Shane Kildea Comic Reviews

I've been a huge Animal Man fan since I first read the collected editions of Grant Morrison's seminal run and I'm really happy with the direction the book has taken. I hope this quality continues as it has here. Furthermore, if 'Rotworld' as a storyline continues to impress it may rival 'Death of the family' over in the bat-books as best crossover of the year.

Pete Woods, whom I haven't seen a lot of over the last few years does a more than competent job. His style bore enough resemblance to Reis so that it wasn't a glaring transition but it was in his own style so he can't be accused of aping the previous artist. I found many pages quite striking and especially loved the scenes between Aquaman and his brother.

I'm really looking forward to the future of this title because of Jonathan Hickman's history of huge overarching plot lines and with the last page cliffhanger here revealing that the 'attack' on the Shi'ar by that massive war armada earlier in the issue wasn't an attack but that they were actually fleeing from something much worse, I am really anticipating this title each month.

There is still a lot of mystique surrounding the story after this issue but that's fine, as I understand the creators don't want to show their whole hand straight away and want this to serve as a set-up. I was interested enough with what I got in the issue to want to continue and see where it leads. Hopefully next issue we get more meat where the story is concerned.

The first issue really serves as a nice set-up for the entire series and I'm intrigued at where it will go. My only gripe with the issue is that it felt like it read too quickly. This is to be expected though, as a lot of the story is told through the gorgeous art and Mignola can convey more in one panel than what a lot of comic book writers take three pages to get across. It's nice to have a book back on the stands where we can get regular Mike Mignola artwork as well as his writing. It's taken a while for him to get there, but if this first issue is any indication of what to expect of Hellboy's journey through the underworld then I'm happy to go along for the ride.

I'm excited to see further issues of the series and Mignola's plans. His vision of Hell is riveting and I can't wait to explore it more. It's refreshing to not be able to foretell where exactly events will take a comic so kudos to the creative team.

These events literally made me gasp. There is a lot at play here and we can't now even be sure what we've seen so far can be taken literally. The last few pages are monumental to the plot and I'm really excited where we could be headed but with Mike Mignola at the helm I'm sure it will be one hell of a ride.

The first arc has been at times, a slow build but it has been dotted with intense action, thickening plot threads and huge revelations to the mythos of Hellboy so I'm excited to see where the creative team takes it from here. This issue serves a nice little capper to the first arc but still leaves me wanting more. Bring on the next arc!

I was excited to read this book when it was announced and now after the first issue I can't wait to read more. The creative team has offered a quality introduction and the teases they have given make this one of my anticipated titles to come out. Being a big 'LOST' fan, it also helps that the book has a mysterious island! Pick this book up now.

Jupiter's Legacy is stellar! It is as triple A as a comic can get and you are truly missing out if you aren't reading it. Issue one was great but this is the start of the ride. The story is starting to unfold nicely and I'm eagerly awaiting each new issue now. BUY IT!

Three issues in and this one changes the entire landscape of its world. I've said it before and it couldn't be more true, right now but I have no idea where this series is gonna go and that is very exciting. I can see people years from now talking about this series like fans talk nowadays about Watchmen. If you aren't reading this title then you owe it to yourself to start.

New, original comics are always great when they hit the target, as you literally never know what can happen. There is no rulebook, no status quo and that's what makes a book like Lazarus so exciting. Coupled with one of the best creative teams in all of comics and this is a must read book.

Overall the book was an enjoyable fun read with an intriguing story, funny dialogue and great art so what more could you want from a comic? Buy it now!

Anybody who has taken umbrage with DC comics' watered down version of John Constantine should take note of Ten Grand. This is how supernatural noir in comics should be done. I really loved this first issue and I think if it continues on with the strength of this debut it will be another gem in Image Comic's vast array of jewels at the moment.

There isn't much more I can say about this issue or series except that you need to buy it now. If you aren't currently reading Ten Grand, you are truly missing out on one the best books on the shelves.

This series continues to be a shining example of the quality of talent and product at Image Comics at the moment and is one of my favorite books. The end scenes, in particular, serve as a great twist and should be very, very interesting going forward. Can't wait!

The issue mostly revolves around an ancient, supposedly powerful object being fought over by the titular character and a group of jetpack powered Nazi tough guys. It's a nice little set-up for what Francavilla wants to do in the next mini-series and its an intriguing glimpse at the Black Beetle, his world, his motivations for wanting the artifact and a look at the possible big bad behind everything. Based on the strength of this issue and the gorgeous art, I'll definitely be picking up the next Black Beetle adventure and if it upholds the quality set here, we are all in for a treat.

Black beetle is equal parts Batman, Indiana Jones and the Shadow with Francavilla's own fresh take on it and it is a joy to behold. It's evident that this is a dream project for the creator and that type of love and care going into each issue has me very excited. It has rocketed to the top of my most anticipated each month and I can't wait for the characters and story to be fleshed out more.

There's a lot to like about this book and while I had some nit picking I am still intrigued enough by mysteries introduced to read the rest of the mini-series. I hope Edmonson ascends to the level of his artistic collaborator and make this mini one to be talked about for years to come.

The creative team steered clear of using any of Thor's usual supporting cast that was such a heavy presence in the Thor book prior to this relaunch and I think it was a really wise decision. It will help the book regain its focus on the title character and allow the team to build the book the way they want from the ground up and make it accessible to readers old and new. I have never really followed the character in a solo series but I really enjoyed this debut and I'm going to continue to pick it up. Future issues from this team will hopefully retain this quality and we will get a defining run that the character and fans deserve.

What can I say about artist Esad Ribic? His art is breath taking. While reading, I found myself poring over the art and had to stop several times to take it all in. One scene in particular where Thor stands above an icy peak staring at the remains of a gargantuan fallen God is really something to behold. Not only can Ribic draw pages like this, but he has a great way of conveying emotion through characters faces during smaller scenes as well. The humorous and creepy scenes would not be as effective without Ribic's ability to show the fear and funny expressions on Thor's face. The artist is a true collaborator and its really making the book something special. Thor: God of thunder for me, is fast becoming a must read book and I look forward to where the creative takes us.

With another tantalising cliffhanger and the blurb for the next issue informing us we are getting an origin for Gorr, it doesn't look like the God butcher's bloodlust is going to be sated anytime soon. Lets hope the creative team can keep it fresh and not have the book meander too much.

Velvet for me is another Image hit but then again I was expecting that with this particular creative team. There has been a lack of good noir/spy books of late so there is definitely room for this one especially with it being as good as it is.