Reece Morris-Jones Comic Reviews

All in all, I'm very impressed as to how the series is developing. Now that the worlds have been set up, it feels like theres a increased sense of confidence in the writing style. This was the first month since I started reading A1 that its been a close call as to which was the better story of the anthology. Overall, if you had to get just one, I would still say Carpe Diem because self contained chunks of madness are my personal preference. But in the long run? I think Odyssey and Weirding Willows have the potential to reward those readers that stick with their stories.

All in all, I think perhaps Americanreader would get more of a kick out of this. But even from where I'mstanding, there's not too much to recommend I'm afraid. Hopefullythis is just the opening issue and we'll be on firmer ground nextissue.

This is somewhat eased by the qualityof writing and the artwork so I'm willing to give it a pass. Butunless next issue perks up and gets a move on, I'm consigning this tothe 'wait till it's out as a trade' category.

All in all a great little issue, though I do mark it down a bit for the story probably not making much sense to anyone who had picked up just this issue. Those wanting to get into the series now would be best served by starting at issue 1.

In the end its not as if Cloaks is bad. It's just average. Those interested in its subject matter will love it and I can't say you shouldn't check it out. I'm just not sure if I would recommend it either. Let's hope later issues get better.

Overall, Cutter #1 is fun and slightly shlocky whilst still being scary. If you like horror films, in particular slashers, its a must read.

Throughout the issue its apparent that the writers are enjoying writing such an fun and silly concept, but they never let that enjoyment wash over into ruining the atmosphere they are trying to generate. It's still a creepy comic and one that keeps you on your toes up the the cliffhanger conclusion. Something big is going to happen next issue and I can't wait.

Cutter once again ends on a cliffhanger and I wonder if the story will be resolved by next issue. Still, its once again a fun issue and very enjoyable.

Still, I'll be getting the collected volume of this when its out, to see what it reads like as a whole. Those who want a contained and compact horror comic need look no further.

All of this though wouldn't work without the art of Valentin Ramon. Quite how I've never heard of him before I have no idea, because his artwork and colouring is incredible, effortlessly switching between the downfall of empires to the drab layouts of an office space. That a two man team can put out one of the best comics around at the moment is mind boggling and means that D4VE #1 is the top of my list of best comics of the past year.

Continuing the trend established in the prior issue, D4VE'S mix of humour, tragedy and dream sequences underpin a looming threat on the horizon.

In other words, just buy D4VE already. You won't regret it.

In the end, I can't give this issue any higher praise- I loved every second of it. Its a story that doesn't condescend and manages to squeeze in an introductory companion story, an alien chase and still have space left over for proper characterisation and fun. All whilst having great pacing, sharp writing and a respect for its characters and the reader.

Once again Simon Fraser's art, though perhaps not the most detailed, is still perfectly suited to the tales of the 11th Doctor. Some of his layouts really pop and the two page spread in the middle of the comic brought tears to my eyes. Gary Caldwell is the real mastermind though, enhancing it all by bringing a bright garish look to everything but the issues monster, a subtle effect that emphasises what happens when commerce is put ahead of humanity.

So though its not quite at the level of the first two comics, its still a rollicking ride. Its a silly detour that allows us to slowly begin to piece together the Doctor's motivations and just how powerful SERVEYOUInc are. All the while featuring the best companion of the past few years, David Bowie and the return of Bessie.

All in all, it's a great issue. It's not perfect, but it's pretty close. It's just so nice to see two great Doctor Who titles on the shelves. Let's hope next month sustains such a strong start.

Count me impressed. If the series carries on like this, not only will it be threatening to knock my fav comic (the Eleventh Doctor series) off the top spot, but it will competing with the TV show itself. My feeling is that the comic may be the eventual winner.

Overall, the issue was pleasant enough whilst reading it and I certainly look forward to reading next month's issue and then looking back on the completed storyline as a whole. But if it's your first time picking up the series, I would go back and start from issue #1 instead. It was much stronger.

It's an improvement on last issue by quite a way and it does end on a nice cliffhanger. I hope I've just been too quick to judge and the concluding issue of the story will have me seeing the error of my ways. I'm really hoping so. I really am.

If you grew up in the 80s, or just want to see what comics were like back then, Sirens is a great way visit the period again. Its snappy, quick and very confident of itself.

Still, it's certainly an enjoyable enough romp through a few time periods, even if it's probably not one that will hold up to long term introspection. If you're waiting for the new series of Doctor Who to start and want something that has the essence of that, whilst having a recognisable American tinge, check it out. Those who don't know their Doctor Who from their Doctor Phil, well do you like tricksters and time travel japery? If you do, pick this up!

This issue - if nothing else " has inspired me to check out the original Aphrodite IX series created by the same team. If it has even half of the interesting concepts the opening half of this issue has, I'll be buying the whole series in quick succession. I'll certainly be around for Issue 2 of this series. I'm just hoping this series manages to keep it's own identity in amongst the smorgasbord of franchising possibilities.

If you have young children, buy this for them and I think you will have found your new bedtime story. For the rest of us, we will just have to do with being content to unleash our inner one.

Again, the only real complaint I could find to argue is that its pretty easy to figure out how the story will resolve itself and that perhaps as a stand alone issue it could stand to be a bit longer. But when it comes with such gorgeous artwork, I'll frankly take what I can get.

Overall, it was a quick read, even if it's one that doesn't make much concessions to new readers of the series. I gathered what was going on thanks to my knowledge of Shakespeare's work, even if Del Col and McCreery's words lack some of the spark of the Great Bard himself. In the same line as the writers, Belanger's art does a lot to give a theatrical feel to the proceedings. But overall I was left feeling the impression of being slightly non-plussed.

Overall though, I found it a very charming book that had me constantly on edge because of the main character. Expect a film adaptation to be in the works soon. Or at least, I hope so - the experience of watching the entire audience squirm would be worth it alone.

The mystery established and the artwork is enough to have me looking forward to next issue.

Overall though, if you like a mystery with satire about the film and animation industries thrown in, you'll probably enjoy this.

In the end its still an introductory issue. We're being introduced to everyone and getting a feel for the world they live in. But what a great world it is; dangerous, seedy, fascinating.

All in all, it's an issue driven moreby the frisson of the two characters clashing off one another thananything spectacular plot or art wise. It results in some very fundialogue, but be prepared for some disappointment over the everythingelse. Well, except the colouring. That really is wonderful.

So in the end, both aspects combine in the best way comics do; to create a whole that is far better than the sum of its parts. I'll be reading each issue of Wild's End as I'm interested to see if Abnett is playing with the readers expectations as to what we think is happening. But the real reason, in my heart of hearts, will be to view just one more panel drawn by I.N.J. Culbard.

So overall its a good issue in that I ended up caring about the character in the past. But would I want to read about the different person we meet at the end, who makes up the rest of the season? I'm not so sure.