Captain Marvel #1 Review

Captain Marvel #1 Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick | Art: Dexter Soy | Colors: Dexter Soy | Letters: Joe Caramagna Publisher: Marvel Comics | Price: $2.99

Carol Danvers returns and takes on the mantle of Captain Marvel. I knew I was buying this issue the second it was announced back in March because I’m a big fan of the character and its Marvel’s only female lead. I want to support this book because it is my hope that more female lead titles will come.

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The Walking Dead #100 Review

The Walking Dead #100 | Writer: Robert Kirkman | Art: Charlie Adlard | Colors: Cliff Rathburn | Publisher: Image Comics | Price: $3.99

Most people, including myself, were expecting some sort of second zombie apocalypse. While this didn’t happen, fans paid one dollar more for 30 uninterrupted well-paced pages that changed everything for Rick and company.

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He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1 Review

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1 | Writer: James Robinson | Art: Phillip Tan, Ruy Jose & LeBeau Underwood | Colors: Richard Horie, Tanya Horie & Carrie Strachan | Publisher: DC Comics Price: $2.99

Besides professional wrestling, He-Man defined my childhood as I played with the action figures and my Snake Mountain play set until the cows came home. I didn’t think this book would make the list because I thought it would only appeal to fans of the cartoon.

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My Apology to Superman Writer George Perez

I officially owe George Perez an apology. The Superman comic book has been garbage since the new 52 began for many reasons besides being too wordy, cheesy, and getting in its own way while trying to tell a story. I was shocked at how bad these books were and was relieved when it was announced last November that Perez would be replaced this past March. The book is a smidge better now, but not as good as it should be, and the book has already been assigned to its third creative team starting in August.

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Star Wars: Darth Vader and The Ghost Prison #2 Review

Star Wars: Darth Vader and The Ghost Prison #2 | Writer: Haden Blackman | Art: Agustine Alessio | Cover: Dave Wilkins | Publisher: Dark Horse Comics | Price: $3.50

I’m having a hard time articulating my feelings on this review because my brain went into sensory overload as a result of what I just read. If George Lucas was ever going to make a movie about the time frame between episodes III and IV, this would be a hell of story to see on the silver screen.

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Before Watchmen: Minutemen #1 Review

Before Watchmen: Minutemen #1 | Writer: Darwyn Cooke & Len Wein | Art: Darwyn Cooke & John Higgins | Colors: Phil Noto & John Higgins | Publisher: DC Comics | Price: $3.99

Some have been waiting with bated breath, while others have cursed the existence of this prequel. No matter which side of the fence you stand on, DC Comics summer event has arrived, and everyone is treated to more Watchmen. My first impression after reading this was it’s good, but it’s not Alan Moore good. Please, don’t take this as an insult or as a sign not to read it. Moore’s original has certain je ne sais quoi that no one will ever match.

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Cow Boy: A Boy And His Horse Review- A Wild West Classic

Cow Boy: A Boy and His Horse | Writer: Nate Cosby | Art: Chris Eliopoulos
Colors: Chris Eliopoulos | Publisher: Archaia 

Cow Boy follows the story of a bounty huntin’ 10-year-old named Boyd Linney who is looking to collect by bringing a certain set of criminals to justice…his family.

Armed with his hobby horse-shaped peashooter, Boyd travels throughout the Wild West looking to right the wrongs his family has perpetrated.

Nate Cosby brilliantly captures Boyd’s innocence as he hides behind the economics of collecting bounties, but inside is a hurt child who just hates seeing bad things happening to good people.

The fact that it’s his family doing the hurting is what drives his incorruptible spirit. There is a vulnerability to this tough-as-nails child that will absolutely make you cheer for him.

Chris Eliopoulos’ art does a fantastic job of conveying a whirlwind of emotions, thoughts, and feelings the script tries to convey.

The entire creative team’s collaborative efforts have produced a heartwarmingly clever novel that people of all ages will thoroughly enjoy.

The four bonus side stories added to this extraordinary tale of the little boy Linney make this, without question, a can’t-miss book. Please, believe the hype. It’s all good!

Grade: A

Frankenstein Alive, Alive #1 Review

Frankenstein Alive, Alive #1 | Writer: Steve Niles | Art: Bernie Wrightson | Letters: Robbie Robbins | Publisher: IDW | Price: $3.99

The story takes places years after he “died” on a funeral pyre, and he is at peace while working as a circus freak.

Steve Niles adds another notch on his horror belt as he weaves a tale that recalls Frankenstein striving to embrace his humanity.

It’s a struggle that traces the line between truth and treachery because there may not be humanity, to begin with. Life and death can make strange bedfellows, especially when consistent torment from your creator can make you crave one over the other.

He has found balance right now but is there something that will take it all away?

Bernie Wrightson’s art truly brought Frankenstein’s lowest points to life. What makes the story stand out is that it’s not a story about a brooding monster but a monster of a man searching for a grim finality while journeying great distances for something bigger than himself.

 

Grade: A

Skeleton Key Special Review: Smiles Guaranteed

Skeleton Key | Writer: Andi Watson | Art: Andi Watson | Publisher: Dark Horse Comics | Price $3.50

Have you ever felt better about everything after reading something? Andi Watson’s tale of two friends trying to find their way home brought a big ol’ smile to my face as it filled my soul with joy.

Schoolgirl Tamsin, Kitsune, a fox spirit, and Mr. Raccoon use the Skeleton Key to open any door as long as they can find a lock. The character’s positive nature never wanes, even though things aren’t always what they seem. They are clever without even knowing it, and their journey delivers a genuine sense of adventure and wonder.

The artwork is reminiscent of the funny pages.

No space is squandered as everything in every panel means something.

Emotion is depicted flawlessly, including one example of Mr. Raccoon savoring the hotel manager’s donut.

While I was unfamiliar with the previous Skeleton Key comics, there was no lack of appreciation in any way, shape, or form.

The three separate stories all have their own unique flair and imagination to them. While writing this column, I have pushed some books more than others.

This is my most heartfelt recommendation; please get this book.

The cover would have turned me away years earlier because there is not a cape in sight. This is a unique and lighthearted coming-of-age tale that everyone will enjoy. The next time you go to the comic book store, go to the shelf and read the first five pages. I’m willing to bet your wallet will be three dollars lighter.

Grade: A+

My Day @ Boston Comic Con 2012

 

Boston Comic-Con invaded the Hynes Convention Center and had a fantastic turnout. My anticipation grew for it as the weeks passed since this was my first comic book convention. Last-minute shenanigans made me absent on Saturday, and Twitter feedback suggests there were a ton of people in attendance. I arrived bright and early on Sunday to take in all the sights, sounds, cosplay, and comics that I could handle. Continue reading “My Day @ Boston Comic Con 2012”