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!
Velvet Vol 1: Before the Living TPB
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Steve Epting
Colorist: Elizabeth Breitweizer
Letters: Chris Eliopoulous
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $9.99
Release Date: June 18, 2014
The writing of Ed Brubaker has a profound voice that lends itself to the ears of comic book fans. Pair this with the top-notch artwork of Steve Epiting, and we have an espionage masterpiece.
The exploits of Velvet Templeton are an intriguing read which gets better with each turn of the page.
The secretary with a super-spy past works so well because Velvet isn’t some damsel in distress that gets lucky in victory.
She is the invisible piece on the chess board that can serve a checkmate with deadly efficiency.
Brubaker’s narrative ensures that Velvet is taken seriously. Some might feel the bad ass female is cliché in itself, however, Velvet being the best kept secret of a clandestine organization gives her a distinct advantage in the field.
Epting’s illustrations perfectly compliment the tone Brubaker is going for, because while his panels have a dark tone, everything is kind of hush hush in terms of the character`s motivations and directives. Based on their history, this winning creative team continues to use their years of experience and knowledge to deliver an intoxicating tale that is all aces.
Score: 7.5/10
Twilight Zone Vol 1: The Way Out TPB
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Guiu Vilanova
Colorist: Vinicius Andrade
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Price: $15.99
Release Date: June 18, 2014
The Twilight Zone was never my jam growing up, but I learned to value the show’s classic moments such as Nightmare at 20,000 Feet and To Serve Man.
J. Michael Straczynski pens an exhilarating story that brilliantly captures the essence of the famed TV show.
The story follows Wall Street sleaze Trevor Richmond who is looking to avoid the consequences of his actions.
His wish is granted in the form of a new life and he loves it until someone else shows up to claim his old identity.
I found myself to be enthralled with this story because at first, I wanted Trevor reclaim the life he relinquished. As things progress, you learn more about Trevor and the person who lives his old life, and I began to root for the team. There was nothing wrong with the artwork and it boasted some good action sequences.
I originally thought this book should have been colored in black and white to match the original series, but embezzlement is a crime that speaks to the present. You don’t want something to look and feel old while telling you something new.
This is a series I slept on for a while but reading this collection of the first five issue has made me a fan.
Overall, this series has the legs to go a long way because it written in the spirit of the cherished source material.
Score: 8/10
Clown Fatale TPB
Writer: Victor Gischler
Artist: Maurizio Rosenweig
Colorist: Moreno Dinisio
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $17.99
Release Date: June 18, 2014
You walk into a comic book store, look at the new release section and your mind is totally boggled when the title Clown Fatale enters your line of sight.
I didn’t know if I was in for Bozo hookers or some weird concept that took itself way too seriously.
I was pleasantly surprised by the exploits of four down on their luck lady clowns that are mistaken for contract killers.
Victor Gischler does an amazing job of creating four engaging protagonists that all bring something different to the table. There is a lot of dark humor infused into the dialog which in some weird way heightens the suspense of the story. Maurizio Rosenweig’s imagery carries the same tone which a feat unto itself considering the narrative.
There is just something about a caged gorilla squashing the heads of random people as he reaches out from behind the bars that is eerily hilarious. The foursome own their past mistakes and work to improve their lives instead of dwelling on their current situation. It was an escape from the formulaic which was a refreshing plot thread to watch unfold. I don’t like to use the word sexy when talking about a comic book, but yeah, this book is sexy and full of action and excitement.
Dark Horse Comics listed this as their editor’s choice and I couldn’t agree more. Pick this up immediately!
Score: 9/10
