Pages

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Treasures From The ComiCombs











2016 is off to a great start with a handful of new #1’s and some new story arcs from your favorite titles. There were a lot of quality releases last week and it was tough choosing just three. Below you’ll find my top picks along with my impressions of chapter 2 and 3 of Spread volume 1. If there’s anything you would like to see reviewed here, let us know. I would love to see what you’re reading.

October Faction #12 (IDW Publishing)

Writer - Steve Niles

Artist - Damien Worm

This book reminds me of the Addams Family, if they were monster hunters. The October Faction, written by Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre), is a fun read. This is an action packed issue and isn’t a bad jumping on point if you’re new to the series. Check out volume 1 to follow the adventures of Frederick Allan and his family from the beginning.


Swamp Thing #1 (DC Comics)

Writer - Len Wein 

Artist - Kelley Jones 

Colorist – Michelle Madsen 

Swamp Thing co-creator and comic book legend Len Wein returns with a brand new six-issue miniseries starring DC’s green monster. This is a treat for any Swamp Thing fan and anyone who has fond memories of comics from the 70’s-80’s. Comic books aren’t written like this anymore. Let the comic book nostalgia take over and pick this one up. 


Black Science #19 (Image Comics)

Writer – Rick Remender

Artist – Matteo Scalera

Colorist – Moreno Dinisio

Rick Remender's God World story arc has been great so far and issue #19 (part 3 of 5) sets the bar very high for the final two parts. As Grant McKay tries to find his way through God World, his inner fears and demons manifest themselves in physical forms. Issue #19 is one of the best single issues (of any book) that I have read. No panel or word is wasted on filler. Remender's writing combined with artwork by Matteo Scalera and Moreno Dinisio knock this one way out of the ballpark. 


Spread Volume one: No Hope
Chapter 2 and 3

Writer – Justin Jordan

Artist – Kyle Strahm

Colorist – Felipe Sobreiro

While giving you my impressions on this book, I’m going to do my best to keep it spoiler free in the case you want to read it on your own.

When we left off at the end of chapter one, our protagonist No found the baby Hope and we find out their relationship is going to be a mutually beneficial one. Chapter two finds No having the problem of finding food for Hope. In the last chapter I praised the pacing and it continues on through chapter two and three. We’re introduced to two more characters in these chapters who will likely have a much larger role later on. Ravello is the narcissistic leader of the bandits that No had a run in with during chapter one. We are also introduced to a preacher who has no name as of yet but he has an interesting gift. He seems to be able to communicate with or maybe even create the Spread. With the close of these two chapters it looks like we’re getting closer to finding out more about the mysterious Spread. I’m really enjoying how the world in Spread is slowly expanding and the new characters seem pretty interesting. No, our protagonist, is a pretty mysterious guy but they do a really good job of getting you behind him. He’s a straight badass with a soft side and the final panel in chapter two shows that. The art is definitely beginning to stand out here. I’m definitely getting a strong Lone Wolf and Cub vibe from this book and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Things are definitely starting to move along at a nice pace and I’m finding myself more invested with everything in this book. At the end of Chapter three, No finds himself in a predicament as he’s captured by the Chili cook from hell.  Ravello shows back up to find and get revenge on No for disposing of some of his bandit family. I’m definitely looking forward to next week when I’ll talk about the next two chapters. 


- Creature of the ComiCombs

No comments:

Post a Comment