Star Wars Archives - Page 15 of 19

April 17, 2016April 18, 2016

C-3PO / MOON KNIGHT / DIVINITY II / BLACK EYED KIDS / JOYRIDE [Reviews]: The Color Red.

STAR WARS SPECIAL: C-3PO #1 - Marvel — **STAR WARS SPECIAL: C-3PO #1** – Marvel

"Dynast" Dana Keels IG @hatandwand — “Dynast” Dana Keels
IG @hatandwand

Threepio’s red arm. What’s up with that? Originaly planned to release before The Force Awakens dropped in theaters, “The Phantom Limb” tells the story of our favorite protocol droid’s mysterious red arm. But is it a story worth reading? Short version: Yes, very much so. This one-shot, written by James Robinson (Starman, Fantastic Four) opens with a resistance ship crash landing on a mysterious planet, and the surviving droids must make their way, with a new order droid as prisoner, to safety. As one can guess, things quickly go awry and turn into a race for survival.

But the true shining element in this comic is its commentary on the life of a droid. We all know how in the Star Wars universe droids often have their memories wiped. This comic compares that to the phenomena known as Phantom Limbs, in which you can still feel the presence of a limb that’s been severed. This provides for some pretty deep philosophical commentary that I seriously wasn’t expecting. Tony Harris’ (Deadpool) art absolutely knocks this out of the park, as well. Bizarre yet beautiful, it would be hard to imagine this story told in any other way. My only drawback with the issue is that due to how long this delay was after TFA, the comic sort of feels like an afterthought. Otherwise, Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1 is great story any Star Wars fan should check out. 4/5 Red Robot Arms.

MOON KNIGHT #1 (again) - Marvel — **MOON KNIGHT #1** (again) – Marvel

"Monsignor" Moody @TravMoody — “Monsignor” Moody
@TravMoody

I’ve always been a fan of Marvel’s batshit-crazy White Knight version of Batman, who — much like Daredevil — has always had an impressive line-up of creators. While there’s never been a “Frank Miller” type most associated with the character (the team of Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz comes close), there’s a reason why Bendis, Ellis, Wood and, now, Jeff Lemire (Animal Man) have been chosen to take on Marc Spector: this guy needs all the help he can get. And while all of the aforementioned scribes have certainly done their due diligence with the superhero’s mental state, I’d argue that, after only one issue, Lemire’s all-new Moon Knight #1 takes the cake.

Imagine a Marvel Netflix version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Oh yeah, Spector is presently held up (or, just imagining being held up) in a psych ward, with opening panels that shift from recent Moon Knight artist Greg Smallwood‘s scratchy, more dreamy sequences of Spector’s search for his soul controller — the Lunar God, Khonshu — to a more detailed, art-house style that captures just how “nutso” both Marc’s facial expressions and current, unfortunate environment can be. Both styles are a testament to Smallwood’s versatility, although it’s arguable the sketches wouldn’t prove nearly as effective without the strong contrasting colors of (the also returning) Jordie Bellaire. The art duo’s varying layouts also dive deep into the sequential psyche of Spector and his actions; as, with a few winks and blinks, Spector’s orderlies flip into a most dangerous switch. Overall, this is a very strong and promising start to a volume everyone — but Marc — hopes will last. 4/5 Bibles.

***EARLY REVIEW – Released: 4/20/16***

DIVINITY II #1 - Valiant — **DIVINITY II #1** – Valiant

"Deacon E" Esko @eskobts — “Deacon E” Esko
@eskobts

Holy damn! Why isn’t this a movie?! Oh. Because Hollywood kills everything awesome.

With edgy, heavy contrast artwork from the likes of Trevor Hairsine (Book of Death: Fall of Ninjak) and Ryan Winn (X-O Manowar) and the smooth vibrant color schemes of David Baron (The Death-Defying Dr. Mirage), I can almost feel the chill of space and the ice cold breeze of snowy Moscow. Matt Kindt‘s (Ninjak) plot feels incredible. Watching it all unfold feels like sleeper-cell stories of a Russian Fantastic 4, and in my book, that’s a winner. The delivery of the lot gets a little narration heavy, but that s expected from the first issue. There’s a lot to catch up on and explain and not enough pages to show it all happening, so I get it; however, the bits of character dialogue that are there, sound natural and flow nicely. This Review Deacon can tell that once the story is in full motion there will be no lack of quality in the dialog.

Myshka is completely hell bent on following her original mission. She has risked it all and cashed in on the motherload of abilities. Now she knows what she wants and there’s nothing you can say to sway her from the objective. Even though she’s the antagonist of the story so far, it’s great to see a strong female character with God-level powers and respect. The usual suspects of Marvel and DC super ladies are fine and dandy, but it’s refreshing to see a face outside that realm with a fresh experience and environment. My only slight concern about Divinity II is the hope that it doesn’t turn into some kind of subtle propaganda. The story looks too good to be dragged down and wasted like that. 4/5 Bibles.

***EARLY REVIEW – Released: 4/20/16***

BLACK EYED KIDS #1 - AfterShock Comics — **BLACK EYED KIDS #1** – AfterShock Comics

Kevin "Pastor" Palma (on left) @eggrollko — Kevin “Pastor” Palma (on left)
@eggrollko

It’s been documented on this site in at least one of my reviews that I’m not a fan of horror comics, and, sadly, Black Eyed Kids #1 by Joe Pruett (Magneto: Rogue’s Nation) and Szymon Kudranski (Spawn) does nothing to change that. It’s a comic that feels uninspired, from the bland title down to the bland story that relies entirely on horror cliches.

This issue is also heavily decompressed, but that’s not uncommon in comics in general, so it would be unfair to be overly critical towards it for that. However, the decompressed story — combined with the nature of the horror and the black eyes of the titular characters — makes this comic feel like the cold open of a Supernatural episode, when they’re clearly going for something more along the lines of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Kudranski’s art is solid, with an excellent use of shadows and mist to help set the mood for the book; but the story just falls flat. Granted, I’m clearly not in this comic’s intended audience, but it still feels like this comic didn’t achieve what it set out to do. 2/5 Creepy Kids.

***EARLY REVIEW – Released: 4/20/16***

“…the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes ‘Awww!” -Jack Kerouac, from On the Road

JOYRIDE #1 - BOOM! Studios — **JOYRIDE #1** – BOOM! Studios

Jason "The Good Preacher" Bud @yourbeautifulmothersoutstandingwoodednfrontpatio — Jason “The Good Preacher” Bud
@RunTheJewels

BOOM! Studios harkens back to the Jazzian bebop and syncopated scat-a-tat-tat appropriated into the literature of the Beats and the Counterculture Movement of the Post-World War II era, with their latest offering entitled: Joyride. Here we have the beginnings of an interstellar reboot of the Kerouac classic that mash-potatoes up a delectable space-plasma of potentially-cosmic-proportion by conflating those legendary tropes of the road novel interspersed with favorable sci-fi familiarities exuding a certain Star Warsian flair. Bringing on the circadian rhythms in this comic venture is the virtuous quintet consisting of: Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly (Hacktivist, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials) on Words, Marcus To (Red Robin, Soulfire) on Pencils, Irma Kniivila (Captain Canuck, Ms. Marvel) on Colors, and Jim Campbell (Krachmacher Star Wars Tales) on Letters.

Trip the pink starfish fantastic to the Dark Side of the Moon Roger Waters warned us about so many decades ago. Juggerjaunt the Earthmosphere beyond the Skysafe hexognomy constructed by an Orwellian Triumvirate State of Oppression that intend to perpetually hem our protagonists, Uma and Dewyyd, and the rest of humanity within:

Have you ever really wanted to break on through to the diamond-scattered night of celestial brilliance that lies beyond the pollution of industrialized light???

Do you hunger to witness the delicious trash compactor-suck of the bastardized progeny of Jabba the Hutt clusterfucked with a slime-ridden space centipede, into the vacuous scream of interstellar space at the hands of a cybernetic comrade constructed from the chassis of a Death Star Droid fused with full-on arachnophobian appendagery???

Come along for a rebellious rocket ride with our Millennial Mutineers into the cryptic cosmos, where they’re sure to defy the odds, the man, and the machine!!! I just hope at some point these two terrestrials rendezvous with the interplanetary likes of Adam Yauch, Space Ghost, and Carl “Hail” Sagan. Anything’s better than sucking on Neil Armstrong’s dark matter. This here comic nugget sure don’t… 3.5/5 Get Your Moonrocks Off Glazed In Stardust.

April 12, 2016April 12, 2016

POE DAMERON / BATGIRL / ROUGH RIDERS / JACKPOT / BLOODLINES [Reviews]: Gold Key Alliance.

POE DAMERON #1 - Marvel — **POE DAMERON #1** – Marvel

Lance Paul "The Apostle" @Lance_Paul — Lance Paul “The Apostle”
@Lance_Paul

One of the stand-out (nearly written-off) characters from this past holiday’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is back with his own series! Though his screentime felt lacking in the film, this welcomed edition to the Marvel Star Wars universe is finally making up for it. Thanks to Charles Soule (Death of Wolverine, She-Hulk) and Phil Noto (Uncanny X-Force, Jonah Hex), we get our first real look into the man behind the X-Wing. Telling Poe’s story right before the beginning of Force Awakens, General Dont-Call-Me-Slave Leia has tasked Dameron’s Black Squadron with a suicide mission: Find the location of the only man who knows her brother’s whereabouts. In the process, Poe creates the squad later tasked with taking down the Starkiller base. Soule does an exceptional “Star Wars” job showing equal parts space action and the heart that made Poe so endearing. Also, the return of BB-8 is refreshing and missed! That lil droid has fast became one of my favorite parts of the new SW’s.

The other added treat with this first issue is seeing Phil Noto’s work. Noto has always been one of my favorite artists for his photorealistic talent. The ships, aliens, actors, and planets are all true Star Wars. For all the positives, this new series does feel like its only a half-attempt in telling a bigger story, likely since we already know the fate of all the heavy-hitters in this issue. I’ll admit that knowing the end-game to whatever trouble Poe and Co. get into does take away from the thrill. Even just a little. Soule does, however, capture Poe’s sheer enthusiasm; and it doesn’t hurt to see see just how nasty the First Order can be, either. Also at the end, is a fun and entertaining BB-8 backstory written and drawn by Chris Eliopoulos (Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius). More in the vein of a Calvin and Hobbes Sunday funny, it will leave you with a smile. 4.25/5 Trekkies Agree.

"Sister" Sarah G @DarthHistory — “Sister” Sarah G
@DarthHistory

At the beginning of Batgirl #50, a gathering of unsavory villain types is gathered to hear a plan from the Fugue — to end Batgirl once and for all — and that plan is up for sale to the highest bidder. With just a few panels, the drama for the issue is set: Who will be the one to try and destroy Barbara Gordon? And will they succeed? Written by Cameron Stewart (Batman & Robin) and Brenden Fletcher (Gotham Academy), this issue picks up where the last left off. The Fugue has access to all of Barbara’s memories, thanks to her implant, and is planning on using Batgirl’s freed enemies (and her memories) to carry out his dastardly plan. With a deadline that could take down the city looming, Batgirl turns to her friends to help her stop the Fugue from destroying the city, and her good name.

This leads to confrontations between the Bat-posse (Bluebird, Spoiler, Black Canary, and the Operator) and Batgirl’s enemies (Killer Moth, the Jawbreakers, Corporal Punishment, and Velvet Tiger). The action is neatly wrapped up by the end of the episode, putting a halt to this storyline and opening the writers up to new problems and shenanigans for Batgirl to tackle. Despite the numerous artists used within the issue, the art stays level and doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the story or pull the reader out, as other comics that have done the same recently have. With some solid action — and a good fake-out or two — Batgirl #50 is a solid anniversary issue. It doesn’t have some of the more improbable or distracting issues earlier episodes had, and proves a good conclusion to the “Batgirl v Fugue” storyline. 4/5 Bat-Bibles.

ROUGH RIDERS #1 - After-Shock — **ROUGH RIDERS #1** – After-Shock

"Dangerous Disciple" Danny Witt @Noway — “Dangerous Disciple” Danny Witt
@Noway

Ever think that a trust fund kid with a penchant for picking fights, telling lies, and fighting a war that was already over would get his own comic? Well, he did. Writer/creator Adam Glass (Suicide Squad) tries his hand at revisionist history with Rough Riders, an alternate take on some of American History’s greatest figures of the turn of the Century. The trust fund kid mentioned earlier is none other than Teddy Roosevelt, and this version of him is pretty much exactly what he would have had us all believe about him; but, the History Degree in me says, “Nope”. The debut issue features the typical heroic introduction, the shadowy ambiguous organization, and the lead character assembling a team, a team which of course features other luminaries of the time: Tomas Edison, Annie Oakley, and Houdini himself. It comes off very League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which isn’t a bad thing. If one can suspend their inner history major inside, it’s interesting enough to give a try. 3/5 Bibles.

***EARLY REVIEW – Out Wednesday: 4/13***

JACKPOT #1 - AfterShock — **JACKPOT #1** – AfterShock

Colleen "of the Covenant" Vincent — Colleen “of the Covenant” Vincent

Jackpot! AfterShock Comics has yet another new title. Both, the artwork, by Marco Failla (Harley Quinn) with color assist by Stefani Renee (Flashpoint), is fantastically rendered, and the story is fast-paced; but I’m just not hooked on this just yet. Conceived and written by award winner Ray Fawkes (Constantine, One Soul), the story follows a crew of criminals, grifters, marks, cat burglars, and a possible cartel and their illegal exploits.

The first issue reminds of Ocean’s Eleven, detailing a super high-stakes card game on international waters serving as a decoy for a heist. We meet all the players before we are sure how they play together. There are diamonds, duplicity, explosions, bearer bonds, and even a random black cat, but the story falls flat. The characters are barely sketched out and lack real charisma. A larger, shadowy organization comes into play by the last panel, but the 25-pages prior don’t generate enough concern about their motives. Everything looks cool, but isn’t compelling enough to continue. 2.5/5 Bibles.

BLOODLINES #1 - DC — **BLOODLINES #1** – DC

Richard "Bishop" Zom @eyebzombie — Richard “Bishop” Zom
@eyebzombie

With a Japanese flag silhouette of the donned colors, our protagamonster resembles the creatures from Gareth Edwards’ 2010 flick, Monsters. V Ken Marion‘s (Michael Turner’s Soulfire, Jirni) pencils show further inspiration from various Incredible Hulk designs, as well.

Still, Bloodlines — with J.T. Krul (Teen Titans) as writer — was far from tapping a vein to produce any bloodflow; for the beginning of a new comic/plot/storyline, it definitely lacked the “draw”. The main character Eddie is a teenager who suffers from some form of physical disability, though magically transforms when his life is at risk. I wasn’t too fond of the Dr. Manhattan (Watchmen)-meets-Gill from Street Fighter 3rd strike vibe, but, for fans of the admirable art technique, let’s see how the family ancestry unfolds and how much blood collects. 2/5 Blood Viles.

GOLD KEY: ALLIANCE #1 - Dynamite — **GOLD KEY: ALLIANCE #1** – Dynamite

“El Sacerdote” J.L. Caraballo Twitter @captzaff007

Gold Key Alliance #1 brings together several heroes, each of whom (naturally) has some special skill or power. Samson, fashioned after his namesake from the Bible, is a strongman wandering the streets of New York, and has the ability of seeing into parallel dimensions. Turok, the dinosaur hunter, protects modern-day dinosaurs living on a nature preserve, while having his exploits recorded (he is the only character of whom I’d heard.)

There is Magnus, a secret agent who has a special knack for recognizing and subduing artificial intelligence and robotics (and wears a spiffy armoured vest). And finally, there is Solar, a doctor working in impoverished parts of Africa; she seems to be teleknetic, and can generate light (and float) while meditating. This issue introduces each character separately, showing each of them in their territory, displaying their skills, and not having anything to do with one another (yet). Brent Peeples‘ (The Last of the Greats) art is servicable, but feels derivative: it is neither great, nor bad, just…there. Writer Phil Hester (The Darkness) keeps the pace moving well, but the story itself is perfunctory. Perhaps it is deliberate, as these characters are being introduced to the reader and any non-linear structure to story might be confusing, but as it is, this is a tepid title. Read it, or don’t. I guess. 2.5/5 Robot Bellhops.

February 22, 2016January 7, 2017

BENEFICENCE / STATIK KXNG / MASSIVE ATTACK / CURREN$Y & ALCHEMIST [#GeekSwag Reviews]: Star Wars Headspace.

RICK RUBIN - Star Wars Headspace - Released: 2/19/16 — **RICK RUBIN** – *Star Wars Headspace* – Released: 2/19/16

"MonSithNor" Moody @TravMoody — “MonSithNor” Moody
@TravMoody

With the recent outburst of popular geek culture influenced hip-hop (Catch the Throne mixtapes, Marshall vs. Capcom), it only made sense for the Monsignor to tackle Rick Rubin‘s latest endeavor: Star Wars Headspace. It’s the closest thing we’ll ever get to an original intergalactic John Williams soundtrack — only in the form of electronic ambience.

What separates Headspace from those previous music-meets-nerd-culture mash-ups is the surprising originality of it all. Where the recently released Eminem x Street Fighter (no recognizable soundbites incorporated, such as “Hadouken”) and Game of Thrones influenced mixtapes failed (mainstream hip-hop acts that stray far too away from the TV series’ vibe) — the Def Jam co-founder and legendary music producer delivers an EDM mixtape with all original backdrops and plentiful movie samples. Here, Rubin uses Star Wars more as a mere inspiration for the music than cheap gimmick, with just enough recognizable sounds (Vader’s breathing in GTA‘s “Help Me!”) and classic film quotes (Obi-Wan on Attlas‘ “Sunset Over Manaan”) to keep the more casual music fan interested.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Headspace, however, comes from tracks that wouldn’t sound too out of place in the respective artists’ discography. Progressive house duo Galantis‘ “Scruffy-Looking Nerfherder” uses Chewie’s famous growl to affect without making it too obvious; while Shlohmo‘s “”Druid Caravan of Smoke” and Flying Lotus‘ “R2 Where R U?” incorporate the type of robotic beeps, chirps and whistle effects these experimental producers use in their sound anyway. Keeping with the times, Rubin enlists one of EDM’s biggest acts in Kaskade to open things up with “C-3P0’s Plight”, and blows out moms’ basement sound systems with the trap-bounce of Troyboi (“Force”) and Baauer (“Cantina Boys”).

As much of a fan I am of both Star Wars and EDM (hell, I went to both Star Wars Celebration and EDC last year), I never thought I’d admit an album combining the two elements would work. Better, Headspace opened up my mind to more artists I’d previously never heard (Claude VonStroke‘s “R2 Knows” recalls Deadmau5’s glory days, with direct lyrics about Han Solo shooting first; and Star Tripper‘s “Breakbot” sounds like a mix of the Williams’ classic SW theme and glorious 80s movie cheese). If you’re a fan of any form of electronic music and Star Wars, then — hey! — this might just be the geek mash-up you’re looking for. 3.5/5 Droid Bibles.

BENEFICENCE - Basement Chemistry - Released: 2/5/16 — **BENEFICENCE** – *Basement Chemistry* – Released: 2/5/16

"Archbishop" Aaron Troy @silencedthewise — “Archbishop” Aaron Troy
@silencedthewise

Man, I love when I say “Damn, this is bleeping dope as bleep!” Something I found myself saying many times during my listen/review time with Brick City-native Beneficence‘s latest LP, Basement Chemistry. To put it bluntly, this is an album that fans of “true” and “pure” hip-hop (i.e. late 90s/early 2000s) need to listen to. Trust me, that statement is a rarity these days.

After dropping a pair of albums (that I need to dig for) in Sidewalk Science (2011) and Concrete Soul (2012), the underground Jersey vet and Ill Adrenaline Records cofounder has returned with an album stacked with lyrics and beats reminiscent of hip-hop’s Golden Era. One of the most active and well-respected independent artists in the game, Beneficence has worked with the “who’s who” of NYC hip-hop (Poor Righteous Teachers’ Wise Intelligent, Pete Rock, Organized Konfusion, Lord Tariq, etc.) — a reason why so many true legends of the game stepped up to drop bars on this album (Chubb Rock, Inspectah Deck, Masta Ace, MC Eiht, El Da Sensei, A.G., and Dres). But where this NJ native really shines is when he holds the mic on his own, with lyrics laid out like a strategically-placed plan.

The opening “EZ As 1-2” should be enough to get any non-believer into his shit immediately, while the Confidence-produced “Wranglers and Asics” is a bang-in-your-whip gem that will 100% stand the test of time. The exotic drums and chiming backdrop of “Maui Vacation” and triumphant percussion of “Ghetto Music Rap (We Doin’ It)” gave me a lil’ bit of that long lost Eric B & Rakim/Premo/Artifacts (to which Bene is an affiliate) feel this game has sorely been missing.

And those are just the tracks without the features. While it’s still way too early to talk “Album of the Year”, there’s no doubt we’ll still be talking about the “Digital Warfare” and “Smooth Hardcore” of this joint next Christmas. Hell, with contributions from supreme beatmakers Da Beatminerz, DJ Spinna, and L’Orange, Basement Chemistry is one of the best Boom Bap throwback albums in the last 5-years. Buy it. 4.5/5 Bibles.

STATIK SELEKTAH & KXNG CROOKED - Statik KXNG - Released: 2/12/16 — **STATIK SELEKTAH & KXNG CROOKED** – *Statik KXNG* – Released: 2/12/16

Twin Adder @TwinAdder — Twin Adder
@TwinAdder

Collab albums are the norm in today’s hip-hop especially with the third Slaughterhouse emcee attempting to throw his hat into the fray. KXNG Crooked, the Long Beach wordsmith formerly known as Crooked I, hooks up with Boston boom-bapper Statik Selektah. As rivetting as the contrasting styles preent, there’s sadly not anything that sets this apart from the rest of the supergroups that are already out there. But–this is in no way a bad album; on the contrary, it’s likely one of the best projects to come this first 2016 quarter.

Here’s the deal: Statik, known chiefly for his smooth production, doesn’t exactly mesh well with Crooked’s aggressive performance. The chemistry feels forced. I’m not claiming that Statik KXNG is oil and water, but the album may prove an acquired taste to anyone who isn’t already a fan of either artist. But once the album (that clocks in at a brisk 34-minutes) does grow on you — beginning with “I Hear Voices,” which sets the tone quote profoundly — you have to spread praise that comes through with age…

Crooked’s smart, versatile verses are there, and Statik’s production feels very full — with LA-influenced instrumentals that stray away from his usual sound, such as the where-is-Snoop-D-O-Double-G led “Everybody Know”. “Magic & Bird” is a genius song title for those keeping score, a head knocker with a very glossy, sax-driven sound. The gloves come off on “Lost A Fan”, as the KXNG pushes ignorance to the side with thought-provoking lyrics. Other chill stand-outs include “Dead Or In Jail” and “Bitch Got Me Fucked Up”, further proving that Statik KXNG will go down as one of 2016’s most enjoyable distractions. 3.5/5 KXNG James Bibles.

MASSIVE ATTACK - Ritual Spirit (EP) - Released: 1/28/16 — **MASSIVE ATTACK** – *Ritual Spirit* (EP) – Released: 1/28/16

"Pastor" Shawn Puff @ShawnPuffy — “Pastor” Shawn Puff
@ShawnPuffy

Being new to the Trip-Hop genre, I’ve never heard of Massive Attack. That said, Ritual Spirit was my first experience on a tantric ride through curiousity and`– what I’m assuming — is just a small sample of the vast range of styles that new fans can look forward to on their follow-up EP and full-length album, both due out later in 2016.

The EP leads in with” Dead Editors”, a trance-like track with a neo-soul feel. It can be best described as the perfect example of how what seems to be, organized chaos, can create something incredible that puts you in another world. I can’t help but find myself moving to the beat. The second, and title track, “Ritual Spirit” was easily my favorite track. Azekel adds smooth vocals that deliver a soft comfort to an intense tribal beat; it takes on a consciousness of being on a journey with your spirit guide to who knows where.

Moreover, “Voodoo In My Blood” features a magical jungle ambience, but adds an uptempo horror that takes you on a darker ride. The high energy keeps you almost entranced in the hypnotic flow created by the dynamic sounds. The final track brings on Tricky, marking the first time the Trip-hop legend has joined Massive Attack since 1994. “Take It There” will give you the sensation of a psychadelic trip that takes you to the edge of sanity. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Ritual Spirit, an EP that both new and old fans of Massive Attack and the genre will find a short, but energized tantric tunnel of soul. 3.5/5 Bibles.

CURREN$Y THE ALCHEMIST - The Carrollton Heist - Released: 2/14/16 — **CURREN$Y and THE ALCHEMIST** – *The Carrollton Heist* – Released: 2/14/16

"Pontif" Tony Pattawon @comingsoon — “Pontif” Tony Pattawon
@thepattawontron

Hurry and take the popcorn out of the microwave before it burns. I hate burnt popcorn! Go ahead get your vice ready. Don’t tell me what it is; that is your business. I’m putting in this movie. What type of movie? Action! Of course! The Carrollton Heist, starring Curren$y and The Alchemist, has got that feel like a blend of an old Prohibition-era Gangster movie mixed with 70s Blaxploitation, channel surfing through 80s primetime. Al’ truly starts his “spells” with the intro named “Theif”, which sends off the chills of a theme to an old cop show as the movie sample he blends in reveals the plan and stipulations of the heist. The next track “Black Rally Stripes” makes way for Curren$y’s alter-ego Spitta Andretti into the plot, with a laid back flow that nonchalantly gels with the uber-chill soundscapes. “Vibrations” is also one of my favorite tracks on this project, as Curren$y spits a homage to Juvenile’s “U Understand” to lay down law to people on his property.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQF2iHimOPc

The Carrollton Heist also features a few dope cameos that totally fit the vibe and story concept. “Dissappearing Ink” has a eerie-but-chill vibe, like your scoping out your target with nightvision goggles–certainly serious enough for Styles P of the LOX. Action Bronson, who always fits Al’s production like a glove, laces “Inspiration” with precise storytelling. Even Lil’ Weezy’s animated cadence blesses “Fat Albert” with lines like “pussies get the dildo / I get the deal done.” All and all, Curren$y’s chill flows push the story along with a voice that matches The Alchemist’s gritty settings, as if you were playing poker with mob bosses on a foggy — ever-so-smokey — night. 4.25/5 Blunted Bibles.

February 21, 2016

HARLEY QUINN / STAR WARS / POWER MAN & IRON FIST / AVENGERS STANDOFF / SNOWFALL [Reviews]: Harley Organa.

HARLEY QUINN #25 - DC — **HARLEY QUINN #25** – DC

What happens when a guy who’s never read a Harley Quinn comic is assigned to review the newest one? He makes it through a page or two and then hands it to his wife, who has read everything Amanda Connor (Power Girl) and Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex) have created — fine with me, since I had already read it.

A current resident of New York (with pit stops in Los Angeles and London, among other locations), Harley returns to her old stomping grounds, Gotham City, to do a solid for a friend. Of course, being Ms. Quinn, this isn’t as simple as helping someone get into SDCC or picking up pizza for dinner; instead, it involves busting the dude out of Arhkam (Yes, that Arkham, home of her psychotic ex. Shhh!). With appearances by Poison Ivy and Batman, the core of the story focuses on Harley, Joker, and their mad love.

The wifey/hubby team of Connor and Palmiotti do an outstanding job of showing how twisted the relationship is between the two (err–not them, but you know who and you know WHO!), as well as how hard Harley has worked to separate herself from Gotham and her life with the Joker. It goes without saying that the serious tone that falls over the comic in its middle section is lifted at the end, where Poison Ivy and Harley encounter a — surprise! — pissed-off Batman who would like his stolen boat back. Because what would a Harley comic be without a semi-snarky ending? 4.5/5 Bibles.

And I’m not done…

STAR WARS #16 - Marvel — **STAR WARS #16** – Marvel

Ah, Star Wars – the classic story of a girl, her slightly annoying brother, and her wise-cracking love interest. The all-new story “Rebel Jail” kicks off with one third of the ragtag bunch teaming up with smuggler Sana Starros to take one of Lord Vader’s minions to a top secret sun prison. SW #16 kicks off the story well, introducing the characters and their connections to each other, and creating a girls-only adventure while the guys are getting into trouble (and with Han Solo, who didn’t see that coming?)

Written by Jason Aaron (Mighty Thor), with art by Leinil Yu (Old Man Logan), Gerry Alanguilin, and Sunny Cho, issue 16 has the same look and feel of previous Star Wars comics, throwing in an extra helping of girl power that would seem more fitting to a Leia comic. Story-wise, the issue does a good job of setting up the action that will follow, as the “unbreakable” prison is broken into, and readers are left wondering how the characters will be reunited and deal with their newest mission.

Overall, it’s a solid beginning to a new chapter that ends on a high note and leaves the reader to wonder what happens next. 3/5 Blasters.

AVENGERS - STANDOFF: WELCOME TO PLEASANT HILL #1 - Marvel — **AVENGERS – STANDOFF: WELCOME TO PLEASANT HILL #1** – Marvel

JaDarrell "The Belser" @TheBelser — JaDarrell “The Belser”
@TheBelser

Salutations and such! This is The Belser, reporting for duty on the comic review tip. This month, I’ve been asked to look at an Avengers one-shot titled Standoff: Welcome to Pleasant Hill. Marvel’s latest crossover starts with The Winter Soldier himself, Bucky Barnes, investigating a recent explosion — chiefly the result of an experiment kickstarted by Maria Hill called Kobik.

Of course, this involves reengineering parts of Cosmic Cube–for all you GOTG/MCU fans out there. After watching a reenactment of the incident, Bucky appears to be on the brink of being captured. The story then shifts to an amnesiac young man being rescued from the woods by a female sheriff. She leads to the nearest town: Pleasant Hills. For all intents and purposes, this is the idyllic American town: picket fences, birds chirping, happy white folks, etc. After a series of repeated escapes, the young man soon discovers that NOTHING in the town is what appears to be.

While I’m not terribly familiar with Nick Spencer‘s work (Astonishing Ant-Man, Captain America: Sam Wilson), his dialogue does have an undercurrent of deception from most of the townsfolk. Other than that, the script is merely OK. The artwork by penciller Mark Bagley (Amazing Spider-Man, Thunderbolts) and inker Scott Hanna (Detective Comics) is adequate but not overwhelming. My favorite panel is the “big reveal” of the last panel (though I won’t spoil it). Overall, this Standoff one-and-done is a passable start to Marvel’s next mini. I just hope it’ll have more subtantial context as it pushes along. 2.5/5 Bibles.

SNOWFALL #1 - Image — **SNOWFALL #1** – Image

Jimmy "Apostolic" Cupp @thejimmycupp — Jimmy “Apostolic” Cupp @thejimmycupp

Never in my life have I had to force myself through a comic before. Seriously, I had to put Snowfall #1 down every few pages just to prepare myself for the next dull, wordy, repetitive frame. Joe Harris (X-Files) wrote some pretty flat, one-dimensional characters, and managed to make a statement about climate change in every frame of this book. Not even the art of Martin Morazzo (Great Pacific), nor the coloring of Kelly Fitzpatrick (The Black Hood) could save this book. The images were just as flat and non-captivating as the story, which is this: Mankind ruined the climate, tried to fix the climate, ruined it more, now it never snows naturally. Also, there is this guy named the White Wizard — who I think was supposed to be a “rebellious hero” in the past — but is blamed for causing “unplanned” weather changes even though he’s vanished. Overall, I felt Snowfall to be tedious and utterly boring. I won’t be following up on this unless I hear about a drastic change. 1/5 Shattered Snowglobes.

POWER MAN & IRON FIST #1 - Marvel — **POWER MAN & IRON FIST #1** – Marvel

"Vestal" Colleen Vincent @CollyCol — “Vestal” Colleen Vincent
@CollyCol

First off the bat, this is actually Power Man and Iron Fist, not Heroes for Hire (yet). The Power Man, as in actual Luke Cage, alongside his BFF, Danny Rand. This recent revival assumes readers are already fans, or at least familiar with the duo’s backstories as Marvel superheroes born of the 70’s Blaxsploitation era. Quick origins: Cage is a former gangbanger imprisoned falsely and subject to experimentation that, of course, leads to his acquiring superhuman strength and unbreakable skin; Rand, on the other hand, a rich orphan (funny, huh?) who transforms into a mystical martial arts force.

The bros are on a joint mission with different motives. Luke wants to help an old friend, while Danny wants to revive their Heroes for Hire practice. Action and double crosses pop off and campy seventies villains abound; even Jessica Jones herself makes an appearance (well, of course she would; cha-ching!). Marvel has assembled a great crew of talent for this one, with African American cinema scholar and Blaxsploitation authority David Walker (Cyborg, The Adventures of Darius Logan) leading the way with the script.

While the overall execution needs a little work, Sanford (Marvel Adventures) Green‘s penciling is stellar despite some facial expressions that appear at odds with the “bods”; thankfully, Lee (Batman Adventures, Fables, Deadly Class) Loughridge‘s color work evokes the grit and bygone era from which our heroes hail. The villains seem smarter than the protagonists who seem naively unseasoned, but are great at kicking ass. I’d recommend this as a hip, nostalgic read for longtime fans; although those seeking a fix until the Netflix Luke Cage series debuts this November (and Iron Fist hopefully not too long thereafter) may need a little more backstory and beefed-up physical action for entire satisfaction. but needs to incorporate more backstory for new readers and beef up the physical action, still with the great cast of characters in the expanded universe and the hip nostalgic factor, Powerman and Iron Fist #1 shows some real potential. 3.5/5 Stars

January 7, 2016January 8, 2016

PAPER GIRLS / UNCANNY X-MEN / MIRROR / FOUR EYES [Reviews]: Hearts of Fire.

PAPER GIRLS #4 - Image — PAPER GIRLS #4 – Image

"Brother" Myke Ladiona @onemyke — “Brother” Myke Ladiona
@onemyke

Saga scribe Brian K. Vaughan’s Goonies-meets-Super 8 adventure continues its breakneck ride into awesome weirdness in the latest issue of Paper Girls. After three books chock-full of plenty “WTF” moments, some answers finally come to our favorite newspaper delivery girls of Stony Stream. Thanks to a couple of translation devices we’re given a little bit of the story behind the strange robed beings that have been running around 80’s America as well as a proper introduction to the other beings that are trying to kill them. The bizarro Logan’s Run (if it were envisioned by the love child of David Cronenberg and David Lynch) style backstory is slightly revealed to our girls by the robed people, who happen to be future teens, during an exciting chase through the sewers of Stony Stream.

Cliff Chiang’s illustrations (Wonder Woman, Green Arrow) of creatures that “The Elders” have seemed to militarize somehow fit the overall art style of the world of the story, while still being just as absurd as our heroes perceive them to be. Vaughan also succeeds in explaining enough of the story to keep the plot going, keeping us invested in the conflict between the different factions of visitors of Stony Stream, while still holding a lot back to retain mysterious. All the while, our girls are really put to the test — having to fight off psychic attacks from strange monsters as they confront some ugly character flaws within themselves. Paper Girls continues to be the awesome adventure it promised to be with it’s stellar debut issue and should be a must-have on everyone’s pull list this year. 4.75/5 Newspapers.

***Updates***

–Fistful of Comics (1/7): Paper Girls #4, Uncanny X-Men #1, Mirror #1 (early review), Four Eyes: Hearts of Fire #1.

–Sunday Stash (1/5): Obi-Wan & Anakin #1, Ringside #1 & #2, Rocket Raccoon & Groot #1.

UNCANNY X-MEN #1 - Marvel — **UNCANNY X-MEN #1** – Marvel

"Cardinal" Roberto de Bexar @RobBex2 — “Cardinal” Roberto de Bexar
@RobBex2

First, let me say that I am really liking where Marvel is taking their X-Men titles post-Secret Wars. It’s apparent that writer Cullen Bunn (Magneto) and Greg Land (Iron Man) are hopping right in-line with the other X-Books, as fellow GHG staffer Lance “The Apostle” Paul once told me (and I agreed), they have this “old”school” feel to them. These comics remind me why I used to love X-Men. The writers on all these new books seem to have been reading 1990’s X-titles, as the nostalgic feel of holding an X-Men book in your hands as a teen is what had been widely missing in the X-Books.

Uncanny X-Men is no different.

Still slightly darker than the other X-titles, Uncanny seems to be replacing the X-Force title by throwing their darker and more vicious characters at us by way of a slightly de-powered Magneto, a reformed Sabretooth (which I’m really digging), an egotistical and cocky M, a lovelorn Psylocke and ***SPOILER*** the return of a cold-blooded Archangel ***END SPOILERS***. And, this is the part that came off the most messed up and fascinating at the same time: Readers now have 2 Warren Worthington III’s flying around and…this Archangel is just chillin’. He is used like a secret weapon, deployed as a counter-measure and then gets put back into his “cage” like the bird of prey, all the while saying nothing and showing no emotion or remorse. I am really excited to see how this Archangel came back (WRITERS NOTE: For those who weren’t reading it, and shame on you, Archangel had his mind completely erased back in Uncanny X-Force after he became Apocalypse).

Sure, Land is known for reusing his references, but in here he nails Archangel by toning down the sex and amping up the action. The dialogue is heavy-footed, but is needed and fun. We’ve gotten so wrapped up in these overly serious and overly realistic comics that, often, we’ve forgotten that comics are also meant to be fun. As we’re also re-introduced to some of these characters in a new setting, Bunn sets a nice pacing for them. Hop on now and enjoy the ride! 3.75/5 X-Bibles.

***EARLY REVIEW! (Release: February 3)***

MIRROR #1 - Image — **MIRROR #1** – Image

Michelle "Magdalene" Kisner @RobotCookie — Michelle “Magdalene” Kisner
@RobotCookie

Mirror is a collaboration between Emma Rios (Pretty Deadly) and Hwei Lim (Spera) that attempts to bridge the gap between fairy tales and sci-fi. The story centers around scientists and mages (an interesting combo, to be sure) who are creating human and animal hybrids. As is expected, the creations struggle with their place in the universe and the creators struggle with the implications and repercussions of what they have made.

The presentation of the story isn’t straightforward and has a disjointed and dreamlike quality to it. While I found Mirror a bit hard to follow at times (wait, that actually sounds brilliant), the hazy style did add to the mystique of the overall plot. The art is absolutely gorgeous though, with delicate coloring and bold, clean inking, which reminded me of a Japanese art scroll at times with hints of Moebius for good measure. In fact, Mirror would not feel out of place in Heavy Metal as it has that sort of esoteric appeal and non-linear style storytelling that are the hallmarks of that particular magazine. If a slightly incomprehensible story isn’t an issue, then Mirror is an interesting jaunt into a beautiful universe. 4/5 Reflections.

FOUR EYES: HEARTS of FIRE #1 - Image — **FOUR EYES: HEARTS of FIRE #1** – Image

"Monsignor" Travis Moody @TravMoody — “Monsignor” Travis Moody
@TravMoody

Although I hadn’t read the original Four Eyes run from famed Deadpool scribe, Joe Kelly, and incredible throwback sketcher, Max Fiumara (Abe Sapien), back in 2010, there’s a lot to love about the depression-era follow-up, “Hearts of Fire”. If the daily comic strip stylings of Fiumara don’t hook you enough, Kelly’s multi-layered story of an underground dragon-fighting ring (that makes Mike Vick’s past crimes.. oh nevermind) set after the famed stock market crash, will. But it’s the adolescent innocence of protagonist Enrico, who does what he gotta do for the benefit of his family, and an overall sense of bravery, fear, and commitment that lay as the heart of the story in Four Eyes. There’s also a nice role-reversal, where one former assistant in those race/class-segregated times, the enjoyably stone-cold Mr. Fawkes, now serves as firm “big brother”/father figure to the young, blind boy searching for the person/thing who murdered his pops.

Of course, Four Eyes (the dragon–not me), is the more mystic and mature Disney story just the same, as the also vision-impaired, not-so-scalebound lizard shares more in common with the boy in this heart-wrenching tail than anyone ever could. So, only Fiumara’s tenacious, eye-popping (heh) designs keep the comic from becoming too PG. It’s an overall wonderful start to the sequel, that no fan of creator-owned comics, or — hell — dragons, should miss. 4.25/5 Ray Ban Frames.

***SUNDAY STASH*** (1/5)

OBI-WAN & ANAKIN #1 - Marvel — OBI-WAN & ANAKIN #1 – Marvel

"Dynast" Dana Keels IG/Twitter @hatandwand — “Dynast” Dana Keels
IG/Twitter @hatandwand

Happy New Year, geeks! And with a new year, of course that can only mean one thing: new Star Wars comics(!!). Obi & Ani #1 picks up a few years after The Phantom Menace, with Obi-Wan Kenobi doing his damnedest to act as mentor and master to the young padawan, Anakin Skywalker.   Sent on a peacekeeping mission that — of course — goes wrong, this dynamic Jedi duo find themselves on an alien world. But this issue #1 is more so told through flashbacks, breaking down the essence of these two characters and their relationships with each other–including some foreshadowing of Anakins’s relationship with the future dark Emperor. Charles Soule‘s (Daredevil) script is solid and nails the personalities of these two Jedi, while the art by Marco Checchetto (The Punisher) is a vibrant and clean fit for the Star Wars universe. Although not a whole lot happens outside of mere set-up in this ish, what is here is more than promising. 4/5 Green Lightsaber Blades.

"Bishop" Richard Zom @eyebzombie — “Bishop” Richard Zom
@eyebzombie

Talk about a legion hall of geeks, right up the alley to your beloved Ringside Apostles. The comic, Ringside, is the tell all of what can happen in the business of indy wrestling. We’re talking the days of Monday Night Wars between the (then WWF) World Wrestling Entertainment vs. “dubya see dubya” (a.k.a. World Championship Wrestling). I mean… backstage politics, Vince Russo-like writers, card-subject-to-change type politics. In both issues of Image’s Ringside #1 and #2, wrasslin’/comic fans will get the whole scoop of crooked deals, personalities and egos that can kill or drive those in the wrestling game. The wrestling is easy; it’s learning how to claim your stakes in the business before they can curtain call your ass out that is hard. Writer Joe Keatinge (Tech Jacket) did the homework, as we see how old receipts can still be on a waiting list to pay someone back.

Ringside01_Cover_263_404 — **RINGSIDE #1** – Image

Ringside_02-1_1 — **RINGSIDE #2** – Image

“The real world is not a work; sometimes Kayfabe can get you hung up” is what I have to say from the action in this bad boy, as you’re bound to feel like you’re in the locker room, or clocking in those strenuous highway miles from venue to venue for near-to-nothing pay or respect. Acclaimed artist Nick Barber draws this series like a rookie paying dues with the right amount on grit, pain, and sharpness that shows glossy pages are for Nancies. Colorist Simon Gough (Cobra, Snake Eyes) hits you hard with simple, very dry tones and shades–all adding to a degree of depth. And Letterer Ariana Maher has a steady handle for such crisp placement; her work comes off like a fresh cup of coffee or a stiff Clothesline to the face. Either way, it’s noticed and appreciated. See you at the next match. 4/5 Championship Titles.

ROCKET RACCOON & GROOT #1 - Marvel — **ROCKET RACCOON & GROOT #1** – Marvel

"Heirophant" Luke @LUKEPOISONER — “Heirophant” Luke
@LUKEPOISONER

Skottie Young, following the critical and breakout success of his 2014 Rocket Racoon series, makes a welcome return to writing the characters of… Mouse and Shrub? Yes, although this comic claims to be set a full 8-months after the madness of Secret Wars, there’s still plenty of weirdness afoot in the new Rocket Raccoon and Groot first issue; with Rocket and Groot presumed dead, and a fine pair of Rocket and Groot imitators gallivanting around the galaxy seemingly in their stead. But all is not as it seems… which is good, because it seems pretty strange so far.

This comic plays its cards close to its chest, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to recommend about it: how about the wildly chaotic and energetically cartoon-y artwork of Filipe Andrade (Captain America, Figment); or the crackling dialogue and narrative insanity of the aforementioned Young; and even an hilarious cameo from the new Guardian of the Galaxy team? It’s a lot of fun, and I can’t help but be reminded a little of the late 80’s-early 90’s work Keith Giffen did on Lobo and L.E.G.I.O.N., which adds a neat element to Marvel’s far-flung space continuity. For fans of GotG (obviously), but I’d also recommend this to anyone who enjoys the more wacky and Looney Tunes-esque books out there like Cable and Deadpool or Harley Quinn. So… that’s basically everyone, I guess. 4/5 Burning Bushes.

December 26, 2015December 26, 2015

BEST MARVEL/DC COMICS of 2015 [Clergywide Top 5]: The Not-So-Secret ‘Star’ Wars.

Let’s face it: Comic books are the reason we do this sort of thing. Had it not been for the many astonishing new adaptations and franchises to hit both TV and Film in the past few years, who knows who would care about any sort of “Geek” list anyway?

Of course, everyone oversees and undermines the artform, the raw technique of structuring stories to fit 22-pages and having others sketch it all up, ink it, color it and add the jazzy lettering to tidy ’em all up. But GHG doesn’t. We offer a pair of dynamic comic book features every week — Fistful of Comics and The Sunday Stash — and this year-end wrap-up is our culmination of all of that.

So, who had better comics between the Big 2? Who faired better during their (yet another) relaunch? Star Wars vs. Secret Wars? Find out below, and feel free to click on the respective bible scores to read our full reviews.

Ryan "Salvation" Scott @radio_adventure — Ryan “Salvation” Scott
@radio_adventure

1. Darth Vader (Marvel) – “This title translates well from the screen to the page; extending effortlessly like the Dark Lord’s red saber, hell bent on subduing you into worship.” – 5/5
2. Star Wars (Marvel) – 4.5/5
3. Deadpool (Marvel) – 4/5
4. Guardians of the Galaxy (Marvel) – “The GOTG are back for their first post-not-quite-post-Secret Wars romp and fortunately for readers, Brian Michael Bendis is back.” – 4/5
5. Doctor Strange (Marvel) – “If there was one character in the Marvel Universe that deserved an ongoing series, it was Doctor Strange.” – 3.75/5

Honorable mention: Venom Spaceknight, Convergence: Nightwing & Oracle, Groot, Superman: American Alien.

"Sister" Sarah Obloy @DarthHistory — “Sister” Sarah Obloy
@DarthHistory

1. Mrs. Deadpool and the Howling Commandos (Marvel) – 4.75/5
2. Harley Quinn (DC) – “[Harley’s] Road Trip has all of the hallmark elements of the series: wacky adventures, tons of wisecracking, and a hallucination or two just for fun.” – 4.5/5
3. Deadpool’s Secret Secret Wars (Marvel) – 4.5/5
4. X-Men 92 (Marvel) – 4/5
5. Star Wars (Marvel) – 4/5

Honorable mention: Darth Vader, Lando, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Kanan: The Last Padawan, Journey To Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Shattered Empire.

1. Detective Comics (DC) – 4.5/5
2. Action Comics (DC) – 4.25/5
3. The Dark Knight III: The Master Race (DC) – 4.25/5
4. Howard the Duck (Marvel) – 4/5
5. Ms. Marvel (Marvel) – 4/5

Honorable mention: M.O.D.O.K. Assassin, Amazing Spider-Man, Spider-Gwen, Convergence: Action Comics, Secret Wars 2099, Secret Wars.

"Martyr" Doice John @HostDoiceJohn — “Martyr” Doice John
@HostDoiceJohn

1. Secret Wars (Marvel) – “While Esad Ribic does a masterful job giving the characters depth and realism, Jonathan Hickman’s execution is just as lovely.” – 4.5/5

2. Secret Wars: X-Tinction Agenda (Marvel) – 4.25/5

3. Fury: 50th Anniversary of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Marvel) – “Lee Ferguson’s art made the characters feel realistic in their depictions– true to what I would imagine them to look like.” – 4/5

Honorable mention: Injustice: Year 4.

Kevin "Pastor" Palma @eggrollko — Kevin “Pastor” Palma
@eggrollko

1. Secret Wars (Marvel) – “For fans of Dr. Doom, this story is up there with Triumph & Torment and Fantastic Four: Unthinkable in the pantheon of greatest Doom stories of all time.” – 5/5
2. Guardians of Infinity (Marvel) – 4.5/5
3. Prez (DC) – 4.5/5
4. Action Comics (DC) – 4.5/5
5. Captain Britain and the Mighty Defenders – 4.5/5

Honorable mention: Convergence: Shazam, Daredevil, Spider-Gwen (Vol. 1), Batman, Gotham Academy.

"The Dutchess" Taffeta @TaffetaDarlin — “The Dutchess” Taffeta
@TaffetaDarlin

1. Howard the Duck (Marvel) – “Chip Zdarsky is, as expected, perfectly suitable for this title. He captures and delivers Howard’s trademark sarcasm and snark which left me cracking up at every swipe of the page.” – 4.5/5
2. Thors (Marvel) – 4.5/5
3. Convergence: Booster Gold (DC) – “As president of the Booster Gold fan club, I was all too happy to get another Booster shot.” – 4.5/5
4. Doctor Strange (Marvel) – 4.5/5
5. Star-Lord & Kitty Pryde (Marvel) – 4.25/5

Honorable mention: A-Force, All-New Hawkeye, DC Bombshells, Squirrel Girl, Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur, We Are Robin.

1. Old Man Logan (Marvel) – 4.5/5
2. Prez (DC) – 4.25/5
3. Secret Wars (Marvel) “Esad Ribic handles this massive event and huge cast with conceptional aspects and facial delivery that should place him on the top of Marvel’s roster.” – 4/5
4. Darth Vader (Marvel) – 3.75/5
5. Batman (DC) – “[Greg Capullo] always had the ability to make action scenes flow like effortless dance choreography; but never has there been more proof than — somehow — making a ‘bat-bunny’ work in action.” – 3.75/5

Honorable mention: Extraordinary X-Men, Chewbacca, Deathstroke, Age of Apocalypse, Silk, Thors, S.H.I.E.L.D.

"Cardinal" Gary Brooks — “Cardinal” Gary Brooks

1. Secret Wars (Marvel) – 4.75/5
2. Star Wars (Marvel) – 4.5/5
3. Secret Wars: Civil War (Marvel) – 4.25/5
4. Batman (DC) – 4.25/5
5. Old Man Logan (Marvel) – 4/5

Honorable mention: Extraordinary X-Men, Batman/Superman, Deathstroke, Karnak.

"Brother" Matt McGrath @bendsteelnhands — “Brother” Matt McGrath
@bendsteelnhands

1. The Multiversity (DC) – “Everything about [Ultra Comics #1] bows down to Morrison, that prick, and his ideas.” – 5/5

2. All-New Hawkeye (Marvel) – “Many books have the words driving the story. Here, the balance is skewed to the art. The book should be read on that basis alone. – 4.5/5

3. Action Comics (DC) – “This isn’t John Byrne’s deputized Superman of 1986; he’s a man on the run; identity exposed; powers diminished; and, he’s still doing the right thing–charging into danger without a thought of himself, but while thinking about everyone else.” – 4.5/5

1. Deathlok (Marvel) – 5/5
2. Justice League (DC) – “The Darkseid War just ups [Geoff Johns’] already impeccable resume.” – 4.5/5
3. The Flash (DC) – 4/5
4. Cyborg (DC) – 3.5/5
5. Nova (Marvel) – 3/5

Honorable mention: Green Lantern Corps.

"Reverend" Ryan Ford @nayrdrof — “Reverend” Ryan Ford @nayrdrof

1. Extraordinary X-Men (Marvel) – “In any case, thematic layers of family, alienation, political instability and nostalgia, blend together brilliantly to make this the perfect wheel gun for a story of epic proportions.” – 4.25/5

2. Weirdworld (Marvel) – “Aside from the sheer beauty of [Mike del Mundo’s] artwork, the stylization fits together flawlessly with the story like a puzzle piece coated in WD-40.” – 4.25/5

3. The Dark Tower – The Drawing of the Three: House of Cards (Marvel) – “Just a millimeter away from a bullseye.” – 4/5

1. Star Wars (Marvel) – 5/5
2. Darth Vader (Marvel) – “Salvador Larroca’s artwork has been just as nice as the story, considering the challenge of capturing the likeness of characters everyone knows and loves.” – 4.75/5
3. Extraordinary X-Men (Marvel) – 4.75/5
4. The Punisher (Marvel) – 4.5/5
5. Justice League (DC) – “In 20-years we’ll be putting this one up in the ‘Top 10 DC Comics Arcs of All Time’.” – 4/5

Honorable mention: Daredevil, Doctor Strange, Rocket Raccoon, Inhumans: Attilan Rising, Amazing Spider-Man.

"Dynast" Dana Keels @hatandwand — “Dynast” Dana Keels
@hatandwand

1. Star Wars (Marvel) – “From the nostalgic opening crawl, to the last page, this IS Star Wars.” – 4.5/5
2. The Dark Knight III: The Master Race (DC) – “Breath easy, classic [Frank] Miller is back. And he’s brought some friends with him, most notably, Brian Azzarello — whose voice provides a fresh take on Miller’s well-established world.” – 4.5/5
3.Convergence: The Adventures of Superman (DC) – “The legendary Marv Wolfman captures the character of Supergirl like the champion he is.” – 4.5/5
4. Captain America: White (Marvel) – 4/5
5. Grayson – 4/5

Honorable mention: Ms. Marvel, Convergence: Wonder Woman.

"Abbess" Jackie - @Jackie_Henley — “Abbess” Jackie –
@Jackie_Henley

1. Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps (Marvel) – “A double-fisted, power word punching combo, from writers Kelly Sue DeConnick and Kelly Thompson, galvanizes gauntlet girl greatness in this brilliant book of butt-kicking Betties!” – 5/5

2. Secret Wars (Marvel) – “The artwork from Ribic and Svorcina is the perfect aid to such a large story with so many character lines, and hones focus well on what otherwise would be too scattered to keep track in a lesser-quality comic.” – 4.5/5

3. Uncanny Avengers (Marvel) – “Remender’s story initially gorges on a mouthful of flesh; but passes enough meat along the tongue and tonsils to cause the reader to savor the flavor, and ask for more.” – 4/5

1. Batman (DC) – “I’m still sweating my bed sheets at night.” – 5/5

2. Bat-Mite (DC) – “Absolutely adorable comic fun.” – 4.75/5

3. Magneto (Marvel) – “Cullen Bunn creates a world that is upside down: Cats and dogs are living together; Magneto is in the air, draining Earth’s energy to do what he needs to do, and then BAM!” – 4.5/5

Honorable mention: Wolverines.

1. Darth Vader (Marvel) – 4.75/5
2. Action Comics (DC) – 4.5/5
3. Secret Wars (Marvel) – 4.5/5
4. Invincible Iron Man (Marvel) – “Seeing how one of Marvel’s elite has served as a creative consultant on Iron Man 3, it was only a matter of time before Bendis stepped into the shell of Tony Stark.” – 4.25/5
5. Batman (DC) – 4/5

Honorable mention: Star Wars, Justice League, Weirdworld, Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire, Old Man Logan, Thor/Thors, Ms. Marvel, Deathstroke, Convergence: Batman & The Outsiders, M.O.D.O.K. Assassin.

GodHatesGeeks @GodHatesGeeks — GodHatesGeeks
@GodHatesGeeks

***GHG’s Marvel/DC Comics of the Year***

1. Secret Wars (THREE 1st place votes; TWO 2nd place votes; ONE 3-5’s).

2. Star Wars (TWO 1st place votes; TWO 2nd place votes; ONE 3-5’s).

3. Darth Vader (TWO 1st place votes; ONE 2nd place votes; ONE 3-5’s).

4. Action Comics (ZERO 1st place votes; TWO 2nd place votes; TWO 3-5’s).

5. Batman (ONE 1st place votes; ZERO 2nd place votes; THREE 3-5’s).

***GHG’s Honorable mention***

–Extraordinary X-Men, Howard the Duck, Old Man Logan, The Dark Knight III: The Master Race, Prez, Justice League, Doctor Strange, Ms. Marvel.

Stay tuned for our Best Indy Comics of 2015 feature, for a listing of Image/Dark Horse/IDW/Dynamite/BOOM!/Valiant/Oni Press/etc. comics!!!