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

Dan Dare #4 – Review

By Garth Ennis (writer), Gary Erskine (art) Parasuraman A. (colors)

Dan Dare one of my favorite comics being produced right now. It’s full of science fiction, battles, explosions, and conspiracies. On top of that you’ve got Garth Ennis doing the story and Gary Erskine on art. Seriously, what’s not to like? I urge you to give this book a try. If you can find the back issues, get them. If you can’t find them, you can still pick this issue up and enjoy it (to a degree).

This issue starts off giving us some instant answers. We finally find out what’s happened to the AWOL President: He’s sold out the navy and Dan Dare to the enemy! Jocelyn Peabody digs into the heart of this conspiracy, realizing that time is running out. Meanwhile, Dan Dare and Digby continue to fight for their lives on Port Napier. Some of the subordinates, ready to give up, ask Dare if it’s time to euthanize the women and children. If they fall into enemy hands, they’ll face horrible atrocities. But Dare isn’t ready to give up. He honestly believes they can beat the overwhelming odds. Eventually, the battle is resolved, but not without a high cost.

What’s made this book so good is Garth Ennis’ ability to juggle multiple plot threads at the same time. He gives just enough of each subplot to keep us satisfied, while building character relationships, advancing the story, and blowing up stuff. Dan Dare, simply put, is the perfect model of how to tell a multi-facetted story. Other than last year’s Annihilation series by Marvel, I can’t think of a better “space” book being produced right now. (Grade: A-)

– J. Montes

Jenna Jameson’s Shadow Hunter #0 – Review

The first time I saw the cover on Previews it got me interested, but not to the point of buying it. But then I read that Christina Z was working on the title and decided to buy it blindly. She wrote Witchblade since the beginning (up to #34), personally the best issues of the series.

The cover by Greg Horn is stunning. The six page comic preview penciled by Mukesh Singh (Devi). Includes an interview with Christina Z, and gorgeous pinups by Horn, Greg Land, Daniel Brereton, J. Michael Linsner, Niko Henrichon, and more art by Singh. The story is about a woman who has visions about monsters, but the monsters begin to materialize in real life.

Even though it’s 25c and you still haven’t picked it up, you can download it for free at Playboy.com. Issue #1 Ships 2/20/08 (Grade: B+)

-Daniel Yanez

Dan Dare #3 – Review

By: Garth Ennis (Writer), Gary Erskine (Pencils)

When you think of Garth Ennis you probably think of sick, twisted, ultra-violent tales from Preacher and The Punisher. Well, unknowingly to a lot of you, he’s one hell of a science fiction writer as well. Dan Dare is based off an old British comic book character, and if you like books like FEAR Agent, you’ll probably enjoy this one as well. It’s not as chaotic and fun as that book, but it offers a good dose of science fiction.

Dan Dare #3 builds on the momentum established from the previous issues giving us an all out military battle on an alien planet while also giving us answers to the alien invaders’ motives. In a touching scene, Dan Dare carries an orphan child, explaining the complete history between his race, humans, and the alien invaders. The whole scene really works without dumbing down things for the reader. The dialogue and personalities (right down to the scared marines who want to go home), feel genuine and real.

I really can’t recommend this book enough. The pacing is perfect, the story is not decompressed, and Gary Erskine’s art is excellent. If you’re curious to see a different side of Garth Ennis or if you’ve ever wondered if he could write a different genre, this book is a must read. (Grade: A)

-J. Montes