There a few times that I've read a book and thought "Yes, this is what I was looking for." and even fewer when they were books that were an unknown quantity to me. But everything about this first issue is just right.

That's the thing with Amala's Blade. There are so many good books out there that are good for what they are. Books that you wouldn't want to see others attempt to ape. Amala's Blade, however, is a striking example of what more comics need to read like, what more comics need to look like, and what more comics need to be like. It effortlessly gets things right that entire companies try to justify their failures at. When they're not too busy planning thier next twenty part crossover, some people need to stop talking about what comics can't do and read Amala's Blade. Because it proves them wrong.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Amala's Blade is good comics. There are industry pros and entire publishers that need to have a good long look at what's between these covers. It's rare that you get a trio of writer, artist, and character that are so dynamic.

Sadly, this wraps up the mini and for the time being there don't seem to be any more Amala's coming. But I feel fortunate that this series has introduced me to two really top notch creators. Horton and Dialynas are names to look out for when you scan the racks of your comic shop. And maybe, somewhere down the line, we'll get to see issue 1 of...oh, I don't know...Amala's Shield solicited. We can hope, right?

Quantum and Woody #1 By Jeremy Whitley Jul 16, 2013 - 23:25

Overall, this book is Star Wars and not just in name. It feels more like the original trilogy than the more recent movies or the previous comics. It is something that appeals to me both as a Star Wars fan and as a fan of comic books.

So, as with many first issues, some amount of judgement needs to be reserved for the future. However, after needing to hang in there for some of the world building early on, I found that this book offers some real promise for the future issues. If the game is anywhere near as cool and stylish as the comic, you may find me on the servers of Spicy Horse soon!

In short, while it leaves as many questions as it does answers, Sledgehammer '44 #1 is a solid start to the two part series. Whether it be the dangling threads at the end of this story or the brilliant artwork, you'll definitely want to find your way back for issue 2.

Overall, it's not a homerun for me, but the team took a familiar concept and made it unique enough that I'll be back for another round. That is, after all, the point of a first issue, isn't it?