Monday, August 30, 2021

PGHHEAD'S 2021 COMICS ODYSSEY, Part Twenty-Six



    In 2021 I’d like to cross over the 1,000 comics review barrier, meaning reviews that I (Mike Clarke a.k.a. pghhead) contribute to the blog. That’s what this odyssey is about, beginning January 01, 2021. Wish me luck. . . . 

# GOAL FOR AUGUST 31 . . . 667 comics documented

CURRENT COUNT . . . . .   593 comics documented


#572  THE JOKER #1 (DC, May 2021) What a great set-up issue! Is there anything better than a new series that in the first issue does a masterful job of setting the stage? Masterful, because as soon as it’s finished, you want to pick up Issue #2 and keep going. I chose not to read this when it first came out, so I’ll have to wait for the trade paperback. 


   Do we get much exposure to the Joker in Issue #1? Only incidentally, as the havoc he wrought (500 deaths) at Arkham Asylum is referred to. This first issue is all about James Gordon, no longer GCPD Commissioner and reflecting on his past life and contemplating his future. The opening flashback Chicago sequence where he gets a piece of advice from a grizzled police veteran before departing for Gotham all those years ago is brilliant piece of foreshadowing. 


    In the present day Gordon gets an offer from an undisclosed wealthy group with too much money and resources that’s hard to turn down: hunt down the Joker (now in Belize) and KILL HIM. The Joker doesn’t show his face until the final page. 


    The back-up story featuring Alexis Kaye a.k.a. Punchline was not half as interesting, and actually caused me to lower my rating on this issue. The trial of Punchline is about to begin, and witnesses keep turning up deceased making it difficult for the prosecution. They dispatch an associate to dredge up Kaye’s past. Meanwhile, in lockdown awaiting trial, Punchline runs afoul of the Queen of Spades and tries to muscle her way into prison power. FOUR STARS. 


#573  THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #72/Legacy #873 (Marvel, August 2021) “Sinister War, Part 2” 


Sometimes I just jump in right in the middle of a storyline, because . . . . . well, that’s another story for some other time. Kindred has assembled the Sinister Six to take down Spider-Man, who battles them for the first four pages and then . . . . The book is taken over by the Osborn family.


     There are three versions of Harry running around (one Kindred, one Harry, and one Harry corpse in the morgue). Is this going to be a new spin of the Clone saga? (Oh, please no.) Dad Norman apparently made a deal long ago with someone you should never make a deal with. And, poor Mary Jane is about to learn who it is behind the Kindred mask. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.


#574  LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #3 (DC, July 2021) “Bad Night, Good Knight” Finale. 


I’m glad that this first story arc ends after three issues. While I didn’t really appreciate Darick Robertson’s story-telling I did enjoy his art. He’s a master of facial expressions and some of those here are priceless, especially a surprised and fearful Riddler. Some of his depictions of Batman in action are very worthwhile. 


    The story got a bit better here, although the ending is sort of inconclusive. Seems like Robertson wanted to work in a chance to draw as many classic Batman characters as possible (Joker, Penguin, etc) so with just a quartet of characters here in the final issue of the story arc (Riddler, his new partner/lover Quiz, Scarecrow, and the Russian criminal Gas Mask) things move forward in smoother fashion. Onto the next arc. I’m willing to try one more. THREE STARS.


#575  WINTER GUARD #1 (Marvel, August 2021) I read this one too close to shut-eye and it didn’t leave much of an impression. After a second reading, I’ve got a better opinion of it and I’m on the fence about whether I want to keep going. However, I would suggest this book to any readers who can’t get enough super-team books to read.


     This begins just after the events in AVENGERS #46-#47 from 2018 when the Winter Guard (Russia’s version of the Avengers) captured Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk and held her in Red Room custody. Captain Marvel is interrogating Yelena Belova (a.k.a. White Widow, a.k.a. new Black Widow) until Russian storm troopers break into the Avengers west coast facility to kill the traitor Yelena, who escapes with the help of Natasha Romanov (a.k.a. familiar Black Widow). 


    She tells Natasha of a recent incursion by White Widow and the former Red Guardian (Alexi Shostakov) into Russia near the Ukrainian border to obtain some incriminating documents. There they were vastly out-numbered, meeting resistance from the Winter Guard. However, Red Guardian planned ahead and sabotaged a Guard’s armaments. They escape, foiling the Winter Guard who now suspect a member of being a traitor.


     It’s a crowded book, but still manages to sneak in a little character development, team dysfunction,and distrust to keep it interesting. There are some members of the Winter Guard I’m not familiar with that seem interesting: Red Widow, Chernobog (Slavic god of blood and darkness), and Perun (Slavic God of Storms), and Vostok (a Vision-like synthezoid). The team is rounded out with Vanguard (newer version of Red Guardian), Crimson Dynamo (Iron Man wannabe) Darkstar and Ursa Major. The art is inconsistent, shining in spots and disappointing in others. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.


#576  KING SPAWN #1 (Image, August 2021) This was much easier to comprehend compared to SPAWN UNIVERSE. Wisely, creator Todd McFarlane only contributed dialogue to the main story and left the rest to Sean Lewis who does a commendable job. He introduces a little mystery, unravels the details a little at a time, and builds suspense for the knock-out punch/reveal on the last page. Just like Neal Adams, McFarlane can benefit from a skilled co-writer who does the heavy lifting. Just check out the four short stories here (all written by McFarlane alone) for comparison. 


   (Incidentally, KING SPAWN became the top-selling book ever in the short history of The Maroon Hornet Comics and Collectibles in Oxford, PA. I’ll follow closely to see how Issue #2 does. They brought in more than twice the amount they normally do and were almost sold out after two days. Also, note to Dave - -  yeah, I read this one twice as well, just in order to write a fair review.)

    

     However, as much as I liked this compared to UNIVERSE, I was just as disturbed by some events in here as I was by RED ROOM FCBD. The story opens with a teacher of a kindergarten class blowing things up. I’m concerned that there will be more of this in future issues, and that could be a deal-breaker for me. Note to writers: “Leave the kids alone.”  


Granted, it’s a key component of the story as an alleged religious cult tries to get the attention of Spawn in order to entrap him for unknown purposes (not really, but no spoilers here). They refer to themselves as Psalms 137; alluding to a Bible passage where the Lord allegedly implores them to “smash the heads of the little ones.” Look for the typo on the page where they are referred to as Pslam 137, maybe intentionally?


   The short stories in the back I assume are foreshadowings of upcoming side plots, thankfully separated by title pages. Otherwise, McFarlane might have blended them all together, jump-cutting from one to the other and confusing readers. (Can’t you please draw a little more now and then, Todd?) 


    “Haunt” especially may confuse, unless readers are familiar with his backstory. “Nightmare” is just another in a long list of creepy demons. “The Hero” features a young boy with a weird protector who utilizes extreme measures. Note to writers: “Don’t hurt that kid!”  The most interesting to me is the short preview of “Gunslinger Spawn” who gets his own title in October. 


     McFarlane did a bang-up job of selecting key artists for this first issue - - all similar to his stylings but distinctive in their own ways: Javi Fernandez, Stephen Segovia, Marcio Takara, Philip Tan and Brett Booth. 


      I was a fan of the original SPAWN and followed the title through the first 25 issues or so. I got bored, and quit picking it up. Since then, the storylines when I read a random issue seem to have gotten a bit muddled with not enough distinction between good/evil, heaven/hell, saint/sinner. You can’t tell the character’s motivations without a scorecard. Hopefully, that gets sorted out with some better writers at the helm. FOUR STARS.

       

#577 -#581  THE FIRST X-MEN #1-5 (Marvel, 2012) A full review of this mini-series appears on this blog for August 26.


#582 - #586  NUCLEAR FAMILY #1-5 (AfterShock, 2021) A full review of this mini-series appears on this blog for August 27.


#587  MARVEL VOICES IDENTITY one-shot (Marvel, August 2021)


This is one of the better (for reading purposes) VOICES issues. While I respect and admire the intention behind these anthologies, the stories have been somewhat lacking. What made the difference with IDENTITY is that there are no one or two-page efforts but enough space for creators to set up conflict and resolution and tell an actual story. Only eight stories here, plus some interesting text pieces and an interview with Larry Hama. This issue focuses on Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander characters. 


    My favorite of the bunch is “What Is Vs. What If” by Gene Luen Yang and Marcus To and featuring Shang-Chi. In order to obtain a mystical coin, the Shang Chi of What Is who defied his father and reformed the family organization must combat the Shang Chi of What If who pledged his loyalty to Zheng Zu and ruled by his side. 


THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.




#588  LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #4 (DC, August 2021) This is a complete-in-one-issue story by Stephanie Phillips with great art from Max Dunbar and it’s pretty good. 


     Bruce Wayne obtains an ornate antique box of curiosity which contains news accounts from 1910 of a West End Wraith who haunted and caused the death of some prominent elite members of both the Wayne and Cobblepot families. The Penguin wants the box for personal reasons. 


     Batman investigates the old story and uncovers a trail of servant abuse before giving the ghost some closure.  


THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.


#589  NICE HOUSE ON THE LAKE #3 (DC, August 2021) 


The mystery deepens even further this issue. While some members of the group do their best to chill out and enjoy movies, boating, dinners, etc within the confines of the estate - - others can’t stay still or stop thinking about their confined (prison?) situation. 

   

Three issues in, and Tynion is now focusing closely on his characters, opening their heads so we readers can look inside and jot down notes. This issue focuses on Sam (a.k.a. The Reporter) as he explores the perimeter of the estate, discovers the boundaries, strange sculptures, and a big construct that just may be Walter’s spaceship. What does it all mean?  Better save your copies for later reference.


  FOUR STARS.


#590  BASILISK #3 (Boom, August 2021)


Is there any limit to the strange powers of this weird commune who migrated down from the hill country to wreak havoc?  Not only is a trap being set for them with an assist from a former member who rebelled against the group, but since some have been spotted at a diner the State Police are out in force and looking for them. 


Wow. I think this wraps in another issue or two (unless I am mistaken). I have no idea where Cullen Bunn plans to take this story. Special shout out this issue to the amazing color work of Alex Guimaraes.


  FOUR STARS.



#591  SWAMP GOD #1 (Heavy Metal/Elements, July 2021)


Comics vet Ron Marz puts his spin on Civil War horror in this story of a raiding party of black Union soldiers in the Louisiana bayou who bait a Confederate troop and then surprise attack. 


   The wounded and sore losing Confederates seek the legendary Swamp Witch to summon up a demon for their revenge. This is a set-up issue, introducing the conflict and characters on both sides. Haven’t seen the monster yet, and just met the Witch on the final pages. So far, the story is well-done but really doesn’t stand out enough for me to be excited about it. The Euro-style art is interesting. I’ll be back. 


THREE STARS.


#592  ACTION COMICS #1034 (DC, August 2021) “Warworld Rising, Part Five” I picked this one up at the request of a regular customer. Even though I knew I wouldn’t be able to fully follow the story by jumping in at Part Five, I couldn’t resist reading it. I’m not a regular Superman reader but this gave me an opportunity to get a bit of an update. 


     I can’t summarize the story very well, as I probably would get it wrong. But, this is a pretty interesting story by Phillip Kennedy Johnson with good art by Christian Dulce. 


    Superman’s in the middle of a conflict between Atlantis and the U.S. government over shipping routes. There seems to be a primary struggle between the two factions over a fragment from Warworld. In fact, some of Mongul’s minions (is he behind Warworld?) have Lois and some Phaelosians hostage at the Fortress of Solitude? (Just my guess). The sole surviving Phaelosian may not be friendly (chokehold on Lois). 


   Even more confusing to me is the Becky Cloonan/Michael Conrad Midnighter back-up story (“The Passenger, Part Six) featuring Mister Miracle. The art by Michael Avon Oeming reveals that he’s made some changes to his usual style. This is a bit more detailed.


       It’s so hard to keep up with comics these days. If there were less choices out there, I might just reserve some of my money for Action Comics. However, there’s so much more out there more interesting to me than this. THREE STARS.


#593  NOT ALL ROBOTS #1 (AWA/Upshot, August 2021) On the other hand, this was a no-brainer for me to pick up. I love the satirical bent of Mark Russell’s stories. Mike Deodato Jr. is one of the most expressive, highly detailed, and realistic artists out there these days. Both of them together? That’s a no-brainer for me.


    In a future society, robots do all the heavy lifting for the humans. At some point, developers added an empathy chip to the artificial intelligence. These robot servants express all the other emotions as well: envy, jealousy, greed, resentment, hatred … and perhaps love (we’ll see). They even have their own television news network for all things robotic, including a controversial talk show. 


    Humans are still the ruling council, but “bots are starting to wake up. It’s us or them, one day, we’ll scrape humanity off this planet like a bad case of rust.”  The newest endeavor by the robots is to create Mandroids . . . “to give house-bots a more human appearance and feel, in hopes that their assigned humans will be better able to connect with them. To make it easier for their families to love them.”


     These are mass-produced without heads, so they can be completely customized. “We only make heads on demand. The bodies we keep in storage until needed.” The human response: “Oh. Like Uber drivers.”   


    There’s plenty of humor throughout to keep things on the lighter side, although by now you may suspect that there are some subtle messages within all this symbolism. There’s a text piece in the back by Mark Russell that spells out his intentions: to write a future dystopia about robots as a metaphor for toxic masculinity. He does a great job here. I identified with humans and robots after reading this, and could empathize with both. This is brilliant and worthy of multiple readings. 


      Two robots break off a conversation with this interesting send-off/call and response: “See you later, Terminator!” . . . . . “In a while, Rotary Dial!”


   You should be checking out this book. FIVE STARS.

     


Saturday, August 28, 2021

IDW Earns Five REUBEN AWARD, Ten RING AWARD Nominations

   From the IDW Publishing Press Release

The Industry Recognizes the Skill and Imagination of Beloved Creators,
Including an Award Category Completely Populated by IDW Cartoonists
 

SAN DIEGO, CA (August 26, 2021) – In a week of thrilling industry awards news, IDW was honored with fifteen combined nominations for the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Division Awards and Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards.
 
A particular highlight of the recent award news is the revelation that Brahm RevelStan Sakai, and Walter Simonson claimed all three nominations in the Comic Books category of the Reuben Division Awards for their work on titles published by IDW. In another tribute to IDW’s talented creative partners, two of the three nominations in the Graphic Novels category went to IDW cartoonists, as well.
 
For this year’s Ringo Awards, five IDW titles received recognition from their jury of industry luminaries, while an additional five nods were directed towards individual comics professionals whose creative achievements during 2020 include IDW publications.
 
Of particular note, Stan Sakai’s new Ringo and Reuben Division Award nominations follow hot on the heels of two Eisner Award wins (“Best Continuing Series” for the monthly Usagi Yojimbo comic book and “Best Letterer” for Sakai’s skillful draftsmanship).
 
Nachie Marsham, IDW’s publisher, says, “We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to each of the massively talented creators who have been deservedly recognized for their passion, hard work, and artistry by the Ringo and Reuben organizations. It’s our supreme honor and pleasure to work with each of you, and we wish you the best of luck!”
 


 


REUBEN DIVISION AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR IDW

 
Founded in 1946, the National Cartoonists Society is the world’s largest and most prestigious organization of professional cartoonists. Each year, during the NCS Annual Reuben Awards Weekend, the Society awards the profession’s highest honor, the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, and additional awards for categories including Comic Books and Graphic Novels, among others.
 
For this year’s 75th Annual NCS Reuben Awards, the following creators were nominated for the Reuben Division Award in the Comic Books category. These three creators comprise the entire list of potential recipients, a clean sweep for IDW Publishing.
 
  • Brahm Revel for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Jennika
  • Stan Sakai for Usagi Yojimbo
  • Walter Simonson for Ragnarök: The Breaking of Helheim
 
In the Graphic Novel category, two IDW creators were nominated (out of the three total contenders):
 
  • Jared Cullum for Kodi
  • Thibault Balahy for Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band
 
Nominations are selected by a jury based on submissions from industry peers, with final winners being selected by the secret ballot of NCS members.
 

 


RINGO AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR IDW
 
Celebrated annually in honor of cherished writer/artist Mike Wieringo, the Ringo Awards recognizes the creativity, skill, and fun of comic books. Nominations reflecting publications from the previous year are determined by a panel of industry professionals from submissions offered by fans and pros alike.
 
Five IDW projects were nominated for Ringo Awards in the following categories:
 
  • Best Series: Usagi Yojimbo
  • Best Anthology: Be Gay, Do Comics
  • Best Anthology: Hey, Amateur! Go From Novice to Nailing It in 9 Panels
  • Best Humor Comic: Love and Capes: The Family Way
  • Best Presentation in Design: Dave Cockrum’s X-Men Artifact Edition
 
Additionally, five creators whose work in 2020 was exclusively or in part featured in IDW publications were nominated in the following categories:
 
  • Best Cartoonist (Writer/Artist): Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo)
  • Best Letterer: Deron Bennett (Canto & The Clockwork FairiesCanto II: The Hollow Men)
  • Best Cover Artist: Peach Momoko (The Crow: LetheRead Only MemoriesUsagi Yojimbo: Wanderer's Road)
  • Best Cover Artist: Kevin O’Neill (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen IV: The Tempest)
  • Best Colorist: Laura Allred (Hey, Amateur! Go From Novice to Nailing It in 9 Panels)
 
Voting on the final nominations are open to all comic creative professionals at the official Ringo Awards website. IDW encourages eligible voters everywhere to log in and make your voice heard!
 

 
IDW Publishing would like to thank the judges and voters for this year’s awards and is honored to be included among such stellar competition.
 
To acquire copies of IDW Publishing’s nominated comic book and graphic novel releases, please contact your local comic shop or visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you. Graphic novels are also available for order via bookstores, online booksellers, and digital platforms.
 
 
 
For Further Reading
 
Be Gay, Do Comics
•   FC          •   $24.99 US / $33.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-777-1
 
Canto Vol. 1: If I Only Had a Heart
•   FC          •   $19.99 US / $25.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-621-7
Canto Vol. 2: The Hollow Men
•   FC          •   $19.99 US / $25.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-800-6
 
The Crow: Lethe
•   FC          •   $17.99 US / $23.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-712-2
 
Dave Cockrum’s X-Men Artifact Edition
•   FC          •   $125.00 US / $163.00 CAN        •   ISBN 978-1-68405-701-6
 
Hey, Amateur! Go From Novice to Nailing It in 9 Panels
•   FC          •   $19.99 US / $25.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-766-5
 
Kodi
•   FC          •   $14.99 US / $19.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-60309-486-3
 
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen IV: The Tempest
•   FC          •   $29.99 US / $39.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-60309-456-6
 
Love and Capes: The Family Way
•   FC          •   $19.99 US / $25.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-614-9
 
Ragnarök Vol. 1: Last God Standing
•   FC          •   $24.99 US / $33.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-63140-068-1
Ragnarök Vol. 2: Lord of the Dead
•   FC          •   $24.99 US / $33.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-63140-883-0
Ragnarök Vol. 3: The Breaking of Helheim
•   FC          •   $24.99 US / $33.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-713-9
 
Read Only Memories
•   FC          •   $17.99 US / $23.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-679-8
 
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Jennika
•   FC          •   $17.99 US / $23.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-716-0
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Jennika II
•   FC          •   $19.99 US / $25.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-832-7
 
Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 1: Bunraku and Other Stories
•   FC          •   $19.99 US / $25.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-657-6
Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 2: Homecoming
•   FC          •   $19.99 US / $25.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-802-0
 
Usagi Yojimbo Origins Vol. 1: Samurai
•   FC          •   $24.99 US / $33.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-740-5
Usagi Yojimbo Origins Vol. 2: Wanderer’s Road
•   FC    •   $19.99 US / $25.99 CAN           •   ISBN 978-1-68405-843-3

Friday, August 27, 2021

I'm Putting This Event In My LABOR DAY HOLIDAY Plans


logo
I'll be there, with some great deals on new and old comics . . . Mike 
)
Clarke a.k.a. pghhead (on this blog)
Labor Day Flea Market Comics & Collectibles Show

Monday, September 6, 9am-Noon

In front of CBH in our parking lot

Captain Blue Hen's Annual Labor Day Flea Market is an outdoor event with free admission. Vendors selling comic, toys, other stuff and COMICS. We will have some special sales that day.

Hours open to customers: 9am - Noon

*Weather permitting with distancing and masks in effect.

From your friends at
Captain Blue Hen Comics & Entertainment
280 E Main Street
Newark, DE 19711
mail@captainbluehen.com
302-737-3434




 
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Mini-Series Review: NUCLEAR FAMILY (AfterShock Comics)

Based on Philip K. Dick’s short story Breakfast at Twilight, NUCLEAR FAMILY is written by  Stephanie Phillips (Butcher of Paris, Heavy Metal, ARTEMIS AND THE ASSASSIN, RED ATLANTIS) and illustrated by Tony Shasteen (Star Trek). It’s Cold War era science fiction at its most timely and terrifying.


NUCLEAR FAMILY #1-5 (Aftershock Comics, February - June 2021)  Writer: Stephanie Phillips.  Artist: Tony Shasteen. Colors: J.D. Mettler. Letters: Troy Peteri.


  Over the past several years, writer Stephanie Phillips has demonstrated a knack for scripting compelling, engaging historical fiction. This adaptation of a Phillip K. Dick science-fiction short story hits the spot.  


Milwaukee, 1957. With the Soviet Union’s entry into the space race dominating the radio news, Korean war vet and family man Tim McClean works hard to keep bread on the table at his stressful job as a salesman at Bob’s Used Cars lot.  The car radio he was listening to broadcasts news of a new Soviet satellite emitting a strange signal. 


   His snarky co-worker Dan is not averse to telling some tall tales in order to sell a car. Bob prefers to be honest. He, and his loving wife Linda, work hard at raising their two children the right way. Young son Henry loves to play Army, running through the house in his helmet and brandishing a toy rifle. Teenage daughter Robin has been sneaking cigarettes and is developing a rebellious, testing attitude. 


    They are all going to be tested in the aftermath of an all-out atomic war between Russia and the United States. Tim herds his family into the basement, crowded with equipment for his ham radio hobby that may come in handy in the days to come.


     This is a simple enough story, with photo-realistic art. Both are so effective. The street scenes with the wood-sided homes look like a postcard. The introductory issue paints a neat portrait of suburban family life in the suburbs of 1957 Milwaukee, and then WHAM! - - - I don’t think we’re in “Kansas” anymore, Toto.  Plus, the back-up content in Issue #1, “A True American’s Guide To Communism!” is a hoot and also reflective of the times. 


   Things take a dangerous turn in Issue #2, as the McClean home is the only one left standing on their block in the aftermath of the attack. Plus, their house has been mysteriously transplanted 10 years into the future, to an America of 1968 where citizens shelter in multi-storied underground bunkers in order to stave off the remaining radiation and danger on the surface. And, the gas-masked U.S. Army suspects the McCleans are Russian sleeper agents and apprehend them. 


     The family is quickly interrogated, then separated (children from parents, husband from wife) for further questioning. With the help of a new friend, the children escape their cell and secretly wander the levels of the Sector Twelve outpost. They learn that the U.S.-Russia war is still going on, and this new society goes to dire means and experimentation in search of winning methods. 


   They find an unlikely ally in the Governor of Sector Twelve, who after many interrogations, threats and torture concludes that the story of their arrival is true. He gives them a tour of the outpost: “Eighty percent of Americans live in conditions like this or worse . .  in bunkers that were’t built to last this long or house such great numbers. . . . Resources are scarce . . The life expectancy rate has dropped by doubt twenty years.” 


   Life is this 1968 America is indeed crippling, and does not appear that much different from Russian civilization. The McCleans hold onto hope that they can make it back to their own timeline, and possibly find a way to avoid this post-apocalypse future. The Governor works to get them back to their home, and things end on a satisfactory note.


    I was at first a little disappointed at how quickly things wrapped up in Issue #5. But after re-reading some of the issues I realized that the seeds of salvation had been planted as far back in Issue #1 and that made it more palatable. 

   

   When an adaptation creates enough interest to make me want to seek out the source material and see how closely they overlap or where they might differ— then that is a high compliment to a mini-series. Recommended. FOUR STARS.


Thursday, August 26, 2021

Comics Review: THE FIRST X-MEN by Adams and Gage


THE FIRST X-MEN by Neal Adams & Christos Gage,writers and Neal Adams, artist (Marvel, September 2013) Trade paperback. 112 pages. ISBN # 0785164960 / 9780785164968  


Summary on the Goodreads website . . . . .


X-Men legend Neal Adams returns to Marvel's mutants to reveal the secret history of the X-Men...BEFORE Xavier's team! 


What terrifying threat led the solitary secret agent nicknamed Wolverine to form a mutant strike force decades in the past? As the government solidifies its plans for the new subspecies known as mutants, Wolverine and his ally Sabretooth recruit a certain Master of Magnetism and Prince of Atlantis to their cause.COLLECTING: First X-Men 1-5.



My Three-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .


     I’m not sure if writers Adams and Gage really intended to re-write the beginnings of the X-Men by placing the first group earlier in X-Men chronology than Professor X's assembling of mutant teenagers. 


     Whether this is a "What If?" mini-series or not, it shouldn't matter. The X-Men continuity and canon has been violated so many times over the years that readers should just go along with the ride and enjoy it. I did, as the three star rating reflects my opinion that this is good story-telling and an engaging adventure but not enough to propel it to a four-star (exceeds expectations) or five-star (a classic of the genre) rating. 


     In this tale, individual with special abilities were already being labeled as "mutants" and discriminated against and abused in the even earlier '60's before the establishment of Xavier's School For Gifted Youngsters. The pre-Wolverine and immortal Logan with the bone claws and healing factor

decides to do something about it, and recruits Victor Creed (Sabertooth) to help find people like themselves and rescue those who might be experimented on like lab rats. 


     Some recruits join them, others do not. Turning them down were a young Professor Xavier, Magneto and Namor. So, the germ of an idea for a special school may have come to Xavier during this encounter with Logan. The hatred that Creed has for Logan gets a possible explanation here for the first time (I think). The beginnings of The Sentinels ( a false start) is also detailed, along with a new and intriguing mutant villain (Virus). 


     Neal Adams' art doesn't wow me the way it used to, but it still remains great. I know his scripting skills are suspect so the addition of Christos Gage as co-writer is very welcome. A fun read, but not essential if you're not an X-Men collector. (I used to be).

Monday, August 23, 2021

ZENESCOPE UNIVERSE Gets Immersive With SECOND LIFE


From the official Zenescope press release . . . .View in Your Browser
Zenescope Shop
Shadow

August 20, 2021. Linden Research, Inc. (“Linden Lab”), the creator of Second Life, and comic book publisher Zenescope Entertainment, in conjunction with leading digital licensing agency, Epik, today announce they have partnered to bring the dark and twisted Grimm’s Universe to life as the Zenescope Metaverse inside Second Life.

Fans can interact with and play as some of the classic fairytale characters popularized by Zenescope’s comic books and graphic novels, acting out scenarios and following different storylines. The virtual experience features Cinderella (AKA Cindy): Serial Killer Princess -- the main character of a six-issue mini-series of the same name. Also on hand are Belle: the Beast Hunter; the Mad Hatter, and the menacing Jabberwocky.

Visitors will find plenty of iconic locations and other nods to Zenescope heroes and villains, including Rockman’s Ice Cream shop from Belle’s series, and a fully-playable Goblin Golf course. The immersive world is full of games, hidden surprises, and exclusive virtual collectibles and merchandise found only in Second Life.

The Zenescope Metaverse inside Second Life features…

  • Familiar Cindy, Belle, and Mad Hatter character costumes and avatars.
  • Multiple scenarios and storylines to follow.
  • More than 50 exclusive virtual collectibles and branded merchandise items, including clothing, furnishings, and the fan-favorite Cheshire cat plushie, games and activities like the fully playable Goblin Golf and the Mad Hatter’s Hedge Maze, complete with trophies.
  • A clandestine quest, hidden locations, and other secrets.

As the largest female-driven shared universe in all of comics, with dark spins on well-known characters such as Van Helsing, Robyn Hood and Alice in Wonderland, Zenescope is an ideal partner for the Internet’s longest-running, 70M registered users-strong metaverse platform. There are numerous empowered, unpredictable, and complex personalities, stories, and locations to be realized in new ways with no limitations. Crossover similarities between the two fan bases not only include a demographic that skews toward mature females but plays to a strong interest in fantasy narratives.

“It’s such a unique and fun concept to be able to interact with or become some of one’s favorite comic book characters,” said Zenescope’s Head of Media Development, Ralph Tedeso. “To watch our universe come alive has been amazing. We’re looking forward to buildinging out more of the Zenescope metaverse with Second Life.

This marks the first time a Zenescope property has been realized inside a virtual world, and the first phase of an on-going partnership with Linden Lab that will introduce new content over time.

"We're excited to bring some of the most beloved characters from the Zenescope universe to life in one of the Internet's largest and most successful metaverses," says Linden Lab executive chairman Brad Oberwager. "This is just the beginning of many exciting new brand and entertainment partner collaborations for Second Life, and we look forward to working closely to expand this virtual world partnership further with both Zenescope and Epik."

New characters and content will be rolled out in phases throughout the year and beyond. To visit the Zenescope Metaverse inside Second Life, please visit https://second.life/zenescope.

About Zenescope

Zenescope Entertainment was founded by Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco in 2005 and has quickly grown into one of the top comic book and graphic novel publishing companies in the world.  With hundreds of titles published, and thousands of characters in its vast library, Zenescope boasts the largest female-driven shared universe in comics. The company has cumulatively sold over 12 million comic books and graphic novels worldwide and has partnered with dozens of media companies over the past sixteen years including Discovery Channel, History Channel, New Line Cinema, Titmouse Studios and many more.  You can find Zenescope on the web at zenescope.com and follow them @Zenescope on all social media platforms. 

About Epik

The leading global licensing agency, Epik, brings together the world’s biggest brands and most popular digital platforms to offer truly unique and immersive digital experiences to more than a billion fans and consumers worldwide. The company marries technical wizardry with one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences for major music labels, artists, sports leagues, enterprise, dance, esports and game companies by creating premium digital collectables, exclusive NFTs and more powered by a proprietary blockchain technology. Epik has been pioneering this industry since 2018 and is the first company to tie in these digital experiences with AAA gaming partnerships. Epik develops NFTs for many of the world's largest and most popular brands, including upcoming video game enabled NFT collaborations with Zenescope. Clients include ViacomCBS, Warner Music, Garena, Tencent and Universal.

About Linden Lab

Linden Lab develops platforms that empower people to create, share, and benefit from virtual experiences. Founded in 1999, the company first launched Second Life, the groundbreaking virtual world enjoyed by millions around the globe, in 2003, which has since gone on to boast nearly two billion user creations and a vibrant $500 million (USD) economy. For more about Linden Lab, its products, and career opportunities, visit its website. 

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