This series surprised a few people with it’s high quality upon its debut 4 months ago, especially seeing as it had actor Stephen Baldwin’s name attached to it. I’m glad I gave this a go though and I recommend picking up the eventual Trade when it arrives, particularly if fast paced thrillers with something a little extra are your thing.
As I’ve said before, The Remnant has been created as a Trade read, with its hectic story that doesn’t let up. There’s no chance to stop and catch your breath. You just have to run to keep up.
This final issue begins seconds from last month’s final page, with the mysterious woman with David’s wife, Sara in her sights laying bleeding in the street. Homeland Security wants answers from David and Sara but must fight to keep them both alive, as well as fighting against them at times.
This isn’t the high point for the series. It needed an extra issue or two to tie up loose ends, and with the rather ambivalent ending quite possibly involving the Rapture, it just may get it. I’d expect a Volume 2 to eventually be released. The supernatural elements that have been hinted at throughout this title come to the fore here, but rather awkwardly so. With characters espousing fate, prophecy and chaos it all seems like a flood, rather than a subtle wave. The Remnant has gone from Bourne to something else entirely in just one issue. It’s not enough to make me dislike this series, as it’s hooked me from the beginning. Caleb Monroe has an impressive handle on pace and artist Julian Totino Tedesco’s fluid figures and superb layouts, with great use of space get me every time. However, I was expecting more with the conclusion. If there is more to come, I’ll be happy. If not, this is a disappointing end to an otherwise uniquely engaging series.
I read a lot of comics. I look forward to the Previews catalogue each month and my new comics every Thursday or Friday. For as long as I’ve been reading them, comics have primarily consisted of 22 story pages. Sure, the argument over that arbitrary number re-surfaces from time to time, and perhaps monthlies aren’t as in favour as Trades and OGNs, which find a more welcome home at bookstores, but to make a story have impact in 22 pages is no easy feat. Not every comic I read is a winner of course, and some steal minutes from me as I trudge through them. However, this month has been a good one. And of course, if you read comics, you more than likely want to work “in” comics as a creator. If that’s you, then take note of these recent releases in how to craft an engrossing story.
I picked up War of Kings #1 when it was released a few weeks ago. I haven’t been up to date on all the Marvel happenings lately, but I’m glad I grabbed it. What a space epic! With a royal marriage, speeding spaceships and weird aliens, it was awesome. Now, you can read it for free, and if you like it, the second issue by the same creative team is due out on April Fool’s Day. (No kidding!) Press release below.
On sale now is The Darkness #76 from Top Cow. Written by Phil Hester with art by Michael Broussard, a gruesome preview as well as Top Cow’s description of the issue, is below.
I trust BOOM! Studios, and while as a fanboy putting your trust in a comic book publisher may be as wise as trusting your ability to get a hotel room at Comic-Con, I feel confident with this one. Lately BOOM! has lifted their game. Series like Station and the recent Hexed and The Remnant have really wowed me. Since Mark Waid has come on board they seem to be putting out quality titles consistently and are showing no signs of slowing down just yet. One of their latest projects is by writer Mark Sable (DC’s Cyborg and Two-Face: Year One) and Julian Totino Tedesco (artist on The Remnant). I can’t explain this series better than the press release, so here it is: They’ve been hired to think the UNTHINKABLE. But what happens when the unthinkable actually happens? After 9-11, best-selling author Alan Ripley joins a government think tank consisting of the most imaginative minds in diverse fields. Their job? Think of nightmare scenarios and crippling terrorist attacks so the government can safeguard against them. But what happens when the think tank folds, and the attacks start to happen? 
I’ll be honest with you. I only ordered this from Previews because it’s written by Rich Johnston. Rich is the man in the know when it comes to insider goss in the comic book biz, and is always the first to offer up juicy news that gets all those forums hyperactive. I’ve enjoyed his Lying In The Gutters column at 
comicbookjesus 