Vampirella: Feary Tales #5 (of 5)
Dynamite Entertainment
Writers: Nancy A. Collins; Steve Niles
Artists: Jack Jadson; Eman Casallos
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Vampirella was created by Forrest J. Ackerman and Trina Robbins
Summary: Feary Tales comes to a revelating end in this issue! Trapped with the book by the same name, will Vampirella escape or be trapped forever? And what will she find when she reaches the end of the stories? Read on Vampirella Fangs!
[SPOILERS!!]
Review: Ain't this just ironic, I had been wanting to read Feary Tales since issue #1 but never got the chance, I finally get the chance with issue #5 and it turns out to be the last issue. What's a guy to do?
I decided to read on anyways, I was curious and I had the issue, so why not? What I found within was, rather than just being a hard read due to not knowing what was going on, I actually found easy to penetrate in all the right places.
The overall story is simple, and honestly provides a good excuse to get a lot of great guest talent on board by telling several mini stories for Vampirella that just can't be done in the main book. I like that, and I do think it was put to good use in this issue. The stories themselves aren't long though, sadly, but that's the breaks with an anthology. Especially one still trying to tell a story instead of simply being just a string of non-related tales.
The writing is pretty corny, and that coupled with a “not-sure-how-I-feel-about-this” just yet revelation, are the worst parts of the issue. But the writing is a nice nod to the old 60's - 80's style of comic writing so it's not too bad. As for the revelation that Vampy has a long-lost twin sister, I could sit here and discuss the merits of whether this well-worn trope really needs a come back, but I'm interested to see where this goes in the main comic. So let's just sit and assume it'll all be well worth it in the end.
At least they gave a good reason for how she could return, so that's already a safe betting spot.
The art is also quite good, with Jadson really hitting it out the mark the most. I do like Casallos' style for the grim'n gritty stuff, but Jadson excells at make things a little more bright and colorful with setting and tone. His style also has a nice Arthur Adams feel to it, which I'm totally fine with.
Overall, having never gotten to read the first 4 issues of Feary Tales, what I found inside issue #5 – being the final issue even – was actually a light-hearted, fun read. And that gives me hope for the other issues as well. Not many people can create a final issue that you can simply pluck off the shelf and be entertained by, but sometimes it happens. And this time it did.
Final Score: 3 Fright Fests out of 5
Dynamite Entertainment
Writers: Nancy A. Collins; Steve Niles
Artists: Jack Jadson; Eman Casallos
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Vampirella was created by Forrest J. Ackerman and Trina Robbins
Summary: Feary Tales comes to a revelating end in this issue! Trapped with the book by the same name, will Vampirella escape or be trapped forever? And what will she find when she reaches the end of the stories? Read on Vampirella Fangs!
[SPOILERS!!]
Review: Ain't this just ironic, I had been wanting to read Feary Tales since issue #1 but never got the chance, I finally get the chance with issue #5 and it turns out to be the last issue. What's a guy to do?
I decided to read on anyways, I was curious and I had the issue, so why not? What I found within was, rather than just being a hard read due to not knowing what was going on, I actually found easy to penetrate in all the right places.
The overall story is simple, and honestly provides a good excuse to get a lot of great guest talent on board by telling several mini stories for Vampirella that just can't be done in the main book. I like that, and I do think it was put to good use in this issue. The stories themselves aren't long though, sadly, but that's the breaks with an anthology. Especially one still trying to tell a story instead of simply being just a string of non-related tales.
The writing is pretty corny, and that coupled with a “not-sure-how-I-feel-about-this” just yet revelation, are the worst parts of the issue. But the writing is a nice nod to the old 60's - 80's style of comic writing so it's not too bad. As for the revelation that Vampy has a long-lost twin sister, I could sit here and discuss the merits of whether this well-worn trope really needs a come back, but I'm interested to see where this goes in the main comic. So let's just sit and assume it'll all be well worth it in the end.
At least they gave a good reason for how she could return, so that's already a safe betting spot.
The art is also quite good, with Jadson really hitting it out the mark the most. I do like Casallos' style for the grim'n gritty stuff, but Jadson excells at make things a little more bright and colorful with setting and tone. His style also has a nice Arthur Adams feel to it, which I'm totally fine with.
Overall, having never gotten to read the first 4 issues of Feary Tales, what I found inside issue #5 – being the final issue even – was actually a light-hearted, fun read. And that gives me hope for the other issues as well. Not many people can create a final issue that you can simply pluck off the shelf and be entertained by, but sometimes it happens. And this time it did.
Final Score: 3 Fright Fests out of 5
Heroic Spotlight #20
Heroic Publishing 2013
Fantastic Girl Written by: Dennis Mallonee
Illustrated by: Francesco Gerbino
Coloured and Lettered by: Dick O’Malley
Eternity Smith Written by: Dennis Mallonee
Penciled by: Rick Hoberg
Inked by: E.R. Cruz
Coloured by: Tom Luth
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: She's the newest star in the Heroic Publishing universe. She's the fabulous Fantastic Girl! And in this issue of Heroic Spotlight, the secrets of her origin are revealed in a brand-new adventure by Dennis Mallonee and Francesco Gerbino, featuring a special guest appearance by Flare!
Also in this issue, enjoy a classic adventure of Eternity Smith, as he and his super-spy daughter Skylark take on the Threat of the Sensuous Siren, by Dennis Mallonee, Rick Hoberg, and E. R. Cruz.
Review: Okay I have to admit that the cover of this issue is slightly sexist and completely retro in appearance. However once you read the story you understand why she’s in this getup and it makes more sense. So the Fantastic Girl origin story is where we see Jess get her powers and it is pretty interesting and guest stars Flare, who is dating her brother.
A trip to a museum where it’s very obvious that Jess and Flare aren’t exactly getting along too well. Jess, a young teenager, I’m gonna say 12 or 13 years old, and Flare, who isn’t used to dealing with children and has her own attitude problems have a personality clash. I do like the dialogue here though with Jess somewhat idolizing Ace Reporter Jimmy Dooley. Who uses the term 'Ace Reporter' anymore anyway? But it makes me happy, Jimmy is someone whom Flare thinks is a liar and a scoundrel and makes no bones in proclaiming this.
On display here at the museum is the Moon Orb, a thing of mystery and unidentifiable by scientists. All they know is that it remains inert and hasn’t responded to any of their tests to it so they think it harmless. Here we see this Ginger man with long hair and a beard dressed in purple say Jessica’s name and then break the case and try to remove the orb and bring the Goddess of the Moon back to Olympus. Only Jess can see him and when she touches the orb and tries to protect it she changes.
Oh now we see how Flare, or Eos, and Selene, yes that Goddess of the Moon, go after one another like sisters who hate each other over the silliest of reasons. So once Terri and Flare, gets things under control and believes that the god essence is removed from Jess. We see that it really hasn’t been as she retains some of that power. Suddenly the story comes together with the elusive Mr. Jupiter and the God Jupiter. To act though, she ages her body a few years and viola she’s the Fantastic Girl! Completely the way a young girl would imagine herself as a young adult in dress and style.
Heroic Publishing 2013
Fantastic Girl Written by: Dennis Mallonee
Illustrated by: Francesco Gerbino
Coloured and Lettered by: Dick O’Malley
Eternity Smith Written by: Dennis Mallonee
Penciled by: Rick Hoberg
Inked by: E.R. Cruz
Coloured by: Tom Luth
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: She's the newest star in the Heroic Publishing universe. She's the fabulous Fantastic Girl! And in this issue of Heroic Spotlight, the secrets of her origin are revealed in a brand-new adventure by Dennis Mallonee and Francesco Gerbino, featuring a special guest appearance by Flare!
Also in this issue, enjoy a classic adventure of Eternity Smith, as he and his super-spy daughter Skylark take on the Threat of the Sensuous Siren, by Dennis Mallonee, Rick Hoberg, and E. R. Cruz.
Review: Okay I have to admit that the cover of this issue is slightly sexist and completely retro in appearance. However once you read the story you understand why she’s in this getup and it makes more sense. So the Fantastic Girl origin story is where we see Jess get her powers and it is pretty interesting and guest stars Flare, who is dating her brother.
A trip to a museum where it’s very obvious that Jess and Flare aren’t exactly getting along too well. Jess, a young teenager, I’m gonna say 12 or 13 years old, and Flare, who isn’t used to dealing with children and has her own attitude problems have a personality clash. I do like the dialogue here though with Jess somewhat idolizing Ace Reporter Jimmy Dooley. Who uses the term 'Ace Reporter' anymore anyway? But it makes me happy, Jimmy is someone whom Flare thinks is a liar and a scoundrel and makes no bones in proclaiming this.
On display here at the museum is the Moon Orb, a thing of mystery and unidentifiable by scientists. All they know is that it remains inert and hasn’t responded to any of their tests to it so they think it harmless. Here we see this Ginger man with long hair and a beard dressed in purple say Jessica’s name and then break the case and try to remove the orb and bring the Goddess of the Moon back to Olympus. Only Jess can see him and when she touches the orb and tries to protect it she changes.
Oh now we see how Flare, or Eos, and Selene, yes that Goddess of the Moon, go after one another like sisters who hate each other over the silliest of reasons. So once Terri and Flare, gets things under control and believes that the god essence is removed from Jess. We see that it really hasn’t been as she retains some of that power. Suddenly the story comes together with the elusive Mr. Jupiter and the God Jupiter. To act though, she ages her body a few years and viola she’s the Fantastic Girl! Completely the way a young girl would imagine herself as a young adult in dress and style.
This first feature really is cute, I like the kind of old school artwork that is simple and expressive and it goes very well with the character. The story also makes you want to see more of her and see how she grows as time goes by. Nicely done.
Eternity Smith is a throwback story to the Silver Age of comics and boy does it bring back memories! I LOVED this! The artwork was so spot on Silver Age and the story too with it’s fantastical premise of robots and the unusual abilities of Dr. Ethan Caldwell and how he must save the day alongside his love Skylark.
I cannot express just how enjoyable this was. It really does make the reader miss what it was like back in the day. One when I first started reading comics, and introduces younger readers to a time when things were simpler and less angsty, dark or polluted with too much seriousness. Where heroes won the day sometimes easily sometimes not, but still it was a much simpler era of storytelling.
Honestly I miss this kind of artwork too, there’s a sophistication and realistic style to it that isn’t trying to be artsy or unique, it’s just extremely well done. Where men and women look like normal people who can do fantastic things.
This really is a tribute story to the men who led the way to what we read today and it really should be read by everyone!
Eternity Smith is a throwback story to the Silver Age of comics and boy does it bring back memories! I LOVED this! The artwork was so spot on Silver Age and the story too with it’s fantastical premise of robots and the unusual abilities of Dr. Ethan Caldwell and how he must save the day alongside his love Skylark.
I cannot express just how enjoyable this was. It really does make the reader miss what it was like back in the day. One when I first started reading comics, and introduces younger readers to a time when things were simpler and less angsty, dark or polluted with too much seriousness. Where heroes won the day sometimes easily sometimes not, but still it was a much simpler era of storytelling.
Honestly I miss this kind of artwork too, there’s a sophistication and realistic style to it that isn’t trying to be artsy or unique, it’s just extremely well done. Where men and women look like normal people who can do fantastic things.
This really is a tribute story to the men who led the way to what we read today and it really should be read by everyone!
Escape From New York #4
BOOM! Studios
Writer: Christopher Sebela
Artist: Diego Barreto
Colorist: Marissa Louise
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Reviewer: Scott Mack
Summary: As the USPF army comes down on the seceded nation of Florida, Snake is forced to take up arms for the twins. Little does he know that all is going according to plan. With an invasion in full swing, the end game is put into action. Time to ready the nukes.
Review: THIS TIME IT'S WAR!!
I have to confess, after the conclusion of the previous issue, I was wondering how Christopher Sebela was going to tie this up. After all, readers of the third issue review will recall I felt it was a little rushed in places. And to be honest, I think the series would have benefited from a fifth issue, with the third and fourth issues spreading the build up a little more.
Still, this is Snake, you want action right? I have to admit, I was beginning to doubt, and wondering if the last issue of this series was going to end on a satisfying note.
Surprisingly, it's actually exceeded it.
Now okay, I don't want to give the game away. So I guess I will refer to the talking point as “the significant event” that occurs in this issue (trust me, you won't be vague on what I'm referring to).
There are points where series artist Diego Barreto still needs clarity in the story-telling, I've held that point throughout the series. Sometimes 'bridging points' (how we get from 'a' to 'b') aren't very clear, in fact when the “the significant event” arrives, I wasn't entirely clear on what was going on. It took a couple of minutes to decipher even with the aerial shots.
Fortunately, the subsequent dialogue clarified what has happened. But don't get me wrong, I've grown to like Diego's style very much. Would I be drawn to a book drawn by him in the future however? I wouldn't be put off by it and I'd have a good idea what to expect. Over all, yes, I'd say his work would still be a selling point for me.
As for Chris Sebela, while the third issue lost traction, this final issue has redeemed that. Moving back to the qualities of the first couple of issues that kept me on-board for this series.
More importantly, it's easy to nihilistically think (and you'd be forgiven for doing so), that like so many licensed books, readers will be assumed to just settle for anything. Sebela and BOOM! Studios clearly don't agree. There was a point to Snake arriving in Florida, it's not just random, and we see this in the closing pages of the book.
And nicely done Mr. Sebela. Not a word spoken about it, just pay attention here. What could otherwise be perceived as a “cool sunset moment”, when Snake finally takes his leave, is actually the hinge of the book. When you think about that moment after, despite all his cynicism, you realise that Snake Plissken is more Human than those around him. Nice. It's more subtle, but with the same tenacity as Snake's exit in the original film.
There's also how Snake deals with the main protagonists of the book, I had wondered how this would reach a conclusion. Ultimately, The Twins are kids. So what do you do with them? Do they bite a bullet? Well, I guess you'll have to read it for that answer. Let's just say Snake gets to the heart of things and could probably teach a bit about parenting. You're only as strong as your influences.
But wait! Now all is said and done, where does Snake go from here? Don't worry, you get that answer too, with a twist right at the end of the book.
Mr. Sebela, a few bumps along the way, but you've done the original film proud, I look forward to the next part of this series.
BOOM! Studios
Writer: Christopher Sebela
Artist: Diego Barreto
Colorist: Marissa Louise
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Reviewer: Scott Mack
Summary: As the USPF army comes down on the seceded nation of Florida, Snake is forced to take up arms for the twins. Little does he know that all is going according to plan. With an invasion in full swing, the end game is put into action. Time to ready the nukes.
Review: THIS TIME IT'S WAR!!
I have to confess, after the conclusion of the previous issue, I was wondering how Christopher Sebela was going to tie this up. After all, readers of the third issue review will recall I felt it was a little rushed in places. And to be honest, I think the series would have benefited from a fifth issue, with the third and fourth issues spreading the build up a little more.
Still, this is Snake, you want action right? I have to admit, I was beginning to doubt, and wondering if the last issue of this series was going to end on a satisfying note.
Surprisingly, it's actually exceeded it.
Now okay, I don't want to give the game away. So I guess I will refer to the talking point as “the significant event” that occurs in this issue (trust me, you won't be vague on what I'm referring to).
There are points where series artist Diego Barreto still needs clarity in the story-telling, I've held that point throughout the series. Sometimes 'bridging points' (how we get from 'a' to 'b') aren't very clear, in fact when the “the significant event” arrives, I wasn't entirely clear on what was going on. It took a couple of minutes to decipher even with the aerial shots.
Fortunately, the subsequent dialogue clarified what has happened. But don't get me wrong, I've grown to like Diego's style very much. Would I be drawn to a book drawn by him in the future however? I wouldn't be put off by it and I'd have a good idea what to expect. Over all, yes, I'd say his work would still be a selling point for me.
As for Chris Sebela, while the third issue lost traction, this final issue has redeemed that. Moving back to the qualities of the first couple of issues that kept me on-board for this series.
More importantly, it's easy to nihilistically think (and you'd be forgiven for doing so), that like so many licensed books, readers will be assumed to just settle for anything. Sebela and BOOM! Studios clearly don't agree. There was a point to Snake arriving in Florida, it's not just random, and we see this in the closing pages of the book.
And nicely done Mr. Sebela. Not a word spoken about it, just pay attention here. What could otherwise be perceived as a “cool sunset moment”, when Snake finally takes his leave, is actually the hinge of the book. When you think about that moment after, despite all his cynicism, you realise that Snake Plissken is more Human than those around him. Nice. It's more subtle, but with the same tenacity as Snake's exit in the original film.
There's also how Snake deals with the main protagonists of the book, I had wondered how this would reach a conclusion. Ultimately, The Twins are kids. So what do you do with them? Do they bite a bullet? Well, I guess you'll have to read it for that answer. Let's just say Snake gets to the heart of things and could probably teach a bit about parenting. You're only as strong as your influences.
But wait! Now all is said and done, where does Snake go from here? Don't worry, you get that answer too, with a twist right at the end of the book.
Mr. Sebela, a few bumps along the way, but you've done the original film proud, I look forward to the next part of this series.
Champions Adventures #12
Heroic Publishing 2011
The Mystery of Sylph
Written by: Dennis Mallonee
Illustrated by: Jim Hall & Dell Barras
Coloured & lettered by: Dick O’Malley
Huntsman: Island of Peril
Written by: Steve Perrin
Illustrated by: Peter McDonnell & Willie Blyberg
Coloured by: Janice Cohen
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: There are two great adventures in the 12th issue of Champions Adventures. First, enjoy a classic tale of the Huntsman as he teams up with the League of Champions to take on the menace of Doctor Demonic and the League of Enemies.
Then, discover the secrets of the one true daughter of the dread lord Azsum-Gandi in "The Mystery of Sylph."
Review: So this issue starts off with the Mystery of Sylph and it’s twenty five years ago. The eighties, God help us! Where we see Sylph, the daughter of a demon-lord, training with her instructor at a dojo in Los Angeles. Well now I don’t care what era we’re in, this Sifu’s hairstyle is beyond anything I’d ever come to expect from anyone! I mean I thought he was wearing some kind of cowl ala Karate Kid but it’s his hair! Plus the clothing of sweet mother of Pearl Bailey, yeah I know it’s a flashback but c’mon! And by the way it’s totally worth reading for this as well as the story.
Okay disclaimer now this isn’t for all ages or someone offended by boobs, with nipples, and sexually oriented material. However it is vital, okay well not vital, to showing us the curse Sylph lives under and continues to live. The how and why not so much but there’s a part two coming next issue. Still, I find her predicament somewhat fascinating as do I the fact she is training at a Dojo. So I am guessing that self defense isn’t one of her forte’s of knowledge and being someone whose worshiped by criminals you’d think it would be.
Well the story is indeed interesting and the interior artwork is very well done and the colouring depicting the difference in race, caucasian, and hispanic was impressive without being insulting. If you can catch the one itty bitty snafu with with pants/belt congrats it’s very easy to overlook but that’s just an egg from me to you. But I will say this, I am now looking forward to learning more about Sylph and how many different incarnations she’s had to endure and why this all came about in the first place.
One of the things I absolutely adore about the Huntsman story is that it feels like old Comico stuff from say the Justice Machine/Elementals days for example. There’s just something completely refreshing about seeing the bright coloured costumes and the using of logic and smarts to solve a case without too many gadgets and such. Also, I love how this starts off at Champions headquarters with Icicle whining about not knowing anyone’s names. She may be Icestar’s brother but she has a long way to go still though. In many aspects she reminds me of Terra, the Huntsman does explain why they have no names and what they know of the bad guys being mentioned.
Well when we get on with seeing how the Huntsman operates I have to say that it’s pretty freakin awesome. Skulking about for clandestine meetings, kicking people out for their own safety, and so on and so forth. Oh yes and coming up with a plan, he tells Mr. Mace who is his government contact of course. So of course we see that plan in action and it reveals a traitor in the midst of Mace’s staff.
The Huntsman is a heck of a character he’s smart, charming, and effective. And isn’t afraid of taking on the bad guys, he’s what a real hero is all about. While Muerte looks like Dr. Destiny or Skeletor, it’s a nice look and it’s extremely classic for a villain named Death in Spanish. Aside from the great dialogue and interesting mix of heroes and villains, this has that look and feel of the older Justice League of America stories that took some of the members and sent them on a mission that ended well enough that most of the bad guys were caught.
I know a lot of people grumble about the good old days being gone but on April 15th I suggest you check this out and see if it fits the bill of what you’re looking for. Because I’m almost sure it will!
Heroic Publishing 2011
The Mystery of Sylph
Written by: Dennis Mallonee
Illustrated by: Jim Hall & Dell Barras
Coloured & lettered by: Dick O’Malley
Huntsman: Island of Peril
Written by: Steve Perrin
Illustrated by: Peter McDonnell & Willie Blyberg
Coloured by: Janice Cohen
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: There are two great adventures in the 12th issue of Champions Adventures. First, enjoy a classic tale of the Huntsman as he teams up with the League of Champions to take on the menace of Doctor Demonic and the League of Enemies.
Then, discover the secrets of the one true daughter of the dread lord Azsum-Gandi in "The Mystery of Sylph."
Review: So this issue starts off with the Mystery of Sylph and it’s twenty five years ago. The eighties, God help us! Where we see Sylph, the daughter of a demon-lord, training with her instructor at a dojo in Los Angeles. Well now I don’t care what era we’re in, this Sifu’s hairstyle is beyond anything I’d ever come to expect from anyone! I mean I thought he was wearing some kind of cowl ala Karate Kid but it’s his hair! Plus the clothing of sweet mother of Pearl Bailey, yeah I know it’s a flashback but c’mon! And by the way it’s totally worth reading for this as well as the story.
Okay disclaimer now this isn’t for all ages or someone offended by boobs, with nipples, and sexually oriented material. However it is vital, okay well not vital, to showing us the curse Sylph lives under and continues to live. The how and why not so much but there’s a part two coming next issue. Still, I find her predicament somewhat fascinating as do I the fact she is training at a Dojo. So I am guessing that self defense isn’t one of her forte’s of knowledge and being someone whose worshiped by criminals you’d think it would be.
Well the story is indeed interesting and the interior artwork is very well done and the colouring depicting the difference in race, caucasian, and hispanic was impressive without being insulting. If you can catch the one itty bitty snafu with with pants/belt congrats it’s very easy to overlook but that’s just an egg from me to you. But I will say this, I am now looking forward to learning more about Sylph and how many different incarnations she’s had to endure and why this all came about in the first place.
One of the things I absolutely adore about the Huntsman story is that it feels like old Comico stuff from say the Justice Machine/Elementals days for example. There’s just something completely refreshing about seeing the bright coloured costumes and the using of logic and smarts to solve a case without too many gadgets and such. Also, I love how this starts off at Champions headquarters with Icicle whining about not knowing anyone’s names. She may be Icestar’s brother but she has a long way to go still though. In many aspects she reminds me of Terra, the Huntsman does explain why they have no names and what they know of the bad guys being mentioned.
Well when we get on with seeing how the Huntsman operates I have to say that it’s pretty freakin awesome. Skulking about for clandestine meetings, kicking people out for their own safety, and so on and so forth. Oh yes and coming up with a plan, he tells Mr. Mace who is his government contact of course. So of course we see that plan in action and it reveals a traitor in the midst of Mace’s staff.
The Huntsman is a heck of a character he’s smart, charming, and effective. And isn’t afraid of taking on the bad guys, he’s what a real hero is all about. While Muerte looks like Dr. Destiny or Skeletor, it’s a nice look and it’s extremely classic for a villain named Death in Spanish. Aside from the great dialogue and interesting mix of heroes and villains, this has that look and feel of the older Justice League of America stories that took some of the members and sent them on a mission that ended well enough that most of the bad guys were caught.
I know a lot of people grumble about the good old days being gone but on April 15th I suggest you check this out and see if it fits the bill of what you’re looking for. Because I’m almost sure it will!