Mr Darcy's Complex Courtship: A Darcy & Elizabeth Pride & Prejudice Variation Review

 

Writer: Kelly Miller

Editors: Jo Abbott & Carol Bowes

Kindle ebook: $4.99

Kindle Unlimited: Free

Paperback: $11.99

Audiobook: $19.99

Audiobook Narrator: Stevie Zimmerman

Release Date: November 14, 2024

 

While staying with her friend Charlotte and Mr Collins in Kent, Elizabeth Bennett visits the home of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She meets Mr Darcy and his cousin, who are staying with their strong-minded aunt. Elizabeth disliked Darcy in Hertfordshire and has no reason to think highly of him now.

 

Elizabeth receives a letter from her sister and learns that Charles Bingley broke off his engagement on Mr Darcy's advice. Then Mr Darcy visits her at the parsonage. After disparaging her family, Fitzwilliam proposes to her. Will Elizabeth politely decline his offer? Or will she give him the sharp edge of her tongue? Let's leap into Mr Darcy’s Complex Courtship: A Darcy & Elizabeth Pride & Prejudice Variation and find out!

 

Story

As in Jane Austen's classic tale, Elizabeth rejects Darcy's proposal. But his fervent desire to marry her touches her. Elizabeth sets invective aside and tells him she could never marry someone who separated her sister from the man she loved. After assuring Darcy that Jane’s affection for his friend wasn't motivated by greed or social elevation, Darcy promises to speak with Bingley and rescind his earlier advice. He also explains how Mr Wickham tried to elope with his younger sister to benefit from Georgiana's wealth. Darcy begs Elizabeth for another chance to demonstrate his character and prove his devotion to her.

 

In Kelly Miller's story, Elizabeth visits her aunt and uncle in London. After convincing Bingley to marry Jane, Mr Darcy woos Elizabeth. Unlike many gentlemen of his social standing, Mr Darcy shows no reluctance to visit a tradesman's house. When the Gardiners notice Mr Darcy’s interest, they approve of the match. Elizabeth also forges a friendship with Georgiana. Then Lady Catherine de Bourgh learns of her nephew's pursuit in Mr Darcy's Complex Courtship: A Darcy & Elizabeth Pride & Prejudice Variation. Unless Darcy severs his interest in Elizabeth Bennett, his aunt will ruin him.

 

Lady Catherine isn’t alone in her desire to prune the budding romance. Unlike his daughter, Mr Bennett cannot forget Mr Darcy's actions when he stayed with Mr Bingley at Netherfield. The young man's aloof manner, strict views, and rudeness set Mr Bennett against Darcy. Mr Bennett worries that Darcy would be a domineering husband who would repress Elizabeth’s spirits, dictate her actions, and extinguish her creativity and imagination.

 

 

 

Art

While keeping our focus on Elizabeth Bennett, Kelly Miller also takes us into Mr Darcy's world. Elizabeth’s anger turns to curiosity as Mr Darcy presses his suit. Darcy's earnest desire to reform his character and impeccable manners impress Elizabeth. Elizabeth also values his determination to discover the truth when Lady Catherine unveils her plan to destroy Darcy's life. Stevie Zimmerman’s voice and delivery evoke Keira Knightley’s portrayal of Elizabeth in Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.

 

 

 

Like Jane Austen, Kelly Miller focuses on the etiquette and social standards in Regency England. Unlike today, Mr Darcy risks a scandal if he accepts someone who works for a living into his household. Elizabeth does not excel at music like Georgiana. But when she discovers an outlet for her creativity, Elizabeth gives critics ammunition to attack Darcy should she become his wife. Both situations recall Sir Thomas Bertram's outrage when he discovers his family preparing a theatrical production in Mansfield Park.

 

Finally, a lack of communication and an inability to readily discover facts reveal people's fears in Regency England. Kelly Miller shows how the poorer classes' lack of education could harm the aristocracy in Mr Darcy's Complex Courtship: A Darcy & Elizabeth Pride & Prejudice Variation. Mr Bennett's fears also reflect the society of the period. Elizabeth's father loves reading and encourages his daughter's thirst for knowledge and reasoning ability. Yet many members of The Ton strictly control their wives, sisters, and daughters' access to entertainment and learning, even refusing to let them read the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare. 

Thanks to Kelly Miller for providing an audiobook for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

While some characters ascend, others embrace their darker sides in Mr Darcy’s Complex Courtship: A Darcy & Elizabeth Pride And Prejudice Variation by Kelly Miller. When circumstances separate them, Darcy risks his status in society to uncover the truth about his family, and Elizabeth discovers a new interest that could provide financial independence.

 

Rating: 5 Stars 

 

 

For a preview of the novel and audiobook, see Kelly Miller's book at Amazon.com.

The Sword Of The Titans Vol 1 Preview

 

This is an interesting story about a clan that live on a wooden ship with a god. Kashidashiki's portrayal of the god reminds me of the giant gods in the Ray Harryhausen classic Jason And The Argonauts. You even get a diagram or blueprint that shows you how the people live alongside the god in their traveling home. Oh, and did I mention the wooden ship flies?. 

I enjoyed reading this one evening. Then I had to leave home and spend a week in the hospital with my mom, which set me back review-wise. Hopefully, I can take another look at this introductory volume and give you a more insightful review. It's an exciting story!

Here's all the info from Titan Manga:

 

THE SWORD OF THE TITANS VOL. 01

Author/Illustrator: Kashidashiki

Publisher: Titan Manga (Titan Comics imprint)

SC, 192 pages, B&W, $12.99

ISBN: 9781787742680

On sale February 11, 2025

 

For fans of epic fantasy and supernatural battles between gods and demons, this manga will take you on an epic quest, as the young boy Tsuchimaru acquires a powerful sword from a mysterious artisan and joins the gods to fight fiends himself!

 

In a time when gods and humans live and fight together the young boy Tsuchimaru was helpless, a mere child in the face of those mighty struggles… until a mysterious wandering artisan came with a sword they had forged and gifted it to the child, enabling him to take up arms in the titanic conflict!

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sword of the Titans Vol. 01 is on sale February 11, 2025 at bookstores, comic shops and digital. Pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million and Forbidden Planet for UK. 

 

Thanks to Titan Manga for sharing this preview with us!

The Loose End #1 Review

 

Writer: Dave Dwonch

Artist: Travis Hymel

Cover Artists: Andy Belanger, Robert Hack, Travis Hymel & Kit Wallis

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: February 19, 2025

 

Fleeing a murder scene, Steve races around Mexico City in a minivan while someone he dislikes bleeds out in the back. Despite Tim’s yelling, Steve insists he didn't land them in hot water. How did Steve get into this mess? Let's put our cards on the table, leap into The Loose End #1, and find out!

 

Story

Steve moved to Hollywood to pursue his dreams. Instead, he got addicted to gambling. His friend Diedrich wants to change that. But Diedrich encourages Steve's gambling.

In The Loose End #1, Steve’s world collapses because he owes everyone money. When Lucca Burlusconi learns that Diedrich got Steve an invite to Benny Blevins' bachelor party, he calls Steve's loans.

 

Dave Dwonch begins his story at the end, then slowly reels the projector back to show how Steve got into this dilemma. Steve encouraged his friend Diedrich to pursue his acting career. Diedrich's success in Hollywood inspired Steve to leave home and try his hand at screenwriting. But no one in the studios will take a chance on someone without writing credits. So Diedrich suggests Steve accompany him to Benny Blevin’s party. Perhaps Steve can impress Benny and get the producer to take a chance on him.

 

Steve's debt puts him under other people's power. Lucca Burlusconi owns the debt, which means he owns Steve. The gangster has a beef with Benny, and he’s in the mood for payback. Like Diedrich, his plan could benefit Steve. But first, Steve must murder Benny Blevins in The Loose End #1.

 

Art

Travis Hymel’s retro art lends B Movie appeal to this story about mob involvement in Hollywood. Diedrich's sportscar blurs as it winds through traffic on the freeway. As Diedrich tosses his keys to the valet, poses for selfies with fans, and appears multiple times in the same panel, you feel his exultation in achieving the pinnacle of success. A cloud of smoke rises from Steve's scooter as he arrives at the casino. He frowns at Steve's glowing face and hunches as he walks with his hands in his pockets.

 

Red and black ground the yellow, green, pink, and purple pastels. The limited palette and set pieces lend The Loose End #1 a timeworn quality. Two nine-panel pages show how Steve allows the casino to play him. After riding home beneath purple skies, Steve lies on his bed beside a clock with red LED numbers. Behind him, blue lines and dots on the black wall suggest stars and constellations.

 

Uppercase letters fill white balloons and colored narrative boxes in The Loose End #1. The words grow bold and italicized for intonation and rarely shrink. Vibrant sound effects help us hear phone calls, honking vehicles, punching, and banging on Steve's door. Trigger warnings include gambling, drinking alcohol, and a brief torture scene, while a handwritten note on a green corkboard encourages Steve to be better. Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Steve is a good guy, but his poor choices could kill him. The Loose End #1 shows how Steve got in this mess, then skips over the bachelor party that sends him fleeing a bloodbath with Diedrich's costar and a bleeding man. It's a cautionary tale about how poor choices can become habits and how easy it is to run afoul of the fickle entertainment industry.

 

Rating 8.8/10

 

To look inside see my extended preview of The Loose End #1.

Heat Seeker: Exposed: Advance Preview

 

COVER A: ARTGERM

 

Here's some exciting news for Heat Seeker fans! There won't be another long wait between Combustion and Dahlia Racers' next story. Keep 'em coming, Charles and Ace! Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

 

HEAT SEEKER: EXPOSED - A GUN HONEY SERIES #1 (OF 4)

(W) Charles Ardai

(A) Ace Continuado

Publisher: Titan Comics & Hard Case Crime

FC, 32pp, $4.99, On Sale May 28, 2025

 

When a relentless investigative reporter threatens to expose her criminal activities, mistress of misdirection Dahlia Racers needs to disappear – from the reporter, the police, and her own former clients who want to silence her… permanently!

 

Gun Honey universe praised by celebrated crime writers

ED BRUBAKER, MAX ALLAN COLLINS & DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI!

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Here are some more cover options:

 

COVER D: DES TAYLOR

 

COVER C: BRÄO NUDE BAGGED ($10)

COVER B: LUCIO PARRILLO

COVER E: PHOTO FEATURING COSPLAYER GRACE MCCLUNG

COVER F: FOIL ARTGERM ($14.99)

COVER G: FOIL LUCIO PARRILLO VIRGIN ($14.99)

COVER I: YASMINE NUDE BAGGED ($10)

Not pictured:

COVER H: UNIQUE BLIND BAG ($10)

 

HEAT SEEKER: EXPOSED - A GUN HONEY SERIES #1 is on sale May 28, 2025 at comic shops, digital, and is available to pre-order from the March 2025 edition of PREVIEWS. 

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this advance preview with us!

The Spectacular Spider-Men #12 Review

 

Writer: Greg Weisman

Artist: Emilio Laiso

Colorist: Edgar Delgado

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Production: Gabriel Mata

Editors: Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & CB Cebulski

Cover Artists: David Baldeón & Edgar Delgado; Alessandro Cappuccio & Mattia Iacono

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: February 5, 2025

 

Juliet Marcos decides to do more with her powers when the Electros attack. The superpowered community rallies around to train their latest hero. But will Juliet, aka Elementary, follow Peter and Miles’ example? And how will she fare in a rematch with Max Dillon and Francine Frye? Let's grab a "Parker" from Max Vinck, thwip into The Spectacular Spider-Men #12, and find out!

 

Story

Peter and Miles enjoy Wednesdays at the ESU Coffee Bean. While sheltering his superhero career behind a veil of anonymity, Peter Parker exceeds his dream of becoming a regular. His coffee preference becomes a phenomenon. Flavor Fav Peter still isn’t sure how to define his relationship with Shay Marken. But showing her off makes the ladies in the Coffee Bean view the "Parker" creator as a catch.

 

Shay's relationship with Peter in The Spectacular Spider-Men #12 makes an interesting comparison with recent developments in Amazing Spider-Man. Miles and Kamala also tread the same ground differently than in Miles Morales: Spider-Man. While Brooklyn’s Spider-Man struggles post-Arcadium, Juliet Marcos transcends the trauma of losing an illusory lover.

 

Greg Weisman interweaves past and present and tackles drama with humor. While Miles treads emotional water, most who played Mentallo and Arcade's game have swum the shore. Juliet's lover in Arcadium didn’t know her in real life. But like Peter, Juliet’s joy attracts admirers.

 

As Coffee Bean regulars strive for improvement, Turk Barrett continues his decline. We didn’t glimpse his life before Turk called the number on the Coffee Bean's bulletin board. But Turk got so hooked on easy victories that he seeks any opportunity to get something for nothing in The Spectacular Spider-Men #12.

 

Art

Curtis and Martha Connors look as different as night and day. But despite his light flesh and her green skin, they share similar interests. Ben Grimm’s yellow hide aligns with the yellow Coffee Bean logo, suggesting his belonging with the regulars. When Ben teaches Juliet, her muddy skin turns bluish as if echoing her instructor's apparel. He claims Elementary may be one of the most formidable people he ever trained. Johnny Storm's tutelage echoes Ben's assertion when Juliet's eruption evokes a yellow-orange phoenix.

 

Emilio Laiso parcels three story threads into a nine-panel page that tracks individuals vertically. While customers fill the Coffee Bean, this page follows the primary heroes' emotional journey in The Spectacular Spider-Men #12. Edgar Delgado drains Juliet of her color as she winds through the streets with Peter and Miles, suggesting that a Friendly Neighborhood Elementary may not be in Juliet’s future.

 

Joe Caramagna thwips uppercase letters into white and colored balloons and narrative boxes while Juliet trains. While dialogue emboldens and italicizes for intonation, balloon shapes change with Juliet’s mentors. Letters swell and change color when Juliet channels her gifts. Words threaten to burst balloons when Electros sizzle. Juliet pops once but doesn’t dissolve when she clutches Anna’s hands. After Elementary scrunches and shatters, an animal’s chittering fills the ESU Coffee Bean. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

While the Coffee Bean crowd works on their relationships, villains enter the dating game. Max Dillon and Francine Frye find bonding more appealing than battling over branding. Their strategy to sizzle the spiders and complicate Elementary's life could detune their electrifying infatuation in The Spectacular Spider-Men #12.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Working For God In A Godless World Vol 3 Solicit

 

COVER: Sonsho Hangetsuban

This is a fun series about a boy who grows up in a cult. When his father drowns him in the belief that his god will resurrect him, the boy gets his wish and awakens in a world without religion. Everything goes great until the leaders of his new land try to kill him and his friends. 

As his father believed, his god appears and saves him. But gods rely on believers for their power. So, ironically, the boy becomes a missionary, trying to convert the godless masses.

Here's all the info from Titan Manga:

WORKING FOR GOD IN A GODLESS WORLD VOL. 3

Format: Manga

(W): Aoi Akashiro

(A): Sonsho Hangetsuban

Publisher: Titan Manga (imprint of Titan Comics)

SC, B&W, 176pp, $12.99, On sale: May 28, 2025

ISBN: 9781787743588

 

ANIME ADAPTION NOW ON CRUNCHYROLL!

 

Yukito faces powerful opposition in his quest to protect his new world and home, alongside the God Mitama, whom he despises.

 

As Yukito and Mitama continue to build their following, they receive word of a possible new god Dakini, taking the other villages by storm, which can only mean one thing: less worshipping for Yukito’s cult

 

 

To see how this series got started see my review of Working For God in a Godless World Vol 1.

Where’s Mr. Zip HC Review

 

Writer: Annie Auerbach

Illustrator: Elisa Patrissi

Publisher: Dynamite Kids

Price: $16.99

Release Date: February 12, 2025

 

Everyone knows Mr. Zip. He brings mail and packages to homes and businesses. But where does Mr. Zip travel while delivering mail? What kind of adventures does he have? Let's grab our mailbags, leap into Where's Mr. Zip HC, and find out!

 

Story

No one likes going out when it rains. But Mr. Zip braves slippery streets and traffic accidents because people need his letters and packages. Besides, even when the weather is poor, being a postal carrier takes him to interesting places. There's always a lot going on in the city, and Mr. Zip visits the people who tell everyone all about it.

 

While delivering mail to workers in amusement parks and aquariums in Where’s Mr. Zip, he also helps people get where they need to go. Mr. Zip delivers mail to busy transport hubs like train stations and airports. Amid the hustle and bustle, the postal carrier and B Franklin see the interconnections that bind society together.

 

After giving us a peek into his daily routine in Mr. Zip's Windy Day HC, Annie Auerbach reveals all the places his career takes him. In Where's Mr. Zip HC, the US Postal Service is like any other big business. They need their best workers to help at other locations. Travel enriches Mr. Zip's life, and seeing all the different ways people work, live, and play makes the mail carrier's job more enjoyable.

 

Art

Elisa Patrissi may not be Richard Scarry, but she packs pages with people going about their daily activities. People enjoy work, recreation, and family time while driving, walking, playing, canoeing, swimming, surfing, or ice skating. Mr. Zip delivers mail to people of different cultures and ethnicities as they watch a parade, wait in line, and make snowmen. Readers share the recipients' joy in Mr. Zip's visits when it is raining, snowing, or the sun is shining.

 

While showing the diversity of city life, Where’s Mr. Zip HC takes the postal carrier into the country. Farmers take a break from caring for their animals to greet him, and Mr. Zip rewards a horse with a treat. He visits farms where food grows, letting children imagine how it will reach their homes. The richly colored fields give way to the dark green woods, where Mr. Zip delivers news and goods to people living in secluded forest homes. 

 

Wherever Mr. Zip travels, his friend accompanies him. B. Franklin brings his cheery face to meet animals and make new friends. Big black letters in white fields explain what occurs on each double-page spread. The words at the bottom of each page highlight people, animals, and objects in the art. Thanks to Dynamite Kids for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Mr. Zip doesn't just work at one post office. He fills in at different branches. Readers learn how the US Postal Service meets the needs of people wherever they live. As children watch Mr. Zip and B. Franklin explore the world and make friends, an interactive feature prompts readers to find specific people, objects, and animals in the art. With Where's Mr Zip HC, children of any age contemplate their place in the world and the diversity of the United States.

 

Rating 10/10

The Loose End #3 Solicit

 

COVER A: CLAUDIA CARANFA

 

This is a stripped down, crime saga about an aspiring screenwriter in tinseltown. Warning: If you enjoy playing card games, stick with Uno and Go Fish. And never play for money. Gambling can land you in some sticky situations!

Here's all the info from Titan Comics and Hard Case Crime:

 

THE LOOSE END #3 (of 4)

Format: Comic book

(W) Dave Dwonch

(A) Travis Hymel

Publisher: Titan Comics and Hard Case Crime

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale April 16, 2025

 

COMING IN FAST AND FURIOUSLY FUNNY!

 

With the Hollywood crew running from the Cartel, they find haven in the unlikeliest of places. But not everyone can be trusted and with their numbers down and injured, it’s only a matter of time before their hideout turns into a warzone.

 

Will they survive? Find out in the penultimate issue of the comic Hollywood doesn’t want you to read!

 

Here are two more cover options:

 

COVER B: ROBERT HACK (GOODFELLAS HOMAGE RUNNING ACROSS #1 - #4)

COVER C: TRAVIS HYMEL

For more, see my preview of The Loose End #1.

Conan The Barbarian #18 Preview

COVER A: DARICK ROBERTSON

 

Rejoice, Cimmerian comrades! The wait is over! Conan The Barbarian #18 hits stores this week! Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

 

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #18

Writer: JIM ZUB

Artist: DANICA BRINE

Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: February 19, 2025

 

CONAN THE CIMMERIAN and BÊLIT, PIRATE QUEEN OF THE BLACK COAST, are in their prime, enjoying a life of decadence and debauchery, but a flagrant flash of wealth brings unwelcome attention from thieves with a taste for danger and agents from Stygia on a dark mission for their serpent god.

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 Here are more cover options:

 

 

COVER B: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE

 

COVER C: JONATHAN LAU

 

COVER D: ANDREW MCCLEAN

FOC COVER: GIADA MARCHISIO

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us!