Intergalactic X-Change Review by Anthony Andujar Jr 4/8/2020

 Intergalactic X-Change review by Anthony Andujar Jr  4/4/2020

Writer: Liam Stephens

Artist: Butch Mapa

Colorist: Lisa Moore

Letterer: Christopher Barrett 

Publisher: Darklife Publishing

        Two best friends, Chase and Harold have the adventure of a lifetime when they discover their exchange student is an alien from another Galaxy. What kind of adventure awaits them? 

      This 158 page graphic novel is full of colorful characters some of which are endearing, and relatable, while other characters are out of this world! Chase is the main protagonist of this story, and his goal is to be just like his father who was a famous astronaut. Chase is ambitious, and dedicated to reaching the stars, but that oftentimes leads him to trouble. Harold is Chase's best friend, a young genius that is just as enthusiastic about what is beyond his world as Chase is. These two are definitely enjoyable to read about, seeing them get into trouble while also learning about themselves along the way.

      Franky the Alien is a fun character that definitely fits the mold of a classic alien visitor who comes from Hyperia Prime, his home planet. Much like most alien visitors of pop culture, Franky's goal is to visit Earth, to gain knowledge beyond his world. Much like the other characters he too is in awe of the world around him, wanting to learn about what humanity has to offer, and in his own way, teaches those around them about the potential that they have for themselves and those around them. Speaking of pop culture, Stephens definitely makes some subtle nods to various staples of science fiction that keen readers will surely appreciate. 

The motivations of the characters and the direction it takes will keep readers invested, attracting new readers who are currently making their way through elementary and junior high, while reminding older readers the importance of holding on to the childlike awe that most often forget.  In regards to the antagonists such as the Overlord and his henchmen, they provide a good balance of fun and cartoon villany which makes it perfect for an all ages comic such as this. Stephens offers some interesting twists that admittedly surprised me, and due to his writing, the charm of the characters, it will surely keep readers engaged.

     In regards to the art, Butch Mapa and Lisa Moore deliver fun childhood nostalgia with every rendered panel and page. Butch Mapa's art style is different than what he's known for in his current work on IDW/Marvel's Avengers. That isn't a bad thing at all since he's applying different styles for each of the respective works that he is attached to. Mapa is able to provide a sense of youthful wonder, adventure and energy to this original graphic novel. Coupled with Lisa Moore's lively color work, and Christopher Barrett’s lettering, the team accomplishes the visual spirit of adventure that Stephens channels in writing. 

   Despite the current state of the world, in times like these, it's important to always have something positive to look to, especially for kids and families alike. And with a book such as Intergalactic X-Change, I think it is a fantastic comic book that will keep families and kids occupied. Perfect for family book clubs, and a great story that all ages can enjoy. I definitely recommend a book which has all the best elements that make a fun all ages science fiction adventure. You can purchase this graphic novel digitally for the Kindle through Amazon at the price of $2.99. I definitely recommend adding this to your pull list. 

If you want to read the rest of my reviews, you can check them out here: http://fanboyfactor.com/author/anthony-andujar/

Batman #89 review by Anthony Andujar Jr 2/19/20

As Catwoman and Harley Quinn fight for their lives at the Gotham Cemetery, Batman seeks out The Riddler’s whereabouts across Gotham.

If anyone has the answers for who the Designer is, and what he has in store for Gotham, it would be him, but he has gone missing in light of the attacks on Batman and the rogues. What happened to the Riddler? What is Catwoman hiding from Batman? And who has their fingers on Gotham?

This was an amazing issue that accomplishes drumming as much mystery as it does action. Tynion continues to deliver a really interesting, and compelling Batman tale that continues to explore the past of Gotham’s Rogues while also showcasing what is to come from Batman’s latest foe, the Designer. What I really enjoy about this issue is how much action is happening between Catwoman’s camp and Batman’s camp, yet even with all of the villain’s on the field, The Designer’s presence is felt, but is rarely ever seen. That’s something I hope continues to be a trend, because in recent years, anytime a new villain rears their head, and gains popularity by majority, they end up wearing out their welcome to a point that you’d want to see less of them. What is great is that it has been a few issues into this run and yet Tynion has made the Designer into a terrifying adversary without ever showing face.

The art department for this issue consists of a trio of pencilers, who all deliver in making the compelling mystery look as deadly as it is exciting to read. Carlo Pagulayan, Guillem March, and Miki all create amazing layouts that look even more fantastic with Tomeu Morey’s colors and Clayton Cowle’s lettering. The entire team on this title continues to deliver mystery, and action, which is a good formula for a good Batman book. I definitely recommend picking this issue up for new comic book day.

You can read the rest of my reviews here: http://fanboyfactor.com/author/anthony-andujar/

Doctor Tomorrow # 1 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr 2/19/20

The Valiant Universe has a new hero in their ranks!

A hero who willingly fights to guide the world towards a better tomorrow and his name is Doctor Tomorrow! In the future, a final showdown between the world’s heroes and a mysterious foe named Hadrian. The heroes fail, the universe decays and Doctor Tomorrow has only one option, to save the universe, he must go to the past. Where does Doctor Tomorrow come from? Who in Doctor Tomorrow’s past has the key to save the future?

I tend to enjoy Valiant titles from time to time, but Arbona has made a really great first impression with this new character. I enjoy that Arbona wastes no time getting straight into the story, showcasing the kind of character that Doctor Tomorrow is. He obviously exudes some golden age wonder and sensibilities which I feel is a nice welcomed addition to the drastically different roster of characters within the Valiant Universe. Arbona does a fantastic job at setting up the premise, and the cast of characters who are very, likable to begin with. The story is well-paced, and the conflict that Doctor Tomorrow is faced with makes it a strong first issue that promises great things for the following.

Jim Towe’s artwork is splendid to look at from the first bombastic page to the last. His style exudes a sense of fun, action, and wonder while maintaining that heroic golden age appeal. Coupled with Diego Rodriguez’s colors, and Clayton Cowles lettering, the art team accomplishes their job at delivering a stunning debut to Valiant’s newest character. It is a really enjoyable new title from Valiant’s vault and is worth picking up for new comic book day.

You can read the rest of my reviews here: http://fanboyfactor.com/author/anthony-andujar/

Justice League #39 Review By Anthony Andujar Jr

This is it! The ultimate fate of the universe will be decided as the war between Justice and Doom draws to a close!

The Justice League have traveled to other dimensions, fought monsters beyond time and space, but nothing could prepare them for the final battle. With Martian Manhunter finally free from Apex Lex’s grasp, will his return be enough to stop Perpetua and Apex Lex once and for all?

The writing: Within the last decade, Snyder has always gone big with his stories, and given his time on Justice League, he definitely has. During this run, the League has been pitted against ancient ocean lords, cosmic gods from the 6th dimension, and beings from beyond time and space. With each installment things escalated higher and higher, making this title a real treat to read with each installment. In this final issue of Snyder’s run on Justice League, it is bittersweet. The League find themselves in a position that readers will wonder how they will come back from because I certainly pondered about what transpired during their battle with perpetua. The first part of the book is bombastic and kinetic, with everything moving at a pace that left me wanting to see what happens next, and then the unexpected happened.

Part of me wanted to see how Snyder would have handled the aftermath within this title, but given that Venditti is taking over the title, and with rumors about a Dark Nights Metal sequel, I can see why he may have written the last issue of his run the way he did. It’s hard not to discuss the polarizing ending because, in some aspects, it feels very Grant Morrison, but in another way, it seems pretty dark in regards to how things turned out. Because what transpires is simple yet complex in regards to the message that the book presents. The idea that the fight for the Justice of everything is never-ending, and is something that many should aspire to do, be it helping your fellow man or opposing the powers that be to provide a better tomorrow. I’m left wondering whether or not the events of Snyder’s run will be acknowledged in Venditti’s upcoming run on the title. Now with that said, is the book terrible? No. Could it have been better? Possibly. Given the rumors and announcements that Snyder has planned for 2020, I’m sure he’ll answer all the questions. My only gripe is that I wished that he had wrapped things up fully in this book instead of previewing how he’ll truly wrap things up in the book that he and longtime collaborator Greg Capullo will be working on.

In regards to the art department, Jorge Jimenez, Daniel Sampere and Juan Albarran each stick the landing for this final issue of Snyder’s run. The layouts all feel grand, with every panel drawn with a lot of detail and subtlety that makes it worth rereading just for the art alone. Hi-Fi’s colors enhance the artwork even further giving it the right cosmic flair to match the story of this book. Napolitano did an excellent job lettering the book, giving the art room to breathe, while also placing the narration perfectly with the moments that matter most.

Overall, this final entry on Snyder’s Justice League title could have been better, but that doesn’t take away from the book being an enjoyable read, and I think that it’s worthwhile picking up for new comic book day.

The Flash #87 Review By Anthony Andujar Jr

Will the Flash succeed in finding balance within the speed force? What will become of The Flash and Captain Cold’s rivalry after their last confrontation? And who has it out for The Flash, and what does that mean for his future!?

Joshua Williamson has provided a new dynamic to The Flash that continues to add to the characters legacy. This issue was a very enjoyable tea for a variety of reasons. The Flash and Captain Cold friendly rivalry is no more, pushing these characters into new territory that makes it exciting to explore. Williamson delivers some fantastic character work and it shows in his treatment of Captain Cold, who is more vicious than ever before. It’s interesting seeing The Flash being in a place that he doesn’t often reside such as Arkham Asylum, despite not showcasing too much to a point where it becomes a Batman book. The plot is fantastic and establishes a potentially new status quo that will shake this book up for months to come.

In regards to the art, Christian Duce delivers what might possibly be his best work. Duce hammers the story with fantastic layouts, and we’ll rendered character illustrations that look powerful in every sense of the word. There are some panels where Duce showcases some beautiful contrasts with his shadows that make the book look so damn good that it’s amazing that he is able to showcase quality with every issue he lends his talents to. While Duce’s layouts are gorgeous to look at between gutters, Luis Gurrero’s colors blanket every page with vibrancy, making the book worthwhile to read, and with Steve Wands lettering, it’s a no brainer. This was a very superb issue that was enjoyable to read from start to finish. I highly recommend adding this to your pull list for new comic book day

Batman #87 Review By Anthony Andujar Jr

As Batman investigates the culprits that caused the assassination attempt in Gotham, two familiar faces have returned to plot against a new foe, called the Designer.

    

What does the Designer have planned for Gotham? Can Batman and Catwoman discover who the designer is before the designer finds them?

Tynion has brought back two characters that haven’t been seen in some time in regards to the main Batman title. What makes this issue interesting is seeing how Tynion continues to handle the dynamic between Batman and Catwoman, which is handled beautifully. There is a sense of playfulness and concern between the two love birds, and yet, they are able to switch roles seamlessly that feels natural to what an actual couple dies when trying to solve problems, and recognizing signs of concern and worry. What’s also makes this book great is that Tynion shows that he’s willing to play ball with other writers in regards to the status quo that’s going on at DC Comics. Jim Gordon isn’t around for this current case since he has been infected by the Batman Who Laughs, and if you want to know where he is, you can read Williamson’s Batman/Superman for that. Despite the absence of Gordon, Tynion is able to make this book reader-friendly, while also acknowledging continuity in regards to Kings run, and Batman/Superman by having Bullock as the commissioner stand-in for the GCPD. Yet despite acknowledging continuity, Tynion is still able to forge new elements that don’t feel like a retread to what has come before, making this story a worthwhile read.

Guillem March’s artwork is very dynamic, providing creative layouts that are cleverly illustrated, causing the reader to pause in awe before moving onto the next page. Despite the narrative behind the Riddler’s new appearance, March does a good job at illustrating Riddler in a new creepy fashion. Morey’s coloring really makes March’s layouts pop with cinematic flair, making this latest installment feel just as important as the last issue. Cowels lettering is the cherry on top of the cake, making the book readable without any clutter between the word balloons and the artwork. The artwork is bombastic, the writing is amazing, and readers get to see Batman and Catwoman in interesting territory in regards to the current status quo of the title. I highly recommend picking this issue up for new comic book day.

Batman # 86 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

It’s a new day and a new era for Batman as he pursues his mission to rebuild Gotham into a better city.

Still reeling from the events that took place in the city of Bane arc, Batman focuses his sights on a group of assassins plotting to shift the very foundations that Gotham stands on. Who are these assassins? What do they want with Gotham, and what do they want with Batman?

It’s interesting to see how much Tynion has written about Batman in other titles such as Detective Comics, Batman/TMNT, and other titles related to Batman. He’s written Batman in various books but has never had a run on the solo Batman title up until now. After Tom King wrapped up his tenure on Batman, I was curious to see how Tynion would tackle the aftermath that Batman was left to deal with after the City of Bane arc. Thankfully, Tynion is able to come into his own while making the most of the status quo that the Dark Knight is currently in. The story is well-paced as Tynion establishes the state of Batman and Catwoman’s relationship, while also introducing some classic characters that haven’t been seen for some time that pose a threat for the caped crusader.

Some of the best moments within this book that Tynion tackles is Batman’s relationship with Lucius Fox now that a certain presence is no longer around to help him with his war against crime. It’s interesting to see how Tynion is able to really dig deep with how Batman feels about his current environment as he struggles to stay focused on the present while dwelling on the tragedy of yesterday. Tynion provides an interesting direction for Batman that will leave readers eager to see what he’ll do next within this title.

In regards to the art department, Tony Daniel brings his A-game to this issue, providing fantastic scenery with each panel and page. His art style is striking and will immediately catch the eyes of readers as they travel through the pages. Daniel demonstrates that he is still fantastic at displaying mundane scenes such as people chatting at a gala in a way that doesn’t come off boring while also delivering awesome action to match. Daniel’s artwork coupled with Miki’s inks, Morey’s colors and Cowles lettering, the art department successfully set the tone for this new run as the pages are filled with energy, atmosphere, and power that will leave readers wanting more from this book. It’s safe to say that this is a solid issue within this title that promises many things to come for Batman and readers alike. I absolutely recommend picking this issue up for new comic book day.