The Department of Truth # 11
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Martin Simmons
Letterer: Aditya Bidikar
Designer: Dylan Todd
Cole finds himself on another mission to ensure some secrets stay just that. Accompanying him are both Ruby and Hawk as they trek through the wilderness. Their objective is the legendary Big Foot. It will be interesting to see just how far Hawk goes to keep the “truth” from getting out there.
As good as the concept of the Department of Truth is, this particular issue didn’t work for me. It may have been the use of Big Foot who although still quite the mystery just doesn’t feel as conspiracy worthy in this day and age. Also, the handwritten letter sections the father wrote attempting to justify himself to his son took up too much of the issue.
Score: 7.0
Jules Verne’s Lighthouse # 4
Story: David Hine & Brian Haberline
Art by: Brian Haberlin
Colors by: Geirrod Van Dyke
Letters: Francis Takenaga
Vasquez is being hunted by Kongre and his forces and her time is running out. Her allies make one last attempt to both help her escape and prevent these mercenary pirates from escaping with their prize. But should their efforts fail the question this series has asked since the beginning may finally be answered. Which Vasquez will show up? Will it be the murderer Kongre claims she is or the hero her robot Moses remembers?
While the changes this series made to Verne’s story are a great way to introduce the author to new readers this issue progresses at an uninteresting pace. This made it feel less like a comic and more like the novel from which it was adapted.
Score: 7.0
Made in Korea # 3
Story: Jeremy Holt
Art: George Schall
Lettering: Adam Wollett
Jesse isn’t any ordinary girl. But that shouldn’t stop her from enjoying the opportunity she has been given. Especially now that she has friends though they may not have her best interests at heart (who hasn’t had a “friend” like that at least once in their life). Her manufacturers don’t seem too keen on her thinking “outside the box”. Meanwhile, her parents are realizing this isn’t what they signed up for. But ultimately isn’t that what raising a child is all about?
The treatment of Jesse in this issue is cruel. In a comics world that has taught me even an android can cry I can understand why when they are treated so callously.
Score: 7.2
The Old Guard: Tales Through Time # 4
How to Make a Ghost Town
Written by: Matt Fraction
Art by: Steve Lieber
Colors by: Daniela Miwa
Love Letters
Written by: David F. Walker
Art by: Matthew Clark
Colors by: Rebecca McConnell
Two tales of the Old Guard. First is the tale of Andy and Achilles. At his love’s behest Achilles laid down his weapons and laid down roots. But what happens when love turns old and one lover doesn’t? Next, a letter from Nicky to his lover. In a dark time, in a divided Nation, readers witness how deep both his convictions and love truly are.
Not enough words to describe how this comic does so much with so few pages. And the fact that it is two tales makes this feat even more impressive. Very moving and meaningful stories.
Score: 8.9
Scumbag # 9
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Jonathan Wayshak
Colorist: Moreno Dinisio
Letterer: Rus Wooton
If the world needs healing, it certainly was not in the form of a shot of Ernie Clementine. But that is exactly what happens when instead of hippie happiness, which Madame Hive intended, the world is soaked in Scumbag. And once he sees how much better the world is with a healthy dose of him in it, how far will Ernie go to ensure things stay that way?
If filthy, rotten and disgusting is how you like them then this is the comic for you. It’s over the top even bordering on out of bounds. But the story is relatable, a Rude Van Winkle. Scumbag is making his way as a man out of time in a world that doesn’t think it has a place for him.
Score: 8.9
Spawn # 320
Script/Plot: Todd McFarlane
Art: Carlo Barber
Lettering: Tom Orzechowski
Colors: Jay David Ramos
It’s an overused phrase but war does indeed make strange bedfellows. And for a Lt. Colonel Al Simmons it appears the war isn’t going to end anytime soon. So if he has any chance of not only surviving but more importantly stopping the war he started, can Spawn find a way to save the life of Cy-Gor again?
Until now I was un-Spawned. Despite being so far into the series run this issue manages to accomplish two things perfectly. The lettering is clear while explaining the story so far while not distracting from the action of which there is a lot. Consider me Spawned. I mean it only took 300+ issues.
Score: 9.2
The Summoner War: Legacy # 4
Writer: Justin Jordan
Artist: Luca Claretti
Colorist: Giovanna Niro
Letterer: Deron Bennett
Abuus is dead. And while we have time to let those words sink in Rai and Tomas do not. Voss and the Stiodani forces are ready to claim the artifact even before the Summoner’s body turns cold. Can the young Proto help Rai see what Abuus saw in her and embrace her “legacy” before it’s too late?
This issue feels like what it is. One chapter closing and another beginning. This makes the battle that takes place, Rai’s first as a Summoner, seem less crucial and the outcome less uncertain than it should be. Still it is presented clearly and prepared me, and hopefully Rai, for what lies ahead.
Score: 8.5
Sweet Paprika # 1
Writer and Artist: Mirka Andolfo
Colorist: Simon Tessuto
Letterer: Fabio Amelia
When you’re a C.O.O. (Chief Creative Officer) of the hottest publisher this side of heaven or hell what more could you ask for? They say it’s lonely at the top but for Paprika that’s not the only place she is lonely. With so many suitors at her mercy, what is keeping this devil from heating things up a bit?
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That Texas Blood # 8
Writer: Chris Condon
Artist: Jacob Phillips
Do you believe in evil, cause Sheriff Robert Coates does and he has a story to tell. Sitting in a diner with his partner Ana he relates a case from 40 years ago. Seems a private investigator by the name of Mr. Eversaul was hired by a family back in 1981 to track down their daughter. And while her last known whereabouts were in Los Angeles, Mr. Eversaul seems to think her disappearance was connected to the cases Coates was working at the time. Deep in the heart of Texas.
Eversaul seems as unstable as the story he is selling. But it is his character that sells the story from the way he is written to the addition of his notes on the investigation.
Score: 8.8
Vinyl # 2
Writer: Doug Wagner
Artist: Daniel Hillyard
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Walter has decided taking down the Sunflower Cult is too much for one (mad) man. So in an effort to rescue Dennis and end whatever game Madelene is playing he has decided to get by with a little help from his “friends”. Can an FBI agent, along with a few serial sociopaths help Snap? Is there really anything that can help Snap?
A book with so much bloodshed shouldn’t look so bright, should it? I felt less creeped out than I should have. I felt I was witnessing a cartoon version of the Strangers movie. Honestly, now that I think about it that does give me the creeps.
Score: 8.9
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