CRYPT OF SHADOWS #1 MARVEL COMICS
Another example of my theory that if a comic company doesn’t put out a comic title once every tens years or so, they lose the copyright. But as always, Marvel works it to their advantage. Using the one-shot as a prequel to a group of new titles coming soon. Unfortunately, they sacrifice scary and terror for the sake of setting up future storylines. Of the six tales presented here, only one really is somewhat scary and I equate that to the general creepiness of Man-Spider (gross!). However, I will also give props to Danny Lore’s Bloodline story which goes down the path of tragic monster figure with tearful backstory. New Moon Knight meets new Werewolf By Night, Wolverine fights Man-Thing, the return of Victor Strange (yeah, I had to Google search it too). As a mini #0 issue, it’s tolerable. As a horrifying Halloween special, not so much. I give it a 6 out of 10 Grahams.
EXCITING COMICS #25 ANTARCTIC PRESS
Celebrating the series’s 25th issue (Congrats!) We continue with Fallen Justice, Nothing-Man, and They Call Him Marvelous storylines as well as introducing two new features in Mistero and Xob the Lightning Wielder. And while these two new features blend right into the mold here, I will admit just a little disappointment. Sporting a shiny cover logo and a wonderful homage cover, I had hoped for a special break in the action so we would get a Eyelash, Crimebuster, Lady Godiva, Black Terror crossover. That being said it is good to see that Antarctic Press has found a group of creative teams that has been able to keep a legacy anthology series on the newsstands for 25 issues. Keep up the good work. Worth a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
PLANET COMICS #9 ANTARCTIC PRESS
Awwwww, c’mon guys! You cannot tease me with this amazing Plan 9 cover lovingly detailed by Joe Wight and not give me something more inside. While I have no complaints about the Water Wars, Lords of the Cosmos, and Hobo stories found within (the creative teams are all doing exceedingly well!) you can’t pass by a terrific gimmick like “PLANet (issue 9) From Outer Space” and not give us readers a little something. This is one of those rare opportunities that won’t come again. You obviously thought it was a great gimmick for the cover. A little 4-5 pager inside would have been the icing on the cake. Oh well, as much as I am disappointed that is not the fault of the creative teams. You folks are doing a great job and Joe Wight needs more cover work! I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.