TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Comics Review: "THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES #5" Offers the Legacy of Batwoman and Bat-Girl

THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES (2022) #5

DC COMICS

STORY: Sholly Fisch

ART: Dario Brizuela

COLORS: Franco Riesco

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITOR: Kristy Quinn

COVER: Scott Jeralds with Carrie Strachan

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2023)

Ages 8+

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

“Rat's All Folks!”

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries was a 12-issue comic book limited series that DC Comics published in 2021 and 2022. The series brought the characters from both the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and Batman comic book series together. Over the past five decades, Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma, have joined Batman and (often) Robin to solve mysteries in various animated television series and comic books.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries sold well enough that DC Comics began a second series in October 2022. The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #5 (“Rat's All Folks!”) is written by Sholly Fisch; drawn by Dario Brizuela; colored by Franco Riesco; and lettered by Saida Temofonte.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #5 (“Rat's All Folks!”) opens at the palatial estate of Bette Kane, professional tennis player. It seems that she is having some troubles, and because he is away on Justice League business, Batman has called on his Mystery Inc. friends to help Ms. Kane. First problem: members of a motorcycle gang, “The Ratpack,” are gradually stealing her Aunt Kathy Kane's priceless vintage motorcycle collection. Second problem: Aunt Kathy is missing!

Much to Scooby-Doo and company's surprise, the Ratpack is actually a gang of giant, humanoid rats. And they are apparently really rat creatures because Fred discovers that they aren't wearing masks. Luckily, for our heroes, Batwoman (Kate Kane) was conveniently in the area. Now, Mystery Inc. must join Batwoman to discover who is behind the mystery of the Ratpack. This story also guest-stars the original Batwoman and Bat-Girl.

THE LOWDOWN: As a child, the most important characters in my life were Batman and Robin and Scooby-Doo and company. I am still excited about the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo coming together. Obviously, The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries is one of those comic book series that is perfectly made for me.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #5 is written by longtime Scooby-Doo comics writer, Sholly Fisch. It is not one of his best stories, but it's a fun read. I can also state that Fisch seems to be having a grand time playing around with the history of Bat-female characters. I could do with another Scooby-Doo adventure featuring two versions of Batwoman and two version of Batgirl, for that measure.

The art is produced by one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Dario Brizuela, and he does solid work here depicting the guest-stars. He also makes the action really move, and it all looks great under Franco Reisco's bright colors.

I'll highly recommend this series if you aren't already reading it, dear readers. So, until next Bat-time, have a Scooby-Dooby-Doo day, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the union of the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo will want The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries.

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Diana and Nubia: Princesses of the Amazons” by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale and Victoria Ying.]

A-

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

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Saturday, April 22, 2023

Comics Review: "THE MAGIC ORDER 4 #4" - I Am the Boss of You

THE MAGIC ORDER 4 #4 (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 ARTISTS: Jodie Muir; Dike Ruan

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

Rated M / Mature

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

The Magic Order 4 is a six-issue miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Dike Ruan. The is the fourth installment of The Magic Order series, which began with the 2018-19 miniseries written by Millar and drawn by Olivier Coipel. The Magic Order is a band of sorcerers, magicians, and wizards – with a focus on the Moonstone family – that live ordinary lives by day, but protect humanity from darkness and monsters of impossible sizes by night. Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series creative team.

The Magic Order 4 focuses on a coup within the order, one that has left the Moonstones defeated … seemingly … by the dark one who always wanted to rule the order – the supposedly defeated Madame Albany. Now, to save everything, Cordelia Moonstone, the now deposed leader, will have to go way down in the dirty dirty to restore order.

The Magic Order 4 #4 opens with Cordelia and Francis King still captives in the world/dimension known as “Kolthur.” Fellow prisoner, Ubris Obrughast, has informed the duo that the state of affairs within The Magic Order on Earth is well known in Kolthur. This is the realm of the Wizard King, and currently that king is Perditus. Who is Perditus?

Girl, he is the Moonstones' eldest son, the one who was given to the Hordes of Kolthur when he was but a child. Now, Perditus just wants to kill his li'l sis. And who might that be? If you guessed Cordelia Moonstone, I won't disabuse you of that notion.

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.

Several years ago, a big name writer and big name artist launched a new Doctor Strange comic book series for Marvel Comics. And they started off with a bang, presenting some kind of other-dimensional being that was determined to wipe out all magic. The creature seemed like something rare – a true and genuine threat to Doctor Strange and everything for which he stood. After a few issues, I began to think of this awesome new villain as less a great adversary and more a mere obstacle.

If Doctor Strange is the “Sorcerer Supreme” of Earth, as such, he is as much a danger as he is a paladin, both because of his power and his position. The Magic Order is what a Doctor Strange comic book could never be, and that is be honest in its depiction of people wielding what is practically unlimited magical power. People with that much power are a danger to themselves, to others, and to existence. It is not so much about how power corrupts, but that they believe they are right. Thus, they will frequently make decisions that ruin or destroy the lives of others.

In The Magic Order 4, more so than in the other series, writer Mark Millar and artist Dike Ruan just throw it in our faces. These people with great powers of both creation and destruction seemingly live to create destruction. Even the so-called heroic elements of The Magic Order are not really good for each other, including family members. Just what will the hero have to do in order to fix things?

In The Magic Order 4, Millar and Ruan have created riveting, thrilling serial fiction. They have corrupted me also; I am simultaneously fearful and hungry for the destruction that will come next. I can't wait for the shit to really hit the fan! No one is safe, and imagination and invention are the sires of the most horrible means of death and destruction. I promise that Perditus and The Magic Order 4 #4 will make you come back for the fifth issue.

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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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 16th to 22nd, 2023 - Update #14

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

SCANDAL - From Deadline: Less than two weeks before a mini-trial is scheduled to begin in New Mexico over the October 2021 killing of "Rust" cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, all charges are going to be dropped against Alec Baldwin... for now.

From Deadline: Despite the criminal charges against Alec Baldwin being dropped, the family of Halyna Hutchins will press ahead with their civil suit against him. Baldwin was holding the prop gun that fired the bullet that killed Hutchins on the set of the Western film, "Rust," in October 2021.

From Deadline: Special prosecutors say that despite dropping charges against Alec Baldwin, he is not absolved his role in the shooting death of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer on the Western film, "Rust." Charges could be refiled after "further investigation."

TELEVISION - From Deadline: Three-time Emmy nominee Gail O’Grady is set for a key recurring role in J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan’s Max period drama, "Duster," which will star Josh Holloway and Rachel Hilson.

MOVIES - From Variety: Louis Leterrier, who is the director of the upcoming "Fast X," will direct the "Fast & Furious" film that follows.

TELEVISION - From Deadline: Lionsgate Television is in early development of a TV series based on the Stephanie Meyer's best-selling "Twilight" book series. The final entry in the film adaptation of the series, "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 2," arrived in 2012. There is currently no writer attached to the project, nor is there a buyer.

DISNEY - From Deadline: Emmy and Tony Award-winner Courtney B. Vance has joined Disney's live-action version of its 2002 animated hit, "Lilo & Stitch." He play the character, "Cobra Bubbles," a role originally voiced by Ving Rhames.

MOVIES - From Deadline: Warner Bros has won the rights to the hot package, "Maude v Maude," starring Oscar-winners Halle Berry and Angelina Jolie. Both will also produce, with Halle producing under her HalleHolly banner she formed with her partner, Holly Jeter.

MOVIES - From Deadline: Martin Scorsese has set the runtime of his next film, "Killers of the Flower Moon," at 3 hours and 26 minutes. The film is due October from Paramount Pictures and later on Apple TV+. The film stars Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio.

DISNEY - From THR: King of Disney Bob Iger talks about firing Ike Perlmutter's ass and dealing with big baby, Ron DeSantis.

From THR: A week and a half ago, after Disney fired him, former Marvel Entertainment boss, Ike Perlmutter, releases a statement. Perlmutter is still Disney's largest shareholder.

NETFLIX - From Variety: Netflix has won the global rights to the French fantasy-drama, "Vortex." It will make the series available in 190 countries beginning June 2nd.

GUILDS - From Deadline: WGA (Writers Guild of America) members have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. The vote, which was approved by nearly 98% of the eligible voting members, authorizes the WGA West Board and the WGA East Council to call a strike if a fair deal for a new film and TV contract isn’t reached by May 1, when the current pact expires.

AMAZON - From Deadline: Sylvester Stallone will star in and produce Amazon Studios' action-comedy, "Never Too Old to Die."

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro: The winner of the 4/14 to 4/16/2023 weekend box office is Universal/Illumination Entertainment's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" with an estimated take of 87 million dollars.

SCANDAL - From Deadline: When she was 13 year old, Samantha Geimer, was raped by Oscar-winning French-Polish director, Roman Polanski. In a new interview conducted by Polanski's wife, Emmanuelle Seigner, Geimer denies that she is a victim and that what happened with Polanski has "never been a problem for her."

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Comics Review: "BLACK TAPE #3" - They're Coming to Get You, Cindy

BLACK TAPE #3 (OF 4)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Dan Panosian

ART: Dalibor Talajić

COLORS: Ive Svorcina

LETTERS: Steve Wands

COVER: Dan Panosian

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dave Johnson; Chris Ferguson; Dan Panosian (B&W)

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

Rated: “Teen+”

Black Tape is a four-issue comic book miniseries from writer Dan Panosian and artist Dalibor Talajić. Published by AWA Studios, the miniseries follows the widow of a rock'n'roll god who is dealing with her grief, even as dark forces conspire to obtain her late husband's last album, which supposedly has special powers. Colorist Ive Svorcina and letterer Steve Wands complete the series creative team.

In Black Tape, Jack King, one of the most influential rock 'n roll musicians of all time, suddenly dies on stage. Jack's mysterious death causes his widow, Cindy, both to grapple with grief and to ask some very important questions. For instance, was his death an accident or was it something far more sinister? And now, malevolent people are seeking the master tapes for the album Jack produced shortly before his death. Entitled “Black Tape,” it just might open a doorway to hell.

As Black Tape #3 opens, Cindy is searching the home she shared with Jack. With her friend, Deveney, by her side, she hopes to find answers. Instead, what she finds should not only worry her, but also should make her run away. But Cindy won't leave, and the party is about to begin.

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios' marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. The third PDF received is Black Tape #3.

I have not read the first two issues of Black Tape, but AWA Studios' marketing department has written up some perfectly detailed and aptly intriguing summaries for them. The publisher certainly knows how to sell Black Tape, and after having just finished my first and only issue, Black Tape #3, I find myself really into the narrative.

Writer Dan Panosian, who is also a hugely talented illustrator and comic book artist, has cast a devilish spell with Black Tape. In turn, Dalibor Talajić has transformed Panosian's story into powerful comic book and graphical storytelling. Black Tape looks and feels hoary and diabolical, and Ive Svorcina's colors creates a sense of shifting realities and nightmares. The cherry on top is Steve Wands' patient and matter-of-fact lettering, which carries this penultimate chapter to its shocking end.

I look forward to the fourth and final issue of this series. Although I have only read one issue, I think Black Tape will make a … helluva read in trade paperback form.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of fiction about people who sell their souls to the Devil and the subsequent consequences will want some Black Tape.

A-

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

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Comics Review: "Unbreakable RED SONJA #4" Takes on a Goddess

UNBREAKABLE RED SONJA VOL. 1 #4

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Jim Zub

ART: Adrian M. Garcia

COLORS: Francesco Segala with Agnese Pozza

LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual

EDITOR: Matt Idelson

COVER: Lucio Parrillo

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

Rated Teen+

Red Sonja created by Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith and Robert E. Howard

Red Sonja is female high fantasy and sword and sorcery hero. She first appeared in Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated February 1973) and was 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 Conan the Cimmerian's creator, Robert E. Howard.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring differing versions of the character. The latest is Unbreakable Red Sonja Volume 1. It is written by Jim Zub; drawn by Giovanni Valletta; colored by Francesco Segala; and lettered by Carlos M. Mangual. This series finds the She-Devil with a Sword teamed up with what is apparently a younger version of herself.

Unbreakable Red Sonja Volume 1 #4 opens with the history of Tendra the Forbidden, the all-knowing goddess of creation … or so the legend says. Now, Red Sonja and her younger self take on Father Markon, the religious leader of Tendra's cult and her “living sacrament” a.k.a. the only person who has been in Tendra's physical presence.

Plus, the Sonjas learn that the creatures that have been tracking them are Tendra's “Guardians.” So when the goddess herself arrives, what will happen?

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 Unbreakable Red Sonja #4, which is one of many, many Dynamite Red Sonja comic books that I have read.

The combination of writer Jim Zub and artist Giovanni Valletta and Adrian M. Garcia recalls the Conan the Barbarian comic book series of the Marvel Comics of yesteryear. This series has a sense of mystery, and there are a lot of questions, not the least of which is the origin of young Red Sonja. So, of course, Zub uses this issue to throw in some new ones, a sure way to get us to come back for more.

Francesco Segala's atmospheric colors still perfectly convey the change of pace in the action and drama. Letterer Carlos M. Mangual, who has done some Marvel work, continues to convey the sense of a vintage Marvel Red Sonja vibe.

I have been intrigued by The Unbreakable Red Sonja from the beginning. And I still believe that I cannot afford to miss what comes next.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Red Sonja comic books will want to try Unbreakable Red Sonja.

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

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Monday, April 17, 2023

BOOM! Studios Shipping from Diamond Distributors for April 19, 2023

BOOM! STUDIOS

FEB230275 EXPANSE THE DRAGON TOOTH #1 (OF 12) CVR A WARD $4.99

FEB230276 EXPANSE THE DRAGON TOOTH #1 (OF 12) CVR B GIST VAR $4.99

FEB230291 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #14 CVR A MANHANINI $3.99

FEB230292 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #14 CVR B DELL EDERA $3.99

FEB230293 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #14 CVR C CONNECTING CARDSTOCK VAR $4.99

FEB230332 MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #107 CVR A CLARKE $3.99

FEB230333 MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #107 CVR B CORONA $3.99

FEB230348 VAMPIRE SLAYER (BUFFY) #13 CVR A PATRIDGE $4.99

FEB230349 VAMPIRE SLAYER (BUFFY) #13 CVR B YOSHITANI $4.99

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Dark Horse Comics Shipping from Diamond Distributors for April 19, 2023

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB230360 ALL EIGHT EYES #1 (OF 4) CVR A KOWALSKI $3.99

FEB230361 ALL EIGHT EYES #1 (OF 4) CVR B STOKOE $3.99

JUL220485 ART OF TINY TINAS WONDERLANDS HC $49.99

NOV220441 ASK FOR MERCY TP VOL 01 $29.99

DEC220441 BPRD OMNIBUS TP VOL 05 $29.99

NOV220470 CRITICAL ROLE VOX MACHINA COLORING BOOK TP $19.99

NOV220477 LIGHT CARRIES ON HC $19.99

FEB230384 ORDER AND OUTRAGE #2 (OF 4) CVR A MORALES $4.99

FEB230385 ORDER AND OUTRAGE #2 (OF 4) CVR B BROWN $4.99

DEC220439 STAR WARS THE NAMELESS TERROR #2 (OF 4) $4.99

NOV220479 UNDER KINGDOM TP $14.99

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