The Tithe #4
Top Cow Productions/Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by: Matt Hawkins
Created & Illustrated by: Rahsan Ekedal
Coloured by: Mike Spicer
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Review: I have to say that Matt really surprised me with this issue. While I’ve been enjoying seeing Sam give James a run for his money with this whole Samaritan thing forcing him to up his own computer game, what happens this issue takes things to a level I knew would come just not so soon. Last issue we started seeing cracks in Sam’s crew and with Rachel and Mike’s penchant for drug use we knew it wouldn’t be long but I honestly expected the chase to last a lot longer than it has.
We open up at the Summit Church in Phoenix as we had left off from in the last issue. Agent Campbell got a shot off and hit Mike who dropped his fun and there’s a good sized pool of blood, with tire tracks, at the scene. Dwayne got a good look at them too, the first real break the boys have had in all this yet. Yet when they boys' boss gets there you know things are about to go from bad to worse. I have to say when reading this you actually get this solemn feeling when you read Dwayne’s words it’s like you know he’s upset about shooting someone and the way it all went down.
What happens with the Samaritan gang is also just as solemn. Ah sweet, misguided Mike with the hot body and the tattoos who loved getting too high is dead and Kyle, big brother, isn’t having it.
With everything that happens this issue it’s nice to see that James and Dwayne are more than just working partners but friends as well. Their easy going good natured banter may seem to ease the tension Dwayne shows on his face. Rahsan really has hit his stride with his work on the interiors as facial expressions look just amazing! I mean he’s been able to really show such emotion on these pages that match the words perfectly and you really feel what’s happening with these characters. I have been a fan of his work since day one but there’s something here that you can’t pinpoint but just see that it’s been raised to a whole new level.
With his brother dead and buried Kyle becomes someone we don’t recognize any longer and his feelings for Sam and her rejection of them are the catalyst for what happens in the remainder of this issue. The events that unfold do a lot to create such a wide variety of emotions and feelings in me as a reader and it demonstrates Matt’s ability as a writer and that he’s come a long way in being able to really get into the mind and mood of the story he’s telling.
That this was intended to be a limited series but will be continuing on should be the only testament you need to understand just how good this book is. The stark honest look at how organized religion and the effects or hypocrisy of these Mega Churches may, I say may, be seen and it’s thought provoking, entertaining and just a heck of a good read. There’s no preaching one way or the other, just a look at how the characters of this story see and feel.
This should really be on your reading list, specially if you like movies like Ocean’s 11, Mission Impossible or any other action thriller.
Top Cow Productions/Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by: Matt Hawkins
Created & Illustrated by: Rahsan Ekedal
Coloured by: Mike Spicer
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Review: I have to say that Matt really surprised me with this issue. While I’ve been enjoying seeing Sam give James a run for his money with this whole Samaritan thing forcing him to up his own computer game, what happens this issue takes things to a level I knew would come just not so soon. Last issue we started seeing cracks in Sam’s crew and with Rachel and Mike’s penchant for drug use we knew it wouldn’t be long but I honestly expected the chase to last a lot longer than it has.
We open up at the Summit Church in Phoenix as we had left off from in the last issue. Agent Campbell got a shot off and hit Mike who dropped his fun and there’s a good sized pool of blood, with tire tracks, at the scene. Dwayne got a good look at them too, the first real break the boys have had in all this yet. Yet when they boys' boss gets there you know things are about to go from bad to worse. I have to say when reading this you actually get this solemn feeling when you read Dwayne’s words it’s like you know he’s upset about shooting someone and the way it all went down.
What happens with the Samaritan gang is also just as solemn. Ah sweet, misguided Mike with the hot body and the tattoos who loved getting too high is dead and Kyle, big brother, isn’t having it.
With everything that happens this issue it’s nice to see that James and Dwayne are more than just working partners but friends as well. Their easy going good natured banter may seem to ease the tension Dwayne shows on his face. Rahsan really has hit his stride with his work on the interiors as facial expressions look just amazing! I mean he’s been able to really show such emotion on these pages that match the words perfectly and you really feel what’s happening with these characters. I have been a fan of his work since day one but there’s something here that you can’t pinpoint but just see that it’s been raised to a whole new level.
With his brother dead and buried Kyle becomes someone we don’t recognize any longer and his feelings for Sam and her rejection of them are the catalyst for what happens in the remainder of this issue. The events that unfold do a lot to create such a wide variety of emotions and feelings in me as a reader and it demonstrates Matt’s ability as a writer and that he’s come a long way in being able to really get into the mind and mood of the story he’s telling.
That this was intended to be a limited series but will be continuing on should be the only testament you need to understand just how good this book is. The stark honest look at how organized religion and the effects or hypocrisy of these Mega Churches may, I say may, be seen and it’s thought provoking, entertaining and just a heck of a good read. There’s no preaching one way or the other, just a look at how the characters of this story see and feel.
This should really be on your reading list, specially if you like movies like Ocean’s 11, Mission Impossible or any other action thriller.
Birthright #9
Skybound/Image Comics 2014
Created & Written by: Joshua Williamson
Created & Illustrated by: Andrei Bressan
Coloured by: Adriano Lucas
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Review: This is still one of the best, strongest and most intensely beautiful in it’s artwork on stands today. Joshua has created a world and a character in Mikey that we continue to see grow and evolve each issue with flashbacks to when he first arrived in Terrenos to seeing him with his brother Brendan and what they are going through continuing to shape and define who he is and will still yet become.
The opening showcasing the aftermath of what a Diviner is capable of doing and that they are without a doubt to dangerous to be faced in the best of circumstances bring us to the present and Mikey’s confrontation with the twisted spell chasing them. I have to say that it wants to expel the Lore from Mikey and he refuses is interesting and the imagery here of the bear that is the earthly embodiment of the spell, making it seem very much like something a Native American worship or praise as part of their world, is simply incredible it is so breathtaking seriously.
This Diviner on the Earthly plane while having saved and healed Brennan as a sign of good faith and it’s desire to purge the champion of the Lore’s influence in Nevermind and Mikey’s absolute resolution not to be cured raises a lot of questions for me as a reader. Could things not be exactly as we’ve been led to believe? There are so many different factions at play and while Mikey’s time on Earth has seemingly re-awakened his resolve as Champion of Terrenos could it be too little too late?
What really surprised me however is what happened with Brennan. After trying to reason with Mikey about going home and telling him he’d go without him and then the aftermath of the unseen conversation between Mikey and Nevermind he’s suddenly holding the blades and warning off the Diviner spell willing to fight it to save his little brother's life. That Brennan can wield the blades and we see them glow with power only strengthens that they are brothers sharing the same genetic makeup and from what we learned earlier he may be able to disrupt the Diviner and send it back home.
Wendy’s still at the house trying to piece together everything she’s got into a solid understanding of what Mikey’s going through when Mikey’s very pregnant wife, Rya, arrives. This should only prove to strengthen the bond a mother has for her son as well as suddenly finding out that his notes are completely true and she’s about to be a grandmother and draws her more firmly into what’s happening should be some absolutely wonderful stuff. Never get between a mother and her child, she’ll fight more fiercely than you could ever imagine and well this should be good if it plays out like it will in my mind.
Joshua’s story telling abilities seem to just get stronger with each new issue to hit stands and considering how extremely talented he already is makes that statement almost unbelievable but exciting to witness nonetheless. With how gosh darn good this book is Skybound/Image needs to let him bring back Necessary Evil as that book could be another feather in an already crowded hat of excellent reads.
Skybound/Image Comics 2014
Created & Written by: Joshua Williamson
Created & Illustrated by: Andrei Bressan
Coloured by: Adriano Lucas
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Review: This is still one of the best, strongest and most intensely beautiful in it’s artwork on stands today. Joshua has created a world and a character in Mikey that we continue to see grow and evolve each issue with flashbacks to when he first arrived in Terrenos to seeing him with his brother Brendan and what they are going through continuing to shape and define who he is and will still yet become.
The opening showcasing the aftermath of what a Diviner is capable of doing and that they are without a doubt to dangerous to be faced in the best of circumstances bring us to the present and Mikey’s confrontation with the twisted spell chasing them. I have to say that it wants to expel the Lore from Mikey and he refuses is interesting and the imagery here of the bear that is the earthly embodiment of the spell, making it seem very much like something a Native American worship or praise as part of their world, is simply incredible it is so breathtaking seriously.
This Diviner on the Earthly plane while having saved and healed Brennan as a sign of good faith and it’s desire to purge the champion of the Lore’s influence in Nevermind and Mikey’s absolute resolution not to be cured raises a lot of questions for me as a reader. Could things not be exactly as we’ve been led to believe? There are so many different factions at play and while Mikey’s time on Earth has seemingly re-awakened his resolve as Champion of Terrenos could it be too little too late?
What really surprised me however is what happened with Brennan. After trying to reason with Mikey about going home and telling him he’d go without him and then the aftermath of the unseen conversation between Mikey and Nevermind he’s suddenly holding the blades and warning off the Diviner spell willing to fight it to save his little brother's life. That Brennan can wield the blades and we see them glow with power only strengthens that they are brothers sharing the same genetic makeup and from what we learned earlier he may be able to disrupt the Diviner and send it back home.
Wendy’s still at the house trying to piece together everything she’s got into a solid understanding of what Mikey’s going through when Mikey’s very pregnant wife, Rya, arrives. This should only prove to strengthen the bond a mother has for her son as well as suddenly finding out that his notes are completely true and she’s about to be a grandmother and draws her more firmly into what’s happening should be some absolutely wonderful stuff. Never get between a mother and her child, she’ll fight more fiercely than you could ever imagine and well this should be good if it plays out like it will in my mind.
Joshua’s story telling abilities seem to just get stronger with each new issue to hit stands and considering how extremely talented he already is makes that statement almost unbelievable but exciting to witness nonetheless. With how gosh darn good this book is Skybound/Image needs to let him bring back Necessary Evil as that book could be another feather in an already crowded hat of excellent reads.
Wayward #10
Image Comics 2014
Written by: Jim Zub
Illustrated by: Steve Cummings
Coloured by: Tamra Bonvillain
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: Emi Ohara was a quiet schoolgirl in Japan, until she started manifesting strange powers. She can alter the form of man-made objects and change her body to match their materials. These abilities made her a target for Yokai, mythical Japanese creatures and spirits. Hunted and confused she was saved by two other teens with powers of their own--Nikaido, a boy who absorbs and controls emotions and Ayane a girl formed from supernatural energies channeled through generations of cats.
The three of them have teamed up with Tsuchigumo--supernatural spiders rebelling against their Yokai brethren. The spiders have recommended a daring assault on a temple used as a place of power by the enemy. At the same time, two of their friends they thought were dead, Rori and Shirai, are trying to find them. Rori’s powers are steadily growing and she’s seen a foreboding vision of the group’s great destiny…..
Review: This really is among the most interesting, unique and thought provoking stories being put out today. I mean we’re immersed in Japanese lore here as these kids who’ve come into these powers are trying to discover their place in this new order. However they are still naive and don’t know whom to trust and the Tsuchigumo, while going against their brethren may not have been the best choice. Although I have to admit taking the fight to flying bird creatures we’ve seen in past issues is just amazingly well done. Taking Jim’s story and direction and having Steve and Tamra being able to illustrate it like they do it’s like watching some mesmerizing ballet performance.
While it’s been a while for us it hasn’t been that long for these kids and seeing them find a way to use their unique abilities at such an advanced level is fantastic and delightful. They have such grit and determination in the way they are approaching this and it’s just the three of them at the moment going up against these creatures, exposing them to the public at large and ushering a new age that I don’t think the general populace is prepared for.
As the leader of the Tsuchigumo and “long nose” exchange of words should be paid close attention to. What the spider says leads me to believe that they’ve taken vengeance against their brethren for past transgressions and the lock they currently have on the future and are using the children to leave the future uncertain and more than likely up for grabs. Ohara is facing off against “long nose” and she has a spider in her ear connected to another spider proxy elsewhere and seems to almost possess her into action on their behalf.
Oh my stars and garters when Rori gets there everything changes in ways none of these old legends can fathom. More powerful than ever with an understanding of the weave that those in power wouldn’t have thought possible this series is primed to take a bold move into the future.
I’m just sorry we have to wait now till November to see what happens next. This really is a mind blowing series full of awe, wonder and the legends of old. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to learn about another culture in a fun, entertaining way.
Image Comics 2014
Written by: Jim Zub
Illustrated by: Steve Cummings
Coloured by: Tamra Bonvillain
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: Emi Ohara was a quiet schoolgirl in Japan, until she started manifesting strange powers. She can alter the form of man-made objects and change her body to match their materials. These abilities made her a target for Yokai, mythical Japanese creatures and spirits. Hunted and confused she was saved by two other teens with powers of their own--Nikaido, a boy who absorbs and controls emotions and Ayane a girl formed from supernatural energies channeled through generations of cats.
The three of them have teamed up with Tsuchigumo--supernatural spiders rebelling against their Yokai brethren. The spiders have recommended a daring assault on a temple used as a place of power by the enemy. At the same time, two of their friends they thought were dead, Rori and Shirai, are trying to find them. Rori’s powers are steadily growing and she’s seen a foreboding vision of the group’s great destiny…..
Review: This really is among the most interesting, unique and thought provoking stories being put out today. I mean we’re immersed in Japanese lore here as these kids who’ve come into these powers are trying to discover their place in this new order. However they are still naive and don’t know whom to trust and the Tsuchigumo, while going against their brethren may not have been the best choice. Although I have to admit taking the fight to flying bird creatures we’ve seen in past issues is just amazingly well done. Taking Jim’s story and direction and having Steve and Tamra being able to illustrate it like they do it’s like watching some mesmerizing ballet performance.
While it’s been a while for us it hasn’t been that long for these kids and seeing them find a way to use their unique abilities at such an advanced level is fantastic and delightful. They have such grit and determination in the way they are approaching this and it’s just the three of them at the moment going up against these creatures, exposing them to the public at large and ushering a new age that I don’t think the general populace is prepared for.
As the leader of the Tsuchigumo and “long nose” exchange of words should be paid close attention to. What the spider says leads me to believe that they’ve taken vengeance against their brethren for past transgressions and the lock they currently have on the future and are using the children to leave the future uncertain and more than likely up for grabs. Ohara is facing off against “long nose” and she has a spider in her ear connected to another spider proxy elsewhere and seems to almost possess her into action on their behalf.
Oh my stars and garters when Rori gets there everything changes in ways none of these old legends can fathom. More powerful than ever with an understanding of the weave that those in power wouldn’t have thought possible this series is primed to take a bold move into the future.
I’m just sorry we have to wait now till November to see what happens next. This really is a mind blowing series full of awe, wonder and the legends of old. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to learn about another culture in a fun, entertaining way.
Five Ghosts #17
Image Comics 2014
Written by: Frank J. Barbiere
Illustrated by: Chris Mooneyham
Coloured by: Lauren Affe
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Review: Still one of the most interesting and unique books out on the market today from concept to execution, this series has awoken a love of the classic pulp feel in new and exciting ways. With Chris’ unique and utterly mesmerizing style of artwork bringing the words to life this series has been a constant in my must read pile since issue one.
When we left last issue Sebastian had turned into something of a monster and was attacking Fabian and the Hunter. This issue we get a flashback to open things up of the moment Sebastian and FAbian first met. The beginning of what would be a beautiful relationship and if you have any doubt of that the dialogue here should convince you. Frank’s ability to write these guys and bring them together in such ways that you can’t help but smile at.
Alright so this issue has so much more going on than you’d first think. Aside from getting background on how close Fabian and Sebastian are but with Van Helsing at his side as a new ally in the fight against the Cabal and the monsters of the world we’re introduced to some of literary history's most astonishing individuals. The man who made Sebastian a monster Moreau, yes Dr. Moreau, playing around with science and creating monstrous hybrids that have had an unexpected result upon Fabian and his connection to the Dreamstone played his role wonderfully.
While Moreau failed, you have to wonder if he’s truly gone as we never did see a body, and the search for his sister, Sebastian’s wife, intensifies with the Cabal in his crosshairs and vice versa and it seems that something huge is on the horizon. Oh, have I mentioned that I love stories with Nazis in them playing the bad guy and keeping Hitler’s obsession with the occult alive and well?
I really enjoyed how this issue played out and the demonstration of Fabian’s ever growing control of the Dreamstone begging the question of how if is this affecting him on a deeper level. How he manages to save Sebastian and get all three men out alive is really something to witness. At this stage the way that Frank and Chris work together has become something that cannot be overlooked. They have this synchronicity with one another and the ability to really create together such a dynamic and action fueled story that you find yourself lost in this world and by the end of the issue you are left wanting more.
Lauren’s contributions shouldn’t be overlooked either as the blue aura effect that comes with the ghosts abilities as seen with Fabian really makes those moments pop. Not to mention her work on Moreau once he’s injected himself and become the creature that Chris imagined it combines to really make an impact on the reader.
This series has a consistency to it that other titles can only hope for. Fun, interesting and thought provoking with it’s use of literary ghosts serve to remind us that books, comics and otherwise, have the power to fuel the imagination and thrill the mind.
Image Comics 2014
Written by: Frank J. Barbiere
Illustrated by: Chris Mooneyham
Coloured by: Lauren Affe
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Review: Still one of the most interesting and unique books out on the market today from concept to execution, this series has awoken a love of the classic pulp feel in new and exciting ways. With Chris’ unique and utterly mesmerizing style of artwork bringing the words to life this series has been a constant in my must read pile since issue one.
When we left last issue Sebastian had turned into something of a monster and was attacking Fabian and the Hunter. This issue we get a flashback to open things up of the moment Sebastian and FAbian first met. The beginning of what would be a beautiful relationship and if you have any doubt of that the dialogue here should convince you. Frank’s ability to write these guys and bring them together in such ways that you can’t help but smile at.
Alright so this issue has so much more going on than you’d first think. Aside from getting background on how close Fabian and Sebastian are but with Van Helsing at his side as a new ally in the fight against the Cabal and the monsters of the world we’re introduced to some of literary history's most astonishing individuals. The man who made Sebastian a monster Moreau, yes Dr. Moreau, playing around with science and creating monstrous hybrids that have had an unexpected result upon Fabian and his connection to the Dreamstone played his role wonderfully.
While Moreau failed, you have to wonder if he’s truly gone as we never did see a body, and the search for his sister, Sebastian’s wife, intensifies with the Cabal in his crosshairs and vice versa and it seems that something huge is on the horizon. Oh, have I mentioned that I love stories with Nazis in them playing the bad guy and keeping Hitler’s obsession with the occult alive and well?
I really enjoyed how this issue played out and the demonstration of Fabian’s ever growing control of the Dreamstone begging the question of how if is this affecting him on a deeper level. How he manages to save Sebastian and get all three men out alive is really something to witness. At this stage the way that Frank and Chris work together has become something that cannot be overlooked. They have this synchronicity with one another and the ability to really create together such a dynamic and action fueled story that you find yourself lost in this world and by the end of the issue you are left wanting more.
Lauren’s contributions shouldn’t be overlooked either as the blue aura effect that comes with the ghosts abilities as seen with Fabian really makes those moments pop. Not to mention her work on Moreau once he’s injected himself and become the creature that Chris imagined it combines to really make an impact on the reader.
This series has a consistency to it that other titles can only hope for. Fun, interesting and thought provoking with it’s use of literary ghosts serve to remind us that books, comics and otherwise, have the power to fuel the imagination and thrill the mind.