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Bloodshot Salvation #7
Comic Reviewsindependent ComicNew Comic Book Day

[Comic Book Review] Bloodshot Salvation #7 from Valiant Entertainment

by Joshua Winchester
written by Joshua Winchester

PopCultHQ received an advanced review copy of BLOODSHOT SALVATION #7 from Valiant Entertainment. Available March 7th, 2018, the issue features writing and art from Jeff Lemire.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

BLOODSHOT SALVATION #7

Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Jeff Lemire

Cover A by Jeff Lemire
Cover B by Raúl Allén
Cover C by Renato Guedes
Interlocking Variant by David Lafuente
Bloodshot Icon Variant by Bob Layton
Pre-Order Edition Variant by Ryan Bodenheim

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale March 7th

Master storyteller Jeff Lemire takes the helm for
the year’s most terrifying, most memorable special issue –
told entirely in PITCH-BLACK DARKNESS!

Deployed into the demonic realm called Deadside in search of a cure for his ailing infant daughter, Bloodshot has lost the one sense he needs most to navigate the land of the dead: his sight. Blinded with only his four-legged ally, Bloodhound, to aid him, Ray Garrison must fight onward as one man against the darkness – even as he is beset from all sides by a horde of inhuman entities that crave only death, suffering, and slaughter…

Told in total darkness from Bloodshot’s point of view, “THE BOOK OF THE DEAD” enters uncharted territory with a seminal experiment in storytelling written and staged by Eisner Award-winning visionary Jeff Lemire (Black Hammer, Animal Man)!

VARIANT COVERS

Bloodshot Salvation #7 – Cover B by Raul Allen
Bloodshot Salvation #7 – Cover B by Raul Allen
Bloodshot Salvation #7 – Cover C by Renato Guedes
Bloodshot Salvation #7 – Cover C by Renato Guedes
Bloodshot Salvation #7 – Interlocking Variant by David Lafuente
Bloodshot Salvation #7 – Interlocking Variant by David Lafuente
Bloodshot Salvation #7 – Bloodshot Icon Variant by Bob Layton
Bloodshot Salvation #7 – Bloodshot Icon Variant by Bob Layton
Bloodshot Salvation #7 – Pre-Order Edition by Ryan Bodenheim
Bloodshot Salvation #7 – Pre-Order Edition by Ryan Bodenheim
Bloodshot Salvation #7Bloodshot Salvation #7

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
Bloodshot Salvation #7

Writing:

For issue #7, Jeff’s writing has taken a very, very interesting turn. Both the out loud and interior thoughts are driven by the fact that Bloodshot and baby Jessie are within a realm of darkness. Or rather, what they perceive as darkness. Moving with Hound, Bloodshot is forced to rely on his other senses as he traverses this realm of shadows and unknowns. It’s an issue of escalation and fright, all from the brilliant mind of Jeff Lemire.

Art:

Stepping in on the art this time, Jeff’s pages and artwork are basic. Employing pure shadow and white lines to visualize the downward journey Bloodshot is taking through Deadside, it is a constant wonder at what is going on, with cues as to location and the surroundings only given by the dialogue. This is a twist of epic proportions thanks to Jeff taking on the artwork. 

 

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

Time to step inside the Deadside. Come along with Bloodshot, baby Jessie and Hound as they make their way through the darkness. Thrill as Bloodshot’s internal monologues will guide readers along as he seeks a way to cure his daughter and save her life. But what secrets and monsters dwell within? Dare to read the new issue and find out. 

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

5 Out of 5 Stars

BLOODSHOT SALVATION #7 can be purchased on ComiXology
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers Wednesday, March 7th!

Be sure to follow the creative team!

Writer – Jeff Lemire

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Publisher – Valiant Entertainment

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DEPTH
Comic Reviewsindependent ComicNew Comic Book Day

[Comic Book Review] DEPT. H #23 from Dark Horse Comics

by Joshua Winchester
written by Joshua Winchester

PopCultHQ received an advanced review copy of Dept. H #23 from Dark Horse Comics. Available February 21st, 2018, the creative team for this series features writing and art from Matt Kindt, and colors from Sharlene Kindt.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

DEPT. H #23

Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Matt Kindt
Colorist: Sharlene Kindt

Publication Date: February 21, 2018
UPC: 7 61568 29978 6 02311
Format: FC, 28 pages; Ongoing
Price: $3.99

Mia is on her own in a final mad dash to save her life, solve her father’s murder . . . and either rescue or doom everyone she cares for.

”Kindt breaks all pre-conceived notions of what comic books are.”–IGN

Depth #23DEPTH #23

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
Dept. H #23

Writing:

Matt has kicked the doors wide open this time. Mia struggles for life and, in doing so, remembers the events that lead to her father’s murder. Now where does she go from this point? It’s a thrill-packed issue here for readers, one that will answer a lot of questions and leave people wondering what will happen next.

Art:

On artwork, Matt raises the levels a bit. Not only do the flashbacks provide spectacular art on the characters, but there is also some heavy action panels. Said panels help to heighten the tension of the book mixed in with the heavy script he presented for the plot.

Sharlene’s colors, utterly amazing. So many details colored in, from things like Mia’s jumpsuit to her father’s uniform and cap to Hari’s beard and hair. It’s a smorgasbord of color, giving extra life to Matt’s artwork to make this one appealing comic for readers.

 

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

Welcome to issue #23, and with it some startling revelations. The reasons behind the murders of Hari and Mia’s father are revealed, and with it Mia is faced with a new challenge. Where does she go from here? Where do the readers go from here? Pick up a copy of issue #23 and see what is unfolding.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

DEPTH #23DEPTH #23

5 Out of 5 Stars

DEPT. H #23 can be pre-ordered from the links below
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers Wednesday, February 21st!

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Writer – Matt Kindt

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Colorist – Sharlene Kindt

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Publisher – Dark Horse Comics

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Bloodshot Salvation #6
Comic Reviewsindependent ComicNew Comic Book Day

[Comic Book Review] BLOODSHOT SALVATION #6 from Valiant Entertainment

by Joshua Winchester
written by Joshua Winchester

PopCultHQ received an advanced review copy of BLOODSHOT SALVATION #6 from Valiant Entertainment. Available February 14th, 2018, the creative team for this series features writing from Jeff Lemire, art from Renato Guedes, and lettering from Simon Bowland.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

BLOODSHOT SALVATION #6
(NEW ARC! “THE BOOK OF THE DEAD” – PART ONE)

Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Renato Guedes
Cover A (Standard) by Kenneth Rocafort
Cover B (Deadside) by Renato Guedes
Cover C (Battle Damaged) by John Bivens
Interlocking Variant by David Lafuente
Bloodshot Icon Variant by Jim Mahfood
Pre-Order Edition Variant by Ryan Bodenheim

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale FEBRUARY 14th

Into the Deadside! Years ago, Project Rising Spirit’s cutting-edge nanite technology transformed Ray Garrison into the walking weapon codenamed Bloodshot. Now, those very same microscopic machines have infected his infant daughter’s physiology and threaten to destroy her from the inside out. As the life of an innocent hangs the balance, Bloodshot will be forced to make an unimaginable decision: to watch the child he loves die, or to confront death itself…and strike a bargain for her safety. Now, with the supernatural heroes known as Shadowman and Dr. Mirage to guide him, Bloodshot is about to undertake a unreal journey into the demon-haunted dimension known as the Deadside to save a life…or sacrifice his own…

Plus: Magic and the Bloodshot Squad lead an assault on OMEN for the rescue attempt of a lifetime!

VARIANT COVERS

Bloodshot Salvation #6 - Cover B by Renato Guedes
Bloodshot Salvation #6 - Cover C by John Bivens
Bloodshot Salvation #6 - Interlocking Variant by David Lafuente
Bloodshot Salvation #6 - Bloodshot Icon Variant by Jim Mahfood
Bloodshot Salvation #6 - Pre-Order Edition Variant by Ryan Bodenheim
Bloodshot Salvation #6 - Pre-Order Edition Variant by Ryan Bodenheim
Blood Shot SalvationBlood Shot Salvation

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
Bloodshot Salvation #6

“The Book of the Dead” – Part 1

Writing:

Jeff has brought Ray and Magic back together in the past. But now, to save the life of his daughter, Ray must undertake a dangerous journey. Jeff’s taken everything that he set up in the previous five issues, and cranked the dial up to an even higher level. Things are being taken to a whole new horizon, one beyond the realm of human comprehension. Which only serves to further entice and excite readers to pick up this issue and the next one.

Art:

Renato’s art in this issue is beautiful and insane. Not only is it richly detailed and laid out, but it is hand-painted too. That’s right, this entire issue of Bloodshot is hand-painted. This makes the book not only worth reading for Jeff’s script and Renato’s artwork, but because of the literal labor of love that is thanks to all the hard work Renato put in to paint it for the readers to appreciate and enjoy.

Simon never stops bringing top notch lettering to the series. With the introduction of the dark hero Shadowman, Simon gets to play with lettering a whole new figure. Shadowman is clearly a being who deals with things beyond mortal understanding. That means Simon letters the character in a more ominous and spooky style, like the Spectre or Spawn. So get ready, dear readers, for a figure who will bring some literal chills down one’s spine.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

The game has been taken to new heights. To save baby Jessie, Ray must leave the human world and travel to parts unknown. What that means for everyone’s favorite hard-hitting hero, well it certainly means issue #6 is well worth reading and that goes double for issue #7.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

5 Out of 5 Stars

BLOODSHOT SALVATION #6 can be purchased on ComiXology
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers Wednesday, February 14th!

Be sure to follow the creative team!

Writer – Jeff Lemire

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Artist – Renato Guedes

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Letterer – Simon Bowland

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Publisher – Valiant Entertainment

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The Mighty Crusaders #3
Comic BooksComic Reviewsindependent ComicNew Comic Book Day

[Comic Book Review] THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #3 from Dark Circle Comics

by Joshua Winchester
written by Joshua Winchester

PopCultHQ received an advanced review copy of THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #3 from Archie Comics‘ imprint, Dark Circle Comics. Available February 14th, 2018, the creative team for this series features writing from Ian Flynn, art from Kelsey Shannon, inks by Ryan Jampole, colors from Matt Herms, and lettering by Jack Morelli.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

The Mighty Crusaders #3 – Cover by Kelsey Shannon and Matt Herms

The Mighty Crusaders #3 – Variant Cover by Tom Feister

The Mighty Crusaders #3 – Variant Cover by Phil Jimenez with Kelly Fitzpatrick

MIGHTY CRUSADERS #3

Writer: Ian Flynn
Artist: Kelsey Shannon
Inks: Ryan Jampole
Colorist: Matt Herms
Letterer: Jack Morelli

Cover Artists:
Kelsey Shannon w/ Matt Herms,
Phil Jimenez w/ Kelly Fitzpatrick,
Tom Feister

In Shops: February 14th, 2018
SRP: $3.99

“Ambush”—The Mighty Crusaders are on the attack against the vicious Eliminators! It’s an all-out brawl with the odds in the Crusaders’ favor, until they’re faced with a new, dark entity: The Dream Demon!

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
The Mighty Crusaders #3

Writing:

Ian has done it again with this third issue of The Mighty Crusaders. He pits the team up against some of their most fearsome foes, which means an all-out brawl of good-versus-evil. There is special attention paid at points to Steel Sterling, with him being one of the original Crusaders in this latest incarnation of the group. It’s page after page of excellent Archie/Dark Circle-style superheroics, the kind that have made the Crusaders such an enduring super-team and will have readers coming back for more.

Art:

Kelsey just keeps on bringing amazing art to this series. It fits the norm of superhero comics, big and splashy, lots of characters and action panels. There’s a heavy use of shadows for sections with villains or mysterious happenings (many from Ryan Jampole’s inking), just the sort of thing Archie fans and superhero lovers will appreciate. When the powers that be at Archie/Dark Circle were assembling the team for this new comic, they made the right choice with Kelsey as artist. And great definition from Ryan as inker!

Matt’s coloring is on the same level as Kelsey’s art. It’s bright, full of color and life. A particular note is that his color choices for all the various costumes. Whether it’s the various members of The Mighty Crusaders or the Eliminators, both hero and villain alike are decked out in bright uniforms. It’s those kinds of details that make this series so enjoyable, thanks to the work of Matt.

Jack’s lettering is the final part that really sells the latest Mighty Crusaders comic. He puts care and lots of detail to each character and their words. As with Ian’s script, Jack pays attention at the start of the book to Steel Sterling, both with the lettering for his dialogue and his internal monologues. Jack almost puts this weight on Steel’s words that really sells the character and the overall tone of the comic.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

This latest installment of The Mighty Crusaders is a doozy. Ian, Kelsey, Ryan, Matt, and Jack working in concert are producing another great chapter in the story of Dark Circle Comics premiere superhero team. There are some surprises near the end of the comic, the kind that will bring back regular readers and draw in new ones.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

5 Out of 5 Stars

THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #3 can be pre-ordered on ComiXology
and at your local comic shop & online retailers Wednesday, February 14th!

Be sure to follow the creative team!

Writer – Ian Flynn

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Artist – Kelsey Shannon

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Inker – Ryan Jampole

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Colorist – Matt Herms

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Letterer – Jack Morelli

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Publisher – Dark Circle Comics

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Publisher – Archie Comics

 

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Vinegar Teeth #1
Comic BooksComic Reviewsindependent Comic

[Comic Book Review] VINEGAR TEETH #1 from Dark Horse Comics

by Joshua Winchester
written by Joshua Winchester

PopCultHQ received a review copy of Vinegar Teeth #1 from Dark Horse Comics. Available January 24th, 2018, the creative team for this series features writing from Damon Gentry and Troy Nixey, art/letters from Troy Nixey, and colors from Guy Major.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

Vinegar Teeth #1

Writers: Damon Gentry and Troy Nixey
Artist: Troy Nixey
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Troy Nixey
Cover Artists: Troy Nixey and Guy Major

In Shops: January 24th, 2018
SRP: $3.99

LOVECRAFT MEETS LETHAL WEAPON!

As a human being, Artie Buckle is a grade-A schmuck. But he’s a pretty damn fine cop. Good thing, because Brick City is under siege from its citizenry and only an unlikely partnership with a mysterious, tentacled, extra-dimensional being can put an end to the escalating crime problem. Thing is, there’s a danger far greater than cub scouts robbing banks . . . oh my! Across space and time lies a far greater threat, not only to Brick City but to the world! Holy crap! Can the two get past their differences and save the planet? Well, of course they can, but getting there is gonna be a helluva fun ride.

* An epic genre mash-up: horror, humor, crime, and science fiction!

Vinegar Teeth #1Vinegar Teeth #1

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:

Vinegar Teeth #1

Writing:

Damon and Troy have come up with something special here. It’s exactly like it reads – Lethal Weapon meets Lovecraft. What they give readers is a throwback story with a cop who knows how to get the job done. And now the job includes some stuff that could go bump in the night or overrun a city. There’s action galore and all manner of freaky, spooky stuff. This is a script that can’t be beat. It’ll have action fans and horror fans begging for more and eagerly awaiting the next issue.

Art:

Troy, in addition to his writing contribution, has undertaken a heavy task as both artist and letterer. It means double the workload. Artistically, Troy just goes to town in issue #1. The world of Artie Buckle is a classic 30’s/40’s style cityscape, but with a lot of extra weirdness thrown in. This weirdness feeds the overall Lovecraft vibe of the book, which in turn feeds the crazy but amazing lettering Troy did for issue #1. Almost everyone throughout has crazy lettering to give them real personalities. Even the criminals lettering makes them standout more than garden variety gangsters. A truly standout job from Troy on arts and letters.

Guy’s got the coloring for issue #1 down solid. For a weird, weird world, weird colors are called for. Not just the ordinary colors of things like Artie’s suit or hat, but the crazy slime green of Vegan Teeth, or the bizarre hues for the madness that takes hold of the citizenry. Guy and Troy clearly are working hand-in-hand to balance out one another’s abilities to make this book a spectacular one. Whatever coloring surprises Guy will have in store for issue #2, they are going to be fabulous ones.
PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

A period piece comic that takes its cue from the master of horror and Lethal Weapon? Now that spells out a recipe for success. Under the guiding hands of Damon and Troy, working alongside Guy, readers are brought into the world of Brick City. Come along with its top cop Artie Buckle, as he descends into a case that will be unlike any other. Action, adventure, horror, monsters, nothing short of pure wonderment for comics lovers.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

5 Out of 5 Stars

VINEGAR TEETH #1 can be pre-ordered from the links below
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers
Wednesday, January 24th!

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Be sure to follow the creative team!

Writer – Damon Gently

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Writer/Artist/Letterer – Troy Nixey

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Colorist – Guy Major

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Publisher – Dark Horse Comics

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Mage Vol. 3
Comic Reviewsindependent ComicNew Comic Book Day

[Comic Book Review] Mage, Book Two: The Hero Defined, Vol. 3 from Image Comics

by Joshua Winchester
written by Joshua Winchester

PopCultHQ received a review copy of Mage, Book Two: The Hero Defined, Vol. 3 from Image Comics. Available January 10th, 2018, the creative team for this trade features writing and art from Matt Wagner, coloring from Jeromy Cox, and lettering from Sean Konot.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

Mage, Book Two: The Hero Defined, Vol. 3

Writer: Matt Wagner
Artist: Matt Wagner
Colorist: Jeromy Cox
Letterer: Sean Konot

In Shops: January 10th, 2018
SRP: $19.99

The third of six volumes collecting MATT WAGNER’s epic fantasy trilogy. THE HERO DEFINED was the series that first saw WAGNER join the ranks of Image Comics creators and continues the saga of the reborn Pendragon, Kevin Matchstick. Several years after the events of THE HERO DISCOVERED, Kevin finds himself partnered with a posse of comrades who also embody the powers and personas of ancient heroes. Together they confront and battle a litany of supernatural challenges, all seemingly orchestrated by an unseen malevolence from Kevin’s past.

MATT WAGNER’s classic epic of comics fantasy has been beloved by both old fans and new readers for decades. MAGE was at the vanguard of the independent comics scene and continues to be an inspiration for many contemporary creators. With the release of the final part of the MAGE trilogy, THE HERO DENIED, this series will be an essential part of any comics library. MAGE: THE HERO DENIED resumes next month with issue number five.

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
Mage, Book Two: The Hero Defined, Vol. 3

Writing/Art:

‘Mage’ is one of Matt Wagner’s greatest works. Here in the third volume, readers get to see Kevin traverse the country, meeting other heroes and slaying monsters. Along the way, he and his friends are drawn further and further into an intricate plot. This is fabulous from both a writing and art perspective. Matt took to this latest crack at bat with Kevin like getting back on a bicycle and it shows.

Art:

Jeromy as colorist was a great decision. He attacked the assignment like the pro that he is. All the coloring is spot on. Things like Kevin’s clothes, the abilities of various heroes and monsters, Excalibur’s being used, all are colored with careful consideration. Books like this require a lot of bright and vivid color and Jeremy delivers it all to readers.

Sean’s a stand up guy in the lettering department. There is elegance and grace in his style, even when he is lettering the monsters. What is amazing is that even though none of the heroes or Kevin have accented letters, they all have distinctive voices channeled throughout the book. It’s as if Sean sat down with them all to understand who they are and how they would sound on paper.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

Fans of Mage and Kevin Pendragon will get a kick out the re-release of Vol. 3. It is just as splashy and loud and exciting as it was years ago. Now, as Kevin’s third and final act starts to wrap up, readers can go back and enjoy his earlier adventures while waiting for the next issue of ‘The Hero Denied’ to hit shops.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

5 Out of 5 Stars

Mage, Book Two: The Hero Defined, Vol. 3 can be purchased on ComiXology
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers on January 10th, 2018!

Be sure to follow the creative team!

Writer- Matt Wagner

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Colorist – Jeromy Cox

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Letterer – Sean Konot

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Publisher – Image Comics

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Tomb Raider Library Edition Vol. 1
Comic Reviewsindependent Comic

[Comic Book Review] TOMB RAIDER – Library Edition Vol. 1 HC from Dark Horse Comics

by Joshua Winchester
written by Joshua Winchester

PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of TOMB RAIDER – Library Edition Vol. 1 HC from Dark Horse Comics. Available February 28th, 2018, the creative team for this series features writing from Gail Simone and Rhianna Pratchett, pencils from Nicolas Daniel Selma, Derlis Santacruz, and Andrea Mutti, inks by Juan Gedeon, Andy Owens, and Pierluigi Baldassini, colors from Michael Atiyeh and lettering from Michael Heisler.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

TOMB RAIDER – Library Edition Vol. 1 HC

Writers: Gail Simone, Rhianna Pratchett
Pencilers: Nicolas Daniel Selma, Derlis Santacruz, Andrea Mutti
Inkers: Juan Gedeon, Andy Owens, Pierluigi Baldassini
Colorist: Michael Atiyeh
Letterer: Michael Heisler

In Shops: February 28th, 2018
SRP: $49.99

Lara Croft is trying to piece her ordinary life back together after her ordeal in the Lost Kingdom of Yamatai. The other survivors of the Endurance are experiencing horrific visions as they try to put what happened behind them. Follow Lara’s story after the 2013 Tomb Raider game as she embarks on a new globe-trotting adventure, discovering a dangerous organization that’s threatening her friends. Can she figure out whats going on in time to save a life?

This deluxe hardcover collects issues #1-#18 of the 2014 Dark Horse Tomb Raider series, and the never-before-collected prequel story Tomb Raider: the Beginning.

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
Tomb Raider Library Edition Volume 1 HC

Writing:

Gail and Rhianna made a great team on this Tomb Raider series. Their respective writing styles compliment each other and neither tries to overshadow the other. This hardcover is a big read and will be a page turner for Tomb Raider fans and it’s all thanks to the combined efforts of Gail and Rhianna.

Art:

For a book collecting a series such as this, a big team of artists was called upon. Each of them are known throughout the comics community, and together they brought forth glorious art for this Tomb Raider run. It’s a vast story canvas these artists get to paint upon and the final result, this book, is proof that each artist gave their all to the project.

Michael’s colors for the HC are tremendous. Coloring for a series of this magnitude, with lots of different artists contributing their work, means that a colorist must call upon their full expertise. Michael proved he is up to the challenge by providing glorious colors to bring the world of Lara Croft to life.

As letterer, Michael Heisler had his work cut out for him. Lettering a series of a character as big as Lara is a major deal. He puts his mark on the Tomb Raider world as letterer and the end result is marvelous. Should this team reform for future Tomb Raider runs, may Michael return as letterer.

PopCultHQ’s Overall Assessment:

Lara Croft, Tomb Raider. A name synonymous with adventure and daring. Now fans and Dark Horse subscribers can treat themselves to the HC of the latest series chronicling some of her adventures. It’s page after page of pure, unadulterated excellence and waiting there for everyone to pick up and read.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

 

5 Out of 5 Stars

TOMB RAIDER – Library Edition Vol. 1 HC can be pre-ordered from the links below
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers Wednesday, February 28th!

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Publisher – Dark Horse Comics

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Cowboy Viking Ninja Deluxe Edition
Comic Reviewsindependent ComicNew Comic Book Day

[Comic Book Review] COWBOY NINJA VIKING – Deluxe Edition TP from Image Comics

by Joshua Winchester
written by Joshua Winchester

PopCultHQ received a review copy of Cowboy Ninja Viking – Deluxe Edition TP from Image Comics. Available January 10th, 2018, the creative team for this series features writing from A. J. Lieberman, art/colors from Riley Rossmo, and lettering from Clayton Cowles. 

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

‘Cowboy Ninja Viking’ Deluxe Edition TP

Writer: A. J. Lieberman
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Colorist: Riley Rossmo
Letterer: Clayton Cowles

In Shops: January 10th, 2018
SRP: $19.99

This giant, oversized, deluxe trade paperback collects the entire run of the critically acclaimed, fan-favorite series, complete with extensive extras & bonus material. It started with Dr. Sebastian Ghislain—rogue psychotherapist / covert op / DJ. Tasked with creating a counterintelligence unit, he turned to those long thought useless to society: patients with multiple personality disorder. These agents became known simply as Triplets. Misguided? Yeah. Impractical? Sure. But did it work? Absolutely not! Now someone has located each Triplet and created a band of ridiculously disturbed but highly effective assassins. Our only hope? A Triplet known as Cowboy Ninja Viking. We are so screwed!

 PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
Cowboy Ninja Viking Deluxe Edition TP

Writing:

A. J. Lieberman’s crazy story of adventure, mayhem, and multiple personalities is fantastic. It has everything comics fans could want in a story and more. The plot is zany yet ties together in ways that no one will expect. Image Comics fans who have never read this series before will love it. Every character stands out on their own, especially each aspect of the split personality individuals.

Art:

Riley’s art and colors are nothing less than superb. Each page’s art is refined but also edgy. Given the nature of the series, edgy art is just what fits the bill to match this crazy story. The same can be said for the colors. There isn’t much color to the whole series, but that works in this case because it doesn’t detract, it adds to the artwork and the whole mad nature of ‘Cowboy Ninja Viking.’

Clayton’s lettering gives a broad depth to the book. There is a special attention to detail when lettering the words of the various personalities. This is so that readers don’t get confused by whom is talking when. It helps illustrate that within the main character is the three different personas of the title.

PopCultHQ’s Overall Assessment:

A secret agent who has the personalities of a ninja, a cowboy, and a viking. It’s a recipe for adventure, mayhem and utter hilarity. Fans of the series will appreciate this complete edition and newcomers will delight in this book with its crazy plot and fabulous art.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:5 Out of 5 Stars

COWBOY NINJA VIKING – Deluxe Edition TP can be purchased on ComiXology
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers Wednesday, January 10th!

Be sure to follow the creative team!

Writer – A. J. Lieberman

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Artist – Riley Rossmo

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Letterer – Clayton Cowles

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Publisher – Image Comics

 

 

 

 

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American Gods
Comic Reviewsindependent Comic

[Comic Book Review] AMERICAN GODS Volume 1: “Shadows” HC from Dark Horse Comics

by Joshua Winchester
written by Joshua Winchester

PopCultHQ received a review copy of AMERICAN GODS Volume 1: “Shadows” HC from Dark Horse Comics. Available February 28th, 2018, the creative team for this series features writing from Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell, art from Scott Hampton, P. Craig Russell, Walt Simonson, Colleen Doran, and Glenn Fabry, coloring from Lovern Kindzierski, Laura Martin, Colleen Doran, and Adam Brown, and lettering from Rick Parker. 

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

AMERICAN GODS Volume 1: “Shadows” HC

Writers: Neil Gaiman & P. Craig Russell
Artists: Scott Hampton, P. Craig Russell, Walt Simonson, Colleen Doran, Glenn Fabry
Colorists: Lovern Kindzierski, Laura Martin, Colleen Doran, Adam Brown
Letterer: Rick Parker

In Shops: February 28th, 2018
SRP: $29.99

This supernatural American road trip fantasy tells the story of a war between the ancient and modern gods.

Shadow Moon gets out of jail only to discover his wife is dead. Defeated, broke, and uncertain 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 where ghosts of the past come back from the dead, and a god war is imminent.

Collecting the first nine issues of the American Gods comic book series, along with art process features, high res scans of original art, layouts, character designs, and variant covers by Becky Cloonan, Skottie Young, Fabio Moon, Dave McKean, and more!

 PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
AMERICAN GODS Volume 1: “Shadows” HC

Writing:

Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell working together on this was amazing. Neil’s original story text is fantastic and P. Craig’s taking that text and turning into the comic book script was superb. This was one of those matches made in comic book writer heaven, the kind that produce fabulous work like this first volume. Fans of Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell’s works will thrill to see what comes next in volume 2.

Art:

This book has an amazing team of artists. Every one of them contributed massively to make it a reality. Volume 1 is chock full of page after page of mind-blowing art. Collectively, they all were mind-blowing and it showed through the artwork in the book. It’s all engaging and will suck the reader right in and not let them back up for air.

Every colorist put their heart and soul into the book. It’s crystal clear that it’s a group effort because there’s a strong synergy with the colors and the artwork. Never let it be said that a team like this doesn’t give its all. It’s a major undertaking to tackle a topic like this, adapting a novel of such epic proportions for comics. If this is what a talented team of colorists can do for a first round, it’s safe to say the second book will be just as great.

Rick Parker undertook a massive enterprise here. Lettering the first volume of American Gods took a lot of time, energy, effort, and creative spirit. He delivered on all those points. Shadow, Wednesday, Mad Sweeney, every god and deity in the book has their own voice, ancient and powerful and full of might.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

Taking the first chunk of Neil Gaiman’s epic novel ‘American Gods’ and turning into a comic series is a bold move. With the success of the TV series, it’s no wonder this got off the ground so fast. Readers and Dark Horse lovers will eat this first HC up like it’s candy.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

5 Out of 5 Stars

AMERICAN GODS Volume 1: “Shadows” HC can be pre-ordered from the links below
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers Wednesday, February 28th!

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Publisher – Dark Horse Comics

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PopCultHQ Comic Book Review: AfterShock Comics – Strayer #4

by Manny Popoca
written by Manny Popoca

In this issue of Strayer, we are introduced to the ways of tribal leadership within the Kasha. As it is explained right away, for the Kasha it’s all about who can stay king of the mountain longest without dying. It does not matter if you’re the biggest or strongest, it’s about being the last one standing that earns you the right to become leader.

Well, it just so happens that Strayer, our mysterious hero, has just run into the Kasha leader and it’s about to go down!

Strayer has been looking forward to this fight for sometime and he’s about to let these Kasha know exactly what he feels about their kind. And just when Strayer looks to be defeated, he might just still have some tricks up his sleeves. Also, what happens if Strayer does defeat the Kasha leader? Find out when you read Strayer #4 out now!

PopCultHQ rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

PCHQ 3.5

Another hilariously written issue with tons of action-filled panels of pure slugfest brutality, served up once more by writer Justin Jordan and artist Juan Gedeon. The action does not stop from the first page until the very last one and the final panel only spells more impending doom for this rag-tag group of wandering fantasy-style warriors on a secret mission. While I immensely enjoyed the backstory and the non-stop slaughtering, a few of the jokes felt a bit flat and I felt that there was no way our heroes wouldn’t prevail by the end. The cliffhanger is setting up something big to come and the overall plot of the epic journey is still the main focus. I can’t wait to see what comes next, as Justin Jordan has told me where Strayer the series is hoping to lead in the future with lots of twists to come. More with Justin Jordan in PopCultHQ’s upcoming exclusive interview with the AfterShock Comics writer… stay tuned.

Strayer #4

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Official Synopsis: 

Normal, everyday Kashas are usually quite the problem for Strayer, so why is he happy to see a giant one? This action-packed series full of swords, monsters and adventure takes no rest as Justin Jordan and Juan Gedeon kick things into high gear!

Preview pages:

Written by: Justin Jordan
Art by: Juan Gedeon
Colored by: Tamra Bonvillain
Cover by: Juan Gedeon

Sold By: Comic book stores, Comixology

Aftershock

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