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The Layer Method
Our top Secret time-saving technique for creating and merging balloons and tails in Illustrator.
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tim's Reviews
Afterburn #1 (Red 5 Comics)
Written by Scott Chitwood and Pauls Ens
Art by Wayne Nichols and Nick Schley
Afterburn, the latest title from Red 5, is a sort of National Treasure meets the Scorched Earth. A massive solar flare has virtually scorched the eastern hemisphere of the Earth, killing most life instantly and creating worldwide earthquakes, flooding, and other disasters. Half of the world was left a near total wasteland and was quarantined. But destruction and devastation breed opportunity. That half of the world becomes a looter’s paradise for those brave enough to venture there.
One of those brave souls is former oil-rigger Jake, who leads a modern day team of “recovery experts” in finding items for the wealthy. And what wealth…great works of art like the Mona Lisa, the Crown Jewels, The Rosetta Stone, are all there for the taking. All you have to do is to avoid the gangs of radiation-spawned mutants and roving bands of pirates. The first issue finds Jake and his team in Paris at the renowned Louvre, searching for Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous painting and shooting it out with a rival team of treasure hunters.
Afterburn is pure adventure and writers Chitwood and Ens have opened up half the world for their characters to explore and locate the world’s great treasures. The dialog is very snappy and has that witty banter of Hollywood adventure films. Nichols’ art is a little stiff at times, but clear and clean and a nice complement to the story. Red 5 continues to make comics that are both unique and fun, with fun being the operative word. Matt Busch provides great cover art. Grade B
Atomic Robo #4 (Red 5 Comics)
Written by Brian Clevinger
Art by Scott Wegner
Issue three ended with a cliff-hanger as Robo was contracted by the Egyptian government to find out why one of its legendary pyramids had just sprouted legs and started moving towards Luxor. Robo solves the problem, but the Egyptians are none to happy about the destruction of their ancient wonder. But ah…that’s just the start of issue four. As has been the case with the first three issues, writer Brian Clevinger jumps around throughout Robo’s history and shares many of his interesting stories. This tale jumps back to 1974 and NASA’s launch of the Viking spacecraft in an attempt to land on Mars where the U.S.S.R. has previously failed.
Robo is approached by famed scientist Carl Sagan to assist with the mission. He wants Robo to go to Mars and make sure everything goes smoothly. Robo is more than happy to oblige with a few requests, such as having enough reading material to last for the nearly yearlong trip. Robo makes the best of the trip, even leaving a message on Mars…one not to flattering about physicist Stephen Hawking.
As we’ve come to expect from previous issues, Atomic Robo four is filled with the kind of dry and witty humor that has become the series’ trademark. Comedy isn’t always easy to pull off in comics and Clevinger continues to shine with his scripting. It’s all topped off by Scott Wegener’s gorgeous retro-style artwork. I’ll keep saying it; check this series out! Grade A
Witchblade #114 (Top Cow Productions)
Written by Ron Marz and Ian Edginton
Art by Sami Basri
As with the previous issue, Witchblade #114 is yet another calm before the storm type of issue. With a major new direction and storyline coming in issue #116, things are still kind of calm regarding our TWO Witchblade wielders, Sara Pezzini and Danielle Baptiste. Danielle is out on a date with the man she saved from a group of street thugs in the previous issue. He turns out to be an agent who acquires antiques for wealthy collectors and we can only assume that he’ll cast more than an interested eye towards the unique bracelet that Dani wears. Sara is trying to settle into her new apartment but finds that some of the previous tenants haven’t quite vacated yet. These spirits want Sara’s baby for their own!
Writers Ron Marz and Ian Edginton are doing a good job of slowing the pace down while still making these past couple of issues worth reading. The stories are being stretched a bit, but they are also continuing to develop the characters, especially Dani. New Artist Sami Basri continues to impress. I particularly like the way he frames his characters from different, often odd perspectives. It’s certainly outside the box. Grade B
Rex Mundi Vol. 4: Crown & Sword TPB (Dark Horse Comics)
Written by Arvid Nelson
Art by Juan Ferreyra
Rex Mundi is one of the most underrated comics on the market today. While dismissed as some as just a Da Vinci Code-style knockoff, Mundi goes far beyond that, using books in its social, political, and religious sub-plots. Nelson’s masterstroke to the series was his creation of an alternate world history, circa the 1930’s. In this era there is a new group of Axis powers: France, Russia, and Great Britain. They are opposed by the powerful Holy Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Muslim controlled Emirate of Cordova, which controls modern Spain. It’s a world where magic exists both for good and evil and the political intrigues are just as central to the story as its central quest for the Holy Grail.
Dr. Julien Sauniere has been reluctantly working with the Catholic Church to investigate the French Duke of Lorraine and his search for the Grail. Sauniere uncovers the startling secret that Lorraine can trace his lineage back to the French Merovingian kings, supposedly from the bloodline of Jesus Christ himself. His bloodline was nearly wiped out by the Church centuries ago and Lorraine now wants revenge. His revelation of being of the bloodline of Christ would destroy the Catholic Church.
Rex Mundi is a densely plotted series filled with magic, religious lore, political intrigue, and military campaigning, all in a Europe that is far different than the one we know today. Arvid Nelson manages to keep the reader constantly guessing at what will happen next, and each new volume is filled with revealing secrets piled on top of new mysteries, keeping the story fresh. Allegiances change with the winds as Sauniere continues to meet new allies and new enemies.
Artist Juan Ferreyra has a very different style than original series artist Eric Johnson. While Johnson’s style was very sharp with thick black line work, Ferreyra’s art is softer with a more pastel color palette. While I personally prefer Johnson’s art, Ferreyra is very good as well. Rex Mundi isn’t an easy series to jump into if you haven’t been reading it, but each trade paperback does begin with a summary of the events that have happened in previous issues so don’t let that stop you from checking out this great series. Grade A+
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Judgment Day Archives
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Here at Judgement Day, Tim will review titles each week that stand out from the pack as being outstanding or truly bad. Everything from the mainstream titles to the smallest of the small press will be covered in Judgement Day.
Published Weekly
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Discussion Forum
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Friday, February 8, 2008
• The End.
So long. Farewell. Auf Wiedersehen. Good night.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
• Closing time
You don't have to go home...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
• Oni resurrects letters columns
Resurrection series features letter-writing contest
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
• And... we're back
With Red 5 info
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
• Happy Thanksgiving!
From aka Comics and Comic World News
• Happy Birthday, COMICRAFT!
Lettering powerhouse and CWN sponsor turns 15
Monday, November 19, 2007
• Surrogates movie ready to start production
Bruce Willis to star
More >>
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February 4, 2008:
November 20, 2006:
A Comic-Con without the Captain