Fairy Quest: Outlaws #2 Review and Insights

Last year, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos launched a Kickstarter campaign to publish Fairy Quest independently as a beautiful hardcover graphic novel. Over $95,000 was raised to help their passion project see the light of day.

Now, their story is being released in single issues. Fairy Quest is set in the world of Fablewood, where all of your favorite bedtime stories live together. Things aren’t all they are cracked up to be, as Mister Grimm and his “Think Police” will mind-wipe those who don’t literally stick to their story.

Red Riding Hood, aka “Red,” and the Wolf, are actually friends who no longer want to live in the same storytelling cycle. They go on a quest to find a place called “Real World” where they can live the life they desire.

The relationship between Red and Wolf strengthens the script because they know each other well and would do absolutely anything for one another. You would think it would be odd to see them getting along so well due to their storybook rivalry, but Jenkins makes it come across organically.

Humberto Ramos’ magical artwork is the perfect fit for this fabled adventure, and it shines in every panel of the book. The opening page shows the real-world implications when one deviates from the script. Despite this, you still find yourself rooting for Red and Wolf to succeed without a second thought, even though one of the most popular stories of all time will be erased from existence as a result.

Grade: A

Batman Incorporated #8 Review: The Fall of Damian Wayne

Twenty-Four years after Jason Todd felt the cold hand of death, Damian Wayne is now a member of the dearly departed.

The New York Post, in conjunction with DC Comics, leaked the news two days before the book’s release. This caused a mad dash to the comic shop, and many are reporting that the book was sold out in minutes. Stores that requested extra copies didn’t receive enough or didn’t get any at all.

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The Black Beetle #1 & 2 Review: Francesco Francavilla is a Pulp Noir Genius

Comic Books are a mixed bag. Some are good while others are not so good, and then there are those that make you proud to be a fan of the genre. Besides being uber-talented, it’s hard to fathom how Created by produced such an outstanding read.

This is a crime/noir story of the past where mob bosses rule Colt City with an iron fist. Francavilla reveals some information about the Beetle’s character but we don’t know much about the man behind the mask. The sense of overall adventure captivates you from beginning to end.

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Star Wars #2 Review

It is a great time to be a Star Wars fan. J.J. Abrams is directing Episode VII, Han Solo, and Boba Fett will reportedly get their own film, and Brian Wood knocked it out of the park with last month’s debut issue that captures the true essence of this franchise and has gone back to press for a 3rd printing.

Deception clouds the Rebel Alliance as a spy is rumored to be lurking about. Princess Leia has been charged to assemble a stealth team to flush out the mole so they can find a new hidden base.

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Injustice: Gods Among Us #3 and #4 Review

Tom Taylor hasn’t pulled a single punch in this video game prequel. In Fact, in this issue, he has thrown an armada of over hand rights to the jaw with the latest developments building towards a world of injustice. Lex Luther is usually the guilty party trying to destroy Superman through physical means with various LexCorp gadgets. The Joker, on the other hand, plays a different game and test the mettle of the Man of Steel like never before.

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Injustice: Gods Among Us #2 Review

The events in the last issue and in this one are pushing Superman towards a fall from grace in the worst possible way. Friends are dying, loved ones are in peril and The Joker is holding all of the cards.

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Injustice: Gods Among Us #1 Review

Injustice: Gods Among Us is one of the most anticipated video games of 2013. The game’s plot centers on a superhero versus superhero saga in the midst of a new world order. This weekly digital release is a prequel that takes place five years before the events in the game.

Normally, I’m not a fan of promotional comics, but Tom Taylor takes the gloves off with an emotionally charged narrative that would not be allowed in regular continuity. All is right with the world, and Superman has never been happier. Of course, Gotham City’s finest villains come to Metropolis and begin setting things in motion that lead down a path even they will not see coming.

If you have read this column in the past, you know I’m a big Superman guy. Taylor’s direction with the Man of Steel is reminiscent of the big blue Boy Scout we all grew up on with his new school costume.

According to the trailers and other promotional material released so far, Superman goes rogue in some way, shape, or form. His current “New 52” character is kind of an asshole, so becoming a bad guy wouldn’t give you that “oh my God” moment.

If the guy who stands for truth, justice and the American way turns to the dark side, then that is a plot point you can sink your teeth into. For 0.99¢ an issue, this comic is a deal you don’t want to miss.

Grade: A-

Retro Comic Book Review: Marvel Comics 1977 Star Wars #1

Dark Horse has published Star Wars comic books since 1991. The company made a lot of waves last week with the release of their new ongoing series written by the critically acclaimed Brian Wood. Star Wars #1 sold out in less than 24 hours, and a second printing has already been ordered.

Marvel Comics was the first company to publish Star Wars comics in 1977. This particular treasure was hiding out at my local comic book store, and it was interesting to read through it for a variety of reasons.

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Superior Spider-Man #1 Review

Superior Spider-Man #1 | Writer: Dan Slott | Art: Ryan Stegman | Colors: Edgar Delgado | Publisher: Marvel Comics

I should warn you now; this is not the Spider-Man you are used to. Gone is the humble scientist who aspires to live up to his Uncle Ben’s inspiring words. Enter the arrogant mastermind who has a second chance to make a new impression. Recent developments have Otto Octavius now inside Peter Parker’s body. Big changes are always met with mixed feelings, and now we get to see the maiden voyage of this new journey.

It’s fitting that Otto’s first combative strife is against the new Sinister Six. The irony of this encounter not only spoke to his ego but the violent nature of his character. The old Spider-Man was as violent as he needed to be to get the bad guy behind bars. This new version is as violent as he wants to be and pulls it off with a certain je ne sais quoi.

Ryan Stegman produced some strong visuals that did a great job of capturing Slott’s vision. The best way to compare Peter and Otto is that of a magician who can put someone in a box and cut them in half without killing them.

The difference is that Peter would not even consider taking a life, while Otto would relish the fatality.

Something similar to a conscience overtakes Octavius when he is about to go past the point of no return. Is there someone more to this, or is the once sinister doctor finding a new groove? Either way, Dan Slott created a wonderful first issue that shows promise, intrigue, and a unique sense of adventure.

Grade: A-

I’m Cheating On My Comic Book Store

There is no easy way to say this so I’m just going to cut right to the chase.

I’ve been seeing someone else. It’s not you, it’s me. I know, I know; that’s what everyone says but I promise, I’m not just saying that in an attempt to salvage your feelings. It really is me. It all started three months ago when…yes, it is someone you know…it’s…Kindle Fire. I know this is a hard pill to swallow. I remember our deep late night conversations about the soulless application of digital comics as we enjoyed out favorite pinot noir.

Click here to read the rest of my confession at Forces of Geek.com