Review: The World Grows Stranger In NAOMI #3

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The world of Naomi gets stranger and more amazing.

Naomi is a character that is reportedly going to change the DC universe. Coming from a small town in Oregon, the titular character is an adopted child who wishes to learn about her past. For years, she couldn’t find any information until the day after Superman visited her town. Her investigation leads her to a quiet mechanic named Dee. He reveals to her that he came to the town the same time she was adopted as a baby, but nothing more. Unsatisfied with the answer, Naomi breaks into Dee’s shop at night only to find a picture of a younger Dee with a woman. This woman looks exactly like Naomi, which Dee claims he’s not ready to reveal. So who is this woman?

**Some spoilers below**

Story:

Picking up right where we left off, Naomi digs into Dee for information. She asks him if he is his father and that the woman who looks like an older version of her is her mother. Dee reveals that he is not her father, but a thanagarian. The woman in the photo was his captain who wanted to leave the life of war behind. Dee reveals to Naomi that he came to Earth after a mission went south and he is now trapped. Before he can tell anything about her adoption, however, someone intervenes: Naomi’s adopted mother. She sends the young girl to be with her father before giving Dee a piece of her mind.

The reveal of Dee not being Naomi’s father was expected. His origin, however, was not. The story of Dee is incredibly intriguing; it almost made me want to leave Naomi behind to spend the whole issue seeing his adventure. Just when Dee’s intergalactic adventure was about to take center, Naomi’s parents come in with powerful emotional moments. The action from Dee’s flashbacks and the heart-tugging speeches the parents give us the best issue in the series so far. All of this comes to a head with a cliffhanger ending that will make readers clamor for the next installment. I can only hope the rest of the story can keep this up.

Art:

The art of Jamal Campbell continues to impress. The past two issues showed that he could make the world of Naomi realistic and beautiful. This issue he proves he can also show some kick-ass fight scenes. The history of Dee is told on this beautiful, epic spread that sees him going from battle to battle. From the out of this world battles to the cliffhanger ending, Campbell proves his illustrations are the perfect fit for this world.

Conclusion:

With the introduction of the spectacular elements of the DC universe, the story is finally getting on track. The reveal of Dee’s past and the Parents involvement is fantastic and kept this reader hooked. The art of Jamal Campbell is breathtaking and realistic one moment and badass the next. The journey of Naomi is getting more spectacular, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

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AfterShock Exclusive Preview: DEAD KINGS #4

By

Matthew Sardo

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March 21, 2019

Dead Kings #4 by Steve Orlando and Matthew Dow Smith hits your local comic book store on April 3, but thanks to AfterShock Comics, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive four-page preview to share with you.

“DEAD KINGS #4 is where it all comes together! Sasha’s rescue mission and Gena’s prisoner revolt collide in a fiery battle that’s been four issues, and countless punched faces, in the making,” said Orlando.

About the issue:
THE POST-POST-APOCALYPSE REACHES ITS BOILING POINT!

In the forests of hypermodern folklore, a rusted-out warrior raises her fists and beckons to her enemy…is this the final fight for Maria Kamenaya?

Sasha Vasnetsov finally has the tools for his brother’s liberation: will, drive, and a stolen warsuit capable of decimating legions. The only problem is, he had to abandon the suit’s owner, Maria, to get it. After weeks on the road together, is that betrayal something his soul can handle? Or will he put a pin in his vengeance and turn his guns backward to help a friend…?

The 32-page book is written by Orlando (Batman/Shadow, Crude, Midnighter, Virgil), with art by Smith (October Girl, Suicide Squad, X-Files), Lauren Affe worked on colors, and Thomas Mauer lettered the issue.

Check out the preview below:

Are you reading Dead Kings ? Comment below with your thoughts.

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AWA Comics: New Publisher, Big Name Talent

By

Kevin Sharp

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March 20, 2019

A new publisher is set to arrive on the comic book landscape, the New York Times reports: Artists, Writers & Artisans (AWA). The names behind the venture are familiar veterans of the business: Axel Alonso, former Marvel EiC (who was replaced by C.B. Cebulski); Bill Jemas, former Marvel vice president; and Jon Miller, who famously made the deal between Netflix and Mark Millar’s Millarworld.

The business model they’re setting up is a combination of shared superhero universe and Image-style standalone titles. Jemas compares AWA to the old United Artists movie studio, which was originally founded by actors to protect their own interests rather than being wholly subservient to movie studios. He says,

“The model here really is the old United Artists model, where people who are actually doing the creative have ownership, control and decision-making power over the work that they’re doing.”

Alonso adds,

“What we’re offering creators is an opportunity to bet on themselves without putting it all on the line.”

According to the Times story, talent working for AWA will be “paid to produce the work as well as own their stories and characters, a percentage of the company or both.”

Speaking of talent, AWA has assembled an impressive lineup of names thus far, including Peter Milligan, Frank Cho, Christa Faust, and the artist ACO. Behind the scenes will also be a “creative council” guiding this new universe, made up of Reginald Hudlin, J. Michael Straczynski, Garth Ennis, and others.

Straczynski says,

“I was open to returning to comics if the project was something challenging, so when Bill and Axel approached me about creating an entirely new, cohesive, shared comic-book universe, the prospect was too much fun to resist.”

The first announced wave of AWA titles are Fight Girls, Archangel 8, Bad Mother, and American Ronin. Here’s a look at the covers:

Does AWA’s model sound interesting? Do you have room on your pull list for some new books? Let us know in the comments!

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Review: BATMAN #67 is One Long, Story-Free Chase Scene

By

David DeCorte

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Bruce is still trapped in his dreams in Batman #67. A masked figure leads Batman on an action-packed chase sequence, racing from the top of the Gotham skyline to the sewers below the city’s streets.

The issue provides pleasant artwork and a couple of chuckles. From a storytelling angle, though, it’s pretty much just filler.

The Writing

Without giving much away, Batman #67 compares the relationship between Batman and one of his iconic rogues to that of another iconic cartoon pairing. In the process, it touches on the randomness and deliberate senselessness of the villain’s actions. What the book doesn’t really do: advance the story.

The Knightmares arc has occupied the last five issues (not counting the temporary break during the two-issue Batman/Flash crossover). It’s introduced a couple of interesting ideas. However, it feels more and more meandering with each successive issue. That feeling really comes to a head in Batman #67, with the entire issue being basically a 20-page setup to a Loony Tunes joke.

Most of the book is dialogue-free, in keeping with the allusion. What is written is enjoyable, but commitment to the bit means there’s so little to actually sink one’s teeth into.

It’s always interesting to explore Batman’s psyche. It doesn’t amount to much, though, if it doesn’t also help advance the story. Unfortunately, one gets the feeling they could skip this book, and not miss anything of importance, narrative-wise. That lack of any real drive or sense of purpose here can eventually make readers tune-out.

The Artwork

Lee Weeks provides pencilwork for Batman #67, and the art is where this issue shines. Each panel radiates with energy, keeping the action strong throughout the entire chase.

Weeks’ style is reminiscent of golden age artwork in many ways. It’s not as dark or detailed as other takes on the character, but it has a great noir, retro-informed tone. Batman is less hulking and stoic as in other versions, and Weeks give him a wide range of expression. That’s not to cheapen other modern-age interpretations, but it’s a pleasant change that we don’t often see for Batman.

Of course, Lovern Kindzierski’s brilliant colors help complete the image. Blue, green, and purple tones dominate Batman #67, giving it a very cool aesthetic to match Week’s artwork.

Final Thoughts

Batman #67 may be worth picking up for the artwork alone. Story-wise, though, calling it “non-essential”may be a little generous.

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Review: MEET THE SKRULLS #2 is Masterful Storytelling

By

David DeCorte

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The Warner family advances their plans for conquest of Earth in Meet the Skrulls #2. This latest issue takes everything that worked in the series debut and ups the ante, zeroing in on some of the darker themes and ratcheting up the tension.

The Writing

In the first issue, we got nods to the deeper tension within the story. This issue does the same, expanding on those plot threads without losing any momentum. The story itself is interesting, as we follow each member of the family’s approach to their role in their mission in Meet the Skrulls #2. But what makes it truly great is how the story is told.

While the plot seems to center around the younger daughter, Alice, each member of the family generates pathos. More than that, we get a sense of the emotional toll it exacts.

Robbie Thompson’s writing excels in many areas in Meet the Skrulls #2. However, one thing that is striking here is the tight storytelling. Not a single word is wasted; each line of dialogue is deliberate and precisely-tuned to expand the story. In some cases, even the absence of dialogue can convey a lot of meaning, with a well-placed silence saying more than an entire conversation. This is a narrative with zero fat or filler material.

The Artwork

Niko Henrichon’s artwork is, again, brilliant here. As mentioned above, a well-placed silence can speak volumes. To work, though, it requires an artist capable of conveying the emotional weight. Fortunately, Henrichon is up to the task.

From the opening page of Meet the Skrulls #2, on which we see the destruction of the Skrull Throneworld at Galactus’ hands, he does an amazing job juxtaposing intensity and uneasy calm. This quality carries through, all the way to the last page of the book.

The character designs also shine in this issue. They’re pleasing on their own, but they also afford an incredible range of expressiveness. As a result, you can feel the emotional weight of those pauses in the dialogue. Without the quality on display here, a lot of the book’s strongest attributes from a storytelling perspective would go underutilized.

Final Thoughts

Meet the Skrulls #2 establishes the series as one of the best books in Marvel’s current roster of titles. If you’re not already following it, now’s the time to get on board.

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Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE #20 Reveals a Bright Future for the Multiverse

By

Michael Fromm

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When we last saw our heroes, they followed an older Superman, clad in white and gold, through a dimensional portal to meet a future Justice League that was successful in saving the universe.

In the second part of “The Sixth Dimension,” the tapestry of the saga that is being woven by Scott Snyder and Jorge Jimenez is expanded even further. It showcases versions of heroes so unique that they are deserving of their own series. It shows a universe in which everything is paradisal, or at least being reconstructed that way. However, as it goes in classic comic book fashion, all might not be as sublime as it seems.

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

“The Sixth Dimension” part two! The Leaguers come face to face with their future selves in the Sixth Dimension and explore the path that lies before them. Meanwhile, Superman is trapped on a world with no light and hundreds of dead Supermen! Can the Man of Steel escape before his powers completely disappear? To do that, he’ll need to learn who captured him!

Writing:

Since taking on the reins of Justice League last year, Scott Snyder has written a story with that has introduced a number of massive concepts that rewrite the past and present of the DC Universe. In Justice League #20, Snyder teases readers with a new take on its future. Readers are shown a crime-free Gotham City, a Mars repopulated, and a universal language. Some of the notions that Snyder presents is overwhelming, and it is difficult to see where he will go from here. But he has already proven himself a master storyteller and world-builder, and will no doubt keep readers engaged.

The grandiose vision of the future that is presented in this latest issue of Justice League is not without its moments of humor and heart. One of the most talked about moments in this issue will no doubt be Jarro and his dream as a new Boy Wonder. Scott Snyder has written a truly gratifying comic book with breadth, and captivating characters. Though this version of the future is undeniably too good to be true, the universe within Justice League #20 is imaginative and vast.

Art:

What can be said about Jorge Jimenez that hasn’t been already? His illustrations are consistently first-rate out of this world. From the breathtaking scenery of Blackhawk Island and Gotham City, to incredible character designs of the sixth dimension Superman and Flash(es), the work of Jimenez shines in Justice League #20.

Another epic and extensive spread featuring Perpetua stands out, much like in the previous issue. You won’t see any explosions or actions scenes. However, you will be blown away by the look of the frenetic characters and intricate architecture.

Alejandro Sanchez’s use of color compliments Jimenez’s artwork. The glowing whites featured in old man Superman and New Gotham are and full of life. Sanchez makes Justice League #20 a gorgeous read with a diverse palette used in every panel.

Tom Napolitano’s lettering cleverly uses different effects, particularly for Jarro and the merged Flash, impressively helping to diversify the dialogue.

Conclusion:

A bold step forward in the quest to save the DC Universe, Justice League #20 is a masterclass in storytelling, world-building, and artwork.

What did you think of Justice League #20? Let us know in the comments!

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Review: DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: A DARKENED WISH #1 Explores The Forgotten Realms

By

Corey Patterson

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IDW is bringing the Forgotten Realms to the world of comics in DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: A DARKENED WISH #1. These locales, made famous through the role-playing game, are now the setting of inspiring new characters. This story gives readers a brilliant illustration of the world of Dungeons and Dragons, satisfying both fans and newcomers alike.

Story

The story takes the reader into the middle of a battle set in the city of Alaron of the Moonshae Isles. These islands are also the homeland of the wizard Helene, the story’s main protagonist. Helene and her band of warriors are seen viewing this fight from above while they wait for someone to arrive and assist their outnumbered army. The reader doesn’t know who this person could be but has the sense they could change the tide of the battle.

B. Dave Walters spends the rest of the story unpacking the events that lead Helene to this predicament. The reader views a brief history of her life as she undergoes a transformation of sorts. We see Helene the disgruntled teen search for adventure as she attempts to become a full-fledged magician. And just like the Dungeons and Dragons game, she finds it’s no fun to go it alone.

Walters then introduces unique characters that bring life to Helene’s party. They each come from a different class and race, showing the beauty of diversity in the team’s relationships. It’s was great to see disparate personalities coming together for one common goal, which the reader learns is to join an outfit called the White Sails Company.

Readers will enjoy the ups and downs of the adventurers as they embark on this quest. And they can expect all of the magic of Dungeons and Dragons to accompany them along the way.

Art

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: A DARKENED WISH #1’s covers get its readers into the true spirit of the franchise. Tess Fowler’s penciling and Tamra Bonvillain’s colors bring the cover to life with fantastic looking creatures full of vibrant colors and a hint of mysterious shadows. What’s more, Fowler’s secondary cover mimics a Dungeons and Dragons character sheet with an introductory look at the character of Xander, helping readers get into the role-playing mindset of the actual game.

Ibrahem Swaid’s retailer incentive cover takes a different approach. Instead of highlighting the cast of characters, this version depicts Helene and all her sorcerer-glory as she fires spells with ease.

The art into the issue has everything a fantasy reader could ask for. Fowler’s penciling showcases the imagination of any experienced Dungeons and Dragons player, paying attention to small details such as the items each character carries. This is coupled with Jay Fotos’ beautiful colors that bring the characters to life. It’s as if the reader gains a front row seat to Helene’s fireballs and Xander’s sword fighting.

In addition, Tom B. Long’s does a great job of positioning each panel’s letters so as to inform readers and avoid any confusion.

Conclusion

Dungeons and Dragons is a game focused on bringing people together, and DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: A DARKENED WISH #1 uses this theme throughout the story. It’s exciting to see the diverse group of characters work together toward their common goal.

Did you think this comic was an accurate representation of Dungeons and Dragons? Let us know in the comments below!

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UNCANNY X-MEN #14 – Rosenberg At The Height Of His Powers

By

Brandon J. Griffin

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Scott Summers and Logan band together the remaining mutants untouched by Age Of X-Man. Writer Matthew Rosenberg reaches new heights in UNCANNY X-MEN #14.

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD

Most of the mutant population is gone, presumed dead, thanks to the wonderful Age Of X-Man story. The mutants left behind, led by returning leaders Cyclops and Wolverine, are taking care of business in the shadows.

Scott Summers has a list of chores for his X-Men to complete, which takes them on a tour of who else is left. We play catch-up with a lot of characters we haven’t seen in a while, like Chamber and the Morlocks. Scott’s laundry list of shadow tasks catches the attention of Captain America once international robot explosions are involved.

The massive chunk of missing mutants actually does Matthew Rosenberg a favor. The preceding “X-Men: Disassembled” story featured every possible mutant they could fit on the page. Downsizing the roster gives Rosenberg a chance to do what he does best, injecting all the personality that comes with his writing in quick, subtle moments.

What’s different this time around is how epic and serious this story is up front with all the quirky, silly character moments littered throughout. Rosenberg has an already impressive portfolio of comic books, but his work with mutants is proving to be his strongest. He has a perfect tone and deployment for seemingly every character.

Scott, Logan and their team being an underground operation, shying away from the public eye adds to the suspense every step of the way. It’s extremely satisfying to not only have Scott and Logan back at the forefront of X-Men comics, but have them in such a punk rock manner.

It’s important that character resurrections matter in comic books (since they happen so often) and Rosenberg makes this feel extremely important and highly entertaining. It’s not just the two big guns either, having other fan favorites (such as Magik, Madrox, Chamber, etc.) playing a big part makes this epic climb even higher.

It also helps when artist Salvador Larroca is on fire as well. Uncanny X-Men #14 feels like the opening chapter to a dark, edgy action movie. Each set piece and location matters and has a distinct feel. Larroca brings the script to life with urgency and grandiose. It’s refreshing to see Larroca away from the photo-reference style of his Star Wars work.

Larroca, along with colorist Guru-eFX, bring our favorite mutants back in their classic outfits as well. The slightly modernized takes on Cyclops, Wolverine, and the New Mutants costumes add an extra layer of nostalgia and excitement. It’s just slapping an old coat of paint for easy fan fair, it matters that these characters are wearing these outfits and they look damn good doing it.

Uncanny X-Men #14 is a stellar chapter in Matthew Rosenberg’s mutant resurgence. X-Men comics matter again with issues like this (and Age Of X-Man). This story will satisfy old school fans hungry for a return to form and those getting their first taste of Cyclops and Wolverine at the forefront.

Personally, I can’t wait to see what Rosenberg does with the dynamic of Scott and Logan. They’ve been at odds for so long but really don’t have a reason to be anymore. So much has changed for mutants as a whole and these two men. We’re in good hands as we enter into another exciting chapter in the longstanding X-Men continuity.

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Review: CRIMINAL #3 Wraps Up Its Excellent First Arc ‘Bad Weekend’

By

Manuel Gomez

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Criminal #3 by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips and Jacob Phillips brings the crime and comics two-parter ‘Bad Weekend’ to an especially moving, resonate and emotional close.

Jacob’s long weekend taking care of his old boss and mentor, comic artist Hal Crane, takes a surprising, final turn.

Criminal #3
Written by: Ed Brubaker
Art by: Sean Phillips
Colors by: Jacob Phillips

Story

Criminal #3 wraps up ‘Bad Weekend’ and without a doubt solidifies it as yet another classic story in the ever-growing Criminal world. The issue reads fast, but still packs a mean punch of emotion. Brubaker again shows readers why he may just be the modern master of the first person narrative in comics with a resonate and emotional series of narrations by protagonist Jacob that humanizes and softens much of the behavior we saw from Hal Crane in issue two. Brubaker always layers his characters and the more we find out about them the more part of us feels for them, even when they might be very bad people. Hal Crane is a vindictive, bitter old man. Jacob is a man on the run from his past. But both are also much, much more. And paired up together, they put up a lens the reflects and magnifies each character in ways only a master writer could achieve.

Brubaker knows Criminal fans like to see callbacks, and we get an excellent one with an extended Ricky Lawless appearance. The Lawless family features heavily into the world of Criminal and seeing Ricky pop up was a highlight that leads to some of the issues best moments.

Art

Sean and Jacob Phillips are a perfect art team. What they create has evolved into a completely unique style that both is grime and elegance. Sean can draw both a punch and a weep with equal impact. Jacob’s colors create an enveloping atmosphere. This issue is filled with normal locations, but the art team is so great, they make it seem almost otherworldly. The way they create light and how it bounces is mesmerizing; you’ll never see a better ‘smokey room’ illustrated anywhere. If this book is about looking into the underworld that exists right below us, then this is the perfect art team for it. Again, grime AND elegance.

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SPIDER-MAN: LIFE STORY #1 – The Conflicted 60s

By

Brandon J. Griffin

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To celebrate Marvel’s 80th anniversary, we get ourselves a retelling of Spider-Man’s history. SPIDER-MAN: LIFE STORY #1 takes us back to a number of key moments from the 60s.

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD

Writer Chip Zdarsky and Spidey veteran artist Mark Bagley team-up for a history lesson unlike Ed Piskor’s X-Men: Grand Design. Instead of a straight up history lesson, timeline come to life, Spider-Man: Life Story is an actual focused story.

Zdarsky revisits some of the themes that get lost when referring to the early days of Peter Parker. The Vietnam War was obviously a major talking point in all of entertainment and comics were no different. With comic book continuities constantly being realigned to justify the character’s lack of aging, it’s refreshing to take a look back at what was actually going on in 1962.

Peter’s conflict with his own responsibility being a super hero during war time, Captain America’s duty to serve, and Flash Thompson’s deployment all paint a pretty chaotic picture. Not to mention having one of the most pivotal moments with your arch enemy take place amid all this distraction.

Norman Osborn is one of the all-time greatest comic book villains. This story is a perfect example of why. The scene in the bar with Peter and Norman is drenched in heavy tension no matter how familiar you are with Spider-Man history.

Chip Zdarsky does a spectacular job telling a cohesive story that connects a handful of major moments. Spider-Man: Life Story presents readers with the opportunity to not only brush up on the web-slinger’s history, but also look at that place in time with a new perspective. Chip accomplishes a lot without boring us to death even a little bit.

Veteran Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley delivers some of his best web-head work in years. Outside of a few awkward faces and hands, he calls back to the early days of Steve Ditko with a modern spin. Inker John Dell and colorist Frank D’Armata give this issue an extra layer of classic Spidey.

Spider-Man: Life Story is a wonderful read for longtime Spidey fans and newer readers who want to brush up on their history. This is an easily digestible fast track to catching up on some of the more crucial moments in Spider-Man’s incredibly long continuity.

If you’re someone who struggles getting through those golden age comics, Chip Zdarsky has perfectly remastered and consolidated essential reading for any Spider-Man fan.

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The world of Naomi gets stranger and more amazing.

Story:

Art:

Conclusion:

The Writing

The Artwork

Final Thoughts

The Writing

The Artwork

Final Thoughts

Story:

Writing:

Art:

Conclusion:

What did you think of Justice League #20? Let us know in the comments!

Story

Art

Conclusion

***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

Story

Art

***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD