Poizon Demon Hunter #1 EH & London Night Comics

Title: Poizon Demon Hunter #1

Publisher: EH & London Night

Comics published for the mature reader with the hint of flesh and sex.  18 pages of comic and about 10 pages of adds.

In all honesty I expected a bit more as the first couple of pages are interesting then jumps to a college group camping and the only raunchy part of the comic is the cover.  The artwork is not my cup of tea, I generally love the black & white of manga, but this seems too heavy and drawn childlike.  Thick lines, very little subtlety and reminds me of Viz.

Sorry to say not a comic I will pursue for myself, but the subject matter does suggest there could be vast improvement in the story.

Maybe London Night need to concentrate on their stories and not trying to suggest that it is filled with adult content.  The ideas are there and I hate being negative, but c’mon work on your stories or you end up like the games market all graphics and no gameplay.

You can buy Poizon Demon Hunter #1 from Boarder Comics

Check out from Amazon Everette Hartsoe Razor Angel in Black TPB

Full Metal Fiction #1 London Night

Title:  FMF #1
Publisher: London Night Comics

A taster comic containing 4 characters released by London Night.

The first chapter is Razor, a crime fighter who shreds limbs off gangsters is Queen City.  A decent start and did make me want to find Razor comics to see what the story holds.

2nd chapter is Arvonia, to be honest the art work was so scratchy and hard to follow I gave up, colour would defiantly help this shapeshifter story.

3rd chapter was Killing Machine, same as Arvonia bad artwork drawn almost childlike couldn’t even get into the story.

Last Chapter was Sade, read the lot, but the story never really took off in this edition, but interesting enough too look at more.

The artwork on all 4 stories reminded me of 2000ad, some is brilliant other artists I wouldn’t look at twice.  I hate scratchy overworked scenes that is why HOTD doesn’t work in Manga but the Anime is brilliant.

London Night are pushing the big boobs naked women covers, but if you are looking for sex and eroticism then there was none in this title. maybe they should have invested a bit more in some of the characters than worrying about fetish.  Still worth having a look at though.

Buy FMF #1 from the link

Check out Rivers of London TPB from Amazon

Golden Orbit Comic, Sci Fi & Card Fair

Leeds Golden Orbit Comic Fair

3rd December

Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AD

If in the Leeds area then check this fair out, they have between 10 to 20 comic dealers who sell a huge range of different comics from the cheap Indies to Golden Age DC etc.  

Have gone to the ones they have in Liverpool and Manchester, from what I understand the Leeds fair is about the size of Manchester.

Really cheap to go in and there are comic prices to suit all budgets.

This is truly a comic fair, so don't go in cosplay.

For further information check out their website, Golden Orbit.

The Coven #1 Awesome Comics

Title: The Coven #1
Publisher: Awesome Comics

The Coven a group of magical beings with a range of paranormal/supernatural powers.  A decent read, however it looks to start 3 stories in the 1, and 2 are just that a start, you don’t get to experience what any of the other 2 story parts are about at all.

A good start however for ‘the coven’ themselves, a quick bit of action and you establish the good guys from the bad ones.  Has a bit of an X-Men feel, but unlike those characters these ones are possessed priest, vampires and those touched by the hand of Cain.

A darker storyline, but one with much more interest and possibility than the superhero sagas, and enough hint at nudity to keep any teenager plus interested.  Characters like this can literally fight their inner demons, instead of moaning about them.  

Well worth checking out.

You can buy The Coven #1 from Boarder Comics Store

Or check out other Jack Kirby Work 

Cinder & Ashe #1 DC

Title: Cinder & Ashe #1
Publisher: DC

A gun for hire duo who solve problems in A -Team fashion.  However unlike Hannibal and co. this is a far more gritty tale of an ex Vietnam Vet from the French Quarter and Vietnamese street orphan.

A good read, doesn’t try to hide the dirt and desperation of the war and it’s consequences on ordinary people, but doesn’t lull into a full on tale of woe either.  After reading this I will be on the lookout for the other titles in the mini series.

I was surprised at the graphic nature of some of the events in a DC title, but well done to them for not trying to sugar coat this story, or try to turn it into a superhero tale (it may still do but don’t think so).

Written by Gerry Conway who has worked on loads of main stream comics, defiantly has become a writer I will look out for.

You can buy Cinder & Ashe #1 from my ebid store

or check out amazon for more Gerry Conway titles

Caliber First Cannon of Justice #1 Radical Comics

Title: Caliber First Cannon of Justice #1

Publisher: Radical Comics

One of the first publications from this house, they wanted to emulate the more adult story telling of European and British comics than the American counterparts.

This is the tale of a mystical weapon in the hands of a part French part Indian warrior on a shaman’s quest to find the wielder of the weapon that would bring law to the wild west.

Deals in part with the way settlers and the rail companies dealt with the tribes, also begins to deal with the immigrant railroaders but that story arch seemed to disappear in the first book.

A lot happens in this first chapter, a little too much I feel as you don’t really get time to get to grips with what’s going on.

Still though the story and art are quality and well worth checking out.

To buy Caliber First Cannon of Justice #1 click on the link to Boarder Comics

Have a look at Hercules: The Knives Of Kush from radical as well at Amazon

Predator Big Game #1 Dark Horse Comics

Title: Predator Big Game

Publisher: Dark Horse

Taking place at a secluded US military base the Predator begins his hunt for an native American soldier who senses him while he is cloaked.

A good start to the story and a decent read, a good introduction to the Predator universe and leaves some story for the next few books.

Dark Horse do this well and along with Manga the Sci Fi scene is strong with the publisher.  I have been a fan of Dark Horse for a long time and like that they stick to their guns with what they publish.

Well worth checking out if you are new to the genre, and seeing the film does not make a difference as the book shows what the Predator does, so background not needed.

You can buy Predator Big Game from Boarder Comics

Check out Dark Horse Aliens Omnibus Vol 1 from Amazon

Obergeist Ragnarok Highway #1 Image

Title: Obergeist Ragnarok Highway #1

Publisher: Image Minotaur

The first book from Minotaur under Image publishing.

Based upon the Nazi doctors of world war 2 and their experiments on the Jews during that period.  This story is about their hunt for the creation of super soldiers who can use ESP.  

Portrays the sickness and depravity that the regime did to people during that dark period, and it does it well without glorifying the gore or trying to put any funny twist that some comics try to lighten the book.  Pulls no punches and makes no apologies as the deeper question it poses is can a monster who sees the light redeem their soul.

Not for children, a definite for adults comic and a good read, but not a light one.

Buy Obergeist Ragnarok Highway from Boarder Comics

Or check out Dan Jolley’s work for Manga Warcraft Legends

The Premature Burial Dark Horse Comics

Title:  The Premature Burial

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Based on tales by Edgar Allen Poe, these have been issued into a few one shot comics, which tells 2 to 3 tales in each and re-written by Richard Corben for a modern audience.

This has the air of a Tales of the Crypt release even down to Meg the Hag who is like the creepy presenter.  

Having not read or heard the original tales from Poe, don’t know how close they are to the comics, but what I did feel after a really strong start where a man of the time poisons his fiancé so he can have sex with her, the tale almost felt rushed and the ending came about a little to quick, which I can’t see any author not exploiting the sense of terror and emotional distress the protagonist would have been under, sadly the comic goes for cheap gag and doesn’t work.

The second tale was weak and after a confusing confession we find the murderer after about 7/8 pages of story telling just decides no more explanation.

Personally I think both tales could have gone a full comic by themselves and leave out the comic character trying to be sinister funny.

As soon as I got this I wanted to read it, but felt a little let down.  However if you like Tales of terror, crypt etc. then I bet you will like this new vision on the 50’s horror comics.

To buy The Premature Burial from Boarder Comics

Get Creepy Present Richard Corben from Amazon

                                         

Wales Comic Con November 2016

Wales Comic Con

5-6 November 2016

Glyndwr University, Wrexham

The event is run twice yearly and from humble beginnings where they barely filled the sports hall to a now 2 day event taking place over the whole of Glyndwr campus.

I have gone to many of these and the wife and kids all love it (wife more than me I think).  Plenty of Cosplay, tons of guests and talks, and a growing list of collectable and gaming supplies for sale.  

Well worth a visit, most now go for both days, but check out who you want to see as not all guests stay for 2 days.

To see the lists of people who are there check out their Facebook page, you can also get ticket and time information there.

If this event keeps on growing at the rate it has, it may start to challenge (if not already) the shows at the NEC and Manchester.

The Spirit The New Adventures #8 Kitchen Sink Comix

The Spirit The New Adventures #8

Kitchen Sink Comix

A once dead detective brought back to life to solve paranormal crimes.  This is the case of the hanged woman.  A quick read, and a full case in 1 comic.  I would class this as a small time killer than anything too involved and you don’t really need to have all other 7 titles before it to enjoy the story.

The artwork is a bit to immature for the theme for my taste, as the story is about murder and deception yet the art is a bit to cartoon for the theme.  Some will like that, it may be done as a parody of the detective comics as the writer started with 1920’s cop speak, but to be honest that only lasts 1-2 pages, so can’t quite understand why start and not continue or why start it at all.  

The comic is not to be taken to serious as everything is designed around a bit of fun and is suitable for younger teens as there are hints of sex etc. but in the same way as carry on films do. 

To buy The Spirit The New Adventures you can get it from Boarder Comics on the link

Check out Will Eisner's The Spirit A Celebration Of 75 Years Hardcover from 365 games

Assassination Classroom #1 Shonen Jump Manga

Title: Assassination Classroom

Publisher: Shonen Jump Manga

The mad mad world of manga in a series.

If you want to see a genetically modified octopus intent on destroying the world, but has a role as a teacher of a private academy misfits class, and they in turn can try to assassinate him, then you must buy.

Saying that this is well written, funny good read that this is the first manga I buy as soon as it comes out.

This has the lot, from a classroom of misunderstood pupils, a code of bullying promoted by the school head, teaching assistant assassins and a genocidal octopus who seems to want the class of 3-E to succeed in a world he is going to destroy.

A manga you should read

You can buy Assassination Classroom #1 from Amazon

OCT Occult Crime Taskforce #1 Image

As title suggests if you like X-Files or even Men in Black, this could be a series for you.  

Taking place in modern day Manhattan officer Ortiz is cast into the OCT, a special unit beyond the normal cops to investigate the gateway portal to ‘hell’ or ‘limbo’, not made clear in book 1 which one it is, that is Manhattan island.

I have not read the other numbers yet, but there is a decent vibe but if ever a story needs some background this ones does, and this may be covered in the next few chapters.

My main question is why she is promoted to the unit as all she is is the first responder to a supernatural crime and doesn’t seem to have any special gifts etc.  Maybe these will be revealed in later books, but the only qualification she has is nepotism.  

But there is potential for a great storyline as well as crossover series, but checking on wikipedia there are only 4 books in the series, I will be keeping my eye out for the other 3, but will there be enough to truly tell a worthy tale, we shall see.

If you want to buy OCT #1 then check out Boarder Comics

check out amazon for The Warriors Graphic novel also by David Atchison

Red Team #1 Dynamite Entertainment

A mini series written by Garth Ennis, told by one of the main protagonist, about a group of Cops who decide to take on criminals outside of the law.

A real good read and entertaining from the start to the last in no holds barred storytelling that comes with all of Ennis’ work.  Defiantly one for a mature reader as blood and sex all play part in a modern day tale.

This is a good series to start with for both Dynamite and Ennis as even the more collectable issues are still within a decent price range, but they are getting harder to find.

You can buy Red Team #1 from Boarder Comics

Check out Amazons Garth Ennis Page as well

Starblazer #105 The Conquerors of Earth

What doesn’t this comic have, It has time travel, battles, aliens and a world war 2 bomber plane.

A really fast paced quick and enjoyable read.  There is lots of scope for the story to be developed further, however the picture libraries were not designed for ongoing story lines, they were mostly created as 1 off stories with the only link being the title.

There is more than a reference to Wells and War of the worlds, however one of the characters talks about Lovecraft and that is how the story bridges into the pilots from another time surviving on a futuristic conquered Earth.

Starblazer have always been good reads, and the quality of story and art are always great.  Try something new and if you haven’t seen these comics before you get a lot for a relatively cheap price and I think if you like Sci Fi you wont be disappointed with this.

Buy Starblazer #105 from Boarder Comics

Or you can try Starblazer Adventures Game from Amazon

Brath #1 Crossgen Comics

This is a 5 star comic all the way, the story is brilliant the artwork is top notch and the worst shame is that it has fallen foul to the curse of Crossgen.  Why no other publisher has picked this title up and re-issued the original story line and then finished it is beyond me.  

This takes place in a fictitious world but mirrors our own with the empire playing the part of the Romans and Urelanders the Celts.  You see the world predominately through the Urelanders and their war chief Brath.  Written by Chuck Dixon it is in line with a lot of his work for Crossgen with work done on The Path and Way of the Rat and a good way from his work for DC.  

If you like your fantasy or ancient history then this is for you.  The battle scenes are immense and give you an epic movie feel.  The characters are well flushed out and rounded with flaws and traits, and if this series had been able to develop would defiantly be a must buy as there is clearly long legs to the tale. 

You can Buy Brath from Boarder Comics
Chuck Dixon has worked on a number of different genres and titles 
you can find GI Joe from 365Games which Chuck wrote

Tales of the Witchblade #6 Top Cow Image

Stand alone tales from the Witchblade.  This is set in the Roman Empire period in an occupied village where the locals are brutalised by the Roman conquerors.  This also reveals some of the history of the Witchblade and how she came into being from the Druids.

There is also a really good twist at the end of the book,  This was a real page turner to be fair.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and liked the historical aspect to it, but didn’t feel I missed out by not reading 170 other Witchblade issues.  

Have a try of this if you like a good fantasy historical read.

You can buy this comic from Boarder Comics
or get Witchblade Complete Collection DVD from Amazon

DC Vertigo Scarab #1

Scarab #1 

DC Vertigo

Looking at the cover I thought that this would be a good horror comic.  However after a few pages of background setting and what felt like too many flash backs or mind bends about a universe that was always there but unexplained, I gave up.  The story then became about a superhero, or what was once a superhero in the 40’s, but then again the explanation died off.  

In all honesty if I had known it was a ‘superhero’ title I would not have started it, as they do not interest me at all (apart from Deadpool).  Also I dislike the art house style that Vertigo tend towards their story telling.  I feel that it tries to be too clever and doesn’t pull it off.  However I am biased against superhero comics so if you like that genre, or like DC Vertigo then this could be well for you.  This is one of the reasons I have asked for people to send their reviews in as someone who likes this may feel more positive about it, as I couldn’t really forgive the horror overtures of the cover to find a man in a cape.

You can buy Scarab from my link.
Find DC Vertigo First Offences @ 365Games

Battlefields Dear Billy Series Dynamite Entertainment

Battlefields Dear Billy Series

Dynamite Entertainment

This series part of the Garth Ennis Battlefields Books is simply put amazing.  It is a story that will haunt you and live with you for a long time.  The entire Battlefields comics are where Garth shows his forte as a comic writer, but Dear Billy is set apart for it’s tale of the absolute horrors of war, not just the gore which some focus on.

Set around a nurse on the Pacific front of World War 2, it delves into the hatred war causes and it’s destruction on a personal level.  The action sequences are short as the story is about the medical staff dealing with the fallout of the battles, and I think writer and artist have done a brilliant job of balancing it right so not to distract from the story.

Defiantly a comic for mature adult audience, not for graphic nature but more for the understanding of what is going on.  You can see influences of Charlie’s War in this tale, but it is not a clone of that great work.  

You can Buy Dear Billy by clicking on the link 
Find more Garth Ennis Battlefields TPB Volumes @ 365Games

Commando Comic 1910 The Death Squad

Commando Comic 1910

The Death Squad

A German SS squad operating behind allied lines in WW2.  One of the best stories from this prolific producer of War comics.  This is the tale of a fanatical group dedicated to killing all that stood against them and a group of soldiers that hunted them down.

This is a perfect starter for someone to get into Commandos, or the dedicated collector.  I like this tale as it was more gritty and almost could have been written for the Fleetway War or Battle series which tended to be more bloody and gritty than Commando.

Buy The Death Squad here off Ebid.

The Sisterhood of Steel #1 Epic Marvel 1984

 I picked this up thinking it might be a run of the mill fantasy story from the 1980's which was why fantasy was so stale for ages.  However the story is well thought out and entertaining, a very good read, so much so that I am checking around for the rest of the books.
The art is of the time and typical Marvel, too bright or dark where colour was over used in place of quality, but it doesn't distract from the story.
The Tale set in a parallel world of a woman warrior clan, has hints of classic epic fantasy as well as leanings towards the Mabinogion, I get the feeling that the story could have come out of it with only slight reworking.
Note as well the series ended when censorship reared it's ugly head and the author refused to work with a dyed down version, maybe it's time for Avatar or Dynamite to look into the rights as would suit todays market.
If you like your fantasy then try it.

Buy The Sisterhood of Steel Bk1 from my Ebid store.