Hawkeye #1

Hawkeye begins with a huge single page action shot of our hero, which is one of the first and only times we see Clint Barton as Hawkeye. This is a very good thing as it takes you through the story through the eyes of the alter ego of the avenger, showing the non-superhero side of Clint. Matt Fractions writing brings a whole new light to the marvel superhero genre. I have the same problem with a lot of the other Avenger’s books, they all seem to blend together and the writers could all change round and no one would notice. However this new take on Hawkeye is refreshing and I know a lot of people have been surprised by the quality of this story.

 

The art by David Aja is on another level, and really gives a complete feel to this issue. It has a very different feel to other marvel books, as it’s not so much of the crisp lines. It has thick black lines, and has a really easy style to it, which makes the whole issue very good to look at.

The comic is a real difference to anything really marvel has put out for a while, which brings a real aspect of moving away from the standard of the other books of the avengers. The art is the real star for me personally, however I don’t want to take away from Matt’s writing. The complete experience of the creative team has given us a great first issue to a story I hope will carry on for a long time. Judging from the previews I think it will.

The Mighty Titan

I first discovered Joe Martino’s work after being in contact with him about Shadowflame and Ripperman. I got the books digitally and I was always speaking to Joe regarding his next project. He was always very secretive about the next comic adventure, but he promised it was a very personal story to him. After seeing a few teasers of art creations and the title, he started slowly releasing things through both twitter and Facebook. Eventually after some time, and much excitement, the kickstarter project was revealed. “The Mighty Titan” needs your help. As many of you know I am a big supporter of creator owned comics and comics that may not get the coverage they want, and in most cases deserve. The official press release for “The Mighty Titan” read like this:

The Mighty Titan is on Kickstarter – JGM Comics releases its newest book for funding on crowd funding site. JGM Comics is trying something new. It is releasing its newest title on Kickstarter. Joe Martino’s new book The Mighty Titan takes Joe’s cancer experience and wraps it in a superhero shell. Writer/Creator Joe Martino said “The Mighty Titan is my newest creation that essentially takes my cancer (and other) experiences and wraps them in a superhero shell. This isn’t autobiographical. I have researched and talked to other cancer survivors to try and get the feeling of what other people have experienced.” JGM is using this as a pre-order engine for their new mini-series and has rewards that range from the First issue to original art from the book. You could even star in the book. The Mighty Titan is a 5 issue mini-series that boasts the talents of Luca Cicchitti, Cory Smith, Jeff Austin, Keith J. Betancourt and Johnny Lowe. Issue one has an amazing cover by Industry Legend Jerry Ordway and is colored by Danielle Alexis St Pierre. Please see the The Mighty Titan Kickstarter campaign at the following link; http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jgmcomics/the-mighty-titan JGM Comics is a publisher of Shadowflame, Ripperman, John Orlando’s FHA-Q and New Age Tales of Alternate Adventures. They have been publishing on and off since 1996.

As you can read, this has a very personal story through out for Joe. This also brings you into the mindset slightly of the writer/creator as he tries to express his pain, and the pain of others, through his latest superhero creation. It is this that gives the story such a unique feel, because you know that the person writing it has actually felt these feelings. The book it’s self it’s still in development, with a massive group of very talented people putting art to Joes writing. Joe has been kind enough to give me a couple of exclusive pages. The first 2 pages of issue 1 inked look incredible, and even the sneak peak I got at 3-4 pencilled were amazing. I can tell the effort that is going into this comic is going to pay of, for us as fans, but also this could be JGM comics biggest release yet.

Here Are the exclusive pages 1 and 2 from issue 1, that I think you will agree they look pretty awesome.

 

I personally will be backing this comic in which ever ways I can, which includes my financial contribution. I really hope that all you guys can do the same. If you can’t back financially then at least share your interests with all your followers. With all our help, Joe can release “The Mighty Titan” into the comic book world we all love. I’m certain that you will regret not being part of this creation. Even if you are just sharing it with your friends so that they might see this incredible opportunity, then all support is appreciated (I speak on behalf of Joe of course, and if my article is your discovery of “The Mighty Titan” then I thank you on my behalf also)
I know all this sounds like I’m fishing for a job at JGM comics, or that I’m getting something in return, but that’s not the case. This truly is a kickstarter project that I personally want to help make it to funding. Not only for the fact that we all get an amazing comic book creation, but I know how personal this story is to Joe. I for one feel I would be upset with the fact that this project may not get the funding it needs through lack of knowledge about it. So consider this my plea, I want all of you reading this to back this comic project, with whatever you can. Even if you can’t put any money in, spread the word. Help get this comic book to the level it needs to be at, to be unleashed into the world.

I urge all of you people to visit this link and pledge your support to this amazing cause. To be honest once you check out the rewards alone, you will want to get involved, but read the page and you will get a small glimpse at how much this project means to Joe Martino.It truly is moving to read his words and you can almost feel the emotion he is putting into this project.

Please visit the kickstarter page by clicking HERE, also you can like The Mighty Titan on Facebook.

You can also speak to the man himself Joe Martino via his Twitter account, and feel free to ask him questions about stuff, he really is a very cool guy.

Please leave your comments, and also contact me via my twitter page, and please check out this project.

Jason

He-man and the masters of the universe #1

When I was a kid, he-man and the masters of the universe was the single biggest thing in my life. I always had a sword down my back, and always watched the cartoons. So of course when issue 1 of a new DC comics series of He-man came through the post, I couldn’t contain my inner child.

We begin the issue in a dream, and talk of great power, and great battle between good and evil. Then we come back to the forest of Eternia, where Adam is going about his daily activities as a woodsman. We learn that when he isn’t chopping down trees and such he is a carer for his farther. When he returns to his duties, he is distracted by a bird, who although he hasn’t seen this bird before he knew its name as if it told him himself. After more dreams, Adam has an epiphany and realises he should go away and search for powers of which he dreams.

Only things aren’t what they seem, and we are quickly introduced to the villain of the issue Beastman. Who knows all about Adam and his journey, and has been sent to stop him. This brings out things in Adam that he doesn’t realise are there. After the battle, Adam continues on his journey. This then brings us to a throne room filled with all the evil you could imagine, including the dreaded Skeletor.

This book was always going to have to do a lot to impress fans like myself. The writing by James Robinson may not be to everyone’s liking. However I feel like this was a great method to use as he gives you just enough to keep you wanting more, but not too much to throw out the whole story very quickly. Although it may seem slow to take off, it just makes me more intrigued as to where the story will go in the following issues.

Art by Philip Tan is good, on the few pages we actually get to see He-man and the other heroes and villains of the story have a huge magical feeling to them like they are going to jump off the page. On the pages in between have a completely different feel to them, like its two different books but all wrapped up in an awesome first issue. Although it may not be to everyone’s taste, this is a great introduction back into Eternia and the magical world of my childhood hero.

please leave your comments and let me know your thoughts on my twitter page

Jason

Batman Earth One

Batman earth one is a retelling of the origins of the superhero, who is just about the most recognisable character in history. We have all heard or seen or read different origin stories. This can be the cause of many arguments amongst Bat-fans. Now with Geoff Johns and Gary Frank taking the caped crusader down a different path, this will only add to the legendary mythology that already surrounds the dark knight.

Our story begins on the roof tops of Gotham, and a chase through the dark shadows. Batman chasing down a man he is trying to apprehend, which doesn’t exactly go to plan. This takes us back to the time of Thomas and Martha Wayne, which introduces Alfred Pennyworth, only not as we know him. He is an ex-marine, and friend to Dr. Wayne and also a former patient. He is asked to work security for the family as they go on the mayoral campaign trail, not only for them but their young son Bruce. After the tragedy of the loss of his parents (some things can’t change) Alfred is named as Bruce’s legal guardian, and so ensues the young boys training to becoming the caped crusader. The story shows a completely different side to the relationship shared by Alfred and Bruce. Although not so far from the original origin story, is enough to give you a completely different aspect on the whole history between them.

After the funeral we meet Detective Jim Gordon, and even for a brief moment Barbara too. This brings in the introduction of Officer Harvey Bullock as Jim’s new partner. Both Jim and Harvey go out onto the streets of Gotham as they make their way to security detail for the corrupt criminal mastermind that is the mayor. Who is none other than Mayor Oswald Cobblepot. This is where the paths of the two main focuses of the story first cross, only little do they know they will become close allies in the war on crime in Gotham City.

The development of the relationships in this story are so perfectly written, and give a real in depth look at the ways that both Batman and Jim Gordon help each other along their own paths to the legends they will one day become, although not always knowing they are destined to become closer than they ever would expect in the most dangerous city in the world. Also the story shows all the people in their lives around them, that all adds a familiarity to this epic retelling of the story the world knows in many different ways. Geoff Johns writing throughout is of such a high standard, he is absolutely written a perfect Batman story. He has created a reimagining of the story that has been done many times before, only adding his own spin to it.

The art of Gary Frank is incredible, it really has a dark gritty feel that only portrays the elements of danger throughout the city, and its entire criminal underworld. Every single panel is a masterpiece of comic art. The lines, the backgrounds, even the serial killer “The birthday boy” although may have a humorous look is still menacing.

With both Geoff and Gary doing such amazing work, I can see this book making many top 10 lists, as it has mine.

Please leave you comments and let me know your thoughts via my twitter

Jason

Hawkeye preview

I’m very much looking forward to this new take on Hawkeye, Matt Fraction writing and David Aja on illustration can only lead to awesome. Hawkeye is obviously gonna be closely looked at following the avengers movie. From these preview pages, I can only see good things happening.

Obviously the pages are all not lettered, but I think this gives a pretty awesome preview of the greatness to come. I for one am looking forward to this run. Release date is set for August 1st 2012 from marvel.

Original press release is over at CBR

First look at Batman issue 12

Dc comics has revealed the first look at Becky Cloonans art for her upcoming issue of Batman. It is a stand alone issue featuring the story of “Harper”, who we first met in issue 7 of the court of owls story.

By the look of this art, Becky may return to Batman sooner than we think, it looks incredible. Series regular Greg Capullo returns for the next huge arc beginning September.

Wildboar chapter 1

So I was approached via my blog by a guy asking if I would be interested in reviewing his comic, I emailed him and he send me a free download code for the PDF. The guys name was Thor Fjalarsson and he has created WildBoar, a comic that he has written and illustrated himself.

The opening panels to this book take us to an old warehouse, being used for some major criminal activity. Guns, drugs, and meetings with some very shady characters. We follow Hvid into a meeting with the head of the crime organisation, who used to do business with Hvid’s father. The following dialogue takes us in a small flashback scene of some violent, and quite questionable activity.

We then come back to the focus of the story, and talk of a job that the crime family want Hvid and his team to be a part of. Retrieving an artefact for them from a highly secure building. As if this wasn’t hard enough, there is another team involved, and they are going in for the same purpose. Only as the story progresses we learn that the opposition have been gathering intel from the same inside sources that were being paid off by the same people asking Hvid to do this job for him.
At this point we get a glimpse of a man, who seems to be posing as a market researcher, only we quickly learn that this isn’t the case, and this begins the intel for the heist.

We cut back to the meeting room, where mr. Grim hands another case file across the table, however this contains the identities of the other heist team, and the criminal mastermind adds to the colossal task already placed in the lap of Hvid. Asking him to take out the other heist team before they do any real damage to the job in hand.
Which brings us to another cutaway scene, which is the introduction of another 3 people who you can’t help but feel may be involved in the main focus of the story, Nikita, B, and Uli. They are waiting outside a bar, they have a conversation with a man from inside, who is working for them anyway. They make their way into the bar through an open side door in the ally. This leads to a very bloody and gruesome take down and the people inside fall victim to a hail of gunfire, and the team leave as calmly as they walked in.

This brings us back to the burning question that is being narrated throughout the story, will Hvid take the job? And which of his team will he use to get it done?

This story has surprised me, I didn’t quite know what to expect when I opened the book. The cover doesn’t really give a lot away. Honestly I’m so glad I got a chance to read this comic, Thor has written and illustrated this whole creation. The story carries a perfect narration through the criminal underworld and a meeting that you actually believe could happen, and also a brief insight into the characters personalties and their pasts. The art throughout this book adds to the dark and disturbing feeling you get from the story, almost as if you are actually involved in the meeting yourself. This chapter is a great introduction into the gritty world of criminal life. So not only does the creator have one of the coolest names ever, Thor, but is also a very talented man, and his passion for this genre really shines through the dark tone the story takes.

The book is available to buy from Drive Thru Comics by clicking on this link, and also from Graphicly by clicking on this link.
You can also check out Thor’s website for his company Gosi Graphics and follow him on twitter.

When you buy issue 1 of WildBoar, be safe in the knowledge that Thor is working on issue 2 for release later this year, while also working on another comic called “Dark Waves” with writer Arthur Gibson, so keep a look out for that too.

Personal note: Thor I was very pleasantly surprised by this book, you have done a great job with it, and I for sure will be following the progression of the story. I appreciate the chance to review you comic.

Please people leave your comments, and also let me know your thoughts via my own twitter page

Jason

Comics fans rule

Just as small post, I was thinking earlier that at the moment, through all comics mediums this really is the best time to be a comics fan. Honestly I can’t remember a week that hasn’t included a new number one issue, or a new relaunch of an existing character. My obvious prime example for the relaunch, is Batman.
I have not been so into a story arc for a long time. I honestly think that Scott Snyder has made history, not only in batman but throughout the whole mythology surrounding the dark knight. Not too many writers in recent time have introduced an enemy into the batman villain hall of fame, as Snyder has with his court of owls. Not only that but the history altering revelations that have recently occurred during issue 10, no spoilers in case you have been living under a rock and haven’t read it yet, but another introduction into batman not only completely changes the game, but also adds another branch to the origins of the Wayne family that changes the way you think about Batman. Scott Snyder was made to write batman, may he carry on for a long time!

There has also been some completely new stories released, such as saga, and Americas got powers to name a few that are currently some of my favourites. The combinations of great art, and brilliant writing have made the current time, not only the most fun, but some of the most interesting. With all these current relaunched and new books being introduced comic book pull lists larger every single week, but also people are still picking up their previous books on top, with the release of spawn #220 and the impending release of the walking dead #100, the books that have always been a must for most of us are still keeping up with the new guys.

Not only are comics slowly becoming more and more popular, but they are now so much more influential across all other forms of entertainment. The walking dead tv shows, and even to a certain extent the big bang theory, on the small screen bring the geek culture to a much broader audience. To the current cinema release schedule looking more and more like a comic shop release list, and with excitement still brewing for the amazing spiderman movie, and of course the dark knight rises, and even there is a buzz beginning to occur for the new dredd movie. These are all bringing the stories we know and love to a much larger group of people, that maybe otherwise wouldn’t have known such stories without seeing them at the cinema.

So to sum up this time, right now, is the greatest time to be a comic book fan, the industry as it stands now, makes geeks like me and you the coolest people in the planet. This really is the time to introduce all your family and friends to the comics you love, because maybe they will be more interested than you think!

Jason

Red Angel #1

I have been sent there comics by Larry Jarrell of  What The flux comics a few days ago. I want to review all the books he sent me, but I will start at the beginning.

As Red Angel begins your are thrown straight into a scene full of amazing art, with ships, and huge machines, with huger guns. This page includes an introduction to the sort of time you are being brought into. The story begins telling you of a twenty-five year world-wide machine war, which has now ended. The remaining countries have all signed a treaty to cease the production of their battle robots, and to live in harmony created, and enforced by the global transmospheric trading company. The GTTC deal in all trades world-wide, and also deal with any people who may not see the world-wide peace as a good thing and continue to develop new and more deadly machines. These are known as pirates and the Red Angel is the GTTC’s leading team in taking out the threats, and enforcing the laws.

This then brings us to the Red Angel, and it’s crew with Captain Victoria Angel, Gunner Marcus Broadside, First mate 2458 (who is also a robot), Navigator Jovian Polaris, and Engineer Bridget Angel. The crews are going about their business, when they come across a band of pirates using a machine to terrorise a village. Our heroes swing into action to eliminate the threat, and bring the pirates to justice….

Our heroes take the fight to their opponents, also the Captain and her Gunner have left the rest of the crew on board, to go down and take out the machine that is crushing the village below. The whole team proves to be very well equipped to do their job, and take down the pirates, and keep them alive for interrogation, while the Captain and Marcus take out the machine. Which then introduces into the story that the crew of the Red Angel are being paid for their protection services. Which then starts to bring in questions of morals and reasoning, and throws the whole story back into the air, the only thing your certain of is that Captain Victoria and her crew are very good at their jobs.

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The crew and Captain arrive back onboard the ship and begin trying to get answers from their newly acquired prisoners, we get a small introduction to the crew they captured, and also a small part of the crimes committed against the GTTC. We however follow Captain Victoria as she takes the pirate captain to her quarters to offer him a deal, and a drink. However the answers she gets from the man, aren’t the ones she wants, and this brings the issue to an ending that is so intriguing that it makes you want to carry on to the next issue immediately.

This comic when I first opened it was very different to anything I usually read, however after reading it, I am completely into this story. Written by one of the co-Creators Erin Pyne, Red Angel is a story that both herself and her Co-Creating partner Larry Jarrell are very passionate about, and that comes through with every single panel. Heavily influence by the whole steam punk movement, it is laced throughout this book, and honestly adds to the feeling that you are taking part in an epic swashbuckling story. Erin has written a great story although very futuristic in style, is set in the past.
The art in this issue and the others I have makes you feel like this could have been a movie, or tv series, it fits the story perfectly. It also has a very familiar sort of feel to it, although you may not have heard of Russ Leach, he and colourist Mike Summers make you feel at very at ease, and when I was reading it.
The whole issue made me feel like I was picking up a book that I had read numerous times before. Which is an amazing thing when you pick up a book that normally may not be something that you would read. which is an unusually feeling to get when you read a book for the first time, though it is a very welcome one. Awesome job all involved.

Personal note: This book is great, and I hope my words can help to generate interest in this story, because I really feel this would convince a lot of people to broaden their horizons and open their minds to comics outside of large publishing groups, because it really shows the passion the creators have for this medium, that may not get the breaks into the industry. Which means gems like this don’t always get the coverage they deserve. Also thanks to @ReadComicBooks for making this connection for me.

Please contact Larry Jarrell on Twitter, and also visit the official What The Flux Comics website.

Please comment and tell me what you think here, and on my Twitter page

Jason

Titan one shot

I was sent this comic a couple of weeks ago, after being contacted by Gary Seaward and also Glen Ludlow about their creation, and a possible review. Of course I said yes and they sent me the PDF. I then go on chatting with the guys and realise that this is not only a u.k creation but also published here in England too. I want to share this book with everyone, and hope that you contact them about getting a copy, because I want a print.

Titan begins with a narration from an anonymous character, telling of the greatest superhero of our country, and how he was bigger than the Beatles and before the Ali vs Cooper boxing match, everyone only came to see Titan, even the boxers. That is until we learn of the terrible things that Titan did, when involved in a government plot.

The narration of Titans story then brings us to Lonsdale island, and what is from what I can gather some sort of camp, where people with powers are put. They are referred to officially as enhanced war veterans, given enhanced capabilities to help win the war. When the war was over, the British government no longer wanted these people out in the community with civilians, so Lonsdale island was designated as a temporary residence for the people. So they were moved there and nothing happens for 20 years. The story continues with a documentary style of filming where Titan is the star and he is on the island to help ease tensions between the enhanced people and the soldiers given the task of removing them, which after 20 years, the people are not happy about being removed from the lives they have built.
Titan also is the muscle the soldiers use if the residents refuse to leave, which of course the camera gets turned off at them points. When it’s turned back on, we see the person being put in the back of a truck in handcuffs, a little roughed up perhaps.

Titan then goes about his business, showing the documentary crew around the island, playing the good guy roll, but being shunned by the residents of the island.
We then come to another person being forced from his home by the soldiers and captain Reynolds, the guy in charge of evicting the transapians from their homes, when Titan is required to step in. He tries to de-escalate the situation, only to find that it’s too far gone and the man goes on a rampage, and suffers the fatal consequences. At which point the mans son, Michael comes out, justifiably angry, and reaches for Titans gun, which brings Titan into action to save Michael from the shower of bullets the soldiers lay down, also while the camera still rolls.

Only Titan doesn’t realise what he has done, and the army bring down Our hero in a way that no man can recover, through the news and media, saying he has turned on the soldiers on the island, and has killed some. This obviously brings rumours to the surface, and Titan has an immediate fall from the good graces of the people, and is labeled a traitor.
This is where we cut back to the island, and Titan as he wakes up, in the home of the man he saved, and his son, but the tension of being forced to move still hasn’t lifted, and he wants our hero to leave. Only Titan has a plan to not only clear his name, but also to prove Michael’s father that died, was murdered.

Titan and Michael put their plan into action, while leaving Michael’s son Roger in the car, out of harms way. They make their way into the secure facility, and only then does mayhem break out, and the plan becomes a battle, and the story takes a couple of huge twists and turns which brings us to an office, in the present day. Where we discover the narrator of Titans story, as the story takes another twist to the ending, that until you read, I ain’t telling you.

This comic has really shocked me, the writer/co-creator Glen Ludlow has written a story that, although spanning many decades, and even include a couple of cameos, makes you want to carry on reading. It really makes you feel for the character of Titan, and the ordeal he goes through, and then the involvement of the other 2 main focuses of the story, Michael and Roger, and brings the story through the ages, making you want to know what happens next. The art by Gary Seaward is so good, and going to the different times throughout the last century, and the different contexts of the story, during the documentary filming, and bringing it to the present day, and all the times in between really shows that Gary has a great talent to adapt to the awesome writing from Glen. The two have created a story that would make me very happy to have Titan in my collection(Hint,Hint) and together they make a great team, and I for one can’t wait to see where the next project goes to. The book is also published by a uk publisher called Orbital Velocity.

Personal note: Gary and Glen, I very much enjoyed this glimpse inside the story of Titan, and I appreciate the chance to share this creation with the world, I only hope I can create interest. Thank you guys for letting me see this book

You can follow both Glen Ludlow and Gary Seaward on twitter, just click on the links throughout, if it’s highlighted, click it.

Please everyone let me know your thoughts and leave comments, and follow me on Twitter

Jason