This was my favorite of the Fables arcs that I've read. It's also the longest one.
At this point I'd already shed a lot of tears over dear Ambrose (moThis was my favorite of the Fables arcs that I've read. It's also the longest one.
At this point I'd already shed a lot of tears over dear Ambrose (mostly called Flycatcher, the Frog Prince) and his tragic backstory. The comics have lingered on him here and there, and always for the most heartbreaking stories. Here we finally get to see him come into his own, grow up, and accept what Fate has decried for him.
This is the most fairy tale story that Fables has delivered just yet. It's inspiring and beautiful, though some might call it a bit saccharine. It's great to see old faces again, and it's good to see Ambrose really come into his own.
The Adversary invaded the land of the Arabian Fables, causing many to flee to the Mundane Baghdad to escape his clutches. MowglThings are heating up.
The Adversary invaded the land of the Arabian Fables, causing many to flee to the Mundane Baghdad to escape his clutches. Mowgli, with much effort, arranged a meeting between Prince Charming and Sinbad - the emissary for the Arabian Fables. The language barrier proves difficult, but also the least of their issues. It turns out there is a djinn among the manifold belongings of the Arabian Fables, and that djinn poses a greater threat to the Mundane World than even, perhaps, the Adversary would.
This was a fun, exciting arc. I grew up with 1001 Arabian Nights in a few different incarnations, so it was entertaining to see a bit of that flavor enter the text. The Baghdad of the Homelands is gorgeous and well-worth lingering upon, and I liked the way that the djinn was handled by the text. I've also really enjoyed seeing Beast grow into his new responsibilities (and Charming, in some ways, fail to.)
At long last the Adversary's identity is finally revealed! Many have guessed it at this point, but it is still a satisfying unmasking. The real charm At long last the Adversary's identity is finally revealed! Many have guessed it at this point, but it is still a satisfying unmasking. The real charm of this volume is found in following Boy Blue in his adventure through the Homelands to get to the Adversary. Blue's adventure is riveting and full of interesting twists and turns.
The B-story to all of this is what exactly ole Jack of the Tales has been up to. Surprise: it's no good. This volume explains just how he comes to be exiled and, well, it's as amusing as you'd probably think it is. I like Jack, though.
I'm sure there's plenty more to come after this small diversion......more
I didn't know this little mini-series existed until now.
This is a decent, Batgirl-centric, mini-series within the Nightwing ongoing. Gotham has been tI didn't know this little mini-series existed until now.
This is a decent, Batgirl-centric, mini-series within the Nightwing ongoing. Gotham has been taken over by some dude named Simon Saint and turned into a police state. This is the Scarecrow's doing, so fear gas is rampant. Someone's hacked Oracle and taken over all of her systems. Seer, the one who hacked Oracle, uses her control to summon Nightwing into a trap!
What follows is a fast-paced adventure that does a lot to explain why Babs and Dick are now so much closer in vol. 2 of the Nightwing ongoing.
This was a fun 3-issue interlude. I like seeing Tim, Cass and Steph. I loved the Dick and Babs moments. It's nice to see this sort of a slow-burn grow....more
I've been reading a bit more Batfamily stuff, so less of the references are lost on me. I was more into DC/VertiThis continues to be a fantastic read.
I've been reading a bit more Batfamily stuff, so less of the references are lost on me. I was more into DC/Vertigo growing up than Marvel, so the knowledge is slowly returning as I keep delving into all of this.
The artwork is stunning - the first issue is essentially the comic book equivalent of a tracking shot. It's exciting, and draws the eye easily across the page. After that the plot picks up in earnest. We're reunited with members of the Titans as the issue goes on, and as Dick Grayson lands himself in far more trouble than Nightwing ever did. Or so it feels.
Dick is an intensely likable protagonist. The action is great. The writing is tight. These books are a joy to read, while still remaining suspenseful. I really can't wait to see where it goes next....more
You were raised by Bruce, and stuck in his shadow. You spend your life trying to impress him and be worthy of him.What must it feel like to be Robin?
You were raised by Bruce, and stuck in his shadow. You spend your life trying to impress him and be worthy of him. You eventually come close to even surpassing him - but you don’t know that. You’re just Robin. Boy Wonder. Maybe you aren’t even Robin yet, but just that kid that Bruce adopted trying to be worthy of being called a partner - because you want to be a partner, not just some sidekick.
It’s at this point in Dick Grayson’s life that Lemire picks up the story. ROBIN & BATMAN is a very intimate look at the life of young Robin, and it does a fine job of examining just what makes him tick. I find Dick to be a much more compelling character than Bruce - Bruce is archetypal, utterly wonderful, but Dick is more human and accessible. He’s the light to Bruce’s shadow.
This is just three short issues, but they pack a lot of punch. Alfred, as always, is the voice of wisdom Bruce so badly needs in his life. Killer Croc is a tragic villain, but still monstrous enough to send a chill down a reader’s spine. Roy Harper is, well, Roy. I got a good laugh out of him being there.
Great mini-series, and one I’m glad I came across at my trip to the library....more
I really enjoyed 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, so when I saw Niles' name on this book at the library I picked it up with zero hesitation. The title was intriguingI really enjoyed 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, so when I saw Niles' name on this book at the library I picked it up with zero hesitation. The title was intriguing enough, and the art had me chomping at the bit to dig in and see where the story might go. Well, the story... went. It just didn't really go anywhere.
There's a town called Terror that's full of monsters. Our protagonist is the son of someone high up in the town. Our protagonist never felt he fit in so he ran away, started a family, all that jazz. Dad kidnaps him and brings him back to the town where he has to make a Choice with a capital C. Are you anticipating this all leading to a big confrontation with Daddy Dearest? Yeah, it does.
That's kind of... it? There are hints of bigger things potentially going on. A drug plotline, a potential mafia sort of plotline, the possibility of Big Bad Dad coming back. As I said in a comment already, the art is so damn good it's worth a star rating all of its own - so I'll likely keep grabbing the book if it comes into my library again. The story is just... very weak with a ton of possibility for growth.
I'm holding out for that possibility after the teaser at the end. ...more
Sarah Andersen has a gift for creating these absolutely adorable little comic strips. Her artwork is so sweet it makes your teeth ache, and that is noSarah Andersen has a gift for creating these absolutely adorable little comic strips. Her artwork is so sweet it makes your teeth ache, and that is no different now that she's drawing cryptids.
These strips are delightful, with plenty of fun callbacks throughout the length of the book to reward closer readers. This was just freaking adorable, and a fun little pick me up when in a bit of a reading slump....more
Zatanna's magic isn't cooperating when it comes to going home, nor is it working for tracking. For an actual magic show though, she's managing just fiZatanna's magic isn't cooperating when it comes to going home, nor is it working for tracking. For an actual magic show though, she's managing just fine. She's built up a small crowd, although there is the danger of her being accused of witchcraft... and her fame is much to the chagrin of the other street performers.
Meanwhile, back in 2022, Constantine is suddenly missing his hard earned sandwich thanks to Zatanna wanting something other than meat pies to eat. Uh oh.
This series is fun.
Merged review:
Zatanna's magic isn't cooperating when it comes to going home, nor is it working for tracking. For an actual magic show though, she's managing just fine. She's built up a small crowd, although there is the danger of her being accused of witchcraft... and her fame is much to the chagrin of the other street performers.
Meanwhile, back in 2022, Constantine is suddenly missing his hard earned sandwich thanks to Zatanna wanting something other than meat pies to eat. Uh oh.
After learning Erica's origin in the last volume, this one hits harder.
Erica left the Order of St. George. The House of Slaughter has turned its backAfter learning Erica's origin in the last volume, this one hits harder.
Erica left the Order of St. George. The House of Slaughter has turned its back upon her, and the Dragon is not happy. Erica, now on her own, is continuing to do what she has always done - hunt monsters. Now, however, this task is significantly harder since there are no resources at her disposal.
Free of Archer's Peak, she has headed down to New Mexico where a different monster is on the loose. This type of monster, well, this one is usually something the white bandannas take on. This isn't slowing her down. Meanwhile, the House of Slaughter has called in some help to take care of the Erica Problem.
There isn't a lot of action in this volume, but it's building up pleasantly. The tension is high, and I can't wait to see it all come to a head. ...more
This volume deviates from the main story in order to give the reader the origins of Erica Slaughter. We learn about the Order ofHere there be answers.
This volume deviates from the main story in order to give the reader the origins of Erica Slaughter. We learn about the Order of St. George, how initiations happen, and a bit about what the different masks mean. The backstory, while basic, is beautifully rendered with memorable art. The characters are beginning to solidify after the introduction to the Dragon that we got in the previous volume. It's fascinating, seeing who inspired Erica, a bit more about Octo, and Aaron.
I'm curious what the next arc will be now that we have much more solid footing when it comes to the lore.
Comics were long-dominated by the Comic Code Authority, which held rigid standards as to what could or could not be published. These standards includeComics were long-dominated by the Comic Code Authority, which held rigid standards as to what could or could not be published. These standards included eliminating homosexual behavior and relationships, thus creating the illusion that there were no LGBT+ characters among the superhero ranks. That, of course, was not the actual case.
Jadzia Axelrod has done a fine job putting together the DC BOOK OF PRIDE. Within these covers is a by no means definitive, yet still quite lengthy, list of characters who identify across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. The reference book is not just heroes, but also includes villains, anti-heroes, and the occasional friend or ally. Some characters go all the way back to the 40s, whilst some are as recent as the 2020s. All are unique, fully realized individuals with distinct preferences, powers, and relationships all their own.
While some characters are well-known representatives of the community, such as The Question, Harley Quin, Connor Hawk, or John Constantine, others are less well-known. Blue Snowman, the Pied Piper, or Porcelain were all new characters to me at least - and some are quite interesting sorts of representation. In the comic book universe truly wild things can be accepted as true - so why can't something as mundane as identifying as bisexual be considered strange?
DC has a rich and varied history, and Jadzia does an excellent job showcasing it. Here's lookin' to many more years of good representation. ...more
This time it wasn't monsters killing the children.
The House of Slaughter, or the Order of St. George if you'd prefer, has intervened on behalf of EricThis time it wasn't monsters killing the children.
The House of Slaughter, or the Order of St. George if you'd prefer, has intervened on behalf of Erica's actions in Archer's Point. Things are, to put it mildly, outta hand. There are five monsters on the loose, and people have seen them. There are viral videos now of two of the deaths and Erica is showing no real signs of having things close to under control. Cue the Old Dragon sending in the troops to take care of business.
Only Erica does have a plan. It seems.
With the help of Bian, she thinks she'll be able to call the babies to her to once and for all put an end to the deaths in Archer's Point. Will it be too late to make a difference?
This is a quick-paced splatterfest, but that's what all of these volumes seem to be. There are a few interesting choices made when it comes to controlling the town. This volume seems to wrap up the initial plot - curious where it'll go now.
Hilary "Fox"
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