Month: December 2021

Review – Captain Marvel #7 (Marvel Comics)

Carol Danvers and Stephen Strange Are Coping in Captain Marvel #7

Our unusual team-up continues in Captain Marvel #7, and boy, does this issue have a lot to cover. Carol and Doctor Strange may seem like an odd pairing, but if this team-up has proven anything to me, it’s that I need to see more of it.

Captain Marvel #7 continues the War of the Realms tie-in started in the last issue. If you haven’t read it, check that out first. And if you haven’t been following the War of the Realms, that’s okay. You don’t really need to in order to understand that there’s a significant fight occurring. Just be prepared for some spoilers, just in case.

Writing

I’ve seen lots of War of the Realms tie-ins all over the place. And I can honestly tell you that the Captain Marvel one has been one of my favorites. It’s intelligent, funny, and isn’t afraid to take a risk or two. And admittedly, pulling in a few other significant characters helped a bit as well.

Kelly Thompson really does have away when it comes to balancing the tension with humor. That was proven in the last issue, and it continues to be the case here. Carol and Stephen may be excellent at arguing, but they’re also a pretty good team.

There is so much I could talk about in this issue, like how there was a comical moment occurring in the background. This moment was made funnier because of the lack of awareness towards it. And then there was the way our team resolved the fight – because that was another brilliant moment.

Or the fact that this issue is already setting up for the following Captain Marvel plot. Because that final page has left me desperate for the next issue to come out, and while it is very much torturing me, I have to acknowledge how well done it was. Kelly Thompson set the scene for the following plot, and she did so wordlessly. It was elegant and clever.

Art

There was a lot to love in Captain Marvel #7, artwork-wise. The expressions of our three main characters (Carol, Strange, and Black Widow) are very high up on that list. Their expressions sell the humor and tension required for each scene—especially the humorous ones, of course. And Annapaola Martello, a guest artist for this issue, is the reason for all of that.

The magic and blasting scenes, in particular, were eye-catching in this issue. I’m going to credit the coloring in this instance because that was just phenomenally done. And once again, Tamra Bonvillain was the one behind all of that.

Together these artists brought us a series of amazingly detailed and bright fight scenes. The sort of fights we’d expect to see when Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange are on the pages.

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #7 was a whirlwind of an issue. It was one of the better tie-in issues I’ve seen, not just for War of the Realms, but in general. And it was a majorly fun team-up to boot. So it was a win all around.

The setup for the next plot was a stroke of pure genius, even if it has me freaking out more than a little bit. But I do love it when a series has this smooth flow from issue to issue, so I can’t complain too much about that. Regardless, I’m sure I’m not the only one anxiously awaiting the release of Captain Marvel #8.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – Captain Marvel #8 (Marvel Comics)

Changes in Flight in Captain Marvel #8

Captain Marvel #8 is the start of an all-new plot, and it’s already looking to be an intense one. This plot was foreshadowed at the end of War of the Realms. And now fans have been given even more reasons to be concerned about their favorite hero.

Carol has always been one of those heroes pushing herself to do more, to be better. Her slogan is ‘farther, further, faster’ after all, and that’s the best way to sum her up. But sometimes, that means she’s her own worst enemy. And sometimes that means the struggles a typical hero comes across hit home just a little bit harder for her.

I know I’m not the only fan out there that has been anxiously awaiting this issue. The little teaser at the end of Captain Marvel #7 was just mean. Okay, it was brilliant too. But also mean! Only now we’re stuck waiting for Captain Marvel #9. It’s a never-ending cycle, isn’t it?

Writing

Kelly Thompson was not willing to pull punches in Captain Marvel #8. And I respect her for that. This was a heavy-hitting issue, touching on many of the more somber moments in Carol’s life. But it also explored many of the issues classic for her character. In all, this just furthers the feeling that Thompson has Carol work through her past to become something greater.

This issue was full of highs and lows, the two balancing each other out. Well, mostly. It’s clear that we were meant to feel a specific way at the end of this issue. But I’m not going to spoil it by stating that here.

There was a lot of subtlety woven into this issue and hidden behind the more obvious impacts of the plot. It was well done. It added some depth to the already intense moments and even a distraction at times.

The new character introduced…well, she’s meant to be a mystery, isn’t she? And yet, the tone of everything around her is definitely telling us a story in itself. Though only time will reveal the whole story. It’ll be interesting to see how that goes.

There were several cameos in this issue, on top of everything else. It’s hard to have quick moments from established characters while also acting true to their nature. And yet, this issue did just that.

Art

The artwork for Captain Marvel #8 was terrific. If you follow any of the social media accounts for Captain Marvel, then you probably saw all of the chatter about Carmen Carnero coming back as the lead artist. And honestly? It was worth the chatter.

Working alongside Cernero were Tamra Bonvillain (colorist) and VC’s Clayton Cowles (letterer). Together they brought us some vibrant artwork to enjoy. There were several pages and moments in particular that really caught my eye. For example, the first page is striking. The expressions on Carol’s face are perfectly summing up all of the emotions she’s been dealing with lately.

And, of course, the fight scenes were fun as well, along with a nicely illustrated explosion to boot. Talk about a win-win. But seriously, I loved the art in this issue. Especially the bonus pages with Chewie, but I might be slightly biased there.

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #8 was an intense but interesting read. The intensity makes sense, given that it’s following War of the Realms and a strong sense of foreshadowing. It was a strong lead to a new plot – one that’ll be interesting to see where it ends up.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – Blackbird Book 1: The Great Beast (Image Comics)

Blackbird Book 1: The Great Beast is One of the Most Vibrant Graphic Novels Out There

Blackbird is one of those series that’ll catch your eye and make you want to look closer. The cover art alone is striking – and attention-grabbing. Trust me, that’s how I found this series. The artwork within and the plot hold up to the expectations set by the covers.

The first book in the series, Blackbird Book 1: The Great Beast, is striking, but it is also an enchanting read. Nina lives in a world where magic is real, but it’s hidden. She knows that much is true, even if nobody else will believe her. Unfortunately, she still has to hunt for the rest of the truths she desperately seeks.

This series is by far one of the most beautiful series I’ve read this year, and I’ve been reading many series. But the fact that the plot holds up to the artwork really makes it shine. I’ve been enjoying following Nina’s story and hope others do as well.

Writing

Blackbird Book 1: The Great Beast is surprisingly complex, although it’s pretty exterior. The story doesn’t waste any time getting into the thick of things; we’re immediately introduced to Nina’s world and her plights. From there, it’s a whirlwind of a read.

Sam Humphries has created a world of complex magical rules, systems, and policies. This hidden world is fascinating, and Humphries makes it even more so by merely hinting at the rules of its society.

And then, of course, there’s the emotional twists and turns this graphic novel takes. Nina’s journey for the truth is compelling, fascinating, and, yes, at times even heartbreaking. Some of the revelations make sense, while others are utterly shocking. Almost all of them elicit some form of reaction or emotion, and that’s where the series really shines.

Blackbird quickly became one of my favorite series throughout the last few months. So much so that I jumped at the opportunity to reread all the issues in volume format. And yes, it was just as good the second time around.

Art

I mentioned this above already, but Blackbird is honestly one of the most striking series out there right now. Blackbird Book 1: The Great Beast is full of vibrant covers, dramatic fight scenes, and striking magical illustrations.

Jen Bartel is the artist for this series, and she is undoubtedly the person who brings this plot to life. Her linework is amazing, solid, and grounded in reality when needed, but when let loose to the magical side of things…it becomes something more.

It’s the color palette that brings the art to a whole new level. The colorist for the series alternates from time to time, with Triona Farrell, Jen Bartel, and Nayoung Wilson all taking turns. However, it’s hard to tell when they switch out as they all work with the same color palette – thankfully.

Conclusion

Blackbird Book 1: The Great Beast is a brilliant read, whether it’s your first time reading the series or your second (or more). The plot is gripping and emotionally compelling, while the artwork is spectacular and captivating.

I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this series, but honestly, the team behind Blackbird has clearly put a lot of effort into making this an outstanding series. I loved the logic and rules behind their magic system, the complexity of Nina’s family situation, and everything else there was to this series.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – Captain Marvel #6 (Marvel Comics)

Time for A Whole Different Team Up In Captain Marvel #6

With War of the Realms taking over the Marvel universe, it’s no surprise that nearly every series is getting a tie-in issue. And now it’s Captain Marvel’s turn to join the fight. If you haven’t been reading the War of the Realms event, that’s okay. You should follow this plot without much problem; just be aware that you might get some spoilers if you read this first.

Captain Marvel #6 brings us the Captain herself, Doctor Strange, and Black Widow all in one place. And as expected, they’re taking on some of the heavy hitters in this War on Midgard. What is unexpected is the conclusion to this issue. Together our team is facing off on a single common threat, one that needs to be handled. And they’re hoping they’re the right team for the task.

Writing

Kelly Thompson’s take on the War of the Realms is precisely what I expected. It’s somewhere between intense and comical, which is perfect. Captain Marvel is no stranger to this War – she’s been making appearances in the spinoff series as needed. But it’s still nice to see what has been taking up the bulk of her time (or is it the Strikeforce that’s taking up the bulk of her time?).

Captain Marvel #6 brought some of my favorite heroes together in one place. This may seem like an odd team-up, and admittedly it is. But it’s also an oddly functional team-up. And I know I’d want these guys at my back if the world was about to end.

This issue had all the intensity of War of the Realms to start with but then managed to ebb and flow as needed. There were plenty of quippy one-liners to enjoy, as well as an actual conversation or two between these fantastic characters. And then, of course, there was the twist on a classic comic trope. Usually I’d be tempted to roll my eyes here, but it was actually quite cleverly done. And highly amusing. I’m looking forward to seeing how they resolve this mess!

As an added bonus, I love that this issue showed Captain Marvel as being tired. I know that sounds silly, but think about it. They’ve shown her in multiple subplots in War of the Realms already. That implies that she’s been all over the place, actively involved in War. That sounds utterly exhausting. So the tiredness adds a touch of realism while also subtly telling us that yes, it is all happening around the same time for her.

Art

Annapaola Martello stepped in as the guest artist for Captain Marvel #6, and I’ve got to say: I love their work. Together with Tamra Bonvillain as the colorist, this creative team brought us so many amazing panels to check out. There were a few different fight scenes in this issue, and they all had a different focus and setting. That left plenty of opportunities to entertain and catch our eyes.

And let’s not forget the variety of characters that had to be portrayed and immediately identifiable. Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange, Black Widow, Winter Soldier, and Enchantress. That may be less than some of the other series right now, but it’s still a lot. And all of these characters looked exactly as they should (which I’ve learned to never take as a given).

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #6 brought some of my favorite characters together in the same place, for which I couldn’t be happier. That it was also a tie-in issue seemed almost secondary. A lot of tie-in issues can be frustrating because it requires a ton of information to understand, but I don’t feel like that was the case here.

This issue took a dramatic fight scene, a classic comic trope, and mashed them together for a unique (and at times hilarious) plot. And I sincerely cannot wait to see more about this plot. Or to find out how far the gossip train will spread amongst our heroes.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – Bliss #1 (Image Comics)

Introducing the Perfect Accomplice For Crime in Bliss #1

Bliss #1 is the beginning of an all-new maxiseries from the minds that brought you Coyotes. Sean Lewis (writer) and Caitlin Yarsky (artist) have again told a story of crimes and drugs.

This is the first issue in an eight-issue series revolving around Feral City and the unfortunate inhabitants. It’s already proving to be a dark story, one focused on a drug of the same name (Bliss) and the unusual side effects it has.

Writing

Bliss #1 is every bit as haunting and disturbing as the description makes it sound – and then some. It is a shockingly ethereal tale, as one child tells the story of their father – and his great fall. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful, and yet unafraid to get dark when needed.

Which is most of the time. It frequently feels like half the point of this series is to raise internal debates about the moral dilemmas the characters find themselves in. It’s already proving to be a series that will force the readers to think and analyze their emotions.

The story (so far) takes place in two timelines. The past, which explains all of the events leading up to the present. It makes the situation feel even more complicated than it appeared at first glance. It evokes sympathy and even pity. Yet, it does not provide an easy answer to the problem.

Looking back on this issue, it’s providing a fascinating look at human nature and the depths that one can and will go to – especially when aided by something like Bliss. It’s emotional and tense and content to leave you mulling over the problem for hours.

Art

The artwork that comes with Bliss #1 is unique yet perfect for the story being told. The ethereal introductory sequence demands attention before dropping the reader into a realm that feels much more physical and foreboding.

This series shows the best, and the worst that people have to offer, and thus the artwork responds accordingly. It dances around the graphic nature of events while still leaving readers very clear on what takes place.

This was the right call – there’s no gore to distract from the core of the plot or the debates it brings with it. Despite everything, this issue reads as being overwhelmingly human, from how the characters act to how they’re depicted on the pages.

The colors are heavily influenced by the tone of the scene – and the dominant emotions of the characters. It’s a clever way to influence the readers while not becoming overpowering. This was just one of the many ways in which the visuals increased the impact of this tale.

Conclusion

Bliss #1 didn’t waste any time, instead opting to throw readers straight into one of the biggest moral dilemmas around and doing so in beautiful detail. It’s rich and fascinating, all while being exceptionally dark.

In short, this is a series worth checking out, especially if you want something that will make you want to sit back and think. It’s also potentially a great conversation started, despite the heavier subject matter at hand.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – Captain Marvel #5 (Marvel Comics)

An Epic and Karmic Battle Can Be Found in Captain Marvel #5

Captain Marvel has always been one of those characters that push herself hard to be the best. Her latest series goes to prove that. The series has done a lot with Carol’s backstory and character design, bringing her further than ever.

Captain Marvel #5 is without a doubt the height of this plot arc. It’s intense, full of epic fights and emotional moments. It’s precisely the sort of thing fans are hoping for. I’ve enjoyed the series up to now, but I’m officially in love with it here. This plot took some moments and plots that may have otherwise caused a chuckle and an eye roll and turned it into something so much more significant.

I should probably mention that there are a ton of cameos in this series so far. Some are bigger than others, but it means that there’s a chance you could find other favorite characters of yours in here. For instance, several favorites on mine had incredible appearances here.

Writing

Captain Marvel #5 was an intense read but in a good way. There were dramatic twists and revelations, and a few karmic moments were thrown in for the fans to cheer about. It made for a lot of fun and a quick read.

I’ve mentioned this in past reviews (I think), but I absolutely love that Kelly Thompson has been pulling in references and events from back in the days. A lot of series will brush older events under the rugs – especially if they don’t want to deal with that material. Thompson brought all of that out into the open and gave Carol a chance to face the demons of her past. It’s made for a solid start to the series and will hopefully give Carol a fresh start along the way.

This issue also marks the end of the first major plot arc, ‘Re-Entry.’ It did a brilliant job of wrapping everything up. It included all of the dramatic moments one would hope for (and possibly then some), as well as some humorous ones to level things out after the fact.

The door was left open for possible reappearances from the antagonist, but I think that won’t be for a while. And best of all, it even started up the next plot. I love it when they keep things moving along.

Art

There is a lot to love about the artwork in Captain Marvel. The first plot allowed for post-apocalyptic character designs – ones that I personally adore. Carol looked great in this new style, but so did many of the secondary characters (Spider-Woman being a shining example here – I’d love it if her redesign became permanent).

Captain Marvel #5 highlights some epic fights, power transfers, and other visually dramatic moments. And all credit has to go to Carmen Carnero and Tamra Bonvillain for that. Canerno’s lines combined with Bonvillain’s coloring made for spectacular and vibrant panels. Honestly, there were a few panels that I would buy prints of, given a choice.

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #5 concludes the current plot arc, but thankfully not the series. It was everything I could have asked for out of a conclusion, as it covered everything from wrapping up all the points to laying the groundwork for the following plot.

It was a lot, a lot of fun, which is something I don’t usually say. The fighting was fantastic, with lots of talk-worthy moments. And the character cameos really enhanced these moments as well, something I’m always excited about.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – Bloodlust & Bonnets

Are there any of you fans of a webcomic called My Life as a Background Slytherin? If so, you’re going to love Bloodlust & Bonnets. This is Emily McGovern’s (creator of the webcomic as mentioned above) first go at a graphic novel, and her humor is on point in this new story.

Bloodlust & Bonnets is slightly whimsical and a whole lot of insane, but that just makes it all the more fun. The series follows Lucy; a disillusioned debutante turned vampire hunter from the 1800s. Yes, that does seem like quite the career change. But it does fit the character (and author) perfectly.

This series is full of British humor, hilarious and inane moments, vampire hunting (well, attempts at it, at least), peculiar characters, and so much more. I think that fans of her webcomic series will love it – though perhaps new readers will be a bit confused by her storytelling style.

Writing

Emily McGovern is the queen of inane humor. That is something I knew very well before diving into Bloodlust & Bonnets. It’s also a fact that was absolutely confirmed while reading. The characters in this graphic novel are hilarious, sometimes bumbling around in ways that only her characters can. The whole story is a fun twist on classic Romantic literature – and okay, it’s a riff on some vampire hunting novels as well.

There are three main characters here; Lucy, the debutant/vampire hunter, mentioned earlier. Then there’s Lord Byron. He’s a walking male romantic character trope flipped on its head. Finally, there’s Sham. Sham may be the most intriguing character, thanks to the air of mystery around them. Plus, they actually seem to understand the whole process involved in vampire hunting.

This crew gets into some hilarious adventures due in part to their varied motives for hunting vampires. It’s a chaotic tale full of awkward interactions, silly moments, and on-point humor—there plenty of quips and entertaining moments to be found in this one.

Art

If you’re wondering what the artwork inside Bloodlust & Bonnets looks like, take a minute to go and look up a panel from My Life as a Background Slytherin. Go on; I’ll wait. McGovern’s unique and iconic style is carried over into this graphic novel. Fans of hers will have no trouble recognizing the artist behind this one.

McGovern’s artwork is pure lines – no shading and no color (minus the cover, of course). It allows for quick pieces like the webcomic series. But it also suits the characters in this tale as well. There’s something inherently chaotic about the way McGovern draws.

Conclusion

Bloodlust & Bonnets is a hilarious and fun read. It’ll probably be appreciated more by fans of McGovern’s other works. But I honestly think new fans could appreciate it as well—especially anybody looking to see a lighthearted riffing on some otherwise stale romantic tropes.

The adventures and quips in this story are both satisfying and entertaining. The mashing together of two major themes – romance and vampire hunting may not be a new idea. But McGovern certainly put her own spin on things.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk #1 (Marvel)

Celebrating a Hero in Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk #1

This year marks the 30th anniversary since Darkhawk, aka Chris Powell, first entered Marvel Comics. Now, here we are celebrating his character in Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk #1. It’s refreshing to see Darkhawk getting a chance to have a solo issue once again, as it has been far too long since we last saw his face.

Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk #1 is a true celebration of his character. Inside are three different stories, all of which showcase what this character has to give. It’s a great rundown of what he has been through. All while setting up for something more (I do hope this holds true!).

The best part about this issue (aside from the obvious) is that it comes from the origins of Darkhawk himself. Danny Fingeroth and Mike Manley are the co-creators of Darkhawk, and it is wonderful to see them back together for this project. Joining them are Christ Sotomayor, Dan Abnett, Andrea Di Vito, Le Beau Underwood, Sebastian Cheng, Kyle Higgins, Juanan Ramirez, Erick Arciniega, and VC’s Travis Lanham.

Cry of the City

The first story in Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk #1 is titled ‘Cry of the City.’ If fans of Darkhawk read any part of this issue, it should be this one. The original creators were behind it, and it honestly could have been ripped right from his origin story.

Written by Danny Fingeroth, this tale takes us back to the earliest days of Darkhawk. He’s still on Earth, and Chris Powell is still very much adjusting to the new powers bestowed upon him. Yet, he already has a history with many villains around, showcasing how quickly his story gained that complex edge.

The struggle is real in this tale. You can practically feel Chris trying to find that balance, especially as other characters come into play. The story itself is all the more evocative, thanks to the artwork provided by Mike Manley (art) and Chris Sotomayor (colors).

The scenes are bright despite their nighttime setting and do look like a blast from the past. There’s no doubting when this origin occurred!

Long Way From Home

Next up in Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk #1 is ‘Long Way From Home.’ This is a more recent tale. It’s set following the events of The War of Kings and the Cancerverse. That alone should speak volumes about the mental state that Chris is in.

Dan Abnett’s grand writing style is well-suited for this timeline. It’s almost comforting seeing Chris Powell/Darkhawk traveling around the universe and unintentionally getting into all sorts of trouble. It feels like coming home, don’t you think?

The artwork for this segment was created by Andrea Di Vito (art), Le Beau Underwood (inks), and Sebastian Cheng (colors). Their rendering of aliens and battles is a particular highlight. All while capturing one of the best looks for our hero.

Last Flight

The last story in Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk #1 is simply called ‘Last Flight.’ This is a story that is going to hit hard for many fans. Yet, there is still something so beautifully uplifting about it. While it does feel like a solid ending, it also opens the door for hope. I hope that a reboot or continuation may be on the way.

Kyle Higgins really knows how to write a story that tugs on our heartstrings here. It’s a reflective piece on the character, and it shows. I don’t know how Higgins wove so many different emotions into a single scene, but he somehow did it.

Juanan Ramirez (art) and Erick Arciniega (colors) matched that tone and did a beautiful job of it. There’s an epic and somber tone in every panel. The hero portrayed here is a hero that has come to term with what lays in his future. It’s powerful, heartbreaking, and inspiring, all in one.

Conclusion

Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk #1 is a powerful and memorable issue. It’s a true celebration of the character, telling a story that both he and his loyal fans deserve. This is an issue that raised up my fading hope, giving me a reason to believe we’ll be seeing more of Darkhawk someday. Hopefully soon.

It was an intelligent move to have the same letterer, VC’s Travis Lanham, throughout the whole issue. It helped to give a unified look to it all. That is one of many details that I spotted while reading that I simply couldn’t help but appreciate.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – Bone Parish #11 (Boom! Studios)

Bone Parish #11 Brings Us Closer to the End

Bone Parish #11 is perhaps the fastest-paced issue in the series to date, which is saying something. You can tell that the series is nearing its end because they’re starting to weave everything back around. Not that we’ll be happy to see this one go.

This issue is actually the second to last issue in the series. That means that everything needs to be tied up in a neat (or bloody) little bow before things finish. I think they can do that – especially considering all of the progress made during this issue.

Bone Parish #11 lives up to the expectations laid upon it from past issues. It’s intense, brutal, and has so many intricate plots and schemes weaving in and out of each other. The brutality at points is borderline grotesque, but it fits the tone of the series perfectly.

Writing

Now that the series is nearing an end, you can really see everything that Cullen Bunn was building to. There have been many twists and turns throughout the series, but none like what happened in Bone Parish #11.

I’m still reeling from some of the twists in this issue. Several of them Bunn had been building to for a while. So they weren’t precisely shocking…but they were shockingly dramatic despite that. Other twists lived up to their namesake.

This issue was all over the place – but in a good way. Every plot that has been in progress was touched upon here. From the stories covering the past to the plots happening in real-time. From the main plot to all of the subplots. It’s easy to forget how intricate this series had become until it was all placed neatly in front of us. Okay, the events themselves were anything but neat, but you get what I’m saying.

Throughout all of this, the tone for the series held true. It still read like a modern horror, with elements from the drug trade and the supernatural seeping in. Since it was the tone of the series that sold me, I’m grateful for that fact.

Art

Due to the fast-paced nature of Bone Parish #11, there were several changes in scenes and main perspectives. That would have been difficult to keep up with, but the creative team did a brilliant job of always making it clear when the setting had changed.

Jonas Scharf provided the lines for this issue, while Alex Guimaraes did the coloring, and Ed Dukeshire provided the lettering. Together they made this entire tale possible. They really pulled in the darker tones of the series – sometimes literally.

I loved the gothic influence in this issue. It combined well with some of the more graphic scenes. It made for an exciting duality, if nothing else. There were other, trickier things the artists had to portray in this issue as well. But talking about them would be spoilers.

Conclusion

Bone Parish #11 did a brilliant job of moving the plot forward. It’s begun to weave all of the plot lines back in together. Surely setting up for a theatrical conclusion to the series. I still have questions, and I sincerely have no idea what is going to happen before it ends. And I couldn’t be more excited to see what happens.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review- Deadpool #10 (Marvel Comics)

Enter the King in Black in Deadpool #10

It’s that time! Deadpool is officially getting a crossover issue! The King in Black arc is about to invade Wade’s world in Deadpool #10. And we all know precisely how chaotic (and entertaining) that’s going to end up being.
Knowing what we do about The King in Black, it makes sense that the little plot of territory Deadpool has carved out for the monsters wouldn’t be left untouched. It is sort of directly in the middle of many of the fights occurring right now, even if Deadpool doesn’t see that.
On the bright side, that means we’re about to see how Deadpool reacts to this latest world event. It’ll probably involve more than his fair share of snark. But then, what plot doesn’t make use of his wit and undying urge to spew out quips?

Writing


Deadpool #10 somehow managed to nail that fine line between hilarious and extremely tense. Okay, this is Deadpool we’re talking about, so it leaned more towards hilarious than tense, but you know what I mean.
Kelly Thompson did find a way to make stakes that both Deadpool and the fans couldn’t ignore. It gave us reason to care about the crossover event. All while addressing the elephant in the room, as only Deadpool could know he’s in said crossover event. It’s perfect.
Monsters new and old were given a chance to shine (not literally) thanks to the King in Black. Though he probably wouldn’t appreciate that being pointed out. At least it forced more of them to find ways to work together. As it turns out, Deadpool isn’t a bad king for the monsters. He consistently rallies them around major threats, as this event has once again proven.
I’m giving major bonus points for the amount of focus spent on one particular character. He is adorable and deserves every spec of attention sent his way. Granted, I may be just a touch biased there, but I’d like to believe we all are when it comes to that character.

Art


Deadpool #10 is full of fun and brilliant artwork. It happily founds back and forth from witty banter to battles, perfect for this character. Overall this issue seemed to have a lot of fun while having a solid foundation for which to work with.
Gerardo Sandoval (pencils, inks), Victor Nava (inks), and Chris Sotomayor (colors) all did an exceptional job of bringing the chaos of this issue to life. More than that, they did so in such a shockingly charming way.
Okay, I may lean towards the charming side of things thanks to how certain characters were portrayed, but can you blame me there? So cute! But back to the fighting side of things, the fights in this issue were really cleverly rendered.
On that note, VC’s Joe Sabino’s lettering in this issue is some of the best I’ve seen. While it is heavily understated at times, the tiny implications really make such an impact. Even on a subconscious level. It’s fantastic.

Conclusion


Deadpool #10 is, without a doubt, one of the most hilarious crossover issues I have ever read. I’d like to think that is saying something and hope that other fans feel the same way about it. This was one fun and chaotic mess, meant in all the best possible ways.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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