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