Was this a superhero story or a script penned for a porno flick?
Either way, Ex-Superheroes, whilst certainty not to everyone's tastes, is a fun and eWas this a superhero story or a script penned for a porno flick?
Either way, Ex-Superheroes, whilst certainty not to everyone's tastes, is a fun and entertaining read; a modern, super-powered sleaze pulp with all the bodice (or lycra) busting scenes one could want from an x-rated x-men story. ...more
Marvel's Black Widow is one of the more mysterious and complex characters in the publisher's large catalog of heroes and villains, and while Forever RMarvel's Black Widow is one of the more mysterious and complex characters in the publisher's large catalog of heroes and villains, and while Forever Red goes some ways to delving into her rich backstory, the book largely centers around a couple of teens with unexpected ties to Romanoff.
Author Margaret Stohl captures the essence of the character to perfection, so much so, that Forever Red could easily be a short cinematic experience with all the action and espionage trappings. Coupled with two new characters in Ava and Alex and a consistent frenetic pace, the story never looses traction.
My rating: A solid 3.5/5. I would've rated Forever Red much higher had the story been more Romanoff-centric, which in a way, it was, just not to the extent I had hoped. Definitely work checking out if you're a Marvel fan. ...more
Eli Ever has the power to regenerate; he doesn't die and he doesn't age. Victor Vale has the power to hurt, to turn people into living puppets he can Eli Ever has the power to regenerate; he doesn't die and he doesn't age. Victor Vale has the power to hurt, to turn people into living puppets he can bend to his will - at least physically. The two resume hostilities in an wholly entertaining and enthralling story.
Vengeful picks up where Viscous left off, so if you've not read that book, you'll be a little lost here.
Continuing to build upon the superhero mythos introduced in the previous installment, Vengeful expands on the extra-ordinary characters (EO's) to give the book an added layer of depth. One character in particular, June, a shape-shifter, is perhaps one of the best characters in the book. I love the way V.E. Schwab is able to introduce a new character while also providing significant backstory that doesn't detract from the core plot.
Spanning multiple timelines yet maintaining a cohesive narrative, Vengeful is well plotted and wholly addictive. I hope we see a lot more books set in this interesting and diverse fictional landscape, V.E. Schwab has so deftly crafted.
The latest iteration of the world’s worst superhero team sees brothers, Quantum and Woody, at each other’s throats, disagreeing, bickering, brawling aThe latest iteration of the world’s worst superhero team sees brothers, Quantum and Woody, at each other’s throats, disagreeing, bickering, brawling and blowing things up. It’s a familiar return to form for the comic book duo last seen in comic stores a couple years back now.
Collecting the first 5 issues of the new ongoing series, Kiss Kiss, Klang, Klang is a bit of hit and miss. The opening issues are great; #1 and #2 re-establish the team with a new story-line that is still part of the broader continuity. Introducing the clone, Negative One and her sidekick, Thedge the Hedge instantly gives the series a comedic new ‘big bad’ for the cumbersome heroes to fight – or, team-up with. While the omnipresent Goat is well, present.
Things turned with #3, the celebratory ‘Goat’ issue. This was to mark the 50th Q&W comic ever published with an issue all about the Goat (a strange, super-powered animal which has an implanted memory construct of Q&W’s father – it can also shoot lasers from its eyes – if you’re familiar with Q&W, this will all make sense) but I thought it was just bad. Didn’t work for me at all.
#4 got the train back on track as Q&W headed to Australia to track down Woody’s biological father and introduced a bigger bad guy in Kid Telsa. I loved the nod to continuity in the later stages of this story arc but a couple of things didn’t sit right which I won’t detail as to avoid spoilers.
My rating: 3.5/5. Overall, Kiss Kiss, Klang, Klang is a must read for fans of Q&W. I love the characters and enjoyed this for the most part.
Note: I read this story arc in single issue format. ...more
Vicious is the kind of super-hero novel which casts its characters in an ambiguous light; the balance between good and evil is shrouded with good inteVicious is the kind of super-hero novel which casts its characters in an ambiguous light; the balance between good and evil is shrouded with good intentions, self preservation, and hypocrisy.
Victor and Eli are college roommates who share common gifts, intellectual superiority and extra ordinary; they are super powered humans; their respective abilities born from death. Victor's allows him to take pain away, while Eli has the ability to regenerate his own wounds. Both can use their powers for good though each take quite different and somewhat unexpected paths.
This isn't your stereotypical hero novel. The protagonists are flawed and their means to an end is often violent and self centered yet its these characteristics which draw the reader in. Each chapter is unpredictable by virtue of the Victor and Eli's volatile nature - it's like pulling a pin on a grenade, crossing your fingers that the device is faulty.
My rating: 5/5 stars. I can't wait to see where this story heads next....more
The war machine that is Aric rolls on in the third volume of XO Manowar (2017). Comprising issues 7 through 10, the story arc is broken down into 4 diThe war machine that is Aric rolls on in the third volume of XO Manowar (2017). Comprising issues 7 through 10, the story arc is broken down into 4 distinct components; Aric's battle to fend off an alien invasion, Aric's battle to take the palace from the Emperor of Gorin, Aric's fails as a conqueror as war once again breaks out, and lastly (and the most enjoyable aspect to the book), a standalone look at a group of intergalactic bounty hunters commissioned by residents of Gorin to rid the world of the well-meaning but problematic Aric.
Potential readers take note, 'Emperor' is not new reader friendly, and even for series readers, the time jumps in this book, not to mention the opening sequence can be a little disorientating. I recommend rereading Volume 2 'General' before jumping into this action packed war fueled sci-fi.
A note on the art: issues 7 through 9 are courtesy of digital artist Clayton Crain whose work I've always enjoyed, particularly on Rai. Issue 10, the bounty hunter semi-standalone issue, is drawn by Renato Guedes and is simply breathtaking.
My rating: 3.5/5. 'Emperor', despite packing a heap of story progression in, felt like a very quick read which, issue 10 aside, lacked character depth and story substance. It's still a good book and a must read for fans of author Matt Kindt and the XO Manowar character but it could've been much better....more
Secret Weapons expands on Valiant’s active psiot library of characters by introducing 3 new heroes; Nikki, Avi, and Owen, rejects of the Harbinger FouSecret Weapons expands on Valiant’s active psiot library of characters by introducing 3 new heroes; Nikki, Avi, and Owen, rejects of the Harbinger Foundation who were unable to meet perennial bad guy Harada’s weaponised needs. Their shortcomings are abilities that, on face value, seem to do little, and have no benefit to contributing to Harada’s army (read Harbinger for more on Harada). Nikki can talk to birds, Owen can summon random objects at will with little control over the objects he summons, and Avi can turn himself to stone (which comes in handy throughout the book). The three are discovered and promptly recruited by Livewire, founding member of the Valiant comics superhero team ‘Unity’.
What proceeds is a true hero verses villain troupe as Rex-O (new villain) steadily attempts to dismantle the team in order to make himself more enhanced.
There’s a lot of bonding going on between the three psiots which shows promise for further stories involving the trio, unfortunately, as this is a mini (4 issues) I don’t know when the next adventure will come.
Secret Weapons serves as a great introduction to a new group of characters who all have a lot of promise. It’s a shame this series wasn’t marked as an ongoing or a maxi series as the mini just gets the reader comfortable before sweeping the characters away.
Rai: 4001 A.D. reads well as a standalone and as part of the broader Rai continuity. Readers familiar with the previous volumes will note that this isRai: 4001 A.D. reads well as a standalone and as part of the broader Rai continuity. Readers familiar with the previous volumes will note that this is a perfect set up for volume 1 with the individual issues in the collected edition chronically different iterations of Rai (Sai is a personal favorite) with the last installment leading right into the first issue. This is a great way to get introduced to the world of New Japan and the origins of Rai. My only gripe is that is doesn't flow-on very well from the preceding volume. ...more
The War Monger arc sees Valiant’s super-team take on an immortal foe who has a long and violent history of facing off against earlier iterations of UnThe War Monger arc sees Valiant’s super-team take on an immortal foe who has a long and violent history of facing off against earlier iterations of Unity. While it was great to see the super team mythos expanded the overall feeling of the book was disappointing. War Monger is an interesting character but her dialogue left a lot to be desired; the abundance of profanity didn't jive with her battle hardened immortal characteristics. Additionally, going back for a reread, her character design bares a distinct likeness to the 4001 AD character War Mother – can’t help but wonder if War Monger was shelved in place of the newer character. The art depicting the earlier scenes was great but the present day art was just terrible and didn't jive with the tone of the book. On the plus side, War Monger is an arc that can be read as a standalone but is slightly improved by the reader being familiar with the earlier books in the series. My rating 2.5 stars....more
The second volume in the latest iteration of Valiant comics most well known character, XO Manowar, is seeped in conflict both on the battlefront and fThe second volume in the latest iteration of Valiant comics most well known character, XO Manowar, is seeped in conflict both on the battlefront and from within as Aric comes to terms with being little more than a tool in the eyes of a corrupt and dangerous empire.
The overall tone of this series is epic with off world fantastical elements and a healthy dose of science fiction. The art is simply amazing and captures the inner and outer conflict Aric and his company deal with panel by panel.
General doesn't feel as meaty as the first volume but its still packed with action and some great character moments. Collecting single issues #4-6 it is light on content but the extras in the trade paperback somewhat make up for this. Nonetheless, General reads as a complete story arc that sets up some interesting plot elements for forthcoming volumes.
The sixth volume of Ninjak from Valiant comics brings together the core group of characters introduced in the beginning of the series; the Shadow SeveThe sixth volume of Ninjak from Valiant comics brings together the core group of characters introduced in the beginning of the series; the Shadow Seven, and pits them against a well known foe within the Valiant Comics Universe - Master Darque. Book-ending the title arc is a silent standalone issue in which Ninjak fights through a nameless and disposable contingent of ninja monks, cleaving a path to Roku, and the final issue of the current run, which gives readers a glimpse of the future direction of the Ninjak series as Ninjak is once again hired by MI6 to undertake a covert mission - this time, to retrieve a scientist responsible for manufacturing breakthrough technology which blends humans and animals - making near perfect weapons; its a story well suited to this title and really hypes the new series starting late 2017, Ninja-K.
Readers not familiar with the current iteration of Ninjak are advised to read up on the previous volumes before delving in here as The Seven Blades of Master Darque relies heavily (#27 aside) on the reader being familiar with the events which have led Ninjak, Roku and co. down this path.
The Seven Blades of Master Darque is a fanboy's dream. Not only does it take into account continuity elements from the title but contributes to the broader Valiant comics tapestry by referencing the Book of Death and the earlier Shadowman run. This felt like a well rounded conclusion to the series while also ensuring the sustainability of some key characters moving forward.
The artwork is what I've come to expect from Valiant; exceptional and complimentary to Kindt's writing. The silent issue alone is worth the price of admission while the inks and colors of the splash pages for Master Darque are perfect; crossing that line of fantastical and reality without missing a beat.
As a longtime reader of this series, I enjoyed the hell out of this book, be it reading the issues individually or as a collection; it provides closure to the current series while transitioning towards the next iteration; a must have for readers of Valiant and fans of good graphic novels.
A nice self contained story that is in stark contrast to the Rai books of the 4001 timeline. Interested to see if there is more of The Eternal WarriorA nice self contained story that is in stark contrast to the Rai books of the 4001 timeline. Interested to see if there is more of The Eternal Warrior's granddaughter Caroline in future books - loved the tease of impending doom she's likely to cause....more
Savage takes readers of Valiant comics back to the Far, Far Away in a new story that brings back fond memories for long time readers of a certain dinoSavage takes readers of Valiant comics back to the Far, Far Away in a new story that brings back fond memories for long time readers of a certain dinosaur hunter called Turok. That said, dinosaur hunting aside, Savage is its own book and is no way related to Turok - in fact, Savage provides the third largest shared comic book superhero universe with a whole new corner to tell stories - linked and alongside the broader continuity.
Savage Volume 1 is more than an origin story. It's a new direction for a little known and less explored corner of the Valiant universe; the Far, Far Away, and the world of dinosaur hunting. While that brief description might in itself not seem all that interesting, the publisher has a way of getting the right creative team on the right book, which results in intelligent, far-fetched yet 'real readable' stories. This could be a world outside your window book such is the ease of plausibility in the way Savage is written.
The Sauvage family, minus a son and daughter left home, crash land on a remote and isolated island. Before too the family realize they are not alone and that things on this strange picturesque piece of paradise aren't what they seem.
The action is plentiful, complimented by some great visuals courtesy of Clayton Henry and Lewis Larosa (Larosa's work is simply mind blowing) which really captures the dangerous day to day struggle a young Savage endures. There's also a healthy dose of mystery; things that don't add up - like why is there a tribe of humans on the island and how did they form given their immediate distrust of strangers, how does this link in with the broader Valiant universe, and what is going to happen after that last page (spoiler not included).
There's so much potential for this character, I just hope we don't have to wait too long to see where the story goes.
My rating: 3/5
My rationale: I would've loved to have given this book 5 and it could've been but it was a super quick read that didn't have a lot of depth, sure the story ticked along nicely but if it were an issue two or longer, the extra padding would've bumped up the rating. Still enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it. ...more
Rapture is a nice self contained fantasy adventure that has a throwback feel to 80's fiction accompanied by beautifully rendered artwork which complimRapture is a nice self contained fantasy adventure that has a throwback feel to 80's fiction accompanied by beautifully rendered artwork which compliments the tight plotting. Author Matt Kindt includes surprisingly deep characterization given the book is only 4 issues long with each hero and villain alike having their own voice and sense of place in the story. Readers familiar with Shadowman and the book End Times will enjoy the strong nod to continuity which I won't detail as to avoid spoilers. Rapture serves well as a one and done story as well as a building block for the forthcoming Shadowman series slated for March 2018. I loved it....more
The return of Harbinger hit all the right notes; re-establishing the Renegades, maintaining the continuity of the earlier Harbinger run written by JosThe return of Harbinger hit all the right notes; re-establishing the Renegades, maintaining the continuity of the earlier Harbinger run written by Joshua Dysart, introducing a new and menacing villain in Solomon, and making Psiots at the front and center of the Valiant Comics Universe. This return to form sees Solomon manipulate matters to re-establish the Renegades for his as yet undisclosed purposes. Like Harada before him, Solomon (a former protege of Harada from a long time ago) actively seeks out Psiots yet to be activated (not many humans with dormant super powers survive the activation process) in hopes of helping them reach their full potential. As a result he's got a motley crew of super powered teens at his back, somewhat unruly but willing to do his bidding.
Rafer Roberts writes these character very well and teases just enough to keep the reader coming back for me. Collecting Harbinger Renegade #1-#4, The Judgment of Solomon feels meaty. There's a long going on issue to issue while seeding plot points for the next installment (due to start monthly in July).
This book is about two things really - reuniting the Renegades and establishing a new bad guy on the block; it does both beautifully.
A note on the art: Derick Robertson and Juan Jose Ryp are a perfect fit and really capture the emotion of the characters and provide a deeply well crafted visual landscape for Rafer Roberts's characters to traverse.
5/5 stars - bring on 'Massacre' (the next collected volume). ...more
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