New Comic Review - Detective Comics #1065

Name: Detective Comics #1065

Published by: DC comics

Writers: Ram V and Simon Spurrier

Artists: Rafael Albuquerque and Hayden Sherman

Colorist: Dave Stewart and Nick Filardi

Letterers: Ariana Maher and Steve Wands

Ram V and Rafael Albuquerque seem to have finally reached the level of excellence they are aiming for this time. Coming in after reading their first three issues, the puzzle starts to fall in the right places slowly on this one. And the experience is like a satisfying sense of understanding and appreciation for any reader who was observant from the beginning. 

The Orghams have finally arrived in Gotham with style, and all the players who are affected by their presence and machinations seem to take notice and all the little character arcs appear to be shifting in new directions. Even the side story featuring James Gordon seems to come into play as Batman delves deeper into despair. 

The drawing by Albuquerque is even better than before and his unique use of shades and shadows accompanied by the captivating use of black and reds to enhance the mood by Dave Stewart does wonders here. You can almost feel the chill in your bones as you go down deeper and deeper with Bruce. 

This issue was a pure joy and a serious statement from the creative team, claiming their rightful place at the top as the people who deserve to work on the dark knight. Hoping for the series to keep on delivering on this level from now on. 

The side story by Simon Spurrier and Hayden Sherman stars a new three parter, delving deeper into the psyche of Harvey Dent. I am quite curious to find out how this ties up with the overall plot. 

This gets a well deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. 

New Comic Review - Predator #3

Name: Predator #3

Published by: Marvel comics

Writter: Ed Brisson

Artists: Kev Walker

Colorists: Frank D'Armata

Letterer: Clayton Cowles 

The third issue of the new Predator comics starts with the fight that was expected based on the ending of the last issue. And afterwards, the mystery starts to unravel about the nature of the Predators and about how they are trying to deal with the situation of the protagonist Theta. 

The issue didn't really deliver the action I was hoping for, but it did expand on the plotline and gave some more exposition upon the past and implications for the future of Theta. And ended on a note promising more action on the upcoming issues. 

The drawing was quite strong on this issue, I really liked the facial expressions on Theta as well as the interior designs of the ship and the overall environment. Hopefully we get to see more action in the future from the artists. 

Overall - 3.5 out of 5 stars. 

New Comic Review - Star Wars: The High Republic #1

Name: Star Wars: The High Republic #1

Published by: Marvel comics

Writer: Cavan Scott

Artists: Ario Anindito, Mark Morales, Andrea Broccardo

Colorist: Frank William

Letterer: VC's Ariana Maher

A lot of stuff happens in this issue compared to most modern single issue comic book. My first foray into the comics of the High Republic era was quite enjoyable and interesting. This issue was a great jumping on point introducing readers to the setting of phase II and some of its factions and characters in a fun way. 

We, as readers, arrive with the Jedi Vildar Mac to the pilgrim moon Jedha and immediately get embroiled in the conflicting public opinions and religions while we try to investigate a theft of a religious artifact as well. The perspective of someone new with a traumatic past entering into this place which is as new to him as to the readers was a good way to introduce us to the setting. 

Cavan Scott also kept throwing various factions and species at us at considerable speed, reminding readers of the richness of the Star Wars universe. The plot progression was free flowing and swept us along nicely for the ride, abruptly jolting us with the ending twist and the reveal of the surprise narrator. 

The art by Anindito and Morales did a fine job depicting the beautiful locations and backgrounds while nicely introducing us to this dizzying array of different species in such a short scope. I would have loved a bit more dynamic approach to the fight scenes, though, hopefully this will be implemented in the future. 

The side story 'Peace and Unity' does a brilliant job of introducing us to another new Jedi and showing us a glimpse of the Convocation and yet more new species to sink our teeth into. And the short story also has a nice bit of ironic humor to make it more enjoyable. 

All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable entry into the new phase of the High Republic for both old and new readers. 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. 

New Comic Review - Star Wars: Visions #1

Name: Star Wars: Visions #1

Published by: Marvel comics

Writer & Artist: Takashi Okazaki

English Translation: Aki Yanagi

Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna

Those who saw and loved 'The Duel' episode from Star Wars: Visions animated series were eagerly awaiting the return of the Ronin and his world. And after the full length, he returns again, this time in a story by the original writer of the episode. 

The story is a short prequel set in an unspecified period before the episode, describes the Ronin's adventures in a snowy mountain as he battles a band of bandits and encounters a mysterious stranger while travelling with his droid. 

The short one-shot has quite an enjoyable plot once again reminding us about the glorious movies and fiction it so beautifully pays homage to. The dialogue is poignant and to the point, the action sequences are stunning and brilliant. And the overall experience leaves any reader desiring more stories featuring these characters. 

The art is almost as beautiful as the original episode minus the vivid and stylized animation. The black and white drawing inspired by Manga and the use of colors only to highlight the weapons and battles works wonders to create a sense of visual motion and makes the detailed art even more gorgeous. 

I left with wishing this was at least a mini-series instead of being just a one-shot. This is recommended to not only to any fans of the original, but also to any fans of Star Wars and samurai inspired fiction in general. 

A well deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. 

New Comic Review - Daredevil #4

Name: Daredevil #4

Published by: Marvel comics

Writter: Chip Zdarsky

Artist: Rafael De Latorre

Colorist: Matthew Wilson

Letterer: VC's Clayton Cowles

Detective Cole North is one of favourite new characters of Zdarsky era of Daredevil. And this issue is narrated mostly by him. While nothing much happens compared to the last few issues and by Zdarsky's standards, the reveal at the end was quite massive and Cole's side of the view of the story was really refreshing, another great issue to say the least. 

We travel to the secret island with Daredevil, Cole and Foggy and immediately greeted by the new recruits of Elektra and Stick. Some crisp dialogue and minimal description leads us to the unique journey that our Daredevil duo must make, followed by two simultaneous fight scenes occurring in different locations of the island ending in a revelation that is sure to set the stage for the future of the series for a while. 

The drawing by Rafael De Latorre and Matthew Wilson was quite brilliant in this issue. Enhancing the overall atmosphere of seriousness and the violent future struggles to come. I loved how the fights were drawn with excellent coloring and beautiful depiction of faces and eyes. 

This was yet another strong issue in the almost inconceivable and flawless era of Zdarsky's Daredevil. And the future seems to show signs of relenting and more promises of good stories for the fans. 

4.5 out of 5 stars, once again. 

New Book Review - Secrets in Scarlet

Book - Secrets in Scarlet

Editor - Charlotte Llewelyn-Wells

Writers - David Annandale, Davide Mana, Jason Fischer, Carrie Harris, Stephen Philip Jones, Lisa Smedman, James Fadeley, MJ Newman, Josh Reynolds 

Series - Arkham Horror #18

Published By - Aconyte Books

First things first, I got this book from NetGalley, so thank you NetGalley and Aconyte Books for this opportunity.

My knowledge regarding Arkham Horror was quite minimal before reading this anthology. I know it was based on the Cthulhu Mythos by Lovecraft and others. I know there are quite a lot of books based on it and it has a devoted fan base. I was always a bit interested, so jumped on the wagon when I saw this on Netgalley. 

This collection is a very good jumping on point for new reads, the setting is based on locations all over the world, each story has feature people in red in some form, has some very interesting characters and introduces readers to the basic premise of the world of Arkham Horror among other things.

Now on to the stories - 

'The Man in the Bubble by David Annandale' 

We are introduced with the Commissioner Taylor of the Foundation as they investigate and try to locate a mysterious artifact that could be very harmful in the wrong hands. An average story which serves as an introduction to the Foundation. 

3.5 out of 5 stars. 

'City of Waking Dreams by Davide Mana' 

A story set in which Inspector Li Flint comes to Shanghai in search of the Lady with The Red Parasol. Quite an interesting story with brilliant setting, some nice characters and snappy dialogue. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

'Brother Bound by Jason Fischer' 

The story of two brothers, who gets caught in something more than the bargained for, and learns of ancient artifacts and dark magic. This story had an enthralling beginning and some delightful background into the history of cane and sugar tread. One of the better stories in this anthology. 

4.5 out of 5 stars. 

'Honor Among Thieves by Carrie Harris' 

Another story of siblings, twin sisters Mila and Rosa, who agrees to do a heist for the mysterious Sanguine Watcher, but things soon get out of hand quickly. Nice little story with twists and turns. 

4.5 out of 5 stars. 

'A Forty Grain Weight of Nephrite by Steven Philip Jones' 

Our main character Kymani Jones, is searching for a sky disc or Bi with mysterious powers, which was taken by a mysterious organization. A story full of twists and turns and people with unexpected motives and switching loyalties. One of the best stories in the collection, I didn't expect the small little twist in the at all.

5 out of 5 stars. 

'Strange Things Done by Lisa Smedman' 

Another brilliant story, set in a boat that is travelling to Alaska. The main character is a reporter who notices strange things going around him. A different kind of horror, but nonetheless a chilling experience. 

4.5 out of 5 stars. 

'In Art, Truth by James Fadeley' 

A story set in Turkey, detailing about a female researcher who is investigating about a mysterious artist. Despite a nice setting the story is a bit too slow for my liking and nothing is really resolved in the end. One of the weaker stories. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

'Crossing Stars by MJ Newman' 

Plotted as a story within a story, where a mysterious patron tells her new employee a story that might not be just a story. Had a nice beginning but gets pretty predictable quickly and even seemed to drag a bit despite having potential. 

3.5 out of 5 stars. 

'The Red and the Black by Josh Reynolds' 

Set in Venice, it tales the tale of Trish Scarborough, who is seemingly  working to find a red book before the members of the red coterie, or is she? Very enjoyable little story, as is to be expected from this skillful author, with a new perspective and some interesting twists. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

Overall, as can be expected from any anthology, this had some ups and downs. But I did enjoy reading most of it and it most certainly made me very interested in the world of Arkham Horror, where I will be sure to be a visitor again. 

Cumulative score - 4 out of 5 stars. 

New Comic Review - Ant-man #4

Name: Ant-man #4

Published by: Marvel Comics 

Writer: Al Ewing

Artist: Tom Reilly

Colorist: Jordie Bellaire

Letterer: VC's Cory Petit

The amusing and nostalgic journey comes to an end. We finally get to learn about the Ant-man from the future in this final issue, as the struggle against the All-father Ultron comes to a close in this final issue. Reilly tries to mix all of the styles he previously tried in the series to give the finale ever more panache. 

In the first six or so pages Ewing creates a total backstory for the future Ant-man, and tries to explain the reasons behind his time travel. We learn about the devastating nature and the immense power of All-father Ultron as well. The rest of the issue is a fight scene as all incarnations of Ant-man tries to find a way to defeat this version of Ultron. 

The art by Reilly and Bellaire is as gorgeous as ever, they use different color pallets and nuances to draw each version of Ant-man to make each unique and easily recognizable. The actions have an enjoyable and flamboyant nature with Reilly's unique style augmented by Bellaire's exquisite coloring. I also loved the varied method of lettering used by Cory Petit throughout the issue. 

My only complaint with the issue is the overuse of pseudo superhero science in the issue, especially the almost incomprehensible method our heroes used to defeat Ultron in the end. Despite these issues, this was most definitely the best anniversary tribute mini-series that has come out in years. 

This gets a well deserved 4 out of 5 stars from me.

New Comic Review - Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories #2

Name: Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories #2

Published by: Dark Horse Comics 

Writer: Cecil Castellucci

Artist: Megan Huang

Letters: Comicraft’s Tyler Smith and Jimmy Betancourt

Despite not being as good as the first issue, Hyperspace Stories continue to provide fun little one issue stories set in different time periods in the rich history of Star Wars. This time the story focuses on the legendary twin of Luke and Leia as they search for a safe haven for the Rebel Alliance after the destruction of the first Death Star. 

The duo reaches a seemingly harmless planet called Banas, but finds out that this little planet might not be as inconsequential as they first thought it to be and gets embroiled in a new battle for survival against the forces of the Galactic Empire. 

The story, while not adding much to the canon of the overall plot, does provide an all ages adventure introducing a new planet, a new sentient species and some interesting dialogue between Luke and Leia. 

The art was quite unorthodox and definitely not for people who like their characters to look like the live-action counterparts. I myself enjoyed this new look at the familiar characters. The environment and vehicles were done in a unique style also, giving a charming edge to the story. 

Overall an enjoyable experience, despite the low stakes of the battle, I will give this 3.5 out of 5 stars. 

New Comic Review - Batman #128

Name: Batman #128

Published by: DC comics

Writter: Chip Zdarsky

Artists: Jorge Jimenez, Leonardo Romero

Colorists: Tomeu Morey, Jordie Bellaire 

Letterer: Clayton Cowles

It is hard to write stuff about this new Batman run by Zdarsky and Jimenez without starting with readers to stop everything and urgently start reading, especially if they are a fan of action or superheroes. The duo delivers another top notch issue with immaculate characterization and mesmerising action. 

The story continues progressing at a breathtaking pace and we get cameo appearances from several Justice League members. The characterization of these characters was spot on by Zdarsky and his depiction of them and their dialogues feels natural and effortless. I really loved the banter despite the seriousness of the situation. We get a sense of how truly efficient and ruthless Failsafe is throughout his interactions with these characters. 

The dialogue between Bruce and Tim when they separate due to the circumstances was my most favourite bit in this issue. It shines a light on the fatherly aspect of Batman and makes him feel more human than ever, and quite unlike the weapon that always strives to be. 

Some may argue that this setup has been done before, in the iconic 'Tower of Babel' or various other instances where Batman's enemies have defeated his whole team and has taken over Gotham. But it is quite hard to not be influenced by past stories while writing such an iconic character with such long history. And Zdarsky's execution of the story and his handling of the characters makes this such a joy to read and very refreshing and modern despite obvious homages to past runs. 

The art by Jimenez and Morey once again is spectacular. The action sequences are the true strength of the duo with their impactful use of art and colors, making the motions seem to reach a new level vividness. The costumes of these vast array of characters were also detailed quite thoroughly and I loved the facial expressions emphasising on the direness of the situation. 

The new side story by Zdarsky and Leonardo Romero that begins here seems very promising. The story seems like it will delve more into the story of Batman of Zurr-En-Arrh. The drawing is very unique and adds a sense of old school nostalgia surrounding these iconic characters. The cliffhanger does make readers ponder about the future. 

Another almost perfect issue that gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. 

Magazine Review - Star Wars Insider #213

Name: Star Wars Insider #213

Published by: Titan Magazines 

Release Month: September '22

Editor: Christopher Cooper

Fiction Writer: George Mann

While I had watched the original Star Wars trilogy, parts of the prequel trilogy and some of the animated shows previously, my actual fandom with Star Wars started with the awesomeness of' The Mandalorian'. Then I went back and started delving into the world of Star Wars, both media and prose fictions of the expanded universe. 

This issue is my first foray into 'Star Wars Insider', which I mainly decided to check out for the fiction piece starting 'High Republic: Phase II'. This was a pleasant experience, as while I didn't like everything, I did enjoy many of the contents on offer. 

The two interviews were great. I liked learning of the unused scenes and his experiences from the original trilogy from Garrick Hagon. Loved to read about the story behind Warren Fu's designing of General Grievous. 'Joining the Quest' piece was a nice introduction for the creators of Phase II of the High Republic. The Book of Boba Fett companion was a nice refresher of the story of that series and made me intrigued about the future of the characters. 'A certain point of view' feature about the ships was another delightful little piece. 

Now lets come to the fiction, "Tales of Enlightenment: New Prospects" is a short story set during the High Republic Era, written by George Mann. Only part one is published here and readers have to wait for the next issue for part two. 

The story is set on the tapbar called Enlightenment, where a human prospector named Saretha von Beel tells her story to some regulars of this establishment in exchange for a drink. In her story she details her experiences as a prospector. Her encounters with pirates, a Jedi and monsters.

The prose was quite enjoyable and the method of establishing the setting and the characters also gives us some insight into this time period in the history of the Republic. The short little piece is clearly intended as a jumping on point for new readers as well as to entice anyone interested to start their journey into this era and does a commendable job serving its purpose. 

As a whole, I liked this issue and will definitely check out other issues of this magazine in the future. 4 out of 5 stars.