Scarlett Couture 3

High-octane action meets high-fashion drama in the third installment of Scarlett Couture's Project Stardust. Scarlett swaps her skintight stealth suit for a skintight gown as she and Trent infiltrate an exclusive party on the hunt for the missing link in their investigation. Luckily, the team from Chase Couture are always available to provide the very best of distractions…

Scarlett makes James Bond look like a slob as she infiltrates Dante Ramone’s high price investor’s meeting to reclaim the memory card hidden by slain agent, Val Rosario.  There’s nothing like a undercover agent in an evening dress beating up security guards and making her getaway in style.  Later Scarlett and Trent use the information retrieved from the card to check out a downed plane.  The downside, it’s in the middle of the ocean which is a great excuse for her to haul out her swim wear.  She finds the goods, but not before she is attacked by couple more assassins.

It’s just a fact that Des Taylor delivers.  Once again we are treated to eye popping panels that just sizzle right off the page.  I would buy a spare copy of this issue in the event that the first one combusts while you are reading it.  The party scene is great fun, reminiscent of any good Bond movie.  The fact that the artist pulls it off on paper is just amazing.  Then the deep sea scenes are a delight to the senses.  Coloring is an underrated skill in the world of comics but, Des Taylor makes every color choice a part of the art.  There is also a nice blurring effect in some of the panels that suggest motion to fast for the eye to see.  Brilliant.

The story zips right along in Scarlett fashion.  The reader barely has time to catch their breath from one scene to the next.  The tension between Spencer and Trent also gets a little more development, which adds to the story with some testosterone driven exchanges that will leave the reader smirking for hours.  One of the things I like most about Scarlett is there is an economy of words and so much of the story is just told by the art.  This is a great book that just keeps getting better with every issue.

For more information about Scarlet Couture or other great titles from Titan Comics visit Titan Comics.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Scarlett Couture 2

Things are heating up for Scarlett Carver, secret agent and fashion heiress.

Having rescued a kidnap victim and escaped an explosion by the skin of her teeth, Scarlett finds the clock is ticking if she is going to discover exactly who is behind the murders of seemingly innocent models – and what it is that they want!

Scarlett Carver, the John McClane of the fashion world, rescued a kidnap victim, blew up a building, and didn’t even break a nail.  For most people this is a job well (or not so well) done, but for Scarlett it’s just the beginning.  She still needs to find out who is behind the murders of not-so  innocent fashion models, and what their endgame is.  But can she do it without messing up her hair?

Des Taylor delivers again with another raucous romp in the annals of Scarlett Couture.  Our Heroine has rescued the girl, and made it out in one piece, however there is still a killer on the loose, and her boss is none too happy that she doesn’t realize the “C” in CIG stands for COVERT.

She leans on her father, a high ranking detective with the NYPD to get the skinny on the death of model Val Rosario.  Scarlett and her team susses out the killer is disguised as a member of the NYPD, but fail to get to the next victim in time.

Issue two continues the wild ride that is Scarlett Couture.  There aren’t a great deal of surprises in this issue.  The art is even better than the first issue, with bold eye catching, draw dropping visuals colored to keep the reader salivating from page to page.  There are numerous little details in each panel, that really bring out the larger than life nature of the series.  The page layout for this book is also fantastic.  SC likes to think out of the box, with a variety of panel layouts that keeps the story flowing in an organic way.

The writing keeps the train on the tracks, but some of the conversations are a bit forced.  But do we really read Scarlett for the deeply meshed Clancy-esque plot?  Probably not in most cases.  The entrance of her father made for a nice comparison to the real world from Scarlett’s usual foray into the fashion scene,  It makes her character seem a little more accessible to the average reader.  Another great mad dash in the world of high fashion espionage agents bent on keeping the world safe both from enemies abroad, and white after labor day.

If all this isn’t enough to get you to pony up for issue #2, there are dossiers for Trent Wayland and Lt. Jack Gillis, special pin-ups, and a magazine interview with Scarlett modelled by Viktoria Dobos.

For more information about Scarlet Couture or other great titles from Titan Comics visit Titan Comics.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor #2

The ninth doctor is back with a brand-new miniseries: Weapons of Past Destruction!

Get dragged into the Time Vortex as the Doctor and his friends uncover time-lost Gallifreyan super-weapons being sold on the black market! Who are the cosmically-empowered Lect and Unon – and can the Doctor help stop an all-new Time War before it starts?!​

Writer:
Cavan Scott
Artist:
Blair Shedd
Publisher:
Titan Comics

As second issues go, this issue is far stronger than first, building upon an action packed opening to deliver a far more satisfying continuation.

For one thing, it looks like Scott and Shedd have had the 9th Doctor's run on loop in the background whilst creating the comic. Everything from the mannerisms of each character to the way a panel is lit is ripped from the TV show, which made reading it a fun nostalgia trip.

It's just as well that the storyline itself matches up to that. Where last issue was all about running away, this issue is more grounded and focused on the key mystery itself; namely that somehow people are selling Gallifrayan war tech, stuff that shouldn't even exist because of how the Last Timewar ended.

It's really a combination of everything working in synch together that makes the comic work – under the pen of Scott, the 9th Doctor comes alive, possessed of speeches and reactions that are so perfect you're constantly enthralled by what he will encounter next. The show's cheeky tone is kept over too – from Jack's somewhat over the top sexual puns to the Doctor humour that only he tends to find funny. The only real letdown in Rose, who seems to just be plot exposition this issue.

That we get introduced to lots of cool looking aliens is nice- even in the low key things the comic is using its ability to do things that the show wouldn't be able to do easily.

The issue was fun and feels like an episode that was never filmed for the TV show. Which means as a 9th Doctor comic, it's perfect.

Cover image courtesy of Titan Comics.

Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor is available from Titan Comics.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

21st Century Tank Girl #1

After a break of 20 years, artist extraordinaire Jamie Hewlett (GORILLAZ) is leaping back on the Tank Girl wagon, re-teaming with series co-creator Alan Martin to bring you a whole new take on the foul-mouthed, gun toting, swill-swigging hellion!

Writer:

Alan Martin

Artists:

Brett Parson

Craig Knowles

Jamie Hewlett

Jim Mahfood

Jonathan Edwards

Philip Bond

Warwick Johnson-Cadwell

Publisher:

Titan Comics

I'm in an odd situation. I'm completely unqualified to review this, in that...well I've spent a lot of my life try (and failing) to understand the appeal of Tank Girl. Perhaps it's because I was born too late to experience her impact on popular culture. It could be the simple subjectiveness of humour. But apart from admiring the artwork on some of the comics, I've just never gotten 'it'.

So let's create a list of things that I liked and from this comic:

1.                  The artwork – wonderfully mischievous.

2.                  The boobs- very perky.

3.                  The Nazi killer called Adolf- delightfully bloodthirsty

4.                  There aren't enough people in comics called Lance.

And those things I disliked:

1.                  Not enough kangaroo person cock.

2.                  Not enough hot tank on tank action – those shafts!

3.                  That was two penis jokes, I should get fired.

4.                  Lance died – boo!

So as you can see, it's perfect for those that like Tank Girl! And not great for those who don't! Unless you like Nazi's* or people called Lance! Or if you hate people called Lance and want to watch them get eaten by Nazi's.

Was that slightly chaotic and a bit incoherent, with small vignettes that seem smashed together and that have almost nothing linking them? Than now you know what Tank Girl is like. If you enjoyed this or even if you didn't, Tank Girl is almost certainly better than this.

*You shouldn't like Nazi's. They're history's monsters.

21^st Century Tank Girl is available from Titan Comics

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

The Cat With a Really Big Head

The gothic Michelangelo of the macabre and creator of LENORE: THE CUTE LITTLE DEAD GIRL, Roman Dirge is back with a collection of two of his strangest and weirdest tales that take us from the biggest headed cat in the whole universe into the centre of a man’s body!

Cat With The Really Big Head. The lead story is the tragic tale of a cat called Cat and his stupidly enormous over-sized head as he struggles with day-to-day problems like coping with hairballs, trying to eat Chunky Beef Chunk With Beef catfood or dealing with the neighbourhood mouse, Mr. Stinky and his army of annoying mice. Life hasn’t dealt Cat a good hand, but still there’s always the prospect of reincarnation and a better life, isn’t there..?

Monsters in my Tummy: Ever wonder what madness happens inside you during times of severity and heartbreak? Feels like a war is being waged in your stomach? Anyone who’s ever been crushed by a loved one will instantly be able to relate to this inner saga.

This comic is sure to gain quick fans among those who are familiar with Roman Dirge’s work. Like his well-known Lenore comics, this small collection features a dark but cute art style and a writing style that is poetic, but also macabre. I wouldn’t classify these as “horror” comics the way you’d think of, say, The Walking Dead. There is something horror-genre about them, but they’re not scary - they’re cutesy and kind of grotesque.

For anyone unfamiliar with Roman’s work, this title will be a harder sell - unless of course you’re already into strange, offbeat, macabre little works. This is sort of a niche book, and it fills its little place in the universe well.

The first story, about an unfortunate feline, was not my favorite. It was certainly original, and the art is strange but enjoyable. The story itself however wasn’t up my alley. It features neglectful children, an unhappy weird cat, and a lot of bizarre instances. It also features a brand of humor that Roman is known for - it seems innocuous but is suddenly gross and/or dark. 

There was a short interlude story in between the two main ones that I found out of place, but quite funny.

The second story, about inner emotional turmoil made manifest, was a little darker than the cat story, but I found it to be the most enjoyable of the bunch. There’s something about emotions beating the crap out of each other that I think is relatable to anyone who has, you know, experienced emotions.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys slightly twisted stories - or more than slightly twisted stories.

You can find out more and purchase this title from Titan Comics right over here!

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor #8

Bursting from a twisted parallel universe and clawing their way through the void, the Fractures are here, and nothing could prepare the Doctor for their insidious assault on reality!

The Doctor, Clara and UNIT must battle the Fractures, as they slip through the cracks in our world to wear the skin – and bodies – of innocent people, puppeteering them from the inside!

When the war spills out of quiet suburbia and threatens the world, it will take a father and daughter – separated by whole universes – to bring the conflict to an end!​

Writer:

Robbie Morrison

Artist:

Brian Williamson

Publisher:

Titan Comics

Hindsight is a beautiful thing. Though I like Peter Capaldi's take on the titular Time Lord and loved the start of the series, it's becoming clearer that writing for the character is hard to do. This is especially the case with this two part issue, where the writing leans towards the Doctor being cruel for cruelty's sake. This sort of worked before and due to Capaldi's acting abilities the show could get away with it – but without that, it's not as effective.

I think it may be slightly to do with Brian Williamson's art – which manages to get the look of other characters on the show down, seems to cast the Doctor in a somewhat grotesque light, which makes his actions seem worse than they are. It may also be how rushed everything seems in general this issue. Though I realise that you only have a limited number of pages to pull off a story in a two parter (which, extracting ads, covers,backup strips etc comes to about 22 pages an issue), don't aim for a story that is being part alien invasion, part family drama, part character piece, THEN set up future issues and include U.N.I.T as a cameo.

It's that mish mash of ideas that spoiled my enjoyment of things. Whilst the ability to be a genre mashup is part of the shows strengths', it can go wrong and this issue is a key example of this.

Overall, it's just not my cup of tea. It may be fun for those who have been following the whole comic series so far and have committed to it, but it left me a little cold.

Cover image courtesy of Titan Comics.

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor is available from Titan Comics.

Surface Tension 1

ALIEN KILLERS! MUTATED SEA MONSTERS! HUMANITY’S LAST GASP!
Months after mysterious corals drew 99% of humanity into the sea, a band of survivors ekes out a hollow existence on a remote British island.

When two people are cast up on the beach, completely blue, but very much alive, the island is thrown into turmoil.

What caused the mass extinction event? How did these two return from the deep, when billions died? Most importantly, what is the coral, and what does it want with the Earth?

A creeping, psychological horror fable of a planet rebelling against its inhabitants - perfect for fans of The Walking Dead, The Day of the Triffids, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers - Surface Tension is a gorgeous and timely ecological adventure of unprecedented scope. The oceans have never seemed so threatening!

This comic is a refreshing take on the apocalyptic zombie-creature genre that is so prevalent in today’s media. Instead of a zombie plague, there is a sea sickness that turns flesh into melting liquid (eventually water), and compels people to walk into the ocean, never to be heard from or found again.

The story begins after the sickness has killed most of the population. However, two people wash up on the shore with no memory of the year they’ve been missing, and with blue skin. The comic goes on to show the past as much as the present, explaining the state of things. It leaves off with a cliffhanger, giving the reader something to keep reading for when the new issue comes out.

As a fan of end of the world, dystopian settings, I found this very refreshing. The art is good, vibrant, colorful. The story is cohesive. It leaves you guessing the right amount to keep you reading, but it doesn’t have any huge holes that are evident so far, so it’s not too frustrating. I also appreciate the inclusion of main characters of color throughout the book - something we don’t see a lot of in this type of story. While I did find myself wanting more actual action and less exposition, that’s a minor complaint about a book that is very solid overall. Personally, I’m looking forward to the next installment!

You can find out more and purchase this title from Titan Comics right over here!

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor #1

The ninth doctor is back with a brand-new miniseries: Weapons of Past Destruction!

Leaving world war ii behind, the ninth doctor, rose and captain jack discover that time lord technology, lost in the wake of the time war, is being sold on the intergalactic black market!

Now the threat of a new temporal war brews on the horizon. Can the doctor stop history repeating itself?​

Writer:

Cavan Scott

Artist:

Blair Shedd

Publisher:

Titan Comics

I'll add a disclaimer up from – I bloody love Doctor Who. I bloody love Christopher Eccleston. So to me, the 9^th Doctor was a dream come true. A fantastic one. Which is also a problem, because it means I hold everything related to such high standards and tend to be overly critical of other things related to it.

Given those prerequisites – the first issue is pretty good. Picking up after the episode The Doctor Dances, our issue finds the heroes stumbling across two forces that are involved in heavy time interference, The Unon and the Lect. Both seem to be collecting different items to allow for time manipulation, though to what end is left unexplored by the end of the issue.

In typical fashion though, the issue is more interested in Jack, Rose and The Doctor stumbling across a problem and trying to figure how to get out alive. Though Blair Shedd's artwork isn't something I quite like as I feel I doesn't capture the look of the characters that well, the canvas that she works on in scaling up the action from the show is impressive. She also does nail the facial structure of a shocked Christopher Eccleston, so hats off to her for that.

By the end of the issue I was a little worried about what was going to happen to Rose, even though I know everyone will turn out ok (being set between episodes of the TV show), so consider my suspension of disbelief sufficiently kept in check.

Is it worth picking up for non Doctor Who fans? On the basis of this first issue, no. But if you do like the show, this will be right up your alley.

Cover image courtesy of Titan Comics.

Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor is available from Titan Comics.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Johnny Nemo

New London of 2921 is a crowded, filthy slime-pit awash with Death-Juice junkies, Latin-spouting armored fascists, exploding nuns and a religious cult who worship Bing Crosby's left testicle. It’s also home to ultra-violent, foul-mouthed private eye Johnny Nemo – a streetwise PI who deals in death… and simple solutions to complex problems!

This classic, remastered collection features never-before-seen art and is the crowning glory of award-winning writer, Peter Milligan (All-New Doop, Hellblazer, Shadowman) and artist Brett Ewins (Bad Company, Skreemer).

This graphic novel features a main character whose selling point is the fact that he’s unlikable. I think the idea here is to be edgy and refreshing, a break away from the other types of comics (at least, judging from the author’s introduction, this is the impression I got). Johnny Nemo seems a little like a throwback to the punk era, only pushed into the future. This is a very British landscape, making a point to have characters with various British accents written into their speech. It’s also a harsh landscape, rife with danger and drugs and exploding nuns. Johnny’s attitude is one of being nastier than every other nasty thing, and he pulls it off successfully throughout the stories told in the collection - however, this doesn’t make him a relatable or particularly enjoyable protagonist.

Peter Milligan has previously written for the Hellblazer title, and I think that shows in this work. There’s a little bit of John Constantine in Johnny Nemo’s forced punk attitude - a nod I appreciated as a Hellblazer fan, but wasn’t sure I was feeling as a new reader to this title.

Like other graphic novels, the art here is very black and white. It’s also very flat, which at times I found almost confusing. There are a lot of lines in various directions. While the art isn’t bad art - it’s a very unique style, which IS refreshing when you compare it to so many male fantasy superhero comic styles - it’s just very busy. That fits the tone of Johnny’s world very well, but I found it hard to stare at for a full length graphic novel.

To me, there are themes here that throwback to the 80’s, both in terms of style and storytelling. This is a noir comic turned punk. It’s executed successfully, though ultimately isn’t my cup of tea. Anyone looking for something that really is quite different from mainstream should enjoy this title.

Check Titan’s website to find more about this title, and to purchase it either digitally or in print!

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Doctor Who;: The Twelfth Doctor Vol 1

Eagle award-winning writer Robbie Morrison (Drowntown, The Authority, 2000AD, Nikolai Dante) and New York Times-bestselling artist Dave Taylor (Batman: Death by Design, 2000AD) dive headfirst into the TARDIS console room and spin the Doctor off to his most challenging destination yet!

I’m always filled with trepidation when I set out to read a comic adaption of a movie or television show.  In general, comics just don’t adapt live action well.  The strength of the medium is bold colors, episodic format, quick narration, and epic proportions.  Trying to accurately depict live action falls flat in many cases.  Being a Doctor Who lover, I hate to see that happen.  In this case, for the most part that didn’t happen.  True, the artist in many places throughout the book failed to accurately capture Capaldi’s features, except in extreme close ups.  The good news is that the writing is good enough that you don’t notice these lapses in the medium.

The first story Terrorformer is a classic Doctor in space story, where the Doctor sets out to take Clara to an ice planet to work on her skiing skills.  As usual with the TARDIS, things do not go as planned, but for once not because of the its questionable navigation.  The planet the Doctor chooses has been terraformed since his last visit.  Little do the terraformers realize that the planet holds within it, a mad energy creature bent on its survival at any cost.

The follow up tale, the Swords of Kali, runs the opposite gamut, when an old friend calls upon the Doctor a little too late.  He arrives to find his friend murdered by an alien race that are the basis for the ancient Thuggee cult.  This story takes place in India of the not too distant future and the far removed past.  It’s classic Who, with Clara getting taken hostage by aliens in the future, while the Doctor faces down with the aliens in the past, picking up a plucky woman from the past looking for revenge.  Leela fans of the Tom Baker era will love this character.

Both stories are filled with nods to the old school Doctor Who series, with the more serious tone of the new series.  It is in many ways, the best of both worlds of Doctor Who.  There’s even a reference to The Rocky Horror Picture show for the attentive fans of Doctor Frankenfurter and Rip.  This Trade collects issues 1 -5 of the regular series including variant covers.  Both stories are superbly written and rendered. The stories could have come straight out of the brain of Stephen Moffett and the art is vivid.  The close ups on Capaldi’s eyes in a few panels are spectacular.  Fans of Clara, will enjoy her impersonation of the Indian goddess of death.  This is a sure fire hit for any Doctor Who fan.

For more information about Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor, or other great titles from Titan Comics visit Titan Comics.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Anathema Vol 1

How far will one woman go for the salvation of her beloved? Mercy Barlowe’s love for Sarah brings down Hell when her puritanical father discovers them together – and has his own daughter burnt at the stake.

But death is not the end. A monstrous cult of shapeshifters steal Sarah’s soul as part of its twisted plans to resurrect an ancient evil.

To defeat them, Mercy must take on a new form that will give her the power and fury needed to defeat the cult. She must become a werewolf!

First of all, I have to start this review off by admitting that I am incredibly biased when it comes to this subject matter.  Werewolves or shifters as they are becoming more popularly known, they bore me.  I apologize if that offends anyone.  I didn’t set out to be a lycanthrope hater and I in no way mean to disparage the work of anyone in particular.  I’ve set out over and over again to enjoy werewolf stories, or were-stories in general.  I’ve always failed.  Failed miserably.  Whether this is the fault of the material or some inner lack of sophistication I’ve never been able to ascertain.

So, given what I’ve already expressed about the subject of werewolves it would be safe to say I couldn’t approach Anathema with an open mind and that I’d probably have little good to say about.  Well that would be dead wrong.  I loved this story and read the whole graphic novel in one sitting.  This is, in fact, a marvelously plotted and rendered story that synthesizes the medium of the comic book in perfect harmony.

The plot itself marries a few tired concepts into something unique and quite beautiful.  I also liked the fact that Mercy had a female lover, not due to any personal preference or prejudice but just because it was a different spin on the old and worn out trope of revenging a love lost to some evil force.

On to the main character of Mercy, ironically named, because she really has none in pursuit of the redemption of Sarah’s soul.  She is ferocious, tenacious and completely without pity or remorse.  I love it when I see a character with this kind of fire.  Rachel Deering brings her to life in a very real way that will pluck at even the most hardened soul’s heart strings.  The dialogue in the story is a little sparse, but you won’t notice because Deering narrates the tale mostly through Mercy’s inner thoughts.  It’s intimate, it’s touching and it’s very real.  You love with her, you lose with her and you cry for her.

Then comes the art.  The art is breathtaking.  The art is stunning.  I can’t even compare it to anyone, because its just that rare to find a team that really dominates each page with memorable images that stay with the reader.   The panels are big, bold and rife with color that parallels the mood set by the writer.  Each one could be a print I would hang on my wall.  The team of Christopher Mooneyham and Wesley St. Claire shine in every page whether its the dark stills of the wolf, intimate love scenes between Sarah and Mercy or the heart rending opening when Sarah is burned alive.

If that wasn’t enough, there are dozens of pin ups in both color and black and white that will make you want to buy more than one issue, just so you can rip these out and decorate with them.  This is a stunning book that horror fans will treasure.  Do NOT miss this book when it hits the stores.  Mercy will find you.  Alone.  In the dark.  When you are alone.  And no one can hear.  And she’ll do what she does best.

For more information about Anathema or other great titles from Titan Comics visit Titan Comics.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Scarlett Couture 1

Using her cover as Head of Security for her mother’s internationally renowned fashion house, she gathers intelligence for the CIA. In this explosive first issue, Scarlett follows her instincts right into the middle of the action and finds she needs to use all her wits to get herself out of hot water!

This book comes with glowing praise from Mark Millar.  It has eye popping art that literally explodes off the page.  The colors are vivid bringing true to life to the already vibrant characters.  Des Taylor’s story is a roller coaster ride of tongue in cheek super spy fun.

Scarlett, the main character of the story is your typical super spy who braves dangers that would leave the average mortal quaking in their shoes or with a hundred bullet holes.  She is Rita Hayworth meets James Bond in a big smash up of action, adventure and just plain fun.  Come and give this one a try if you are just looking for a great smash-up, blow-up good time!  The first issue also includes a bonus cover for variant lovers.

For more information about Scarlett Couture or other great titles from Titan Comics visit Titan Comics.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor Volume 1

Gabriella Gonzalez is stuck in a dead-end job in her family’s New York Laundromat, dreaming of college and bigger, better and brighter things.

So when a strange man with an even stranger big blue box barges into her life on the eve of the Day of the Dead celebrations – talking about an infestation of psychic aliens – she seizes her chance for adventure with both hands.

After Donna’s tragic exit, the Doctor thought he was done with new companions. But Gabby Gonzalez is going to prove him wrong… if she survives the night!

Writer:

Nick Abadzis

Artists:

Alice X Zhang

Elena Casagrande

Colourist:

Arianna Florean

Letterer:

Comicraft

Publisher:

Titan Comics

The 10th Doctor has been around for a while now and he's certainly has a few comic series to his name already, covering his travels outside of the TV show many know so well and his meeting of companions both familiar and new. Those comics have also been some of the greatest Doctor Who storylines put to paper. So what does this new series from Titan Comic's offer to make it stand out from that crowd?

Good art for one. The issue's art has a very grounded feel to it, very lived it (which is harder to pull off than you think) which makes the appearance of the monsters of the two collected stories stand out, a blend of the world and something more unnatural. The first arc is called 'Revolutions of Terror', a multi-part storyline designed to introduce us to the world of Gabby Gonzalez and her family. Stuck running her fathers laundrette in the day, working at his restaurant at night and in her spare time attending an accounting course to help run his business better out of a sense of obligation, Gabby's frustration is palpitate.

Like the 11th Doctor's first issue, we slowly get to know her world and who she is (even if, like most companions initially, she's a little two dimensional) and her desire to break free. All the while, a man in a blue box potters about taking readings and strange, spooky things are happening...

Unfortunately, the first story kind of feels a bit listless at times, though it really does read better collected in one volume than as individual issues. Its not helped by the feeling that the first story is a bit jumbled on what it wants to do. Its a mystery story with elements of horror, but neither are prominent, taking a back seat to the 10th Doctor's mutterings and getting to know our new companion in the series. It results in lackluster sections, which oddly enough are when the Doctor shows up! Its probably just that its quite hard to capture in a comic the energy David Tennant brought to the role, but he feels a bit like he's going through the motions. This series is set after he parts ways with Donna Noble, so perhaps he's a bit down in the dumps.

The second story is where things pick us massively though. Giving us a viewpoint on Gabby's opinion of world of the Doctor (complete with pages from her sketchbook) we're actually allowed to feel wonder again, that rare thing in a comic. Transported to the reclusive hideout of an artists personal moon, Gabby and the Doctor run into trouble when they encounter living statues and a due of apprentices that want to make sure nobody gets in the way of their learning. This being Doctor Who, things quickly escalate to chases, though as the story is told from Gabby's viewpoint we get to break things up from the usual 'The Doctor is smart and saves the day' plotline that happens wherever someone starts running.

The art is a delight in this story arc, conveying the true beauty of an alien world along with the power of art. Overall I loved every page of the second story arc and it more than makes up for a so so opening arc.

In future volumes, I'm hoping that we get to know Gabby's and her relationship with her family. Though its clear she feels trapped in the first arc, its an interesting dynamic that the issue does well and the Doctor Who doesn't really explore properly that often.

All in all, the entire collection is a must buy for Doctor Who fans.

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor Volume 1 is available from Titan Comics or your local comics retailer.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Lenore: 'Pink Bellies' Trade

In a storyline that has been building for over a year, Roman Dirge, the so-called ‘Arch-Deacon of the Macabre’ has been slowly ratcheting up the tension and silliness in a story arc that will see one of his most beloved characters pushing up the daisies -- FOR GOOD, we kid you not..!

NO, seriously. This isn't one of those dead for a year kind of deals other publishers do - this is the real deal. DEFO dead! Deader than a door nail kind of dead. The sort of dead that leaves the reader gasping in stunned amazement at the sheer audacity of the thing. Seriously, as god is my witness someone's dying or my name isn't Ferdinand Marco De Boing Boing III. It's going to change the way we see dead people in comic books for all time!

Though I’ve always been aware of Lenore and read the odd collection, it never quite meshed with me. I can find its dark humour amusing from time to time, but it’s part of a culture that I was never around (namely, late 80's/early 90's disaffected goth culture) and so don’t quite ‘get’ its appeal. Perhaps it's because in a world where everything these days has to work on at least 20 different levels to appear worthy of being included in our cultural lexicon, my brain has trouble digesting a story which is just about a dead girl dicking about with her mates. However, in the interests of fairness, Lenore seems to have better structure and storytelling chops than prior work I’ve read of Dirge's.

Concerning the story of a mischievous dead girl who has adventures with her friends that usually result in the deaths of someone, Lenore takes its time, first telling us a story of an ancient god of death, that later ties into the main storyline which kicks it all off. A bunch of cynical MTV types visit Lenore’s house, looking to exploit its history for their own uses in a ‘Most Haunted’ style show. In doing so, they end up dead but also prove the existence of ghosts to the entire watching world. From them on on, things only get worse.

Admittedly, this is done is a pretty whimsical way, even if some readers may find the fates of some of the MTV crew pretty gruesome. But the story seems to be more interested in Lenore and her buddies mucking about and poking each other in the arse with pitchforks than building up inevitable doom. As I said, dark humour, even if it takes that route via a lot of scatological laughs.

I think in the end Lenore is just something you will have to take a risk on. Even though after a few read through I could sink into the rhythm of it, I have to admit it wasn't aimed at me. That's fine though! Not everything should be. Even if it's not my cup of tea, that Roman Dirge is able to create entire comics himself, from conception, through drawing, inking and then onto publishing is impressive. That singular vision is quite refreshing, compared to the ‘comics by committee’ approach that is the norm at bigger publishers.

If you think this won't appeal to you, but you have kids, get it for them. They'll enjoy the fun of it all, which is what comics were originally all about.

To those who are already fans, buy it and you won’t be disappointed. To those who are sitting on the fence? This comic digitally will cost you less than a meal if you went out on your own for the day. Buy it, try it and if you like it, buy more. If not, you have been exposed to a different experience that will enrich how you view comics as a whole.

When you think of it like that, it's not really that bad a deal, is it?

Cover image courtesy of Titan Comics.

Lenore: Pink Bellies is available from Titan Comics or your local comics retailer.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Top 100 Comics of 2014 - #5-1

Drumroll for the Top Five Comics of 2014.....

Top 100 Comics of 2014 - #10-6

Top 100 Comics of 2014 - #20-16

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor #4

What secrets are hidden by the Scindia family, a dynasty whose powerful roots trace back over a thousand years? What strange genetic modifications fuel the death cult of the Thuggee? And how does a humble Mumbai pickpocket figure into these world-changing events?

As each Thuggee sacrifice comes closer to waking the ancient Kali from her slumber, can the Doctor uncover the truth before her resurrection spells doom for India, Earth, and the galaxy?!

Writer:

Robbie Morrison

Artist:

Dave Taylor

Publisher:

Titan Comics

As mentioned in my review of last issue, I'm still a little on the fence about this series. Though it had a strong opening storyline, last issue left me a little cold. One thing is clear though. If the TV show is content to be a series of mostly serial episodes, connected by an overarching plot, then the comic mini series is the exact opposite. In fact, it's shaping up to just be a series of stories spread out over two or three issues!

Issue four doesn't break that trend and even 'one ups' the last storyline, being at least one issue longer than the last one. I just wish I found myself thinking the wait was worth it. I'm being somewhat hyperbolic mind. The issue certainly cranks up the amount of plot happening over the last one, letting all the individual story threads begin to meet one another and intertwine. The different personalities and how they clash certainly produce some interesting scenes, even if I feel the Doctor comes across as being a little too mean at times.

One thing is apparent though – the creative team are clearly enjoying being free of any restrains that a TV budget would land them with. This issue alone we have Indian temples, cavernous catacombs, a space station and Clara turning into...well, let's not spoil too much eh?

Overall it's a fun enough issue, even if it does have some of the same problems as last issue. Clara has literally nothing to do apart from become a literal plot point (nice to know the writer is following in Steven Moffat's shoes). From the writing this series, it does feel at times like the writer is contractually obliged to include Clara in the adventures, but would rather ditch her and write adventures about the people who have appeared this issue.

Perhaps it's true, so then I do have to give credit for adapting to the circumstances in the best possible way. But I don't know about you, but an Indian assassin and the daughter of one of the Doctor's off screen companion's, who grew up on tales of his adventures, sound like far more interesting characters to be off with the Doctor's exploring the universe than Clara. Sorry Clara.

It's an improvement on last issue by quite a way and it does end on a nice cliffhanger. I hope I've just been too quick to judge and the concluding issue of the story will have me seeing the error of my ways. I'm really hoping so. I really am.

Cover image courtesy of Titan Comics.

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor #4 is available from Titan Comics or your local comics retailer.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Numbercruncher

From the smash-hit writer behind X-Men Legacy! Dying young, a brilliant Mathematician discovers a way to cheat the terrifying Divine Calculator. He schemes to be endlessly reincarnated in the life of the woman he loves, no matter how often the violent bailiffs of the Karmic Accountancy cut short each life. It falls to one such Karmic agent - the surly Bastard Zane - to put a stop to the time-twisting romance once and for all, before the Mathematician can pull-off his greatest trick and escape Existential Justice forever!

Numbercruncher provides a fresh, new look into the afterlife.  According to this series, numbers and equations are what life is all about, so it would only make sense that a calculator is the one calling the shots (and I don’t be the electronic kind).  However, the afterlife isn’t the main focus of this story, but rather a love so powerful that it defies the rules of the great equation itself.  A mathematician named Richard Thyme has figured out a loophole in the Karmic contract that can essentially allow himself to be reborn indefinitely.  Richard loves this girl, Jessica Reed, so much that he’s willing to endure countless lifetimes just to be with her, if only for a few moments.

I kind of like the idea of the afterlife being likened to an infinite accountant’s office.  It’s not all about spirituality, but numbers and equations and if you’re smart enough like Richard, then you can manipulate your re-incarnation the way you want.  Seeing death in this sense, kind of makes things a little easier to accept and that’s it’s not just oblivion, but something a bit more tangible.  PJ Holden gave the book a nice throwback vibe to it with his linework.  An interesting read to say the least, although it does drag a bit by about the third issue of this collected set.  A lot of Bastard Zane recanting all of the different incarnations of Richard he’s run into, which could be fun for some, but I just wanted the series to get on with it already.

Si Spurrier has created something truly unique here with this death-defying (literally) love story. If you’re looking for a bit of romance in your life with a fantastical twist, then look no further than Numbercruncher. Apparently math really does make the world go ‘round. So, don’t wait another lifetime to pick up your copy today. For more info on where to find this issue, visit the Titan Comics website, or the Titan Comics Facebook page.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.