Tracker #2 review

Writer Jonathan Lincoln and artist Francis Tsai unite to deliver one hell of frickin’ good comic. After a fine inaugural issue, I hoped that the series would continue to satisfy. Well, mission accomplished, boys.

Alex O’Roark is the FBI’s top tracker and he loves his job (even more than his girlfriend). While tracking down a serial killer known as Herod, he survives “The Blue Line Massacre.” We learn that the Handel Foundation has been researching lupines or werewolves and one of their mysterious doctors cares for O’Roark after the massacre. Another victim mysteriously survives and O’Roark tracks him down in this issue. Lincoln achieves an appropriate balance between exposition and action. This is an unpretentious action-packed read. This is tightly plotted with a fresh approach to the icon werewolf genre.

Francis Tsai draws a sharp comic. His panels and layouts pace perfectly with the narrative. The supernatural creatures’ kinetic movements are nicely portrayed. It’s a dynamic approach, which is just what this comic needs.

Tracker is an equally clever detective yarn and a brutally vicious horror tale populated by smartly written characters. I pray this five- issue story gets a monthly series.

4.5 out of 5

Pilot Season: Murderer #1 review

I’m a sucker for Robert Kirkman so it was a no brainer to pick up his new Top Cow title, Pilot Season: Murderer (even though this meant buying outside of my pull list, which I promised I wouldn’t do this week!). This is the inaugural issue of a possible ongoing series that’s both interesting and disappointing.

Cursed and blessed, Jason Sparks can hear the thoughts of others. You can almost see the gears in Kirkman’s mind working, “What if a guy could hear thoughts? What would he do with that knowledge?” It’s an interesting premise in the hands of a gifted author. However, this issue reads like a “what if” rather than a well-planned series. The narration was a bit confusing and muddled. I admire Kirkman’s ability to write great characters. So far, Jason is stiff and I don’t feel connected enough to him to care. This distance also makes me want to read more to learn about him. If Kirkman is doing this intentionally then great; if not, it’s weak writing.

I was intrigued by the premise and how it played out toward the issue’s conclusion. The pieces eventually began to fit and once I reread it, the issue made more sense. This is a series with promise and I’m in for the next installment. I think I’m more critical because I respect Robert Kirkman so much and expect nothing but greatness. While Murderer is good, it’s not great…yet.

3 out of 5

Berserker #3 review

With only three issues into the series, Berserker is a blast of violent pleasure with deepening, intriguing plot. So often a new series with great promise begins to fizzle with lack of direction and staying power; Berserker is proving to be fun premise that is building a mature plotline. Like good cheese, this read is getting better with time.

Artist Jeremy Haun quickly set his signature mark on this series with his uber-violent gore fest of entrails and easy-to-tear appendages. Successfully conveying the berserkers’ brutality is essential for the success of this read and Haun bloody nails it.

Author Rick Loverd kicks the plot into high gear as he layers a deepening mystery atop of these blood stained pages. The berserkers Farris Jorn and Aaron Bural are quickly learning that they are not alone in their condition. Loverd gives the story a mature depth and leave you wanting more.

Loverd and Haun are the dynamic duo of mature gore and a wicked story. I am more impressed with each issue. This is one of the best new comics in a long time.

4.5 out of 5

Notice anything extremely cool about this ad for Top Cow’s Berserker that we found in Impaler #4?

Too many cool things to know for sure what we’re referring to? Here’s another hint:

 

 

 

 

 

Read Ray’s original Berserker #1 review here.

I have been looking forward to this start of this run since issue #0 released a few months ago.  It was well worth the wait.  What happens when two seemingly ordinary and unrelated guys periodically freak out and start ripping people’s limbs and heads off for no apparent reason?  Pick up this issue and find out.

Aaron and Farris are having some problems.  Both struggle with violent outbursts that momentarily transform them into berserking super-strong freaks.  Unable to control their rage (even from their loved ones), they seek understanding to their eruptions.  Adding to the mystery are two lurking figures that seem to know more about their condition and are following these men.

Rick Loverd writes a patiently balanced plot.  Ample pages provide an understanding of these characters, while the action can be unleashed at a moment.  Loverd effectively creates the panic and viciousness of the rage without relying just on gore to sell the book.  This is a fun romp into madness written with poise and balls.  Enough suspenseful elements are littered throughout the issue to give it an X-Files feel; a deep plot and mystery is waiting to unravel.

Jeremy Haun draws the limp-ripping-crap out of this book.  The berserker outbursts are powerful and nasty.  Haun shows his talents both in the horrific violence and the subtle character panels; it’s a strong work through and through.

Loverd and Haun have set the stage for a fun, smart, sick, and refreshing straightforward read.  In just one issue, we get a clear plot, know the characters, vomit on ourselves, and are intrigued by the mystery lurking in the shadows.  I like it!

4 out of 5

The title says it all.  An American solider finds himself in a situation that pushes him over the edge. Once over the edge, he freaks out into an all-consuming rage that transforms him into an animalistic maniac.

The art captures the frantic rage and brutality.  From panel to panel, the action is powerfully conveyed which will be essential to maintain throughout this title.  This is a story driven by intense action and the realistic art portrays it with ferocity.

Quick warning, you might want to skip this issue and begin with Issue One in June.  This issue is just a teaser and it’s not cheap at three bucks for eight pages of story.  However, make sure you add this one to your pull list.  Issue 0 felt like paying $10 for a Bud Lite at a hockey game; I liked it, but it wasn’t cheap and I wonder if it was worth it.

2 out of 5