MY WEEK IN COMICS, #13 - - March 31, 2024

For the last three years I have embarked on a Comics Odyssey, reading and writing reviews of comics towards an ambitious goal which I only attained on one of three attempts.  This year, I still want to read more comics and write reviews, but I’m not setting a specific goal.  I’ll just document them and number them. We’ll see how far I can go . . . . . . . 

#182 - #187  JUNKYARD JOE #1 - #6 by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank and Brad Anderson (Image Comics, October 2022 - May 2023)

This gave off a nostalgic, feel good vibe that reminded me of those corny movies that grab you in spite of themselves and warm your heart, like ET. You feel like you shouldn't fall for it, but you do anyway.

       Also, that Gary Frank art is so great! Very dynamic, especially coupled with creative coloring from Brad Anderson. Geoff Johns writes a very cinematic story that tells of a robot soldier utilized in Vietnam who recognizes that forces want to manipulate him so he seeks out someone that he feels he can trust more, like family - - - the sole surviving soldier from his Vietnam platoon. 

     There's some family drama here involving some new neighbors who feel isolated and end up bonding with the solider and his robot buddy.

The plot isn't complex, but it moves along at an easy-reading pace. To tell more would be to tell too much.

     Junkyard Joe is also a prominent character in the Unnamed Universe/Mad Ghost/Ghost Machine world being built by Geoff Johns and others for Image Comics. FOUR STARS.

#188  CEMETERY KIDS DON’T DIE #2 by Zac Thompson and Daniel Irizarri (Oni Press, March 27 2024)  A quartet of gamers continue to play NIGHTMARE

CEMETERY a role-playing D&D/Gauntlet type of game in their Dreamscape consoles while they are sleeping. Dreamscape is supposed to last no longer than eight hours, when it wakes the player (unless the player has opted out of gameplay or died earlier, when they will wake themselves). 

   Last issue older brother Pik had a nasty encounter in the game with the King of Sleep, suffered injuries that transferred into the real world and placed him in a coma. Except sister Birdie suspects that her brother is still trapped within the game, and recruits her two friends to return to Nightmare Cemetery and find him. With Wilson and Enid, she enters the Piped District where the game just gets more complex and horrific. When they meet the Boss at the end of the level, Enid opts out, and wakes up with bruises and aches. No luck finding Pik yet, just some ominous messages he left behind.

     This comic is wild, and I”m enjoying it. If the story doesn’t pull you in, the art will certainly hold your attention. Inventive and visually stunning. 

   Thanks to ONI Press for an advanced digital review copy. I’m under no obligation, and provide this review because I want to. FOUR STARS.

#189 - #193  CONAN AND THE SONGS OF THE DEAD #1 - #5 by Joe R. Lansdale and Tim Truman (Dark Horse Comics, 2006) I first read this in September 2007 and it was worth a re-visit.  You can always expect to be entertained when Joe Landsale (the twisted Texan) writes and Tim Truman draws (his style really fits into this type of world, easily). It’s a great story which includes many numerous asides from a witty companion that Conan saves along the way.

    Deceptive maidens, evil wizards, magic, swords and gore. What else do you need to know?  FOUR STARS.

     SYNOPSIS on the Goodreads website:

The Cimmerian travels to the aid of an old ally in the wretched wastes of Stygia - a desert harboring wealth undreamed of, even for the barbarian. Soon his pursuit of the ancient treasure reveals a conniving spirit and undead guards. Dust from the desolate land meets blood, and a dark-hearted sorcerer brings forth strange abominations from this unholy mix. Only the cool head and cold steel of the Cimmerian can save all creation from the horror that awaits, and the blood-spattered conclusion will send shivers down the spines of even the most hardcore Conan fans!