Tag Archives: Image Comics

Prepare for Another Morbid Story Arc in Image Comics’ Hit Title, Nailbiter!

March 17, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

Nailbiter fans are about to attempt some wild acrobatics. The joy comes in knowing that Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson will be launching a brand new story arc that begins with Nailbiter #21.

If you’ve been following the story you know it’s about as insane as it gets. But if you haven’t been reading Nailbiter, you’re missing some mind blowing greatness.

Just to sum it all up for those of you not in the know, I’ll summarize the entire story with just one nice run-on sentence: Mysterious town, 16 serial killers, a man of the law suddenly on the wrong side of the law and a body count that continues to rise at an alarming rate.

Here’s the scoop from the Press Release:

Writer Joshua Williamson (BIRTHRIGHT) and artist Mike Henderson (Venom,Carnage) will launch a new story arc in their hit horror series NAILBITER this May.

Previously in NAILBITER, NSA agent Nicholas Finch found himself roped into the mystery of Buckaroo, Oregon, where sixteen of the world’s vilest serial killers were spawned—and his life has not gotten any simpler since. A new serial killer appeared, for one; not to mention the commitment of more grisly murders and a major revelation about Alice’s parentage.

In NAILBITER #21, Alice now knows that the Nailbiter is her father. Does that mean she will grow up to be a serial killer?

“It’s awesome that we’re starting year three of Nailbiter! The team and I are so thankful to the readers and retailers for keeping us alive and killing for the last two years,” said Williamson. “We’ve been building to the Bound by Blood story arc since the beginning, slowly revealing the secret relationships between the characters. And now with this story arc we focus on Alice as she learns some dark truths about her past. The only way for her to know everything is if she solves the town’s big secret…why does it give birth to so many serial killers? How has it been hidden for so long? Crazy things are going to be revealed in this story arc…and it’s going to be very bloody!”

“Another year, another arc, another murder spree!” said Henderson. “We can’t thank everyone who’s kept Nailbiter going strong enough but just to try: Alice takes center stage and learns some new things about her ever-weirder world and the result is some of our darkest and bloodiest yet.”

NAILBITER #21 (Diamond code: MAR160550) hits stores Wednesday, May 4th. Final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, April 11th.

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, Image Comics, Reviews

‘Starve Volume 1’ Review

March 6, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

Brian Wood, Danijel Zezelj and Dave Stewart join forces to do a few things I can’t recall seeing done in the past. First, they’ve got an abstract book that they’ve turned into a true hit. Second, that abstract book is about the culinary profession as well as economic and social chaos. Third, it deposits a homosexual, self-exiled chef in the leading role of the story. It’s all quite bold and it’s extremely successful.

A massive sociopolitical statement with layers of different messages, Starve isn’t just inventive, it’s fearless. This is the kind of content that may have many scratching their heads, but it’s certainly going to have a whole hell of a lot of us tipping the cap in complete respect. The fact that Brian Wood capitalizes on the current popularity of reality TV and the culinary arts just speaks to his understanding of society and trending topics. It also exhibits a passion for food, which earns this stud even more respect for me, as I’m a hardcore foodie with a love for the kitchen. This guy’s more than okay in my book!

I love the look of Starve. I love the pace of Starve. I love the risks taken here, and I hope that the gang behind this masterful work realize just how effective it truly is.

If the atypical is what you seek, and strong stories take precedence over any other aspect of the graphic novel, then you’ve got to get your hands on this riveting and wildly original book. Starve represents the creative mind in brilliant fashion, repeatedly working against the grain to immense success. It’s a wild read, and while I’m disappointed in myself for having gone oblivious to its existence for so long, I’m grateful to have it today. Easily one of the finest books I’ve discovered in recent years, and most certainly a new Image favorite for me!

Order volume one right here, you’ll be doing yourself a greater favor than you may realize.

Rating: 5/5

Comics, Image Comics

‘The Discipline #1’ Review

March 6, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

Melissa Peake lives an interesting life. Thanks to her husband’s success she’s financially solid, no fiscal worries in her life whatsoever. But she’s also lonely. Her relationship with her sister is strained, her relationship with her husband is shaky – he’s so caught up in the idea of financial gain he’s incapable of seeing what he’s got standing in front of her – and her finest company comes from her dog, whom she opens her heart to on a regular basis. But the dull, uninspiring existence she knows is about to change.

We don’t know a whole lot about Orlando. He’s mysterious and he knows human behavior and mannerisms well enough to accurately summarize Melissa’s entire life. He comes on strong, and – married or not – Melissa begins falling for him instantaneously. But what’s the man about? Why does he appear to be something more than human? Who is he obviously recruiting Melissa for, and what do they plan to do with the woman?

All valid questions that will be answered with time. Right now is not the time. Right now, writer Peter Milligan is laying the groundwork for something special. Milligan is building the mystery, and it’s rather compelling. It’s nearly impossible to avoid being sucked into the cultish vibe of the book. There’s a lot of potential here.

I can’t praise Milligan without tipping my cap to Leandro Fernandez, who brings a straight forward, minimalized style to what promises to be a complex narrative. Fernandez is good. He’s successful in bringing in a certain flare without wasting a stroke of the pencil. You’ve got to respect that. You’ve got to respect both Chris Peter and Simon Bowland, who turn in strong showings working underappreciated positions as handling coloring and lettering, respectively.

There’s a lot of talent in this book. Image has been successful in launching a lot of fresh titles over the years, and this is no exception. If you’re looking for a new book to add to your monthly lineup, make it The Discipline. You’ll thank us later.

Order it here.

Rating: 4/5

Comics, Image Comics, News

Image Says Cheers to ‘Alpha King’!

February 24, 2016 The Overseer 1 Comment

My knowledge of 3 Floyds, or Alpha King, for that matter, is next to nonexistent. But one look at the press release that just came trickling down the pipeline and I’m mighty curious. This book sounds wicked good, so we had to share the news that Alpha King #1 will be headed our way in just a few brief months!

Here’s some info from the official press release:

One thing that legendary cult microbrewery 3 Floyds is consistently is “not normal,” and in celebration of this originality, pub-crawling creators Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Dark Knight III: The Master Race) and Simon Bisley (Hellblazer, Lobo) have teamed up with 3 Floyds founder and brewmaster Nick Floyd along with colorist Ryan Brown and letterer Jared K. Fletcher to delve into the twisted mythos behind the brand in ALPHA KING. Issue #1 will be on tap this May.

“This book is what happens when beer and comics conceive on a barstool,” said Azzarello. “I’m a proud poppa.”
ALPHA KING is set a long time ago in a metropolis far, far away (Hammond, Indiana), where Brewer and CiCi are producing a home-brew so distinct that it attracts the attention of a monstrous king and his horrid minions from another dimension. Swords are unsheathed, lines are crossed and sieges are laid for the rise of the Alpha King.

Featuring the insanity created by 3 Floyds—from their bottle washers to head brewers—this all-new series is a heavy metal mad mash-up through a futuristic medieval apocalypse. Zombies? Check. Barbarian hordes? Check. An Arctic Panzer Wolf? Sure, why not?

“I love the smell of hops in the morning…” added Floyd. “It smells like victory.”

As any Beer Geek can tell you, 3 Floyds brews some of the best and instantaneously memorable beers going today. Azzarello and Bisley bring their vision to the strange and wild characters created by 3 Floyds… guaranteed to be a hardcore epic that is “not normal” from the first page to the blood-and-beer-soaked conclusion. Cheers!

ALPHA KING #1 (Diamond Code MAR160510) will hit comic book stores on Wednesday, May 4th. The final order cutoff deadline for comic book retailers is Monday, April 11th.

Comics, Image Comics, Reviews

‘Postal Volume 1’ Review

February 24, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

Welcome to Eden, Wyoming. It’s a quiet community of just over 2,000. It looks comfortable. It looks welcoming. It looks safe. Looks can be deceiving.

Mark is the local mailman, afflicted with Asperger’s Syndrome, in love with a waitress named Maggie, and curious. Too curious. See, Mark is determined to learn the secrets of his town, and when a strange young lady surfaces, dead as John Denver (God rest the man’s soul), Mark’s life takes a sudden and terrifying turn.

The identity of the deceased is eventually learned, as Mark, as dedicated as he’s ever been, follows the breadcrumbs until he’s standing at the door to another existence. It’s an existence that will change his every perception of life, and an existence that will bring his unknown past to the surface.

But does Mark truly want to learn of who is? Of who his mother, the shady Mayor, is? Or how about his father, mysteriously absent from his life, does he really want to know the fate of his father, and what will it do to his already fragile mind, learning the truth?

I’m working hard to avoid spoilers, as this is such a magnetic and engrossing read that spoiling the details of the story feels criminal. I can’t bring myself to do it, but I can tell you this: From the moment Mark solemnly speaks the words “I’m used to the way you hurt me, mom,” you realize that Matt Hawkins and Bryan Hill are brilliant talents, capable of turning a graphic novel into an emotional experience.

There are few books as impressive as Postal on the market today. Isaac Goodhart is another piece of this awe inspiring puzzle, as his artwork is a refreshing and enlightening element of the book that deserves a wealth of respect. He gives us the kind of visuals that empower a narrative, and this particular narrative is already so powerful that it needs no assistance. Needless to say, with Goodhart involved, Postal ascends from the ranks of an excellent book to the ranks of a beautiful masterpiece.

This mysterious thriller will have you tearing through the pages (figuratively speaking, of course), frantic to uncover answers. Fortunately for fans of darker, mystery driven comics, Matt Hawkins and Bryan Hill are nurturing this story with the utmost care. We’ll have our answers, but we’ll be guided through much more chaos before we reach our destination. This is a ride I’d like to take forever.

Order Postal Volume 1 right here.

Rating: 5/5

Comics, News

Image Comics Brings ‘We Stand on Guard’ to the Masses in May

February 22, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

Brian K. Vaughan has, as the kids say, the skills to pay the bills. The man can write, and that means when he’s tapped to release a new book, you should really, really be paying attention.

So open your eyes, because, with the assistance of artist Steve Skroce, Vaughan will be bringing the new military thriller, We Stand on Guard to the fanatics of the world in May!

Read on for more info from the official press release:

New York Times bestselling and multiple Eisner-award winning writer Brian K. Vaughan (SAGA, PAPER GIRLS, PRIVATE EYE) and legendary storyboard artist Steve Skroce’s WE STAND ON GUARD’s jaw-dropping military thriller will be collected for the first time into a deluxe hardcover edition—which will include original sketches and other never-before-seen extras—available this May.

Set in a future where a heroic band of Canadian civilians must defend their homeland from invasion by the United States, WE STAND ON GUARD launched to critical acclaim and blends the episodic up-tempo pacing of Y the Last Man with an invasion story full of suspense and action.

WE STAND ON GUARD Deluxe Hardcover (ISBN: 978-1-63215-702-7) collects the complete series, issues 1-6, and hits comic book stores on Wednesday, May 4th and bookstores on Tuesday, May 10th, and will be available for $24.99.

It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond code FEB160645. It can be preordered now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Indigo.

Comics, Image Comics, Reviews

‘Oddly Normal Volume 1’ Review

February 21, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

You want a relatable book with heart, laughs and conundrums around each and every corner… er, page? You want Oddly Normal, Otis Frampton’s light-hearted, witchy coming of age tale. It’s a quick read, designed for all ages and it’s absolutely stuffed full of charm. Regardless of what you look for in your graphic novels, Oddly Normal will certainly leave you impressed and entertained in equal measure.

The story follows the titular character (yes, Oddly Normal is a name) as she fumbles her way through, first earth, and second, Fignation, the supernatural realm in which her witch of a mother comes from. Her father’s your average human, leaving our little lady a “mixed breed”, incapable of getting along on earth and just as out of place in Fignation.

After a failed birthday party (Oddly isn’t exactly a popular young lady) Oddly loses her temper and wishes her parents would disappear. Her wish comes true, which essentially leaves this awkward 10-year old with no home and no supervision.

Thank the heavens for Grandma, who shows up in the nick of time, ushering Oddly off to Fignation, a world in which – at her mother’s insistence – she would never see, let alone know. While staying with her Grandmother, Oddly is forced through the same routine she so desperately hoped to escape: She’s the new kid in a school full of nasty little boogers who don’t take kindly to strangers.

How will Oddly fair in this brave new world? Well, that’s what the book is truly about. And, that’s what we won’t be spoiling for you!

To call Oddly Normal brilliant is to undersell Frampton’s work – to call it brilliantly addictive and profoundly endearing may be serving a dish more befitting of the man’s accomplishment, as this is one charismatic piece of work. Frampton’s humor is sharp, but not overly complex. He delivers characters we can invest in, and he caps it all off with stunning artwork (just wait until Oddly ends up in Fignation – the book really comes to life).

I’ve spent the last year catching up on my Image titles, and Oddly Normal rests quit high on my favorites list. This book is a little bit horror, a little bit adventure and completely lovable. Every last page,

Order Volume 1 right here.

Rating: 5/5

Comics, Image Comics

‘Copperhead Volume 1: A New Sheriff in Town’ Review’

February 21, 2016 The Overseer Leave a comment

Unraveling like a slick extension of Star Wars, Copperhead proves addictive and action-packed in near record time. Readers are immediately thrust into the world of Clara Bronson, a single mother and new sheriff of the mining town, Copperhead. During her first day on the job a dysfunctional family is massacred. This isn’t going to be a peaceful place to live, and there are a number of suspect alien lifeforms meandering about. Sheriff Bronson clearly has her work cut out for her, and little does she know it, but many of the locals are going to make her job a lot harder than it has to be.

As a comic fan that’s always been on the fence about science-fiction comics, I’m more than happy to admit to adoring Copperhead. Jay Faerber’s story isn’t overly complex, which seems to be something of a habit among many writers who dedicate their efforts to the sub-genre. Jay also nurtures the characters long enough to invest – one way or the other – in their existence: we like Clara, we want her to thrive as the sheriff of this dry town. We care about her boy, and her partner in law. We care about Ismael. There are plenty of characters here to despise as well, as that’s the intentional design of their persona.

I’m not all too familiar with Scott Godlewski or his work, but he damn sure impresses in this instance. His ability to craft varying forms of aliens as well as humans so effectively is awesome. The creative balance is there and that’s a sign of a well-rounded artist, as are his abilities to generate convincing backgrounds and settings. Godlewski is a perfect match for Jay Faerber. Their work together feels familiar and atypical simultaneously. Straight-forward visuals and narrative, but not simplified work… that’s what Copperhead offers. As well as a fine escape from the real world, of course.

Order it here.

Rating: 4.5/5