jwilliams051197

Comics fan, with an ADHD addled brain. He/Him https://linktr.ee/jwilliams051197

[jwilliams051197]

NEW PIN POST

Hello, my name is John Williams (no not that one), and I'm a nerd that has ADHD, who also reviews things. From TV, to movies, to comics and video games, you name it. I also draw occasionally, when the inspiration arises!

Review schedule:

SONJA SUNDAY: Every Sunday I review something Red Sonja related, mostly comics from her various runs.

WONDER WOMAN WEDNESDAY: My longest running tradition. Reviewing a Wonder Woman comic, TV episode, or movie every Wednesday.

New TV episode reviews the day after release.

New movie reviews every Sunday (or the day after I see them in theaters).

I hope all of you new here enjoy my page!

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Sonja Sunday, everybody!

Altered States: Warlords #1 Review

"Red Sonja, Red Planet"

Writer: David Avallone

Artist: Mariano Benitez-Chapo

Colorist: Jorge Sutil

Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry

Cover: Joseph Michael Linsner

Well, this wasn't a one-shot like I was expecting, but rather a miniseries. Which makes sense if it's going to utilize all those characters on the cover in any meaningful way.

This issue focuses on Red Sonja, as she's transported to Barsoom seemingly centuries before John Carter was transported there. Here, she uncovers a conspiracy that'll kill the Barsoomians, and is frozen in stone for her heroism. The artwork by Mariano Benitez-Chapo is really good, displaying the action and emotion from Sonja really well. The only real issue I had with this book was probably the layouts. Most of the artwork is bathed in darkness, with the edges of the comic being black as well, making it sort of difficult to tell the reading order of panels. It's not impossible, but still. I'm really curious how Vampirella or Tarzan is going to fit into this narrative!

★★★★

@redsonjaofficial @dynamitecomics

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Wonder Woman Wednesday, everybody!

Wonder Woman (2011) #8 (LGY #622) Review

"Casting Shadows"

Writer: Brian Azzarello

Artist: Cliff Chiang

Colorist: Matthew Wilson

Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher

Cover: Cliff Chiang

Well, it's not as depressingly bad as the previous issue, but it's still kind of meh.

I really do like the depiction of the Underworld in this issue, though. As Hermes explains, its literally made up of lost souls. It honestly reminds me of some levels of Doom, where you can see the faces of souls grafted onto the walls in Hell. The action is pretty decent, if only hampered by Diana acting like she has the entire run, with only one quote being an outlier. The final sequence of Hell shooting Diana was kind of shocking when I first read it. But reading it back now, it does make sense for the bullet to go through her bracelets in the context of the story, given those guns were made by Hephaestus, too. Still kind of disrespectful to the mythology behind the meaning of those bracelets, but not that egregious, I guess.

★★★

__________________________________________

REVIEW SCHEDULE:

SATURDAY: Stargate SG-1 - Season 2 Episode 8 "Family"

SUNDAY: Altered States - Warlords °1

TUESDAY: Captain Marvel - Dark Past °3

NEXT WEDNESDAY: Wonder Woman (1975) - Season 1 Episode 5 "The Feminum Mystique, Part 1"

__________________________________________

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Jessica Drewsday, everybody!

Spider-Woman (1978) #12 Review

"The Last Tale of the Brothers Grimm"

Writer: Mark Gruenwald

Penciler: Carmine Infantino

Inker: Al Gordon

Colorist: Bob Sharen

Letterer: John Costanza

Cover: Carmine Infantino and Bob McLeod

The conclusion of the Brothers' Grimm storyline! The horror influences is still strong in this title.

Although, I have to say, the four-page interlude of Jerry's hallucination basically saying he feels emasculated due to Jessica makes me hate Jerry all the more. Still the continuity between Tales of Suspense to here is good. The strategy that Magnus and Jessica executed was actually really smart, and shows how good of a team they actually are. The ending reveal of the Brothers Grimm actually being effigies to represent Madame Doll's sons was really good, and shows just how insane she really has become after her husband's passing. Despite not being here that long, the Brothers Grimm left an impact as an iconic adversary for Spider-Woman.

★★★½

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Sonja Sunday, everybody!

Red Sonja (2005) #4 Review

"Tide Turns"

Writers: Michael Avon Oeming and Mike Carey

Artist: Mel Rubi

Colorists: Richard Isanove, Michael Kelleher, and Caesar Rodriguez

Letterer: Richard Starkings

Cover: Marc Silvestri, Joe Weems, and Steve Firchow

The world-building in this series is just something to marvel at.

What would normally be considered a downtime issue, is used to give these characters some depth by interacting with each other. I love how Oeming used the "man can't sleep with her unless they best her in battle" as more of a legend than outright truth, with Sonja's characterization being the most consistent. Osin is really a character that's starting to grow on me in these past couple of issues. Like I said earlier, there's a certain depth to his character that makes him more than a one-off sidekick for Sonja. The artwork yet again by Mel Rubi is especially gorgeous to look at. My favorite sequence has to be the fight in the castle. The action flows very nicely from one panel to the other. I can't wait to read the next issue!

★★★★★

@redsonjaofficial @dynamitecomics

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Wonder Woman Wednesday, everybody!

Absolute Wonder Woman #20 Review

"Season of the Witch, Part 5"

Writer: Kelly Thompson

Artist: Hayden Sherman

Colorist: Jordie Bellaire

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover: Hayden Sherman

This issue did a stellar job of referencing past events to push the narrative forward.

Veronica Cale is probably the most evil we've seen up to this point, just gleefully ordering her lackeys to take Barbara by as she's torturing Diana. Hayden Sherman's artwork really comes into play during these scenes. Her being electrocuted here looks like the most painful thing she has ever endured. The callback to "The Lady or the Tiger" arc was especially tragic timing. She must return to Hell one month every year, leaving Barbara alone with Veronica. Because of this cruel twist of fate, Barbara is probably going to be transformed into the Cheetah. Yet again, this series proves to be the best book DC is putting out by far. Why isn't she on the main Wonder Woman title?

★★★★★

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Jessica Drewsday, everybody!

The Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity #2 Review

Writers: Jordan Morris and Joe Kelly

Artist: Pere Pérez

Colorists: Guru-eFX and Chris Sotomayor

Letterer: VC's Travis Lanham

Cover: Pere Pérez

The rest of this issue is fine, but Spider-Woman's actions here just baffles me.

At the beginning of the issue, it shows she was furious at Norman for putting Spider-Boy in mortal danger just for a training exercise, but later, she takes Norman out for a drink? Yeah, she grills him for it as they are drinking, but she comes off as way too friendly for that kind of behavior earlier. Especially since she's there to protect the kids. Still, I really like that Miles and the crew were able to take out the Overdrive-controlled Spider-Slayers by themselves. Although, I've got to ask, is this comic seriously teasing a Norman Osborn heel turn? I guess it was only a matter of time, but I really did like the character development. Nothing ever stays permanent in comics, I suppose.

★★★½

[pajamaslam-deactivated20190101]

start ur day off right with hearty bowl of gina torres as cleopatra letting xena know she’s DTF.

[firewings86]

the fact that I’m reblogging this from a non-Xena blog I follow makes it even better. also GABRIELLE’S FACE LOLOL

[elljayvee]

Gabs is considering the threesome possibilities. 

[tuttle-did-it]

I SURE AS HELL WOULD BE.

[selfgoals]

If you can’t reblog this, unfollow me now.

[truthfullytally]

guys does this not go without saying

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Sonja Sunday, everybody!

Red Sonja (1977) #4 Review

"The Lake of the Unknown"

Writers: Roy Thomas and Clara Noto

Artist: Frank Thorne

Letterer: Frank Thorne

Cover: Frank Thorne

A seamless blend of both sci-fi and fantasy, with a dash of horror for good measure.

I just love how these past two issues paint the town of Athos. Even freed from their apartheid state, they are still a society filled with bloodlust, which explains how they got in that situation in the first place. I love the character of Cyphax, the reluctant leader of the Reptiles of Chimu. After many generations of being on Earth, his people have grown into bloodthirsty monsters, but he can't bring himself to do harm to his people. I just love the brief connection he had with Red Sonja before he was killed, it really is a testament to these old comics with the writing. It also shows how complex of a character Red Sonja is, and isn't just a warrior for battles sake. This run is just so enjoyable, I love it!

★★★★★

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Wonder Woman Wednesday, everybody!

Wonder Woman (2023) #33 (LGY #833) Review

"The Wonder War, Part 3"

Writer: Tom King

Artist: Daniel Sampere

Colorist: Alejandro Sánchez

Letterer: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Daniel Sampere and Tomeu Morey

Well, this story took an unexpected turn. She seemingly wants to undo her New 52 origin? I commend the effort, Tom King, but I'm pretty sure Greg Rucka did that in the Rebirth special.

Much like a lot of Tom King's run, it feels like we've skipped a couple of issues, mainly because his weird writing always skips over some of the essential stuff. This issue, however, wasn't downright terrible like the last couple of issues. I love that it references Trinity and Steve's father/daughter bond from her miniseries. I find it weird, however, that Diana feels cold and distant after finding Steve. I realize this is in the future, so she probably gave up looking for him, but I still think she'd feel something after finding him. Whatever. It's not the worst thing this run has done. I'm really curious how this is going to play out. Is she really going to rewrite the past?

★★★½

#wonderwoman #wonderwomanwednesday #dianaprince #dccomics #believeinwonder

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Jessica Drewsday, everybody!

Spider-Woman (1977) #11 Review

"And Dolly Makes Three"

Writer: Mark Gruenwald

Penciler: Carmine Infantino

Inker: Al Gordon

Colorist: Ben Sean

Letterer: John Costanza

Cover: Carmine Infantino and Frank Giacoia

Finally the reveal of who Mrs. Dolly is, and that the Brothers Grimm are actually two people! I love how horror tinged this issue got.

It was certainly a thing in latter 70's era Marvel that they delved in the horror genre a lot, and that is quite prevalent in this series up to this point. Jerry Hunt proves yet again to be a useless idiot. Spider-Woman, on the other hand, proves to be quite competent against Grimm, despite him getting the last laugh. The artwork by Carmine Infantino, while having a couple of hiccups this time around, was nicely moody, and choreographs the action nicely. Mark Gruenwald does a great job of maintaining continuity here, like the subtle hint from Marv Wolfman that the Brothers Grimm are twins. I can't wait to reread the next issue.

★★★★

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Sonja Sunday, everybody!

Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword (2026) #1 Review

Writer: Rory McConville

Artist: Pablo De Bonis

Colorist: Salvatore Aiala

Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual

Cover: Stuart Sayger

Such a great start to this volume! I loved the nuance to Sonja's plight this time around.

This comic introduces The Cult of the Rising Sun, a seemingly revolutionary force trying to take down a tyrannical government. At first, I was confused why Sonja would be opposed to that, but the clever writing did a great job explaining. She says that plenty revolutionary forces seem to forget the people they are fighting for once they grab power. I'm really looking forward to how this story plays out, the writing is just so engaging. The artwork, while taking a bit to get used to, admittedly, fits the story its trying to tell. Very good at the calm bits, but knows when to get energetic when need be. This was really good, and I looking forward to continuing!

★★★★½

@redsonjaofficial @dynamitecomics

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Jessica Drewsday, everybody!

Spider-Woman (1978) #10 Review

"Things that Go Flit in the Night"

Writer: Mark Gruenwald

Penciler: Carmine Infantino

Inker: Al Gordon

Colorist: Francoise Mouly

Letterer: Irving Watanabe

Cover: Carmine Infantino and Bob McLeod

Now this is the Jerry Hunt I remember, being a completely selfish jerk to Jessica. He totally deserved that venom blast she shot at him. Anyway, Gypsy Moth! The first truly new character created for this run.

I love how they utilized her in her first appearance, highlighting how truly alone Jessica feels despite having a love interest. In a lot of ways, Gypsy Moth reminds me of the Wonder Woman villain Silver Swan. It's kind of hard to see Gypsy Moth as the villain here, just like Spider-Woman says, because the party is full of rich, vain, assholes. I just love how nuanced their dynamic is from the get-go. If I did have anything to criticize the issue for, is that it ends too abruptly. I could've sworn there was maybe a couple of pages left, but no! It ends with Jessica angrily telling Jerry to drive her home. Oh, well. At least earlier in the issue it hinted at the Brothers Grimm returning.

★★★★

[houseofrozhenko]

5 minutes without yelling “FAMILY!!!” challenge failed

[houseofrozhenko]

5 minutes without yelling “FAMILY!!!” challenge failed

[jwilliams051197]

Happy Wonder Woman Wednesday, everybody!

Batman/Wonder Woman: Truth #1 Review

Writer: Jeph Loeb

Artist: Jim Cheung

Colorist: Jay David Ramos

Letterers: Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith

Cover: Jim Cheung and Jay David Ramos

This wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting, given Jeph Loeb's recent work on Batman: H2sh (God, that's a horrible title), but it's not without it's problems.

Like for one, yet again, writers seem to have a problem with mischaracterizing the Amazons. It's not as egregious as Azzarello's take, but saying the tournament that Diana won to enter Man's World was gladitorial combat (even though Greeks never had gladitorial games, that was the Romans), just feels antithetical to the entire ethos of the Amazons. Jim Cheung's artwork for this bit does it no favors either, with Diana celebrating victory over (presumably) dead bloody bodies. Another thing I found weird was how chronologically confused this story is. Like, it frequently references Catwoman breaking up with Batman from Tom King's Batman run, yet it shows Alfred still being alive here, even though he died in that book. If this is an out of continuity sequel to the original Hush, then fine, but it doesn't say that, so I'm left confused. Aside from those things, I really do like the insight for Batman and Wonder Woman in this. That's one thing that I loved from the original Hush, and more to the point, The Long Halloween, was Loeb's ability at character introspection. The final moment was really good in my eyes, with Bruce believing he doesn't deserve to be loved, but Diana ensuring that he is loved.

★★★½