Comic Books

1. Spoiler-Free Review: Bounty Volume 1

   The Breakdown

   Rat Queens creator Kurtis Wiebe partners with artist Mindy Lee on the sci-fi action comic Bounty. Volume 1 collects issues #1-5 of the series, published by Dark Horse Comics.

   Elevator Pitch

   High-tech hacking, high-stakes bounties in a space opera for the ages. Bounty stands in a class of it’s own, but for the sake of giving some context: it’s Cowboy Bebop given a visual restyling à la Fifth Element.

   The Verdict

   Bounty is a beguiling, multi-layered masterpiece. The team’s quirky camaraderie, witty dialogue, and Lee’s Bruce Timm-esque art style makes Bounty a book you’ll be unable to put down. It’s a crucial addition to any comic fan’s bookshelf.

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2. Review: American Gods: Shadows #1

   The Breakdown

   Writer P. Craig Russell adapts Neil Gaiman’s beloved novel American Gods in comic form. Art by Scott Hampton. Published by Dark Horse Comics.

   Elevator Pitch

   Mythology and realism collide as the gods of old and new battle for the worship of mortals. Gaiman’s tale is a classic, drawing you in and refusing to let you go until you’ve consumed the last page. American Gods: Shadows #1 will leave you yearning for more.

   The Verdict

   Whether you’ve read American Gods or not, American Gods: Shadows #1 proves to be just as captivating as the novel. Hampton’s art is dark and gritty, perfectly matching the tone of the original’s tone. This eerie adaptation is a must-read.

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3. Review: The Once and Future Queen #1

   The Breakdown

   The One and Future Queen is a miniseries published by Dark Horse Comics. Presented by the creators of Amelia Cole, writers Adam P. Knave, D.J. Kirkbride and artist Nick Brokenshire.

   Elevator Pitch

   An intriguing gender-bent twist on The Once and Future King. While that novelty can often feel forced, this one doesn’t at all. There’s a pleasantly diverse cast, and, no, you’re not imagining the spaceman on the cover.

   The Verdict

   The Once and Future Queen could easily be a lazy remix. Make “King” Arthur a girl, maybe Guinevere a boy and suddenly you’ve got a “fresh new spin”. Instead, it’s surprising how non-pandering this debut issue is. Knave and Kirkbride are ingenuous in their storytelling; writing believable characters set in an unbelievable world.

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4. Manga Review: Platinum End Volume 1

   

   The Breakdown

   Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, the creative genius behind Death Note and Bakuman, unite for their third title. Platinum End Volume 1 is published by VIZ Media collects chapters 1-3 of the manga.

   Elevator Pitch

   A yin to Death Note‘s yang, but no less beguiling. A fast-paced psychological thriller with devilish angels and murderous heroes.

   The Verdict

   Platinum End is thought-provoking and shocking. Obata’s art keeps your eyes locked, exploring every detail. This is a story that begins with a bang and promises to not relent in later volumes. (more…)

5. The Horror Delightfully Continues in Asylum Volume 2

   The Breakdown

   Storm King Productions released their second volume of the highly praised Asylum series, a story of good versus evil and all that is dark and twisted. Asylum is created by John Carpenter, Sandy King and Thomas Ian Griffith. Volume 2 is written by Sandy King (President, Storm King Productions) and Trent Olsen. The amazingly detailed and demonic art is provided by Tom Mandrake (Martian Manhunter, The Spectre) and Leonardo Manco (War Machine, Hellstorm).

   Elevator Pitch

   Asylum is a fresh take on a tale as old as time. The constant struggle between good and evil is brought to life with amazing artwork and writing. A priest and detective duo tackle the evil doings of mankind and their connection to the underworld, while still dealing with their own personal demons. The uncensored plot and graphic illustrations will immediately draw the attention of horror enthusiasts. (more…)

6. Crowdfund This! Marc With a C, Atomic Robo, D20 Drinking Glasses & More

   

   Someone must’ve put out a memo that said Labor Day week was the time to launch crowdfunding campaigns – ’cause there’s an amazing batch of projects that just hit the web. These indie artists have the need for funds, and very worthy projects in need of funding, so here’s hoping you’ve got some money tucked away! Whether it’s funding artistic pursuits on Patreon, or scoring cool product via Kickstarter, below you’ll find details on the who’s, what’s, and where can I throw my moneys in the worlds of nerd music, comic books, and video games.

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7. Worry Doll Review: A Graphic Masterpiece from Matt Coyle

   The Breakdown

   Worry Doll is a graphic masterpiece written and illustrated by Matt Coyle, co-author of the 1996 graphic novel Registry of Death. Worry Doll was originally published in 2007, but has now been re-released as a new edition with an added foreword by Shaun Tan, known for works such as The Arrival and The Lost Thing.
   

   Elevator Pitch

   While at first glance Worry Doll appears to be a children’s book, it’s actually a mature and terrifying tale of three dolls who embark on murderous rampage. The illustrations from front-to-back are detailed in ways that leave you both mesmerized and horrified. Matt Coyle’s Gothic Noir inspired graphic novel is non-traditional and not for the faint-hearted.

   The Verdict

   After the first read, I wasn’t exactly sure what I just experienced. So, I decided to study the graphic novel again five more times…but my mind still cannot fully comprehend what I was reading.

   And I absolutely love it with a passion.

   The story and illustrations all feel like a terrible nightmare that keeps replaying through your head in a wild attempt to make sense of it all. The reader is able to take full control of what they believe is reality due to the plot leaving much to the imagination.
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8. Torchwood #1 Review & SDCC Panel Recap

   The Breakdown

   The adventures of Captain Jack Harkness and the Torchwood Institute continue in an ongoing comic from Titan Comics. This continuation of the Doctor Who spinoff is written by Carole Barrowman, with story heavily influenced byCaptain Jack himself, John Barrowman. Art by Antonio Fuso (G.I. Joe: Cobra, Drive) and Pasquale Qualano (Batman ’66, She-Hulk).

   Elevator Pitch

   Doctor Who for a more adult audience, a team of misfits defending the earth from extraterrestrial threats, ninjas on flying jetskis, and giant sea monsters. With influence from Barrowman himself, expect an authentic continuation of the Torchwood story.

   The Verdict

   Torchwood #1 is mostly setup for later issues, but returns with the same jokes and personalities fans grew to love. References to previous stories (like a quick fly-by from Myfanwy) demonstrate a dedication to canon and continued character development.

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9. Must There Be A Superman? – A Documentary

   It’s one of the inevitable comics discussions. Sooner or later someone is going to make a comment about Superman. Maybe positive, maybe negative, but often divisive. “Superman is boring” is the usual call to action. Love him or hate him, most agree that there’s something not right these days with how The Man of Steel is being handled.

   Enter Consequence of Sound and RIO!B Productions, Sami Jarroush – a lifelong Superman fan – who’s on a quest to discover what makes Kal-El tick and if he’s still relevant in today’s world. In his documentary, Must There Be A Superman?, Jarroush speaks with fans and comics experts alike including comics greats Mark Waid (Kingdom Come, Daredevil) and Neal Adams (Green Lantern/ Green Arrow) as well as comics scholars Glen Weldon (Superman: The Unauthorized Biography), Randall Lotowytz, Asher Elbain, and Nerdy Show‘s own Cap Blackard.

   Whether you see Supes as The Big Blue Boy Scout or a champion of the oppressed; this cross section of one of pop culture’s most iconic characters offers some much needed perspective on his place in the 21st century. Must there be a Superman? And if so, what is it about him that continues to speak to us? (more…)

10. Matt Kindt’s Next Must-Read Comic: Dept. H #1 Review

    The Breakdown

    Dark Horse Comics presents Dept. H, an original murder/mystery series where each issue takes place in a 24-hour time span. Written and drawn by Matt Kindt, creator of Mind MGMT with his wife, Sharlene Kindt, provided beautiful water colors.

    Elevator Pitch

    Dept. H mashes multiple genres in a deep sea tale with wonderfully fitting watercolor art. The book’s sci-fi murder mystery evokes a sense of urgency that’ll have you flying through the pages. (more…)