Comic Review: Blink and You’ll Miss It

Blink and You'll Miss It 

by Ethan S. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Weird, a bit macabre, aliens or beings of some sort, time travel, a prehistoric pelican, two in love lesbians, and a lot of cult activity… all this and more happens across this short series of five issues of Blink and You’ll Miss It. I am familiar with previous works by these writers and felt confident I’d enjoy the story; but wasn’t sure about the art. Thankfully, the illustrations by debut artist Keith Browning matched up nicely with the characters and peculiar setting. This BOOM! Studios story has twists and turns in places you may not expect; and by the end I was sad yet smiling… a bittersweet melancholy ending is perfect for an odd little mini series like this.

I’d love to see this as a short mini series, or movie. I think it’s very unique and could transfer really well to the screen. That said, I love the comic treatment here and will definitely be watching for more from everyone involved. BOOM! studios really is bringing us some of the most engaging and vivid horror comics that perfectly match the end of the world apocalypse attitude that seems to permeate everything right now.

”Please note: I received an eARC of this comic volume from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.”

Comic Review: The Last Day of H. P. Lovecraft

The Last Day of H.P. Lovecraft 

by Romuald Giulivo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

”For in nothingness, one is liberated at last from the transient and ephemeral, and no desire goes unfulfilled.” 

A very surreal experience. Essentially a comic based on the letters and diary entries that Lovecraft wrote on his death bed. The overall tone of this comic is fairly depressing, gothic, and makes many arching statements on existence that Lovecraft expressed in his life.

I really enjoyed it but would be wary to recommend it to just anyone. Not for anyone struggling to decide why we exist or with depression. I’d only recommend this for those with some ‘darkness’ in them who are curious to explore it in a safe and slightly academic way. The art made me think of Dante’s Inferno and the different layers of hell that are traversed. Much of the time ‘in’ Lovecraft’s subconscious has an overall hellish feel and the reds, blacks, dead imagery is exquisite.

A perfect selection for any goth or dead intrigued comic reader. However there is a lot of narrative here unlike most comics. Be prepared to read. The art is really just a compliment to the text in this case (and not vice versa like most comics). Without the text it would not tell any story and the narrative would be lost.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Comic Review: The War

The War
by Garth Ennis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Originally published in Hello Darkness comics (and in Vol 1 & 2 collected trade paperbacks), I’ll admit I read War awhile back in parts; it gutted me then and today, re-reading it in its entirety cover to cover in this fully collected edition, I found it just as heart wrenching as the first time. Even knowing what happens, why Ennis is telling the story (to deter nuclear war!), and being wholly prepared for the horror I still put this down and went ‘damn’. The War is a bleak, honest look at scenarios experience by a group of friends (who all go different ways) knowing their city is about to be hit with the bomb.

The War is terrifying in its realism, lovingly tearful with genuine love, and all around horrific in how the world ends. If you are looking for happy endings you will find none here. And yet I love it. It’s sooo well done, and hits me (twice now) so hard that I can’t help but want to experience the genuine emotion on the page again and again. I believe, only the unique medium of a comic, with both words and art, could really bring this kind of a story to a place where you can’t help but flip the pages as you gasp, cry, and whimper at everything seen and heard.

Truly a masterpiece of storytelling and one I hope to only ever experience via printed media. At the end of it all this is a warning, a reminder of what fallout and an apocalypse really looks like. There’s no heroes to save you here, no obvious villains to blame; just the sheer stupidity of the human race and our (seemingly) rush to destroy ourselves and our planet. I want to both recommend AND warn everyone away from this shocking masterpiece. May we all, no matter our power, class, race, sexuality, or politics hope (pray?) we (and everyone who comes next) never EVER see a future of this kind.

While NetGalley and BOOM! Studios provided me an eARC (and this is an unbiased and honest review); I’ll confess that I already owned the single edition comics and trade paperbacks this was first published in.

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Comic Review: Sunstone Vol. 1

Sunstone, Vol. 1 

by Stjepan Šejić
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stjepan Sejic is one of the premier writers and artists in the comic industry. To see him do an erotica adult lesbian BDSM comic was far too titillating to miss (lol)! Yes there is nudity, but it’s not gratuitous nor is it excessive. And thankfully, while the women are very attractive, they are shown reasonably (ie: not totally shaved, not crazy skinny, etc.) and as real people not just sexy archetypes.

What is perhaps most surprising here, although Sejic is a master storyteller so maybe I was coloured by assumptions because of the topic, is how good the character development is. We are immediately shown the nervousness and uncertainty of meeting someone online in Sunstone. Additionally the BDSM and queer representation is very well done. I would venture to say that Sejic is a dabbler (if not more) in the fetish arts or at least interviewed the right people to get some basic details about safe words, why people enjoy sexual play of this nature, and how a ‘first time’ might go. It actually made me think of Heated Rivalry (the show, the book is on my TBR) in that it represents a misunderstood group of people very well and humanizes an often pre-judged fetish. I also liked (as a bisexual woman) that, for the most part, it being two women is relatively irrelevant overall when it comes to the erotic scenes. We do get a tiny insight into one characters struggle with the label of lesbian (and I’m hoping that is explored further in the future). And I was very pleased that one of our women is bisexual!

There are 7 more volumes of this story. Each already published as web-comics (and originally brought to publication on Kickstarter). I’m glad to see a series like this get picked up by a (smaller) known comic publisher. Now it is Top Cow, whom Sejic has been writing for decades, but I think it’s a great home for the series and gets it on comic book shop shelves (or at least a chance of being ordered in).

Perhaps most interesting of all is the story after the main story where Sejic tells us how the comic came together. He talks genuinely of his struggles to pump out comics at a quick pace and the burn-out he was experiencing. I like how he includes his wife’s influences on the story, discusses the evolution of the story (it didn’t start at the beginning of the timeline), and how it has made him feel better about his career and creative abilities in general. It’s refreshing to see a successful artist talk about their daily struggles. A lot of artists have major doubts about their capabilities or large spells where creative ideas elude them; and I think sharing those stories is very important so others know they are not alone.

So while you might pick this up because it’s hot lesbians in BDSM erotica (ie: sexy!) there is more here than cheap nudity and selling sex. There are genuine emotions on the page, good representation, and a building up of our characters that is refreshing for an erotic comic. I look forward to continuing the journey with our two lovely ladies!

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Comic Book Review: Exquisite Corpses Vol. 1

Exquisite Corpses, Volume 1 

by James Tynion IV
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gory, grotesque, and very Tynion. Welcome to Exquisite Corpses, where an elite group of rich (awful) people hire crazed (and I mean crazy!!) serial killers to take over a town (at Halloween of course) and fight one another for highest kill count, and to be the last one standing. This has all the high stakes you could ever want, along with betrayals, petty feuds, and some amazing ‘regular folks’ characters that I’m desperate to see survive. But let’s face it this is Tynion writing (also writes Something is Killing the Children) and it’s clear the body count will be high so no one should be holding their breathe for anyone to survive.

I was enthralled by this, while also totally disgusted at the ick factor of our serial killers. *shudder*

Perfect for any horror buff, a top choice for spooky season, and a must read for any serial killer obsessed reader. If this were to be a movie or limited series I’m not sure I could watch it… the ick factor is seriously that high. I cannot wait to pass this over to by huge horror obsessed husband who will lap it up with glee (just like some of our serial killers do their victims!).

Just remember it’s all fictional… the characters are not real… but you still may never be the same after diving into the perverted heads of those whom hired these maniacs, and the maniacal killers themselves. Happy hunting.

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Book Review: Grim Vol 3

Grim, Vol. 3: Lust for Life 

by Stephanie Phillips
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I flipped through this one in no time. It felt like it took only 5 minutes to read this volume because it was fast paced, interesting, intriguing, and action packed. I absolutely loved it.
From each characters personal manifestations of Hell, to the manifestation of Annabel and her ultimate request. 

Be sure to read volumes 1 & 2 first so you have the foundation for this third volume that sets us up for an ultimate fight in the next set of comics. 

Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano really understand the meaning and weariness of gothic stories. The added variant covers by Zu Orzu are just the icing on the cake. I love that each cover was set in-between the comics in this volume so we could really feel what the cover was meant to say at that moment in the story (instead of a quick flip through set at the back of the book). 

I’ve collected almost all of the covers for this series as it’s gone along and I adore them all; but this set of Orzu covers is incredible. Do not skim past the artwork in this one. Savour it, and relish in its gothic feel and monstrous manifestations of each characters Hell, and the River Styx!

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Graphic Novel Review: The Dark One

Dark One, Book 1 

by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trust Brandon Sanderson to come with a concept that, even when illustrated, has characters, settings, and magic that is both convoluted and confusing at times; yet also engaging, elaborate, and elevated above (almost) any other graphic novel I’ve ever read. And I’ve certainly read my fair share of fantasy, horror, and science fiction graphic novels. With a cast of characters that span across timelines and worlds, real attention has to be given to not only what is being said, but what is drawn on the page and, thus, not being said through this first volume in the series.

Be forewarned, volume 1 ends on a cliffhanger. There are (at least) two more volumes to come; but nothing is said about publication timelines as of yet. Given Sanderson is heavily in the midst of a million projects (or so it seems) and has just released book five of ten in his penultimate Cosmere series, it seems fool hardy to hope for another instalment of The Dark One anytime soon. Therefore I suggest readers go into this one knowing that you may be just starting to unravel what is happening, and getting into the characters when everything comes to a twisting halt.
That’s not to say this isn’t worth a read, because it is. It’s merely the heads up that this is epic, elaborate fantasy. At this point I suppose we should all expect nothing less from the current reigning (and writing) master of epic fantasy.

I LOVED seeing some of Jackson Lanzig’s (co-writer) hidden references throughout. Something I’ve seen in all of Lanzig’s writing. The nod to Nirvana, when one characters says “all right now, entertain me”, was my favourite pop culture reference amongst a slew of tiny nods to rock music and known fantasy lore. I just can’t get enough of anything Lanzig has worked on; especially since meeting him at a local con. He is easily one of the most engaging guys out there in comic book writing. A super fun, really nice guy with a big outgoing personality, something not often seen in a writer.

I definitely look forward to volume 2, whenever that may be, continuing this story. In the meantime I’ll be sure to keep on watching anything and everything Sanderson does, in any format, as he has been establishing himself as this century’s Tolkien. The Dark One is just one more piece of what I believe will be a long lasting legacy of fantasy stories that people will never forget.

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Book Review: A Haunted Girl

A Haunted Girl 

by Ethan Sacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this set-up, the mental health representation, the scary ghosts, and the honesty of the plot and emotions. I have one protest, the ending is so dissatisfying! Yes I know it’s setup so we want to read the next issue; but as a trade (how I read these issues #1-3) it’s less fun to have it cliffhanger as it did. Ironically that cliffhanger could be considered an ending (from the perspective of a short story meant to leave options open) so my criticism may feel misplaced. What I know is getting to the end I was just so annoyed to realize that was the last page!!

I read this on my new Kobo Colour Libre so I didn’t get the full impact of the colours (as all colours are muted on this ereader, but better than black and white)! I did pull a couple single issues from my comic collection of this series just to see the art in its full glory and I must say it’s really wonderful! Just minimal enough to give a spooky aura but detailed enough on all the ghosts; and at the moments it really matters. You have to watch some of the subtleties in the art to get the full story. There are little hints to what is happening that you could miss. So be sure to read and look at the art so you get the full experience.

Check this one out if you want a good, accurate representation of depression (seems weird to say that but you know what I mean), some intense ghosts, a (perhaps!) twist ending, but maybe be sure to have the next issue ready to go so you can keep enjoying this intriguing world. Note: the ebook version I read had issues #1-3.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: We Live

We Live, Volume One (comic)

by Inaki Miranda 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The most unique piece of We Live is the QR code that delivers you a soundtrack intended to be listened to while you read the comic. This is a very cool idea, and one that really worked for me. I wish it was enough to get me into the story more and make me like it better.

Unfortunately the excitement and uniqueness mostly ends there. Not that We Live is bad, it's not. It's just fine, average, or even pedestrian. I was really hoping for something different here, the monsters to be interesting, the conflicts or race to get to the shuttle to feel more desperate. But instead I just felt like we were toddling along with our two lead characters to get to some place I felt I didn't even know much about.

This could almost have been Horizon Zero Dawn with it's lush illustrations and world set-up. Maybe that's the problem; it didn't feel unique enough to me given the current big titles out there. One thing the comic industry needs to realize is that if the trope they are selling is big in another area (ie: video games) then they need to be careful it's not too similar.

All that to say if you buy the individual comics there are some gorgeous variants and the wraparound, fold-out cover is a real treat. However, in this trade paperback collecting the first few issues you don't get that special feel sadly.

I will rest my case on the fact that my continuing recommendation since 2019 is Something Is Killing The Children. If you want crazy monsters, the blood and gore (that We Live definitely has some of), interesting characters, and an elaborate plot laying just behind the basic monster hunter story then go for it. If you'd like some pretty, but fairly boring pages of pretty green lush forests, and some average monsters that attack; then go for We Live.

Please note: I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Batman: Damned

Batman: Damned by Brian Azzarello 
(3-issue comic series)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Without a doubt the most interesting part of Batman: Damned 3-part over sized comic series is the 'Batwang' seen in Book 1. Yep, I was stoked (and still love, regardless of the controversy) that we finally saw a man with no clothes on in the Batman universe. And boy is he yummy. Add in the hot sexual version of Harley Quinn we get in book 2 and I can't help but be a huge fan of the art and lack of clothing in all genders. In fact all the stars I give this series are for sexy, gritty art.

DC Black Label
Intended to be a line of comics that are intentionally put together for adults, DC's Black Label started off strong with White Knight. These books are marketed as very dark, gory, sexual and meant to show-off the real grit of the DC Universe. It gives the opportunity for DC to explore all sorts of themes that can't be looked at in their monthly lines (more geared at teens).
On the heels of the superbly done White Knight Black Label; I was super excited about Damned. Too bad the art is by far the best part. Oh, and the Batwang I mentioned earlier is just icing on the cake really. It's perhaps interesting to note that in White Knight we see naked, nipple pointing Harley Quinn and no readers or fans protested; but put naked Batman's naked mushroom cap and suddenly the world has ended. *eye roll*
As a bi-sexual woman I would love to see comics get a little more fair when it comes to the sexualization of each gender. I don't want the women in more clothing; but instead let's remove some of the clothing on the men. It's worth noting here, the Batwang page is darkened in this compilation edition and so you won't get the full art like in the original first print issue of the comic. (side note: this fact just proves how sexist the comic industry is. And reinforces that the fanboys, a.k.a. a bunch of wussy men, whined enough that DC pulled the glorious nakedness of Batman).

Format & Font
I read a lot of comics and so the size of the standard modern day comic is very comfortable to me. Damned is printed in a much wider page that felt awkward. I also don't like how much floppier the pages are (even though they are a good heavy stock). I just see more opportunity to damage or hurt the artwork/pages in any format (besides electronic) that this is printed in.
And what is up with the font at times? It's hard to read, awkward and just annoying. I know it's Batman's thoughts or inner dialogue to himself but it's really obnoxious in the way it's presented. It's not necessary to put the words in some crazy hard to read font in order to get the feel of the deepness or darkness of the narrative. I'd much prefer being able to easily read the narrative and have the words be portray the ambiance than have it be difficult to read. I realize the font is meant to match the illustration style of this series; but for me it's just trying too hard.

Overall
Given the hype and controversy surrounding this series, it's a real let down. While I love the moment in Book 2 when Harley bears her heart out to Batman over Joker's demise and how much she misses him; there's really nothing else here. We have little to no new character development, are given annoying Constantine who just confuses the story more (as he tends to), and Zatanna shows for no apparent reason I can tell. And don't even start me on how the angel statues in Book 3 are a poor rip-off of Doctor Who's Weeping Angels. I would speculate on the Enchantress looking character that is unnamed in book 3 but I literally have no clue (and don't really care that much) given her small role in the story.

While I'll certainly keep this series in my collection as it features Harley AND a bat-penis; I just can't imagine coming back to it very often to really read it. Unless of course the next Black Label comic builds on this. Although I really hope it doesn't because I'm not loving the end (which felt so anti-climatic to me) and was just typical annoying DC being incapable of leaving anyone dead in their universe. Given the grit and adult content I feel like the least we could get is some continuity in keeping dead characters dead. But then they'd have to come up with amazing new characters and the reality is that we all just read about our faves.
My overall recommendation is flip through this one at the library or your local shop to see the art and then move onto something else. Or go read (or re-read) Batman: White Knight; the best mini-series DC has put out in the past couple years.

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Book Review: Justice League vs. Suicide Squad

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad by Joshua Williamson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


As a Harley Quinn fan I don't follow Justice League (JL); but of course follow Suicide Squad (SS). I was very excited to see my beloved villains/anti-heroes go head-to-head with the righteously annoying JL. Sadly that is not exactly what I got here. While we get some fighting between the two groups; mostly the story centers around a totally different group that is causing trouble for everyone.

Plot
What is most interesting in this large story (each comic had an extended page count in this collection) is that all powerful Amanda Waller didn't have complete control every moment of this story line. It was also nice to see Batman appreciate any help, regardless of where it comes from.
There are some side stories with the Lanterns and other characters I don't know very well. But they have asterisks to tell you "for more go to XXX comic" or aren't intrusive enough that I felt left out of the main plot and story.

Memorable Moments
There are a lot, and I mean a lot of 'moments' in this series between characters that are cute. And (besides Batman) there is no one 'stand-out' character. When you get this many well-known DC characters in one room it's difficult to give them each a piece of time to appease the fans. Considering the scope of the book I thought Joshua Williamson did a decent job of trying to give everyone, from both JL and SS, some time in the spotlight.

Harley Quinn
At the very least my girl Harley and Wonder Woman had an adorable little moment (with a throwback to Harley's Little Black Book edition with Wonder Woman) that I won't soon forget. This is also an interesting crossover comment as the Harley in Black Book is assumed to be the non-SS Harley (herself in her title comics). This does raise (for the millionth time) my question about how we have two Harley's in the DC canon universe that are clearly not the same person... that said if you read White Knight (which I HIGHLY recommend) you'll find out that maybe there is a way this is all possible.
At any rate DC keeps me on my toes following Harley around in her adventures and crossovers.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Second note: I do also own this trade paperback and the individual comics because I collect all things Harley. :)

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Book Review: Lady Mechanika Vol 3

Lady Mechanika, Vol. 3: The Lost Boys of West Abbey by Joe Benítez

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As always Lady Mechanika delivers in this (very) short volume. With only two comics that were in this story line, if you are looking for a quick fix this third volume is perfect. This shorter story is my favourite to date!

Added Content
As someone who collects the actual comics and the trade paperbacks that hold the comic collections (so I can read stories without damaging my comics); it is very frustrating to find that a trade paperback has more content than the comics did. The usual cover spreads or pencil sketches is one thing, but to have extra content pages is something else.
I am not a fan of this as those who only afford the comics are missing out. I know Joe Benitz and team have had a lot of trouble in the past getting comics out on time and I can't help but suspect that is what happened here. It's disappointing that putting out a sub-par comic, with missing content, was deemed acceptable.

Overall
The good news is if you buy this trade paperback you are getting the 'complete' story. Like all Lady Mechanika books there is a lot of dialogue, thought bubbles and other content to actually read on the pages. And the art is only second to that of Monstress (and Monstress only barely edges it out).
This is a good point to jump off with your first Lady Mechanika story or is a good story (with some Easter eggs about Mechanika's background!) to add to an existing collection. Either way, if you're new or existing fan of this series I believe this story has some continuity content that will be important later on and is therefore a must read.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Lady Mechanika, Vol 2

Lady Mechanika, Volume 2: Tablet of Destinies by Joe Benítez

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I adore Lady Mechanika’s personality, stories and interactions. She’s a genuine female character that is strong, capable and not afraid (although having robotic arms might help, lol).
And yet this mini series of 6 comics was not near as good as some of the others.

Story
Normally Mechanika books have some of the best story and dialogue found in comics. However this time around the story felt a bit forced and the dialogue in the last book was painful. I’m not sure what happened as it didn’t start out that way and normally his crew writes way better. My 4 star rating is a 3.5 rounded up because the character is so wonderful and I’d definitely still reread this one series in the continuity; but I won’t be grabbing it for a quick read when there are other better mini series featuring Mechanika to grab.

Artwork
As always the art is wonderful! I love the bright colours and look of the Amazonian-like girl near the end and the consistent look of outfits and proportions of people was well done. As with all of Benitez’ work this is a treat for your eyes even if you don’t read the story.

Overall
If this is the weakest story in the recent release of series for Mechanika then it really shows how amazing the other series have been or will be. It’s still a good read, shorter at 6 comics and a nice enclosed story that you can read without needing to know anything else.
That it was missing a little something in the story and writing for me is possibly because my expectation for Benitez work is higher than the average.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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