Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director / administrative assistant / party planner / head turkey-taster-in-charge Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). It’s Thanksgiving time again, and in light of the awfulness that is Trump, we have closed the Donist World corporate headquarters (Mom’s basement) for the week to reflect on the things we are thankful for. The funny thing is that even though the office was closed, we still spent a whole bunch of time hanging out, going for walks, and sharing some turkey together. And let’s not forget the pumpkin pie and Ballast Point “Victory at Sea” beers…mmmmmm, never forget those. So, pour yourself a pumpkin drink, or a “Victory at Sea” (or a coffee, if beer ain’t your thang), go see Doctor Strange (it’s really good!), and definitely read some great comics. Take care. Thank you for reading!
*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap. ***Possible Spoilers Below***
Written and lettered by John Layman, illustrated and colored by Rob Guillory, color assists by Taylor Wells, published by Image Comics. Well…dang, Denizens. Here we are at the end of a Donist World Darling, and although I have been lamenting the impending conclusion to what will forever be one of the most unique comics to ever grace the stands, I have to admit I still wasn’t ready for this issue. <sigh> That said, this is the perfect end to a fantastic series, and I’m not going to spoil a thing. Sorry, you just need to pick up the trades, or the beautiful hardcovers (my personal recommendation) and go with the flow. What I will give you is that we catch a glimpse of the future — as indicated by the three older fellows on the cover — where the repercussions of the penultimate issue finally play out. We see Tony, Applebee, Cesar, Chow, Olive, and Ginny (I forgot who she was for a brief moment, but the creators remind us quickly enough), as well as the egg-worshipping nutbags. This isn’t the final episode of Lost, where we are left with more mysteries than answers, and few satisfying character arcs. I say the nay, Denizens. Yes, there are some unanswered questions — namely where do we go from the final startling moment — but everything makes sense, all characters act appropriately, there are some stellar action sequences, and, most important of all, longtime Chew fans will be happy with the end result. Goodbye, Chew. It was a pleasure getting to know you, and I’ll look back upon our time together with great fondness. You will forever be on my every-other-year reread list. I look forward to Layman and Guillory’s next adventure. This conclusion and the series as a whole are VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Written by Mark Millar, illustrated by Stuart Immonen, inked by Wade von Grawbadger, colored by Ive Svorcina and Sunny Gho, lettered by Peter Doherty, edited by Rachael Fulton, published by Icon, a Marvel Comics imprint. Holy cow! The conclusion to Empress is a freakin’ blast! There are multiple twists in this issue that I did not see coming despite various hints sprinkled throughout the first six issues. Again, wow! This issue is oversized, yet I was so riveted as the stakes escalated again and again and again and again, that the pages flew by; I was so pumped by the time I reached the last page, I immediately reread it from the beginning. Most of our heroes have a moment to shine with this issue and shine they do up until the final panel of the final page that reveals this to be the “End of Book One.” Millar and Immonen give us many satisfying answers, and they introduce a few new questions to carry us into Book Two…whenever that shows up in my eager mitts. Empress is an exceptional sci-fi story, with gorgeous art and vibrant colors, that is certain to please. If you did yourself a disservice by not reading this comic as it came out, then you can breathe easy knowing that a hardcover collection will be available come February 2017, or you can scramble to find the floppies and avoid the long wait. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Written and illustrated by Genndy Tartakovsky, inked by Stephen DeStefano, colored by Bill Wray and Genndy Tartakovsky, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics. Well alrighty, Denizens. You know how much I enjoyed the first issue of Cage (check out my thoughts on it here), and you know that I am a HUGE fan of the animated television series Samurai Jack, so knowing I would love this second issue was a no-brainer; I just didn’t realize how much I would love this issue. I don’t care that I finished my initial read in record time because of very few captions and word balloons, two double-page spreads, and four splash pages. The art and colors, and what little story there is are fantastic and demand several rereads and some long pauses over every panel / page of Tartakovsky’s gorgeous and psychedelic work. Let’s face it, Denizens, thus far this comic is about equal parts love of the character and love of the art; the positively nutballs story is just gravy. Also, this book is unmired by events or crossovers of any sort making it a completely self-contained story. The most important thing to know is that this issue makes me want to reread the first while making me equally hungry for the next. You want to know what would make for a “Sweet Christman?” Some sweet posters from this sweet series. So much fun. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Written by Greg Rucka, illustrated by Liam Sharp, colored by Laura Martin, lettered by Jodi Wynne, published by DC Comics. I need to keep it real, Denizens. I completely thought I had missed an issue or something. Yes, as I say each time, even-numbered issues are “Year One” books set in the past, and odd-numbered ones are set in the present. What I’m saying is that there is a gap in events — I think — from issue 9 to this one. It wasn’t until about halfway through the story that Steve Trevor states, “None of this seems wrong to you?” that I relaxed enough to realize that I was not crazy, that I had not missed a key issue. Dialogue and art are solid as ever, but much of the vibrant colors of previous issues have transitioned into darker hues, which I suppose is an indication of dark times ahead. Here’s the thing. I read this issue feeling as confused as Diana, which I assume is the point, but the confusion and doubt mostly served to pull me out of the story. Still, I love Steve and Diana’s relationship, and the b-story with Etta and Sasha is creepy cool. I will definitely be there for issue 13 to see what happens next. RECOMMENDED!
Written by Jeff Parker; illustrated by Ron Randall, Steve Lieber, and Evan “Doc” Shaner, colored by Veronica Gandini, lettered by ALW Studios’s Dave Lanphear, published by DC Comics. I greatly enjoyed reading the first three issues of Future Quest, and the rest of the series has thus far been highly entertaining, but I feel that possibly too many groups of heroes have been introduced to deal with the cosmic threat of the evil Omnikron. Thus far, we have characters from Jonny Quest, the Herculoids, Space Ghost, Birdman, The Impossibles, Frankenstein Jr., The Galaxy Trio, Mightor, and Spanky all making an appearance and requiring introductions. Now, I grew up knowing some of these characters, but others I had never even heard of, which I suppose will be the case for most readers. Honestly, how many of you knew every one of the groups listed above? Or noticed that I added a non-existent character, “Spanky,” to the list to exaggerate just how jam-packed this series is? It’s kind of hard to keep it all straight. But all poking fun aside, Future Quest is highly enjoyable, and now that everyone is on the board (dang, I hope there aren’t any other characters, we still haven’t even been properly introduced to The Galaxy Trio yet), this grand, ambitious story can begin to move forward at a quicker pace. You can catch up on this book with the February 2017 trade release of the first six issues. You definitely need to check this one out. RECOMMENDED!
Slice into the Woods
Sharon Jones
Fuck! Another creative genius lost their life in 2016. Criminy, this year just needs to end and ease up on the bad news for a while. I came late to Sharon Jones and her music with the Dap-Kings, but it hit me with the force of a tornado and has been a staple at Donist World for quite some time now…and will ever remain so. <sigh> You will be sorely missed, Miss Jones. RIP.
Donald Trump’s Continued Strides to Ruin America
The negative and truly awful things this inexperienced, morally bankrupt, orange blowhard has done over the last week — not to mention the past year — are simply too numerous to recount here. I’ll just focus on a couple:
Betsy DeVos was picked as head of the Department of Education. She’s a billionaire donor to the Republican party. She has no experience in public education. She has spent no time in the classroom. DeVos is a proponent of the common core and “school choice,” which means our tax dollars going to charter schools, for-profit schools, and worst of all religious schools. Her appointment is an insulting blow to our public education system. For a real look at charter schools and what she is so gung-ho for, check out this piece by John Oliver from “Last Week Tonight.”
The Trump University fraud case reached a $25,000,000 settlement. I am sad this happened to people, but I’m glad Trump, not his Foundation, has to pay for it. This should be all over the news.
Steve Bannon, a white supremacist, is still slated to be President-elect Trump’s chief strategist. This wasn’t from last week but needs repeating for as long as Trump and his new supervillain sidekick are in the picture.
Again, these are just a few of the terrible things Trump has been involved with this week. Truly deplorable.
Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director / administrative assistant / party planner / lead canine of change Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). Okay, so I had a bunch of comics to read this week and only got to four of them last night, and those are the ones I’m going to talk about below…among other stuff. One thing you might notice is that the reviews will be a bit shorter going forward than they have been historically. Why is this? Well, Tulip, Reverse Obie, and I decided that after all these years, coming up with something unique to say about the many series we love was becoming increasingly difficult, especially with series that are running well into the double-digit numbering. Writing such reviews was also incredibly time consuming, so I want to mix things up and not just talk solely about the new comics of the week, but other cool comic related things as well. So, pour yourself a Stone Brewing Xocoveza (or a coffee, if beer ain’t your thang), check out something spooooooky for Halloween, and most of all read some great comics. Take care. Thank you for reading!
*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.
***Possible Spoilers Below***
Thus concludes the third arc of what is easily my favorite comic currently hitting the stands, and what a doozy of an issue it is. For those of you currently giving a sigh of relief that we will only have to wait until December for the next story arc, you are also reeling from the revelations of this issue that primarily focuses on — surprise, surprise — the mining robot Driller. The majority of the book is told in flashback, and true to much of Lemire’s work, I got a little choked up seeing what pushed the simple bot over the edge and on a path to becoming a “real killer.” But it’s the implications of Driller’s actions that kept popping into my head throughout the following day. Whoa boy howdy! Nguyen’s watercolored art is simply gorgeous and worth lingering over on your first, your second, and every subsequent read. If you are a sci-fi fan, then you cannot pass on this fantastic, heartfelt, and compelling comic. I love this series so much I double-dip on the trades (third volume is out in December), and I will triple-dip whenever an oversized hardcover lands. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Okay, okay, now I know that Remender has a bunch of freakin’ fantastic creator-owned comics coming out, but at only two issues in, Seven to Eternity looks to be my favorite, which is saying something as they are all fantastic. The crazy thing is that I don’t even completely understand what the heck is going on in this fantasy series. I love it all: I dig the world, the characters, the mysterious powers / magic that some beings possess, and the use of totally bizarre creatures — you have to check out Drawbridge and the rest…wow! I’ve been a fan of Opeña’s for a while now, but this…this is some next-level shit, Denizens. Actually, the man seems to have gone up a couple of levels with this book, which is saying something. If you missed the overprinted but sold out first issue, then you really need to remedy that situation and try to scare up a copy when you rush out to pick up this month’s offering. This series looks to be spectacular, and I can’t wait to see more of Adam Osidis, the Mud King, and all the other groovy characters. Man, this comic is good! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Holy hot wings, Denizens! There’s only one more issue left to go in the most unique series on the stand. The thought of this is kind of messing me up right now, although not as much as the two major occurrences and the repercussions of Tony’s actions in this issue that all have my mind in a whirl. Decidedly, this issue is much less humorous than what has come before, which is not to say that you won’t smile at least a couple times, but if you are already this close to the finish line, then you kind of had to expect the events of this issue. Amirite?! Anyhow, maybe we’ll get another Poyo issue once all is said and done, but other than that the end is nigh. If you skipped out on the funny, heartbreaking, disgusting, compelling awesomeness of Chew, then you can easily catch up with the trades or the lovely Omnivore Editionhardcovers before the animated series drops, which is hopefully some day soon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Last issue served as a reminder that no one is safe in this series, and what a harsh reminder it was indeed. It was also a dang strong issue. Now before anyone gets upset or in a tizzy or anything, I will first say that there is no such thing as a bad issue of Saga — I honestly doubt there ever will be — but that said, this was not one of my favorite issues. I’m not knocking the creators, not every issue can be superamazing, but sometimes you get an issue that’s merely awesome. I guess I was mostly hoping for some immediate fallout from the tragic and unexpected event from last month, but I guess we’ll get that in November. If you aren’t caught up on Saga, or perish the thought you never started this delightful NSFW, sci-fi, fantasy, adventure, humor, romance, family dynamic comic, then you done futzed up, son. Fix yourself up with the trades or the lovely hardcover. RECOMMENDED!
What better way to say I love you than with…wait…that’s Valentine’s Day, but what if that special someone likes all things spooky? Well, you can’t go wrong with any of the books from last year’s “The Donist World Required Reading Halloween Bash!” post, which I strongly encourage you to check out if you want to slide into the mood of the season. That said, I will once again implore you to read my all-time-favorite Halloween graphic novella (actually, it’s one of my all-time-favorite books for any season) The Upturned Stone. Oh me, oh my, how I love this book. I have written about The Upturned Stone many times over the years, and if you click on the link you can buy it from Heavy Metal for the ridiculously low price of $3. That. Is. Insane. I’m actually considering ordering five or six copies so I can give them away as gifts. It’s kind of a watercolored mashup of a ghost story and Stand by Me, and I would go so far as to call it a masterpiece. If you enjoyed the spectacular Stranger Things show on Netflix, then this is right up your alley. Much love for The Upturned Stone, as well as the many other books on the list. So, let the rain hammer down, the wind howl, the leaves fall, and the lights flicker, as you creep yourself out with some truly great stories. Have a Happy Halloween!
Slice into the Woods
The Dagburned Refrigerator
Stay with me on this, Denizens, it actually does have something to do with comic books, as this necessary appliance is what prevented me from reading all my books in time for FSoH/SitW. Basically, the refrig has been quite loud for the past couple years, and for the last month started making a loud “click” every minute or so. It also stopped properly cooling the freezer as it should. Bummer, the thing’s not that old. So, instead of calling Sears or an HVAC guy, I did some research, found four things that could be the problem, ordered two parts ($45 total), and got to it. What I did was pull out the refrigerator, unplugged the thing (safety and common sense first), vacuumed under the fridge and also the dust-clogged fan (something we have never done…my bad). I then replaced the capacitor and the overflow (the two tiny parts I ordered), and now the refrigerator is working better than ever, and hopefully it stays working like that for a good long while. Now, I can get back to the rest of my comics…after I throw out all this spoiled food. Ugh.
Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director / administrative assistant / party planner / beachgoer Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). Today, the Donist World corporate office (Mom’s basement) is vacating the premises for an offsite day of reflection — over doughnuts and coffee, of course — and then heading to the beach for some fun in the sun and teambuilding our way to maintaining our status as a Fortune 320,000 company. It should be good times. So, if you can’t make it to the beach, be sure to read some of the awesome Prezcomic, check-in on an episode or two of the exceptional Stranger Things on Netflix, and most of all read some great comics. Take care. Thank you for reading!
*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.
***Possible Spoilers Below***
Seven to Eternity #1
Seven to Eternity #1- Written by Rick Remender, illustrated by Jerome Opeña, colored Matt Hollingsworth, lettered by Rus Wooton, edited by Sebastian Girner, published by Image Comics. Garils Sulm, The God of Whispers, has conquered most of a world…but most is not all. One man, Zebadiah Osidis, heard the conqueror’s words and rejected him, and he and his kin were ultimately forced to settle to one of the most obscure regions. Unfortunately for the Osidis family, the “Mud King” has found them.
Yes to everything about this phenomenal new series from creator-owned hero Rick Remender. We’ve already experienced some fantastic sci-fi (Fear Agent, Black Science, Low, Tokyo Ghost) and great action / drama (Deadly Class), and now we are led into the glorious domain of fantasy with this exciting new series. Now, Denizens, this book has everything a Donist could ever hope for in a comic book: a determination to persevere in the face of great adversity, staying true to yourself and those you love, groovy monsters, a crazy sort of magic the rules of which I don’t yet fully understand, a fearsome evil being cloaked in mystery, and so much more. As I have said with many of Remender’s other works, this book seems like it was written for me.
The dialogue and characterization stand strong all on its lonesome, but with Opeña’s art to bring this rich world to life…boy howdy, best hold onto your knickerbockers, you’re in for a heck of a ride. Yes, the usual can be said about the tight storytelling and character acting, but the design is what’s sure to rock your world starting with page one. The character designs and costuming are stunning, the design of the monsters — especially on the spectacular double-page spread — jaw-dropping, and the seamless mix of familiar with the completely alien had me wanting to both stay on the page and whip through to see what could possibly come next. Pushing all of the incredible linework is Hollingsworth’s vibrant colors, especially when magic fully enters the scene with the confrontation between Zebadiah and a Piper (not gonna spoil this character, you just need to see him). Where most comics tend toward a muddy / muted coloring scheme, this one is not afraid to dazzle when it wants to give that extra one-two punch.
I love this first issue. You need to go out right now and get a copy of Seven to Eternity…if you can find one, that is. As far as first issues go, I could not have been more pleasantly surprised by this comic. I had high expectations going in, and the creators gave me so much more than I could have hoped for. Wowsers, Denizens, I cannot wait to see what happens next. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Empress #6
Empress #6- Written by Mark Millar, illustrated by Stuart Immonen, inked by Wade von Grawbadger, colored by Ive Svorcina, lettered by Peter Doherty, edited by Rachel Fulton, published by Icon, a Marvel Comics imprint. Queen Emporia, along with her children and protectors, have finally arrived at their destination, but is it truly the safe haven they have been seeking? I have been enjoying this seven-issue mini-series since issue one, but I have to admit that my interest waned a little with the past couple of issues. Don’t get me wrong, Denizens, I still really enjoyed those issues, but I think I was hoping for a little bit more insight into some of the characters. This issue does not provide any flashbacks or anything, but what it does give is a look into some of the characters’ relationships with each other, which got me square in the feels and brought me back in. It also helped that Immonen’s art is off the chain with the character acting, and Svorcina’s colors made the banking world of Euphoria a gorgeous showcase of how color can make an already great comic book even better.
<Arrrgh> There’s only one more issue left in this great series, and given the two twists I didn’t see coming, I have no idea how this story is going wrap up. What I do know is that I don’t want Empress to end; I still want more more more. If you chose not to pick up this great sci-fi roller coaster of an adventure <ugh, how could you do this to me?>, then never fear: you can pick up the hardcover sometime in February. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Chew #58
Chew #58- Written and lettered by John Layman, illustrated and colored by Rob Guillory, color assists by Taylor Wells, published by Image Comics. Well, looks like the end of the world is tomorrow, so whatever is a cibopathic FDA agent supposed to do? Why, go on the ultimate date with his honey, of course. At certain points in life, you just have to accept that some good things must come to an end. That monstrous mud pie you ordered, that exceptional rare beer you just popped open, the television series Firefly (oh, heck, and Stranger Things, too). It simply must be. So it goes with Chew.
What more can I say about this series that hasn’t already been said — 61 times by me to be exact (including Poyo! specials and a Revival crossover — other than I love it, and the glorious hardcover Omnivore Editionsreside on my favorite bookshelf for all to see. If you’ve been reading along since the beginning, then you are exactly where I am: eagerly awaiting the next issue that puts you that much closer to the end. If you are sitting there sayin’, dang, Donist, after hearing you jaw on and on about this series 62 times now I’m finally sold. Where do I jump in? Well, let me tell ya. I’m glad you’ve finally listened to me, and you should start at issue one. Duh. Of course you start with issue one. You need to grow to love the characters, learn the world and its rules, and get sucked into the bizarre mystery of this Donist World Darling of a series. Hey, you also get the added bonus of seeing Guillory’s art evolve and Layman’s premonitions come to pass. Just know that it is never too late to dive into the most unique comic on the stands, and you can do so through the trades or the previously mentioned Omnivore Editions. Trust me. You’ll be glad you did. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Archie #12
Archie #12- Written by Mark Waid, breakdowns by Ryan Jampole, finishes by Thomas Pitilli, colored by Andre Szymanowicz, lettered by Jack Morelli, published by Archie Comic Publications, Inc. An understandably misinterpreted hug. A mayoral race coming to a close. Current loves deciding enough is enough. It’s all chaotic business as usual for our favorite redheaded resident of Riverdale.
I’m gonna have to take Ronnie and Sayid’s side on this one, they have a right to be upset. Now, I can see being on good terms with an ex and still being friends and all, but the connection between Archie and Betty has been built into a reinforced bridge since the two were toddlers. How’re possible new romantic interests, or even possible new friends for that matter, supposed to compete with that? In short, it ain’t easy. Waid continues to take a decades long love triangle, expand upon it, and ground it in reality, all the while making the reader sympathetic and understanding toward each character’s feelings. In the end, we’re just as torn over the situations in Archie as the characters themselves.
The inconsistent look of the art from last issue is not a factor this month, as Jampole and Pitilli provide panels and pages reminiscent of the art that has come before, while keeping the reader immersed in the rather heartbreaking story. There are some lighthearted moments this issue, with some great sight gags, but the humor dips in favor of the drama this month, which is the right choice in getting this ol’ Donist’s cold heart to melt.
So that wraps another storyline, and I fully intend to be there for the next issue that reintroduces yet another well-known redhead into the mix, Cheryl Blossom. I can’t wait. If you need a break from the capes and tights, and Civil Fights of the New Less than 100, then you owe it to yourself to give the relaunch of Archie a try. Just be sure to start at the beginning with the first trade and then mosey on over to the second trade when it becomes available late December . RECOMMENDED!
Slice into the Woods
Keeping it Positive This Week - I want to keep it positive this week and just reflect on the great comics I’ve read and the tons of great comics yet to be discovered. Have a great weekend and…and…Donald “Drumpf” Trump is a small-handed, lying, racist, entitled, inheritance-having chump (or is it “Chumpf?”). And John Stumpf (Wells Fargo CEO in charge of defrauding Americans, and firing loyal workers because he is a dick) should go to jail and lose everything he stole made. <ack> Be positive. Be positive. Puppies…are…cute. Burritos…beer…
Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director / administrative assistant / party planner / Prez worshipper Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). The Donist World corporate office (Mom’s basement) had some surprise guests, and we are dreadfully late, so I’m keeping the intro short. So take a breath, take a slice of pizza, read some of the awesome Prez (see “Slice into the Woods” below <sniffle>), and check-in on an episode or two of the exceptional Stranger Things on Netflix, and most of all read some great comics…like Prez. Take care. Thank you for reading!
*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.
***Possible Spoilers Below***
Chew #57
Chew #57- Written and lettered by John Layman, illustrated and colored by Rob Guillory, color assists by Taylor Wells, published by Image Comics. Mason might have been hesitant to clue Tony into what exactly caused the catastrophic avian flu, but he is now more than willing to throw open the door to knowledge, and what a monstrous door it is!
Three more issues! <waaaaaaaa> Only three more issues left in the phenomenal series that has been a Donist World Darling since 2009, and now that we are in the homestretch, answers are coming fast and hard. Well, relatively fast, as the oft verbose Mason relays what he had learned throughout the course of the book in the character’s own unique fashion. The answers are not what I was expecting, yet they fit perfectly within the Chewiverse in that the cause of the avian flu is weird, gross, funny, and substantial; just like Chew.
The art is as beautiful and unique as it has always been, only this issue sees a few more sight gags added into the mix than we have seen as of late. Things are serious, Denizens, but despite end-of-the world level happenings, these creators continue to keep you smiling as your nerves become increasingly rattled. Given the particularly rough cliffhanger we are left with this issue, Layman and Guillory look to ramp things up and keep us off balance all the way through to the end. Fine by me.
You know I love Chew. I’ve been jawin’ on and on about it for years now, and I’m gonna keep extolling the virtues of the most unique comic on the stands all the way through to the end at issue 60. Even after that, you can expect me to mention this great comic fairly often just because it is so near and dear to my heart. So what are you doin’? Sittin’ around goin’, “Dang, Donist, maybe I shoulda checked Chew out.” Yes, you should have, dagnabbit, but it’s not too late. You can pick up the trades, or the Donist World weapon of choice the Omnivore Editions, or, for those with cash to burn, the glorious Smorgasbord Editions. Whatever you do, get this series into your collection so you can display it proudly on your favorite shelf. Trust this ol’ Donist, it’s so very worth it. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Wonder Woman #5
Wonder Woman #5- Written by Greg Rucka, illustrated by Liam Sharp, colored by Laura Martin, lettered by Jodi Wynne, published by DC Comics. Steve Trevor captured by a malevolent dictator with not-necessarily delusions of grandeur? The Cheetah slipping deeper under the power of a dark god? It’s up to the Princess of Power to save them both while seeking answers to her own plight.
I never thought I would say this, but I am loving the biweekly shipping schedule on this series. Yes, it is all under the same title, but with the even-numbered issues taking place in the present with one artist (Liam Sharp), and the odd-numbered issues taking place in the past with a different artist (Nicola Scott), it really seems like two separate Wonder Woman series are currently being published. Hey, if Supes and Bats can have tons of books every month, the third part of the trinity should as well, especially given the awesome stories Rucka is giving us and the gorgeous, and I mean gorgeous, art gracing each page.
Even though we get more questions than answers with this issue (namely who is this Sasha woman, and what exactly is this bond between Steve and Diana that everybody but them understands?) I am so attached to these creator’s take on Wonder Woman that I am cool with them growing the mystery and telling the story however they see fit. Things are moving fast with this biweekly series, Denizens. Whether you’re interested in Wonder Woman’s past or present, both periods are worth checking out, which I recommend you do by starting with Wonder Woman: Rebirth and then jumping into the series proper. I’m thrilled to be this excited by a Wonder Woman comic once again. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Archie #11
Archie #11 - Written by Mark Waid, illustrated by Ryan Jampole with finishes by Thomas Pitilli, colored by Andre Szymanowicz with assists by Jen Vaughn, lettered by Jack Morelli, published by Archie Comic Publications, Inc. It’s a battle of the bands as The Ronnies square off against Betty and the Waves in the school talent contest.
Archie continues to be a fun, thoughtful, often heartfelt tale loyal to the much-loved characters, while simultaneously ushering them into the modern age. Not an easy thing to do, but Waid has me hooked. I also appreciate the evenly divided Riverdale in regard to the mayoral race and how it is driving a wedge between people just as Archie’s relationship with Veronica continues to be a strain on his and Betty’s friends. As goofy as things might become, Archie is highly relatable, which is all part of its allure.
I have to admit that I am missing Fiona Staples and also Veronica Fish with this issue, but the art is still good, and the comic is something those seeking a break from superhero comics — except for Wonder Woman, of course — need to be reading. You can and should jump in with the first amazing trade and I’m certain you will pick up the second upon its release in time for the holidays. RECOMMENDED!
Slice into the Woods
Prez Cancelled?!?!- After telling a coworker about the glory of the heavenly comic Prez, one of the best comic maxi-series published in 2015, I thought I would take a look and see if there was any news as to when the final act would begin to appear. I was pained to learn that the series has been cancelled. This f_ing sucks. Prez (Written by Mark Russell and illustrated by Ben Caldwell) is a futuristic satire on American politics, society, healthcare, foreign relations, immigration, global warming (yes, it’s real…it’s called f_ing science) and so much more. It is laugh out loud funny, up until you start to realize just how steeped in reality this comic actually is. I started wishing we had a Beth Ross running against the candidates we have now, and I was super pumped to see how the series would end. Apparently, instead of the promised final six issues, we will get a 13-page story in some other comic at some point in the future. This. Is. Weak. Sauce. How hard is it to put out the final six issues concerning a fictional teen president, that is brilliantly critical of current situations, while being a critically acclaimed and entertaining comic to boot? This is an election year, for Pete’s sake, and an incredibly polarizing one, as well. Why was this series not sent to the monstrously import Last Week Tonight with John Oliver ages ago? He just featured a novel about a child president, dagnabbit! Prez would surely have had a shot to be featured on that show. <argh!> It’s pretty safe to say that Prez was not moving Supes or Bats level of numbers, but given the timeliness, the subject matter, and the acclaim these talented creators have received, NOT putting this book out is a sad misstep and quite possibly a huge missed opportunity. Poopies.
Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director / administrative assistant / party planner / splinter hater Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). Okay, the Donist World corporate office (Mom’s basement) is still under siege as new carpet is set to be put in today, thus I am moving heavy items and furniture around the room as Tulip and Reverse Obie enjoy free rides as I drag a couch here and push a cabinet there. I keep telling them to get off — they’re a combined 45 pounds — but after Tulip’s trying day yesterday, I’m kind of okay with them goofing off a bit. So, while I lament not being at the SDCC, and frantically shuffle large objects around, you should pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee, cook up some delicious waffles, and most of all read some great comics. Take care. Thank you for reading!
*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.
***Possible Spoilers Below***
Lazarus #23
Lazarus #23- Written by Greg Rucka, pencilled by Michael Lark, inked by Michael Lark and Tyler Boss, colored by Santi Arcas, lettered by Jodi Wynne, publication design by Eric Trautmann, published by Image Comics. It’s Lazari versus Lazari as Sonja confronts the dreaded Mueller in Switzerland. Meanwhile, Forever’s physical therapy is…problematic, and Johanna speaks with her father about the state of the Family.
Okay, after the day I had today, let’s just say that I’m glad I read this stress-inducing issue on Wednesday. <phew> Geez, Denizens…even after taking a second look at the first page of this issue a day later, my blood starts pumping. Rucka and Lark left us dangling last month with Sonja preparing to battle the imposing Mueller, but here there’s few words before the action begins. There are no humorous quips. There is no witty banter. Only four five-panel pages of silent, brutal combat. Yes, the fight is thrilling — every bit as the spectacular ones we’ve seen in the past — but since her introduction, I have become as charmed by the deadly Sonja as I have been by Forever. With each panel, I practically muttered, “Don’t die, Sonja. Don’t Die,” especially given this incredibly horrific world. There were also a few expletives in my thoughts, especially when the story abruptly cut to a few of the other characters whose stories — although paced diametrically opposite that of the fight — were exhilarating in their own right. I’m not going to spoil what happens, just know that I had to watch some upbeat cartoons before going to bed after reading this nerve wracking issue.
As intense and bloody and unsettling as the fight is in this issue, Lark still manages to turn it into a crowning achievement of choreography and storytelling. Every five panel page is a thing of great beauty. The same can be said for the rest of the pages, only for completely different reasons. When we cut to Forever, or Michael, or Johanna the emphasis switches to character acting and drama, where you can practically feel the hate-filled stare Forever gives her power-hungry sister. Chilling. The colors rarely resemble anything in the warm spectrum, but opting instead to reflect the cold, dismal tones of this fractured world. In other words: the color schemes fit the story perfectly.
I’ve told you before that Lazarus is a troubling book, but I’ve also said that it is one of the best books on the stands. The most terrifying thing about this exceptional comic book is that I can totally see this nightmare of a world coming to pass given current events, yet as scary as it is to read this series at times, I eagerly come back for more. And you should, too. You can catch up with the four available trades, or the two hardcovers, which I strongly encourage you to do. Dang! I’m a mess after reading this issue, Denizens. I’m actually rattled, and you want to know somethin’? I wouldn’t have it any other way. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Chew #56
Chew #56- Written and lettered by John Layman, illustrated and colored by Rob Guillory, color assists by Taylor Wells, published by Image Comics. The end is nigh! And we’re not just talking about this final chapter of the entire series!
Oh man. I can’t believe that after reading this great issue of Chew there are only four issues remaining. This means that by October, this Donist World Darling will be done. Finished. Caput. Oh me, oh my, this is kind of hard to process. Stiff upper lip there, Ol’ boy, stiff upper lip.
All kidding aside (I’m not completely kidding about being upset, mind you), this issue is as enjoyable as one can expect from these crazy creators despite the fact that much of the written and visual jokes make way for the serious business of Tony finally discovering the truth about chicken, the avian flu, and the fire writing in the sky. Although Mason didn’t make life easier for Tony — Mason had always been two or three steps ahead of our hero — it all seems to be by design to push Tony onward to solve the big mystery. At risk of spoiling anything, let’s leave it at that.
One interesting thing is to compare Guillory’s Tony Chu design from issue one to the Tony Chu of today. Don’t get me wrong, I like the earlier look — heck, it gave me a taste for favor of the fever of Chew — but both the characters and the book itself quickly settled into the more certain and recognizable style we see today. It was awesome then, and has been nothing but spectacular ever since. One thing I will say is that I have noticed a drop in the number of sight gags for the past couple arcs, but there is a good one aimed toward a certain racist, sexist, lying, orange-skinned, small-handed moron that made me laugh. Let’s face it…this comic is a hoot.
I’m not ready for a world without Chew, Denizens, but it is a comin’. But who knows…Layman and Guillory have created such a rich, insane world that there will always be room for another Poyo special, or a mini-series following one of the many characters in the Chewiverse, that the legend might go on. Then again, it might not. Way back in the first two arcs the creators told us the series would be done in 60 issues — they even gave us a panel from the final issue, by golly — and I am just tickled that they were able to tell the story they wanted, as they wanted to tell it, with no interference from anyone; few comic book creators can say that these days. If you held off reading the most unique comic on the stands, then you can catch up with the trades, the Omnivore Edition (I need to double-dip number five still), or the immense (and pricey) Smorgasbord Edition. Whatever you do, just read Chew. It’s finger-lickin’ good. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Slice into the Woods
We Had to Rush Tulip to the Vet Yesterday- In addition to all the other stressful nonsense I’m being forced to deal with, we had to rush Tulip off to the vet yesterday. We were out throwing the ball, when all of a sudden she paused, limped back and was panting excessively. We immediately called the vet, set up an emergency appointment, and rushed downtown. Thankfully, nothing was broken or torn, but the doctor did pull something out of her back leg with the tweezers. I’m guessing it was a splinter or a stinger or something, but I’m glad that’s all it was. The $150 bill hurts (visit and a shot in case it was a venomous sting), but at least my pal is doing just fine now.
This week: Chew: Demon Chicken Poyo, Tokyo Ghost, East of West, and Power Man and Iron Fist
Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director / administrative assistant / party planner / “Sign O’ the Times” Tulip (my dog, Obie’s sister). <sigh> Forget it. All meetings to discuss maintaining our status as a Fortune 320,000 company are canceled. I even think we’re going to cut out early to day so that my puppy executive team and I can mourn in our own ways the loss of the Purple One, Prince. Ugh. Losing Bowie was a huge blow, but now Prince? It’s all a bit too heavy to think about. Again, I must…<sigh>. Anyhow, be sure to dress up in somethin’ nice, somethin’ purple, put on some “Purple Rain,” and contemplate what it sounds like when the doves cry. After you mourn the loss of this tremendous artist, then rejoice in the legacy the man gave us, and then, only then, read some great comics. Take care. Thank you for reading!
*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.
***Possible Spoilers Below***
Chew: Demon
Chicken Poyo #1
Chew: Demon Chicken Poyo #1- Written and lettered by John Layman, illustrated and colored by Rob Guillory, color assists by Taylor Wells, published by Image Comics. A sick child’s health worsens as she catches a bad case of demon possession! The only surefire way to put the demon behind her ain’t through the word of the Good Book, but rather through the power of an even better one.
Boy howdy, Denizens, we’re about to head into the final five-issue arc of the Donist World Darling Chew, and what better way to kick things off than with a third special issue surrounded by everyone’s favorite luchador / murder machine / chicken badass, Poyo. But we need to get something out of the way first. If you have not been reading Chew, then you will certainly miss out on much of what the creators have carefully built over the course of 55 issues, two specials, and a crossover. That said, the casual reader could pick up this issue, and enjoy Guillory’s vibrant, hilarious, crazy cartooning, as well as Layman’s witty, hilarious, biting writing, but reading this book without first experiencing the rich history of the awesomeness that came before will do you a disservice. It’s that very history that makes this issue such a treasure.
If you have already been reading Chew, then you surely know why this chicken is so feared, why he wears a luchador mask, why he has cybernetic limbs, and why he now has a flaming head. You’ve already got the tools to maximize your enjoyment of this issue. Although this special one-shot is not vital to the main Chew narrative, it further expands the crazy world we’ve all come to love over these past few years, and is something no true fan can afford to miss. I mean, c’mon, Poyo fighting all kinds of crazy evil foes? Including Dick Cheney and his teeny-tiny, wee heart? Dang…how could you not love this.
<sigh> I’m preparing myself, Denizens. I’m preparing myself for a world without Chew, once the final five issues release. That looming, final issue is something I don’t want to see arrive, yet I can’t help but be excited to see how it all ends. It’s a dang conundrum is what it is, but it’s a dang good place to be. If you have not read this bizarre, gross, laugh-out-loud, cry-your-eyes out, enthralling series, then you can easily catch up via the trades, or the even better OmnivoreEdition hardcovers. What matters most is that you are reading the most unique comic to hit the stands in a very long time. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Tokyo Ghost #6
Tokyo Ghost #6- Written by Rick Remender, illustrated by Sean Murphy, colored by Matt Hollingsworth, lettered by Rus Wooton, edited by Sebastian Girner, published by Image Comics. Now that Flak corporation has taken what is left of Tokyo, humanity looks to descend even deeper into the tech-addicted nightmare of its own creation. Things must be doubly bad if Davey Trauma stands as a voice of reason. Thankfully, the ghost of Tokyo lingers on…
You need to be reading all of Remender’s recent creator-owned work (Low, Deadly Class, Black Science, and heck go back and read the amazing Fear Agent, while you’re at it), and that definitely includes the sci-fi, dystopian thrill ride that is Tokyo Ghost. What you have is a world where a tech-addicted society that is almost always “logged in” has willingly enslaved itself to a corrupt corporation’s every whim. This all hits a tad too close to home as I look at the multiple phones, desktops, MP3 players, game systems, television, and tablets littering the Donist household. <brrrrrrrr>…freaky.
It’s been a couple months since the first arc wrapped and left us with one doozy of a cliffhanger, but the series picks up right where it left off as the terrorists Miss Muffet and Jack Horner — dang, this comic is NOT for kiddos — wreck havoc as Led Dent returns to his old job at Flak in the most brutal of ways. Thankfully, the creators have a fairly kick-ace surprise waiting for us loyal readers towards the end, one that will not resonate at all unless you have read the first arc.
Did I mention this series is not for kids?
Tokyo Ghost is a thrilling look where we might be headed with our tech-addicted society, and the repercussions of having our eyes firmly fixed on our phones at all points and times. So break away from the tech (I say as I write on my Mac) and pick up the first trade of this fantastic series. Not only will you find yourself laughing as you wince at certain revelations about your own relationship with tech, but you will be mesmerized by Murphy’s gorgeous storytelling and design, and Hollingsworth’s stunning colors. Given the final four pages of this issue, I can safely say I cannot wait to see what happens next. Did I mention this series is not for kids? VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Power Man and
Iron Fist #3
Power Man and Iron Fist #3- Written by David Walker, illustrated by Sanford Greene, colored by Lee Loughridge, lettered and produced by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics. Luke Cage and Danny Rand (Power Man and Iron Fist) are still not back together as Heroes for Hire. Nope. They’re not even teaming up to right wrongs. Double nope. They’re just lending a helping hand to a friend in need. Okay…they’re teaming up.
Wait a minute…I’m still reading a mainstream superhero book from one of the Big Two. And I’m totally digging it. What’s going on?! Who cares. What matters is that I am still really liking this book. Nothing much changes from the events of last issue, but that is fine given that we see just how drastic an effect the Supersoul Stone has had on Luke and Danny’s old friend, Jennie; it’s not good. We also get to see more of Luke and Jessica Jones interacting as husband and wife, which is always good for some laughs.
Even though there’s little in the way of any sort of fighting or superheroics in this issue, Walker’s humorous dialogue and Green’s refreshingly non-standard cartooning had me smiling through to the end. This is especially true of the last three pages, which have me eager to see what happens next. I kind of have the feeling that the next two issues are probably going to have all the fight scenes you could ever want from two of my favorite “street-level” heroes.
If you are looking for a slightly-off-kilter superhero comic that successfully avoids (thus far, at least) the lackluster and financially draining trappings of ”crossovers” and “events,” while maintaining it’s own sense of individuality, then Power Man and Iron Fist is the book you’ve been waiting for. It’s fun, thoughtful, and provides just enough punch to keep this Donist coming back for more. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
East of West #25
East of West #25- Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Nick Dragotta, colored by Frank Martin, lettered by Rus Wooton, published by Image Comics. The Wolf reunites with his uncle. Death walks into a bar. It’s been a while since we last saw an issue of the sci-fi / horror / fantasy / revisionist history / post-apocalyptic-yet-gunning-for-another-apocalypse / Western / drama East of West. It actually seems like ages ago, which made remembering much of what has been happening with the grand cast of characters and their intricate storylines and political machinations a bit difficult to follow. This is not a series you jump into. This also isn’t a book you casually read. You can’t be tired or distracted when you delve into this rich, complex world; if you’re not at your best it probably won’t make a whole lot of sense. Let’s just say it was rather late last night when I finally sat down to read this kickoff to the next arc. I had forgotten about “The Message” and who was / wasn’t one of “The Chosen.” I remember being shaky even before picking up this issue on the reasoning as to why Wolf and Crow left Death at a time when he was finally making some progress in finding his son, but sometimes you have to just go with the flow…others, a solid reread from issue one might be the best thing to do. Still, the art and coloring continue to be rather lovely. With East of West you have to start from the beginning, Denizens. Just be sure to eat your Wheaties, put on the noise-cancelling headphones with some mellow classical music, put the kids / significant other / dog to bed, and maybe do some stretches before setting in to read this series. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the book or been reading since issue one, you need to be prepared, which you can easily do with the first five trades, or the oversized hardcover. East of West is varsity level comicbooking, but if you are up to the challenge, it is well worth your time. RECOMMENDED!
Slice into the Woods
Prince Dies at Age 57- I can’t begin to say how sad I am at hearing of the musician’s passing. Prince’s music has been a timeless mainstay of the Donist household since the ’80s, and I can’t remember how many times the man’s music revived a wavering party and kept the celebration going into the wee hours of the night. Such a sad loss for such a talented and influential individual. No The Sixth Gun?- It should really come as no surprise, but in upholding the curse of The Sixth Gun, my comic shop was once again shorted on it’s shipment of this title, just as is has been on (seriously) 60% of the issues in the series to date. I don’t know what the problem is, but for some reason I can count on getting this issue two weeks after its initial release. This is especially a bummer given the lengthy delay between arcs, and the fact that we are heading into the final chapter in what is the best supernatural Western to grace the stands.
Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director / administrative assistant / party planner / Deadpool Historian Tulip (my dog, Obie’s sister). <shhhhhhhhhhhhh> Be very, very quiet, Denizens. Tulip and Reverse Obie are both crashed out on the couch here at the corporate office (Mom’s basement), and I don’t want to wake them. You see, they have both been pulling double duty with Donist World and maintaining our status as a Fortune 320,000 company since I started a new job this week (for which I am very excited). They’ve made coffee, discussed business plans, and also took out the trash per the landlord’s (Mom’s) request. They even had breakfast burritos brought in so I could start the day out right at Donist World before heading out for the second part of the morning at the new job. So, grab a breakfast burrito (hint…go for the one with bacon) and a nice cup of coffee, put on some ’80s retro synth music, and most of all read some great comics. Take care. Thank you for reading!
*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.
***Possible Spoilers Below***
Saga #34
Saga #34- Written by Brian K. Vaughan, illustrated by Fiona Staples, lettered and designed by Fonografiks, coordinated by Eric Stephenson, published by Image Comics. Young Hazel would be in a world of trouble if not for friends in low and not-so-low places. Marko and Alana ask some old “friends” for some help finding their child. Meanwhile, The Will might have the will to succeed, but he might no longer be playing with a full deck. Finally…Friendo!!!
Holy guacamole! That was only 22 pages? For some reason this issue felt about double that. This is not a slam against the creators, and I do not mean to imply that the book was a chore to read. Quite the opposite. Multiple storylines move forward this issue, as we follow three of the four groups of characters whom the creators have endeared to us over the course of this fantastic series. We have watched Marko, Alana, and Hazel grow, love, make mistakes, drift, make some really bad mistakes, and reconnect with renewed purpose as the myriad other characters — all fully rounded out in their own rights — do the same. All the characters of Saga are so well developed, so fascinating that I’m uncertain whether their importance to the story should be reduced by referring to them as “secondary.” They’re all important, and I care deeply about each of them…even the “bad” guys.
On the subject of loving things, check out the cover with Ghüs the seal boy fishing from off of Friendo’s (a pet walrus-like thing) back. Beautiful, cute, stunning. Staples’s gorgeous work only gets better with every issue, and although the interior pages of Saga don’t necessarily have the level of painterly detail as this striking cover, they are equally powerful in their storytelling and drama; I dare you to not smile when Alana sees Friendo after being gone for so long, or when Hazel’s mind is blown by some all-too-true advice from her teacher. Dang, what I’m trying to say, Denizens, is that this book is as pretty as it is beautifully written.
If you have not been reading the book (the thought of which, I dare say, gives me the vapors) that helped lead the deluge of great Image titles a few years back, then what you need to know is that Saga is essentially Romeo and Juliet in space with differing alien species at the forefront, robot princes, Lying Cats, bounty hunters, seal boys, love, heartbreak, family, and the difficulties of trying to make your own way in life. You will laugh (some DEFINITE not for kids moments in this series…you’ve been warned), you will laugh even harder, you will gasp at things you will never be able to un-see (Fard! and also that goofy dragon), you will be shocked, you will be appalled, you will cry. But then you will laugh again and want to start all over from the very beginning. So, yeah, I still very much love this series, and recommend you either pick up the stunning hardcover, or take the easy road with the almost-as-cool trades. Regardless, check out the epic Saga, you’ll be glad you did. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Chew #55
Chew #55- Written and lettered by John Layman, illustrated and colored by Rob Guillory, color assists by Taylor Wells, published by Image Comics. Mason Savoy has done a bad, bad thing, and it’s all in an effort to get Tony Chu to finally open his eyes to the truth.
Wow. Chew is many things: funny, disgusting, disturbing, hilarious, weird, intriguing, compelling, sad, and occasionally heartwarming. It has also been a Donist World Darling since around issue three and is a book I eagerly await each month(ish). It is the most unique comic to hit the stands in decades in both concept (food-based powers, FDA the most powerful government agency, cyborg luchador chicken murder machines, chogs, etc.) and highly-stylized art.
This issue, which rounds up the penultimate chapter of the entire series <sob>, “The Last Supper,” succeeded in not just throwing me for a loop once, but twice in a single issue. I totally did not see either of the twists coming (I also ain’t spoilin’), and actually gasped with each reveal. To be honest, this is one of the best issues of Chew to date, which is saying a lot as while the weakest issues in the series have been really, really good, with the best being quite heavenly.
Although I’m always happy to say how thrilled I am by Guillory’s cartooning, this issue is something else entirely. The storytelling and excitement built into every panel is tremendous in what is primarily a dramatic issue this month versus one of action. Even as the series takes a few steps closer to its end, Guillory continues to up his game on the visuals, which should come as no surprise to Chew fans.
Dang, Denizens, I love Chew. As much as I don’t want it to end, I have to admit that I am already biting my nails in anticipation of the Demon Chicken Poyo one-shot, and the final five-issue story arc. <sigh> Dang. Anyhow, at this point if you jump in on the issues, then you are insane. I appreciate the enthusiasm — really, I do — but we’re in the home touchdown stretch push (or whatever sport metaphor is appropriate), and jumping in here will deprive you of all the awesomeness that came before. So, ignore the floppies and jump in with the first trade and progress from there, OR even better, pick up the oversized hardcover (the Omnivore Edition), which reminds me I need to double dip and pick up the fifth hardcover to go on my bookshelf of treasures, where Chew definitely belongs. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Rachel Rising #40
Rachel Rising #40- Everythinged by Terry Moore, published by Abstract Studio. Rachel and Lilith chat as the murderous Zoe takes a trip.
Rachel Rising is one of my favorite horror comics currently seeing release. Part Twin Peaks, part ghost story, part emotional and illustrated beauty (much like what we fell in love with in Moore’s masterpiece Strangers in Paradise), Rachel Rising is a delightful, funny, scary, creepy, unnerving ride. I love it. That said, this is not my favorite issue of the series. Simmer down, Denizens, simmer down. Let me explain.
The art is everything you would expect from Moore: it is stunning, it is beauty. When talking about Moore’s art, you would be hard pressed to find anyone better at conveying a character’s story solely through their facial gestures and body language. The art is fantastic as always. I was mostly a bit lost by much of the issue being a hallucinogen-induced vision quest, which isn’t usually my thing. Still, although this isn’t my favorite issue to date, it is still damn well worth reading as part of the greater narrative…speaking of which, I feel a reread of the series coming on… Take my tiny quibble about this issue with a grain of salt and be sure to check out this great series. You can easily catch up with the trades, and be confident that not only are you getting a fantastic, creator-owned horror comic by a master writer-artist, you are also ensuring we get more Rachel Rising (and hopefully a television series as well) in the future. RECOMMENDED!
Slice into the Woods
It Has Been a Good Week…For Me, But Not For Others - I finally had a good week, but the same cannot be said for the people killed or injured or touched by wackadoos with guns this week. NO ONE NEEDS OR SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO A SEMI- OR FULLY-AUTOMATIC WEAPON. There is no need for anyone to have one. The only reason to own one is to for the purpose of killing or harming others.
I know, I know, again no song this week, but I have to finish up my week at the new job and my schedule is all out of whack. I’ll get it under control in the coming weeks.
