Sorry for the delay folks I took a long needed, but still busy vacation, but it’s good to be back.
The Complete Crimson HC
Writer: Brian Augustyn
Artist: Humberto Ramos
Colors: Alex Bleyaert, Ian Hannin, Robert Ro
Letters: Amie Grenier, Denice Park and various
Cover: Humberto Ramos
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
While joyriding with his friends Alex Elder is attacked by a gang of vampires and becomes a vampire himself, and the chosen one! This comic is very much a product of it’s time, that time being the late 90’s and early 2000’s. The characters are super snarky, the costumes are an S&M club goers dream, it’s ultra violent, and there is not a lot of character building. That isn’t to say it’s not fun, it’s a blast. Ramos’ art while at times falling into the uncanny valley is expressive, exciting, and makes terrific monsters. Crimson is like a classic B-movie slasher flick, it’s non stop enjoyment as long as you don’t think too hard on it I give it a 10/10 for all those who love that kind of thing.
Quantum Age: From the World of Black Hammer #2
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Wilfredo Torres
Colors: Dave Stewart
Letters: Nate Piekos
Cover: Wilfredo Torres
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
This issue makes it even more clear that this Age is one of greys as both the heroes and villains are far more complicated that initially shown. The world building is still top notch, and still earning a 10/10
Shanghai Red #2
Writer: Christopher Sebela
Artist: Joshua Hixson
Colors: Joshua Hixson
Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover: Joshua Hixson
Publisher: Image Comics
We’re off the high seas in this issue and while Red is still unrelenting storm of vengeance, not the near unstoppable one they seemed to be in issue one. Red/Jack is far more weary in this issue and far more vulnerable which really raises the stakes and has me excited for the next issue, another 10/10.
The Unexpected #3
Writer: Steve Orlando
Artist: Cary Nord
Inks: Mark Farmer & Scott Hanna
Colors: Jeromy Cox
Letters: Carlos M.Mangual
Cover: Ryan Sook
Publisher: DC Comics
The big (literally) bad guy is finally introduced. Onimar Synn (which isn’t a spoiler as he’s right on the cover) hasn’t made an appearance in the DCU in a little over 10 years. I may have said it before, but I love how this series dusts off old characters then makes them shine. 10/10 the series is picking back up again and there’s lot’s of fun images and art to be enjoyed.
Adventures of the Super Sons #1
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Carlo Barberi
Inks: Art Thibert
Colors: Protobunker
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover: Jorge Jimenez
Publisher: DC Comics
What a fun first issue. I’m really enjoying the relationship between Jon and Damien with Jon (Superboy) being a laid back jokester and Damien (Robin) being the preppy uptight one. I am also loving the end result of the Dark Universe which I first caught wind of in The Unexpected basically making it so that anything can happen. Just wait till you see the villains (or is it heroes) introduced in this issue. Looking forward to more 10/10
James L. Sarandis is a husband of one, father of two, and writer in three fields (comics, books, and film). Want to see my current labor of love? Check out EYE HAND VOICE at www.eyehandvoice.the-comic.org.
