Category: Z-View

Z-View: Men of Wrath #4 by Aaron and Garney

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Men of Wrath is a five issue mini-series created by Jason Aaron & Ron Garney published by Marvel.

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: Ron Garney

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher

The last living men of Rath face off, as Ruben comes gunning for Ira to protect the life of his unborn child. With father and son standing poised to kill each other, will the Rath curse come full circle?

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

The Good

  • Nice cover!
  • Ira’s grocery store run-in with the Sheriff.
  • The last page is a shocker.

The Bad:

  • Ruben proving to himself he’s a “man.”
  • Going from wanting to kill your soon to making him wealthy.
  • “She’s out in the backyard. Buried under a sycamore.”

The Ugly:

  • The way Ira talks to his son.
  • The way Ruben let’s his gun answer back.

 

Men of Wrath #4  is for mature readers due to mature language and violence.

Rating:

The Mercenary Sea #7 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

“JOHNNY ONE-NOTE” The book BuzzFeed calls one of the top indie comics you should read returns with an all-new adventure. Jack Harper, captain of the Venture, tracks down clues about the legend of Koji Ra from an antiquities dealer in occupied China.

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

The Good

  • Bottom panel page 7 – simple but effective
  • Abbott and Costello would have been proud – page 9, panel 1
  • “I owe that guy a drink.”
  • Last page splash.

The Bad:

  • Usually I lead off The Good with praise for another Matthew Reynolds‘ cover.  This one isn’t bad, but it isn’t up there with my other Mercenary Sea favorite covers.  Any guesses why?  Yep, the background blur effect.

The Ugly:

  • Not a thing this issue.

The Mercenary Sea #7  should appeal to all who old time action and adventure.

Rating:

Z-View: The Mercenary Sea #6 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

“TOP HAT, WHITE LIE, AND TALES” Jack and Evelyn, a.k.a. “Top Hat,” are captured by Tono, locking the outclassed Venture into combat with a top-of-theline Japanese destroyer.

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

The Good

  • Another excellent cover by Matthew Reynolds
  • Symons comes up with a great and ingenious way for Jack to get word to his crew.
  • Page 14  is really nicely done.

The Bad:

  • “We took a direct hit aft, sir!”
  • “Feels like I just cut in on another girl’s dance.”  “I don’t take spins around the floor with my crew.”

The Ugly:

  • Still not a fan of the out of focus/blur effect — see page 19.

The Mercenary Sea #6  should appeal to all who old time action and adventure.

Rating:

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:

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: Men of Wrath #3 by Aaron and Garney

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Men of Wrath is a five issue mini-series created by Jason Aaron & Ron Garney published by Marvel.


Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: Ron Garney

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher

Ira Wrath is ready to pull the trigger on the last remaining member of his family, and bring the story of his bloodline to a violent end.

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

The Good

  • Ron Garney’s art.
  • Love the cover!
  • “I still never seen no ocean.”
  • “Now tell me little lady… was I lyin’ then?”
  • “Wasn’t always a preacher. Not in Phu Bau in ’68.”

The Bad:

  • Ira Rath is so bad he is willing to kill his own son for money.
  • It’s a long time since ’68.

The Ugly:

  • The history of the Rath family.

 

Men of Wrath #3 is for mature readers due to mature language and violence.

Rating:

Z-View: Men of Wrath #2 by Aaron & Garney

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Men of Wrath is a five issue mini-series created by Jason Aaron & Ron Garney published by Marvel.


Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: Ron Garney

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher

Dig deeper into the bloodstained history of the Raths, an Alabama family caught in a generational cycle of violence. Are all members of this clan of killers cursed to live and die by the sword, or can one of them break the chain?

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

The Good

  • Ron Garney’s art.
  • Milla does an especially nice job of coloring the night scenes.
  • “I’d much rather bury one body than two.”
  • “Kid… I’m sorry.”

The Bad:

  • Catching rabies.
  • How Reuben Rath can earn some extra money.
  • The cover shown above is boring.

The Ugly:

  • Being put down like a dog… a “bad dog.”

 

Men of Wrath #2 is for mature readers due to mature language and violence.

Rating:

Z-View: Men of Wrath #1 by Aaron and Garney

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Men of Wrath is a five issue mini-series created by Jason Aaron & Ron Garney published by Marvel.


Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: Ron Garney

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher

Ever since Great Grandfather Isom killed a man over some sheep, a black cloud has hung over the Rath family. Now, over a century later, Ira Rath, the coldest hitman ever to walk on Alabama soil, has taken a job that will decide the fate of his cursed family once and for all. Writer Jason Aaron (Southern Bastards, Scalped) and artist Ron Garney (Weapon X, Thor: God of Thunder) team up once again, to bring you the story of a Southern family, whose only heirloom is violence.

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

The Good

  • Ron Garney’s art.
  • Aaron’s idea of following generations of the Rath family.
  • If you like your crime stories about men who live outside the law and aren’t knights with dull armor, you’re in for a ride.
  • “He’s your father.”

The Bad:

  • Wrath does something so bad… so unexpected on page 7 that I had to go back and reread to make sure I wasn’t misinterpreting the art.  I wasn’t.
  • The size of the mosquitoes at Rath’s house.

The Ugly:

  • The “gift” Rath leaves his doctor as he walks out.

 

Men of Wrath #1 is for mature readers due to mature language and violence.

Rating:

Z-View: The Mercenary Sea #4 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

MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN” Stranded in a Chinese fishing village, Jack and company must rescue the British spy “Top Hat,” who’s been captured by Japanese soldiers.

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

The Good

  • I like the cover.
  • I like how Reynolds used color and outline for Evelyn’s hair.
  • “I wouldn’t bet on that.”
  • Four issues in and this really feels like an old time serial.  Well played, Symons and Reynolds.

The Bad:

  • What happens when you appear to have the upper-hand and get overconfident.  “Whoever you are, you’re out of ammo.” Yeah, that may be true, but…
  • When shrapnel makes a mess of your insides.

The Ugly:

  • Not a thing with this issue!

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

Rating:

The Package by Elliot Blake & Alexis Ziritt /Z-View

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The Package is a graphic novel created by Elliot Blake and Alexis Ziritt published through Kickstarter and available on Comixology.

Writer: Elliot Blake

Artist: Alexis Ziritt

Cover: Alexis Ziritt

 

Hitman Fred Cutler is sent to Mexico by his boss to retrieve a package. The package never arrives, but hired killers do. When Fred comes to, he discovers a bomb has been sewn into his chest. And if he wants to live, he’s going to have to kill his boss, L.A.’s most notorious gangster, Rafi Vega.

The Good

  • I love the cover by Alexis Ziritt.
  • Elliot Blake has created an excellent revenge story with a couple of unexpected twists.
  • The pinups by Emma Rios, Andrew Maclean, Robert Wilson IV and Eric Bonhomme.
  • The running gun battle when hitmen show up in Mexico.
  • I could easily see this very cool graphic novel turned into a very cool movie.
  • The price.

The Bad:

  • When you don’t know enough to get quiet around Rafi.
  • What happens when you keep “testing” Charlie.
  • Waking up a few days after being shot to find a bomb has been placed into your chest.
  • Nearly everyone — definitely all the major players in this tale.
  • It’s too bad some people may be put off by the roughness of the Ziritt’s art.  For me, it works — gritty art to compliment a gritty crime story.

The Ugly:

  • When Fred finds out what the package is.

The Package  is a comic for mature audiences due to profanity and violence.  If you’re a fan of Sin City; Dead Body Road, Criminal and Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, then you’ll dig The Package.