dark horse Dark Horse Comics- New Releases Reviews - Page 2

Writer: Timothy Truman
Artist: Tomas Giorello
Colorist: José Villarrubia
Cover Artist: Gerald Parel

King Conan: The Scarlet Citadel

Dark Horse has earned a fair bit of acclaim over the past several years for publishing rather strong adaptations and stories of Conan's younger days. And rightfully so. This volume, however, is from the other end of Conan's career set during his years as king of Aquilonia. In this new adaptation of The Scarlet Citadel, Truman goes for a new tactic with the Conan stories (and one that I admit I haven't seen used either), having Conan tell the story himself. When Dark Horse picked up the license and launched the series originally, one element that fans enjoyed involved the framing sequence of tales of Conan's adventures being read from the Nemedian Chronicles to the prince.

"Know ye o' Prince..." that opening and the rest of the quote that follows is as synonymous with Conan stories as "A long time ago..." is with Star Wars. Here, the framing sequence involved an aged Conan relating the his time as King during the adventure of the Scarlet Citadel to a scribe. Said scribe is part of the group recording and compiling the Nemedian Chronicles. So while Conan is actually telling his tale in this story, it lends a feeling that although others have related his story before, it all came from him. That is a familiar feeling for those who have read Howard's descriptions of the character or the letter excerpts and such which Dark Horse has published in the comics over the years, and ties in to the last scene of the story. Well done, Mr. Truman!

And of course, we're shown that an aged Conan is still dangerous as he waylays some of his own guards in a show of his swordsmanship... and stays up all night drinking and revelling. For the story itself, we have battles, intrigue, conspiracy, imprisonment, sorcerers, monsters, and revenge. All the classic elements of a sword and sorcery tale with our favorite barbarian. Even while captive, Conan tells his captor (another king) that he will varnish the floor with his brains. A little unusual for Conan is his befriending a sorcerer. Or rather the sorcerer befriends him. But who wouldn't want to befriend the guy who freed you from a decade of a monstrous tree feasting on your soul? Giorello illustrates the series very well. What needs to be mysterious is rendered such. What needs be disturbing, monstrous, etc. And as Conan's army is wiped out due to the betrayal he encounters leaving him the only one left, wounded and in ragged armor, he merely bellows "Who dies next?". And that's just four pages into the story, counting the two pages of the opening framing sequence. Even with the inclusion of the much maligned "talking heads" often associated with decompressed storytelling at the beginning, little to no time is wasted throughout. But then 10 pages of clever dialogue for the sake of has no place in the Hyborian Age, and Truman knows it. But then Truman isn't one to waste time with his scripts either as his other Conan work or his Turok or Jonah Hex work will show.

Giorello's work is detailed throughout with the right amount of gritty barbarism and shadowy macabre the series needs. Before each chapter we get Darick Robertson's original covers which are a treat themselves. Also at the end we get a gallery of Robertson and Giorello's work. Some in inks, some in pencils. All are a pleasant sight to see. Especially Giorello's pencils for the two page spread of Conan looking back on his life from the story.

All in all, a solid 4 out 5.

Writer: Various
Artist: Various

Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago.... Volume Five.

That's a pretty hefty title when you think about it. Star Wars is a sprawling saga. The word omnibus merely adds to it. Volume 5 of an omnibus only piles on. And the "A Long Time Ago..." tagline heaps more gravity to things. But it's also appropriate. This omnibus collection from Dark Horse is the latest collection of the publisher's repackaging of the old Marvel series that wrapped in 1986 closing a nine year run of Star Wars tales. As such, the final 22 issues of the Marvel series is present. 570 pages of comics at the price of $24.99 is a solid deal no matter what way you look at it. Even moreso considering this package is in full color, the stories collected are ALL collector's items with any given issue included being at least half the asking price of this edition to as much as 3 times or even more depending on condition. Couple that with individual issue cover prices these days? Quite a bit of bang for your buck.

Are these the best Star Wars tales you'll find? No. And we do have a fair bit of campiness involved. Some elements should make those fans who can't decide whether the Ewoks or Jar Jar being the worst things to have an introduction or impact on the franchise will no doubt rage just as much at the Hiromi, Zeltrons, Tofs, or the Hoojibs. A race of inept insectoid aliens seeking conquest, but being more comic relief than a threat, with a description like that the Hiromi come off like a bad version of the Gungans. Or is there such a thing? Or take the Zeltrons, a planet full of pink people with garish fashion sense who would be at home in Studio 54 or a gladiator arena. Or the telepathic, energy consuming Hoojibs who look like a Dr. Seuss version of a rabbit?

But at the same time, there's plenty of things present that some of those novels by Timothy Zahn, Kevin Anderson, etc. get celebrated for. The mysterious and dangerous invaders from another galaxy, the Nagai who ally with Imperial remnants predate the notion of the Yazhan Vong by a LOOONG time. As do notions of Luke struggling with the thought of taking on students to train as Jedi.The Rebel Alliance establishing a new government. Various threats involving Imperial remnants. A dark apprentice or two of Vader's popping up. Han's childhood. All of these are plotlines or ideas that have been explored in more recent years in the various novels and comics (or connect to ones that do). All are ones that Marvel approached YEARS before Thrawn, Luke's Academy, etc.

As all of these stories are set AFTER Jedi, we really don't get to see much of favorites like Vader, Ben, or Yoda. They do appear, in one of the stories however. As there is a large cast present of favorites like Luke, Han, Leia, Chewie, Artoo, Threepio, and Lando... other characters like Mon Mothma, Admiral Ackbar, and Wedge get time to appear as well. Sometimes characters like Leia's Zeltron attaches get more page time than then need, distracting from faves like Chewie or Artoo, but characters who can actually TALK are a bit more page friendly. However, too much Jar Jar style comic relief will be present from their end for some. Which is a shame as that will distract from some of the much better characters unique to the Marvel run like Kiro or Pliff. Or Bey. Great addition to the mythos with that one. Or Fenn and his Mandalorian squad as well.

The collection has some real gems present as well. A Yoda pinup piece by Marie Severin. One of Leia, Han, Chewie, Threepio and Artoo at a besieged Falcon by Marshall Rogers. Or the story The Vandlehelm Mission by Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson who worked together on several of Marvel's best stories in the series (and some excellent comics period in context of the franchise or not) . And some things which are just deserving of it's own figure like Luke wielding TWO lighstabers. The opening tale "The Alderaan Factor" pits a stranded Leia against a Stormtrooper in similar straits, and said 'trooper is also from Alderaan. Other scenes, like how far Han will go to save a friend gets pretty intense.

Some stories are stronger than others, but regardless of that we have a solid mix of characters paired together throughout. In one, it's Luke and Lando. Another has Luke and Han grounded as Alliance pilots due to the testing progam the Alliance is using not caring for Han's smuggling shenanigans or Luke not using a targeting computer due to Jedi skills. Another tale has Han, Chewie, and Lando visit Kashhyyk, the Wookie homeworld.

And one story centers around Threepio causing the Ewoks to declare war on another race due to not knowing when to shut up. Which is something we should expect. Another has Luke struggle to stop an ancient doomsday device from destroying the galaxy. Leia in one story fights against slavers without Han or Luke.

Overall, I'd give this one a 2.5 out of 5. While some stories are on the weaker side or some elements seem a bit out sorts with the franchise, other parts like The Vandlehelm Mission or The Alderaan Factor help pull the weight or the total package which MORE than compensate. Be warned! The very good, bad, and ugly lurks within!

Writer: Cole Haddon
Artist: M. S. Corley
Cover Artist: M. S. Corley

Cole Haddon on writing chores with M.S. Corley on art put together an entertaining and interesting take on the literary classic character of Mr. Hyde with their The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde. Set years after the classic novel during the time of the Jack the Ripper killings, this volume focuses on Thomas Adye as he investigates the Ripper killings for Scotland Yard. What Adye discovers after a chance encounter with the Ripper is that the Ripper displays practically superhuman qualities displayed once before in London, feats of physical prowess like those of Hyde. Adye discovers over the course of investigation and digging through old files that Jekyll is actually imprisoned and supposedly being rehabilitated beneath Scotland Yard!

As Adye continues his investigation and meets and interviews Jekyll (who has secrets of his own, MAJOR SPOILER here that I don't want to give away), Jekyll actually befriends Adye. These initial scenes between the two are entertaining and would remind the reader of the Clarice and Hannibal scenes from Silence of the Lambs. As the story progresses, Adye finds that he'll need the help of Hyde to take down the Ripper. Luckily, Adye gains access to some of Hyde's old formula. Too bad the Ripper has improved on the formula while Adye will only allow Hyde the smallest drop instead of an actual dose. Adye and Hyde continue their adventures only to find themselves against a massive conspiracy. Adye finds himself having to rely on Hyde more and more to the point of giving him free reign. Hyde remains under "control" as he views Adye as a friend and is determined to NOT be the second worst villain in London's history. Hyde ultimately goes on a slaughter spree due to the conspiracy leaving Adye protected from the fallout as no one wants to be the fool to incur Hyde's wrath for harming his friend.

Thematically this one has quite a bit going on with notions of self control, losing control, dealing with one's inner demons, addiction, etc. The Ripper is consumed by his demons. Adye denies his and learns to let go of his righteousness via his friendship with Hyde and the choices he makes as a result. Hyde revels in his nature and enjoys life and his view of morality. Hyde comes across as the only truly honest character in the story as while he might lie, he is aware of his own nature, desires, etc and does not try to be something he is not. Something that can't quite be said for out other characters present be it Adye, the Ripper, Jekyll, etc.

A solid story throughout with interesting characters and a suitable art style. This one is definitely a 5 out 5.

Conan Volume 11: Road of Kings

Creators

Writer: Roy Thomas
Penciller: Mike Hawthorne
Inker: John Lucas, Jason Gorder
Colorist: Dave Stewart, Dan Jackson
Cover Artist: Doug Wheatley

On the surface of things, this third run of Conan from Dark Horse chronicling the barbarians's adventures might appear easy to overlook. It's the shortest series to date at 12 issues (half is represented in this collection) and might appear as just a carry over from the Busiek then Truman run transitioning to the new series which brings in Belit. And Conan is just travelling along a road for 12 issues? What is this? The JMS Superman run (walk)? It would be easy to think that. But if this is a transition, then Dark Horse got the right man for the job. And that man is Roy Thomas. Yeah, ROY. THOMAS. And that makes this a whole different ball game. And tougher to review in some ways. Not taking anything away from Mike Hawthorne (Un-Men, FEAR Agent) who does the scripts justice, but the names of some of the other guys who have put pencil to Conan stories by Thomas are ones like Barry Windsor-Smith, John Buscema, and Neal Adams. The point? Thomas was the instrumental guy in bringing Conan to comics so many years ago (this series is also very much a 40th anniversary of the Cimmerian in comics, and 80th since his intro). Definitely some significance here, and not a mere transition series. But like I said, tougher to review. This isn't him working with those greats all those years back with more free reign. This is Thomas showing why comics writing is more of a challenge than other types. He has to take a character from where one writer leaves him, tell a cycle of stories, and hand off to the next writer. And things have to fit as comic audiences rage about continuity.

So we get Road of Kings. Think of it as a strong introduction to the character that bridges two volumes. Or think of it as a greatest hits concert as the band (Conan and Thomas) are back together. The foreword is well worth reading for the insight into some comics history. But like I said, a greatest hits concert. In this first half alone, we have Conan as a pirate captain on the Vilayet sea with his Ophirean Princess, Olivia. An encounter with the Turanian army sends Conan crewless with returning Olivia to her father in Ophir as his next best prospect. Travelling costs money though, and Shadizar the Wicked is along the way... leading to thievery. A near miss with a monstrous guardian in a vault which Uncle Scrooge would be envious of prompts Conan to cut his time in Shadizar short and move on. Only now Gamesh with the sword attached to his arm and the eye which can track any man is on his trail. As Conan and Olivia travel along the Road of Kings to Thessalo in Corinthia, Olivia is abducted due to her connection to the fabled Star of Khorala, and Conan on the trail pursues and must deal with a sea dragon. Conan gets involved in political intrigue for an old acquaintance to fund his pursuit of Olivia and her abductor, and this will lead him to Nemedia along the Road of Kings as he travels to Ophir.

As Conan pursues Olivia and her captor to Nemedia, he's tracked by Gamesh. The political intrigue leads to an arrest and a torture session with an surprise reveal. And on top of that, Conan and Gamesh have to work together to escape. The Road of Kings continues on to Ophir. And Conan must contend with guards seeking his arrest, giant gold eating slugs the size of whales, a sorcerer, executioner, queen bewitching Olivia's father with the Star of Khorala, and Gamesh. Everything comes to a head, and through fate or force of will, our favorite Cimmerian comes out on top like he should. And start to finish throughout this trek his finances have ebbed and flowed greatly as they tend to do.

But like I said, the band back together for greatest hits. We have Conan as pirate, Conan as thief. Conan the monster slayer. Conan against authority. Conan saving the damsel. And it all strings together into one narrative... like something Howard envisioned with the character's career.

Solid stories by a solid team, one of which being one of the greats associated with the character, and this works as a good intro to the franchise as well. All in all, very much a 4 out 5.

The Art of the Mass Effect Universe

Ok. This one is a new one for me on the review machine. To date, everything I've reviewed has been single issue comics or story collections (be they collections of sequential stories or otherwise). This is an art book. And not even an art book for a comic franchise, but an art book for a video game franchise (which has branched out to novels and comics), but that's fine. Mass Effect is a sprawling sci-fi franchise populated with interesting characters, lush worlds, imaginative aliens, and inspired tech.

This volume clocks in at about 180 pages which isn't bad for this sort of project. Surely we've all seen art books from some sci-fi or fantasy franchise before? Unused designs and characters abound in this sort of thing along with evolution of characters or settings. Alternate designs and color layouts are also the norm. Those trends are present here. Want to see some 50 or so designs for any of your fave characters be it Shepard, Wrex, Jack, or whomever else? Check.

A fairly straightforward layout is used, the book is divided into three sections, one for each of the games. A word to the wise, some bits in the section for ME3 have some things in the area of spoilers so when you give this a look, it would be a good idea to keep that in mind. Also in the way of layout, characters are largely kept together, as is technology be it weapons or ships. Landscapes, settings, and architecture flow logically from one to another as well.

Of interest will be the write ups which accompany much of the designs as all sorts of interesting tidbits of the design process and the lore of the universe itself are present. That said, it's not text heavy. It's also quite interesting to see which designs were kept or scrapped due to affect on gameplay and the like. As well as which had to have special treatment for the facial animation due to being VERY alien (Shadow Broker). Also of note is the evolution of characters and tech game to game be it Shepard's armor or transitioning from the Normandy to the Normandy II. Certainly, it's entertaining to look at the discarded designs and wonder as to what might have been.

Well presented and illustrated along with being quite informative. If you are a diehard or casual fan of the Mass Effect series, definitely a worthy purchase. If you like sci-fi, this is worth picking up and could easily turn you into a ME fan. And if you just like interesting designs and pretty pictures, also worth a look.

A solid addition to the franchise and lots of pretty pictures. Definitely worth a 3.5 out of 5.

Gate 7 Volume 2

Writer: CLAMP
Artist: CLAMP

High schooler Chikahito Takamoto is at the center of things here as Hana's own allies view him with a bit of suspicion (and more adversely in the case of a couple of members in the group). So far it's unclear if he possesses any powers of his own beyond his talent to make Hana happy with noodles, be well versed in history (as he knows the legends and history surrounding many of the legendary warriors of the series), and a magnet for trouble (it seemingly can only hit the fan when he is present along with a certain fateful but seemingly innocuous encounter while grocery shopping).

This volume opens up directly with a fight scene involving Hana and Mitsuhide Akechi (with clone sidekick in tow). Hana has to battle while protecting the others. And then we get to meet The One Eyed Dragon (Masamune Date-ko)... a brash, trash-talking, sword wielding, lollipop-licking warrior who looks like a teen and his head over heels for Hana (Chikahito Takamoto had best watch out!) and ultimately Akechi leaves.

As the story progresses we learn more about the characters' motivations and abilities. Supernatural powers are granted via being bonded to an oni. And Hana's group seeks to prevent the most powerful oni from falling into the wrong hands. The plot thickens as the heroes visit another warrior in hiding with a deceptive appearance, and learn said warrior has close to a dozen followers (which of course outnumbers the group). So of course another battle ensues. Or opens rather, as the combatants are both quite powerful.

Something worth noting, is that while this is LOADED with characters (20 or so) the pacing is such and plot is such that not all are in the same scene at once which helps in the area of keeping up with who's who. Also in that regard is the translation notes at the end of the volume. DEFINITELY refer to these as they help explain the immense amount of historical references (which tie in to character names, history, and characterization). While not needed to enjoy and appreciate the story, it certainly adds to the overall package and level of appreciation.

Entertaining characters with an enjoyable story and art. With this being a 3 out of 5, I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.

The Goon #38

Writer: Eric Powell
Artist: Eric Powell
Colorist:Dave Stewart
Cover Artist:Eric Powell

This issue Powell dedicates to the memory of his grandmother, and the resulting story he crafts isn't one focusing on loss as that kind of thing can cause but rather more of a rememberance. Powell gets a bit more, perhaps experimental is not the best word as opposed to distant, with the writing in regards to what could be considered his comfort zone or more standard fare. As a result, we end up getting to read a story in which none of our regular supporting cast appears. No Frankie, Buzzard, etc. And the title character only appears for two panels on the last page with a mere one line of dialogue. Regardless of the series it's hard to make a Batman story a Batman story without Batman. A Spider-Man story a Spidey story with no webhead. A Lone Ranger story a Lone Ranger story without that masked man and so forth. So, it's kind of hard to have a Goon story without the Goon. But we have that here. A Goon story without the Goon.

The focus of the issue is the life of Kizzie the Iron Maiden, the circus strong woman who is the aunt of the Goon. Goon fans recall her death being a key event in his origin story. This issue while it focuses on her life, relationships, raising her nephew, trials, and tribulations also delves further into the Goon's history. We witness Kizzie as a girl in school. Her problems with her brother. Finding love. Falling out with her family. Joining the circus. Suffering loss. Moving on with her life. Having a child to raise. And returning to the circus. Very much an American yarn in a single issue.

But it wouldn't be the Goon without Powell and his humor. Which not as overt in this issue as others is present. Case in point, when you're the current circus strongman and don't have the strength to control your bowels you get to be a clown. Or Kizzie's first job with the circus.

Powell delivers with this issue as he regularly tends to do. A quite solid single issue story and quite accessible to readers new or old. And if the Goon's one line doesn't get you, then you don't have a heart.

All in all, a 5 out of 5.

Axe Cop Volume 3 TPB

Writer:Malachai Nicolle
Artist:Ethan Nicolle

This third volume of Malachai and Ethan Nicolle's Axe Cop webcomic as collected by Dark Horse. A collaboration between two brothers. While members of the same family working in comics and even together now and again isn't exactly unheard of in the industry as some of the following names will affirm- Buscema, Severin, Romita, Kubert, Simonson, and Pini. Not the first time for siblings either, but one brother being 30 and the other 6? First time I've heard of that. And the 6 year old has a heck of an imagination. After all, all severed heads go in the head trash. Yes. Severed. Heads. In. Head. Trash. And it just starts there. Why the name Axe Cop? Simple. A police officer whose weapon of choice is a fireman's ax that he uses to chop of the heads of the bad guys. How wild is that?

This volume is a treat to read. The team up with Dr. McNinja (and resultant collaboration with the creator Chris Hastings). The Christmas and Halloween holiday stories. The rescue of Bat Warthog Man's friends. The one page "Ask Axe Cop" strips. Highly enjoyable stuff. Word to the wise, if event A leads into event B "just because" isn't your cup of tea, you might have problems. But when you have an axe swinging cop who dresses in a catsuit at night to sneak up on the bad guys? Roll with it. And then you get the flying Tyrannosaurus with gatling gun arms! Or a gun that fires a book that turns into a giant robot suit with it's own robot army?! An ginormous chicken with the head of a man that spits laser beams and has an army of chicks that spit drills? Mad scientists who turn into aliens? The chemist store to buy a chemist to make potions for your team! Army Chihuahua- the soldier who turns into a chihuahua when he's ready to fight which is most of the time. Gray Diamond the super genius whose hands turn into diamond swords that shoot diamonds. Oh, and don't sleep in your super suit. That makes you turn evil. And if you are half evil, chop of the evil half until your good half grows back the missing half.

Self contained stories are the name of the game here along with the one page Ask Axe Cop strips. And when asked his favorite song- "Ring of Fire"- the only song he dances to and does the Baby Man dance with Baby Man.And don't mess with him when he has his axe that can turn into any gun. Axe Cop cleans up with a tornado gun. And a kid zombie dressed up to look normal?! Each story packs more ideas than entire arcs of some series. One thing is certain, younger brother Malachai keeps older brother Ethan on his toes with all the things he gets to draw. Sewer goo monsters with glass brains! The secret and true fate of the dinosaurs! Series like Deadpool, Ambush Bug, and the Tick might be thought of as being in a similar vein. But those guys don't get to ride on a flying Tyrannosaurus with gatling gun arms. And they aren't responsible enough to put the severed heads in the head trash anyway.

Axe Cop definitely gets a 5 out 5 from the rating store!