Tyrone's Reviews: Ex Sanguine #1!

After reading comics like Hack/Slash and Revival I will pretty much follow Tim Seeley anywhere, I love his way of storytelling and his art style. I heard about EX Sanguine a while ago but, to be honest I forgot about it entirely. When I was offered the chance to review it I was more than excited at the reminder.

This story follows suit with Seeley’s other books as in it has a supernatural basis. The partnership with Joshua Scott Emmons is perfection and the script for this first issue has left me wanting more. I knew I would be adding this comic to my pull list within the first few panels that is it’s opening. The best part of this issue is that I’ve already got a sense of who most of the characters introduced are, while the main character still has his air of mystery. As far as vampire stories go they seem to have lost that aspect about their character and its nice to see someone focus on that side of the mythos along with their struggle to live in the shadows of society.

Tim’s art is always a joy, he knows how to draw creepy things while allowing them to remain believable. I love his take on the vampire, how he’s created this man as a husk filled with a demon. When I read this book I wasn’t sure what toe expect but it perfectly complimented the story and Seeley’s art with Badilla’s colors really set the tone for good storytelling.

This book is another great book from the folks over at Dark Horse, I found it interesting and something I definitely want to read more of. They’ve managed to take the vampire genre and twist it so that the happenings are unexpected and fresh yet still respectful to the traditional mythos. This is all complimented with beautiful art and engaging storytelling. I definitely suggest picking this book up as it was a lot of fun to read and the timing couldn’t be more perfect with Halloween just around the corner.

Tyrone's Reviews: Debris #3 and Mind the Gap #5!

Mind the Gap #5
The story of Elle’s attack continues, this issue focuses on her boyfriend Dane and his sordid past, which has evidentially come a knocking! I really enjoyed this
issue as it takes the focus off of Elle and shows us a new perspective without getting too far off track.

The art in this issue also takes a shift with the new plot perspective, instead of Esquejo doing the whole issue as the story shifts so does the art style with guest Jo Chen stepping in. I feel like this added a great deal to the tone of the story and really showcased that what we’re seeing is from Elle’s perspective and when we’re being shown something she hasn’t personally experienced or when we see an event from another character’s perspective it will appear different, the utilization of different artists really showcased this perfectly.

This issue showcasing Dane’s story was a great break from the dream world Elle is living in. We get to see some background on one of the suspects which added a great deal of perspective in concern to the greater mystery. I’m hoping as the story progresses we’ll get more issues like this where McCann will give us some information about the people surrounding this case and Ellis.

There were many launched comics this year and as 2013 rolls closer I’m more and more convinced that Mind the Gap is one of the best. There are a substantial amount of books out there that are being produced pushing “flash and a cape” over content and I love that there is a book being made where the creators put an amazing amount of thought and care into each panel. There is a difference and I suggest picking this book up in issue form rather than trade waiting because examining each issue is a lot of fun and really a key part of this story, once you read it you’ll notice the quality and be happy this book is in your pull list.

Debris #3

In this issue of Debris Maya continues her journey of discovery in search of salvation for her people. The glimpses of her past show the making of a hero while the story moving forward is enjoyable and engaging. Debris epic story is written by Kurtis J Wiebe and married with the incredible art by Riley Rossmo creating a completely original comic that shouldn’t be missed.

I’m in love with the writing in this book and I really love the feeling of discovery that Wiebe has given to every page, while the world seems new Maya feels like an old soul who is easy to care about. The tale could easily be bogged down with all the elements within the book including the journey, setting, and the colossals but Wiebe’s method of story telling is done so well that it all comes together perfectly.

This creative team has worked together before, Rossmo joined Wiebe in one of my favorites Green Wake. You wouldn’t know these books were created by the same team because the only thing that seems to be similar is that they’re both done impeccably. Riley Rossmo really shows his range and his ability to adapt to story with this book, I’m totally in love with the character designs and the visual style of the book is really something to behold.

With this creative team I really believe no wrong can be done, Debris is another book I think should be on everyones pull list. Wiebe and Rossmo understand each other and their work together is on another level, the story and art is married perfectly in telling a futuristic tale we’ve not yet experienced. Originality and talent have created a book that I would suggest to most anyone.

Tyrone's Reviews: Buffy #13 and Hoax Hunters #3!

Buffy Season 9 #13

In this issue of Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 9 we see the conclusion of one of the most quirky story arcs yet in the series. Buffy has to take down the wolfram and hart demon social network “Tin Can” the story and art are both fun and on track with this current season, and quite enjoyable.

This season of Buffy comics has been about going back to basics, while various characters come and go from Buffy’s life the focus is mainly on Buffy as she finds her place in the world. This story arc she was trying her hand at using her skills as hired protection with her old friend, Willow’s ex-girlfriend Kennedy. The story was fun as they’re pitted against old Angel baddie Wolfram and Hart and pitted with the task of taking down their social network “Tin Can” This story has everything a Buffy story should right down to the quips and I believe Andrew Chambliss did a wonderful job capturing the feel and tone of classic Buffy. This comic continues to be good and I’m liking the current season a lot more than I liked season 8.

The art is something I always enjoy on a Buffy comic and it seems that Jeanty is only getting better with each issue. Jeanty has managed to capture the likeness of Buffy and her world without creating something that looks and feels like he’s trying to match the television series. The panels feel animated and I really can’t imagine anyone else doing this book, although Phil Noto’s covers are a beautiful addition.

Buffy Season 8 has been consistently enjoyable and this latest story arc is no exception, I love the way the creative team behind this series thinks and works. I keep wondering how many stories our slayer has left and with this creative team and support from the original writers and producers it seems the number may be infinite, and for this book at least I’m alright with that.

Hoax Hunters #3

Hoax Hunters was a book I added to my pull list with a little reservation, I have seen and read similar stories and wasn’t sure if I wanted to take on a book I’ve read before, but within the first couple of issues I was charmed by the characters and really took a liking to the writing style.

This book follows a group of supernaturally gifted individuals who work together as a kind of Hoax-Task force each with their own gift and place within the group. The story isn’t bogged down with a heavy meaning or a moralistic skeleton but it’s fun and easy to get into, it actually plays a lot like a 90’s cartoon where each character is easily identifiable and stands out immediately. This first story arc has been great fun and I really like that Image has given this series shelf space.

The one place where this comic is lacking is the art, it isn’t horrible it just isn’t up to par with the other books being produced by Image. When you compare the work to something like “Morning Glories” or “Mind the Gap” there is a noticeable drop in the art from Medellin’s pencils right down to Soils’ colors this fun, exciting story is accompanied by flat and lifeless art. While it doesn’t ruin the book for me I hope to see an improvement in later issues as I think the story really deserves something with a little more flash.

Overall Hoax Hunters is a lot of fun to read, it plays like Scooby-Doo for adults and is one of the more enjoyable books I’m reading. I love the juxtaposition of this book in contrast with the rest of Image’s more serious series and if you’re into supernatural stories you should consider adding this series to your pull list!

Review: Alabaster: Wolves #3

“Alabaster Wolves” the post-apocalyptic journey of Dancy Flammarion continues as we follow her through her cleansing journey and battles with the supernatural. This issue followed suit with the previous and while the content is expected there is plenty in this issue to surprise.

The story by Caitlin Kiernan is really enjoyable and a pleasant mixture of many things. There is a balance in her style of writing that leaves me completely engaged in her writing.

Review: Ragemoor #4

Ragemoor has been one of the most interesting, well produced comics I’ve read in a long time. The story has been very well conducted and the mysterious nature of the content paired with the gritty monster like quality of the art have played perfectly casting an old B-Movie kind of feel surrounding this mysterious tale. The conclusion of this book was anything if not shocking leaving me wanting more from both Strnad and Corben.

Review: Rebel Blood #4

Rebel Blood has been one hell of a ride, there have been so many shocking twists and turns that I wasn’t quite sure how this Zombie thriller would end! Well Needless to say I enjoyed this final issue fully! Rossmo’s art and story with Link has been impeccable, making this book one of my favorite series I’ve read to date.

I have been a fan of Riley Rossmo’s art since I first encountered it in the incredible “Green Wake” and just like in that series his work on

Review: Alpha Girl #3

Alpha Girl is one of the best spins on the Zombie genre I’ve read! The story is cheeky, brash and hilariously lewd! The characters are charming and the fast paced story keeps the reader interested and waiting for more!

The art on this series is perfection! It’s bold and graphic playing off the tones and content within the pages adding a whole new layer to the story!

Review: Mind the Gap #2

This series is one of the better being written right now, it’s a mystery book of the “who dun it” variety! McCan has crafted a story around a young girl in a coma, Elle, who was attacked and put there by someone she knows, someone named in the first issue. The second continues directly after and plays off the possession in the last.

All I can say is woah, the twists and turns continue!

Review: Buffy Season 9 #10

Since Buffy’s days at Sunnydale the stories haven’t really felt that much like our old slayer! The use of metaphor was gone and the book was on a more militaristic turn. Now that wasn’t a bad thing, keeping a story fresh is important and it was still Buffy, but I’ve really enjoyed the “back to basics” approach we’ve seen in season 9.

This issue is the end of the second story arc in Buffy season 9 “C:\> apart (of_me)”,

Review: Hack/Slash #16

Hot off the tails of one of the better story arcs of Hack/Slash, Cassie is back from “Monster Island” and on the hunt, but not for her typical baddies. This time Vlad and Cassie are on the lookout for Vlad’s family, they need to find them in hopes of finding a cure for Vlad’s ailments. This issue has a lot of classic Hack/Slash goodness and since the story is Vlad centric I’m pretty happy.

The story is fun and I think Jordan has done a great job, while the content isn’t overly heavy it still feels like it has substance.

Review: Morning Glories #19

Ty’s review:
This is the issue we’ve all been waiting for, the epic conclusion to “wood run.” This issue is by far one of the best of Morning Glories yet. The story is exciting, daring and dark. The art plays perfectly with the writing bringing the end to the most captivating story arcs of Morning Glories yet.

Spencer has taken us on quite the ride with “Wood Run” there have been old questions answered,

Talking Trades: Channel Zero

What happens when we the people give our governments too much control? What if every piece of information we received was watched, edited and tailored towards an agenda put forth by the controlling powers of our countries? Chanel Zero examines this issue and takes a look at life of a world through a government filter. This series is the perfect mix of graphic design, social commentary and engaging story telling. Even though this was Brian Wood’s first venture into indie comics it is completely compelling and enjoyable.

Talking Trades: Buffy Season 8 Library Edition Vol. 1

What happens to Buffy, Willow, Xander, Giles and the rest of the scoobies after the events that unfolded in the finale of “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” television series?

The show was important to a lot of people, and made a pretty influential change and impact on the way television is made and stories told so ater the Hellmouth caves in and Sunnydale is gone where does that put our quippy slayer and her crew?

Review: Grim Leaper #1

Ty's Review:
Grim Leaper is basically a tale of life and death, Wiebe has created a unique story that is focused around death and rebirth and manages to not go completely dark or irreverent. The story has whimsy and the art is fantastic.

We follow the misadventures of Lou, as he introduces us to his situation and the events that are his existence.

Review: America's Got Powers #2

Ty's Review:
This story is “Gladiators’ meets the “Hunger Games” meets the “X-Men” and while the concept may seem clear cut and easy to follow I find the entire thing just a little bit contrived. The story set out by Jonothan Ross, isn’t really that bad but it is just a little too planned and predictable. While the original concept and beautiful art may be the saving grace this comic may not be the best option in the indie super hero genre.

Stripper Sunday..!

Talking Trades: Foot Soldiers by Jim Krueger and Michael Oeming

The Foot Soldiers is a story of what happens when all the worlds heroes are gone, who takes their place. How does the world operate without protection. In the world of comics one thing reigns true, the world needs heroes. This book is a retelling of a common trope where we see the birth of a new generation of heroes through the worlds need.

The story is solid and may have been the best take on the dystopian super hero future I’ve read yet.

Review: Rebel Blood #3

“Rebel Blood” is one of my favorite new series each issue has been more disturbing and graphic then the last. The art is fantastic and obscene and it feels like the story is a downward spiral into the abyss that has been created for the central character created by Rossmo and Link.

The art is amazing, some of Rossmo’s best work, but please not this book is incredibly graphic and has a mature rating for a reason. There is an explicit nature to everything introduced into this book and Rossmo has a handle on all things dark and terrifying.

Review: Ragemoor #3

The story of the living monolith that is Ragemoor continues, In this third issue of four the mystery of Ragemoor’s creation and intent with the current inhabitants unfolds. This issue has a little resolve but offers a lot more questioned and has me rather excited about the concluding fourth issue.

The art on Ragemoor has been something special. I’m not usually a fan of Corben’s work, I was rather unimpressed with “Hellboy,” but I really feel he’s in his groove here.

Review: Mind MGMT #1

Mind MGMT is the gripping tale of a mystery hunting reporter, Maru, and the creation and works of a secret agency which uses the power of the mind to protect and serve. That may seem like a lot upfront but trust me, this was a great first issue.

The art on the issue is what I would call indefinite it has a messy or loose tendency but the execution is done very well and very consistent. I find with the subject matter the art works very well, seeing as the story starts off rather vague.