The Tale Continues in STAR WARS ADVENTURES: RETURN TO VADER’S CASTLE #1

The tale of Vader’s castle continues in STAR WARS ADVENTURES: RETURN TO VADER’S CASTLE #1. Coming out this Wednesday from IDW, the all-new series will bring with it a new set of adventures – and dangers surrounding some of our favorite antagonists in the universe.

Well, that’s certainly an attention-grabbing cover!

***SPOILER WARNING***

Fans will likely remember the first round of Star Wars Adventures: Vader’s Castle. It didn’t exactly go well for explorers or antagonists alike, leaving us to assume that things will go just as dreadfully this time around as well.

While the first series was set almost entirely on Mustafar, the sequel series, Return to Vader’s Castle seems to be interested in branching out a bit. Yes, everything will inevitably lead us back to Mustafar in the end. But it doesn’t all have to start there, now does it?

And so the story begins, once again on Mustafar.

The entire run of Star Wars Adventures reads almost like a series of campfire tales. They’re dark and dangerous and designed to leave children feeling a little bit chilled to their bones. But it’s all meant in good fun, and Return to Vader’s Castle perfectly fits that structure.

There are several disturbing and heart-stopping moments within these pages, but there are also plenty of thrilling moments to balance things out. Fans of certain antagonists will be especially excited to see their appearance here – as it’ll explain just a little bit more about their survival and their time spent between movies.

You heard the man! It’s time for this story to begin.

Cavan Scott was the author behind this issue, and you can tell this is a tale they’ve been working on for quite some time. You can also tell which characters they grew up being fond and curious about – if the focus and direction of this series is anything to go by.

Return to Vader’s Castle #1 is told through several jumps in time. These jumps were designed to obfuscate the truth while building tension. And it works. Readers will know right away that there’s something seriously wrong going on, but it’ll take a few pages for the truth to be fully revealed.

This big reveal was dramatic, to put it mildly. Any sith fans out there are going to have trouble holding back their reactions while reading this issue. Let’s be honest here. Most people that are chomping at the bit to read a series titled ‘Return to Vader’s Castle‘ are likely to be fans, or at least curious, about the darker side of Star Wars.

This issue does leave us off with more questions than answers, and in the comic book world that is excellent. It’s how they ensure that we come back next month. And there is more to this thrilling tale than meets the eye.

Nothing quite like getting forcibly ejected from a ship mid-flight.

Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader’s Castle #1 had a decently sized art team working to bring the story (and our antagonists) to life. But it was worth it. The result was a series full of brightly lit and colored panels. It may not be the sort of thing you’d expect from a dark tale, but it fits the general ‘campfire’ theme pretty well. And it really does leave a lasting impression.

The character designs were the highlight of this issue – though one or two are more notable than the rest. This fact will become immediately clear upon the major revelation. When that happens, be sure to take some time and absorb all the details about this character’s appearance.

Francesco Francavilla (artist and colorist), Megan Levens (artist), and Charlie Kirchoff (colorist) all worked on this issue together. Their style may not match the movies – but honestly, that may be for the best. They’ve made this tale their own, through and through.

And of course, we can’t forget the lettering for this issue, which was provided by Andworld Design. The lettering was intentionally unobtrusive, while also pulling some extra weight in the emoting department. It was the perfect final touch on this issue.

Think he’s lashing out because he’s scared?

Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader’s Castle #1 was a curious introduction to a new series surrounding Vader and all of his many mysteries. There’s so much going on behind the scenes. After all, this is a Star Wars antagonist we’re talking about. The creative team has did a fantastic job of making the series both unique and memorable.

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Review: IMMORTAL HULK #24 – Behold, The World Breaker, HULKALACTUS!!!

Cody Walker

Bruce and the Hulks take care of business in Immortal Hulk #24, the most gruesomely horrific issue to date, out this week from Marvel.

The gloves are off, and these monsters have had about enough of each other.

Al Ewing writes this body horror masterpiece, while Joe Bennett creates some of the best Hulk panels I’ve ever seen. Bennett’s pencils on this issue require an army of inkers by the names Ruy Jose, Belardino Brabo, Marc Deering, and Roberto Poggi. Paul Mounts handles all the glowing gamma greens and hot melting flesh. VC’s Cory Petit has the honors of lettering these gruesome action sequences with emphasis on smashing. Petit uses transparent, rocky style lettering to get the emphasis across and without taking away from any of the artwork.

The fantastic body horror and transformations get better and more creative with each issue. It seems like the more Bennett gets to work on this book, the more gruesome his pencils get. Hulk has been chopped up, melted, ripped apart, and it looks beautifully disgusting every time. Immortal Hulk is what you’d get if you gave John Carpenter the reigns to a jade giant film. With transformations so horrifying you wonder why these characters hang around long enough to fight what he turns into. The Hulk is already scary enough; add some extra arms and a giant mouth, and I’d be running so fast I’d be passing Quicksilver on his way to save the X-Men from their burning mansion.

Galactus has had a big role in a few of the best Marvel books on the shelves right now. Silver Surfer: Black #4 provided more detail into his origin and how the surfer is involved. Immortal Hulk #24 tells us why Galactus came to be and gives a glimpse into the real power the Hulk has yet to unleash on the cosmos. Hulk has some enormous shoes to fill with that new role, but he seems more than capable of handling it.

If you’re a fan or collector of Galactus, then this is another issue that is crucial to your collection. This series, along with Silver Surfer: Black, are expanding on the extensive history of the Marvel Universe, so this is also for the history buffs. Al Ewing is reaching deep down and pulling some of the most obscure and forgotten Marvel properties out of his hat. Immortal Hulk #24 is no exception as an often forgotten mutant makes an appearance at the end of all things. You never know what $1 book Ewing might turn into a $50 back issue.

Immortal Hulk #24 is one of the best entries into the body horror genre there has ever been or will ever be. The designs are top-notch, and every horror fan will love the art in this issue, even if they aren’t fans of Marvel or the Hulk. This is A++ body horror, and I’m surprised every month that it comes from a Disney company.

One of the most horrifying aspects of the Hulk that I think most people take for granted are the multiple personalities. He is being pulled in so many directions at the same time that the only realistic response is rage. Now that the personalities are all in agreement, and focusing the unbridled rage, the Hulk is unstoppable, and he knows it.

No one can stop him. No one can contain him except himself. The breaker of worlds is hungry. He’s always hungry.

What did you think of Immortal Hulk #24? Are you excited to see Hulk kill the Marvel Universe in canon? Let us know in the comments below.

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Review: Hal Jordan Fights His Evil Counterpart in THE GREEN LANTERN #12

Corey Patterson

The story arc that began as a refocusing endeavor on Hal Jordan’s life culminates with a climatic battle between the Green Lantern and his anti-self: the Qwa-Man. This being from the anti-matter universe is literally the antithesis to Hal, and he’s hellbent on destroying the rest of the multiverse. Joined by a relatively small team of Lanterns, our hero leads the final charge against this seemingly unstoppable force in THE GREEN LANTERN #12, available in stores Wednesday, October 2nd.

Story

Sometimes the most unexpected things happen when one’s least expecting it—in Hal’s case, this saying may as well have hit him in the face. Just as he was about to be defeated by the Qwa-Man, a yellow light guided by the villain Sinestro enveloped the fiend and tossed him aside. Confused and disoriented, Hal wonders why one of his worst enemies would save his life, soon realizing that this version of Sinestro is the opposite/good counterpart of the villain from his own universe.

But this “good” version of Sinestro isn’t all he’s cracked up to be. In fact, the Yellow Lantern reveals he was paid to release the Qwa-Man upon the positive matter universe. Fortunately, the being behind it all—the one who generated all of this anti-matter chaos in Hal’s world—is revealed within the concluding pages of the story.

With this being the last issue of Grant Morrison’s current run in the series, it makes sense that he and his team would spend time a large portion of the story tying up loose ends. Some authors do this in rushed or forceful way, but Morrison ties them up like a bow. Readers get to see characters they might have forgotten about arrive on the scene to play their part, and the highly anticipated battle with the Qwa-Man does not disappoint. We find questions answered and many more posed to us as the creative team brings this saga to its thrilling conclusion.

Artwork

The artwork within this edition of THE GREEN LANTERN is amazing as always; just when you think Liam Sharp’s penciling and Steve Oliff’s coloring could get any better, they find a way to continually astound readers. The chaos of the Qwa-Man and the anti-matter forces alongside him seem to warp the fabric of spacetime around the Lanterns, seemingly extinguishing their green light. What’s more, Tom Orzechowski’s dialogue boxes seem to be affected as well, transforming into various asymmetrical shapes as if being pulled every which way by the anti-matter.

Comic Covers

Main Cover

Sharp and Romulo Fajardo Jr.’s main cover art features Hal and Qwa-Man, locked in an intense battle. We also see an image of Controller Mu serving as a backdrop, representing his ongoing influence in the Lantern’s life.

Variant Cover

Riley Rossmo’s variant cover depicts a rotting, zombified version of Hal, which serves as a creative fusion of the hero and his anti-matter counterpart.

Conclusion

THE GREEN LANTERN #12 concludes this story arc in the best way possible, offering a satisfying confusion while opening up the narrative into an exciting new direction.

What did you think of Hal’s confrontation with the Qwa-Man? Let us know in the comments below!

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Review: Helene Fuels Her Revenge In DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: A DARKENED WISH #3

Corey Patterson

Fans of the Forgotten Realms comic book adaptation will once again join their favorite lively party of adventurers as they explore the region’s secrets. But spirits aren’t as high as usual; the mad dragon Hoondarrh has laid waste to countless armies, and Helene, the group’s de facto leader, is severely wounded. Can Solivigant, Rayonde, and the rest of the team save her? Will Hoondarrh continue on his path of destruction? Find out when DUNGEONS & Dragons: A DARKENED WISH #3 hits stores Wednesday, October 2nd.

Story

The story begins with Solivigant narrowly escaping the recent battle against Hoondarrh in Mintarn of the Moonshae Isles, with an unconscious Helene in tow. The situation looks bleak, but the Kenku won’t give up on his friend that easily. He performs a magical elvish ritual to bring her back from the brink of death, leaving the young wizard with one thing on her mind: revenge.

Writer B. Dave Walters gives readers an authentic look at relationship between revenge and regret in Helene’s actions throughout the story. We feel her rage at Hoondarrh for destroying her family, joining in her desire to make the dragon suffer as she did. But we also follow down the almost inevitable trail of regret she experiences as her retribution ends up hurting one of her closest allies.

Artwork

Tess Fowler’s penciling, Jay Fotos’ coloring work in harmony to offer readers stunning visuals. We’re treated to a mix of fantastical elements mixed with the horrific realities of war, most clearly depicted by Helene’s awesome magical abilities in the midst of a land laid waste by fire. The colors range from dull browns and varying shades of black, reflecting the charred remains, to brighter hues infused in the magical spells.

These scenes transition quickly, so the importance of lettering cannot be understated—Neil Uyetake places the letter boxes in each panels’ most open spaces to provide room for explanatory dialogue without taking the reader’s gaze away from the stunning illustrations.

Comic Covers

Cover A

Fowler and Tamra Bonvillain’s main cover artwork shows a mirrored image contrasting Hoondarrh with Rayonde, showing how two similar looking entities can be polar opposites on the inside.

Cover B

Fowler’s additional cover is once again a character sheet, as in the previous two issues. This issue focuses on Rayonde, as he is one of Helene’s closest allies.

Retailer Incentive Cover A

Ibrahem Swaid’s takes a different approach than Fowler’s covers by focusing on the dynamic duo that is Karrin and Kerrin. It’s a nice change, reminding readers of the other influential member of Helene’s party.

Retailer Incentive Cover B

The third variant cover features a black and white version of Fowler’s Cover A, offering up an alternate view of her astounding artwork.

Conclusion

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: A DARKENED WISH #3 might be fast-paced, but it works itself out by moving the story forward. We’re anxious to see how Helene deals with the consequences of her vengeful actions.

What did you think of the startling turn of events in this issue? Let us know in the comments below!

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Win A Digital Copy Of TOY STORY 4

Matthew Sardo

October 1, 2019

Monkeys Fighting Robots, POPAXIOM, and Disney’s Pixar has teamed for a TOY STORY 4 giveaway!

Enter your chance to win a digital copy of Disney and Pixar’s TOY STORY 4!

The contest is straightforward to enter:
• Join our newsletter (Comic Review Digest)
• Comment on this post below.

***Bonus entry, share this contest on social media.

Good luck! Winners will be chosen at random on Tuesday, October 8, at 3 p.m. EST.

Step 1 – Join our newsletter

Step 2 – Comment on this contest below.

###

Win A Digital Copy Of TOY STORY 4 — ©2019 Disney/Pixar

Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 Captures the Hearts of Fans Old & New

Coming to Homes Digitally Oct. 1^st and on Blu-rayä Oct. 8^th

New on 4K UHD™

Extras include all-new deleted scenes, conversations with the talent and filmmakers sharing the most memorable moments and characters and much more!

BURBANK, Calif. (August 22, 2019) — This summer, Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” took audiences on a hilarious and heartwarming road trip with Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the whole gang, earning a 98 percent critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes and more than $1 billion at the global box office. Packed with old friends and new faces, the fourth film in the beloved Toy Story series, which leads Woody to an unexpected fork in the road, arrives home on Digital in 4K Ultra HD™, HD, and Movies Anywhere Oct. 1, and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray,™ DVD Oct. 8.

Fans who bring home “Toy Story 4” will be treated to over an hour of bonus features celebrating the film’s iconic characters, Pixar’s filmmaking team and the legacy of “Toy Story,” which began as the world’s first fully computer-animated feature film released nearly 25 years ago. Extensive extras includes deleted scenes such as an alternate ending, an all-new featurette with an endearing look back on Woody and Buzz’s legendary friendship throughout the years; entertaining studio stories shared by members of the Pixar team; a nostalgic look back at the creation and first storyboard screening of “Toy Story” with filmmakers; and the pioneering efforts of Pixar artists who created the sets, characters, look and feel of the original film and much more.

In “Toy Story 4,” Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So, when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy Forky (voice of Tony Hale) calls himself “trash,” Woody decides to teach Forky how to embrace being a toy. But a road-trip adventure, including an unexpected reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts), shows Woody how big the world can be for a toy. In addition, carnival prizes Ducky (voice of Keegan-Michael Key) and Bunny (voice of Jordan Peele) bring a new level of fun to the film.

The must-own, fourth installment in the Toy Story series will be packaged several ways to ensure families get the most out of their in-home entertainment experience. “Toy Story 4” arrives home a week early on Digital 4K Ultra HD™, HD and SD with two exclusive extras including a deleted scene, “Bonnie’s Playtime”. A physical copy of the film is available as a 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Digital Code), a Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Code) and a single DVD. Fans who wish to relive all four Toy Story adventures may opt for a Digital bundle, which is available for pre-order.

BONUS FEATURES (may vary by retailer)

Blu-ray & Digital:

‘Toy Stories – The Toy Story 4 cast and crew share their love of toys!
Woody & Buzz – Take a look at the relationship between these two legendary characters.
Bo Rebooted – Discover how Team Bo reimagined all aspects of Bo Peep’s identity to arrive at the fully realized character seen in the film.
Toy Box – Enjoy a collection of mini-docs on the film’s memorable new characters, featuring the voice actors, director Josh Cooley and Pixar artists talking about the many elements that make these characters fun and lovable
Let’s Ride With Ally Maki – Ally Maki, voice of Giggle McDimples, learns all about Pixar’s dialogue recording process from director Josh Cooley and his team.
Deleted Scenes introduced by director Josh Cooley including:

o Scamming Playtime

o Bo Knows Hippos

o Desperate Toys

o Knock-Offs

o Recruit Duke

o She’s The One

Audio Commentary, Trailers and more!

Digital Exclusive:

Anatomy of a Scene: Prologue – Filmmakers and crew review key scenes of the movie and dissect the practical and technological methods used to bring them to life.
Additional Deleted scene – Bonnie’s Playtime

“Toy Story 4” Cast and Crew

“Toy Story 4” welcomes both veteran and new voices, including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Annie Potts as Bo Peep, Tony Hale as Forky, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele as Ducky and Bunny, Madeleine McGraw as Bonnie, Christina Hendricks as Gabby Gabby, Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom, Ally Maki as Giggle McDimples and Joan Cusack as Jessie. The voice cast also includes Jay Hernandez, Lori Alan, Bonnie Hunt, Kristen Schaal, Emily Davis, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Blake Clark, the late Don Rickles and Estelle Harris.

“Toy Story 4” is directed by Josh Cooley, and produced by Mark Nielsen and Jonas Rivera. Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich and Pete Docter are executive producers, and Stanton and Stephany Folsom wrote the screenplay. Longtime “Toy Story” collaborator Randy Newman composed the score and wrote two new original songs, “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away,” performed by Newman, and “The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy,” which is performed by Chris Stapleton for the end credits.

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Review: Off to See the Wizards in RED SONJA #9

David DeCorte

Red Sonja #9, out this week from Dynamite Entertainment, sees our protagonist pushed to seek out an unorthodox ally, infusing an unexpected shot of horror into the book’s already potent formula.

Sonja is desperate to forge an alliance with anyone left who can stand against Dragan. This drives her to the lair of The Sorcerers of Wigur-Nomadene, an imposing and sinister magical sect. But, while Sonja seeks the sorcerers, her trusted advisors plot to betray her.

The Writing

This is perhaps the most suspenseful chapter yet in writer Mark Russell’s story. It’s a great example of dynamic storytelling, drawing the reader in with elements of tragedy, political intrigue, and horror.

Red Sonja #9 begins with a foreboding prologue. In the brief vignette, we see a king who goes to the tower to beg for help recapturing his kingdom from Dragan. The effect of this little introduction heightens the tension by showing the danger the sorcerers can pose to those who trespass in their realm. This pays off immediately as we cut back to the present to see Sonja herself approaching the tower.

Tension mounts as Sonja attempts to reason with the sorcerers. We know—as well as she—the danger they pose. This creates compelling tension that builds throughout the book.

The stakes are raised in Red Sonja #9 as events play out back at camp. Convinced Sonja’s dead, her advisers immediately set to establishing a new regime. Meanwhile, we know Foghor is still scheming behind everyone’s backs, adding even more tension to the story. There’s a lot going on in this book, but it comes together very organically.

To offer a minor complaint, Sonja’s ordeal with the sorcerers ultimately feels a little futile. It serves as an excuse to draw Sonja away from camp and to allow a plot to unfold. It could, of course, pay off in successive issues. As it is, though, Sonja’s story doesn’t really have much significance in the broader narrative. Little is really accomplished or discovered, thus making it feel a bit tangential and anticlimactic.

The Artwork

Artist Bob Q gets the opportunity to showcase some more inventive and macabre designs in Red Sonja #9. The Tower of Wigur-Nomadene itself has an imposing, Lovecraftian aura, immediately signaling to the reader that these magicians are not to be trifled with.

The designs of the tower and of the sorcerers themselves are simply awesome. They’re unlike anything we’ve seen in this volume of Red Sonja, yet they don’t feel so out of place as to clash with the rest of the artwork. This book features some of the most impressive and inventive artwork in the series thus far.

Despite the surreal tinge, Q doesn’t overlook basic craft, though. The artwork is well-paced, accenting the drama of the story.

Colorist Dearbhla Kelly provides some stunning work in Red Sonja #9, too. The eerie setting of the tower allows the artist to play with dark tones, cloaking the sorcerers in harsh shadows and unearthly glows.

Final Thoughts

Red Sonja #9 is another home run chapter in Russell’s ongoing story, arriving just in time for the Halloween season. Highly recommended.

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Review: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #21 Feels Like THE WALKING DEAD

Anthony Wendel

Thanks to IDW Comics, Sonic The Hedgehog and team continue to fight against a virus turning everyone into zombie robots (Zombots), the team keeps getting back into a corner. Is this the issue where they turn it all around or do things get much worse from here?

Summary

As Tails works to create a cure to the virus, Tangle and Whisper work to fend off the rampaging horde of Zombots.

Writing

This is where the storyline really seems to lean more into the idea zombie takeover theme. Tails spends half the issue laying low and doing his best to research the virus. The other half he finds he has been corned and has no choice but to fight his way out. This mixture of quiet moments mixed with sudden life or death situations is what the zombie genre is known for. The issue serves almost as a testament to the different ways a series like Sonic The Hedgehog can explore other genres and themes.

The story by Ian Flynn puts a great focus on each character to help move the overall plot along and make each scene have weight. Between Tails’ research, Whisper and Tangle’s action scenes, and Dr. Starling working a scheme elsewhere, the plot of the “zombot virus” saga is moving at a very smooth pace. It seems like things will get much worse for the good guys before it gets better.

Artwork

The art of this work is impressive and isn’t hampered by having too many hands working on the issue. Lamar Wells is credited overall for the art but Reggie Graham, Jennifer Hernandez, and Priscilla Tramontano are each work on different pages. The fact there is no major shift between art styles even though many artists are working on the issue is a testament to the teamwork of the group.

The coloring by Heather Breckel helps to convey the shift in tone with the issue. From the pale moments meant to throw the reader off to the impending danger and the shift to intense action emulating a rush of adrenaline adds to the overall feel of dread in the atmosphere. Also, the little bits of shadowing here and there give a great sense of foreboding in just the right places.

Shawn Lee’s lettering work is what really helps to add the final cherry on top to make the story feel like it is taking place in a zombie movie. The sudden use of sound effects of trash cans being knocked over and walls being torn down makes it so the reader can actually hear how the scene should play out.

Conclusion

Sonic The Hedgehog #21 is a compelling issue and showcases the unique opportunities a storyline like this is able to present to the reader. Lots of action and close calls occur as the zombots prove to be an overpowering force of nature. It’s the kind of story that guarantees the reader will pick up the next issue to see how events unfold.

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Interview: Alex Segura On His New ComiXology Title THE BLACK GHOST

Manuel Gomez

October 1, 2019

The Black Ghost, ComiXology’s latest orginal title, debuted this past month (you can check out our review here). The superhero title is the creation of Alex Segura, Monica Gallagher, Marco Finnegan, George Kambadias, Ellie Wright and Taylor Esposito.

Co-writer and co-creator Alex Segura was able to take time off his busy schedule as a novelist and co-president of Archie Comics to talk to us at Monkey’s Fighting Robots about The Blach Ghost. Check out the interview and make sure you check out The Black Ghost!

Monkeys Fighting Robots: First of all thanks for talking to us here at MFR!

Alex Segura: Of course! My pleasure.

MFR: Alex, we’ve talked before when you had written your novels and some of the Archie comics you helped pen. But this is your first creator-owned comic work. Can you tell us how The Black Ghost came to be?

Segura: Sure. I’ve always wanted to write superheroes – to add my bit to the tapestry that includes characters like Batman, Spider-Man, Daredevil, The Question, and so on. So, for years I’ve been jotting down ideas and just mentally taking notes as I read books I loved. When I got the chance to co-create Lethal Lit, the podcast at iHeart, with Monica Gallagher, we really hit it off – we sync’ed up so well, it was hard to believe. She’s a dream to work with. Once Lethal Lit wound down, we really didn’t want to stop working together, so I sent her a rough idea for a vigilante book – with a twist. Basically, it’d blend some of the themes I’d been exploring in my Pete Fernandez novels and we’d worked on together via Lethal Lit, through the filter of the superhero/vigilante. Monica was game, and she added some great stuff that took us in a really exciting direction. After that, it was just a matter of finding a home for it, and thankfully Comixology was interested.

MFR: In your own words, can you describe the premise of The Black Ghost?

Segura: The Black Ghost is the sole protector of the city of Creighton – a fading east coast city that’s seen better days and is slowly sinking into a pit of corruption. Enter cops reporter Lara Dominguez, who’s fled to Creighton after tragedy strikes her in her hometown of Miami. She’s fighting off her own demons and obsessing over Creighton’s vigilante, eager to figure out who’s behind the mask – to the detriment of her actual job at the local paper. When we meet her in #1, she’s fighting off a mysterious gang of thugs bent on taking out Ernesto, one of her GED prep students – which strikes her as part of a bigger controversy, one that will envelop her and the Ghost before too long.

MFR: There’s a lot of creative talent involved in this book. How is it working with such a talented group of creators?

Segura: It’s a dream, seriously. Everyone is really bringing their best to this book, from Monica to George Kambadais on art to Ellie Wright on colors to Taylor Esposito on letters and to our fearless leader, Greg Lockard, as editor. We all mesh well, everyone is a pro and easy to deal with, and I’m just feeling really lucky we were able to pool our resource and create such a fun, energizing book. It’s a real passion project.

MFR: How did you link up with co-writer Monica Gallagher?

Segura: We’d worked together on Lethal Lit, but we both come from comics, so it made sense to have our next project be a comic!

MFR: The Black Ghost is a ComiXology exclusive. Did having the book be a digital exclusive first impact it’s creation at all?

Segura: From a storytelling standpoint, no – but we were really impressed and psyched by the rollout Comixology gave it, from publicity to marketing to just feedback and assistance. They’ve been fantastic to deal with, and it’s an honor to see our book launch with so many great, creator-owned books.

MFR: Being a fan of your Pete Fernandez books, I see some similarities between Pete and Lara (and not only the Hispanic last names!). What is it about flawed protagonists like these two that you like so well?

Segura: I just find perfect heroes really boring! I like exploring the trauma of modern life, and how people overcome their pasts to rebuild themselves into something better. That’s a big part of both Pete and Lara’s story, that we’ll see roll out in different ways.

MFR: The book also blends a bunch of genres together: noir, mystery, old school superheroes. Can you give any specific genre examples, be they comics, movies or books, that influenced The Black Ghost? Was there anything on your mind or on your bookshelf specifically?

Segura: Oh, sure. In terms of comics, I feel like we owe a big debt to the work of Greg Rucka – Batwoman, his Question stuff, Gotham Central – all of that, really, fed into The Black Ghost. Same goes for Brian Bendis and Michael Gaydos’s Alias run, Kelly Thompson and Leo Romero’s Hawkeye, Jaime Hernandez’s Locas stuff, the entire run of Sandman Mystery Theater, and Brubaker’s Daredevil. I’m probably missing a lot of people, but those come to mind immediately. In terms of crime fiction, the work of Kelly Braffet, Megan Abbott, Laura Lippman, and Charles Willeford played a big part in Lara and the Black Ghost’s creation.

MFR: What characters might have influenced Black Ghost himself (I see a lot of ‘pulp’ in there, but personally I also see a bit of The Grey Ghost from Batman: The Animated Series.)

Segura: We wanted an iconic look and feel to him, so yeah, you’re right – pulp heroes like The Shadow, The Spirit, Doc Savage…we wanted him to feel iconic and larger than life. Batman also played a big influence, as did the Golden Age Sandman and just the general vibe of books like Astro City or Black Hammer – which is to say, referential and reverential.

MFR: Is your approach to writing comics different than writing novels?

Segura: Oh, for sure. It’s just so much more collaborative, which I think is a big reason I like to do both. Sometimes you want to play with others, sometimes you want to just work alone! But my approach is the same – I want to write about characters, and I want the story to spring from them, not build a story and have characters fit into certain holes. The best, most organic ideas come from lively, vibrant people – conflicted people looking to accomplish something, or spurred to do something. I mean, noir is all about pushing people to the brink and seeing what they do – for better or worse.

MFR: Can you give us a hint as to where the story is going after such a shocking ending?

Segura: I don’t want to spoil anything for those that haven’t read it – but I love that most people had no idea that was coming! I think readers will see a very different story from what they expected, but also one that honors the vigilante and comic book traditions, too.

MFR: Any plans for more ‘The Black Ghost’ after this initial mini-series?

Segura: Hopefully! We have a lot of ideas – and are hashing out a second arc now.

MFR: Anything else you want to mention? Anything you care to plug?

Segura: Well, Archie just announced ARCHIE MEETS THE B-52s, which hits in February from me, co-writer Matthew Rosenberg and artist Dan Parent – which should be a lot of fun, and in the same vein as books like ARCHIE MEETS RAMONES and THE ARCHIES.

Aside from that, my latest and final (!!!) Pete Fernandez novel, MIAMI MIDNIGHT, just hit from Polis Books – so fans can pick that up wherever books are sold!

MFR: Well, thanks again Alex! Always great talking to you!

Segura: Likewise, Manny!

You can check out The Black Ghost and many other titles over at ComiXology.

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Review: GHOSTER is Ghostbusters with a Steampunk Boost

Michael Fromm

Ghoster – the new horror graphic novella – is created and written by Thom Burgess & Toby Meakins, with illustrations by Joe Becci.

Deep in the darkest corners of the web comes a book of gothic ghost hunters wielding steampunk weaponry battling malevolent spirits. Chock full of an immersive backstory and chilling artwork, Ghoster is the perfect book to read just in time for the Halloween season, and is available to download and devour for free.

Story

A young man attempts to survive The Gallowing, the deadly initiation into the secret Guild of Ghosters, five families of Malevolent hunters that have protected Britain from evil spirits for centuries. To complete his mission and join the ranks of his ancestors he must hunt down a Malevolent in the most haunted house in London or die trying.

Writers Thom Burgess and Toby Meakins have been perfecting the world of Ghoster for years, and it has certainly paid off. This initial offering is a superb introduction to its world and characters. In its brief 45 pages, readers are presented with this secret cabal of ghost hunters and the darkness they’ve been fighting for four and a half centuries. You get a sense of their rich history, which dates back to Queen Elizabeth I. What’s even more impressive is the science and technology the writers’ created that allows the Guild of Ghosters to enter the plain of the Malevolents and fight them. You will be astounded by the world they’ve created.

There is something for all genre fans to enjoy in Ghoster. They’ve combined the spooks and spectres for fans of Supernatural with the action and weaponry of Assassin’s Creed. And it seems they’ve only scratched the surface of this fantastical story. Burgess and Meakins set up a world with heroes spread across the globe, and the cataclysmic event that will bring them all together. It’s an exciting read, and even more so to wonder what will happen next.

Art

The talented Joe Becci adds spine-chilling and breathtaking artwork to the macabre world of Ghoster. The modern English setting is already dark and gloomy; its olden architecture giving it an air of otherworldliness. Becci furthers to the ethereal atmosphere by adding in a supernatural smog and a color palette of blue and grey once the Ghosters cross through the veil to the realm of evil spirits.

The character work is also worth mentioning. The Malevolents are monstrous and utterly terrifying. The Ghosters’ armor has a steampunk flair about it, each unique to the families of the guild. Overall, the artwork and color palette perfectly rounds out this horror action graphic book, setting its shadowy tone from the very first panel, and not wavering once.

Conclusion

Ghoster is such a great book, filled with nightmarish visuals and rich worldbuilding. It’s a fun and spooky read, perfect for this time of the year.

Ghoster is available for free for all to enjoy. Get your copy today. You can also follow the world of Ghoster and its creators on their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.

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SPENCER & LOCKE Confirmed To Return For Volume 3

Anthony Composto - EIC

September 30, 2019

Spencer & Locke is returning for volume three, and this time around the Action Lab Danger Zone series is taking on the juggernauts of newspaper funnies.

The publisher announced Spencer & Locke III today with the teaser image below, and the tagline “His partner was imaginary… but the reckoning is all real.” Additional information about the series is forthcoming, potentially from New York Comic Con this weekend.

The series is by writer David Pepose and artist Jorge Santiago, Jr., along with colorist Jasen Smith and letterer Colin Bell. It reimagines your favorite newspaper comics in a crime-noir setting, with the titular detectives acting as analogues for grown up Calvin and Hobbes.

Last time around, the duo battled the wretched Roach Riley, a villainous take on Beetle Bailey. We don’t know yet what’s in store for volume three, but in the teaser we do see an orange cat, some peanut shells, and a mischievous looking rat, hinting at some of the biggest names in comic strips.

If you’re interested in Spencer & Locke, be sure to check out our interview with Pepose and Santiago!

Are you hyped for more Spencer & Locke? Sound off in the comments below!

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Ghoster is available for free for all to enjoy. Get your copy today. You can also follow the world of Ghoster and its creators on their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.