Review: Akaneiro – the Path of Cloak and Wolf

Each review we’ve done of individual Akaneiro issues has been by a different author, so I was asked to do this one. The Path of Cloak and Wolf is actually a hardcover collection of those three issues together in one volume, so naturally I’m going to compare my thoughts about this comic to those of my fellow Red Shirt Crew writers and discuss a few of the points they brought up. I guess you could just read their reviews, but they each focused on one issue. I think this miniseries as a whole ends up greater than just the sum of its parts.

The other reviewers already mentioned that Akaneiro: the Path of Cloak and Wolf is a prequel to a video game, Akaneiro: Demon Hunters, but they didn’t really talk about the influences on Akaneiro except that it’s an adaptation of “Red Riding Hood.” Well, most of the inspiration for the setting and mythology of this comic doesn’t come from that story, but from Ainu mythology and Japanese folklore. So that’s not just made up, but I think the Red Hunters are, as well as the karma crystals they collect. I imagine the crystals only exist because of the video game, but I wouldn’t have noticed that if I didn’t know about the game beforehand. In the end, this comic is better than most video game tie-ins though. It stands up pretty well as a comic by itself, not just in relation to the game.

While the story benefits from the inclusion of Japanese folklore, it doesn’t require you to know much about that. There aren’t really any interesting surprises in the plot itself. It really is just a classic story with a twist, but I don’t really mind that. Justin Aclin‘s writing is pretty good for the most part, but he does rely too much on narration in some sections where the artwork could have shown events in a more clear and concise way.

So the story isn’t exceptional, but at least Vasilis Lolos‘ artwork is interesting. He has a pretty unusual style; his characters are very stylized, with exaggerated expressions and features. The artwork might not appeal to everyone; I didn’t really like his artwork in issues #8 and #9 of Conan the Barbarian, but I think it works in Akaneiro. It’s a very different story; Lolos’ style is better suited to it, and Michael Atiyeh’s colors probably have something to do with it too.

All three issues of Akaneiro are together in this book, and the complete miniseries ends up being better than the individual issues. I’ve read this kind of story a hundred times before, but Akaneiro isn’t the worst retelling of it. The story isn’t interesting or surprising, but it works well enough, and the artwork is good enough to hold up this comic by itself. Provided you like the art style and don’t mind the clichés in the plot, Akaneiro is a decent comic. Of course if you already like the video game, this will probably appeal to you, and for the cover price of $14.99 it’s not a bad deal.

Danilo Culibrk, aka Augustus, is a staff writer for the Red Shirt Crew. He’s definitely not a werewolf disguised in human form. You can follow him past the waterfall to the Akane camp on Twitter at @Augustusing.

Itty Bitty Hellboy #3: Review

Number 1 reason why I love this blog: I get to read Itty Bitty Hellboy, by Art Baltazar and Franco. I’m going to be honest, I’m kinda a fangirl for these two; I want them to sign my boobs and then say they love me too. I absolutely in love with this series and love every issue that comes out, and look forward to every new issue that I get to review. But it’s even more than that; most classic comic strips that you see in the paper start to get old because they recycle the same motifs: Garfield like lasagne and hates mondays, Charlie Brown can’t catch a break because Lucy is kinda a you-know-what. But Hellboy is always fresh and new and putting it in this comic book format allows for there to be more definite story arcs and can periodically introduce new characters. It’s actually brilliant and a job well done.

Hellboy is such a classic character that any and every re-imagining of him immediately comes under harsh scrutiny of loyal fans. I can’t say that I’m one of those loyal fans, but I do still wonder if this Hellboy lives up to the legacy of those preceding him. If you don’t think he does, please comment and let me know what you think. I’m going to refer to what comes at the end of the issue (don’t worry, no spoilers). At the end, Art (is it cool if I call you Art?) publishes fan letters from fans, a number of which are written by fathers that read it with their sons. It really touches my heart to see fathers who can share something with their sons and reminds me when my own dad pulled out his original teen titans to let me read when I wanted to be like him and read comics. This series is one that transcends age and bring everyone together and has an way of making everyone love it. Personally, I think that’s special.

This issue bring Hellboy to… well Hell. What could possibly go wrong? Well the answer may or may not surprise you because it seems that is actually quite a lot. Interestingly enough the pit of fire and brimstone is more like home than you know. They practically roll out the welcome mat and make hell as comfortable as possible, aside from the fire pits and demon infestation. And who sends them there? Well you’re gonna have to find that out on your own. This issue has all the funny and antics that you have grown to expect from Itty Bitty Hellboy and a couple of new characters that just add the revelry. 

Personally I love this book, but I’m sure you could have guessed that. And with of cover price of $2.99, why wouldn’t you see what all the fuss is about. To anyone that loves Hellboy, the Sunday funnies, or has kids, this comic is a must. I highly recommend it to even the twenty year old that lives down the hall from me and isn’t any of those things. For more information about the series, feel free to read my previous reviews. Otherwise quit considering it and just get it already. No regrets!

Brendan or bigmacd101 is currently working on a few projects that he hopes will make it to the mass media. Hold out hope that he will make an ass of himself on public internet. Until then keep reading his postings and be on the lookout for the next Itty Bitty Hellboy.

Review: Dark Horse Presents #29

So my last review of Dark Horse Presents was less than flattering.  In fact, it was the first issue of Dark Horse Presents that I’ve ever not recommended.  So you can understand my hesitation when this month’s issue came out.  It’s not as bad, but it still only get’s a conditional recommendation.

Chapter 2 of The Strain: The Fall – The Silver Angel is better than last time at least.  Some action, a little bit of story, but the Silver Angel doesn’t seem to have any motivation for what he’s doing, unless it’s a death wish, I guess.  Looking to next month’s conclusion of the miniseries to see if there’s any point behind his actions.

Snip Snip is a bit of a whimsical variant of the Underground series seen in issues 25-27 of Dark Horse Presents.  Themed gang wars.  It’s above ground, and very cartoon-y (the hero looks a little like Steamboat Willie).  I can’t really call it “bad” but it was in the unfortunate position of following close behind a similar story.

Alone with Mag the Hag is another Edgar Allen Poe Work brought to the page by Richard Corben.  In the last issue of Dark Horse Presents I said that this only worked as a one shot.  I realize in retrospect that that is a little ambiguous.  What I meant was that particular story did not need more pages.  I would love a collection of short stories by Edgar Allen Poe from Corben, and with any luck, this piece is an indication that he may be working towards just that.

Chapter 10 of Alabaster: Boxcar Tales is much more interesting than last time.  The big hole in the last chapter was that nothing productive really happened.  This time at least, we get some emotional plot development, even if the characters don’t get anywhere.  I do worry a little that the pace picks up too much and that they wouldn’t lay well next to each other, even though they are clearly intended to.

Chapter 5 of Nexus: Into the Past is different.  Until now it’s been a chase through time and that’s about it.  Entertaining, but straight forward.  Now, we have some intrigue, some surprise, something going on more than just Hellpop’s hunt for Clayborn.  We see a scene for Hellpop’s daughters, no clue how they’re involved in the story yet though, as well as his wife.

Chapter 6 of Trekker: The Train to Avalon Bay is the final chapter of this story and rightfully ends with a great fight scene and some witty banter.  I’ve liked this series, but I think I’m done with Trekker for a while.  Nothing against it, but it took six months to get this story told, so it feels like I’ve been reading it forever.

Chapter 4 of the Nosferatu Wars is… very strange.  Imagine watching Inception and then finding out at the end that the whole time they were in the mind of a werewolf.  It’s that level of twist ending.  It’s just a bad aftertaste for an otherwise excellent series.  The art is still beautiful, I’m just not so sure about the decisions on how to conclude it.

Chapter 3 of Mr. Monster: Dark Stearn is more of the same from last time.  It just seems like a bridge (an unnecessary one) to the finale.  I think this chapter and the last one could have been compressed into one, and we could have gotten to the conclusion a little quicker.  Still, they say the fourth chapter will be the last, so there’s a blessing.  Doc Stearn has been a really boring protagonist since he split from Dark Strean.

Chapter 10 of Blood is confusing to me.  I mentioned in my last review that I hadn’t gotten to read the first 8 chapters and that this left me a little out of the loop on the setting and situation that I found myself in last time and it just gets worse this time.  I’ve never seen someone use hemokenesis to pull blood out of their own body to attack someone (see cover of the issue).  It’s very different from anything I’ve ever read and I was just left lost from the weird place they picked the series back up.

Brainbot Jr. is just a single page this time, even shorter than the one that appeared back in Dark Horse Presents #26.  It’s still cute, and like I said then, it’s well suited to short pieces like this.

I would only recommend this issue to those who are following a series.  Trekker is a good conclusion, Nexus is interesting, at least things happen in Alabaster.  Hell, if you know what’s going on in Blood, maybe that wouldn’t be so bad of a read.  The question come down to if keeping up with your series of choice is worth $7.99 to you.  But I’d be willing to bet that if you aren’t following anything in here currently, it’s not worth that to you.

Matthew Bryant, a.k.a. Baker Street Holmes, is a writer and the lead editor for the Red Shirt Crew.  He is glad to hear there will be a number of new comers next time, and has higher hopes for Dark Horse Presents #30.  If you wish to follow him on Twitter, you can find him at @BStreetHolmes, or email him at HMCrazySS@gmail.com.

Review: The Massive #16

I think this is the start of a wonderful new trio from Brian Wood and Garry Brown.  The Kapital‘s crew is faced with a very different kind of dilemma.  The Massive keeps hitting new, fascinating stories and I am so ready for another ride.

The Kapital and the Ninth Wave initiative were originally founded to fight against whaling.  After the crash, they became a general environmental protection group.  In issues 16-18, they find themselves against whalers for the first time in the series, but the whalers aren’t quite the force they originally set out to stop.

One of the things I love about this series, is that Wood keeps coming with fresh ideas of struggles for the crew of the Kapital.  They face wild animals, mutiny, the remnants of national navvies, storms, and more.  The idea that they are searching for the lost ship, the Massive, or that they are an environmental organization are not the only problems they must deal with.  It keeps things very interesting, and every time a trio of issues ends, I begin to wonder where he’ll take us next.

I’ve commented before on how much I love the art that Garry Brown does for this series and how happy I am that he seems to more or less be the official artist these days and I’m still thrilled with his art in this issue.  I do want to add a quick tip of my hat for J. P. Leon, who did the cover art.  It’s fantastic; the blood hanging down from the ship like a tapestry, a beautiful sunset, the harpoons in the water.

Not going to be much of a surprise, but I continue to support this comic series and this duo.  The Massive #16 is $3.50 and like other issues from this series slightly longer than other comics at 32 pages.  Not  a bad place to enter the series if you’re new to it actually.

Matthew Bryant, a.k.a. Baker Street Holmes, is a writer and the lead editor for the Red Shirt Crew.  He is really hoping that Wood eventually gives him the epic sea battle that he’s craving, and maybe another tantalizing tidbit as to what happened to the Massive.  You can follow him on Twitter at @BStreetHolmes or e-mail him at HMCrazySS@gmail.com.

Review: S.H.O.O.T. First #1

Psychics.  I’ve been reading a lot about psychic this week.  Well, I guess S.H.O.O.T. First isn’t quite psychics, not as we’re used to at least, but it’s basically psychics.  This is one of those good news, bad news comics, unfortunately.

The big divide on this comic is that it is a very interesting idea with poor writing.  Let me give you the short version of the setting: S.H.O.O.T. (Secular Humanist Occult Obliteration Taskforce) is a secret group that fights off mythical and religious threats in our world.  It has potential, don’t you agree?

But the devil’s in the details, as they say, and that’s where this whole thing gets hinky, then falls apart.  You see, the mythical creatures are actually extra dimensional creatures of pure psychic energy that live off faith and only look like creatures from our myths and have their purported abilities because the form of our belief affects their shape.  Take a second, cause we’re not done.  As science advances, there are fewer things one must have faith in, fewer things one cannot know for sure, and their power wanes. They also can’t reveal themselves to the world, or they would become fact, and loose power.  Soooo… why are they even a threat?

“Well, they just are!” seems to be the only explanation, and they are building towards an apocalypse.  Cause creatures that rely on people to survive and can’t let their existence every be confirmed or they’ll die, want to invade the planet, removing all doubt of their nonexistance, and before that kills their power off entirely, want to destroy the vast majority of their power source.  It’s suggested that they intend to leave some survivors to act as a power source, but it’s not explained how the survivors will provide enough faith to keep these “outside actors” as they are called, alive.

Worse, conventional weapons can’t hurt them so they must use special weapons powered by the psychic energy of… disbelief?  Pure Atheism?  Something.  They developed this technology by dissecting an “Angel” who willingly gave his life to give Earth a chance.  Because reasons.  But if they can’t be hurt by human weapons, how the flaming fuck did they dissect him?  And if the weapons work on atheism, if one must be dead sure God doesn’t exist for them to work, how does the guy the team meet PRAYING IN A MOSQUE use their weapons?  You do not pray unless a little piece of you still believes it all might be true.  You just don’t.

Like I said, conceptually strong, poorly executed.  Not at all worth $3.99.  I might buy it for 50 cents.  Maybe.

Matthew Bryant, a.k.a. Baker Street Holmes is a writer and the lead editor for the Red Shirt Crew.  He will not discuss his religious views here, but does appreciate that Atheists usually make sense in their arguments.  If you want the same thing, done well, check out American Gods from your nearest library.  You know, those big buildings with lots of books in them.  If you wish to follow him on Twitter, check out @BStreetHolmes or you can email him at HMCrazySS@gmail.com.

Review: The Strain: The Fall #4

It’s official. The entire series is a setup. The final chapter, The Strain: The Fall #4, is just more of the same. I was hoping with all this setting up that the final chapter would be this explosive ending. But it’s all of the same problems, and it doesn’t really end. I get that the story continuing in another series sells more, but I personally would not continue this because the entirety was boring confusing and therefore unpleasant.

I’m going to try and keep this short because I’ve covered a lot of this in prior reviews and try and keep it fresh for the people who actually follow these reviews. This comic brings in all the characters that have been previously introduced, but there seem to be some convoluted connection scheme between them that isn’t entirely clear. It’s too scattered and thinly spread to fully understand for me. This might just be because I’m still a comic novice, but it was impossible for me to keep up who’s whom and why they know them. It overall just appears to lack focus and a key element to every story: A PROTAGONIST. If someone asked me who the story was about, I would probably say something along the lines of about 5 random groups of people who kill these creepy tongue things in New York City for some reason I’m not fully sure of.

What else do you want in an action comic? Violence! There was finally some proper fighting but it seemed fairly aimless. Usually when people fight it’s for a purpose, but this was just fighting. I mean there was some clear intents from a few select characters, but for others there seemed to be little reason; it wasn’t even for shits and giggles or some kill number goal. It wasn’t a big focus even, almost like the author just had to fill his quota for number of panels with blood.

Beyond that there wasn’t much more substance. All that was left was list of cliffhangers for the next series: Angels. I mean, that’s basically it. I wished there was more to ending of this because I was holding out hope that the ends would justify the means, but the finale was just as much a dud as its predecessors. Guillermo Del Torro failed to deliver for me and I wish I could hold The Strain: The Fall in higher regard.

You could probably guess this but I would not recommend this comic (or series) and a cover price of $3.99 is far from worth it. If you want to read Angels, you might have better luck just reading a synopsis; It may even be less confusing because I honestly understand very little of what is going on in this comic.

Brendan is Bigmacd101, a writer for the Red Shirt Crew and tired of being thoroughly confused.  He has not yet decided if he will be following the next series in the strain series.  Hunt him down on Twitter at @bigmacd101 if you wanna hear more of the things he says.

Review: Bloodhound: Crowbar Medicine #1

I’ve struggled to find the words in the past to explain exactly what Bloodhound is about, but I love the way it’s explained on the cover of this comic: “Have you ever wondered what The X-Files would be like if Mulder was Conan the Barbarian?”  Thank you Justin Jordan, that is exactly what this comic is like.

You remember the third x-men film?  Yeah, sorry for reminding you all of that, but bear with me, you don’t need to think about it for much longer.  You remember how they were offering a cure?  Now reverse that and offer normal people artificial powers in order to stand a better chance against genuine supers.  In a world where supers tend to be nothing but trouble.  A world where Travis Clevenger is the one man capable a standing between supers and those who would become their victims.

I find it intriguing that I actually like this series.  You see, I like my classic hero comics.  Gold or silver age comics.  This is much more of an iron age story.  Grit and blood and so forth.  Heroes get injured more easily, even Clev for all his durability gets hurt from time to time.  And some how I really like these comics despite not usually being my style.

As far as issues #1’s go, this is one of my favorites I’ve read in a while.  Issue #1 is the introductory issue, the one intended to tell you who the hero is and what his or her world is like.  Unfortunately, this often leads to a slow start, in my opinion.  It’s the same reason I try not to judge movies like the Amazing Spiderman and other first-of-a-series films too harshly; they must establish everything for those unfamiliar so that future movies can build off of it.  This one is unusual in that it doesn’t use some cardboard cut-out plot.  I was actually thinking that the introduction plot was going to lead straight into the over-all story arch, but it hung a left turn and blindsided me with a completely different approach.

This comic isn’t for everyone.  But if you are the type that likes bloody stories of heroes firmly in the grey area of life, it’s great.  If you like X but there’s a little too much blood (not that you don’t like blood, just that some pages are practically all red…) then this is exactly what you’re looking.  I’m a little dismayed that it’s $3.99, a price usually reserved for extra long comics, but I still think it’s worth it if the above sounds like your tastes.

Matthew Bryant, a.k.a. Baker Street Holmes, is a writer and the lead editor for the Red Shirt Crew.  As much as he loves the idea of super powers, he would never want to get a chip surgically installed to grant powers.  He’s a little too paranoid of mind control and is afraid the powers might be something like the ability to sweat cheese.  You can follow him on Twitter at @BStreetHolmes or email him at HMCrazySS@gmail.com.

Review: Brain Boy #2

I continue to enjoy Brain Boy.  I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: I love myself a superhero story!  This series continues to be a lovely blend of humor and kick-ass psychic action in classic superhero style.

Actually, I feel like this is the first issue that really embraces that classic form of humor.  Brian Boy #1 had a very different spirit to its humor, it was more snide, dry and sarcastic.  This had more of a one-liner feel to the jokes.  There is nothing wrong dry humor, I rather like it, but for something which grew out of a 1960’s comic it doesn’t feel right.  However, I am a little off put by the change in tone.  I don’t know, maybe it won’t feel so awkward when next to one another in a volume.

I really like the progression in this story.  We start off where the last issue ended with Brain Boy faced with a psychic, possibly more powerful than he and by the time the issue ends, he’s facing a threat of a very different nature.  In the mean time, we see a glimpse of his relationship with the closest thing he has to family, and meet the mysterious Faraday.  There are some comic writers that I am consistently impressed with how much content, and even more the variety of content, some writers can work into 24 pages.

The art still strikes me.  Maybe this just a continuation of my love for superheroes, but it’s the powers that always get me.  Psychic powers are, in theory, unseen, so an artist is given a chance to depict them as they please.  As such, every artist draws them differently and personally I think R. B. Silva does a great job.  It’s nothing groundbreaking or unique, but a number of good choices were made.

I definitely recommend this comic, $2.99, as most comics are.  If you didn’t read the beginning I suggest you go and snag it too.  I’m already looking forward to the next issue, but a little sad knowing that it will end this story.  But what’s this?  A Brain Boy #0 approaches?  Huzzah!

Matthew Bryant, a.k.a. Baker Street Holmes, is a writer and the lead editor for the Red Shirt Crew.  If he could have any superpower, he would want retractable wings.  Then he would go troll the Vatican.  You ca follow him on Twitter at @BStreetHolmes or email him at HMCrazySS@gmail.com.

Review: X #6

Well, it seems my guess last time was correct, as this time we see what is much more clearly a story line that’s going to be continued.  I’ll go into the non-spoilers after the break.  So glad this comic is back on track!

One thing that strikes me about this series is the running theme of animals, making villains less than human not just in act but in look.  Berkshire literally ended up with a pig face.  In X #3, Leigh is attacked by gang members (who she refers to as “vermin”) and who are depicted with shaggy hair and pointed teeth.  Now we meet the “Dogs of War”, Terrier, Corso, Dane, Basset, Shepherd, Husky, and Setter, a corrupt band of narcotics cops.  Like with the street gang, they all have very canine features (I’m reminded of Marvel’s Sabretooth).  It’s interesting to see this motif running through the villainous character, but I would love it even more if the characters commented on their sub-humanity, even if not on their looks.  There is some very interesting commentary to be brought out there.

I think this issue did a great job balancing the scenes where we get Leigh’s insight into X and into their crime fighting relationship, X facing moral dilemmas of how to deal with innocents and the blood ass kicking that X is known for.  Oh, and presenting us with enough foreshadowing to make it clear that there is trouble brewing in Arcadia.  That was the big thing missing from the last issue, though it was after all a stand alone issue, not meant to tie into this issue in the first place.  Really well balanced, my commendations to Sweircyzynski.

I’m really curious about Officer Ruidoso.  At first I figured he was just the lone cop that decided to stand up to X.  BUt then they continue to involve him later in the issue.  Is he going to be an on going contact for X?  is he going to be this story arch’s Leigh and join up in their scum fighting endeavors after this?  I don’t know yet, but I’m interested to see where they go with him.  I have nothing yet that really draws him to me, but to have use him this much in one issue and then just drop him like a hot potato would be disappointing, at the very least from a character conservation perspective.

Last time, I recommended issue #5 as a good chance to get into the series if you weren’t already reading it.  Now we’re starting a new story arch, so it’s not too late yet.  Give it a whirl, $2.99 as always, and probably the best X issue thus far.

Matthew Bryant, a.k.a. Baker Street Holmes, is a writer and the lead editor for the Red Shirt Crew.  He apologizes for the late review, but he’s been moving across an ocean and looking for a job, so he hopes you all will understand.  If you want to follow him on Twitter, you can find him at @BStreetHolmes or email him at HMCrazySS@gmail.com.

Review: Grindhouse: Doors Open at Midnight #1

This comic made me a little giddy, I have to admit.  This is basically done in the style of 50’s drive though monster movies, but in comic form.  “Doors Open at Midnight”?  Get it?  Like a premiere at a cinema?  They even have movie posters at the back of the comic.  And who doesn’t love a bad 50’s monster movie?

Not to say this is in the vein of a so-bad-it’s-good movie, just that it has that sort of feel to it.  Actually, it was probably one of the better paced comics I’ve read in a while.  We get a brief introduction to a couple supporting characters, then we see a glimpse of the aftermath of an attack, but by what we don’t know.  At the end, we’re given a sense of conclusion, as though the problem has been resolved and then BAM cliffhanger on the last page.

The art is average, but I do like a lot of the design choices that Chris Peterson makes in here.  The attack victim’s wounds are feral, rather than surgical; they look like they were caused by a swarm all trying to attack at the same time, and getting in each other ways.  The titular bee vixens have a really interesting physiology, which makes me really want to see an attempt by the artists on Face-Off to finally do an epic bug makeup.  And trust me, that show has a history of bad bug makeups.

I’m really looking forward to the next issue of this already.  If you are a fan of paranormal thriller comics, this is worth the $3.99.

Matthew Bryant, a.k.a. Baker Street Holmes, is the lead editor and an avid writer for the Red Shirt Crew.  He often wonders if there is life out there in the universe, or at least supernatural forces at work on our own planet.  If you want to hear more from him, and who wouldn’t, you can follow him on Twitter at @BStreetHolmes, or email him at HMCrazySS@gmail.com.