NANCY IN HELL THE LONG ROAD #1 AMIGO COMICS
It’s almost hard to believe that Nancy has been wandering through Hell since 2010 and through two mini-series. But here she is back again under the guiding hands of co-creator El Torres and new artist Abel Cicero. What makes this book shine is the intriguing storyline and concepts that El Torres brings. The idea of Nancy’s chainsaw being an anchor to her old life and that Lucifer’s not in charge like you’d think all add great mystery subplots. A thought provoking read with the added bonus of a hot blonde in Daisy Duke shots and welding a big chainsaw as our main character. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
THE MALL #1 SCOUT COMICS
This is a fascinating look back at the 1990’s. Creative and fun, it is also brutal and a little more than questionable. Writers Handfield and Haick III tell it exactly like it was back then. Language, attitudes, political incorrectness, and racism help tell the tale. Leonard’s outburst to his would be killer is shocking but never the less true of the time period. While I completely enjoyed it, I couldn’t help but think how many people were going to have a problem with it. The truth is that I lived through the 90’s and this is really spot on. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
THE THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR #1 BOOM! STUDIOS
An amazing look back at the wild antics and classic stories generated by the cast of the Largo Nightclub in LA from 2005 until 2015. The stories here should look familiar as they are being written by show writers Ben Acker & Ben Blacker. And it is quite clear that these gentlemen have a nostalgic love of old time radio and movies. Boom! Studios have really hit one out of the ballpark with this title. Definitely worth investing the time and imagination to read this one panel by panel. I give it a 10 out 0f 10 Grahams.
ATHENA VOLTAIRE #5 ACTION LAB COMICS
A new storyline begins in the 5th issue of this incarnation of Athena Voltaire. And again writer Steve Bryant proves he knows his was around hidden history and Indiana Jones type booby-traps. Hollow Earth meets Da Vinci meets the Vril. Old friends and foes are back as well and this all becomes a wonderful tale that transcends the page. Totally worth the price of admission. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
LOST CITY EXPLORERS #2 AFTERSHOCK COMICS
This is definitely one of those independent titles that flies under most of our radars. Zack Kaplan’s intriguing tale of what lies underneath Manhattan is well thought out and well founded in real life. And with Alvaro Sarraseca’s backround detail oriented art style, this title is making an impression. Add in Dee Cunniffe’s colors (especially the blue shades!) and you have a book with the many layers complimenting itself. Don’t let this one fall under your radar. It’s definitely worth getting into. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
ENCOUNTER #5 LION FORGE COMICS
Speaking of a title that’s under the radar, Encounter hits issue #5 this week. And yet again, we are given a good natured, fun to read comic that appeals to all ages. This installment gives us the details to Encounter’s back story. Meet the members of Encounter’s race and learn his real name! Add in a bonus feature featuring Chewy the Chew Toy and you’ve got a book to pass around the room from Mom to Dad to Brother to Sis. Luckily for us Baltazar, Franco, and Giarrusso remember what makes comics enjoyable and provide it in abundance. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
THE MAGIC ORDER #2 IMAGE COMICS
Millar & Coipel’s latest opus continues to gather steam as more backstories are revealed, more members of the Moonstone Castle are introduced (and of course, some killed). The best part of the story is however the location of Moonstone Castle. As a young man, I always wondered about that picture or doorway in the museum that nobody seemed to notice. I can’t tell you the amount I times I was heartbroken to find the mysterious door simply lead to a broom closet. Like magic? This is the book for you! I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
