Review: DOCTOR WHO “It Takes You Away” – A Bold, Wacky and Somewhat Problematic Episode

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Last week’s Doctor Who episode “The Witchfinders” was a return to a classic style story. “It Takes You Away” follows in that vein, turning a small story into something larger.

The Doctor and her companions find themselves in modern-day Norway. They discover a blind girl, Hanna (Ellie Wallwork) is living alone. She states that her father has disappeared and at certain times of the day a monster approaches the house. Within the house is a mirror that does not give off a reflection. The Doctor has to investigate all these mysteries and how they are all connected.

The best way to describe is erratic. It starts as a small mystery, where the Doctor has to find out what is causing a girl’s fears. However, it ends with the characters within a sentient universe. Writer Ed Hime seemed like he was told to put a load of concept blend them all together, no matter how contrived. This is the problem because it’s having to be a personal story and have some far-out concepts involving mirror universes.

The worst part of the episode involved a creature called Ribbons (Kevin Eldon), a guide in an in-between world who bargains for everything. The concept behind him was fine, he was meant to be like Charon (AKA The Ferryman) in Greek mythology but this was not the right episode for him. His presences needless pads out the episode and felt like the writer had to fill a 50-minute run time. The episode also suffers from bad jokes like the Doctor talking about the Woolly Revolution – even by Doctor Who standards that was outlandish.

Despite the issues involving Ribbons “It Takes You Away” combines what works with the Chibnall run and Davies/Moffatt eras. Most of the episodes in the 11th season have been smaller, scaled back like taking on a one-off threat and that’s how this episode starts. But it evolves into a story involving mirror universes and the possible destruction of the universe. It’s the first time the threat felt big because the mirror universe is shaking and erase everyone within it. It was an episode that had some big concepts, like when the Doctor tells the story of how the conscious universe came to be.

The other element of the episode was the character development, particularly for Graham and Ryan. The mirror universe is like the alternative world in Neil Gaiman’s Coraline. The real world is drab, while the mirror world is like heaven. But all is not what it seems. Trekkies may compare the mirror universe to the Nexus paradise trap in Star Trek: Generations. This is what happens to Graham and Erick (Christian Rubeck), as the two almost choose to stay. Graham and Ryan have a touching and important moment at the end of the episode.

Ryan reveals that he’s not good with kids so logically he is tasked to look after Hanna. Yaz has a little moment where she’s comforted Hanna when they first meet her and states she has training because of her profession.

This episode finally gives Jodie Whittaker her first big Doctor speech. She doesn’t shoot it like Matt Smith did or has Peter Capaldi’s anger but she still has the Doctor’s passion. She shows the Doctor’s intelligence, logic and a willingness to sacrifice herself to save others.

The episode’s ending was a real satirical WTF moment. It begs the question – what drugs were the people making this episode taking?

“It Takes You Away” is the most creative and ambitious episode of the 11th season, showing Doctor Who at its best and sometimes its worst.

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Millarworld and Netflix Announce SHARKEY THE BOUNTY HUNTER

By

Michael Stagno

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December 7, 2018

From creators Mark Millar and Simone Bianchi, in conjunction with Millarworld, Image Comics and Netflix, comes Sharkey The Bounty Hunter, a six-issue miniseries, in 2019.

The series, like the upcoming Netflix Original, will tell the tale of Sharkey, a blue-collar bounty hunter. He tracks criminals across the universe, in a rocket-powered ice cream truck, with his 10-year-old sidekick, specifically in hopes of scoring the biggest bounty of his career.

The story will be the second Millarworld project under the Netflix banner, having previously announced Magic Order in 2017. The six-issue mini is set to wrap up in January of 2019 and follows five families, a magical mob, all of which are sworn to protect the world against the forces of darkness. More about that project HERE.

Look for Sharkey The Bounty Hunter #1 (of 6) to hit shelves on Feb. 20, 2019, and click HERE for the official press release about the upcoming miniseries/film project. While you’re here, take a sneak peek at Covers A-D for the first issue (below).

What do you think, are you excited to see Millarworld continue to come to life on your screens? What other Millar projects would you like to see on Netflix? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Review: Superman Steps into the Spotlight in DOOMSDAY CLOCK #8

By

Jose "Jody" Cardona

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The Doomsday Clock Ticks Closer As Superman Takes Center Stage

Every time I want to complain about the release schedule of Doomsday Clock, a new issue comes out and blows me away. After seven issues, we finally got an appearance of Dr. Manhattan, and it was glorious. Ozymandias ends up being exposed for his lies by our omniscient superbeing, turning Rorschach, Mime, and Marionette against him. As Ozymandias gets away, he leaves most of our characters confused on what to do, as their mission is now a lie. With Adrian out in the world unchecked, the DC Universe is in grave danger. What will Ozymandias do now to get Manhattan?

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

Stepping away from the characters of the Watchmen universe, we focus on the Man of Steel. Someone breaks into the Daily Planet and rummages through Lois’ desk. While she and Clark can’t figure out why news coming from Moscow requires Superman’s attention. Firestorm is at an anti-metahuman rally when the crowd turns violent. As they began to beat him, the nuclear man unleashes his molecule changing power, turning them all to glass. While he flees, Superman follows suit, hoping to find a way to save the people. Meanwhile, Ozymandias sees this incident as an opportunity to further his motives.

This is the best issue of Doomsday Clock yet. This takes the themes of Watchmen and blends them perfectly with DC characters. The tension of the situation is exceptionally intense and hooks the reader right in. I was stunned when I saw Firestorm turn the crowd into glass. Despite the adventures of the Watchmen characters, I had never expected a DC character to go that far. It was quite disturbing, but I loved it.

This issue also reminded me why I love Superman in the main DC Universe. Despite him being seen as an American and a Metahuman, he’s still seen as a force for good. He goes to Khandaq in search of Firestorm and the supervillain Black Adam welcomes him with a handshake. It’s a small moment, but it shows why Superman is the greatest hero in the DC Universe.

Art:

Do I really need to say the art is the best on the shelves? The art team continues to create these visuals that pull readers into this world. Every panel just oozes emotion, and I can’t get enough of it. The rally in Moscow is a prime example of this. From the claustrophobic panels of the protesters to the sheer horror in Firestorm’s face, it’s just amazing. This art almost justifies the length of time between Doomsday Clock releases. Almost.

Conclusion:

Everyone needs to read this comic. The emotion, the excitement, the horror, there is something for everyone in this comic. The only downside of this comic is knowing we have to wait months for the next one. Doomsday Clock is the series that keeps on giving, and I can’t wait for the next issue.

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BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Has a New Home (and Series) at BOOM! Studios

By

Michael Stagno

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December 6, 2018

So, are you #TeamSlayer or #TeamVamp? You don’t have to make a decision straight away, but a decision must be made in January, as Buffy the Vampire Slayer makes her return to comics!

Back in September, BOOM! Studios announced it had acquired the publishing license of Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer with the intentions of releasing new monthly comic book series, limited series and original graphic novels. That time is now.

From creators Jordie Bellaire and Dan Mora, in conjunction with creator and consultant, Whedon, the character will be reimagined from the beginning. The story will follow Buffy Summers as she tries to make friends at her new school, get good grades and try to escape her predetermined destiny as the next-in-line of a laundry list of vampire slayers that came before. The series will reintroduce fan-favorite characters, both good and evil, as a new threat will soon emerge that lurks underneath Sunnydale High School.

Whedon first-introduced the cheerleading vampire slayer, played by Kristy Swanson, in 1992 as a feature film and, four years later, bestowed the deed to Sarah Michelle Gellar, who took on the role in a series adapted for television, which ran for seven seasons.

In closing, we’ll ask you again, will you stand with the ‘Chosen One’ or will you side with the ‘Blood Suckers’? You have two great choices in the below variants by Miguel Mercado.

Keep an eye out for even more variant reveals, like the Jen Bartel one below, as we draw closer and look for Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1 to debut on January 9, 2019, on digital and in print on Jan. 23.

Click HERE for the official BOOM! Studios press release on the team variants for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and HERE for more information regarding the Bartel variant. You can catch up on the publisher’s acquisition of the rights to BtVS, HERE.

What do you think, are you ready to see Buffy pick up the stake again? Are you excited about BOOM! Studios’ acquisition and plans for the Buffy Universe? Let us know in the comments section below.

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[Review] Mystery Unfolds in IMMORTAL HULK: THE BEST DEFENSE #1

By

David DeCorte

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Bruce Banner stumbles upon the charred remains of a former friend and ally. So begins Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense #1.

Bruce staggers into another dusty town, looking for answers to the question: “who murdered Stephen Strange?” Once he gets there, though, he finds more new questions than answers. The issue is one of two entries in a five-part Defenders event playing out over the next two weeks (the other being Namor: The Best Defense). And if this is any indicator, it will be a great ride.

The Writing

The title of the story in this issue, The Face Underneath, takes on a central significance throughout the book. Strange’s murderer is presumed to have stolen the Eye of Agamotto, and the amulet’s power to strip away illusions and reveal one’s true self becomes integral to the plot.

The tone of Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense will be familiar to fans of Al Ewing’s other Immortal Hulk issues. It’s a lot lighter on the body horror, but the sense of creeping dread remains strong.

The story has a slower pace, but that actually works in its favor in a way. A sense of unease permeates the entire story, and Ewing does a great job of building tension and mystery. Readers are left guessing until the last page, and even then, we’re anxious to see what happens next.

The Artwork

Simone Di Meo provides artwork for Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense. The result is a sketchy, though tastefully dark style well-suited to the story. Di Meo’s character designs are an unusual look for Marvel books, but I love it.

The creative team also repeatedly cut-in panels from the original six-issue Incredible Hulk run from 1962. On one hand, the call-backs honor the works of late greats like Kirby, Ditko, and of course, Stan Lee (though the latter would have died after this issue was already completed). Beyond that, though, they serve to advance the story, touching on some consistent themes in the character’s legacy.

Dono Sánchez-Almara shows a deft eye for earthy colors in Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense. Ironically, though, the color work really shines in the shadows. The darker tones, alongside Di Meo’s eerie and sinister-looking lines, produce some striking images throughout the book.

Final Thoughts

With excellent, suspenseful storytelling and artwork, Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense will get you geared up for the next Defenders reunion. I recommend it.

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Review: THE GREEN LANTERN #2 – Morrison Goes BUCKAROO BANZAI On Us

By

Matthew Sardo

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The Green Lantern #2 hits your local comic book store this week with Grant Morrison and Liam Sharp taking the Green Lantern Corp. in a bold new direction.

It is insane how Morrison has taken the mundane concept of a ‘police procedural show’ and applied it to Green Lantern, because it works so well. The little details in the story and Sharp’s artwork make the book an enjoyable read. As mentioned in the podcast review of the first issue, Steve Oliff’s colors mesh with Sharp’s art to give the series a Heavy Metal feel. The way Sharp reimagines the Planet Oa is awe inspiring. With the story and art, The Green Lantern is shifting from the superhero genre into the world of science fiction.

Whereas Geoff John’s Green Lantern dealt with emotions of the character, Morrison is focused on the case. The shift in story type completely changes Hal Jordan from Maverick from Top Gun to Rick Deckard from Blade Runner. Morrison’s The Green Lantern reminds me of when I would spend hours in a video store in the 80s perusing the Sci-Fi section looking for the next film that would blow my imagination wide open. From Alien to The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, you can see the influences from which Morrison and Sharp are pulling.

With the cliffhanger at the end of issue two, Morrison can take this book anywhere. The not knowing is what is so refreshing and exciting about The Green Lantern. DC Comics has some much crazy weird history, it will be interesting if Morrison reinvents a character or creates something new.

Tom Orzechowski has his hands full as Morrison throws a ton of dialogue at him to letter. How does he decide what to cover in Sharp’s detailed artwork? Did we mention that Orzechowski has to letter alien dialects and accents too! With as much dialogue and general artistic chaos going on, the book is easy to read and follow because of the lettering work.

Sharp and Oliff’s work on Volk, a Green Lantern with an erupting volcano for a head, is just brilliant. The colors pop, and you feel like there’s a movement to the volcano. The artwork is so good it forced me to slow down my first read through of the issue.

Overall, the hype for The Green Lantern is real as it’s become a must-read.

Are you reading The Green Lantern? Comment below with your thoughts.

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[Review] SHAZAM #1 is a Welcome Return

By

David DeCorte

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Billy Batson has been largely absent from the DC Universe since Rebirth back in 2016. But, with the prospect of a feature film on the horizon, it seems DC felt the time was right to give us Shazam #1. Fortunately, longtime fans who’ve waited more than a decade for an ongoing Shazam title should find plenty to like here.

The book gives us two different stories. First is the reintroduction of the Shazam team as they bust up a museum heist and discover a new subterranean mystery. This is followed by an origin for Billy’s sister Mary, detailing how she came to be part of the family.