Justice League # 16 and The Wildstorm #19 reviews by Ant Andujar Jr

Hi guys!!! I know I've been a little inactive on here. I've been mostly posting my comic book reviews onto the Fanboy Factor website, so whenever I'm doing something I always end up saying to myself "jeez!! I gotta also post this to my blog so people can check it out!". I've been busy with working on some comics, and most especially the interpreting classes that I end up getting a little overwhelmed and preoccupied with the assignments. But I wanted to post my favorite comics from last week!

Snyder and Tynion's Justice League issue 16 was a definite fave of mine. We discover a bunch of secret information about Perpetua and her influence across the multiverse! You can read all about my review by clicking the link below:
http://fanboyfactor.com/2019/01/comic-review-justice-league-16-dc-comics/

  Another favorite title is Warren Ellis's The Wildstorm issue 19! This series has been phenomenal and continues to create new takes on classic Wildstorm characters and reshaping them in contemporary way that makes this book shine. As Jenny Spark's and The Doctor round up member to form their own Authority, other forces begin to make their move. A storm is coming but will The Authority be enough to stop what IO and Sky Watch ? You can read all about my review here by pressing the link below:

http://fanboyfactor.com/2019/01/comic-review-the-wild-storm-19-dc-comics/

 These two were among some of my favorite titles last week.  I'm really digging what Tomasi is doing on Detective Comics as it is nearing it's historical 1000th issue! It's history in the making in the same way that Action Comics did for Superman. Other titles that I've been enjoying have been Batman Beyond by Dan Jurgens, Justice League Dark by Tynion, Batman Who Laughs by Scott Snyder, Books of Magic, The Flash by Joshua Williamson and Green Lantern by Grant Morrison.  There are only so many titles to keep up with, so I tend to write reviews on the books I felt the most engaged with in between my class assignments and personal projects, work etc. I hope you guys are having a great Sunday and let me know what was your favorite titles this month!

My Journey Short Comic By Ant Andujar Jr 2018

During the duration of 2018, I was going through some stuff, and whenever I had something i wanted to express, I illustrated it into my personal sketchbook. I knew that whenever I was illustrating a sketch in my sketchbook, It was something that felt like it belonged to an anthology of some kind because I kept drawing things that were cyberpunk esque. In between animating, scraping pages for other comics that I was working on with collaborators, and then joining the interpreting program at laguardia community college after obtaining my associates in Fine Arts, I felt ...lost. at times I felt lost, impatient, angry, frustrated, etc. But I always went back to that sketchbook. 

I remember hesitating to draw in this particular sketchbook for a couple of reasons that I won't] disclose. But my friend Stephanie.J. blessed with me with a sketchbook that became a great device to visual regurgitate ideas that inspired various concepts that I could turn stories out of. WIth that I realized that I could create anything that comes to mind, and that's when it lead to this short comic. Artists, most especially illustrators are magicians/ wizards/ sorcerers. Creating something out of thin air, creating something out of nothing, making a space where something on a two dimensional page will feel more three dimensional and more real than any conversation and voice that they hear on a daily basis. 

So I went with that, exploring the various worlds that inhabit the mind of an illustrator such as myself. While I was working on this personal projects Stan Lee passed away. I grew up on a lot of his stuff, reading his X-men,Fantastic Four and most definitely his stuff on Amazing Spider-man with Steve Ditko. I remember that pushed me to go to my sketch book, to take those personal pages and turn it into a comic. After I finished taking one of my finals for intro to field interpreting. I scanned the selected pages  and started  digitally coloring these pages... I Went for a Bill Sinkevich and David Mack approach when I was drawing this stuff loosely and then i would draw heavily detailed stuff to contrast with it all.

There are various things I'd like to bring to life, but find difficult due to finding other illustrators that have the same enthusiasm, or being bogged down by the natural pace at which human beings draw hahaha. I don't know if this will help people through depression, It definitely won't cure cancer, and most likely won't change the situations that occurs in ones life. But I at least hope that It can inspire action. i hope it inspires my fellow artists to take action to create what they want to create regardless of what they are told. SO i hope this helps you in your journey as it is helping me as I enter 2019. Also, I'd like to wish a birthday shout out to the homie Johnathan Acosta, Happy Birthday man! Dope! You share the same B-Day as Stan lee. I Also want to thank @obey_thelaw /@unbothered_thoughts for being one of my reference models for the muse section of the short comic. Ya'll should check out her writing and poetry. Anywho, See ya soon folks!

See ya soon.

 

 

You can check out all of my other stuff here:

https://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-comics-that-ive-completed-thus-far.html

The Comics That I've Completed Thus Far

I originally posted this post on to my AAJ Comics N Stuff page, https://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-comics-that-ive-completed-thus-far.html 

but I'd figured I'd post it on here too. 

For the past few years I've been working on some comics that I've made on my own, or collaborated with fellow co-writers, contributing colors to, or still currently working on. It's been a joy to see my progress and how much i've improved in various areas. I'm still working on some content that I can't show just yet but I look forward to completing them and showing them to you without spoiling nor giving away the entirety of the plot and the details that it may contain.  But I figured to save you guys the trouble of trying go through the entirety of it all, I figured I'd save you the entirety of your search and put the comics that I've completed on here:

 My first comic from 2015: 

https://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/memory-detective-2015-my-first-comic.html

Proto Saga (2016/2017):

https://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/proto-saga-fan-made-comic-20152017.html

I Can't Remember (Amnesiac Mage) 2017:

https://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/i-cant-remember-amnesiac-mage-2017.html

Stan Lee tribute collaboration with Jose Garcia:
http://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/stan-lee-avengers-infinity-war-end-game.html

 Spidersona comic Knight Spider:

http://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2019/02/knight-spider-short-comic-by-anthony.html

Valentines Day silent Spidey short comic:
http://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2019/02/spidey-in-rush-valentines-day-silent.html



       These are only some of the projects that I've been working on in between completing my associates as a Fine Arts Major, Joining the ASL interpreting program, volunteering, working, animating animatics etc. The point is, I utilize as much as my free time as I can. I'd like to show more but this is as good as it gets for now. I'm working on getting more of this graphic novel done over the winter break, along with the other comic that I'm working on with (Will and Jose.S) so hopefully you'll see it sooner than later! 

-Ant ANdujar Jr

New Comic Book Day 10/10/18 by Anthony Andujar Jr

    Hi guys! I know its been a a few months. I've been really busy since I began the ASL interpreting program which is heavily dense with reading materials and content and can be a bit of drag at times. While I do appreciate the discussions of morals, ethics, and how impactful the field of interpreting is along with the consequences of interpreting. Despite all of this, I had to put my graphic novel stuff on hold and just do pin up pieces or inktober pieces and make sketches on the go to keep consistency. 

        With that said,  I had a little bit of time to do some comic book reviews this week @fanboyfactor. My top recommendations for #NewComicBookDayfor this week are @danielwarrenart Murder Falcon. If you like Metal, beer, Jojo's bizarre adventure, then you'll definitely enjoy this new series by the very talented Daniel Warren Johnson who does primarily most of the art aside from the writing.

http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/10/comic-review-murder-falcon-1-image/ 

    Now, if you're in the mood for a cyber punk esque, near universal extinction, NOIR, suspense, mystery thriller, then recommend @ry_cady @andreamutti9 Infinite Dark. It's definitely one of my new favorite reads for a new series in quite a while. I love the Alien vibes that it evokes.

http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/10/comic-review-infinite-dark-1-image/

 And in terms of superhero books, my choice is none other than Joshua Williamson and Scott Kolins Flash issue 56!!!

http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/10/comic-review-the-flash-56-dc-comics/

 Literally all three are great freaking reads!!! I had a blast reading them and re reading them as much as I did reviewing them (in between classes of course). Definitely check these books out!

Justice League Issue 5 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr 7/31/18

Justice League issue 5 review by Anthony Andujar Jr

  The origin point! The secret behind Lex Luthor's plans, the reasons that lead to Lex Luthor return to villany,  the assemblage of the Legion of Doom is finally revealed! As the Justice League is ambushed, Lex Luthor ventures on, one step closer to his goal. What caused Lex Luthor to turn away from heroism? What did Lex Luthor discover that shattered him to his core? And what can the League do about it!?

   Okay, of all of the issues, i think the fifth issue is a favorite of mine for a couple of reasons which i will state. The pacing in this issue feels much steadier, and takes it's time breaking down everything. In a sense this is an issue with required exposition, giving a grander picture of the puzzle that Scott Snyder has written in, piecing the plot together, and connecting it all.    If you have read my prior reviews of the first four issues, i stated that i was very puzzled as to why Lex Luthor suddenly became a villain again after the events of No Justice. The transition just felt odd. But thankfully in this issue , readers finally get a chance to know why, and how Lex has forsaken his role as a hero , once again embracing his role in villainy.

   I was a bit skeptical about how it was gonna pan out with the explanation, but i think Snyder managed to deliver a pretty solid one, that in a way, kinda reminds me of The Joker’s views in Batman the Killing Joke. I won't spoil anything but when readers discover Lex Luthor's reasons, it will become clear to them, let alone a plausible reason that readers may come to expect and accept. Although i will miss Lex Luthor's time as a hero ever since he exhibited aspects of redemption since Geoff Johns Forever Evil.

  Mahnke and Mendoza deliver a one , two combo in the artwork with Quintana providing fantastic color work, making this Legion of Doom centric issue visually and aesthetically fitting.  I wasn't sure if Snyder was gonna sell me on this issue, but thankfully he casted out my doubts and hopefully others doubts as well with this issue. After connecting things together from the last four issues, i look forward to what Snyder and co will deliver next. Add this to your pull list, this issue is definitely a worth your while.

Now, I've been busy these past few months, with joining a bachelors program, in becoming an ASL Interpreter, while working on a bunch of comic projects etc etc.

But, Back in June I met Scott Snyder at his Barns and Noble Dark Nights Metal signing, and My Co-writer Jose took me out to see Radiohead live, at MSG (which was an awesome moment for myself). I have no Vocation in view, but this made up for it inn between work, classes and days of no sleep doing assignments etc etc . I'll try to be more active on here, and If you guys have been wondering, I post a lot on the Fanboy Factor website which you can find here, http://fanboyfactor.com/author/anthony-andujar/

See you guys around!

Flash-Speed Buggy#1 & other Comicbook Reviews! 5/30/18 by Ant Andujar Jr

     Hi guys! It's been a heck of a time these past two months. As usual I've been busy sluggishly working through projects. Other things that have occured is just personal life stuff which everyone deals with and some how, in some way,  powers through in life.  But comic reviews are still happening as you guys can see at the Fanboy Factor website!

Here are some reviews from last week:

Scott Lobdell and Brert Booth hit readers fast and strong with a solid crossover between two unlikely speedsters in The Flash-Speedbuggy #1 crossover:
http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/05/comic-review-flash-speed-buggy-1-dc-comics/

Justice League: No Justice issuw 4 review:

http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/05/comic-review-justice-league-no-justice-4-dc-comics/

 And Doomsday Clock issue 5 Review:

http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/05/comic-review-doomsday-clock-5-dc-comics/

    Personally for me, my favorite of the three comics reviewed is most defintely The Flash - Speedbuggy crossover. Largely in part because it was a very fun and wacky book that story wise was enjoyable to read. Scott Lobdell's writing accompanied by Brett Booth's art really makes it a treat for the eyes and mind.

  There will be more reviews as usual. Other than that, I'm still alive and kicking, and I only hope you all are continuing to do the same. Take the time to love yourself and appreciate the good company that you keep! Life is full of rough patches, so hopefully we can all make life bareable for ourselves and our loved ones by showing some kindness however best we can.  Have a good weekend!

Sometimes you never know who's checking your content out. So when you have a bad day, try to remember that there is always room for better days. And sometimes when you think no one is paying attention, somewhere out there, someone is. Keep your head up y'all!

Dark Nights Metal issue 6 review 3/28/18 by Anthony Andujar Jr

Dark Nights Metal issue 6 review by Anthony Andujar Jr. 3/28/18

Variant Cover art by Tony Daniel

     It's finally here folks!!! The final issue of the multiversal spanning,  Batman, DC Universe event concludes!!!

     As the waves of Dark Multiverse versions of our heroes attack earth's last line of defense, the remaining members of the Justice League prepare for their final battle. But deep in the darkness, below the surface is a larger battle that determines the fate of the Multiverse and everything else. As Barbatos and the Batman Who Laughs prepare to execute their final step to plummet the entire multiverse into darkness forever, The Man of Steel and The Caped Crusader make their last attempt to save the multiverse. But will they succeed in saving almost everyone? Who lives? Who dies? What will become of some of Batman and the Justice League? 

  Despite a one month break between the month of January and March, a lot of readers felt a little bloated , wondering whether or not the event was gonna end due to concerns of delays of the final issue. Thankfully Snyder , Capullo, Placencia (colorist) and Glapion (inker) were gracious enough to make the final issue a 48 page comic filled with tons of action and fun moments. Although admittedly, i did feel that the issue wasn't as strong as issue 4 & 5 to a certain degree in terms of tone. And compared to the tie-in issues it felt a little lighter in tone. Then again, given that it's the final issue of this event, thematically it makes sense since it the heroes had gone through hell and back to try to stop Barbatos and the Dark Knights from wreaking havoc across the world. 

  The story is pretty fun and for the most part, it's satisfying. It basically felt like a Batman version of Crisis on Infinite Earths, with some nice elements of Morrison's Multiversity and in some cases loosely reminds me of the Superman Beyond aspect of Final Crisis. But then again when it comes to alternate realities, Morrison is always associated with the concepts anyway. But that doesn't take away from the fun thrills and entertainment value of this 48 page conclusion. I had a fear that maybe Snyder wouldn't have enough room to give a full conclusion to the event, but thankfully he did (for the most part). I do have some minor gripes about the final issue, mostly due to Barbatos as the villain of the whole event. Despite the fact that he is the series antagonists, he didn't really strike anyone as a really intimidating threat as compared to The Batman Who Laughs.

   But i feel that the tie-ins did a much better job at making the main Antagonists more terrifying than the actual event. I wished there was a little more panel time between Batman and The Batman Who Laughs in the climax of the book. Now don't get me wrong it is a really cool fight , and it's displayed greatly, but i felt it could have gone on just a bit longer. And given that this is a much more personal thing for Batman when dealing with a warped version of himself that embodies the worst of himself, i would have liked to seen a little more moments between the two. But maybe, that would have taken away from the story a bit. And given that they needed to tell a good amount of story for the conclusion of this arc, I think readers will be satisfied enough. Snyder does open the door to some of the stuff that DC had already announced publicly in their solicitations. Snyder does a fine job at wrapping up the book , and given what readers will discover at the conclusion of this issue, I think readers will look forward to what Snyder has in store for the Justice League since he was announced the new ongoing writer for the title earlier this month. 

  In regards to the artwork, both Greg Capullo and Mike Janin along with Glapions inks, do a fantastic job providing all the coolest visuals in the book. Capullo came through with the art on this final issue, and in some cases one can tell he had some fun with illustrating all the dark multiverse versions of various DCU characters. Mike Janin did a great job too, and eased the workload for the epilogue pages, shifting to a lively tone that Janin’s art managed to accomplish. The art in this book really makes the story shine in all the right ways , making the story even more enjoyable. 

  Thoughts:  Despite the one month wait for the conclusion of this 6 issue (and some tie-ins) event, i can say that in some ways, it almost feels like Scott Snyder has some kind of  parallel to Akira Toriyama’s approach to the conclusion of Dragon Ball Super’s Universe Tournament of Power arc. I won’t go into details but it felt very much like the DBS ep 131 finale due to the fact that there are some really cool moments where certain characters that one doesn't expect actually show up in an entertaining manner. But there is a part in the story that Snyder wrote that felt so much like last Saturday's DBS episode 131 battle that i was sorta chuckling to myself about. 

If you have watched the final episode of Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power arc, and you read this issue, you'll be thinking the same thing as I did when reading issue 6 of this event. It’s actually very interesting that the timing of DBS ‘s last arc episode, and the last issue of this event both wrapped up in the same month (March). But to see a fight in issue 6, where it sorta mirrored the final fight in which Goku and Frieza team up to fight Jiren to take him out of the ring. 

 It really surprised me to see a moment like that in this issue and coincidental and cool that was to see Batman and Dragon Ball have a similar conclusion. Heck Batman and Goku both achieved a new transformation in a similar sense in the same month as well!! Okay, I know, you’re thinking I'm fanboying too much about Dragon Ball Super ep 131 and Dark Nights Metal issue 6 having similar moments in their respective arcs. But what can I say, as a fan of comic books and anime, it's nice to see parallels of things that one likes. With that said, I don't know if Snyder is a Dragon Ball fan, But it's a nice unintentionally, timed, coincidence that made me somewhat satisfied as a Dragon Ball and Batman/ DC Comics fan. 

   Overall this was an enjoyable conclusion, while it isn't without it's flaws, it's satisfying enough. I definitely recommend adding this to the pull list this week.