The Brazen Bull

A site for fans. Reviewing Books, Comic, Movies and Television Shows.

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What We Left Behind: Looking Back At Deep Space Nine (2018) Review

Deep Space Nine was the dark Star Trek, the one with the space station, the one that did not go boldly anywhere except inward. It was the most radical, least Roddenberry-esque, criminally underrated and by far the most powerfully written of all the series. Fight me! It introduced serialized storytelling, complex characters and relationships and spoke of an imperfect universe where even the venerated Federation didn’t have all the answers. Thanks to streaming services, Deep Space Nine has reached a new audience, and gained a new, well deserved appreciation. This documentary probes what made it so good. The Blu-ray is scheduled for August 2019 release... Read the full article

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Episode 19: Batman, Death or Glory, Isola, and More | TheBrazenBull.com Comic Book Podcast

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Big Guns: Tank Girl (1995) Review

Title: Tank Girl | Studio: Trilogy Entertainment Group | Screenplay: Tedi Sarafian (comic by Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett) | Director: Rachel Talalay | Actors: Lori Petty, Ice-T, Naomi Watts, Malcolm McDowell, Reg E. Cathey, Iggy Pop, Doug Jones | Release Date: March 31, 1995 (USA) Studio Summary: “A girl is among the few survivors of a dystopian Earth. Riding a war tank, she fights against the tyranny of a mega-corporation that dominates the remaining potable water supply of the planet.” This year is the thirtieth anniversary of the legendary comic, by Alan C. Martin and Jamie Hewlett, and like many, my introduction to the world of Tank Girl was with this film. The argument can, and should be made that the movie doesn’t exactly capture the sensibilities of the books, but it does have its own place in history. View it independently, rather than expect a lauded interpretation of the source material, and have fun with what can be found.      To appreciate the film, one must accept that it is better considered on its own merits. It is a monstrous mess of a story that results in a cult classic of wackiness. Even then, some call it a failure, but to me, Tank Girl counts as one of my all-time favorite bad movies.      It is a terrible movie that I love too much. Look, for one thing, Ice-T appears as a giant kangaroo/super soldier, that in and of itself is worth the price of admission. Added to that inspired, if baffling, casting is one of Malcom McDowell’s greatest outputs of scenery chewing and Doug Jones’ (The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy, etc.) early appearance as a tall guy in a weird costume. There is so much more. This movie is a who’s who of character actors. It has all the best of those familiar “that guy who was good in that thing that I like” people in often ridiculous roles. The Bottom Line: The movie Tank Girl is dumb beyond belief, but it holds together in a kind of (perhaps accidental) self parodying take on post-punk and post-apocalyptic corpocracy gone insane. Also, the sound track is pretty awesome, and an interestingly curated representation of twentieth century fin de siècle music. Read the full article

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Riverdale Season 2 Finale Review

Title: Riverdale Network: CW Season: 2 Episode: 22 “Chapter Thirty-Five: Brave New World” Aired: May 16, 2018 Summary: “With Fred trailing in the polls, Archie steps in to help; Veronica stays one step ahead after uncovering Hiram's latest scheme; Cheryl finalizes her emancipation from her mother; FP makes a surprising announcement to Jughead and the Serpents.” Spoiler Alert! Spoilers Ahead! You’ve been warned… Riding off the excitement of episode 21 “Chapter Thirty-Four: Judgement Day,” the Season 2 finale of Riverdale delivers a series of twists and turns culminating with the season’s ending cliffhanger. After the events of the previous episode, the finale may come off a bit anti-climactic, however, the episode is not without its excitement. With the riots over and The Serpents temporarily laying low, Riverdale returns to its regular programming; but nothing is ever really normal in Riverdale, and the corrupt powers at play within the town are ready to make their move. Though the finale is significantly less action-packed than much of the season, the episode does not disappoint. Lodge Industry’s plans for Riverdale are finally revealed, promising more mayhem for season three. Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica continue their quest to thwart Lodge’s evil plans, while Lodge is revealed to be working with Penelope and Claudius Blossom, Penny (the ex Serpent), and the Ghoulies. With the conspirators finally all revealed and an evil plan in motion, the episode concludes with the series’s hero in handcuffs. Unlike Season One, Riverdale is a much darker place and the characters are far more complex this season. The Black Hood, Lodge Industries, and the Ghoulies represent real danger within Riverdale. The show’s creators expertly play off Jason Blossom’s death in season one, and push Riverdale further into darkness. The town is no longer a shiny place, its inner darkness, revealed in season one, has spread. For me, the most significant part of this season was the writers’ ability to develop the characters from the first season. Throughout the season, characters lose their way, lines are blurred, loyalties are questioned, but it all culminates in the season finale, with the Riverdale High School finally united. Archie’s path to becoming a hero is muddled throughout Season Two, as he builds questionable alliances and troubling loyalties. In fact, much of this season is centered on the dynamic between Archie’s relationship with Hiram and Fred; however, the finale returns Archie to his family and back on his hero’s journey. Archie’s actions throughout the season lead to consequences in the final episode. While Archie’s journey is compelling, the development of the Serpents, in my opinion, is the true gem this season. The Serpents rise from Southside gang to leather-bound neighborhood protectors, earning the respect of the Northside. The season moves from one generation of Serpents to the next, as the season focuses on Jughead and his band of teen-not-so-misfits. This evolution progresses over the season as Jughead is seen continuously assuming the role of leader, going as far as to sacrifice himself for the Serpents. Then, in the finale, FP retires as head of the Serpents, officially handing the title over to Jughead, signifying a new age for the gang. As Archie reigns as the leader of the Northside, Jughead ascends to the leader of the Southside, a perfect yin and yang relationship joining the two halves of Riverdale. I am guessing that this dynamic will play an important role in season three in order to defeat the villains behind all Season 2’s drama. I really can’t end this review without a little shoutout to this season’s villains, who are significantly more complex this season. Though I’m team Jughead and the Serpents all the way, the villains this season were topnotch and deserve some credit for their nefarious deeds and secret plans. Not only does Penelope Blossom rise to ranks of evil mastermind, a position I never expected of her after last season, but Hiram Lodge is able to assemble a team of high profile villains, each with their own unique talents. We may all love to hate them, but Riverdale would be incomplete without these devilishly bad citizens. And for those fans who prefer the dark side, what could be better than Hiram Lodge: mob boss, evil mastermind, and ring leader behind almost every action this season? I look forward to watching Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica eventually take Hiram Lodge down, but, until then, I can appreciate the man’s style and forethought. As the finale episode ends and the season comes to a close, a new era has descended upon Riverdale, with the Hiram Lodge at the helm, and it will take a united Riverdale to defeat him. The Bottom Line: “Chapter Thirty-Five: Brave New World” lives up to the season’s hype. Filled with unifying moments, unholy alliances, and another intense cliffhanger, the finale is an exquisitely slow build to the final moments. After a season of questions and unknowns, the evil conspirators are revealed and their plan is set in motion. The conclusion signals a new era in Riverdale, with new questions for season 3. Season two of Riverdale was well plotted, with extensive character development and plot twists. As the show delves deeper into the town’s darkness, Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica must make difficult choices if they are to remain on the path of righteousness. Read the full article

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Venom (2018-) #1 Review

Title: Venom (2018-) #1 Publisher: Marvel Words: Donny Cates Art: Ryan Stegman Publication Date: March 9, 2018 Publisher’s Summary: In the wake of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s collapse, an ancient and primordial evil has been awakened beneath the streets of New York, and with it, something equally evil has awakened in that most Wicked of Webslingers – VENOM! Still a Lethal Protector of the innocents in New York, this never-before-seen threat could force Venom to relinquish everything it holds dear – including Eddie Brock! Join two of the hottest creators in comics today, Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman, for a VENOM adventure a thousand years in the making! Review: Some thirty years after Venom's debut in Amazing Spider-Man #300, the sometimes villain, some times anti-hero, some times hero has remained a fan-favorite despite having gone through some considerable changes (both good and not so good) throughout his comic book tenure, and here, in Venom #1, the character has been redefined and re-established in a non-constricting way that reflects fondly on the past.  Cates makes great use of his well-honed storytelling skills and sets this story off in a direction that is promising while maintaining a pace that blisters with excitement and ferocity. Readers are immediately dragged to the center of a story that initially feels familiar, but quickly transforms into a tale of woe and horror and torment that promises to consistently provide readers with reason to return to this series. Artist Ryan Stegman has done a fantastic job illustrating an iconic Marvel character in Venom #1. Clearly taking inspiration for 90's Venom comics, Stegman has improved upon some of the visual elements, like McFarlane's signature 'spaghetti webs,' that made Venom comics great, and he's also managed to really accentuate the horror element that's woven into this book's script. All in all, Venom #1 is visually exciting and intense and deserves at lest a single re-read. This is the Venom comic book that I, as well as many other fans of the character, I'm sure, have been waiting for... As a fan of writer Donny Cates' other work, Thanos, God Country, Redneck, etc, I was eager to get my hands on this book and although with eagerness came high expectations, I was thoroughly enjoyed this book as Cates and Stegman completely exceeded my expectations. The Bottom Line: Not only is this the Venom comic book series that fans have been waiting for, but it’s the series that long-time readers and Venom fans deserve. In an impressive first issue, writer Donny Cates and artist Ryan Stegman manage to re-define one of Marvel’s most iconic characters, and they manage to do so in a way that breeds interest and excitement. There is a new age of Venom upon us; rejoice! Read the full article

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Wield the Infinity Gauntlet! Well, kind of...

Hong Kong-based high-end collectible brand, Hot Toys, is releasing a highly-detailed prop replica of the Infinity Gauntlet from the film, Avengers: Infinity War. Since the early 2000’s, the Hot Toys brand has established itself as one of the world’s premier producers of officially licensed high-end collectibles, and now, following the recent success of Avengers: Infinity War, the creative team at Hot Toys have crafted a highly-detailed replica of the Infinity Gauntlet that Thanos wielded in the film. Still in the prototype stage of production, the Hot Toys Infinity Gauntlet Prop Replica is available for pre-order; units are expected to ship some time in the first quarter of 2019.

Although there is an incredible amount of detail packed into this polystone recreation of the Mad Titan’s gauntlet, including LED lights with two different lighting modes, this replica cannot me worn… And while a collectible that will set buyers back $930 (price from sideshowtoy.com) probably shouldn’t be handled to often, I still find asking, “What’s the sense of having an Infinity Gauntlet that you can’t wear once and a while?” Regardless of the replica’s lack of wearability, it is a truly stunning piece. The Hot Toys Infinity Gauntlet Prop Replica is available for pre-order now. Click here to learn more about the piece or to pre-order one for yourself.   Read the full article

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Rough Riders: Ride or Die #4 Review

Title: Rough Riders: Ride or Die #4 Publisher: AfterShock Words: Adam Glass Art: Patrick Olliffe Colors: Gabe Eltaeb Letters: Sal Cipriano Publication Date: May 9, 2018 Publisher’s Summary: “Volume Three of the hit AfterShock Series! In their final mission together, the Rough Riders are pushed to the brink of their own destruction. Houdini tries to outsmart death one more time while Jack Johnson attempts to save his dear friend. Meanwhile, Teddy Roosevelt must face not only his own sins, but those of his familial line. And in order to save the world from the end of days, Roosevelt must kill his daughter, Alice, who has been possessed by an ancient evil! Don't miss “The Long Goodbye”, the stunning conclusion of America's first team of super heroes. Created and written by Adam Glass (executive producer of Supernatural and writer of Suicide Squad) with art-work by Patrick Olliffe (Untold Tales of Spider-Man).” Review: In the finale to this third installment of Rough Riders, the Ride or Die arc, Houdini must prevail over death and the rest of the team must do battle with the rest of the undead army. Fortunately, Roosevelt’s beloved Alice helps to turn the tide. It all comes to a glorious conflagration after sacrifices have been made and promises kept. Adam Glass succeeds in breathing life into somewhat stuffy historical figures. The adventure is full of strife and conflict yet builds real friendships and loyalties. None of them were actually like this, I bet, but Glass makes me wish they were. These are strong and interesting characters and while not strictly superheroes, they certainly are all about defeating those who threaten the innocent. Patrick Olliffe gives us realistic interpretations of the Rough Riders while seamlessly adding the fantasy and action elements to a wonderful steam punk vibe. The real and the unreal are nicely blended. The Bottom Line: In this issue, the finale of the third volume, this association of remarkable persons must do battle with death, possession and an undead army. This may prove to be their last conflict, but they go out with a magnificent legacy. Oh, and Thomas Edison is a jerk. Read the full article

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Port Of Earth #5 Advance Review

Title: Port Of Earth #5 Publisher: Image / Top Cow Words: Zachary Kaplan Art: Andrea Mutti Publication Date: May 9, 2018 Publisher’s Summary: The rogue alien visitor who broke Port protocols now lies dead, and the Port of Earth is open again for business. As our Consortium business partners arrive on Earth for a secretive meeting, Earth Security Agent Rice and partner McIntyre, traumatized and broken, discover there’s an unresolved threat at the ESA HQ. Review:  After re-reading through the first four issues of this series that were conveniently collected in Port of Earth Vol. 1, I  went into my reading of this issue ready and eager for what promised to be an exciting continuation of an inspired tale that stands heads taller than most of the other Sci-fi comic book series currently in print; Port of Earth #5 exceeded expectations and did so in a way that promised more than excitement. In Issue #5 of this ground-shaking series, it becomes apparent that we've only scratched the surface of what's to come. Kaplan's scripting is sharp and each creative decision is made with purpose and in doing this, in plotting a story in a way that allows room for greater continued expansion, Kaplan provides readers with good reason to keep reading. Sure, there's been a good deal of excitement thus far, but we're only getting started. With that said, I was hoping for something a bit more earth-shattering to happen in this issue, but the book's ending, which I am sure will be further expanded and examined in Issue #6, did a fine job in generating interest. Andrea Mutti's artwork fits the story perfectly, wonderfully complements Kaplan's script, and leaves no question in readers' minds as to what sort of story they're reading. Issue after issue, Mutti has retained the overall feel of Port of Earth and has managed to continue to visually excite readers with inspired interpretations of the extraterrestrials that riddle Kaplan's script. While it is possible to jump into Port of Earth with this issue, I believe that starting from the beginning would benefit readers eager to experience this great series. The Bottom Line: As the plot in Port of Earth continues to thicken with extraterrestrial anxieties and close-to-home conspiracies, Port of Earth cements itself as being one of the most thought-provoking comic book series currently in production; and here, in its fifth issue, it becomes obvious that there is more to this story than initially thought. A must-read. Read the full article

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Justice League: No Justice (2018-) #1 Review

Title: Justice League: No Justice (2018-) #1 Publisher: DC Words: Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV Art: Francis Manapul Publication Date: May 9, 2018 Publisher’s Summary: DARK NIGHTS: METAL left the DCU transformed in ways both terrifying and wondrous—and only the Justice League is strong enough to face the threats to come…or are they? Four giant beings comprised of the universe’s major energies—Mystery, Wonder, Wisdom and Entropy—who sustain their life force by devouring planets are on their way to destroy the planet of Colu. The only way to take down this unimaginable threat is for the superhero teams of Earth to forget everything they thought they knew and form new alliances. What secrets of the cosmos will Superman, Martian Manhunter and Team Mystery discover? Will Zatanna, Wonder Woman and Team Wonder awaken alien magic they cannot put back to sleep? What can Harley Quinn possibly have to teach the rest of Team Wisdom? And most importantly…why the heck is Beast Boy on Team Entropy with Lobo and Batman? Find out all this and much more in the most exciting, bombastic event of summer 2018! In this kickoff issue to the four-issue miniseries, after Brainiac systematically takes down all of Earth’s super-teams, the last thing the League expects is for him to ask for their help! Without their aid, his home planet and the universe are both doomed! Review:  Epic in scale and in reach, Justice League: No Justice adds depth to an already expansive fictional universe, and in further developing the mythos of the DCU, manages to add mystery and allure to a familiar place that legions of Wednesday Warriors call home. In this first issue, the creative team responsible for this series works like a well-maintained machine and manages to produce a near-perfect issue. As far as cooperative comic book scripts are concerned, I can't say that I've seen one that is nearly as balanced as this; where one writer's work ends and the others' work begins is a mystery to me as this story feels as though it is being told in a single unified voice. Snyder, Tynion, and Williamson make a fantastic team, and seeing as how important this story is to DC's grand scheme, I can't think of a better team to tackle this exciting project. What I enjoy most about this issue, and the whole Justice League: No Justice story, for that matter, is that it is moving in multiple directions simultaneously; while he have interesting team-ups between former enemies and unlikely combinations of current heroes, Snyder, Williamson, and Tynion are also looking to the past and expanding upon the already vast and rich DC mythos. Thus far, our dream team of writers have made great strides in further expanding the DCU - they are putting forth an impressive effort, and ultimately, I am confident that they'll accomplish all of their goals and readers will be the ones to benefit from their efforts. Francis Manapul's work in this issue is impressive; Justice League: No Justice (2018-) #1 astounds visually, and ultimately, raises the bar for other artists working in the industry. Manapul's vehement illustrations are highly-detailed and well-composed. Comic book artowrk doesn't get much better than this... The Bottom Line: Epic in scale and in reach, Justice League: No Justice (2018-) #1 is a well-crafted comic book that accomplishes everything that it set out to and manages to exceed expectations in the process of further expanding and developing the mythos of the DCU. Read the full article

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Avengers: Infinity War Reaction

Title: Avengers: Infinity War Studio: Marvel Studios Screenplay: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely Directors: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo Actors: Robert Downey, Jr. and about 75 other people Release Date: (USA): April 27, 2018 Studio Summary: “The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.” Warning – Spoilers Aplenty – Warning!!!!!!

Character death. There’s no way to talk about Avengers: Infinity War without discussing the body count. Thor even jokes about it early on. Loki’s dead, and not for the first time, but this time, it might be for real. From there the fatality numbers mount beyond measure. First citizens, then minions and by the end a whole boat load of familiar characters. So many so that I began to think this can’t be for real. Infinity is a big number, an imaginary number. And there you have it. It is not real. Within the context of the story we see, proof positive is when Dr. Strange basically hands the wiggle out method to everyone on a silver platter. While still in possession of the time stone he says that of the 14 million or so possibilities, one is successful. There is an out, we just haven’t seen it yet, but he gave up the stone because it was “the only thing to do.” Get it? There will be a reset and the fact that the end credits say Thanos will return, is pretty much a promise of that.

Outside of the film, there is no place in Marvel canon where nearly everybody dies for good. So there’s that. Also, the real world of box office receipts holds hints as well. Too much money is at stake. There are only so many secondary characters you can kill off before it becomes too much of a chore to find a suitable replacement. Additionally, bankable franchises cannot be eliminated with no hope of return. Maybe the actors are interchangeable (and that’s one hell of a gamble when the films have made a billions of dollars), but the franchise must go on, as the release schedule for the next few years would indicate. What is most important, to me at least, is that I enjoyed the movie. It was full of delightful quotable lines, nice character moments and callbacks to earlier films that made me happy. To be fair, something as ambitious as Avengers: Infinity War is an almost impossible feat to accomplish, but the Russo brothers managed to do it. Not exactly Oscar bait, but I got my money’s worth. The Bottom Line: I’m not buying the scorched earth policy. I think it is time for an un-dead pool. Loki and Gamora might not be coming back, definitely not Heimdall, but everybody else I think so, at least for part of the next Avengers movie. Despite all that, this is a film worth seeing, with humor and action and not an entirely hopeless ending. Read the full article

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Black Science #35 Review

Title: Black Science #35 Publisher: Image Words: Rick Remender Art: Matteo Scalera Colors: Moreno Dinisio Letters: Rus Wooton Publication Date: May 2, 2018 Publisher’s Summary: ““LATER THAN YOU THINK,” Part One Trying to come to terms with her husband's legacy, Sara McKay wanders through countless realities looking for answers to one question: what are the choices that define her, and can she help right the infinite wrongs her husband set in motion? A new chapter in BLACK SCIENCE beings here!” Review: In a reality of near infinite possibilities, the focus is always on the personal stories, the “what-ifs.” In this issue, the beginning of a new arc for the long running series, there are no answers, just more questions and Sara, though she searches a dimension featuring one of her most personal desires, she isn’t likely to find anything that she really wants. Black Science is so good that I am amazed it took me so long to find it. Thank goodness for trade paperbacks. In this series Rick Remender created the Eververse, and in his exploration of infinite realms, he includes the exploration of self by way of regret and what might have been. Headier topics and far more interesting than typical comic book fare. Faced with this limitlessness of possibility, people tend to react in a way that follows along the lines of their own selfish interests. That makes for a very compelling narrative. Matteo Scalera’s approach is entirely fresh and original. Also looking nothing like a superhero comic usually looks, he infuses life and nuance to each character. The Bottom Line: Despite the Sci-fi trappings of inter-dimensionality, Black Science continues to be a story about people, what they do to each other and what they mean to each other. Read the full article

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Batman #46 Review

Title: Batman (2016-) #46 Publisher: DC Words: Tom King Art: Tony Salvador Daniel Publication Date: May 2, 2018 Publisher’s Summary: “THE TRAVELERS” part two! Booster Gold’s wedding present has screwed up Batman’s past, and done even more damage to his present. Now, with the Caped Crusader himself refusing to cooperate, the only way for Booster to correct this runaway timeline is to get Catwoman on his side. But with her own past altered, can he make Catwoman recognize the qualities in her husband-to-be that brought them together in the first place? Plus, if Batman isn’t doing his job, Gotham City may become way more dangerous than our bumbling time-traveler might be ready for. Review: Saying that Booster Gold’s wedding present to Batman and Catwoman screwed up Bruce Wayne’s past and poses danger to the present is a gross understatement; time-traveling is alway tricky, and frankly, Booster Gold has a history of making things worse before he makes them better. Commenting on this issue without spoiling what happens is quite difficult, and really, I want you to read and experience what happens in this comic for yourself; the last thing I want to do is put a damper on someone else’s reading experience. With that said, and with avoiding the details of this story in mind, Batman #46 was a fantastic comic book that successfully manages to inspire readers to ask questions in a way that thrills. Tom King knows how to tell a multi-faceted story better than most working in the industry, and one of the reasons why I am comfortable in saying that he’s one of the industry’s best writers is that he is able to take complex ideas and boil away the nonsense and show readers what they need to find themselves overwhelmed with thought-provoking entertainment. Tony S. Daniel has done some of his best work here in this issue--his illustrations are tight and highly-detailed and add intensity to a script that already explodes with action and emotion. The Bottom Line: Booster Gold tearing up Batman’s timeline is not a gift, watching things fall apart in Batman #46 certainly is however; as the situation continues to get worse, Tom King continues to capitalize on the chaos. Read the full article

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Death or Glory #1 Advanced Review

Title: Death Or Glory #1 Publisher: Image Words: Rick Remender Art: Bengal Publication Date: May 2, 2018 Publisher’s Summary: Meet Glory, raised off the grid in a convoy amid truckers—the last men and women fighting for true freedom on the American open road. Now, in order to pay for her beloved dying Father’s surgery, Glory has three days to pull off four dangerous cross-country heists with mob killers, crooked cops, and a psycho ex-husband all out to bring her in or die trying.The new ongoing series by New York Times bestselling author RICK REMENDER and legendary French superstar BENGAL brings you a high-speed chase across the American West that examines our dwindling freedoms and the price paid by those who fight for an untethered life, in this special double-sized first issue with 40 pages of story! Review: Strap on your seat-belt because this ride is about to get rough. Rick Remender’s new series, Death or Glory, is, in a word, thrilling. This high-octane thrill ride fires on all cylinders and wastes no time getting started; like a great film, Death or Glory #1 opens with an intense scene, saturated with seemingly bizarre details, that leaves readers begging for more and asking questions as the plot progresses forward in a direction that promises to satisfy and excite for issues to come. Aside from the excitement that Remender evokes here, his script stuns with authentic exchanges of dialogue and natural narration that offers readers an immersive reading experience filled with characters and conflicts worth investing their time in. Glory, our flawed protagonist with an ostensibly blemished past, is stuck in a spot that will require great ingenuity and creativity to get out of; the stakes are high, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. French comic book artist, Bengal, brings Remender’s script to life with style and finesse and ultimately ends up producing a comic that has an inspired look and unique feel that sets it apart from other books that are currently being published. The Bottom Line: Rick Remender’s Death or Glory #1 is a thrilling ride that makes great use of readers’ time. Remender and Bengal make a great team and their combined efforts have paid off in a first-issue that demands to be read and appreciated. Read the full article

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The Prey of Gods by Nicky Drayden Review

Title: The Prey of Gods Author: Nicky Drayden Publisher: Harper Voyager Publication Date: June 13, 2017 Publisher's Summary: "In South Africa, the future looks promising. Personal robots are making life easier for the working class. The government is harnessing renewable energy to provide infrastructure for the poor. And in the bustling coastal town of Port Elizabeth, the economy is booming, thanks to the genetic engineering industry, which has found a welcome home there. Yes, the days to come are looking very good for South Africans. That is if they can survive the present challenges: A new hallucinogenic drug sweeping the country . . . an emerging AI uprising . . . and an ancient demigoddess hell-bent on regaining her former status by preying on the blood and sweat (but mostly blood) of every human she encounters. It’s up to a young Zulu girl powerful enough to destroy her entire township, a queer teen plagued with the ability to control minds, a pop diva with serious daddy issues, and a politician with even more serious mommy issues to band together to ensure there’s a future left to worry about. In a style both fun and fantastical, Nicky Drayden takes her brilliance as a short-story writer and weaves together an elaborate tale that will capture your heart, even as one particular demigoddess threatens to rip it out." Review: Winged demi-gods, sentient robots, pop stars and politician vie for world domination in a battle for the hearts and minds and the unwavering faith of society. In this ecologically ravaged version of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, a little girl’s life turns from nightmare into something unimaginably worse. Ultimately, however, she accepts that she is the key to saving the world, if only she can get the help she needs from rogue bots and a couple of pot smoking, rugby playing teenagers. This first novel from Nicky Drayden combines a coming-of-age story with the end of the world in a way that is as poignant with nascent romance and family drama as it is with the meaning of power and responsibility. The good guys are the children and the bad guys the adults lusting for power. There are robots backing both sides and some of these robots feel nearly human. Throughout all of the build-up to the end of everything, and beneath the chaos, is a fundamental desire for love and a yearning to be accepted. For some, it leads to destruction; for others it leads to peace. The Bottom Line: Fast paced and well structured, The Prey of Gods is an entertaining and exciting read with lots of action and likable, yet flawed characters. It was recently included in the Locus Recommended Reading List for first novels of 2017. Read the full article

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Ice Cream Man #4 Advanced Review

Title: Ice Cream Man #4 Publisher: Image Words: W. Maxwell Prince Art: Martín Morazzo Colors: Chris O’Halloran Letters: Good Old Neon Publication Date: April 25 2018 Publisher’s Summary: ““EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE” Another woeful one-shot! Here, a guy named Joel has drinks with his best friend’s estranged dad. As for the best friend? Well, I suppose you could say he’s in a bit of a pickle.” Review: This issue’s main story revolves around the funeral of a friend, one man’s loss and his fear about his own lack of significance. He bonds with the dead friend’s father, and comes away from the encounter with a better sense of himself and what making a difference in the world really means. And then the both of them come up with a pretty messed up way to say goodbye. In the last few pages even the Ice Cream Man must face his own kind of accountability. W. Maxwell Prince has crafted a dark but sentimental parable about what it means to be a grown up. His words hold gentle reminders that there is no escaping responsibility or accountability in life or death and whatever else is going on with the titular host of the series. Martín Morazzo has only “a brief and unpleasant interlude” to give us visions of horror, but he makes great use of those pages. The overall style that seems so ordinary in the mundane world winds up being horrific and humorous in his version of hell. The Bottom Line: Ice Cream Man is all about the subtle creepiness and horrors of everyday life. You might not have to leave the lights on for this one, but it is haunting nonetheless. Read the full article

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Hit-Girl #3 Advanced Review

Title: Hit-Girl #3 Publisher: Image Words: Mark Millar Art: Ricardo Lopez Ortiz Publication Date: April 25, 2018 Publisher’s Summary: HIT-GIRL IS BACK, and the body count is rising. Our violent adolescent superhero is slaughtering the city's bad guys, using a top hitman as her weapon. Yet, amid the blood, the gang fights, and assassinations, there is a grieving mother desperate for vengeance—a mother that will stop at nothing to get justice for her son. MARK MILLAR and RICARDO LOPEZ ORTIZ join forces for the third installment of Mindy's Colombian adventure. Review: Hit-Girl #3 is a wild violence-fueled ride that twists and turns until readers’ heads are spinning in excitement. With only one more issue left in this current arc, our favorite pint-sized bad-ass will be leaving Columbia for more action, and from the way things are looking, this arc’s conclusion promises to stun. Issue #3 moves at a blistering pace that, thanks to depth that Millar has managed to add to the plot thus far, manages to excite and stimulates readers by offering more than just non-stop action and ass-kicking. There’s more to this story than meets the eye and thankfully, that something more, lurks just beneath the surface and can be found if looked for; second and third readings are not required, but readers will benefit from spending some more time with this one. Ricardo Lopez Ortiz shines as an illustrator when the shit hits the fan. Whatever blood-soaked action-packed scenes that this series has called for in previous for in previous issues, Ortiz has managed to hit the mark and deliver. Yet again, Ortiz’ artwork is intense and emotional and should be applauded. The Bottom Line: With only one more issue in this current arc, this series has reached its boiling point. Hit-Girl #3 leaves readers eager to get their hands on Issue #4 thanks to a twist or two, more solid writing, and fantastic illustrations. Read the full article

[thebrazenbulldotcom-blog]

Dungeons & Dragons: Evil at Baldur's Gate #1 Review

Title: Dungeons & Dragons: Evil at Baldur's Gate #1 Publisher: IDW Script: Jim Zub Pencils: Dean Kotz Letters: Neil Uyetake Publication Date: April 25, 2018 Publisher’s Summary: Minsc the Mighty—Evil Beware! The Baldur's Gate heroes return to the city at last, but their time adventuring in Ravenloft and the frozen northern reaches of the Realms has changed them. Each of them must face great trials ahead before they'll be ready to embrace their destiny. A new hero of the people roams the streets of Baldur's Gate, and Minsc feels left behind despite his own legend. Can he reclaim his place as the city's Beloved Ranger? Whatever happens, evil is going to get its butt kicked most thoroughly! Review: For newcomers, Baldur’s Gate is based on the 90’s computer game of the same name which itself is based on a fictional city set in one of the most popular Dungeons & Dragons settings, The Forgotten Realms. With that cleared up, let’s talk about this comic... This issue stars Minsc, one of the original and memorable characters from the game. Minsc is a ranger-warrior who is a bit on the unusual side. He fancies himself a legendary hero. He has a purple tattoo on his face. Oh, and his favorite traveling companion is a pet hamster named Boo who perches on his shoulder. Sorry, Minsc would call him a “miniature-giant space hamster." As I said, a bit on the unusual side. The issue begins with Minsc’s adventuring companions ditching him after reaching Baldur’s Gate. So of course he decides to seek some adventure on his own. Looking for some evil to vanquish, he meets up with a fellow champion who, Minsc and Boo soon discover, isn’t quite what he seems to be. The writing had me smiling throughout the entire issue. Minsc is written like a cross between the Tick and Groo the Wanderer, he makes these grand proclamations about smiting evil to anyone who will listen. Others are simply incredulous about what is coming out of his mouth. There is a real charm to the writing that you can’t help but love this delusional fellow wandering around trying to smite some evil. Without that charm, the story would be a rather straightforward affair and not be nearly as engaging or fun. The art definitely complements the writing as Dean Kontz is able to blend some kinetic action scenes with comedic moments. And he draws a mean space hamster. The attacking hamster scene alone is worth the price of admission... The Bottom Line: Dungeons & Dragons: Evil at Baldur's Gate #1 is a fun, fantasy adventure; its star is the writing of its main character who is portrayed with a charming, comedic appeal that will leave viewers smiling and chuckling throughout. Read the full article