Review: THE LEGEND OF KORRA: RUINS OF THE EMPIRE Library Edition – Trading One Villain For Another

By

-

While Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino’s creation of The Legend of Korra is an entertaining and impressive feat, it is often considered to pale in comparison to its predecessor in Avatar: The Last Airbender. In that sense, it’s almost fitting that The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire is also a completely entertaining and well-made comic arc that falls short of the standard set in its predecessor, Turf Wars. This story arc focuses more on referencing old characters and reexamining old plot devices than exploring new territory within the Avatar universe. This being said, the character writing is so good it’s almost easy to overlook. With fantastic series-fitting artwork from Michelle Wong, this collected library edition is probably going to be an easy buy for any Korra fan, regardless of its faults.

“To secure lasting peace for the Earth Kingdom, Korra must trust an unlikely ally! On the eve of its first elections, the Earth Kingdom’s future is endangered by its past. As Kuvira works to reclaim her honor, the devious commander Guan undermines the peace Avatar Korra has established to take power for himself. Korra and Kuvira must learn to work together to ensure the future of the Earth Kingdom.”

Writing & Plot

Writers and series creators Brian Konietzko and Michael DiMartino tight pacing, fun dialogue, and engaging character interactions mostly make up for the plot contrivances in Ruins of the Empire. This story arc relies almost entirely on old storylines from the show and the nostalgia they bring along to carry the reading experience. Oddly enough, it actually works for the most part. I’ll be the first to admit that Kuvira is my favorite villain in Korra. She’s easily the most complex, and while her endgame was basically fascism and her methods were merciless, she never felt wholly evil. The turn her character takes is superficially engaging, and what is revealed about her past is tragic. However, the end result of Kuvira’s arc here just doesn’t quite feel earned. There doesn’t seem like enough weight going into her development to make what happens with her mental state believable. There is one daring and tragic moment later in the arc where I was applauding the writers – making it seem like they were taking Kuvira to the hardest possible right-hand degree – but then they abandon that potential arc in favor of something much safer and more palatable to Kuvira fans. This catering is ultimately this story’s main flaw. While the appearances of old friends, the references to events long past, and the reappearance of the Earth Empire from Korra’s final season do appeal to the fan in me, they were often introduced in a manner that felt forced or unnecessary. The new villain, Commander Guan of the Earth Empire, brings out a new angle with which to observe Kuvira’s character, but in the end he’s a forgettable cut and dry generic villain. One major character that is brought in again briefly acts against type just to fulfill a service that I imagine a lot of fans and readers would find, well, cool. To me however, it was just distracting.

Despite the issues I have with this comic’s plot, it’s still impressive how engaging Konietzko and DiMartino are able to make a story based solely on their characterization and dialogue writing. This is one a major feature of their work that has to be given credit: even when all other elements are faulting, the story is still fun to read. The snappy dialogue, (mostly) clever humor, and tautly-paced scripting of Ruins of the Empire make it an enjoyable comic to experience – even if the plot itself has some inconsistencies.

Art Direction

In reality, the major contributor to Ruins of the Empire being so fun to read comes from the outstanding visual work of Michelle Wong’s pencils and Killian Ng’s colors. Their vivid imagining of the world of Legend of Korra isn’t just great by comic art standards, it at times looks like it could be a series of screenshots from the show itself. Wong’s thick lines and elegant details perfectly match both the character and environmental designs first crafted in the animated series, and it’s an aesthetic that is sure to easily reel in fans. She also utilizes a combination of both comic-oriented and cinematic visual direction. The flow of action scenes from panel to panel looks naturally sequential and is exciting to follow. Character-focused scenes have varying wide-angle, close up, and shot/reverse shots that feel like unintrusive camera movements. There are quite a few silent panels that are driven wholly by Wong’s ability to animate character expression, or her ability to choreograph kickass fight scenes. The colors from Killian Ng really bring the Avatar world to life with a palette that is ripped right from the frames of the animated shows. The use of detailed shadows, lighting effects, and shading gives this comic fantastic visual complexity. The art in this series makes it worth the purchase of the oversized Library Edition hardcover on its own.

The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire is an entertaining and visually outstanding comic series, with some issues in its plot and characterization. Konietzko and DiMartino’s script manages to be well-paced and fun enough to just barely make the farfetched plot decisions overlookable. Michelle Wong and Kilian Ng’s visual art is energetic and vivid, and is sure to visually satisfy longtime fans. If you’re a diehard fan of The Legend of Korra, then this Library Edition hardcover is likely a must-buy when it comes out on September 9th!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

DC Preview: Does Wally West Finally Get Some Respect In SPEED METAL?

By

Gabriel Hernandez

-

August 28, 2020

It’s no secret Wally West has been one of the biggest punching bags of DC Comics’ writers in recent years, but all that looks to be over. DC has announced its Speedster-centric story from the Dark Nights: Death Metal series entitled SPEED METAL, available to retailers on 9/22.

In writer Joshua Williamson’s own words: “Wally’s race is not over!” Wally West, possessing Dr. Manhattan’s powers, is on a race through the Death Metal wastelands with an assortment of speedsters at his side.

You can check out some preview images and read the full DC press release below.

Is it finally Wally’s time to shine? Let us know what you think in the Comments section, and please share this post on social media using the links below.

This September, Dark Nights: Death Metal

Unleashes

Speed Metal!

It’s the drag race from hell! Taking place after the events of Dark Nights: Death Metal #3, the Darkest Knight is after Wally West and his Dr. Manhattan powers. Thankfully, Wally has back-up

in the form of Barry Allen, Jay Garrick, and Wallace West! It’s a knockdown, drag-out race through the Wastelands as the Flash Family tries to stay steps ahead of the Darkest Knight and his Lightning Knights!

Dark Nights: Death Metal Speed Metal #1, written by Joshua Williamson with art by Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira and

Adriano Lucas and a cover by Howard Porter, hits shelves on 9/22.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: X-FACTOR #2 – X-Factor vs. Livestreaming!

By

Matthew Brake

-

X-Factor’s next missing mutant case begins in X-Factor #2, released by Marvel Comics on August 26. Brought to you by writer Leah Williams, artist David Baldeon, colorist Israel Silva, and letterer VC’s Joe Caramagna, X-Factor finds themselves exploring Mojoworld for the body of a missing mutant.

With the return of Northstar’s sister Aurora, who is still recovering from her death and resurrection, X-Factor discovers a mysterious package on their doorstep, leading them to Mojoworld looking for a missing mutant.

An adventure to Mojoworld, while at times violent and brutal, always lends itself to zaniness, humor, and commentary on mass media consumption. Baldeon’s art style, with its at-times exaggerated cartoony-ness, lends itself well to the story, particularly in his portrayal of Mojo.

There is also some excellent panel design in which the artist, colorist, and letterer work together to create the media-inundated atmosphere for Mojoworld, particularly when the members of X-Factor are attempting, through the right amount of up-likes and down-likes, to be approved for entry into Mojoworld.

There are times where the cartoony nature of Baldeon’s style can be a little imprecise (there is a particular panel where Rachel’s neck is…quite long), but it lends itself to the wackiness of the issue.

Meanwhile, Silva’s colors really pop at times, like when Rachel shows what a badass she is and takes down Mojoworld’s encroaching army.

Images like this lend the issue gravitas in a story that is, overall, a little silly, but fun.

X-Factor #2 is far from a self-serious issue. Its creative team presents a fun, wacky story in Mojoworld. Some of the characterizations can be a little shallow at times, as members of X-Factor are either scowling and serious or quippy, although eventually, everyone gets a quip or two in. While it is great having a bunch of X-characters in different titles, where hopefully they’re individuality can be explored, this title demonstrates a potential problem with having so many X-titles…will they eventually just become a bunch of interchangeable mutants in out of this world situation who just scowl or make quips? It’s only the second issue, so we’ll see what happens. I hope this series provides readers with more than “another mutant title, but this time, they hunt for missing people.”

What did you think of X-Factor #2? Tell us in the comments below?

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: X-MEN #11 – Who Is Your Hero?

By

Matthew Brake

-

Marvel Comics releases X-Men #11 on August 26. Tying into Marvel’s Empyre event, writer Jonathan Hickman, artist Leinil Francis Yu, color artist Sunny Who, and letterer VC’s Clayton Cowles show readers the fallout of Vulcan’s encounter with the Cotati on the moon in issue #10–an attack on Krakoa!

X-Men #11 sees Magneto take center stage in the defense against Krakoa. Hickman’s run so far has been about seeding future plot developments, establishing the new status quo, and providing a lot of exposition for that purpose. One of the things this Empyre tie-in provides is an opportunity for some beautifully illustrated action, and Yu and Gho’s work is nothing if not beautiful.

Donning his old purple and red armor, readers see Magneto take on the role of the savior of mutant-kind that he always imagined himself to be. This is reinforced by the narration provided by Exodus and lettered by Cowles.

One particularly effective sequence, drawn by Yu and Gho, is the definitive moment of Magneto’s triumph when he defeats the Cotati commander. Writer, artists, and letterer are all in sync for this sequence, as Magneto exchanges some clever dialogue with the arrogant Cotati commander, who is then crushed by a satellite or two.

Krakoa has been no stranger to outside attacks since the Dawn of X, but this issue shows that the new mutant nation, with former friends and allies working together and trusting each other for mutual survival, is a force to be reckoned with. One incredibly subtle moment in this issue comes when Magneto removes his helmet to facilitate telepathic communication with fellow mutants on the island. The helmet Magneto wore to keep out telepaths like Jean Grey, and Xavier is now freely removed without fear and in full trust, further reinforced by Iceman referring to Magneto as “boss.” It’s a moment that’s easy to hurry past, but long-time X-Men fans, if they stop and think about it, should appreciate it.

X-Men #11 brings the X-Men Empyre tie-ins to an end, with Krakoa effectively repelling an alien invasion force. It is also one of the last X-titles before the X of Swords event, the first X-centric even post-Dawn of X. With the next issue serving as a prelude, it will be interesting to see if Hickman can recapture the magic of Infinity during his Avengers run with his first X-event.

What did you think of X-Men #11? Tell us in the comments below!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

DC Comics Sneak Peek: THREE JOKERS #2

By

Kevin Sharp

-

August 28, 2020

After a long wait and many teases, fans finally got their hands on Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok’s Batman: Three Jokers this week.

Now, DC Comics has a short preview for issue #2 ahead of its release next month:

If you’re like most fans, it’s probably taken you until now to catch your breath after reading the debut issue of Batman: Three Jokers! Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson have laid the groundwork for a Batman tale for the ages, and they’ve just gotten started!

DC has your first look at incredible artwork for issue #2, on sale Tuesday, September 29.

As Batman and Batgirl follow an unexpected thread linking the three Jokers with someone from the Dark Knight’s past, Red Hood dives headfirst into trouble and finds himself struggling to stay afloat without the aid of his allies.

Batman: Three Jokers continues its trajectory as the ultimate examination of The Joker and his never-ending conflict with Batman. Prepare yourselves for the second chapter of one of the most terrifying and personal mysteries Batman has ever faced!

BATMAN: THREE JOKERS #2

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by JASON FABOK

Variant cover by JASON FABOK

PRESTIGE FORMAT | ON SALE 09/29/20

$6.99 US | 48 PAGES | 2 of 3 | FC

DC BLACK LABEL | AGES 17+

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: THE FLASH #760 Sees the Return of Several Speedsters

By

Jose "Jody" Cardona

-

The Battle for the Soul of The Flash

Barry Allen is no longer in control of his actions. Eobard Thawne has taken his body in an attempt to take the mantle of The Flash. Barry is stuck in the Speed Force with Jesse Quick and Max Mercury, which work with him on trying to retake his body. As Eobard works as the Scarlet Speedster, Bart Allen pieces the truth together and warns Kid Flash and Avery Ho. With the speedster of the future furious, he attempts to murder the three children. He is stopped, however, by the return of Jay Garrick, the Flash of the Golden Age. Will Barry get out before his body is used for evil?

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

As Barry learns about the speed force from Max and Jesse, Jay holds the line against Thawne. The Flash of the Golden Age does his best, but Thawne ends up being too much. Before he can deliver the final blow, Barry tries vibrating free, causing Thawne to flee. Meanwhile, the Legion of Zoom continues on their crime spree of Central City. They head to the final target, only to learn that it’s Nora Allen’s Grave. Thawne arrives, explaining that if he wants to stay in The Flash’s body, he needs to absorb the chrono-energy from her corpse.

The story in this issue can be best described as all Flash, little substance. Pun aside, there are great moments during this story. Williamson appears to try and tie the old and new together as his story comes to a close. The return of the pre-New 52 speedsters uniting with the speedsters of Rebirth is a great way to end the run. Max and Jesse working alongside Barry from within the Speed Force, makes sense and is a great way to honor the past. Even the cameo of an old Flash villain brought a smile to my face. Each speedster gets a moment to shine, and it helps the book.

The problem with the issue is that while the returns are a significant impact for long time fans, for those who just hopped on during Rebirth, it’s not. It’s very cool to be sure, but there hasn’t been one reference to Max Mercury or Jesse Quick in the entirety of Williamson’s run. If there were more references to the past in other stories, this could have been so much better. As it stands, these last-minute reveals stop a good story from becoming great.

Art:

Christian Duce takes the place of Rafa Sandoval this time around and knocks it out of the park. As I’ve mentioned in his previous works, he excels in showing how the powers work. He adds details that some will miss on the first read-through, but if one were to look closer, provide realism. The best example would be the blurred lines on The Flash when Barry tries to take back over. It shows off the vibrational disharmony between the speedsters and could have easily been missed. Scott Kolins does excellent work in the Speed Force section as well, providing a great slower moment between an old enemy and Barry. Throw in the fantastic colorwork of Hi-Fi and Luis Guerrero, and we have ourselves one beautiful issue.

Conclusion:

Overall this issue was good but had the potential to be better. The return of the past speedsters may feel hollow, but there are some spots that hit the feels hard. The art team does a fantastic job of bringing the story to life. As we edge closer and closer to the end, the entire landscape has changed for the next creative team. This reviewer is personally excited to see what changes Williamson has left for us.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: CANTO II: THE HOLLOW MEN #1 Ticks All The Right Boxes

By

Michael Fromm

-

The first CANTO series came out last year, introducing us to a heartwarming fable with adventure, magic, and love. It was a fairy tale as old as time, that a hero can come from the most unlikeliest of places.

The titular Canto now returns in a sequel series from IDW subtitled The Hollow Men by writer David M. Booher, artist Drew Zucker, colorist Vittorio Astone, and letterer Deron Bennett.

Story

Book 2 of all-ages fan favorite Canto begins! Once, a little tin slave with a clock for a heart broke all the rules—he found love, he was given a name, and he escaped his masters to go on an epic journey to save his love’s heart. He met strange allies and terrifying enemies and, ultimately, though his adventure didn’t turn out as planned, he returned to his people and led them to freedom.

That freedom is in jeopardy when Canto discovers his people’s clocks will stop unless they return to captivity. He and his friends Falco, Rikta, and Veratta embark on a new adventure to save the lives of all their people. Can they lift the curse before their time runs out?

Everything that made the first run of Canto so beloved is back in The Hollow Men. Booher, Zucker, and company continue to build upon this enchanting world. And while there were a few pages that could have been left on the cutting room floor so we could get to the setup of this sequel series quicker, it by no means takes away from the quality of story.

As expansive as this realm is, it wouldn’t be as compelling if it were not for the short and stout Canto. No great fantasy story would be what it is without its hero. Frodo Baggins. Willow Ufgood. Canto deserves to have a rightful place among those characters. He’s a hero we need during these trying times. He’s innocent and endearing through and through. No matter his stature or status, he braves the harsh landscape to fulfill his quest.

Art

Zucker brings a robust and whimsical quality to the artwork. It really shows in the character designs of Canto and his fellow metal people. They all have a signature size and accoutrement that help them stand out for the reader. Their big eyes are filled with such life and expression. Zucker has also developed a landscape that is wholly unique. The detail of the world drawn behind the characters is created with just as much soul as Canto and his fellowship.

Astone’s colors have a worn, ancient quality to them. It’s as if the book had been created centuries ago, and time has muted and yellowed the colors. It brings this old-world quality to the first issue of The Hollow Men, making you feel as if you are reading an antique fable. Bennett’s letters add to that vintage storybook vibe. What stands out in his work are the caption boxes, which look like their text was meticulously scribbled down via ink and quill onto papyrus scrolls.

Conclusion

If you enjoyed the first Canto series, you will appreciate The Hollow Men without a doubt. It’s a fantasy comic book filled with so much heart. Anyone of any age can (and should) pick up this book.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Exclusive Preview – MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #18 Who Is The New Spider-Man?

By

Matthew Sardo

-

August 27, 2020

Exclusive Preview - MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #18 Outlawed!

MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #18 hits your local comic book shop on September 2, but thanks to Marvel Comics, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive four-page preview for our readers.

About the issue:
Ganke. Barbara. Judge. Lana. Mr. Sumida. Rio. Jeff. Miles knows he has to help people as Spider-Man, so he’s ready to live as an outlaw. But is he ready to do it without the support of someone he loves? Who’s with Miles, who’s against him, and who’s side are YOU on?

MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #18 is written by Saladin Ahmed, with art by Carmen Nunez Carnero, David Curiel drops the color, and you will read Cory Petit’s letter work. Javi Garron and Curiel worked on the cover, and Rahzzah (Baby Morales) handled the variant cover.

Check out the preview below:

Are you reading MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN, who do you think the new Spider-Man is? Comment below with your thoughts.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

ACTION COMICS #1025 Preview: Super-Family Vs. Invisible Mafia

By

Kevin Sharp

-

August 27, 2020

The “House Of Kent” storyline in Action Comics is about to get a lot more super — literally, with the whole Super-Family called into battle against the Invisible Mafia.

Check out the preview direct from DC:

ACTION COMICS #1025: “House of Kent,�� Chapter Four!

On September 22, Lois Lane calls the bluff of the Invisible Mafia and raises them an entire Super-Family as the fourth chapter of “House of Kent” continues in Action Comics #1025.

Here’s your first look at art from comic book legends John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson, as well as covers by Romita Jr./Janson and Lucio Parillo!

ACTION COMICS #1025

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Art and cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. and KLAUS JANSON

Variant cover by LUCIO PARRILLO

On Sale 09/22/20

$3.99 US | 32 PAGES | FC | DC

Welcome to the House of Kent! Superman’s truth is out there—and now it’s time to rewrite the rules! The Invisible Mafia has taken advantage of the chaos that’s descended on Metropolis, and the House of Kent is going to talk to them in a language they’ll understand. It’s a new adventure featuring Superman like you’ve never seen him—or them—before, in a story guest starring Supergirl and two—yes, two!—Superboys!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: UNHINGED Offers Dumb Fun With A Strong Lead Performance

By

Eric Trigg

-

There are several movies where you will find yourself forcing your brain off for the narrative to make complete sense and Unhinged is the most recent film to join that club. A film with no real point to it other than being a 90-minute reminder that road rage could possibly get you in trouble. Following almost every cliche there is, Unhinged manages to still be a solid, but over the top thrill-ride that features Russell Crowe giving an unfortunate woman her worst day ever.

During the opening credits, it becomes apparent that the movie understands it doesn’t have much going for it. Set in a world where road rage is running wild, Unhinged follows Rachel Hunter on a day she will never forget. After a minor road rage incident, Rachel is stalked by an unstable driver who wants to show her what a bad day looks like. Written by Carl Ellsworth and directed by Derrick Borte, Unhinged stars Russell Crowe, Caren Pistorius, Gabriel Bateman, Jimmi Simpson, and Austin McKenzie.

Caren Pistorius and Gabriel Bateman as Rachel and Kyle Hunter in Unhinged

As mentioned above, the film relies heavily on plot conveniences and requires you to shut your brain off for most of this script to make sense. Typical dumb character decisions are in abundance and while the acting from everyone involved is adequate, there is no overlooking this nonsense in between. Russell Crowe stars as Tom Cooper, an unstable man that could care less what happens to him because the film makes it clear that he has nothing left to lose. Convinced his life is the worst, he is the poster child for misery loves company in this film. Rachel, the protagonist starts off at a low point in life and she never really develops beyond that because she’s still at the low point when the film ends. The only difference is now she knows to second guess honking her horn at strangers.

The premise is average but that doesn’t stop the film from becoming intense and over the top. Crowe has a blast in this role and eats up every scene from the opening credits to the final shot. He definitely is the standout and makes Unhinged more entertaining than it should have been. Pistorius plays the lead mother well and Bateman gives a solid performance as her son, Kyle Hunter. Fans of the Child’s Play remake will recognize him as the new Andy, but he is far better in this film. Performances aside, all of the characters are generic and underdeveloped so their fates are unimportant. Rachel makes so many irrational decisions that you find yourself not wanting to root for her but against her.

While this is a plausible scenario that can occur, the script involving the scenario just has too many errors. However, the film plays out just fine once your brain is removed. There are great action sequences throughout and Borte builds upon the tension with each scene as Crowe’s character becomes more deranged. The film’s score by David Buckley is a great addition to the tension Borte establishes and Unhinged never has a dull moment because once Rachel meets Tom the film rushes through to the finish line.

Unhinged is a fun thriller to pass the time with solid performances and great stunt work, but it’s really the script that holds the film back. Crowe and Pistorious clearly had fun while making this and it’s a shame their characters weren’t developed further. Overall, this is a very flawed film that’s anchored mostly by great acting and adequate tension building.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube