The Legend of Monkeyronin #1
Created, Written, and Illustrated by: Scotty Clayton
Reviewer: Robert McClelland
Summary: While on a path to the port city of Sanja Inoue, 3 bandits terrify an old couple until their efforts are thwarted by Monkeyronin! Meanwhile, the High Priestess of the North Yoon Kaguali, holds a court for the representatives of the 5 Kingdoms to discuss a peace treaty. Skepticism, fear and distrust between each kingdom forces Yoon to do the unthinkable.
Bato, known to his fans as the “Lighting Fist”, prepares for a tournament match of freestyle fighters. And now, while everything seems like a typical day, a new darkness brews along the horizon. Could it be Noburakou has returned from the grave?
Review: If you've ever wanted to see a different version of the fairly well known character Yusagi Yojimbo, Monkeyronin may just be that different version you might have been hoping to see and possibly compare the two to see what differences there is. Unfortunately, I've never really read Yusagi myself so I can't really give a good opinion on what sort of differences there might be. One of the first things that came to me when I started reading this, is how both the writing and art styles makes it look like it would fit perfectly as a Children's book. Only of course a Children's book probably wouldn't have 3 thieves at one point going over a waterfall to their disliking.
But hey, that's what you 3 mooks get for trying to rob people! One thing about the art by Scotty is that it makes me think it would fit in a Children's storybook. Not that it means its a bad thing or anything. It just to me personally has that sort of a feel to it. Though children could likely enjoy this too since its not overly adult. As for example, a fight scene in this title could have been a lot more bloody then what was put here.
Kudos to Scotty for deciding to keep it simple. The speech bubbles help in that area with the look as well. Another nice touch if I do say so myself. Now I have noticed that there is a few spelling errors here and there, not big enough to be much of a worry however. Unless you're a stickler for that kind of thing. I also like that the way he does the lettering in some areas also gives the book another of its own touches. And the fact the world in this comic is made up of little island like areas and you can only seemingly get to each place by way of a bridge is something I like a lot.
Shows that he really did put some thought into the making of this. And while our boy Monkeyronin is off fighting bandits and generally saving the day, badness is happening elsewhere. But yay for a lovely Brunette lady who just may have the solution to it! I get the feeling though her plan is going to have problems. But what those are? I'm not entirely sure but I look forward to finding out! So if you have yet to give this title a look at, then do so very soon!
4 out of 5 Stars
Editor's Note: If you've yet to try this title, head here to do so!
Created, Written, and Illustrated by: Scotty Clayton
Reviewer: Robert McClelland
Summary: While on a path to the port city of Sanja Inoue, 3 bandits terrify an old couple until their efforts are thwarted by Monkeyronin! Meanwhile, the High Priestess of the North Yoon Kaguali, holds a court for the representatives of the 5 Kingdoms to discuss a peace treaty. Skepticism, fear and distrust between each kingdom forces Yoon to do the unthinkable.
Bato, known to his fans as the “Lighting Fist”, prepares for a tournament match of freestyle fighters. And now, while everything seems like a typical day, a new darkness brews along the horizon. Could it be Noburakou has returned from the grave?
Review: If you've ever wanted to see a different version of the fairly well known character Yusagi Yojimbo, Monkeyronin may just be that different version you might have been hoping to see and possibly compare the two to see what differences there is. Unfortunately, I've never really read Yusagi myself so I can't really give a good opinion on what sort of differences there might be. One of the first things that came to me when I started reading this, is how both the writing and art styles makes it look like it would fit perfectly as a Children's book. Only of course a Children's book probably wouldn't have 3 thieves at one point going over a waterfall to their disliking.
But hey, that's what you 3 mooks get for trying to rob people! One thing about the art by Scotty is that it makes me think it would fit in a Children's storybook. Not that it means its a bad thing or anything. It just to me personally has that sort of a feel to it. Though children could likely enjoy this too since its not overly adult. As for example, a fight scene in this title could have been a lot more bloody then what was put here.
Kudos to Scotty for deciding to keep it simple. The speech bubbles help in that area with the look as well. Another nice touch if I do say so myself. Now I have noticed that there is a few spelling errors here and there, not big enough to be much of a worry however. Unless you're a stickler for that kind of thing. I also like that the way he does the lettering in some areas also gives the book another of its own touches. And the fact the world in this comic is made up of little island like areas and you can only seemingly get to each place by way of a bridge is something I like a lot.
Shows that he really did put some thought into the making of this. And while our boy Monkeyronin is off fighting bandits and generally saving the day, badness is happening elsewhere. But yay for a lovely Brunette lady who just may have the solution to it! I get the feeling though her plan is going to have problems. But what those are? I'm not entirely sure but I look forward to finding out! So if you have yet to give this title a look at, then do so very soon!
4 out of 5 Stars
Editor's Note: If you've yet to try this title, head here to do so!
Blaze Brothers #1
Blaze Comics
Created and Written by: Vernon Whitlock III and Matthew Scott Krentz
Pencilers by: Marat Mychaels and Dietrich Smith
Inks by: Don Ho and Doug Zolondek
Colors by: Doug Sirois
Letters by: Marat Mychaels and Dexter Weeks
Reviewed by: Robert McClelland
Summary: "WANTED meets THE BOONDOCK SAINTS meets KILL BILL"
Two orphaned half brothers, Jack and Billy Blaze, reared by an exiled Chinese martial arts Master and trained as deadly assassins by a secret US Black Ops force, resign their commission after a botched mission leaves them both near death.
The two gun-toting, sword-wielding brothers resurface as high level debt collectors, working exclusively for a vicious Japanese crime lord, Mr. Yamamoto. Believing that the Blaze Brothers have dishonored him, he places a two million dollar bounty on their heads. In an attempt to clear their names, the Blaze Brothers must battle every hitman, assassin, and gang member in the city.
"WE WERE SET UP FOR SOMETHING WE DID NOT DO! SOMEONE PLACED A TWO MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT ON OUR HEADS. NOW EVERY MURDERING, KILLING, SCUM BUCKET IN THE CITY IS OUT TO PUT A BULLET IN OUR HEADS. SO LISTEN, AND LISTEN CLOSELY - IF THEY WANT BLOOD, WE WILL GIVE THEM BLOOD... BUCKETS OF IT!!!"
Review: While I am not an overly Religious man, the fact this comic starts things off with the Blaze Bros going to a church is a fairly nice start. Is it because its a Sunday and that particular time for church going? Of course not! But at least they aren't going there to shoot the place up! Cause you know, that's just not cool to do in a House of God! Right off the bat, you can immediately see the differences between the two brothers is more then just the color of their skin. I like that Vernon and Matthew set that up fairly early for the readers. And I can tell ya now for a certainty that this is not suitable for kids. Or those who are offended by cursing or violent moments with plenty of blood included.
And come on now, killing members of your own guard detail is just a bad idea! Especially since you would have to just hire new ones! Ones who probably want more of a higher payment then the last ones! Now some might think this is some sort of a rip off of Pulp Fiction, and its possible Vernon and Matthew took inspiration from that. But who knows for certain! As for Wanted, Boondock Saints, or Kill Bill... I honestly couldn't tell you on that part.
I myself don't really see it as a rip off of the movie, granted I've never fully seen it from start to finish. Something that's probably sacrilege to some! As well as only having seen Kill Bill once. The team the creators put together to handle inks, colors, and letters all did a great job. Sure faces may look a little un-developed at times, but who hasn't seen that in a Marvel or DC title before? But despite that little issue, its not really something that would ruin the book for you. Unless you're a stickler for your art having great detail no matter what. Then you might have an issue there.
And while we are treated to current events happening within the story, among those being the brothers being absolute weirdos for pointing guns at one another in some sort of macho contest for example. Which actually I actually enjoyed that little moment. We are left with an ending that will doubtlessly take us into an origin story in the next issue. Which will help readers like myself get caught up on why these two went to a Church in order to hopefully have a sense of forgiveness due to the amount of crap they are about to do. I think this is a good first start and I am eagerly waiting for more! So do be sure to check this out and see what its like!
4 out of 5 Stars
Editor's Note: To join in on the blood spilling wildness, head on over to the Blaze Brothers store today!
Blaze Comics
Created and Written by: Vernon Whitlock III and Matthew Scott Krentz
Pencilers by: Marat Mychaels and Dietrich Smith
Inks by: Don Ho and Doug Zolondek
Colors by: Doug Sirois
Letters by: Marat Mychaels and Dexter Weeks
Reviewed by: Robert McClelland
Summary: "WANTED meets THE BOONDOCK SAINTS meets KILL BILL"
Two orphaned half brothers, Jack and Billy Blaze, reared by an exiled Chinese martial arts Master and trained as deadly assassins by a secret US Black Ops force, resign their commission after a botched mission leaves them both near death.
The two gun-toting, sword-wielding brothers resurface as high level debt collectors, working exclusively for a vicious Japanese crime lord, Mr. Yamamoto. Believing that the Blaze Brothers have dishonored him, he places a two million dollar bounty on their heads. In an attempt to clear their names, the Blaze Brothers must battle every hitman, assassin, and gang member in the city.
"WE WERE SET UP FOR SOMETHING WE DID NOT DO! SOMEONE PLACED A TWO MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT ON OUR HEADS. NOW EVERY MURDERING, KILLING, SCUM BUCKET IN THE CITY IS OUT TO PUT A BULLET IN OUR HEADS. SO LISTEN, AND LISTEN CLOSELY - IF THEY WANT BLOOD, WE WILL GIVE THEM BLOOD... BUCKETS OF IT!!!"
Review: While I am not an overly Religious man, the fact this comic starts things off with the Blaze Bros going to a church is a fairly nice start. Is it because its a Sunday and that particular time for church going? Of course not! But at least they aren't going there to shoot the place up! Cause you know, that's just not cool to do in a House of God! Right off the bat, you can immediately see the differences between the two brothers is more then just the color of their skin. I like that Vernon and Matthew set that up fairly early for the readers. And I can tell ya now for a certainty that this is not suitable for kids. Or those who are offended by cursing or violent moments with plenty of blood included.
And come on now, killing members of your own guard detail is just a bad idea! Especially since you would have to just hire new ones! Ones who probably want more of a higher payment then the last ones! Now some might think this is some sort of a rip off of Pulp Fiction, and its possible Vernon and Matthew took inspiration from that. But who knows for certain! As for Wanted, Boondock Saints, or Kill Bill... I honestly couldn't tell you on that part.
I myself don't really see it as a rip off of the movie, granted I've never fully seen it from start to finish. Something that's probably sacrilege to some! As well as only having seen Kill Bill once. The team the creators put together to handle inks, colors, and letters all did a great job. Sure faces may look a little un-developed at times, but who hasn't seen that in a Marvel or DC title before? But despite that little issue, its not really something that would ruin the book for you. Unless you're a stickler for your art having great detail no matter what. Then you might have an issue there.
And while we are treated to current events happening within the story, among those being the brothers being absolute weirdos for pointing guns at one another in some sort of macho contest for example. Which actually I actually enjoyed that little moment. We are left with an ending that will doubtlessly take us into an origin story in the next issue. Which will help readers like myself get caught up on why these two went to a Church in order to hopefully have a sense of forgiveness due to the amount of crap they are about to do. I think this is a good first start and I am eagerly waiting for more! So do be sure to check this out and see what its like!
4 out of 5 Stars
Editor's Note: To join in on the blood spilling wildness, head on over to the Blaze Brothers store today!