Nerd Caption Thursday..!

Back of the Bin Wednesday..!

Oliver's Reviews: Angel and Faith #10, Star Wars: Boba Fett is Dead #2, Witchblade #156

Angel and Faith #10
This is a really fun issue and a gorgeous looking one at that! Chris Samnee! That's all the hook you need!

I hope he stays awhile in this book (no offence to the current artist.) This issue almost reads like a done in one. What with some unexpected visitors into Faith's humble abode. We then stumble upon some very interesting characters and delve into the secret history of another.

Review: RASL #14

With the end in site, Jeff Smith's science fiction tale has more twists and turns than a Tesla generator. This penultimate issue doesn't even come close to wrapping the story up, but it's completely clear that Smith has total control and knows exactly how things will pan out. second last issue or not, we get everything we've come to expect from an issue of RASL - plenty of action, not a small amount of intrigue, a healthy dose of science and of course Smith's beautiful and emotive art.

Review: Grim Leaper #1

Ty's Review:
Grim Leaper is basically a tale of life and death, Wiebe has created a unique story that is focused around death and rebirth and manages to not go completely dark or irreverent. The story has whimsy and the art is fantastic.

We follow the misadventures of Lou, as he introduces us to his situation and the events that are his existence.

Review: America's Got Powers #2

Ty's Review:
This story is “Gladiators’ meets the “Hunger Games” meets the “X-Men” and while the concept may seem clear cut and easy to follow I find the entire thing just a little bit contrived. The story set out by Jonothan Ross, isn’t really that bad but it is just a little too planned and predictable. While the original concept and beautiful art may be the saving grace this comic may not be the best option in the indie super hero genre.

Review: Bloodstrike #28

The former Extreme Studios continues to find resurgence here at Image Comics as Bloodstrike firmly reestablishes itself.  Tim Seeley does the honors with getting us up to date on the goings on of Cabbot Stone. The numbering says that this is truly a continuation since the last run and I kind of like that, saying hey we’re back and better than ever.
 
I also liked the opening page with the credits since it also says who’s who and what their capabilities are. 

Review: Exile on the Planet of the Apes #3

18 years before a man named Taylor fell from the stars…
Ape society is evolving, yet not all primates are considered equal. Humans alone lack the power of speech. Two years ago, Dr. Zaius banished all humans from Ape City, launching a campaign of eradication. But one among them was taught to communicate with his hands.
Now the human rebellion has begun. They don’t need to speak to find their voice…

U-Request Tuesday..!

The School of Better Comics Episode 1!

• In this first lesson, Tim Barklay discusses superheroes, what's wrong with mainstream superhero comics today and what superhero comics you should be reading.
  

Creator Roundup

This week, Dan Hipp remembers memorial day, Charles Soule goes on TV, Peter David struggles to find words, Bryan Lee O'Malley answers more questions, Mike Mignola get's foxy, Skottie Young invades, Templsmith draws another Tusken, Eric Canete's work is beautiful, David Johnson cures cancer, Mark Waid talks piracy and Matteo Scalera and Coleen Coover are under Marshall Law.

Male Cosplay Monday..!

CBNAH Interview: Greg Capullo

Greg Capullo has been producing some kick-ass work on Snyder's Batman, and with Night of Owls bringing the Bat to centre stage, Renaldo sat down with him for a chat.

CBNAH: How did you get into art? What age and did you attend art school, if so?
Greg Capullo: I’ve been drawing since I was a small child. My Mom has a picture that I drew of Batman & Robin that I did at age 4!

Stripper Sunday..!

Talking Trades: Foot Soldiers by Jim Krueger and Michael Oeming

The Foot Soldiers is a story of what happens when all the worlds heroes are gone, who takes their place. How does the world operate without protection. In the world of comics one thing reigns true, the world needs heroes. This book is a retelling of a common trope where we see the birth of a new generation of heroes through the worlds need.

The story is solid and may have been the best take on the dystopian super hero future I’ve read yet.

Renaldo's Reveiws: Star Wars: Darth Vader #1, Resident Alien #1, Rebel Blood #3, Orchid #7

Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison #1 –

Haden Blackman’s story is pretty sound and the sleek and sumptuous art of Agustin Alessio make for a great read. There’s a lot of promise and fear instilled in the cadets being moulded by Gentis in the name of the Empire. Gentis is charged with ensuring Darth Vader has minions to do Palpatine’s bidding and the story revolves around Tohm, a headstrong lieutenant who has nothing but hate for the Jedi. The story is murky with a hidden sense of subterfuge that takes a wicked spin at the final page.

On the Cover: Chris Bachalo

Born in Canada but raised in California, Chris Bachalo's first published comic art was in Sandman #12. His style is quite divisive, and has evolved int a very quirky, hyper-stylised aesthetic. Whether you love his work or hate it, It's pretty hard to deny the fact the he has a great eye for design when it comes to covers. Check out a showcase of his covers after the jump!

Review: Resident Alien #1

Surviving a crash landing that ruins his spaceship, a stranded alien hopes to live quietly undercover in the sleepy town of Patience, USA, masquerading as Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle—a semi-retired doctor. He has some alien powers of empathy and the ability to mask his odd appearance from most people, which comes in handy after the local police chief enlists Harry’s help to investigate the murder of Patience’s longtime real doctor. At the end of our last issue, Harry was returning to the town’s clinic to do some late-night research . . .
 

Nerd Caption Thursday..!

From our fearless leader...

Review: Irredeemable #37

I was actually a little taken aback when I heard that issue 37 was the final issue of Mark Waid's excellent superhero comic with a twist. I felt there was still a lot more story that needed telling, and I wasn't sure how Waid was going to tie it all up in one issue. Oh, me of little faith. I should know by now that one should always trust Mr. Waid. This issue ends the story perfectly. Character arcs are completed, Loose ends tied up and the final couple of pages will no doubt give readers a pay off we never expected, but makes complete sense. This series has been unique and exciting from beginning to end, and one of the finest examples of superhero comics on the market.

Review: CLiNT #2.1

Mark Millar has been doing great things for the comics industry, particularly in Britain. Having founded the Kapow! comic convention, Millar is passionate about bringing comics to the mainstream. One of the chief ways he's doing that is with his comics magazine CLiNT. Heh. I see what he did there. I don't know how well the magazine sells, or whether it has indeed brought in new readership, but i can tell you I found it sadly disappointing. There's nothing necessarily bad about CLiNT #2.1, with the possible exception of it being Millar's love letter to himself, and there are some things that are actually awesome.

Review: Youngblood #71

I guess the first thing we should be asking ourselves is this really worth the time and effort to invest in again.  The honest answer is yes.  First time readers will be able to follow things nicely without having to worry about the teams history.  Readers who remember the team from the Nineties will enjoy revisiting this team which helped make comics history once upon a time.  What makes this worth you’re time, well for starters John McLaughlin is having a good time writing this.
 

Review: Hellraiser #14

After decades of serving as Hell’s priestly servant, Pinhead grew weary. Bored by the tortures of the puzzle box, the iconic killer hatched a plan to claw his way free from Hell. To leave, Pinhead had to find a suitable replacement, and offered his power to the only human to ever defeat the Cenobites: Kirsty Cotton. Kirsty accepted Pinhead’s offer, hoping to save her family and friends, but becoming an unwitting accomplice in a plan to remake the world. Now, the former Pinhead, Captain Elliott Spencer, builds a nation-state of the damned in India, while Kirsty reels following the loss of a loved one…

Review: Prophet #25

Prophet had been one of my favorite books of recent date. When it was announced that Extreme Studios was coming back, admittedly I cringed a bit. I read those books as a kid, and as a kid I enjoyed them. But as an adult, I found that they were less than enjoyable. But after hearing about the people writing and drawing the books, I took a chance. I am so glad I did.

Brandon Graham has churned out an amazing book.

Review: Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison #1

This book is off to a great start. As if the story wasn't compelling enough, the art...wow. It's just an absolute pleasure to behold. To be honest, I could not find any flaw in this comic even if you pay me to.  The story was well crafted. Using the POV of the protagonist, we get to see the how the massess were led to believe that order 66 was a Jedi plot. This is the story of the Galactic Empire back when it's legs we're still pretty young. 

Review: Rebel Blood #3

“Rebel Blood” is one of my favorite new series each issue has been more disturbing and graphic then the last. The art is fantastic and obscene and it feels like the story is a downward spiral into the abyss that has been created for the central character created by Rossmo and Link.

The art is amazing, some of Rossmo’s best work, but please not this book is incredibly graphic and has a mature rating for a reason. There is an explicit nature to everything introduced into this book and Rossmo has a handle on all things dark and terrifying.

Review: Ragemoor #3

The story of the living monolith that is Ragemoor continues, In this third issue of four the mystery of Ragemoor’s creation and intent with the current inhabitants unfolds. This issue has a little resolve but offers a lot more questioned and has me rather excited about the concluding fourth issue.

The art on Ragemoor has been something special. I’m not usually a fan of Corben’s work, I was rather unimpressed with “Hellboy,” but I really feel he’s in his groove here.

Review: Mind MGMT #1

Mind MGMT is the gripping tale of a mystery hunting reporter, Maru, and the creation and works of a secret agency which uses the power of the mind to protect and serve. That may seem like a lot upfront but trust me, this was a great first issue.

The art on the issue is what I would call indefinite it has a messy or loose tendency but the execution is done very well and very consistent. I find with the subject matter the art works very well, seeing as the story starts off rather vague.

U-Request Tuesday..!

Requested by our own not so evil Mohlmann...

Surprise Saturday..! (such a surprise it happened on tuesday...)

Creator Roundup

This week, Dan Hipp is strangely absent, Terry Moore is awesome, Moon and Ba go to Italy, Charles Soule is strangely attractive, Jeff Smith get's more cute fan mail, Brian Wood teases The Massive, Skottie Young has a sweet tooth, Bryan Lee O'Malley is brutally honest, Templesmith draws a tuscan raider, Jeremy Bastian blows my mind... again, Brandon and Marian Graham are the cutest couple ever, Dave Johnson, Francesco Francavilla, Jim Mahfood and Phillip Bond get wet, Mike Choi goes cycloptic extraterrestrial, Phil Noto pays respects to MCA and Mike Allred has no fear.

CBNAH Interview: Jerome Opena

Jerome Opena has spent the past few years becoming one of the industry's most critically acclaimed artists. His work on Uncanny X-Force was meet with nothing but rave reviews, and Renaldo had the pleasure of chatting with him.


CBNAH: How did you get into art? What age and did you attend art school, if so?

Talking Trades: Friends woth Boys

There are very few comics I get as excited about as I got when I read my copy of “Friends with Boys,” this comic has everything that I love in a comic. A story that is engaging and full of mystery and intrigue, relatable characters and Hicks’ charming art style.

This is the third release from Faith Erin Hicks, a writer illustrator from my home town, but it’s the first that I had read! Her other two books are “Zombies Calling” and “The War at Ellsmere.”

Renaldo's Reviews: Saga, Hardcore, Justice League, AvX, Avengers, X-Men, Dancer, Conan, Saucer Country and More!

Saga #3 –

Brian Vaughan continues with his contemporary twist on an intergalactic space mission whereby two renegade parents struggle on a desolate planet to survive with their newborn. Throw in a bounty hunter here and there…and a huge target on the parents’ heads…and being on the lam when drawn by Fiona Staples…is an extraterrestrial treat. Wood continues a flowing storyline and there’s drama and underlying suspicion built up. The tension is pent in when Izabel enters the fray with her ghostly attitude and the apparition proved a key element here.

Nerd Caption Thursday..!

This one comes from now two-time winner, Patrick Church...

On the Cover: Mike Choi (and Sonia Obak)

Mike Choi earned a reputation as being a comics young gun after pencilling Uncanny X-Men and X-23: Target X for Marvel in 2007. Choi is regularly coloured by his once fiancee, Sonia Obak, and together they create a soft, almost shoujo aesthetic. check out a showcase of his covers after the jump!

Back of the Bin Review Wednesday..!

Review: Conan #4

Anyone who's a fan of action/adventure and is not reading this comic is either ignorant of it's awesomeness or otherwise straight out insane. Brian Wood's retelling of the classic Robert E Howard novella 'Queen of the Black Coast' has been nothing but amazing. Conan and his new queen Belit set their mind on action, specifically looting and pillaging the port town of Messantia, Argos. Conan has earned the respect of his new crew, and the hatches a plan that requires complete faith in his lessers.

Review: Steed and Mrs Peel #5

I find it rather strange how Grant Morisson left with 2 issues remaining in the book. But nonetheless, this comic has pretty much kept the tone set by the previous arc.

You wouldn't really notice the personnel change as it still has the trademark weirdness that defined the last story. Art wise, still incredible. Like I said before, Ian Gibson should go places after this book is done.

Review: Saga #3

What can I say? Three issues in and I have already fallen in love with this comic. Already living up to it’s epic name, the scale of the story is evident with each word spoken and each action taken by the characters.

And speaking of characters, I have been aware of Fiona Staples for some time now, having followed her work with North 40 and Mystery Society.

Review: Wordgirl: Fashion Disaster

Word Girl is a comic based off of a popular PBS Series. I would say the comic is a pretty good representation of the show. The series tells the tale of a little girl who becomes a superhero and uses words to solve crimes. The content is completely appropriate for the demographic and I believe a lot of fun could be had for children and their parents looking to share the comic medium.

In today’s industry it is easy to forget about making comics available to a younger audience.

Review: Reset #2

Reset is the story of the testing of a new virtual reality tool that will allow the user to re-explore their past and choices without having an effect on their present. The premise is fantastic and the comedic art style creates a lovely balance with the story. Even if time travel has been done before this presents a new angle with a fresh result.

In the second issue writer and artist, Peter Baggie, brings us back into the lab.

Review: Manhattan Projects #3

Adam:
This comic looks at the Manhattan Project . For those who don't know their history the Manhattan Project was a research and development project by the US government in the 1940s that produced the first atomic bomb. It follows all the people involved in the project but with a twist, to say the least this comic is pretty out there! it may be using real names but this comic is certainly not historically accurate!

Review: BPRD Hell on Earth: The Devil's Engine

The Devil's Engine is a new 3 part story from Mike Mignola and John Arcudi expanding upon the Hellboy universe. The Devils Engine continues on from Hell on Earth and the aftermath of the "Frog War" a story that goes right back to "Seeds of Destruction", the first Hellboy storyline. In the aftermath of the Frog War things aren't looking good! This Story follows B.R.P.D. Field agent Andrew Devon and new crew member the Psychic called Fenix and a nice train journey but whats that? Fenix has a "bad feeling about it"! and the story goes from there!.

Review: Dancer #1

Steven:
When this was first solicited I took one look at it and thought what she’s a ballerina and he’s her bodyguard they travel the world and madness ensues.  Boy could I have been any farther from the truth had I tried.  Nathan Edmonson is currently writing the Activity a book I found by chance that I am enjoying immensely so I should have had the blind faith that this was going to be just as good.  Well let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson and will blindly follow him from now on.

Review: Darkness #103

Alright ever since Jackie saved the World and remade it the way he wanted things have been ultra weird, but in a fascinatingly good way one might say.  Personally I think if you’ve ever wanted to try this book but was intimidated by its history then now really is a great chance to jump on board and see what the buzz is about.  The world has changed for now and who knows when circumstances will occur to put it back the way it was.
 

Review: Glory #26

Well I vaguely remember Glory from back in the day.  Extreme Studios and Rob Liefeld’s creation I remember looking like an Amazon pin-up girl.  Oozing sex and strength in a kind of Wonder Woman way so I thought when I was given the chance to review this latest incarnation I thought okay let’s do it.
 
Imagine my surprise when I started reading this.  This, to me mind you, bears absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to the original. 

Review: Valen the Outcast #6

This was my first issue of Valen the Outcast and I have to say I’m somewhat intrigued by it.  I know the premise, Valen was killed but now is something of a zombie and has a different path to follow now, since he was once a former King.  I love zombie stuff but this isn’t your typical story.  Valen has his memory, skills and apparently no love for eating flesh though he is undead.  Okay I can deal with that, more so since this seems to be taking place in a Conan type setting.  Swords and kingdoms with raiders and places that aren’t safe to wander at night.
 

Review: Danger Club #2

What happens when a threat so great heads towards Earth and all the adults, heroes and villains alike unite to stop it only they don’t and never return.   Leaving their teenaged sidekicks without supervision without guidance and this in some cases results in tragedy.  A war is coming and the kids need to prepare themselves.  They need to unite into one force capable of defending their home.
 
They also need to convince the Government that they aren’t a threat as well.

Creator Roundup

This week, Dan Hipp and Craig Thompson pay respect to Maurice Sendak, JH Williams III and Jeff Lemire show off, Peter David get's political, Jeff Smith and Bryan Lee O'Malley answer fans, Bryan Wood show his workbooks, Eric Canete and Brandon Graham get sensual, Peter Nguyen draws Conan, Dustin Weaver draws Bane on a dinosaur (yup), Mike Mignola and John Arcudi interview each other, Phil Noto is really busy, Francesco Francavilla redesigns Jaws and Skottie Young talks Rob Liefeld.

Male Cosplay Monday..!

CBNAH Interview: Sam Humphries

Sam Humphries is a busy man. he's currently working on The Ultimates with Jonathan Hickman, as well as John Carter for Marvel and both Fanboys vs Zombies and Higher Earth for BOOM! His 24 page comic Our love is real was described as splendidly perverse by Jason Aaron. He's a rising star in comics, and Renaldo caught up with him for a chat.

CBNAH: How did you get into writing and was it always a passion?

Stripper Sunday..!

Surprise Saturday..!

Here's part one of a look at my nerd stuff..!

Talking Trades: Green Wake Vol. 2

Green Wake has been one hell of a ride. This series is certainly one of the better things I’ve read in the past couple of years. I was amazed by the daring first volume and the introduction to this dark, sometimes obscene, bizarre limbo-like world.

The introduction to Green Wake Volume Two is eerie and beautiful. The subject matter is dark and disturbing leading into Morley’s borderline obscene birth-like journey of the main protagonist Morley, back to “Green Wake.”