Not all of my reviews are happy. I really dislike when sites review comics they either just all happen to be "10 out of 10" or just "Marvelous". Having said that I have fallen in love with Snow Angels. It's one of these comics that I waited a sufficient amount of time to buy and then just couldn't wait to write the review about.
First of all, let me start by saying that Jeff Lemire is probably one of the most influencing authors of our time and I am sure that in 20-30 years from now people will look back and ponder how Jeff changed the industry in a certain way that can't be replicated by anyone. He has a unique style that really just matches my taste, and from the numerous awards and comments out there in the wild, the taste of just thousands upon thousands of people.
Now take all that talent coming from Jeff and forcefully collide it with Mark Simpson aka Jock and what do you get if not excellence? Jock has been the artist behind a few of my favorite comics such as "The Losers", "Batman" and "Wytches". The reality is that Jock is the kind of artist that you can easily spot. He has recognizable lines. I can find myself thinking who the artist can be for specific comics but I could easily connect this one to him and this is something I highly appreciate when it comes to art. Jock is unique.
I am downright serious, how am I not going to like Snow Angels?
So here are some details I fall in love with when reading Snow Angels.
The story easily made a hook for me. I am definitely looking forward reading the rest of the series and I know I will thoroughly enjoy. I usually wait for three or four issues to come out, allowing the story to be build before making a decision but this one was an easy "Yes". The description was intriguing indeed but I had no idea what was really going to happen during the first issue and I was really impressed with the cliffhanger at the end.
I have a thing about post-apocalyptic, survival, mystery stories that's for sure and this one did not disappoint. So many questions!
The art is just on point. Panel by panel, page by page. This is a frozen wasteland and that can easily be seen by the palette of colours, the harsh face lines. Jock focuses on the people rather than the surroundings as well. I get the feeling that this is going to be a story that focuses on the people, the connections between them and that will make it even harder when (inevitable?) drama kicks in.
Seriously folks, if you haven't already dipped your claws in this one, do it now and you wont regret it.
Thanks for reading!
Project Patron #1 - Comic Book Review
Author Steve Orlando and artist Patrick Piazzalunga bring to us, Project Patron. Project Patron is one of these comics that I stumbled upon by accident but instantly got hooked from reading the description. The superhero defends the earth until his last breath only to seemingly come back but in reality, he is reincarnated using a robot by the UN that is running a secret project called Project Patron to defend those who the real superhero gave his life to defend.
Here's the deal though, the description of the series is basically one of the few good things with this comic book. Unfortunately, the story didn't really manage to capture my attention. Even though there is a very small sense of mystery hanging in the air while you meet the team behind Project Patron the story is mediocre at best. Having said that, I will wait for the second issue to come out in order to make a final decision for if I am going to subscribe to this series or end it there.
Having said that not everything is mediocre with this book. The art is what took me by surprise. Patrick Piazzalunga has definitely made this comic stand out. I have to say that I spend a considerable amount of time afterward trying to find previous work and ended up just jaw-dropping at his portfolio. Along with coloring by Carlos Lopez, this has been one of my favorite surprises in quite a while.
Till the second issue,
Happy reading!
King in Black Reading Order - How to Read King in Black
For more than 3 years now Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman have been building towards Marvel's event "King in Black" and the arrival of the Symbiot God Knull. Now if you are a little bit like me you might find yourself looking for the dots to connect the lines between the past stories to this one. First of all, let me tell you that this is not really a must-do since Marvel is pretty good at creating events that require little to no knowledge of the past. But again, if you're a bit like me then you feel like you need to know every little detail. I mean it's the God of all Symbiots!
The interesting part of an event like this is that sometimes it comes unplanned. In this case, one of the amazing inspirations for the King in Black came from "Thor: God of Thunder #6 - The God Butcher" during the story of Gorr the God Butcher back in 2013 where Donny Cates came up with the idea of Krull.
But enough with the chit-chat. The first list you need to go through is the
Leading to the "King in Black" event list
Alien (2021) #1 - Comic Review
Alien was one of my most anticipated comic releases ever since Marvel's announcement in 2020, and I have had the chance of going through the pages of it; I must say I feel vindicated for being anxious to read it.
With Phillip Kennedy Johnson as the author of these new series with a recent masterpiece in his cache, such as Marvel Zombies: Ressurection and Empyre: Captain America, bringing the terror in those small comic book pages was no issue, and along with the artist, Salvador Larroca they made sure to bring the same feeling you'll remember from the films along with their own twisted, nightmarish feeling.
Weyland - Yutani Corporate
What really made me anxious to wait for Marvel's Alien's next chapter was the sense of something new to something ancient and familiar. The story's base revolves around Gabriel Cruz, a recently retired soldier who almost gave his life to Weyland-Yutani. If you are not familiar with the Alien franchise Weyland-Yutani aka Wey-Yu or known as "The Company." As per real-life standards, a company known as "The Company" is something that, most often than less, doesn't bode well with the largest percentage of the population. Such is the situation with Weyland-Yutani as well.
Weyland-Yutani Corporation is a conglomerate with its hands in way too many places, and most often than not, their primary goal end goal is to profit. What company would it be otherwise, right?
Through a bit of unethical practises, disregard of human life and the control of many human colonies. You'll see why "The Company" could be hated enough to be the main target of underground organizations that are trying to hurt them as much as possible, which is another wonderful aspect brought forth with Marvel's Alien.
All of these are known, though, right? If you are a fan of the Alien franchise, then you are betting your horses on the story behind Gabriel Cruz and his estranged relationship with his son. The secrets they keep from each other are too many to count from even this one issue.
And trust me when I say this, Alien #1 contains some panels that you definitely won't see coming and it ends with a massive cliffhanger.
Best Marvel Comics 2021 (so far)
There is always something for everyone in the past few years when it comes to Marvel comics. From action, adventure, drama, and comedy, Marvel excel in creating stories that everyone can enjoy. If the past years are going to be an example of how 2021 is going to be lined up then this is going to be an amazing year.
In case you are wondering though what Marvel comic you should invest your time (and money) then here's a list that we swear by.
Harleen #1 - Comic Series Preview
With works like Sunstone, Switch, and Justice League Odyssey, Stjepan Sejic has set himself as one of the most iconic singular creators. One of his newest projects, Harleen, will hit the comic stores on the 25th of September and the spotlights are, we believe, right to be pointed at it.
Harleen will depict the story of Harley Quinn, and it is compiled by three acts, and with their turn, each act will consist of three issues. The first act will be Gotham, the second will be the story of her and Joker while the third will be about her split up with Joker with the friend of her new friend, Poison Ivy.
"Harleen is a story about the birth of a villain. It’s a story about somebody who wanted to do good but in the end made bad decisions and fell from grace." said Stjepan in an interview with Nerdist.
As readers, we have the privilege of knowing how this story ends in a way. We know that Dr. Harleen Quinzel ends being Harley Quinn and even though we have that spoiler embedded within us, Stjepan has a mastery of writing about relationships and this is no exception.
From what we so far know for "Harleen" is that we, in a way, might feel in a way that Dr. Harleen actually believed or wanted to believe that she will save Joker from his insanity, that she might be able to pull him out of it. In the words of Sejic, this is a Beauty and the Beast story with a twist. In the same interview as above Sejic mentions, "It’s an age-old romance archetype except with a twist. In most versions of romance novels where, you know, Beauty helps the Beast regain his humanity or be, you know, a wealthy billionaire with a penchant for BDSM at the end of it all, you know, it’s always Beauty helps Beast gain his humanity. In this case, it doesn’t go like that. The Beast pulls the Beauty a bit deeper into the pit. And that’s where the Beauty grows her own fangs."
So if you really want to experience the life of Dr. Harleen Quinzel and the birth of a new villain, Harley Quinn then head over to your favorite comic store or get your copy online from Amazon or Ebay.
Gem of the Month - November 2019
There are hundreds of comics going out every month from a plethora of old and new publications. It's almost impossible to find the real gems within the stacks of comics in your local comic shop or from your digital provider. At 101Comics we go through most of these comic issues and we decided that it was about time for us to create a "Gem of the Month" catalogue with the comic issues that we believe will make a huge impact.
In order to beat the market and get your pull lists in order we will be putting the Gem of the Month, two months ahead of the comic publication date.
Family Tree #1
Talent
Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Eric Gapstur, Phil Hester, Ryan Cody Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: November 13, 2019 Cover Price: $3.99
When an eight-year-old girl literally begins to transform into a tree, her single mom, troubled brother, and possibly insane grandfather embark on a bizarre and heart-wrenching odyssey across the back roads of America in a desperate search for a way to cure her horrifying transformation before it's too late.
But the farther they get from home, the more forces threaten to tear the family apart as fanatical cults, mercenaries and tabloid Paparazzi close in, determined to destroy the girl- or use her for their own ends.
A new genre-defying series written by New York Times bestselling author Jeff Lemire (Gideon Falls, Ascender) and illustrated by acclaimed artist Phil Hester (Shipwreck, Green Arrow), Family Tree compines mystery, action, and horror into an epic story about the lengths a mother will go to in order to keep her children safe.
Undiscovered Country #1
Talent
Writer: Charles Soule, Scott Snyder Artist: Daniele Orlandini, Giuseppe Camuncoli Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: November 6, 2019 Cover Price: $3.99
This November, New York Times bestelling writers Scott Snyder (Wytches, A.D.: After Death) and Charles Soule (Curse Words, the forthcoming novel Anyone) will team up with artists Giuseppe Camuncoli (The Amazing Spider-Man, Darth Vader, Hellblazer) and Daniele Orlandini (Darth Vader) and 2019 Eisner Award-winning colorist Matt Wilson (The Wicked and the Divine, Paper Girls) to embark on an epic adventure in the brand-new ongoing series, Undiscovered Country!
In this special oversized first issue, readers will journey into the near future, and an unknown nation that was once the United States of America - a land that's become shrouded in mystery after walling itself off from the rest of the world without explanation over thirty years ago.
When a team seeking a cure for a global pandemic breaches U.S. borders, they quickly find themselves in a struggle to survive this strange and deadly lost continent!
ELFQUEST: Stargazer's Hunt #1
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Writer: Wendy Pini, Richard Pini Artist: Sonny Strait Publisher: Dark Horse Release Date: November 13, 2019 Cover Price: $3.99
When ElfQuest: The Final Quest concluded, it ended the hero's journey of Cutter Kinseeker, chief of the Wolfriders. But that was only the start of a new adventure for Cutter's ''brother in all but blood,'' Skywise. Now the stargazer elf, who thought he knew everything about Cutter, discovers how mistaken he was. That, combined with a tragic accident involving his daughter Jink, sends Skywise on a quest of his own, from the elves' ancestral Star Home through uncharted space, and back to the World of Two Moons.
Stargazer's Hunt has story by ElfQuest co-creators Wendy and Richard Pini, with script by Wendy Pini. Veteran Elfquest alumnus Sonny Strait returns at full force as the artist and colorist for the new series.
Witchfinder: The Reign of Darkness #1
Talent
Writer: Mike Mignola, Chris Roberson Artist: Christopher Mitten Colorist: Michelle Madsen Publisher: Dark Horse Release Date: November 27, 2019 Cover Price: $3.99
Sir Edward Grey takes on London's most famous serial killer! But he's the only one who thinks Jack the Ripper's murders have an occult purpose. When Scotland Yard turns its back on him, Grey finds an ally in American occult adventurer Sarah Jewell. But the forces allied against their investigation are more powerful than either one of them imagines!
* Re-introduction to Rise of the Black Flames Sarah Jewell.
* Rise of the Black Flame and Rasputin: Voice of the Dragon artist Christopher Mitten.
Far Sector #1
Talent
Writer: N.K. Jemisin Artist: Jamal Campbell Publisher: DC's Young Animal Release Date: November 13, 2019 Cover Price: $3.99
N.K. Jemisin, the acclaimed, award-winning author of The Broken Earth and Inheritance science fiction trilogies, makes her comic book debut with bestselling Naomi artist Jamal Campbell as they thrust you into a stunning sci-fi murder mystery on the other side of the universe! For the past six months, newly chosen Green Lantern Sojourner "Jo" Mullein has been protecting the City Enduring, a massive metropolis of 20 billion people. The city has maintained peace for over 500 years by stripping its citizens of their ability to feel. As a result, violent crime is virtually unheard of, and murder is nonexistent. But that's all about to change in this new maxiseries that gives a DC Young Animal spin to the legacy of the Green Lanterns!
Legion of Super Heroes #1
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Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Ryan Sook Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: November 6, 2019 Cover Price: $3.99
Welcome to the 31st century! Inspired by the acts of and lessons learned from the greatest heroes of all time, the Legion of Super-Heroes have gathered together to stop a galaxy from repeating its past mistakes. The greatest lineup of heroes in comic book history returns with new, fresh, and reader-friendly stories!
Eisner Award-winning writer Brian Michael Bendis reteams with master artist Ryan Sook (Action Comics) for one of the most ambitious mainstream comic books ever created! Why have the Legion of Super-Heroes broken the cardinal rule of the United Planets and inducted Jon Kent, a.k.a. Superboy, into the Legion? What are they hiding? And what does it have to do with Aquaman's long-lost trident?
2099 Alpha #1
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Writer: Nick Spencer Artist: Viktor Bogdonovic, Patrick Gleason Publisher: Marvel Release Date: November 20, 2019 Cover Price: $4.99
80 years ago, the Marvel Universe was born. 80 years from now, will it die?! THE FUTURE IS IN PERIL! Events of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN have been leading to this for months. Something is happening in 2099 that spans Nueva York and beyond and will shake up the official Marvel Future forever. This is not a drill!
Kiss: Zombies #1
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Writer: Ethan Sacks Artist: Rodney Buchemi, Arthur Suydam Publisher: Marvel Release Date: November 6, 2019 Cover Price: $3.99
Decades after a zombie invasion has made humans an endangered species, the city of New Detroit is under siege. The people in charge have banned music, as the undead are attracted to sound, and have tried to rid the world of evidence that the greatest band in history have ever existed. Unwilling to live this way and take the leadership at their word, a group of teenagers set out on a dangerous trip to find KISS! From Ethan Sacks (Old Man Hawkeye, Old Man Quill) and Rodney Buchemi (Death of Hawkman, Uncanny X-Men) comes a story of survival and rebellion in a post-apocalyptic landscape devoid of rock'n'roll!
Star Trek: Picard - Countdown #1
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Writer: Mike Johnson, Kirsten Beyer Artist: Publisher: IDW Publishing Release Date: November 27, 2019 Cover Price: $4.99
You've seen the trailer... now, witness the events leading to CBS All Access's Picard. Before he retired to his vineyard, Jean-Luc Picard was the most decorated admiral in Starfleet. Then one mission changed his life forever. The Countdown starts here!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #100
Talent
Writer: Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman Artist: Dave Wachter Publisher: IDW Publishing Release Date: November 27, 2019 Cover Price: $7.99
Things have never been worse for the TMNT and their allies, but there’s still one desperate gambit to try if the family can come together in time. Will it be worth the cost? Over eight years of TMNT storytelling have led to this game-changing moment! Don’t miss it!
B.B. Free #1
Talent
Writer: Gabby Rivera Artist: Royal Dunlap Publisher: Boom! Studios Release Date: November 6, 2019 Cover Price: $3.99
* b.b. free broadcasts her underground radio show from her remote swamp community, and she has no idea she's actually the chosen one. * It's been over a hundred years since the Plague That Ate Greed wiped out half the population, and it's the only world that b.b. has ever known. But when b.b. rebels against her overbearing father, she realizes that everything she believes in could be a lie. * On the run from her own family, b.b. will learn the truth about the world she lives in, and about the power she never knew she had. * Writer Gabby Rivera and debuting artist Royal Dunlap present an adventure for fans of Blackbird and "mysterious destiny" heroic fiction like Naomi about finding your family when the whole world is against you.
Marvel #1000 In Memoriam
This year marks Marvel's 80th Anniversary and along with a number of yearly celebrations, Marvel published Marvel Comics #1000. The oversized one-shot issue features stories from most current writers and artists in their library.
Along with those awesome stories, Marvel added an in-memoriam page which contains the names of the brilliant artists and writers we lost during the past decades.
Over 150 names of real-life heroes that made Marvel the name, it is today. From Stan Lee and Steve Ditko to Jack Kirby and a 150 more this names are featured in a full-page art from the "The Death of Captain Marvel" (1982) where all the heroes are gathered to pay their tributes.
Marvel Comic Character First Appearances
Marvel Comics has been around for tens of decades and within those, they have published thousands of comic issues and created hundreds of heroes and villains that we enjoy reading their stories in comic books or watching in movies and TV series.
But when did your favorite character first appeared and in which comic? Who was the creator of each one of them?
Just search the name of the character, comic title, writer or artist name in the search bar. If we don't have the one that you are looking for, we soon will. We are constantly trying to add more and more character first appearances.
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House of X #2 - Comic Series Review
If House of X #1 and Powers of X #1 wasn't good enough for you or if you wanted the extra push to jump into the relaunch of X-Men from the hands of Hickman and Larraz then House of X #2 is here to make you do just that.
I can't stretch enough the importance of this storyline from Hickman and even though for new readers the first issue (which worked nicely as a jumping-on point) might have been slightly chaotic and confusing House of X #2 is here to fix that.
The Pros
The story is obviously a key point for the reincarnation of X-Men. Hickman is not holding back and we dare say this might be our favorite Hickman comic or at least it moves towards that direction.
The story of the comic itself was quite a surprise as it explains the groundhog days of Moira MacTaggert (first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #96) a mutant with the ability of reincarnation, perfect memory and the ability to stay hidden from other mutants. Seeing her previous lifes in a single issue in such a concise manner making it easy to digest and even feel for the character seeing her pass through the emotions of birth, life, and death, as well as understand the reasoning of every choice in-between was extraordinary. Now I am certain that Hickman can pull off pretty much everything when it comes to a story.
The timeline of Moiras various lifes was a masterpiece and it deserves to be recognized. Hickman makes it possible to go through 10 lifetimes within a page with the use of a timeline graph.
The art from Larraz still inspires. It's one of the best aspects of the comic. Now it is clear that Larraz and Hickman make a great team. Larraz brings to life the best aspects of each panel beautifully.
The Cons
There are not a lot of Cons when it comes to the story and art itself. If we could pick something as a negative that would be the use of extremely too many reading materials. We loved the timeline graph of Moiras lifetimes but the wall of texts that we encountered within the pages of House of X #1 and Powers of X #1 seems to continue with House of X #2 and we would love to see less.
