Category Archives: Reviews

Alan Moore, Brian Bolland ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ Review

May 2, 2016 The Overseer 1 Comment

When it comes to Batman and his lengthy history, there are a few must-read stories. Stories that altered the way we view and think of Batman, and some of his greatest foes. Alan Moore just so happens to be responsible for more than a single one of those stories. My personal favorite, however, is less about Batman and more about Joker than anything. It’s only appropriate that the book be titled Batman: The Killing Joke.

What we get here is no doubt the greatest Joker story ever told. It’s a bold thing to craft a Joker origin story. It’s far bolder to tell that story all the while pushing Batman’s greatest villain to depravities unknown even to this legendary monster. Never has the grinning one been so cutthroat and vile. Never has he pushed Batman in such fashion. Never has he been so frightening.

That’s another element of the book that steals my soul. This is a genuinely frightening Batman book, and that’s brilliant. While I adore the silliness that comes with some of the earlier Detective Comics issues, I’ve been much more keen on edgier tales (Shadow of the Bat was a brilliant run), and this fits the bill.

So, as we’re reading this issue, we find ourselves – for the first time in a long time – wondering if Batman will actually capture the Joker before he can slaughter an excessive amount of decent Gothamites. That’s a mystery we don’t typically get from Batman books, and it’s absolutely amazing.

What more can be said of this one other than major, major respect to the legendary Alan Moore and the master of cover art, and former boss of the insides, artist Brian Bolland. These two are mind bogglingly good together. These men don’t make comic books, they make very real, very respectful artwork that, as The Killing Joke proves, is truly timeless.

Rating: 5/5

Comics, Dynamite, Reviews

Army of Darkness: Furious Road #1 & #2 Review

April 28, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

Army of Darkness: Furious Road is an awkward but gripping piece that brings Ash toe to toe with Universal Monsters who travel as only a Road Warrior could. It’s strange, make no mistake, but it’s one of the strongest story arcs we’ve gotten from an Army of Darkness run in quite some time.

The story pretty much unravels as most Army of Darkness titles do, with Ash tangling with Deadites over the Necronomicon. As we’ve seen over the years Ash isn’t opposed to teaming up with folks if it means clearing the Deadite mess up once and for all. This time around we happen to get modernized takes on Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, The Daughter of Dracula and of course, a spunky Wolf Man. It’s a fine batch to work with, and it earns big points from me, as I’ve always been an extreme Universal Monster enthusiast.

Two issues in and the pace is just right. We’ve had a few bad ass action sequences, a glimpse of the Delta, Ash’s evil twin is in town. It’s all here, as you’d hope. But the monsters – the heroic lot, not the undead – add an interesting dynamic to the story. At this point it’s an exciting and engaging story.

Nancy A. Collins does fine work paying homage to Mad Max as well as the older icons featured in the tale, but Collins isn’t alone in success. Kewber Baal’s artwork is mean. It’s sharp and it mirrors the mood of the narrative. More points from me.

This is one of the finer Army of Darkness books. It’s worth the cover price, so if you’ve been curious but haven’t been too certain of where or when to jump in, now is an excellent time.

You can pick up both issues right here.

Rating: 4/5

Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Reviews

Hellboy Winter Special (2016) Review

March 26, 2016 The Overseer 1 Comment

It’s hard to go wrong with any book that showcases the genius of Mike Mignola. Whether you’re a fan or not, debating the man’s place in comic book history is pointless. He’s a mountain toppler, and that’s all there is to it. Hellboy was a gift that I – ironically – could have deemed delivered by God… of course, we know the truth. Hellboy is Mignola’s creation, and Hellboy truly does rank amongst the finest heroes (Hellboy is actually a genius character that sometimes rides a fine line between hero and antihero) we’ve ever seen. When you examine the entire character and his origin, he feels a little paradoxical, which says a lot for the character, because whether we feel we understand every wrinkle of his personality or not, we sure do love the red devil!

If you love Hellboy, you’re going to love Hellboy: Winter Special. We get a small handful of stories from this one, and not one of those stories comes across as anything less than top notch work. But the big standouts are quite clearly Wandering Souls and Mood Swings, two radically different but ultimately charming tales that resonate.

Wandering Souls, the second story in the book is a good old fashioned ghost tale that puts a Chinese tribe, once slaughtered, now haunting the land in search of their very own bones, at the forefront of things. It’s a quick but solid read that feels as though it could easily be transferred to animated film, a la Sword of Storms or Blood and Iron, and it comes complete with a vintage Hellboy slugfest. Excellent work delivered by the pitch-perfect trio of Mignola, Chris Roberson and Michael Walsh.

The other homerun in the book is delivered by writer Chelsea Cain and artist Michael Avon Oeming, who come together to explore the intricacies of the blossoming youth while pitting Hellboy against off-putting little parasites known as Snow Geists, wicked little critters that climb inside snowmen, transforming them into animated and murderous monstrosities. While the expected battle between Hellboy and the Snowmen is awesome, this one really appeals due to the human charm of the tale, and the exploration of the female youth. It’s more great work, and certainly reason to campaign for more future Hellboy work from both Cain and Oeming.

The simple fact of the matter is this: I could spend a few hours praising this book, or I can cut to the chase, dish out a confident 5-star rating and tell you to order it right here. It’s a mighty fine investment worthy of more than a single read.

Rating: 5/5

Comics, IDW Publishing, Reviews

‘Ghostbusters International #1’ Review

March 14, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

Ghostbusters International starts on a slow note, as they make the typical entity wrangling before being approached by the absurdly wealthy Erland Vinter, who has some plans for the gang. While we don’t receive too much in the way of details (that’s to come in issue number two, no doubt), we do get the very obvious idea that our loveable paranormal squashers won’t be hanging around New York for this specific assignment.

This is a fine opener, and writer Erik Burnham keeps the feel and continuity of recent stories intact. Picking this book up it feels as though we haven’t missed a beat, which is good news for hardcore Ghostbusters fans. Burnham also garners praise for keeping each of the Ghostbusters’ personalities very true to Ivan Reitman’s original source feature. You’ve got to love that.

As for the artwork, fear not – Dan Schoening brings his trademark style to the book, keeping the look of our protagonists clean yet simple. No pencil stroke is wasted by Schoening. All in all, the book looks great, and what we see in regards to villains is standout stuff.

Ghostbusters always have and always will entertain me. There are only so many paths these gentlemen can travel, but there’s clearly still room for expansions, as the numerous GB titles out there haven’t grown stale yet. With a brand new Ghostbusters reboot headed to the big screen soon, it doesn’t look as though this paranormal balloon will be deflating any time soon.

This is solid work that comes recommended. Order it here.

Rating: 4/5

Comics, Image Comics, Reviews

‘Pencil Head #1’ Review

March 13, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

Ted McKeever’s got an interesting style. He’s also got a book on his hands that has the potential to go down in history as one of the finer creations of the comic world. Pencil Head is dark and satirical, jaded to the core but lively on all fronts. It’s interesting to say the least, and any living soul on Mother Earth who is beyond fed up with their boss, their working conditions or the mundane manner so many lives take on, Pencil Head is most certainly for you.

The story focuses on Poodwaddle, a frustrated creator of comics. He lives something of a lonely life, he’s sick and tired of his publisher attempting to take creative control over his work, often pushing it in a direction he can’t begin to agree with. But Poodwaddle meets with an old friend, Luthais, in the biz, and that friend offers him a chance to write something that leaves him feeling fulfilled.

Between his professional problems and the sudden appearance of one of his very own creations, now come to life to haunt the man, he definitely needs the change. He needs some normalcy in his life, and he may just be on the cusp of obtaining it, if he can pull himself together and move forward.

McKeever’s harsh outlook on life is genius and sadly, somewhat realistic. He’s created a couple of characters that are going to resonate in the mind of readers. These players are crude yet hilarious and this book stands to head in the direction of cult status. Pencil Head won’t work for everyone, but those who do find pleasure in reading this are likely to remain onboard as long as McKeever’s willing to extend us more greatness.

I simply cannot begin to recommend this book enough. It’s amazing!

Rating: 5/5

Comics, DC Comics, Reviews

New 52 ‘Batman – The Dark Knight #1’ Review

March 13, 2016 The Overseer 1 Comment

The official inaugural issue of Batman – The Dark Knight sees Bruce being hounded by internal affairs, who aim to find out precisely why he’d co-sign a vigilante like Batman. Bruce is busy smooth talking his way out of the mess when we meet Jai Hudson, a lovely looker who manages to separate Bruce from his unwanted guest. Jai, for the record is a suave speaker who may just have something to hide.

Cut away to Arkham Asylum and we learn that hundreds of inmates have overthrown the facility and are breaking free. Then Batman shows up and things get very interesting. Batman theorizes that the violent outburst may be cover for the escape of Harvey Dent, better known as Two-Face.

When Batman does finally locate Two-Face he gets the surprise of a lifetime. This isn’t the Two-Face readers are accustomed to seeing. This Two-Face looks as though he’s been tapping into Bane’s Venom, and he looks furious. He also calls for a new moniker as he stares Batman down and declares, “You can call me One-Face now!”

Here’s a book that makes for a stellar read. Writer Paul Jenkins works up an edgy and dark tale with very little downtime and a grand finale. Meanwhile David Finch gives us supremely crisp illustrations with beautiful shading and diverse character looks. Alex Sinclair also warrants major praise for his often contrasting colors and stunning looks at the artificial police lighting as Batman descends on Arkham Asylum.

This is how I like my Batman books. Brutal and unforgiving, dark and aimed at a slightly older audience. Books like this refuse to pull punches, and Batman deserves that. The edge is reminiscent of the stellar Nightfall storyline. If you’ve been avoiding a lot of DC’s New 52 books, make sure this isn’t one of them.

Rating: 5/5

Comics, Max Comics, Reviews

‘Dead of Night: Featuring Man-Thing #4’ Review

March 12, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

And finally we reach the conclusion to this captivating, half-horror, half-science-fiction piece. Thoroughly engaging from page one of issue one, I’m a bit bummed to see the mini-series come to a close. It’s been nothing short of magnetic and it’s successfully turned me into a certified Man-Thing fan.

In the final chapter of this tale a group of operatives head for the swamp. They work for AIM, the terrorist organization responsible for the disaster that inevitably led to the creation of Man-Thing, and they’re objective is to kill all remnants of the experiment. And Ellen Brandt still has her personal score to settle.

In the end, with the help of Jennifer the mercenaries have been disposed of, quite violently. And, as would be expected the final showdown sees Man-Thing and Ellen face off to bring their feud to a bloody end. Or, perhaps a closer conclusion? A morbid sense of intimacy as things are all… wrapped up and the swamp is back to being the swamp.

An amazing read from Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa that grips the attention and never lets go, and the attractive diversity of the artwork – wrapped by Nic Klein – make Man-Thing something of a special find. It offers no downtime, generates unlikely but loveable relationships and even reminds us that Mother Nature is to be cherished. Few books resonate as this one, which is why it earns high marks and endless recommendations!

Rating: 5/5

Comics, Max Comics, Reviews

‘Dead of Night: Featuring Man-Thing #3’ Review

March 12, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

Man-Thing just can’t catch a break. This guy wants some peace. Instead, he’s got a couple douche bags with cameras looking to catch the beast on film. Anything for a buck, eh? But, perhaps more important we see that Jennifer and her brother have continued nurturing their relationship with him, and they’re warning him of a group headed for him, for hunting purposes.

Eventually the hunters, the amateur film makers and a vicious crew hell bent on destroying the monster collide in a frantic display. But just as the violence seems to be reaching an end we see the return of an old nemesis of Man-Thing, Ellen Brandt, and she’s out for flesh and blood and bone and brain. And Man-Thing is the number one priority of this psycho.

At this point it feels a little bit repetitive, but it feels improper to continue heaping praise on Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, but by God the man is something special. And the loveable lunatic handling the artwork this time around happens to be Javier Saltares, a stud in his own right. Oh, and for the record, I’ve been depriving Nick Percival of his just dues. He works the “Digger Sequences” which are harrowing in image but gorgeous to the morbid mind. A fine touch to an even finer book!

Rating: 5/5

Comics, Max Comics, Reviews

‘Dead of Night: Featuring Man-Thing #2’ Review

March 12, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

Brian Denham steps in to handle the art for the second of four issues featuring the Man-Thing, and it must be said, he adds a completely new flare for the book. While Kano’s work in issue one was top notch, Denham’s work feels noticeably bleaker. This is grim, haunting imagery, no two ways about it. As for the story itself, fear not, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s still handling this, and he’s still bringing home the bacon, so to speak!

In issue number two we meet Jennifer Kale, a struggling young woman who raises her younger brother and pays the bills by dancing, under the seductive name Witch Woman. She doesn’t seem too proud of her current career, but it pays the bills. It also lands her in trouble.

Four lunatic ex-soldiers are spending their night at her place of employment. They peg her as their next victim, and when she exits the building, off the clock and bus-bound, she’s ambushed by these scumbags. Soon, she wakes in a room, in a shack out in the swamps. It doesn’t take a genius to guess what these freaks have in store for her. Well, maybe it does.

Before the men can rape her, Jennifer undergoes one hell of a transformation. She’s certainly more witch than stripper club patrons believe. She’s a full-on witch capable of convincing anyone that’s she’s anything, even monster. And she’s going to surprise these clowns in a terrifying way.

Not that it matters, these goons run smack dab into a true fate as they flee, running directly into Man-Thing, who offers no illusions, just brutality. And what of Man-Thing and Jennifer? There’s a bond being built here and I like where it’s headed.

Another top notch book. Brilliant characters, amazing artwork and ideas at work. This is a strong group here, and they’re giving Man-Thing the tale he deserves. More grade-A work!

Rating: 5/5