ComiXology Exclusive Preview: SNOW ANGELS SEASON TWO #3

By

-

August 12, 2021

snow angels comixology comics exclusive preview

SNOW ANGELS Season Two #3 hits the internet August 17th, but thanks to comiXology, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive six-page preview for you.

About the series:
Milliken and Mae have never left The Trench—it’s all they’ve ever known. They were born in The Trench, and they’ll die there, just like all their people do. The two girls, eight and eleven, are a part of The Trenchfolk, a sprawling settlement of people living inside the massive ice walls of a vast, seemingly endless frozen trench carved into the surface of an otherwise icy wasteland. The Trenchfolk survive in this hostile world by following The Three Testaments of The Trench—golden rules repeated like a mantra from birth to death…

1. YOU MUST NEVER LEAVE THE TRENCH.
2. THE TRENCH PROVIDES.
3. THE TRENCH IS ENDLESS.

Milli and Mae don’t really know how their people came to live here. No one does, not even their wise and gentle Father. On Milliken’s twelfth birthday, their father takes the two girls on an overnight skate down the trench — a coming-of-age ritual to teach them how to fish the frozen river, how to hunt the wild Trenchdogs that wander its frigid banks, and how to give proper thanks to their frozen Gods — The Colden Ones. It’s the trip of a lifetime until the girls push beyond the borders of their humble land and awaken the Trench’s deadly defender…The Snowman! What follows next is an action-packed story of survival, loss and redemption.

SNOW ANGELS is by writer Jeff Lemire and artist Jock, with letters by Steve Wands. This issue marks the halfway point of the “second season,” which will run 6-issues and cap off the series.

Check out the SNOW ANGELS Season Two #3 preview below:

Are you loving SNOW ANGELS as much as we are? Sound off in the comments!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

AfterShock Comics Exclusive Preview: SEARCH FOR HU #1

By

Anthony Composto - EIC

-

August 12, 2021

SEARCH FOR HU #1 aftershock comics exclusive preview

SEARCH FOR HU #1 hits your local comic book store September 8th, but thanks to AfterShock Comics, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive four-page preview for you.

About the issue:
Aaron Tse lives for his family, and if he’s not careful, he’ll die for its secrets.

When he left the military, Aaron Tse’s first thought was providing for his aging parents. His parents’ bar is experiencing hard times, and one night it’s shot to hell, with his parents critically injured in the attack.

But this was no ordinary robbery — Aaron’s mother reveals that she fled China to escape a blood feud between the Jewish and Chinese sides of her family…both of which are powerful organized crime families. Peace existed between these two families — the Hu and the Margolis — but now it’s been broken, and Aaron must protect his parents from further violence. Aaron hops a plane to the homeland he never intended to explore, on a path to revenge he never wanted to walk.

The series is by writers Steve Orlando and Jon Tsuei, artist Rubine, colorist DC Alonso, and letterer Carlos M. Mangual.

“A fast-paced, action-packed exploration of complex cultural histories, powered by a bloody family feud.”

Check out the SEARCH FOR HU #1 preview below:

Are you excited for SEARCH FOR HU? Sound off in the comments!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: RESPECT Brings The Soul But Not Enough

By

Eric Trigg

-

August 12, 2021

Respect brings the musical entertainment you’d expect, yet Aretha Franklin’s story seems half-baked. When the music isn’t blaring, it’s a sluggish look at Aretha Franklin’s life, but carried by strong performances. Respect still shines a good light on Ms. Franklin’s impact, her struggles, and how she overcame them to be this larger-than-life icon of soul music. It’s too long, but the powerhouse performances will keep you glued as Ms. Franklin’s story is told through Jennifer Hudson’s great performance.

Formulaic and standard are the best words to describe Respect since biopics on singers and music groups are happening more frequently. The difference is this time it’s Aretha Franklin’s story being told. Respect feels like it’s holding back at times, in regards to the trauma in Ms. Franklin’s life. Fans of the late musician should still find something to appreciate here. Directed by Liesl Tommy and written by Tracey Scott Wilson, the film stars Forest Whitaker, Marc Maron, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Hailey Kilgore, and Jennifer Hudson. Respect follows Aretha Franklin (Hudson), a preacher’s daughter who endures abuse but grows up to become the Queen of Soul along the way.

Set mostly in the 1960s, Respect depicts several crucial events from Ms. Franklin’s childhood to early adulthood. The film begins with C.L. Franklin (Whitaker), Aretha’s father, telling his daughter to come and sing downstairs for one of his late-night parties. From there, Respect taps into her journey as a singer and the hardships she faced. The abusive torment Ms. Franklin endured from her father and future husband, Ted White (Wayans), creates sympathy for the audience to get behind the soon-to-be Queen of Soul. However, between her early pregnancy as a child, racism, and her abuse from two other men, Respect never spends enough time with all of this trauma. It’s holding back on Ms. Franklin’s demons but fully embraces her accomplishments. Towards the end of the film, a drinking habit becomes a coping tactic for Ms. Franklin. One of the darker sequences in the film, so her trauma could have been told better to justify her drinking problem.

Wilson’s screenplay is at its best when it focuses on Ms. Franklin’s musical progression, studio time, and her eventual on-stage performances. These scenes are enhanced by every performer on screen. Hudson shines as Aretha Franklin, bringing her spin to the Queen of Soul. When she uses her voice, it will draw you in for the entire performance. Whitaker impresses as her troubled father that wants the best for his daughter, and Wayans is on another level here as Ted White. His abusive behavior is portrayed so well, it only makes Ms. Franklin’s eventual separation from him that much better. Hudson and Wayans’s toxic relationship was done to perfection thanks to their gripping performances.

Respect suffers mostly because of its pacing, the performances save it in the end. Ms. Franklin’s life was a journey indeed, but this was too long and time could have been spent elsewhere to make the narrative better. The film’s runtime is enough to dive into the demons referenced, yet there is a half-baked effort at highlighting the Queen of Soul’s struggles. Most of the film sees her navigating through the music industry in search of multiple hits, as she called them. Emotional sequences fall flat as well because of this sluggish pacing, such as Martin Luther King’s death not being that impactful. Pacing aside, gathering a roster of talented actors was enough to keep Respect engaging.

Respect is a solid attempt at telling the life story of Aretha Franklin, it just could have dug deeper. Held back by its PG-13 rating, the film never can fully tap into the darker aspects of Aretha Franklin’s life. Hudson’s performance will keep you engaged, and musically, fans will get enough out of this biopic. If there’s a glass half-filled feeling after, that’s because Respect is similar to that in terms of the overall execution.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: THE UNBELIEVABLE UNTEENS – Deus Ex Black Hammer

By

Justin Munday

-

Now iconic creator Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, Moon Knight) teams up with artist Tyler Crook (Harrow County) for another winner in the world of Black Hammer. The Unbelievable Unteens #1 is Lemire taking a familiar but engaging approach to a story from the perspective of the culture he knows best. With a tight script and phenomenal artwork, this issue is a great start for what is sure to be another hit for the Black Hammer Universe.

“After signing at a comic book convention, Unbelievable Unteens artist Jane Ito finds herself visited by one of the characters from her own creation–but was it her own creation? Were the Unteens an actual school of teenaged misfit superheroes who battled supervillains under the lead of the mysterious Dr. Miles Moniker? And if so, who wiped their memories and why? As Jane’s world is turned upside down and she learns the true nature of her identity she discovers a sinister plot leading her to assemble a team she had suspected was purely fictional.”

Writing & Plot

Jeff Lemire writes a tightly paced and thoroughly engaging script for The Unbelievable Unteens #1. He handles the introduction of Jane Ito through an intimate and honest look through the lens of a comics creator. Jane’s fulfilling but draining career is viewed from a perspective we readers don’t often get to see. The first third of this comic is paced and set up in a beautifully character focused manner that lets us see into Ito’s world. The introduction of the main plot is thankfully just as entertaining.

Lemire pulls the whole “creator meets their art” trick we’ve seen before. His writing is just so clean and naturalistic though that it still feels refreshing. The Unteens themselves are a clear nod to young misfit-superhero groups like the X-Men, The Power Pack, and the Doom Patrol. Black Hammer has always functioned as a pastiche tribute to classic comics. Lemire maintains that idea in Unteens, and like other Hammer books builds the plot around rules set in this original universe. The slow-burn building of the story Lemire is stylistically known for is in effect here as well. This issue endears us to Ito and her newly animated creation, and eagerly starts us on this new journey.

Art Direction

The Black Hammer universe has seen a crew of outstanding artists over the course of its expansion. Now, Unbelievable Unteens #1 receives the gorgeous work of Tyler Crook. The Harrow County artist brings his animated watercolor style to Spiral City and fits right into its lore. Crooks animations are stunning and clear. Every animation across Ito and her new friend’s ghastly face is well-realized and relatable. The character designs themselves are unmistakable, making remembering everyone a breeze if/when more of a cast arrives in later issues. The environmental detail here is astonishing as well. Crook captures Jane’s mood through how she perceives her environment. Almost this entire comic is shaded in a foggy gray mist. From the con floor to Ito’s studio apartment, her weariness colors every panel. Crook juxtaposes this against the sudden bright sun of his Unteens flashbacks.

I will never tire of seeing the vivid shades Crook’s watercolor style brings to a comic book. Crook also letters the comic, and he of course nails this as well. His lettering has a clean modern look that can change almost intuitively in shape and style. His effect lettering is visually unique as well, making this another complete win of a project for the accomplished artist.

Verdict

The Unbelievable Unteens #1 is a stellar and engrossing start to this new chapter in the Black Hammer universe. Jeff Lemire’s script has him taking his well-known Black Hammer pastiche trick and applying it to another familiar comic book trope. However he keeps the concept fresh with a unique perspective and killer pacing and dialogue. Tyler Crook’s visual work is an absolute winner once again, with his detailed animations, great environments, and moody colors, crafting a fantastic version of Spiral City. Be sure to grab this latest comic from the world of Black Hammer when it hits shelves on 8/11!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: DEFENDERS #1: A True Example of Ensemble Spell Casting

By

Jake Palermo

-

Defenders #1 from Marvel Comics comes to comic stores on August 11 with a splash. Writer Al Ewing, with series artist and colorist Javier Rodriguez, mystifies readers by introducing the titular group. With additional inking by Alvaro Lopez and lettering by Joe Caramagna, these characters present themselves as larger than life.

Defenders #1 On First Impressions

Between Ewing and Rodriguez, making a good first impression is what matters the most. Ewing understands all of the characters he is working with, especially those who drive the plot forward. This is why Doctor Strange serves as the point-of-view, his great power and tactical knowledge make him an excellent leader. Plus, with how Rogriguez presents Strange’s magical capabilities, it’s impossible to look away. With Strange floating upside down and with the border of the page looking like the edge of a card, Rodriguez actually makes the scene look like a Tarot card.

As for the other characters, their portrayals vary to a degree. Despite an impressive presentation in Masked Raider’s introduction, it raises an important question. Why does he draw a gun on Strange when he just wants to talk? Other characters in Defenders #1 act realistically in comparison. Especially with how breakneck the pace becomes once the conflict comes up. Some of them like Silver Surfer and Red Harpy are going through troubles. Being plucked out of their places against their will leaves them more than a little peeved.

Extra Elements

With how much Rodriguez puts into the art, having some backup in the form of Lopez’s inking helps a lot. With so many abstract illustrations, Lopez helps lighten a creative burden. As for Caramagna, his lettering makes the magic coming from Strange twice as impactful. The bright blue bordered word balloons and font from the magic he utters give off a more powerful impression. Unlike when a scientist utters a spell from a book in a more diminutive font and word balloons. In this way, Strange feels like he’s in a completely other league.

Defenders #1 Assemble!

Defenders #1 opens strongly by showing off the awesome power and influence of Doctor Strange. Through Strange’s eyes come a perspective so dire, it leaves the reader wondering how this mish-mash ensemble will handle everything going forward.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: HELLBOY & THE BPRD: THE SECRET OF CHESBRO HOUSE #2 is Action-Packed and Haunting

By

Zac Owens

-

Dark Horse Comics’ Hellboy & the BPRD: The Secret of Chesbro House #2 strikes a brilliant balance. It somehow manages to be fun and terrifying all at the same time. Writers Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden, with artist Shawn McManus, colorist Dave Stewart, and letterer Clem Robins, work together to create a weird and wonderful issue.

Writing

Mignola and Golden really take advantage of how much they set up in the first issue. When issue #2 begins, Hellboy is already diving into action. And it’s all action for the entire issue. From the first page to the last, things are moving at an incredible speed. Yet somehow, Mignola and Golden still find time for moments of quiet horror. Dark rituals and skulls that whisper secrets give these action-packed moments an extra pump of adrenaline. You’ll have fun reading this, but you’ll also be up at night thinking about it.

Art

McManus brings a levity to many of the scenes. When we see a girl offered up to some demonic entity, we’re not as frightened as we could be. That’s because McManus doesn’t feel a need to milk these moments. But at the same time, McManus’ nonchalant treatment of these moments add to the terror. The fact that a possessed skull and a ghost with eight arms visually reads as “business as usual” makes each moment feel ignored by the characters. As though, letting the moment sink in would surely make Hellboy and the other characters go mad.

Coloring

We’ve still got the cool blue scenes where Hellboy stands out in bright red, like we had in the last issue. And much of the issue sticks to that motif. Occasionally, the color palettes seem to blend, creating a purple hue. But mostly, this issue is about a world where Hellboy stands out. He’s in a haunted house, fighting ghosts. Everything about it should mean that he’s right at home. But we see that he’s just not quite like the ghosts or the people. He’s the middle ground. When he fights a monster at the end, also shown in brilliant red, we see that the color of their skin is different. Hellboy might be from Hell, but his whole identity has been changed by the years he’s been on Earth.

Lettering

Many of the sound effects from Robins are playful and flashy. He fills scenes with them. They overlap each other, lead the reader from one panel into another, and give each panel they’re in a sense of chaos. Except for one page, where Hellboy beats a monster’s face. The “SPLUTCH” noise of his fist making contact looks more or less the same in the three panels we see. It makes Hellboy feel like the consistency in the madness. He’s reliable and he’ll get the job done.

Dark Horse’s Hellboy & the BPRD: The Secret of Chesbro House is fun and scary. It jumps right into the action from page one, and keeps the rollercoaster going until its last moments. But even in the chaos, this creative team delivers subtle horrors that will stick with you. Pick up Hellboy & the BPRD: The Secret of Chesbro House #2, out from Dark Horse August 11th, at a comic shop near you!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: HARDWARE SEASON ONE #1 Brings Milestone Back With A Vengeance

By

Justin Munday

-

Writer Brandon Thomas and artists Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz bring back the central figure of the Milestone line with explosive energy in Hardware: Season One #1. With colors from Chris Sotomayor and letters by Rob Leigh, this issue is a jaw shattering right-hook of a comic. Loaded with emotional socio-political appeals and class-related commentary, this is the proper way to bring a nearly-forgotten character back to life.

“Curtis Metcalf was the brightest shining star of Alva Industries, a brilliant scientist mentored by Edwin Alva since childhood…until the failures of Alva technology at the “Big Bang” disaster threatened to destroy the company, and Alva needed a scapegoat. Now Curtis is on the run from the Dakota police department…but a man as smart-and paranoid-as Curtis takes precautions. With a nearly indestructible suit of armor and remarkable inventions that he never handed over to Alva, Curtis stands determined to do much more than clear his name…he’s going to take the fight back to Alva himself!”

Writing & Plot

Brandon Thomas’s script for Hardware #1 is a textbook example of how to pack story into a 22-page comic book. Thomas manages to revamp the Hardware origin from the original Milestone series into something familiar yet still engrossing. The reintroduction of Hardware into modern comics won’t be blazing any trails, but it is a solid hybrid of classic superhero origins and modern struggles. I’ll be blunt, I have never read a Hardware comic before, or even a book from DC’s long-gone Milestone imprint. However, I feel confident that this will be a comfortable read for newcomer like myself, as well as fans of the original run.

Thomas’s style itself here is a mixture of small bits of dialogue and multi-focused narration. The perspective shifts from Metcalf and P.O.P’s (his A.I.) to the main villain, Edwin Alva. This not only gives us the angle of Curtis’s anger, but also the feigned righteousness of the establishment he is fighting.

Thomas is quick to ground Metcalf in issues at the forefront of the socio-political discourse, while digging at certain issue from a different lens then what we’re used to in mainstream comics. Many “Big 2” comic books tend to lean more into the “defeating hate with love” side of overcoming racial injustice. Thomas does not. Hardware actively returns the favor to those aiding in his oppression. There’s a righteous fury in this story that is exceptionally rare in mainstream comics, and it’s both cathartic and refreshing. Thomas also touches on the intertwining of corporate greed and how it weaponizes systemic racism. This is an abrasive, immensely effective comic that is a sincere rarity in Big 2 superhero comics. I welcome more of Thomas’s work in the future, as well as more writers who bring this perspective with them.

Art Direction

The return of Milestone in Hardware: Season One #1 is visually crafted by heavyweight artists Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz. Cowan’s pencils, which graced work in the original Milestone imprint, return to Hardware in their energetic glory. Cowan’s scratchy, cross-hatch heavy lines add an aggressive edge to this comic book that perfects the emotional weight of the storytelling. His animations pull us into the pages and let us feel the emotional depth of the characters we see. The inks from Sienkiewicz add dimension to this work that flows perfectly within the panels. Seeing this art is like watching the best aspects of 90’s comics come back to life with modern touches. Cowan and Sienkiewicz’s work is jagged and aggressive, but still soft in the moments where it matters.

Chris Sotomayor’s colors are rich and atmospheric. He leans towards the darker edge of shades, even during daylights sequences. I say the latter part since most of this comic takes place at night, which Sotomayor fills in with realistic color detail. The night air glows orange with the buzz of streetlights and, of course, explosions. The letters from Rob leigh take some inspired leaps. Most of the comic resides in the usual clean, contemporary font type for dialogue and narration. P.O.P.’s electronic interjections are given a more classic computer look. However, the SFX lettering is absolutely top notch, with work that becomes part of the action, blending into explosions and combat. A real kicker of a sequence is during a scene where Metcalf is speaking through a speaker (of sorts). Leigh letters this with massive, jolting red letters that look as if they’re part of the environment itself. It’s really outstanding work, and part of what makes Hardware work so damn well visually.

Verdict

Hardware: Season One #1 is an earth-shattering return for a long-gone period of comics history. Brandon Thomas’s script is aggressively poignant and action-packed. It’s a refreshing take on an immensely important topic written in a manner unseen in mainstream comics. The visuals from Denys Cowan, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Chris Sotomayor are an excellent blend of 90’s jagged styling and sharp character creation. This is a stellar return for this character, and the Milestone imprint as a whole. Be sure to grab this comic when it hits shelves on 8-10!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: WOLVENHEART #8: A New Beginning Bares Its Teeth

By

Jake Palermo

-

Wolvenheart #8 from Mad Cave Studios comes to comic stores on October 27 with pre-orders available now. Series writer and company co-founder Mark London opens a jumping-on point of this title. Alejandro Giraldo’s dynamic layouts make the action stand out with color by Warnia Sahadewa and lettering by Miguel Zapata.

Background

Wolvenheart follows time-traveling, dhampir, monster hunter Sterling Cross. After an adventure in preventing an apocalypse, he comes to find the titular organization radically different.

Wolvenheart #8: Change Is Nice

London makes Wolvenheart #8 a good jumping-on point without alienating past readers. Despite being a sequel to the last trade, the story does not hinge on it. But it does help to understand Sterling’s sense of alienation from the rest of the Travelers.

People who were his enemies like Elizabeth Bathory are now his allies. Which is rather interesting when looking at the way she interacts with others. This Bathory is social, sarcastic, and fears falling back into her vampiric nature. With likable new characters like vampire versions of Romeo and Juliet, even the reader fears the idea of Bathory’s regression.

Then there’s Sterling’s mentor, Van Helsing. With just the beginning of the issue for reference, even new readers know that Van Helsing can be villainous. His merciless nature and strive for immortality make his new status as an antagonist feel more like a natural progression of his character than a retcon.

Actions Howl

Giraldo gives the action in Wolvenheart #8 an easy to immerse energy with his layouts. In most of the issue’s downtime, there are panels where everything seems at peace. It’s like everything is routine until actions or conflict arise. When that happens the panels distort to a degree. Like when Romeo and Juliet do a trapeze act that gets interrupted and puts them in danger. But then the following page’s layout returns to order to show they’re safe. There are wilder examples, like where a conflict with Van Helsing’s werewolves take up an entire splash page.

Thankfully to keep track of these events, Sahadewa’s coloring highlights unique characteristics. Like in a case where Bathory bathes in a bright red blood substitute while her shadow is in the background with candle light. Along with lettering by Zapata that explains her desire for real blood, the reader feels like Bathory might be slipping into villainy.

Follow Along Wolvenheart #8

Wolvenheart #8 features the beginning of a new story for both new and old fans. With plenty of action and intrigue abounding, readers won’t be able to look away. Wolvenheart #8 is out from Mad Cave Studios at a comic shop near you on October 27th.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: BATMAN ’89 #1 Brings Us Back to Burton’s Universe

By

Jose "Jody" Cardona

-

The Legend of Batman Continues

In 1989, Tim Burton’s Batman was released to the world and took it by storm. Despite there being pushback by comic fans for casting, the box office exploded with $40 million, nearly making back its budget. The film has since gone down as a cornerstone of Batman media and superhero movies in general. Jump to 2015, while the Batman ‘66 comic was selling well, Joe Quinones pitched the idea of continuing the universe of Batman ‘89. While originally rejected, the idea was resurrected in 2019 and two years later is finally in our hands. So has the legendary Burton Batman returned?

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

We open on October 31st, where Harvey Dent is out with his girlfriend, Barbara Gordon. They are having dinner just as a gang inspired by the late Joker begins a heist outside their restaurant. It doesn’t take too long for the city to erupt into chaos and for Batman to swoop in. After an exciting Halloween night, Harvey begins questioning why Gordon is allowing Batman to run rampant. While Barbara goes to find evidence in the police station, Dent speaks to Bruce Wayne to get him on his side. Dent also proposes the idea that Batman couldn’t be doing all he does alone.

Overall this first issue felt like a good first step back into this old universe. I’m interested in all the characters, especially with Harvey Dent. While we didn’t get too much of him in the original movie, you get that justice-seeking nature that Harvey is known for mixed with the charm of Billy Dee Williams. Another character that took me by surprise was Barbara Gordon. This isn’t the teenager that we see latch onto the Batman ideology. This is a grown woman on the same level as Harvey in wanting to take down Batman. I’m not sure how I feel about her at the moment, as honestly, she feels more like Renee Montoya than Barbara, but we’ll see how she plays out.

The action sequence in the comic was actually exhilarating. Batman taking on the Joker gang felt like an excellent opening scene, with explosions, grappling lines, and hiding behind a giant penny from gunfire. Even Harvey had a chance to show some moves, as well as the dark side lying beneath the friendly exterior. If the action continues to be this exciting, we’ll be in for a thrilling ride.

Art:

Joe Quinones is the illustrator of the series, and his work is fantastic. While we might not get the gothic designs of Burton’s Gotham, the characters really pull us into this world. Bruce, Alfred, and Harvey look incredibly close to their movie counterparts, with some small changes to detail how much time has passed. Along with that, the Joker Gang looks amazing, capturing the Burton Joker look while keeping it youthful as this is a new generation after the Joker’s passing. There is one last design that really translated well, but I’ll leave that a surprise for comic readers, but know it was a long time coming.

Conclusion:

Overall, this first step back into Burton’s Batman was a nice one. It doesn’t overwhelm readers with exposition and lays the groundwork for the story. The characters are all well written. Even Barbara has good lines that make you have a grasp of the character. The art is well done and really will bring readers into the world. I can already tell that this story is going to tug on nostalgic heartstrings. You can already see it with Harvey. That said, I can’t wait to see where this story goes.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: RORSCHACH #11 is Either About Madness or True Sanity

By

Zac Owens

-

DC Comics’ Rorschach is not just a mystery. It’s a discussion of the medium of comics and how stories have the power to drill deep into our souls and change us. That’s what’s happening to our main character, the detective investigating Rorschach. And with Rorschach #11, writer Tom King, artist Jorge Fornes, colorist Dave Stewart, and letterer Clayton Cowles ask the question: is he going mad, or is he finally going sane?

Writing

There’s a wonderful disconnect to the two threads King is pulling at in this issue. In one narrative, we’re seeing the detective put the final pieces of the case together. He’s unveiling the things he was wrong about, the ways he’s been used. But as he does this, we see The Kid talking to him from some imaginary place. And the two ignore each other almost constantly. They stubbornly refuse to acknowledge what the other is saying. The detective clearly sees The Kid’s influence as a source of insanity. He wants to block her out, think straight. But King leaves us wondering if she’s the path to terrorism and radicalization, or if she’s ultimately the voice of reason in a world that’s already gone quite mad.

Art

Fornes employs similar tricks, creating an environment that feels both dangerous and freeing at the same time. He has images from one scene interact with another, deliberately misleading us at times. For instance, when the detective goes to grab another beer from the fridge, he turns his back to the reader. And The Kid, in another panel, almost looks like she’s aiming a gun at him while he’s turned away. But then, a follow up panel shows she’s shooting a bottle out of the sky. When we next see her, she has a sly smile on her face. The Kid is nonchalant and exciting all at once. She’s dangerous and fun. She’s morbid and full of life. And our protagonist has no clue what to think of her.

Coloring

Again, Stewart makes a complicated issue simple to follow. With three different threads going on at once, Stewart simply color codes them with different palettes and hues. A simple glance at the page tells the reader whether they’re looking at reality, imagination, or a memory. But Stewart also breaks away from his tones for each scene at times. When The Kid is bleeding, or when someone is shot, the blood shows up in brilliant red. In each of these scenes, it stands out in the midst of a muted color palette. It emphasizes the violence that lies beneath this story. It’s affecting everything for our protagonist, even his mind.

Lettering

Ultimately, this issue is about Rorschach and The Kid trying to get the detective on their side. They push him, they explain things to him, but he believes that their way is the way of insanity. But something changes in the lettering. At first, they say something wild to him. His response is “Shit,” then “No. No, no, no.” His word balloons go downwards, he’s dismissing them without much effort. Cowles shows a similar response once The Kid and Rorschach have each made their case. But this time, his word balloons are high. It feels like he’s no longer talking down to them. He actually considers their ideas a threat to his sanity, and he’s pushing back against them more seriously now. It’s a subtle but brilliant shift.

DC Comics’ Rorschach has always been about the power of stories. And what better way to show that than to see our protagonist get lost in one? This creative team is doing beautiful, complicated, thought-provoking work. This issue gives us good reason to expect an explosive, wonderful finale. Pick up your copy of Rorschach #11, out from DC Comics August 10th, at a comic shop near you!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube