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

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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With its third arc commencing, Locke & Key is back!  Joe Hill’s stellar tale about a grieving family, their home with mysterious keys, and the evil forces that seek to unlock the key’s power is a top notch read.

This issue is the slowest read thus far.  Dodge, a diabolical creature that has befriended Tyler, leaves his body and has a chat with Sam’s spirit.  We learn that Dodge used Sam to kill Tyler’s dad.  Sam and Dodge fight and talk, filling us in on details that will have a future bearing in this arc.  Hill uses too much dialogue to get his point across.  With so many ways to convey information in a comic book, a straight multi-page conversion failed to hold my attention.  My heart breaks as I write this because this has been one of my favorite books (and certainly still is).  However, this issue was disappointing.

Gabriel Rodriguez’s art is incredible.  His uncanny ability to convey emotion and intention in a wordless panel is a thing of beauty.  While he didn’t have much help from Joe Hill, Rodriguez could draw a rock and it would still look awesome.

The final pages lay the direction for the story and it should be a great chapter in a superb series.  While this issue was slow, the tension between Sam and Dodge sets the stage for the future. I’m looking forward to next issue… and some action.

4 out of 5

Legendarily G.I Joe writer Larry Hama finishes this series’ first story arc with a satisfying bang.  The newly formed Joes faceoff against Chimera and his band of terrorists.  Scarlett has been taken hostage; the recently bed ridden Snake Eyes grabs a sword and a makeshift mask and prepares to kick some ass.

Hama achieves a decent balancing act between providing compelling origin stories and engaging action.  Longtime Joe fans will love the Snake Eyes origin story that has been woven throughout these five issues.  The drama between Scarlett and Snake Eyes is a nice subtle nuance to a primarily action driven story.  Hama writes his classic G.I. Joe action, but in this series he shows that he can also create a deeper level to his characters.  While keeping many of the identities of the Cobra roster in the shadows, Hama gives the reader enough clues to have us begging for more.  The final pages with Snake Eyes is worth the price of admission!

Artist Mike Hawthorne is disappointingly inconsistent.  His panel choices work well to convey the story and flow.  His figures are often disproportionate and drawn at an awkward perspective.  I enjoy most of the art; Hawthorne is obviously skilled.  However, that makes his work seem lazy, which at $4 a pop is not acceptable.

Chuck Dixon is taking over the story arc with Hama returning for the following one.  Hopefully, this series can continue to tell great stories while providing a deeper understanding to the Joes we know and love so well.

3.5 of 5

Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez continue to deliver one of the best comics right now.  The story is getting creepier and building to a conclusion I’m looking forward to see.

Rodriguez’s art is simply beautiful.  There’s full-page panel which showing all the kids reactions to Tyler using the skull key.  Their expressions are perfect, capturing authentic reactions.  Rodriguez’s ability to accurately draw both teenagers and tweens is a real accomplishment.  We experience the bizarre events of the Locke mansion through the kids.  This world comes alive because the kids seem real; this is made possible by Gabriel Rodriguez’s stellar work.

Joe Hill continues to navigate the story with confidence and vision.  He knows his characters and the story’s direction and has the raw talent to convey both well.  Tyler and the siblings share the secrets of the newest key with some friends.  Unfortunately, his new buddy is an evil fiend tied to his father’s past who wants the power the Locke mansion houses.  The siblings’ interactions are written with depth and Hill nails the dialogue.

I just love this comic.  I look forward to it every month and I have never been disappointed.  Keep them coming!

4.5 out of 5

Of the three relaunched Joe titles, this their flagship title is the weakest by far!  I’ve been rooting for this book, but I’m afraid that a terrifying enemy, a shitty plot, is defeating both Joe and Cobra.

Destro, who looks like a Swiss model and not a kick ass arms dealer, has launched an attack on The Pit, Joe’s home base.  It’s boring!  Our first big battle, Joe vs. Cobra, winds up being Joe vs. Saturday morning cartoon robots?  We watch Destro’s goons attack the Joe using X-Box controllers.  It’s really is as boring as watching Destro watch someone play a video game.  It’s neat to see some popular Joes make an appearance, but the story sucks.  It’s like watching beloved heroes in a crappy musical.

Robert Atkins’ art is fun and reminiscent of the Hama glory days.  At certain moments, faces are drawn distorted and off. Overall, Atkins’ accurate depiction of the Joes is the only thing keeping me around.

If you want a good Joe read, pick up G.I. Joe Origins, written by legendary Larry Hama.  Hopefully, Chuck Dixon can learn from the master and get this title back on track.

1.5 out of 5