The New York Five #1 – Comic Book Review

Reviewer: Evelyn Finch

Publisher: Vertigo (DC Comics)
Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: Ryan Kelly
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $2.99 U.S.
Release Date: Available Now

The New York Four was one of those titles that was not only relatable but also a convincing tale that made it so hard to want to stop reading. Then again, what would you expect from Brian Wood who has given us comic books worth reading like DMZ or Northlanders and then there’s Ryan Kelly who never ceases to amaze in titles such as Local. So, as you can imagine, we have been excited about The New York Five #1 – a four-part sequel – and once again Wood and Kelly do not disappoint in the very least.

In the first part of the series, we are introduced to four very different young women who are living in New York City and attending NYU. All four girls have found a way to pay for books and tuition by way of a program run by the unseen Doctor Paka who records his therapy-like sessions with each of them. It was quite an interesting semester and a lot has happened to these four women in that term as well as the winter break.

The first issue of The New York Five takes place in the start of their second semester as we learn – through their eyes as well as Doctor Paka’s sessions – that the aftermath of the events in the first semester have taken its toll on two of the girls in particular. Starting with Riley Wilder, spent her break hiding in her apartment, has not heard from her sister, Angie. She blames the good-looking Frank – Angie’s boyfriend – for coming between her and Angie and thus souring the relationship between siblings.

As it turns out, though, Riley continues to watch her sister from afar and is glad that her sister’s band – Wilder – is quickly gaining in popularity. Her sister’s success and the fact that she got involved with her boyfriend now makes Riley the black sheep in the family and it’s rather upsetting that now the Riley-Angie-Frank triangle has ruined things between them.

Meanwhile, the Canadian-born Lona Lo, is still obsessing over the couple of B’s that Professor Adams has given her in English lit. This causes the young woman to dig into his trash to find his home address and go to his apartment in the upper West Side. She continues to do so as her roommates begin to wonder what is going on in that head of hers. Her story is certainly getting more interesting and creepy to the point that Lona has now become one of the best characters in this series.

This first issue even touches bases with Ren Severin who – on the surfaces – seems to be one of the more well-adjusted of the ladies. She’s the only one really trying to get Lona out of her obsession (and the second bathroom that she turned into her personal dark room) and she seems to be steering towards older men … particularly one who seems to have a child.

Then there’s Merissa Vasquez who walks off with Tupperware filled with homemade food only to hand it to a cute homeless girl who has often seen her around. Merissa has some major problems, one of them being his brother Omar who has mental issues and goes crazy at work. On top of that, she often misses sessions with Doctor Paka, which results in something unexpected to her in the Doctor’s office.

Oh, there’s more and most of it centers on Riley and in the final page we are left with a surprising visit that will certainly complicate things in the next issue. As I said in the beginning, Wood and Kelly do not disappoint. Leave it to Brian Wood flesh out these character to the point that you’ll feel actually come to identify with their problems and their feelings. Then again, Wood has always been great creating character you can relate to and actually come to really like.

Then there’s Ryan Kelly whose art looks tantalizing in black and white that I secretly believe that it would have been ruined if they had been colored. It’s beautifully detailed art with expressive characters and, of course, New York City that is basically another character in this book. Both Wood and Kelly clearly have a fondness for the Big Apple.

The New York Five will draw you quickly back into the story and manage to impress just as easily as it did when the first half of the series was introduced to us. This first issue features the same great writing and brilliant artwork so if you’ve been looking for a very human story with a cast of very interesting characters then The New York Five #1 is a comic you should definitely consider checking out.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: A+
It’s the start of the second semester for the four New York City college students who are still a part of Doctor Paka’s study but find themselves reflecting on the events that transpired before and during their break. With Lona obsessing over a couple of B’s her professor gave her and Riley still troubled over her problem between her sister and her sister’s boyfriend, Frank.

ART: A+
The black and white style definitely suits this comic and even more so thanks to Ryan Kelly’s superb and beautifully detailed art. Kelly’s characters seem to look just as unique as Brian Wood envisioned them.

OVERALL: A+
If you thought the first installment was a brilliantly conceived and completely absorbing work then The New York Five is a four-part series that deserves your attention immediately. As the characters reach their second semester, their lives become even more complicated and a whole lot more interesting. This is yet another achievement for Brian Wood and Ryan Kelly.

Review copy provided by Vertigo (DC Comics)

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Steel #1 – Comic Book Review

Reviewer: Ian Mintz

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Steve Lyons
Artist: Ed Benes
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $2.99 U.S.
Release Date: Available Now

Admittedly, the sound of a crossover event that features the return of Doomsday (yet again) was not very appealing but then again I was certainly interested in the fact that said crossover event would begin with a one-shot comic featuring Steel. To top it all off, Steve Lyons is penning the story and Ed Benes is providing the artwork. So why does Steel #1 lack creativity or a story that will make us glad that Doomsday is back?

Here‘s that answer as I will get straight to the story that briefly recaps events that led Doctor John Henry Irons to follow in Superman’s footsteps to one day fight alongside the Kryptonian that changed his life. He even recalls the very moment after Superman’s battle with Doomsday when he was in a hospital bed angry with himself for not being strong enough to be much help to the Man of Steel.

It is because of this feeling that Doctor Irons has crafted the suit of steel that makes him the “human Superman” and lifting a special hammer he has performed well and beyond the call of duty as hero. He isn’t alone either because he is joined by The Eradicator, Superboy and Cyborg Superman in being the next best thing to happen to Metropolis since Superman himself.

So why does Steel #1 find this amazing hero less of a Superman and more like an armored punching bag? Worst yet, his strong-willed niece, Natasha, is now a powerless and helpless character that adds nothing to this story … which is too bad since she’s a great character. In this story she actually gets in the way and thus becoming the typical “woman in distress.”

Steel finally finds himself locking horns with Doomsday who suddenly appeared out of nowhere calling Steel’s name. It’s a flattering notion to Steel for this villain to be calling him as if this moment that truly drives home the feeling that he is a hero that is right up there with his savior, Superman. However, Doomsday seems to be getting stronger with each second. He even brushes off Steel’s secret attack. Plus, Doomsday seems to be growing armor over his skin.

The battle is brief and one-sided and Doomsday hasn’t really changed much so expect to see him roaring and posing without showing us he’s a bigger and better threat that makes his return an impressive one. So far Doomsday hasn’t proven himself in a way that brings to mind the more memorable moments of the “Death of Superman” storyline.

I know this is a one-shot issue but it should at least serve to get us excited about the possibilities this crossover event will bring to the table as well as story worthy of a great character like Steel. The problem is that the story feels rushed and lacks the creativity of Steve Lyons who is a great storyteller. There’s also some great artwork by Ed Benes that seems as rushed as the writing but at least has some scenes that look good.

Steel #1 is a huge disappointment in just about every way and, considering the talented writer and artist involved, makes this a painfully sterile story that adds nothing nor makes us excited about this crossover event. Steel is certainly a character that deserves something better even if this is a one-shot deal but this comic just doesn’t deliver a story worthy of our favorite armor-clad superman.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: D
Steel finds himself in the fight of his life against the being known as Doomsday who is better known for having killed Superman. The good Doctor reminisces about the reason he created and dons his armor as he picks up his hammer to take on Doomsday. Unfortunately, he ends up discovering that his foe is much nastier thank the last time they met.

ART: B+
There’s no doubt on my mind that Ed Benes was added as the artist for this one-shot at the last moment because Benes is a brilliant creative force who makes every comic he works on look amazing. This book looks a bit on the rushed side but even there are some drool-worthy panels.

OVERALL: D
Sadly, Steel #1 is a very disappointing one-shot issue and a weak start to the “Reign of Doomsday” crossover storyline. Steve Lyons and Ed Benes are master storytellers but here all they manage to do is take a great character (and his niece) and turn him into a human punching bag. Sorry but this is one I can’t recommend to any Steel fan.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Hellblazer #275 – Comic Book Review

Reviewer: Eden Zacarias

Publisher: Vertigo (DC Comics)
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $4.99 U.S.
Release Date: Available Now

A lot has happened to John Constantine throughout the series and much of it has been horrifyingly bad and another big chunk has been downright tragic but some good has happened to him as well such as meeting Epiphany Greaves who is about the only woman who truly understands and loves the man. With all that’s happened to Constantine, everything pales in comparison to his wedding day as we see in Hellblazer #275 and believe me when I say that this British wedding is the real event of 2011.

John’s last night as a bachelor is finally here as he decides to go drinking with his mates before the big day that will change everything for this man who delves in the paranormal. His friends comment that John getting married will mark the end of that part of his life and he will cease to be the John Constantine who exorcises demons and sends monsters back to hell. Not far away, Epiphany and her two closest friends are chatting about her skull-head engagement ring that was designed by Aleister Crowley himself.

On his way back home, however, John finds his old flame – Kit Ryan – waiting for him outside his apartment. It’s an interesting little scene that is actually quite touching but also intriguing since she asks him a question that speaks volumes about how she may still feel about John. This is the same woman who just couldn’t take all the madness in John’s life. It was actually good to see that John never held a grudge against her since he did invite her to his wedding.

Oh but the night’s surprises aren’t over when John is assaulted by none other than his own Demon Self who sees John’s wedding as the last straw. The demon has long wanted what John has and now he will not let him enjoy his wedding. There’s a scuffle and what happens to John is actually really surprising and, on top of that, John’s niece – Gemma – catches a glimpse of what might have happened to her uncle but I will not go into the details.

What I will say is that somebody looking suspiciously like John finally arrives to his wedding in what was once a chapel. Epiphany has been waiting in a limo provided by her father who has struck a deal with a rival criminal organization. What Epiphany’s father doesn’t know is that a demon showed up at that meeting with every intention of crashing John and Epiphany’s wedding.

As expected, the wedding doesn’t go exactly as planned and there are surprises aplenty. When Gemma does show up it is to disrupt the ceremony and gives John more than enough time to set things right before the demons can do real damage. Despite all that occurs during the wedding, the day reveals the truth about how much Epiphany loves John Constantine.

Peter Milligan certainly delivers a truly monumental moment for John Constantine in an epic storyline that will remind you why we love the Hellblazer series so much. Along with Giuseppe Camuncoli’s wonderful artwork, this five-part story (and especially its finale) is like Milligan is dropping the gauntlet to see how the series can top this moment.

Hellblazer #275 is exactly what you might expect from a series that hasn’t failed to surprise us to the point of dropping jaws and this major turning point in the life of John Constantine is equally unforgettable if not more so thanks to the great writing and solid artwork. If you thought waiting for the wedding made for a fun read then you will absolutely love the wedding day so if you’re already a fan of this series or haven’t picked up an issue in a long while I highly suggest buying this one right away.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: B+
The day we’ve been waiting for is here as John and Epiphany’s wedding is finally upon them but there are dark forces conspiring against John as a demon is determined to crash the party and another dark entity connected to John decides to pay him a visit on the night before the ceremony. You can bet this wedding will be dangerous.

ART: A
Giuseppe Camuncoli’s art is one of the many highlights in the Hellblazer series and it’s a brilliant choice to have him work on this particular issue. The cover is also a fitting one and looks damn good.

OVERALL: B+
There are many monumental moments in the Hellblazer series but none come close to John Constantine’s wedding that makes Hellblazer #275 a truly unforgettable issue you should not miss if you’re a fan of the series. It’s great to see that even John’s wedding day is as insane as the rest of his life and there’s definitely no shortage of surprises as well. This is Hellblazer at its finest.

Review copy provided by Vertigo (DC Comics)

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Sin City: Booze, Broads & Bullets, Volume 6 – Graphic Novel Review

Reviewer: Frosty McKenzie

Publisher: Dark Horse Books
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Frank Miller
Genre: Graphic Novel (Softcover)
MSRP: $17.00 U.S.
Release Date: Available Now

When Frank Miller created the world of Sin City, he has given readers a dark and fascinating city where the men are vicious creatures and the women are deadly and beautiful. It’s a city where blood is spilled on a nightly basis and where a simple kiss could lead to your demise and, yes, a man can find a moment’s bliss with the ladies of Old Town if you play by their rules. A city like this has many stories and in Sin City: Booze, Broads & Bullets we get an entire volume filled with short stories in our favorite city.

Unlike the first five volumes of the series, Booze, Broads & Bullets doesn’t follow a single storyline and opts for a series of short stories … some of them even include already established characters that made short appearances in the first five volumes. In one story, we find Marv waking up in mid-air after having been ejected from the windshield of a moving car. Perhaps it was the head trauma or maybe he forgot to take his medication but Marv doesn’t remember how he got here.

Marv starts remembering some details of this Saturday night in Sin City when – after seeing Nancy fly into the arms of an old cop named Hartigan was too much for him – he sees a group of frat boys lighting homeless men on fire. Leave it to Marv to come to their defense as he chases the frat boys into the projects where shows them that they’re no way out of these projects. Speaking of Marv, there’s another story with him that involves a dungeon and a little girl as Marv dishes out his brand of justice to save the child.

There is also a story with Dwight McCarthy who checks in on a friend only to find him hanging from a ceiling fan but he finds a beautiful woman in red who asks for his help because the men who killed Dwight’s friend is still here. So begins a chase that has Dwight matching wits with the pair of wannabe sophisticates named Klump and Shlubb who are low-rent hitmen that show up often in this series. In fact, we get to see just how smart they are in “Fat Man and Little Boy.”

We also get a good look at exactly how good the girls at Old Town are at protecting themselves from men that not only break their rules but try to stop of those rules. Somewhere else in Sin City, a man falls madly in love with the wrong girl who shows him her true colors … and some series “daddy” issues. Meanwhile, a rat gets what’s deserves and – in another story – a very charming man meets a woman in a balcony and one of them will end up dead.

We are also introduced to a young woman with blue eyes who runs into the man she loves and passes a very extreme test that turns her into a new contract killer. In fact, we get two stories with the contracted killer who calls herself Blue Eyes as we follow her starting career in one blunder and then watch her correct said blunder. What makes her even more interesting is her methods that surprises even her handler.

While this sixth volume is a bit on the short side, it’s the content that counts. Anyone whose seen the movie will quickly remember “The Customer is Always Right.” On top of that, it’s always good to see Marv again and – of course – more of Dwight. However, it’s the little stories that make this volume a classic as well and it can all be attributed to Miller’s writing and artwork.

Booze, Broads & Bullets takes a different turn than the past volumes to bring us short stories that are loads of fun to read seeing as the world Frank Miller created was one we have actually come to like. He does include some familiar faces but some new ones as well that simply makes this yet another volume of Sin City you just have to have in your collection.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: A-
In a time before Marv met his fate getting revenge for Goldie, we get a glimpse of Marv on a typical Saturday night as well as get a taste of where he stands when it comes to justice. There’s even a story with Dwight and another story about a newly baptized contract killer. There are other short stories as well from the dark crevices of Sin City.

ART: A
Miller’s artwork has always been something unique and recognizable with the Sin City books all the more striking. You just have to love how he adds color to the black and white world he created. This is brilliant stuff, indeed.

OVERALL: A-
As the Sin City series turns more into a collection of stories about our favorite sordid and bloody city, Frank Miller still manages to entertain just as well as his past five entries in this series. He still brings us stories involving our favorite characters but also introduces new elements that make this edition shine just as brightly.

Review copy provided by Dark Horse Books

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Rat Catcher – Graphic Novel Review

Reviewer: Evelyn Finch

Publisher: Vertigo Crime (DC Comics)
Writer: Andy Diggle
Artist: Victor Ibanez
Genre: Graphic Novel (Hardcover)
MSRP: $19.99 U.S.
Release Date: Available Now

“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”

You probably heard this line from movie, The Usual Suspects, and in the world of crime you can bet there are men that have law enforcement authorities believing that they’re nothing but myths made up by mobsters. In Andy Diggle and Victor Ibanez’ collaborative effort, Rat Catcher, introduces us to a rumored killer that actually turns out to be real but who is he and will the events that unfold finally end in his capture?

Rat Catcher begins with a bang as a blonde-haired man quickly stumbles out of a burning house in West Texas’ Badlands with a bullet in the back. He makes his way out into the highway and nearly turns into road kill by a passing car. Pistol-slapping the driver of said passing car, the man takes the vehicle and drives off but the story really gets started when aging FBI Special Agent Moses Burdon starts driving towards the very house only to find it up in flames.

You see, the house that’s ablaze is a federal safehouse and Agent Burdon was on his way to check on his fellow agents who are babysitting a rat who is ready to turn Stat’s evidence against a local Texas mobster by the name of Earl Rawlins and his connection to the Juarez drug cartel. Seeing as he was late in checking in on his fellow agents because he was looking in on his disabled son, Burdon’s superiors check him out for shirking the job and looking the other way when he tells his chief that Burdon’s own partner was seeing a female agent working the same case.

On top of all of this, the U.S. Marshals Service sends Switzer and Kim to pick up the rat to hold in Witness Protection only to find out that the witness in question was killed before the pickup. It is the female Marshal, Switzer, who decides to stick with Burdon to look into the case. As farfetched as it sounds, Burdon is starting to believe that perhaps this might have something to do with a hitman that has become something of an criminal underworld urban legend called the Rat Catcher who is a pro at killing gangsters that rat out their bosses.

Just about the only one who believes in the Rat Catcher is Burdon’s partner who is another survivor of the attack on the safe house and he’s in the hospital under intense care. Meanwhile, the man who walked out of the fire comes looking for proof that he was sold out by Earl Rawlins. He starts by paying a visit to a man who runs a slaughterhouse that is simply just a front for drug smuggling from Mexico. This, of course, gets Rawlins attention in a big way.

As the Rawlins mob goes looking to this mystery man that might just be the Rat Catcher and Burdon and his new partner Switzer, the pieces of the puzzle that will reveal the Rat Catcher’s true identity slowly begins to fall into place as the meeting between Burdon and the mystery man will change everything. Believe me when I say that by the end of the book you will find yourself with amazed by the intelligent plot twists in this graphic novel.

I can’t won’t go into what happens in the course of the investigation because Andy Diggle is a master at spinning a story with good twists and turns. It’s exactly what you might expect from the author of “The Losers” and he definitely knows how to do action right in his work and it’s no different here. Then there’s Victor Ibanez whose talent is obvious the minute you open this book.

An elaborate cat-and-mouse game that is an unforgettable thrill ride from start to finish, Rat Catcher is smartly written and brilliantly penciled by a talented artist that brings the story to life. Crime comics don’t get any better than this and I have to say that if this isn’t made into a movie I will be very disappointed with Hollywood. It’s just that good and if you pick this one up you will see why.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: A+
A federal safehouse is up in flames and the only survivor stumbles into the road to jack a car and look for answers. Could this be the rumored “Rat Catcher” that is said to be a pro at wiping out mob snitches? FBI special agent Burdon is out to find answers as well and when a U.S. Marshal shows up the two pair up to find the Rat Catcher as well as his connection to a Texas mobster.

ART: A
Victor Ibanez will not fail to stun and amaze as he always has in his past works so you can bet the farm that Rat Catcher will make you an instant Victor Ibanez fan the minute you open this graphic novel. You just have to love how good his characters look and the amazing details of his backgrounds.

OVERALL: A+
Rat Catcher is a true cat-and-mouse crime story in every sense and you will find it very hard to want to put this graphic novel down. With twists that you won’t see coming and a finale that will knock you on your knees, you will find yourself loving every page of this one so missing it is not an option for those who love the crime genre.

Review copy provided by Vertigo Crime (DC Comics)

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Batman: The Dark Knight #1 – Comic Book Review

Reviewer: Ian Mintz

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: David Finch
Artist: David Finch
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $3.99 U.S.
Release Date: Available Now

When a talented artist decides to include writing to their list of credits I begin to worry mainly because the transition from being simply an artist and pulling double duty on their own series doesn’t often end up with positive results. Then again there have been a few pleasant surprises and others who started off a bit on the shaky side but gradually became better at it. Taking a stab at drawing and writing, Batman: The Dark Knight #1 finds David Finch bringing us a new Batman series but is this series as good as it looks?

Unfortunately, The Dark Knight isn’t perfect nor will it set the Batman universe ablaze with something completely new but David Finch is just getting started and there’s something to like about this particular first issue. You see, the issue jumps into a moment in Bruce Wayne’s youth as we meet yet another childhood friend … Dawn Golden. Um, Ok, maybe Finch isn’t good with names but – as it turns out – Dawn is somebody that becomes important to Wayne.

You see, since they were children, Dawn often ended up in Wayne Manor but little Bruce feels that the somber little girl his age just isn’t much fun to be around. Dawn’s father, a wealthy man named Aleistar Golden, often came over to talk business with Bruce’s father and that he might be the reason Dawn is the type of girl that would grab Bruce’s favorite kite from him and let it fly away. She’s becomes the type of girl that will, in college, break Bruce’s heart.

Several years later, though, Dawn goes missing and finding her fuels Bruce’s need to find her. News of her disappearance has Gotham PD on a citywide search for the heiress. With the pressure placed on Commissioner Gordon, the investigation is on but there are very few clues to follow. Enter Batman who has his eye on the criminal underworld looking for some word. What he finds is Croc who happens to be on a narcotic called Venom but, as he stumbles out of a grimy little dive, Batman could tell he’s been strung out.

There’s a brief scuffle between the two but Batman takes advantage of the fact that Croc’s withdrawal has slowed him down. As it turns out, Croc does have an idea of what might have happened to Dawn Golden since he did see her last looking to score the same drug as well. He does give Batman a name, though, and that name is Lars Beck.

Meanwhile, something is seriously amiss in the Narrows … Gotham’s slums. A group of homeless men make a grisly discovery that is sure to play a role in another issue of this story. As the investigation continues, Batman becomes a victim of car theft (yup, somebody steals the Batmobile) and the Dark Knight encounters a familiar face … with goons armed with guns that look bigger than them.

As I said, the issue has its problems and they are mostly directed at Finch’s writing that just falls flat in many places that go beyond his weak dialogue. Yet Finch still manages to grab his readers and pique their interest with the possibilities he presents by bringing out Croc and said other familiar face that shows up at the end. Then there’s his art, which – not surprisingly – is excellent as always. His Croc looks awesome and so does his Batman so he definitely gives us something good to look at in this series.

Batman: The Dark Knight #1 has its share of problems and most of them can be attributed to Finch’s writing that – while not horrible – is certainly on the weak side but as far as the story is concerned it still has something to offer Batman buffs. There’s room for improvement but I’m confident that David Finch could pull it off and with his amazing art you know you’ll have a great-looking Batman series as well. Give this one a chance … we definitely will.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: B-
When a childhood friend named Dawn Golden goes missing, Batman makes it his top priority to find her and this means looking into the underworld in hopes of finding a clue. What he does find if Croc hopped up on a strange narcotic as he finally gets a name. Meanwhile, something is stirring in the Narrows of Gotham City.

ART: A
Finch’s art has always been spectacular in every comic book he has drawn and The Dark Knight is no different. Batman looks great in this series and the Batmobile is cool revamped version of the Tim Burton Batmobile. Oh yeah, we’re definitely big admirers of David Finch’s artwork.

OVERALL: B-
Despite a few weak points and Finch’s inexperience as a writer, Batman: The Dark Knight #1 is not a bad Batman title at all. In fact, I would go as far as calling it a good read that I hope will get better once Finch gets use to pulling double duty. Here’s hoping that he could at least come up with better names too.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Batman Beyond #1 – Comic Book Review

Reviewer: Frosty McKenzie

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Adam Beechen
Artist: Ryan Benjamin
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $2.99 U.S.
Release Date: Available Now

I think I speak for most Batman fans that we have been waiting for a Batman Beyond comic book series since the animated series was introduced to us a long while back. Sure, there was talk about a Batman Beyond comic since then but I guess late is definitely better than never, right? Well, after a long wait, is Batman Beyond #1 worth the wait? With Adam Beechen and Ryan Benjamin behind the title, it certainly is and believe me when I say that Batman Beyond fans will not be displeased.

For those of you who don’t know that story, here’s a brief recap for you. Batman Beyond, of course, takes place several years in the future when Gotham City’s Dark Knight as well as his alter ego disappear from the radar. With the city in need of a champion once again, a young man named Terry McGinnis not only finds Bruce Wayne but also discovers his secret identity. An aged shut-in now, Bruce sees something in himself in Terry’s tragic past and takes him under his wing – so to speak – to train him as the new Batman.

As we can see from Batman Beyond #1, Terry has been keeping himself really busy as Batman and in the opening story he is taking down some Joker-worshipping clowns who are committing crimes in the name of the Clown Prince of Crime. While he’s fighting on his own, Terry isn’t alone because he has communication support from Bruce Wayne himself. Like his mentor, this Batman is good at what he does … albeit his youth makes him a more cockier Batman.

Meanwhile, in Metropolis, Carson Jatts gets bad news from his Doctor. You see, working in the Justice League Watchtower’s Metahuman Evidence Confiscation Facility handling dangerous material over the years has finally taken his toll on him in the form of an incurable disease. Given only a few months to live, Jatts gets angry and wants nothing more than to inflict pain and suffering to others. So he enters the facility on his day off to steal a wand and when he does it gives him the power to change anything he touches into various elements. He even commits his first murder with his new power.

So Jatts escapes with this new power with the Justice League chasing after him and this Justice League is made up of some very interesting heroes such as Warhawk – who gives chase only to get a taste of Jatts’ new power. Losing his ride, Jatts manages to find refuge in a shopping mall.

On the other side of the city, Terry rushes to be with his girlfriend, Dana. Unlike Bruce who managed to alienate mostly every woman in his life, Terry has decided he could juggle his life as a crime fighter and his love and family life. However, as Bruce could have told him, the two lives will eventually clash as he finds out when he finds out that Jatts has taken the mall hostage and in the very shopping mall is his mother and little brother.

In the meantime, Commissioner Gordon (obviously Jim retired but the Gordon line hasn’t) sets up his men when the Justice League arrives. Of course, so does Batman who will be in direct conflict with the team of superheroes who is prepared to take over the situation with casualties in mind.

From what we can see, Batman Beyond #1 has more than enough possibilities worthy of the series and Adam Beechen certainly knows how to handle the story well enough. I can already imagine the lineup of villains just waiting to be introduced and those who know that animated series should already know that the roster is filled with a colorful cast of bad guys. As far as the art is concerned, Ryan Benjamin captures the look and feel of the animated series and the comic looks good.

Batman Beyond #1 is a solid first entry in this series and, by the end of it, you will be wondering what other events this series has in store for its readers. In other words, you will look forward to the next issue and if this team keeps it up you will find yourself a fan of this different but likeable Batman series. If you’re already a fan, this comic book is a Must Have so picking it up is recommended.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: B+
The future of Gotham City is now in the hands of a new Dark Knight that comes in the form of Terry McGinnis who has the full support of an older and more reclusive Bruce Wayne. As a man with an incurable illness decides to exact his revenge on the city with an artifact that grants him powers, Terry must go into action before the future Justice League rushes into a hostage situation involving this newly powered villain and a shopping mall where his mother and brother are shopping.

ART: B-
Ryan Benjamin’s art is true to the Batman Beyond animated series and movies and that’s a really good thing but if you’re expecting something that will wow you this is not going to be the case. Still, the characters and action do look good so there’s little to complain about in this department.

OVERALL: B+
If you’re a fan of the animated series then you will definitely be a fan of Batman Beyond #1 thanks to the solid writing and more than decent artwork. It’s also ripe with many possibilities that could very well make this an exciting series for those who are looking for a different kind of Batman series. Batman Beyond will not disappoint.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Sin City: Family Values, Volume 5 – Graphic Novel Review

Reviewer: Emma Coverdale

Publisher: Dark Horse Books
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Frank Miller
Genre: Graphic Novel (Softcover)
MSRP: $13.99 U.S.
Release Date: Available Now

Having always been a sucker for crime comic and those old black-and-white film noir classics Grandpa Coverdale loves so much, discovering Frank Miller’s Sin City for the first time is akin to finding out that Raymond Chandler rose from the dead to write comics with Quentin Tarantino. Ok, maybe I’m going too far but it’s work like the fifth volume of Sin City, Family Values, that raises the bar for the crime genre and makes this an Instant Classic you shouldn’t miss.

Family Values brings back Dwight McCarthy – who was introduced to us in A Dame To Kill and brought back for The Big Fat Kill – as he drives a sputtering VW Beetle towards the scene of a gruesome crime. Careful not to make a huge scene and even brushing off an attractive female police officer, Dwight passes a diner riddled with bullet holes towards a bar where he finds his target.

Dwight zeroes in on an aging beauty looking for somebody to buy her a drink. It was not too long ago that men would rush to buy her a drink but even the bird-faced barkeep won’t run a tab for her. She suddenly finds herself the center of attention when Dwight buys her some drinks. She even answers the questions he asks to unravels the mystery behind the diner shooting. Without even coaxing her, she tells him a story.

You see, the target of the diner shooting is a man the woman calls Bruno who was a City Councilman who stood up for family values and – of course – the precious children. However, before he became a baby-kissing politician, Bruno was a stone-cold killer working for a German mobster named Wallenquist. One day, he killed a stoolie who, unfortunately, wasn’t alone that night. The other victim was the beautiful young niece of an Italian mafiaso Don named Magliozzi who – unable to track his favorite niece’s murderer – begins to go mad with desperation.

As it turns out, though, Bruno falls for a woman who gets a kick out of hearing Bruno’s old hitman stories. He lavishes her with expensive gifts and more pillow talk until this woman hears the story about the stoolie and his dead girlfriend. The woman takes this last bit of information to Don Magliozzi who, not caring about the truce between him and Wallenquist, exacts his revenge by sending a hit squad to Bruno’s favorite diner where he is filled with hot lead. Apparently, Bruno isn’t the only one shot dead because his driver gets it too.

Just as he expected, though, Dwight realizes that getting the woman to tell him this story will bring out Don Magliozzi’s men. They announce their arrival by hitting Dwight with their gorgeous 1953 Cadillac Eldorado and then grabbing him. They’re all Italian alright and Dwight pegs them as the Don’s men but McCarthy isn’t afraid because he has deadly little Miho (who is now the deadliest thing in roller skates) as backup and she won’t make a move until Dwight says so.

Playing it cool, Dwight allows himself to be taken by the mafia thugs and getting them to talk isn’t very hard. It’s one of the men, Vito, who brags about the whole incident and even revealing that he not only put holes in Bruno but also a poor stray dog that happened to have been there. Then, outside the projects, Miho comes down on them like an executioner’s axe. Keeping Vito alive, Dwight and Miho decide to take the fight to the man responsible for the diner shooting.

Oh and there’s more but I would be doing you all a great disservice by telling you what happened next or the interesting little twist to this story is when the finale rolls around. Let’s just say that Frank Miller knows how to pull of surprising twists and does it well. On top of that, he continues to expand on his more familiar characters so the likes of Dwight and Miho just keep getting cooler.

While it’s a bit on the shorter side compared to the fist four volumes, Family Values is still a whopper of a tale with more than enough substance to make this Sin City book a great story. Once again, Miller impresses us with his rich characters and cool storytelling that makes this as unforgettable as the other releases in this series. This is another Miller book you need in your library.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: A
Sin City favorite, Dwight, is back again with deadly little Miho following him on a job to discover the true culprits behind a diner shooting that resulted in the deaths of a few people including a man that was set up as a City Councilman by a local gangster. It doesn’t take to long before the hitmen from the other side find Dwight but is this part of his plan?

ART: A
Like in past volumes, Miller’s artwork brings us stylishly visceral action and violence to make this noir crime comic feel modern and old school all at once. It worked in the first four volumes and still works now.

OVERALL: A
A cat-and-mouse game is being played in Family Values and you can bet that Frank Miller makes this volume of Sin City a cat-and-mouse game you will not forget anytime soon. As Dwight unravels the events that led to some deaths, he sets in motion a mysterious plan for reasons that will not fail to surprise. Consider this another Sin City book you need to own.

Review copy provided by Dark Horse Books

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Sweet Tooth Volume 2: In Captivity – Graphic Novel Review

Reviewer: Faith McAdams

Publisher: Vertigo (DC Comics)
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Jeff Lemire
Genre: Graphic Novel (Softcover)
MSRP: $12.99 U.S.
Release Date: Available Now

Having fallen in love with Jeff Lemire’s work since Essex County was released a long while back, I expected much from Sweet Tooth. In fact, I expected the series to blow my mind and remind me that some comic books can be downright epic and Sweet Tooth has not let me down in the very least. Being released in a soft cover collection, Sweet Tooth Volume 2: In Captivity contains the next six issues of the series that will not fail to impress.

In a world ravaged by a mysterious plague that ended up killing billions, children born after the first outbreak were delivered into the world as half-human-half-animal hybrids. Among those hybrids is Gus, a boy with the physical characteristics of a deer including antlers. After his father’s death, Gus puts his faith in a violent stranger named Jepperd who claims he will help him reach a sanctuary for kids just like him. As it turns out, however, said sanctuary turned out to be a concentration camp for hybrid children. Gus was sold out for an orange duffle bag that seems to mean a lot to the older man.

Gus finds himself mistreated by the armed men in the facility, especially from the leader that goes by the name of Abbot who makes it clear that he’s holding Gus for a Doctor named Singh. He is placed in a room with other hybrid children who take Gus by surprise. Some don’t talk while one, a pig girl, tells him that there were many children like them but once they are taken away they never return.

Meanwhile, Jepperd travels towards an old house carrying the duffle bag. It’s contents are special to him and, when it is revealed, so is Jepperd’s past. You see, he was once Tommy Jepperd, Captain of the Minnesota Wildcats hockey team. An aggressive man even back then, he was ejected from the game only to calmly go home to his lovely wife, Louise. His wife was an arty city girl from New York while he was a man who worked her grandmother’s spread when the pair hooked up. Jepperd always believed that she was too good for a man like him but they made it work and genuinely loved each another.

Then the plague changed everything as Jepperd makes the decision to leave the home behind in search for a safe haven. As it turns out, though, after the plague ravaged the country the government collapsed, the military disbanded and all radio and television stopped transmitting. People were left in the dark to fend for themselves and – on top of that – rumors that women who give birth after the plague tend to give birth to hybrid children.

Jepperd wasn’t much for anything other than fighting, which made him a good survivor as he and his wife traveled across the land looking shelter. Then Louise drops a major bomb on him that takes the brutish man completely by surprise. I won’t explain further because I would ruin the surprises but Jepperd and his wife end up meeting Abbot … the very same man that Jepperd handed Gus over to in the camp in exchange for the duffle bag.

In the camp, Gus meets Singh, a scientist left over from a time when the camp was run by a government-sanctioned science crew. He believes Gus is nothing like the other hybrid children and – to Gus’ horror – the boy sees what they have been doing to the other hybrids. Still, the young man tells him that he is not afraid but Doctor Singh makes him realize that the scientist thinks he’s too special to hurt. Singh makes a number of interesting discoveries about Gus and thinks his existence might be connected to the plague itself.

To find out every detail since he’s under the pressure of Abbot himself, Singh hypnotizes Gus who goes through his deep childhood memories and discovers things on his own. The more interesting is the revelation of Gus’ mother and the fact that his father might not have had all his marbles. Meanwhile, Jepperd goes on a bender seeing as his motivation to keep on living is gone. Still, there’s a part of the big guy that feels a need to pay Abbot another visit.

Sweet Tooth Volume 2: In Captivity is the very definition of brilliance. Jeff Lemire continues to spin a story that is meaningful, surprising and touching to the point that you will find yourself not wanting to put this volume down. We already consider Sweet Tooth one of the best comic book series to come along and one you should not miss if you consider yourself a comic collector.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: A+
Having been betrayed by Jepperd, the man he came to trust, Gus finds himself in a concentration camp with other hybrid children that are being used as lab rats for a scientist. It becomes clear to his captors that Gus is special and a man of science tries to unlock the truth behind Gus’ existence. Meanwhile, Jepperd keeps a promise to somebody special to him as he goes on a path of self-destruction as he recalls the time before and during the plague.

ART: B+
Visually speaking, Jeff Lemire’s uneven lines and interesting character design makes for a very original-looking comic that is just as wonderfully unique as the writing itself. At times his visuals are even haunting.

OVERALL: A+
There’s a reason that Jeff Lemire is one of the best things to happen to comics in a long time and the proof is in his work. In this second volume of Sweet Tooth, he not only surprises us but also breaks our heart as he weaves a brilliantly told story that makes Sweet Tooth one of the best comic book series that should be picked up right away if you’ve been looking for a great series.

Review copy provided by Vertigo (DC Comics)

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Sin City: That Yellow Bastard, Volume 4 – Graphic Novel Review

Reviewer: Eden Zacarias

Publisher: Dark Horse Books
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Frank Miller
Genre: Graphic Novel (Softcover)
MSRP: $19.99 U.S.
Release Date: Available Now

By now you probably already know that in this office we are devoted fans of Frank Miller’s impressive body of work when it comes to comics and the Sin City collection is among some of his very best seeing as he offered numerous stories true to the crime genre of the days when pulp comics were as dark as black coffee. In its fourth volume, That Yellow Bastard is another brilliant offering in the Sin City books and one hell of a story that you won’t forget anytime soon.

It’s a cold night in Sin City as John Hartigan of the Sin City Police Department, just an hour before his forced retirement thanks to a bad heart condition, gets a call from a reliable source that the son of the powerfully corrupt Senator Roark – who just so happens to be a very sick and twisted serial rapist/killer – has abducted an eleven-year old girl named Nancy Callahan and holding her in a warehouse pier. A cop to the very end, Hartigan will stop at nothing to save little Nancy even with his partner trying hard to stop him. Unfortunately, it had to take a punch in the jaw to keep his partner from following.

Just as he is making his way into the warehouse, Hartigan comes close to having a heart attack but manages to push through and catch up to Junior who has taken the cute girl hostage. Without blinking or even thinking of the consequences, Hartigan blows off both Junior’s “weapons” and before he can do any more damage it is Hartigan’s own partner that shoots him in the back.

While he managed to save a very grateful Nancy, Hartigan is rushed to a hospital only to awaken to a shocking reality. You see, instead of being hailed as a hero, Senator Roark has pulled all the strings and used all his dirty money to make Hartigan the villain and his comatose son a victim. Roark, clearly a man too powerful to mess with in anyway, makes it clear that he wants Hartigan to suffer and beg for mercy. He threatens to kill anyone Hartigan tells. So in order to protect those around him, Hartigan has no choice but to take the fall, alienating everyone from his fellow cops to his own wife.

He also gets a visit from little Nancy, who tells him that Roark paid everyone off to keep her from testifying in his defense. No DNA tests were made on her and, even though she invited doctors to check her out, nobody would listen to her. Nancy, however, knows the truth and wants Hartigan to know that she is alive because of him and will write to him using a fake name. She says her goodbye by adding that she loves him.

His time in the slammer is not kind to Hartigan and aside from the beatings and the isolated cage, he takes comfort in a number of letters that he receives from a “Cordelia.” Years pass and Hartigan awaits each letter with excitement. He has found in Nancy the daughter he never had and takes something of a paternal pride in her words. Then, one day, he finds a freakish yellow-skinned man sitting on his cot. Without saying a word, this yellow bastard punches him and throws an envelope with something gruesome inside. Having been worried since he hasn’t heard from Nancy in several month, Hartigan believes that Roark had found her.

So Hartigan makes the biggest decision of his life that doesn’t sit well with anyone who can see that something dirty is up with all of this. Convicted and freed from his sentence, John Haritgan goes on a search for Nancy Callahan who is now 19-years old. He searches her place and finds one clue … a country saloon that is frequented by many a Sin City character. Once there, Hartigan makes a discovery – the Nancy Callahan he once knew is now the Nancy that we recognize if you’ve been following the first three volumes of this series.

With Nancy by his side, Hartigan finds himself being chased by the same yellow bastard as they try to hide out. What Hartigan finds is that Nancy has not only always had Hartigan in her thoughts but there’s something else that takes the older man by surprise. Things get even more interesting when the freak finally reveals his identity and Hartigan and Nancy find themselves in a fight for survival

While the first three volumes contained wonderful writing by Miller, That Yellow Bastard certainly has a certain quality that makes Hartigan’s words feel genuine. It’s because of this that we come to love the guy and his sense of duty that made him risk everything to save a girl. Even his art is a visual poetry in this volume.

Like a sucker punch to the face, That Yellow Bastard takes you completely by surprise in the way that brilliant comics often do and with Frank Miller’s writing and art you know exactly what you get when you pick up this book. Story-wise, this is epic stuff that will not fail to burn its images and words into your mind but, more importantly, it’s classic crime fiction at its most deliciously exceptional.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: A+
An hour before his retirement and despite warnings from his partner, officer of the peace John Hartigan gets a tip that the sadistic son of Sin City’s corrupt Senator has a little girl named Nancy in his clutches. Hartigan manages to save the little girl only to get shot by his own partner and set up by said Senator. Several years later, when he doesn’t hear from Nancy again, Hartigan sets out to save her again with a yellow-skinned freak hot on his trail.

ART: A
Like the other volumes in his Sin City series, That Yellow Bastard still has that stylish film noir appeal only this time he adds a single color to his black-and-white art that makes this one stand out. Frank Miller is a genius and this volume proves it.

OVERALL: A+
That Yellow Bastard is a gritty masterpiece that reads like a classic crime novel but only with more bite and a heavy dose of Miller’s delightfully twisted streak. There’s no doubt in my mind why it just had to end up in the live-action movie and if you read it I doubt you’ll be able to forget it anytime soon. Consider this a classic that is Required Reading for any comic book fan.

Review copy provided by Dark Horse Books

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