Comix Zone

Skyward is a comic written by Joe Henderson with art by Lee Garbett and color by Antonio Fabela released late last year. In Skyward you follow a young adult Willa, whose who’s grown up in a world with less than half of what the gravity was on earth 20 years prior. While she may be adapted her farther Nathan Fowler hasn’t having seen the horror of countless people including his significant floating other to deaths, he’s become a shut-in. This is the core conflict between him and his daughter in the story. As he continues to resent the day the earth became a gravityless pit, his daughter not only embraces it but wants to expand further. The story's a good tale about the ability and lack thereof to move on and accept change for better or worse. Some in Skyward understand that somethings were better pre-gravity loss while learning to move on, others such as Willa never experienced anything else and doesn't understand how much things have changed. Then there are those who will never get past the event. It’s an interesting read, with a simple premise but with enough pace and action to keep me entertained.  The art here is solid I’m not a huge fan of the character designs but I do really enjoy the coloring and lighting, that illuminate these scenes. If you’re looking for something new too read, I’d recommend giving this a shot.

Written by Ales Kot with art by Andre Lima Araujo, is a cyberpunk adventure that follows three millennial hackers Elena, Nick, and Baldwin. They’re being followed and tapped into by a scientist working with the military who’s gone rogue and is creating his own project that will turn give the youth superpowers. It’s an interesting story following three friends in the same place in life but with three entirely different perspectives on where they are in life. Elena’s dealing her, mom battling with cancer her boyfriend Nick is still dealing with the loss of his brother and Baldwins wants to abolish the prison industrial complex. Ultimately, things move rather quickly in this first volume but the story only gets more interesting and exciting as it progresses. Art wise I’d say it’s a bit sketchy with the facial expressions panel to panel emphasizing each event. There’s a lot of interest to this book, from the generational divide, to healthily dealing the harsh realities of life to the sci-fi element of super-powers given to those who aren’t seeking to be superheroes. Generation Gone has a lot of layers to peel back and is worth the read if you’re into sci-fi stories.

True Believers: Venom Vs Spiderman #1 is a reissue of the 300th issue of The Amazing Spider-Man released in 1988  written by David Micheline with art by Todd McFarlane. The comic is the official introduction to Venom and Eddie Brock as a villain. I’d never read it so I when I saw it in the comic shop I figured why not dive into it. At this point, Peter’s out of Aunt May’s and with Mary J. and he’s also in the black suit after having disgarding the symbiote suit that darkens its host. Unfortunately it gets into Eddie Brock’s hands next, someone who’s already a shady character, who already has a vendetta against Peter and who’s bigger and stronger. Not mention he knows Spider-man’s secret identity and doesn’t trigger Spider-Man’s spidy-sense. All together it creates Spider-Man’s toughest and most unrelenting foe up until that point. Underneath all that though Peter’s out of job and is doing his best to keep his family happy and safe. So things are uneasy all around for young Parker. Artistically it’s very good, it has a detailed line heavy, sketchy look. The faces are expressive and the action is great. Interestingly enough back then Venom looks less intimadating than Eddie Brock does. Ultimately it’s a great read and one worth reading if you’re into the orgins of one of Spider-Man arch enemies this is one to check out.

Batman Knightfall is a series of Batman storylines/issues that ran from 93-94. I’m currently nearly halfway through Vol.1 of the Knightfall series and so far it’s been a compelling read. The story centers around Bane, someone who suffered great lengths as a child making him cold and heartless, working his body to its limits(and genetically enhancing himself), all in efforts to eventually destroy Bruce Wayne/Batman. Bane in this comic is intensely menacing and would be a hard match for Batman, with or without help but in this instance, Bane sets all of Arkham Asylum free seeking to wear down Batman before taking him out. So far it’s been it’s been interesting watching Batman slowly breaking down facing the rogue's gallery of enemies while things turn chaotic in Gotham. If you’re looking for a definitive Bane origin story and one where Batman’s will is truly tested I’d dive into this one for sure.

The eighth Volume(issues 43-48) of Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples Saga is as heart warming, engaging and as action packed so you've come to expect if you've been reading to this point. At this point in the story Alana's trying to get help, after becoming sick due to miscarrying her baby. Petrichor, and Prince Robot are left to keep enemies off their trail. While this is going on The Will's being held captive over the murder of Ianthe's (a diplomat) husband. Within this whirlwind of action, Hazel in her single digit ages begins to grow closer to Petrichor and identify with the fact that they’re both different than those around them. We find Alana and Marko wrangling with keeping Hazel's young life from being filled with misery. Meanwhile, Prince Robot’s son is coping with and learning to hunt and survive without his father as he's similarly deals with a tragic childhood. Nothing is ever still in this world, nothing is ever static, new characters, whether friends or enemies come into the fold, and they all in a way teach Hazel a lesson. Several narratives and chaos is spinning around this family but things never fall flat or go a stray. That aspect keeps you coming back for more panel after panel. The art is detailed and is  great as usual, always bringing out the emotions in the characters and bringing this imaginative world alive. So as usual I'll be waiting with anticipation for the next volume.

Rating: 9/10

Paper Girls is a graphic novel/comic authored by Brian Vaughan of Saga, illustrated by Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson, and Jared K. Fletcher. Paper Girls is a story about four 12-year-old paper girls of distinct personalities who stumble upon what will be the biggest story in human history and end up going on sci-fi adventure through time, facing enemies and even their future selves. Each issue is more an more gripping as the plot thickens. Papers Girls Vol.3 continues that pattern.

Where in Paper Girls Vol.2 we saw the girls reunite in a different time zone, in Vol. 3 we find out them in the past and are doing anything they can to find their way back home. Unfortunately, though they run into a roadblock having to do with a native whom they aren't able to communicate with until they give her a translator. The woman is ironically enough attempting to protect her baby from his brutish fathers. So the girls, do what they can to help protect her and her baby. Meanwhile another time traveler there on a mission from the future. She, unfortunately, gets off course do to natives anticipating her arrival. While these things are happening the group of four is split up mainly due to an encounter with a beast earlier. It's during this time in the story we see most character growth with KJ and Mac adventuring off. Mac is still dealing with the pain of seeing a near future where she's dead while KJ's gets her first period. On the other end, Erin and Tiffany are back with the child getting a young taste of motherhood, discussing whether they'd want to have kids or not. With all the wonder and oddness around them, Vaughn is sure to never lose sight of the fact that these are still very much preteen girls, who'll go through the standard pre-teen maturation process regardless of what time frame they're in. Whether they're interacting with someone in the future or past the common thread is humanity and often womanhood. That's very apparent and strong in this volume especially.

As has been the case with the past couple books the artwork, panel to panel, is excellent. Every detail and expression is sharp and the world created around them is enough to put you there. I often found myself sinking deeper into the story myself with each page turn. As significant is the story arch maybe it's also a testament to art that captures it in a way that doesn't jettison you out of the story. The drama, the ebbs and flows of girls just trying to figure things out is depicted nicely.

Paper Girls Vol.3 keeps the story progression with dramatic fashion and still leaves a lot of questions unanswered. I enjoyed this one in that it's both action orientated, but it's so grounded. It's almost taking the idea of being a late 80's latch-key kid to extremes, dragging these somewhat naive girls on an adventure where ultimately they're learning as much about themselves as they are about what's going on around them. Great read.

Rating: 9.0/10

Comic Uno’s Top 10 Comic Book Runs Of All Time

Volume 7 Of Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples Saga finds Hazel and her recently reformed family together traveling through space and eventually landing on Phang, a comet, Wraith, and Landfall have battled over for years. Expected to be a shortstop that they end up staying there half a year. Vol. 7 is another heart warming/wrenching read of a story that manages to contain different elements of life experience while at the same time being a tragic war of attrition.

I think the most fascinating thing about this Vol. and the previous couple is just watching Hazel grow and become ever so slightly aware of the chaos ensuing around her and ultimately because of her existence. She’s innocent but not too innocent, this issue sees her develop her first crush and lose him, mentally prepare to be a big sister only to lose that too. Not to mention her long-time babysitter is cut down as well. Hazel’s narration has always come from a place of pure weariness and tale’s like these pretty much explain that. A large reason for these issues are Marko and Alana’s becoming too comfortable with residence at Phang, which somewhat understandable to two are at this point, one would imagine are tired of running. If there’s any slight gripe, it’s that Gwendolen and The Will at one seemingly as a real threat to Alana and Marko’s family now seem to be somewhat meandering in comparison to past volumes.

As for art, the detail and color palette as quality as you’d expect at this point. Facial expressions panel to panel is great. The world created is vast and full different yet familiar getting introduced which makes it all the easier to get invested in and lost in the book.

This deep into this comic I’m still completely enthralled. Each page turn I find myself interested in seeing where things go. Saga’s a story of love and war and makes it more and clearer the two are almost never mutually exclusive. Loss is a part of both of those things win or lose. That to me is at the core of Vol.7.

Rating: 8.5/10

Spider-Man: Homecoming - Trailer 2

Steven Universe is my favorite show on TV right now and has been for the past few years now. While this is #1 of a new series of Steven Universe, it’s been in a comic for form in several short stints so it should be noted this is a continuation of an ongoing story. You’ll have to dig deeper to see what releases you should pick up preceding this. In any case, this is the first issue of Melanie Gilman and Katy Farina’s Steven Universe and as with most things dealing with Steven the comic’s a mix of youthful innocence and warm family connection.

This story centers around Lapis, Peridot, and Steven as they’re hanging out they hear the chirping of a baby bird that had falling out of a tree. Lapis and Peridot being alien to wild animals on earth suggest Steven call a wildlife rehabilitation to take care of it but seeing as how to common baby bird isn’t endangered they won’t care for it. This, of course, leaves Steven to care for it and even Lapis and Peridot (humorously Peri is hoping it grows into a powerful War Eagle) begin to care for it. As per usual with stories like these, they become attached to it (mostly Steven) and end up giving up to the real mother of the baby chick. It’s a cute story that shows teamwork the loving nature Steven has. As for art, it was very clean and very akin to the show which is pretty much what you want. That was one of my gripes with Regular Show’s comics which was that at times the art was really inconsistent. Not the case here.

I like this comic, and actually, if you’ve been watching the show, it’s a great place to start. I’m definitely going to continue reading it and keep up with the series.

Rating: 7.5/10

Writer Sam Sykes and illustrators Selina Espiritu and Sarah Stern come together for Brave Chef Brianna. The comic centers around Brianna Jakobsson a cheerful yet self-conscious young Chef taking a challenge set by her ailing father to run the most successful restaurant out of his fifteen kids. Sounds simple yet here’s the catch, she can only afford to set up shop in Monster City, a place where human food isn’t even allowed. In issue #1 monsters come in and they see human food how we see food from other countries as intriguing and exotic. Brianna being unfamiliar with what monsters eat tries to whip up something to their liking but quickly realizes they actually came for people food.  It’s a cute story with even cuter art. It definitely gives me adventure time vibes so if you’re into that, I’d give this a read.

Rating: 7.5/10

The Legend Of Wonder Woman Vol.1 is a comic book series written by Renae De Liz and illustrated by Ray Dillon. This Wonder Woman tale is one built to add depth and layers to Wonder Woman’s origin story while also just telling a great story of a young girl coming of age. I went into having read an issue previously and being instantly jolted with curiosity. I’d never been all to huge into the character, but the art and story really intrigued me. Diving into this book, I found myself completely engrossed in its story and ended up thoroughly impressed.

This book dives deep into Diana’s background as the princess and heir to a lineage of Amazons. As it goes from her child/young adult years in Themyscira rebelling against her mom, learning to fight(due to and evil presence in her land) despite Queen Hippolyta’s wishes for her to become a queen and gain immortality to getting sent to earth, and becoming wonder woman in the process. Renae does an excellent job of explaining Diana's character in a way that makes her relatable. She’s Insecure, strong willed, fiery, heroic these traits are all established before she ever dons her suit. I loved how the Amazons of Themyscira believed the Earth to be a place of pure evil and not too long after Diana gets there she's confronted by people who are the exact opposite of that. Whether it'd be her friend Etta Candy or possible love interest, Steve Trevor.  She's truly Alien to the Earth but is forced to adjust, and not only adjust but open up and care about the well being good hearted people.  It's a book about tradition, love, and bravery and it's core it's about Diana finding her truth and passion.

From the coloring, the facial expression, character design, etc. This is one of the more aesthetically pleasing comics you'll run across. Ray Dillan really outdoes himself here. Stary nights looking mystic, powder blue days are crisp, and the dusk/sunsets are great. It's so easy to get into the story, I found myself equally anticipating the next setting as I was what was going to happen next which is exactly what the medium is supposed to do, feel wonderous.

This is probably where I’d suggest any comer to the world of Wonder Woman start. As someone who’s just getting into the character, I found myself intrigued with the character in a way that I’d never been before both due to exceptional storytelling and beautiful artwork. So if you’re into Wonder Woman or are even slightly curious, I’d recommend this comic. 

Rating: 9.5/10

Six volumes in and Brian Vaughn and Fiona Staples Saga has yet to let me down on any fronts from the story to the visuals it’s all just invigorating work. Saga six picks up with a Kindergarten-aged Hazel and her parents Marko and Alana still searching for her and her grandma Klara as they remain incarcerated on planet Landfall.

Volume 6 is the most Hazel focused volume thus far, and it’s most interesting to see her narrate her early life and self-awareness. Things seem to come to ahead as characters around her (most notably her teacher ) begin to find out her she’s a half Wreath and half Landfall. Young Hazel is as curious any child but due to the violence and other vile things she’s experienced as a young toddler she’s a bit mature for her years. While this is happening Marco and Alana, talk Prince Robot IV to help find their daughter having dealt similarly with losing and searching for his son. The now psychological ill  Will is still after them as are the journalist who want in on this story.

All the moving parts in the story have a unique depth of character and tons of baggage to unwrap, yet and still Hazel is the Sun in this solar system. Everything revolves around her and her existence. Even though she’s just the child her character’s the most interesting considering there’s more mystery to her. Particular with her narrative voice seemingly coming from much further in the future than the events being told. The ending to this one is great as it finds most of the family regrouping with a nice monkey wrench thrown in as well which should be interesting to unpack in the next Volume.

I really can’t recommend Saga enough, if you haven’t picked it up and you’re into sci-fi/fantasy, it’s a must read.

Rating: 9.0/10