Category: Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

Written by Ron Marz

Art by Stjepan Sejic; Phil Hester; Troy Peteri; & Chaz Riggs

Cover Art ‘A’ by Stjepan Sejic

SUMMARY:

Published for July 2008 by Top Cow Productions-Image Comics, this lead-off issue stars “Witchblade” Sara Pezzini.  “The Darkness” Jackie Estacado; and The Angelus, in possession of the mysterious Celestine, make last page cameos.  A grisly flashback to 890 A.D. Norway reveals two mystical amulets (one blue, one red) – the blue held by the ‘Winter King’ frost giant and the red by his blond sister, who shape-shifts into a fiery metallic dragon.

At a present-day Manhattan curio shop, NYPD Detective Sara Pezzini profanely shuts down Michael Finnegan, a rent-a-crook hired by Jackie Estacado to tail Sara and their infant daughter Hope.  Finnegan is unexpectedly gifted the blue amulet by the shopkeeper known as ‘The Curator.’ Sara & her partner, Patrick Gleason, suspiciously research Finnegan’s history.  The amulets claim new host bodies.

Note: There is a ‘Cover B’ variant by artist Dale Keown, but an image isn’t provided.

REVIEW:

Aside from Sara’s excessively-nasty tirade against Finnegan (whether it’s meant as realism or not), writer Ron Marz is at the top of his game.  In both the present-day and flashback scenes, Marz’s plotting and dialogue spark a well-played read, even if the mystical amulet cliché is clearly foreshadowing.  Conjuring up top-caliber visuals, artist Stjepan Sejic’s team makes Broken Trinity # 1 a complete entertainment package for Witchblade fans.  Perhaps this comic’s best element is that it can be readily enjoyed by casual adult fans of the fantasy-horror genre, without prior knowledge of the franchise.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover summarizes the present storyline to date (following the birth of Sara Pezzini’s daughter, Hope).  As separate full pages, there is the “Pilot Season 2008” column and a “Top Cow World Moos” news-and-notes-column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars

Written by Vince Hernandez

Art by Khary Randolph; Emilio Lopez; & Josh Reed

Cover Art by Micah Gunnell & Emilio Lopez (Cover C seen below)

SUMMARY:

Published by Aspen Comics for February 2012, this issue is entitled “Jungle Law.”  The powerful ancient wizard, Kon, is overpowered by his vengeful young adversary, Samsun, and a coven of witches.  Seeking to free Kon, Hank; his talking black cat, Sparkles; and female druid Sudana, find Dalgo, among Kon’s few surviving panther bodyguards in the Costa Rican jungle.  Trapped inside the Void, Hector and Hank’s scantily-clad assistant, Alle, meet an unlikely ally. 

Note:  The other cover art teams are: Khary Randolph & Emilio Lopez (Cover A); Siya Oum (Cover B); Nicola Hwang (Cover D); and Emilio Lopez (Cover E).

REVIEW:

Even if the storyline isn’t remarkable, the characters in Charismagic # 4 should at least entertain readers.  The feline kinship of Sparkles and fearsome Dalgo, for instance, adds a twinkle of charm.  The well-written dialogue between Hector & Alle; Sudana & Hank; and the four of them via a mystical portal make it easier for readers (who haven’t perused the first three issues) to quickly catch up.  As seen in the Cover C image (of a Coven villainess) below, the artwork for this issue impressively compensates for the story’s clichés.  Between its capable artwork and a decent plot, Charismagic # 4 makes a worthwhile read.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page cover reveal for Charismagic # 5.  The front inside cover also provide thumbnail portraits of this issue’s five covers.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

Written by Vince Hernandez

Art by Khary Randolph; Emilio Lopez; & Josh Reed

Cover Art “C” by Ale Garza & Emilio Lopez (As Seen Below)

SUMMARY:

Published for April 2011 by Aspen Comics, this untitled inaugural issue introduces Hank, a Las Vegas stage magician who prefers flashy theatrical performances over using real magic.  Hank’s old friend, Hector, warns him that the evil ancient sorcerer, Samsun, threatens the world’s existence.  Hank soon witnesses baffling evidence.  A mysterious young sorceress with long black hair is driving hard to reach Las Vegas.  Samsun makes his move to enter Earth through Stonehenge. 

Note: The other cover artists are Khary Randolph & Emilio Lopez (Covers A and D); and Siya Oum (Cover B).

REVIEW:

It’s style overriding substance.  Though the glossy artwork has some eye-popping moments, this unremarkable opener resembles more an extended teaser than an actual storyline.  Had it been pitched as part of its ‘Issue # 0’ teaser, then this issue would have made more sense.  At best, Charismagic # 1 is an okay read.  Let’s just say its mostly stellar visuals (including the cover image) is the only persuasive argument in favor of locating this comic.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Thumbnail images of all four covers can be seen on the inside front cover.  There’s also a full-page cover reveal of Charismagic # 2, which promises three covers.  Multiple pages promoting Aspen Comics projects are also included.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        4 Stars

Written by Vince Hernandez

Art by Khary Randolph; Emilio Lopez; & Josh Reed

Cover Art “B” by Siya Oum

SUMMARY:

Published by Aspen Comics for March 2011, the lead feature is a thirteen-page teaser entitled “The Void.”  In a truck stop-diner, druid sorceress Sudana warns her two mysterious companions of the malevolent predator, Samsun.  She explains how the mystic Order of Five had once banished the opportunistic Samsun centuries ago to the interdimensional Void Realm from which he supposedly couldn’t escape … until now.  Sensing imminent doom, her two confidants go public with a demonic secret.  In Las Vegas, Hank the Magnificent goes on stage for his high-profile stage magic show with his mascot, Sparkles the black cat.                 

Note: The inside front cover reveals thumbnails of all three covers.  Cover “A” is by Khary Randolph & Emilio Lopez, and Cover “C” (retailer incentive exclusive) is from artist Sana Takeda.

REVIEW:

Boasting reasonably good visuals, Charismagic # 0 whets one’s appetite as to what storylines the ongoing series will explore.  Series creator-writer Vince Hernandez does solid work separately introducing his two protagonists.  Well-illustrated by artist Emilio Lopez, the back-up feature is even better, as the text nicely conveys some mystical characters and concepts that will evidently be featured in the series.  Hence, the intriguing Charismagic # 0 is a relatively fast read for fans of tales mixing magic with mythology.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page cover reveal spread for Charismagic # 1 (with Cover “C”).  A seven-page back-up feature, “Druid Scriptures, Volume 7, Chapter 1,” explains and visualizes the Void Realm; the God of Futility; monstrous Lar Ka Rel; and the Medusa-like Charmer Queen.  Along with a full-page cover reveal of Lady Mechanika # 2, there is a trio of cover reveals for Soulfire # 0.          

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

Written by Kurt Busiek

Art by Cary Nord; Dave Stewart; Richard Starkings; Comicraft; & Darin Fabrick

Cover Art by Cary Nord & Dave Stewart

SUMMARY:

It was released by Dark Horse Comics for November 2003 as a $0.25 preview.  Entitled “The Legend,” in a survey of conquered lands within his father’s empire, a snooty prince comes across Conan’s stone crypt in an underground chamber from generations before.  Ever so reluctantly, the prince’s chief-of-staff, Wazir, researches and presents to his bored master an overview of Conan’s alleged exploits.   

REVIEW:

Artist Cary Nord’s exceptionally well-illustrated work is presented in lush fashion – keeping in mind that implied brutality/pillaging (i.e. violence inflicted against scantily-clad women, plus an unrelated decapitation close-up) is predictable.  However, Kurt Busiek’s serviceable text only presents Conan in a flashback montage – the ongoing dialogue between Wazir and the prince is frankly something of a bore.  For Conan fans, this glorified teaser should prove well worth exploring, but, for casual readers, it’s likely headed for the one-and-done pile. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a three-page Nord sketchbook of character designs.  Also, in a single-page segment, Kurt Busiek good-naturedly interviews Nord.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6 Stars

Written by Michael Angelos

Art by Tim Vigil; Jerry Beck; Tony Bledsoe; & Michael Wulf

Cover Art by Jerry Beck; Tony Bledsoe; & Ben Prenevost

SUMMARY:

Released for Free Comic Book Day, this third volume was released by Castle Rain Entertainment for May 2007.  Cursed Jack Corby describes his merged existence with the pumpkin-head entity, Argotakar.  Within a nightmare, Corby is taunted by the demon to rescue his innocent mother from the elder Corby’s monstrously abusive behavior. 

Set on May 29^th, 1990, in Newport, Oregon, Lisa and her middle-aged mentor, Frank, discuss Corby’s progress with their training sessions.  Frank tells Lisa that a recent battle they survived in Sacramento points towards billionaire New York industrialist London Dirk.  In Northwest Canada, Dirk arrives via helicopter at a Victorian-style castle for a covert meeting with the mysterious elf-like sorceress, Jadugar, and her blind associate, Malkov.  Joined by Jadugar’s demonic brother, Roman, the trio witnesses her dark magic in action.                 

Note: This comic’s ‘standard’ (black-and-white) edition was first published for October 2006.

REVIEW:

Even if Corby-Argotakar isn’t appealing as a mystical anti-hero (reminiscent of Marvel’s Ghost Rider), the enigmatic Lisa and Frank makes up some of this gap.  Writer Michael Angelos does barely enough to make their mission a potentially intriguing prospect.  This issue’s shadowy visuals are adequate, as far as an intended sense of creepiness.  The real detriment, however, is that neither Corby (evidently seeking redemption from his haunted past) nor his host of adversaries are compelling.  As one can readily identify its various clichés from the fantasy-horror genre, the mediocre Jack the Lantern: Ghosts # 1 is at best an okay single read.          

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

With a colorized cover, there’s a black-and-white eight-page preview of this storyline’s Book 2, which doesn’t include any narrative text or dialogue.  The back inside cover promotes Jack the Lantern Book 3 while its outside is a cover reveal ad for Jack the Lantern: Ghosts # 2.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 4 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Dan Parent; ‘R. Pena;’ & (Illegible]

SUMMARY:

Released by Archie Comics for January 2016, this 160-page holiday-themed digest consists of the following reprints:

• All Worked Up (4 pages): Written by Angelo Decesare, with art by Pat Kennedy; Tim Kennedy; Jim Amash; Jack Morelli; & Digikore Studios.  A well-intentioned Archie’s day of odd jobs to earn cash for Christmas presents causes more grief than good.

• Beyond Belief (6 pages): The writer is unknown, with art by Bill Vigoda; Terry Szenics; & Barry Grossman.  Jughead accompanies Archie to get his Santa suit altered before some holiday fun with the Lodges.

• Tree Glee (5 pages): Writer: George Gladir, with art by Stan Goldberg; Jon D’Agostino; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Finding a Christmas tree for their high school holiday party costs Archie’s gang more than they expect.

• The Greater Gift (5 pages): Writer: George Gladir, with art by Gus LaMoine; Jon D’Agostino; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Archie’s effort to hide his Christmas gifts for Betty & Veronica has a poignant consequence.

• The Gifted (6 pages): Writer Kathleen Webb, with art by Jeff Shultz; Al Milgrom; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Santa sends his Sugar Plum Fairy to probe what’s hampering Betty and Veronica’s holiday spirits.

• Tree to Get Ready (4 pages).  The writer is unknown, with art by Bill Vigoda; Mario Acquaviva: & Barry Grossman.  The Archie gang scrambles to decorate the school’s Christmas tree before their holiday party.

• Collection Dejection (½ page).  No Credits.  Jughead tells Betty the problem he and Archie share re: what they should collect to be worth something in the future.

• Hit Bit (½ page).  No Credits.  Jughead and Dilton chat about encores.

• Blood Line (6 pages).  Writer/Artist: Bob Bolling, with inks by Jim Amash.  Archie attends a banquet with his dad.      

• On the Face of It (6 pages).  Writer/Artist: Tim Kennedy, with inks by Jon D D’Agostino.  Reggie is mortified to reveal to his buddies that he actually has a pimple.

• The Door to Knowledge is a Jar (4 pages).  Writer: ‘Smith,’ with art by Stan Goldberg; Rudy Lapick; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Miss Beazly inadvertently impacts Mr. Flutesnoot’s science demonstration to his class.

• The Brush Off (3 pages).  Writer/Artist: Dick Malmgren, with letterer Bill Yoshida & colorist Barry Grossman.  The inker is unknown.  Reggie & Archie harass two painters in their school homeroom. 

• Magic Mayhem (5 pages).  Writer/Artist: Fernando Ruiz, with Al Nickerson; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Deliberately sabotaging Betty’s school magic act, a ‘missing’ Veronica earns some fitting payback.

• Dipsy Doodles (1 page).  No credits.  The issue’s sole black-and-white has Jughead painting himself into a corner.

• Munch Bunch (1 page).  No credits.  Jughead and Hot Dog share a refrigerator.

• Fair Play (12 pages).  Writer/Artist: Al Hartley, with Jon D’Agostino; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Veronica’s dad has a secret plan in mind, as The Archies compete in a music festival that he helps sponsor.

• May I Cut In? (6 pages).  Writer: Rich Margopoulos, with art by Doug Crane; Rudy Lapick; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Repeatedly pushed off Veronica’s school dance card, Archie schemes to get her back.

• Go West, Young Dude! (6 pages).  Writer/Artist: Dan Parent, with Rudy Lapick; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  The Archie gang’s cowboy-themed basement party impacts Hiram Lodge’s efforts to impress a new business partner during dinner.

• Wheel Man (6 pages).  Writer: George Gladir, with art by Dan DeCarlo Jr.; Jimmy DeCarlo; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  During breaks in The Archies’ roller-skating rink gig, the friends try out-skating each other.
• Dancing Daddyo (2 pages).  No credits.  Archie gets creative, as Hiram Lodge evicts Veronica’s dance party from various rooms at the Lodge mansion. 

• The Helping Hand (6 pages).  Writer: George Gladir, with art by Stan Goldberg; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  The inker is unknown.  Principal Weatherbee recounts to Ms. Grundy his dubious experiences re: Archie’s efforts to help out. 

• Head of the Class (6 pages).  Writer/Artist: Al Hartley, with Jon D’Agostino; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Reggie takes it upon himself to impress Betty & Veronica after they praise Jughead’s culinary talents.

• Fall Guy (5 pages).  Writer: George Gladir, with art by Stan Goldberg; Henry Scarpelli; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Eager to show off her new dress at a swanky country club party, Veronica’s date options aren’t as many as she thought.

• Man With a Horn (5 pages).  Writer: Frank Doyle, with art by Stan Goldberg; Henry Scarpelli; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Archie obliviously ‘terrorizes’ the high school with his trumpet-playing. 

• Food Feud (5 pages).  Writer/Artist: Dick Malmgren, with Jon D’Agostino; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Betty pays back a two-timing Archie with a foul-tasting feast.

• It’s a Breeze (5 pages).  Writer: Frank Doyle, with art by Dan DeCarlo Jr.; Jimmy DeCarlo; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Betty is the victim of a nasty wind gust.

• The Bake-off (1 Page).  No credits. Miss Beazly and Principal Weatherbee trade pie-making advice.

• Scandal Sheet, Parts I & II (11 pages).  Writer: Frank Doyle, with art by Stan Goldberg; Jon D’Agostino; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Unscrupulous school paper editor ‘Scoop’ Scanlon finds out that trash journalism can go both ways.
• Keep the Faith (5 pages).  Writer: Kathleen Webb, with art by Dan DeCarlo Jr; Jimmy DeCarlo; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Playing a mall Santa, Archie finds that Betty & Veronica are going to tell Santa what they really want for Christmas this year.

• The Lodge Dodge (5 pages).  Writer/Artist Bob Bolling, with Jon D’Agostino; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Hiram Lodge tries to keep Archie’s gang from interrupting his family’s Christmas plans.

• Splendid Spirit (5 pages).  Writer: George Gladir, with art by Samm Schwartz & Barry Grossman.  The Christmas spirit has an unexpected effect on the Archie gang.             

REVIEW:

Impressively, there isn’t a single dud, as the well-played humor makes for a relaxing all-ages read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The last page is a single-page “Everything’s Archie”  news-and-notes column.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               9 Stars

Written by Tom Orzechowski & Andy Grossberg

Art by Alan Weiss; Jim Fern; Tom Orzechowski; Color-o-Matic; & Studio Colour Group

Cover Art by Alan Weiss & Jim Fern

SUMMARY:

Published by Image Comics for March 1999, this mini-series finale is entitled “Hearts and Minds.”  A time-traveling Harry Houdini and an angel, Kimiel, seek to recover two stolen artifacts from corpulent immortal Pope Rodrigo Borgia’s religious cult in Manhattan. A warrior angel, Zamzagiel, is sent from Heaven’s Embassy to intervene.  Villainous Judas Iscariot attempts to escape with one of the artifacts, as Houdini and Borgia settle a five-hundred year old score. 

REVIEW:

By itself, Daring Escapes # 4 is a high-concept read difficult to fathom.  As intriguing as a time-traveling Houdini sounds, all the religious and quasi-historical elements thrown in make the plot far too muddled.  The art team does solid work (i.e. its Howard Chaykin-like cover image), but their efforts don’t improve the convoluted story.  Perusing the entire mini-series might yield better results, but this comic alone barely merits a single look. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Terry Fitzgerald pens the single-page “blah blah blah” column, including gushing over company co-founder Todd McFarlane’s winning bid for baseball player Mark McGwire then-record seventieth home run ball, among others.  In two pages, writer Tom Orzechowski reveals the conception behind the Daring Escapes mini-series.   

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                                  3 Stars