- Comics

COMICS

6-23-08: Hyperkinetic # 1 (Image Comics)

I first was introduced to Howard Shum back in 2004 with his series Gun Fu! In that very underrated comic, the main character was a cross between Indiana Jones and Bruce Lee with the vocabulary of a Gangsta! If that sounds like an eclectic mix, then welcome to the world of Mr. Shum.

In his latest series, Hyperkinetic, Shum introduces us to his latest creation; 4 intergalactic lady bounty hunters and their robot that seems to take the blame for everything that goes wrong. We start the story with the girls in pursuit of an alien who they need to capture so their ship doesn’t get repossessed. During the chase, they crash on a planet and encounter all sorts of wacky stuff. Now this may sound very cliché and it probably is, but there is so much more to Hyperkinetic than the plot.

As a writer, Howard Shum’s strongest skill is his characterization and the dialogue he uses with them. This is done brilliantly in the first few pages. As things start to go bad, the girls begin to verbally rip into each other and to me this is where the true charm of the book lies. Not in girls belittling each other to the point of Bulimia, but in the play between them. Artist Matteo Scalera has a style all his own. His art reminds me of Carlos Meglia (Star Wars Underworld), but much more pleasing on the eyes and controlled. It has the look of a Cartoon Network / Adult Swim show and most important for the series, the ladies are nice to look at. But this book is more than just a ‘bad girl’ comic. There is a substance to it that I think would appeal to female readers as well as the guys.

Hyperkinetic is a fun book that goes against the grain of everything out there from the big two! If you enjoy books like Atomic Robo, Model Operandi and Maintenance, than you’ll love Hyperkinetic. Sad, that there aren’t more comics like this.

Matman Rating 4 out of 5 Pee filled Shampoo Bottles.

Hyperkinetic # 1 from Image Comics his your local comic shop on July 2nd.

6-12-08: Freddie And Me (by Mike Dawson)

If this book was called Mick and Me, I may have passed by it. But Freddy and Me is the heartfelt story of artist writer Mike Dawson and how the music of Queen, and more prominent, the image of Freddie Mercury affected him and set the tone for his entire life.

As a youngster growing up in England, Mike was introduced to Queen via the video for I Want To Break Free. From there it was moment after moment that many of us had, and some of us heard the same soundtrack. In the mid 1980’s Mike and his family moved to the US and his teen years were filled with the pressures and angst we all felt, but despite the drastic drop in Queen’s popularity in the States waned, Mike’s love did not. We are given a front row seat to some of Mike’s most personal moments and embarrassing events, many woven within the Queen tapestry; their triumph at Live Aid, the death of Freddie Mercury and the emotional send off of “Mr. Fahrenheit” himself at the Freddie Mercury Benefit Concert.

As a collected piece of work, Freddie And Me is an incredibly easy read. The story flows very tightly and packs emotional wallops we all have felt. Who hasn’t had to suffer with a sibling only to share an incredible moment later on? How many of us have had to defend our favorite bands to people with no taste? And how have we coped with guilt over a loss? Mike shows us…with Queen tunes! Mikes art is unique and has a comforting feel to it. I thought I would have to force myself to like it, but after a few pages in, it swept me in right away. Who new that rounded teeth would be so soothing and a storytelling plus.

Would I have liked Freddie And Me as much if I wasn’t a Queen fanatic as well? As a 16 year old kid who got dumped during Live Aid, it was Queen who made me forget my pain so I’d have to say no. But take a chance! This is an original, thoughtful and very enjoyable read that was so well done, I could hear the virtuoso that was Queen and the majesty that was and still is Freddie Mercury on every page.

Matman Rating – 4.5 out of Five Sheer Heart Attacks

5-28-08: Captain Action # 0 (Moonstone Comics)

by Matman

When I first heard of the return of Captain Action, I kinda scratched my head (in the quizzical way, not the head lice way). I mean Captain Action was in my opinion, a G.I. Joe wannabe. I didn’t realize the history, stories and rabid fan addiction. Check eBay and you’ll see it first hand. So when Moonstone announced they held the comic rights, it changed my mind. They’ve done a great job with The Phantom, Bukaroo Banzai and Kolchak, so I’ll bite!

In Captain Action # 0 we are introduced to writer Fabian Nicieza’s vision of the Captain. Here, Fabian gives us all the elements we know and love; commies, spies and shadow governments. As the tale unfolds, we see that once the fight was over… it only just began. This is where Captain Action gets ‘Chaykin-ized’! Much like how Howard Chaykin pumped new blood and edgy story to Blachhawk in 1986, Nicieza does the same, but not so adult. We meet the new heir to the Captain Action mantle in bed with a couple of ladies. But the ‘action’ happens when he takes on a hit squad naked, armed with only an empty champagne bottle. That’s worth a couple of points there.

Art in this zero issue is done by Mark Sparacio. Being a fan (and yes a friend) of Mark’s makes it easy to critique his art, because it’s brilliant... every single time! He makes the ‘capes’ look so heroic and every pose of Captain Action seems so iconic! To sweeten the pot is three incredible covers by Sparacio (modern), Paul Gulacy (retro) and Ruben Procopio (incentive) give everyone a choice, but if you get all three Moonstone won’t be upset.

Captain Action # 0 is a primer to the full series premier coming this summer. Here, Fabian will be joined by artist Ruben Procopio who impressed everyone at New York Comic Con with the Captain Action Statue. Jump in, you’ll forget all about that G.I Joe guy!

Matman rating – 4 out of 5 free bottles of Captain Action water.

5-23-08: Cthulhu Tales #2 (BOOM! Studios)

by Brian LeTendre

BOOM! Studios continues to make a name for themselves in the horror genre. Following on the success of the previous anthology, the new ongoing series Cthulhu Tales recently released its second issue. With creepy short stories from Steve Niles, Eric Calderon and Christine Boylan, the book offers a little something for everyone.

First up is Niles’ The Hiding Place, which follows a detective and the one criminal he’s never been able to catch. When that criminal seemingly commits suicide, the detective is left with more questions, and the answers to those questions don’t bode well for him. The second story by Eric Calderon is a post-Katrina vignette that explores what may have been lurking in the flood waters during those dark days, and whether or not the worst is yet to come. Completing the trilogy is Christine Boylan’s How to Get Ahead in the Occult, in which the main character is a young woman fascinated with the occult. She is tired of the wannabe wiccans that surround her on campus, and feels she is destined for something greater. When her roommate hears the call of the elder gods, she finds out that there is in fact a much bigger plan for her.

All three of the stories do a nice job of evoking the creepy and “wrong” nature of Lovecraft. As usual, Niles has a standout story here, and he delivers a classic “O. Henry ending” that is reminiscent of many of Lovecraft’s short works. Calderon and Boylan’s stories are more modern, but tie into the mythos well and provide some disturbing moments.

The visuals offer a real treat for horror fans, and the artwork by Shane Oakly, Jon Schnepp and Chee (respectively) fits each story perfectly, even though the artists have completely different styles.

Issue #2 of Cthulhu Tales is an all-around great read, more so if you happen to be a Lovecraft Fan. Those who are searching for their elder evil fix need look no further. Cthulhu Tales delivers.

4.5 out of 5 Cthulhu Ftagns

5-15-08: Runners - the Big Snow Job # 1 (Archaia)

by Matman

I have a few problems with this book! One is that Runners doesn’t sell a million copies, and two it’s not an animated series. Runners is one of the most enjoyable and eye pleasing comics I’ve ever read. This is a drastic statement I made long before I ever met (and began mispronouncing his name) series creator Sean Wang.

Runners is a tale about some down on their luck and not so smart smugglers. In their latest adventure Runners – The Big Snow Job # 1, the crew thinks they’re making a big score and elevating their reputation in the smuggling world. They hope this job will give them respect and financial stability. This is much needed, especially for Roka, who after a job gone badly finds himself eating the payment of the last job, nasty squirting Root Beetles.

If you’ve been reading Runners all along then let me tell you, this is the start of their greatest adventure and Sean’s best work. His art is clean and very stylized and each panel tells a story. He’s crafted great dialogue and personalities for each character that come alive in the book, more so than in Bad Goods. He has created interesting and visually stunning alien races and worlds that are fun, not scary.

5 out of 5 Preegen Crung Heaps!

5-12-08: The Man With No Name (Dynamite)

by Matman

Western fans know that the pace of a Western movie is deliberately slow! It has to be. The horses only go so fast, the trail is long and dusty and the bullets don’t hit their targets right away. So it may be hard to get a non fan interested in the genre. This is the up hill struggle the film 3:10 to Yuma had and it may be the battle this book has to fight.

The Man With No Name (Dynamite Entertainment) is a typical and true western tale. Building on situations and events, writer Christos Gage proves his ability to tell incredible stories without (pardon the pun) showing his hand. We are (re) introduced to the ‘man with no name’; the Clint Eastwood character from the classic films Fistful Of Dollars, For A Few Dollars More and The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. We start with the ‘man’ on the run from both the Union and Confederate army. During Civil War America that is everyone. As he escapes an ambush in town and then a (horse) drive by, he is thrust into another situation. After an encounter with a dying Priest (who he has a relationship with), the story seems to begin to unfold.

The highest compliment I can pay this book is that both Christos Gage and artist Willington Dias have captured the magic and vision of director Sergio Leone. They have created a comic that reads like one of his movies. The art is cinematic and after your done reading, you’re dustin’ off your coat and looking for a nice cool drink.

If you didn’t pick this one up last week…get on your horse and go get one! You have two choice covers; one very iconic by Richard Isanove and one kinda scary by Arthur Suydam.

4 out of 5 Spits of Tobacco.

5-10-08: Love And Capes # 7 (Maerkle Press)

by Matman

Just because you’re the most powerful superhero on the planet doesn’t mean life is easy for you. For the Crusader, battling bad guys and saving the planet is easy. It’s finding the perfect way to ask his girlfriend Abby to marry him. Welcome to the world of Love And Capes, a situation comedy about heroes and love.

Meet the Liberty League; Crusader, Microdot, Bluestreak, Darkblade, Steel Worker and Amzazonia. These are the earths greatest (and a bit familiar) heroes who protect the world but still have a hard time managing their own personal lives. In Love And Capes # 7, we find Crusader and Abby at Christmas time. Writer / Artist Thomas F. Zahler takes the personal side of superheroin’ and injects humor and real life situations. We can all relate to something going on as Crusader tries to find the perfect moment to pop the question. Whether it’s the right moment, wrong advice or family meaning a little ‘too well’, this is tougher than saving the planet. There is a great supporting cast of heroes, family and an ex girlfriend who doesn’t get in the way, but is there …just waiting. Thomas’ art is very pleasing and fits the animated style. His story flows well and the dialogue works and is very natural.

Maerkle Press has got a great thing going. Love And Capes is the personal and professional lives we don’t see in the Justice League. This type of story couldn’t be told in those types of books, but here it is the story.

For more on Thom, Capes and news on the first Love And Capes trade paperback (coming in November from IDW), just go to www.loveandcapes.com.

3.5 out of 5 Engagement Rings

5-4-08: Flash Gordon (from Ardden Entertainment)

by Matman

Flash Gordon is a character that has different memories for different people. Fans who grew up with his pulp adventures in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s remember adventure in its purest form. Fans in the 1980’s remember the campy, but brilliant film and incredible animated adventures from Filmation. Well get ready for the new Flash Gordon!

Ardden Entertainment could have taken a few different visual approaches on this one; a realistic look or a stylized one. For the relaunch (and reinvention) of Flash Gordon, they chose the later. Artist Paul Green creates a very Manga type environment. The characters are very noble looking with pronounced features and the technology is very alien. The look is very reminiscent of Chris Bachalo’s work in Steampunk, but cleaner and much brighter. Writer Brendan Deneen (who also acts as one of the publishers) does a great job in setting up the story. We find the inhabitants of Mongo already at war; battle lines drawn and secondary characters like Prince Barin, Gatrath and Tabor take center stage. It’s a little weird to read this and realize in the 12 page story there is no Flash or Dale Arden. But because the story set up is so strong, you don’t even notice. If the characters and situations were flat, this wouldn’t have worked. And the coloring? Beautiful!

As far as the presentation of the comic, it’s top notch! The book has a card stock cover with glossy (and great smelling) pages that hold the inks and colors very well. The first issue will be hitting shelves in August and I for one can’t wait!

4 out of 5 Flash AAAAHHHHHHHAAAAAAAHHHHHHH’s! (phewww)

For more on Flash Gorden and Ardden Entertainment, click here.

4-30-08: Unhappy Gran'ma (Radbu Productions)

by Matman

Most of us have or had a gran’ma (or two) in their lives. Some were as sweet as the day is long. Others are the spawn of Hell who lived to torment! This one’s somewhere in the middle, but it might not be her fault because of some ...altering! Unhappy Gran’ma is the story of an 80 year old Irish grandmother who has taken it upon herself to clean up the streets of Boston. Packing some serious heat, she takes on a giant robot, gets flippy with some law enforcement officers and ends up in the lair of an evil Nick Fury wannabe named General Campbell! But not having to fight alone, Unhappy Gran’ma is introduced to a group of super powered…um, helpers. Harvey the telepathic and really strong bunny, Dr. Strange Fingers and a guy that turns into smoke help our hero fight the bad guys and keep Boston safe! This may not be an easy task since people all over the city have been exhibiting super powers. As would be the case in any group or crowd, some have chosen to abuse these gifts, and that is why we need an Unhappy Gran’ma!

Tom Van Zandt’s (along with writer Markellus Ragan's) story is very clear and easy to follow. It’s funny without becoming too silly or relying on too much humor to drive the book. He’s a good storyteller that knows how to keep his focus. Artist Matt Ryan is a perfect fit for Tom's creation. Each page has big full panels that come alive in the black and white format. Matt’s attention to detail is clearly seen in the treads on Gran’ma’s combat boots! The layouts by Aaron Wood keep the book flowing and free of overcrowding. It’s evident in the overall look and presentation of the comic that the crew are heavily influenced by the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

My fear in reading this was that in the years this story was working its way out of Tom, it would be diluted and too big for the concept. Thankfully that didn’t happen. If Tom Van Zandt set out to write the next Watchmen, he failed miserably! If his goal was to entertain and give you a lot of fun for three bucks, that he did!

...and it smells good too!

4 out of 5 Elderly Irish Brogues

3-24-08: Franklin Richards - Spring Break (Marvel)

by Matman

What happens when Dennis The Menace has cool toys like Iron Man’s armor or H.E.R.B.I.E. the robot as a nanny? How about trouble on an epic level! Franklin Richards is every kid. He’s bored to death and thinks only of himself. Not out of malice, but because that’s what all kids do... even ones with their own robot and parents that are super heroes. In his latest adventure Spring Break, Franklin climbs into (and then gets stuck in) Iron Man’s original suit. Then to avoid trouble on the Dodge Ball court, he brings in a time controller to get back at the kids that torment him. How about a science fair volcano that turns into a real volcano? This and more await you in Franklin Richards - Son of a Genius - Spring Break! Written by Chris Eliopoulos and Marc Sumerak, with perfect art by Chris (not to mention the best lettering this side of Joe Caramagna), this book is a laugh out loud ride you wish was a weekly cartoon.

5 out of 5 Unlabeled Beakers.

3-22-08: Tiny Titans # 2 (from DC Comics)

by Matman

Before most kids know anything about them, they want to be them. I’m talking about super heroes. They have the most colorful costumes, the coolest powers and greatest adventures anywhere. Now some of those heroes are available for the soon to be comic book fan ages 3 to 7. Tiny Titans # 2 is a series of short stories involving the best characters in the entire DC Universe. Kid Flash, Speedy, Aqualad and every other Titan (from all the incarnations of the team, classic to today) are represented in an easy to read and very fun book. Where else will you see the Titans face off against the Fearsome Five for swing set rights or a hero become an Easy Bake Oven?

Art Baltazar’s visuals have a style that makes you feel good when you see it. The panels are big and full of action without being cluttered! He and Franco (one name) co – write the book that has taken classic characters and situations that older Titans fans remember so well and put them in a great format for kids to follow and enjoy. But don't think Tiny Titans can only be enjoyed by kids. It's the target audience, but big people will love it too. This book could be to the elementary age readers what New Teen Titans was to me as an 8th grader lo, those many years ago!

4 out of 5 Rocks to Beast Boy's Head!

3-12-08: Gemini # 1 (from Image Comics)

by Matman

Leave it Jay Faerber for taking comics to a new and entertaining level. With Noble Causes, he combined dysfunctional family behavior with superheroes and made it on of the best comics month after month. Not resting on that, he took the widow of a dead superhero, a bunch of children he spawned out of wedlock, added more dysfunctional, and got the brilliant Dynamo 5. Now, Jay gives us Gemini.

Gemini is the hero that is always there when he’s needed! He’s like Superman in strength and character, but there’s something weird going on behind the scenes. With Mr. Faerber, there always is. For Dan Johnson, juggling the role of hero and his ‘Secret Identity’ isn’t very hard… because he has no idea he’s a hero. He is sent into a ‘trance’ by a word and controlled and maneuvered by three handlers, all of who have numbers instead of names. Artist Jon Sommariva adds an interesting take on this book. Some of the subject matter can get a little heated, but his style makes it all seem fun and light. With a nod to manga, he adds a Chris Bachelo flair (especially in the fight scenes) and works it into a very enjoyable visual.

This should be another winner for Jay, a great introduction to Jon and an enjoyable read for anyone who picks it up.

4 out of 5 Puppet Masters

Gemini # 1 (from Image Comics) will hit stores (and hopefully your sub list) in May.

3-8-08:Dead Space # 1 (Image Comics)

by Matman

I knew nothing about Dead Space before I picked up the first issue. After I read it, I still know nothing about Dead Space! But, that is alright… but please, let me explain.

Antony Johnston is a master storyteller! Better than anyone else in the genre, he can create an entire world and feed you bits and pieces at a time. Not enough to give you the complete story, but enough to entertain you and keep you interested. Ben Templesmith is a unique talent. His style may not be the ‘norm’, but why would you want it to be. Ben created the eerie visuals for the now classic 30 Days of Night, where his panels made your heart race and his layouts made you feel the cold of Alaskan darkness.

Dead Space is a modern day Alien! We are introduced to a group of colonists, digging for minerals on an alien planet. But as they dig, they uncover a stone structure that some of the crew see as a testament to their religion. As we see, the ‘non believers’ become hostile towards the ‘believers’ and problems ensue. Religious dissention is never good for work group harmony, but is excellent for comic book readers. As the story winds down, everyone begins to interpret the stone image in different ways. A group heads out to get a better look, but encounter what could be they key to understanding or a horrible fate that awaits them.

The true magic of Dead Space is the eclectic pairing of Antony and Ben. They both bring an abstract style that if given a fair chance, could reach a wide audience. And best of all, being based on a video game (something I didn’t know) didn’t distract me or push me into a mold like others have done.

4 out of 5 Angry Unitologists

2-28-08: Doctor Who # 1 (IDW Publishing)

by Matman

The current incarnation (and by that I mean the last three seasons) of Doctor Who has done something the previous twenty-something seasons couldn’t... become a major hit in the US. And with good reason! The shows are incredibly well thought out and have a youthful spirit that must be seen to be understood. So how would a Doctor Who comic translate? Would David Tennant’s madcap portrayal of the Doctor be a good read?

Writer Gary Russell has a ‘little’ history with Doctor Who (check our interview on the Interview Page). His take on the last Time Lord is very close to what we see on the telly. The comments he makes and the irregular and eccentric behavior that Tennant brings to the role leap right out of the panels. At first, I had a little trouble with artist Nick Roche’s style, in that I didn’t think it fit. But when I saw my 8 and 11 year old daughters react to it like they did, I looked at it a little differently. I saw it for what it was, not what I thought it should be. The highest compliment I can make for the entire presentation is that hearing Tennant and Freema Agyeman as I read the book wasn’t hard to do at all.

If you’re not a fan of Doctor Who, but like quirky sci-fi, this book will hit the spot. It could stand alone as a single story and be very entertaining. For those who are just getting into the series, a great explanation of the Time Lords will fill you in without taking away from the story.

IDW, you got me again!

4.5 out of 5 Chocolate Milk Shakes.

2-17-08: Spooks # 1 (Devil's Due Publishing)

by Matman

Sometimes a team up so obscure can create an underestimated gem! Larry Hama (G.I. Joe) and R.A. Salvatore (Forgotten Realms) have taken their storytelling strengths to help create a brilliant take on some tired comic genres. What happens when the threat of terrorist attack reaches our shore? We mobilize the troops in true action figure style! But what happens when the threat is an angry gang of Eastern European monsters? Call in the Department of Supernatural Defense! The DOSD is an underground military organization (much like the Joes) who deals with threats that only silver bullets and wooden stakes can handle.

In Romania, the vampire Count Vlad has a pretty cushy life; wining and dining with the best human kind can offer. He's quite contempt with the life he's living, but someone is mobilizing the supernatural to action against the human race and more specifically, America! On the other side is Zach Ramirez, a member of the DOSD and someone who is immune to the bite of a werewolf. As Zach has an encounter in Georgetown, a team dispatched to Massachusetts, Bravo Squad has some trouble of their own. Throw into the mix, the resurected spirit of a fallen Civil War General in Louisiana and you have the makings of a war ... four color style!

The story and script are without flaw! We know what Hama and Salvatore are capable of on their own, but add Geno Salvatore and filmmaker Ryan Schifrin and you have every angle of storytelling covered. The comic reads like a movie with perfect pacing and all out action strategically placed in all the right spots. Artist Adam Archer is a star on the rise! His look is right out of Mike Bear’s G.I. Joe with a bit of Adam Kubert added for good measure. His work fills the panels with excitement and his storytelling is very fluid.

I think Devil’s Due is doing it right...again! The entire package and media support make this more than a ‘one dimensional’ read. The cover by Greg Staples (there are two offered) looks like those found on novels (comics without the pictures) and the paper and colors make it easy to justify the $3.50. The fact that it's only a four issue mini 'for now' makes you savor every page...every word!

4.5 out of 5 Headless Confederates.

2-3-08: Project Superpowers (Dynamite Entertainment)

by Matman

Dynamite Entertainment had the unlucky task of premiering a book the same week as the long anticipated and media fueled return of Captain America! Certainly not planned, but Dynamite had confidence in the creative team behind Project Superpowers… and with very good reason! Alex Ross and Jim Krueger have an incredible track record (Earth X, Justice) and it’s no surprise, expectations ran high on this. Taking some forgotten Golden Age characters is easy for the ‘wow factor’, but how do you make them interesting and sustain a story?

Our tale begins (and ends) with the Fighting Yank! During the dark days of World War Two he was inspired and aided by the spirit of his Colonial ancestor. Now, the old retired hero is tormented by another spirit. One who reminds him of an event or failure that has destroyed him! Some nice flashbacks add some interesting color to this book, mostly in the relationships with the Fighting Yank and the other heroes who include Green Lama and the Black Terror. Not all heroes agree and share the same philosophies. This is more than odvious when they try to plan a mission.

On the creative side, Doug Klauba and Stephen Sadowski (JSA) are the perfect art team for this series. Their styles blend well together, is very fluid and has a feel that captures the period and emotion. Plus, they can draw cool lookin’ Nazis! The colors by Captain Moreno, add a nice texture and depth to the panels. The plotting and script by Ross and Krueger reads like a puzzle. All the pieces are laid out, you don’t quite know how it’s going to fit, but you’re going to love seeing it come together.

Project Superpowers is a must read! If you like your heroes slightly 'off', and want to be entertained by great art and storytelling, pick this book up!

Project Superpowers # 0 is a full 40 page comic for only $1.00. It was released last Wednesday from the fine folks at Dynamite Entertainment!

4.5 out of 5 Talking Flags!