Here we go again, with some things different and new!

The reads from last week are new, with nothing too familiar and plenty room for new delights. Below, are my short reviews for those comics, of which I found amusement to some extent. Some of which are more than others, though some readers may feel different. Even so, do take a peek and consider each.

Here we go, with the new (and minor spoilers)…

NEW COMICS THIS WEEK:

NVRLND #1 () by Dylan Mulick, Stephanie Salyers, Leila Leiz

NVRLND is a very different take on the Peter Pan story, this time in Hollywood with modern-day parallels where Cook is a tattoo artist and pixie dust is the new drug. Seeing the version reminds me on much of how the original story was weak, both worlds where growing up is forgotten and the world filled with irresponsibility. The trouble with thus book is the reminder of all that, with its protagonists, especially Wendy being the most unlikeable. The book is not for me, but was deeply amused by this modern take.

Blue Hour #1 (Action Lab) by Dino Caruso, Chad Cicconi

I love the idea here, where humans are the aliens and we simply think colonization will be an easy, adjustable thing. With little on the big picture other than establishing human-alien relations, there is much drama on a small-scale leading to what, I can not foresee. I can’t get into the human characters just yet, with hopes there will be more to the actual plot and what exactly the “Blue Hour” is. The artwork is great and I love the landscapes and alien designs. However, the first issue doesn’t tell enough as to what direction or expectation the book has in store. I will check out the next issue and see, as I am a little curious where it all goes.

Hillbilly #2 (Albatross) by Eric Powell

This second issue is as great as the first. So far, Hillbilly is a true gem for its great colorful art, and driven characters. The issue hooked me deep into its first-person narrative and a quest that leads into another supernatural fairy tale. Also, much of the setting and supernatural elements gives me an Evil Dead vibe, and that’s great. I also love Death as the protagonist’s ideal companion for this issue, giving complexity while a twisted tree spirit can have a heart, and an innocent town girl ends up missing hers. Such the great small stories twisted in a bigger story is the world of Hillbilly, and I’m entranced.

The Flintstones #2 (DC Comics) by Mark Russell, Steve Pugh

Yabba, yabba doo!! This is a very unexpected surprise from DC Comics and the writer of the recent (and sadly canceled) Prez comic series. Here, we got more than a license from the classic prime time cartoon, but now with fantastic satire and social commentary of sorts that somehow still fits well with the spirit of the original cartoon. The art is brilliant, giving the familiar characters extra humanity in their presentation while maintaining the odd prehistoric civilization’s comedic gags. This issue is particularly brilliant with a focus on Fred’s discontent, with his job and religion (after discovering his god is actually a vacuüm cleaner!). The relation with his wife and friends tugs at the reader’s heart, making us feel for Fred as the great underdog.

Vision #10 (Marvel) by Tom King, Gabriel Hernandez Walta

Writer Tom King on this series has turned Vision into perhaps the most complex superhero of the current Marvel universe. He is both the hero and villain, as his programming struggles with the collapse of his synthetic family. Everything is wrong, as the son is no more and his wife is breaking apart. There is futility in a recent prophecy of a dark turn coming, as the panels and transitions are darker and foreboding in transition. I can’t wait for the next (and I think final conclusion) to the story, where the Avengers will hopefully set things right. The end is coming for both the family and Tom King’s story run, for which I am sad is all too soon.

Clucked #1 (HeyJoie Comics) by Joel Foster

NOTE: Put out digitally this week via Comixology Submit.

A book that feels a bit like the classic Howard the Duck comic series by Steve Gerber, where a chicken is stuck a strange world. Here we know some familiarity, but feel closer to the Major Sanders in discovering the strangeness of it all. This includes other aliens, and the lack of chicken; which was once a favorite food. He meets a new friend, where trust is put into question. Along the way, there is action, laughs, and some extra crispy served mystery. Clucked is good campy fun, with bits of social satire and witty dialogue. The art and panel transitions are kept simple, allowing the reader to stop and consider what’s next for a talking chicken in danger; which could be any direction.

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That’s all until next time. Did we miss anything on the shelves, that is a worthy read?  Do you have further thoughts on the books covered here? Leave a comment below!

Orion T – SW chief writer and seeker of great comic books and all related wonderful things.