Review: Trees #2

Trees #2 is lacking. It lacks action, it lacks compelling characters, even the plotline lacked in progression.

The story begins where it left off in Trees #1 at the research facility in the northern tundra. The main focus and driving point of the entire book are the strange black flowers that were growing on and around the research vehicle, Napoleon. Our researchers (who knows what they are actually researching) seem to be lacking information as well as having no clue about the local vegetation let alone whether they even checked their equipment before using it. What makes this even more infuriating is Mr. Marsh admits to having been at the facility for over two years!

One of the more forgiving and intriguing scenes is where we meet the gal who has just arrived at the station. Jason Howard does a good job of portraying the intense hangover she is suffering and the effect it is taking on her body and mind. What makes the scene so intriguing is why she is feeling this way. The reason: she drank something called akvavit in a type of initiation ceremony. (Too bad we don’t actually see the initiation.)

Warren Ellis finally takes the reader away from the station only to take them to another dialogue between a young rebel and his girlfriend in Cefalu. Their conversation is definitely more interesting than our researchers giving a little backstory and a bit of a lover’s quarrel. However the scene takes a turn for the strange, in the only action sequence when out of the blue our female attacks a lone stranger. The scene just makes one scratch their head and ask “What?”

Leaving Cefalu, Ellis introduces the reader to two new characters in Mogadishu, Somalia. Definitely the most interesting part of the book, where the title characters actually are discussed! Some much needed information on the Trees is revealed as to how they drastically affected the geographical landscape even giving certain governments more advantageous access to natural resources. This revelation by President Caleb Rahim opens up possible political intrigue. (But have to wait to see if it will unfold.)

Unfortunately, Ellis takes us back to the northern tundra, but this time Howard’s art is on display with some spectacular drawings showing off how dominant the Trees have become, making the mountains look like dwarfs in comparison. Our researchers are having a seemingly pointless conversation, until Mr. Marsh reappears and confirms exactly what the reader has already figured out and what was pretty obvious from the last issue. Ellis ends with “It Doesn’t Care” and honestly neither should anyone thinking about picking up this issue.

4.8	Ellis attempts to create some mystery, but one just ends up scratching their head, saying “Huh?” The book doesn’t progress, there is no action, and the new characters aren’t interesting.

Review: C.O.W.L. #2

The Chicago Organized Workers League are back on the case, the case just happens to be dropping off Patrol Division Grant Marlow’s son, little Jack, off at school. It’s not as dry as it seems. Little Jack, the devil that he is, seems to relish creating drama for his Dad. It is a great sequence connecting to the reader’s own experiences as either a child or a parent and really sets the tone for the book.

Following the opening sequence, creators Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel include a map of the city of Chicago with all of the different zones of operation for C.O.W.L. This is a nice touch that allows the reader to get a grasp of the geographical layout of the city and the distances the Worker’s League has to cover.

Rod Reis' artwork takes over the book from here. He is able to absolutely nail the timeframes from soldier’s uniforms to mobster’s suits everything immerses you into this 1960s universe. His use of colors emphasizes a gritty, hard world full of danger.

Complementing this fantastic artwork, is a great story that bounds in with a TV commercial propagandizing the beginnings of C.O.W.L. where they fought in what appears to be World War II. The way Siegel and Higgins write it has Reis’ artwork jumping off the pages and moving onto the TV screen. The TV ad, not only gives the reader some history, but also lets us peer deeper into the political mire of the actual C.O.W.L organization and introduces us to a new character Randall and his interactions with the Grey Raven.

The story shifts to the most intriguing character (at least in this reviewer’s mind) John Pierce, and the moral dilemma he faces as he combs through the discoveries he made in C.O.W.L #1.

John Pierce isn’t the only one with internal struggles, back with the Patrol Division, Grant Marlow, is being eaten up from the inside and doubting himself. This leads to a heart-wrenching action sequence. Reis’ art and Higgins and Siegel’s writing really tug at your emotional drawstrings as you are cheering and crying at the same time.

Just when you thought you were hit with the big cliffhanger, Higgins and Siegel aren’t done. Enter John Pierce. Pierce confronts Arclight and reveals to him the revelations he discovered in Skylancer’s apartment. The palace intrigue just got even more complex.

9.6	The palace intrigue continues to drive the story, but Grant Marlow and Rod Reis’ artwork steals the show tugging at our heart strings.

Review: Superman #32

Superman #32 written by Geoff Johns with penciling from John Romita Jr. and inking by Klaus Janson begins with a very familiar opening act. A class five hazardous leak at the Ulysses Research Center is occurring and a couple and their newborn son are attempting to flee the inevitable. Unfortunately for them, they are doomed to die, but their son is able to escape! He is even sent to a world where he will look like the native populace, but won’t be one of them. Sounds familiar right? Looks like Superman, sounds like Superman right? Wrong. The young newborn’s name: Neil.

Don’t worry our title character makes a smashing debut right into the face of a giant mechanical ape-creature named Titano. The artwork on Titano by Romita is detailed down to the last bits of wire flying from his bludgeoned head. The look of Titano definitely seems inspired by one Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator.

Johns transitions nicely from high-flying action to give a newsroom setting, where he gives a little life lesson. A young aspiring photographer, who happens to have inherited millions from his mysterious parents, is trying to pitch the sale of a very shoddy photograph of the Man of Steel. The life lesson comes despite our aspiring photographer having millions of dollars; he is pursuing his own dreams, though it may be met with failure. It will be interesting to see how Johns further develops this character.

The reader gets their first look at Clark Kent and he’s at the Daily Planet, where Johns and Romita’s art intertwine some history of the Superman comic world, to give new readers (like this reviewer) some footing to stand on. Point in hand, there is a poster declaring Lex Luthor has Saved the World!! The story jumps around a little bit from here, Clark (in altogether different attire) arrives at his apartment from the grocery store, there is one panel of Lois in a bar, and one with our aspiring photographer meeting with lawyers. The reader is definitely taken for a little bit of a roller coaster ride.

The story gets back on track, when Superman answers the call to save Metropolis! The action sequence is exhilarating, and Geoff Johns and Romita even add a dash of the sinister with a one-framer from an on-looking villain. The battle rages on filling up eight whole pages. The aftermath isn’t surprising giving the lead-in, but Johns does a good job of piquing not only the reader’s interest but Superman’s as well. The question is: Who is Ulysses?

8.4	Extremely detailed artwork by Romita combined with an action-packed story despite getting sidetracked at one point make Superman #32 a good entrance into the Superman universe.

Undertow #1 Review

Steve Orlando and Artyom Trakhanov pack a fist full of action and philosophy and even a dash of romance into the opening book of the series. The story opens with a very tranquil scene with seagulls flying over the open ocean, but the façade of tranquility is quickly erased when chaos breaks out. Atlanteans are being shot, stabbed, and killed. Trakhanov’s artistic style really dramatizes the chaos with blood flowing freely. Providing contrast to the vividly violent scenes are Orlando’s use of what can only be described as journal entries. The opening entry describes Ukininu Alal’s path from a seemingly comfortable life to the roaring chaos around him.

The book transitions from Ukininu Alal and the brutal horrors of battle to Redum Anshargal, and an exploration of the harsh world of Undertow. The transition scene is wonderfully drawn, depicting Anshargal as an almost god-like figure with Trakhanov giving nods to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

The world of Undertow is unforgiving from roving packs of pre-humans hunting like a pack of wolves to giant vultures preying on the unsuspecting. Orlando’s journal style is again front and center although he switches to a different character which was a tad difficult to catch onto despite a different tone. Regardless of the challenge of deciphering the two tones, the differences in the journal entries set the stage for a world-breaking conflict in the world of Undertow.

Now that a possible major conflict has been identified, Orlando has to find a way to move toward this conflict. He does a brilliant job of doing just that by applying the harsh world and daily challenges of survival to motivate Anshargal and the citizens of The Deliverer to adapt and overcome. They have already made enormous strides in overcoming the bare necessities. The citizens of The Deliverer have discovered how to grow open-air crops, harnessed solar power and bioenhancement and most importantly developed Apergy, an anti-gravity energy used to sustain flight and power extremely dangerous and deadly weapons.

However, they have not been able to conquer one of their largest natural threats, Air. The pursuit of discovering the mystery to breathe air leads our heroes on an exciting mission where the danger of Undertow (both philosophically and literally) is all around them!

9.4	Strong characters and a deep story line with tons of action combined with philosophical overtones make Undertow #1 a MUST Read!!

Detective Comics #32 Review

Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato keep the story moving in Detective Comics #32: Icarus Part Three. Batman is in detective mode after his lengthy fight with Sumo. He even helps out our friendly or not so friendly Detective Bullock with an anonymous tip. As expected Bullock isn’t thankful at all; he is rather upset and decides to take it out on the rest of his investigative team.

The contrasting nature between Bullock and Batman is definitely a theme Manapul and Buccellato are pushing. Batman, uses his detective skills and finds leads, while Bullock bullies and orders his fellow police officers around to do the job, he should be doing!

The book shifts drastically into an emotional scene with Annette and oddly enough Batman attempting to console her on a pier. The scene is very strange, although it definitely creates a bond between the two and hints at where Manapul and Buccelatto are going to take her in the future. The scene doesn’t really engage the reader in the emotions it is attempting to harness; mainly it seems too contrived.

Following the rather lackluster sequence with Annette, Manapul and Buccelatto get back to pushing the story along and giving the reader a taste of mystery with the introduction of Wayne Enterprises employee Jeb Lester and his mysterious friend. Unlucky for Mr. Lester, Bullock actually appears to be doing his job. The mystery or Mr. Lester and his friend will have to be solved another day, since Batman is on the trail of “The Squid”.

Unfortunately, Buccellato and Manapul forego direct interaction with Alfred and instead use him as plot device to triangulate “The Squid’s” location. They do make up for it, with some comedic relief from screw-up Johnny and his antics. The comedic relief sits beside a wonderfully drawn action sequence, where the World’s Greatest Detective has to deploy all the tricks in his utility belt, and even suffer a not so subtle entrance from our favorite Kings! The dialogue through this entire sequence is absolutely wonderful and does a great job of foreshadowing the cliffhanger ending.

8.1	Detective Comics #32 has beautiful art on every page but lacks in the mystery and detective department compared to the previous issue.

Witchfinder: The Mysteries of Unland #1 Review

Witchfinder: Mysteries of Unland #1 is a fabulous criminal mystery with a paranormal twist. The lead character is one Sir Edward Grey, a decorated investigator with just the right touch of arrogance. Unfortunately for Sir Edward, he is assigned to investigate a hum drum routine murder in a small industrial town of Hallam, an investigation he deems far below his station.

Writers Kim Newman and Maura McHugh are able to lay out the history of the town of Hallam and its major industrial production quite nicely. They give the reader details on how the town prospers with the production of an elixir as well as many of the main attractions around the town (possible places for Sir Edmund to investigate). Accompanied with the history lesson is some very nice art work by Tyler Crook and coloring by Dave Stewart which really emphasizes the time frame. The reader knows they are in the 19th century.

The story really kicks into action once Sir Edmund arrives at the crime scene (or lack thereof). The very curious cleaned up scene of the crime leads Sir Edmund in the most patronizing of tones to question our good Constable on what he believes happens.

The two pages of the Constable relaying his story are the highlight of the book for me. It is an uproariously terrible show of police investigation filled with wicked agents, right ruffians, fire baths, and righteous cherubs. Fortunately Sir Edward Grey is not our aptly named Constable. He puts his detective skills to the test and finds a clue right under the Constable’s nose. The dialogue between the two is not only funny, but endears Sir Edmund to the reader with his superior professionalism and quick wit.

Sir Edmund’s thorough investigation is not his only skill; he also has a bag of tricks to deal with the paranormal threats and does he ever face a paranormal threat! Our hero not only has a literal bag of tricks (ok it’s really a desk), but also his own athletic and combat abilities. Crook does a great job with the action sequence showing a full range of emotions from shock and surprise to determination and weakness.

Newman and McHugh set the stage for a thrilling paranormal mystery. Our hero, Sir Edmund Grey’s endearing sophistication accompanied with his wide range of skills and tools will make solving the Mysteries of Unland an enjoyable experience.

8.9	A slow start really takes flight with all the makings of an excellent mystery.

The United States of Murder Inc #2

Bendis and Oeming begin The United States of Murder Inc #2 with a familiar tale right out of the annals of history, not to mention giving nods to conspiracy theorists everywhere. The opening is great not because of the history it uses, but the way the art and coloring tell the story. Taki Soma’s ability to conjure up black and white films to convey the past is excellent and does such a good job the reader hardly notices “Years Ago”. Oeming’s art excels at understating the enormity of the situation, building the reader up for an “A-Ha” moment only four pages in.

The opening pages let the reader delve deeper into this alternate Mafia-controlled universe and it doesn’t stop there. Bendis weaves an intriguing tale bringing readers deeper into the underground, going so far as to humiliate our main characters in the name of security, although the tension is broken with some humorous dialogue.

One of the highlights of the book is the interaction between Valentine and his Mom. Valentine is emotionally overwhelmed which allows the reader to really relate to him. Oeming’s artwork is masterful and fully conveys the storm brewing within Valentine. And is that storm ever released.

One of the few flaws in the book is a glaring one. The main action sequence is a tad confusing to follow. The panels have no real flow between them. One goes from a fist to the face; to our two combatants seamlessly both being knocked back by a glass door in between them, except the glass door doesn’t exist. This pattern continues when one appears to get shot in the chest only to go flying away from a kick to the gut.

The United States of Murder Inc #2 builds upon the opening issue, giving the reader a deeper look into the world Valentine Gallo and Jagger Rose inhabit with definitive emotional swings for both the reader and Valentine surrounding the relationship with his Mom. Taki Soma’s coloring shines again, although it can’t make up for an action sequence that leaves the reader scratching his head as to what actually went down.

8.6	A confusing action sequence is overshadowed by the excellent interaction between Valentine and his Mother.

The Empty Man #1 Review

The premise of The Empty Man #1, Cullen Bunn and Vanesa R. Del Ray’s new mystery thriller is figuring out what exactly is The Empty Man.

The story starts off five years in the past in Mountain Home, Arkansas, where Abram is preaching to his small congregation in a closed down gas station. The congregation is quite small, but one distinctive feature is the fact all of the women have a veil over their heads. All but one.

After leaving the small gas station, Bunn takes us to the present in Atlanta, Georgia. But it doesn’t really feel like an urban area, but more of sleepy suburbia with single family homes and two car garages which Del Ray really perfects. A typical suburban mom has just arrived home with the groceries and is looking for the rest of her nuclear family. The scene should be a creepy buildup, but it falls flat. There are no creaky stairs or other ominous warnings, just a constant ssshhh, which appears to be insinuating a scratching sound, but doesn’t really register with the reader until the source of the sound is revealed and even then it is difficult to figure out what is happening.

Once the source is revealed, it is a gory and grotesque scene with excellent coloring, The actual drawing could be a little clearer as to what exactly is happening, but many of the panels are filled with clouds of smoke or dust that take away from the action. Although to Del Ray’s benefit this may be in hopes to inspire a sense of curiosity and mystery with the reader.

Our two main protagonists, Special Agent Jensen and her partner Walter are introduced as part of a “multiagency task force” investigating The Empty Man. Bunn does a great job as he does in the Magneto series of conveying the thoughts of Walter and the dialogue between Jensen and Walter conveys the sense the two have been on the case together for quite awhile enough to get under each other’s skin, but also enough to have the respect of the other.

After our protagonists take a tour of the crime scene, letting Del Ray and colorist Michael Garland show the true horror and outright creepiness The Empty Man can inflict, they begin a series of interviews with the locals. Sadly the interviews appear to be just page filler, as their goal of conveying the sense of terror and hopelessness around The Empty Man is given much more credence in the following pages with an actual recount of The Empty Man’s previous attacks.

The pages leading up to the ending are the most enjoyable, when Bunn introduces a nice ripple to up the level of creepiness found within the book. The ending itself is a little lackluster, but warrants a follow-up to see where Bunn and Del Ray are going to take The Empty Man.

7.4	The Empty Man is a mystery-thriller begging to be a horror story. If Bunn and Del Ray are able to push the boundaries reaching true horror this will be a book to keep an eye on.

Detective Comics #31 Review

Manapul and Buccellato begin Icarus Part Two smack dab in the middle of a crime scene at Wayne Manor. The reader is finally introduced to the title story line “Icarus” an addictive drug that cost the life of the investigating detective’s (a familiar face) partner six years ago.

Batman, now has a mystery on his hands, and creates an excellent opening for Manapul and Buccellato to embrace the detective in Detective Comics, which they do fabulously. The two do a remarkable job of displaying Batman’s ability to recreate the crime scene and visualize the crime as it happened. The use of panels within panels and the placement of Batman’s face above the panels really hit home his ability to visualize the crime.

The story progresses with an interesting compare and contrast between our police detective and a drug dealer, named Ash. Both are attempting to pursue the source of the Icarus narcotic, but both take different paths. Our detective attempts to interrogate a few of our street thugs from last episode, while Ash is working the streets looking for a supplier. Both paths lead to completely different results, with one being a complete shock, but a very pleasant surprise that really reinforces the Detective aspect Manapul and Buccellato are aiming at.

Detective work often leads to venturing into the dark and dirty areas of Gotham, where action is bound to occur. The creative team doesn’t disappoint when Batman follows a lead taking him to the inside of a loading container. This is no ordinary loading container but is filled with peril. The ensuing fight is a warm welcome and excellent climax to the buildup. The combination of the reds and blacks do a great job of portraying not only the violence in the scene, but also the intensity and willpower inherent in the Dark Knight. The intensity is also enhanced with the sheer number of panels with a total of 14 on one page really giving readers a blow by blow of fists smashing into heads and knees crunching into stomachs.

Manapul and Buccellato fleshed out the intriguing story line, but still kept many secrets close to the chest. They did an excellent job using the frictional relationship between Bruce Wayne and our ‘friendly’ detective to drive the story with Bruce giving some sound advice “Follow the Evidence”. Advice our hero does an excellent job of following.

8.9	Batman’s detective abilities are truly embraced, whether it is the visualization of a crime scene or just good street work. The World’s Greatest Detective is living up to his title.

Magneto #2 Review

Writer Cullen Bunn and artist Gabriel Hernandez Walta, have created a very intriguing ‘pull’ at the beginning of the books in this series. They start the story with an eye witness testimony of Magneto’s destruction. The eyewitnesses have been in complete terror and distinctly attempt to portray Magneto as enjoying the terror and mayhem he wreaks. Howeverthe intensity of the testimony is broken up in this second installment with the addition of a little comic relief through the introduction of Magneto fan-boys, who come fully equipped with Magneto t-shirts (I sense a marketing ploy).

After a nice little laugh, the story shifts from the S.H.I.E.L.D. crime scene investigation to Magneto casually strolling through Down Acres, the place of origin of Colton Hendry. Down Acres is a tent-city filled with people who have been so beaten down they have lost all hope.

This hopelessness becomes the primary theme throughout the book and how it affects the denizens of Down Acres as well as the title character. It allows Bunn and Walta to flashback and visit the horrors that scarred the young Max and let him relate to the destitute calling the tent-city home. The flashback also permits the reader to see an innocent pre-Magneto boy, which Walta does an excellent job of contrasting with the older rigid Magneto.

A secondary theme emerges when Magneto contemplates the plight of the Dawn Acres dwellers. He questions whether people are able to affect their destinies or will they eventually end up on a predetermined path. This is a very interesting development and Magneto’s answer to the question is jaw-dropping.

The best part of the book comes from intertwining the flashbacks in Nazi Germany and the lessons learned to the present day where Magneto is able to apply those ruthless lessons to his enemies. This part of the story is extremely well done and is an absolute brilliant piece of writing delving into the psyche of Magneto, one who is both haunted by his past and driven by his mission. The internal monologue is combined with a very well drawn action sequence showing off not only Magneto’s power but also his physical prowess.

The book does a superb job of fleshing out Magneto, exposing the reader to some of his motives and the lengths to which he will go to accomplish his goals. It also incorporates two major themes which Magneto must wrestle with and one that may end up defining him.

9.3	The combination of overarching themes and the delving into Magneto’s psyche make this book a MUST read.

Detective Comics #30 Review

Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato begin their journey into the world of Gotham with Detective Comics #30 letting the readers know flat out “It’s a new start.” And what a start it is. Manapul and Buccellato take us from a hostage rescue to the streets of Gotham for a non-stop hold your breath chase scene.

The co-artists/co-writers do an excellent job of conveying the emotions and attitudes of the characters, not only through their facial expressions, but also in the characters’ body language. The reader is easily able to recognize a range of emotions from fear to smugness. The author-artist combo do a superb job with the lighting of each panel that helps enhance the emotions the characters are feeling as well as the mood of the panels.

However, the detail in the characters wasn't the most impressionable part of the artwork. Gotham hovering in the background of every page is vibrant. People are milling around, moving from shop to shop. Gotham is very much alive.

Readers are introduced to Elena and Annie “The Eagle” Aguila. A tried and true Batman theme unfolds as Bruce Wayne negotiates a deal to improve a destitute and downtrodden area of Gotham with his vast wealth, but if only negotiating such a deal were so easy in Gotham.

Manapul and Buccellato only give three pages to introduce the villains, which raises many questions and answers little to none. Mr. Squid, in particular is ruthless and his name appears well deserved, but there is little back story fleshing his character out.

The book has very hard transitions jumping straight from one scene right into another, leaving it up to the reader’s imagination to fill in the gaps.

It takes almost the entire book but Alfred finally makes an appearance, but it is well worth the wait. Alfred is able to connect on such a deep emotional level with Bruce both through dialogue and the artwork it weighs down this reviewer’s heart.

The end of the book leaves the reader questioning what exactly happened. One might think this would be a negative, but it is Detective Comics and sets the stage wonderfully for the world’s greatest detective to prove he can live up to the title.

Detective Comics #30 is a good start for Manapul and Buccellato. They introduce a number of new characters begging to be fleshed out at the same time leaving readers with a sinister plot only the world’s greatest detective could solve.

8.6	Excellent artwork combined with great dialogue really convey the emotions of the characters, however the hard transitions and lack of character development especially of villains weakens an otherwise great book.

Magneto #1 Review

Magneto, the greatest villain ever created according to IGN, has finally received his own comic book series and it is a decent start. Writer Cullen Bunn and artist Gabriel Hernandez Walta are able to build a true aura of terror around Magneto in just the opening pages. A coffee barista, whose expressions really convey the terror, recalls the unspeakable horror he witnessed when Magneto replaced a doctor’s cavities. It is definitely a holy crap moment.

Following the brutal coffee shop scene, Bunn dives right in to explain the motivations of Magneto mainly what he does, is in the name of all mutants and his goal is to make those who have wronged mutants pay for their transgressions, a bit terse, but hopefully this will be fleshed out as the series progresses. Bunn appears to get sidetracked or attempts to fill space with an interaction with a hotel maid, which was extremely awkward and just seemed out of place.

However, the story moves along when Magneto shifts into detective mode, tracking mutant murderers through newspaper clippings and an old fashioned map with thumbtacks. Magneto locates a promising lead and pursues it to a police station in California, opting to travel via car rather than flying, hinting at the weakening of his powers.

Upon entering the police station, Walta uses a nifty trick of highlighting the metal objects in the room, tantalizing the reader as they wonder how Magneto will use the objects. Sadly Bunn and Walta are not creative with the objects, but opt for sheer power instead, which is still fun to see especially when he slams a police officer against the wall. Magneto’s suit is also something to behold and Walta did a great job piecing the helmet together (literally).

Bunn’s use of an interior monologue really hits home in the police station when Magneto begins putting himself in the place of the jailed suspect. Many of the questions and thoughts perhaps are not even about the suspect, but Magneto himself.

After Magneto storms through the police station, he finds the suspect, Colton Hendry, and attempts to interrogate him. Nevertheless, Hendry has a few surprises which leads to an engaging fight scene, displaying Magneto’s sheer will and his need for vengeance.

7.6	Engaging action sequences and an interior monologue carry the book, despite poor coverage of motivation and weak story sequences.

The United States of Murder Inc. #1 Review

The United States of Murder Inc. #1 takes us into a separate dimension where the Mafia rules large portions of the United States. The book is a crime thriller with what artist Michael Avon Oeming describes as “Neo Noir, using stark primary colors” as opposed to just black and white. Colorist Taki Soma really nails the primary colors and makes the characters bound off the page!

Writer Brian Michael Bendis begins the story introducing us to the main protagonist Valentine Gallo as he ritualistically enters the world of being a made man. The ritual is intense and Soma’s coloring emphasizes the seriousness of the situation with very dark blues and purples. Valentine completes the ritual and receives a pin for his demonstration of commitment to the family.

Soma’s coloring is on fresh display as the dark and serious nature of the ritual shifts to the celebration afterwards with bright greens and yellows. Oeming does a fantastic job showing the enormity of the family as the massive dining hall is filled to the brim with Mafioso. The scene harkens to the celebration of Don Corleone’s Papal Honors in Godfather Part III.

The story really gets moving when Valentine is taken to meet Don Tuzzo who sends him on a mission to Washington D.C. where he must deliver a briefcase to a sitting U.S. Senator. The exchange between Don Tuzzo and Valentine is lovely and really gives the reader a little insight into Valentine’s meticulous nature.

Valentine takes the train, giving Bendis an opportunity to display the violent culture of this alternate universe. He introduces Jagger Rose, a buxom readhead, who doesn’t take nothing from no one as she smashes a poor New York stock broker’s head open with a full bottle of whiskey. Jagger Rose’s swagger and brashness is refreshing and the sexual tension between her and Valentine is a riot to read.

The train finally arrives in Washington D.C. and Valentine delivers the briefcase as Don Tuzzo instructed and the mystery of the contents are interesting to say the least. Valentine leaves the Senator’s office when all hell breaks loose as the Senate building explodes.  Valentine and Jagger Rose escape reporting to Family members of the incident as they attempt to determine what happened.

The story takes a dramatic twist when Valentine receives a phone call from his Mother, who asks him to come home immediately. What happens next is a major shock that leaves Valentine reeling. The cliffhanger will have readers coming back for more!

9.0	The United States of Murder Inc. #1 is a fantastic first entry with gritty crime focus and excellent coloring that delivers a shock ending, you just have to read.

Trees #1 Review

Trees #1 begins with a Bang, literally as the Rio De Janeiro Pacification Police  equipped with advanced technology specifically different types of drones hunts down a group of young people. The pursuit is short-lived as the title characters quickly take center-stage. The Trees are enormous and emit a green waste that wipes out entire city blocks. Jason Howard does an excellent job portraying the magnitude and dominance of the Trees in Rio de Janeiro.  The Christ the Redeemer statue is an ant in comparison.

Writer Warren Ellis takes us from the oppressed streets of Rio to a Manhattan skyscraper, where ironically (you will have to discover the irony yourself!) the reader is given a history lesson from Vince, a seemingly ambitious politician, about the struggles and difficult decisions the city faced after the arrival of the Trees.

Ellis takes us from the gritty canals and grim high rises of Manhattan to the colorful City of Shu, Special Cultural Zone to meet Tian Chenglei, an aspiring artist from a small village. The book takes a very interesting turn here as Tian enters the City. The City turns Tian’s senses upside down and inside out. He feels a “strange gravity” and enters an apartment complex renamed The Great Spaceship. It appears the Trees have affected the city in some manner. Are they perhaps terraforming the planet?

The reader is abruptly taken away from the colorful and tragic City of Shu to a wintery wasteland where Ellis introduces Marsh and Dr. Sida. The two appear to be conducting research on the Trees in North West Spitzbergen when they aren’t providing entertainment with their colorful conversation.

Trees #1 takes the reader on an adventure, jumping from locale to locale, giving the reader just enough to want to learn more about the ominous ever-looming Trees, and the people living on the ground trying to make sense of the new world around them. Tian defines Trees concisely when he says “I don’t really know what it is yet.” But this reader sure does want to find out!

8.2	Trees #1 is a decent opening act, giving the reader a taste of the world, but leaving many questions to be answered.

C.O.W.L. #1 Review

C.O.W.L. or the Chicago Organized Workers League written by Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel with art by Rod Reis combines heart-pounding action sequences, street-cop detective work, with just a taste of palace intrigue to make readers crave more from this 1960s Chicago universe.

Higgins and Siegel jump straight into the action with the Workers League’s tactical division foiling an assassination attempt and tracking our would-be assassin, Skylancer, through the city. The reasons behind the assassination are unclear, but Skylancer’s villainy is on clear display as he guns down innocent bystanders while the heroes attempt to subdue him. Their efforts fail and they resort to ending him permanently despite a minor protestation from one of the team members. Perhaps there are already problems within our team of heroes?

Following this fantastic chase and action scene through the city, Siegel and Higgins introduce us to Geoffrey Warner, The Grey Raven, and C.O.W.L. Chief as he navigates his way through the city’s media addressing the necessity for C.O.W.L. and hinting at the largess of the organization outside of crime fighting as well as a potential political showdown between the Workers League and the City.

C.O.W.L. stands out for its ability to transition from story to story. This is on display as John Pierce, Grant Marlow, and Eclipse are introduced to the reader and the story takes a more street-level investigative tone. A darker, more menacing side of the organization is on display in the character of Eclipse and his interactions with a citizen, which is brilliantly contrasted with the more humanizing character of Grant Marlow as he worries over the actions of his son.

Following another slick transition from the patrol crew back to the tactical division, office politics are on display as a heated rivalry between Geoffrey Warner and Arclight takes center stage. There is even some sexual tension brewing between the lovely Radia and The Grey Raven.

Siegel and Higgins return to the patrol crew as their thorough investigation becomes fruitful and another excellent action sequence occurs this time exposing the reader to the patrol crew’s combat ability. The aftermath of the action sequence also highlights the distinct differences in job function between the patrol crew of Grant Marlow and Eclipse in comparison to John Pierce’s Investigations Division.

The final two panels are brilliant as they leave a fantastic cliffhanger, but also address the viability of the premise of the comic itself. “Will C.O.W.L. become irrelevant” asks a TV pundit to which The Grey Raven replies “Don’t hold your breath.”

9.3	C.O.W.L #1 is fantastic with the right combination of action, detective work, humanity, suspense and palace intrigue. This is a must have.