Lantern City #1

Lantern City #1

Publisher: Boom Studios/Archaia

Created by Trevor Crafts; Co-Creators Matthew Daley & Bruce Boxleitner

Written by Paul Jenkins and Mathew Daley

Illustrated by Carlos Magno

Colors by Chris Blythe

First things first, Lantern City is an absolutely gorgeous books. Truly, Carlos Magno’s art and Chris Blythe’s colors are near perfect. They bring to life the Steampunk, dystopia that is Lantern City.
It has to, because their work is what carries this title and is the biggest selling point for this series.
The story is where this book struggles.

Don’t get me wrong, the characters are good, the writing is good, but the oft-trodden dystopian story is formulaic and by-the-numbers. It even throws in the standard rebel gathering that is raiding and proves to be the turning point that convinces a character to do something.

The story of the lowers dregs of society fighting for equality with the higher ups is been there done that. Nothing in this first issue does anything to change that up.

It is a decent enough first issue, but something more need to happen from here on out.

FINAL THOUGHT: Lantern City #1 is not a bad book. But like so many others, it doesn’t rise above average, and that is a shame with the talent involved.

If you are an art first or art only comic book fan, than snatch this book up. If you prefer an all around product, then this might be a pass for you.

RATING: 6 (I am giving it an extra point for the tremendous art)

Invisible Republic #1, 2

*** SPECIAL NOTE: This was originally planned for Saturday 4/25, but is late due to me putting projects aside to take care of my mother with her injured foot. ***

Publisher: Image

Writers: Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko

Art: Gabriel Hardman

I didn’t review issue one for this blog, in fact I only read it the Tuesday evening before issue two hit the shelves, to see if I even wanted to pick up issue two Wednesday morning.

My brief thought on issue one? Two Words: REQUIRED READING. Rating 8.5. A near perfect first issue.

So, guess what? I picked up issue two that Wednesday morning, read it that Wednesday evening.

How does it compare two issue one? Two Words: REQUIRED READING. Rating 8.5. A near perfect second issue.

This is politically tinged science-fiction done right. Is there a lot of science involved?  No. In fact much of the science isn’t that advanced, which I love. Paper plays a major roles in these two issues! This is really more futuristic fiction.

A reporter, Croger Babb, is on the planet Avalon covering the fall of a Dictator named Arthur McBride. As Avalon wallows in chaos Babb discovers a journal written by an unknown McBride cousin, Maia Reveron, that revels dark secrets.

Croger Babb is our disgraced hero, seemingly looking for the story they may redeem him. Why he is disgraced is not revealed just yet. The broken world of Avalon, trying to pull itself together, seems the perfect fit for Babb. The Reveron journal seems to be the perfect story to fix Babb, but perhaps not the story Avalon wants told.

Invisible Republic is a stellar title through two issues. We are along for Babb’s journey to redeem himself, and through the journal may get a glimpse into the mind of a dictator.

Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko have created gold with Invisible Republic. This is the best new title of 2015.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Required Reading.

RATING: 8.5

Puppet Master #1, 2

Publisher: Action Lab!/Danger Zone
Writer: Shawn Gabborin
Artist: Michela Da Sacco

Somehow I missed the first issue of Puppet Master, don’t ask me how that flew under my radar.

For those who don’t know Puppet Master was a series of horror film from Charles Band and Full Moon Entertainment, the fact that it took so long to make the jump to comics is amazing.

It has made good on that jump though. These first two issues of Puppet Master are damn good. Not great, but good. Just like the films they are based on, good genre horror films.

If one is familiar with the Puppet Master films, then one will love this series. The greatest compliment it can be given is that it feels like a Puppet Master story, hell like one of the films themselves. It follows along the same structure Charles Band himself set out twenty plus years ago.

The writing is solid, with the best part being the character development. The artwork is excellent, bringing everything to life.

Action Lab! are the guys behind this title, and they have been putting out some great stuff. Another hit for these guys.

FINAL THOUGHT: Puppet Master fans Rejoice! Others, check it out and learn why you should fear puppets.

RATING: 6.5

Archie vs Predator #1

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Alex DeCampi
Artist: Fernando Ruiz

When I first read about Archie vs Predator I was excited. I am a fan of both. We have seen Archie in these situations before (Meets Punisher; Meets Kiss). Predator has never been in this type of crossover before that I know off, with a genre like Archie.

I was looking forward to it, then I read issue one. Massive let down.

This issue was just a typical Archie story with all the Archie players in motion. There are only hints of the Predator with panels seen through his special vision and only one image of Predator in the issue. If you didn’t know any better, you would think it was a regular issue of Archie.

It does make some sense, to have them presented as normal, but I think this issue should have been more. We know who all the players are, no need to introduce them to us.

That said it is nice to see Archie and gang presented as Archie and gang, and not alternate version of our beloved Riverdale bunch.

This is a four issue mini-series, so hopefully issue two will ramp things up. Let’s get the slow stuff out of the way, and get to the Predator next.

FINAL THOUGHT: Not bad, just underwhelming and didn’t reach as far as I thought it should.

RATING: 6

NAMELESS #'s 1, 2, 3

Nameless

#1, 2, 3

Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Chris Burnham


Nameless can best be summed up in one word, and no that word is not Nameless. But, it does start with an N.

NIGHTMARE

Nameless is like a nightmare one has when they are trapped in that startlingly place between consciousness and sleep. That place where one panics because you know you’re not asleep, yet you can’t move. In this state you question whether or not everything is real.

Nameless is not only the name of the series, but the main character. He is an occult expert who doesn’t use a name for good reason (research the occult to find out). Nameless is drafted into a space mission by Darius Transnational with the stated goal of diverting a large asteroid from hitting the earth.

The big question in this series is why would a mission to divert an asteroid need an occult expert? Well, that is what we are on a journey to find out by reading.

Reading Nameless will probably leave you confused and pissed, don’t worry the disorientation is normal for a story like this, especially with Grant Morrison writing. So far, Morrison has presented us with two stories, a mission to be completed, and a mystery to be solved. We know what the mission is (we believe), but what the mystery is, is still a mystery.

Morrison’s writing is damn solid, with the only drawback being the characterization. Most of the characters feel like stock characters, not a whole lot of depth. They are basically there to support Nameless. Nameless himself is not a fully rendered character, he is a little shady. Not just what he does is shady, but his personality is shady. There is still a lot to learn about his character.

Burnham’s art fits this story perfectly, as it feels dreamlike enough to fit into Morrison’s Nightmare.

FINAL THOUGHT: Morrison fans will be already sold. Everyone else, should check it out.

RATING: 7

Doctor Who New Adventures with the Ninth Doctor #1

Doctor Who

New Adventures with the Ninth Doctor #1

Publisher: Titan Comics
Writer: Cavan Scott
Art: Blair Shedd

The first issue of what is apparently a mini-series poises a big question. The same question the first act of many modern Doctor Who stories leaves us asking. Hell the same question entire episodes leaves us asking.

In this issue The Doctor’s plan to take Captain Jack and Rose to a world called Excroth go awry when Excroth is missing! Instead they find a HUGE ship that takes them hostage and they end up in the middle of a conflict between The Union and Lect. Making good on an escape, Rose gets left behind, tumbling through a vortex.

This has everything you expect from a Doctor story, thrills, spills, adventure, a mystery to be solved and lots of running! The writing is good and the artwork excellent.

The only real drawback I had with this issue is that I felt like I was reading a Doctor story, but not quite a Ninth Doctor story. His personality at times seemed more in line with the Tenth or Eleventh regeneration.

Oh, and one other thing, apparently a time vortex pops up at the end of the issue, which was never mentioned before the last page or two.

All in all this is a solid issue, but doesn’t quite rise above the ‘Above Average’ mark.

So, what is the question we are left asking?
What the HELL is going on!?

FINAL THOUGHTS: I love seeing the Ninth Doctor in action again, and hope for a solid mini-series. This issue is a solid start, just doesn’t rise up to be more.

RATING: 6

Satoshi Kon

If you don’t know who this late (October 12, 1963 - August 24, 2010) Manga and Anime Legend is, you should.

The works of Shatoshi Kon only came to my attention, through the influence of a good friend, just before he passed away. Though I have been a fan of one of his movies, Perfect Blue, for years.

His other film (and TV) credits include Tokyo Godfathers, Paprika, Millennium Actress and Paranoia Agent. Before he worked in Anime though, he made his mark in Manga.

That is what I want to briefly discuss here.

Opus and Seraphim Wings are two collections of his works released in the US by Dark Horse Comics/Books over the last few months. He wrote and drew Opus, and served as the artist on Seraphim Wings.

What an artist he was.

What he was not was a typical Manga artist with all the familiar trappings. Oh, he could draw the style more known to many fans, the wacked out hair, the slim, school girl like females with Betty Boop eyes, but surpassed that style.

His art was more realistic then typical Manga, automatically making it differently. It appeared to be American influenced, with perhaps European and French tastes.

Because of this his style lack the goofiness of many Manga. His characters were ground in realism and looked human, instead of out of this world. This gave his art more emotional depth, and made the characters more relatable.

He told fantastical stories with a decidedly non-fantastical art style. When reading a Satoshi Kon Magna, his style immerses you into the title, making one forget they are reading a comic, and adds to the suspension of disbelief.

Whereas typical Manga art never allows one to forget what they are reading.


Calling Satoshi Kon a Manga Artist, would be like calling Alex Raymond just a cartoonist, or Frazetta just a painter. It doesn’t do justice.

Kon wasn’t just a Manga artist. He just helped elevate Manga to an art form.

Ace Masters

SUICIDERS

Publisher: DC/Vertigo

Writer/Artist: Lee Bermejo

Colors: Matt Hollingsworth

Suiciders is the perfect book to show that you can’t always make a decision based on the first issue of a series. Even though we all do. There have been plenty of titles I have never read beyond the first issue, originally Suiciders was to be one of them.

In post-apocalyptic city of New Angeles, Los Angeles after the US cut it loose, a man called The Saint is the top fighter in a blood sport known as SUICIDERS.

This past week my comic book store pulled issue two for me because I had purchased issue one, even though I didn’t have it on my pull list. They are good like that. If they hadn’t, I would have passed.

I’m glad they did. I didn’t really care for the first issue, but I really like issue two. It revealed more of the story, give us deeper characterization, moved things along at a better place and added a new element or two. Over all issue two is far better than issue one.

I need to give Lee Bermejo great credit for writing and drawing Suiciders. His art is the best part of this title. I love it. Many post-apocalyptic books don’t work because the art is too clean and smooth. Here, Lee gives us a down, dirty, gritty and hard style that actually looks like LA after ‘The Big One.’ This world looks like one on edge.

Matt Hollingsworth colors are the perfect compliment.

If you haven’t picked up Suiciders 1 or 2, I say do it. You’ll enjoy it. 

FINALS THOUGHT: I am glad I did pick up this second issue. It is far better than the first issue and has me now wanting the next issue and to learn what the story really is. The fact that the second issue was better than the first, gives me great hope that each issue will improve.

RATNG: 6.5

RED ONE ISSUE 1

Publisher: Image

Writer: Xavier Dorison

Artist: Terry Dodson

The Red One is and odd book for me to review. I have to give it a good review because there is nothing bad about the title, despite a couple of flaws. However, I also have to honestly state that I didn’t like the book.

The story takes place in the late 1970’s. The KGB sends a female agent to the US to kill a serial killer being hailed as a Super-Hero, and for herself to become America’s Super-Hero. An extremely interesting premise, and one I like.

The writing on the book is solid, with very good characterization, sharp dialog, strong plot and well-paced. A lot happens in this first issues, but nothing feel rushed.

The art is top notch and definitely lives up to the standard Image has set for great Artists and art.

So, why didn’t I like it? It may be because the main character in an incredible hot female KGB agent, who also seems to be incredible naïve and unprepared for an assignment in the USA. Especially for a Cold War era agent.

Truthfully, other than a few ‘typical’ spots, I can’t quiet put my finger on why I didn’t like it. Perhaps a second re-read is in order in the near future. Perhaps before issue two hits the stands.

FINAL THOUGHT: Like I said, odd review. This is a good title, even though I didn’t like it. That happens sometimes, for some reason it didn’t work for me.

That said, I would recommended this title. 

RATING: 6.5

Blood Queen vs. Dracula #1

Publisher: Dynamite

Writer: Troy Brownfield

Illustrations: Kewber Baal

This is a really good first issue that put everything into motion that we need to know for this series. It also answers a few questions I had from the previous Blood Queen run.

Dracula is fresh off defeating an Ottoman horde when he learns of rumors of a Queen Elizabeth who is said to bathe in the blood of Maidens. Intrigued, he investigates, wanting to know who this Elizabeth is.

He first comes across Leona, a practitioner of blood magic. His drinks of her blood and is shocked to discover such power in her.

We end this first issue with Dracula confronting the Blood Queen while she is bathing in blood. Rumors confirmed.

When I first heard about this title I thought, considering the first Blood Queen, that this should be a natural fit. So far, it looks to be good in that direction.

Everything in this issue work, the art, the script, the pacing, the characterization – all are on bloody point.

Unless I really missed something in the first Blood Queen, this title answers some questions.

When does Blood Queen takes place? 1500’s

Where does Blood Queen take place? Middle Europe.

Both makes sense. Here’s the biggie.

Who exactly is Elizabeth the Blood Queen? Dracula himself says she should be a “Countess at best.” 

Countess . . . Elizabeth? Elizabeth Bathoroy?

I need to re-read Blood Queen and see if I missed something.

The most interesting part of this for me was seeing Dracula portrayed in the Vlad Tepes historical role of fighting the Ottoman Empire. Setting up another question: Is this Dracula a good or bad guy?

FINAL THOUGHT: Really good first issue. Do not miss this one.

RATING: 7

D4VE

PUBLISHER: IDW
Writer: Ryan Ferrier
Art: Valentin Ramon

The Lube Tunnel, yeah!

D4VE answers all the questions you’ve ever asked about robots:
Can they get drunk? YES
Can they hold down jobs? YES
How do they have children? ORDER them of course.
Can robots have a mid-life crisis? YES

D4VE takes place in the far-flung robotic future after D4VE and his brethren have ‘cleared’ the entire galaxy. First they wiped out humanity, then wiped out everyone else.

We meet D4VE while he is daydreaming at his job, instead of working. We follow him in this first issue as he spirals into a mid-life crisis, longing for the days when he was a defense-bot. Now he is married, with an ORDERED son and a charge-sucking office job, and he can’t even remember the oil.

D4VE is a beautifully drawn and written title that is a great take on humanity and getting old . . . aka mid-life crisis. It is a metaphor for, and a parody of, what it means to be human. It showcases how stagnation can set into an individual and a society as a whole, when there is nothing to achieve and there is little desire to do anything.

D4VE may get his wish, unbeknownst to him a group of Bug like aliens have landed.

Now, the most important question, do you want to hang out with D4VE? YES. It will be good for your soul.

FINAL THOUGHTS: There is no doubt, D4VE is required reading.

RATING: 8

MANDRAKE THE MAGICIAN #1

Publisher: King/Dynamite
Writer: Roger Langridge
Art/Colors: Jeremy Greece

This is the second title of the King/Dynamite books I have reviewed, the first being Flash Gordon. If either of this first issues are indicative of what all the mini-series will be like, then I have low hopes.

I hate to say this, but there was little to nothing that I liked about this debut issue. I didn’t care for the art style and the writing left a lot to be desired.

Whereas I though Flash came off like a cocky teen, Mandrake comes off as just an idiot. Plain and simple. There is nothing about this character and reminds me of Mandrake.

This feature review is short, but I have nothing more to say.

I would skip Mandrake.

RATING: 4

The Empty #1

### Note. Effective immediately, beginning with the below review, I will be spending the next week getting caught up on reviews for The Burning Mind. This may include multiple reviews per day. Once caught up, the normal schedule will resume, with articles as well. Ace. ###

Publisher: Image

Creator, Writer, Illustrator, Letterer and Colorist: Jimmie Robinson

I know nothing about Jimmie Robinson, but apparently the only thing he didn’t do on The Empty is print the damn thing – as far as I know.

I want to give Jimmie some great props for doing all the writing, art, letters and colors, any one of those is no easy task, all of them is just short of amazing.

The art to me is the best part of the empty. It is sleek, clean well-defined and near beautiful. The subtle difference between the people of ‘The World,’ and ‘The Empty’ are slight, but make each look unique and different.

My only issue with the art is that it is too clean in ‘The Empty,” I feel it should be dirty or at least grittier. Tanoor, the female hunter of her village, fits into an apocalyptic world, with scares across her body and bandages for clothing. Some of her village brethren look a little to clean though.

The script is not quite up to the level of the art. Though it is not bad.

Some of the dialog feels unnatural, and at times like it should be thoughts, not dialog.
The biggest issue with the script is the character of Lila, who appears in Tanoor’s land of The Empty, from her one of The World. Her appearance is the driving point of the plot of this issue. Which feels rushed and not quite fleshed out enough.

This title is a frustrating one for me. I find it neither good, nor bad. It is just there. For me, it just fell flat.

FINAL THOUGHT: I would call empty slightly above average. I can’t call it required reading, but by no means should anyone steer clear of the Empty.

RATING: 5.5

FEATURE REVIEW: (KING) FLASH GORDON #1

(KING) FLASH GORDON

#1

Publisher: King/Dynamite
Writers: Ben Acker and Ben Blacker
Illustrated by: Lee Ferguson

Flash Gordon has a near 100 year history, dating back to his comic strip roots. For me Alex Raymond’s vision is still the best.

This new series from King/Dynamite is separate from the regular Flash Gordon series from Dynamite. This one is designed to tie into the other King Series Dynamite is publishing (Jungle Jim, Mandrake, The Phantom and Prince Valiant).

Unfortunately, over the course of time, different versions and takes on Flash and crew have evolved, just as they do with other characters.

While there is nothing ultimately bad with this title, I do not like this take on Flash. This version of Flash reminds me too much of the cocky teenage version in a Flash Gordon animated series some year ago. He is overly cocky, egotistical and has no idea what he is doing.

Zarkoff, is eerily similar to Flash in personality, in fact he seem like an older version of our hero, rather than a distinct character.

Dale seems like an afterthought in this story.

In this first issue, Flash and crew take refuge on a moon that houses a resistance against Ming, only to accidently discover a traitor.

The story and writing is okay, if you can get past the characterization – which at times is painful.

Lee Ferguson’s art is the best part of this book.

In fact my favorite part of this first issue is Page 1, Panel 1, we see a dejected Ming, and his clothes don’t seem to fit him right. It is like they are just hanging there, like the ill-fitting costumes from the old film serial. Love It.

FINAL THOUGHT: For Die Hard fans and Flash Gordon collectors like me, this will be added to the collection, if nothing more than to keep it complete. For others, they may enjoy the adventure and more modern cocky characterization.

RATING: 5

NOTE: As this is a Mini, and does tie into the other King titles, I will cover future issues of Flash Gordon and the other King titles.

FEATURE REVIEW - RAT GOD

RAT GOD 

# 1 & 2

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer/Artist: Richard Corben

I am a big fan of Richard Corben. He is one of the few creators in comics that can truly be called a ‘Master of Horror.’ RAT GOD is his newest horror series from Dark Horse Comics.

I wish I could give you a brief idea of what RAT GOD is about, but I can’t. Truth is, I am not sure what it is about.

The first issue start outs with two Native Americans running from something. It then jumps to the early 20th century and we follow a young, rich American on an apparent journey to find a girl, Kito, and her home town of Lame Dog. After a brief encounter with Kinto’s brother, Clark is left to fend for his own in snow covered forest.

The second issue pushes forward, giving up glimpses into Clark’s recent past with Kinto and his relationship with her. After another brief encounter with Kito’s brother, Clayton finds himself in the mysterious town of Lame Dog. Everyone there is odd, warns him to leave and avoid the cemetery. Everyone in Lame Dog has weird rat like features.

Did I mention that Kito and her brother look like the Native Americans from the beginning?

These first two issues are confusing, odd and weird, in a wonderful way. Corben is laying out a great journey of discovery for Clark and the readers. One is never sure what is going on, but knows there is some driving force behind it.

Interesting enough Clark is an odd, gruff and unlikeable fellow. The readers might find themselves routing for what nasty end there could be waiting from him to actually happen!

In the hands of a lessor creator, RAT GOD could be dismissed as a muddled mess, but in the hands of a horror master it holds the potential to rise above such a mess.

That said, these are only the first two issues. They are confusing, yet entertaining. How the series will ultimately end up, will be determined over the next 3 issues.

I will cover the next 3 issues in Flash Reviews.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Die hard Corbin fans, so far this is can’t miss. For those not familiar with Corbin, it might be a tougher read.

RATING: Incomplete. I have not done this before, but I will review all 5 issues and give my final thoughts and reveal a rating once issue 5 is released.

The Purpose and Art of Inking

Over the course of the last decade I have meet a lot of aspiring inkers – few of which know anything about inking. Most just consider it tracing, with no idea of its history or its artistic value.

Indeed, many I have meet just consider it an ‘easy’ way to break into comics and make money.

WRONG! First it is more than just ‘tracing,’ and is definitely not ‘easy’ or an ‘easy’ way to make money. Inking, the ART of inking is a key and valuable ingredient to creating comics. If it wasn’t people couldn’t have made a career out of it.

I have tried my hand at inking, and have inked a few pieces for artist friends of mine. I haven’t done so in a few years, but plan on returning to it as part of my art studies this year.

Before we get to in depth, I want to discuss the historical rise of inking. Why did inking come about? What was its original purpose?

Have you ever photocopied or scanned a piece of pencil art? How did it come out? Did you have to adjust the darkness?

Have you every photocopied or scanned a piece of inked art? I bet it came out much better.

That was the original purpose of inking. Adding inks to any line art, allowed it to be printed with much more clarity. The original purpose of inking was to make art printable.

It had nothing to do with artistic value at that point. Though, even then it served as more than mere tracing, as inkers were often called upon to ‘fix’ mistakes in the art. Over the decades that followed inking has evolved into an art form all its own.

Indeed inking ads depth and substance to line art, which makes it printable. In fact, that is inking’s main purpose in modern comics, to add depth, substance and enhance the original pencil line art.

The same exact rules that govern the original line art, also guide the hand of the inker. Yes, the inker ads ink by following the lines of the pencil art, but that is only the beginning. If all one did was follow the lines and add ink that would create a flat piece. The inker’s job is far more valuable.

The inker must determine the weight of each line, how thick or thin it should be. He/She must understand what needs to be made prominent and what should stay in the background. Not every line can be the same thickness.

If every single line is the same thickness, then there is no depth and the image will be flat. Varying the weight of each line create substance, depth and ads to the perception of the piece.

The tricky part is understanding which lines need what weight, and how best to enhance the image.

It is a tricky skill, but one that can be mastered with time and experience.

Of course digital inking is a different beast, but the same rules apply. It is not simple inverting the scanned line art. One must still follow the guidelines, varying thickness, added substance and depth. Enhancing the original art.

A good inker can made good art better. A great inker can made bad art look good.

Ace Masters

FEATURE REVIEW: IVAR, TIMEWALKER

PUBLISHER: VALIANT
WRITER: FED VAN LENTE
ART: CLAYTON HENRY

I am a major Valiant fan from the old days, those old days being their first existence, even back to the WWF (not E) Battlemania books they produced before becoming the Valiant Universe people know. Ivar is the last of the original characters I have been waiting to make the jump to series.

For those who don’t know, in this universe as in the original, Ivar Anni-Padda is the eldest of the Anni-Padda brothers, the Eternal Warrior and Armstrong being the other two, and he has the ability to time travel, hence the name TimeWalker.

In this first issue of his new series we join the story as Ivar Anni-Padda shows up at the lab door of Dr. Neela Sethi, he claims he is there to save her, and prevent her from accidently inventing Time Travel, for the moment at least. However, who is he really looking to save? Is he trying to prevent her from creating something, or BECOMING something?

Fred Van Lente’s writing is good as usual, and Clayton Henry’s art hits the mark.
However, I have some mixed feeling about this issue. The story is solid, the pacing is near perfect and the characterization of Ivar and Neela is really good. Van Lente’s dialog is snappy as well. He does a good job of keeping the reader as confused as Neela is, leaving even a smart person wondering What The . . .

The reasons I have mixed feeling is some of it feels a little too standard and been there done that. For some reason Stan Lee’s The Traveler, from Boom! A few years ago, came to mind. Also, for some odd reason, this first issue and Ivar’s character reminded me a lot of Doctor Who. Especially the ‘running’ part. At times I felt like I was watching an episode of the good Doctor.

Another small issue I had was with Ivar’s personality. He does have one, and he seems well rounded. The problem is he comes off as the stereotypical ‘eccentric’ time traveler, another Doctor Who type feature. As it seems this is the goal, well done. It just seems like that makes Ivar ‘part of the crowd.’

The best thing about issue one is how we jumped right into the story and got going. No time is wasted on backstory, origins or explaining who Ivar is. Yes, as Ivar and Neela are escaping the pending threat, Ivar explains how he travels through time, but that is about it. Since Ivar is already an established character there is no need to waste time with what many readers will already know.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A good enough first issue that left me wanting it to be a little more. A ‘familiar’ feel holds back what promises to be a good first story arc.

RATING: 6

COMIC BOOK FAKERS

NOTE: Just a quick comment, this past week's review was done in conjunction with Drawn to Comics it was for Star Wars #1 and can be read here:  http://drawntocomics.com/star-wars-1-marvel-welcomes-home-old-friend/

Okay, this is one of my trademark rants. Something I just need to get off my chest. I know this will offend some people, but I just don’t care.

COMIC BOOK FAKERS

We’ve all meet them, the people who claim to love comic books, but have never actually read one. This has only grown ten-fold in the last decade with the plethora of comic book adaptations. It can be quiet annoying at times.

I once meet a man at a comic book stores many years ago who made the bold claim of being the “Biggest Superman fan in the world.” Yes, those were his exact words. Superman (’77) is/was his favorite film of all time. However, he had never read the comic books. Not one.

I recently had a date that quite disappointed me. She talked herself up as a comic book fan, quiet beautiful and nice personality. During the date it turned out she didn’t read comics, and doesn’t like them. She just likes the movies.

Here is my point, if you like the films, GREAT. Please, continue to like them. But do not confuse being a fan of comic book movies with being a fan of comic books. If you don’t read comic books, how are you a fan?

I’m not really saying this to offend anyone. It is just annoying to me. Especially when I run into people who contradict something I say because it didn’t happen in the movie that way.

Case in point, a complete stranger once interrupted lunch to ‘correct’ me, and tell me that it was Mary Jane who was thrown off the bridge, not Gwen Stacy. Obviously a fan of the movie, but never read the comics.

What’s worst is those people who jump on comics because they are the ‘cool’ in thing. True fans were reading long before comics became ‘in,’ and will continue to do so long after they are ‘out.’

Just my rant.

Ace Masters

FEATURE REVIEW - Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1952 #1, 2

PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
WRITER: John Arcudi & Mike Mignola
ARTIST: Alex Maleev

I have two admissions to make about Hellboy. First admission, I didn’t start reading Hellboy until after I watched the two live-action movies. Second admission, I am not a huge Hellboy fan, I actually prefer the B.P.R.D. stories and Abe Sapien. I still read Hellboy though.

Okay, confession time over.

I didn’t review issue one of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1952, so quick thoughts right now. The time is 1952, eight years after Hellboy was summoned by Rasputin. The Professor gathers his team for a mission in Brazil, and tells them Hellboy is going along.

One team member is particular seems very against it, but the Professor is adamant, even going against his own rules. Archie, Hellboy’s friend and leader of the team, informs Hellboy he is going.

This is a good first issue, well-paced and takes the time to introduce all the characters, plot, and subplots, in play without rushing the story.

Thus begins Hellboy’s first mission!

Issue #2

What a mission Hellboy is on, to solve a series of grizzle supernatural murders. After a priest is killed trying to act by himself, Hellboy is put in charge of taking care of a small boy. Take care of the boy, Hellboy does and this thrusts him into action when a demon comes looking for the child.

Hellboy jumps into action like a pro, handling the situation as good as one could for never being in the thick of action before. The timely arrival of his teammates saves Hellboy and drives the demon off.

We end with Hellboy giving chase and finding himself in a potentially explosive situation caused by one of his teammates.

How good is Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1952? Two words: DAMN GOOD. The first issue sets the stage and characters and the second issue dives right in expanding the plot, setting up possible multiple mysteries and dangers and roars into the action.

1952 hits every point head on. John Arcudi and Mike Mignola’s writing is very good with the strong point being the characters. The characters are natural and real, from personalities to speech they create actual people, not caricatures.

I am a fan of Alex Maleev, and his art style is a perfect fit for Hellboy. He knows how to tell a story with his art and help enhance it.

FINAL THOUGHTS: If you’re a Hellboy fan, this is a must read. If you’re a casual fan, pick it up and see Hellboy’s first mission.

For anyone else, just read it and see how good it is.

RATING: 7

FEATURE REVIEW - Star Trek - Planet of The Apes

Star Trek - Planet of The Apes

The Primate Directive

Publisher: BOOM! Studios – IDW
Writer: Scott Tipton and David Tipton
Artist: Rachael Stott

What a minute . . .???

This is real?

I love Star Trek. I love Planet of the Apes. I never thought I would ever see a Star Trek, Planet of the Apes Cross Over. I don’t know if I even considered one at any time.

But it works, thanks mostly to the built in mechanics of Star Trek. Star Trek, has a long history with alternate reality stories, so this works. If it didn’t, this would be a hard sell.

Let’s get to the art first, it is very tricky drawing a licensed title and having to make characters look like their actor counterpart, but Rachael Stott does a great job. The artwork on this books is awesome. It is well drawn, sleek, smooth and feels like Star Trek.

Not once did I feel that I wasn’t looking at Sulu, Uhura, Spock or Kirk. Or apes.

Every aspect of the art is dead on, from Stott’s line work, to the very nice inking and the vibrant colors, it captures the feel of the Classic ‘60’s Star Trek perfectly.

I’ve mentioned that twice now? That it feels like Star Trek. What about the Apes?

This first issue mostly deals with the Enterprise crew and how they find their way to the Planet of the Apes. The Apes we do see look great. I assume we will see more of them in the second issue, at which point we will see if the art also captures Planet of the Apes.

This issue does a very good job up setting up what is to come. That is the job of a first issue, after all.

After a brief glimpse of an Ape dealing with a shadowy figure, we cut to Uhura and Sulu in disguise as Klingons to secure information about Klingon plans. It is nice, and odd, to see Uhura and Sulu doing the job that the TV show would normally have Spock and Kirk doing.

The information they secure proves the Klingons are up to something and leads Kirks and crew to an alien technology far beyond the Federation or the Klingons.

Technology that allows the Klingons to travel, but to where is unknown until Kirks orders the Enterprise ‘into the rift.’

To Kirk’s shock, the Enterprise finds itself orbiting Earth.

To those who know their Star Trek, you will see familiar story elements, especially A Private Little War and Errand of Mercy, plus the return of an old foe.

This issue really kicks off this cross over in a good way. It leaves you wanting more, and looking forward to the next issue(s). It also poses some intriguing questions, such as who is behind the advance technology. Though, for Kirk, I’m sure a more pressing question will be, “Why are their damn dirty apes on my world?”

The art is great, the writing is very good and all the characters look, act and sound like they should. Something some Star Trek comics have failed to achieve.

This looks to be the start of a solid series that may pull off something near impossible. A GOOD sci-fi dream cross over.

Rating: 7.5

WHAT ARE COMICS?

Hello All. Welcome back.

Last week I planned on posting my first review of 2015, unfortunately, I had a technical issues between my laptop and tablet and that review somehow disappear into the ether. So, that review, Star Trek Planet of the Apes Primate Directive, will go up this Saturday, along with this week’s planned review either Saturday, or Sunday.
Today I am posting my first opinion piece of 2015. After the events of last year, it feels good to be doing this.

Today’s piece is

WHAT ARE COMICS?

That is a wildly opening ended question, isn’t it?

In the strictest sense, comic books are an infusion of multiple artistic disciplines and the written (typed) word to present a world of characters and exhibit their stories, either in traditional print or digital format.

Of course I am sure that you understand that is not what I mean here.

‘What Are Comics’ in the more personal meaning, is my goal. This particular definition of comic books changes for everyone. For this piece, I will explain what comics are to me.

WHAT ARE COMICS? I can cover that in one word, however silly it may seem: Everything.

I live, breath and eat comic books. Seriously. As much as I love film and consider myself a cinephile, comic books top them.

Now ‘everything’ is bit extreme admittedly, but it is close. What is one reason for my love of comic books? My father.

My father introduced me to comics when I was young: Specifically Magnus Robot Fight (which at that time were Reprints) and Spider-man. My father passed five years ago, but I still have many comics that he owned, and read titles he first bought me. It is something that still connects me with him.

Not just as a fan, but as a creator as well, there is one massive thing that comics are to me: The Ultimate Storytelling venue.

Anything can be done in comics. Absolutely anything. Whatever your imagination can conjure, comics can release.

Unlike TV and Film, which are limited by the artificial constraints leveled upon them by producers, distributors, theaters, time slots, etc., Comic Books have little of those constrains.

The ultimate constraint on comic books is the imagination and talent of the creators involved.

Another positive with comics is, if you want, you can produce and release them yourself, without the use of a major publisher. You can submit your title to Diamond Comics independently, publish through your own website and even on the convention circuit. And, of course, you can publish digitally.

If you go this route, your only other constraint is a budget.

Comic Books can, and have for a century, created worlds that are considered unfilmable by TV and Film standards.

Want proof? How about the current TMNT/Ghostbusters and Star Trek/Planet of the Apes crossover titles? When do you think you would ever see those ‘Coming to a theater near you?’

Comic books even surpass what can be done with novels, because of the infusion of Art and Words. The art can reveal what words only describe.

That is what comic book are to me, the Ultimate Creative Venue. I know that any type of story I want to read, can be found in comics. Any type of story I want to create, I can do so in comics.

I write this not with spite toward Film, TV and the Prose word, but with love for Comic Books. I am in fact a filmmaker and actor, writer of short stories and novels and comic book creator. However, my love for comic books surpass films, TV and novels.

Comic books still have the one thing that Films, TV and Novels have lost along the way: A Sense of Wonder.

Ace Masters.

Welcome Back!

Thanks for being here and welcome to the New Year.

First off, I hope everyone had a great holidays, Merry Christmas or whatever you celebrate or don’t celebrate.

Mine was great.

Well, Today is January 1, and as Promised back in December, The Burning Mind is back on, the holiday hiatus is over.

While this is the first post of the 2015, the Burning Mind’s official return will be marked by my first review of the year. I will have a review up of STAR TREK PLANET OF THE APES: THE PRIMATE DIRECTIVE #1 up sometime tonight, which was released yesterday.

Yes, there is an official Star Trek, Planet of the Apes Crossover! I LOVE COMIC BOOKS!

Speaking of posting reviews, I will get straight to the main subject here: Burning Mind’s Posting Schedule.

As it stands right now, my schedule is planned to be what it should have been last year, weekly reviews, random flash reviews and bi-weekly articles/opinion pieces.

REVIEWS
WEEKLY FEATURE REVIEWS
Weekly Feature Reviews are 500 word reviews that will be done once a week, on every Saturday. I will review one title from my pull list from that week’s Wednesday releases. My reviews will mostly focus on Indie Books. They will not always be positive.

Flash reviews are 125 word reviews that will be random review of titles I want to say something about, on no set schedule. I may do a couple of flash reviews a week, or none at all for weeks.

For more info on my reviews, please read this piece: http://skullablaze.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-word-on-reviews.html

ARTICLES/OPINION

The plan is to write bi-weekly pieces to be posted every Wednesday. These pieces will run the gambit of subjects concerning comic books, from the past to the present. Whatever I want to discuss honestly.

These pieces will start Next Wednesday, January 7.

There are associated Facebook (https://m.facebook.com/theburningmind?ref=bookmark) and Twitter (twitter.com/theburningmind) with this blog, please feel free to follow on both social media sites. Updates to this blog will be posted on both.

Information will be posted on both Facebook and Twitter, which may not be posted here.

In the past I have not covered NEWS on this blog because of the high amount of new sites on the web, this may change in the future, but I would prefer to keep this blog as my personal output. However, I have decided that I will share articles, news and links on both Facebook and Twitter. It may not be often, but news of some worth, I will share.

To a lesser degree I will also share updates on my personal comic projects.

I also have other plans for the Burning Mind I hope will comes to pass. I will mention those at a later date as I work on details.

I encourage feedback! Please leave comments and let me know what you think. The only thing I ask is to keep it civil, no personal attacks, no swearing without reason. If you like what I wrote, let me know. If you don’t, then let me know.

I want the dialog.

This year is going to be much different then 2014, for starters, I don’t plan on having an aneurysm.

Let’s talk some comics!

Ace Masters