The Other History Of The DC Universe #4 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: John Ridley 

Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli

And Andrea Cucchi

Colors: Jose Villarrubia

Letters: Steve Wands

                    “Live to make a difference.”

         Renee Montoya has always been on the fringe of society. No matter where she resides, she always had to hide her identity as a person, especially as a cop on the force. Being a woman, being a queer woman, being a latinx, all of these factors have always pushed her to ask the question, “who are you?” Witness the story of Renee’s journey as a cop during the 1990’s and her transition into one of the most iconic identities that she eventually inherits. Witness the harsh realities that she has dealt with, that changed her, and the many factors that make you question, “Who are you?”

     Much like the previous entries in this series, John Ridley is no stranger to combining real historical elements with the creation of these underrated and often overlooked DC characters. This particular issue is no exception as Ridley crafts a story that analyzes and dissects what makes Renee Montoya so special as a character. It’s very clever that Ridley approaches these characters and uses their year of first appearance as a framing device for the kind of world that they inhabit. Renee Montoya first appeared in the 1992 Batman: The Animated Series, and although that is where she started before being incorporated into the comics, most don’t consider the period in time that she existed.    

     The writing is expertly executed as Ridley using historical events from 1992-2007 to inform the course of Renee’s Journey as a character, while also acknowledging the publication history of her character, and framing her perspective of such events in a real light. Readers get to witness this condensed, realistic approach to Renee’s transition from cop to crime fighter while simultaneously witnessing the prejudices, consequences and the historical significance that occurred during her tenure. Personally for myself, I’ve always dug the character, but this book gave a very insightful perspective on her that shines a different light that is refreshing, and possibly the best showcase of her character in a long time. If anything, it shows that whenever she is used by capable writers that care about her, she can prove to be a compelling character, like any other. 

   The art by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Andrea Cucchi is masterfully drawn, matching the quality of the writing with every layout, panel and splash page. The colors by Jose Villarubia matches the atmospheric noir of the art, effectively evoking the kind of tone that a book such as this requires. The lettering by Steve Wands is well placed and provides much room to experiment, which is seen within the book, matching the graphic quality of the ensemble art.  

 Of the many books that I could have recommended from DC, this was my personal pick of the week. It’s a great character analysis on Renee Montoya’s struggle during moments in time, reacting to historical events that still hold relevance, and to some degree, a meditation on DC Comics as a whole. It’s a fantastic book that really explores who she is as a character of various identities that is trying to come to terms with who she is. It’s definitely my favorite installment of this series that The entire creative team has crafted. This story has something that anyone can relate to, regardless of orientation, race, or cape. I recommend adding this to your pull list for new comic book day. 

Crash and Troy #1 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

Publisher: Action Lab-Danger Zone

Writer: Jarred Luján

Artist: Kyle Clodfelter

Colorist: Bruno Furlani

Letterer: Buddy Beaudoin

     Crash and Troy are mercenaries for hire, set on a mission to break out a blue alien guy. Little do they know that breaking him out will cost more lives than their pay grade can even rack!! 

  Going into this book, I wasn’t entirely sure why to expect, and that was a good thing because this book is more entertaining than expected! Jarred Luján writes this 4 issue mini-series and does a magnificent job at writing this story with a fantastic cast of misfits and an interesting universe that feels lived in and well throughout. Clearly this story is set in the far future, following the high jinks of Human/Mutant, Crash and his partner in crime, a conscious turned software being known as Troy 3.0. Both of these characters have chemistry and humorous exchanges that keep the book grounded and relatable despite the large sci-fi landscape that they reside in. The premise is simple, but the events that unfold are complicated for the protagonists, but utterly hilarious and surprising to the reader. There are some great subtle political undertones that really made this book a comedic joyride throughout. Crash and Troy have no idea what they’ve unleashed into the galaxy, but the implications that stem from their actions is an explosive domino effect that will keep readers invested.

    Luján does a fantastic job at writing Crash and Troy as two clashing personalities that make them a fantastic duo, but what really makes this book shine, is the humor and world building. One thing that I had a minor issue with is the idea that Netflix could still be that popular in the far future. It might make the book feel a bit dated, but that’s just a minor nitpick. Then again, there are many brands that are still discussed and bought today, so the idea of Netflix still existing might not be that far fetched. Luján might be onto something with that! All in all, it’s cleverly written and the universe that Luján displays will have readers curious as to what might be explored and the possible world building that comes from this mini series. 

     The art by Kyle Clodfelter is stylistically amazing and perfect for this kind of story. It really compliments the writing while also enhancing it in a way that gets the humor across visually. The layouts and action are wonderfully choreographed and illustrated in a way that is enjoyable to look at. It could have easily been drawn in a gritty way that would have sabotaged the fun tone of the writing, but in Clodfelter’s hands, he is able to walk that tightrope of displaying action while making it aesthetically satisfying without it feeling gratuitous. The color work by Bruno Furlani is cosmic and cinematically compliments Clodfelter’s line work, elevating the bombastic energy that this story delivers.  Buddy Beaudoin does an excellent job providing lettering, effectively displaying every character’s personality, while also carefully placing it with the art that compliments it, making this an enjoyable read throughout. 

    If you combine Guardians of The Galaxy, and you put it in a blender with the movie Tango and Cash, with a sprinkle of The Interview, you end up with this intergalactic concoction known as Crash and Troy. It is a genuinely fun book that balances humor and action like a well balanced meal. This is a promising start to a new series that is worthwhile checking out! This comic will be released on 7/21, so It is definitely worth pre ordering the book ahead of time so you can read it! 

Cojacaru The Skinner #2 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Writers: Mike Mignola and 

Christopher Golden

Art: Peter Bergting 

Colors: Michelle Madsen

Letters: Clem Robins 

   Having been summoned from the dead to aid the allies against the Hexencorp of evil witches, Cojacaru The Skinner is unleashed to take them to the grave. But the battle may prove challenging as Cojacaru and her allies will have to work together if they are to accomplish their mission and survive in the process! 

Writing:  Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden deliver a fitting conclusion to this 2 issue mini epic. Despite Cojacaru’s stoic demeanor, there’s subtlety with her dialogue that gives her humanity with some dry wit that leaves readers wanting to see more from her. Thankfully, the writers provide that as Cojacaru, and her allies plan and charge into battle. The Hexencorp continues to be a terrifying presence that begs for more exploration. With that being said, that’s the one problem that I have with this book: I wished that it was 4 issues instead of 2, because it really is an enjoyable ride from beginning to end!  There’s much left to be desired that I would have liked to have seen, and possibly would have benefited the book if they had two extra issues to accompany it. That doesn’t take away from this book as the writing alone makes it a fun read throughout. 

     The art by Peter Bergting and color work by Michelle Madsen is stellar. Both of their combined powers really give this book an aesthetic that looks even better when reading the first issue and second issue in consecutive order. This issue in particular, there is a sense of power that Bergting and Madsen are able to reflect on their art. Some of the best moments about Bergting lies in the quiet moments where the characters are interacting with each other. Those moments are beautifully drawn and with Madsen’s colors, delivers the kind of cinematic atmosphere that the writing requires. The art team manages to deliver and execute that well.  

      The unsung hero here is Clem Robins.  I really enjoyed Clem Robins lettering in this issue. There are panels that could have easily been overwhelmed by the dialogue, yet Robins expertly implements word balloons in effective ways that compliment the art beautifully. Because of her choices, the lettering subtly becomes a work of art in it of itself making aesthetically pleasing in conjunction to Bergting’s and Madsen’s art. 

       Despite my desire for this book to have been a 4 issue mini instead of 2, Mignola, Golden, and the rest of the team expertly display why less is more.  And it is apparent as this was a great issue with a fitting conclusion that leaves the reader wanting more of Cojacaru and the world that she resides in. Given that Mignola and Golden are crafting a series of tales that may be of a shared universe, it’s safe to say that Cojacaru is one worth revisiting again. If it hasn’t been clear, I really enjoyed this book immensely. The writing is tight, and the art is solid. This is definitely worth picking up for new comic book day

Sonjaversal #4 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment 

Writer: Christopher Hastings

Art: Pasquale Qualano

Coloring: Kike J. Diaz

Lettering: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

    This multiversal team Sonja’s have battled in the pits of hell, and have set their sights to the stars to seek answers from the gods. Unfortunately for them, they’ll discover that the universe is not on their side!

     Christopher Hastings continues to write this multiversal romp of sword, sorcery and interstellar chaos that provides a ton of blockbuster fun! Hasting does an amazing job with this juggling act of writing each of these different Sonja’s, giving them a unique voice that makes them all standout in awesome ways. In truth, we live in a day and age where many expect comics to always carry prestigious, cerebral stories that have to be serious all the time, that it’s often forgotten that stories don’t always need to be conscientious about the human condition. 

     Not every comic has to be a Watchmen, or an analysis on the world of today and that’s okay! Because Hasting writes this book as it’s intended to be, a summer blockbuster celebration of Red Sonja doing what she does best. Hasting understands his assignment and delivers fun action and character throughout that anyone who is a fan of various genres in comics could appreciate, whether longtime fan or new. If anything, that’s the beauty of Hastings writing, he is able to provide a wacky story that does meditate on the potential of what Red Sonja could be as a character if planted in a different genre and audience. 

   Strip Red Sonja of sword and sorcery, and what could she be without it? What potential she has as a figure in fiction, is cleverly reflected by each member of Team Sonja, showing the versatility that Sonja could have and may possibly gain as a character.  Personally, I’d like to see a mini series about Purple, Silver and Blue Sonja’s since they have interesting origins that would be great to explore in a mini series format.    Some of those elements are cleverly displayed throughout the book as Team Sonja charges through various enemies with humorous exchanges and insanity that only a book about Red Sonja and her multiversal counterparts could deliver.

    The art by Qualano and color work by Diaz is solid. Qualano delivers action packed layouts which coupled with Diaz’s color work provides a fun quality that matches the tone of the book. Qualano does a great job at rendering each of the Sonja’s in action, providing an aesthetic that is reminiscent of elements of manga, making this an enjoyable book to look at. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou does a fantastic job providing distinct voices for each of the Sonja’s. Hassan is able to showcase each of Team Sonja’s personalities through the lettering that is effective, adding a subtlety to this enjoyable book. 

   Sonjaverse is one of those books that could have easily been dismissed as a book, but continues to be a surprise full of adventure. It understands what it is and leans into all the enjoyable elements that make it a great read that is worth buying. If you’re looking for a book that you can sit down, pick up and have a blast just reading, I recommend this book. Definitely add it to your pull list for new comic book day. 

Time before time #1 review by Anthony Andujar Jr

Publisher: Image Comics

Writer: Declan Shalvey and Rory McConville 

Artist: Joe Palmer

Color: Chris O’Halloran

Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou 

     Oscar has one job, a unique job. The kind of job where one could pay their life savings to travel back in time to have a better life than the present. For Oscar, he’s done this job enough to know that in the year 2140, the present is crap. If he can’t pay off his debt to the organization known as the Syndicate, what else is there to do? If Oscar can’t have a future in the present, what is he willing to do to change it? 

   Declan Shalvey and Rory McConville  introduces readers to a world where tomorrow is never promised, and yesterday never fades. Shalvey and McConville immediately hit the ground running with interesting characters and a setup that is both fictional yet identifiable to the current world that the reader resides in. Some of the writing hits close to home in regards to the protagonist Tatsuo. In a world where poverty just continues to rise, and the environmental conditions continue to worsen, it’s easy to see why Tatsuo and his friend Oscar commit to the decisions that they make.  

Tatsuo’s frustrations with paying off his debts in order to have some semblance of an unchained life is relatable. Anyone that experiences the hardships of the COVID pandemic, losing their jobs, paying off student debts, or being overworked for little pay is something that anyone can identify with, especially with Tatsuo’s desire to be free from his depressive routine. His plight is understandable enough to want to escape from, and that’s what makes this book so captivating. Given that time travel is involved, there has to be consequences right? It’s a grand concept and grand world where time is truly of the essence, with every decision that Tatsuo makes, Shalvey and McConville ensure that the reader will feel the pressure that is applied to Tatsuo.

    Palmer’s art truly cements the aesthetic and tone of Time Before Time. It really brings Shalvey’s writing to life in a manner that reinforces the concepts, and actions that are occurring throughout the book. Palmer’s layouts in addition to Halloran’s color work are wonderfully drawn, giving each panel a different perspective and lens that give the book a visual flavor that would perfectly work for film. There’s aesthetic elements of this book that make it the perfect love child of Blade Runner, and other sci-fi films of the genre, with a little bit of David Fincher to boot. Hassan does an exemplary job with the lettering, giving it a sense of character that feels unique to each character’s speech and actions. Whether it’s an exchange between characters, or subtle movements that are depicted, Hassan shows exactly why he does what he does best as a letterer and as an educator in the craft of lettering. 

   

 This series holds a lot of promise given the worthy investment and time that it immediately provides for readers. If you love films such as Blade Runner, Looper, and crime drama’s of the sort, this book scratches that itch. It’s a great combination of two genres that is personal in scope, but grand in scale. And given the page count of this book, it’s worth picking up and adding to your pull list for new comic book day

Justice League: Last Ride #1 review by Anthony Andujar Jr

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Chip Zdarsky 

Art: Miguel Mendonca

Colors: Enrica Angiolini 

Letters: Andworld Design

  

  

     

    The Justice League, a beacon of hope, a cast of the world's greatest heroes that the universe has ever known, until they weren’t. Time has passed after a tragic event that caused the League to disband. But, things have changed, as the universe is preparing the most grandiose murder trial ever known to the galaxy. The person in question can’t be left to their own devices and requires the League to protect them at all cost. Can the League put aside their differences to protect this individual before trial? Or will the greatest villains in the universe eradicate him before justice can be served? 

   

  Chip Zdarsky makes his DC Comics debut writing a mini series focusing on the Justice League! Zdarsky has written some amazing work at Marvel such as Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Life Story and currently, Daredevil. Now he’s lending his talents to the Justice League and oh boy is it good! There is something about Zdarsky’s writing that gives the book such a weighty tone, where the stakes are rising with each page. What’s great is that this is a mini series, so this gives room for Zdarsky to do whatever he likes, and it shows. It reads like a mature Justice League book, and not for the sake of being ‘mature’. It just feels like there’s consequence in bringing the league back together, and even more consequence for what ensues as the league moves forward in their quest to protect one villain from a whole universe that wants his head. One of the many facets that’s enjoyable about this book is how Zdarsky writes each member of the league, with personality and humanity. He has a way of displaying subtlety in his writing, such as Wonder Woman sitting bored in the Watchtower.  And that is expertly executed by the wonderful art of Micheal Mendonca.

   Mendonca‘s art is detailed with cinematic visuals on each panel, providing easy investment to the story. There’s personality with every character, each rendered and distinguished, giving each member of the league a strong presence all on their own. The color work provided by Enrica Angolini is graceful and provides the perfect kind of flair that a book such as this needs in scale and scope. The lettering by Andworld Design does a fine job as well! It’s safe to say that this is a worthwhile book to pick up. Everything about this book screams ‘this is the justice league book you should be reading!’ I definitely recommend picking this up for new comic book day

Green Lantern #2 Review By Anthony Andujar Jr

Green Lantern #2 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

Publisher: DC Comics 

Writer: Geoffrey Thorne

Artist: Dexter Soy & Marco Santucci

Colorist: Alex Sinclair

Letters: Rob Leigh

        

    The universe is on the cusp of all out war after the fall out of the ambush that occurred at The United Planets summit. With one of the guardians of the universe dead, and the green lantern corps gradually falling out of favor with many, John Stewart is left to pick up the pieces behind this assassination. But he’ll need some help from a fellow lantern that has the right set of skills to aid this murder investigation. What new role will John Stewart have within the Green Lantern Corps? And who is orchestrating the demise of the Lantern Corps? 

     Things are not looking great for John Stewart and the Lantern Corps as they struggle to maintain their reputation as universal protectors. Thorne is shaking up John’s world and pushing him in a direction that challenges his role as a leader. And it gets more difficult for John as Nemosyni, a new guardian enters the fray and restructures the entire hierarchy of the Corps, causing concern for all members extraterrestrial and human alike.

    John’s reaction to Nemosyni’s decision is great since anyone that works in retail would relate when a company makes changes without providing any chance for discussion and agreement. The writing is amazing as Thorne continues to build this space cop epic that is reminiscent of a cop show, disguised with powers.  The insanity that ensues after will leave readers speechless with an unsuspecting turnout.  It’s only the second issue yet Thorne brings everything crashing down onto the corps that will leave readers eagerly yearning for the next issue. 

 

   The art by Dexter Soy and Marco Santucci is fantastic. Both artists deliver cinematic layouts and panel work that executes the kind of tone that Thorne is going for with this book. The colors by Alex Sinclair are radiant with power as it coats Soy and Santucci’s linework, and Rob Leigh’s lettering is the cherry on top of the cake of this book. Thorne and company are building a green lantern epic that is grand in scope and personal in scale. This is definitely worth adding to your pull list on new comic book day. 

Vampirella #19 review by Anthony Andujar Jr

 Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment 

Writer: Christopher Priest

Artist/Colors: Ergün Gündüz

Letters: Willie Schubert

     Vampirella faces a conflict of choice that pits her against two of the very things that she has cared for. She could either side with her people, The Vampri, to save them from blood drought and consume all human life, or she could protect her adopted home world, earth. Forced to grapple with the legacy of her own familial ties, what lengths will Vampirella go to prevent the deaths of her friends? 

    Christopher Priest is no stranger to telling stories that leads readers through different moments in time, to contextualize the full picture of a story. What’s great is, whether or not readers have read the previous issues of this arc, Priest is able to fill the reader at a good pace that keeps the story flowing, and making sure to give readers a good jumping on point should this book be their first comic. This arc, along with this issue provides an interesting dilemma and character study of Vampirella. The conflict she is in where she has to reconcile her cultural identities that clash due to the very nature of who she is, while nothing new, is unique for this particular arc. Having to decide whether to completely choose one or the other, is something that anyone of any culture or creed can relate too, especially if it’s representing the bad qualities instead of the good (be it choosing to feed on humans or not, seeing oneself superior to another being or species etc). It’s interesting seeing priest explore the clashing cultures and politics of the vampri, displaying what sets vampirella apart from her own native people, while simultaneously showing the commonalities that they share with humans. 

    

     It’s great meta commentary reminiscent of vegetarianism, and factory farming, which in the case of Vampirella is as entertaining as it is compelling. Priest adds some depth to Vampirella that makes this title worth reading, giving readers a sci-fi story that will become a recommended read for readers in the years to come. Most readers would probably look at Vampirella as just a character full of eye candy, but Priest does a fantastic job at adding more depth to the character that hasn’t often been explored to a degree which might entice readers to go back, and pick up previous issue in priest’s run, possibly gaining appreciation for this classic character. 

   The art and colors by Gündüz is as stellar as this interstellar story, delivering a cinematic sci-fi flair that is perfect for the tone of this story. The layouts, set pieces  and action displayed by Gündüz pencils and colors are beautifully rendered. The lettering by Willie Schubert is crisp, making the reading experience enjoyable as the lettering accompanies the art, without ruining the balance that makes a good comic experience. This is a very fun, engaging sci-fi tale for the character that makes this book a worthwhile read. It’s safe to say that this is a solid creative team that makes great efforts to tell the best story that they can tell, and with a book such as this, it’s worth adding to your pull list.