Star Wars Dark Times Volume 7: A Spark Remains

The recent announcement of Lucasfilm’s decision to forgo the Expanded Universe as a part of the canonical story of Star Wars is a day that most hardcore fans feared.

While some don’t care, most are outraged and have issued the usual threats of swearing off things that took place in a galaxy far, far away. What’s the point of engaging in the novels, comics, and video games that explore this cherished fiction within fiction?

Because nothing’s changed. Good storytelling is still good storytelling, no matter if it “counts” or not. Continue reading “Star Wars Dark Times Volume 7: A Spark Remains” →

Superman Dishes Out Some Injustice

Gods Among Us Year 2 chronicles Superman’s tyrannical reign while the remaining forces of good plot from the shadows to overthrow the once christened Earth’s greatest hero. Year one highlighted the Man of Steel’s thirst for power as personal tragedy pushed him to the breaking point. Now that he’s obtained power through his own brand of law and order, we get to see how he keeps it all intact.

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Beautiful Scars Produces a Beautiful Story

This book has garnered a good amount of hype among critics, reviewers, and pundits. I didn’t want to read it because I assumed my heightened expectations would be let down by the finished product. It turns out I was worried over nothing. Continue reading “Beautiful Scars Produces a Beautiful Story” →

I’ve Been Quoted for a Review!

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#TheShadow #GreenHornet Dark Nights by Michael Uslan “is a fantastic read,” reviews @MidnightLogicGo http://t.co/4Tnxt6cuy6

— Dynamite (@DynamiteComics) March 24, 2014

I’ve been writing comic book reviews at Forces of Geek for almost three years. During that time, I’ve seen my colleagues quoted by various publishers. Well, Dynamite Entertainment quoted me for a review I wrote about the The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Knights graphic novel. Click here to check out my review.

Fear Agent Volume 1: Re-Ignition 2nd Edition TPB Review

I was late to the Fear Agent party, and this exhilarating second edition is the perfect invitation. Like Rick Remender’s Uncanny X-Force, this is a well-constructed story that jars your mind in the best possible way. Maverick alien exterminator Heath Huston is good at his job. He might be too good, which is half the fun. Continue reading “Fear Agent Volume 1: Re-Ignition 2nd Edition TPB Review” →

The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Knights Vol 1 TPB Review

Team-ups in comics are nothing new. However, the way Michael Uslan does it brings style and guile to a great premise featuring two classic pulp heroes.

The Shadow and Green Hornet are no strangers to deep-rooted conspiracies and it’s their similar personality that makes them a perfect combination to foil a history altering plot.

Speaking of history, actual events tied into the main plot serves the story in dynamic fashion. What might have been weaved with what could have been paints the antagonist, Shiwan Khan, in a treacherous light.

As the reader, we know the outcome of events like World War II, but the thought that there was such a potent influence behind it all makes the stakes that much higher.

Keith Burns produces some masterful layouts throughout the book. The flair exhibited when an alligator breaks through walls and chews up folks, only for Kato to take it out with some Karate chopping action is a guilty pleasure worth experiencing.

Come to think of it, I might make it my screen saver. Dark Knights is a fantastic read that works because of how the adventure unfolds. The volume one in the title of the book makes me up this isn’t the last we’ve seen of this intriguing pairing.

Score 8/10

Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem HC Review

Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem HC | Writer: Steve Niles & Matt Santoro | Artist: Dave Wachter| Publisher: Dark Horse Comics | Release Date: February 26, 2014

When it comes to horror in comics, Steve Niles is truly in a league of his own. The way he brings fear to the forefront without blood and guts is simply remarkable. Breath of Bones tells the tale of a British pilot who crashes in a Jewish village which prompts a Nazi invasion.

Seeing the villagers’ heart and compassion before and as they aid the pilot gives the reader a certain anxiety when plight and slaughter become a possibility, which shows the real horror of the story.

Of course, a giant supernatural clay monster conjured up to destroy invading bigotry kind of makes you wish it would happen more often. Fear is used as a way to instill terror in a person or situation. However, using it as a catalyst to inspire courage in these characters proves to be just as thrilling as its actual intent.

Dave Wachter’s detailed visuals are a privilege to examine, and they truly inject life into the pages. Reading the four single issues was great, but enjoying this as one collected work serves the story even better because you’re not waiting a month or longer between releases.

As a result, you will appreciate and feel the emotional punch even more. A monster fighting monsters make Breath of Bones a wonderful example of why comic books are a preferred medium used to escape reality.

Score 9/10

Review: The Mocking Dead Volume 1

I have watched many a role playing game in my day.

Notice that I said “watched” and not “played”.

I’m the guy at the table with his head buried in the rule book, delaying the game while highlighting my apparent lack of skill.

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Amala’s Blade: Spirits of Naanaron TPB Review

Amala’s Blade: Spirits of Naanaron TPB
Writer: Steve Horton
Artist: Michael Dialynas
Colorist: Michael Dialynas
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $18.99
Release Date: January 22, 2014 | From my column @ Forces of Geek.com

Dark Horse Comics had an amazing 2013 with a plethora of books covering both familiar and foreign territory.

One miniseries that came out of nowhere was Amala’s Blade which tells the story of Amala, a young female assassin who is drawn towards a higher purpose. This trade collects all six issues including the Dark Horse Presents prelude released in 2012.

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WWE Superstars #1 Review

Superstars marks the newest foray into the comic book genre for WWE. While their previous efforts were met with little success, in essence, this offering has already succeeded where the others have failed because Mick Foley pens the script. The book reads like an episode of Monday Night Raw with several different story lines taking place within the noir landscape.

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