1. Abyss
2. Ant-Man
3. Astronaut Dad
4. Batman
5. Buddha
6. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
7. Caliber: First Cannon Of Justice
8. Dock Walloper
9. Dragon Cross
10. Grimm Fairy Tales
11. Hercules: The Thracian Wars
12. Hope Falls
13. Hyperkinetic
14. Iron Man
15. Megas
16. Mercenaries
17. Mice Templar
18. Mouse Guard
19. North Wind
20. Potter's Field
21. Seven Psychopaths
22. Shadow Hunter
23. Sorrow
24. Spider-Man
25. Stranded
26. Tempest
27. Transformers
28. Warhammer
29. Watchmen

The Abyss #1

Writer: Kevin Rubio

Artist: Lucas Marangon

Inker: Nick Schley

Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse

Letterer: Troy Peteri

Publisher: Red 5 comics

Price: $2.95 US

So what do you do when you find out your dad is a super villain? I don’t know but maybe Kevin and Lucas have an answer to that question with this comic they created. It is one of the first books that havebcome out from Red 5. We know Kevin and Lucas from their hit comics Star Wars: Tag & Bink. They're sort of parodies of the Star Wars movies and done very good if I say so myself.

The story is about a boy called who gets everything that his father got because he has died. The military takes him to where his father lived and he signs that everything is for him. So far nothing special happens but he finds a secret door and enters. And what he finds there is a little shocking for him and weird. Well, not to spoil what happens -- for the rest, I will stop here with it, but there is also a fight at the end.

Lucas Marangon on the art is very cool to see again. He draws nice characters and very cartoonish also which is very good for this book. He draws here and there some funny things in the background. Don’t know what else to say but that the art is just great.

This book has potential to be a very good book. It starts a little slow but with enough explanation to know what is happening. The whole super-villain concept that has been created happened at other companies already. But this one seems to stand out because of the funny things happening. I give this book an A+++ because it is just an awesome book.

--Antoon Bierman

Ant-Man

Irredeemable Ant-Man #8

Credits: Robert Kirkman (Writer), Cory Walker (Artist), Phil Hester & Ande Parks (cover artists), Bill Crabtree (colorist)

Rating: 80%

Plot: Eric O’ Grady, currently on the run from S.H.I.E.L.D. for stealing the Ant-Man suit, is offered a job at Damage Control. After stealing some jewels from the Black Fox, who stole them from a jewellers, Eric sells them to a pawn shop for $10, 000. Moving into an apartment and acquiring a fake I.D, Eric O’ Grady, now calling himself Derek Sullivan, is building a new life for himself. He even begins dating co-worker Abigail and things seem to be going well. Unfortunately Black Fox breaks into Eric’s apartment and demands the jewels back.

Thoughts: If you don’t already collect Ant-Man then now would be the perfect jumping-on point because, seriously, you are missing one of the BEST series that Marvel is currently publishing at the moment. As usual, Kirkman makes me laugh my ass off with every page. From the opening page with the ant recapping previous issues to the very last page. The artwork, with fill-in artist Cory Walker, was also good and suits Ant-Man perfectly. It was great seeing the Black Fox once more (when was his last appearance in a comic book?) to Ant-Man’s very first super villain battle with Mister Hyde. Unfortunately, Ant-Man got his butt kicked with She-Hulk having to defeat Mister Hyde for him (which is ironic considering that Ant-Man came to help She-Hulk with the battle). The funniest part of the issue is how Ant-Man gets the money back for the jewels from the pawn shop owner. I won’t spoil anything here but the issue is worth picking up for that scene alone. Overall a great issue that delivers once again. Buy this issue now.

 

--Review by Robert Manns

Credits: David Hopkins (Writer), Brent Schoonover (Artist)

Rating: 95%

Solicit: Astronaut Dad
Volume 1
Diamond Order Code SEP073931
Black & White Graphic Novel
Story by David Hopkins
Art by Brent Schoonover
SRP: $5.95

Description: Astronaut Dad is a coming-of-age story about the children of astronauts during the early 1960s right before the Apollo program took off. It's a fictional account of Jimmy Norton and Vanessa Kelly who discover that their dads, as Astronaut reservists, are actually part of a spy orbital program. In book 1, Jimmy and Vanessa uncover the mystery behind a fall-out shelter in the backyard. In book 2, tragedy strikes both families, and the two kids struggle with understanding their fathers. The story marks the transitions we go through with how we perceive our parents -- first as idealized heroes, then as the enemy, and later in life, to see them for who they are.

(Editor's note -- this is a graphic novel, not a 32-page comic).

Review: Good comics are out there. It's not hard to make a good comic. For all the complaining some people do on the internet, there are many good comics coming out each month. But a great comic -- a comic that truly leaves you wanting more -- is a rare thing. Astronaut Dad is one of those comics.

The writer knows how to write likeable characters. The characters aren't perfect, but they never stop being likeable. The 1960's setting is fun, with some great lines about Communists, and a movie poster for "The Day The Earth Stopped Moving."

The art is a nice departure from the norm -- slick, yet simple and charming. Granted, this story isn't perfect -- I thought the flow and pacing, as well as the dialog, was a tad confusing in a couple of places. However, it's not really enough to interfere with one's enjoyment of the story.

Really, my only regret is that the next part comes out Summer of 2008.

--Sergio Lopez

Batman

Batman/Lobo: Deadly Serious #1

Credits: Sam Keith (Writer/Artist), Colors (Alex Sinclair), Phil Balsman (Letterer)

Review: So they are back against each other again in this two part mini. I'm a big fan Lobo so I couldn't really pass on this title even though I'm not that much into Batman, myself. Lobo, the last czarnian, who has a healing power and is the baddest bounty hunter of the galaxy, together with Batman, who has the mind to solve almost any crime.

Sam Keith has brought these two together, but not on earth or another planet, but on a big space station in outer space where something has happened. They have to help each other to survive and stop the body-hopping space virus (which only affects women).
 
This all wrapped up in a two issue mini with lots of hilarious moments, weird things, and mayhem. Just everything you should expect from a book with Lobo in it. First, against each other, and then later against the women the virus takes over. And of course, Batman is against killing and Lobo (as you all should know) wants to kill.
 
I would just say get this book because it is great and good for a few laughs. Sam has written a very good Lobo with a very nice Batman. I give this book an A++ for just being such an amazingly good book.

--Antoon Bierman

Buddha: A Story of Enlightment

Credits: Deepak Chopra, Joshua Dysart (Writers), Harshvardhan Kadam (Artist), Satish Tayade (Cover), S.M. Bhaskar, Venkat Vasa (Colorists), Nilesh L. Kudale (Letterer)

I'll admit I was intially a bit skeptical about this comic. The story of Buddha? But hey, stranger things have been done in comics, and in retrospect it's not really that odd a choice for a story.

Either way, my skepticism has proven unfounded. Chopra and Dysart have managed to craft a wonderful, appropriately epic tale of the life and times of this man (albeit with some artistic liberties taken in places).

It's about Prince Siddhartha, who will of course grow up to be Buddha. This story begins with him being born and ends with him still a babe.

The art is great. Kadam gives everyone a distinct look and expression. The lines aren't always fluid -- indeed, their sketchy at times, but it works rather well in the story.

The pacing of the story seemed a little off -- it wasn't consistent, going sometimes a bit fast and sometimes a bit slow. The dialogue, though, suits the epic nature of the book.

My only other complaint was that King Suddhodana's characterization tended to differ -- he was portrayed both as pampering his son, and later being downright cruel and making him cry. This is relatively minor, though, and I guess you could justify it easily enough, as there were what you'd call extenuating circumstances involved (read the book!).

This book is worth giving a try, though, and if Joshua Dysart gets a handle on the points I mentioned I've no doubt he'll go far in the industry.

--Sergio Lopez

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 8 #6

Credits: Brian K. Vaughan (Writer), Georges Jeanty (Artist), Andy Owens (Inker), Dave Stewart (Colorist), Richard Starkings & Comicraft’s Jimmy (Letterers)

Review: Now that we have a new Buffy series, most of the characters that survived are in there, but we still missed a few characters. Namely, Rupert, Faith and Robin, but do not fear, because in this issue you will see them again. Faith, the slayer who was first with Buffy, then against her. And now she shows up in the comic again, but I wonder if she is just as she always was.
 
Well, it's not written by Whedon anymore, but by Brain K Vaughan. He has already lots of titles under his belt, such as Y the Last man, Doctor Strange: The Oath, Runaways, and many other books. And now he is writing a story arc with Faith for the new Buffy series. The first issue has a very nice start with Faith being called by Robin, but the main story is when Giles shows up and he's got a job for her that only she can take care of.
 
George Jeanty is still on the art for this book and he does it very well. Only with this issue (in the beginning) the proportions of Faith and Giles aren't that great. But more towards the ending, he's getting better. It looks more like he was rushed on the first few pages but at least you can make out who is who.
 
This starts off to be a very nice story arc with Faith in the lead. Brian has really done his best on it and that is what we want with a comic. Can't wait to see how this arc is going to end. With nice art by George and with an amazing cover again by Jo Chen they can't go wrong. Get the new Buffy series before it is too late. I give it an A++ because you must have this in your collection.

--Antoon Bierman

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 8  #7

Credits: Script by Brian K. Vaughan, Pencils by Georges Jeanty, Inks by Andy Owens, Colors by Dave Stewart, & Letters by Richard Starkings & Jimmy

Release date: 10-03-2007

Review: Well, now we have the second part of a story about Faith, who works together with Giles to stop a bad slayer. He teaches her etiquette because the girl she goes after is a rich kid named Lady Genevieve. The first part is further very entertaining and there is still the problem of the big Dawn. What I liked the most of the first arc was the last page where we see Faith in a beautiful dress. Just a lady, as she always should have been, and not the die hard fighter.

In this issue we see more of Dawn and now Willow is helping her with a big problem. Faith goes to the birthday party of Lady Genevieve where she wants to kill her. Well, things are going differently from their plans. So Faith has to fight a couple of Gargoyles, oh, and Genevieve (who she wants to kill) shows up.

The art is by Georges Jeanty again and he still does a nice job on it. Only here and there does the face of Faith not look good but you get over that as your read further. It isn’t a very big bother because he really does his best on his book. Everybody just look good and still as the person who played them in the movies. And we have an amazing cover by Jo Chen again.

--Antoon Bierman

--Sergio Lopez

Rating: 95%

Review: I loves me a good gangster story. Not a new-fangled gansta story, but an old-fashioned gangster story. Dock Walloper is a great ganster story, set in the 1930's.

The story centers on John "The Hand" Smith and Bootsy, his best friend. It's written by Ed Burns and Jimmy Palmiotti, with Siju Thomas handling the art. I instantly fell in love with the art. It's a solid art style, and the coloring really helps to give it a 30's look.

Amazingly, even though the main characters are gansters and involved in delivering alcohol, they stay likeable even when drunk and mowing down rival gangsters with a gun.

The story keeps you hooked through the end with a solid cliffhanger (apparently they weren't as thorough as they'd thought in their killing) that leaves me waiting for the next issue.

Overall, it's a nice treat for readers looking for a refreshing change of pace.

--Sergio Lopez

Dragon Cross #1

Story: Rob Richardson & Jeff Kaufman

Pencils: Rob Richardson

Inks: Jason Maranto & Tony Kordos

Colors: Jason Embury

Publisher: Big City Comics

Price: $2.95 US

Well, Big City Comics have brought out three series with the first releases and Dragon Cross is one of them. It is a fantasy-based book about dragons. Imagine that there are people walking around who can change into dragons and back into human form. Well, that is what this book has -- dragons that can change into human form so that nobody knows who or what they are.

The story goes about Talon, one of the dragons who can change into a human, and he goes now over the world in his human form. He defied the prophecy of the council and is now searched for by all the others. We see in this first issue his brother, but also the dragon council where we get a little explanation about the how's and why’s. And of course, we see Talon meeting up with a woman whose name is not being told in the first issue.

Richardson created this book but also draws it himself and after reading the first issue I can say that it is pleasing to look at. He has a very nice style and does a great job on drawing it. His humans have good proportions and his dragons are amazing. The woman he draws at the end is also a very nicely drawn lady.

Well, it is a very nice first book which makes me want to read more. It is fantasy and that I just like because you can’t really do much wrong with that. And with two men who seem that are going to follow him and a council of dragons who want him this can be a very interesting book to follow. This first issue gets an A++ from me for just being awesome.

--Antoon Bierman

Grimm Fairy Tales

Grimm Fairy Tales Annual #1

Credits: Story Time part 1 and 2: Joe Tyler & Ralph Tedesco (Writers),  Mark Dos Santos (Artist), Nei Ruffino (Colorist)

Jack & Jill: Raven Gregory (Writer), Dan Leister (Artist), Nei Ruffino (Colorist)

The Old Woman In A Shoe: Linda Ly (Writer), Ed Sharam (Artist)

Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater: Tommy Castillo (Writer & Artist)

Little Boy Blue: Christian Beranek (Writer), Sia (Artist)

Pinocchio: Raven Gregory (Writer), Tone Rodriquez (Artist), Nei Ruffino (Colorist)

Review: Well, Zenescope has made a very cool book called Grimm Fairy Tales, which has been running now already for two years. They now want to celebrate that and that is why we now see an annual of it. For that the annual they took different writers and artists to help them make this book. It features a few short stories of some fairy tales that aren't quite the same as the originals.

It starts with a class where a new teacher comes in and tells the students some stories. It's a teacher I would like to meet, too. I mean, listen to her stories! Anyway, she says she will tell them some stories their regular teacher would never tell them. We will see a different version oif the  story of Jack and Jill, The Old Woman In A Shoe, Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater, Little Boy Blue and Pinocchio. But the story of Pinocchio will be continued and at the end we see of another story that will be continued.

With different stories, different artists and all the artists have really done their best on their stories. They all have their own style and the stories they did really fit on how they drew the book. Some did already a Grimm story others not but all did their best on the first annual of Grimm Fairy Tales.

Well this first annual is just great and everybody should just get them. And with two stories which started in here and will continue in the normal books it is also a must have for continuity. And for being such an entertaining book I will give this book an A++.

--Antoon Bierman

Hope Falls #1

Writer: Tony Lee

Artist: Dan Boultwood

Publisher: Markosia

Price: $3.50 US

Now here we have another new series from Markosia, the company that has brought us the new Starship troopers series. But also books like Lexian Chronicles, Dark Mists and Breathe, and books from Speakeasy by Chuck Satterlee, namely Smoke & Mirrors and Of Bitter Souls. With already a couple of interesting and nice titles under their belt Tony Lee has created another book called Hope Falls.

Tony Lee is the writer of Starship Troopers but also did the book Midnight Kiss which was a sort of Fairy Tales based book. But it was just twisted, as only he can make it. This new book isn’t different from that book, because the first issue already shows why Tony is such a good writer. The story revolves around Helen, a girl from the town Hope Falls where she returns after she had been killed 20 years ago by 4 men. She is an angel about to fall to hell because she wants to have vengeance on them. And Michael is there to help her not to fall. So very religious book, but also very dark to start with.

The artist Dan Boultwood already did a book together with Tony Lee, namely The Gloom, which is not finished yet. It is too bad that it isn’t finished yet because it was a very nice book that played during WW2. But with the issues of that series you can see that Dan is a very talented artist and has a nice style that really fit this book.

This is a very nice and dark book which I think everybody will enjoy. Except when you are very religious then I think you should just not get it. Tony has a very weird mind but that is his strong point into making good comics. And the art of Dan finishes this book to great levels. I give this book a solid A++ because it is just perfect for me. Bring me more books like this, Tony.

--Antoon Bierman

Iron Man

Iron Man #17

Credits: Daniel and Charles Knauf (Wirters), Roberto De La Torre (Penciler), Gerald Parel (Cover Art), Jonathan Sibal (Inker), Dean White (Colorist)

Rating: 65%

Synopsis: Tony Stark, the new director of S.H.I.E.L.D., has been on a constant search for a man named Najeeb. This search eventually leads him to China, where Najeeb was last spotted. Dum Dum Dugan suggests a raid of the facility he was last seen in but Tony, wanting to run S.H.I.E.L.D differently, refuses, stating that he wants to do things legally. Tony, with persuasion from Sal Kennedy, decides to act as the former Director Nick Fury would and raids the facility. Meanwhile, Maya Hansen and Tony’s fling has popped up in tabloids everywhere. Maya has also been asked by Secretary Kooning to continue her development on the Extremis. Dugan has already prepared a plan behind Tony’s back, who secretly knows, and he briefs Tony and S.T.A.R. They find Najeeb with a bullet hole in his head. The operatives are soon attacked by mentally psychotic, bio mechanical humans. Mandarin may have created the abominations and was in the process of fusing his ten rings of power to his own body. Further inspection of Najeeb’s body reveals that he, too, was mechanically engineered and he attacks Maya.
Thoughts: The issue was a good fill in leading up to Iron Man’s fight with the Mandarin. The issue also touches upon conflicts with Sal Kennedy, Maya Hansen and Senator Kooning. But it was disappointing to see no real fight between Mandarin and Iron Man. It also shows a little transformation with Tony getting along with Dugan and finally accepting that a few eggs had to be broken.

Iron Man #18

Credits: Daniel & Charlie Knauf (Writers), Roberto de la Torre (Penciler), Jonathan Sibal & Roberto de la Torre (Inkers), Dean White (Colorist), Jo Caramagna (Letterer), Tom Brevoort (Editor), Gerald Parel (Cover)

Rating: 70%

Iron Man and his S.T.A.R. units were fighting cyborgs in the asylum when they received distress signals from the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier. Chinese fighters had scrambled to their position and were due in a few minutes. Also the dead body aboard the ship attacked the inhabitants like a virus. Retreating back to the ship Iron Man found Sal Kennedy, a man he thought of as a father, to be infected. Taking sympathy Tony killed Sal and found that the virus to be like a cancer. Immune to diseases Tony took off his armor and absorbed the virus. Dum Dum Dugan trusted director Stark even more and threatened to quit when he heard that Stark was going to be fired. Maya Hansen, believing that the Extremis could have helped the fight, joined a corporation that wanted her research.

Thoughts: The issue was a good filler issue but didn’t feature the Mandarin at all. The entire helicarrier was destroyed which was cool but Sal Kennedy died. Iron Man has been taking a lot of personal hits lately. From Happy’s incident, to the death of many S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain America (who was metaphorically mentioned as his brother), to Sal. The promise of the Mandarin is still very compelling.

Mercenaries #1

Writer: Brian Reed

Penciller: Edgar Salazar

Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment

Price: $2.95 US

Here we have another comic that is inspired by a video game. Other examples are Halo, BloodRayne, Streetfighter and lots of others. Most of those books were good for a few issues and then got bad reading material. Exceptions here and there, of course. And now we have a comic from the game Mercenaries.

 

The title already explains what it is about: namely, Mercenaries. Men for hire for a high price, and the team exists of two men and two women. The story starts when they are in the middle of a job and something happens to Fiona (that is 1 of the two women, but behind the PC, telling them what to do). Well, she has been kidnapped and they find out by whom and that person then also gives them a job.

 

They have a very nice artist on this book, namely Edgar Salazar. He has done a tremendous job on this book so it is really a pleasure to look at. All the characters look great, especially Mattias Nilsson with his tattoo’s on his body. I hope that we will see more of his art after he is done with this Mercenaries mini.

 

Well, all I can say is that this is a great book and it is just something you should try. I never played the first game and don’t know if I will be able to get the second game, but this book you can read easily without ever having played the game. With a nice story and great art I’m giving this book an A++.

 

--Antoon Bierman

After all the hype and the months of anticipation, this book is finally out. Does it live up to my expectations? Let's find out...

Mice Templar #1

Credits: Michael Avon Oeming (Co-Writer & Artist), Bryan J. L. Glass (Co-Writer), Wil Quintana and Cris Peter (Colorists), James H. Glass (Letterer)

Rating: 95%

Review: So like I'd said, I had been really anticipating this issue. Mike Oeming is one of my favorite comic creators. I know any book with his name on it will be a worth-while read, and that's no lie. It was his writing that convinced me to pick up Red Sonja, and it is his gorgeous artwork which attracted me to this book. (Don't think I'm neglecting to mention Bryan Glass -- it's just that I'm much more familiar with Michael Oeming's work). So, did it live up to the hype? Most definitely! In fact, I was extremely tempted to give this book a perfect 100% grade -- my main complaint was that the sequence with the blacksmith shop seemed a bit confusing to me. I don't know why -- and it's probably just me -- but it seemed a bit confusing, and it detracted from my enjoyment of those two pages. I understood it a bit better after finishing the book, as more details are filled in towards the end, so a re-reading would probably clear a lot of things up. Also, the sound effects looked a bit odd to me. Other than that, the book is flawless. The writing is wonderful and the artwork is some of Mike Oeming's best. The whole book had this wonderfullly epic feel to it, especially the first few pages. I just love that in a comic -- that awesome movie-style epicness, y' know? And STUFF HAPPENED. One of my biggest complaints with certain titles is that nothing happens. But I definitely do not get that feeling from Mice Templar. A lot of things actually happened, y' know? The story actually progressed. And there were certainly a lot of twists that I didn't see coming, especially in the final epic battle.  So the bottom line is, buy this book! I will definitely be buying the second issue!

--Sergio Lopez

Mice Templar #2

Credits: Michael Avon Oeming & Bryan J. L. Glass (Story), Bryan J. L. Glass (Writer), Wil Quintana (Colorist), James H. Glass (Letterer)

Rating: 100%

Review: This issue focuses on Karic and his new mentor, Pilot the Tall. We see Karic undergoing his training and learning more about Templar lore. At the end, they reach a barren wasteland where they believe they will be safe -- until they find an army of impaled rats. In what is trully an awesome-looking scene and a nice cliff-hanger, they are attacked by "The Many" -- a huge number of ants which will devour them alive!

The main reason I gave this issue a full 100% was because it wasn't nearly as confusing as the last issue (if you read my review for issue #1, you will see that my main gripe was the fact that all the mice and all of the new names tended to get mixed up). Even the sound effects, with which I also had a problem with in the last issue, either look a whole lot better or are starting to grow on me. The art, though, hasn't improved any since last issue (which is to say, it looks as stunning and beautiful as it did last issue). The painted pages are a real treat, too, as I think Mike's art looks better when he uses watercolors. The book's darker hues are also a nice complement to the story and art.

I also really dig all of the ancient lore, and we really see a lot more of that in this issue than in issue #1.  We also see more "shades of gray," in several ways, from Karic taking advantage of his opponent's injury in a practice fight (something which Templars apparently are supposed to be too noble to do), to Pilot using "death magic," to the turn-coat Templar we see in this issue (those turn-coats are reffered to by the mice as "pale-bellied grubs"). Plus, the battle between the owls and the bats in one of the flashback sequences is sweet.

Overall, this issue is a worthy buy and more than worth the price of admission.

--Sergio Lopez

Mouse Guard

Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 #1

Credits: Writer: David Petersen (Writer/Artist/Colorist/Letterer)

Review: Well, after a successful mini called Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 Petersen made a new mini, with the title Winter 1152 which isn't that much unexpected. So after the first one about the season fall and the problems that arose then, they now enter winter, where there are new dangers and things to watch out for.
 
A lot of things happened in the first mini, like they had to fight against a snake and a crab, but also against other mice who are against the rulers. And that is where the Mouse Guard come in to play. But the Mouse Guard themselves aren't really sure they are still needed. With some treachery and getting caught it all came to a good end.
 
The first issue starts very nice and they have to escort... to... And of course it is snowing and the first enemy they have to watch out for shows up. Nothing much else happens yet, except for the small cliffhanger at the end.
 
I myself really did like the first mini and I recommend it to anybody (or the trade paperback or hardcover). And this second mini has a good start already with new things for the mice to watch out for. Winter brings new enemies and difficult roads to travel. So I would say, get this book because it is great: A++

-- Antoon Bierman

North Wind

North Wind #1

Writer: David DiGilio

Artist: Alex Cal

Colorist: Fran Gamboa & Rocio Canteros

Publisher: Boom! Studios

Price: $3.50

Here is a book which is a little like the Mad Max movies, but not entirely there are some big differences. There is an ice age now, and all the warmth has gone, so every major city has been turned to ice caves and things. Lots of people are dead and they all need to try and to survive by finding what food they can.

 

Well, the story starts with a boy and a girl hunting sea lions, but then being attacked by a tiger. They get saved by a skin runner who asks them to take them to their headmaster of their colony. So they do that, and he has an offer to make to the headmaster. When they go to Los Angeles to trade some things they wonder why they don’t get any heat from them anymore. This ends up in some fighting and thus ends the first issue.

 

Well, the artist, Alex Call, draws very nice and makes the book very good to look at and to follow. Lots of things are happening on every panel and he makes it very good. I like how he draws the animals that are in this issue. And with the nice colors that are being done by Fran Gamboa and Rocio Canteros, it gets a whole painted look.

 

It is a very nice book with an apocalypse that happened and something that maybe will be the future for the earth. A new ice age has transpired and the story about how the people survive during that time. Well this book gets an A from me, and maybe more, when it goes on like this.

 

--Antoon Bierman

Potter’s Field #1

Credits: Mark Waid (Writer), Paul Azaceta (Artist), Nick Filardi (Colorist), Ed Dukeshire (Letterer), J.G. Jones & Paul Azaceta (Covers)

Release Date: September 12

Review: Well, Boom Studios has already released books like X-Isle, Tag, and Warhammer. Now they are going to release a new book called Potter’s Field, and it is written by none other than Mark Waid. We all know Mark Waid as the writer of books like Flash and Green Lantern, issues of JLA, and some books for Crossgen. And now Boom is releasing their first book written by him.

The story is about a guy who finds out the real names of people buried in unmarked graves. The new person he goes to look for has the number 36906. The name he has been given by James is "John Doe." We see how he goes to work to find out the name, and that he covers his own tracks very well so that people can’t find out who he is.

The artist, Paul Azaceta, has worked on books like Captain Marvel for Marvel, Grounded for Image, and Talent for Boom. And now he's doing another book for Boom Studios together with Mark Waid. And by the looks of this book he is an artist to keep your eye on. He has a very good hand which makes the pages very nice to look at.

Well, this book is very interesting because a character who just works to give people their names back is someone to look up to. He gets results every time he goes to find a name and has different ways to do it. And this is a book you should just try because it will surprise you with how good it is.

--Antoon Bierman

Seven Psychopaths #1

Writer: Fabian Vehlmann

Artist: Sean Philips

Colorist: Hubert

Publisher: Silverstrips

 

Well, I’m Dutch, and here in The Netherlands, we also have comics coming out, but most don’t go overseas. But I still want to review a couple of them to let you all get a glimpse at what you are missing. Maybe a company will read this review and think, let’s translate it and bring it out for the English readers.

This first book is a project of seven books. Every book has his own story, artist, writer and mission. They are called respectively Seven Psychopaths, Seven Thieves, Seven Pirates, Seven Warriors, Seven Monarchs, Seven Prisoners and Seven Yakuza. And the first book came out two months ago and the store I buy them from gave me this. Now let me tell you about what it is for a book.

It goes like this: take seven psychopaths and sends them on a mission to kill Hitler. So you understand it plays during WW2. Joshua Goldschmidt who has been locked up in an asylum has send a letter to Colonel Thompson a high ranking officer in the English army. He got a plan to kill Hitler so Thompson goes to him. There Joshua explains his plan and wants to be with seven because that is the only way it will succeed. They go and find six others to go on the mission and then start it. They all have their own ability to kill Hitler and to say more really spoils the story. But I will tell you that it has some interesting twists here and there.

The artist Sean Philips is very well know for different titles from Marvel and DC. He is know for Batman, Marvel Zombies, WildC.A.T.s and Hellblazer for example. He has a very nice style which is very good for this book. He gives details where it is needed and the background also looks very good. The impressions on the faces here and there are just good to look at.

This is a very enjoyable book with a solid story and a great artist. There are many stories about Hitler and the Nazis but this is something new for a change. And I hope that the other six books will also be of this quality. But for all you not being able to get or read this book I do hope that there will be a translation of this because it is something more should read. And with that I give this book an A++.

--Antoon Bierman

Jenna Jameson's Shadow Hunter #1

Credits: Jenna Jameson (Creator, Plotter), Christina Z (Plotter, Scripter), Mukesh Singh (Art), Greg Horn (Cover), Greg Land and Mike Deodato (Variant Covers)

Solicit: Jenna Jameson's: Shadow Hunter # 1

From the vivid mind of Jenna Jameson and Witchblade co-creator Christina Z comes Shadow Hunter, the sexiest and deadliest demon slayer… ever!!

Review: Virgin Comics has heavily promoted its new book, Jenna Jameson's Shadow Hunter, and I recently had the chance to read it before it goes on sale.

(Yes, that Jenna Jameson).

(Yes, the "most downloaded woman on the web" Jenna Jameson).

Actually, Virgin has spent time, during its marketing campaign for the book, reassuring readers that this book is not pornographic. And while the T & A factor is played up a little, he book really isn't pornographic and it's actually an enjoyable experience. First, some background:

Shadow Hunter is part of Virgin's "Voices" imprint. This means that while the idea was conceived by Jenna Jameson, she didn't actually write it. The book was plotted by her and scripted and plotted by Christina Z. (This has been a really enjoyable imprint, giving us some good series'. I haven't had the chance to read Nic and Weston Cage's Voodoo Child, but I really have enjoyed Gamekeeper, which is also from this imprint).

The main premise is this: Jezzerie Jaden, (who, as I understand from the press releases, is loosely based on Jenna Jameson), has seen visions all her life of angels and monsters, co-existing among us. (It's works great visually because when you see her as a young child, here visions are, well, child-like. But when she gets older, they look more fleshed out and like actual angels). She answers an ad online from a scientist who might be able to help here.

One of my concerns as I was reading the story was that the scientist wasn't acting very, well, scientific, even giving Jezzerie a charm which is supposed to help her with the visions she sees. This is addressed later on, though, in what I thought was a cool plot twist. I won't ruin it for you here -- but suffice it to say things don't go well with the scientist. There's also an interesting little sub-plot with Jezzerie's boyfriend.

I thought it was a little odd how, when Jezzerie's visions turn decidedly more monstrous, she immediately springs into action fighting them. But then again, she HAS been seeing these demonic/angelic visions all her life, so I guess it makes sense she would be prepared and unfazed.

My only real concern was that the nature of her visions wasn't completely addressed. Obviously only she can see them, so I found it a little odd that see was covered in very real and visible blood after a battle, and even odder that no passerby apparently thought this was worth notice or remarking about.

I was blown away by the artwork, though. The artist, Mukesh Singh, really needs to get more recognition for his work. His everday people are great, but it was in the scenes with the huge monsters that are great. He truly makes the monsters look scary.

The dialogue itself is good. It was really only those plot points I mentioned that I had trouble with.

All in all, people should put their assumptions aside and give this book a try.

Jenna Jameson's Shadow Hunter #1 features a cover by Greg Horn and two variants by Greg Land and Mike Deodato. It goes on sale Wednesday, February 20.

--Sergio Lopez

Sorrow

Sorrow #1

Credits: Rick Remender (Writer), Francesco Frankavilla (Artist), Ed Dukeshire (Letterer), Kieron Dwyer (Cover)

Review: So here we have Sorrow, written by Rick Remender, who we know from the books Sea Of Red and Fear Agent, with artist Francesco Frankavilla who we know from books like The Black Coat, Left on Mission, and some help on Sea Of Red. They are together again for a 4-issue mini named Sorrow.
 
The story starts a little cliché with a group of teenagers in the middle of nowhere and then picking up a stranger who stands on the side of the road. Well, so far so good, and they enter a town which seems to be a ghost town. Then they get startled by something and they crash the car. So nothing new so far, except for the part when all of a sudden people seem to show up.
 
Francesco has done his best again to give this book a great look. As we saw with the Black Coat his art is at its best when it is B&W. And this book is therefore also not color and that also gives this book the creepy feeling it should have. The people look great, the car they drive in looks very good, and the town they enter is really well visualized.
 
Well this book starts as a plot device which we've had a lot of movies about. Some people come to a town and get in trouble there because nobody in the town cares. But with this town something different is happening and I can't wait to see if this book will change in the following issues. But it is a nice and interesting book so far, so let us wait for the next issue. Get this book for the great art. I give it an A+.

--Antoon Bierman

Credits:

Rating: 90%

Synopsis: Peter’s Aunt May was just shot by a sniper hired by the Kingpin. He’s busting up these mob bosses and gun salesmen, when he learns that the sniper is at a train station. He manages to catch him, and breaks his arm and nose. When he’s about to tell him who hired him, someone shoots him from afar. The black-suited Spider-Man tags him with a spider-tracer and follows the sniper, where he is pronounced dead at the same hospital May is at. Then MJ breaks the news to him: Aunt May is in a coma and she ain’t gonna make it. Spidey then follows the sniper who shot the sniper, and interrupts his phone call. He recognizes the voice on the other end as: The Kingpin of Crime!

Thoughts: This was a really good story. This is dark Spidey done right. Forget “I am the Spider.” He was going to kill the sniper. Also, it looks like Aunt May will probably die again. Her death won’t mean as much (if she does die) since she’s already “died” at least twice. Also, the art by Ron Garney is beautiful. This story was darn-near perfect. But the big honkin' Fed Ex truck on the cover seems really out of place.

--Sergio Lopez

Credits: Dan Slott (Writer), Phil Jimenez (Artist)

Rating: 80%

Plot: If I’m not mistaken this story is supposed to come after Civil War, but I really don’t see how it could’ve come after it. Anyways, the story is really about the introduction of a villain that will haunt Spider for months to come. The issue starts off with Peter talking to Aunt May on his cell phone as he walks down the side-walk with a lemon cake in his hand; it’s her birthday. After he gets off the phone he starts to think that he might not have to be Spider-Man ever again since he hasn’t seen any of his usual villains for weeks, but as we all know, all good things must come to an end. Peter’s spider-sense start tingling and all of a sudden he nearly gets run over by a maniacal driver named Overdrive. He throws a spider-tracer on the cop car that was chasing after Overdrive. Next is a two-page spread with a close-up shot of Spider-Man yelling “The Amazing Spider-Man is BACK!” Okay... but he never left. And he’s wearing the red suit, not the black one. Next we see Overdrive talking to some guy that kind of looks like Uatu, the Watcher. Overdrive calls him “Mister Negative.” Apparently Overdrive is trying to deliver some kind of artifact to Mr. Negative. All of a sudden something lands on Overdrives windshield and Mr. Negative asks what it is, to which Overdrive replies: “Nothing, sir. Just a bug on the windshield.” (That made me laugh). And, of course, that "bug" is our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Spider-Man pimps Overdrive's ride, Spidey-style. Overdrive then pays Spidey not with dollars, but electrical shocks, and Overdrive is supposed to be Spidey’s biggest fan. J. Jonah Jameson is upset because Spider-Man hasn’t shown his face in three weeks, but then Betty Brant comes in telling him that Spidey’s back, and of course JJJ’s out to make Spider-Man the bad guy, even though everyone (minus a cop) already called him a vigilante in this issue. But what kind of story would this be without bad guys gambling? And on what? Spider-Man vs. Overdrive, or as they cal Overdrive, “The New Kid.” The Bar with No Name* is where all this takes place. Meanwhile across town we find Spidey being dragged across the sweet smooth road at about the speed that would make you die. But it’s Spidey, so more pain is always waiting, this time in the form of high powered exhaust fuel (or fire if you want the simple answer). Add in a car coming straight for ya, (until it flips over, that is), and you've got yourself a near-death experience. Now, enter: Jackpot!!! The newest heroine to hit the streets of justice, but with a line like “Any time, Tiger,” I wonder who it could be.** Now on to round two of Spidey vs. Overdrive. Spidey gets some help from some cops (one of them hates Spider-Man for some reason) and in another two page spread we see the cop car (with Spider-Man on top of it) smashing into Overdrive’s car, pushing it off the bridge. I hope he has really good insurance. Overdrive declares he’s Spider-Man’s biggest fan (for the second time) before he goes to jail, and Peter isn’t able to attend Aunt May’s birthday party because of Overdrive. And the issue ends with Aunt May returning home to find Peter laying on the couch asleep. She kisses his cheek and wishes that her and Uncle Ben could’ve taught him to be more “responsible.”
My Thoughts: Over all this was a great story. Confusing, but great. I just didn’t like how it didn’t have any references to Civil War, when it came after Civil War (or at least it was supposed to). Three things happened that didn’t make sense: Aunt May is alive? MJ is a Super Hero? And Spider-Man is back?*** What happened? Unless this comes after the Back in Black arc and Aunt May lives, I don’t understand how this issue came after Civil War. But Like I said, over-all great issue and worth getting, if you already haven’t.****

*A bar for super-villains to hide and chill out with a cold beer-- Studious Sergio
**It's not Irving Forbush!-- Sarcastic Sergio
***Wait, Spider-Man left?-- Stupefied Sergio
****And you can't beat the price ($0)!-- Scholarly Sergio

Credits: Mike Carey (Writer), Siddharth Kotian (Artist), Marc Silvestri (Cover), Greg Horn (Variant Cover), Jyotsna V. Domse (Inker), Anand Balusamy (Colorist), Sudhir B. Pisal (Letterer), Reuben Thomas (Project Manager), Stuart Moore (Editor)

Overall, if you’re still hurting after One More Day, it might be worth it to give this title a try.

Here we have another of the launch books from Big City Comics. The first one I reviewed was Dragon Cross, which is a very good fantasy-based book, but they are not only making pure fantasy books. They also made Totem, a super hero-based book that plays during these times but, also this book named Tempest which also plays during now but is a horror based book.

Like I said, this is a horror-based book, but why is it like that, you may ask? Well, it has vampires in it and it is very mature, written by Jeffrey Kaufman. And the main character is someone who is the heir to the famous vampire Vlad Tempest. He is an attorney and has now been turned to a vampire by a woman who was sent to kill him. How can he still attend his job when he has to feed every day? That is what we are going to find out.

Big City has got some very good artists working for them and Robert Doria is no exception.  His females look very healthy and not a little thin like most artists draw their women. This makes this book very nice to look at. The part of Vlad falling out of the window all of a sudden was very cool-looking..

It is a very interesting issue to see and gives the reader something different then the normal vampire stories. Now I only wonder how this book will further unfold itself. But the way the first issue started, I don’t think we have to be scared to see a nice story. So this book gets a B from me but it can get higher with the next few issues, if it will get better.

--Antoon Bierman

Credits: Naif Al-Mutawa & Fabian Nicieza (Writers), John McCrea & Jason Dennis (Pencilers on main story), June Brigman (Art on back-up), Ron Wagner (Cover), Steve Buccelato (Cover Colorist), Sean Parsons & Kris Justice (Inkers), Monica Kubina (Colorist) Dan Panosian (Caracter Design), Comicraft’s Albert Deschesne (Lettering & Design), Marie Javins (Editor)