Captain America: Marvels Snapshot #1

Writer:  Mark Russell

Artist:  Ramon Perez

Cover Art:  Alex Ross

The story in the most recent Snapshot one shot is one that had underpinnings that really feel like it is relevant in the world today.

Though there is nothing specifically mentioned, this issue deals racism and how neighborhoods of black community do not receive the attention that it requires.

In the book, the focus is on a young African-American teen named Felix.  One day, there is a terrible attack on the city by a weapon called the Madbomb, which caused people exposed to lose their minds and respond in violence.  It was a short moment before Captain America and other Avengers stopped it, but the effects were dramatic.

Felix’s family suffered a terrible tragedy, and his neighborhood was devastated from the aftereffects.

Felix was a technological wiz but he was not going to be able to afford to go to college.  However, Advanced Idea Mechanics (AIM) approached and recruited the boy.

This story did not have a lot of Captain America in it, but he does make some important moments.  The story was a good read, but it did feel, at times, like a disposable book.

Sleeping Beauties #1

Writer:  Rio Youers

Artist:  Alison Sampson

Cover Art: Annie Wu

A new series from IDW came out today based on a novel by Stephen King and Owen King entitled Sleeping Beauties.

A strange sleeping sickness, with sticky, web-like substance coming out of the faces of the victims, which was only women.  The sickness is being called Aurora (named after the Sleeping Beauty princess) and it has a remarkable relevance in the world of COVID-19.

I have become a fan of the independent comics scene very rapidly over the last several months, and, because of that, I am more willing to give a number one from Image or Dynamite or IDW a chance.  This is a great start to the ten-issue adaptation.

One of the best parts of the story is that Rio Youers takes the source material and shows you the world and the people of the book in great specifics without dropping a lot of exposition.  In fact, there are pages of the book that has a limited amount of words on it, relying on the images of the art to tell the story.

Speaking of the art, I really enjoyed the work of Alison Sampson in these pages.  It not only sets the tone of the story, but it presents information in beautiful panels throughout the book.  The coloring by Triona Tree Farrell is remarkably distinctive as well, using the different colors schemes to highlight the artwork and the characters.

The story does not waste time explaining and that creates a pacing that is easy and fun to read.  It raises a ton of questions and makes the reader want to see where it goes.

This is another independent book that shows amazing work in creating an engaging and entertaining read.

The Old Guard #1-5

Writer:  Greg Rucka

Artist: Leandro Fernandez

Cover Art:  Leandro Fernandez

I was able to pick up this five-issue mini series from Image Comics at my local comic shop recently.  The selling point?  I have been looking at more independent comics over the last year or so and these covers looked intriguing.  Then, I inquired about the storyline and it sounded decent.

Then I discovered that it was going to be an upcoming Netflix movie starring Charlize Theron which is reportedly debuting in July.  That helped me decide.  So I picked up the series (my friend Todd who worked at the shop had to find me issue 4) and I have finished it tonight.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book and the characters I found within.  There was great action, some great character beats, and some excellent writing.

The art is original too.  From Leandro Fernandez, the art may not have the specific details, but the look of the panels really stood out and the art helped set this mood of the story.

The group of characters, Andy, Booker, Nicky and Joe and the new recruit Nile, are fascinating and each have their own developed character.  They look at the idea of how immortality affects these characters.  The five of them are a group of mercenaries who are immortals.  They are seemingly unkillable, though there is more to this than what we discover.

We do not find how this happens or why these people keep coming back from wounds and attacks that should kill them totally, but we do find out that they will die at some point.

Apparently, there is another series in the works, and I am excited for that, as well as the new Netflix film.  It makes me wonder what other great comics have I missed with my devotion to Marvel?

Dark Nights: Death Metal #1

“An Anti-Crisis + Part I + It All Matters”

Writer:  Scott Snyder

Artist:  Greg Capullo

Cover Art:  Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion

Do you know what time it is?  It is time for the regularly scheduled DC Universe reboot/crisis.

Or, at least, that is what I thought it was.  I am not a regular DC reader so I was really confused by what was happening in the book. Apparently, this was a continuation of the Justice League/ Batman Who Laughs story arc.

I did enjoy the Batman Who Laughs during the Batman/Superman arc, but I have not been paying attention to JL.  So when I started this book, it had a very Age of Apocalypse vibe to it.  I’m not sure if this is an alternate universe or if it meant to be the main DC Universe.

However, with the discussion of Anti-Crisis that happened throughout the book (a interesting idea, to be fair), it seems as if DC will be at it again.

Crisis on Infinite Earths.  Zero Hour.  The New 52.  Flashpoint.  Infinite Crisis.  Hypertime?  Rebirth.

I do like Batman Who Laughs, which makes this issue one that may not appeal to me as much as I thought.  Batman and Wonder Woman are pretty kick ass here, while Superman is touched upon.  There are other DC heroes who look to have had a more difficult time.  The world itself feels like the most recent Battleworld in Marvel’s Secret Wars, different lands with heroes as rulers.  Looks like a fun place to play a role-playing game.

The book had a ton of exposition.  I had to read a lot because I was not sure what was happening.  Art was good, but some of the character designs were throwaways.  Some of the cameos/Easter Eggs seemed like it had characters for fans just to spot.  Not important to the story.

This was fine. I am not a huge fan of alternate universe materials and I am not sure if this is leading to another reboot.  That is what it feels like.  I may pick up the five issue series, but it is not my top choice.

Awesome cover though.

Family Tree #6

Writer: Jeff Lemire

Artist:  Phil Hester

Cover Art:  Phil Hester

It has been a long time since I saw issue number five of this Image Comics comic.  Of course, that has been because of the way the world has been over the last few months.  However, Family Tree picks right up and it does not take very before I was right back into the story.

This is such a quality comic and this issue focuses deeply on Grandpa Judd and his son.  We also meet a woman who, as Grandpa Judd says, is the “Big Shot, the head of the Arborists.

The issue is divided into sections, which includes when Darcy revealed to his father his infection with the Sylvan Disease, and an escape attempt from Judd.

This felt like a very effective book to jump back into the story so it works after the break of the pandemic.  This comic has been so good from the start and it has developed the story & plot slowly and with a great pace.  I also find the art from Phil Hester perfect for this book.  It is the most interesting looking book. The coloring is beautiful as well.

Adventureman #1

Writer:  Matt Fraction

Artist:  Terry Dodson

Cover Art:  Terry and Rachel Dotson

Adventureman is a new series debuting today from Image Comics, written Matt Fraction and drawn by Terry Dotson.

I grabbed this book off the shelf because I did like the look of the cover and I have been enjoying more of the non-Marvel books lately.  The cover had that old-timey feel to it and as soon as I opened it up, you could tell that tone was purposeful.

The first part of the comic focused on an adventure set in the past with a group of heroes led by the heroic Adventureman.  It had a distinct pulp feel to the story and quickly set up some interesting characters with a basic background.  They were flying through the action and then, suddenly, things changed.

Now, we arrive in a different situation and we find the family that we will be following for the remainder of the issue.  There is a neat twist with the first part of the story and the rest of the book is spent introducing us to and developing our main protagonist, Claire.

Claire has lost her hearing and uses hearing aids to help her out.  We meet her son and the rest of her family in a chaotic family dinner.  Then, the plot drops a little unexpected MacGuffin in her lap.

The art is perfect for the tone of the book and really grabs the reader.  There are some wonderfully creepy panels included as well.

It is also a very large issue without advertisements inside.  It is also still priced at 3.99.  If one of the big two had a book this thick, it would certainly fall into the 8-10 dollar area.  This is certainly a bargain for comics today.

I enjoyed this issue quite a bit.  It gave me that pulp feel and set up a cool mysterious world that you are not sure what might happen next.  Attractive pages and well written story.

Daredevil #20

“…Life Your Fists and Fight”

Writer:  Chip Zdarsky

Artist:  Marco Checchetto

Cover Art:  Julian Totino Tedesco

There is a reason why Chip Zdarsky and Daredevil the comic received Eisner Award nominations last week.  It has been just brilliant over the last couple of years.

This was no exception.

Daredevil #20 was just fantastic as Daredevil has his back against the wall as he is trying to fight his way through the Owl’s forces and save Hell’s Kitchen from being destroyed.

Plus, the end of the issue was a jaw dropper.  No spoilers here, but this has been a story told in an amazing manner.  The story is told through dialogue, amazing art, and some format that starts and ends the book.  It was just tremendous.

I can’t wait to see how this book continues on.  What is going to happen next.  This has been an amazing character arc for Matt Murdock and I am dying to see where Chip Zdarsky takes this next.

Batman/Superman #9

“Atomic, Part One”

Writer:  Joshua Williamson

Artist:  Clayton Henry

Cover Art:  Clayton Henry & Alejandro Sanchez

I had gotten the Batman/Superman series originally because of two things.  One, I liked the Batman Who Laughs villain that started the first story arc.  Two, I thought it was just a mini-series and that once that Batman Who Laughs story was over, the series would be done too.

That has turned out to be not the case.

Then, I have to say, that the last couple of issues of Batman/Superman have been fairly unimpressive, if not boring.  I did not like #8 at all.  Even though I have always enjoyed these two iconic characters together in whatever medium I saw them in, I was most likely preparing to let this series go.

Then I read issue #9.

I am back in.  Big time.  I loved this issue.

The arrival of the Atomic Skull was not that big of a deal to me.  I do not think I have ever seen this character before.  But the way this story began, with this Skull looking for Batman.  The interactions with Batman and the surprise (and gorgeously drawn) two page splash at the very center of the book.  I was already invested with the mystery, but this just was jaw dropping.

Loved how Superman is used here.  Dropping in from an attempted date with Lois, he and Batman have immediate chemistry with one another and work so well together.  The comic has done an admirable job of showing the contrast between the two of them.

Then with the appearance of the main villain for this story arc was unexpected and welcomed.

Superman/Batman was heading toward me dropping it.  Now, I am really looking forward to the next issue.

Dead Day #1

“Chapter One”

Writer:  Ryan Parrott

Artist:  Evgeniy Bornyakov

Cover Art:  Andy Clarke & Jose Villarrubia

Here is another book that I snatched today with there being no Marvel books released.  This was from a comic company called Aftershock, a company I legit never heard of before.

Dead Day #1 is a new take on the zombie story and I have to say it was interesting.  It was kind of like The Walking Dead meets The Purge meets This is Us.

In this issue, we are introduced to Dead Day, a new holiday where deceased people return from the grave from sunset to sunrise and return to see their loved ones.  However, there was a distinct mood of the story that makes you feel as if there is more nefarious activities were going to happen than just a happy family reunion.

The also show us that some people are called Revivalists and have something to do with the whole Dead Day stuff, though it was, as of yet, unclear exactly what was their role.  They are referred to as cultists at one point of the comic, so clearly, there is more to come on this.

This is another of those type of futuristic books that may lead to a dystopian future.  There have been a bunch of those recently.  Perhaps it is just too much with the way the world is right now, but I was interested in what was happening.  I liked the characters I was being introduced to, but they did seem pretty typical.

This one I am torn on.  I might like to see a few more issues to see where this is going.  I do like the set up .

Nancy Drew & The Hardy Boys:  The Death of Nancy Drew #1

“Part One”

Writer:  Anthony Del Col

Artist:  Joe Eisma

Cover Art:  Joe Eisma

No Marvel Comics this week and a limited number of DC Comics (or at least, limited in what I purchase). so when I found this one on the shelf, I grabbed it.

I was a fan of the Hardy Boys when I was a kid.  I read most of their novels and even watched the TV series.  I was not as much of a fan of Nancy Drew, but I did read her too.  I always enjoyed the crossovers.  I was actually excited seeing the cover of the first issue.

The Death of Nancy Drew Part One?  Cool.  I love a good mystery.  I have to say, without spoiling, my first thought was that there was no way that Nancy was actually dead.  I will not reveal any specifics shown in this issue that may or may not answer that query, but my own doubt came through.

The ambiance of the comic stands out above all else.  The feel of the issue, following Joe Hardy on his grief-induced investigation into the seemingly accidental death of Nancy Drew works very well.  Joe narrates the story, providing us with glimpses into his own mind and his feeling of loss.  Through this we see the relationship with his brother Frank Hardy, and we get glimpses at how this character is now being portrayed.

I liked the way these characters are shown and I hope this book continues to deliver as much as this first issue does.  I was fully invested in the comic and I am anxious to see where it takes this story next.

The art is great.  It fits the tone of the book perfectly and the cover of issue #1 is a beautiful piece of art from Joe Eisma.

I hope this series can continue to grown and not just play upon my feelings of nostalgia from three characters I grew up reading.

The Amazing Spider-Man #43

“True Companions Part Three”

Writer:  Nick Spencer

Artist:  Ryan Ottley

Cover Art:  Ryan Ottley & Nathan Fairbairn

The third part of True Companions has finally come out after weeks of waiting and the story has added something to the lore of Spider-Man.  A pet?

Nick Spencer’s current run on The Amazing Spider-Man has been solid, especially with the use of the Spider-Man secondary crew.  The increased role of Boomerang in Spider-man/Peter Parker’s life has been enjoyable to watch.  The return of Mary Jane to the narrative has been extremely welcome (though I worry about what is to come for the pair) and the use of Mayor Fisk, who has been all over the Marvel books lately, trying to get on Spidey’s “good side” is a cool bit of juxtaposition.

Now we bring on Gog.  We had an entire origin issue dedicated to Gog, which tells you that there may be some plans for Gog.

The best part of this issue is how the Spider-man character shines through every moment of the book.  Spencer does a great job of showing us what Spidey would do in each situation, and how the character would react.  This was one of the first times since the switch that I really felt as if Spidey was done right.  Not taking anything away from the rest of the run, but, after Tom Taylor, most would be seen as lesser.

However, this really gives me hope that there are great things on the horizon for Peter Parker and his alter ego.

Avengers #33

“Moon Knight vs. The Avengers”

The Age of Khonshu Part One

Writer:  Jason Aaron

Artist:  Javier Garron

Cover Art:  Matteo Scalera & Rachelle Rosenberg

The Avengers return to start up a new arc featuring The Moon Knight called The Age of Khonshu.  Everyone’s favorite split personality hero is back and he is taking on the heavy hitters in an attempt to become Earth’s Mightiest Hero and he is well on his way.

Moon Knight has become a dangerous foe and, beneath the light of the Supermoon, Moon Knight has put a plan from Khonshu in play.

While my first thought of placing Moon Knight into this situation was negative, I must say that I enjoyed the execution of the story.  The art is excellent and the individual battles between Moon Knight and the separate Avengers were intriguing.  There is clearly a mystery going on here and what the motives of Moon Knight and Khonshu are still up in the air.

However, this does have the same general feel to it as did the previous story arc from the Captain Marvel series as Carol had to fight and “kill” off the Avengers to fool the villain of the series.  That was not my favorite arc of the Captain Marvel series, but this one has started off better than that did.

The first part of this arc has, at the very least, hooked me enough that I am interested in seeing where it goes.  I have always enjoyed Moon Knight so it is nice to see him get his time in the sun (or Moonlight as the case may be).

Plunge #3

Writer:  Joe Hill

Artist:  Stuart Immonen

Cover Art:  Jeremy Wilson

It has been a couple of months since a new comic has come out, but today… I got one.

Yes, DC released their first new comics since the world went crazy and I, collecting mostly Marvel, had one issue awaiting for me at the recently reopened comic shop where I buy my books.

And it was a very solid book.

Honestly, it has been a while since I read Plunge #1 or #2 and I had to remember what it was about.   One of the main reasons was because it is a new tale, outside of any sort of comic continuity… a story about a ship that had sunk year ago, and a salvage boat heading out on a very suspicious mission for a corporation.  They ran into some trouble along the way.

In this issue, there were all kinds of fun, horror-based reveals provided us by writer Joe Hill.  The crew of that missing ship from 1983 appeared on this island and, well, to call them creepy would be an understatement.  Plus, they have some knowledge about what is going on that they are not sharing.

And Hill has thrown a bunch of eerie scenes and ramped up the uncertainty of what was happening and tossed our crew members smack dab in the middle.

There is also some mathematics involved (can you actually solve Pi?) and it helps set this mysterious and uneasy tone.

The art is great too, fitting the tone of the story perfectly.  The final page of the book presents us with some distinct shocks and leaves you wondering what exactly Bill is left holding.

This was a great way to bring back the comic books.  I enjoyed reading this very much.