iZombie #4 – Review

by Chris Roberson (writer), Mike Allred (art), Laura Allred (colors), and Todd Klein (letters)

The Story: Gwen gets to know Amon, who explains the existence of monsters, while Horatio fights Claire the vampire.

What’s Good: After three issues of relaxed storytelling, it’s nice to see iZombie really lay down some big ideas.  Readers impatient with the slow pace should be somewhat appeased this month, as the book is given something of a new, or at least unexpected, direction and a great deal of information.

The core of it concerns the existence of monsters in this world and Roberson’s explanation is surprisingly intellectual and yet completely logical.  He brings forth the idea of the soul, but argues that every person has an oversoul and an undersoul.  How this ties into the various monsters who inhabit iZombie is very well put together and it’s great to see Roberson doing some world-building, crafting a kind of mythos that can be drawn upon in future.

The mummy Amon’s back-story is also explored a little bit as he takes Gwen on a tour through his memories, while introducing the above ideas.  I like Amon as a character; he adds a suave, mature voice to the comic that’s a good fit.  He’s a fun character and I look forward to seeing more of him.

Art-wise, this is another solid outing by Mike Allred.  I especially enjoyed his creative paneling, as Amon  inserts himself into his own memories while the page reflects the fact that he and Gwen have gone on mental walkabout.

iZombie #2 – Review

by Chris Roberson (writer), Mike Allred (art), Laura Allred (colors), and Todd Klein (letters)

The Story: Gwen closes in on the murderer while one of the vampire paintballers gets a little too murderous.

What’s Good: This is a big improvement from last month’s issue that assuages most of my concerns regarding this series.  One of the key reasons for this shift is that unlike last month, which was all set-up, there actually is a definable plot.  The murder mystery provides for some intrigue, particularly in its introduction of a shadowy character who seems to be the killer (and possibly a mummy).  Things are already looking to be more complicated than they seem.

Gwen’s poking about into the victim’s life also gives Roberson a chance to better show how her “powers” work, or rather, how annoying they can be.  He does a great job of integrating the victim’s mind into Gwen’s thought processes.  While clearly not a sentient being, the victim’s “voice” often informs, or interrupts, Gwen’s own internal narration.  At times, it even attempts to finish her sentences and Gwen has to seemingly restrain herself from speaking the words out loud.  It’s a creative way of showing the victim’s intrusion into Gwen’s mind and it’s good fun.

Speaking of Gwen, she’s more likable than she was last month.  Her narration seems less forced, with Roberson clearly less concerned with making her seem as cool as possible.  What results is a more natural feel to the character that better suits a strong protagonist.  She also has a conversation with the victim’s child that hits the right notes, juxtaposing the child’s innocence with Gwen’s awkwardness.  Supporting characters Ellie and Scott also have strong, and surprisingly serious, outings as Roberson touches upon the heavy burdens that both bear due to their “conditions.”  Roberson also continues to impress me with the comedy he injects into the most minor characters; Scott’s work friends are just as fun as Gwen’s.

Jenna Jameson’s Shadow Hunter #2 – Review

By Jenna Jameson (created & story), Christina Z (story & script) & Mukesh Singh (art)

Heh, I was right with my review of the first issue. Issue #2 is another weird tale and it doesn’t get much better either. I really don’t know what it is about this series – maybe I was expecting something else, and I don’t mean porn or sex (though that’s one way of making this book a little more interesting).

Anyway, in this issue Jezzerie stands in the middle of a battle between heaven and hell. Both sides need her to fight with them as it would tip the scales in her favor. So they spend some time courting her to join to their respective sides. But Jezzerie’s a rebel, and in typical rebel fashion, she opts not to join any side. What follows is the weird part, which involves Jezzerie killing herself and becoming, well, I’m not going to spoil it for you. But let’s just say she’s reborn as something else. That’s the basic story so far. My high hopes of a good story from Christina Z were misplaced. It’s like Ms. Z isn’t suited for any other comic than Witchblade.

Sadly, I’ve already preordered the third issue, so I’ll most likely read (and review it here), but if I had a time machine, I would have taken it all back. I wouldn’t necessarily say this is an “F” book, because the art is decent enough, but Mukesh Singh’s work isn’t enough to save this book from mediocrity. I will vouch for Singh, however, by saying he is definitely an artist to keep your eye on. (Grade: D)

-Daniel Yanez

Amazing Spider-Man #557 – Review

By Zeb Wells (writer), Chris Bachalo (pencils, colors), Townsend, Irwin, Faucher, Mendoza, and Vey (inks), Antonio Fabela (colors)

Just when I’ve hit my comfort zone with Chris Bachalo drawing Spider-Man he leaves. It’s just not fair, I tell ya! He and writer, Zeb Wells have arguably constructed the best Brand New Day story arc yet. As much as I’ve enjoyed this series since its reboot, what’s been accomplished in the past three issues doesn’t feel as fragmented as previous arcs. It’s a complete story with a satisfying ending. Yes, the on-going subplots are still going, but this story with Mayan gods and sacrifices was entertaining, fulfilling, and even suspenseful at times.

Wells continues to do a good job with Spidey and his dialog. The climax of the story was unexpected, and actually pretty cool! The way things come full circle at the end will also bring a smile to your face. I dug seeing Carlie in this book, it’s just too bad she was forced to play the damsel in distress. It would have been nice to see her character grow some more. I also could have done without Dr. Rabin’s constant expository dialog which quickly became redundant. But hey, no one’s perfect.

Hats of to Chris Bachalo for his Mayan God design. It’s undecipherable at times, looking like pieces of husk, bone, and straw all tossed onto a skeletal structure, but when we get a pull back on the camera and see this thing for what it is, I gotta say,  it’d make one heck of a cool statue! His art here is probably the best of the three issues. I know I’ve said this before, but the borderless pages, the white panels, and the coloring are exceptional. Great package, all around. (Grade: A-)

– J. Montes

Titans #1 – Review

By Judd Winick (writer), Ian Churchill (pencils), Norm Rapmund (inks), Edgar Delgado (colors)

I’m not the most well-versed person when it comes to DC lore, so it’s always been intimidating for me to jump on a book. Thankfully, Judd Winick has made Titans #1 an accessible book for just about anyone who’s never picked up a Teen Titans book (like me). Not only is the book easy to follow, its roster and supporting cast are the kind you’ll find yourself soon acquainted with. It also helps that there are staples like Batman, Nightwing, and Starfire around to bring some familiarity to those completely in the dark (like me).

With this first issue, we’re treated to the roster (including past members), one at a time. We get narratives from each character as they carry on with their daily lives. They’re all scattered throughout the country, but instead of someone going door to door to bring the team together, each one of them suffers a series of assaults by (some incredibly drawn) monstrous creatures. This chain of events forces the Titans to band together and solve the mystery of who is behind the attacks. My only question is why is this Part 2 of “The Fickle Hand” storyline? Am I missing something? Where’s Part 1? And why would anyway make a first issue the second part of a storyline?!

As simple as the story sounds, it’s really the way it’s put together that makes it so polished. Winick has done a sound job of keeping me entertained throughout, and Ian Churchill’s art is excellent. Now, I’m not Churchill’s biggest fan, but the way he conveys action – more notably a scene in the beginning with Robin escaping from an exploding building and sliding down an adjacent skyscraper – is just brilliant. And did I mention that this guy can draw monsters! Holy cow, someone bring back the pre-hero Tales of Suspense and put Churchill on the book! Colorist Edgar Delgado also deserves a lot of credit for making this book pop. The colors he lays down on the fish creature that attacks Starfire are utterly amazing.

Anyway, if I haven’t convinced you to pick up this book on the art alone, give it a shot regardless. This is a good debut book that keeps the estranging of new readers to a minimum, and it’s a lot of fun to boot. This is how Marvel should have done Young X-Men #1… but anyway…(Grade: B+)

– J. Montes

Urban Monsters #1 – Review

By: Andrew Stroscher (creator), Will Wilson & Joanne Moore (writer), Tone Rodriguez & Rick Ross (illustrator) & Nei Ruffino (colors)

A century ago, monsters and mutants started to come out of their closets, becoming part of human traditions and way of life. Some became movie stars, while others had to work hard the old fashioned way to earn their money. In a place where David Hasselhoff is highly regarded as an actor, I guess I’m lucky to be living in real world.

In Urban Monsters, a group of monster companions decide to make it big at Hollywood; it’s a road trip story that follows them as they attempt to make a casting call. We get to see a lot of how this world works. The zombie character of the group gets in a little trouble with the police and accidentally infects one of them – a rare case. Some people outside the big cities are prejudiced against monsters, not allowing them to enter to stores. And when the group gets invited to a county fair, it’s later discovered that it’s plagued with werewolves.

This comic looks like it’s a love project that got approved for publishing. I’m trying to read new independent works whenever I have the chance – sometimes I discover great things, sometimes not so much. Urban Monsters falls in the middle. I don’t know if I should take the comic as a serious piece with social commentary or just as a humor story (or both). I’ll stick around for another issue, but hope to see some changes. (Grade: C-)

-Daniel Yanez

Dead Space #1 (Special Convention Edition) – Review

By Anthony Johnston (writer) & Ben Templesmith (art)

Dead Space is an Electronic Arts game that’s going to be released in Fall 2008 for video game consoles and the PC platform. This comic is the prequel to that game, and since I’m going to buy the game, I don’t mind reading the comic book to get more of the background story.

The story seems to borrow elements of 2001, Doom 3 and Aliens. It has a creepy atmosphere, a greedy government, a strange alien monolith, and religion thrown in for good measure. You’d think this would be a recipe for disaster, but this issue is a great introduction to the series and it’s ripe with lot of tension.

The story begins with a distress transmission from a planet that humans intented to colonize. We’re then transported to a series of flashbacks that slowly unravel the story. People start to act strangely, the crap hits the fan, and well, you get my drift.

Please check this video trailer of Dead Space’s trailer. It features Ben Templesmith’s art made into quasi-animated sequence. It kicks ass! The footage you’ll see is not from this issue, however. It seems it’s from a preview or #0 never published (his partner doesn’t get attacked from a monster in #1, that’s the reason of my assumption). Anyway, if you see this issue floating around, give it a go. You’ll enjoy yourself. Oh, and a closing note: I believe that the only difference between the convention edition and the regular edition is the variant cover. (Grade: B)

-Daniel Yanez

P. S. – We are giving away stuff from WonderCon, including a signed copy of Dead Space #1 by Templesmith, himself! Check it out what do you need to do to get that for FREE.

Jenna Jameson’s Shadow Hunter #1 – Review

By Jenna Jameson (creator & story), Christina Z (story & script) & Mukesh Singh (art)

First of all, no, it’s not a porn comic book. It may have that stigma associated with it because of Jenna Jameson’s name, but it has nothing to do with that (sorry, guys). Believe me, you’ll find more porn in those Princess Peach pictures from Super Smash Brothers Brawl than in this book.

The story is about a woman named Jezzerie who is haunted of  monsterous visions since childhood. Unemployed, she  attends a paid research program about past lives, trying to understand what these monsters are and why these dream are reoccuring. But in one of the sessions something goes wrong. It seems that the hallucinations are becoming real, and monsters have begun to manifest themselves in the real world. Jezzerie’s hair turns black and a blade grows from her arm. A mysterious guy in armor (a side kick, I presume), pops ups offering little to no help in her battle. After a few decapitations, the king of monsters talks to them and reveals his true nature.

I’m disappointed by this debut issue. I honestly thought I’d get more quality coming from Christina Z. I was looking for something with a little more substance than this. The story is just flat-out weird, and will probably get even weirder in following issues. The Witchblade influence is pretty noticeable – a blade popping up form her arm without her will. Singh’s art is very well done – there’s an abundance of reds and darks that fill this issue. I’ve already prepaid for the next couple of issues, so I will read them, but this is not a good start. (Grade: C-)

-Daniel Yanez

Afterburn #1 – Review

By: Scott Chitwood (Creator & Script), Paul Ens (Script), Wayne Nichols (Pencils), Nick Schley (Inks), Marc Hampson & Andrew Dalhouse (Colors)

I have mixed reactions with this comic. The concept is interesting: a solar flare hits half of the Earth’s surface, killing or mutating that side of the population.

The story starts a year after the disaster and follows a team of bounty hunters trying to steal the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. They meet some mutants and a type of Belloqesque antagonist (for you Indy fans). Some time later, they go on another mission in a flooded Hong Kong, only to find pirates (I don’t know if they are mutants or badly drawn Chinese), and mutated sharks.

The main character survives apocalypse by being in a shielded room in an oil rig. But then he goes out to check on his buddies and exposes himself to the lethal rays. I don’t quite understand his actions, unless the following issues of this book show that he has some kind of superpower radiation. Otherwise, this guy should be crispy by now – I saw Sunshine!

Another question that bothers me is why the mutants don’t sell their treasures to the surviving side of the Earth and make a living out of it. Beats me! The shark scene was pretty ingenious, but the rest of the book feels a bit “off”. I hope that this is a slow start for the series and with issue #2 all the “off-iness” will be addressed. This title has a lot of potential. (Grade: C+)

-Daniel Yanez