5 Singles and a Trade for August 19th 2015

By Paul Fiander

Archie #2

You can Read my thoughts on issue #1 here

The chapter structure has continued from the first issue allowing us to focus on a few members of the Riverdale gang. First up is a description of why Jughead got his name, it allows Archie to break the fourth wall on a few occasions explaining to us the readers the whys and wherefores. During these moments Fiona staples allows Archie to glance at the reader with the rest of the story stilling playing out in the background.

However the real winner in this issue is the lady you can see to your right, Betty is a strong feisty character who has no qualms showing her talents with a PS4 controller in hand. However its more the way she deals with the unwanted advances of her "Date" that really shows her in the best light. She is the type of role model I love for my daughter and I hope Mr Waid continues to depict her as a strong character in the future.

This really is a new breath of life for the Archie series and I can fully recommend it to one and all.

Preview Images of Archie #2

BirthRight #10

Birthright is one of two fantasy comics released this week Image that I feel are worthy of addition to this list. The melding of the "real world" with that of the fictional Terranos if a definite strength of this story. Above all though this is a story about relationships and Joshua Williamson is cast a web of these that is becoming more complex by the issue. This is no bad thing because as soon as you think you know what is happening be prepared for the rug to be swept out from under your feet.

In this issue we get to see the two women in Mikey's life meet for the first time, his Mum and Rya the bearer of his child. It's rather an odd meeting that goes some way to making Mikey's mum believe he really has come back from another world. I suppose you would have to be very huge sceptic to ignore a pregnant women with wings telling you some truths about your son. From there we find out a few more home truths but you will have to read the issue to find out more.

For more details including preview Pages go to the Image site here

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 10 #18

It's been a while since I checked in on the other Scooby gang and to say this is a hectic reintroduction is putting it mildly. Our fearless slayer finds herself in the midst of a crossover with her old flame Angel in town for a spot of vamp destruction. As with any Buffy story this is not a recipe for utopia especially when Angel and Spike are pitted against one another. Though this is the conclusion of the Old Demon's arc it is still easily accessible as things come to head at the start of the issue with a fair bit of disclosure at the end.

Rebekah Issscs is in her usual top form with the gang however I am not a fan of her Angel in human form. I'm not sure why but unfortunately she does not hit the right note me with her portrayal. This is a personal thing as her depiction fits in with the general aesthetic she has created.

One note on the cover by Steve Morris it is obviously hyper realistic but I love seeing Buffy and Angel looking they did all those years ago only slightly older (in Buffy's case) It has to be my favourite cover of the week as it hits my nostalgia bone in a big way.

For more details including preview Pages go to the Dark Horse site here

Empty Zone #3

Crazy does not even scratch the surface of this issue of Jason Shawn Alexander's sci-fi horror story. With Corrine going from the real world into someone's memories into what can only be described as a pleasure house (see the cover for some context) you are never quite sure where you stand.

I will admit I had to read issue 2 again to make sure I knew where the story was putting me. This is no great chore as I am enjoying the series but for a new reader I will suggest going back to the first issue and catching up or else you may find this is an issue that will fly over your head.

Artistically though this is a treat for readers old and new. The painted colours supplied by Luis Nct look fantastic similarly with the action sequences that fill the end of the book. The mix of the future with a horror feel are showing through in this issue and from this point onward I have a feeling things care only going to get worse.

For more details to the Image site here

Rat Queens #11

The huge question for this issue is, has Rat Queens finally found a new artist? Even though I am a fan of Stjepan Sejic's work I did feel the chemistry was not quite their in the end of the last arc of this fantastic series. I would have liked to have seen a few more issues with Wiebe and Sejic but instead we have a new artist in Tess Fowler and to say the chemistry is back is an understatement.

We have already met Tess Fowler in the Braga One Shot (Reviewed here) but this is her first time drawing the foursome that have taken over a huge section of comic readers hearts and minds. She is by no means a clone of what has come before and stamps her own take on each character whilst staying true to the essence of the character. Less angular than Sejic her facial depictions have a varied quality that easily set the various characters in this issue apart.

The Story itself acts as a great jumping point and is filled with humour and action in the measure we have come to expect from this series as a whole. Although this is a new pairing for the series I have faith that the Fowler Wiebe team along with colourist Tamra Bonvillain will deliver a great third arc with hopefully many more to come.

For more details including preview Pages go to the Image site here

And the Trade

NANJING: THE BURNING CITY HC

An amazing read about a very emotive subject. Ethan Young highlights an event that may not be familiar to all in a extremely well crafted story.