Category: Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

Written by Mike W. Barr

Art by Terry Dodson; Andrew Pepoy; Dave Lanphear; Tim Divar; & Family Fugue

Cover Art by Norm Breyfogle & George Cox

SUMMARY:

Published by Malibu Comics for January 1994, the two-part Prime cross-over from Prime # 8 concludes with “The Battle of All Mothers.”  Despite Prime’s best efforts, Doc’s escape van absconds with a captive Mantra.  Ironically, the escape van passes a car containing Eden Blake’s unsuspecting kids.  Inside his underground lab, Doc reveals that Mantra shall be an expendable pawn for his diabolical mutation experiments to create super-powered soldiers.  It’s up to Prime to rescue a defenseless Mantra in time.  Battling a mutated octopus-like creature in the sewer, a sword-wielding Mantra must save young Kevin (whose time-limited Prime form has dissolved) from Doc’s vengeance. 

Note: Mantra is an immortal, 1500-year old male warrior Lukasz presently trapped inside modern-day woman Eden Blake’s host body.   

REVIEW:

Sporting good artwork, this issue’s storyline delivers some solid chemistry between Mantra and her guest star, Prime, who is Malibu’s answer to Shazam/Captain Marvel.  To writer Mike K. Barr’s credit, he nicely conveys these two heroes as equals, as each must save the other in turn.  Hence, Mantra # 7 proves a surprisingly good read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a cover reveal for next issue’s team-up with Warstrike, along with a two-page “Mantra’s Mail” letters-and-answers column.  A cartoony and overtly sexist, two-page “You Can’t Spell Mantra Without Man” series synopsis includes artwork from Terry Dodson, Al Vey, & Patrick Owsley.  A separate two-page spread hypes Malibu’s armored hero, Prototype.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

Written by Mike W. Barr

Art by Terry Dodson; Andrew Pepoy; Dave Lanphear; Tim Divar; & Family Fugue

Cover Art by Terry Dodson & George Cox

SUMMARY:

Published by Malibu Comics for December 1993, this story is entitled “One Giant Leap for Mankind!”  On Christmas Eve, the sorceress Mantra returns to Eden Blake’s home.  Awkwardly leaving Eden’s disappointed family behind, Mantra senses she is needed by her ancient mentor, Archimage, on the Moon.  Utilizing a lunar rock, Mantra’s magic transports her there.  Taken captive by the alien Amber, Mantra is haunted by the spirits of lives she’s stolen over the years, Further, her powers may not be enough to keep her alive without air on the Moon. 

Note: Mantra is an immortal, 1500-year old male warrior Lukasz presently trapped inside modern-day woman Eden Blake’s host body.   

REVIEW:

Veteran writer Mike W. Barr musters a decent effort pitting Mantra again her prior sins ‘stealing’ other people’s lives.  Unfortunately, capable artist Terry Dodson’s work sabotages itself, as his solid imagery is overshadowed by efforts (i.e. the cover image) to play up the series’ overtly sexist elements.  Despite excessive ogling of a scantily-clad Mantra’s busty figure, Barr’s storyline hints at more depth than expected. 

For instance, Lukasz’s self-absorbed yet stumbling adjustment impersonating Eden Blake (and neglect of her family) is an intriguing sub-plot.  One might even further wonder if Lukasz’s now-troubled conscience is partially attributable to a compassionate Eden’s latent personality.  By making good use of the series’ gender-bending concept, Mantra # 6 mostly proves a decent read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Malibu Comics’ fan liaison, Diane Botta, handles a full-page “Mantra Mail” letters-and-answers column.  There is also a two-page “UltraFiles” column.  Included with this column is Mike Barr’s tedious story of how he and fellow Malibu writer Steve Gerber pitched their work in-flight to a new fan.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    5 Stars

Written by Mike W. Barr

Art by Rob Phipps; Al Vey; Barb Kaalberg; Moose Baumann; Family Fugue; & Tim Eldred

Cover Art by Terry Dodson & ‘Kesel’

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Animated Series,” this November 1993 issue was released by Malibu Comics.  Mantra & Warstrike leave a forceful message with mystic pawnbroker Strauss.  Returning home, Mantra again fakes her way through Eden Blake’s family life as a divorced mother of two young kids before Eden’s mother confronts her. An unexpected job offer may help protect her Mantra identity before Eden is summoned to comfort a devastated friend.  At the morgue, two innocent men connected to Eden are now dead. 

One of Boneyard’s dim-witted, demonic minions assumes the animated form of ‘Wiley Wolf’ (who resembles the red-nosed Ralph Wolf from Looney Tunes’ Sheepdog cartoons) and forces a schoolyard showdown vs. Mantra.  Confronting a sleazy photographer exploiting her image, Mantra enters a Looney Tunes-style dimension for a rematch with ‘Wiley Wolf.’ 

Note: Mantra is an immortal, 1500-year old male warrior Lukasz presently trapped inside modern-day woman Eden Blake’s host body.   

REVIEW:

Squandering an amusing premise, the resulting story is only marginally better than its tawdry cover image.  Lampooning Looney Tunes (as redundant as that sounds), writer Mike W. Barr conjures up a weak Ralph Wolf look-alike and spins off a few decent Roger Rabbit-style gags.  Barr’s sub-plots re: Lukasz’s desire to regain a man’s body and contending with Eden Blake’s hectic home life (as a single parent) are noticeably better, but the dismal end result is still the same.  Further sabotaged by the art team’s lackadaisical visuals, Mantra # 5 is a quickly forgettable read.           

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page “Mantra’s Mail” letters-and-answers column.  The two-page “UltraFiles” column includes six cover reveals: Sludge # 2; Freex #5; The Strangers # 6; Solitaire # 1; Prime # 6; and Prototype # 4.    

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                    3½ Stars

Written by Mike W. Barr

Art by Rob Phipps; Al Vey; Barb Kaalberg; Moose Baumann; Family Fugue; & Tim Eldred

Cover Art by Scott Kollins & George Cox

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Bride of Boneyard,” this October 1993 issue was released by Malibu Comics.  Trapped in Boneyard’s medieval-like dimension, Mantra faces forced matrimony to her worst enemy.  Warstrike arrives and convinces Mantra’s two false allies to repentantly help him halt the wedding.  Regaining her mystical powers, Mantra defiantly battles Boneyard before vowing to someday return for vengeance.  Elsewhere, Eden Blake’s family and her co-worker briefly worry about her unexplained disappearances. 

Note: Mantra is an immortal, 1500-year old male warrior Lukasz presently trapped inside modern-day woman Eden Blake’s host body.   

REVIEW:

As compared to the dreck passed off as its back-up feature, Mantra # 4 sports some decent artwork.  Including the cover image, the art team’s visuals partially compensate for writer Mike W. Barr’s unimpressive story.  However, a few panels predictably ogle Mantra’s racy wedding attire.  It’s typical for this series, as excessive ‘cheesecake’ moments are among Mantra’s overtly sexist elements.  Yet, even if Mantra herself is a potentially compelling character, a major detriment is none of her supporting cast (like with this issue) even comes close.  Case in point: the dopey Boneyard is merely a collective mass of genre clichés personified.  Re: Mantra # 4, this formulaic issue at best is adequately entertaining and proves a quickly forgettable read.           

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including a back flip cover, the awfully bland Rune back-up feature is entitled “I, The Fury: Part One.”  The creative team consists of Barry Windsor-Smith; Chris Ulm; John Floyd; Keith Conroy; Albert Calleros; Patrick Owsley; and Jim Chadwick.  Its rudimentary artwork ranges between crummy (the cover) and at best mediocre (the three-page tale).  Produced by ‘Aragonés & Evanier,” there is also a witless “The Mighty Magnor” single-page comic strip.  As for regular features, there’s a single-page “Mantra’s Mail” letters-and-answers column.  The two-page “UltraFiles” column offers six cover reveals: Firearm # 2; The Strangers # 5; Hard Case # 5; Night Man # 1; Prime # 5; and Prototype # 3.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            4 Stars

Written by Dan Jurgens

Art by Billy Tan; Jonathan D. Smith; and Dreamer Design’s Robin Spehar & Dennis Heisler

Cover Art by Billy Tan & Jonathan D. Smith

SUMMARY:

Published by Image Comics’ Top Cow imprint for April 2001, this untitled issue has Lara Croft plummeting from the sky to imminent death in a Himalayan river far below.  Mysteriously rescued, a still-intact Lara awakens to find herself in Shangri-La.  Exploring its mystically gentle world, Lara is tempted to remain forever.  Her hostess, Mu’Tin, intends to ensure that there isn’t an option.  Amidst a desperate escape, Lara poignantly reveals the mercy mission re: why she had sought out Shangri-La in the first place. 

Note: According to the inside cover, there’s an alternate ‘Graham Cracker’ cover by Tan & Smith for this issue.

REVIEW:

Making this issue better than expected, writer Dan Jurgens overcomes a superficial premise by exploring Lara’s conflict over willfully giving up Shangri-La.  Considerably boosting the script are the art team’s stellar visuals, including an outstanding cover image.  While Tomb Raider # 12 isn’t a memorable read, it’s still a worthwhile effort towards bolstering Lara Croft into a more fully-realized character.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page letters-and-answers column, which includes a fan sketch of Lara Croft.  Also, the single-page “Image Insider” news-and-notes column includes a guest editorial from writer Dan Jolley.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7 Stars

Written by Dan Jurgens

Art by Andy Park; Jonathan Sibal; Jonathan D. Smith; & Dream Designs’ Robin Spehar & Dennis Heisler

Cover Art by Andy Park; Jonathan Sibal; & Jonathan D. Smith

SUMMARY:

This untitled third chapter of a four-parter was released by Top Cow Productions for December 2000.  Leering rogue Chase Carver rescues Lara Croft, John Rivers, and Madeline Hovan from a near-abduction by the sinister Midnight Squires seeking to re-acquire the mystical Eye of Shaharettin.  While the ominous Mr. Roetek fumes, Carver playfully interrupts Lara’s bath.  Seeking to recruit help against the Squires, Carver leads Lara and Rivers to the Louisiana bayous.  The mysterious Quill, who is the sole surviving ex-Squire, resides there, but hungry crocodiles and a whirlpool are fearsome obstacles.       

Note: Though images aren’t provided, three other covers exist.  The art teams are Michael Turner; D-Tron; & Jonathan D. Smith (Cover A); Andy Park (Sketch); and Andy Park; Jonathan Sibal; & Steve Firchow (the Dynamic Forces Exclusive).

REVIEW:

Despite impressive artwork (including a spot-on cover), this meager 22-page tale flies by fast.  Simply put, writer Dan Jurgens accomplishes little.  After Carver’s highly implausible rescue vs. far superior numbers, Jurgens spends a mere page on the diabolical Midnight Squires before launching into Lara & Carver’s slightly naughty bathtub banter.  Even if a sudsy (and later toweling-off) Lara Croft inexplicably tolerates Carver’s voyeurism, it’s a ridiculous scene justifying why they’re going after Quill.  In fairness, the swampy cliffhanger is worth catching, but it alone can’t hide this issue’s lack of depth.  Tomb Raider # 9 is a fun read, but its expensive-looking visuals are really its only significant plus.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In addition to a two-page letters-and-answers column, Top Cow plugs several projects, including the Witchblade–Tomb Raider–Darkness cross-over entitled Butcher Knight.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               6 Stars

Written by Paul Dini

Art by Kenneth Rocafort; Imaginary Friends Studios; & Troy Peteri

Cover Art by Kenneth Rocafort

SUMMARY:

Published by Top Cow Productions-Image Comics for September 2007, this untitled issue leads off with Mirage’s crafty undercover elimination of ASI operative Tom Ragg.  With ASI boss Abe Coyle simmering over his growing list of dead henchmen, he recruits psychic assassin, Everett “Mousetrap” Bradley, to trap Mirage later that night.  At the Kelly Mansion’s high society bash, the enigmatic Mirage keeps Ragg’s appointment re: an extortion-kidnapping scheme against pompous actor Zack Kelly.  Lured into Mousetrap’s ruse, Mirage must play an elusive game of impersonations against ASI’s thugs.  Among them are Mousetrap and the dim-witted Dude, who wants payback after Mirage’s ambush in the last issue.  Her escape from Kelly’s estate ultimately rides on a fateful encounter with Mousetrap.     

REVIEW:

Despite some coarse dialogue (including a f-bomb), writer Paul Dini continues to impress with this unpredictable modern-day noir.  As seen by Madame Mirage’s dark sense of justice, she doesn’t hesitate to kill in cold blood (i.e. slitting somebody’s throat), making her a dark anti-heroine.  In that sense, Dini’s gritty storyline concentrates on her ASI vendetta and smartly providing only a few glimpses of Mirage’s true identity.  As for the artwork, it improves upon the first issue, though the art team again relies upon overtly sexist images of Mirage’s cleavage and/or lithe figure.  Still, Dini’s pulpy new creation and her arsenal of seemingly magical tricks helps make Madame Mirage # 2 a worthwhile read.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is Top Cow’s single-page “World Moos” news-and-notes column, which has a thumbnail cover reveal for Madame Mirage # 3. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7½ Stars

Written by Paul Dini

Art by Kenneth Rocafort; Imaginary Friends Studio; ‘Blond;’ & Troy Peteri

Cover Art ‘B’ by Greg Horn

SUMMARY:

Published by Top Cow Productions-Image Comics for June 2007, this untitled 40-page comic is the title character’s official debut.  Per the mysterious heroine’s narrative, science invented super-heroes, but world chaos caused by super-criminals ultimately discredit them in the public’s eye.  Now, well-dressed super-crooks discreetly exist in this world where they seamlessly blend as underworld mercenaries and assassins.  Pursuing Los Angeles bandit Vinnie “The Hummingbird” Loomis, Madame Mirage unleashes an explosive pistol blast.  It’s Mirage’s latest ‘downsizing’ of Aggressive Solutions International’s (ASI) hoodlums.

Angela (aka Mirage) and her sister Harper next target ASI’s chief financier, Roger Maitland, who intends to abscond with ten million dollars in cash.  The financier further intends to have his oblivious girlfriend killed off before he ditches town.  Mirage uses impersonations and stealth technology to send ASI’s boss, Abe Coyle, another ominous warning.    

Notes: This issue’s main cover image (which isn’t not provided here) was created by artist Kenneth Rocafort.  Also, the first seven pages (in a mix of black-and-white sketches and color panels) can also be seen in the Madame Mirage: First Look preview.  

REVIEW:

Despite the occasionally coarse dialogue (including a f-bomb), writer Paul Dini’s violent series opener has the welcome advantage of unpredictability.  Mirage’s mysterious origin remains exactly that, including an evidently personal vendetta against ASI.  With Dini on his game, the artwork (including the Angelina Jolie-esque cover image) is pretty solid, though the visuals are too fixated on overtly sexist close-ups of Mirage’s cleavage and/or lithe figure.  Despite this distraction, this pulpy mix of modern-day noir and an enigmatic femme fatale makes for a satisfying read.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is Top Cow’s single-page “World Moos” news-and-notes column, which has a thumbnail cover reveal for Madame Mirage # 2.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             8 Stars

Written by Paul Dini

Art by Frank Rocafort; “Blond;” & Troy Peteri

Cover Art by Kenneth Rocafort

SUMMARY:

Published by Top Cow Productions/Image Comics for May 2007, this twelve-page issue is creator-writer Paul Dini’s guided tour into the world of his mysterious ‘Madame Mirage.’  Ominously narrated by the heroine, a seven-page series preview launches with a black-and-white, three-page sketched flashback of an alternate Earth where 21^st Century super-heroes were manufactured by science before the world’s super-crooks sabotaged them.  With Earth’s ex-heroes now disgraced, imprisoned, or forced into hiding, super-villainy thrives by ditching their costumes and assimilating into the mob.  Switching into color, a jetpack-wearing thug nicknamed the Hummingbird attempts to evade Madame Mirage’s pistol-packing wrath.    

REVIEW:

Prolific writer Paul Dini does an excellent job with this pulpy, super-hero noir-like concept.  The art team’s supporting visuals prove solid, though its overtly sexist fixation (i.e. the cover image) on pushing a sultry Mirage’s cleavage and lithe figure is an unnecessary distraction.  Dini’s scripting can stand on its own here without relying on “good girl”-style artwork.  With that thought in mind, Madame Mirage: First Look still delivers an upper-tier promo.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Various glimpses (in color) of this character are provided.  There is also a two-page introductory letter from Paul Dini.  The last page depicts cover reveals for the first three issues (including a variant for the first issue).  The back inside cover is Top Cow’s “World Moos” news-and-notes column.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Michael Turner & Peter Steigerwald

SUMMARY:

Published by Aspen Comics for May 2009, this 32-page compilation issue reprints material from Executive Assistant: Iris # 0; Soulfire: New World Order # 1; Michael Turner’s Fathom Vol. 3 # 6; and Aspen Seasons (Winter 2009) # 1.

• Executive Assistant Iris # 1: Writer: David Wohl. Art by Eduardo Francisco; Jason Gordner; Peter Steigerwald; & Josh Reed. (7 Pages): On behalf of her employer, Mr. Ching, Iris is in Russia to complete a stealth hit on a business associate.

• Soulfire: New World Order # 1: Writer: J.T. Krul.  Art by Francisco Herrera; Leonardo Olea; & Josh Reed. (5 Pages): Entitled “Power Surge,” this spin-off set in 2212 has a supernatural predator stalking the skies.

• Michael Turner’s Fathom Vol. 3 # 6: Writer J.T. Krul.  Art by Alé Garza; Sal Regla; John Starr; & Josh Reed. (7 pages): Aspen, Chance, & Finn’s discreet escape forces a public stand-off.

• Aspen Seasons (Winter 2009) # 1: Creative Team: Michael Turner; Joe Benitez; J.T. Krul; Peter Steigerwald; & Josh Reed. (7 Pages): Reprinting an excerpt of Michael Turner’s Soulfire entitled “Destiny Child,” the series premise is spelled out by young Malikai.

REVIEW:

This glossy sampler is impressive introducing newcomers to various Aspen Comics franchises.  As expected, the visuals (i.e. the cover image) readily overshadow the scripting, but all four excerpts still deliver the goods.  Well-played!     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The front inside cover has a letter to fans.  A posed swimsuit portrait of Aspen Matthews, Grace, & Kiani is Page 2.  Each sample includes a series premise and/or a series-to-date synopsis.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             8 Stars