Artists Writers & Artisans (AWA) is a new comic publishing company that we told you about a few weeks ago. This week they are launching their Upshot line of comics.
We have read the first four books, and I have to say they are really good. Below you will find the the solicitations and reviews for Archangel 8 #1, Hotell #1, Red Border #1, and Resistance #1.
All of these books will be available at you LCS on Wednesday March 18, 2020,
Archangel 8 #1
AWA Upshot
Written by: Michael Moreci
Art by: C.P. Smith
Colors by: Snakebite Cortez
Letters by: Sal Cipriano
Cover Art by: Jeff Dekal
Original Solicitation:
In a world beyond the sight of mortals, Heaven and Hell wage war for the souls of mankind. Principal among God’s legion are seven archangels written about in religious texts for millennia. But there is an eighth archangel, known only from passing allusions in Apocrypha, who operates under a different code. Fighting without God’s sanction, he faces the enemy on his own terms, and shows just how bad good can be.
PCS Review:
This book has a heavy tone with a lot of shadow work. It is full of violence and mystery. The initial issue presents an interesting premise and is certainly dramatic. Michael Moreci has created a ominous story that appears to be brining biblical conflict to a modern special ops military conflict. The plot is intriguing, and C.P. Smith‘s art is powerful. The color palette used by Snakebite Cortez is excellently designed. The limited colors enhance the foreboding feeling throughout the book. Great start
Hotell #1
AWA Upshot
Written by: John Lees
Art by: Dalibor Talajić
Colors by: Lee Loughridge
Letters by: Sal Cipriano
Cover Art by: Kaare Andrews
Original Solicitation:
You won’t find it on any map, but if you happen to be driving down Route 66 late at night and you’re truly desperate for shelter, sanctuary or secrecy, you might see a battered sign on the side of the road: The Pierrot Courts Hotel – where many check in but few check out.
PCS Review:
Wow! This is the most “out there” of the Upshot books, but it is fantastic. John Lees and Dalibor Talajić weave a tapestry of bizarre imagery and dream/nightmare scapes. The horror that is felt by the protagonist is tangible. Besides the compelling narrative, it is a gorgeous looking book thanks to Talajić and Lee Loughridge. This book will leave you saying “WTF?” followed immediately by “Give me more!!”
Red Border #1
AWA Upshot
Written by: Jason Starr
Art by: Will Conrad
Colors by: Ivan Nunes
Letters by: Sal Cipriano
Cover Art by: Tim Bradstreet
Original Solicitation:
When a young, middle-class Mexican couple targeted for death by the Juarez Cartel flee across the border into Texas, they wander into a house of horrors beyond their wildest imagination. Rescued by a mysterious local who takes them to the safety of his family’s ranch, the couple soon realize their hosts have more than just skeletons in their closet, and the army of assassins on their trail might be the least of their problems.
PCS Review:
Jason Starr and Will Conrad have created a compelling story. They manage to get the reader invested in the lead characters immediately and then develop a story that has the audience dealing and processing life or death decisions along with the protagonists. The plot is a high octane race to freedom, and the path is marred by deadly obstacles. The artwork in this book is excellent and flows perfectly with the tone of the narrative. We look forward to more.
The Resistance #1
AWA Upshot
Written by: J. Michael Straczynski
Art by: Mike Deodato Jr.
Colors by : Frank Martin
Letters by: Sal Cipriano
Cover Art by: Razzah
Original Solicitation:
J. Michael Straczynski returns to comics teaming with Mike Deodato Jr. Together they plant the flag for a new universe of heroes and villains. A global disaster leaves hundreds of millions dead in its wake. Shortly after, a few thousand suddenly manifest superhuman powers. Are they harbingers of more perils to come…or Earth’s last hope?
PCS Review:
Look. We all know this book was conceived, written, and drawn a long time ago. But I don’t think there has ever been a more timely and terrifying comic to ever come out on any Wednesday. Straczynski establishes, in this oversized issue, a devastating pandemic story and the catastrophic and miraculous after effects of it. Deodato’s art is stunning and Frank Martin‘s colors are amazing. This book is a somber terrifying reflection of the real world that is way more on the nose than the creators anticipated. It is an excellent comic, let’s just hope it’s story doesn’t come true.
