This is going to be one of those short and sweet review weeks because the regular paying job has been super busy and have big plans for the weekend so only a few this week.
Lumberjanes #7
Boom! Box Writers Noelle Stevenson & Grace Ellis, Artist Brooke Allen, Colorist Maarta Laiho, Letterer Aubry Aiese
The mystery of Lumberjanes camp is taking shape in this issue. The plot from Boom is, It’s a race through the woods and through everyone’s’ favorite cave of doom as the Lumberjanes make their way through previous obstacles. Now they know what answers they’re looking for and they are not going to leave until everything is out in the open. Only it looks like the boys’ camp might have other ideas. I have been a fan of this book from day one and I am discovering that while I enjoy the book I do think that it will flow together a little better when you sit down and read the story arc in one sitting. We are starting to see where all of the strange things that has been going on in the woods is starting to fall into place and this issue leave a huge cliffhanger that I won’t spoil. Stevenson and Ellis have written the story as a whole and that can sometimes make the monthly issues seem a little disjointed and I can see where some readers would have problems with that. This is also one of those books that you have to take your time reading to let all of the dialog set in. This is a big epic story that I can’t wait to see where it is going to take me. Allen’s art continues to impress and she really make this a very enjoyable read and breathes such wonderful life into each of the characters. I really love the girl facial expressions that she conveys in the art. Laiho color work is really nice and there was a lot going on color wise in this issue and did a fantastic job on it. The only minor complaint that I had this issue is the lettering seemed a little off. I felt as if the word balloons were placed and the letter was crammed in at times.
Is this book worth your time and money. I am still enjoying the book but can’t wait to sit down and read the first storyline in one sitting. The story continues to have a nice balance of adventure and humor that is really quite infectious. If you are just discovering this book I would hold off for the trade collection and read it when the story is complete.
Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches #2
Archaia Writer and Artist Kyla Vanderklugt
This book is becoming for me a must read each month. The plot from Archaia is, Kyla Vanderklugt, artist of SPERA and Archaia’s 2014 Free Comic Book Day LABYRINTH story, tells the beautiful Japanese tale of “The Snow Witch” in a gorgeous horizontal format stand-alone issue. When an old woodcutter and his young apprentice are caught in a blizzard, a mysterious woman dressed in white appears and freezes the woodcutter to death before eating his soul. She spares the apprentice if he vows never to tell of what he has seen, but keeping his word may not be so easy when he falls in love. Each issue of this book is a stand alone story done by a different creator but keeping the theme of witches. I loved Vanderklugt telling the story in the non traditional horizontal format that brings a fresh feel to her story. This allows some really amazing design layouts for the story and gives a wider canvas to use as needed. Her story is simple but very heartwarming and I really loved that not all witch stories have to be scary. There are elements of horror but there are many other emotions in the story also.
Is this book worth your time and money? This book a rare gem of telling new fairy tales that are fresh and exciting. Vanderklugt wisely keeps the story simple but fills it with emotions that make good fairy tales work so well. Her art brings this wonderful tale to life with such beautiful style that you are left with a great feeling after reading it. Archaia continues to bring Jim Henson’s legacy back to life through comics and this is another home run. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Ms. Marvel #9
Marvel Comics Writer G. Willow Wilson, Artist Adrian Alphona, Colorist Ian Herring, Letterer Joe Caramagna
The surprise book of the year is the little book that could. The plot from Marvel is, As Kamala discovers more about her past, the Inventor threatens her future. Why is Lockjaw really with Kamala? The fan-favorite, critically-acclaimed, amazing new series continues as Kamala proves why she’s the best (and most adorable) new super hero there is! I still can’t believe that Marvel is publishing this title. This is so outside the safe Marvel box of average books that I continue to be impressed with this book. Wilson is writing such a wonderful story that unfolds so skillfully that it seems more like a Vertigo book than a mainstream Marvel Comic. She continues to tell a main story while slowly revealing the mysteries of Kamala and her powers. We are also discovering that things are not quite as they seem on the surface with the ending in this issue. This book is really special and that is where Alphona’s art comes in. This book need a special style of art that I can’t imagine anyone else doing. He really breathes life into the story and make each panel a visual treat and he draws the best damn Lockjaw I have ever seen in comics.
Is this book worth your time and money? This is one of the best superhero book being published by Marvel now, period. Wilson shows that you don’t have to sacrifice story when it comes to superhero comics. What is making this book work so well is that the book make you a part of the story. You ease into this wonderful world that Wilson and Alphona have created and the emotions of the story that go along with it. This book just keeps getting better each issue. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Wild’s End #2
Boom! Studios Writer Dan Abnett, Artist & Letterer I.N.J. Culbard
I was really impressed by the first issue and hoped that the book would still be with this issue. The plot from Boom! is, The search for the cause of a devastating fire that has left Crowchurch in mourning leads Clive and the others deep into the forest where they meet a new ally combating an alien threat at her door. Abnett has created a wonderful world and the thing that I really like about the story is the subtle undertones of the story of Crowchurch and it’s residents. There is a lot going on with that and the alien story that is shaping up very nicely. This issue had some great emotional tone for the characters that I did not expect but was very welcomed. Culbard simple yet very detailed artwork really works for the story and his color work brings such a great mood to the book. I also like the back up material that adds a nice touch to the main story.
Is this book worth your time and money? This book is really surprising me. It has really gone beyond my expectation for it. This is for me some of the best writing that Abnett has done in comics and hopefully he can keep up the great pace for the rest of the issues. Culbard blend of art and color work really brings this book alive visually. It’s a great blend of many genres and yet feel really fresh at the same time. VERY RECOMMENDED!
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