text: Bard and Joy have been captured by a new mysterious sect! Where do their overall loyalties lie and what is their ultimate agenda? Bard quickly develops an unexpected mentor relationship that threatens to come between our heroes. With the monks' caravan flanked by the Shadow King's Guardsmen, it doesn't look good for our heroes.
  The journey these kids are on is getting more and more interesting with each new issue to come out. Though to be honest I am a little surprised we haven’t seen what’s happening at home while they’ve been gone, their folks must have noticed they’re missing by now. Still there are times when we are reminded that they are just kids and this is one those issues that reminds us spectacularly of that fact. Joy might like to think she’s more mature than Bard is but no she’s still a teenager and has all the same mood swings and issues on full display.
  This leads me into the characterisation that we’re seeing. I am thoroughly enjoying that we get to see and meet new people and have their personalities feel as if they’ve been fleshed out ahead of time, prior to our seeing them or meeting them for the first time. Doesn’t matter if they are going to be around for a while or just throwaways. This helps us see not only the kind of people they are, how they can use words to manipulate situations and people but also it shows us about the people in this city and how we would view it before visiting it. It builds the town with no names reputation and I feel that is as impressive as all get out, to be able to turn the town into a character that’s just as alive as the people.
  There are a few things going on here that surprised me and I have to say that those surprises were not only well timed but they were beautifully done. I hadn’t seen them coming actually and when there’s so much more than meets the eye going on and hidden secrets, plans and agenda’s start being revealed you begin to realise the size and scope of the layers that exist within these pages.
  The interiors here are gorgeous and stunning to see. The way that this linework is utilised through it’s varying weights so they can create strong bold lines or these delicate thin lines to that reveal such attention is beautifully done. It kills me that backgrounds are hit or miss though because when they are used they are used so incredibly well, and when they aren’t it’s a let down. To see so much blank areas when the people in them are so incredibly well rendered—well you get the picture. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a very talented eye for storytelling. The colour work is sensational and I love seeing the way light sources create the shading in play and those times where it’s almost like looking at either highlights or some strong colour gradation. Particular attention paid to the way Bard sees the root system is a job well done.
  ​
  Trials and tribulations, friends and enemies there are so many different things going on here and even with Joy involved in that mix. The moment she hid her plan with the Storyteller she became someone whose own reasons are now suspect, at least in my eyes. Personal feelings, those that involve romance and facing inadequate attention leave Bard to the mercy of these Monks who are taking them to the Shadow King. Every single thing we are seeing here is done for a reason and I cannot stop overthinking everything I have seen thus far. That my friends is the power of good strong storytelling!
  0 Comments
  Incursion #4
  5/28/2019
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  Incursion #4
  Valiant Entertainment 2019
  Story by Andy Diggle & Alex Paknadel
  Written by Alex Paknadel
  Illustrated by Doug Braithwaite
  Coloured by Diego Rodriguez & Leonardo Paciarotti
  Lettered by Marshall Dillon
  Beware the necromancer known as Imperatrix Virago. A narcissistic creature, Virago has devised a way to keep herself young by converting organic matter into necromantic energy, utilizing the special talents of her young servant, Syntilla. Virago invaded Earth with an armada of undead soldiers in search of the Earth’s avatar, Tama, who Syntilla succeeded in infecting with a necromantic virus. Tama’s guardian, Gilad the Eternal Warrior, ventured into the ghastly realm of the Deadside, where he bargained with a demon for a cure. In the meantime, Virago and her army found Tama, and are now poised to deliver the killing blow and absorb Earth’s life force for her own selfish needs…
  Okay see this is what we all want from comics. This is a series that paves the groundwork for a new ongoing series starring the Geomancy and the Eternal Warrior. Auntie Shan understands what is at play between them and the situation and how things need to progress. Which sets up an already established cast, supporting cast and a situation they are all extremely aware of. So Alex and the art team, including Mr. Dillon, are tasked with a new project because this level and quality of storytelling is hands down what the industry needs right now!
  I am a huge fan of the way that this book is structured. There is a sensational ebb & flow to the book as the action, drama and pure storytelling are woven together and throughout each other in ways that keep the reader riveted to the page as well as guessing what aspect is going to be revealed next. It is a rather unique style of writing that Alex seems to have developed and it works extremely well for him. I like seeing his talent, depth and growth when it comes to how he utilised his talent and skill. Alex has made my ones to watch list with this and his other book. Case in point is the characterisation here. It isn’t easy to use pre-established characters and yet Alex seems to know who they are an is able to use them and help them grow and evolve like we’d expect them to.
  Goodness gracious great balls of fire are the interiors so freakin good. The way that the linework and the colour work are utilised together to create this attention to detail that we see is off the charts. From the cuts and bruises already forming, to the level of detail in the armour, clothing including the hair and teeth not to mention seeing Shan’s husband with that opaque blue glow I mean seriously folks this is some top class shit. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a stellar eye for storytelling. My goodness the emotions and feelings that we get from the characters and their resilience all shine here and then some.
  ​
  This all gets wrapped up very nicely here and there’s still time to focus on the future and I think that kind of solidifies for me what and who should be in charge of that future. The fact that Gilad and Dr. Mirage can get along like we’re seeing here, and that she openly referred herself to Auntie Shan let us all know how their relationship even after this near end of the world catastrophe. So yeah I am way beyond impressed with the way the story has been told with it’s story & plot development, pacing and characterisation alongside this mindbogglingly good interior artwork.
  ​
  It is books like this that show you why Valiant fans are so incredibly loyal.
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  Gretel #3
  5/28/2019
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  Gretel #3
  Zenescope Entertainment 2019
  Written by Ben Meares
  Illustrated by Allan Otero
  Coloured by Ceci de la Cruz
  Lettered by Maurizio Clausi of Arancia Studio
  PART 3 OF 5
  Gretel’s story has been more of a nightmare than a fairy tale ever since the tragic events of her childhood. These events have left her life cursed for many centuries. After her heart-wrenching debut in Grimm Universe Presents, Gretel has been gifted the power of premonition. But when she has a psychic vision foretelling the end of the world, Gretel must open old wounds if she wants to try and
  prevent it from coming true.
  This book has been on stellar revelation after another for me. The way that we see the story being told and how smart, intelligent and damn near adult manifestation of how we see Ben’s writing is just Stone Cold awesome! This is the kind of book I have been dreaming about and waiting for to come from these folks. Taking Gretel, from the Fairy Tale and making this into a vehicle for us to get to know her and her story after they met the witch has been a real treat. The way the story is told so that the we see this ebb & flow of how the past and the present and even the future is laid down exceptionally well. The way we get to traverse the road that is her life and meet those who play the roles they do is done so we connect with the character, empathise and want to root for them even to the point where they may betray you!
  The characterisation here is utterly fabulous. The way that Gretel sees herself and the way we see her are completely different. She has this strength she isn’t even aware of hidden behind all that anger and rage. To have lived this long, to have experienced so much, which of course is detailed a bit in this very issue, to have no worries or cares, Regrets and mistakes their memories made, who would have known how bittersweet this would taste. Looking back on her past hurts her because she knows that she was driven by a sole purpose, this is her growing up, changing and evolving right before our eyes and there’s nothing quite like seeing that happen.
  The interiors here at bloody brilliant! I haven’t been this excited by them in a Zenescope book in who knows how long. (Eric J aside because that man is brilliant) What we see in these pages, how Allan utilises the composition of the panels and pages so that the soft imagery of the past plays out while we are looking at the present is frakkin genius. The way the linework and it’s varying weights are utilised to bring out this beautiful attention to detail is stunning to me. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a sophisticated eye for storytelling. How we see backgrounds utilised to enhance the moments and bring this size and scope to the book is sensational. The colour work too is on point. The way we see the colours and through shading and colour gradation throughout add a layer of feelings and emotions for emphasis.
  I do appreciate how we see Tituba has taken her time and played this out in her head so that like in a chess match she is ten steps ahead of Gretel and Samuel. They are doing precisely what she hoped they would do and in such she is attempting to trap them, kill them and leave the way clear for herself to conquer the world. Though life as we know it never quite goes according to plan, not fully, as there are wildcards out there, the mysterious woman tailing Gretel for example who will upset the balance.
  ​
  With plot twists and turns, revelations and shocking moments galore this book is one of the best complex books out on stands right now. If you think you know Zenescope think again ad read this book and tell me again how you feel about them.
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  Assassin Nation #3
  5/28/2019
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  Assassin Nation #3
  Skybound/Image Comics 2019
  Created & Written by Kyle Starks
  Created & Illustrated by Erica Henderson
  Lettered by Deron Bennett
  Our surviving hit-men go into full-on kill mode as they try to take down the leader of the Merda Morra gang and maybe finally put this whole thing to bed. Though, you know, it IS a whole gang they’ll have to fight, and they WILL have to take down current No. 1 hit-man Taipan to get the job done. Want to take bets on how many get out of this issue alive?
  And then there were 7. While we started off with more than 10 Little Indians the real questions remains if there will be any remaining by the end of the last issue? This has to be one of the more creative, different and original stories that I have come across. I am having so much fun reading this and seeing this diverse mix of personalities that are on display here and those keep expanding, point in case we finally meet Echidna. I don’t care what anybody says Fuck is still my favourite but he is wearing too much clothing for my tastes.
  The way that this is structured is sensationally well done. The story & plot development that we see through the planning, the characterisation and the information and revelations, plus how the action sequences are woven into this is utterly fantastic. I think there is something I the way that Kyle manages to flesh out the characters here that uses some very common traits that we see in every day people. Take Dave for example, sure he wears a sweater with a tiger on it but that’s now what you really notice about him, no it’s his reaction to silence and being nervous that’s what stands out to me anyway. This makes him relatable to and actually likeable and endearing in some instances. That Kyle doesn’t try to make these characters seem untouchable or too far outside the people we know in our lives is something makes me appreciate the story all that much more.
  The interiors here are fantastic and I am extremely impressed with the amount of emotion that she is able to eek out of these characters. Personalities shine here and Dave with his tiger sweater speaks more volumes about him than the dialogue ever could. We know I want more backgrounds it’s only thing missing from making this absolutely perfect. That being said we do see them when they are needed to expand the moment and bring a size and scope to the story and the way that she’s able to construct the panels is phenomenal. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a stupendous eye for storytelling. The colour work here is delightful as well. The shading and the colour blocking are sensational. The way it’s utilised to bring these god awful wonderful clothing to life is extraordinary.
  The way that this story just flows and the excitement that comes with it is beyond anything possible. The whole premise is a little offbeat to begin with but the way it’s being told and how everything is being revealed is just a complete and utterly brilliant stage play. Read the dialogue carefully throughout because certain people are definitely not stupid and the questions that they ask about what we’ve all seen. It also has this great effect on the reader as well since we get to keep those questions to ourselves and more. Almost as if we’re screaming at the characters like a stupid woman going into the cellar in a haunted feature film.
  ​
  Skybound/Image keep finding ways to impress, keep themselves on our lips and in our minds and imaginations. It is a wonderful thing to be able to do and to feel as if I am a part of.
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  Tainted Love #2
  5/27/2019
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  Tainted Love #2
  Antarctic Press 2019
  Created & Written by Arthur Bellfield
  Illustrated by Flavio Silva
  Coloured by Luca Bulgheroni & Ernest Jocson
  Lettered by Letterdrone
  Chloe Anderson is a troubled woman who dates super villains and often calls upon them to help her solve cases as a crisis manager for superhuman millennials. Her life has led her to give up on love, so now she dates only men to whom she won't form an attachment. Then she meets the one: American One, a superhero. In the middle of a date, he gets into a superhuman fight and disappears.
  As we learned it turned out that American One is not a superhero but indeed a super-villain and things go horribly awry for those around her. Epiphany died and yet we see her and Chloe now in New Orleans looking for someone Chloe used to date. I guess when your friends die and come back that looking for the villain responsible requires another person of ill-repute like the men that Chloe has a habit of dating. I bring this up because I am enjoying the way that Arthur manages to make all the aspects of Chloe’s life important to the story. Granted it is surrounding her life but to have things done in such a way as we see it happening here it is rather impressive.
  The way that this story is being told and how we learn information and see the action woven through the characters lives keep us readers’ on our toes. The entire ebb & flow of the book feels so strong and solid and keeps out attention throughout in some very nice ways. I also think that this is a very fast moving issue, and by that I mean it reads very quickly thanks to the pacing, subject matter and how involved the reader in it. Also the fact that the reader is able to become so invested in the story so quickly demonstrates the strength and quality of the storytelling here.
  While Chloe and Epiphany are up to the necks in it we also see what is going on with American One and his mysterious new acquaintance. There are a few things I find interesting in this and that’s the fact that since he was posing as a hero you’d think he should have their weaknesses down pat and know how to defeat them easily enough. There is an even bigger story here that I'd like to see ore of.
  I do like the interior artwork here as well. I am a big fan of the way that the linework we see with it’s varying weights are utilised within these pages. The attention to detail here is great to see and that it really brings the characters and the settings to life extremely well. Sure there are times things seem a little kitsch based but hey that’s okay it’s comics for crying out loud. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a great eye for storytelling. Also that we see backgrounds being utilised so effectively here is wonderfully done in how they man age to expand the moments and provide a size and scope for the city. The colour work is nicely done as well I do like how we see some of the colour gradation effects and the way light sources are utilised to create shading and shadows. Also seeing magical effects pop the way they do is fantastic.
  ​
  This is another one of those original stories that we haven’t seen done before. I mean Chloe dates super-villains and this has a domino effect on those around her, family included and in ways that we are still waiting to see fully. The writing is so solid with the plot & story development, pacing and characterisation along with the interior artwork make this another one from Antarctic Press that you don’t wanna be sleeping on. If your local brick and mortar isn’t carrying these tell them they need to be.
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  Offbeats #2
  5/27/2019
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  Offbeats #2
  Antarctic Press 2019
  Created by Tom Sacchi & John Ward
  Written by John Ward
  Illustrated by Giles Crawford
  Coloured by By Dan Thompson
  Lettered by Henry Barajas
  Booker and Jim rescue a missing dancer, but end up being betrayed. The cops hand Jim over to a local mob boss who offers to free him in exchange for betraying Booker-who mounts a daring raid to rescue his new friend.
  I am a huge fan of this book. It has this throwback feel to the days when Noir was the happening thing. Mix in the musicians and the clubs and it all just has this absolutely right tone and feel to it. Then what the boys do is infuse humour into this making it something that feels dangerous but at the same time makes you giggle because of our “out of their depth” pair of would be rescuers. There is so much of this that has those moments where you shake your head while grinning because you know it’s the right thing to do. You might not even realise your doing it either and that’s even better.
  The way that this is structured is extremely nice to see. It has a very smooth ebb & flow to the way we see information revealed as the boys traverse the pages. How action is woven through and this insanely good characterisation helps move the story forward is such a true delight to see. Sometimes we find a story that just seems to fall into place like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle and you just cannot stop until it’s complete. This is a story like that and it just has this effect upon the reader where it all ends up being some of the most you can have.
  How we see the story unfold and the path the boys take is great. The orchestration of the events we see is something to behold I gotta say. When we see the girls and how they are drawn into the proceedings well you’ll have to read this to believe it but it screams planning and execution and all kinds of shit that I didn’t think would happen in the order I which they did. I mean this local mob boss I got mad respect for this little shithead I will say that. Ooh child my tongue just got loose then again this isn’t exactly an all-ages book thanks to the subject matter and well this is me getting into it.
  The interiors here are simply charming and the fact that Giles style seems to simple makes this even more impressive. After all if you are going to do simple then it damn well better be impeccable and Boy George it is. We get facial expressions, feelings and emotions out this that last for days. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a stellar eye for storytelling. The way that the composition of the panels is done is sensational with how backgrounds are utilised or not and just the overall effect each one has on the reader. The colour work is not what you’d expect to see. There is some beautiful shading within the colour blocking that highlights just the right features.
  ​
  Every step along the way of the journey that we accompany Jim and Booker on is full of twists and turns with each turn of the page. That we can feel so connected with them and relate to the wounds and frustrations they encounter is just an added bonus. The story & plot development with this pacing and the characterisation along with these wonderful interiors this is just another reason why I am such an advocate of Antarctic Press and the creators whose work we see. The future of comics isn’t the stagnate repetitive cycle the larger ones have it’s here at the smaller press companies where talent is allowed and encouraged to grow, blossom and be the best it can be.
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  Stiletto #2
  5/27/2019
  1 Comment
  Stiletto #2
  The Lion Forge 2019
  By Palle Schmidt
  Lettered by Sean Konot
  Assembly & Design by AndWorld Design
  A crime story with a twist. The brutal slaying of two police officers guarding a material witness pins detectives Alphonse and Maynard against their toughest adversary yet. But as they get further into their investigation, they uncover a leak inside the police department known only as "Stiletto." What appears to be a gritty police drama takes unpredictable turns as our heroes race against the clock to solve this double homicide and flush out the mole who puts them all at risk to the criminal underworld.
  I am totally into this series. What Palle has put together here is simply one of the best crime drama stories. Growing up I remember books being named after what the characters did inside it and I miss these kind of cop or Detective stories that are gritty and dirty and full of all those little things that make us want to read and watch their stories. Reading this I feel as if I’m kind of transported back to the days of Kojak or McLeod where it has that air of just rawness and complexity that sucks you into what is happening making you want to see more.
  I love the way that this is structured. This issue is the culmination of what Stiletto’s life has become. Mean the information and revelations that we see here are so amazingly well orchestrated and so effin surprising to see that it kept me riveted to the pages. I mean there are moment throughout this book that just hit me like a runaway bus in Trafalgar Square. While personally I have seen a man with nothing left to lose go at it just either make or be that blaze of glory to go out in but damn if this isn’t what we are seeing here. The characterisation is so over-the-top extraordinary that there is no way in Hell that you can’t connect, empathise or relate to this man and the actions we see him taking.
  This story as we see it unfolding before us would make one extremely good film! The writing and the visuals here are such that I could easily see this translated with the right actors in this role and awesome understated middle-aged man being the centre of attention and doing things that give us all the right shock and awe moments. Yeah Palle has written a masterpiece in the making here.
  The interiors here are sensational and the way Palle is able to bring these characters to life in this style of his is just beautifully done. The emotion in the faces and facial expressions are so stunning to see and the transformation just in that first page alone sets the stage for what he’s capable of doing. The way that the panels are constructed so what is there gives the reader the maximum impact in some of the most unexpected of ways is impressive and awe-inspiring. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a masters eye for storytelling. I usually go on about backgrounds but with the quality of work here what we get is just about right. The colour work too while I love all the grey tones it’s those bits and pieces of colour that draw the eye to something sometimes unexpectedly. P.S. thank you for the penis.
  ​
  So the cast of this ever changing drama is great. He killed his partner already, though no one knows yet, made a friend out of the man he aided, co-workers who are with him and a boss that wants him in the hospital. So who knows his secret that he hasn’t told anyone? Delgetti he intrigues me and if well he should live I wanna see him in a story. Anyway the way this is being told through the story & plot development, pacing and the extraordinary characterisation all wrapped up in these gorgeous interiors make this the hottest Summer Reading you are gonna have!
  1 Comment
  Oz Heart of Magic #2
  5/26/2019
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  Oz Heart of Magic #2
  Zenescope Entertainment 2019
  Written by Terry Kavanagh
  Illustrated by Marcelo Mueller
  Coloured by Leonardo Paciarotti
  Lettered by Maurizio Clausi of Arancia Studio
  PART 2 OF 5
  Cut off from most of her loyal followers and exiled from the Emerald City, Dorothy is still trapped in a body that is not her own. Now on the run through increasingly forbidding lands, and with the very heart of the realm itself on the line, she must protect herself and the people who rely on her.
  There is something about this book that helps to separate it from what’s come before. The story itself is a great one as Dorothy has been body swapped and while the Wizard is I her body instead of placing her in his he put in another woman’s body. Thankfully her mind is her own and while the Emerald City and it’s denizens remain unaware there are those who know and believe in the quest that lies before them. There is a smart and intelligent approach to the story that the boys thought through and which Terry brings to life beautifully.
  With last issue and this one I notice that if you haven’t been reading the Oz saga before now then they do a really nice job in catching us up to date while leaving a few things out so our interest is piqued. The opening here is highly reminiscent of the old school Zenescope way of thinking I mean those shorts seriously and who in their right mind would put boots that size with those shorts? Thank goodness that’s the past. So while we see the past and the present for Dorothy Terry isn’t just satisfied with that and shows us what’s happening in the Emerald City as well.
  I adore the amount of subterfuge and underhandedness of the layers of storytelling that we see. It has a different meaning everywhere we look and while the Nome King has his own reasons that have yet to be revealed it is obvious that his wife isn’t happy. So it doesn’t what part of the story we see there are so many avenues to be explored that the readers’ mind goes into overdrive thinking about all the possibilities. This means we take the story off-page and run wild with it in our own imaginations thus become more and more invested in the ongoing story. This really is smartly done and is thoroughly engaging and entertaining.
  I am a big fan of the interiors here. The crisp, clean and strength behind the linework here is stellar stuff. The attention to detail and how the varying weights of the linework are utilised really brings these characters and this world to life spectacularly. That scene where the Scarecrow and Tessa are having their discussion for example the creativity, imagination, the linework and the colours are all so well intertwined with each other it just captivates the reader. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this extremely talented eye for storytelling. That backgrounds are utilised as they are really do enhance the moments and bring this amazing sense of size and scope to the world. The colours are fantastic as well. From the vibrancy to the dryness of the sand and how the light sources create this shading and colour gradation effects are sensationally well done.
  ​
  Zenescope is emerging as home to some powerhouse storytelling. Gone are the frivolous scantily clad stereotypes and they are replaced by powerful female characters worthy of the mantle of heroine. This is fresh, exciting and in completely in the vein of what makes for good, strong and powerful storytelling. There is character growth and development amidst the chaos and pain that they have to endure while on this epic quest to regain the kingdom. The story & plot development, pacing and characterisation alongside the interior artwork make this book stand out and well worth reading.
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  Mine to Avenge #2
  5/26/2019
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  Mine to Avenge #2
  Evoluzione Publishing 2018
  Created & Written by Robert Jeffrey II
  Illustrated by Matteo Illuminati
  Coloured & Lettered by Loris Ravina
  Now on a cyberpunk stage where technological wonders leave no place for creatures of legend, the LaLauries and their denizens reappear, continuing their blood-soaked quest for obtaining ultimate power. Time will tell if the remaining members of the fractured Cabal can stand as the bulwark between humanity and the rising hordes of darkness.
  Now as far as opening goes this one is utterly effin bloody brilliant! High up in the Swiss Alps the LaLauries are making their re-emergence with the heads of the worlds top supernatural houses. The introduction all around is nothing short of spectacular. The diversity among them is something I hadn’t expected to see and I have to admit this makes me a lot more intrigued than I already was, and after the stellar debut I have high expectations. The direction of the writing here is so incredibly strong, I feel as if I already understand the how and why of what we are seeing and where it’s going to lead us.
  The way that this is structured and the impact that the characters will have on you, thanks to this level of characterisation that we see run throughout the issue, is going to leave you not only impressed but with a desire for more. Evoluzione is a small press publisher that relies heavily on the support of it’s readers, fans and followers through Kickstarter to get these actually published. So if you are enjoying this review and like the artwork I’ve included please do what you can to ensure that we will continue to get this level of storytelling.
  The ebb & flow of the book and how revelations and information are brought forth have this way of making the adrenaline start to flow faster, tensions in the shoulders tighten and if your not careful you’ll freak yourself out a bit. It has been so long since a book about monsters and the threat they pose has been done in a way that is genuinely creepy and filled with the kind of suspense that grabs the readers’ attention, imagination and doesn’t let up for a moment. The villains are vile and the heroes are misunderstood and all in all if folks don’t learn how to work with one another then neither side is going to end up with anything in the win column.
  The interior artwork here is gorgeous to see. The way that the linework is utilised and how the varying weights can be coaxed into revealing this amazing attention to detail is wonderful to see. The crisp, clean and strong lines that keep the monsters the things of nightmares. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us this magnificent eye for storytelling. Also being as huge a fan as I am of the way that backgrounds are needed to enhance the moments and expand the size and scope of the story, I couldn’t be any happier than to see them so well represented here. This book has the vision of the future and the past all rolled up in such marvellous ways that it can just guide the readers’ imagination right along with the work. The colour work too is stupendous to see. The muted tones or bright colours that we see are done perfectly to represent what they need to. The neon lights with their fuzzy way of tricking the light in the eye is done to perfection.
  ​
  Evoluzione is the kind of company I keep telling you to seek out at conventions. Small press companies like this are the wave of the future and it’s where you are going to find the next generation of talent that we cannot life without. And I got news for ya the future is now and this series so gosh darn amazing in how well the level and quality of the storytelling is being done.
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  Ghost Tree #2
  5/26/2019
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  Ghost Tree #2
  IDW Publishing 2019
  Written by Bobby Curnow
  Illustrated by Simon Gane
  Coloured by Ian Herring with Becka Kinzie
  Lettered by Chris Mowry
  Consultant—Takuma Okada
  Brandt discovers more about his family’s past as he reels from a surprise return of someone that played a pivotal part in his life. Meanwhile, a malevolent creature begins to stalk the departed denizens of the Ghost Tree...
  I love the way that this represents Japan, it’s culture and it’s people’s belief’s. In many ways it reminds me of the Suicide Forest in that there is this mystical property to this place and this family that has an air of mystery surrounding it. When we were introduced to this and we met a very young Brandt I think he saw what his Jii-Chan was really doing as he talked to ghosts. I do believe that’s why he asked him to meet him here years after his death, as well as ensuring Brandt went back to the States without a date to return.
  The writing here is spectacular and the way that I perceive this to be layered is astoundingly good. Brandt’s Jii-Chan is both happy and sorrowful for his grandson and what we see from him here is something that has such a deeper level than what’s merely on the surface. There are so many conflicting emotions that I see happening and part of me wants to slap the old man into the next realm and yet he obviously cares at the same time. Bobby has blown me away with the level and quality of writing here as the characterisation blossoms as captivating as the Kawachi Wisteria Garden in full bloom.
  The ebb & flow of the story has this rhythmic quality to it that feels as if it sways with the wind. The events or encounters as they unfold have such a charming nature to them and even when Brandt is with his living family we already see a different side of him that is warmer and more understanding. The change a person can go through after a literal life changing moment and how fast they are able to adapt shows the measure of him. Bobby takes us through this incredibly well and Brandt’s startling ease in his new role in life has it’s pluses and minuses which we see on full display.
  The interiors here are beautiful. There is a tranquillity to the work that is both expected yet seemingly innovative as well. I love that we see the panels constructed in ways that make the most of the space allotted and bring a warmth through the natural wood of the home or how the trees do actually do sway in the breeze. Then there is the attention to detail here which is simply stunning. When we meet Arami and to see the coat with it’s wooden buttons, or the lines on the top of her nose and how her hair is it’s breathtaking.
  There is a creativity and imagination here as well in things like the demon we see who roams the woods. Everything we see conspires to bring this to life in a way that the reader will find fascinating and yet still finds a way to pay homage to the setting, the people and their culture. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a beautiful eye for storytelling. The colour work here is as impressive as the linework itself. To see the way shading and highlights showcase light sources, the change in mood or from day to night all of this brings out emotions and feelings in the reader.
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  This is going to be the best low key series on stands right now. I feel it’s under the radar and it needs to be more in the spotlight. This is as much of a life journey, discovering your purpose when feeling lost and alone as it does educate about the people and culture of those in it. Entertaining, educational and emotional this should be your next Magnificent Obsession. ​