Category: Art

Z-View: The Mercenary Sea #5 by Symons and Reynolds

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The Mercenary Sea is an on-going series created by Kel Symons & Matthew Reynolds published by Image.

Writer: Kel Symons

Art and Colors: Matthew Reynolds

Letterer: Pat Brosseau

MARCH OF THE GRENADIERS The crew of the Venture teams with a band of Chinese guerillas to rescue “comfort women” held captive by Japanese soldiers.

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Excellent cover – one of Reynold’s best yet.
  • Page 8 splash!
  • The night scenes of battle — low contrast color throughout that make bright things pop [blood, explosions…]
  • Great cliffhanger leading into issue 6.

The Bad:

  • Being a Chinese pilot trying to get airborne.
  • Winning a battle, being hailed a “savior” by villagers, heading back to the sub and meeting…

The Ugly:

  • Still not a fan of the out of focus/blur effect on page 15.

The Mercenary Sea # 5  should appeal to all who old time action and adventure.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Z-View: Sherwood Texas #5 by Berryhill and Hillyard

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Sherwood Texas is a five issue mini-series published by 12-Gauge Comics.

Sherwood Texas #5

Writer: Shane Berryhill

Artist: Daniel Hillyard

Colorist: Charlie Kirchoff

Letterer: Ed Dukeshire

 

John Prince and Rob Hood slug it out for the soul of Sherwood, Texas in the stunning conclusion to this tale of betrayal and revenge. You don’t want to miss the big finale of this smash-hit series! 

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Andrew Robinson’s cover!
  • Prince’s anger gets the best of him and his emotional swing is more realistic than one would expect.
  • Page 13, Panel 2.
  • The story has a satisfying wrap-up so that no sequel is needed but the groundwork is laid just in case.

The Bad:

  • It doesn’t matter if you’re family if the Prince thinks you ripped him off.
  • Being discovered as a “snitch” by the Prince.
  • The Nobles luck because Loxley’s aim is so good.
  • The framing of the covers was a cool idea, but I’d rather see more of Andrew Robinson’s art!

The Ugly:

  • “Come on, Loxley, make it easy on –”  “Charlie!”

 

Sherwood Texas #5

Rating:

I enjoyed the Sherwood, Texas mini-series enough that I’d pre-order a sequel or at least check out anything else that Berryhill and Hillyard do.

Z-View: Sherwood Texas #4 by Berryhill and Hillyard

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Sherwood Texas is a five issue mini-series published by 12-Gauge Comics.

Sherwood Texas #4

Writer: Shane Berryhill

Artist: Daniel Hillyard

Colorist: Charlie Kirchoff

Letterer: Ed Dukeshire

 

The battle moves south of the border as Hood goes into Mexico looking to thwart the Nobles at every turn. Back in Sherwood, John Prince is about to make a discovery that changes everything.

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Berryhill comes up with a nice explanation of how Will is kept safe while recovering.
  • Ann Willis is a great supporting character.  “Remind me never to get on your bad side” – indeed.
  • The Jesters taking the fight across the border.

The Bad:

  • The casual way that Sheriff Hoyt shows he has tired of the interrogation.  [So bad it could have been listed in “the good” section.]

The Ugly:

  • Prince’s nephew’s situation… love the last panel of the book!

 

Sherwood Texas #4

Rating:

Sherwood Texas #3 by Berryhill and Hillyard

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Sherwood Texas is a five issue mini-series published by 12-Gauge Comics.

Sherwood Texas #3

Writer: Shane Berryhill

Artist: Daniel Hillyard

Colorist: Charlie Kirchoff

Letterer: Ed Dukeshire

 

It’s time to go on the offensive! Rob Hood and the Jesters hatch a plan to rob John Prince and free the kidnapped Mexican girls he and the Nobles have forced into their sex-slave business. Meanwhile, Maria puts her life on the line for Hood, doing everything she can to bring justice to the men who murdered his father.

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Andrew Robinson’s cover [shown above] is the best of the five issues.
  • Daniel Hillyard’s art gets better with each passing issue.
  • “Are you confessing, LJ… or bragging?”  “No difference when it’s the Nobles who I’ve sinned against.”
  • “Well, well. Ain’t you the feisty one.” [And how that reverberates later in the issue.]
  • “Time to cowgirl up, Maria Hoyt” and the next page.

The Bad:

  • How a spilled drink can ruin a plan.
  • “Dear God in Heaven! ******’s BEEN SHOT!”

The Ugly:

  • The Nobles kidnapping girls for profit.

 

Sherwood Texas #3

Rating: 4 out of 5

Z-View: Sherwood, Texas #2 by Berryhill and Hillyard

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Sherwood Texas is a five issue mini-series published by 12-Gauge Comics.

Sherwood Texas #2

Writer: Shane Berryhill

Artist: Daniel Hillyard

Colorist: Charlie Kirchoff

Letterer: Ed Dukeshire

 

ROB HOOD, shot and left for dead by members of the Nobles Motorcycle Club, has miraculously survived. After a year in hiding, Hood assumes the identity of a mysterious new member of the Jesters MC known only as “Loxley.” As Bike Week begins in Nottingham, Texas, the disguised Hood puts his plans for revenge into motion. Don’t miss the second installment of this bold re-imagining of the Robin Hood legend– only from 12-Gauge Comics!

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Andrew Robinson’s cover [shown above] is even better than last month’s.
  • Daniel Hillyard’s art.
  • Shane Berryhill story continues to update the Robin Hood mythos and add in a few twists.

The Bad:

  • The prospect’s odds of making it out alive — he’s in deep.
  • “Do you know who you’re stealing from?” Oh-oh!

The Ugly:

  • The Princess.

 

Sherwood Texas #2

Rating:

Z-View: Sherwood, Texas #1 by Berryhill and Hillyard

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Sherwood Texas is a five issue mini-series published by 12-Gauge Comics.

Sherwood Texas #1

Writer: Shane Berryhill

Artist: Daniel Hillyard

Colorist: Charlie Kirchoff

Letterer: Ed Dukeshire

 

Re-imagining the legend of Robin Hood as a modern day Spaghetti Western, SHERWOOD, TX is set inside the world of biker gangs, drug wars, human trafficking, and revenge.

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Re-imagining Robin Hood as a modern day tale told through motorcycle gangs.
  • Andrew Robinson provides the cover [shown above].
  • Daniel Hillyard’s art has a Brian Stelfreeze vibe that works.
  • “Well, well, Rob Hood, ain’t you the fiesty one.”

The Bad:

  • Disrespecting the Nobles.

The Ugly:

  • Breaking a pool cue on Little John and not phasing him.
  • Shot twice and left for dead.

 

Sherwood Texas #1

Rating:

Z-View: Winter World #5 by Dixon and Giorello

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Winter World created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino.

Winter World #4 published by IDW Publishing.

Writer: Chuck Dixon

Artist: Thomas Giorello

Colorist: Diego Rodriguez

Letterer: Robbie Robbins

 

Great Jumping-on Point! Scully, Wynn and Rah-Rah are on foot without food or shelter in a brutal world where death stalks their every step. Their vehicle has been stolen by a mystery woman and killing cold, starvation, giant predators and a mountain range won’t stop them from getting it back! A new arc begins with the rich, illustrative artwork of Tomas Giorello! Bring your woolies, it’s going to be a long, cold winter!

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Thomas Giorello is an excellent choice for the artist for the next story arc.
  • Rodriguez’s colors continue to complement the art.
  • “Hate keeps Skitters warm.”
  • Rah-rah is one brave badger.
  • Pages 15, 19 and 20 especially shine.

The Bad:

  • What toll collectors get instead of candy.
  • What Scully finds instead of thieves and liars.

The Ugly:

  • Scully’s situation.

 

Winter World #5 is for mature readers due to violence.

Rating:

Z-View: Winter World #4 by Dixon & Guice from IDW

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Winter World created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino.

Winter World #4 published by IDW Publishing.

Writer: Chuck Dixon

Artist: Butch Guice

Colorist: Diego Rodriguez

Letterer: Robbie Robbins

 

Scully and Wynn learn that the promise of paradise is a lie. Chuck Dixon and Butch Guice bring the first arc of this new ongoing to an explosive finale. What they thought was a sanctuary proves to be a death trap. The two friends are separated by their captors and Wynn faces a primordial horror on her own. The world is cold but the grave is colder as events race toward a deadly conclusion!

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Gerardo Zaffino provides a cover [shown above] that is the best of the series so far.
  • Each issue I’ve complemented Guice [art] and Rodriguez [colors] for their beautiful art — this issue is no exception.  What a great team!
  • “All right Nino. Let’s have a look at you. And please don’t have legs.”
  • Page 16 – Scully’s arrival was as welcome as Burt Reynold’s in Deliverance.

The Bad:

  • TANG – TANG -TANG – TANG
  • “Someone was lying.”

The Ugly:

  • Wynn’s situation.

 

Winter World #4 is for mature readers due to violence.

Rating:

Z-View: Winter World #3 by Dixon & Guice from IDW

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Winter World created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino.

Winter World #3 published by IDW Publishing.

Writer: Chuck Dixon

Artist: Butch Guice

Colorist: Diego Rodriguez

Letterer: Robbie Robbins

 

Chuck Dixon and Butch Guice take you deeper into the next ice age as Scully and Wynn find a refuge of sorts in the last place on Earth that’s warm. It’s a communal paradise of farmers and fishermen who have made heaven from hell. But is all what it seems to be or, as Scully believes, is it way too good to be true?

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Chuck Dixon breaks the norm and takes us to an area that isn’t barren and frozen — with a reasonable explanation.
  • “We are not a cruel people.  It is only that resources are limited.”
  • Guice and Rodriguez continue to impress with the interior art and colors.
  • “I’ve never seen a stockpile like this.”
  • “The book is very clear on this.” [Love the book used.]
  • Scully’s response when Wynn says, “I like it here” while looking at some boys her age.
  • “Well, ask yourself one question, sister… Where’s Rah-Rah?  Why’s he still hiding from them?”

The Bad:

  • I’m not a fan of the cover above.
  • “Then just let me go.”
  • Wynn is getting too comfortable in La Nina.

The Ugly:

  • “We need you to be there to be this year’s La Nina.”
  • “Then you will wear the bell.  And take the blessings of us all with you.”

 

Winter World #3 is for mature readers due to violence.

Rating:

Z-View: Winter World #2 by Dixon & Guice from IDW

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Winter World created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino.

Winter World #2 published by IDW Publishing.

Writer: Chuck Dixon

Artist: Butch Guice

Colorist: Diego Rodriguez

Letterer: Robbie Robbins

 

The saga of Scully and Wynn continues as they search for a fabled village by the sea where rumors tell of a warm heaven in this cold hell. Wynn is still in search of her parents and the village of La Niña may be the place they were heading when she was abandoned as a child. Scully just wants to find enough fuel to keep their new vehicle on the move. But will they find death at the end of the icy road?

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Chuck Dixon continues to write a story that moves.
  • Butch Guice’s art coupled with Diego Rodriguez’s colors is as Burgess Meredith would say, “a ting of beauty!”
  • Wynn is a kid who has had to grow up too fast and Dixon never loses sight of that.

The Bad:

  • I was expecting more action at the canal crossing, but Dixon is good at keeping us guessing.
  • Stepping into a trip wire when you’re sneaking in a place.
  • “The man is of no use to us.  We might use the girl…”

The Ugly:

  • “Scully tell me you have a plan.  I want to hear it.  I bet it’s good.”  “Sorry.  I’m so very sorry Wynn.”

 

Winter World #2 is for mature readers due to violence.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Z-View: Winter World #1 by Dixon & Guice from IDW

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Winter World created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino.

Winter World  #1 published by IDW Publishing.

Writer: Chuck Dixon

Artist: Butch Guice

Colorist: Diego Rodriguez

Letterer: Robbie Robbins

 

Winter is coming early! All new stories based on the Chuck Dixon/Jorge Zaffino classic! The apocalyptic international comics sensation of an Earth turned to an icy hell is back with Dixon returning to script and Butch Guice doing some of the best work of his illustrious artistic career as they take on the bleak and frozen future. Follow Scully and Wynn from their icy home of Wintersea into a killing wasteland where the coldest place is the human heart.

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • The writing by Chuck Dixon is on point.
  • Butch Guice’s art has never looked better.
  • Diego Rodriguez’s colors enhance the art without being showy.

The Bad:

  • “No one remembers not being hungry.  Not being cold.”
  • “The motor is cooked.”
  • The attack at the bottom of page 17 is beautiful to look at and scary as anything you can imagine.
  • “Here comes the dead end I was talking about.”

The Ugly:

  • “We’re on fire, Scully.”

 

Winter World  #1  is for readers twelve and up due to some violence.  It should appeal to fans of Mad Max, Apocalyptic movies, and lovers of great art and writing.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Z-View: Quatermain – Ghosts of the Nzadi #2 by Davis and Silva

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Quatermain: Ghosts of the Nzodi #2 was published by Blue Water Comics.

Writter: Scott Davis

Artist: Hoyt Silva

Letterer: David Hopkins

Myth, magic and reality start to blur as Quatermain continues his quest to find the body of his son, and faces his greatest foe; his own guilt. But time is running short and Quatermain must track down a powerful shaman that might hold the key to the mysterious were-creatures… or might be there creator. This is Chapter 2: Usiku Viumbe (“Night Creatures”) of new epic adventure serial featuring the original “super” hero-Allan Quatermain.

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Hoyt Silva was the selling point for me. Hoyt did the pencils, inks and colors.
  • Nice twist on the last page.

The Bad:

  • There’s too much myth and magic for my taste.  I wanted Quatermain to be action and adventure!
  • “I’m so sorry.  I failed you… I failed you both.”  Later in the story, “… And I would do it all the same again.” Huh?

The Ugly:

  • That big, face-painted native that looks like Kamala sure speaks English well.

Quatermain: Ghosts of the Nzodi #2 is for readers twelve and up due to some violence.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Gravedigger by Mills and Burchett Going to Action Lab Entertainment!

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Chris Mills announced this week that Gravedigger, the brilliant crime comic that he does with Rick Burchett will begin appearing from Action Lab Entertainment‘s Danger Zone later this year.

Regular readers know that I am a huge fan of both Mills and Burchett [separately] and Gravedigger is one of my all-time favorite comic characters.  Hopefully Action Lab will get enough sales of  two existing Gravedigger sagas – The Scavengers and The Predators to call for a nice hardcover and more Gravedigger yarns.

You can believe that I will keep you posted.

Z-View: Quatermain – Ghosts of the Nzadi #1 by Davis and Silva

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Quatermain: Ghosts of the Nzodi #1 was published by Blue Water Comics.

Writter: Scott Davis

Artist: Hoyt Silva

Letterer: David Hopkins

 

While travelling on a somber mission to bury his recently deceased son, legendary hero Allan Quatermain is forced to confront both inner demons…and bestial undead ones too. When the body of his son disappears, he jumps headlong on a quest to reclaim the body and unburies several secrets some believe best left hidden. Woven into historical landscape of the brutal Belgian rule of the Congo, this new Quatermain adventure travels into the heart of darkness and remains true to the exploratory spirit of the original HR Haggard novels.

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***

The Good

  • Hoyt Silva was the selling point for me.  Hoyt did the pencils, inks and colors.
  • Nice cover!
  • “Oi Frenchy! The lady has an opinion.”
  • Mixing fictional characters with historical characters.
  • “Reality is a lot less flattering.”

The Bad:

  • Henry Morton Stanley.
  • Finding your son’s casket is empty and there is a lot of zombie talk going around.

The Ugly:

  • “He’s lost a considerable amount of blood.”

 

Quatermain: Ghosts of the Nzodi #1  is for readers  twelve and up due to some violence.

Rating: 3 out of 5