Jirni vol.2 #1
Aspen Comics 2015
Written by: J.T. Krul
Penciled by: V. Ken Marion
Inked by: Mark Roslan
Coloured by: Juan Fernandez
Lettered by: Josh Reed
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: Ara has returned—and has left more than her homeland behind, as her journey brings her to sea along with Boro and his band of pirates. However, what new wonders—and dangers--await Ara on their next stop? And will she be able to survive the experience? The world of Jirni explodes into uncharted territory as Ara’s epic story continues!
Review: What I really like about this is that if you haven’t read the first installment of Jirni well A. shame on you and B. you don’t have to have in order to enjoy this. New arc, new reader friendly and that’s a huge bonus when putting out a new volume. J.T. really is quite the talented writer and while I immensely enjoyed his run on Green Arrow I think he really shines here working on characters he gets to build from the ground up.
V. Ken, Mark and Juan's interiors work superbly alongside J.T.’s words. The ship, the characters and even the new species we’re introduced to this issue all have these remarkable and distinct looks to them that make them instantly recognizable. Not to mention the hues in the water or the cargo they pick up, all of it combine to really set this series apart. On a side note if you go to conventions and V. Ken happens to be there I suggest you get something from him if he’s able to do anyone at all and the stuff I’ve gotten from him is some of my favorite stuff.
There’s something really nice happening here in Ara and Boro’s relationship and no I don’t mean a romantic one, though I’m guessing Boro would jump at the chance to bed her. No, the banter and conversations they have show us a deeper side to them as they explore what makes the other one tick. They aren’t afraid of saying what they want to to each other and taking what they hear and either clarifying or correcting the other’s assumption. It’s this kind of frank and honest writing that has so much appeal to a reader. You don’t see it with them and the other crew members, Boro being Captain and all, though Ara is rather blunt and to the point many times so this grudging kind of respect and liking for the other comes across incredibly well and has more meaning to it.
I do have to admit I was more than a tad curious when they arrived at this black rock jutting up from the sea and the offer Boro made his crew about working this job and coming along. There’s a nice sense of trepidation here and the reveal is rather remarkable to behold and the symmetry between writing and artwork is once again so powerfully done. What I found myself really enjoying about this was the fact that Ara gets to see firsthand a different view of the world and how it works. Harsh and unforgiving at times and the little ones, baby bugs, who work the mines they’ve come to trade for has more than one purpose here. They are used to demonstrate the nature of the pirates and humans as well as the way the Tykthas society works and it’s all with a mutual respect and fear.
If this is your first exposure to Jirni you’re in for a treat if you are a returning fan it’s just a continuation of Ara’s journey as she discovers more about the world she lives in. Deadly, beautiful, and full of contradictions. This is a world you'd like to get lost in but would never willingly visit.
My only complaint is when it comes to Ara’s inner dialogue. I like her boxes where we see how she thinks and takes in all this but the colouring at times makes reading it harder than necessary as if the writing is too small for the strong colour inside the box.
Aspen Comics 2015
Written by: J.T. Krul
Penciled by: V. Ken Marion
Inked by: Mark Roslan
Coloured by: Juan Fernandez
Lettered by: Josh Reed
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: Ara has returned—and has left more than her homeland behind, as her journey brings her to sea along with Boro and his band of pirates. However, what new wonders—and dangers--await Ara on their next stop? And will she be able to survive the experience? The world of Jirni explodes into uncharted territory as Ara’s epic story continues!
Review: What I really like about this is that if you haven’t read the first installment of Jirni well A. shame on you and B. you don’t have to have in order to enjoy this. New arc, new reader friendly and that’s a huge bonus when putting out a new volume. J.T. really is quite the talented writer and while I immensely enjoyed his run on Green Arrow I think he really shines here working on characters he gets to build from the ground up.
V. Ken, Mark and Juan's interiors work superbly alongside J.T.’s words. The ship, the characters and even the new species we’re introduced to this issue all have these remarkable and distinct looks to them that make them instantly recognizable. Not to mention the hues in the water or the cargo they pick up, all of it combine to really set this series apart. On a side note if you go to conventions and V. Ken happens to be there I suggest you get something from him if he’s able to do anyone at all and the stuff I’ve gotten from him is some of my favorite stuff.
There’s something really nice happening here in Ara and Boro’s relationship and no I don’t mean a romantic one, though I’m guessing Boro would jump at the chance to bed her. No, the banter and conversations they have show us a deeper side to them as they explore what makes the other one tick. They aren’t afraid of saying what they want to to each other and taking what they hear and either clarifying or correcting the other’s assumption. It’s this kind of frank and honest writing that has so much appeal to a reader. You don’t see it with them and the other crew members, Boro being Captain and all, though Ara is rather blunt and to the point many times so this grudging kind of respect and liking for the other comes across incredibly well and has more meaning to it.
I do have to admit I was more than a tad curious when they arrived at this black rock jutting up from the sea and the offer Boro made his crew about working this job and coming along. There’s a nice sense of trepidation here and the reveal is rather remarkable to behold and the symmetry between writing and artwork is once again so powerfully done. What I found myself really enjoying about this was the fact that Ara gets to see firsthand a different view of the world and how it works. Harsh and unforgiving at times and the little ones, baby bugs, who work the mines they’ve come to trade for has more than one purpose here. They are used to demonstrate the nature of the pirates and humans as well as the way the Tykthas society works and it’s all with a mutual respect and fear.
If this is your first exposure to Jirni you’re in for a treat if you are a returning fan it’s just a continuation of Ara’s journey as she discovers more about the world she lives in. Deadly, beautiful, and full of contradictions. This is a world you'd like to get lost in but would never willingly visit.
My only complaint is when it comes to Ara’s inner dialogue. I like her boxes where we see how she thinks and takes in all this but the colouring at times makes reading it harder than necessary as if the writing is too small for the strong colour inside the box.
The Spire #2
Boom Studios 2015
Created & Written by: Simon Spurrier
Created & Illustrated by: Jeff Stokely
Coloured by: Andre May
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: The mysterious killer hunting the citizens of the Spire strikes again, and Shå will be the one to blame if she can’t track them down!
Review: There really is something quite imaginative about the denizens of this world the guys have created here. That so many species are present makes this so much more like some kind of outer space style old world type of story that it really captures the reader’s imagination and draws you into the story. What does it say that the humanoid species seems to be the ruling class mean for this world? I find this fascinating as we see the Spire as something of a mix of the world’s species under human rule and all of this amidst a change in the city’s ruler.
Jeff does a wonderful job bringing this to life as well. While it isn’t normally the type of work I gravitate towards it has this charm and uniqueness to it that you find yourself becoming so enamored of. It’s this combination of simple and intricate that defies classification but has enough attention to detail and lovely page layouts and panel usage that you really get in touch with these people through his work as well as the words.
I’m still creeped out a bit by these flying old men things that were meant to guide the other tribes to the Spire. On some level they are cute and funny but ultimately they really are just kind of creepy because of their visage but again by making them this way they add something unexpected to the mix that works and keeps the interest factor high.
When we see the Captain again she’s investigating a murder scene where the victim has had her eyeballs removed. She’s called to Upcity and Marchioness Julietta because she’s been attacked. I have to say I love her and as she takes control and issues orders it becomes clear that there’s a lot more to her than meets the eye. Even when talking to her Eminence you see just how uppity the ruling class is and how they see those whom they consider beneath them such as Sha. The conversation they have here is telling and incredibly well scripted by Simon and it really kind of sets a tone for things to come and Sha’s support in doing her job.
I like the ending too it’s something unexpected and it’s ramifications are something I cannot wait to see explored.
This has everything going for it, interesting premise, great characters, and it’s own charming interiors that really grab you and keep you thinking and leaving you with a desire to return.
Boom Studios 2015
Created & Written by: Simon Spurrier
Created & Illustrated by: Jeff Stokely
Coloured by: Andre May
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: The mysterious killer hunting the citizens of the Spire strikes again, and Shå will be the one to blame if she can’t track them down!
Review: There really is something quite imaginative about the denizens of this world the guys have created here. That so many species are present makes this so much more like some kind of outer space style old world type of story that it really captures the reader’s imagination and draws you into the story. What does it say that the humanoid species seems to be the ruling class mean for this world? I find this fascinating as we see the Spire as something of a mix of the world’s species under human rule and all of this amidst a change in the city’s ruler.
Jeff does a wonderful job bringing this to life as well. While it isn’t normally the type of work I gravitate towards it has this charm and uniqueness to it that you find yourself becoming so enamored of. It’s this combination of simple and intricate that defies classification but has enough attention to detail and lovely page layouts and panel usage that you really get in touch with these people through his work as well as the words.
I’m still creeped out a bit by these flying old men things that were meant to guide the other tribes to the Spire. On some level they are cute and funny but ultimately they really are just kind of creepy because of their visage but again by making them this way they add something unexpected to the mix that works and keeps the interest factor high.
When we see the Captain again she’s investigating a murder scene where the victim has had her eyeballs removed. She’s called to Upcity and Marchioness Julietta because she’s been attacked. I have to say I love her and as she takes control and issues orders it becomes clear that there’s a lot more to her than meets the eye. Even when talking to her Eminence you see just how uppity the ruling class is and how they see those whom they consider beneath them such as Sha. The conversation they have here is telling and incredibly well scripted by Simon and it really kind of sets a tone for things to come and Sha’s support in doing her job.
I like the ending too it’s something unexpected and it’s ramifications are something I cannot wait to see explored.
This has everything going for it, interesting premise, great characters, and it’s own charming interiors that really grab you and keep you thinking and leaving you with a desire to return.
Wolf #2
Image Comics 2015
Written by: Ales Kot
Illustrated by: Matt Taylor
Coloured by: Lee Loughridge
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: Antoine Wolfe, a hardboiled paranormal detective with a death wish, has to cope with sudden responsibility for an orphaned teenage girl who might be the key to the impending apocalypse, California-style. Also featured: a bag full of cash, a serial killer on the loose, and many secrets.
Review: Okay Ales, I love you, seriously the way this issue opens and kind of ends with the Scheettish Vheempir? Yeah okay that was just a stroke of sheer brilliance. Just the fact that he thought of that and it made it into the issue sealed this book’s fate for me as one of the most offbeat and brilliant pieces of storytelling around.
Then we get back to Wolf with his unexpected young visitor. A thirteen year old girl who may be the anti-christ whose grandmother, a ghost, has led her to Wolf and wants her to avoid the police since she doesn’t know which ones to trust and doesn’t seem intent on leaving anytime soon and isn’t quite mourning the loss of her parents. Actually when questioned about that she makes a lot of sense and comes across much wiser than her years would suggest.
I love the way their conversation is scripted and that she doesn’t flinch or bat an eyelash at learning that the world is filled with Vampires, Werewolves and the like. Regardless of how much he tries to persuade her how dangerous his life and being in it is she doesn’t care, it’s "I’m here, I need your help, and that’s that". There’s something incredibly endearing about it really and it just adds this certain something to the mix that while he’s unprepared to deal with you can see he has grudging respect for.
Oh the Santa Ana Winds and what they really are and that she can see them just as clearly as he can, yeah that’s a pretty amazing moment. Not just from Ales either because Matt and Lee do some wonderful imagery with for us as well. The colours and the outlines the whole thing is really kinda spooky and beautiful.
One subject is brought up twice this issue and honestly I'm surprised and laughing about it since it’s not something usually brought up a lot in comics and that we don’t see him squirm from it. People, I am such a huge fan of Ales' writing because honestly you never know how his mind is going to work or where he’s going to take something or how nonchalantly it’s going to be presented and that’s such a huge draw.
There’s this intelligent simplicity to the way he writes that engages the reader. Case in point is the inner dialogue Wolfe brings us as he tries to figure out everything that’s happening in his life and connect the dots as it were. I like how he thinks and how he tries to unravel the puzzle around him, it keeps the reader engaged and interested not to mention shows a nice way of thinking that perhaps you wouldn’t have thought of.
The end of the issue spotlights something coming and again the way one character talks is just something that will stand out.
This isn’t your normal supernatural detective style story. There’s a panache to this that really helps it stand out and make it a must read book.
Image Comics 2015
Written by: Ales Kot
Illustrated by: Matt Taylor
Coloured by: Lee Loughridge
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: Antoine Wolfe, a hardboiled paranormal detective with a death wish, has to cope with sudden responsibility for an orphaned teenage girl who might be the key to the impending apocalypse, California-style. Also featured: a bag full of cash, a serial killer on the loose, and many secrets.
Review: Okay Ales, I love you, seriously the way this issue opens and kind of ends with the Scheettish Vheempir? Yeah okay that was just a stroke of sheer brilliance. Just the fact that he thought of that and it made it into the issue sealed this book’s fate for me as one of the most offbeat and brilliant pieces of storytelling around.
Then we get back to Wolf with his unexpected young visitor. A thirteen year old girl who may be the anti-christ whose grandmother, a ghost, has led her to Wolf and wants her to avoid the police since she doesn’t know which ones to trust and doesn’t seem intent on leaving anytime soon and isn’t quite mourning the loss of her parents. Actually when questioned about that she makes a lot of sense and comes across much wiser than her years would suggest.
I love the way their conversation is scripted and that she doesn’t flinch or bat an eyelash at learning that the world is filled with Vampires, Werewolves and the like. Regardless of how much he tries to persuade her how dangerous his life and being in it is she doesn’t care, it’s "I’m here, I need your help, and that’s that". There’s something incredibly endearing about it really and it just adds this certain something to the mix that while he’s unprepared to deal with you can see he has grudging respect for.
Oh the Santa Ana Winds and what they really are and that she can see them just as clearly as he can, yeah that’s a pretty amazing moment. Not just from Ales either because Matt and Lee do some wonderful imagery with for us as well. The colours and the outlines the whole thing is really kinda spooky and beautiful.
One subject is brought up twice this issue and honestly I'm surprised and laughing about it since it’s not something usually brought up a lot in comics and that we don’t see him squirm from it. People, I am such a huge fan of Ales' writing because honestly you never know how his mind is going to work or where he’s going to take something or how nonchalantly it’s going to be presented and that’s such a huge draw.
There’s this intelligent simplicity to the way he writes that engages the reader. Case in point is the inner dialogue Wolfe brings us as he tries to figure out everything that’s happening in his life and connect the dots as it were. I like how he thinks and how he tries to unravel the puzzle around him, it keeps the reader engaged and interested not to mention shows a nice way of thinking that perhaps you wouldn’t have thought of.
The end of the issue spotlights something coming and again the way one character talks is just something that will stand out.
This isn’t your normal supernatural detective style story. There’s a panache to this that really helps it stand out and make it a must read book.
U.F.O.l.o.g.y #4 (of 6)
Boom Studios 2015
Created & Written by: James Tynion IV & Noah J. Yuenkel
Illustrated by: Matthew Fox
Coloured by: Adam Metcalfe
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: As Malcolm recalls a fond memory of his long-gone mother, he and Becky bond and finally team up to investigate the alien technology he found the night before. But someone is wise to their activities and looks to remove them from the equation.
Review: I am enjoying this series very much, there’s something inherently fun and cute about a couple of kids who discover an alien one of whom receives a mark the other desperately wanted and then seeing them try to work together to figure it all out and work together to accomplish things that most adults wouldn’t be able to dream of doing. Having both of them come from totally different yet similar homes however does do wonders in strengthening their bond. The writing and characterization here has a lot of elements of making this a wonderful all ages book and the interior artwork just kind of reinforces that as the aliens and things Becky sees are freaky looking but not horrific, though the headless corpse in the morgue might suggest this isn’t for a younger audience per se I still see this as a great teen to adult story.
Seeing Malcolm’s dad come down in the morning to find him and Becky at the kitchen table was really fun to witness unfold. I mean he’s not fully awake and everything happens before he has a proper chance to really register what’s going on and it’s a typical kids move and it made me laugh. Then off he goes again to do his radio show without even realizing his son is far more immersed in his world than he could ever hope to be.
Malcolm has a few secrets and he takes Becky someplace where something ought to be but it isn’t there. Instead thanks to her new connection she does find something left behind. A book filled with symbols that make up a language unlike any man has seen. However before we can focus on that we need to head back to the grown-up world and Geoff’s talking to the Sheriff, Becky’s dad, about the slime and how it could be important because of it’s properties and the connection to what they’ve been finding in other locations. Now here’s a great example of how as an adult we lose a connection to the curiosity and wonder of our youth and thinking outside the box and if you read you’ll understand exactly what I’m saying. Folks like us however who continue to read and enjoy probably understand less about losing that connections than those that don’t.
The ending here too is pretty great. Along with all the flashback sequences which kind of help define the kids currently and the man whom they encounter with his decidedly alien slimy body, sound familiar, well it promises to really heat things up next issue as hopefully the kids will learn the secret of why the ship came, what it’s looking for and if this slime guy is trying to stop them, plus if so why. This is fun cute look at a world you don’t expect to really get into and while it has all the elements of a campy old school B level science fiction movie it balances that line and keeps it fresh, original, and interesting while still paying an homage to late night delights.
All around I highly recommend this for anyone and everyone as the words and interiors blend to make this a fantastic story that goes deeper than you first realize.
Boom Studios 2015
Created & Written by: James Tynion IV & Noah J. Yuenkel
Illustrated by: Matthew Fox
Coloured by: Adam Metcalfe
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: As Malcolm recalls a fond memory of his long-gone mother, he and Becky bond and finally team up to investigate the alien technology he found the night before. But someone is wise to their activities and looks to remove them from the equation.
Review: I am enjoying this series very much, there’s something inherently fun and cute about a couple of kids who discover an alien one of whom receives a mark the other desperately wanted and then seeing them try to work together to figure it all out and work together to accomplish things that most adults wouldn’t be able to dream of doing. Having both of them come from totally different yet similar homes however does do wonders in strengthening their bond. The writing and characterization here has a lot of elements of making this a wonderful all ages book and the interior artwork just kind of reinforces that as the aliens and things Becky sees are freaky looking but not horrific, though the headless corpse in the morgue might suggest this isn’t for a younger audience per se I still see this as a great teen to adult story.
Seeing Malcolm’s dad come down in the morning to find him and Becky at the kitchen table was really fun to witness unfold. I mean he’s not fully awake and everything happens before he has a proper chance to really register what’s going on and it’s a typical kids move and it made me laugh. Then off he goes again to do his radio show without even realizing his son is far more immersed in his world than he could ever hope to be.
Malcolm has a few secrets and he takes Becky someplace where something ought to be but it isn’t there. Instead thanks to her new connection she does find something left behind. A book filled with symbols that make up a language unlike any man has seen. However before we can focus on that we need to head back to the grown-up world and Geoff’s talking to the Sheriff, Becky’s dad, about the slime and how it could be important because of it’s properties and the connection to what they’ve been finding in other locations. Now here’s a great example of how as an adult we lose a connection to the curiosity and wonder of our youth and thinking outside the box and if you read you’ll understand exactly what I’m saying. Folks like us however who continue to read and enjoy probably understand less about losing that connections than those that don’t.
The ending here too is pretty great. Along with all the flashback sequences which kind of help define the kids currently and the man whom they encounter with his decidedly alien slimy body, sound familiar, well it promises to really heat things up next issue as hopefully the kids will learn the secret of why the ship came, what it’s looking for and if this slime guy is trying to stop them, plus if so why. This is fun cute look at a world you don’t expect to really get into and while it has all the elements of a campy old school B level science fiction movie it balances that line and keeps it fresh, original, and interesting while still paying an homage to late night delights.
All around I highly recommend this for anyone and everyone as the words and interiors blend to make this a fantastic story that goes deeper than you first realize.