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The Pull List: SNOWPIERCER V. 1, CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT V. 1, LOCKE & KEY V. 6

graph·ic nov·el

noun 
1.  a novel in comic-strip format.

I read them all.  The good and the bad, so you don’t have to.

Welcome to The Pull List.

And, as always…Spoilers ahead!

Snowpiercer Volume 1: The Escape
Writer: Jacques Lob
Artist: Jean-Marc Rochette
Lettering: Gabriela Houston
Publisher: Titan Comics
Price: $19.99
Release Date: January 29, 2014

Snow and deadly subzero temperatures have blanketed the globe, killing off most life on the planet. What remains, lives aboard a train in perpetual motion.

As always, civilization, no matter how scarce the population, manages enact a class system. The rich live in luxury while the poor reside in the worst conditions.

Jacques Lob produces a story that is fascinating from many different angles. The train itself is a sign how close the human species is to extinction.

Yet, the gravity of the situation is lost on everyone as petty differences rise above the common good. The seeds are planted for a coup as we see how different parts of the train live along with their functions.

The black and white artwork fits like a glove because it serves a constant reminder of how icy and dark the world has become. The detail in Jean-Marc Rochette depictions serves the story well and just draws you in. Often times, I wanted to wrap a blanket around myself because I felt as cold as the passengers on the train.

If you didn’t know, this book inspired the film with the same title and staring Captain America himself, Chris Evans. Those of you who might want to skip these enthralling and thought provoking pages for the silver screen adaptation would be missing out on a remarkable read. After all, Virginie Selavy didn’t translate this story from French to English for you to take the easy way out.

Score: 9/10

Captain Midnight Volume 1: On the Run
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artists: Fernando Dagnino, Victor Ibáñez, Pere Pérez, Roger Robinson
Colorist: Ego
Cover Artist: Felipe Massafera
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $14.99
Release Date: February 5, 2014

Captain Midnight is a World War II superhero who ends up in up in 2013 and has come to discover the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Sounds a little familiar?

However, the difference is in the details. Stars and stripes and patriotism take a backseat to a much larger agenda at hand.  The campier aspects of the story bring an unsuspecting levity to the story and the Captain’s intellect is his more dangerous weapon.

Joshua Williamson skips the usual Rip Van Winkle moments which is not only refreshing but enhances the depth of the character. Instead of being impressed at how technologically advanced we’ve become, Captain Midnight is unimpressed and believes we should have done better as the particulars of modern aviation is child’s plan for a genius who missed the last seventy years.

The book has the look and a 1940’s comic book and that motif is mostly intact as the story shifts to the present. I thought that was a good because everything that is happening now is prominently influenced by what started in the past. The covert nature of the Nazi’s affairs masks just how powerful they are and Captain Midnight is responsible for a lot of inventions that paved the way for things used today.

The single issues are great but this reads extremely well as a collected body of work. Reading monthly didn’t give me that strong “I got to know what happens next” feeling. The story moves slow at times which can’t be appreciate a lot more when you have more of the story being told in bulk. As a result, you become more excited for future releases. Don’t let the familiarity with the titular character’s origin turn you off. Captain Midnight is a different kind of hero that may just surprise you.

Score: 7/10


Locke & Key Volume 6 Alpha & Omega
Writer: Joe Hill
Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez
Colorist: Jay Fotos
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Price: $29.99
Release Date: February 5, 2014

The sheer genius of Locke & Key is truly something to behold.

From the beginning, witnessing the trials and tribulations of the Locke Family has been a guilty pleasure. You wouldn’t wish their hardships on your worst enemy but you want to see more.

Single issues and graphic novels in this case work equally well. The monthly releases are a can’t miss item while graphic novel really lends itself to the bloody and intense nature of the story. Gabriel Rodriguez’s beautiful illustrations complement Joe Hill’s remarkable writing. Their contributions to this series are fun and spooky at the same time.

This serves as the final chapter for the series. As amazing as the previous volumes are, you will be blown away by what occurs here. The volume is turned up on mystery, suspense, and terror. I don’t think there is any other series on the market that consumes your imagination more than Locke & Key.
Its a horror tale that has something for everyone.

Score: 8/10

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