Hey There Folks!! This column is designed to bring you reviews of new comic book series that came out this week. We will try to focus on independent and original series for the most part. This week we have three books for you. They are from Albatross Funny Books, Dynamite Entertainment, and Source Point Press.
You will usually find the books that we review in this space on our month list of New Number Ones. You might want to check over there to see what you can expect for the rest of the month.
The books this week are all continuations of other stories, but eminently worthwhile. As we all adjust to the new reality of a COVID-19 world, this column may undergo some changes but we will bring you debut reviews as we can.
This week we will bring you our thoughts on four books: Grumble: Memphis and Beyond the Infinite #1, Killing Red Sonja #1, and Viking Queen: Sleepers in Shadow #1
Check out the reviews below in alphabetical order:
Grumble: Memphis and Beyond the Infinite #1
Albatross Funny Books
Written by Rafer Roberts
Art by Mike Norton
Colors by Marissa Louise
Letters by Crank!
Cover art by Norton
It is great to have this book back! The saga of Eddie and Tala moves seamlessly to Memphis in this issue. The plot that Rafer Roberts delivers explores intriguing aspects of the relationship of the main characters and still manages to be funny and irreverent. Mike Norton‘s take on this world is gorgeous whether it is Beale Street or the prison two realities over. Marissa Louise uses color to add a welcoming texture to the story, and it is a major reason why the book engulfs the reader. The use of mixed case lettering by Crank! in this book works so well. We cannot recommend this book enough.
Check below to see or listen the Squadcast Interview that we did with Rafer Roberts in advance of this new arc.
Killing Red Sonja #1
Dynamite Entertainment
Written by Mark Russell & Bryce Ingman
Art by Craig Rousseau
Colors by Dearbhla Kelly
Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover art by Christian Ward
This book has a uniquely crafted feel. The story that Mark Russell and Bryce Ingman craft is an interesting journey for vengeance. The plot if full of crazy, entertaining twists and intriguing characters. The line art by Craig Rousseau is a beautifully crafted loose style that adds a fun ambiance to the story. Dearbhla Kelly‘s colors enhance that feel with a light texture. The loose lettering style that Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou uses is brilliant, and the combination of all three give the book a “children’s book” feel that matches the protagonist’s maturity. Do not let the atmosphere created by the art dissuade you from the reality that this book is telling important stories and raising questions about human behavior. Do not sleep on this book.
Also, Check below to see or listen to the Squadcast Interview that we did with artist Craig Rousseau about this book and others.
Viking Queen: Sleepers in Shadow #1
Source Point Press
Written by Paul Storrie
Art by Kristen Cella
Colors by Sean Seal
Letters by Justin Birch
Cover art by Joshua Werner
This book is a second One-Shot in the universe of Elgven, the Viking Queen. It is excellent. Paul Storrie crafts a complete tale infused with myth, mystery, and mayhem. The art by Kristen Cella is glorious, and Sean Seal‘s colors are a true asset to the flow of the story. Justin Birch uses some creative techniques in the lettering to visualized different languages. This story is a great example of Norse sword and sorcery storytelling. It is captivating and entertaining.
You can check out the Squadcast Interview that we did with writer Paul Storrie in advance of this book below.
Spotlight Interview with Comic Writer and Artist Rafer Roberts, Co-Creator of Grumble
Spotlight Interview with Comic Creator and Artist Craig Rousseau
Spotlight Interview with Comic Writer Paul Storrie
DISCLAIMER:
We use a 4 star rating system. It is simple and not to be taken too seriously. Everyone has their own impressions of art. These ratings are just to give our readers an idea of what we thought of the book, and they will be on the generous side, normally. So don’t expect to see a lot of 1 Stars. After all, it’s not often that you have a bad book on your pull-list.
The rating system is as follows:
Good
OK
