An Ending and A Beginning In DRAGON AGE: BLUE WRAITH #3

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DRAGON AGE: BLUE WRAITH #3 out this Wednesday from Dark Horse concludes this dramatic miniseries. But as with any series set in this world we’ve come to love, it never truly feels like an end. Only a pause.

Dragon Age Blue Wraith #3 arguably has the best cover of the series, with striking imagery to hint at what is inside.

***SPOILER WARNING***

Dragon Age: Blue Wraith may have been a short series, but it certainly was an entertaining one. Focusing on characters from both the games and other graphic novels, this series called upon fans to further invest in the world.

You may have fallen in love with Fenris in the games, but now’s your chance to learn more about him. Both his past and his future are hinted at within these pages. It may not be quite the same, but at least it makes the wait between games more bearable.

Ouch, yeah. This certainly explains some of the issues Fenris has been dealing with.

The Writing

It’s always hard to see a series come to a conclusion, even when you know it’s coming. Yet Dragon Age: Blue Wraith #3 didn’t truly feel like an ending. Instead, it felt like a natural progression to the story.

That means there was plenty of drama and action to be found within these pages (we’re talking about Fenris, after all), as well as personal growth for many beloved characters, and so much more. Perhaps it’s because all of these changes felt so organic that it didn’t read as a wrap-up.

Our writers, Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir were careful with how they developed this series. They would have to be, given that it was only three issues. Everything fit smoothly onto these pages, and while we’re sad to see it go, it also felt right. Not that we’d say no to seeing more stories from this franchise.

Looks like Fenris is content to let his rage out as a coping mechanism.

The Art

Dragon Age: Blue Wraith #3 was a beautiful issue to behold. There were so many elements that were pleasing to the eyes in this issue, from the characters themselves to the backgrounds and the magic being flung all over the place.

Fernando Heinz Furukawa was the lead artist for this issue, providing the lines and framework for everything that followed. Their characters, particularly Fenris, had so much raw emotion to show all, all while clearly doing everything possible to bring this plot to a close. It was a case of the artwork supporting the plot to perfection.

Michael Atiyeh was the colorist, and they did a wonderful job here. We’re talking soft colors merging with vibrant hues to portray a natural world full of magic and lore. It was a perfect balance, one that made the story come to life.

Finally, Nate Piekos of Blambot stepped up to handle the lettering, and they also did an excellent job here. It was their placement that kept our eyes roaming around the pages, ensuring that we spotted every little detail hidden within.

That is…not a pretty ending for that character, huh?

In Conclusion

Dragon Age: Blue Wraith #3 was a dramatic and entertaining conclusion to this miniseries. It hit all of the right tones, wrapping up the plot while leaving it open-ended enough for fans to have hope for more. That is well suited for this world, and the characters that have been developed over several series now.

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An Insanely Entertaining Beginning In LUDOCRATS #1

By

Cat Wyatt

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LUDOCRATS #1, out from Image Comics on April 1^st is a truly fantastic and insane tale, one fresh from the minds of Rossignol, Gillen, Stokely, and Bonvillain. Aristocrats meet absurdity in this comical new series.

A chaotic and entertaining cover for Ludocrats #1.

***SPOILER WARNING***

Ludocrats is the latest series about to drop from Image Comics, and it’s already looking to be a memorable experience. Thanks to the creative team and the unique plot, among several other notable elements.

Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine, Die) and Jim Rossignol (Sir, You Are Being Hunted) are the lead writers on this new project, and they will be working alongside artists such as Jeff Stokely (The Spire), Tamra Bonvillain (Once & Future, Captain Marvel), and Clayton Cowles.

Ludocrats #1 kicks off the series in the most fantastical way – with a wedding. Though this wedding is not quite like any other you’ve seen, as it is both aristocratic, and as the name may indicate: ludicrous.

Ah, there’s no better punishment than a forced marriage, yes? Well, as it turns out, in Ludocrats #1 it’s a bit more than that…

The Writing

Ludocrats #1 is well and truly a unique reading experience. If this issue is anything to judge the rest of the series by, this is going to be one wild ride. Here you’ll find a variety of storytelling techniques, all mashed together to create the illusion of chaos. All the while, our writers have actually carefully curated the experience.

Gillen and Rossignol have come together to create something new…and it certainly is that! From the very first page, this issue demands attention. Our introduction to the plot and all of the whimsy (read: ludicrousness) this world has to offer.

Honestly, this may be hard to believe; but the title of the series actually undersells the point. This is a series that goes above ludicrous nature, but in the best of ways. It’s hilarious and entertaining, and there’s quite literally never a dull moment.

Pleading, violence, and ludicrously memorable moments can all be found in this sample of Ludocrats #1.

The Art

Ludocrats #1 is a visually compelling piece of work – and it would have to be, given everything going on. We’re talking bright colors, dramatic (and insane) scenes, the works. Everything from the setting to the characters have been vibrantly designed to appeal to our eyes.

Jeff Stokely has provided us with some truly iconic leading characters. They’re grand in scale and in personality, all of which fits their mannerisms to an alarming degree – but that just makes it all the more perfect.

Meanwhile, Tamra Bonvillain’s colors bring the world to life. The bold colors are suited to this chaos fueled world, and it all gives the characters a chance to stand out even further. If you take a look at the cover for Ludocrats #1, you’ll have a strong sense of what is in store for you.

Finally, VC’s Clayton Cowles was the letterer for this project, and you can tell that he had a bit of fun (along with all of the other creatives involved). This was an issue that gave him plenty of room to shine, and he ran away with it.

You heard the man, boring people never change!

In Conclusion

Ludocrats #1 was even more entertaining and chaotic than anticipated – which is saying something. This series is going to prove to be both memorable and utterly unique, in the best of ways. If you’re looking for a highly diverting series, make sure to add this one to your pull list.

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The Past and the Present Collide in LUMBERJANES #72

By

Cat Wyatt

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LUMBERJANES #72, out this Wednesday from Boom! Box continues the story set between two different timelines. Lumberjanes past and present continue to move forward and charm their readers, all while showing us what makes them so remarkable.

The past and the present collide on this cover of Lumberjanes #72.

***SPOILER WARNING***

The latest plot arc in Lumberjanes has finally been telling fans the origin of the camp itself. Something many of us probably never thought to wonder about – but still something we’re going to eagerly devour.

Lumberjanes #72 brings us our beloved Roanoke cabin, alongside several other fan favorites, characters who could always use a little extra attention. Combine that with the elements and characters of the past, and you’ve got yourself a thrilling and fascinating story worth reading.

It helps that this issue finally reveals the full story. The story of how the Lumberjanes came to be. And how our campers are connected to that very first girl – the one who created this path for the rest of them to follow.

The first Lumberjane can be found alongside Rosie and Abigail on this variant cover of Lumberjanes #72.

The Writing

As with the rest of this plot arc, Lumberjanes #72 is set in two distinct points of time. The past (read: the origin of the camp), and the present. It’s a careful balance, but it’s one that has allowed us to see how it all comes together. How the past is what allowed the present campers to be who and what they are – and to embrace that fact.

Written by Shannon Watters and Kat Leyh, this issue is beautifully done. Our characters, both old and new, have such a charming quality to them, all while learning about the woods and their history. It’s almost hard to believe that this all started as a punishment (well, lesson) for a small action earlier on.

The added tension between Abigail and Rosie helped to enhance this story, reminding us that there’s more history than readily apparent. It’s also refreshing to see these characters progressing with their own personal issues and plots.

An absolute highlight of this issue would have to be all of the hidden elements and implications strewn about. There’s a lot of showing (but not telling) woven into these pages. It’s an example of careful writing, and admittedly is something that couldn’t be pulled off without the right artistic team.

More tree puns and references on this title sheet for Lumberjanes #72.

The Art

Lumberjanes #72 is a vibrant example of how charming and alive the series can feel. The colors and characters are in complements with one another, giving off this endearing tone that we’ve come to know and except.

Kanesha C. Bryant and Julia Madrigal were the lead artists for this issue, working together to provide us multiple perspectives and timelines. The sense of danger and movement portrayed in this issue is unparalleled, especially in regards to the latest threat the Lumberjanes face.

The colors were provided by Maarta Laiho, who did a delightful job of it. This issue made strong use of dark tones over brighter backdrops, and it made for several stunning scenes. However, the backgrounds are actually quite stunning on their own, being deceptively simple.

Finally, Aubrey Aiese was the letterer for this issue, and their work was the icing on the cake, so to speak. You can really feel when the characters are shouting; you can see their emotion through the emphasis in the lettering, and so many other fine details that support the plot.

And so the truth of what is to happen to the camp is revealed.

In Conclusion

Lumberjanes #72 was a highly entertaining read. One that revealed the true depth and history of this camp and its inhabitants. It was a charming tale, one that snuck in little details. Those elements and details may very well provide foreshadowing for future plots – that is certainly the hope, at any rate!

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Review: OUTLAWED #1 Plunges Marvel Into Another Civil War

By

Colin Tessier

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In Outlawed #1 (on sale March 18, from Marvel Comics), writer Eve L. Ewing offers a heavy-hitting story that questions the ethics of teenage heroes. By the end of the riveting issue, Ewing sends shock waves that will continue to ripple throughout the Marvel Universe for the foreseeable future.

Outlawed #1

Writer: Eve L. Ewing

Artist: Kim Jacinto

Color Artist: Espen Grundetjern

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

“Did the teen heroes end the destruction– or cause it?” a news reporter asks in the wake of another superhero-related disaster. As Miles Morales quickly points out, that’s a fair question. Ironheart (Riri Williams) has fallen to her knees, overcome with grief and guilt after she’s forced to subdue one of her teammates who’s become a danger to the public. The chaos results in the destruction of multiple buildings and the bad press generated by a near-death experience for Ailana Kabua, a Greta Thunberg stand-in who represents the countless civilians harmed by the Champions’ attempt to save the day. Plus, one of the group’s leading members is critically wounded. So it’s only natural to question how much the teenage heroes helped.

But the questioning quickly spirals into another matter entirely. Ewing plays with the chronological flow of the story to show how one disaster leads to a governmental investigation that criticizes the minimal supervision of teenage superheroes. The issue starts in media res, which allows Ewing to build the suspense by delaying the dramatic reveal of the inquiry. The first few pages show an off-page character interrogating various members of the superhero community; by the time the proverbial camera pans to reveal the congressional setting, Ewing has captured us hook, line and sinker.

Outawled #1 Ailana — Ailana Kabua becomes the face of the flaws plaguing the teen hero community.

While the scene of the aforementioned chaos is noteworthy, the most compelling parts of the issue occur in this hearing. Snippets from interviews with various heroes paint a complex picture of the issue at hand. Champions like Nova (Sam Alexander) Spider-Man (Miles Morales) and Ironheart defend themselves while icons like Captain America and Captain Marvel try to help, too. Steve Rogers’ words are particularly powerful. “Kids like me,” says Rogers, “We were young and fearless. We believed in laying our lives on the line for freedom. And for that, they called us the greatest generation. I don’t see how this is any different.” Of course, some heroes don’t share this sentiment. A senator brings up the then-mysterious tragedy centered around Viv Vision and, in response, her “father,” the Vision stands there silently, unable or unwilling to defend the teen heroes.

The art team excellently captures the wide-ranging tones of the story, from the heated hearing to the destructive rampage of a dragon throughout downtown Chicago. Artist Kim Jacinto shows Rogers’ passion as he makes his case for the Champions; with a resolute face, he firmly points his finger at the centers. This depiction stands in stark contrast to that of the Vision, who looks utterly heartbroken with his sorrowful eyes. Color Artist: Espen Grundetjern augments this juxtaposition; he uses a fiery red/orange in the background for Rogers’ panel and a cold blue for the Vision’s. Letterer Clayton Cowles also complements the story; at the climax of the dragon’s attack, he makes Ironheart’s speech bubble squiggly to show how her agony makes her voice waver. The art and the script are in perfect harmony, which makes Outlawed #1 a dynamic reading experience.

With Outlawed #1, Ewing launches Marvel’s heroes into a new ethical crisis that could be as big as the famous Civil War conflict. Plus, the story serves as an exciting catalyst for the new Champions series; after reading this issue, Ewing leaves the reader no choice but to anxiously await that book, on sale April 8. At the end of the day, that’s a flawless execution of what every comic should hope to do.

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Review: Starting the Second Round in DOCTOR TOMORROW #2

By

Jake Palermo

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Doctor Tomorrow #2 certainly reminds everyone who is the subject of discussion

Doctor Tomorrow #2 out this week from Valiant Entertainment displays the importance of rereading just a single issue because that can make all the difference in the world. Not only in seeing a few small art details but also how the plot moves and could develop.

Recap

Doctor Tomorrow follows the titular characters as they try to stop their arch-nemesis, Hadrian, from destroying the Valiant Universe. But there appears to be more to the story.

Doctor Tomorrow #2 Writing

Especially when Alejandro Arbona has the mentor plunge his younger self into Doctor Tomorrow #2’s conflict. Bart barely does anything, and that makes him feel like he’s not contributing enough. The hardest person to be in comparison with is yourself, after all. Bart still is only 15, and he needs support, but everyone, including his dad, seems too busy. But even with a helper like Gretchen he still feels overwhelmed.

Then there’s Doctor Tomorrow himself, he seems to have everything under control. If not for Ivar, The Timewalker‘s Neela Sethi he would almost be a Marty Sue. Almost… Why would Doctor Tomorrow bring his younger self with barely any training? Going off on a hero’s journey from the first issue, it seems that the mentor is the challenge that will drive Bart to the abyss. Not unlike how Hadrian is the one who jumpstarts Doctor Tomorrow’s Hero’s journey.

Doctor Tomorrow #2 Art

Jim Towe continues to provide some dynamic artwork in Doctor Tomorrow #2. The subtle but notable body language provides detail into how small changes can make significant differences. From how Bart pilots his super suit to the confrontation with Hadrian. But by the time most of the Valiant Universe shows up, there’s a certain lack of detail that takes away from the big moment on the last page. Faith and Livewire practically have the same face for example.

Coloring

Diego Rodriguez puts his blending colors in some of the most appropriate places like Bart’s visor. Others like the disguise worn by Neela and how it deactivates is probably where it appears the best. Because highly advanced imagery has to look futuristic and bizarre. Yet he slips up a couple of times when Bart’s trunks turn from blue to white.

Lettering

Clayton Cowles arguably is the most consistent in Doctor Tomorrow #2. The captions and word balloons feel inspired and appropriate. Perhaps that best comes in when Doctor Tomorrow spreads a message while recorded on the phone. The text and word balloon indicate both the medium and how the Doctor’s voice would be altered. The onomatopoeias are, for the most part, color-coded for character acts. Light blue is for Bart and Doctor Future when not using their equipment. The ones that aren’t are for standing out against the background and are mostly mundane actions like knocking.

Get Doctor Tomorrow #2 To Reread

Doctor Tomorrow #2 is shaping up to be a good story. Along with a tale of heroics is a mystery that the reader can catch onto without backpedaling. Not only that, but how it can come to pass when the characters interact.

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Review: THE VISITOR #4 – Revelations Both Mundane And Villainous

By

Jake Palermo

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The Visitor #4 is to the point where everything finally starts to have some revelations, at least in terms of morals. But is it enough for readers to see everything through to the end?

Recap

The Visitor revolves around a time traveler trying to stop a Japanese AI project from happening. One so secret that not even the supporting cast can talk about it.

The Visitor #4 Writing

Paul Levitz in his attempts not to reveal crucial details too early has only been feeding readers redundant details. The Visitor #4, however, makes some of what happens before slightly more relevant. Take for example Hayashi, the aide to the overbearing Abe. In the last issue, his snake-like behavior shows his true intent in this issue. Hayashi’s care for Abe is just a means to an end and was waiting for a chance to be rid of him. Kubo meanwhile shows how he manipulates people which might even include Ogawa. Whatever the Visitor is trying to prevent it looks like it was sinister since the beginning. With the ending of the issue revealing the Visitor’s full face, this threat might be familiar to fans of Rai.

Unfortunately, these revelations’ importance is highlighted by another one. The Visitor is able to fight off Talia Daubney because The Visitor #4 reveals she has a bionic leg. This along with the Japanese official’s motivations would be better if the revelations came earlier. But at least the romantic subplot is put to the side.

The Visitor #4 Art

MJ Kim works with David Tinto to illustrate some dynamic action scenes. The scenes where the Visitor jumps onto a train to avoid being gunned down by helicopters shows a decent seesaw effect. With the gunfire being so rapid, it perfectly displays the Visitor’s resourcefulness. Meanwhile, the character’s movements show the most appropriate body language. Whether it’s Abe’s shock towards Hayashi or Talia trying to level with Ogawa, readers might not even need the word balloons.

Coloring

Ulises Arreola continues his impressive coloring especially in contrast to dark backgrounds. As for the bright color coding, it’s nice to see consistency such as the bright oranges displaying danger. Whether it’s helicopter machine gun fire or even the lights of a helicopter that transition from light orange to red. Blue meanwhile retains its revealing nature with the helicopters’ searchlights or even the Visitor’s mask when he takes it off.

Lettering

Simon Bowland has a much simpler time in The Visitor #4, keeping a decent flow with the word balloons. The few times there are onomatopoeias they get a color code to match Arreola’s bright lights. But perhaps the best usage comes from when The Visitor meditates and data in futuristic fonts decorate his silhouette. An admittedly impressive feat and one that shows the momentum of the series picking up.

If You Skip 2 and 3, Try Visitor #4

The Visitor #4 is the issue where the plot finally starts to pick up after a lot of backpedaling. While it’s nice to see the plot move forward, it’s also a reminder that the series took a very long time to get to this point. So if you want to finish this series to see where it’s going, all the better. But if you’re a first-timer to this series, it might be best to pick and choose where you go.

Are you reading The Visitor? Comment below with your thoughts.

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Review: ARCHANGEL 8 #1 A Dark And Thoughtful Thriller

By

Darryll Robson

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New comics publisher AwA Upshot release Archangel 8 #1 this week. One of four brand new titles launching the publisher, Archangel 8 is written by master storyteller Michael Moreci with art provided by CP Smith, Snakebite Cortez, and Sal Cipriano.

A realist looking, gritty thriller, Archangel 8 has a twist in its tale, one that is not apparent until the final page of issue one. Described as the Punisher meets Hellblazer, the style of this comic matches what you would expect from the member’s of AwA’s Creative Council. With names like J. Michael Stracynski, Reginald Hudlin, and Garth Ennis, working behind the scenes it’s not surprising that there is a Mature Readers tag on the front of this comic.

Producing a first issue is hard enough but acting as one of the front runners for a publisher? There is a lot riding on Archangel 8. The question is, does it deliver and give AwA Upshot a high flying launch?

Writing/Story

Michael Moreci has written some engaging, outstanding comics in recent years and if you are not familiar with his name I recommend you hunt down some of his work. If he experienced any additional pressure working on this title for a new publisher then it’s not noticeable in the comic.

The general plot is straight forward. Number 8 is a hired mercenary brought in to do a job. It’s not a pleasant job and the nitty gritty of his instructions are slowly unravelled as the plot progresses. In essence, it is like the movie Gross Point Blank minus the love story. And the jokes.

The twist in the tale is kept hidden until the end of the first issue, where a splash page reveals an entire new perspective of the story. Unfortunately, outside of the comic pages, the twist isn’t quite as secret as it should be. Press releases and solicitations give too much away so that the reader goes into the comic looking for the clues and references. Even the cover is a give away. If you can avoid anything about the nature of this comic before reading it, I would highly recommend doing so. I would also highly recommend reading the comic.

Moreci centres the plot around Number 8 and the mission he is given. The situations and locations that Moreci puts the character in helps to define the world that Archangel 8 is set in but also the personality of Number 8. The reader learns about the violent nature of the job through visual metaphors and stark imagery. Number 8’s distance from the world and his, seeming, emotional detachment are evident in his conversations where he starts to question something but he is quickly subdued.

Art Style

This first issue sets the scene early on and then spends the remaining pages constructing a tone. Number 8 is very similar to Marvel’s Frank Castle. He has a confidence that can easily be mistaken for arrogance, and appears to be a magnet for violence. The darkness that surrounds the character and the locations create a moody, almost melancholy atmosphere. This is accentuated by the constant autumnal references and imagery.

CP Smith’s art is outstanding, especially with Snakebite Cortez’s colors over the top. In places it is almost photo-realistic but in others expressionist and even abstract. The inks and the color create the autumnal feel, with the warmth of the summer ebbing away to leave a coldness. This combines with the central characters voice-over to produce a darker overall tone.

There are moments of artistic brilliance within these pages. There are panels that work within the context of the story on a number of levels and often stand out on the page. Smith has clearly designed his layout around these images, purposefully drawing the reader’s attention to certain panels, even before the page has been read. This forces an idea or emotion on the reader even before they have started to read.

So much of Archangel 8 #1 is about atmosphere, something which the artwork pushes off the page into the heart and mind of the reader. Cipriano’s lettering tempers some of the harshness in Number 8’s world. He uses rounded caption boxes for the voice over, immediately giving it a softer edge than expected. The reader becomes drawn to this hit-man, soothed by the eloquence depicted by the style of the caption boxes.

In addition, the speech is rendered in a naturalistic way. It’s straightforward and evenly displayed. You get the sense of realism that comes from most of Smith’s art. Occasionally the sound effects are comical, reflecting the action, while others are harsh and violent. Cipriano adopts a similar realistic/abstract approach taken by both Smith and Cortez.

Conclusion

If you can avoid spoilers for the twist and don’t mind violent thrillers, then this comic will be a wonderfully, satisfying read that leaves you begging for more. This is definitely a comic that will be appreciated by fans of the Punisher, Simon Spurrier’s recent Hellblazer, and Vertigo comics in general. It put this reviewer in mind of Garth Ennis’ Unknown Soldier mini-series or J. Michael Stracynski’s Ten Grand.

A successfully engaging first issue with gorgeous artwork and smart lettering throughout. Archangel 8 does everything you would expect a first issue to do and announces the arrival of a new publisher in style. Moreci continues to impress and the cliffhanger at the end of this issue leaves this series wide open for the rest of it’s run.

If Archangel 8 sounds like your type of comic I would highly recommend it. Not only do you get an amazing read but you also get to support a new publisher. A win/win situation.

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DC Comics 6-Page Preview: BATMAN #91

By

Matthew Sardo

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March 16, 2020

Batman #91 hits your local comic book store this week, but thanks to DC Comics, Monkeys Fighting Robots has a six-page preview for you to look over.

About the issue:
To save Gotham City, Catwoman will have to commit the greatest heist in the city’s history! But hot on her trail are the Penguin, the Riddler, a horde of assassins, and the master criminal called the Designer! And the most dangerous person standing in her way is the man she’s trying to save: Batman. And what complications will his arise from his new sidekick, Harley Quinn?

Batman #91 is written by James Tynion IV, with art by Rafael Albuquerque, Jorge Jimenez, Carlo Pagulayan & Danny Miki, Tomeu Morey worked on colors, and Clayton Cowles gave us letters.

Enjoy the Preview:

Bill Finger and Bob Kane created Batman.

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Review: Get The Hell Out of Town in RED BORDER #1

By

Justin Munday

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The contentious topic of the U.S. border is given a compelling twist in Jason Starr and Will Conrad’s “Red Border” #1. This issue offers a new look at the people who are forced to make the run from Juarez while also crafting an intense and unpredictable comic.

“When a young, middle-class Mexican couple targeted for death by the Juarez Cartel flee across the border into Texas, they wander into a house of horrors beyond their wildest imagination. Rescued by a mysterious local who takes them to the safety of his family’s ranch, the couple soon realize their hosts have more than just skeletons in their closet, and the army of assassins on their trail might be the least of their problems.”

Writing & Plot

Jason Starr‘s script is a smooth balance of naturalistic dialogue and tightly paced action. There is a believable mix of solid conversational dialogue and, of course, complete panic. There’s a cinematic approach to the presentation of characters and directing of panels that makes it easy to engage with as an audience. The most interesting choice of this issue however, is the kind of characters that Starr makes his protagonists. When most American audience members have a picture in mind of someone trying to cross the Southern border, it’s typically a harmful and inaccurate stereotype; a caricature of real Mexican people. “Red Border” however chooses to use a Mexican couple that is almost indistinguishable from typical middle-class Americans. Now, there is a potential can of worms that can be opened from choosing this type of milquetoast character archetype in order to make the story easier to interface with for most readers. This is an issue for another article. As it stands solely as a creation of action/horror fiction, this comic is an impressive feat of pacing and character writing.

Art Direction

Much of the cinematic styling mentioned earlier actually comes from the phenomenal artwork from Will Conrad and Ivan Nunes. Conrad’s pencils create an almost photographic representation of a variety of different characters with varying features and body types. The enviornmental and accessory detail as well is near unmatched in any comic from recent memory, and it’s clear he has gone through great pains to create a realistic world for this comic to take place in. His style grounds the story in a visual sense that is easy for the reader to become engrossed with, as if they were watching an action thriller. The colors from Ivan Nunes further this artistic agenda with quiet, realistic tones and convincing layers of blood and filth to bring this gruesome tale to life. Everything from the reds, browns and faded greens of the desert to the flashy whites and purples of gangster’s opulent clothing is given nuance in terms of color and shadow. This comic is a prime example of writing and art meeting to perfectly craft a specific storytelling style.

“Red Border” #1 is a thrilling and intriguing start to a series with a premise that requires some thoughtful writing. Writer Jason Starr makes an interesting choice with his protagonists and crafts a mix of stellar dialogue and tightly paced scenes. The artwork from Will Conrad and Ivan Nunes takes a cinematic approach to comic storytelling and becomes one of the best looking books in recent memory. If you’re up for an unpredictable thrill, be sure to grab “Red Border” #1 when it hits stands on 3/18!

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Aric of Dacia: Tolerating Life’s Changes With X-O Manowar

By

Jake Palermo

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March 15, 2020

Aric of Dacia, that’s a name Valiant likes to use regularly in X-O Manowar, but people still don’t know who he is. That’s mostly because with each relaunch, there must be something for people to relate to him. Back in his early days (the 90s), X-O Manowar is Iron Man meets Conan the Barbarian. Complete with owning a conglomerate company to the struggle of his Visigoth hunter heritage. But today comes the need to find what works and what doesn’t; being a corporate overlord certainly doesn’t sit well with audiences. Aric can be king a with a wife at one point but then a farmer who rejects his armor next. For X-O Manowar, it’s about adjusting to the world as much as it adjusts to him. Spoilers ahead for people not caught up on X-O Manowar lore.

Aric of Dacia: Tolerance vs Acceptance

Aric in just about all of his beginnings is at the top of his world thanks to his family and loyalty. He’s also rather forward-thinking and accepting of different viewpoints. In the beginning of Valiant Comics (from the 90s), he even converts to Celtic for his wife’s sake. But later series, including the one by Matt Kindt, show how Aric finds that tolerance like with the Romans is not the same as acceptance. The world always changes, and sometimes people fit in better in very specific circumstances. As did the brother of one of Aric’s friends for his intelligence at Rome over Dacia. The rest of the Roman Legion, however, considers the Visigoth as savages. Something Aric is eager to retaliate for. Which lands him in hot water with the Vine who he mistakes as Romans.

Aric afterward shows no love for the invading spider-like Vine. However, when Aric acquires the Shanhara armor, he gains both devotion and animosity. Commander Trill is the ideal warrior of the Vine in how they conquer worlds. The High Priest meanwhile provides insights into how people have their layers. While Aric will never forgive many Vine, he shows compassion to the Vine, who helps him reconnect with Visigoth descendants. He even welcomes them to New Dacia when they are left splintered despite the animosity from Earth. The planet was one of their targets, complete with sleeper agents. Because even despite every atrocity, everyone deserves to find a place to belong. Something Aric gives to even Trill at the end of Robert Venditti’s run. Tolerance is about learning to live with the good and bad, but it can take a lifetime to accept.

Aric the Wanderer

Aric never seems to be able to stay in one place. Rather than go back to New Dacia after Venditti’s run, Aric takes up farming on a world outside of Earth. All despite the fact that he’s separated himself from his wife. Even when he settles down with a new love interest at the beginning and end of Matt Kindt’s run; he does it all over again with Dennis Hallum, just on Earth in a city. To venture a guess, it seems to be because Aric is trying to adjust to the way things are. When he first comes back to Earth with the New Visigoths, he tries to get back their old land. Which almost starts a nuclear war.

But to get in the good graces of the US for the New Visigoths, he has to do service to the US government. After a while, he got sick of it and wanted to live in peace until he’s propelled back into conflicts. Now he’s trying his best to live on Earth while assimilating himself into it. All while still trying to hang onto his Visigoth identity. He still chooses to hunt game rather than use money for example. Sometimes he still can’t find the right person to spend a lifetime with. It’s a struggle, but between his second wife and a single mother and her son, he’ll find them eventually.

Aric From New Dacia To Earth

Not that you have some idea of Aric of Dacia do you see why Valiant likes to use him? Doing away with the Iron Man-like qualities allow readers to see a very tolerable and endearing character. Aric, like many of the readers, is still trying to find where he fits most in the world. Being a superhero can’t ensure success, sometimes you have to move onto other things and people. Because only then does anyone adjust themselves into the world as much as it adjusts to them.

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