You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Continuing the Year of the Villain DC comic book event, this latest volume in the Detective [image]
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Continuing the Year of the Villain DC comic book event, this latest volume in the Detective Comics series focuses on Victor Fries and his long-awaited dream revolving around his wife Nora. The day he learned of the rapidly deteriorating health of his beloved one, his heart started to melt but his mind searched for solutions, even if the means to his end meant crime and death of countless innocent lives. As he dreams for the day he finally finds a solution that could thaw her out from her cryogenic chamber and embrace a new life, Mr. Freeze has always tilted back and forth between reason and criminality as he patiently waited for the day to come when he might finally have what he has longed for for far too many years. Collecting issues #1012-1019, writer Peter J. Tomasi explores a story-arc that will thaw through Victor Fries’ conscious until he realizes the inevitable consequences of his actions.
What is Batman: Detective Comics: Cold Vengeance about? The story focuses on Victor Fries’ dream of bringing his wife Nora back to life, currently stuck in a cryogenic chamber at the mercy of his blinded love and passion for her past self. It is only thanks to a mysterious new substance procured by Lex Luthor that Victor Fries might finally see his dream come true. Unfortunately for him, his greatest wish comes with a surprise as Nora’s second chance at life sheds light on her own point of view on Victor Fries’ dreams of resurrection. This volume also collects a one-shot story about Bruce Wayne’s desire to help a runaway orphan while dealing with Gotham’s innumerable crimes as well as a grim two-part story where he goes up against a supernatural pagan spirit during the Holidays.
While writer Peter J. Tomasi’s story-arcs so far in his Detective Comics run have been subpar to anyone’s expectations, this latest story centered around Victor Fries turned out much more self-contained, semi-polished, and mildly interesting. The premise of seeing Mr. Freeze reunited with his wife Nora is supposedly an obvious terrain to explore over the past years but seems rarely rehashed but his latest take on it offers fans the chance to see Batman in a new suit of armor, Freeze and his wife going full-out Bonnie and Clyde, and Freeze having to look in an unusual direction for help when his plans implode. Unfortunately, the story remains superficially entertaining, to say the least, and plays out like a cartoon episode lacking any true emotional depth that would’ve been expected from this story. Luckily, writer Tom Taylor’s one-shot orphan story, as well as writer Peter J. Tomasi’s two-part pagan holiday story, offer much more bang (really, not that much, to be honest) for your buck by the end of this volume.
On the artistic front, it is safe to say that there is nothing exceptional accomplished throughout this volume but the final two-part story-arc presents Scott Godlewski’s artwork and it significantly stands out from the rest with its vibrant, clearly-defined, and solid artistic style. The rest of the volume remains decent enough to not warrant any complaints, mostly capitalizing on a harsher and rougher style that adds a certain grim tone to the overall story while colourist David Baron cleanly fills the pages with the usual tone and shading. As previously mentioned, the biggest surprise here remains Batman’s latest suit of armor to battle Mr. Freeze, a truly exciting visual spectacle that is sure to excite certain readers (especially younger ones) for its mere concept. Hopefully, this volume, a bit coerced by the recent DC event, is a promise of better stories to come in future volumes.
Batman: Detective Comics: Cold Vengeance is an unimpressive collection of stories especially centered around Victor Fries and his reacquaintance with his soulmate Nora.
Events unfold at a much faster pace ever since Yoh's sudden decision to revive a friend at the cost of his own entry in the Shaman Fight. We all know Events unfold at a much faster pace ever since Yoh's sudden decision to revive a friend at the cost of his own entry in the Shaman Fight. We all know such a thing is ridiculous and wouldn't last long anyways. Horohoro finally gets the chance to grow up here too, trying to catch up to all the progress everyone else has gotten these past days.
Set during the Prohibition era, this epic creative team looks into an original horror twist to a classic gangster story set around the distribution ofSet during the Prohibition era, this epic creative team looks into an original horror twist to a classic gangster story set around the distribution of moonshine. While I wanted to enjoy this, the story never found its footing, recklessly steering in directions that never seemed intentional or organized. The artwork is a bit messy, hindered especially by the narrative but reminiscent of Tim Sale's work on Batman: The Long Halloween.
An excellent finale to the sudden flashback story arc that looked back on Yoh and Anna's relationship and vows; at a very young age, might I add. It wAn excellent finale to the sudden flashback story arc that looked back on Yoh and Anna's relationship and vows; at a very young age, might I add. It was nice to see what Yoh was able to achieve in terms of OverSoul forms back then but it does bring to light a lot of plot holes and inconsistencies... As the story returns to the present time, a plot twist reveals Ren's real desires as he's haunted by the memory of his cruel acts before he decided to change his ways.
Kaiju No. 8 continues to be an impressive new Shonen as the team is now off in the wild for their first mission. This is where all of the characters sKaiju No. 8 continues to be an impressive new Shonen as the team is now off in the wild for their first mission. This is where all of the characters showcase their skills and abilities, while Kafka tries something different to bring to the table something useful instead of his usual incompetence.
This volume offers a throwback origin story to Yoh and Anna's relationship as we finally discover what brought the two together while also getting theThis volume offers a throwback origin story to Yoh and Anna's relationship as we finally discover what brought the two together while also getting the opportunity to meet the Nekomata spirit Matamune. Although it is an unexpected and sudden shift in the narrative flow, brutally pulling the reader out of the ongoing Shaman King tournament to go back in the past, it was well-done.
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Known mostly as a member of the Justice League of America and for his unique abilities, Plas[image]
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Known mostly as a member of the Justice League of America and for his unique abilities, Plastic Man has always presented himself as a walking joke with a creative imagination, but also burdened hero with a sketchy past that permanently sticks around despite his desire to do good and his innumerable heroic feats. Collecting all 20 issues of the classic series that gave Plastic Man the chance to showcase his elasticity in all of its splendour, this stunning volume, perfected with the hero’s own rubber belt wrapped around it, introduces readers to Kyle Baker’s reimagining of the hero’s ludicrous personality and adventures, while also featuring celebrated storyteller Scott Morse’s own take in two unique and artistically-distinctive issues.
What is Plastic Man: Rubber Banded about? The story follows the various adventures of Plastic Man, starting with the task of hunting down Eel O’Brian, an unrepentant gangster but also the hero’s alter-ego. Accompanied by his stunning yet ruthless partner, FBI agent Morgan, as well as his incompetent yet kind-hearted crimefighting sidekick, Woozy Winks, Plastic Man has to clear his name before he gets dragged into the ground for a past he doesn’t believe in anymore, once trained by monks in the art of transforming himself into whatever he desires. This never-before-fully-collected deluxe edition also includes the introduction of various enemies, from Stickyfinger to Ray el Ray, as the Pliable Paladin stretches his way around his history and the challenges of parenthood.
Artist-writer Kyle Baker achieves a fantastic comic book run with this 20-issue series as he channels the same energy as Warner Bros’ animated characters (e.g. Looney Tunes) by drawing upon Jack Cole’s elastic superhero’s strongest qualities and flaws. Goofing around with word plays and creative elastic transformations, Plastic Man has never been expanded in so many hilarious ways as he tackles the various obstacles tossed at him. Sometimes even breaking the fourth wall and taking a jab at superhero tropes as well as past DC universe events and characters, his character is efficiently and brilliantly established within the narrative composed of smaller adventures that also allow him to display his close relationships (wife, daughter, and friend), his quirky imagination, and his imaginative powers.
Perfectly complementing the narrative is Kyler Baker’s own artistic vision for this superhero. There is nothing deriving out of the realm of conventionality in this comic book series as he takes the liberty to play around with all aspects of visual storytelling. The slapstick comedy is infused into the structure and style, veering closer to a cartoonish design than what is usually seen in comic books. Plastic Man’s antics are also fully embraced, often truly spectacular in concept, as he parades around in forms that you would never see coming. This also works wonderfully with the less verbose dialogue and the vibrant colours that simply makes the reading experience much more enjoyable. Toss in the two issues written and drawn by Scott Morse who also brilliantly plays with the superhero’s persona, and voilà, you have yourself an entertaining take on the hero to fully indulge in this beautiful deluxe edition.
Plastic Man: Rubber Banded is a goofy and kooky collection of stories boasting the superhero’s own comedy routine while challenged by trials of superheroism and parenthood.
This story-arc further explores Darth Vader and Aphra's alliance as their interests diverge and converge in unexpected ways. Each of their missions seThis story-arc further explores Darth Vader and Aphra's alliance as their interests diverge and converge in unexpected ways. Each of their missions sends them in different directions until they crash and collide, forcing them to renew their pact and come to terms with a new objective. There's a lot of things happening behind the backs of everyone but it is fascinating to watch Vader find himself in a not-so-Alpha position and having to dupe his way into getting things done the way he wants them to. It remains to be seen if the story's direction is worth all this trouble.
A disgraced cop turned comedian finds himself accused of murder and now has to resort to his investigative skills to find the real killer before he faA disgraced cop turned comedian finds himself accused of murder and now has to resort to his investigative skills to find the real killer before he falls for something he never did. Writer Joe Hill looks to deliver a cynical comedic tone and noir-crime pacing, the latter being killer, to tell his story. While it makes for a fascinating mystery, it quickly struggles to keep the reader hooked. Artist Martin Simmonds offers a unique and highly-tinted artistic vision that is visually exciting but not enough to keep the reader engaged till the final reveal.
An emotionally-heavy story-arc giving away Jeppard's heartbreaking story while drawing brilliant parallels to Gus' captivity. The attempt to further eAn emotionally-heavy story-arc giving away Jeppard's heartbreaking story while drawing brilliant parallels to Gus' captivity. The attempt to further explore the world in which evolves this story makes this a fantastic story-arc that offers readers the chance to familiarize and connect to these characters, leading them to the cliffhanger ending that makes this a series that is simply unputdownable.
A story with plenty of ruckuses as Denji and his pet devil-dog Pochita find themselves in a pickle and discover new powers that will give birth to ChaA story with plenty of ruckuses as Denji and his pet devil-dog Pochita find themselves in a pickle and discover new powers that will give birth to Chainsaw Man. While he was a man with a huge debt, he now joins an organization where his abilities will serve them well.
Although there is something chaotically fun about this series' premise, the second half of the story suddenly incorporates a small perverted motive to the protagonist that either goes with his quirky charm or plunges the entire story into ridicule.
Regardless, this is too fun to pass out on (although knowledge of its sudden end is saddening). Onto the next volume!
No wonder this brand-new shonen, Kaijuu no. 8, is drawing everyone's attention nowadays. This can, without a doubt, become the next big thing.
KickingNo wonder this brand-new shonen, Kaijuu no. 8, is drawing everyone's attention nowadays. This can, without a doubt, become the next big thing.
Kicking it off, it is already a huge challenge to make their protagonist a man in his 30s, yet it succeeds in its ambition. The story follows said unhappy man known as Kafka Hibino who suddenly obtains powers to become a Kaijuu, making him the perfect defender against the monstrous creatures emerging around the world.
Artistically, it is very reminiscent of My Hero Academia, while also containing a hint of One-Punch Man and Bleach. ...more
This volume continues where the previous one left off as Yoh goes on to accept the unthinkable deal that will allow them to help Ren from his predicamThis volume continues where the previous one left off as Yoh goes on to accept the unthinkable deal that will allow them to help Ren from his predicament. Meanwhile, Redseb and Seyram take on the Hanagumi in a not-too-exciting battle.
Picking up where the story was left off in the previous story-arc, writer Robert Venditti sends Barry into a mysterious world within the Speed Force aPicking up where the story was left off in the previous story-arc, writer Robert Venditti sends Barry into a mysterious world within the Speed Force as he struggles to find a way back to his timeline, while the newest Flash takes advantage of Barry's absence to take his place and give himself another chance at life. While it was entertaining to some extent, with some decent artwork to accompany the narrative, there's something in this new Flash that demands a certain aversion towards his existence, making it difficult to truly enjoy this story-arc.
This four-part story-arc explores the origin of Kylo Ren and his venture to the dark side of the force. It not only bridges the gap between who he wasThis four-part story-arc explores the origin of Kylo Ren and his venture to the dark side of the force. It not only bridges the gap between who he was and who he becomes in the infamous movie trilogy, but it also presents his relationship with Snoke and other apprentice Jedis who unfortunately helped him become who he is.
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
The future has always been easy for many to imagine. From the putrid, acid-filled, and chaot[image]
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
The future has always been easy for many to imagine. From the putrid, acid-filled, and chaotic disaster to the highly-technological, joyous, and stress-free paradise, humankind has allowed their imagination to go wild throughout history. Once rooted in actual global issues, it’s a bit more complicated to fancy a future that we’d love to leave for the next generation. Factor in the intervention of superheroes and it’ll be safe to say that anything is possible when it comes to the fate of humanity. Adding to DC’s adult-content Black Label imprint, Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Murder Falcon) presents readers with his DC debut, a post-apocalyptic science-fiction and fantasy horror tale gravitating around Wonder Woman’s terrifying odyssey into a bleak future that no one could’ve seen coming.
What is Wonder Woman: Dead Earth about? The story follows Princess Diana of Themyscira and her discovery of an Earth reduced to a nuclear wasteland upon awakening from a centuries-long sleep. Led back to the last human city, Camp New Hope, she notices how the remaining human beings are barely surviving in these horrid conditions and vows to protect them from titanic monsters ravaging the world she once loved and protected with her whole being. As she tries to remember the events that led up to her slumber, she unearths the deep and dark secrets of this dead Earth and the role she might have had in the current state of the world. Feeling utterly defeated, she channels the iota of hope within her to try and make a difference that can allow humans to embrace a second chance at a life void of neglect, chaos, and destruction.
This what-if story offers fans the chance to discover an unprecedented level of grim narrative and gore with Wonder Woman at the heart of this calamity. Split into four issues, the story immerses you in a ghastly world that looks nothing like the Earth this hero has known and protected with her compatriots of the Justice League. As the story progresses, the reader is immediately introduced to the variety of world-building elements that help piece together the history and war that led to its current state. The subtle and sometimes very brutal connection to some of the iconic heroes who perished from the war also smoothly consolidates the universe in which this story takes place. However, there’s nothing more ghastly in this tale than the reveal of the source of destruction, following the divide on the matter of climate change, and what it implicates for the remaining humans in their own war against the strange creatures called haedras. Fortunately, through Wonder Woman, it is possible to identify the very virtues she fights for and recognize her iron will and belief that there is still good in everyone despite what her environment reveals, giving readers a vessel of hope in this dilapidated world.
The science-fiction and fantasy horror tone embraced by creator Daniel Warren Johnson is formidably established from the very beginning of this story without much effort. From Old Gotham to Themyscira, the consistency and coherence in style and atmosphere allow the world to take a life of its own and give way to an enthralling journey through macabre corners of the universe known to well-versed readers. Although certain stylistic details in the concept art for the characters and the world can be questionable due to logical concerns, they are quickly bundled into a visionary project that easily steers you away from those issues. Miker Spicer’s colours also give this graphic novel the alarming and gory edge that it requires to fully immerse the reader. It is mostly thanks to the underlying message of hope that this story manages to keep afloat and send readers off with the prospect of change, love, and happiness.
Wonder Woman: Dead Earth is a grim and horrifying post-apocalyptic tale with a hero searching for hope and opportunities for redemption.
This volume is mostly dedicated to the introduction of Yoh's father, Mikihisa Asakura, as he wishes to train Ren's team to a secret art that will helpThis volume is mostly dedicated to the introduction of Yoh's father, Mikihisa Asakura, as he wishes to train Ren's team to a secret art that will help them catch up to Yoh's training. Unfortunately, things get out of hand and a battle follows with more of Hao's pawns. Brutal and action-packed, this story-arc could've been formidable if it weren't for the deus ex machina at the end that sort of kills the momentum, unless seen as an epic entrance...
A multi-plot medieval fantasy story exploring an empire's new queen and a young lover's wish to wreak havoc upon her through witchcraft and sorcery. WA multi-plot medieval fantasy story exploring an empire's new queen and a young lover's wish to wreak havoc upon her through witchcraft and sorcery. While the artwork is clean and immersive, the story is choppy and awkwardly connects multiple stories together. I believe it was simply too short for its own good.
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
The two opposing and eternal forces of good and evil have rarely been understood without a d[image]
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
The two opposing and eternal forces of good and evil have rarely been understood without a divide among mortals. There are many ways for one to determine if they are prone towards one or another but there is no guarantee that they will not tilt into the other domain at a moment’s notice. Sometimes you look at the means, sometimes you look at the ends, but always is the intention crucial to grasp one’s tendency towards good or evil. The Question is one hero who is convinced that he knows the distinction between both, that he champions the way towards good, that is, until he’s sent down a rabbit hole. Collecting all four issues, Eisner-winning writer Jeff Lemire teams up with the legendary artistic powerhouse Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz to deliver a mystery surrounding the identity of Vic Sage and his alter-ego The Question.
What is The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage about? In the hopelessly corrupt Hub City, one faceless hero roams the streets looking to dish out justice and order to anyone embracing crime. When a conspiracy leads him to the depths of the city’s underbelly, he is suddenly pulled into an adventure beyond his understanding, sending him back in time to unravel past lives he might have had despite having no memory of them. Waging his war against evil, his journey brings him to delve into the complexity of good and evil, as well as to demystify the blurry line distinguishing one from the other. However, this sequence of tragic reincarnation has left him with more questions than answers but the real query lies in his ability to break free from this vicious cycle or not.
Writer Jeff Lemire achieves a truly unique and authentic take on the hero The Question through this four-part story. At its foundation, it is a heavily-focused noir mystery centered around politics and crime with a protagonist juggling two completely opposite personas, one completely public and transparent to the world and the other hidden in the shadows of the people. As the story progresses, the narrative drifts into a conscious-expanding quest gravitating around Vic Sage’s identity and history. It is especially during these later acts of the story that writer Jeff Lemire melds together various historical periods and explores adjacent genres, e.g. western. Although the narrative structure is flimsy towards the end, having trouble to properly take shape, it is the premise and the promise of resolution that makes this story engrossing.
Artist Denys Cowan brings to the table a rough and sketch-like artistic vision that works tremendously with this storyline. The unsure and undefined quality of his style stunningly reflects the hazy and blurred line between good and evil, subconsciously inviting readers to understand the difficulty of individuals to adopt a purely dichotomic view of the world. Inker Bill Sienkiewicz and colourist Chris Sotomayor also tap into this story’s tone to deliver the grim, dimmed, and shadow-heavy artwork. The use of black borders also easily engulfs the story in a darker atmosphere without much more effort than necessary, reminding readers of the darkness within and outside of The Question. Unfortunately, the final act rushes into a philosophical frenzy that strips the protagonist from getting the answers to the questions he craved so profoundly. In the end, this psychological odyssey leads to his ultimate transformation, a transformation that simply broadens the protagonist’s vision rather than destroy his perception of the world.
The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage is a riveting yet puzzling genre-blending mystery centered around one man’s tale of self-discovery through conspiracy and moral uncertainty.
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