This past Saturday marked the fourth annual Star Wars Reads Day, a global celebration that promotes literacy while uniting fans of the franchise. Thousands of events were held all over the globe.
I’m going to be honest, I never knew that Star Wars Reads Day was even a thing until my editor at Forces of Geek asked me to write an article about it. It resonated with me once I looked into what this event was because Star Wars taught me how to read. Continue reading “Star Wars Reads Day”
Star Wars: Lords of the Sith | By Paul S. Kemp | Published by LucasBooks |The Road To Episode VII @ Forces of Geek.com
Lords of the Sith is a cautionary that takes place 14 years before the Battle of Yavin and right before the events in James Luceno’s Tarkin.
I use the word cautionary as opposed to dark to describe the comings and goings of Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine because if these characters were real and you wanted to kill them, this book would convince you to not only abandon your plans, but you wouldn’t dare to think of such a plot ever again. Continue reading “Star Wars: Lords of the Sith: Book Review”
Star Wars #2 | Writer: Brian Wood | Artist: Carlos D’Anda | Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb | Cover: Alex Ross | Publisher: Dark Horse Comics | Price: $2.99 | From my column @Forces of Geek.com
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.
Batman #15 | Writer: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV | Art: Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion | Colors: FCO Plascencia & Dave Baron | Publisher: DC Comics
The “Death of the Family” story arc rolls on, and The Joker has the entire Bat Family on edge. Scott Snyder’s writing has done a wonderful job of accentuating the fear of our clown-faced villain. Every superhero has an arch nemesis, or ten, and despite the trials and tribulations, they are confident they will win the day.
Batman is probably the most intelligent and savvy crime fighter in the game today. This would make you assume he, too, is confident that he will stop The Joker. However, he’s not confident at all. In fact, he is so unsure of the final result that he keeps his cards close to his chest.
Speaking of cards, one card in particular has brought to light a shocking revelation regarding The Joker’s potential intrusion into the Batcave many years ago. Dick, Jason, Barbara, and Damien are beyond upset this was kept from them and are convinced The Joker knows their secret identity.
Bruce believes he doesn’t know their identities and is just playing mind games. Dick notices that Bruce doesn’t sound so sure of himself, and this leads to a four-on-one tension-filled argument that is almost uncomfortable to watch, in a good way, of course.
The backup story written by Talon scribe James Tynion IV spotlights The Riddler, who makes his “New 52” debut. Instead of the dangerous riddles we are accustomed to, Tynion brings his intelligence to the forefront.
Not being rattled, in the slightest by The Joker’s antics while locked up in Arkham Asylum paints the green menace in treacherous light and he will no doubt; bring The Dark Knight some serious problems in the future.
Grade: A
Talon #1 | Writer: James Tynion IV & Scott Snyder | Art: Guillem March | Colors: Tomeu Morey |Publisher: DC Comics | Price: $2.99
Last month’s Zero issue introduced the world to Calvin Rose, a former Talon of the Court of Owls who escaped their ranks.
Continue reading “Talon #1 Review”
Before Watchmen: Rorschach #1 | Writers: Brian Azzrello & Len Wein
Art: Lee Bermejo & John Higgins | Colors: Barbara Ciardo & John Higgins
Publisher: DC Comics | Price: $3.99
Rorschach is one messed-up individual.
But you didn’t need me to tell you that. He is the anti-hero or anti-heroes and can justify anything while trying to do what he believes is right. This is hard to do in a world where very little right takes place.
This was the Before Watchmen title I was looking forward to the most and I was right to be so excited.
Rorschach’s narration drives the story at its core because it is different than most comic narratives. It is written in the form of a journal entry and he is careful and blunt with his thoughts when putting pen to paper.
Often, you will find certain words in a sentence crossed out and replaced with a most poignant verbiage.
The other books featuring Watchmen characters have a unique mix of good a bad things going on in their life. There is nothing good at all about Rorschach’s life.
Lee Bermejo has an eerie ability to make darkness and despair look beautiful and is the icing on the cake of this gritty title.
Grade: B+
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.
Continue reading “My Apology to Superman Writer George Perez”
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.
Continue reading “Star Wars: Darth Vader and The Ghost Prison #2 Review”
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+
RingsideLogic.com 