent me PDF review copies of American Jesus, Vols. 1 and 2. I had not read them until recently, and I needed to do so in preparation for American Jesus: Revelation. But nothing could prepare me … really … nothing.

Of course, American Jesus: Revelation #3 does not end the way anyone would think. This is a Mark Millar comic book, and he won't ever cheat his readers by giving them what they expect. Remember that incident with Giant-Man/Ant-Man, the Wasp, and a horde of ants in The Ultimates? [The Ultimates is the “inspiration,” both visually and thematically, for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is available from Marvel Comics for your reading pleasure in multiple print and digital formats.]

So, in American Jesus: Revelation #3, what has really creeped me out, scared my shitless, and disturbed me is the return of the dead. I won't give you the hows for fear of spoiling the entire … thing, but after reading those few pages, I felt like I needed a drink, a crack pipe, and a shower.

The lovely Peter Gross brings Millar's … lurid storytelling to life with the skill of a veteran comic book artist blessed with great comic book storytelling chops. Colorist Jeanne McGee obviously sported a wicked grin while coloring this. Artist Tomm Coker and colorist Daniel Freedman have contributed to this series and are also guilty in the eyes of God.

I am in awe of Millar's imagination, and I love that he finds the perfect artists to bring his visions to life, as Peter Gross is here. Seriously, American Jesus: Revelation is delightfully wicked and truly unique. Once again, Millarworld is like no other world, and we may have to accept it as our paradise. There is no way we are getting into Heaven after reading and enjoying American Jesus: Revelation #3.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books and of the American Jesus series must read American Jesus: Revelation.

A+

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

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

www.imagecomics.com

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Monday, January 23, 2023

BOOM! Studios Shipping from Diamond Distributors for January 25, 2023

BOOM! STUDIOS

NOV220336 BEHOLD BEHEMOTH #3 (OF 5) CVR A ROBLES $3.99

NOV220337 BEHOLD BEHEMOTH #3 (OF 5) CVR B DELL EDERA $3.99

NOV220350 DAMN THEM ALL #4 (OF 6) CVR A ADLARD (MR) $3.99

NOV220351 DAMN THEM ALL #4 (OF 6) CVR B MORA (MR) $3.99

NOV220354 DAMN THEM ALL #4 (OF 6) CVR E FOC REVEAL VAR (MR) $3.99

SEP220385 GRIM TP VOL 01 $14.99

OCT228462 MMPR TMNT II #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG GRASSETTI $4.99

OCT220279 MMPR TMNT II #1 (OF 5) CVR K DLX ED VAR WILLIAMS II $6.99

NOV220373 MMPR TMNT II #2 (OF 5) CVR A MORA $4.99

NOV220374 MMPR TMNT II #2 (OF 5) CVR B EASTMAN & WILLIAMS II $4.99

NOV220375 MMPR TMNT II #2 (OF 5) CVR C MMPR VAR LATTIE $4.99

NOV220376 MMPR TMNT II #2 (OF 5) CVR D TMNT VAR BERNARDO $4.99

NOV220377 MMPR TMNT II #2 (OF 5) CVR E CARDSTOCK VAR CLARKE $5.99

NOV220384 MMPR TMNT II #2 (OF 5) CVR L FOC REVEAL VAR $4.99

OCT228463 ONCE UPON A TIME AT END OF WORLD #2 2ND PTG LEE $4.99

NOV220340 ONCE UPON A TIME AT END OF WORLD #3 CVR A DEL MUNDO (MR) $4.99

NOV220341 ONCE UPON A TIME AT END OF WORLD #3 CVR B FRANY (MR) $4.99

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