Motor Crush issue 7 and Batman:Dawn Breaker and mural stuff Comic Book reviews 10/4/17

 Motor Crush #7 review by Anthony Andujar Jr

(W) Brenden Fletcher , Cameron Stewart (A) Jake Wyatt , Babs Tarr

    When you're a World Grand Prix racer with a lot of Fame, you'd be happy, unless you're using Crush to keep you happy and focused to keep up with all of the competitors and fame. But when you're addicted to  Crush and end up disappearing for two years due to the drug, much like the series protagonist Domino Swift, you'd be surprised and curious to wonder how bad things have gotten in the city of Nova. How much has changed since Domino's disappearance ? What happened to Domino's father Sully and her girlfriend Lo?

   When I first read this series a year ago, it was recommended to me by my friend Miranda aka Miraswonderland  (shout out to ya !) And it had been a few months since I've gone back to read this series and the good news is, this was a nice jumping on point for anyone who is new to the series or may have had a hard time keeping up with the series. What's interesting is seeing the ramifications that happened to Domino's friends while she went missing through time due to the amount of crush that she used. Seeing how relationships have changed and how Domino's actions influenced and changed the way the World Grand Prix , and the rest of the city of Nova. Fletcher and Stewart does a good job at showing how each character has been affected by Domino's return but also how much each character has changed during this period of time.

  The artwork by Jake Wyatt and Babs Tarr are beautifully rendered. The gestures are solid and the panel choices are thought out. The colors by Babs Tarr and Heather Danforth really make the book pop with visual life which is one of the biggest strengths of this issue and keeps the visual continuity of those series consistent.

  This is an indie title that is definitely worth your while if you're looking for a cool futuristic series that has some animated flair that doesn't scream dystopian. It's a worthwhile series and this issue is a good jumping on point to catch up on the series. Plus, it's good to support independent creator content, so do yourself the favor and pick this issue up.

P.S. Both Motor Crush issue 7 and Batman: WHite Knight issue 1 were suppose to be on the Fanboy Factor website, but something caused the reviews to not show, so I decided to put them here. With that said, I at least managed to get Batman: Dawn Breaker (Dark Nights Metal tie-In) up on the website, so you can find it here:

http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/10/comic-review-batman-dawn-breaker-1-dc-comics/.

I've been a bit busy with the mural work in ELmhurst,Queens with my partner Stephy and other fellow mural artists as of late, along with the sorting out getting the ProtoSaga comic published online, in addition to still working on other comics etc ,classes and work.

But here is a peek of the process thus far.

Batman: White Knight Review by Anthony Andujar Jr 10/4/17

     Batman: White Knight Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

Writer/Illustrator/Inker :Sean Murphy Colors: Matt Hollingsworth

  For years the Joker has always been a villain through and through, and Batman has always been perceived as a hero. This time, the tables turn as The Joker has suddenly found himself on the right side of the law, and now Batman is perceived as the bad guy.

Comic Book illustrator Sean Murphy has finally gotten his shot at telling a story of his own as a writer with Batman:White Knight.

      The comic begins with Batman locked up in Arkham Asylum only to be visited by a few officers and a man named Jack Napier otherwise (formerly) known as The Joker. How did Batman end up on the bad side of the law? How did the Joker suddenly become the hero of the people of Gotham? What sort of madness will Murphy deliver with this series!?!?

   This was a really solid first issue for a variety of reasons. It's not the first time that there have been moments where the Joker was returned to sanity for a period of time. Frank Miller did that with Dark Knight Returns, Grant Morrison did that in his JLA run, and Scott Snyder did it during his New 52 Batman run. It's not a new concept, but Sean Murphy finds a fresh way of taking that concept and expanding it in a way that hasn't been executed in that way before.

  Murphy first and foremost definitely introduces the foundations that set up perfectly the events led up to the predicament that Batman is currently in as an inmate in Arkham. Murphy places all of the instances that showcases how the Joker went from being a known serial killer to a sane, intelligent, political representative of the people Gotham. I felt that Murphy gave some surprisingly plausible plot elements that lead to the joker to finally be cured from his insanity (as far as this story is concerned of course). Keep in mind, this is a self contained story (which is also great for a variety of reasons) that goes in places that the normal titles wouldn't do.

Interestingly, this book in regards to it's plot and art style feels like a more mature spin off of the Timm/Dini/Abnett Batman: The Animated Series. Obviously, Murphy makes that known with a lot of Easter eggs and references to the 90s cartoon in addition to the classic 1989 Tim Burton Batman, with Sprinkles of Frank Miller as well. The book's biggest strength is the character interactions and plot development. The motivations behind the Bat Family which consists of Batgirl and Nightwing (very BTAS) , along with Batman behaving a bit recklessly in his pursuit of the joker, the GCPD etc are all believable and the most logically sound that I've seen in a Batman comic in a long time. The fact that the Joker has found a cure, and finds a way to flip the script on Batman with all of these legal state laws etc is a brilliant approach and shines a new light on the Joker as a character that hasn't been done in that way before.

    There is also some interesting commentary within the book that highlights social media, the difficulties and dualities of social issues in regards to police brutality and SJW issues, but the book does a good job at not shoving down your throat. It just takes inspiration from the world of today and weaves a story that makes use of the real world and provides an interesting narrative that provides a new lense for Batman and the Joker.

 It feels like Sean Murphy had a lot of conversations, and gags like everyone comic book fan that critically thinks about all the ridiculous excuses that allow for Batman to not be legally detained for vigilantism. It's surprising that the motivations for each character within the book all makes sense to the plot and structure of the story.

 The artwork by Murphy is just solid, with heavy shadows, silhouettes, great gestures, renders and designs that make the book it's own. The art work by Murphy is unique in the same way like Otis Schmitt (Green Arrow), or Jamie Hewlett (Gorillaz) where each character within the book has a distinct aesthetic/shape that sets them apart in contrast with each other in an enjoyable way. Plus, it gives off some solid Batman: The​ Animated Series vibes that just feels perfect to this book. The artwork is overall solid. The colors by Hollingsworth are perfect for the tone of the book , providing very solid colors that compliments Murphy's artwork.

   Do yourself a favor, if you don't want to read an event based book, or don't want to feel bogged down by continuity, and want to have a cool book that you can just jump right in to read, this book is perfect for you. But if you're also a Batman fan, or a fan of Batman the animated series, or like Sean Murphy's work, you will definitely find something for you. Add this to your pull list.

Dark Nights Metal!!Comic book reviews, comic making, animation and Murals!!!!!! Ant ANdujar 9/22/17

New semester, and i've been busy with comic book making, animation stuff etc etc. Proto Saga, my fan made comic (with my co writers WIllinzy, and Jose) is gonna be ready to be released either this month or october. in addition, im cooking up some comic pages with my buddy Brainslug_art , My friend Manny is helping me with the protosaga website, and I'm working on my own montage animation by doing some rotoscoping over stopmotion footage that I shot over a year ago. But, I made sure to be consistent in posting my reviews here. so without further delay,

Dark Nights Metal has been on my reading list along with a few tie ins that I reviewed from DC Comics. My top picks : 

   Dark Nights Metal issue 2: http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/09/comic-review-dark-nights-metal-2-dc-comics/

  Batman:Red Death #1 (Metal tie-in): http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/09/comic-review-batman-red-death-1-dc-comics/


 Nightwing #29 (Gotham Resistance pt 2, Metal Tie- IN) : http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/09/comic-review-nightwing-29-dc-comics/  

   9/21/17
So today was finally the first official day of the murals. @vavanatasha @diegorcastillo1 @arualnorig @yin3219 @Msemmyart and a few of us all came in and all started up drawing the base of the murals so that way, we can see what we will do in regards to underpainting. And then when the pencils are all said and done, it will then lead to the final phases and then off to painting stages. Obviously I had a rough start, since I am the first and only who was tagged up , I had to repaint a little, and sand the surfaces . So while some of the paint was drying, I just pencilled around what was repainted. After 20 minutes or so, I just did as much as I could from 1pm -5:30pm. A few rough starts, but so far, so good. Some of the best parts was seeing the warm reaction from the people of the neighborhood good resonated and responded greatly to each I of the artists that were drawing in their murals. I met a corrections officer who loves art, met some nurses, met some locals that all voiced appreciation, love and respect for the kind of stuff produced for a the community. I can't wait to see what our other partners come up with. It reminds me why I love doing what I love. And hopefully, I we can do the residents and culture justice. #muralpriming #murals #nyc #nycmurals#art #panels #paneling #muralpanels #paint #gridding #artwork #citymurals#antdujar #antdujar94 #anthonyandujarjr #queensartists #muralsNYC#barcodepapelnyc #visualartsnyc #visualartsqueens#visualartsbarcodepapelnyc #laguardiacommunitycollege #lagcc #acrylic#comicbookartist

During the Q&A 9/16/17 at Queens library in elmhurst

Hi Guys! Its been a while, but I'm back! Anthony Andujar Jr 8/30/17

    Hi guys, I know its been a minute since I have been on posting on this blog. I've had a lot going on in terms of completing the comic, (which should be ready for release in September (hopefully), typing comic book reviews for The Fanboy Factor website, preparing for classes (I passed a Math class that I had struggled with for a good chunk of time, finally!), work, quick subway sketches (that are then digitally colored) ,a Mural project for the city of New York, and Elmhurst Queens/ MTA / Laguardia Community College, revisiting a lot of Linkin Park and Soundgarden/ Temple of the Dog/ Audioslave music, and personal stuff in my life. 

  I didn't forget about you all, and I apologise for the disappearance, but now, I'm back, letting you all know that I didn't forget about you guys and that I have a ton of stuff in store for you all. 

first off, Comic Book Reviews!!!!!

     Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have reunited to work on a Batman/ DC Universe Event that spans all the way back from their New 52 run on Batman and the rich history of The DC Universe itself!!!! whats Batman's stake in all that is occuring within the DC Universe? and can he and his allies stop it?:

  http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-dark-nights-metal-dc-comics/

    Tim Seeley, and Javier Fernandez are heating things up and making things very difficult for Nightwing to handle within the kitchen of Spyral!!:

http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-nightwing-27-dc-comics/

   Superman searches for the missing whereabouts of a child, only to find that there is more to fear than the missing kid himself!!!

  http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-superman-29-dc-comics/

  The Negative Speed Force is having a negative effect of Barry Allen, and there is a traitor in the midst of the CCPD!!! :
http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-the-flash-29-dc-comics/

  Superman and Lex Luthor are in the midst of a battle against one another and themselves! Can Superman save himself and Luthor before it's too late? :
http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-action-comics-986-dc-comics/

  My Movie Review of Batman and Harley Quinn can be read here!!!!: http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/blu-raydvd-review-batman-and-harley-quinn-warner/

    The Search for Ray Palmer within the Microverse continues ! : http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-justice-league-of-america-13-dc-comics/


    Also, My home boy Claude ( @madeintime2021 )and I (@antdujar94 ) got interviewed by Prototype : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUAmum7JFNk&t=44s

      Check her stuff out: https://www.instagram.com/pro.totype/ 

     here is a little preview of my comic that will be released in September : 

  Here is also a glimpse of a 90 page graphic novel that I'm creating with https://www.instagram.com/brainslug_art/ that is currently in the works. I just want to give you all something cool that's worth your time, attention and investment. In the mean time, thanks for your support, even if its just skimming through what I write. It means a lot. 

Till next week, see ya around. - AAJ.

Comic Reviews of the week 5/19/17 by Anthony Andujar Jr

   Hey guys it's been a very busy week with Math Classes, British Literature and Urban Sociology. Here are some of the comics from last week and this week that I reviewed. 

   Dan Jurgens is bringing back some classic 90s villains who had a lot to do with Superman's demise in the 90s during Jurgens tenure in the 90s, and this time, they seek revenge in Action Comics #979
http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/05/comic-review-action-comics-979-dc-comics/
   
   Lobo Kearns to warm up with the public in JLA#6
http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/05/comic-review-justice-league-of-america-6-dc-comics/
    Nightwing and The Flash (Wally) have a guys night out. 
Nightwing #21
http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/05/comic-review-nightwing-21-dc-comics/
  

  I've been so busy, but until next week, keep learning, keep reading, don't melt under the sun, and enjoy the weekend!!!! 

The Button arc part 3 and Comic Reviews 5/5/17 by Anthony Andujar Jr

   Hi everyone, I hope things have been fine. Here are some links to some of the reviews that I've written on the Fanboy Factor website. On a side note, I've completed my comic projects in regards to colors and art. Now it's just adding text.  Other than that....
Joshua Williamson and Tom King are coming out with the hits!!!!! 

 While readers are not required to read everything that Tom King has done on Batman or what Joshua Williamson has done on The Flash, it's a bit worthwhile. But, If you have read Flashpoint and especially if you've read DC Rebirth, then Batman #21 and Flash #21 are good jumping on points to the biggest thing happening within DC Comics and within the realm of comic books in general. 

   The third chapter of The Button arc continues in :
http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/05/comic-review-batman-22-dc-comics/

  In addition, Tim Seeley and Javier Fernandez conclude the Nightwing Must Die arc in :. http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/05/comic-review-nightwing-20-dc-comics/

Gleason and Tomasi continue their superb run on everyone's favorite Man of Steel in : http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/05/comic-review-superman-22-dc-comics/

Batman/Flash, The Button !! Comic Book Reviews Oh My! 4/19/17 by Ant Andujar Jr

     I've been busy with classes and coloring my comics (which I'm almost done with the colors. After three months of trying to find a committed colorist, I decided to  color my  own comic the best way that I could). 

  Anywho, I hope everyone enjoyed their spring break In a productive fashion. Now, here are some comic book reviews that I whipped up for this week. It's an exciting week full of fun content. 

     Given all that has transpired out of DC Rebirth, Batman and The Flash's investigation of the mysterious Button commence!!! and it all starts here :

http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/04/comic-review-batman-21-dc-comics/

    An old enemy from Nightwing's tenure as Batman returns! and he is gonna introduce Nightwing into a world of hurt.

http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/04/comic-review-nightwing-19-dc-comics/

  Mr Cobb isn't what he appears to be along with the rest of the small town that the Superfamily resides in.  Batman now missing, it's up to Superman, Superboy and Damian to get to the bottom of it. But who looks in the shadows and what do they have in store for Superboy?

http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/04/comic-review-superman-21-dc-comics/


Also here is my review of the new animated adaption of Teen Titans: Judas Contract

http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/04/blu-raydvd-review-teen-titans-the-judas-contract-warner/

Comic Book Reviews of 4/12/17 by Anthony Andujar Jr

Comic Book Reviews of 4/12/17 by Anthony Andujar Jr

I've managed to complete all the colors of my comic project. Aside from.this somewhat nice spring break, I didn't have a chance to post these recent reviews that were released on the Fanboy Factor website last week Wednesday.  I have a review on the animated adaption of Teen Titans :The Judas Contract, and just trying squeeze in time for things. Gonna be busy with Midterms etc. But here are some reviews etc.

The Flash #20 review: http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/04/comic-review-the-flash-20-dc-comics/


Justice League of America #4 review :
http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/04/comic-review-justice-league-of-america-4-dc-comics/

Spring Break Arrives, More Studying, More Comic Book Making. ANthony ANdujar Jr

Update: Still got some pages left to color. While I'm working on some concept stuff with @koalatheviolator, and have chapter 1 with @shawtity_ somewhere on the horizon... After that Frank Miller talk with @joanthony_stark http://antacomicpage.blogspot.com/2017/04/will-eisners-100th-b-day-with-frank.html , i 'm just trying to get something out this year. So fuck it. 8 pages colored so far. 23 pages left to go. I'm not getting any younger #artwork #art #artist #illustrator#illustration #sketch #bristolboard. #comicbookartist #comicbooks #antdujar#antdujar94 #anthonyandujarjr #ink#superhero #superheroes #landscape#cityscape #micropen #inkpen #comics#digitalart #color #digitalartist #ipad#autodesk #autodesksketchbook

I'm starting to look like my character from the comic that I've been working on (for the last two years).

Seriously. I'm looking like the main character of my comic from two years ago. 

Will Eisner's 100th B day with Frank Miller and Klaus Janson 4/4/17 by ANthony Andujar Jr

 

    Will Eisner 100th Celebration by Klaus Janson/Frank Miller hosted at the SVA Theater. My buddy Joanthony Jimenez and I went to see the great legendary Frank Miller and Klaus Janson reflect on the 100 year history and accomplishment of WIll Eisner and his effect/influence on comic book and cinema storytelling. Frank was hilarious. When it came time for Q & A, I asked him and Janson if they had ever had a planned project with Will Eisner, which humorously Frank Miller gave a very funny reply stating that Eisner wouldn't have had time to collaborate with them. They were both great. What fascinated me the most is how humorous but somewhat humble and self aware that Miller actually is. Definitely a great night of insight, knowledge, history and inspiration. Jo and I both made pieces inspired by Eisner, Miller Janson's influence in comics. I took some photos as well. -Anthony Andujar Jr

 #frankmiller#klausjanson #thespirit #willeisner#comics #comicbooks #batmanyearone#dkr #darkknightreturns #sva#svathearter

Myself documenting being at the event to honor the legendary Will Eisner and being humbly graced with the presence of Klaus Janson and Frank Miller.

Joanthony drawing The Spirit on the spot prior to the beginning of the Q & A

A piece for yesterday at Will Eisner 100th celebration

@joanthony_stark illustrated the Spirit at Will Eisner's 100th birthday 

Klaus Janson and Frank Miller entering the stage to discuss and reflect on the legacy of Will Eisner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65sTxzaC_P0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9zjfqIk-d8

Got an autograph from Klaus Janson inker of many comics, most notably well known for his inks on Daredevil, The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: Black and White, and numerous other comics. It was great to speak to the man in person. Now I can say I've met John Romita Jr and Klaus Janson all in one.