graph·ic nov·el
noun1. 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!
The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Nights Vol 1 TPB
Writer: Michael Uslan
Artist: Keith Burns
Colorist: Tony Avina
Cover: Alex Ross
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Price: $19.99
Release Date: March 12, 2014
Team ups in comics are nothing new. However, the way Michael Uslan does it brings style and guile to a great premise featuring two classic pulp heroes.
The Shadow and Green Hornet are no strangers to deep-rooted conspiracies and it’s their similar personality that makes them a perfect combination to foil a history altering plot.
Speaking of history, actual events tied into the main plot serves the story in dynamic fashion. The speculative nature paints the antagonist, Shiwan Khan, in a treacherous light.
As the reader, we know the outcome of events like World War II, but the thought that there was such a potent influence behind it all makes the stakes that much higher.
Keith Burns produces some masterful layouts throughout the book. The flair exhibited when an alligator breaks through walls and chews up folks, only for Kato to take it out with some Karate chopping action is a guilty pleasure worth experiencing. Come to think of it, I might make it my screen saver.
Dark Nights is a fantastic read that works because of how the adventure unfolds. The volume one in the title of the book makes me up this isn’t the last we’ve seen of this intriguing pairing.
Score: 8/10
Dream Thief TPB
Writer: Jai Nitz
Artist: Greg Smallwood
Colorist: Greg Smallwood
Cover: Alex Ross
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $17.99
Release Date: March 12, 2014
“What would you do if you woke up in a strange room and didn’t know were or what you’d done the night before to get there?”
The above quote is the one constant in the life of John Lincoln ever since he stole an Aboriginal mask from a museum.
The result, a crusade of supernatural revenge that spans several states that all began with the death of a loved one.
Jai Nitz produces a gripping narrative that gets better and better with each turn of the page.
The unpredictable nature of it all will throw you through a loop on multiple occasions. John absorbs the memories and skills of those he’s killed and that comes in handy on multiple occasions. The ingenuity of how this was implemented made you root for this flawed character.
Greg Smallwood’s artwork perfectly complements the books peculiar and gritty tone. The character work is good but it’s the coloring that accentuates the depictions and the gravity of various situations. Panels with sunsets, dark corners, and bloody crime scenes are just great to see.
My initial reaction when I finished reading this was, WOW. I didn’t want it to end but they say it must with all good things. The pacing doesn’t miss a beat as each new sub plot just keeps you guessing. Dream Thief is a murderously good time that will make you wish you could steal a few dreams of your own.
Score: 9/10
Wonder Woman: Vol 3 Iron
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Cliff Chiang & Tony Adkins
Colorist: Matthew Wilson
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $16.99
Release Date: March 12, 2014
This series has been one of the most consistently great releases of the New 52. Brian Azzarello’s infusion of Greek Mythology while fiddling with various interpretations has churned out many first time readers.
Gods wanting her head, protecting an infant, and dealing with Orion is all in a day’s work for DC’s leading lady.
However, Azzarello doesn’t make anything easy for the Amazonian/Goddess.
In fact, Wonder Woman’s adventures have her constantly going uphill which she handles with a warrior’s spirit.
The detail in Cliff Chiang’s artwork is simply awe inspiring on every level. I wish every character in every comic book looked as chiseled and majestic they do when Chiang works the pencil.
This arc will be remembered primarily for Orion’s introduction since the drama between he and Wonder Woman is worth the price of admission alone. But rest assured, the book secedes on its own merits. I don’t think any glowing review can truly convey how good this series is and Iron is another example of that fact.
Score: 7.5/10
