Baltimore: The Infernal Train #1 Review

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden at Boston Comic Con last month. While everyone wanted to talk Hellboy, I went in a different route and talked about the vengeance filled vampire hunter, Lord Henry Baltimore.

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Star Wars Legacy # 4 Review

The second installment of the Legacy series has established a different kind of tone from its predecessor championed by the Skywalker clan.

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Star Wars #4 Review

Personally, this is one of my most anticipated titles of the month. Brian Wood has done something very special here. He expands on the mythos that make this franchise so amazing while keeping its familiar and celebrated voice firmly intact.

In the Shadow of Yavin, the Rebels are looking for a new base location, but the Empire shows up at every turn and every scouting mission. This leads Leia to conclude that a spy is among their ranks.

Wood’s script shows a perilous sense of danger for the rebellion because no matter how many secret protocols are created, a fleet of Star Destroyers appears in the blink of an eye. Leia runs out of options, and you start to feel that she may never find a new home base.

That is a testament to how well this book is constructed because you know they eventually find the planet Hoth, yet it completely sucks you in. Han and Chewie’s escape from an imperial garrison on Coruscant while flying through the planet’s lower levels. Everything about the chase, from the dialogue to the art direction, made me feel that I was watching this unfold in a movie.

I’ve said it for the last three issues, and I’m going to say it again. If you are not reading this series, you are doing yourself a huge disservice as a comic book or Star Wars fan. Read it now!!!

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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Baltimore: The Play Review – A Comic Horror Masterpiece

Have you ever read something so good, you didn’t want to finish it because the story would be over? That was my experience while reading Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden’s Baltimore: The Play, a perfect example of horror done right for the comic genre.

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Colder #1 Review

Colder #1| Writer: Paul Tobin | Art: Juan Ferrevra | Colors: Juan Ferrevra | Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.99

One look at this cover, and you will no doubt thumb through the pages. After that, your wallet will be four dollars lighter because this book is eerily irresistible.

We start out in the past and make our way to present-day Boston where antagonist, Jack Nimble works his devilish charm to satisfy his appetite for unsuspecting souls.

Nimble is a thin and creepy-looking individual who can contort his body in uncanny positions.

The lead character is a female nurse named Reece who cares for a live-in patient named Declan, who Nimble is drawn to.

As good as the writing it, and believe me, it’s good; the artwork is even more amazing.

The smile on Jack Nimble’s face scares me a little bit because of the evil intentions behind it. It’s a special type of talent to capture such essence in facial reactions. The simple stuff that we normally don’t pay much attention to in comics is drawn in vivid detail, such as the living room in Reece’s apartment.

Dark Horse has a sure-fire winner on its hands; the first installment of this psychological thriller has all the makings of an instant classic. This was ridiculously close to being my pick of the week.

Grade: A

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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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+