Review: Angel & Faith... by Oliver de Guzman

Among my review pile this week, I would swear that this one is my favorite. Christos Gage has found his footing with this title and this one captures a little bit of the superior issue that came before it. New/old characters come into play. I'm really hoping willow becomes a regular supporting character in this book. Her presence adds so much to it. As I was saying, a lot of developments that happened in this issue to move it forward although at times, it could get a little exposition heavy.

Still, with his recent stride, I would consider this forgivable from Gage. Art as always, is great. It's entertaining and it distracted me from life's worries for a little while. So you can tell that the book did its job.

Oliver's Reviews: Angel and Faith #10, Star Wars: Boba Fett is Dead #2, Witchblade #156

Angel and Faith #10
This is a really fun issue and a gorgeous looking one at that! Chris Samnee! That's all the hook you need!

I hope he stays awhile in this book (no offence to the current artist.) This issue almost reads like a done in one. What with some unexpected visitors into Faith's humble abode. We then stumble upon some very interesting characters and delve into the secret history of another.

Oliver's Reviews: Star Wars: Blood Ties #1, Star Wars: Crimson Empire III #6, Star Wars: Dark Times #5, Angel and Faith #9

Star Wars: Blood Ties – Boba Fett #1
Apart from having a great cover, I think that the insides were even more amazing.  Few comics outside of the big two rarely, completely take me in. From the moment that the first panel hit, my attention was grasped and never let go. I really loved the pacing of the book. Granted it has the simplest of storylines , the most basic of plots, a revenge fantasy, but still, it was enjoyable. The art for the book was well done too. It sort of reminds me of the work of Ariel Olivetti, if not better.

Review: Angel and Faith #8

I feel that this arc had gone on a little bit long. It started out great but I just felt a little stretched out reading this issue. It's probably just me, but I felt that the things that Faith's dad had to say was already established in a previous issue. Still though, like the developments that occurred near the end. Will there be more to this? I think so. Will the subplot involving Drusilla end? I hope so. I really like this series to move on..move forward to greater story beats like Angel's attempt to resurrect Giles, and the runaway slayer with survivor's guilt issues.

Review: Angel and Faith #7

The theme for this months issue is that of "sins past, and search for redemption." Gage does a good job of showing the contrasts between Angel and Drusilla ( the surprise reveal from last issue, still on sale at your local comic shop) between then and now. And only time will tell which one of them is right.  

The art as always, is spot on. It might strike others as being cartoony, but for me, it works.

Review: Angel & Faith #6

This by far may be my favorite from the bunch of reviews that I did for this week.  It was mentioned to me by my colleague and fellow cbnah reviewer, Tim Barklay, that this comic is awesome, and he was right!  Christos Gage I believe, is one of the best writers in the biz today. His stories are never boring as it grabs your attention from the get go and never lets up until the final page.  He works quite well with the talented Rebekah Isaacs. The book flows freely and is easily understood in her amazing hands.

Preview Pages of Angel & Faith #6 And BPRD: Russia #5!

Courtesy of Dark Horse, here's 3 pages of Angel and Faith #6 and 4 pages of B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Russia #5! Enjoy!

Reviews de Guzman - Angel and Faith, Star Wars: Crimson Empire III, Invincible, Savage Dragon

Our own CBNAH-er, Oliver de Guzman, has some in depth reviews of some new comics released today. Check'em out before you head to the store, or head back to your store and pick up some recommended books you missed..!

Angel and Faith 5, Star Wars: Crimson Empire III, Invincible 86, Savage Dragon 177

Review: Angel and Faith #5

To be honest, I have never really been into the Buffy-verse. The original premise was awesome. Slayer that hunts vampires to save the world. But as the series went on, I stayed away the more convoluted it became. Angel and Faith are two characters spinning onto their own title from that world...and Angel, at least has been a massive success with his own TV series, comic book, and now, a twin bill with "that other famous slayer" Faith.

It was a pleasant surprise finding two names of creators that I am fond with on this comic. Namely Christos Gage of Avengers Academy fame and Phil Noto. As this series falls under the umbrella of "Buffy Season 9" and Josh Whedon, Gage does a good job of keeping the light hearted tone set by that other comic, from what I have seen of it. This issue, an old friend in the person of Harmony Kendall makes a visit to ask a personal favor from Angel....to handle something that might make or break her career as the "Kardashian" of Vampires.

This is a good, light-hearted done in one that is a satisfying read. Good but not great, which is kinda slightly disappointing as i have expected the latter lately from Mr Gage. I feel that Faith is all but left out in the whole deal. She could've used more screen time. Art-wise, I always consider Phil Noto as a great artist...when it comes to splash pages and pin ups. But, at least for me, I think he needs to develop a little more when it comes to his backgrounds and the fluidity of his interior work. It is not too evident in the final outcome, but that is the overall vibe I got when I read any book hes involved with. Good issue. good for passing the time. 5/10.

Review: Star Wars: Crimson Empire III

Let me start by saying that I am a huge fan of the Star Wars Universe. I have a huge collection of novels and related video games , as I guess most fans of the franchise do, so I consider myself quite the fan. However,This is my first time reading a Star Wars comic, published by Dark Horse and Immediately, I fell in love with it. The story by Mike Richardson focuses on Kir Kanos, one of the last surviving followers of Emperor Palpatine as he is being manipulated by hardliners to try and overthrow the new Empire under the leadership of Commander Pellaeon.

I like the flow of the story as it also involves the Solo family, which is always a good thing. For me though, the real selling point of this comic is the art from Paul Gulacy which is really beautiful! And at only $3.50, this ones definitely worth getting for any true blue Star Wars fan. It stands up to the mythos fairly well. A couple of things that I'm having a problem with here is that, I wish we could get more back story from the main protagonist, I hope they manage to do that in the remaining 3 issues, and that the main baddie is somewhat a little generic and cliche. But otherwise, a solid good read. 7/10.


Review: Invincible 86

Its been a while since I have last read an Invincible comic. I became a HUGE fan of it when I found the first few volumes in my local library. I became so addicted to it that I couldn't really stop begging for more. Coming into this comic, I am happy that it stands out against the earlier issues and quite pleasantly surprised at the major improvement in the quality of Cory Walkers work. I have associated Invincible with the artist that replaced him, Ryan Ottley, for the most part and I have loved his work more, but seeing this issue, Walker definitely made me eat my words.

This issue focuses on 3 characters from Invincibles world in a role reversal of sorts. I am surprised as to how powerful Allen, The Alien has become. And the drastic measures that he is willing to take to finally end the Viltrumite threat becomes the focal point of this story. This issue stands out well, even though Invincible did not even appear...a testament to the strength of the supporting characters. Ive always loved Invincible because for me, it is a perfect mix of Spider Man, Superman and Dragon Ball Z! But they can only take this Viltumite thing too far. Im worried that when they are finally taken care of, the series might collapse in upon itself.
Good Quality comic, but some heavy back issue reading required. 7/10

Review: Savage Dragon 177

Easily my most favorite read among my pile for this week. I have always been a HUGE...HUUUUUUGGGE fan of Erik Larsen's work. And the level of quality and care that he put into his output here is just absolutely astounding. This issue is not too hard to grasp for someone such as I, who have not visited the world of Savage Dragon too often. It's fairly easy to understand...and Larsen even makes fun of his own work via the Editor box (Oh how I love Editorial Boxes!) The panels involving the origin of Radioactive Osama Bin Laden are my favorites. In only a few panels, he explains how Osama became what he is in the story. It all makes perfect sense if you think about it after....which is a master stroke on Larsens part.

The cover for this issue is nothing short of genius and I definitely enjoyed Dragon's children in action....my first time reading about them, and I am definitely interested for more. This issue features a Vanguard backup that stands up to the main story...and might even crossover soon! For the price point of only $3.50, this issue is definitely a pickup! Fun vibe, hip art, its something that stands out among the racks. 9/10.