Alan Robert’s Wire Hangers #2
Life of Agony bassist Alan Robert becomes a comic book creator with his inaugural work, Wire Hangers. This four part series is a dark tale of conspiracies, vigilantes, cops, feds, homeless freaks, nosey reporters and gore. Alan Robert is the writer and artist of this twisted series.
The artwork stands out immediately. The book is drawn to be admired. Reminiscent of Ben Templesmith, the pages become a character all their own. The art is a murky and wild, capturing the chaotic and sinister tone of the story. Smartly placed lighting effects give life to the panels and catches the readers’ eye. There are weaknesses in Robert’s skills. Certain characters are disproportionate and he seems unable to capture some action movements .
The story is picking up the pace and the characters, stilted and cliqued in the first issue, are getting a life and voice of their own. The story continues to unfold the bizarre Suicide King Killings. A reporter is taken captive by a mysterious homeless man who seems to know about a yet unrevealed conspiracy. A broken cop refuses to accept the spoon fed leads given to him by men in black suits. Glimpses of a man pulling all the strings are alluded to, but nothing is totally clear at this point.
Wire Hangers is 32 pages of advertisement-free twisted fun. Alan Robert shows off some bad-ass comic book making skills. It’s not perfect, but it’s keeping my interest.
3.5 out of 5
The Sword #24 review
After a nearly two and a half year run, The Sword concludes with this 40-paged mega-issue. The Luna Brothers plan to celebrate this event in style with coast to coast wrap parties. On Thursday, May 13th, they will appear at Midtown Comics at Grand Central Station in New York. On Friday, May 14th, they will fly to the West Coast to Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles. An exclusive Sword print will be available to both parties with a 100 print limit. The Brothers will be signing issues and celebrating Dara’s final fight.
The Brothers Luna, Joshua and Jonathan, have a right to celebrate. The Sword has been a blast and often was my first read off of a Wednesday’s pile. While a few of the issues leading up to the fantastic series’ conclusion lost some momentum, The Sword has been a dynamic, driven, high-speed ride. In issue 24, The Sword’s heroine, Dara Brighton, faces her final challenge as she seeks revenge against the powerful elemental siblings who murdered her family.
Last issue’s reveal was brilliant! Dara’s sidekick, Justin Foreman, unmasks himself as the long-lost younger brother of the demi-gods, Phaistos. With the Sword in Phaistos hands, things certainly look hopeless for Dara, but she’s been there before. It certainly gives him the opportunity to give us page after page of back-story. The exposition was decent, but the tale does get a little convoluted. Once Phaistos tells his tale, the shit hits the fan. The last half of this issue read like a descending roller coaster.
Most importantly the series’ conclusion is satisfying. The Lunas don’t fall into the temptation of cheap gimmicks to tie up the lose ends and give their faithful readers a clear, intelligent, and definitive ending. The Lunas threw some great unexpected twists in this issue which I greatly appreciated. I was very pleased with conclusion and enjoyed looking back to see how all the pieces fit together. The Luna Brothers are a one project at a time duo. I can’t wait for their next effort. Good job, boys.
4 out 5
- X-Force #26 review
Chapter Five of this epic 14 issue crossover delivers some shocks and develops this exciting story. Second Coming spans every X-title and each series is authored by their respective writer. With such a diverse talent pool, maintaining a tightly plotted story should be tough. So far, the X-authors are up to the challenge.
Writers Craig Kyle and Chris Yost deliver one of the best X-Men comics I’ve read in a long time. It reads like the blockbuster event the Marvel was hyping this event to be. Only five issues into this event and the X-universe will never be the same. The fight for Hope continues as Cyclops sends teams to bring her back to safety. Mainstream X-characters that were lost in ridiculous stories are reunited with their brethren. Rogue and Nightcrawler battle Bastion as they protect Hope. The clash ends with a jaw dropping moment that leaves the other X-Men speechless.
The artwork is the true hero of this issue. Mike Choi’s pencils and Sonia Oback’s coloring combine for one of the most visually stunning books on the market. This is a beautiful book with pages that are wall-art frame-able. The full-page panel of Wolverine jumping from a truck while his costume is smoldering kicks ass. Every panel is crafted with the highest quality and are just fun to admire. From action to still moments of emotive tension, this is phenomenally sharp and rich.
The X-Men are finally given a majestic and sweeping event worthy of this franchise. If the flowing installments can maintain this tension and speed, Second Coming will go down in the annals of great X-Men tales.
4.5 out of 5
After seeing Millar and McNiven’s debut issue of Nemesis trashed by some big name comic reviewers (IGN and CBR), I had to come to its defense. Nemesis is the world’s greatest villain who targets the world’s best law enforcement officers. He is sadistic, smart, and has seemingly limitless resources. While he may appear one dimensional, I felt that added to his “bad-ass”-ness. He is methodical and cold which is terrifying. Mark Millar’s plot was predictable, but it wasn’t bad. These are elements that have been over-used, yet it worked.
How Steve McNiven’s art was criticized in this issue is beyond me? I don’t know what crack is being smoked at CBR, but I want some. The wordless panels of mass destruction were sharp and spot on. Much of this issue fell upon McNiven’s talented pencils and he delivered. From inks to colors, this book jumped off the pages and held my attention.
The conclusion was a bit cheesy and very predictable. I’m looking forward to the next issue. How someone could read this and not want to get the next issue is beyond me. This isn’t Millar and McNiven’s runaway hit Old Man Logan, but it is a fun comic.
3.5 out of 5
We Will Bury You #1 review
I was already looking forward to Choker when I walked into the comic book shop, so the Templesmith-esque cover of We Will Bury You from IDW caught my eye. The zombie cover, that is actually from the pencil of Ben Templesmith, is the highlight of the issue.
The story takes place in 1927 and the form-fitting collared shirt and pants outfit of our dykie heroin Fanya seem completely out-of-place, even if she is going for a manly look. Her Harry Potter glasses don’t seem to fit either. Fanya and her friend Mirah are drawn with clean, smooth lines. Every other character looks hairy, dirty and disgusting, often with distorted facial expressions. We haven’t even got to the zombies yet. This contrast is purposeful in creating an atmosphere and tone, but Kyle Strahm may have done the job too well as the characters are so vile and ugly that I barely want to look at the pages.
Yes, this is only the first issue, but I really can’t tell what direction Brea Grant and Zane Austin Grant are going to take this story. From what I can tell, the only two non-wretched beings is this city have a forbidden love, which will have to be put on hold while they deal with the zombie apocalypse.
In the end, this horse is slow coming out of the gate, but since it involves zombies, I’ll probably give issue #2 a chance.
2 out of 5
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Captain Swing and the Electrical Pirates of Cindery Island #1 review
One glance at the cover of Warren Ellis and Raulo Caceres’ Captain Swing and the Electrical Pirates of Cindery Island and I was hooked. This book oozes sci-fi coolness. Beautifully drawn and richly colored comic pages quickly immerse the reader into Ellis’ version of 1830 London.
Two competing police forces, the Bobbies and the Bow Street Runners, are trying to keep the streets of Georgian era London under control. A rogue given the monicker Spring-Heeled Jack, who appears to have harnessed the powers of static electricity, has taken up the hobby of tossing police onto spiked wrought iron fences. Of course, conspiracies abound as we get hints that the Bow Street Runners and their Magistrate masters may not only have justice as their motive for taking down Jack and the mysterious Captain Swing.
Raulo Caceres employs a plethora of short black strokes to add shading and detail to most every surface. You can see and feel the emotion on every character’s face. The biggest accomplishment is that Caceres seamlessly blends the fantastic and the style of the 1800’s to keep the story “realistic” in a sense.
This comic provides a full $3.99 worth of entertainment. The 21 pages of comic goodness are supplemented by six additional brown parchment looking pages with a fitting script font and technical drawings that go further in solidifying the idea that there is some mad scientist lurking about that is way ahead of his time. The text also provides details of the actual historical events that are being used to frame the story.
The only real criticism I have is that this is issue “1 of 4″. I’m already wanting more.
4 out of 5
Batman and Robin #8 review
Grant Morrison continues to weave together a unique era in the Batman mythos. For timeless characters like Batman, it’s tough to come up with something original. Like it or hate it, Morrison is delivering something new.
Dick Grayson, Batwoman, the Knight and the Squire gather at a Lazurus Pit under the streets of London, and await the resurrection of Bruce Wayne. In a smart twist, Morrison reveals that the corpse Superman carried at the end of Final Crisis was a clone of Batman created by Darkseid. Not being a fan of Final Crisis, I was sad to see elements of that debacle reach into the pages of this issue. However, it was tolerable if not enjoyable. Morrison writes Dick Grayson extremely well. He’s emerging as a confident hero who is building poise under the cowl. Damian gets a new spine (literally) and is temporally confined to a wheelchair. This issue ends with a shocker and a cliffhanger that makes he hope for the next issue to arrive soon.
While I prefer Frank Quitely’s unparalleled art, Cameron Stewart is doing a great job. This issue is a fast-paced romp and Stewart has a commanding grasp of these pages. The Batman vs. Batman fight is sharp and flows beautifully. Stewart captures soft details in a clean and refined style. Considering that he had to fill Quitely’s shoes, Cameron Stewart is holding his own.
I respect what Grant Morrison is creating, but I’m not a huge fan Final Crisis. I like Batman because he’s an earthy hero, with no jacked up origin story of cosmic powers or aliens. Batman tossed in with mulit-verses, resurrections, time travel and all that bull crap is not my cup of tea. Morrison gets too weird for me, but he is writing a good story. Let Batman protect Gotham and Green Lantern tackle the sci-fi junk.
3.5 out of 5
Resurrection #7 review
After reading the trade paperback Resurrection Vol. 1 and feverishly devouring up to issue 7 of the monthly comics, I am officially hooked on this series. Resurrection brings new life to the overexposed alien invasion genre. Sub-tagged with “The End is Only the Beginning,” this original plot follows humanity’s survivors after an alien invasion and occupation. Why did the aliens, referred to as “The Bugs,” leave after they conquered earth? What was their purpose? What’s left of our societies? Will they come back? When will comics ship (just kidding)?
A band of survivors have formed an uneasy alliance. Leaving the safety of Red Lion, PA, they begin their journey to Washington, D.C. Among their precious cargo is Bill Clinton, the current US President. As the group’s factions clandestinely debate their next move, they are quickly brought back together when a threat emerges. This issue opens up a new direction and another dilemma for our survivors. I loved it because I never saw this one coming. That’s good comic book writing!
Marc Guggenheim’s brilliant storyline and intelligent characters are keys to the series success. Similar to Kirkman’s The Walking Dead, Guggenheim’s narrative uncovers the human struggle in the wake of the unthinkable. The horror of the alien occupation is over, but life is still terrifying. When I can pick up a comic and remember the main characters from month to month, the author has written a fine book. The series progression never lulls and keeps getting cleverer. The characters have distinct voices and act like real people. Each book has a second feature, which isn’t a cheap through away. These pages maintain the series quality and truly further the storyline.
For comics, the best stories needs a talented artist to bring it to life. Artist Justin Greenwood gives Resurrection a boldly distinctive style I haven’t seen anywhere else on the racks. I love detail, but Greenwood’s approach relies on boldness. Thick, dark lines create a brooding atmosphere. With very little detail, each panel sharply conveys its point. This allows the reader to follow the action, helping the story to progress quickly. It takes a talented artist to trust that less is truly more. With simple lines, Guggenheim shows his talent by drawing a perfect fit to a powerful plot.
Resurrection is a well-rounded, never dull, refreshingly new, uniquely drawn comic. With Resurrection, Guggenheim and Greenwood prove they are mighty tag team in the industry. Comics should be fun and entertaining to read and this one is both. If this smartly plotted comic isn’t on your pull list, then you dumb.
4 out of 5
Days Missing #1 review
I was compelled to buy Achaia’s premiere issue of Days Missing for several reasons. First, it costs less than a dollar; bargains are always a plus. Its tagged with “Roddenberry Presents” so I thought it would be an interesting sci-fi story. The cover and back were sharp and the concept seemed original. Was it worth a buck? Buck, no!
Comic industry veterans Phil Hester and Frazer Irving should be ashamed. Hester’s script just falls flat. I was interested by the concept but bored by the poor execution. The story is about a mysterious figure who intercedes on behalf of humanity to keep us from extinction. This white haired, crazed eyed hippie has been around since earth’s creation and has been waiting for humans so he could hang out with someone similar to him. The issue begins with a viral epedemic that could destroy the earth’s population. The cosmic hippie lends his hippie hands and once again humanity is saved from annihilation. The pages are littered with too much unnecessary back-story and the pace is deathly slow.
Artist Frazer Irving’s skills are uncharacteristically poor and sloppy. I think Irving realized that the story sucked and just drew these panels in a drunken stupor. Large black lines outline every character, giving them a cookie cutter appearance. The bland cast is drawn just as they are written – boring.
I will never have the dollar I spent on this drivel back or the 10 minutes it took me to read this. Take a pass on Days Missing.
1 out of 5
PREVIEW: Crogan’s March
Oni Press is about to drop Crogan’s March, the second volume of The Crogan Adventures series of graphic novels. Sporting a hardcover, black and white Sunday comics-styled frames, this book will run 216 pages for only $14.95. Not a bad deal when 20 pages generally runs 4 bucks these days.
Each book in the series will follow a member of the Crogan family tree. In this adventure, Chris Schweizer introduces us to Legionnaire Peter Crogan and his rag-tag unit as they try to survive the desert, an enemy army and a montrous creature with a taste for human flesh.
Check the usual outlets on Wednesday February 3.
