Trees #8
Image Comics 2014
Written by Warren Ellis
Illustrated by Jason Howard
Reviewed by: Steven Leitman
Review: This has to be one of the more interesting and complex not to mention riveting books Image has put out and honestly with all the incredible stuff they’ve been delivering that is saying a lot! Warren when he sinks his teeth into a project has this way of delivering this sweeping story with all kinds of angles and people that seem disconnected at first, and then as things move along their parts become more clear in telling the bigger picture. No character is ever safe either, so getting attached is never a good idea but unfortunately it’s bound to happen.
I’ve become quite fond of Zhen and Chenglei since their introduction, but with the Trees suddenly active or too dangerous an area things are heating up. And the guard who Chenglei saw when he arrived tells him to get out. It’s very ominous too when talking about a laboratory and how it’s cleaned. I also loved how Zhen was talking about how she feels about Chenglei and how their relationship works. This really is some of the best characterization going on today.
Luca’s protege, well she’s just becoming more and more fascinating with each appearance. She’s finally gotten rid of her abusive boyfriend and taken control of her life and doesn’t need Luca anymore. The real question is going to be if she can survive what’s to come with the Trees becoming active? I like her though as she’s gone from victim to survivor to thriver over a short period of time and she’s strong and independent now. But does she have a future if her new empire is threatened to be removed from existence?
I’ve loved the Arctic segment from the get go and we finally see the culmination of what the trees and those plants are capable of on a full scale instead of the small one we’ve been given as a precursor. I still want to see more science behind all this since that is an aspect that gets glossed over too often and I find it fascinating. I want to learn while being entertained, perhaps I’m just strange that way.
The ending of this issue rocked my world! It’s gorgeous, deadly, and life changing. I love that even when you think you know what’s coming you have absolutely no idea. Sure maybe a little thing here or there happens but bigger picture? Nope! Warren is taking this to new heights with its twists and turns.
Jason is an amazing artist and what he does with the interiors to bring Warren’s words to life is stunning. The life he breathes into these characters, giving them their own unique personalities through his work is something I admire. There is attention to detail in the clothes, partial backgrounds that actually work and enhance the ambiance, it’s just that damn good. Plus the ending, really, I mean holy wow! I don’t think this would be as successful without his contributions.
Image Comics 2014
Written by Warren Ellis
Illustrated by Jason Howard
Reviewed by: Steven Leitman
Review: This has to be one of the more interesting and complex not to mention riveting books Image has put out and honestly with all the incredible stuff they’ve been delivering that is saying a lot! Warren when he sinks his teeth into a project has this way of delivering this sweeping story with all kinds of angles and people that seem disconnected at first, and then as things move along their parts become more clear in telling the bigger picture. No character is ever safe either, so getting attached is never a good idea but unfortunately it’s bound to happen.
I’ve become quite fond of Zhen and Chenglei since their introduction, but with the Trees suddenly active or too dangerous an area things are heating up. And the guard who Chenglei saw when he arrived tells him to get out. It’s very ominous too when talking about a laboratory and how it’s cleaned. I also loved how Zhen was talking about how she feels about Chenglei and how their relationship works. This really is some of the best characterization going on today.
Luca’s protege, well she’s just becoming more and more fascinating with each appearance. She’s finally gotten rid of her abusive boyfriend and taken control of her life and doesn’t need Luca anymore. The real question is going to be if she can survive what’s to come with the Trees becoming active? I like her though as she’s gone from victim to survivor to thriver over a short period of time and she’s strong and independent now. But does she have a future if her new empire is threatened to be removed from existence?
I’ve loved the Arctic segment from the get go and we finally see the culmination of what the trees and those plants are capable of on a full scale instead of the small one we’ve been given as a precursor. I still want to see more science behind all this since that is an aspect that gets glossed over too often and I find it fascinating. I want to learn while being entertained, perhaps I’m just strange that way.
The ending of this issue rocked my world! It’s gorgeous, deadly, and life changing. I love that even when you think you know what’s coming you have absolutely no idea. Sure maybe a little thing here or there happens but bigger picture? Nope! Warren is taking this to new heights with its twists and turns.
Jason is an amazing artist and what he does with the interiors to bring Warren’s words to life is stunning. The life he breathes into these characters, giving them their own unique personalities through his work is something I admire. There is attention to detail in the clothes, partial backgrounds that actually work and enhance the ambiance, it’s just that damn good. Plus the ending, really, I mean holy wow! I don’t think this would be as successful without his contributions.
Lightweightz: The Anthology Part 1
R-Squared Comicz
Story: Justin Martin
Art and Lettering: Przemyslaw R. Dedelis
Colors: Lya
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: Inspired by 1 Corinthians 12:7 (“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good”), Lightweightz: The Anthology Part One introduces four California teenagers who discover they have powers that have major implications for how they view themselves and how they relate to others. For Solomon the lie detector, Grace the empath, Abaddon the connector, and Kayin the precog, the only thing more life-changing than accepting their powers…is choosing what to do with them.
Review: Now after having read through this twice, there's one thing that's very clear about this title. That being a very clear sense of Faith that is present through out it. So if religious faith isn't exactly your thing, this may not be for you. But this isn't exactly overflowing with it to the point of annoyance so you should still be able to enjoy it despite that. Martin gives us four separate stories involving 4 different teenagers. Though with maybe at least two of them I might be wrong on the teenager thing. And you'd think with the limited time he has to tell their stories and what sets them on their path to what will likely be them eventually interacting with one another, that it'd feel rushed and possibly lacking. But, and in my view at least, that is exactly the opposite. He gives us a pretty nice tease about what to potentially expect, even if you aren't sure of what that is. Of course with Solomon, other then the fact he seems to be a lie detector who is already smelling a high amount of BS in the air, we really didn't get to see a whole lot of that in his introduction story here. Although it seems like some trouble is getting ready to come his way. But I could be entirely wrong on it.
Przemyslaw certainly has a nice style of art going here, and nicely enough it shows in each character's looks. And I know its been awhile since I originally received this title, but I do hope he or even she is still on board with this title. Lya's colors certainly are a positive as well. Grace is another character who we get to meet here, and frankly she's the one who has me the most curious about. Though this Trevor jerk she knows seems like he needs a good shovel to the head. And if you've read this title by now, you likely get what I'm talking about there. I'm curious about what it is exactly that Grace's spooky eyes is showing her when it comes to where she's at during this point of the story. Does it heighten her Empathy ability? Or just simply shows where she needs to be next to feel out a situation so to speak? Ahh... Questions, how you plague me so! Abaddon to me has the most potential out of the 4 main characters introduced that I think could seriously have the potential to be a very bad guy.
His ability to allow him to know a person's true motives for something could allow him quite a few opportunities to manipulate people for his own needs. But whether or not that will happen remains to be seen. Especially with where he's at currently in his life. I know I'd be like him as well in not wanting to be stuck with that kind of gift. Likely would go nuts from it all. The fact he hasn't yet himself shows he's got some good amount of will power in him. His adoptive family is another thing about this title that has me curious about things.
Kayin is another of the main 4 who's gift in my view doesn't seem entirely helpful. Sure its good to know what's possibly coming down the line for her parents or in any other event to come for other people. But the potential is there for things to be made even worse if she tries to change any of those events. Or, it could be for the better. This would make for a great story to see just how things would go by itself. Especially if we get to see both sides of the equation. Martin has done a great job in getting this going, and I am definitely interested to see more of his plans for this world of his. I can definitely see the characters who follow God wanting to question things when they aren't the absolute best. So if you aren't completely tired of origin styled stories, give this a chance!
Editor's Note: To check out this title and its second issue, head here!
R-Squared Comicz
Story: Justin Martin
Art and Lettering: Przemyslaw R. Dedelis
Colors: Lya
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: Inspired by 1 Corinthians 12:7 (“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good”), Lightweightz: The Anthology Part One introduces four California teenagers who discover they have powers that have major implications for how they view themselves and how they relate to others. For Solomon the lie detector, Grace the empath, Abaddon the connector, and Kayin the precog, the only thing more life-changing than accepting their powers…is choosing what to do with them.
Review: Now after having read through this twice, there's one thing that's very clear about this title. That being a very clear sense of Faith that is present through out it. So if religious faith isn't exactly your thing, this may not be for you. But this isn't exactly overflowing with it to the point of annoyance so you should still be able to enjoy it despite that. Martin gives us four separate stories involving 4 different teenagers. Though with maybe at least two of them I might be wrong on the teenager thing. And you'd think with the limited time he has to tell their stories and what sets them on their path to what will likely be them eventually interacting with one another, that it'd feel rushed and possibly lacking. But, and in my view at least, that is exactly the opposite. He gives us a pretty nice tease about what to potentially expect, even if you aren't sure of what that is. Of course with Solomon, other then the fact he seems to be a lie detector who is already smelling a high amount of BS in the air, we really didn't get to see a whole lot of that in his introduction story here. Although it seems like some trouble is getting ready to come his way. But I could be entirely wrong on it.
Przemyslaw certainly has a nice style of art going here, and nicely enough it shows in each character's looks. And I know its been awhile since I originally received this title, but I do hope he or even she is still on board with this title. Lya's colors certainly are a positive as well. Grace is another character who we get to meet here, and frankly she's the one who has me the most curious about. Though this Trevor jerk she knows seems like he needs a good shovel to the head. And if you've read this title by now, you likely get what I'm talking about there. I'm curious about what it is exactly that Grace's spooky eyes is showing her when it comes to where she's at during this point of the story. Does it heighten her Empathy ability? Or just simply shows where she needs to be next to feel out a situation so to speak? Ahh... Questions, how you plague me so! Abaddon to me has the most potential out of the 4 main characters introduced that I think could seriously have the potential to be a very bad guy.
His ability to allow him to know a person's true motives for something could allow him quite a few opportunities to manipulate people for his own needs. But whether or not that will happen remains to be seen. Especially with where he's at currently in his life. I know I'd be like him as well in not wanting to be stuck with that kind of gift. Likely would go nuts from it all. The fact he hasn't yet himself shows he's got some good amount of will power in him. His adoptive family is another thing about this title that has me curious about things.
Kayin is another of the main 4 who's gift in my view doesn't seem entirely helpful. Sure its good to know what's possibly coming down the line for her parents or in any other event to come for other people. But the potential is there for things to be made even worse if she tries to change any of those events. Or, it could be for the better. This would make for a great story to see just how things would go by itself. Especially if we get to see both sides of the equation. Martin has done a great job in getting this going, and I am definitely interested to see more of his plans for this world of his. I can definitely see the characters who follow God wanting to question things when they aren't the absolute best. So if you aren't completely tired of origin styled stories, give this a chance!
Editor's Note: To check out this title and its second issue, head here!
The Ghost Fleet #3
Dark Horse Comics 2014
Written by Donny Cates
Illustrated by Daniel Warren Johnson
Colours by Lauren Affe
Reviewed by: Steven Leitman
Review: Who knew that this book was going to come out of left field to steal the imagination and capture attention the way it does. This is so incredibly unique and unexpected that I am almost ashamed I wasn’t aware and on board for it when it was announced. But what a real treat and pleasure to be on board now to have no expectations of it and just find myself lost in the story. Betrayed and shot in the head, left for dead, Trace comes back to seek vengeance on the Ghost Fleet in his own unique way. Little does he know whose shipment he’s currently causing trouble for, but that’s all about to change.
I think that the way this part of the story is being told to Senator Cohle as we see Trace acting it out was expertly done. I’m a huge fan of the bow and arrow, it’s highly underrated and extremely effective, quiet, powerful, and in the right hands far more deadly than a gun so to Trace using one to stop the convoy was fantastic. More so since he’s just that good with it. Much to the egomaniacal Cohle’s chagrin and it’s delish to watch.
The fact that Trace isn’t out to kill the guys working for the Ghost Fleet but crippling them and their operations is a nice touch. He’s managing to have the time spent in recovering from his encounter with his old partner to excellent use studying on explosives and tactical skills. This is where having a military advisor on the book comes in pretty darn handy.
Senator Cohle is really a piece of work and not surprisingly aptly demonstrates what majority of Americans think of the people in office.
That they have these hidden agendas that don’t work for the common people and are in it for the money and the power, and I’m sure many wish we’d get to see more than a few of them taken down a few pegs regardless of how powerful they think they are. His treatment towards Director Ward demonstrates so much about who he is and honestly he may not be someone you want to mess with now that its started, why stop?
Ward is the guy who shot Trace and well, now he’s on the CB in the truck and trying to plead his case. Seriously you’re going to broadcast to the guy you shot in the head and try to reason with him when you are pretty much the reason this is happening. Yeah well you know what met the fan. However the dialogue here is beyond anything I was expecting and it’s freakin' incredible. I really am impressed with the writing here it’s smart, interesting, and as accurate as he can get it with multiple resources used to make it so. Donny has a bright future in the industry if he keeps this up.
Daniel and Lauren manage to bring this to life in such a fantastic way. There’s this juxtaposition of complex and simple in the artwork that shouldn’t co-exist but does. And while Trace has this Escape from New York look to him, it really suits him after all he’s been through. There really is a nice stylized look to the book and the amount of attention to detail on each panel is just so very nice to see.
This is a sleeper hit people so wake up and take notice.
Editor's Note: In addition to writing for IndieComiX, Steven also writes for his own Facebook page known as Reading With A Flight Ring. Where on occasion a few of his reviews there will be seen here. Be sure to check it out!
Dark Horse Comics 2014
Written by Donny Cates
Illustrated by Daniel Warren Johnson
Colours by Lauren Affe
Reviewed by: Steven Leitman
Review: Who knew that this book was going to come out of left field to steal the imagination and capture attention the way it does. This is so incredibly unique and unexpected that I am almost ashamed I wasn’t aware and on board for it when it was announced. But what a real treat and pleasure to be on board now to have no expectations of it and just find myself lost in the story. Betrayed and shot in the head, left for dead, Trace comes back to seek vengeance on the Ghost Fleet in his own unique way. Little does he know whose shipment he’s currently causing trouble for, but that’s all about to change.
I think that the way this part of the story is being told to Senator Cohle as we see Trace acting it out was expertly done. I’m a huge fan of the bow and arrow, it’s highly underrated and extremely effective, quiet, powerful, and in the right hands far more deadly than a gun so to Trace using one to stop the convoy was fantastic. More so since he’s just that good with it. Much to the egomaniacal Cohle’s chagrin and it’s delish to watch.
The fact that Trace isn’t out to kill the guys working for the Ghost Fleet but crippling them and their operations is a nice touch. He’s managing to have the time spent in recovering from his encounter with his old partner to excellent use studying on explosives and tactical skills. This is where having a military advisor on the book comes in pretty darn handy.
Senator Cohle is really a piece of work and not surprisingly aptly demonstrates what majority of Americans think of the people in office.
That they have these hidden agendas that don’t work for the common people and are in it for the money and the power, and I’m sure many wish we’d get to see more than a few of them taken down a few pegs regardless of how powerful they think they are. His treatment towards Director Ward demonstrates so much about who he is and honestly he may not be someone you want to mess with now that its started, why stop?
Ward is the guy who shot Trace and well, now he’s on the CB in the truck and trying to plead his case. Seriously you’re going to broadcast to the guy you shot in the head and try to reason with him when you are pretty much the reason this is happening. Yeah well you know what met the fan. However the dialogue here is beyond anything I was expecting and it’s freakin' incredible. I really am impressed with the writing here it’s smart, interesting, and as accurate as he can get it with multiple resources used to make it so. Donny has a bright future in the industry if he keeps this up.
Daniel and Lauren manage to bring this to life in such a fantastic way. There’s this juxtaposition of complex and simple in the artwork that shouldn’t co-exist but does. And while Trace has this Escape from New York look to him, it really suits him after all he’s been through. There really is a nice stylized look to the book and the amount of attention to detail on each panel is just so very nice to see.
This is a sleeper hit people so wake up and take notice.
Editor's Note: In addition to writing for IndieComiX, Steven also writes for his own Facebook page known as Reading With A Flight Ring. Where on occasion a few of his reviews there will be seen here. Be sure to check it out!
Six-Gun Gorilla: Long Days Of Vengeance #4
Brian Christgau Comics
Writer: “Bushwack” Brian Christgau
Art: Adrian “Snake Eyes” Sibar
Colors: Damien Penalba
Lettering: “Mean” Bram Meehan
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: The Gorilla with Guns known as Kumba continues his search for the outlaws who turned his life upside down.
Review: Now a pretty strong motivation for something can often get you somewhere that you are looking to go towards. Revenge for example, is just one such form of a motivation that can be pretty strong. And can either lead to some seriously bad things or some good things. Kumba here (our main leading and quite awesome Gorilla) has gained plenty of motivation for revenge that started all the way back in issue 2. I have to admit, I was curious as can be to see what Brian was going to do in order to get Kumba started on his journey. And Brian did not dissappoint. Though I do hope the leader of the douche bags we get introduced too in issue 2 has a seriously messy ending. As we can clearly see that this guy doesn't give a crap if he's seen or not when it comes to killing and the like. I like that Kumba can't actually talk in this comic even though he is essentially the main character. As for me, it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'silent, but deadly'.
And in his case, even if he doesn't have his special revolvers. He's still pretty damn deadly. But at least he can get his point across nicely enough with hand gestures. Which has me wondering if it was something of a challenge for Brian when it came to Kumba not talking. Although I imagine his 'sister' is gonna have plenty of talking to do once she finds Kumba! But probably she'll save the majority of it after all is said and done. Course I could always be wrong! That Sherriff getting the daylights scared out of him is something I found to be fairly amusing. Hopefully that won't come back to bite Kumba in the butt later on!
I felt the art from Sibar and Penalba's colors flowed well together. Especially when it came to showing emotions on Kumba's face. Such as for example when the big fella looks at his hands and realized what it is he's done exactly in one scene. And it makes me curious to see if this whole thing will take a toll on him later on. I bet it especially won't be pretty considering what he is. Not to mention what he's liable to think if things go a certain way with his 'sister' and the fellow who is indirectly responsible for his current situation. If you aren't reading this, I highly recommend you do so. I know I'm definitely interested to see where Brian takes this story.
Editor's Note: To grab up this issue, along with previous and future issues. Head here!
Brian Christgau Comics
Writer: “Bushwack” Brian Christgau
Art: Adrian “Snake Eyes” Sibar
Colors: Damien Penalba
Lettering: “Mean” Bram Meehan
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: The Gorilla with Guns known as Kumba continues his search for the outlaws who turned his life upside down.
Review: Now a pretty strong motivation for something can often get you somewhere that you are looking to go towards. Revenge for example, is just one such form of a motivation that can be pretty strong. And can either lead to some seriously bad things or some good things. Kumba here (our main leading and quite awesome Gorilla) has gained plenty of motivation for revenge that started all the way back in issue 2. I have to admit, I was curious as can be to see what Brian was going to do in order to get Kumba started on his journey. And Brian did not dissappoint. Though I do hope the leader of the douche bags we get introduced too in issue 2 has a seriously messy ending. As we can clearly see that this guy doesn't give a crap if he's seen or not when it comes to killing and the like. I like that Kumba can't actually talk in this comic even though he is essentially the main character. As for me, it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'silent, but deadly'.
And in his case, even if he doesn't have his special revolvers. He's still pretty damn deadly. But at least he can get his point across nicely enough with hand gestures. Which has me wondering if it was something of a challenge for Brian when it came to Kumba not talking. Although I imagine his 'sister' is gonna have plenty of talking to do once she finds Kumba! But probably she'll save the majority of it after all is said and done. Course I could always be wrong! That Sherriff getting the daylights scared out of him is something I found to be fairly amusing. Hopefully that won't come back to bite Kumba in the butt later on!
I felt the art from Sibar and Penalba's colors flowed well together. Especially when it came to showing emotions on Kumba's face. Such as for example when the big fella looks at his hands and realized what it is he's done exactly in one scene. And it makes me curious to see if this whole thing will take a toll on him later on. I bet it especially won't be pretty considering what he is. Not to mention what he's liable to think if things go a certain way with his 'sister' and the fellow who is indirectly responsible for his current situation. If you aren't reading this, I highly recommend you do so. I know I'm definitely interested to see where Brian takes this story.
Editor's Note: To grab up this issue, along with previous and future issues. Head here!