PGHHEAD'S 2023 COMICS ODYSSEY, Part Thirty-Five

PGHHEAD’S 2023 COMICS ODYSSEY, PART 35

       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!

# GOAL FOR October 31, 2023. . . 1,000 comics documented

CURRENT COUNT . . . . .  781 comics documented

#757 - #761  BATMAN #125, 126, 127, 129, 130 by Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jimenez (DC Comics, September 2022 - February 2023)

     I have mixed feelings about this one. Obviously, I read comics for the action and escapism they so often provide. So, if you feel the same way and/or you're a Batman fan (my favorite DC character) then I still recommend this to you. The fabulous art of Jorge Jimenez is always worth the price of admission. 

     However, in addition to the action/escapism my favorite Batman stories contain character reveals that get to the heart of what motivates and compels Bruce Wayne/Batman to do what he does. When Zdarsky was announced as part of the new creative team on BATMAN I was expecting some of those psychological reveals, based on the fine work he did with his run on DAREDEVIL ( a deep dive into Matt Murdock's purpose/mission and whether he should continue). While Zdarsky does touch on that in the early issues of this story arc, he downplays it in favor of the action story.

 

    For me, this was a decent read but I found it to be a little too over-the-top and a lot of the set-up raised questions. Sure, Batman might have developed a counter to himself (a Failsafe) should he ever stray from his mission and actually take a life - - - but shouldn't Failsafe have been activated long before this story? Haven't there been plenty of Batman stories where he's wanted for murder, a fugitive pursued by the police? Oh well. The scene in the late part of the story where Batman manages to find his way back to Earth (without benefit of a spaceship) was a bit much to accept. 

     Failsafe is a Terminator-inspired character, and entertaining, but I hope to not see him again. Once was enough. Also, the dramatic fatalistic but anti-climatic ending failed to wring any emotion out of me. You just know it's not going to hold up. The back-up story with Catwoman trying to find the survivors/inheritors of Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin's estate also didn't seem true to her character. After learning what she did (no spoilers here) I'm extremely doubtful that she wouldn't reveal her findings to Batman and bail him out.   THREE STARS.

#762 - #766 CREEPSHOW #1 - #5 by various creative teams (Image Comics, September 2022 - January 2023)  What began as a movie homage to pre-Comics Code era 1950’s horror comics, specifically EC’s TALES FROM THE CRYPT, has now come full circle with a comics series. 

     The first film, CREEPSHOW (1982), is a personal favorite of mine. Directed by George Romero (NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD,DAWN OF THE DEAD) and featuring the screenwriting debut of Stephen King (also a personal appearance in the movie) - - it was the first film anthology in a long history of same to successfully blend horror with comedy. Dark humor, mind you, but the laughs were as plentiful as the scares. I thought it was ground-breaking, and I can’t recall any of the many attempts at this since then having quite the same effect. Also, special effects master Tom Savini gave the movie the feel of a comic book by incorporating animation in the framing sequences and replicating some comic-like effects in the live-action scenes.

  

The more recent CREEPSHOW television series on AMC/Shudder comes the closest. Now, there’s a comic to try and capture that same magic.  While it didn’t quite hit the target for me, CREEPSHOW the comic is definitely a welcome addition to the family and maintains that subtle blend of horror and comedy.  Each issue features two stories. Some very talented writers and artists are involved, including Chris Burnham, David Lapham, Francesco Francavilla, Kyle Starks, Fran Kalan, and Steve Orlando. 

    There’s not a clunker in the bunch. All ten stories are worthwhile and fun. 

Among my favorites are “Take One” (remember not to take more than your share during Trick Or Treat Night), “Hair” (a barber with lots of animal friends, both small and huge), “La Mascara De La Muerte” (a disgraced Mexican wrestler loses her mask and decides to return wearing her late father’s devil mask, to gruesome results), and “Thirst Trap” (the consequences of taking too many selfies). However, if I can only pick one story it would be the closer in Issue #5, “Husk” written by horror novelist Clay McLeod Chapman, where passing down time-bound Southern traditions to a dear daughter can has horrifying results - especially if she was adopted and found in the woods.  FOUR STARS.

#767 - #771  STAR WARS: TIE FIGHTER trade paperback by Jody Houser and Roge  Antonio (Marvel Worldwide Inc, 2019)  

Synopsis on the Goodreads website . . . . .

     Enter Shadow Wing! The Empire's salvation - the Rebellion's doom! As the war between the rebels and the Galactic Empire stretches on, it is the innocent people of the galaxy who are most at risk. 

     An elite squadron of TIE fighter pilots is assembled to help protect Imperial interests - and hammer the Emperor's fury down upon the treasonous and violent Rebel Alliance. But how far is this untested team willing to go to preserve law and order? And are the pilots of Shadow Wing as loyal to the Empire as they seem?

     Jody Houser does an impressive job here of not deviating from Star Wars canon and introducing a brand-new cast of interesting characters. What is most remarkable is that this a tale told from "the other side", meaning not the good guys Rebel Alliance that we root for but the troops under the command of the wicked Emperor Palpatine.

     The five members of the Shadow Wing tie-fighter squadron reveal that not every person who sides with the Imperial Forces is necessarily pure evil. They have many concerns and fears similar to members of the rebellion and also sometimes express doubts about whether they are on the right side. 

     I appreciate how this was handled. It's sensitive and skillful.

Not to mention that the space battles are well-choreographed and illustrated. This is one of the better Star Wars comics. Great visuals.   FOUR STARS.

#772 - #777  I WALK WITH MONSTERS #1 - #6 by Paul Cornell and Sally Cantirino (Vault Comics/Nightfall, November 2020 - May 2021) 

In her past, the Important Man took away Jacey's brother. Now Jacey has David, who is sometimes a monster. Together, they hunt those who prey on the vulnerable. But the Important Man is still out there.

MONSTERS WALK BESIDE US ALL, AND SOMETIMES LURK WITHIN.

     This starts out with a novel premise, builds tension slowly then fizzles a bit, and concludes very rapidly with an unexpected and surprising ending.

I think this title could have done better if certain scenes were more clearly defined by the script. Cornell is a cerebral writer, and this story will certainly challenge readers as he keeps it vague or symbolic regarding the back-story. Each issue is interspersed with brief flashback scenes that give the tiniest of clues, but mainly serve to break the momentum of the story. What was called for was a bit more of emotional tension, which ebbs and flows instead of being the primary driver here.

    If you can define the back-story of Jacey’s upbringing and the real intentions of the “Important Man” (a politician in the middle of a campaign) it begins to make more sense. I’m not pretending to fully get it, so I won’t be sharing my speculations. 

   I enjoyed the story, despite the challenges. On the plus side, the art is interesting and the coloring is effective, dark and atmospheric. I appreciate the story-telling device of showing blanks in the dialogue when Jacey struggles for a full memory of past scenes as well as partially obscured faces on campaign posters as she tries to fixate on the right image of  the Important Man. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.

#778 - #781  30 DAYS OF NIGHT, NIGHT AGAIN trade paperback by Joe R. Lansdale and Sam Keith (IDW Publishing, December 2011)

 

    I am a big fan of Texas story-teller Joe R. Lansdale, who has a real knack for creating fascinating characters, whip-smart snarky dialogue, and intriguing plots - - - none of which you will find in 30 DAYS OF NIGHT: NIGHT, AGAIN.

     That doesn't mean that Lansdale isn't a decent writer for comics. It just doesn't work here. In truth, I haven't been that impressed with any of the 30 DAYS OF NIGHT sequels by different creative teams. Some concepts are better suited for a one-and-done. You can't deny the brilliance of the Steve Niles/Ben Templesmith original. That said, if you'd like to read some really good comics work from Joe R. Lansdale then check out the weird western JONAH HEX mini-series he did with the awesome Tim Truman for DC/Vertigo. 

     However, if you're in the mood for a good scary vampire tale (as I was) since it's Halloween season and you can be satisfied with that, then check this one out. It won't disappoint in that respect.

     Sam Keith is also not at the top of his game here. While there are some moments of captivating art, there are too many sloppy scenes (especially the flashbacks, maybe amateurish on purpose) that look like unfinished sketches. In either case, if you're curious to check out Lansdale and Keith - - please don't start here. TWO AND ONE-HALF STARS.

     The Goodreads SYNOPSIS: Fleeing the site of a secondary vampire infestation in the cold wilds of Alaska, a band of survivors arrive at a climate change facility during the final days of a long period of extended daylight. The inhabitants of the research compound are trying to determine the nature of a strange object found in the ice when the survivors arrive, leading to a frightening and bloody confrontation between humans and vampires - and an odd and unexpected guest! 

Star Collector - Beat It To Death (Official Music Video)

STAR COLLECTOR, 2 of 2

Star Collector - Feel It Comin' On (Official Music Video)

Music of 2023, #103: STAR COLLECTOR

Jeremiah Johnson (1972) Official Trailer - Robert Redford, Will Greer, S...

JEREMIAH JOHNSON on Turner Classic Movies: A little slow for today's 

audience but a good movie that tries to stay true to real events. I saw this

when it was originally released and remembered it as one of the first 

western to employ real Native Americans instead of actors and portray them

as more than just simple savages. FOUR STARS.

PGHHEAD'S 2023 COMICS ODYSSEY, Part Thirty-Four

PGHHEAD’S 2023 COMICS ODYSSEY, PART 34

       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!

# GOAL FOR October 20, 2023. . . 967 comics documented

CURRENT COUNT . . . . .  756 comics documented

#733 - #737  BULLS OF BEACON HILL #1 - #5 by Steve Orlando and Andy MacDonald (AfterShock Comics, January-May 2023)

A nice balance of crime and politics, prejudice and resentment, in a broken family relationship. Here’s the Goodreads synopsis . . .

“Doctor Christopher Boldt has everything he ever wanted: A successful career as a surgeon, a supportive and loving boyfriend, and an overload of hype on his rumored run for Boston City Council. But there's one problem - it's all held up by a lie. For years, Chris has been hiding in plain sight, desperate not to be connected to his father, Orin Paige, one of Boston's most notorious gangsters.

Until now, Chris has been able to live with the secret. And Chris's father has been just as happy to deny any connection to his queer son, who he sees as a liability in the mob world. Now, Chris's political aspirations have put father and son on a collision course. A collision course bathed in blood.”

     I believe it's true that regardless of whether a son or daughter loved, respected, or hated one of their parents - - it's almost impossible not to reflect some similar traits later in their adult life. Like it or not, mom and dad were a primary influence for all of us. 

      Is there anything more horrifying than a disgruntled father, disturbed so much by how a gay son could destroy his hard-nosed reputation, that he hires a hitman to take him out? And, if that kill failed, would the son turn the tables and attempt to murder his father? 

     That's the turning point in this story, and broken family relationships are at the heart of it. I appreciate how writer Steve Orlando subtly weaved some key moral and ethical questions within the story and detailed how one aspiring individual managed to finally be true to who he was, no secrets anymore. 

     There's plenty of brutality and action within the storyline, and Andy MacDonald's expressive art enhances the proceedings. But the root of this story is the human drama, and that's what I appreciated more than the confrontational overlay.  THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.

#738 - #742  THE STRAIN, VOLUME 4: THE FALL by David Lapham and Mike Huddleston (Dark Horse Comics, 2013)

     What better month than October (and Halloween) to pick up a nightmarish horror trilogy and read it every evening? Realizing that I'm running out of time to try and tackle The Strain trilogy before the month ends, I grabbed this middle volume of the comics adaptation out of my collection to at least refresh my memories. Yes indeed, I need to remind myself to schedule a time slot to get back into this series. Reading David Lapham's excellent adaptation in comics form reminded me that this is one of my favorite vampire series. 

     Volume 4: The Fall marks a key turning point in the series, where things don't look like they are going to work out at all for the good guys. Reading this reminded me just how great Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan's version of vampires is. Sure, the mysterious and romantic versions are fun but The Strain is pure terrifying horror. The vampires here are the most monstrous and despicable. Don't dare to kiss them. I love the entire backstory and mythos as detailed here. 

     While the interior art is not the equal of those impressive expressive covers, it gets the job done and has its moments. Reading the comic served to also remind how incredible those visuals were on The Strain series for television. FOUR STARS.

#743 - #747  THE WITCHER:RONIN graphic novel by Rafal Jaki and Hataya (Dark Horse Manga, October 2022)

     Transplanting Geralt/The Witcher into Edo-period Japan where he encounters creatures from Japanese mythology is a neat touch. The stories are a bit predictable but still entertaining, and that seems to be true of The Witcher series (at least in my limited experience with the Netflix series. I've only read the comics, and need to seek out some of the novels). 

     Writer Jaki keeps the dialogue to a minimum and allows the expressive manga art of Hataya to maintain the flow of the stories. The art is very interesting, although Hataya's illustrations in the fight scenes (and there are many) is not as easy to follow and seems lacking.

     There is a very informative and appreciated text section in the back pages, a bestiary by Matthew Meyer, that details the mythology behind each creature encounter and how it figures into the Witcher storyline. Unfortunately, Geralt's search for his daughter is continued in the next volume so this is not a standalone work.  THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.

#748 - #752  HOUSE OF MYSTERY, VOLUME ONE: ROOM AND BOREDOM trade paperback by Matthew Sturges and Bill Willingham with various artists (DC/Vertigo, 2008)

I haven't read very much of the first volume of DC Comic's HOUSE OF MYSTERY, which was a monthly anthology series of horror comics, featuring one or several complete stories each issue. At least I am familiar enough with it's format to appreciate this second volume, a re-boot of the comic which makes the title much more justifiable.

     For the framing device for the short stories contained within is a house of mystery, indeed. Five reoccuring characters are trapped within the house, which also serves as a gathering place / inn for various humans and humanoids from different time periods and galaxies. The Poet, the Pirate, the Bartender, The Drama Queen and "Fig" the New Recruit act as hosts, servants and sometimes tour guides. Fig is an architectural designer who has seen the house in her dreams and feels like she knows it (although she's not that familiar with the expansive grounds). The other four seem to have accepted their fate, although Fig is determined to find a way out of the house.

All this serves as a framing device for the various short stories, as told by visitors to the inn as a form of admission price, in exchange for food and drink. The big difference is that they can leave after they finish. 

I found the story of the five within the house to be much more entertaining than the short fantasy stories peppered throughout the issue. Actually, the main story gets more pages devoted to it. 

Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges seem to have a knack for writing this type of whimsical fantasy. I was properly entertained and enjoyed the mystery of the house. I'll be back.  FOUR STARS.

#753 - #756  THE CULT OF IKARUS #1 - #4 by Jenna Lyn Wright and Karl Slominski (Scout Comics, December 2021 - May 2022)  This reminded me of OPERATION SUNSHINE, another vampire comic I read recently. Both are street smart, but CULT OF IKARUS entertained me while I felt that the other was trying too hard to be hip. That serves as testimony for the age-old axiom: “not all vampire comics are created equal.”

   There’s a battle here of vampires versus punk rock culture. The story exhibits great flow and doesn’t let up for a second during the four issues.  The art really held my attention, and the color scheme is eye-catching (vivid colors against a black background). 

    Here’s the synopsis:

   “Tossed out by her foster family after one-too-many rides home in the back of a cop car, Hunter packs up and sets out on a mission to find out who she is. A mysterious book - her only link to her parents - leads her to discover a covert world of magic and danger running parallel to our own. One punk rock show, two whiskeys, and three vicious vampire assassins later, Hunter's on the run from the ancient, deadly Cult of Ikarus. Hunter came looking for answers. What will become of her once she gets them?”  

   Hunter gets the answers to the death of her birth parents and learns she's part of an even bigger, and even more dysfunctional family: an ancient order of vampires. She’s a “hybrid” (half vampire, half human) just discovering her own abilities and in demand as the one-of-a-kind who can bring the whole clan into the light. A captivating adventure with a satisfying outcome. FOUR STARS.

"Come Dancing" (The Kinks Cover) | The Midnight Callers | Official Music...

THE MIDNIGHT CALLERS 2 of 2

"New York Tramp" | The Midnight Callers | Official Music Video

Music of 2023, #102: MIDNIGHT CALLERS

The Jack Cades - "Something New" (HD)

Music of 2023, #101: THE JACK CADES

Ray Davies - Come Dancing + To The Bone - Good Morning America 10/18/96 ...

FLASHBACK - - - October 18, 1996

Thanks to the Ray Davies Fans Facebook page for sharing this.

Book Review of HOLLY by Stephen King

HOLLY by Stephen King (Scribner, September 5, 2023) Hardcover, 464 pages. 

Synopsis on the Goodreads website . . . . .

Holly Gibney, one of Stephen King’s most compelling and ingeniously resourceful characters, returns in this thrilling novel to solve the gruesome truth behind multiple disappearances in a midwestern town.

“Sometimes the universe throws you a rope.” — BILL HODGES

Stephen King’s Holly marks the triumphant return of beloved King character Holly Gibney. Readers have witnessed Holly’s gradual transformation from a shy (but also brave and ethical) recluse in Mr. Mercedes to Bill Hodges’s partner in Finders Keepers to a full-fledged, smart, and occasionally tough private detective in The Outsider. In King’s new novel, Holly is on her own, and up against a pair of unimaginably depraved and brilliantly disguised adversaries.

When Penny Dahl calls the Finders Keepers detective agency hoping for help locating her missing daughter, Holly is reluctant to accept the case. Her partner, Pete, has Covid. Her (very complicated) mother has just died. And Holly is meant to be on leave. But something in Penny Dahl’s desperate voice makes it impossible for Holly to turn her down.

Mere blocks from where Bonnie Dahl disappeared live Professors Rodney and Emily Harris. They are the picture of bourgeois respectability: married octogenarians, devoted to each other, and semi-retired lifelong academics. But they are harboring an unholy secret in the basement of their well-kept, book-lined home, one that may be related to Bonnie’s disappearance. And it will prove nearly impossible to discover what they are up to: they are savvy, they are patient, and they are ruthless.

Holly must summon all her formidable talents to outthink and outmaneuver the shockingly twisted professors in this chilling new masterwork from Stephen King.

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

     Stephen King is a master storyteller. After all this time, he hasn't lost a step. I'll continue reading his works as long as he's inspired to write them. Among his many strong points is a fantastic ability to create interesting, fascinating, and likable characters. Holly Gibney is perhaps his most fully realized creation and a good reason why she pops up in so many of his novels. Ever since Mr. Mercedes I have been enjoying King's blend of crime fiction with (real-life) horror and hope he continues to write more of this engaging mix of genres. 

     I've come full circle from being amused but not excited by Holly's personality quirks to seeing examples of how those abilities have solved cases and sometimes helped her out of dangerous situations to loving her because of them. There's another growth period occurring for her in this novel that enhances even more of her characteristics that would spoil the story if I detailed them.

     This is a novel that deserves to be appreciated for the characters, and there are a handful of them - and not just cardboard sketches but enough reveals to make them seem as real as Holly. Even the Harris couple, who I thought I would despise, I came to appreciate as a loving, elderly couple with some likable quirks (but not the nasty ones). Credit King's story-telling skills for that. 

     The villains in HOLLY are revealed very early, even on the book cover blurbs. Instead of spoiling the mystery and suspense, it only served to build it. As Holly gets closer to solving the case the more dangerous it becomes for her - causing some readers (like me) to really worry for her. Another benefit of the early reveal is that because we, the readers, know the answers we can appreciate Holly's pain-staking and meticulous investigative work all the better. 

     HOLLY has garnered some criticism for including scenes related to the COVID pandemic/shutdown, anit-vaxxers, anti-maskers, and Trump. One thing that makes all of King's stories so impactful is that he includes the history of the times in which they take place, sometimes with minor references and sometimes more details. All of the above were major issues/concerns in 2021, and if King did not include them in his story it would probably have been criticized for not being realistic. While King's views on these subjects are well known from his Twitter posts etc, it seems perfectly in character for Holly to share the same views and to comment on them. 

     King says it best in the author's note at the end of the novel: "I think fiction is most believable when it coexists with rea-world events, real-world individuals, even brand names. Holly's mother has died of Covid, and Holly herself is a bit of a hypochondriac. It seemed to me that she would hold strong opinions about Covid and take every precaution (cigarettes excepted). It's true that my opinions match hers on the subject, but I like to think that if I had chosen an anti-vaccination character as either my protagonist or as an important supporting character, i would give a fair representation of those views."

     The final chapter of HOLLY is especially delicious, as it leaves an opening for more stories with Holly Gibney. If you've never read King because of the horror element, the Gibney/Hodges series of novels could just win you over.

PGHHEAD'S 2023 COMICS ODYSSEY, Part Thirty-Three

PGHHEAD’S 2023 COMICS ODYSSEY, PART 33

       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!

# GOAL FOR October 20, 2023. . . 967 comics documented

CURRENT COUNT . . . . .  732 comics documented

#710 - #714  CRASHING #1-#5 of 5 by Matthew Klein and Morgan Beem (IDW, September 2022 - January 2023)

  

  Matthew Klein's debut comic series is very strong, carefully thought out with a more complex than usual plot as well as more depth than you normally find in comics mini-series. CRASHING crosses into several genres - - - medical drama, slice-of-life, super heroes, psychological drama. Where it has the most impact is in the story of main character Rose Osler, a dedicated medical doctor working an emergency ward who utilizes drugs to keep her working lengthy stress-induced shifts as well as suppress her overpowering guilt feelings regarding an incident in her past that she has to keep secret from her loved ones. A very sad character that you want to comfort and hug while hoping that things work out for her. 

The debut issue showed a lot of promise and potential in both plot and Klein's story-telling abilities. I waited until I could read this all the way through (in the single issues). He delivers on the promise in a big way.

Here's what I said in a review about Issue #1 when it debuted in September 2022:

As someone who remembers BEN CASEY and DR. KILDARE comics from the 1960’s, I’m wondering if a long-neglected genre is finding its’ way back into comics: medical drama. The difference this time is a spin to make it appealing: get aliens and super-heroes involved.

However, I think I’m up for this. I found the ET-ER one-shots from AWA/Upshot to be highly entertaining: a secretive ward beneath a regular hospital that treats ailing extra-terrestrials of all sizes and species. Now, CRASHING comes along to add super-heroes to the mix.

In this world, not everyone is enamored with super-heroes, and a budding anti-Powered movement is protesting, fueled by the Powered Registration Act. The over-worked resident nurse Rose at a metropolitan hospital rebels against administrative policy and decides to treat super-powered patients in the Emergency Room. Like Detective Bosch in Michael Connelly’s series of crime novels, she has a similar philosophy: everybody counts, or nobody counts. This backfires when a recently treated super-patient awakens and his eye blasts create havoc. 

Rose is a sympathetic character, recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and teetering on the edge of a relapse. There’s some interesting back-story in-between the main plot line. The art by Morgan Beem seems out of place here, as if it belongs in a young adult graphic novel, but I’m warming up to it. The facial expressions and body language of the characters are well done, making it easier to overlook some of the simplicity of the art. 

Over the course of the five issues I did warm up to the art of Beem, who I now believe to be an excellent choice to illustrate and detail this story. This is really a character study, the story of Rose's fall from grace and eventual redemption. (Yes, as depressing as this is it does have a happy ending - - so keep reading). Which led me to wonder if the inclusion of super-powered characters was really necessary? In hindsight, that makes for an even more impactful story - as the limitations and hazards of superpowers only serve to increase the stakes and add to the conflict/resolution.

This story packs a punch while it shines a spotlight on some real-life heroes who deserve more recognition for the hard work and sacrifices they make. If you need more of an impact or more punch to the story, just subtitle "homeless people" for "powered people" and read it again.  FIVE STARS.

#715 - #717  G.O.D.S. #1 by Jonathan Hickman and Valerio Schiti (Marvel Worldwide Inc., December 2023)  $9.99 for a debut issue? No matter how over-sized it is - - Marvel is taking a chance here, depending on the popularity of writer Jonathan Hickman to generate enough sales to make this a worthy new introduction to the Marvel universe. Which I feel it is.

     Because it’s a brand new realm, peppered with a lot of new characters and back-story. This is not a simple read. In fact, if you only read it once you are going to miss quite a lot. So, in a sense, the high ticket price is justified as long as you like what is presented here and bother to re-read and comprehend it all.

    I feel sorry for comic shops that have to pay in advance and must decide how many copies to bring in and not get stuck with too many pricey unsold issues. I don’t imagine the pre-orders were high on this one - so if you picked up G.O.D.S. #1 and didn’t appreciate it, you should be able to find an interested buyer for your used copy. 

     This review is my first impression, after one reading. I’m going to return to this again - - as I have a feeling my opinions may change, perhaps even more favorably. Right now, I’m on the fence as to whether this is a series I want to subscribe to. There’s so much of interest to me in the comics world right now and so many indie publishers who are putting out works that deserve attention - - that these choices keep getting harder and harder. 

    G.O.D.S. seems like a welcome departure for Marvel, a step outside of standard super-hero tropes and a step into a work that might even fall into a Vertigo imprint at DC or the late, lamented Epic imprint from Marvel. I’m reminded of the awesome world-building of the Sandman Universe. This just might turn out to be on the same scale. 

    Here’s the promotional synopsis for G.O.D.S. (That acronym hasn’t been explained yet. Maybe it just serves to distinguish this from so many other things that include Gods in the title.)  . . . . .

        “JONATHAN HICKMAN RE-INVENTS THE COSMOLOGY OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE! WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE-POWERS-THAT-BE MEET THE-NATURAL-ORDER-OF-THINGS? The infinite détente between THE-NATURAL-ORDER-OF-THINGS and THE-POWERS-THAT-BE nears an end. Old acquaintances are reunited during a Babylon Event. The Lion of Wolves throws the worst parties. Don't look under the table. There's a John Wilkes Booth penny on the ground. This ENORMOUS EXTRA-SIZED first issue features DOCTOR STRANGE, who, while not boring at all, is easily the most boring person in the book. Rated T+”

    While that’s not revealing enough, here’s some other things you’ll find in the first issue. Magic and science, both combined and contrasted. A “Babylon Event”, a dangerous change to the balance of power. Two new interesting characters in Wyn and Aiko, and a doomed romantic relationship. Science fiction blending with fantasy. Street level reality and cosmic other-worldliness. A slim thread connecting this to the Marvel Universe, a la a brief encounter with Doctor Strange. Yeah, I better read this again before my final verdict. FOUR STARS, for now.   

#718  ALICE COOPER, Volume Two #1 by Rodney Barnes and Edu Menna (Dynamite Entertainment, October 2023) If a demonic force threatens the world of rock music, who better to fight on the side of musicians than Alice Cooper, no stranger to weird and supernatural in his stage act? This was a welcome departure after the complexities of G.O.D.S. and was pretty straightforward and easy to follow. 

     Lucifer fancies himself a rock star and begins to perform to enthusiastic audiences (planted with plenty of demons to cheer him on). When he realizes that competition for attention is crowded he starts to attack legendary rock acts (kidnapping Steven Tyler of Aerosmith). While on tour to promote his new album (coincidentally, he does have a new record) Alice Cooper notices a weird occurrence during his concerts - - some of his audience are undead or demonic. The Archangel Gabriel visits him in a dream and enlists his support to counter Lucifer.

   This was fun with some good-looking art and I expect writer Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia) to ramp up the horror, but I’m not planning to hang around for the whole story. That cover persuaded me to give this shot. THREE STARS.

#719  AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #35 by Zeb Wells and Patrick Gleason (Marvel Worldwide Inc, December 2023)  The official synopsis on this issue is pretty brief but misleading:  “This sets up the next 24 issues of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. Do. Not. Miss. This.”

    Does that mean that the current storyline with Peter Parker possessing all the “sins of Norman Osborn” driving him into a revenge-crazed frenzy against all those he believed wronged him such as Kraven The Hunter and Paul (who stole Mary Jane away) is going to run for another 24 issues? Thankfully, no - - that concludes this issue as expected. Parker doesn’t kill anyone. “Sins” returned to Norman Osborn. Peter back to being Peter, now agonizing over what he might have done. Maybe this heralds the return of the Green Goblin, but I don’t see that requiring 24 issues to play out. 

   More likely the next 24 issues will be taken up with the Gang War event. There’s just a one-page scene here foreshadowing what is going to happen. You can miss it. Really, don’t fall for the hype.

    There’s no way I’m going to have the patience or want to spend my comics money on a 24-issue plus spin-offs/crossover for a new Spidey epic. 

   However, if you’re a fan of Patrick Gleason’s art  - - that’s a better reason to pick up Issue #35. The wrap-up story here isn’t half bad, either. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.

#720 - #724 ALMOST AMERICAN #1 - #5 by Ron Marz and Marco Castiello (AfterShock Comics, September 2021 - March 2022)  

I found the first issue of ALMOST AMERICAN interesting enough that I ordered the remaining four issues and stock-piled them until one day when I could read the entire story. The banner on the cover of Issue #1 says "inspired by the true story of husband-and-wife Russian spies who typically wouldn't live long enough to tell such a tale."

     That first issue hinted at an engaging true story. Who doesn't want to root for two former Russian government agents (a married couple) trying to make a new life in the United States? What stories and insights into allegedly oppressive Russian operations could they share with U.S. intelligence? Unfortunately, most of these five issues are taken up with the difficulties and struggles they experienced while trying to establish new identities and a new life. While they did find themselves in peril from Russian payback, the lone incident is dealt with quickly and while I'm not going to make light of anyone who is threatened like them -- the recounting of it here lacks sufficient drama. 

Here's the publisher's synopsis: In 2008, husband-and-wife Russian intelligence operatives walked into the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic in order to defect, making a deal to trade secrets for new lives. But instead of the American Dream, Janosh and Victorya Neumann found themselves caught up in red tape, bureaucracy and turf wars between the FBI and CIA — all while their past tried to kill them. 

Despite the five-issue length, the series left many details hanging or not explained enough. Inept bureaucracy and in-fighting amongst the FBI and CIA is part of the story, but why two separate intelligence agencies would both get a crack at interviewing the Neumanns is never explained. The Neumanns travel to the Dominican Republic before they ever contact any U.S. agency (the U.S. Embassy, in this case) but surely the way and method in which they escaped detection and managed to get out of Russia could have added to the suspense of their story. 

The script makes it seem like neither the FBI or CIA uncovered enough worthwhile information from the Neumanns and tried to renege on their deal by withdrawing support. But careful reading makes it clear that didn't happen, and the Neumanns actually cooperated in helping the U.S. ensnare some Russian operatives who were laundering money. I'm not sure if the confidential nature of those incidents meant that the normally experienced scripter (Ron Marz) could not include them in the story, but it just seems like a squandered opportunity. 

As it stands, the story that is revealed could have easily been related in three issues maximum. I love AfterShock Comics, but I'm a little disappointed by this one. THREE STARS.

#725  OPERATION SUNSHINE #1 by Henry Zebrowski & Marcus Parks with art by David Rubin (Dark Horse Comics, October 2023) This is a wants-to-be deft blend of action, horror, and humor with a different take on vampires. It’s been described as “Near Dark meets Ocean’s Eleven”, but I feel that’s a bit of heap hype as it does not come close to either of those gems. 

     The vampires in this series are ancient creatures, more monstrous than human, and very militant. Victims that they suck blood from, but neither kill or turn into new vampires, are called “bugs” - - usually younger and alienated from the elder race but possessing some vampiric traits, including the need to feed on blood. 

     Two of the bugs - -a homeless female teenager partners with a nerdy IT worker to save on rent and help each other with food. An ancient vampire notices them and recruits them for “Operation Batboy”, sending them on a quest to retrieve a magical relic from a competitor in exchange for a cure for their vampirism. 

    It was the offbeat expressive and detailed art of David Rubin which prompted me to pick this up.  However,OPERATION SUNSHINE tries a little too hard to be “hip” in both characterization and dialogue, which kind of helped me to lose interest and cross this off the pull list. THREE STARS.

#726 - #731  LIFE ZERO #1 - #6 by Stefano Vietti and Marco Checchetto (Ablaze Publishing, 2022)  

Is the market for zombie stories over-saturated? I think by now almost every variation has been attempted, but as long as the story is a good one and causes me to worry for some of the characters then I'll always read or watch another one. 

LIFE ZERO isn't totally original but borrows from enough themes (mad scientist-created virus, apocalyptic landscape, chaos, military action, special task forces, rescue attempts, etc) to keep it interesting. If it dragged at any point, the fantastic art and colors kept me reading and turning the pages. 

This is an English translation of a popular Italian horror comic series, and I read it in the six monthly issues. A special task force of five enters a zombie-infested city (unidentified) via helicopter to rescue their imprisoned leader. They succeed, but zombies over-run the compound, even gaining access to the scared-off helicopter pilots who flees and crashes, leaving the squad stranded. 

The rest of the story details their attempts at escape and to reach the military base, and includes a side mission to rescue the young daughter of one of the members. What began as six characters gets whittled down as the story progresses. The mad scientist is located, and gives a wishy-washy explanation for how he created the "poison cloud" and his motivations. The squad leader has to make some tough decisions along the way, and this doesn't really end on a positive note.

     Art and colors are captivating, especially the very graphic and brutal fight scenes. This may be one of the most depressing zombie stories I've ever read, very negative and fatalistic. I don't regret the time spent with this. It was entertaining, but not essential when it comes to an overview of zombie fiction's greatest hits. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.

#732  SIGNAL 29 #1 by Jon McCarthy and Thomas Tikas (Blood Moon Comics LLC/Sunbury Press (October 2023) It’'s October, nights are getting longer, the wind is beginning to howl, shadows are lurking, and Halloween is the right time to read more horror comics. 

   Here’s the synopsis from Blood Moon, a small indie comics publisher of horror, science fiction, and fantasy comics - based in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. . . . . .

     “Two New Orleans medics respond to a seedy motel to pronounce a dead body, which isn’t quite as dead as it seems.  SIGNAL 29 is a one-shot that takes a unique approach to the zombie genre where the reader joins a pair of first responders as they encounter patient zero as the dead begin to rise.”

  Yep, I’m reading another comic featuring flesh-eating zombies crawling out of the woodworks. This time things occur  in a shady motel catering to drug addicts, pimps, whores and criminals - - what better place for “patient zero” to establish roots and spread (more like “experiment zero” as the gruesome origins of the latest virus/plague are revealed in the Twilight Zone type ending). 

    I’ve been following this small indie publisher and scanning their books when I see them on comic shop shelves, looking for something to interest me. I made the mistake of starting with THE DEVIL’S TREE (less said about that the better). Since then, I’ve been passing up a lot of their titles for similar reasons - - - sketchy scripts and amateurish art. However, they’ve been hanging around and the latest offerings look more promising.

   I grabbed this one because 1) the interior art was much more professional in appearance and very graphic (as suits this nasty story) and, 2) the credits page dedication to “all the men and women who made the selfless choice to become EMTs and paramedics.”

     There’s lots of official banter and EMT/police/fire department codes expressed over the radio links to make events seem more realistic. By the way, Signal 29 refers to “dead body on location”. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.