Hard science fiction and horror dominated our staffs favorite books released on January 9th, 2013.
The title, right?
I want to start off by reassuring you that theres no need to be intimidated.
Beginning withB.P.R.D.Hell On Earth The Return Of The Master: Part 3 of 5 (Dont run away.
Im watching you), Dark Horse switched to the more traditional consecutive numbering system.
I understand why they did it.
Why not wear it with pride?
Again, hold your ground.
All you gotta understand going in, is that the B.P.R.D.
investigate paranormal happenings across the globe.
You are now up to speed.
Their meeting place is now abandoned, but numerous artifacts were left behind.
One of the agents discovers an ancient blade and is knocked out cold upon touching it.
Mike Mignola and Scott Allie handle the writing like the seasoned veterans they are.
They present their exposition organically and always take care not to alienate new readers.
The pace is steady and the dialogue is crisp and natural.
James Harrens artwork is likewise, approachable.
His panels are clean, clear, rich and a pleasure to get sucked into.
Good job, being wet!
He is a master of the highest caliber.
Dont let the title scare you.
This is the perfect time to join the party.
Afterwards, Patrick leads Luke into a room containing hundreds of Lukes dead clones below.
Its a chilling site, one that I could not imagine seeing in my life.
Luke decides to rescue the clone, and the two Lukes escape the guards.
Luke hears Amelia screaming from down the hall, and runs towards the screams.
Why is Amelia screaming?
As far as Juan Joses artwork, it is just as good as the previous two issues.
His art is well drawn and detailed in all of the right places, for the most part.
However, his panels can become sloppy, at times.
While the sloppiness is minimal, its noticeable to the trained eye.
Clone #3is quickly becoming one of Image Comics showcase titles.
Schulners writing is fantastic, and is deserving of a 9 out of 10 rating.
Joses artwork is well done and deserves an 8 out of 10 rating.
Writer:Duane Swierczynski
Artist:Simon Gane
Frank Darabont, huh?
Frank Darabont is writing a Godzilla movie.
Now, non-film Godzilla is always a tricky thing.
Boxer and his son Harrison are part of a small band of specialists that are adept at monster hunting.
Swierczynski does an adept job of making the reader care for Boxer and company.
This is where the book shines, in the almost impossible task of making the non-behemoths interesting.
The twins prophesize dire consequences if Mothra and Godzilla are not left alone.
Just as the words are spoken, four kaiju menaces land on Earth bent on destruction.
All four will be familiar to kaiju fans.
The story revolves around the outbreak of a vampire virus that ravages New York City.
The vampires inThe Strainare not Euro-trash, they arent brooding pretty-boys in trench coats, and they dont sparkle.
David Lapham does a solid job of adapting the prose.
The end product usually feels either rushed, or in worse cases, cheap.
Mike Huddlestons art style works well with the subject.
While I cant really recommend the comic version above the original novel, the comic is an acceptable substitute.
Rick gathers Michonne, Jesus and Andrea into the group van and heads for Negans palace.
Negan says that he cant wait for Rick to see what hes done to Carl.
Kirkmans story is well written, as usual, minus the few pages of Aaron and Erics story.
Aaron and Eric are simply too hollow to care about.
Other than that, the story is filled with exciting moments.
Carl is a tough little man that does not show his fear of Negan.
The page where Rick and the group were surrounded by zombies was hectic and exciting.
Unfortunately, the void because of issue #100s revelation is still quite noticeable.
I know Kirkman is no stranger to killing off main characters but Im still seeing a void there.
Charlie Adlards art is good, but some of the panels look muddy and rushed.
Youre over 100 issues through, and the novelty of black and white is starting to wear off.
Its the perfect time to make the change.
