Author/Artist: Gabriel Hardman
Publisher: Image Comics
Source: NetGalley
First Publication: November 2014
Collects Kinski #s 1-6
Graphic Novel Challenge #57
The age old story of a man and his dog. The only problem is how the man got the dog. Most people would buy a puppy or adopt from a shelter. Not in this case. A salesman decides to "rescue" a dog from a neglectful family. The "rescue" ends up turning into a crime drama. Hardman does a good job of developing the character of the salesman. Fans of character driven drama will love this collection.
Highly recommended.
I remember meeting Gabe Hardman at one of Comic Geek Speak's Super Shows. I enjoyed his work for Marvel at that time on Hulk. He turned out to be as nice in person as he is talented at the art table. Since then, I have followed his career. If you ever get the chance to see him and his amazing penciled pages at a convention, take the time to wait in line. It is worth it.
Author: Stuart Moore
Artist: Gus Storms
Publisher: Image
Source: NetGalley
First Publication: September 2014
Graphic Novel Challenge #56
Stuart Moore has written some titles in the past that I really liked so I thought I would give this one a try. With DC Comics not currently publishing one of my favorites, the Legion of Super-Heroes, I was in the market for another future based team title. E.G.O.s hit the mark.
The basis is different enough, an aging super-hero rebuilds his former team with new heroes, that it did not seem like a simple rehashing of old stories. The way Moore and Storms put together this story it is fully fleshed out without slowing down the action. The future technology, world building, characterization, mystery, and action combine to make one of the best titles of this year.
Highly recommended (especially for other fans of the Legion of Super-Heroes). Now when are we going to see more of this title?
Author: Mark Millar
Artist: Goran Parlov
Publisher: Image
Source: Comixology
Graphic Novel Challenge #55
In many cases, I find Mark Millar seems to favor violence and shock over characterization. The way he writes “Starlight” shows a change in direction. Hopefully, Millar continues down this path. The violence is still evident at times but the characterization takes center stage. The protagonist is the archetypical science fiction action hero. He is cut from the same cloth as Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, Adam Strange, et al. In this story he saved the alien world and returned to Earth to retire. When he returns, no one believes him. He is thought to be delusional. Things continue to go downhill until the day when a spaceship appears at his house. A young man, from the planet he saved in the past, is excited to find the legendary hero. The alien world has been conquered by another race that is exploiting them. The boy escaped and wants him to return to lead the revolt. He decides to go since there is nothing left for him on Earth. Millar does a masterful job of showing how an elderly, over the hill hero can still lead the good fight to save another world. I do not want to reveal any more because this is a story that must be experienced.
Highly recommended.
Author: Rob Williams
Artist: Simon Coleby
Publisher: DC
First Publication: December 2014
Source: NetGalley
Graphic Novel Challenge #54
Why does royalty only marry those of the royal blood? In this fascinating alternate history we find out that it is because the royals are super-powered. When they breed with other super powered people, it creates more people like them. So the royals of this world agree to never use their powers in battle. The will let the lesser people fight the wars. The creators use this background to show how World War II would have gone. Events go basically like it did in our world, until a British prince breaks the covenant. He cannot tolerate seeing the British attacked by the Germans and puts an end to it. This leads to all-out war between the royals. The combination of storytelling and art is perfect for this one.
Highly recommended. It is one of my favorite reads of this year.
Author/Artist: Terry Moore
Publisher: Abstract Studios
First Publication: June 2010
Source: Comixology
Read for the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril IX Challenge and Graphic Novel Challenge
Graphic Novel Challenge #53
Over the last few years, I have seen other works by this creator. He has done “Strangers in Paradise” and “Echo”. This was the first time I picked up and read one of his stories. It will not be the last time. “Rachel Rising” has hooked me. When a series starts out with the heroine clawing her way out of a grave, you know you are in for a fantastic ride. At the end of the first volume, we still do not know exactly what is going on but the groundwork has been laid for the series. The initial storyline is wrapped up. I cannot wait to see where this goes next.
If you are looking for a mysterious, spooky story with lots of atmosphere pick this up. I know I will be continuing on with the rest of the series.
Author: Steve Niles
Artist: Berni Wrightson
Publisher: IDW
First Publication: June 2010
Source: Comixology
Read for the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril IX Challenge and Graphic Novel Challenge
Graphic Novel Challenge #52
When I saw that Berni Wrightson was the artist, I picked this one up. Wrightson was one of the classic horror artists in comics when I was younger. His work on “Swamp Thing” is legendary. “The Ghoul” features a Frankenstein like monster as a detective. He investigates odd crimes that might involve the occult. His team up with a local detective makes for an entertaining story. Wrightson has not lost his touch over the years. The art is amazing. Steve Niles turned in a solid story that played to Wrightson’s artistic strengths.
Recommended.
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Adapted by: John Green
Publisher: Dover Publications
First Publication: November 2014
Source: Netgalley
Read for the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril IX Challenge and Graphic Novel Challenge
Graphic Novel Challenge #51
At first glance, the art looks too simplistic. Then when you look inside, the publishers tell you this is so young readers can color it themselves. i thought this was a good way of getting younger readers into the story.
The art depicts the way I would expect the characters and scenery to look.
The story, which does not need summarized here, is abridged but you would not realize it if you were not familiar with the original version. John Green does an excellent job of capturing the heart and feel of the story.
I would highly recommend this for readers of all ages.
