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REVIEW: “Hellboy: In Hell”

(Dark Horse, 2013)

Reviewed by Chris Ambrosio

WRITER & ARTWORK: Mike Mignola
COLOR ARTWORK: Dave Stewart
COVER ARTIST: Mike Mignola

It has been a while since I have seen Mignola do work with Dark Horse for Hellboy, since 2005 I believe. With Mignola being gone for so long, we all were stuck wondering if he was ever going to return and if he did was he going to be able to return with a big BOOM! Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Guardians of the Galaxy” #1

(Marvel Comics, 2013)

Review by Shawn Warner

WRITER:  Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILS:  Steve McNiven
INKS:  John Dell
COLORS:  Justin Ponsor

Peter Jason Quill aka Star-Lord is Han Solo channeling James T. Kirk in the guise of a young Brad Pitt. His smouldering blue eyes gaze out from beneath a mop of disheveled blonde hair but under his boyish good looks and devil-may-care demeanor beats the heart of a true hero. He is both larger than life and down to Earth. Men want to be him and women (of all species) want to be with him. Guardians of the Galaxy #1 wastes no time in establishing Peter Jason Quill as an interstellar ladies man. Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Skybreaker” #1

(Monekybrain Comics, 2013)

Reviewed by Jared Butler

Writer:  Michael Moreci
Artwork:  Drew Zucker
Lettering:  Frank J. Barbiere

I think most people by now have seen and/or read their fair share of westerns and are familiar with the usual cast of characters to be found in them.  “Skybreaker” is no exception - you’ve got the Anti-Hero: in search of revenge and has nothing left to lose.  The villain: a highly intelligent and manipulative gang leader, armed with the Word of God and a pack of half-witted henchmen.  Throw in a few side characters (who will undoubtedly have an impact on the main plot at some point) and you can call it ‘soup’. Continue reading

VIDEO REVIEW: “Deadpool” #6

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Once again we are graced with the awesome presence of our pals 2ComicNerds, who have reviewed the new “Deadpool” #6 in their newest video!  Check out what the guys have to say about the craziness that has been the ‘Dead Presidents’ story arc, then be sure to visit them at any and all of the places linked below!  Now, on the the guys!

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You can find these two cool cats at the following spots:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2ComicNerds?…

Twitter: https://twitter.com/2ComicNerds

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REVIEW: “Cable and X-Force” #6

(Marvel Comics, 2013)

Reviewed by Cory Thrall

WRITTEN BY:  Dennis Hopeless
ARTWORK BY:  Salvador Larroca
COLOR ARTWORK:  Frank D’Armata

When the original X-Force title was pulled from the ashes of ‘New Mutants’, I was in my mid-teens and had been a big Marvel Comics fan for quite some time at this point already.  Sure, it was mostly in the Spider-Man and X-Men universe of titles, but the beginning of X-Force caught my attention enough to buy and read the first chunk of issues. Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Captain Marvel” #11

(Marvel Comics, 2013)

Reviewed by Jared Butler

WRITTEN BY: Kelly Sue DeConnick & Christopher Sebela
ARTWORK: Filipe Andrade
COLOR ARTWORK: Jordie Bellaire

Carol Danvers is an ace pilot who was accidentally exposed to a Kree “Wish Machine” and given Captain Marvel’s powers.  She then became Ms.Marvel and did well to establish herself as one of the Avengers most courageous and powerful superheros.  This series stated off with Carol revealing her identity to the world and taking on the title of Captain Marvel, as she tries to find balance between her overwhelming responsibilities and the drive to constantly exceed the high standards she sets for herself. Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Deathstroke” #16

(DC Comics, 2013)

Reviewed by Chris Ambrosio

WRITER: Justin Jordan
PENCILS: Edgar Salazar
INKS: Scott Hanna
COLOR ART: Juan Fernandez

Deathstroke issue #16 finishes up a 2 book arc, by the talent honed Justin Jordan, along with the handy work of Edgar Salazar. Deathstroke being one of my favorite ongoing series from the New 52 and in my overall inquiry of comics, Deathstroke for me brings on something other comics do not. Deathstroke having such a detailed origin gives this series the needed backbone, although you do not need to know any of his history to enjoy this read. Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Justice League” #18

(DC Comics, 2013)

Reviewed by Shawn Warner

WRITER:  Geoff Johns
ARTISTS: Jesus Saiz & Gary Frank
COLOR ART: Jeromy Cox & Brad Anderson

The Grid is a database in Cyborg’s program consisting of nearly every super-human on Earth including their code names, powers and how to contact them. He uses it in Justice League #18 to contact potential recruits needed to free up the core members to deal with the ever-growing demands they find themselves faced with. Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Constantine” #1

(DC Comics, 2013)

Reviewed by Jose Sagastume

WRITERS: Jeff Lemire & Ray Fawkes
ARTWORK: Renato Guedes

As a full disclosure I would like to start off by saying that I’ve never read much of the Hellblazer series and thus my knowledge of the character is very limited. So when I heard that the series would be revamped as part of DC’s New 52 I was a bit excited since it would give me the opportunity to start fresh with the character. Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Harbinger” #10

(Valiant Entertainment, 2013)

Reviewed by Cory Thrall

WRITER: Joshua Dysart
ARTISTS: Matthew Clark, Alvaro Martinez, Dimi Macheras
INKS: Stefano Gaudiano
COLOR ART: Ian Hannin

Pete Stanchek has had quite the life thus far.  One of three people ever to be born as an activated Psiot, and the most powerful one of his generation, this has caused him all kinds of trouble.  His powers can be a gift just as much as they can be a burden.  His story throughout this series has been a darkly sad and highly emotional (for both the characters and the reader) ride, and one that has found him and his companions in one problem and disaster after another. Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Mind the Gap” #8

(Image Comics, 2013)

Reviewed by Jared Butler

Writer: Jim McCann
Artist: Rodin Esquejo
Colors: Arif Prianto & Beny Maulana of STELLAR Labs

I was first drawn to the Mind The Gap series by the cover of issue #4.  A young woman in a red hood looking toward an unknown future with a black hooded  ‘Big Bad Wolf’ over her shoulder, ready to strike. At the time I had been reading mostly superhero comics and was looking for something different and I had heard a lot of good things about this title.  So I picked up all the back issues and dove right in. Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Age of Ultron” #2

(Marvel Comics, 2013)

Review by Chris Ambrosio

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrator: Bryan Hitch
Colors: Paul Mounts
Letters: Cory Petit
Editor: Tom Brevoort

Hey guys I’m back with a review of Age of Ultron issue #2!

I reviewed this issue quite quickly because I am working on a very large review coming sometime next week a double issue review on issues #16 and #17 of Deathstroke. Hope you guys like a little Slade Wilson.

The first astonishing issue of Age of Ultron left the readers with many unanswered questions, which we find out the protagonists and supporting characters are pondering themselves. Ultron’s extreme onslaught brings on a feel that is like no other we have seen before. Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Wolverine” #1 (2013)

(Marvel NOW!, 2013)

Reviewed by Cory Thrall

WRITER: Paul Cornell
PENCILS: Al Davis
INKS: Mark Farmer
COLOR ART: Matt Hollingsworth

When I first read that Marvel would be releasing a Marvel NOW! Wolverine title, I was excited but a little worried, as Wolvie has his mug in so many books right now (including the ‘Savage Wolverine’ title that began recently), be it an X or an Avengers book.  So I was worried this might all just be a cash-in to gather attention on the character in a more ‘solo’ fashion, in anticipation for the new film.  And, it very well might be.  Either way, I was happy to grab it, and eager to read it, but I’m also a huge Wolverine fan, so a lot of my initial worries were tossed out the window as soon as I opened issue #1. Continue reading

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PREVIEW: “Edison Rex” #6 from Monkeybrain Comics

WRITER:  Chris Roberson
ART:  Dennis Culver
COLOR ART:  Stephen Downer

The newest issue in the opus that is “Edison Rex”, issue #6, is to be released tomorrow, March 13th, from Monkeybrain Comics.  I had a chance to read this issue prior to release, and was very happy to have done so.  This is an exciting, somewhat tongue-in-cheek comic that has all a title needs in spades. Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Age of Ultron” #1

(Marvel Comics, 2013)

Review by Chris Ambrosio

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrator: Bryan Hitch
Colors: Paul Mounts
Letters: Cory Petit
Editor: Tom Brevoort

I’m new to Bag and Board so go easy on me now guys, this is also my first review, you can say I’m a nooby. I’ve been looking forward to reading Age of Ultron for quite some time now, ever since I’ve read “Age of Ultron coming soon” in the back of The Avengers, AU free comic in May of 2011 issue #0.1, yeah I’ve been kinda sitting on the edge of my seat waiting or this block buster of a miniseries. Continue reading

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REVIEW: “Green Lantern” #18

(DC Comics, 2013)

Reviewed by Jared Butler

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists for “Main Sequence”:
Szymon Kudranski, Alex Sinclair (Colorist)
Artists for “Chamber of Shadows Sequence”:
Ardian Syaf, Mark Irwin (Inker), Tony Avina (Colorist)

I’ve been quite a fan of the New 52 Green Lantern title, and even through the less then satisfying ‘Rise of the Third Army’ and ‘Wrath of the First Lantern’ crossovers this title has stayed consistently enjoyable.  I must admit I gave up on the whole ‘Third Army’ crossover about half way though.  They just totally lost me when the Guardians plan was revealed.  But I’ve kept up on Hal and Sinestro in the Green Lantern title itself. Continue reading

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INTERVIEW: Tony Keaton of “Wolves of Summer”

Interview by Cory Thrall

Alterna Comics has been releasing a number of amazing titles lately, and when we were given a peek of both ‘Myth’ (reviewed earlier) and this amazing piece of work, “Wolves of Summer”, we could see this becoming a trend.  Both comics are great for their own individual reasons, and “Wolves of Summer” - releasing this March 20th, 2013 - is about as individual a comic as you can get. Continue reading

VIDEO REVIEW: “Age of Ultron” #1

(Marvel Comics, 2013)

We here at Bag & Bored are more than excited to announce a partnership with the video reviewers over at 2ComicNerds, who have a wonderful YouTube channel where they do regular reviews, so be sure to check that out, as well!  Here we have them reviewing “Age of Ultron” #1, in wait of issue #2, out this coming Wednesday, March 13th.  Here’s what they had to say, and be sure to check out their channel, linked below the video.  We hope you enjoy!

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Their YouTube channel can be found here:  www.youtube.com/user/2ComicNerds?feature=watch

You can reach the team on Twitter:  @2ComicNerds

 

 

REVIEW: “All New X-Men” #8

(Marvel Comics, 2013)   -   Reviewed by Sam LeBas

Writer:  Brian Michael Bendis
Artist:  David Marquez
Color:  Marte Garcia
Letterer:  VC’s Cory Petit

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Issue #8 of All New X-Men delivers humor, action, character development, and the realization that these characters are asking many of the same questions that we readers have been mulling over these last few months.

Bendis’ storytelling remains engaging. He shows his skill at juggling a large cast of characters while simultaneously advancing this high-concept plot. This series makes each character’s motivation clear, and deserves credit for allowing these motivations to matter. Each member of the team has agency and narrative weight, but somehow does not bog down the overall momentum of the story.

In this issue we finally get the opportunity to learn more about Warren as he fights alongside Angel to protect the Avenger’s Mansion from Hydra’s forces. Warren’s anxiety about his future crystallizes as he learns more about this contemporary version of himself. Bendis incorporates character development and action expertly in this stunning sequence. Just as the battle reaches its pinnacle, the Avengers make their appearance.

The realization that Hank McCoy has tampered with the space-time continuum does not sit well with the Avengers. They travel to the Jean Grey School to confront the doctor, with Captain America serving as ambassador. A conversation about ethics and consequences of scientific principles between a genius and a moral straight-arrow should not bring about much laughter. However, Bendis finds a way to diffuse the tension; giving the story a moment of levity as Kitty and Bobby approximate the exchange out of earshot of Cap and McCoy.

Warren’s apprehension about the future, and desire not to know what it holds for him lead him to make an ill-advised attempt to go home. Thankfully, there is a voice of reason to stop him. Despite the high-flying action sequence, the confrontation with the Avengers, and the breakdown of one of the main characters; the most important moment of this issue may be its reminder that Jean Grey is a wild card. What are the implications of such a young version of Jean having access to so much history that has not yet come to pass? If you are not asking yourself that question, you might be missing the point. This foreshadowing casts a long, dark, ominous shadow that plunges the series into a new level of darkness.

Marquez artwork is very well suited for this series. He consistently brings a youthful exuberance to the page, and captures character with a seeming effortless. He gets the outside of the heads so right, that it is easy for the reader to get inside them. His work truly adds to the narrative quality of the book highlighting its themes and nuances, not in an obvious way, but by nudging readers to notice what Bendis has already put into the writing. A two page spread of Warren and Angel fighting Hydra’s goons reveals a great deal of contrast between where this character started, and what he has become. Marquez’s visual representation of this idea brings new clarity to a beautiful moment.

Do not miss an issue of this series. It bubbles with action, fizzes with humor, and beats with the pulse of a phenomenal cast of characters driving the book ever forward.

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Follow Sam on twitter @comicsonice and check out her blog comicsonice.com