5 Singles and a Trade for August 26th 2015 |
By Paul Fiander
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A Dark Horse Special
It's quite rare for this many picks to be from one publisher but these things happen and this is a very strong week for the creators at Dark Horse with a series opener and a series close, with a nice filling of bedded issues all wrapped up by an interesting (if not for everyone) trade.
FIGHT CLUB 2 #4
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There are a few terms that I could use to describe this issue but I think my preferred option will be batshit crazy. From the meta to the downright obscure Chuck Palahniuk is showing why he has made the transition to comics in the name of giving Fight Club a whole new lease of life.
At points the primal brutality of the fight scenes feel like they would be more at home in a snuff film and all credit for this aspect should go the Stewart's, Cameron on art and Dave on colours. When they are not victimising our eyes with violence there characters represent a cross section of people that feel authentic to the stories setting (even though at times it dies get a bit out there). This series is growing at a pace but even though there is a nice recap at the start of each issue I still feel I need to read previous issues to get the full weight of what's going on. This though is the beauty of this dense and surreal story everything matters and a bit of knowledge from the book/film wouldn't go amiss when you dive headfirst into this issue. |
GRINDHOUSE: DRIVE IN, BLEED OUT #8
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Grindhouse is supposed to be edgy it was the main thing lacking from Quentin Tarantino's 2007 homage to the genre Death Proof. It just did not feel grimy enough, of course I am no connoisseur but it's my honest opinion. I can say though that Alex de Campi's series to date has not lacked in the squalor from revengeful brides to mutant killer bees each 2 part story has entertained and had a shock value.
Nebula thankfully is no change from this tried and tested formula. The story is preposterous but brilliantly executed and the art by John Lucas helps to give the whole story an otherworldly aesthetic that suits it to the ground. This is finished up brilliantly by the colours from Ryan Hill who uses a varied colour pallet to great effect. Then there is the Milo Manara cover which helps to set the tone of the piece without giving away what is in-store as the issue unfolds. What you do gets is Violence, Sex, Angels, God among other things, however what will most stick in your mind is the way the story catches you out in more ways than one. |
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HELLBOY IN HELL #7
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The continuing plight of Red in Hell is back with a bang as Mike Mignola writes and draws his signature character with all the panache we have come to expect. For those new to the series there is no “Last Time On” instead the issue hits the ground running with a rather unnerving image of an emaciated skull. The first page feels like home in its art and colours but when you flick over you get a collection of images that allow colourist Dave Stewart to show his considerable talent as the more customary darker tones are replaced with an eerie green veil that covers the pages. Later the issue does go back to a more familiar colour pallet but the dexterity of Stewart really is a highlight of this issue.
In story terms Hellboy is sick and needs to find a cure for whatever it is he has. His search leads him into contact with an array of characters that all feel lovingly crafted by the artistic team. This opening issue for The Hounds of Pluto has a hook that should be able to catch new and old readers alike. |
NEW MGMT #1
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CREATOR
Writer; Artist; Cover Artist:Matt Kindt To say this is the saddest issue of the week is to put it mildly. MIND MGMT has been one of my favourite titles of recent years and it is a series whose volumes have a pride of place on my shelf and in my reading pile.
The sadness came when I looked at the title and saw the #1 and thought great a new series was coming then I read the press release and saw this was a finale. After fighting back the tears (mild exaggeration) I finished up my reading of the full title and waited for this final issue. Please do not worry I will not spoil this issue and don't really intend on reviewing it in my usual way instead I will urge people who have not read any of this series to instead look at Volume 1 of this title and start there. For long time fans there is a great piece by Matt Kindt at the end of the issue that goes some way to explain what this 3 year odyssey was like to create. Overall this is great final issue and well worthy of your time and money. |
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ZODIAC STARFORCE #1
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There is a lot to like about this first issue of Zodiac Starforce, the first and I think main point is that the creators are not treating their audience like infants. This is a starting issue that leaves us with questions about the teams past, present and future. This kind of dropping you into the story can leave readers confused but I think the story overall strikes a nice balance. The main focus is getting the team back together to fight a new threat in the shape of other dimension nasties.
From the looks of things this will be a generally bright and shiny book, there are though a few touches of darker tones which really stand out when put against the general brightness of the images. I liked these touches as it felt like a surprise when they occurred and works as a great storytelling device. Now this series may not be for everyone but it certainly has the characteristics of a fun romp through dimensions in the pursuit of protecting earth, there is though a touch of pain in this issue that offers something different. If we are able to get a glimpse of the team's struggles in real life as well as within their Starforce duties then this could be an intriguing series. |
And the Trade
LARP! VOLUME 1 TPB
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A rather odd title, that most will either give a knowing nod to or say you what? For those who do not know LARP stands for Live Action Role Playing and in truth after a bit of research it seems like a rather fun pastime. The idea being is players meet and live out stories in real life, the scope and breadth of these events can be simple or like the one we get to spend time with in this volume a lot more extravagant.
To kick things off the artwork has got more than a few pages that deserve attention, Marlin Shoop has put a lot of detail into the volume but some of the page presentations are outstanding. The pages without panels are the best example of this is seeing Pete (our focal character) balancing the dual sides of his life. The panel layouts in general are well crafted as each page feels rather unique giving the strong artwork an ideal framing. Shoop lays down a large amount of detail throughout the volume and it is sure to appeal to its target demographic and beyond. This is a Juvenile title and the story by Dan Jolley and Shawn DeLoache feels quite cliché heavy as Pete gets his cake and then has to live with his over indulgence. That’s not to say the story is without merit as it does have some nice character interplay and fun moments. The story though is rather predictable and you can see the twists coming a mile off, this may be just my rather large backlog of teen comedies that I have consumed but maybe for those without the viewing hours will find the story a lot fresher. Though it’s not all woe, Pete is actually a fun character and he finds himself in a situation that I’m sure a few people (including myself) have dreamed of as he gets to reinvent himself in a new town. For its target audience I can highly recommend this book and I will also stand by it as a nice light hearted romp. There is a place in comics for all types of stories and one that can appeal to a younger market is always welcome I’m just hoping future volumes delve a little deeper into some of the other characters. |
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