Well now, Oy been readin' comics many a day and if thar be one thing Oy know, it's tha evyone loves a pirate girl. Oy can also---OK, that is enough fantasy/Scottish/pirate accent for now. Sorry.
Anyway, as I was saying, everyone loves a pirate girl, and Image Comics' Tales of Tellos #1 has just that. Not only does this comic have a pirate girl, it has trolls, a kraken, and some talking badgers too. All these elements are mixed together in a pretty nifty format, too.
Writer Todd Dezago and company have created a nice package with this book. The idea here is to create an anthology series based on the world of Tellos. You don't need to have read any of the previous Tellos stories to enjoy the Tales. The first issue of this anthology contains two stand-alone, new-reader friendly stories.
The first story is a traditional comic book-style tale about a crew of pirates (and their sexy pirate girl captain) coming ashore for repairs and a bit of rest and relaxation. Of course, nothing goes quite as planned and pirate hijinks ensue. The second story in this issue is an illustrated text tale about a thief and some badgers. The story is cleverly told and is accompanied by great illustrations from Craig Rousseau. The package is topped off with a nice pin-up and a cover by Mike Wieringo.
If you like humorous fantasy tales, pirates, sea monsters, trolls, or talking badgers, you shouldn't miss Tales of Tellos #1. How often are you going to find all of these elements together in one place? You can't go astray, since this is the guaranteed Book of the Week. OY swear, Oy wouldn't lead ya wrong. (And if you try it out, I promise not to do the silly pirate voice again. Arrrrrr, matey!)
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Cool Future: Ocean #1
In the future: trash disposes of itself, you can ride to the moon on cool, laser propelled spaceships and books are curious antiques that most people are unfamiliar with. These are just a few of the cool predictions Warren Ellis makes in Ocean #1 from Wildstorm Comics.
Our future-living hero is Inspector Nathan Kane. In this first issue, there are a lot of questions left unanswered about who Kane is or what he is up to. Here are the things we do know: he is fascinated by early space-flight, he is a United Nations Special Weapons Inspector, he hates guns, and you really shouldn't ever pull a knife on him. (Also, if they ever make a movie of this comic, Kane really should be played by Avery Brooks.)
The first issue leaves you a little unsure about his mission, but it involves a creepy discovery beneath the surface of the ocean-moon Europa. Oh, and there are people who want to keep him from this mission badly enough to go way out of their way to have him killed.
Warren Ellis may well be in a private competition to write as many comics as Brian Bendis. He has a reputation for top-notch work, and Ocean does not disappoint. The story here is intriguing, the characters are very well-rounded and the dialogue is excellent-both witty and revealing. There is clearly more story on the way, this issue poses quite a few unanswered questions. The art by Chris Sprouse, recently of Tom Strong fame, is equally appealing.
If you like good science-fiction, mysterious happenings, a good story, and pretty pictures, you should not pass up Ocean #1. For only a few measley bucks, the secrets of the future can be revealed! Don't forget, it's guaranteed as Four Color Fantasies' Book of the Week.
Our future-living hero is Inspector Nathan Kane. In this first issue, there are a lot of questions left unanswered about who Kane is or what he is up to. Here are the things we do know: he is fascinated by early space-flight, he is a United Nations Special Weapons Inspector, he hates guns, and you really shouldn't ever pull a knife on him. (Also, if they ever make a movie of this comic, Kane really should be played by Avery Brooks.)
The first issue leaves you a little unsure about his mission, but it involves a creepy discovery beneath the surface of the ocean-moon Europa. Oh, and there are people who want to keep him from this mission badly enough to go way out of their way to have him killed.
Warren Ellis may well be in a private competition to write as many comics as Brian Bendis. He has a reputation for top-notch work, and Ocean does not disappoint. The story here is intriguing, the characters are very well-rounded and the dialogue is excellent-both witty and revealing. There is clearly more story on the way, this issue poses quite a few unanswered questions. The art by Chris Sprouse, recently of Tom Strong fame, is equally appealing.
If you like good science-fiction, mysterious happenings, a good story, and pretty pictures, you should not pass up Ocean #1. For only a few measley bucks, the secrets of the future can be revealed! Don't forget, it's guaranteed as Four Color Fantasies' Book of the Week.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Mysterious Arachnid: Black Widow #1
Black Widows are scary. They can be lurking where you least expect them, and if they bite you, you are in serious trouble. They have the reputation of being the deadliest of arachnids. Don't mess with Black Widows. And that goes double for Natasha Romanov, THE Black Widow.
Black Widow #1 is the beginning of a new limited series starring Marvel's top cold warrior/spy/super-hero. All over the world, women are being mysteriously assassinated. Natasha is enjoying her retirement from the super-spy lifestyle, when she finds herself next on the hit list. Unfortunately for him, the assassin did NOT heed the advice. "Don't mess with the Black Widow."
Understandably a little upset, the Widow comes out of retirement to find out just what is going on. Rest assured, when she finds out, people will be sorry. Painfully sorry. The story, by Richard Morgan, starts moving very quickly. The Widow is quickly pushed into the action, and it seems that there will be plenty more on the way. Morgan also highlights a bit more of the dark side of the character. It makes sense that a former Soviet-trained super-spy would be ruthless when forced into action, and the Widow lives up to that training in this story.
Long-time comics fans will also be excited to see more mainstream work from artist Bill Sienkiewicz. His rough, slightly angular art really makes this comic stand out from the pack. His action sequences are very cinematic and his characters have a gritty edge that is missing from most comics today. His Black Widow truly is beautiful but deadly, and you don't doubt the "deadly" part for even a minute. Top that off with a great Greg Land cover, and you've got a great art package.
So, stay away from spiders and Soviet spies, but be sure to try out Black Widow #1. The story is off to a great start, the art is gorgeous AND it is this week's guaranteed Book of the Week. Plus, if you don't buy it, you could end up on the Widow's bad side. Trust me, you don't want that.
Black Widow #1 is the beginning of a new limited series starring Marvel's top cold warrior/spy/super-hero. All over the world, women are being mysteriously assassinated. Natasha is enjoying her retirement from the super-spy lifestyle, when she finds herself next on the hit list. Unfortunately for him, the assassin did NOT heed the advice. "Don't mess with the Black Widow."
Understandably a little upset, the Widow comes out of retirement to find out just what is going on. Rest assured, when she finds out, people will be sorry. Painfully sorry. The story, by Richard Morgan, starts moving very quickly. The Widow is quickly pushed into the action, and it seems that there will be plenty more on the way. Morgan also highlights a bit more of the dark side of the character. It makes sense that a former Soviet-trained super-spy would be ruthless when forced into action, and the Widow lives up to that training in this story.
Long-time comics fans will also be excited to see more mainstream work from artist Bill Sienkiewicz. His rough, slightly angular art really makes this comic stand out from the pack. His action sequences are very cinematic and his characters have a gritty edge that is missing from most comics today. His Black Widow truly is beautiful but deadly, and you don't doubt the "deadly" part for even a minute. Top that off with a great Greg Land cover, and you've got a great art package.
So, stay away from spiders and Soviet spies, but be sure to try out Black Widow #1. The story is off to a great start, the art is gorgeous AND it is this week's guaranteed Book of the Week. Plus, if you don't buy it, you could end up on the Widow's bad side. Trust me, you don't want that.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Scary Stuff: Tomb of Dracula #1
Scary stuff, kids! It's October and, with Halloween fast approaching, the time is right for scary comics. Marvel has anticipated this need by giving readers a chance to visit the Tomb of Dracula. Enter freely and of your own will. Just look out for the cobwebs and that musty tomb smell that just never seems to air out.
Tomb of Dracula #1 is the start of a limited series, based on the longrunning '70s Marvel series of the same name. Writers Robert Rodi and Bruce Jones (recently of Hulk fame) don't stray too far from the original series concept, but they bring in enough new ideas to make this series a whole new bloodbath.
The next generation of the Van Helsing clan (Noah Van Helsing) is gathering a new band of vampire hunters to take down Dracula. Apparently, it is time for Drac's 1000 year tune-up, and he is in the process of transforming himself into a new, improved, more pants-wettingly scary Lord of the Undead. During this transformation process, there is a brief window of opportunity when Drac is vulnerable.
This is where Van Helsing's vampire hunters come in. He has gathered an interesting group from all walks of life, including a samurai, a weapons expert, a mystic, a magician, and a half-vampire descendent of Dracula. Not to be left out of the fun, a suitably Snipes-like Blade also shows up to slice and dice a vampire or two. Sword-wielding fun for the whole family!
The art by Jamie Tolagson captures all the action and bloodshed with a very creepy touch. As well as updating the look of Van Helsing's band of hunters, the creators have given Dracula a suitably freaky new look. Though the earlier Marvel Universe version of Drac was cool, this new look vampire is much spookier, and not at all the kind of guy you would expect to sip blood from champagne glasses.
So celebrate the scariest month of the year by trying out Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week, Tomb of Dracula #1. It has fangs, swords, blood and cool shades (Blade, remember) galore! What more could you ask for? The only thing this comic won't do is bite you on the neck itself! Or will it?
Tomb of Dracula #1 is the start of a limited series, based on the longrunning '70s Marvel series of the same name. Writers Robert Rodi and Bruce Jones (recently of Hulk fame) don't stray too far from the original series concept, but they bring in enough new ideas to make this series a whole new bloodbath.
The next generation of the Van Helsing clan (Noah Van Helsing) is gathering a new band of vampire hunters to take down Dracula. Apparently, it is time for Drac's 1000 year tune-up, and he is in the process of transforming himself into a new, improved, more pants-wettingly scary Lord of the Undead. During this transformation process, there is a brief window of opportunity when Drac is vulnerable.
This is where Van Helsing's vampire hunters come in. He has gathered an interesting group from all walks of life, including a samurai, a weapons expert, a mystic, a magician, and a half-vampire descendent of Dracula. Not to be left out of the fun, a suitably Snipes-like Blade also shows up to slice and dice a vampire or two. Sword-wielding fun for the whole family!
The art by Jamie Tolagson captures all the action and bloodshed with a very creepy touch. As well as updating the look of Van Helsing's band of hunters, the creators have given Dracula a suitably freaky new look. Though the earlier Marvel Universe version of Drac was cool, this new look vampire is much spookier, and not at all the kind of guy you would expect to sip blood from champagne glasses.
So celebrate the scariest month of the year by trying out Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week, Tomb of Dracula #1. It has fangs, swords, blood and cool shades (Blade, remember) galore! What more could you ask for? The only thing this comic won't do is bite you on the neck itself! Or will it?
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