Review Drumhellar #1

One of the interesting things about writing for the Broken Frontier site is that I'm always checking out the work of creators I've never read before. Unfamiliar with Alex Link and Riley Rossmo's previous work, I picked up Drumhellar #1 not knowing what to expect.

Drum Hellar is a paranormal investigator on the trail of "something big" in a small town. It's a comic with potential, and I like Rossmo's art. But it is one trippy adventure.

Read my full review HERE. And please leave a comment on the site, I'd like to know what you guys think of the book.

Reveiw Saga #15

Without gushing like a fangirl, it's safe to say that Saga is one of the best new series to hit the shelves in this decade.

Writer Brian K. Vaughan created a world where every issue finds our fugitive family in peril and also contains genuine character development. These characters aren't certain what the person standing next to them will do next -- they just know that they trust each other to do the right thing. And that's enough to build a life on -- while you're on the run from two governments at war and the assasins they've hired to kill you. To Vaughan's credit, you find yourself cheering for the assasins more than once. It's okay -- for now.

Fiona Staples has an understated artistic style that she uses to full effect by coaxing the wide range of emotions from the simplest of facial expressions and body language. Staples captures the main characters as realistically as any artist in comics when she brings the dialogue to life. Alana is the realist and skeptic but she is beguiled by the possibilities of a different life when she reads A Nighttime Smoke. It ultimately leads her to Marko, the faithful dreamer with lethal combat skills and more than a little bit of magic. Staples gives us two fierce individuals who are even more powerful when they are together.

In issue #15, we are finally treated to a few answers about the characters themselves and where this title might be going. It's some of the finest storytelling in comics. So yes, you should add Saga to your pull list and give the trades to your friends so they get hooked, too. Fair warning, however, this is a mature readers only kind of book and not for young readers.

I reviewed issue #15 for Broken Frontier, and you can read it HERE.

Review: The Rocketeer & The Spirit Pulp Friction #2

If you're a pulp fiction fan, there are a number of must-read comics currently on the shelves. While I enjoy the dark supernatural noir of Fatale, the lighthearded action hero mystery of The Rocketeer and The Spirit: Pulp Friction also has plenty of appeal.

Writer Mark Waid has done his pulp homework and presents spot-on characterizations of Cliff Secord and Denny Colt. Their supporting casts also shine in this series.

My full review of issue #2 is on the Broken Frontier site, and you can read it HERE.

Review Superman / Wonder Woman #1

Two of the DC Universe's most powerful characters team up -- well, that's hardly news. Team-ups are a staple of comics. But rarely have the two involved parties been involved.

It's action-romance, and you're going to love them together.

Writer Charles Soule handles the characters first and then offers pulse-pounding action deftly presented by artist Tony S. Daniel. I reviewed it for Broken Frontier, and you can read it HERE.

Review Rocket Girl #1

Sorry it's been a while since I posted here. Fall is crazy busy, and I've enjoyed every minute. I recently reviewed Rocket Girl #1 from Image Comics, and you can read it on the Broken Frontier site HERE. The story of a teenaged cop traveling back in time piqued my interest. That 15-year-old Dayoung Johansson also has to navigate the culture of 1980s New York in order to save the day made this a must-read. Amy Reeder's art is instantly engaging, and for a first attempt at handling all of the art duties on a title (pencils, inks, colors) she's doing a brilliant job of presenting a cohesive story. The panel with Dayoung flying out the window and saying, "I am the police," will sell you on this character. Enjoy!

Broken Frontier Staff Picks 10-02-13

Two posts in one day! I contributed a couple of previews to this week's Staff Picks over on Broken Frontier. Green Lantern #24 and Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #1 look pretty good, read the article HERE and see what you think!

Review Batman 23.1

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I'm still writing for Broken Frontier, and I hope you check the site each week for comics news and reviews with an indie focus. I tend to cover some of the bigger releases from DC and Marvel, as well. Can't help it, there are some great stories coming out of the big houses lately. I recently reviewed Batman 23.1, the Joker issue. The much-awaited glimpse into the origin of the Caped Crusader's nemesis received a whole lot of much-deserved pre-press hype. DC has never released an origin for Joker, and every Bat-fan has his/her own ideas about it. To quote my own review, the issue was "awful." It was. Read the review HERE and you'll see what I mean. I don't often write bad reviews. If I don't like a book, I generally choose to not review it. Sharing what I enjoyed about comics is usually more constructive, but I've made an exception with Batman 23.1. Why? Because I have had my own ideas about Joker's origins since I first read The Dark Knight Returns -- and the ridiculous story presented in Batman 23.1 was such a disappointment that I couldn't keep quiet about it. My idea: Joker and Batman have parallel origins. Both lose their parents in a robbery/murder, perhaps by the same criminal on the same night on opposite sides of Gotham. They experience identical tragedies and deal with the consequences by pursuing very different paths. You have to admit, it's a way better idea than the sadistic aunt and Joker raising a gorilla!