Lycaon Bloodlines Review

Cover Art by Betty Martinez on Reedsy

Author: Adrian Lopez
Price: $9.99 Kindle, $17.99 paperback
Publication Date: October 31, 2023

Cayden is an accomplished defense attorney. Through focus, determination, and hard work, he's become an equity partner in a prestigious law firm. Despite his distinguished track record, his latest case seems destined to fail. A family was brutally murdered outside his client's apartment. Everyone holds his client responsible. Can Cayden change the jury's mind? Let's claw into Adrian Lopez's novel Lycaon Bloodlines and find out!

People have reported Mr. Ritchie running at night and howling like a wolf. Dubbed the Wolfman or the Manwolf, Mr. Ritchie has told people that he transformed and fed on runaway pets. The police have arrested him for biting people. Yet Cayden is persuasive. His final argument wins a Not Guilty verdict. His victory makes him chuckle and bark with delight. He is the alpha dog of the city!

Cayden's life changes when he learns of his uncle's death. He takes a Leave Of Absence from his firm and drives to the farming community where he grew up. As he drives, he realizes he hasn't talked with his uncle or visited Superior after being sent away. The lawyer explains that his uncle left him the farm. The farmers welcome Cayden back. Suddenly, his life in the city seems less important than running the farm and participating in the community. Yet he senses a strange disconnect between the farmers and the townspeople. And in the land of his youth, his body transforms in a way that repels and excites him.

Adrian Lopez uses description sparingly in Lycaon Bloodlines. He fleshes out crucial characters and focuses on Cayden's transformation. It's not just Cayden's body that changes. After chasing material success, he discovers how to better care for people and his place in the world. As he learns about his past, he unleashes the power locked inside him. Acts of aggression upset the balance of power and earn him enemies. As a werewolf, Cayden can kill and destroy or lead others toward a better future.

Like many self-published novels, Lycaon Bloodlines needs more copyediting. I also hungered for more detail regarding Superior, the neighboring town, and the city where Cayden defended his clients. Cayden's success and wealth make him less reliant on others and curtail interpersonal drama. Still, I enjoyed Lycaon Bloodlines from the first page to the last. I often felt as if Adrian Lopez must be reading my mind. For just as I would wonder about aspects of Cayden's past, his heritage, the werewolf community, and the spelling of the title, Adrian Lopez revealed those to me. Or rather, Cayden earned those insights through his actions.

While light on swearing and sex, Lycaon Bloodlines delivers a generous helping of violence, blood, guts, and gore. Lock and bar your doors on a moonlit night and limit your howling as you devour Adrian Lopez's fun and involving novel. My thanks to Adrian for providing a copy to review.

Find Lycaon Bloodlines at Amazon, Barnes & Nobles & wherever werewolf novels roam. Those hungering for more about Adrian Lopez will discover interviews, poetry, his other books, and links to his podcasts and Medium account at alstorytimellc.com

Rare Flavours #1 Review

 

Writer: Ram V

Artist: Filipe Andrade

Colorists: Filipe Andrade & Inês Amaro

Letterer: Andworld Design

Cover Artists: Filipe Andrade; Rafael Albuquerque; Frany

Publisher: Boom! Studios

Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 25, 2023

 

Rubin and Mohan venture into the desert. Dilshan and Dilkush shadow the rakshasa and the filmmaker. How will this adventure shape Mo's documentary? Let’s dive into Rare Flavours #2 and find out!

 

Story

While their driver repairs his ramshackle lorry, Rubin takes out his notebook and continues his story. Less a letter than a book, he chronicles their journey. Into it, Rubin pours his longing for the café in Somarah and his concerns about Mo.

 

Rubin worries the filmmaker has lost his passion and wonders if the young man can reclaim it. Mo once made a powerful film that prompted Rubin to leave his place of safety and brave civilization. Since then, the old hunger has overwhelmed him. In taking others’ lives, Rubin put himself at risk. And for what? To find a young man who's dead to the world?

 

In Rare Flavours #2, Ram V further explores Rubin's passion for cuisine. The ageless demon adores the ingredients of traditional dishes. Their preparation becomes art, and consumption brings growth. While someone will pay for their desert excursion, Mo finally shares what soured him on life. The rakshasa seems unlikely to reform, but might Mo finds renewal?

 

Art

Filipe Andrade's wavy lines conjure a desert. Rubin and Mo share the cab with Manish. Despite his John Lennon looks, Mo's expression, posture, and movements suggest weariness. By contrast, Rubin's zeal shines through his eyes and unshakable smile. But even that palls beside their driver's glowing face. Panels provide glimpses into Manish’s experiences and ancestry. As they travel, their pursuers wear grim guises. Dilshan and Dilkush focus on the road ahead as they discuss the danger Rubin poses.

 

Bright colors give Filipe Andrade’s flowing shapes in Rare Flavours #2 a modern art appeal. Assisted by Inês Amaro, he shows their metal truck glowing with the sun’s radiance, Manish’s acclaimed ancestor, and a desert swathed in the Mathania Chilli. After their afternoon in the painted desert, a purple sky hangs over the travelers as they pause for an evening meal in a grassy field.

 

Bakasura’s commentary for Mansi fills scraps of light-beige parchment and yellow narrative boxes with black, italicized uppercase letters. Andworld Design’s attractive font also graces white dialogue balloons in Rare Flavours #2. Lowercase italics flow across panels showcasing ingredients and recipes. Vibrant lettering helps readers hear tassels blown by the wind, an engine coughing to life, and Rubin enjoying his meal while giant orange laughter explodes from a dialogue balloon.

 

Final Thoughts

Exploring the relationship between pain and purification, Rare Flavours #2 ponders what we lose when we exist solely for today.

 

Rating 8.8/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Sirens of the City #4 Review

 

Writer: Joanne Starer

Illustrator: Khary Randolph

Letterer: Andworld Design

Cover Artists: Khary Randolph; Frany; Raúl Allén; Alison Sampson

Publisher: Boom! Studios

Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 18, 2023

 

Rome awakens in Bellevue Hospital. He wants Layla, the mother of his child. Instead, he finds Davi, another youth who loves the homeless girl. Where is Layla? Will this tortured girl find her mother? Let's leap into Sirens of the City #4 and find out!

 

Story

After falling through the cracks of the foster system, Layla searched for the woman who abandoned her. She finally found Diane Gold and exorcised the malicious spirit that controlled her. Then Lilith--Layla's mother and Diane's long-lost lover--appeared. Now Layla has everything she's ever wanted, but tangled emotions still rule her. Layla still can’t face the truth of who she is: a siren.

 

Regardless of how much Rome loves her, the Incubus knows the score. Layla loves Davi, not him. Sadly, Rome's street gang is growing impatient. Craving power, they want Layla and her unborn child. The Rat King hasn't found the street urchin for them. Still, he knows a way to get her attention.

 

In Sirens of the City #4, Joanne Starer draws us into a world filled with vampires and dybbuks, werewolves and gargoyles, and sirens who wield water as weapons. Like Layla, readers may find it hard to take everything in. Yet it's even harder to turn away from Starer’s compelling story.

 

Art

Jerome—known as Rome to his friends—is a wide-eyed youth with a sharply angled afro. He finds it hard not to love easy-going Davi and his “luscious locks.” Yet Layla’s braided hair gives the frightened girl an elegant avian appearance. Lilith—the mother of demons—would give Cruella de Vil a run for her money, while Diane Gold—who Lilith made into a vampire centuries ago—appears ready for her next fashion shoot. Yet Marisol’s Goth/Steampunk vibe is hard to resist. Marisol has tried to help Layla. But after her mother’s death, Marisol feels responsible for the coven of street girls who cower in an abandoned building.

 

Black surrounds and infuses panels in Sirens of the City #4. Khary Randolph's detailed black-and-white art conjures compelling characters amid detailed backgrounds. Yet most scenes receive a splash of color. Each character gets accented with a particular color. The blue of the sirens clashes with the Incubi gang's red. Yet from the beginning, Layla compelled readers with her blue eyes and blue-and-purple-tinged hair.

 

Uppercase black letters haunt white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. Occasionally, colored text distinguishes characters. Thanks to Andworld Design, we feel Layla's rage as giant blue letters escape their white balloon. More colored sound effects enhance the action, making Sirens of the City #4 easy to read and as beautiful as the women who wield water.

 

Final Thoughts

While mythological beings battle in Sirens Of The City #4, a frightened, pregnant siren seeks answers to her identity and who she can trust.

 

Rating 9.2/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Red Sonja #4 Review

 

Writer: Torunn Gronbekk

Artist: Walter Geovani

Colorist: Omi Remalante Jr.

Letterer: Simon Bowland

Cover Artists: Lucio Parrillo, Jung-Geun Yoon, Bjorn Barends, & Cosplay

Publisher: Dynamite

Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 18, 2023

 

Survivors from the slaughter of Nydalen pour into Velanger. But Vestfold’s army marches on the welcoming city. Can its thick stone walls hold off the invaders? Let’s leap into Red Sonja #4 and find out!

 

Story

After the king of Vestfold died without an heir, Thord Varg sought a means to feed his people. The High Priest sacrificed a child to the city’s eternal flame. Then he turned to the royal vault for answers. Using blood magic, Thord Varg raised an army and conquered nearby lands. Yet he seeks one thing to secure his power: a black diamond.

 

Lady Alaberta gave Red Sonja the sacred stone. The She-Devil burns to kill Thord Varg and halt the slaughter he’s unleashed. Should she call upon its power? Lady Alaberta channeled its power to save her child at the cost of her own life. What toll might the Black Diamond demand from Red Sonja to save thousands?

 

 

 

 

As Red Sonja fights to protect the town, the dark voice returns. It urges her to take the Black Diamond to Vestfold. The She-Devil knows Velanger’s defenders cannot turn back Thord Varg’s overwhelming horde. But can she abandon her friends? Seers Thalia and Thelo have counseled her. Vil and Ve, the identical twins from Tredalen, hunger to avenge their parents. Urmas, the noble captain of the guard, bows to the priests’ orders to fight to the last man. She knows Varg will kill them all or transform them into his mindless servants.

 

In Red Sonja #4, Torunn Gronbekk weaves a compelling tale of intrigue, suffering, and the search for redemption. Many will die. Some will fall prey to Thord Varg’s dominance. And the dark spirit that has watched over Red Sonja for so long will finally recall its identity.

 

 

 

 

Art

Walter Geovani constructs High Fantasy castle towns with thick stone walls, historic buildings, and imposing towers. Peasants and refugees huddle in cobblestone streets, their clothing little better than the robes worn by priests. Merchants array themselves in finery. Yet they look less regal than the soldiers, clad in uniforms and armor. No one outshines Red Sonja, resplendent in her chain mail bikini, red cloak, and leather boots.

 

Omi Remalante Jr.’s soft skin tones enhance Geovani’s storybook realism, fleshing out characters and clarifying class distinctions. As day's end nears, brilliant colors infuse the sky. Yet even in the dead of night, the moon shines upon the surrounding mountains, and torchlit interiors spill light upon Velanger’s streets. Red Sonja #4 seems pulled from a medieval manuscript or adapted from a Hollywood classic. Amid the siege, highlights and shading enhance the fighting, and gray never shields the characters' expressions.

 

 

 

 

Simon Bowland weaves character interaction with Gronbekk’s lyrical narrative. Uppercase words invade white balloons and colored boxes in Red Sonja #4. Even as Varg’s catapults hurl corpses over the walls and the dead fill the Velanger’s streets, the dialogue and story remain pleasing to the eye and easy to read.

 

Final Thoughts

As cities fall and the body count rises, the She-Devil With A Sword must shield a powerful stone from the two sorcerers who want it or unlock its power to halt the horde from sweeping across the Hyborian world in Red Sonja #4.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

 

 

 

My Little Pony: Classics Reimagined—The Unicorn Of Odd #2 Review

 

Writer: Jeremy Whitley

Penciller: Jenna Ayoub

Inker: Matt Froese

Colorist: Heather Breckel

Letterer: Johanna Nattalie

Cover Artists: Jenna Ayoub, Robin Easter & Andy Price

Publisher: IDW

Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 11, 2023

 

A tornado transported Dorothy and Toto to the kingdom of Odd. A princess told Dorothy that the Unicorn of Odd in the Emerald City could get her back home. How will Dorothy and Toto fare as they follow the Yellow Brick Road? Let’s gallop into My Little Pony: Classics Reimagined—The Unicorn Of Odd #2 and find out!

 

Story

One staple of stories where fate whisks people to a strange land is they immediately yearn to return home. In L. Frank Baum’s classic novel, he describes Dorothy’s Aunt Em and Uncle Henry as old and gray. Playing with Toto prevented life from grinding Dorothy down. In My Little Pony: Classics Reimagined—The Unicorn Of Odd #2, the Scarecrow tackles this topic. Dorothy responds that she loves her family. It's those she cares about that make a place home.

 

Oh, did I not mention the Scarecrow’s joined Dorothy? If I only had a brain! Speaking of the Scarecrow, she may talk a lot and not always look where she's going, but she comes up with a good idea by and by.

 

As they travel, Dorothy, Toto, and Scarecrow meet the Tin Woodsmare. She breaks the fourth wall and takes over the narration, making herself the center of attention. To rein her in, Dorothy and Scarecrow address the narrator and ask him to resume. Eventually, the Tin Woodsmare agrees to join her and journey with them to the Emerald City. Still, that doesn't prevent the characters from interacting further with the narrators in this tongue-in-cheek adaptation of Baum's novel.

 

Did I care enough about you to mention that the Tin Woodsmare has a tragic backstory involving the Wicked Princess of the East? If I only had a heart!

 

There’s much more fun to discover in Jeremy Whitley’s adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz. Who knows? Perhaps My Little Pony: Classics Reimagined—The Unicorn Of Odd #2 may even give you the courage to read this century-old novel! 

 

 

 

Art

Jenna Ayoub and Matt Froese’s classic layouts feature rectangular panels with equal spacing. The character’s faces may look more feline than equine, but their bodies look and move like ponies. Dorothy wears a cowboy hat, plaid shirt, and overalls. The Scarecrow may look too flouncy, but her winning smile shows that braininess and happiness don't necessarily travel side by side. The elegant Tin Woodsmare uses her mind to direct her hovering axe. While not highly detailed, the yellow brick road and backgrounds convince in this heartwarming, young adult tale.

 

Heather Breckel loads her palette with soft, appealing colors in My Little Pony: Classics Reimagined—The Unicorn Of Odd #2. While she provides shading and highlights, panels may look a little flat. Still, depth and interest make characters and scenes compelling.

 

Johanna Nattalie places uppercase black letters in white dialogue balloons. She colors the narrator’s boxes yellow. When the Tin Woodsmith takes over the narration, Nattalie colors her boxes blue. Sound effects enhance Whitley’s magical tale, and the highly readable dialogue and narration are always easy to follow.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

L. Frank Baum’s “modernized fairy tale” gets an equine update in My Little Pony: Classics Reimagined—The Unicorn Of Odd #2.

 

Rating 9/10

 

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

Amazing Spider-Man #35 Review

 

Writer: Zeb Wells

Artist: Patrick Gleason

Colorist: Marcio Menyz & Erick Arciniega

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna & Marcio Menyz; Elena Casagrande & Marte Gracia; Tony Daniel & Marcelo Maiolo; Patrick Gleason & Marcio Menyz; Claudio Sciarrone

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 11, 2023

 

Norman Osborn reforges Kraven The Hunter’s spear to extract his sins from Spider-Man. But Peter Parker found Mary Jane and Paul in the Holland Tunnel. The Goblin Queen’s there too, hoping to prevent Peter from doing something he’ll regret. Can Ashley Kafka and Mary Jane shield Paul from Peter’s wrath? Can Norman and Kraven save lives and return Peter to normality? Let’s fwip into Amazing Spider-Man #35 and find out!

 

 

 

Story

Mary Jane knew bringing Paul into her life would hurt Peter, but she needed Paul’s comfort and support. Maintaining the relationship after she returned to this world—and keeping her distance from Peter—has hurt them both. And life has hit her hard in other ways. She lost the children she and Paul adopted. Ms. Marvel died defending her. Her aunt Anna is locked up in Ravencroft Institute. Peter and Felicity’s relationship fizzled, banishing her friends' hopes for the future. For all her strength, could Mary Jane go on if Peter took Paul away from her?

 

Genetics and environment shape people. No one knows that better than Kraven The Hunter. An insatiable hunger drove his grandmother and his father. Eventually, it consumed them. Is Kraven more than just a hunter? Or will destiny consign him to his ancestors' fate?

 

Norman lost his sins and turned over a new leaf. The Goblin Queen and Doctor Octopus both tried to return them. But did Norman ever really lose his sins or merely learn to rise above them? Whatever he lost transformed Ashley Kafka. That’s undeniable. But can one person bear another’s burdens? Norman knows that’s not right.

 

Zeb Wells confronts the duality of existence in Amazing Spider-Man #35. Amid the battle of Holland Tunnel, Mary Jane, Kraven, and Norman take responsibility for their lives. All will face the consequences of their actions.

 

Still, I wonder. How many are the people they yearn to be?  

 

 

 

Art

Hammerhead resembles Fisk as he incites a mob war. Black Peter uproots a guard rail and batters the Goblin Queen. Mary Jane wields a gauntlet that directs her new powers. Kraven menaces from atop a glowing highway sign. Mary Jane looks heartbroken as Norman ponders his fate. Without his mask, Peter’s expression resembles a gleeful goblin. Patrick Gleason fills panels with cinematic action that never overshadows the drama in Amazing Spider-Man #35.

 

Fire bathes Kraven’s spear while yellow trickles down a face sheltered in darkness. Blood splatters amid the fighting while we glimpse Hammerhead's reflection in a scarlet pool. Mary Jane banishes the fire and smoke. Her powers fill the air with pink, red, and white. Heroes and villains battle amid fire, smoke, and darkness. Yet they remain visible, and their features burn with emotion, thanks to Marcio Menyz and Erick Arciniega.

 

 

 

Joe Caramagna’s colored boxes and balloons reveal character thoughts in Amazing Spider-Man #34. They’re easy to read and ease us through this dark adventure. Peter’s laughter fills the night with enormous red letters. Each "HA" pierces us like Kraven’s spear. Paul's admission--captured in a cloud-like balloon--best conveys the readers' fears and hopes for this issue.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

As heroes and antiheroes battle to prevent tragedy, a villain sparks a bloodbath in Amazing Spider-Man #35.

 

Rating 10/10

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

 

Destiny Gate #1 Review

 

Writer: Ryan Cady

Artist: Christian DiBari

Colorist: Simon Gough

Letterer: Troy Peteri

Cover Artists: Christian DiBari & Simon Gough; Rahsan Ekedal; Giuseppe Cafaro & John Starr; Stjepan Šejić

Publisher: Image

Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 11, 2023

 

Mitchell Slate is tired. Life has dragged him down. He’s working hard to provide for his family. Yet the stress is killing him. Is his situation hopeless? Let’s open Destiny Gate #1 and find out!

 

Story

The Great Depression brought America to the breaking point. A homeless man reminds Mitchell how fragile his life is. One wrong decision could cost his family everything.

 

When he boards his train, two children huddle on a seat. They whisper their plan to avoid the steward. If Mitchell can't increase his income, his children may end up penniless.

 

Another passenger enters. He sits across from Mitchell. He wants to borrow Mitchell’s newspaper. Mitchell shrugs. He doesn’t mind. It’s all bad news, anyway.

 

Mitchell excuses himself. In the restroom, his economic plight and last conversation with his wife haunt him. He wonders if he can go on. He returns to find the carriage in darkness. His passengers are also changed. Mitchell's about to embark on the ride of his life in Destiny Gate #1.

 

I wish Ryan Cady's story made more practical sense. I wanted to identify with Mitchell. Still, all the tracks in Destiny Gate #1 have led to this crisis point in Mitchell's life. As in an episode of The Twilight Zone, Mitchell must now decide his destiny.

 

Art

Christian DiBari’s settings evoke the early 20^th century. Inked shadows, obscuring fog, period attire, and occasional tilted panels give Destiny Gate #1 a film noir appearance. The children on the train--and a photo of his family--tug at the heartstrings. You never see the other man's features. After Mitchell leaves the restroom, the carriage changes. His fellow passengers also transform. Mitchell’s nightmare ride has begun.

 

The steward says that Mitchell's attire is shabby. Yet I noticed no wear or stains on his suit, tie, hat, and jacket. His briefcase contains a photo, a book, and a gun. But he's a traveling salesperson, not a detective. Does Mitchell carry his weapon for protection or another purpose? And what does he sell? As compelling as Mitchell’s nightmare is, I wish DiBari’s art told me more about Mitchell.

 

While Christian DiBari inks shadows, Simon Gough’s palette provides atmosphere. Most settings are earth tones or red, with an ample helping of gray. Yet the gray doesn’t drag down scenes or obscure. Bright colors clash with reality, emphasizing the horrific scenes in the beautifully colored Destiny Gate #1.

 

Troy Peteri uses fading and shrinking to show lowered voices. Yet most of the dialogue and all the narrative are large black uppercase letters in balloons and boxes. The monster's beautifully stylized dialogue suggests a pen that dispenses ink unequally. Its larger size demonstrates the monster's mastery over Mitchell.

 

Final Thoughts

While reminding us of the dangers of anxiety, Destiny Gate #1 suggests the infinite possibilities that await a positive outlook.

 

Rating 8.8/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

The Scorched #22 Review

 

Writers: Sean Lewis & Todd McFarlane

Artist: Stephen Segovia

Colorist: Ulises Arreola

Letterer: Andworld Design

Cover Artists: Mike Deodato, Jr.; Kael Ngu

Publisher: Image

Price: 2.99

Release Date: October 11, 2023

 

Spawn, She-Spawn, and the team confront Terminus. The Senator wields the Spear Of Longinus, stolen from the military base. His kin are on the way. Can the Scorched defend Earth against the Planet Eaters? Let's burn into The Scorched #22 and find out!

 

Story

Death refined Jessica Priest. It galvanized her in the pit. Redeemer, Monolith, and Medieval left her as she fought the virus. What gave her the will to survive was her daughter.

 

Motherhood—protecting a child she hadn’t raised--fueled her fight against Urizen in The Scorched #17. Seeing that Jessica’s daughter might become an orphan, Gaia spared She-Spawn. She also gave She-Spawn a new team. But then, Gaia is the mother of all. Who better to defend her planet than another mother?

 

Terminus was an emissary of the Planet Eaters. But power corrupted him. Nor can Gaia trust Spawn after he teamed up with Urizen in the last issue.

 

Sean Lewis and Todd McFarlane tantalize us with prophecies and potential futures in The Scorched #22. Did Gaia send the Planet Eaters to destroy Earth? Or was finding a champion to turn back the Planet Eaters always the plan? Perhaps Gaia changed her mind? If a woman can do that, why not a god?

 

Art

After a one-issue break to recharge his spawn batteries, Stephen Segovia returns to The Scorched. He delivers the ultimate battle between She-Spawn and Senator Terminus. The others fight, but only Spawn diverts the action from the contenders. The arrival of a space fleet signals a lull in the battle. But this window closes quickly. Terminus wields his sacred spear, yet his arm doesn’t transform like in earlier issues. Something Spawn sees startles him. Incredibly, one member of Jessica’s new team dwarfs even Monolith.

 

Combatants fight against a purple sky. Yet a yellow glow surrounds She-Spawn. Blood—both red and green—flies. Spaceships and weapons cut through the air, leaving a trail of colored light. Redeemer's sword shoots a yellow energy beam at Terminus’ blood beasts. Yet the most intense light—yellow and green—sparks from She-Spawn’s eyes. Her hair and suit match Spawn’s cape and another woman’s dress. These are a sample of the bold and rich colors Ulises Arreola wows readers within The Scorched #22.

 

Yellow words in brown narrative boxes guide readers through this titanic title fight, courtesy of Andworld Design. Black and red uppercase words dominate white narrative boxes with stylized arrows. Jessica and Terminus's dialogue balloons resemble those of ordinary humans--even though both are far more. Minimal sound effects accentuate the intense action. Their absence goes unnoticed amid this issue’s thundering action.

 

Final Thoughts

Still suffering from the virus that nearly killed her, She-Spawn battles the Planet Eaters and combats greed and blindness in The Scorched #22.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Firefly: The Fall Guys #2 Review

 

Writer: Sam Humphries

Artist: Jordi Pérez

Colorist: Francesco Segala & Gloria Martinelli

Letterer: Jim Campbell

Cover Artists: Francesco Francavilla; Justine Florentino; Inhyuk Lee

Publisher: Boom!

Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 11, 2023

 

Amber Archambeau and her gang hoodwinked Captain Kaylee. The job—to steal the Land Office safe—was a ruse. Now, the Alliance wants the Serenity crew for the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Hamner. Can they avoid capture for the worst possible crime? Let's leap into Firefly: The Fall Guys #2 and find out!

 

Story

Five bandits ride through town. They fire at any Alliance troops that get in their horses’ way. But Malcolm Reynolds and company can’t reach the Serenity in time. So, Captain Kaylee hides the horses between two buildings and calls River and Simon. “Blast off now! Leave before the Alliance throws up a security cordon! Above all, keep Zoë’s daughter Emma safe!”

 

An energy dome traps Kaylee and the gang inside the town. At least the Archambeau gang is locked inside. And the Prime Minister's still alive. That's a plus! Only it's not because she and Zoë have unfinished business. It goes back to their days in the war, when Hamner was a general and Zoë a lowly corporal.

 

Sam Humphries throws a lot of history into Firefly: The Fall Guys #2. He jostles readers back and forth in time without showing each step in their journey. Still, his story is a real hoot, Gorram-rich in action, chemistry, hijinks, and hilarity. If you can handle Humphries’ hoodwinkin’ and switchbacks, this yarn is for you, pardner!

 

Art

Jordi Pérez serves an ample helping of frontier western appeal in Firefly: The Fall Guys #2. She confronts this with highfalutin spaceships and holograms, providing a pleasing mix of old and new. Have trouble discernin’ former Captain Mal from recent addition Leonard? Clue: Leonard’s the one with the mustache. Watch out for the Alliance troops! They look ready to take on the bugs with Johnny Rico. But who wants to live forever?

 

Oh, and if you want confirmation that Jordi Pérez dresses Malcolm Reynolds in a brassiere in Firefly: The Fall Guys #2, I'm not spillin’ the beans, Browncoats!

 

Francesco Segala, assisted by Gloria Martinelli, bathes scenes in a rich mixture of limited color combinations. Green, orange, or purple often dominates. Scenes with the horses resemble watercolors. White surrounds Serenity’s bid for freedom as engines ignite, unleashing torrential energy.

 

Jim Campbell’s black, uppercase letters in white dialogue balloons are easy to read. He uses bigger ones to introduce the cast. Sound effects roar as Serenity blasts off and hurles through Plymouth’s atmosphere.

 

Final Thoughts

Trapped in a small frontier town and framed for an assassination attempt, the Serenity crew scramble to hide from Alliance troops in Firefly: The Fall Guys #2.

 

Rating 8.4/10

 

For more great covers see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Transformers #1 Review

 

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer

Cover Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer, Ryan Ottley, Cliff Chiang, Orlando Arocena, Bryan Hitch, & Ian Bederman

Publisher: Image

Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 4, 2023

 

While Sparky mourns his son Jimmy, his surviving son dreams of becoming an astronaut. Spike's friend Carly also dreams of attending university. How will the Transformers' arrival change their world? Let's leap into Transformers #1 and find out!

 

Story

Sparky works all night and drinks all day. His coworker Davey looks after him and worries that Spike needs his father. At least Spike’s got a hobby. He and Carly take Jimmy’s telescope to Hanger's Rock to observe the Full Moon. Instead, they get an earthquake. A crevasse opens! The teens fall into a giant spaceship.

 

Jetfire searched the cosmos for a means to save Cybertron. He missed out on the war that tore the planet apart. When he activates Teletraan One, the computer system doesn’t just awaken Autobots. Starscream grabs his chance and fires on all awakening enemies. Optimus Prime takes the fight to the Decepticons and escapes the ark with the surviving Autobots and the tiny teenagers.

 

The intent of the first page is unclear. Likewise, Jetfire's statement that he changed the Transformers' appearance doesn't compute. Yet Transformers #1 fires a shot across the bows of comic book readers. Fueled by heart and punctuated by pathos, this nightmarish new series is action-packed.

 

Art

The brutally direct Transformers #1 draws inspiration from the original Marvel years. The art will please fans of IDW's Transformers Vs. G.I. Joe series. It targets action more than quiet moments. Brash and unapologetic, the debut issue packs a gut punch that will take your breath away.

 

It's hard to evaluate the issue’s readability, given the color watermark underlying the review copy and the Do Not Share warnings covering each page like shotgun pellets. Yet the balloon size looks appropriately sized to the panels. Forget splash pages and double-page spreads. The average number of panels per page in Transformers #1 may reach double digits!

 

Final Thoughts

A grieving man and his son suffer loss and make powerful allies when a race of robots brings their savage war to Earth in the brutal and devastating Transformers #1.

 

Rating 8.5/10

 

For more great covers see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

To pick up Skybound Entertainment San Diego Comic Con merchandise