Quick Reviews #27
Time To Bring The Boom!
Finally figured out how it works. Emails, requesting which material I wanna look over, and hoping they approve. Glad I got everything I wanted.
Boom! Studios
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - The Pink Ranger: The second story in here was a bit better. More pace, momentum, and emotional cohesion. But admittedly, the first one ended with a good transition element into it. Feeling the thrill of your glory days move away from you and trying to do the same. But they still leave enough behind. 8/10
Mouse Guard - Dawn of the Black Axe: Now here’s a classic! The theatricality in the dialogue feels like an epic origin being told by a bard. It’s almost as if there’s a chorus playing as events of tragedy and hope play out. 9/10
When I Lay My Vengeance Upon Thee: Dread oozes out of every page. The unease and anticipation in juxtaposition with some startling and grotesque imagery leaves people engaged. 8.5/10
Smooth Criminals: Colorful, quirky, lively character dynamics, body language, and panel layouts to immerse readers in the rhythm of a mixtape. All while keeping things balanced by syncing attitudes of the 60s and 90s. 9/10
What kind of attitudes? Challenging a couple of norms, including the mechanics of comics. Brenda “Killer-B”’s captions are when she thinks OUT LOUD. Tying those together with music prose and its limited uses never overstays its welcome.
Massive/Devil’s Due
The Disavowed #2: Pace is pretty good, especially with the contrasts. Normally I’m not the biggest fan of captions, but the juxtaposition between the “press releases” and the real events gives character to the cast. Especially in ironic payoffs. Just wish the actions taking place didn’t look so confusing or off-kilter. 7.5/10
Mad Cave
My Soul Mate: I think I’ve been overexposed to both the emotional process of making comics and working with a ghost to fulfill their dream. Doesn’t mean that the art and effects are bad. The way self-doubt is expressed and the character dynamics that work as a reflection of the leads is a classic. Plus the use of silence and communication by wordmarks show just how much the leads are immersed in comics. 8.3/10
Flow #3: Quite thrilling! Because you can feel the effects travel through time with each page. Not just the title character’s fear and humiliation, but a tragic look at how some things were out of people’s control. 9/10
Orla #4: Last issue left quite an impression on me. And this one did it again! The feeling of helplessness, trying to rebuild some stability, and finding validation. All of which shown in weighted but paced momentum and symbolic imagery. 9.5/10
Flash Gordon #13: This was a fun! A little emotional plot prologue, an even greater payoff. The best part is how the body language sells Flash acting like his evil twin. 8.5/10
Casagrandes: Freezing and Frio!: Some fun little strips to start the new year. Pick the ones for you! Mine are: Snow Wars, Mercado Santa, Ana Rolanda and the Missing Masa, and ‘Tis the Seasoning. All relatable situations with some pace and character dynamics to them. 8/10
The Loud House #25: This meanwhile has a few more going for it with heartwarming family dynamics. Plus a fan favorite character gets her own cast’s time in the spotlight. Nice gags with heart and all. 8.5/10
