Showing posts with label Todd Nauck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Todd Nauck. Show all posts

Sunday, April 30, 2023

I Reads You Juniors: April 2023 - Update #48

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

DC STUDIOS - From YouTube:  The Flash - Official Trailer #2. The film is due June 16th.

EN MEMORIAM - From TheDailyCartoonist:  American cartoonist Ted Richards has died at the age of 76, Friday, April 21, 2023.  Richards was best known for his work in Underground Comix.  He was a member of the "Air Pirates" collective, whose "Air Pirates Funnies" comic book got them sued by Walt Disney Productions.  Richards produced such titles as "Dopin' Dan," "E.Z. Wolf," and "The Forty Year Old Hippie." Richards would later move into computer software designing.

IDW - From ComicsBeat:  IDW Media Holdings, Inc., parent of IDW Publishing, has been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), although I didn't know they were listed.  39 percent of the staff have been laid off, including the entire PR and marketing department and also publisher Nachie Marsham.

From BleedingCool:  IDW CEO Davidi Jonas says "today we hit reset," as the company undergoes layoffs.

IMAGE - From ScreenRant:  Todd McFarlane's "Spawn" will crash Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander's "Killadelphia," beginning with the next story arc that begins in Killadelphia #31.

DC ANIMATION - From Deadline:  Amazon's "Prime Video" Warner Bros. Batman animated series, including Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, and Matt Reeves' "Batman: Caped Crusader."

EN MEMORIAM - From TCJ:  Author Andrew Farago offers an obituary of comics historian, author, editor and curator, Maurice C. Horn, passed away on December 30, 2022, at the age of 91.  According to Farago, Horn wrote some of the first reference books about comics ever written and he was among the very first people to take comics seriously.  His books include "A History of the Comic Strip" (1968), written with Pierre Couperie, "The World History of Comics" (1976), and "Sex in the Comics" (1985), to name a few.

MILESTONE - From DimesDaggers:  Writer Andrew Farago looks back at the 30th anniversary of Milestone Comics in "How 'Hardware' Made Me WOKE."

SONY MARVEL U - From Variety:  At CinemaCon 2023, actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson introduced footage for Sony Pictures' Marvel Comic film, "Kraven the Hunter."  The footage, which featured some bloody images, was reportedly well-received.  The film, which will debut later this year, will also be rated "R."

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Author Rachel Allan talks to "DC Blog" about her new original graphic novel, "Harley Quinn: Ravenous."

DC STUDIOS - From YouTube:  The studio has provided an "in-production teaser" and first-look at the upcoming series, "The Penguin," starring Colin Farrell.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  After his "Gambit" and "X-Treme X-Men" mini-series, Chris Claremont is already working on his next X-Men comic book.

SONY MARVEL U - From Deadline:  Actress Juno Temple (of Apple's "Ted Lasso" series) has landed the lead in Sony/Marvel's "Venom 3."

IDW - From BleedingCool:  Here is the checklist for IDW Publishing's "Star Trek" crossover event, "Day of Blood," which runs through Star Trek titles from July to Sept. 2023.

MARVEL COMICS - From Marvel:  Writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Todd Nauck will return to X-Men villain Magneto's days as headmaster of The New Mutants in the four-issue miniseries, "Magneto."  The first issue is due Aug. 2nd.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From CBR:  Hot rumor says that Oscar-nominated actor Adam Driver is in final negotiations to play "Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic" in Marvel Studios' planned "Fantastic Four" film.

From Newsarama:  According to "Deadpool" star, Ryan Reynolds, the "Wolverine" that Hugh Jackman will play in "Deadpool 3" is "something completely new."

DC COMICS TO SERIES - From GamesRadar:  Jim Mickle, the showrunner for Netflix's "Sweet Tooth," which is based on Jeff Lemire's comic book series, will have a more ambitious second season.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Here is a look at the new character designs for DC Comics' "Knight Terrors" event, which takes over the publishing line this July and August.

MANGA TO LIVE-ACTION - From CBR:  The site is reporting that Netflix held a private screening of its live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's legendary shonen manga, "One Piece."  The preview apparently flopped with that test audience.

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  Canadian super-team, Alpha Flight, returns to Canada and into their own comic book series, "Alpha Flight," written by Ed Brisson and artist Scott Godlewski.  The first issue this "Fall of X" X-Men spinoff is due August 16th.

From Newsarama:  Another "Fall of X" spinoff from the "X-Men" is the miniseries, "Children of the Vault."

RETAIL - From TCJ:  Venerable and maybe even legendary comic book and collectibles retailer, Chuck Rozanski of "Mile High Comics," tells his side of the story to "The Comics Journal."

EN MEMORIAM - From Deadline:  "MAD Magazine" cartoonist Al Jaffee has died at the age of 102, Monday, April 10, 2023.  Jaffee was a Mad contributor for 65 years.  His career as a cartoonist, running from 1942 to 2020, holds the "Guinness World Record" for the longest.  Jaffee was high school classmate of future comic book and cartooning legends, Will Elder, Al Feldstein, Harvey Kurtzman, and John Severin, at the High School for Music & Arts in New York City.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Science fiction and fantasy author, comic book writer, and tarot card expert, Rachel Pollack, has died at the age of 75, Friday, April 7, 2023.  Her novel, "Godmother Night," won the 1997 "World Fantasy Award for Best Novel."  In comic books, she is best known for her 1996-95 run on DC Comics' "Doom Patrol" series (issues #64-#87).  Her "78 Degrees of Wisdom" is reference for Tarot readers.

DC STUDIOS/TRAILERS - From YouTube:  Here is the first trailer for DC Studios' "Blue Beetle" film, which is due in theaters, August 18, 2023.

From DCBlog:  A list of the Easter eggs found in the "Blue Beetle" trailer.

DC STUDIOS - From THR:  "Joker: Folie a Deux" has wrapped up filming.  Director Todd Phillips shares new images of its stars, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga.  The film is due Oct. 4th, 2024.

COMICS TO TV - From DeadlineSony Pictures Television is developing the Black Mask graphic novel, "Destiny, NY," by Pat Shand and Manuel Preitano, for television.

BOOM STUDIOS - From Variety:  Actress Amy Jo Johnson and her partner, Matt Hotson, will write a "Power Rangers" comic book that will debut next year.  Johnson played "Kimberly Hart," the original "Pink Power Ranger" in the 1993-95 original "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" TV series and in two films.

COMICS TO ANIME - From Variety:  Netflix is producing an anime series version of the "Scott Pilgrim" graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley.  Multiple cast members from 2010 live-action film, "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" will be voice performers for the anime.

MANGA TO FILM - From GamesRadarFangoria Studios is set to adapt some of manga master, Junji Ito's horror manga short stories into movies, including the vampire tale, "Bloodsucking Darkness."

AMAZON - From THR:  Former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief and Marvel Entertainment CCO, Joe Quesaada, has signed a first-look deal with Amazon.  He will develop established and new comic book properties for film and television.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson talks about her "Poison Ivy" comic book series and about the new miniseries, "Lazarus Planet: Revenge of the Gods."

EN MEMORIAM - From CBR:  The American comic book writer, Steve Skeates, has died at the age of 80, Thursday, March 30, 2023.  Skeates was best known for co-creating the DC Comics characters, "Hawk and Dove" with the late artist, Steve Ditko.  Skeates also produced a noted run on "Aquaman" (1968-71) with artist Jim Aparo.

MARVEL - From CBR:  There will be a new ongoing comic books series starring Marvel Comics' ultimate vampire hunter, "Blade."  The new series is written by Bryan Edward Hill and drawn by Elena Casagrande and is due July 2023.

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MARCH 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Asylum Press for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents LLC for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2023
From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Publishing for March 2023

APRIL 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Captain America: Cold War event solicitations for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Sins of Sinister" solicitations and checklist for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion Publishing for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment LLC for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Publishing for April 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for April 2023

MAY 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Aardvark-Vanaheim for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dead Good Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Fairsquare Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment Inc. for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for May 2023

JUNE 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Captain America" for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Star Wars" for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Uncivilized Books for June 2023

JULY 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Extreme Venomverse" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Summer of Symbiotes" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for July 2023

AUGUST 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics X-Men's "Fall of X" for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Summer of Symbiotes" for August 2023

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Tuesday, October 19, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: Marvel Comics' ALIEN #1

ALIEN #1
MARVEL

STORY: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
ART: Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Guru-eFX
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Jake Thomas
EiC: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: InHyuk Lee
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Steve McNiven with Laura Martin; Peach Momoko; Ron Lim with Israel Silva; Todd Nauck with Rachelle Rosenberg; Patrick Gleason; Skottie Young; David Finch with Frank D'Armata; Salvador Larroca with Guru-eFX
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (May 2021)

Parental Advisory

Alien is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Dan O'Bannon, based on a story that O'Bannon wrote with Ronald Shusett.  The film depicts a battle for survival between the crew of the commercial towing vehicle,  the space ship named “the Nostromo” and an aggressive deadline extraterrestrial creature, the “Alien” of the title, that is now known as a “Xenomorph.”

Alien, which went on to win an Academy Award, spawned a film franchise, beginning with writer-director James Cameron's 1986 science fiction action film, Aliens.  Alien also begat a media franchise, which included a comic book adaptation and also a novelization of the original film.  In 1988, Dark Horse Comics launched its first Alien comic book series, a 1988-89, six-issue comic book miniseries, entitled Aliens.  Dark Horse had the license to produce comic books based on the Alien franchise from 1988 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2020.

Marvel Comics announced in 2020 that it had obtained the license to produce comic books based on the Alien film franchise.  Marvel Comics recently launched the first comic book series, Alien.  It is written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson; drawn by Salvador Larroca; colored by Guru-eFX, and lettered by Clayton Cowles.  This new Alien comic book focuses on a recently retired security agent who once faced the Xenomorphs and may have to again.

Alien #1 opens in January of the year 2200 on the Epsilon Orbital Research and Development Station.  It introduces Gabriel Cruz, a man who has given his life to Weyland-Yutani as a defense agent.  He is retiring as the security agent for Weyland-Yutani's Epsilon Station.  With the help of his friend, a Bishop-model android, Cruz hopes to reconnect and patch things up with Danny, his estranged son.  However, Danny has dangerous and ulterior motives for reuniting with his father.

Once upon a time, Gabriel barely survived an alien attack.  And now, it seems that his encounters are far from over.

THE LOWDOWN:  I am a big fan of the Alien film franchise, and I have lost count of how many times I have watched James Cameron's Aliens, including a few times just recently.  I have seen both Alien vs. Predator films numerous times and will watch them many times more.

Early in Dark Horse Comics' run of Alien comic books, I was devoted to the company's output, but lost interest after several years.  I thought the new Marvel Comics' title would be a good time to start reading Alien comic book again, and I was right.

Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson whets the appetite with the promise of thrills to come while offering tasty teases of back story involving Gabriel Cruz.  Books about writing will always say that the writer should create strong characters and that the plot will develop from the characters.  Basically, the characters should act as the spine of the story.  I find the spine of this story, Gabriel and Danny, to be dull, and I have no interest in their crappy relationship.  On the other hand, the plot is quite strong.  Johnson makes Alien #1 a fun read when he focuses on the threat of the “Aliens” and on the looming disaster that will fully bring them into the story.

I would not call the art and graphical storytelling in Alien #1 peak Salvador Larroca.  For one thing, all the characters have faces that look like they underwent bad plastic surgery.  The compositions have a generic, Larroca clip art quality, but Guru-eFX's power-coloring and super-hues cover up the blemishes as well as any coloring can.

Still, Marvel's Alien #1 intrigues, especially if you, dear readers, are fans of the Xenomorphs.  I think I should keep reading … at least for the first story arc.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the Alien/Aliens film and comic book franchises will certainly want to try Marvel's Alien.

A-
7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



https://twitter.com/Marvel
https://www.marvel.com/
https://www.marvel.com/comics
https://www.comixology.com/Marvel_Comics


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, September 15, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: MARAUDERS #1

MARAUDERS No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Gerry Duggan
ART: Matteo Lolli
COLORS: Federico Blee
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
EDITOR: Jordan D. White
EiC: Akria Yoshida a.k.a. “C.B. Cebuski”
COVER: Russell Dauterman with Matthew Wilson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mark Bagley and John Dell with Israel Silva; Aaron Kuder with Jordie Bellaire; Rick Leonardi with Richard Isanove; Tom Muller; Todd Nauck with Rachelle Rosenberg; Philip Tan with Jay David Ramos; Russell Dauterman with Federico Blee
44pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2019)

Rated T+

The X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

“I'm on a Boat”

The X-Men are a Marvel Comics superhero team comprised of individuals with unique powers and abilities granted to them because they are “mutants.”  Created by editor-writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the X-Men debuted in the comic book, The X-Men #1 (cover dated: September 1963).

Over its six decades of existence, the X-Men comic book franchise has been revived, revamped, relaunched, and re-imagined.  The latest remodeling came via a pair of six-issue miniseries, House of X and Powers of X (pronounced “Powers of 10”), which were written by Jonathan Hickman.  Afterwards, October welcomed “Dawn of X,” the launch of six new X-Men titles, although all except one bore titles that had been previously used.  The new series are Excalibur, Fallen Angels, New Mutants, X-Force, X-Men, and the subject of this review, Marauders.

Marauders is written by Gerry Duggan; drawn by Matteo Lolli; colored by Federico Blee, and lettered by Cory Petit.  Previously, “the Marauders” was the name of a group of assassins employed by the X-Men's adversary, Mister Sinister (now an ally).  As a team, the Marauders' purpose was to assassinate other mutants and to act as a commando strike-force to carry out acts of mass murder.  The new Marauders have been formed to protect and help mutants around the world.

Marauders #1 (“I'm on a Boat”) opens in this glorious new dawn for “Mutantkind.”  Around the world, mutants are entering gateways that take them to Krakoa, the living island and mutant nation-state.  But not everyone can enter those gateways... for various reasons.  One of the most famous members of the X-Men, Katherine “Kate” Pryde (formerly known as “Kitty Pryde”), cannot pass through a Krakoan gateway; for her, it's like walking into a wall.

However, around the world, there are mutants living in countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Krakoa, nor do they recognize mutant sovereignty.  Countries like Russia and Taiwan use various means to block their mutant citizens' access to the gateways.  Aboard a specially-fitted sailing vessel funded by Emma Frost and the Hellfire Trading Company, Captain Kate Pryde leads fellow mutants:  Storm, Bishop, Iceman, and Pyro, with Lockheed the dragon, on a mission to sail the seas of the world in order to protect those most hated and feared!

I was not impressed by the first “Dawn of X” title, X-Men, but I like this second one.  It's not that writer Gerry Duggan offers an exceptional first-issue script; it is good enough.  It's that Marauders has a lot of potential to address current issues and geopolitical affairs using the X-Men as allegory or metaphor.  Also, a sailing vessel promises some quasi-pirate fun.

The illustrations by Matteo Lolli are nice, and his graphical storytelling is clean, if not dynamic.  Federico Blee's coloring seems a little too thick and has what looks like smearing in several places.  Cory Petit's lettering is good, but a bit tame for a concept that demands boldness.  Truthfully, Marauders #1 could be the start of something daring or it could be simply the first issue of just-another-X-Men comic book.  So far, I suspect that it will be the latter, which will probably be the case for most (if not all) the“Dawn of X” titles.

7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and  syndication rights and fees.


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Friday, April 5, 2019

Review: RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1

RETURN OF WOLVERINE No. 1 (OF 5)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Charles Soule
PENCILS: Steve McNiven
INKS: Jay Leisten
COLORS: Laura Martin
LETTERS: VC's Joe Sabino
EDITORS: Mark Paniccia and Jordan D. White
COVER:  Steve McNiven and Jay Leisten with Laura Martin
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: John Cassaday with Laura Martin; Steve McNiven and Jay Leisten with Laura Martin; Todd Nauck with Rachelle Rosenberg; Leinil Francis Yu with Sunny Gho
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2018)

Parental advisory

Chapter One: “Hell”

Four years ago, Marvel Comics published Death of Wolverine.  Written by Charles Soule and drawn by Steven McNiven (pencils) and Jay Leisten (inks), the four-issue miniseries saw Wolverine a.k.a. Logan die as a result of injuries and loosing his supernatural healing factor that was a result of him being a mutant.  The most famous version of the Wolverine character:  the one who has been a member of the mutant X-Men and the one that made his first full appearance in The Incredible Hulk #181 (after having appeared in the last panel of #180), was dead.

Now after a year of Marvel teasing, Wolverine/Logan is returning in the five-issue comic book miniseries, Return of Wolverine.   The Death of Wolverine creative team of Soule, McNiven, and Leisten return for this resurrection event.  Laura Martin on colors and Joe Sabino on letters complete the creative team.

Return of Wolverine #1 (“Hell”) opens.  Wolverine awakens.  We know who he is, but he does not know who he is.  He is in some unknown location.  There is a saber-tooth tiger and a mammoth in cages near him.  A grievously wounded man tells Wolverine that he should be dead.  A woman who wants Wolverine to find her son tells him that he is a hero.  They both want Wolverine to find some organization called “Soteira” and a woman named “Persephone.”  They both want him to kill and destroy the woman and her organization respectively.  Still unsure of who is he or what happened or is happening, Wolverine figures, why not.  What else does he have to do?

Legendary comic book writer, Alan Moore, had a lot to say about DC Comics' announcement that it would produce prequel and sequel comic books based upon his and artist Dave Gibbons' also legendary, 12-issue comic book series, Watchmen.  As Moore has long disputed the contracts and rights issues between him and DC over Watchmen, he refused to participate in the eventual multi-comic book project, Before Watchmen (2012).

Moore described the comic book creators who signed on for the prequels as alternately “possibly halfway decent writers and artists” and people who don't even deserve the title of “creators.”  That irked some comics folks; I seem to remember Marvel Comics writer Jason Aaron being particularly miffed.  I think that Moore's comments can be accurately levied against quite a few comic book creators, past and present.

However, I think that it is not so much that comic book writers and artists are halfway decent; rather it is that they often produce halfway decent comic books, even when they are working on what is supposedly important, event comic books.

Return of Wolverine #1 is halfway decent.  I would say that the majority of the comic books written by Charles Soule that I have read I have really liked.  I halfway like Return of Wolverine #1, but not for the story, which. is halfway decent...   No., this is a poorly written comic book.  It is beneath a writer as highly-paid and as respected as Charles Soule is.  I hope future issues are better.

Meanwhile, I really like Steve McNiven and Jay Leisten's gorgeous artwork and goddess colorist Laura Martin's colors over those beautiful illustrations.  McNiven, Leisten, and Martin art recalls the art of Barry Windsor-Smith on the Wolverine origin story, “Weapon X,” which was originally published in Marvel Comics Presents #72 to 84 (cover dated:  March to September 1991).  Windsor-Smith infrequently produces comic book art; in fact, his last published comic book work may be the five-page section he drew for Wolverine #166 (cover dated:  September 2001).  So McNiven-Leisten-Martin's faux-Barry Windsor-Smith is the reason I will continue to read Return of Wolverine.

Thus, my grade for Return of Wolverine #1 is based on the art.  If it were based only on the story, it would get a failing grade.

5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Friday, January 13, 2017

Review: Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1

STAR WARS SPECIAL: C-3P0 No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: James Robinson
ART: Tony Harris
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Tony Harris
VARIANT COVERS:  Tony Harris; Reilly Brown; John Tyler Christopher; Dave Dorman; Todd Nauck
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2016)

Rated “T+”

“The Phantom Limb”

In the recent Star Wars film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, we discovered that C-3PO, the goldenrod protocol droid, now had a red left arm.  We were told that there was a story behind the red arm, and recently, Marvel Comics told it to us in the one-shot comic book, Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1.

C-3PO #1 (“The Phantom Limb”) is written by James Robinson; drawn and colored by Tony Harris, and lettered by Joe Caramagna.  The story is set before the events depicted in The Force Awakens.  C-3PO and five other droids are stranded on a planet, and one of the droids, Omri, is a prisoner.  He knows the location of Admiral Ackbar, who is being held prisoner by the First Order.  The droids must travel across a vast and perilous 87-kilometer landscape to a homing beacon that can help get them off this dangerous world.  The problem is that even droids can have interests contrary to programming.

Either Marvel or Dark Horse Comics have been publishing Star Wars comic books for four decades (with about a five or six year gap when neither did).  I have probably read Star Wars comic books for about half that time, and in that span, Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1 is at the bottom of the heap.

I am reluctant to use the word “worst” in conjunction with Star Wars.  After all, Star Wars is practically a religion or at least a faith for me.  The Star Wars films and, to a lesser extent, the spin-off stories have hugely affected me personally and professionally.  If that were not the case, I would call Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1 the worst Star Wars comic book that I have ever read.

That shocks me.  I have enjoyed comics previously written by James Robinson, and I have seen some nice, even beautiful artwork produced by Tony Harris, including the cover for this very comic book.  [I have not read DC Comics' 1990s iteration of Starman that was produced by the team of Robinson and Harris.]  Here, however, Robinson offers a mundane yarn that is not worth telling (or selling).  Harris' art is a combination of muddy composition and water-logged coloring.  The graphical storytelling is murky; actually, it is the dialogue (stiff as it is) that really lets the reader understand the action.

The resolution offers a heartfelt moment, and an appearance by lovable Episode 7 droid, BB-8, washes away a little of the bitter aftertaste of “The Phantom Limb.”  I have to say that rather than buy this comic book, one should simply search the Internet for the story behind C-3PO's red arm.  Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1 is definitely not worth the $4.99 cover price.

D

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Sunday, February 21, 2016

Review: EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #1

EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Jeff Lemire
PENCILS: Humberto Ramos
INKS: Victor Olazaba
COLORS: Edgar Delgado
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Humberto Ramos with Edgard Delgado
VARIANT COVERS: J. Scott Campbell with Nei Ruffino; Pascal Campion; Todd Nauck with Andy Troy; Sanford Greene (Hip Hop Variant); Amanda Lynne Shafter photographed by Judy Stephens (cosplay variant)
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (January 2016)

Rated T+

X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Uncanny X-Men has been the flagship X-Men comic book for most of the past five decades, but it recently came to an end (for now?) with the publication of Uncanny X-Men #600.  The status changes as a result of the All-New, All-Different Marvel re-branding of Marvel Comics.  Now, the flagship X-Men title is Extraordinary X-Men.

This new series is written by Jeff Lemire; drawn by Humberto Ramos (pencils) and Victor Olazaba (inks); colored by Edgar Delgado; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.  The series finds the X-Men fighting to escape the threat of the Terrigen Mists which gives Inhumans their powers, but harms mutants.

Extraordinary X-Men #1 opens with Storm struggling with the weight of the task she finds before her.  She must fight to save mutantkind, which may be facing extinction because of the mass release of the Terrigen Mists.  Now, with her lieutenants, Iceman and Magik, at her side, Storm must gather a new team of X-Men to help the mutants now living in a place called “X-Haven.”  Not everyone, however, wants to join Storm's mission, even if they believe in it.

Upon first seeing a teaser about Extraordinary X-Men, I was dismissive of it.  Now, I cannot wait to read the second issue.  Marvel has found a way to make the X-Men interesting – by marking them destruction.  Their numbers are shrinking, and they may not be able to reproduce, which means extinction.  Having a streamlined X-team will give writer Jeff Lemire a chance to build the characters into this new paradigm of peril.  Lemire will also be able to tell fresh stories using classic or familiar personalities, but from a different point of setting or perspective.  Lemire's take on Storm reminds me of the boss-lady of Chris Claremont's run on Uncanny X-Men, and for me, that is a good thing.

In the meantime, Humberto Ramos' run as penciller on the 2014 relaunch of The Amazing Spider-Man reinvigorated my interest in Ramos (and Spider-Man, for that matter).  For a few years in the 1990s, Ramos was one of my favorite comic book artists.  Hey, in a way, these are the same old X-Men, but Ramos, both in terms of drawing style and graphical storytelling, makes everything seem fresh and new.  I think the possibilities are endless for Extraordinary X-Men, even if corporate demands mean the X-Men comic books won't stray too far from the familiar.

Still, I am excited, so I will recommend Extraordinary X-Men #1.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.


Friday, June 6, 2014

I Reads You Review: NIGHTCRAWLER #1

NIGHTCRAWLER (2014) #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Chris Claremont
ARTIST: Todd Nauck
COLORS: Rachelle Rosenberg
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson
VARIANT COVERS: Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson; Humberto Ramos with Edgar Delgado
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2014)

Rated T+

Nightcrawler (also known as Kurt Wagner) is a Marvel Comics superhero character and is best known as a member of the X-Men.  Nightcrawler was created by writer Len Wein and the late artist Dave Cockrum, and the character debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (cover dated: May 1975).

Nightcrawler is a mutant and his most obvious power is the ability to teleport across short or long distances.  He also possesses superhuman agility and adhesive three-fingered hands and two-toed feet.  He has indigo or blue-colored fur (which allows him to blend into shadows), yellow eyes, pointed ears, and a prehensile tail.

Nightcrawler has appeared in numerous X-Men and related publications, including the 1980s and 90’s series, Excalibur.  He has been the star of two miniseries and a short-lived ongoing series.  Nightcrawler was killed off in X-Force (Vol. 3) #26 (cover dated:  April 2010), which was part of the X-Men: Second Coming crossover publishing event.

Nightcrawler recently returned to the Marvel Comics land of the living.  Now, there is a new Nightcrawler ongoing comic book series from the creative team of writer Chris Claremont, artist Todd Nauck, colorist Rachelle Rosenberg and letterer Cory Petit.

Nightcrawler #1 opens at the Jean Grey School of Higher Learning.  In the Danger Room, where the X-Men hone their skills, Nightcrawler engages Wolverine in a fierce one-on-one battle session.  Storm, Beast, and Dr. Cecelia Reyes watch.  Nightcrawler is also having a difficult time with his new surroundings, especially a school full of strange, new mutant students.  Nightcrawler travels to Manhattan to visit his longtime girlfriend, the witch Amanda Sefton.  But a normal romantic evening is not to be – not for an X-Man.

Chris Claremont is not credited as a creator of Nightcrawler.  He has written the character longer than anyone else, and he was the first to write the character extensively.  So Claremont is practically Nightcrawler’s father and co-creator, but you could not tell that judging by Nightcrawler #1 alone.

It is not a bad read.  This is just mostly nothing.  It is as if Claremont’s creative engine has not only run out of fuel, but has also simply worn down from overuse.  Even if it could be re-energized, I wonder if Claremont’s imagination could ever deliver the X-Men stories he once did.  Lord, how I hope that I am wrong.

I cannot explain exactly, but I think that Nightcrawler #1 would be different if Marvel were not publishing so many X-Men comic book series.  I think Claremont would have more leeway in what he could do with this character and this series without having to work around all the other X-books.  I hope for better because I really looked forward to this new Nightcrawler comic book series.  I love the character, and I love Claremont writing the X-Men.

Even Todd Nauck’s art is uninspired.  It is like a step down from what he has done before now.  My review grade is generous.

C+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.