Doctor Who - The 8th Doctor

Publisher: Titan

Writer: George Mann

Artist: Emma Vieceli

Titan Comics is quickly becoming one of my favorite publishers, putting out not only good Doctor Who titles, but good titles period (Sally of the Wasteland, Death Sentence).

When I read about the Eighth Doctor series, I was happy I would get to see more tales of the Paul McGann Doctor.

The series is written by George Mann, with art by Emma Vieceli.

I found this series to be average at best, unfortunately. The best part of this five issue series is that each issue was a self-contained tale that was a piece of a larger whole. Even missing an issue, may not affect the overall enjoyment or understanding of the series.

However, while the script was solid, characters good and no major issues, I just didn’t feel the stories were that strong. They just seemed to fall flat. 

The series also followed one point of the ‘modern’ Doctor Who series that I don’t like. It makes the companion seem like the main character and the Doctor seem secondary.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the art for this series. It just seemed a little soft to me and too reliant on the inks. That said, the best thing about the art was that I felt it improved from issue 1 to issue 5.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Overall, an average title I felt didn’t quite deliver.

RATING: 5.5

Alabaster The Good, The Bad, The Bird

Issues 1 – 4 of 5
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Written by Caitlin R. Kiernan
Art: Daniel Warren Johnson

Yes, I know I am writing this review with one issue left to go in this five-issue series. So what?

I first came across our heroine, Dancy, in Alabaster Wolves. I liked it, but was unaware before reading it that Dancy had a history before that. I haven’t read any of the previous works yet, but one day I will.

I liked Wolves enough, and Dancy herself, that I decided to read The Good, The Bad, The Bird

The Good of course is Dancy and her girlfriend Maise.

The Bad are the twins sisters Carson and Hunter.

The Bird is, of course, Dancy blackbird companion. I can’t figure out if he is supposed to be a sage character, or just a smart mouth who acts like he is a sage character.

The first four issues are somewhat of a mixed bag, and that is neither good nor bad.

Issue one introduces the Twins and shows Dancy in her own Hell, since she is DEAD. It is really more of a metaphysical experiment than an actual story.

Issue Two is more of a character piece revolving around Maise, Dancy’s girlfriend, who is the one who killed Dancy, albeit by accident. Maise and Blackbird, spend this time dealing with Dancy’s death, from over a year ago, and trying to live.

Issue three is where an actual plot of the series comes into play, and issue four ramps it up. The Twins, using Dancy’s knife they acquired in issue one, cast a spell to bring Dancy back to life. It works.

Naked and wandering with her resurrected life, Dancy comes across the Bailiff, a mysterious figure from her past. He takes her where she needs to be, to Maise.

After a brief reconciliation with Maise, Dancy finds her life turn upside down as always. Maise has been kidnapped by the Twins. They resurrected Dancy because they need her to be what she is: A Monster Hunter.

As I found with Wolves, the characters and the ambiance are the true strong point, with story and plot being second. However that is misleading. Yes, the first two issue are not really strong on story or plot, but they don’t have to be, they draw you in, and slowly let you know what is going on. Issues three and four reveal the story and drive home the plot leading to what promises to be a rousing final issue.

The problem with a structure like this is that everything hinges on the final act. If issue five delivers, then this is borderline brilliant. If issue five doesn’t, then you have something that misses the mark.

Final Thoughts:

The structure, and characters are strong enough to draw you in and keep you there for the journey, but the final issue with determine just how good the journey is.

RATING: 6

ACTION LAB: DOG OF WONDER

ISSUE #1

PUBLISHER: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT

WRITERS: VITO DELSANTE, SCOTT FOGG

ART: ROSY HIGGINS, TED BRANDT

Over the last few years I have found that some of my favorite indie Titles (Dry Spell, The Final Plague, Southern Dog, Strays, Ghost Town) have been put out by Action Lab. In fact they also publish Charles Band’s Puppet Master and Trancers (Yeah!). Action Lab has produced such quality work, that I usually pick up the first issue of each title they release, just to check it out.

So, when I found out about Action Lab: Dog of Wonder, I had it put on my pull list.

The title is written by Vito Delsante and Scott Fogg with art by Rosy Higgins and Ted Brandt.
Simply put, this is a Wonderful title. Pitch Perfect in fact. I can help but stating this here:

ACTION LAB: DOG OF WONDER IS REQUIRED READING!
REQUIRED!!

Action Lab: Dog of Wonder is about a Labrador who comes to the help of others dogs in need. In this issue, he rescues a former bait dog from a country Animal Control Shelter who is scheduled to be put down because he is considered unadoptable.

The story is great, the right blend of action, humor and drama. Even though the artwork is not my favorite style and a little soft, it suits the story.

While it may appear this is a children’ comics, I would call it more all ages. At least this 41 year-old Ace Masters loved it.

The best part about the book is it touches on a few tough issues and still remains kid friendly.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
If you love comics, read. If you love and/or have dogs, read. If you have kids, read with them.

REQUIRED READING! REQUIRED!!

RATING: 8.5