More new comics from last week!

Among them, comes a variety of new visions based upon epic fantasy and fantastic concepts. Some are twistings of such, reaching into our childhood dreams and warping further the endless possibilities.

Below are my further notes on the following books that caught my interest (with minor spoilers)…

RECENT COMICS, RELEASED 3/15, 2017:

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Neil Gaiman’s American Gods: The Shadows #1 (Dark Horse) by Neil Gaiman, P. Craig Russell, Scott Hampton

“WAR IS COMING! Shadow Moon just got out of jail, only to discover his wife is dead. Defeated, broke, and uncertain as to where to go from here, he meets the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, who employs him to serve as his bodyguard—thrusting Shadow into a deadly world of the supernatural, where ghosts of the past come back from the dead, and a brewing war between old and new gods hits a boiling point..”

Here is an adaptation on Neil Gaiman’s book, first published in 2001. I have mixed feelings about this, though I felt originally excited. Now, I feel somewhat mixed on this translation from lengthy text to sequential art. Perhaps, being an adaptation and relying upon the original work to tell a story feels a bit odd. Yet, I felt drawn because much time has passed since last read. Or perhaps, the established vision doesn’t quite match to my expectations. Also, there is a new television  series, of which I have similar feelings about.Yet, I really dig the art and balance of the story in its interpretation. The characterization and setting play true to the original story, but I feel something missing in what also feels like an abridged version. Yet, I feel interested in any artistic of mythological gods and monsters. The artwork of the interpretation is the book’s strength, as I feel in discovering more of such as the series continue. The story, not so much. I wish I was less familiar with the source material, to fully enjoy this.

Head Lopper #5 (Image) by Andrew Maclean

“NEW STORY ARC “IN THE SHADOW OF THE TOWER” Norgal and Agatha are back! A daring new adventure awaits, looming like the Crimson Tower, home of Ulrich the Twice Damned, sworn enemy of Zhaania Kota Ka. With old friends and new, our heroes boldly enter the bloodied pinnacle with bare steel and steady hearts. The quarterly series HEAD LOPPER has returned.”

This is my first read of Head Lopper, of which I came across from a friend’s purchase. From what I thoroughly enjoyed,  I definitely should go back on the earlier issues and check out this series. Though there is little I learned on the Head Lopper, his world is a fascinating set-up and cornucopia of discovery, just from this one issue. There is heavy magic, action, architecture, and odd concepts that defy any sort of genre stereotype.  I also like the odd humor and offbeat characters, giving this a sort of adventurous feel for the heart in knowing the surreal setups and fun characters. The jump on point still feels early, and the potential for far more is definitely ahead. I just need to go back a little first.

I Hate Fairyland #11 (Image) by Skottie Young

“NEW STORY ARC “CON GIRL” Gertrude is back in her hit-comedy/fantasy/all-out bloodbath of a comic, I HATE FAIRYLAND. Gert and Larry take a break from their normal questing and killing for some fun at Fairyland’s annual Dungeon Con.“

I am much happy to see the return of Gert to the comic stands (after a short hiatus). This issue brings a bit of familiarity to the fantastical Fairyland, of which our perturbed protagonist visits an annual fantasy convention. The con itself is a mix of the gaming, sci-fi, fantasy, comic, and related geek culture gatherings that are now ingrained into the mainstream entertainment landscape. I enjoyed and related much to the hero-worship striking Gert and she finds herself at both ends of the fandom relationship. She again learns important lessons, and seemingly ever-growing as a result, while bonding deeper into the strange world less trapped in. The art is the usual mix of vibrant awesome. However, I notice more so from this issue, the developed mastery of Skottie Young’s artistic ability to bring about body form to exhibit character, with special attention to shape and expressions. His artwork is genius, and very underrated.

He-Man/Thundercats#4 (DC) by Rob David, Lloyd Goldfine, Freddie E. Williams II

“The epic series comes to the only conclusion possible: all-out war against Mumm-Ra and Skeletor! He-Man and Lion-O confront the diabolical duo in the heart of the magical, mystical Castle Grayskull, but the battle royal quickly expands across the multiverse itself“

What ridiculous fan-service this series has become. As a fan of both cartoons based upon, I have gained much in the return of the guiltiest pleasure of my childhood, absurd fantasy concepts with the ridiculous high stakes and enduring heroism. Such is plenty here, but also the merging of Eternian and Thundarian fanfare. Much of which, I pondered by some in some dream after a heavy dose of Sunny-D and Fruit Roll-Ups. Meanwhile, artwork is very busy in trying to comprehend all, and has grown on me as the story progresses. The beastly concepts, especially of the supporting cast of good and evil is well-done. Anyway, the story reached its satisfiable conclusion, delivering all expected and much more.

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That’s all until next time. Did we miss any worthwhile reads on the latest shelves?  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.