Advanced Comic Book Review: Rebels #1

A young New Hampshire boy comes of age during the Revolutionary War. Is it good?

This is the premise of Rebels #1 written by Brian Wood with artwork by Andrea Mutti. The story follows a young man by the name of Seth Abbott as he is taught the ways of a woodsman and hunter by his father and later details one of his first major encounters with British Redcoats that sets him on a path with a famous Virginian general.

The beginning of the story has a pretty good hook detailing a hard-working childhood with a stoic and reserved father figure that quickly transitions into a teaching sequence filled with suspense. However, the story quickly becomes filled with exposition once it transitions to an older albeit still young Seth Abbott. There are entire pages detailing everything from character and geographical descriptions to historical context and information about the setting and a lot of it is pure overkill. Wood doesn’t need to tell us Ezekiel Learned is like a brother to Seth. him; he should allow the artist, or at least the story he is telling us, show it. Let’s see them act like brothers with each other in both their actions and their words. This is just one example that happens repeatedly throughout the book.

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Comic Book Review: Shaper #1

A young man discovers a long-hidden secret about himself and his family that puts him on a path he never would have imagined. Shaper #1 puts a spin on the much beloved Animorphs. Is it good?

Eric Heisserer opens with a very creative hook. He introduces the story through the lens of a trading card game. He combines exposition and dialogue perfectly and allows Felipe Massafera to really show us the action and not let it be bogged down by too much exposition. The hook draws you in, introduces you to the major conflict, provides an intense action sequence, and is able to provide characterization in a very short time.

After the opening hook and its torrid pace, Heisserer slows it down and spends the middle third of the book focusing on introducing and building up the main character, a young man named Spry who is just finishing up his schooling. Spry is intriguing and has had a somewhat rough life so far, absent his father. He is a troublemaker, albeit an intelligent one. Although, that streak may have run its course because we only see him dutifully working as a janitor and stock boy, but, hopefully, we will get to see his inner troublemaker come out in later issues.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Shaper #1.

Comic Book Review: Resurrectionists #5

The Resurrectionists are slowly coming together, but Lennox has set a trap to thwart their newfound resistance. Will they succeed? Is it good?

Fred Van Lente decides to take a step back from Jericho, Mac, and the Scout and focuses the majority of this fifth installment on Maya and Jericho’s ex-wife, Adele. It is refreshing and details a different perspective on the role of the Resurrectionists we have not seen yet.

Outside of the focus on Maya and Adele’s relationship and character building, Van Lente returns to the foundation of the story where the Resurrectionists are focused on performing a heist 3,000 years in the making. But before they can undertake this heist, they must first unite themselves by performing a caper that would have Danny Ocean beaming with pride.

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Interview: 'Resurrectionists' Creator Fred Van Lente

Fred Van Lente has been working with Maurizio Rosenzweig to produce Resurrectionists, a story about a select group of individuals who not only are able to remember their past lives, but are able to activate them as they attempt to pull off a heist 3,000 years in the making.

We had a chat with Fred Van Lente, a.k.a “The Time Dampener” (Yea, we just made this up, but hope it sticks!), on his recent work with Dark Horse Comics’ Resurrectionists and a little bit about what he does in his free time when he isn’t churning out quality stories. To sweeten the deal, Fred and Dark Horse gave us a first look at some of the artwork in the upcoming issue of Resurrectionists and an exclusive of Juan Doe’s alternative cover featuring the big bad himself, Lennox. So, let’s get to it.

AiPT!: Hey Fred! Thanks for taking the time. I have really enjoyed Resurrectionists! 

Fred Van Lente: Thanks so much!  

AiPT!: How did you first get started in comics?

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Affiliate link: Click here to pre-order the collected edition of Resurrectionists.

Comic Book Review: Lady Killer #3

Troubles are brewing for Josie both on the home front and at work. How will she handle them, but more importantly is it good?

The book opens up with a lively party in Josie’s home and pays homage to The Watchmen (movie) referencing Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” This provides some massive foreshadowing because this third installment introduces significant changes in the direction of the plot as well as character development for Josie and Peck.

Josie’s character is explored in two different ways. The first is through her interactions and dialogue with her mother-in-law. She is aggressive and intimidating. Jones draws her invading Mother Schuller’s personal bubble and getting right in her face. The second and far more important evolution of her character comes during her assignment. She is faced with a dilemma and makes a choice that will shape the rest of her story. What is important to note is both her character developments focus on her work-life balance and how the two intrude on each other. It is a really good touch exploring it from both angles, work affecting home life as well as home life affecting work.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Lady Killer #3.

Advanced Comic Book Review: Frankenstein Underground #1

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be Frankenstein? Mike Mignola, Ben Stenbeck, and Dave Stewart explore the life and history of Frankenstein. Is it good?

The comic gives a pretty clear depiction of what it is like to be Frankenstein. It starts off a little slow with Frankenstein in Mexico at an ancient Mayan ruin where he recounts his past to an old woman who happens to inhabit the ruins at the time of his arrival. He recalls the numerous occasions of being hunted, shot at, captured, imprisoned, tortured, and even thrown into the boxing ring with a familiar red demon. He explores how this affected his psyche and his search to find purpose in the gift he believes is a curse.

About halfway through the book, the story takes an abrupt shift from exploring the character of Frankenstein to the introduction of the Marquis Addet de Fabre, a collector of sorts who just has to have Frankenstein for his own.

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Comic Book Review: Resurrectionists #4

A pattern emerges and Herihor’s power and one weakness are revealed. Is it good?

Fred Van Lente begins Resurrectionists #4 on a light note introducing some humor via an infomercial. The star is Greg Lennox, and the commercial is reminiscent of Jordan Belfort’s The Wolf of Wall Street except instead of trying to get rich quick, Lennox offers to protect your wealth even after you have died. The humor really preys on the idea of preppers and an impending catastrophic event. There is even a short jab at superhero films!

The story switches focus from Lennox back to our protagonists as they attempt to awaken their partners, specifically Mac. The Scout drops a ton of information regarding the names of the Resurrectionists in Egyptian lore and their English translations. The quality of the dialogue comes from Mac’s reactions as he listens to the Scout’s story. He is completely skeptical and believes her to be insane or at least disturbed and even questions Jericho’s mental status. It is great because it is how a typical person would react to the information being conveyed to them.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Resurrectionists #4.

Comic Book Review: Lady Killer #2

Josie Schuller is back in action and the struggle between her professional and home life begins to take center stage. Is It Good?

First off, I am absolutely loving the covers Joëlle Jones and Laura Allred are putting together. They combine the class of the 1960s with a shocking display of gore all woven together with the perfect wording to put a sick smile on your face.

Jamie S. Rich and Jones begin the story with Josie’s next job. She is all dolled up in a hot little red dress, kitten ears and even a collar with a bell dangling from it. Hugh Heffner definitely had some influence on this issue. The entire club where she is working appears to be modeled after the original Playboy clubs; the only thing missing is the gambling.

After setting the stage, Jones takes over and puts on display her detailed fight sequences. She embraces the kitty cat costume and has Josie strike up a pose fitting for Catwoman as she prowls in the cloak room like a jungle cat stalking her prey.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Lady Killer #2.

Comic Book Review: Resurrectionists #3

It’s only been a month since the last book, but I could not wait to see what Fred Van Lente and Maurizio Rosenzweig had in store this month, and I was not disappointed. This may be the best installment yet, combining the exciting action sequences from the first book with the continued big-picture look of who the Resurrectionists are and what they do.

Van Lente and Rosenzweig begin Dark Horse Comics Resurrectionists #3 with what they have been hinting at in the past two issues, a brand new timeline of lives to explore. Rosenzweig provides a seamless flow connecting the present with the new timeline. The scene gives off a vibe of history repeating itself, putting the panels side by side with the past on the left and the present on the right and then with a large panel at the bottom bringing the two together combining their experiences. The only drawback is the amount of time spent on this new life!

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Resurrectionists #3.

Comic Book Review: Lady Killer #1

Josie Schuller is not your typical 1960’s housewife; she has to juggle her full-time job of being a homemaker with her more violent nature as a hitman. Is it good?

A much overlooked piece of the comic, when it comes to reviews, was what caught my eye when perusing the options to review at Dark Horse Comics. Joëlle Jones draws a stereotypical 1960’s homemaker performing her duties of cleaning the house except, this housewife is cleaning up massive blood stains and has a flirtatious look complemented with a nice ankle dip begging you to peek inside.

You will be glad you picked this one up, because Jones and Jamie S. Rich provide a refreshing take on the killer-for-hire story.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Lady Killer #1.

Comic Book Review: Resurrectionists #2

The story is churning ahead by leaps and bounds and it is only the second issue! Is it good?

Resurrectionists #2 starts off right where the first one left off - Jericho Way meeting Quinn. The interaction between the two is awkwardly romantic. The way Maurizio Rosenzweig captures the romance is through their eyes. If there was ever love at first sight, Jericho Way’s eyes capture it. The second page also complements Fred Van Lente’s writing depicting multiple people from different time periods finding each other and knowing they are their soul mate.

Van Lente’s writing captures everyday conversation perfectly. Hell, he even drops a John Fogerty lyric in a smooth line on his way to asking the girl out.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Resurrectionists #2.

Review: Resurrectionists #1

Resurrectionists #1 is one part heist and one part Hindu rebirth. Except, there is a catch, the past can see into the present and the present can remember the past. The premise is set up for a grand adventure. Is it good?

One of the first things many a reader will see when flipping open the first pages of their comic is a summary of past events that have occurred in previous issues. These summaries are good for refreshing the memory, but writer Fred Van Lente opens it up with a quote from James A. Baldwin to set the tone for this new series. “People are trapped in history, and history is trapped in them.” The story of Resurrectionists #1 paints a vivid picture of what this really means.

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Review: Grendel vs The Shadow #3

Matt Wagner concludes what has been an epic mini-series pitting the criminal mastermind of Grendel versus The Shadow’s crusade for justice. How will it end? Is it good?

The book jumps right in where Wagner left us putting The Shadow in an extremely vulnerable position. However, the tables turn quickly and Wagner provides not only excellent dialogue between the two foes, but also draws them as equals as they face off against each other. These two are an excellent match.

Wagner not only continues to have these two impressive characters match their physical prowess and wits against each other, but he also delves into their personal lives.

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Review: The Grendel vs The Shadow #2

Matt Wagner spares little time joining his two protagonists into battle as they push each other to the limits. Will Wagner be able to do the same for this second installment of Grendel vs. The Shadow? Is it good?

The Shadow and Grendel are on full display as each pulls out all their tricks in an attempt to subdue the other. The battle is intense, providing a spectacle of awe for both as they match up against an opponent who is their equal. Wagner also provides plenty of suspense, allowing the reader to believe it could all be over in just the second book, with both Grendel and The Shadow potentially claiming victory.

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Review: Grendel vs. The Shadow #1

Two classic characters, one a brilliant criminal mastermind and the other a vigilante on an unstoppable quest for justice, collide in Matt Wagner’s Grendel vs. The Shadow #1. Is it good?

Matt Wagner and his colorist son Brennan Wagner weave an excellent introduction connecting the two main protagonists in just the first two pages of the issue; although it may take new readers (such as myself) a second read through to realize this. After creating the connection between the two characters, Matt Wagner focuses on introducing them, letting the reader know who Grendel and The Shadow actually are.

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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.