Warning: Potential Spoilers
Roman Ritual #2 (of 4)
Amigo Comics 2015
Written by: El Torres
Illustrated by: Jaime Martinez
Coloured by: Sandra Molina
Reviewed by: Steven Leitman
Summary: How can an exorcist who is losing his faith face the most horrible demonic possession ever? This time, the possessed is not a child, not a woman, but the head of the Catholic Church. That would mean the end of the Church - and there is even a more horrible mystery behind this possession.
Review: Holy Moley this is amazing. I love this whole demonic possession thing and the almost ex-communicated Priest being essential to everything, its the stuff that legends are made of. With all the modern horror stories that are flooding the market today and zombies being most among them, that are so graphic. It’s incredibly nice to have one that is old school where the idea and imagination play larger roles. Religion is the root of all evil, without the Catholic Church there really wouldn’t be possession to begin with. Which, also is a factor for me so this is intriguing all around.
The way this book opens with a recap of events that have led where we are now is pretty awesome. I'm sorry but seeing a Priest on the altar talking about Jesus breaking the bread and the symbolism etc. only to see it filled with worms and flies was weird, disgusting, and frightening in the most perfect way.
Of course it also leads to the discussion between Monsignor Georges and Cardinal Balaguer and the subject of John Brennan. Now there has to be more as to why the Cardinal dislikes the man so much and politics aside? He’s well, a typical bureaucrat douchebag to me with delusions of grandeur and moving up the ranks.
Words cannot accurately express how I felt seeing Brennan and “His Holiness” talking. Brennan made me want a cigarette and the demon possessing his “Holiness”? Well that is something extraordinary, I mean thanks to Jaime and Sandra for that because dag nabbit the look is down to a science perfect. I can’t wait to find out how the Pope of all people fell victim to being possessed by a demon. Personally I think those who might try and claim that this is sacrilegious are pretty much full of hot air, but me I think it’s bloody brilliant. There cannot be coincidence when Brennan mentions a name that causes the demon to throw up that violently.
Well it’s nice to see Cardinal Balaguer is completely in the tradition of the men who founded the Church in the first place, and no that is definitely not a compliment. If you know history at all you’ll know what I refer too. Too often men believe they know best because they want to be perceived as powerful, but in the end they end up looking like idiots and I pray this is a case such as that.
I love how this issue plays out, El Torres is simply a genius and the way his mind works is extremely terrifyingly fun that I could listen to him tell stories like this for untold centuries. The sins of man are on display and the one who wishes to help is bound by bureaucracy and thwarted at every turn and unfortunately considered a dangerous outcast as well. With few friends willing to help him Father Brennan must navigate the dangers that not only lie in the Church itself, but a powerful Demon who wants to destroy everything.
This is how you do a horror story folks, by taking a classic concept, amping up the volume on it, and putting it in the most unexpected of places. Infused with human drama and the supernatural element Roman Ritual is the best book you aren’t reading!
Editor's Note: To find out how you can acquire yourself a copy of this here title. Head here!
Amigo Comics 2015
Written by: El Torres
Illustrated by: Jaime Martinez
Coloured by: Sandra Molina
Reviewed by: Steven Leitman
Summary: How can an exorcist who is losing his faith face the most horrible demonic possession ever? This time, the possessed is not a child, not a woman, but the head of the Catholic Church. That would mean the end of the Church - and there is even a more horrible mystery behind this possession.
Review: Holy Moley this is amazing. I love this whole demonic possession thing and the almost ex-communicated Priest being essential to everything, its the stuff that legends are made of. With all the modern horror stories that are flooding the market today and zombies being most among them, that are so graphic. It’s incredibly nice to have one that is old school where the idea and imagination play larger roles. Religion is the root of all evil, without the Catholic Church there really wouldn’t be possession to begin with. Which, also is a factor for me so this is intriguing all around.
The way this book opens with a recap of events that have led where we are now is pretty awesome. I'm sorry but seeing a Priest on the altar talking about Jesus breaking the bread and the symbolism etc. only to see it filled with worms and flies was weird, disgusting, and frightening in the most perfect way.
Of course it also leads to the discussion between Monsignor Georges and Cardinal Balaguer and the subject of John Brennan. Now there has to be more as to why the Cardinal dislikes the man so much and politics aside? He’s well, a typical bureaucrat douchebag to me with delusions of grandeur and moving up the ranks.
Words cannot accurately express how I felt seeing Brennan and “His Holiness” talking. Brennan made me want a cigarette and the demon possessing his “Holiness”? Well that is something extraordinary, I mean thanks to Jaime and Sandra for that because dag nabbit the look is down to a science perfect. I can’t wait to find out how the Pope of all people fell victim to being possessed by a demon. Personally I think those who might try and claim that this is sacrilegious are pretty much full of hot air, but me I think it’s bloody brilliant. There cannot be coincidence when Brennan mentions a name that causes the demon to throw up that violently.
Well it’s nice to see Cardinal Balaguer is completely in the tradition of the men who founded the Church in the first place, and no that is definitely not a compliment. If you know history at all you’ll know what I refer too. Too often men believe they know best because they want to be perceived as powerful, but in the end they end up looking like idiots and I pray this is a case such as that.
I love how this issue plays out, El Torres is simply a genius and the way his mind works is extremely terrifyingly fun that I could listen to him tell stories like this for untold centuries. The sins of man are on display and the one who wishes to help is bound by bureaucracy and thwarted at every turn and unfortunately considered a dangerous outcast as well. With few friends willing to help him Father Brennan must navigate the dangers that not only lie in the Church itself, but a powerful Demon who wants to destroy everything.
This is how you do a horror story folks, by taking a classic concept, amping up the volume on it, and putting it in the most unexpected of places. Infused with human drama and the supernatural element Roman Ritual is the best book you aren’t reading!
Editor's Note: To find out how you can acquire yourself a copy of this here title. Head here!
Escape From New York #3
BOOM! Studios
Writer: Christopher Sebela
Artist: Diego Barreto
Colorist: Marissa Louise
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Reviewer: Scott Mack
Summary: Are you ready for…General Plissken? The independent state of Florida has forced Snake to train their troops for the inevitable war with the United States. But you know Snake, he’s not exactly “Employee of the Year.” He’s just trying to find his freedom, and may anger two warring factions in the process!
Review: This issue, Snake escapes - again!
Okay, so not exactly a shocking spoiler there. Following the events of last issue, Snake is taken into custody again and is press-ganged into training our lead antagonists, the Twins' troops. Then again, this is Snake we're talking about, so if you can't keep up with him, expect to get left behind. Snake Plissken is not your saviour, he's not your friend, in fact, he probably doesn't like you much either, at minimum, you probably annoy him.
There's not a great amount of detail I can go into with this third issue without revealing the entire story. Basically, it's a bridging issue to the conclusion of the story, laying the final foundations leading up to war.
What a horrible little pair the Twins of Florida are, normally, you could never advocate putting a bullet in the head of a child. Which is where I had a stray thought here. Since writer Christopher Sebela seems to be following very close the mentality of John Carpenter, I wondered if there was some political commentary in here, about the attitudes of the modern youth and society in general?
Not that I wish to cogitate on that for too long, but when asked about why the Twins want to go to war with America, the only reply received is; “Because it'll be fun!” Hmm..I'm probably reading too much into the plot here, but it's an interesting premise, and certainly worthy of these sociopathic little douche bags!
Of course, that's where I feel Sebela's writing shines, his characterisation and attention to authenticity on his subject matter. It's understandable why John Carpenter has worked closely on this project, and Sebela is not disappointing.
In fairness though, this is the weaker issue of the series so far, the characterisation is not as emphatic as it is in the first 2 issues, where the nods are very clear. If I'm being honest, there's a couple of places where it seems a little rushed, which off-set the pacing and made the issue flow too quickly. This is the trouble with trying to fit too much information in one sitting, you never really feel there's enough time to fully appreciate the situation.
In Sebela's defence, there will be editorial constraints, everything will need to fit into a set number of pages, and I can't really knock artist Diego Barreto for that either. Both have done the best in the circumstances, but I can't help wondering if perhaps a little re-jigging of the plot, with just the necessary plot elements wasn't called for? Ultimately, this was the wrong editorial call for me, but I'm still enjoying the series so far.
I'm interested in seeing how the conclusion of this series will be delivered. Because another of Sebela's strengths is in throwing in curve-balls in the plot, partly because they're not announced like a big reveal, but you're not necessarily expecting them either. Which makes for engaging story-telling.
In summary of the series creative team so far, Christopher Sebela has proven his work well enough for me to want to read more of his material, indeed, I have been.
Diego Barreto, while I still believe he has a bit to learn in story-telling, I can't help but feel endeared to his work. As I noted in any earlier review of the series, there's a strong feel of Mike Baron and Klaus Janson's Punisher, here, and it's that retro-style that really carries him on the book.
Colorist Marissa Louise deserves credit throughout the run. Colorists don't have to always provide something visually complex, the most important thing is to be complimenting the book as a whole. And I believe that's been done amiably, as has the general production design.
Overall, this collection is worth picking up if you want a slice of nostalgia.
BOOM! Studios
Writer: Christopher Sebela
Artist: Diego Barreto
Colorist: Marissa Louise
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Reviewer: Scott Mack
Summary: Are you ready for…General Plissken? The independent state of Florida has forced Snake to train their troops for the inevitable war with the United States. But you know Snake, he’s not exactly “Employee of the Year.” He’s just trying to find his freedom, and may anger two warring factions in the process!
Review: This issue, Snake escapes - again!
Okay, so not exactly a shocking spoiler there. Following the events of last issue, Snake is taken into custody again and is press-ganged into training our lead antagonists, the Twins' troops. Then again, this is Snake we're talking about, so if you can't keep up with him, expect to get left behind. Snake Plissken is not your saviour, he's not your friend, in fact, he probably doesn't like you much either, at minimum, you probably annoy him.
There's not a great amount of detail I can go into with this third issue without revealing the entire story. Basically, it's a bridging issue to the conclusion of the story, laying the final foundations leading up to war.
What a horrible little pair the Twins of Florida are, normally, you could never advocate putting a bullet in the head of a child. Which is where I had a stray thought here. Since writer Christopher Sebela seems to be following very close the mentality of John Carpenter, I wondered if there was some political commentary in here, about the attitudes of the modern youth and society in general?
Not that I wish to cogitate on that for too long, but when asked about why the Twins want to go to war with America, the only reply received is; “Because it'll be fun!” Hmm..I'm probably reading too much into the plot here, but it's an interesting premise, and certainly worthy of these sociopathic little douche bags!
Of course, that's where I feel Sebela's writing shines, his characterisation and attention to authenticity on his subject matter. It's understandable why John Carpenter has worked closely on this project, and Sebela is not disappointing.
In fairness though, this is the weaker issue of the series so far, the characterisation is not as emphatic as it is in the first 2 issues, where the nods are very clear. If I'm being honest, there's a couple of places where it seems a little rushed, which off-set the pacing and made the issue flow too quickly. This is the trouble with trying to fit too much information in one sitting, you never really feel there's enough time to fully appreciate the situation.
In Sebela's defence, there will be editorial constraints, everything will need to fit into a set number of pages, and I can't really knock artist Diego Barreto for that either. Both have done the best in the circumstances, but I can't help wondering if perhaps a little re-jigging of the plot, with just the necessary plot elements wasn't called for? Ultimately, this was the wrong editorial call for me, but I'm still enjoying the series so far.
I'm interested in seeing how the conclusion of this series will be delivered. Because another of Sebela's strengths is in throwing in curve-balls in the plot, partly because they're not announced like a big reveal, but you're not necessarily expecting them either. Which makes for engaging story-telling.
In summary of the series creative team so far, Christopher Sebela has proven his work well enough for me to want to read more of his material, indeed, I have been.
Diego Barreto, while I still believe he has a bit to learn in story-telling, I can't help but feel endeared to his work. As I noted in any earlier review of the series, there's a strong feel of Mike Baron and Klaus Janson's Punisher, here, and it's that retro-style that really carries him on the book.
Colorist Marissa Louise deserves credit throughout the run. Colorists don't have to always provide something visually complex, the most important thing is to be complimenting the book as a whole. And I believe that's been done amiably, as has the general production design.
Overall, this collection is worth picking up if you want a slice of nostalgia.
Pirate Eye Exiled from Exile #1
Action Lab Entertainment 2015
Written by: Josiah Grahn
Illustrated by: Carl Yonder
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: An old enemy exposes a secret that forces Smitty to flee for his life. Now, with a price on his head on land and at sea, Smitty will have to survive long enough to find out what went wrong, how to make it right...and who is responsible.
Review: We all love a good Pirate story and if we didn’t than the Pirates of the Caribbean wouldn’t have been so successful. And Action Lab know a good one when they see it too. This one opens with Mr. Parrot receiving a letter from a Nathaniel Faircrest and it has this ominous setting to it. Though to be honest Mr. Parrot looks like a scary man whom you don’t want to cross.
Next we’re on Blowing Rock Isle and there’s a darn cute exchange between a kid and a man on the dock waiting for a ship to arrive. The dialogue here really is spectacular and I have to admit that it is completely unexpected and thoroughly entertaining. Oh and I like that he’s giving up the three signals to the kid, although to be honest it’s more likely he’s trying to both impress and scare the kid a bit. And the signals? Well they could be real or not but that’s up for grabs right now.
Turns out Simon is waiting for a ship with Smitty on it and who is feeling for his life. It seems that Smitty is a stupid drunk who likes to run his mouth, granted he didn’t reveal any information that is detrimental to anything but he did allow himself to be overheard saying he knew too many people’s secrets. This of course could be useful to someone, say like Mr. Parrot or again detrimental depending on who got to Smitty first.
I have to admit that I’d like to know more about Simon and Smitty’s relationship but suffice it to say that Simon’s all in here. He’s willing to do the leg work and figure out what Smitty doesn’t know and it’s interesting to see the (as I like to call it) abbreviated detective work that is happening here. The whole thing is intriguing and the characterization is nicely done and a lot of it is done through the artwork and the direction given by Josiah to Carl.
I do have to say I was more than surprised by the twists and turns that Josiah has given us here. There’s a chase going on now and it’s going to be a race to see whose going to get to the end result first. Smitty’s managed to evade Mr. Parrot for now and has gotten to a ship and things are now under foot as they say. I expect great things out of this story if the first issue is any indication of what to expect.
Fun and daring adventure with pirates and cutthroats what more could you possibly ask for? Nice interior artwork that’s here too, it’s descriptive and colourful just like the characters and this world they inhabit. A shining example of why Action Lab is among the forefront of innovative storytelling.
Editor's Note: Hi there folks! Rob here, if you still happen to enjoy a good forum/message board experience outside of Facebook or what have you. Why not come on over to Mickey's Tavern once you've read Steven and Scott's reviews? Maybe even discuss your own thoughts of these particular titles with fellow board members? See ya there! As at the Tavern... comics, creativity, gaming, rock music, and beer mix really well!
Action Lab Entertainment 2015
Written by: Josiah Grahn
Illustrated by: Carl Yonder
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: An old enemy exposes a secret that forces Smitty to flee for his life. Now, with a price on his head on land and at sea, Smitty will have to survive long enough to find out what went wrong, how to make it right...and who is responsible.
Review: We all love a good Pirate story and if we didn’t than the Pirates of the Caribbean wouldn’t have been so successful. And Action Lab know a good one when they see it too. This one opens with Mr. Parrot receiving a letter from a Nathaniel Faircrest and it has this ominous setting to it. Though to be honest Mr. Parrot looks like a scary man whom you don’t want to cross.
Next we’re on Blowing Rock Isle and there’s a darn cute exchange between a kid and a man on the dock waiting for a ship to arrive. The dialogue here really is spectacular and I have to admit that it is completely unexpected and thoroughly entertaining. Oh and I like that he’s giving up the three signals to the kid, although to be honest it’s more likely he’s trying to both impress and scare the kid a bit. And the signals? Well they could be real or not but that’s up for grabs right now.
Turns out Simon is waiting for a ship with Smitty on it and who is feeling for his life. It seems that Smitty is a stupid drunk who likes to run his mouth, granted he didn’t reveal any information that is detrimental to anything but he did allow himself to be overheard saying he knew too many people’s secrets. This of course could be useful to someone, say like Mr. Parrot or again detrimental depending on who got to Smitty first.
I have to admit that I’d like to know more about Simon and Smitty’s relationship but suffice it to say that Simon’s all in here. He’s willing to do the leg work and figure out what Smitty doesn’t know and it’s interesting to see the (as I like to call it) abbreviated detective work that is happening here. The whole thing is intriguing and the characterization is nicely done and a lot of it is done through the artwork and the direction given by Josiah to Carl.
I do have to say I was more than surprised by the twists and turns that Josiah has given us here. There’s a chase going on now and it’s going to be a race to see whose going to get to the end result first. Smitty’s managed to evade Mr. Parrot for now and has gotten to a ship and things are now under foot as they say. I expect great things out of this story if the first issue is any indication of what to expect.
Fun and daring adventure with pirates and cutthroats what more could you possibly ask for? Nice interior artwork that’s here too, it’s descriptive and colourful just like the characters and this world they inhabit. A shining example of why Action Lab is among the forefront of innovative storytelling.
Editor's Note: Hi there folks! Rob here, if you still happen to enjoy a good forum/message board experience outside of Facebook or what have you. Why not come on over to Mickey's Tavern once you've read Steven and Scott's reviews? Maybe even discuss your own thoughts of these particular titles with fellow board members? See ya there! As at the Tavern... comics, creativity, gaming, rock music, and beer mix really well!