If there is one thing a bunch of angry rednecks tryin' to organize a good, lawful execution don't like, it's some fancy-pants, blind, New York lawyer stickin' his nose into their business. The only thing that could possibly be worse is one o' them tights-wearin' super-hero types stickin' his hornedhead where it just don't belong. Unfortunately for the people of Redemption, Alabama, they got both.
Daredevil: Redemption is a limited series that could almost (without the blind super-hero part) be pulled straight from CNN's scrolling headlines. Loosely based on real events, "Redemption" involves the Marvel Universe's most famous lawyer, Matt Murdock (AKA Daredevil), in a gruesome child-murder case. Matt has often found his life as a lawyer to be even more difficult than putting on the spandex and dealing with the world's problems vigilante-style. Defending Joel Flood is definitely one of those tough cases.
Murdock is approached by Joel's mother, Emily, to defend her teenage son. Joel is accused, with overwhelming evidence against him, of brutally murdering a young boy. The problem is, his mother is totally convinced of his innocence. So convinced that Matt, against everyone else's advice, believes her and feels compelled to take the case. When Matt arrives in Redemption, he finds a community on a modern-day witch hunt. Everyone is out to see Joel Flood convicted and executed, and Joel doesn't seem to be trying too hard to change anyone's mind about him.
Daredevil: Redemption is written by David Hine with art by Michael Gaydos. Hine's story is very believable, with characters that seem true-to-life. It would be easy for the isolated residents of Redemption to come across as simple backwoods stereotypes, but that doesn't happen in Hine's carefully crafted story. Gaydos' dark, moody, and realistic artstyle (which I loved in Marvel's "Alias!") is perfect for this story. The gravity of the themes in this story, such as child abuse, domestic violence, and murder, are well-served by Gaydos' heavy black lines and shadows.
If you are looking for light-hearted action with wall-to-wall super-heroics, this story may not be for you. However, if you like a bit of mystery, some real human drama, and a story that will really give you something to think about, you can't go wrong with Daredevil: Redemption. This limited series is coming out weekly, so you won't have to wait too long to find out what happens. Try out the first two issues now, while they are Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book(s) of the Week! Tell 'em the fancy New York lawyer sent ya.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Dangerous Dimensions: Breach
If super-hero comics have taught us anything (and they have), it is that you just can't trust top-secret army projects that involve new technology, super-weapons, space travel, or other dimensions. Seriously, stay far away from that stuff because something is going to go horribly wrong, and someone is going to have to pay the price. If you don't believe me, just ask Major Tim Zanetti, the star of DC Comics' new series, Breach.
Major Zanetti obviously did not read enough comics, because he is crazy enough to get involved in Project Otherside. In 1983, Tim is a happily married father with a great life ahead of him and big plans for the future. He is also one of the top military men guiding Project Otherside, which involves colliding protons in an attempt to breach the membrane that separates the dimensions. This sounds plenty dangerous enough as is, but throw in an attempt to rush ahead of the Soviets with this technology and some possible Cold War skullduggery under the surface, and you have all the ingredients needed for a grade A disaster.
Of course, the Project goes hideously wrong, and the results for Tim Zanetti are far from pretty. In 2005, Tim comes out of a coma to find himself something far from human. In the first two issues of the series, it is hinted that Tim now has an amazing amount of power but it comes at a very high price. He can't be touched (Really, touching him makes icky things happen to you!), he glows in the dark, and his brain is being rewritten, making him something very different from the man he once was. The Army still seems to have some sneaky plans for Tim, which also seem destined for disaster.
Breach is written by Bob Harras, with pencils by Marcos Martin. Harras has loads of super-hero experience, and it shows in this title. All the ingredients are in place for a great series filled with conspiracies and angst galore. Breach also seems set to become an important new player in the DC Universe. Martin's pencils are simple, but effective. His work here is very reminiscent of Mike Allred, with a little less of the retro flavor.
Check out Breach now, while the first two issues are on the rack and guaranteed as Four Color Fantasies' Book(s) of the Week! Just remember, please, do NOT attempt to open dimensional gateways in your own home. The folks who tried it in Breach were professionals, and look what happened to them.
Major Zanetti obviously did not read enough comics, because he is crazy enough to get involved in Project Otherside. In 1983, Tim is a happily married father with a great life ahead of him and big plans for the future. He is also one of the top military men guiding Project Otherside, which involves colliding protons in an attempt to breach the membrane that separates the dimensions. This sounds plenty dangerous enough as is, but throw in an attempt to rush ahead of the Soviets with this technology and some possible Cold War skullduggery under the surface, and you have all the ingredients needed for a grade A disaster.
Of course, the Project goes hideously wrong, and the results for Tim Zanetti are far from pretty. In 2005, Tim comes out of a coma to find himself something far from human. In the first two issues of the series, it is hinted that Tim now has an amazing amount of power but it comes at a very high price. He can't be touched (Really, touching him makes icky things happen to you!), he glows in the dark, and his brain is being rewritten, making him something very different from the man he once was. The Army still seems to have some sneaky plans for Tim, which also seem destined for disaster.
Breach is written by Bob Harras, with pencils by Marcos Martin. Harras has loads of super-hero experience, and it shows in this title. All the ingredients are in place for a great series filled with conspiracies and angst galore. Breach also seems set to become an important new player in the DC Universe. Martin's pencils are simple, but effective. His work here is very reminiscent of Mike Allred, with a little less of the retro flavor.
Check out Breach now, while the first two issues are on the rack and guaranteed as Four Color Fantasies' Book(s) of the Week! Just remember, please, do NOT attempt to open dimensional gateways in your own home. The folks who tried it in Breach were professionals, and look what happened to them.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Fresh Faces for a Fresh Appeal: Young Avengers #1
Life has been kinda rough for "Earth's Mightiest Heroes" lately. First, the Avenger's Mansion got blown up and so did some of the Avengers who were unlucky enough to be hanging out there. Then, a whole bunch of crazy Scarlet Witch-related weirdness went down, and the team finally decided to call it a day and disband. Now, a bunch of upstart kids in wannabe hero costumes show up and get themselves named the "Young Avengers."
Young Avengers #1 is the start of a new series written by acclaimed TV writer Allan (The O.C.) Heinberg and drawn by Marvel Young Gun Jim Cheung. This title is spun out of the events of Avengers Disassembled but it can be enjoyed even if you have never read any other Avengers comics. Though the idea of teen heroes is certainly not a new one, Heinberg and Cheung are clearly going to be putting some pretty fresh ideas into this book. The Young Avengers are (as the cover says) "NOT what you think."
On the surface, the Young Avengers are four teen super-hero fanboys who have somehow gotten powers and gadgets that are quite a bit like those of some well-known Avengers. Their names (which everyone in the book thinks are just a bit goofy) are Iron Lad, Hulkling, Patriot and Asgardian. These youngsters are new to the super-hero scene, and their inexperience shows in their first public outings. Even though this is a group of kids with some serious cases of hero-worship, the group does have a purpose, a very surprising purpose considering the shocking and perplexing revelation on the last page---
Heinberg is new to comics (as a writer, not as a fan), but he starts off strong with this first issue. There is a lot of humor in Young Avengers, and much of that humor comes from Heinberg's clever dialogue. There is plenty of action, and plot twists galore. And the surprising ending (Don't turn to the back of the book first!) will leave readers anxious for the next issue. Heinberg was also a huge fan of Bendis' Alias series, so this book features a big role for one of Marvel's coolest characters-Jessica Jones.
Young Avengers #1 could be the start of Marvel's Next Big Thing. It is a fun read, with pretty pictures and some very intriguing new characters. Don't miss out on the first issue, or you might find yourself paying 20 bucks for it on eBay 6 months from now. Besides, you can't go wrong since it comes with Four Color Fantasies' Book of the Week money-back guarantee!
Young Avengers #1 is the start of a new series written by acclaimed TV writer Allan (The O.C.) Heinberg and drawn by Marvel Young Gun Jim Cheung. This title is spun out of the events of Avengers Disassembled but it can be enjoyed even if you have never read any other Avengers comics. Though the idea of teen heroes is certainly not a new one, Heinberg and Cheung are clearly going to be putting some pretty fresh ideas into this book. The Young Avengers are (as the cover says) "NOT what you think."
On the surface, the Young Avengers are four teen super-hero fanboys who have somehow gotten powers and gadgets that are quite a bit like those of some well-known Avengers. Their names (which everyone in the book thinks are just a bit goofy) are Iron Lad, Hulkling, Patriot and Asgardian. These youngsters are new to the super-hero scene, and their inexperience shows in their first public outings. Even though this is a group of kids with some serious cases of hero-worship, the group does have a purpose, a very surprising purpose considering the shocking and perplexing revelation on the last page---
Heinberg is new to comics (as a writer, not as a fan), but he starts off strong with this first issue. There is a lot of humor in Young Avengers, and much of that humor comes from Heinberg's clever dialogue. There is plenty of action, and plot twists galore. And the surprising ending (Don't turn to the back of the book first!) will leave readers anxious for the next issue. Heinberg was also a huge fan of Bendis' Alias series, so this book features a big role for one of Marvel's coolest characters-Jessica Jones.
Young Avengers #1 could be the start of Marvel's Next Big Thing. It is a fun read, with pretty pictures and some very intriguing new characters. Don't miss out on the first issue, or you might find yourself paying 20 bucks for it on eBay 6 months from now. Besides, you can't go wrong since it comes with Four Color Fantasies' Book of the Week money-back guarantee!
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
The Return of First Comics' Hero: GrimJack - Killer Instinct #1
Long ago, in the olden days (you know, the '80s) there was a company called First Comics. First was a really neato company that published some really good books. Many of First's comics were unique and original concepts with titles like "Whisper," "Dynamo Joe," "Mars," and many, many more. When First Comics went out of business, lots of really excellent comics came to an end. I think it is safe to say that one of First's most highly-regarded and respected books was
GrimJack.
If you have been waiting thirteen years for GrimJack to return, your wait is finally over! If you have never heard of GrimJack before, this new series is designed to give you everything you need to hop on and enjoy the ride. The original series creators, John Ostrander and Tim Truman, are both back and they have been waiting a long time to tell more tales of life in the multi-dimensional city of Cynosure. And these guys are both known for quality work, so when they put their all into a new series, you can bet it's gonna be good.
John Gaunt, AKA GrimJack, fought his way out of the Arena to become a cop on the Trans-Dimensional Police force. His bad-attitude and insubordinate behavior quickly take him off that career path (Gaunt will NOT be invited to the Policeman's Ball). Soon after leaving the TDP, Gaunt is recruited as a founding member of the much shadier, and less rule-bound, Cadre. The story of GrimJack: Killer Instinct #1 mostly takes place when the best days of the Cadre are behind them, and Gaunt is forced to run missions with a bunch of new recruits. You can probably guess that things don't go well.
Gaunt is one tough, grizzled hunk of mean. He makes Wolverine look like a mama's boy. Tim Truman's art is perfectly suited to show off Gaunt's rough edges, and the dark city he calls home. Ostrander's story wastes no time getting to the action. In no time at all, readers are thrown into Cynosure watching John do what he does best. (Which is hurt people with a wide assortment of swords, guns, and cudgels, by the way.) There is plenty of story to go with the action, and Ostrander makes Gaunt an immediately likable anti-hero.
Killer Instinct #1 is a great start to the revival of this classic series. The story is action-packed, and the world of Cynosure presents endless possibilites. If you like tough guy, no-nonsense heroes who don't take no guff, you will love John Gaunt. Don't miss out! Try GrimJack now while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. (If you don't give this book a try, Mike may get mad and start hiding all your X-Men comics. Don't risk it. Buy the book!)
GrimJack.
If you have been waiting thirteen years for GrimJack to return, your wait is finally over! If you have never heard of GrimJack before, this new series is designed to give you everything you need to hop on and enjoy the ride. The original series creators, John Ostrander and Tim Truman, are both back and they have been waiting a long time to tell more tales of life in the multi-dimensional city of Cynosure. And these guys are both known for quality work, so when they put their all into a new series, you can bet it's gonna be good.
John Gaunt, AKA GrimJack, fought his way out of the Arena to become a cop on the Trans-Dimensional Police force. His bad-attitude and insubordinate behavior quickly take him off that career path (Gaunt will NOT be invited to the Policeman's Ball). Soon after leaving the TDP, Gaunt is recruited as a founding member of the much shadier, and less rule-bound, Cadre. The story of GrimJack: Killer Instinct #1 mostly takes place when the best days of the Cadre are behind them, and Gaunt is forced to run missions with a bunch of new recruits. You can probably guess that things don't go well.
Gaunt is one tough, grizzled hunk of mean. He makes Wolverine look like a mama's boy. Tim Truman's art is perfectly suited to show off Gaunt's rough edges, and the dark city he calls home. Ostrander's story wastes no time getting to the action. In no time at all, readers are thrown into Cynosure watching John do what he does best. (Which is hurt people with a wide assortment of swords, guns, and cudgels, by the way.) There is plenty of story to go with the action, and Ostrander makes Gaunt an immediately likable anti-hero.
Killer Instinct #1 is a great start to the revival of this classic series. The story is action-packed, and the world of Cynosure presents endless possibilites. If you like tough guy, no-nonsense heroes who don't take no guff, you will love John Gaunt. Don't miss out! Try GrimJack now while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week. (If you don't give this book a try, Mike may get mad and start hiding all your X-Men comics. Don't risk it. Buy the book!)
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