Take A Chance #1 Preview

Thanks to the fine folks at Dabel Bros. Publishing, here’s a sneak peek at December’s Take A Chance #1, plus the cover of issue 2. Written by novelist C.E. Murphy (Urban Shaman) with art by Ardian Shyaf (The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle) the five issue mini-series focuses on single mother Frankie Kemp who becomes a butt kicking vigilante after losing her son in the crossfire of a gang war. She strikes out with justice as an ordinary woman trying to make a difference, but must re-evaluate her role once a virus escapes from North Korea, killing some and creating super powered beings worldwide.

Sounds like an interesting take and from the pics below it looks fairly action packed. It might just fill the niche left by DC’s recently finished Catwoman series.

October 14, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Invincible Iron Man #7 Preview

More pretty pictures. This time from Invincible Iron Man, Tony Stark’s second title. It’s a great time to be a goateed gazillionaire inventor. Written by Matt Fraction with art by Salvador Larocca issue 7 (released on November 5) has Iron Man teaming up with Peter Parker AKA Spider-Man. Two cinematic heroes in one book. Cool.

October 14, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Weapon X: First Class #1 Preview

As many people will discover with next year’s film, Logan, otherwise known as the most popular X-Man, Wolverine has a mysterious past. However, it’s slowly unraveling these days with his Origins series and now the 3 ish Weapon X: First Class mini-series. Written by Marc Sumerak (Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius) with art by Mark Robinson & Tim Seeley the series takes a closer look at the military minded Weapon X program which gave Wolvie those fancy adamantium bones and claws. Old foe Sabretooth guest stars, to get the fur flying and every issue features a 10 page back-up tale spotlighting past and present Weapon X “graduates.” The first ish goes on sale on November 5.

Below are a few random pages, after the Michael Ryan cover.

October 14, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Marvel’s Ultimatum

Marvel’s 5 issue Ultimatum mini-series is released on November 5, and is a cross-over event, with repercussions affecting the entire Ultimate universe. Marvel think you should read it. Here’s why.

Mags sure looks comfortable doesn’t he?

October 14, 2008
Categories: Comics . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Top Cowabunga!

Now you can skate to the comic shop with reckless abandon and declare your love for Darkness, Savage Dragon or Witchblade at the same time! “Get out of my way!” you’ll scream as you tear past dordling pedestrians. “I’m a comic reader and I need my fix!” Anyway, Top Cow are releasing some perty decks in conjunction with Graphic Image Skateboards. Below is the official press release.

Top Cow Productions, Inc. and Graphic Image Skateboards are proud to announce new Witchblade and Darkness skateboards are available for purchase starting November 1, 2008. Pre-orders are now being accepted.

These skateboards are available as deck only, complete with trucks and wheels, and are made from seven plies of hard rock maple and feature high-resolution graphics that are nothing short of spectacular. A very limited number of skateboards are available signed by Top Cow Productions founder and CEO Marc Silvestri, who co-created Witchblade and The Darkness.

“The partnership with Top Cow is simply surreal to me,” marveled Andrew Brousseau, founder of Graphic Image Skateboards. “When Image and Top Cow were founded back in 1992, it really revitalized for me the excitement that was once found in visiting the local comic book store. And so in partnering up with Top Cow today to make skateboards, I really feel it’s an incredible opportunity to revitalize the excitement that was once found in buying a new skateboard deck.”

“We’re absolutely thrilled by this partnership,” exclaimed Top Cow President Matt Hawkins. “Graphic Image Skateboards produce fine, quality decks and we’re more than happy to lend our characters to their line.”

Graphic Image Skateboards also has a Savage Dragon deck available, based on the character created by Erik Larsen and published by Image Central, which, along with Todd McFarlane Productions and Top Cow, make up Image Comics.

For all pricing and pre-order inquires please contact Andrew Brousseau at abrousseau@mts.net, or visit www.graphicimageskateboards.com.

October 12, 2008
Categories: Comics, News . Tags: , , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Various Batman Reviews

So how would you like your Bat today? Grim and gritty or light hearted and witty? The double edged sword of having multiple titles for popular characters like DC’s Batman and Superman and Marvel’s Spider-Man and Wolverine is that there is an interpretation for everyone. Hardcore fans and unsure parents looking for something kid-friendly can both be satisfied. The danger is that the intent of the character; their core can be compromised. I’m afraid that’s the case with this month’s Batman selection. After having just read Batman Confidential #22, Secret Six #2 and Detective Comics #849 in quick succession I realise that the Dark Knight is not always himself from one title to the next. This is a bad month to make this comparison, as usually different writers can handle the same character/s fine, and here I want to make the point about characters other than Bats, but the difference is certainly noticeable.

Let’s start with Confidential. The premise being that this is a look back at the cowled one’s early days allows me to look at it with some grace. I love Scott McDaniel’s (Nightwing) pencils, and always have, and any return of his to the Bat world is a welcome one. That Ryan Sook cover is great too (with a nice cameo from editor Mike Carlin as the guard), though Joker’s lame Monopoly reference (“Hey! We didn’t pass ‘Go!'”) is indicative of the trouble that lies within. Joker just isn’t himself. He’s more annoying than scary, and with the causing-trouble-from-within-a-cell storyline similar to the Dark Knight film it doesn’t scream originality. TV writer Andrew Kreisberg handles the pacing and plot well enough, but the fact that Joker is more like Superman villain The Prankster, isn’t helping. This is the first part of a new story arc and details the first time Bats bought Joker into Gotham police custody. Great idea right there and hopefully in future issues the maniac we all know and love will truly reveal himself. For now it’s bad banter and unfunny jokes (even a toilet gag!) And how the Joker convinces a stranger to kill herself with his one allowed phone call is almost absurd. However, the fact that he has no fingerprints thanks to his life transforming acid bath makes sense and I’m surprised no-one’s thought of it before, as far as I know. Bats is done well here I must say, with all the seriousness and minimal speech he needs.

Detective Comics, or ‘Tec as it’s also known, is DC’s flagship book effectively, and thankfully it soars high. Another TV writer, Paul Dini tells the penultimate tale of the Batman R.I.P tie-in, Hearts of Hush. This is a great book and has been for a long time. So far, Dini hasn’t put a foot wrong and with his career as a toon and comics writer in the DCU he knows Batman and co. well. Joker is here too, briefly, and more in character, as he cheers when Bats beats Scarecrow in Arkham. Last month’s cliffhanger with Selina Kyle (Catwoman) laid out on an operating table, with her heart out was a real teaser. Here the tale continues as Batman looks for answers and a solution to keep Selina alive, as she barely is for now, with Hush’s machinery. It was a shame to see Catwoman’s series end recently. Her last two issues were great and DC gave her some great arcs. Hopefully she’ll make guest appearances in ‘Tec for a while and then we can have Green Arrow and Black Canary as well as Batman and Catwoman books. Hmm…

Dustin Nguyen is another great Bat artist and has been showing of late that his covers are just as gorgeous, with a touch of Dave McKean influence in this ish. Mr. Terrific and Dr. Mid-Nite from the JSA drop by too and don’t look out of place in this dark tale, which basically involves lots of running and punching as Bats gets angrier. Hush knows what I’ve always thought; Catwoman is Bruce Wayne’s real love, even if he won’t admit it. Hush is an interesting character and it’s fantastic to see that he’s still being used after Jeph Loeb’s and Jim Lee’s intro of the character from a few years ago. With flashbacks to his wildly different upbringing than Bruce’s and the last few pages which reveal Hush’s true, long reaching plan, this will be a book to keep your eyes on, especially to see how it ties into R.I.P’s conclusion. Grab a sneak peek here.

Lastly, Secret Six #2. Well, we get our first glimpse, of sorts, of last issue’s freak in a box, Bane continues to amuse but still stay barley in character, and Batman and Catman have a chat and a brawl on a rooftop (where all of Batman’s dialogue seems to take place). This is a fun book and shows, along with it’s originator, Villains United, two things: 1. That Gail Simone can create an original title that the DCU really needs and 2. Penciller Nicola Scott is sure to have a bright future. The Bat and Cat discussion is basically two guys sticking their chests out, but does seem oddly disjointed in their last page together. However even with their discussion of Batman’s breakfast choices, Simone still shows that Bats is a character with a big enough heart and mind to compliment his fists. He knows what’s going on, and wants everyone to know it.

The other highlight of this month is Action Comics #870, the fantastic Braniac finale. Yes, DC leaked Jonathan Kent’s death to the mainstream media first (as did Marvel with Cap’s death almost two years ago) but if it brings people to the LCS, then it has my support. I always liked Superman’s earthly parents. They fit in well, though Pa hasn’t lasted long on film and TV so it really only affects the comics readers. Who knows, he may come back, but it wouldn’t really work as he’s not a superhero or villain. It’s a great book nonetheless, with golden boy Geoff Johns and the graceful pencils of Gary Frank adding much emotional depth to this story.

October 11, 2008
Categories: Comics, Reviews . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Marvel’s Mystery Image No. 2

After the hero-centric teaser image, we now have a villain-centric piece. It is accompanied only with the text, “Are You Ready To Villain Up?” It seems obvious now that these two images are to promote Marvel’s kid friendly cartoon, or comic, or both, probably to go along with Hasbro’s kidified Super Hero Squad toys. For now, gaze at the cutesiness of Juggernaut, Doctor Doom and the little limbed/ big headed awesomeness of the always fun M.O.D.O.K.

October 9, 2008
Categories: Comics, News . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Marvel’s Mystery Image

Marvel have a recent history of releasing teaser images and letting fans scratch their heads. The latest one was to promote their Noir series which re-imagines Spider-Man, the X-Men and Daredevil in  a typical old school noir setting, and will be released in December. The image below, released yesterday seems more obvious. Marvel are getting in on DC’s game and getting kiddy and cutesy. All we know is that apart from the familiar characters such as Hulk, Spidey and Wolvie, there’s also some new Lobster Boy type creation. The tag-line is, “Are You Ready To Hero Up?” I think I am.

October 8, 2008
Categories: Comics, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Pulp Tales Review

Anthology tales are usually a hit and miss affair. Creators have the danger of trying different styles, or dusting out a random story from the bottom of their desk drawer. These may work, but that’s not always the case. Unfortunately brevity is not something a lot of current writers are skilled in, whereas their web-comic cousins are skilled indeed at using less than 22 pages to tell an enchanting story.

Saying all that, the new one-shot Pulp Tales, from BOOM! Studios thankfully works. Of course, just like any comic grab bag, you don’t know exactly what you’re going to get and the short tales contained within have to cross as many genres as possible, so readers will find at least one story they adore. This issue comes with two covers, from Ben Templesmith and Josh Medors (Fused, 30 Days of Night.) The latter version is a slightly higher price, but that’s a good thing, as this is a benefit book for Medors who was recently diagnosed with cancer, and ALL proceeds will go to supporting him and his family.

The first tale, Bluejacket is written by 76’s B.Clay Moore and Seth Peck, with art by Chris Samnee. It shows a paranormal team as they fight a werejaguar and welcome Dr. Nicole Shaw to their ranks, as the first woman in Bluejacket’s 75 year history. It combines elements of The X-Files and Doc Savage, with a pinch of Hellboy’s B.P.R.D thrown in for good measure. And it all works. The team consists of the requesite strongman, nerd, adventurer and Dr. Shaw, the token female. Not a panel is wasted creating a glimpse of this world, and it reeks (in a good way) of good old fashioned heroism, when baddies were beaten with fists and dames were kissed hard on the lips.

Joshua Fialkov (the madcap P.U.N.K.S) with glorious old-school art by Andy B, craft an obvious Lone Ranger homage with their story about Newt Lawman and Running Bear as they make a stand against some angry Apaches. The standout here is the art. Reminiscent of Mike Allred, it’s all grand gestures in technicolour. I’d love top see more of this guy.

The Crescent Flame by Kody Chamberlain (also from P.U.N.K.S) is set in New Orleans in 1952. A young man by the name of Harry managed to capture a photo of The Crescent Flame’s latest heroic act and now has to face the consequences. More like an illustrated prose piece told in third person, in the style of an old radio serial, it’s a nice departure from the rest of the more traditional stories before it. Rendered in blue for exteriors, and red for the dark room scenes, it’s also an effective showcase of moody colouring.

Tony Fleecs tells the story of overweight gumshoe Crash Winters in typical pulp fashion. On the trail of deceased movie star Susan Stevens he fumbles his way to a secret and a cute cliffhanger, in the most cartoony fashion in the book.

Limbo’s Assassin follows brutal enforcer Carl Henderson and is the most pulp-ish story here. A prose piece with black and white illustrations by Sarah Wilkinson, there is also a mysterious (though not for long) girl, lots of shooting goons and blood loss. All this means its tailor made for fans of Sin City, but with a supernatural twist. Some may be tempted to skip through all the text, but stick with it. It’s worth it.

Each one of these tales is presented like a random selection from a world that’s been established for some time, but that’s not a distraction. They all have enough charm and diversity to be entertaining in the few pages they’re allowed. Pulp Tales is also a great example of the numerous writing and art styles inherent in today’s indie stars. Each creator brings an approach blatantly differently from the others, yet they also lovingly play with the conventions of classic pulp and superhero tales. Be entertained and maybe discover a new fave creator and you’ll feel good at the same time by supporting a young artist in a time of need. The 24 pager goes on sale on October 8.

October 6, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Horror Film Props Auction

For fans of horror films, this is your chance to take something home from a variety of film classics or recent releases. If you live in California, you can see the props for yourself next Saturday, or you can go on-line and still be a part of this unique event. Press release below.

Premiere Props announced Friday that the live horror-themed charity auction of never before seen movie props and costumes just got bigger! Presented by Fangoria, DreadCentral.com and hosted by Ryan “Rotten” Turek from ShockTillYouDrop.com the live auction will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at Premiere Props’ warehouse in El Segundo, California (128 Sierra Street, El Segundo, CA 90245) with proceeds to benefit the Entertainment Industry Foundation. There will be a preview from 9am – 11am, and the auction will begin at 11am. As a special treat, bidders who come down to Premiere Props’ warehouse will have the opportunity to meet Charles Band, horror film producer of The Gingerdead Man, Subspecies, The Puppet Master Feature Film Series ,Ghoulies ,Evil Bong, Trancers and many more.

Film fans and collectors will have the chance to own rare costumes and props from fan favorites including Evil Bong, Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge,  The Cave, Rob Zombie’s Halloween, Quarantine, Lakeview Terrace, Wrong Turn, Cloverfield, Captivity, The Mummy Returns, One Missed Call, Ancient, Red Dragon, The Simpsons Halloween Special XII, Resident Evil: Extinction, Underworld Evolution  and many, many more!  Also, rare back issues of  Fangoria, have been added to the list of items up for bid.

Several hundred props from horror classics will be auctioned off with a set portion of the proceeds benefiting the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The charity auction will feature movie collectibles and props including:
·        Aeon Flux- An action Monican assault rifle prop used by a hit team member in the film.
·        Captivity-Jen’s (Elisha Cuthbert) hero brown fuzzy w/ sheer white/brown bow teddy bear.
·        Captivity-Jen’s (Elisha Cuthbert) hero silver blender used to feed pureed flesh.
·        Evil Bong-Original movie prop from the stoner-horror film starring Tommy Chong.
·        Lakeview Terrace- Abel’s (Samuel Jackson) camel tan silk “Coconut Grove” 2 button sport coat, cement gray w/ front pleat “John W. Nordstrom” cuffed pants.
·        Lakeview Terrace- Abel’s (Samuel Jackson) screen worn hero police officer uniform and many more of Abel’s hero costumes!
·        Cloverfield-Hud’s (T.J. Miller) screen worn hero costume. Includes a soiled and bloodstained light-blue “Ben Sherman” button-up shirt.
·        Cloverfield- Rob’s (Michael Stahl-David) screen worn hero costume. Features a blue and white striped button up “John Varvatos USA” shirt” with blood stains and holes.
·        Ghoulies-Fish Ghoulie from the original mold. Notorious Ghoulie that pops out of the toilet! Signed and dated by the FX creator John Carl Buechler and producer Charles Band. Comes with original poster.
·        Grindhouse-Stuntman Mike’s (Kurt Russell) “Death Proof” screen worn costume, including a black “American Apparel” t-shirt and a pair of “Levi” blue jeans.
·        Rob Zombie’s Halloween-Michael Myer’s (Tyler Mane) tattered grey bath robe.
·        Hell Ride-A “Sears” wooden suit case with four playing cards glued on the front.
·        Hell Ride-A fleet of working motorcycles from the movie, including classic antique Indian Chief Motorcycles, Harley Davidson Motorcycles and more!
·        Jurassic Park-A limited edition boxed set of nine offset lithographic prints of the Jurassic Park dinosaurs.
·        One Missed Call-Beth’s (Shannyn Sossamon) “Banana Republic” cardigan, “J Crew” wide neck shirt and “Club Monaco” pants.
·          Puppet Master-Blade, Leech Woman, Decapitron and Torch
original 1:1 scale replica puppets from the early Puppet Master
films.
·        Quarantine-  Jake’s (Jay Hernandez) bloody, yellow zip up jacket with neon yellow/white reflective stripes and a neon yellow “Morning Pride” patch on the right side of the jacket.
·        Sleepy Hollow-A screen used wooden cross which reads “Jonathan Masbeth” (Mark Spalding) across it.
·        The Cave-The actual full size animatronic monster from
The Cave.
·        The Eye-Sydney’s (Jessica Alba) long sleeve blouse and pinstripe pants.
·       The Gingerdead Man Puppet-Angry cookie from the original mold – inhabited by the spirit of crazy Gary Busey from the notorious film The Gingerdead Man.
·        The Mummy Returns-A giant Egyptian-style tablet that has been studio-distressed.
·        The Simpsons-An original production cell of Bart as Harry Potter wizard in “Treehouse of Horror XII.”
·        Underworld Evolution-Selene’s (Kate Beckinsale) screen used boot knife.

“We are excited to be partnering with Charles Band, Fangoria, DreadCentral.com and ShockTillYouDrop.com for the scariest horror-filled auction ever,” said Dan Levin, Vice President of Marketing for Premiere Props.  “Collectors will be amazed with the rare horror super hero costumes and movie memorabilia that will be up for bid.”

“I’ve collected movie props and original art from the moment I started to make movies! I’ve also set aside hundreds of items from my own films over the years. I’m excited to see some of these items go up for sale on October 11th thru the great dudes at Premiere Props! I also look forward to meeting fellow collectors on that day,” Charles Band, Founder of Full Moon Features.

“We always aim to bring our fans and readers the best when it comes to horror, and Premiere Props offers the best horror-themed items without costing you an arm and a leg,” Tony Timpone, Editor-in-Chief of Fangoria.

“There’s no question Premiere Props has established itself as the leading resource of horror and film memorabilia. No one does a better job when it comes to offering fans a chance to own their favorite bit of haunted history. The opportunity to work with them is one that we jumped at quicker than a cat-scare, and we look forward to providing collectors with final cut prices on all things that have gone bump in the night on the big screen,” Steve Barton, Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of DreadCentral.com.

“Next to being on the set of a film, owning a piece of your favorite horror production is about one of the coolest bragging rights to have.  Premiere Props helps you make that happen by offering up for auction a multitude of screen-used items.  Reproduced collectibles be damned, there’s nothing better than the real thing,” Ryan “Rotten” Turek, Managing Editor of ShockTillYouDrop.com.

Bidding is available live worldwide with live streaming video and audio of the auction on PremiereProps.com.   The live auction catalog is now up and hundreds more lots will be added to this great event! Be sure to   register now online if you will be bidding live for pre-approved status. If you are planning to attend in person please   register now to be our special VIP guest at the show. For phone bidding please call (310) 322-PROP (pre-registration is required). The auction preview period is from 9:00am PST to 11:00am PST and the auction begins at 11:00am PST.

October 5, 2008
Categories: News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Image: Never Late Again!

Well, at least as far as Robert Kirkman is concerned. The new Image partner is certainly confident, and giving his fans what they want – trustworthy release dates. That’s not something even the Big Two can guarantee. Gotta love the guy. He’s clearly passionate about keeping comics readers happy, and creating new ones at the same time. From Image’s press release:

Starting this January, Robert Kirkman gives his books the one thing fans have demanded for years – guaranteed ship dates!

“That’s right, kids, this time it’s for real,” said Kirkman. “Every single one of my titles – WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE, ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN and BRIT – will now be guaranteed to ship by their solicited date. This isn’t an empty promise and I’ve taken that extra step of hiring Aubrey Sitterson, an editor for my entire line, a guy you may know from his days at Marvel.”

Aubrey Sitterson, who first worked with Kirkman on titles such as THE IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN and MARVEL TEAM-UP, has been quietly working with Kirkman for the last several months, ensuring the upcoming resolicited books hit their target date.

Sitterson said, “I spent years wrangling Robert at the House of Ideas. Now, I’m champing at the bit to crack the whip and mix whatever metaphors necessary to get every last one of his books out on time – no exceptions and no excuses!”

The guaranteed ship dates will begin this January, with ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #12, BRIT #12, INVINCIBLE #58 and THE WALKING DEAD #57.

October 5, 2008
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Kirkman and Marz at the Station

In my continuing effort of shameless promotion, here is my article about Walking Dead & Invincible creator Robert Kirkman’s recent plea for creator-owned properties, and my interview with legendary writer Ron Marz about his groovy new series Dragon Prince. There’s also my review of Station #3, BOOM!’s excellent thriller in a space station title.

October 5, 2008
Categories: Comics, Interviews, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Mercy Thompson: Homecoming Preview

Next month is the launch of the four issue mini-series, Mercy Thompson: Homecoming from Dabel Brothers. Written by Mercy creator/novelist Patricia Biggs it is a prequel to the novels and finds the titular mechanic and supernatural expert facing vampires, werewolves and even the horrors of a job interview.

A new Mercy novel, Bone Crossed will be released in February of next year, so now’s the time to familiarise yourself with this heroine of three novels (the last one of which reached #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List) and now – comics! Below are a few random pages of text-free interior art from Francis Tsai (Marvel Adventures).


October 2, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Zero-G #1 Review

I know this book has been getting its praise, from the likes of Stan Lee (in his typically enthusiastic way) and Steve Niles, but I can only assume they’ve been privy to all of the issues. I’m not saying this is a bad book. Far from it. It’s just that this opening salvo is not entirely original, but a firm foundation is certainly there so I can only hope that it continues to build upon this issue to create a fully immersive sci-fi tale.

Produced by Top Cow and Spacedog Entertainment, Zero-G is written by Alex Zamm, with art by Jason Badower. This is undoubtedly their biggest book to date and could be a great launching point for long lasting careers if this series takes off. It’s a suitable showcase for the talents of both men.

It begins with NASA geologist Atom Weaver’s discovery of a rock. A big, valuable rock. Or asteroid, rather. One named Z-1492. If it was up to me, I’d name asteroids after people, like hurricanes, instead of numbering them, but anyway. Good old Z-1492 is on a course for earth, or at least close enough to it, and because of this a unique window of opportunity is present to examine its rich mineral deposits. So full of natural resources is the humongous rock that it could effectively cause a shift in the balance of power for whoever manages to mine it first. The US government try and keep this to themselves, but good news travels fast and soon the race is on between nations, corporations, and moguls like billionaire Bill Barron, to make the most of this rare chance at worldly wealth.

Atom agrees to 17 months of training against his better judgement to be a part of the 9 man crew sent from NASA to claim its stake, and he soon regrets it. The team arrive to find the Chinese have beaten them to it, but that still doesn’t explain the presence of caves, which upon further investigation leads them to the discovery of the asteroid’s original miners. And they’re not human. However the crew don’t seem taken aback at all upon witnessing what I assume is humanity’s first encounter with extra-terrestrials.

With a tale that is part Armageddon and part Aliens surprises are few and far between. By issue’s end, one crew member is dead, and the team’s ship has been mysteriously sabotaged, leaving them stranded. Sci-fi fans will see those twists coming a mile away, but keeping in mind that this is the set-up issue, more genuine surprises must be on their way over the next few installments. There is certainly enough here to make an interesting story, but one that will undoubtedly pay off in the coming months.

Badower’s art has a subtle Steve McNiven flavour to it, using few lines but much realism. It fits well and the costume design and facial expressions are diverse enough to easily keep track of the large cast. However, if you’re still stuck, the last few pages of this 36 pager include a handy guide. Annette Kwok’s colours are pitch perfect from earth to space, and she manages to make Badower’s pencils even more majestic on the asteroid setting. It’s a mighty fine looking hunk of drifting minerals and looks like a scary alien place to be, as I’m sure the cast will discover in the next three issues.

October 1, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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