Music of 2023, #48: A new song from BLUR
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Monday, May 29, 2023
Succession Season 4 | Official Trailer | Max
SUCCESSION SEASON FINALE - - - Over the course of four
seasons I have watched the endless maneuvering of family members,
the back-stabbing, the boardroom speak (like a foreign language),
the rants that go off in weird tangents, the sarcasm . . . and enjoyed it all.
For a series where I did not really like a single character I still enjoyed
this. I think I'm going to miss it . . . . . .
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Bennett Wilson Poole - I Wanna Love You (But I Can't Right Now) - (Offic...
Music of 2023, #46: BENNETT WILSON POOLE
Ian Kay - Walk That Road Again (Official Music Video)
Music of 2023, #45 : IAN McKAY. The opening drums, etc on this song
owe a small debt to The Strangeloves . . . . . .
Saturday, May 27, 2023
THE ARK Official Trailer (2023)
THE ARK, SEASON ONE on SyFy Channel: I watched the episodes over
the course of two months. One of the better series you can find on SyFy.
Deservedly so, it has been renewed for another season. A tale of survival
with travelers thrust into unfamiliar roles when the entire administrative
crew is lost. Well defined characters, good scripts, and a resolution of sorts
when they reach a destination in the last episode (but with a cliffhanger
ending that will leave you waiting for more.) Worth the time!
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Fanny - Hey Bulldog (1971) | LIVE
Music Flashback - 1971 -- FANNY, a highly under-rated band that had a
good run of several years. Ahead of their time, one of the first all-female
bands and not given enough credit. Here they do a smash-up job on the
Beatles song. I just finished watching a great documentary about them on
the PBS channel.
Monday, May 22, 2023
Hollow Hand - All My Love (Official Video)
HOLLOW HAND 2 of 3 . . . . Hollow Hand is singer/songwriter Max Kinghorn-Mills
of Brighton, England
Hollow Hand - Heaven Just Watched [Official Video]
Music of 2023, #43: HOLLOW HAND modern folk-rock with its' roots in
the past . . . . . . .
Sunday, May 21, 2023
PGHHEAD'S 2023 COMICS ODYSSEY, Part Eighteen
This marks the third consecutive year that I will attempt to document my comics reading by writing at least a mini-review. The goal is 1200 books read and reviewed in 2023, although I missed the mark in 2022 by 88 books. Still, I like that number as it’s easy enough to track - - - 100 books per month on average. Wish me luck!
MAY 20 update: While it seems I’m rapidly falling behind in the count, I keep picking myself up for the next round. I’m just going to keep reading and reviewing when I can, and hope that a big chunk of time frees up somewhere down the road . . . . .
# GOAL FOR May 20, 2023. . . 467 comics documented
CURRENT COUNT . . . . . 370 comics documented
#364 DAWN OF DC: WE ARE LEGENDS SPECIAL EDITION FCBD 2023 by various creators (DC Comics, May 6) This a preview of three brand-new mini-series featuring characters of Asian descent. If you’re planning to check out any of these titles this is a FCBD title you’ll want to have. Each of these stories has appeared before, debuting during the Lazarus Event crossover storyline.
I applaud the effort to introduce more diverse characters into super-hero comics and other genres. However, I need a reason to care about the characters. While it’s nice to see their powers in action and their interaction with existing DC characters, I would appreciate a little back-story to flesh the players out a little more. Otherwise, there’s no reason for me to care if I don’t empathize at all.
The three stories here featuring Spirit World, The Vigil, and City Boy did not hook me enough to want to check out the mini-series. (But later, I did pick one up.) That’s what Free Comic Book Day titles should do. Get me to try something different and then persuade me to buy that title.
SPIRIT WORLD follows Xanthe, who uses magic and a giant sword. THE VIGIL is a team trio who encounter Red Hood. This story had the most action and best art, but told me next to nothing about the team.
CITY BOY is a meta-human (apparently homeless scavenger) with a weird bond with cities and streets and can pass through physical objects. He’s looking for a crown to return to a former owner (copping an idea from the Titanic movie) and runs into Nightwing.
Looks like these titles are going to tie-in to the Batman family as each story has a familiar guest star or two. THREE STARS.
I’ve always thought the ongoing feud between Batman and Ra’s was the premier conflict in the Bat-titles, better than Batman/Joker and other foes. Tom Taylor’s fantastic story makes a good testimonial for that.
Two powerful figures who want to do the right thing, but their methods put them against each other. That is the ingredients for a compelling story. Ra’s has decided the fossil fuel industry is destroying the planet and utilizes his League of Assassins to make some corrections. Good intentions, terrible solution. Batman steps in, with Robin/Damien in the middle and an epic clash between Batman and Ra’s occurs.
What makes it all work is the back-story featuring Ra’s as a child (700 years back) and how he was saved by a pack of animals headed for extinction in today’s world. He’s outraged by that, and has worked decades to root out the cause and do something about it. FIVE STARS.
THE VIGIL blends espionage, illegal weapons technology, and meta-humans into a premise that feels more like a cross between Mission Impossible and DC’s Checkmate than a true team book like Justice League, etc.
In the debut issue, Thailand pirates board and take over an Indian shipping vessel, and the Vigil team come aboard to put them down. Dodge is fast and an impossible target to hit. Assassin Saya can take on the appearance of anyone long enough to cause some damage. The frail looking Castle is the mastermind controlling team events from the safety of a chair. There’s a fourth player, who appeared in the FCBD title, that is missing from this issue so far. Also, it appears a new character, Ms. Saha, is about to join the team.
What makes this even more interesting is a scenario where a scientist is chastised by the Indian government for failing to develop a meta-human team. However, it appears they have been duped - - as it looks like that money and research went into The Vigil, apparently operating outside of government. The last part of the book introduces their opponent, Mr. Lightless (that’s an exciting name!), who fatally interrogates Ms. Saha’s trainer.
I wasn’t really looking to add more titles, but as long as I keep giving #1 issues a try-out this is bound to happen. Plus, there’s a big FOMA monkey on my back that causes stress if I don’t check out new works.
The only flaw with this promising first issue is that we don’t really know anything about these characters. But that’s understandable given the premise and the need to set the stage. FOUR STARS.
This is a new offering in what appears be Scott Snyder’s imprint for IDW - Dark Spaces. GOOD DEEDS is a mystery with supernatural themes that takes place in St Augustine, Florida on the 450th anniversary of the town - - a town with some dark secrets.
Down-on-her-luck newspaper reporter Jean reluctantly accepts the assignment to cover the celebration. Meanwhile, a single mother Rebecca and her troubled teenage daughter Cheyenne move to town to start over by re-opening a rundown diner. You may expect their paths to cross later.
Cheyenne is harassed at school as new kids normally are, and these scenes and mother-daughter exchanges really help establish the characters and create empathy. Cheyenne is troubled by ghastly visions that apparently only she can see, and when an unwelcome visitor to the diner meets with violence, the supernatural mystery deepens.
BTW, IDW needs some love after recently removing their stock from exchange listings, and reducing staff by 30%. It would be a shame to see them fold. Please check out some of their titles. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
A war of monsters in the backwoods and small towns of rural Texas, with unsuspecting people and young ones caught in the middle. It was the monstrously good black & white artwork that prompted me to pick this up on impulse. The story is good, but crowded.
“The secret war of monsters has begun! La Llorona, The Man-Dog, Spring-heeled Jack, The Goatman, Kid Cthulhu, Quetzalcoatl. Cryptids. Monsters. Legends. They must come together as The Cryptidnals to stop El Ango and his legions of evil tulpas, sinister beings created through the power of belief, from destroying reality! It's cryptids vs. creepypasta!” THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
I’m only an occasional reader of Green Arrow titles (usually random issues - but in sequence - fished out of the bargain bins) and have never read a long run of any of the various volumes. Various reviewers who seem to have much more familiarity with the characters than I do are praising this as a return to the greatness of the title. I can only say that, while I liked this, there’s not enough here to make me want to keep reading. When it comes to super-hero books, I’m especially picky. (I do like the new chainsaw arrow, as crazy as that seems!) THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Thursday, May 18, 2023
MINDHUNTER | Season 2 | Official Trailer
MINDHUNTER SEASON 2 on Netflix: One of the best shows on Netflix.
Also one of the best crime dramas, based on the nonfiction novel of the same
name. At times disturbing and not for the squeamish, the acting, sets, and
storylines are fascinating. Sadly, Season 3 just seems a very slim possibility.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Haunted Mansion | Official Trailer
HAUNTED MANSION trailer: Yet another Disneyland / Disneyworld attraction/ride
gets its' own movie. Well, their track record is pretty good so far, with just
a couple misses. This looks pretty good, and funny as well. Although, it
doesn't appear to be something for kids.
Sunday, May 14, 2023
David Werner - What's Right
MUSIC OF 1979 - - - DAVID WERNER Hanging out Saturday 5/13 with
my friend Brian Broad, owner of Long Play Cafe in the Lawrenceville section
of Pittsburgh listening to the debut album of this Pittsburgh singer-songwriter.
He also wrote "Cradle of Love" for Billy Idol.
Air - Official Trailer (2023) Ben Affleck, Matt Damon
AIR on Amazon Prime . . . . . One month after theatrical release, this shows
up on Amazon so we can see what all the favorable buzz is about. I never
thought a movie about the development of an athletic shoe could be so
entertaining. Credit the script, cast and able direction from Ben Affleck.
The nostalgia factor certainly helped with plenty of 80's music, cars, hair styles,
clothing, and popular past-times thrown in. Still, I think it has been a bit
over-hyped --- but this is worth seeing. FOUR STARS.
Billions Season 5 Trailer (HD)
BILLIONS, SEASON 5 on SHOWTIME . . . . Still loving this series. New
wrinkles made this season especially delicious. We watched this during our
travels to Indiana and Pittsburgh while staying at Marriott hotels, who
offered the streaming channel for free. FOUR AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Saturday, May 13, 2023
DEVIL'S DUE To Publish Supernatural Webtoon MONGREL
From the official Devil's Due Studios press release . . . . .YA Graphic Novel to Launch Fall 2023, Starring LatinX Protagonist |
CHICAGO, May 10, 2023 - Devil’s Due Studios has signed Hoyt Silva and Trey Walker’s YA webcomic manga Mongrel for distribution to comic shops and book stores worldwide, slated for a Fall 2023 Release. Mongrel is the age-old story of a girl and her dog—except, in this case, the “dog” is actually a demon, and the girl… Restless fourteen-year-old Mardi Miranda struggles with her identity and interests in the face of her mother’s strict rules; however, after a chance encounter with a strange dog, her world gets turned on its head with the revelation that magic is, in fact, real. Now put on the spot, Mardi and her new found pup must fend off a group of strange infernal monsters. After seeking some help, Mardi is forced to confront her mom with these new found revelations, which apparently she knows more about than expected. |
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"Hoyt and I had an absolute blast creating this wild story together about a girl, her dog, friendship, and learning to be yourself," said Mongrel co-creator and writer Trey Walker. "Even if you are a little weird. I’m so excited to finally get to share it through its first official publication!" For Silva, the series marks the first original property with the publisher after multiple years as a contributing artist (Operation Nemesis, Mercy Sparx,PUNKS Comic). "Mongrel is the perfect addition as Devil's Due focuses on genres closer to its namesake in 2023, including the supernatural fun of one of our first YA books in a long time," said publisher Josh Blaylock, referring to the company's new emphasis on supernatural, sci-fi and dark humor comics. "Readers will instantly love Mardi and her mysterious little demon dog, and the adventures they're about to get into." Mongrel first debuted on the popular webcomic platform, Webtoon, and was optioned by Intellectual Property incubator PopCultivator in 2021, which maintains its rights to develop Mongrel for film, TV, and merchandise. Devil’s Due plans to release the 128 page first volume this Fall, with a second volume to follow in mid 2024. ### |
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About Devil Due StudiosAmerica’s indie comic book home for Supernatural, Sci-Fi, and Dark Humor comics for all. The Home of Mercy Sparx, The Encoded, ArkWorld, Trailer Park Boys, Mongrel, and more. Forged in the fires of early 2000s indie comics by writer and artist, Josh Blaylock, in a time before geeks were cool, Devil’s Due emerged to bring thousands of long lost collectors back into the culture with several breakout hits. Its battle cry: “Pop Culture IS Our Culture.” Then, fandom conquered the mainstream, and to the underground we returned. There we live. We thrive. Stepping out from the shadows at random, with unexpected hit comic drops, rising up from the underground! About the Creators:Hoyt Silva is an Atlanta Georgia based comic artist, illustrator, and storyteller. Throughout the last decade, he’s worked for publishers, appeared in numerous anthologies, created web-comics, and illustrated a handful of creator owned books. Some of his most recent works include Last Stop (published through Scout), Yumi (published through 12-Gauge). When not creating, Hoyt enjoys kicking it with his wife, son, and small pack of pups. Trey Walker is a relatively new writer and crafter currently making his bones in Orlando Florida. His works include Last Stop (published through Scout), as well as some web-comics. He lives with his wife and three demon cats. When he’s not writing, he’s baking treats in the kitchen, making bottle cap mosaic art, exploring woodblock printing, or watching an unconscionable amount of trashy paranormal/UFO shows. |
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
PGHHEAD'S 2023 COMICS ODYSSEY, Part Seventeen
This marks the third consecutive year that I will attempt to document my comics reading by writing at least a mini-review. The goal is 1200 books read and reviewed in 2023, although I missed the mark in 2022 by 88 books. Still, I like that number as it’s easy enough to track - - - 100 books per month on average. Wish me luck!
MAY 10 update: Recent circumstances prevented me from advancing in my comics reading and reviewing. I hope to make better headway this month, but still playing catch-up . .. .
# GOAL FOR May 10, 2023. . . 433 comics documented
CURRENT COUNT . . . . . 363 comics documented
#345 WARLOCK: REBIRTH #1 by Ron Marz and Ron Lim (Marvel Comics, June 2023) While this may read a little slow for newer readers, it’s a welcome nostalgic trip with some familiar characters for older, seasoned readers such as myself. Ron Marz knows how to create a story that reflects those golden years of Marvel when everything I picked up was filled with a fantastic sense of wonder. Ron Lim on pencils is a bonus. I’ve always admired his work, especially that long run on the SILVER SURFER back in the days.
There’s a quick recap midway through the story that does an admirable job of filling in the back-story of Adam Warlock, now living on Monster Isle with Gamora, Pip, Drax and Moondragon and guarding the Infinity Gems.
Things kick off when Legacy (Genis-Vell, son of the original Captain Marvel, Marvel version that is) arrives to visit Earth and learn more about his father. First stop is Monster Isle, as a cocoon of unknown origin hatches and out pops Eve Warlock - who is no friend to any of them. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Those who remember the little girl in Volume One who makes a discovery related to the origins/vulnerabilities of the Maniac and were waiting for a pay-out are finally rewarded in this issue. But, learning that the information was known and suppressed just allows Kalan another reason to swipe with the machete at the ill-advised “profits before people” business model of too many corporations.
Maniac Mary, who so far has been preying on the unfortunate homeless and car-jackers who remain outdoors, has become a hero of the alt-right who feel she is doing the city a service. It’s not long before the copy-cats begin to emulate her. The Met Gala is coming up, where I suspect Mary will make an appearance, especially now that headliner Sadie Sinister (Lady Gaga?) fashions her dress as a homage to Mary.
I’m enjoying this even more than Volume Two. Credit the script, some dramatic scenes between key characters, and the renewed sarcasm with bite from Kalan. The icing on the cake is Mutti’s expressive and creative watercolored art. FOUR STARS.
#347 UNSTOPPABLE DOOM PATROL #1 of 6 by Dennis Culver and Chris Burnham (DC Comics, May 2023) “Degenerates One And All” I’ve been enjoying DOOM PATROL on HBO Max despite how long it’s taking me to get through the series. I’m only up to Season Two. Blame the overwhelming menu of streaming choices, far too many for the time I want to spend. I wondered if the new title would mirror the television series in any way (Crazy Jane is a personal favorite) so I wanted to check it out.
The biggest difference here is The Chief, now a business-suited woman with just a lower half face mask as disguise. In one scene, she transforms into one-eyed Shy (from the “underground”) who mentally inspects the memory of a Metagene solider. Later, Batman refers to her as Jane, and she replies “Jane isn’t here right now. You’re talking to the team’s new Chief.” That’s an interesting spin - - Crazy Jane as the leader.
Doom Patrol mainstays Robotman, Negative Man, and Elasti-Woman are here, along with new character Beast Girl. She’s a miniature person with deer horns and a tail that reminds me of the love child of Sweet Tooth and Squirrel Girl. Her power seems to be to make scary faces that cause opponents to run away in fear. I’m not warming up to her.
In the new Dawn of DC following the Lazarus Event more citizens have an activated meta gene. The Metagene Company springs up to offer them jobs as test subjects, and one such experiment goes awry. The Doom Patrol steps in to control the situation and perhaps recruit the subject.
Chris Burnham’s art is always welcome and there are some interesting side-plots involving Peacemaker digging up dirt on Doom Patrol, and a showdown/possible alliance between two powerful super-villain giant gorillas (one a furry gun-toter and the other a giant robot with a big brain).
So there’s plenty to hold interest here in Issue #1. I’ll probably read this a second time, but I’m not sure I want to add any more super-hero titles to my monthly reading. I need to cut back somewhere. I’m “stopping” here. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
This is a funny homage to the popular GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF television series mixed in with an Agatha-Christie style murder mystery. Both art and story remind me some of the better illustrated/written ARCHIE and CHEW (how appropriate!) comics of past years.
Neal, meteorologist and home chef baker, is poisoned and Shauna, student baker, decides to become the detective so the televised competitive baking show can continue. That leaves 11 chef suspects as well as the judges (who will remind you of the tv hosts, if you watch the show).
I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that the overly exuberant Shauna is the culprit and is using her voluntary detective role to conceal her motives.
My favorite line is when Shauna discovers the poisoned Neal: “Call an ambulance! I think he’s overdosed on batter!”
However, cake does not agree with my blood/sugar ratios. I can’t eat anymore. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Now, I really regret not reading the first NIGHTMARE COUNTRY mini-series before this. But fortunately, it’s not necessary as I was able to pick up on the story immediately without any confusion (although I suspect I’m missing a few significant references to characters or events in the first series).
However, all is not lost. I happen to have all the issues of that initial storyline- - I just haven’t read them yet. I’m sensing I did the right thing, because once I pick up Issue #1 of NIGHTMARE COUNTRY I’ll want to read straight through. In addition, I think that’s the right strategy for this new entry and I should stockpile the individual issues until the story ends or just wait for the trade paperback. I just needed to read this first issue to determine if it was worth my investment and time - - - it sure is. It did not take me long to get wrapped up in this story. It’s odd and creepy in all the right ways that make me curious and hold my attention.
THE GLASS HOUSE is all about greed, the excesses and feelings of entitlement of the elite and wealthy - - including expecting a free pass on violence and torture. (Note: this is not a title for the squeamish).
Main character Max seems like a nice enough person, even conscientious and caring. However, his choice of employer (hedge fund investment firm) is not. In fact, the way to move up in the company is to impress Ken, his immediate supervisor, enough to be invited to a second party following the workplace after-party. Welcome to the King of Pain, an establishment where the select few can covert with demons and ghouls in orgy sessions and sadistic behavior. Where your desires and fantasies can become real provided you are willing to pay the price.
I did not like Estherren’s art at first, including the odd color choices of Patricio Delpeche. But as I kept reading the story I became used to it, and realized that it was enhancing the creepy atmosphere rather than pulling me out of it. Patience is required.
There’s more, but I’ve said enough. I’ll be patiently waiting for this to end so I can read it at one time like a novel. In the meantime, that first volume of NIGHTMARE COUNTRY awaits me. FOUR AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Syd and Ellie are combat exorcists, wearing padded armor and cloaked like Knights Templar. They enter a building in Los Angeles and descend into Hellscape an inverted skyscraper with the lowest level being a Hellish affair, where an auction of souls is about to occur.
Before they can prevent calamity and save souls, they must enter the Seven Sins who have taken up residence of several of the levels. The first entity they encounter is Sloth, who nearly slows them down enough to end things early. Before they can exit his domain, they already experience the influence of the next Sin.
In addition to some interesting art, what makes this work is the character interaction between Syd and Ellie. There is some bad blood in their past, perhaps related to one being passed over the other for promotion. Their pointed barbs hurled at each other and argumentative, taunting dialogue help to keep things exciting and elevate the story. FOUR STARS.
#351 - #352 AVENGERS ASSEMBLE: OMEGA finale by Jason Aaron with art by Aaron Kuder and various guests (Marvel Comics, June 2023) “One Last Ride!” After five years on the Avengers title, Jason Aaron ends his run with the conclusion of this multi-art epic which began in AVENGERS FOREVER and then cross-over into the AVENGERS title, with the final act being book-ended by AVENGERS ASSEMBLE: ALPHA and AVENGERS ASSEMBLE: OMEGA. This will be one wild ride if read in it’s entirely once the storyline is eventually collected. I read it monthly in the single issues, and aside from a couple of below-average issues that dragged a bit I don’t regret my time or investment.
Without the cast guide at the beginning of this issue, it would be difficult to remember all the various players involved from the numerous multi-verses. However, it’s easier to remember the bad guys, now reduced to just the big bosses: Doom Supreme, Dark Phoenix and Mephisto.
Do I really need to describe how this ends? You can guess, and you’ll be right. It’s over before the book is half through. I do like how the remaining pages of this double-sized finale show what happens post-battle to the various heroes from their respective alternate words. Also, Aaron’s post-script and farewell is heartfelt and touching. FOUR STARS.
They were trailblazers for a variety of reasons:
- Creators they published retained ownership of their characters and stories.
- They introduced comics fandom to new creators who went on to greater recognition like Paul Chadwick, Mark Verheiden, Mike Baron, Steve Rude, John Arcudi, Doug Mahnke, Matt Wagner and others.
- They published innovative ground-breaking work from known creators like Frank Miller, for one example (Sin City).
- They showed other publishers who struggled with licensed properties that these were a lucrative market especially when quality creators are assigned and pay attention to details, for example the great stories they published from the realms of Star Wars, Aliens, Predator, The Terminator, and others. I don’t think we would see such a plethora of good titles based on licensed properties without the breakthrough contributions of Dark Horse in the 1980’s.
- Unlike Image, who also sprang forth as a creator-owned publisher in the ’80’s, they introduced readers to the various wonderful genres outside of superhero and team books.
- With the monthly DARK HORSE PRESENTS anthology they created an economical way to introduce readers to various titles. Someday, I hope to run into Mike Richardson at a comics convention so I can thank him in person.
The DECADE trade paperback is a celebration of Dark Horse, and features thirteen of their popular titles in original short stories. Wisely, the contents page includes a short synopsis of each title so that readers can jump right in, understand and enjoy the story, and get a feel for the atmosphere they created. Of course, some are better than others but overall this is a solid set.
Here are the characters and titles featured here: Concrete, Black Cross, Trekker, Godzilla, Aliens, Nexus, The Mask, Martha Washington, Predator, Grendel, Sin City, Exon Depot (early manga), and Ghost. FOUR AND ONE-HALF STARS.
I was interested in this series as soon as it was announced, but never expected it to be this good! I’d love to see more Batman from Silvestri.
The ending and Bruce’s new initiative based on what happened is moving. There are other scenes that occur that aren’t so much a twist in the story as they are pleasant surprises. As the story ends, there are two characters with damning information in a position to take down Bruce Wayne/Batman - - and their rationale and final actions are a neat turn.
Batman and Joker need each other, apparently. But it’s good to see Joker get pummeled now and then. FIVE STARS.
I don’t know why I put off reading this several times, as I’m a fan of artist Frank Quitely and also admire the writing talents of Mark Millar, who can take an ordinary idea and really add flavor to it. They both do a remarkable job here. Since I’m so far behind, I’ll probably wait for the trade paperback.
Millar wisely uses Issue #1 as a build-up, introducing the premise but not showing all the cards just yet. The story is about a race to develop super-powered humans. The United State and Russia had been trying for years, yet a South Korean scientist couple come up with the formula. Now separated, the wife goes public and shows off her lab-created powers and begins to make a major announcement. But not everybody is going to use powers for good, as witnessed in the final pages. And how did that person obtain his abilities?
Each of the remaining issues will be illustrated by a different artist. I’ve been told the story is centered around individuals auditioning for the chance to become a super-hero, as only six people will be rewarded. This should be a good one to pick up. FOUR STARS.
Four quirky youngsters go on a trip to a resort only to realize that Deserted Island means exactly what it says. Then that notion gets contradicted when they meet the animal inhabitants of the island who guide then around. This is cute to look at, but the story is a bit off. I considered this for my 7-year old grandson. Maybe he’d enjoy reading it aloud to his younger brother and sister.
KIRBY MANGA MANIA features the classic video game character in Dream Land, which is equally weird and hard to understand. But the cute cartoonish images make it bearable. TWO STARS, for me. Probably FOUR STARS for the right audience.
The art is engaging and reminds me a lot of Walter Lantz studios and Woody Woodpecker cartoons. The main story centers around the island version of Bigfoot - - - Sweetfoot - - - who is very big but friendly and also has a promising career as a hair and nail stylist. THREE STARS.
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