Kill Shakespeare #1

Ignore the title.  I implore you, just look beyond the B grade, sepia-toned abomination that you’re creating from your catalogue of 1950′s pulp experiences.  To do so would be to disservice this magnificent title.

The premise is simple; take a story we all know well and expand it into a new area.  This can be done woefully bad, look no further than any number of TV to Movie conversions, some things are not meant to be expanded.  This is not the case.

We are asked to look at Hamlet and extend his tale of pain beyond the final pages that Shakespeare penned, to look at the aftermath of his deeds, to the suffering he faced and where his pain will take him.  The story does go a little meta towards the end, but it’s in service of a greater thing; a wonderful narrative.  I cannot do justice to what this book is trying to do in a few sentences.  Think if Mignola had been asked to draw a bede’ comic about a fallen king, written by the spawn of the great Bard himself.

The art is stunning, switching from simple, plain and poignant exchanges to lavish expanses similar to what we have experienced in the works of Tintin and Asterix, from Bede to standard comic and back again, this book is a feast for the eyes.

Forgive the very minor errors, make the jump and suspend your disbelief, this is a great book. -Bretzke

Mystery Society #1

Mystery Society is best summed up as Mr and Mrs Smith meets Hellboy.  Remember the bit when Brad and Angelina have made up and are tearing it up across the city while cooing sweet nothings to eachother?  Add in a decent smattering of the paranormal and you’ve got an issue of Mystery Society.

The writing is compelling, the calm of  the characters in a clearly catastrophic situation is admirable, a very old school feeling of control and precision.  Parallels could be drawn to several of the early Bond films; I believe the term is “unflappable”.

The art takes a while to get used to but it becomes immersive and highly suited to the iconic form of the story.  Stark shapes and approximated anatomy are used at times to convey a movement or a feeling; it’s all about the delivery here.  While some could complain that this form of story has already been done to some extent within the works of Mignola, I think that’s an unfair comparison.

Mignola dealt with institutionalized paranormal activity from within government.  This book takes the alternative perspective, from the outside looking in.  It’s a tale of bravery and absurd confidence in the face of the fantastical.  I can’t recommend this book enough. -Bretzke

Tank Girl was always kind of odd, even a bit off the wall.  I don’t ever remember it being quite like this.  That isn’t to detract from the awesome quality that these books bring.  But still, it’s a lot to swallow.  Let’s recap.

During some undisclosed conflict, Tank Girl and Co flip the tank (Not at all like jumping the shark) leaving them stranded.  Seeking to take out a particularly unfriendly sniper, Jet Girl loses a golden egg, which renders her in a catatonic state.  Discovering this, Tank Girl orders Barney and Boat Girl to an ominous high peak  in search of wisdom from an equally ominous old man.  Confused?  Excellent.

What occurs within these two issues caries on that established ridiculousness to the level where individuals eating certain sandwiches enter altered conscious states, thinking they are cowboys, or even end up with giant gun hands.  Oh, and there’s a Barney Army.  That is, an army of clay Barneys.  This includes a giant Barney, piloted by a tiny version of Jet Girl.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, then clearly, like me, you’re a fan of Tank Girl and just take this insanity as part of the fun that is the book.  Let’s be honest, this is not for everyone.  But this was never meant for everyone, Tank Girl is the British institute that it is because it doesn’t care what you think.  Enjoy it or not, I don’t think she really cares. -Bretzke

I made the mistake of picking this book up while I was on point for parental duties. Screaming kids? Kitchen fire? Ninjas busting in the doors? Can’t you see dad’s busy!? This book is incredible. The adaptation and storytelling through words and art nearly perfect. No surprises, just a bad man with bad intentions and a trail of bodies. Can’t wait for book two! -Scott

Richard Stark's Parker - The Hunter Book One

Anyone who knows Tank Girl knows the pain of a bad movie treatment.  The franchise has been quiet of late with this being the first new material in a year.  New readers will find things of worth and the learning curve isn’t very steep at all.  Visual cues are given to understand the context for this story and after a few pages the adventure is up and running.  Previously I had stated that 2000 AD was the only British comic worth reading, I should amend that; Tank Girl presents a bleak future where fun can still be had, though only momentarily.

Pay particular attention to the wonderfully rendered artwork by Dayglo and the cracking pace the story sets.  While the cover states this is 1 of 4, one can only hope that there is an ongoing series in the works. -Bretzke

Tank Girl: The Royal Escape #1

I was just getting comfortable, and just like that the series wraps. This issue feels rushed, as they try to wrap everything up and still deliver a satisfying conclusion. But in the end, all you need is love, I suppose. Kyeh, kyeh. Bummer.

Groom Lake #4

Wakey-wakey yay, someone special has returned! This is turning out to be a fun little treat, thanks to Templesmith and Archibald (mostly).

Groom Lake #3

Creepy as all get out and loving it! This book makes you feel sick at times, right to the pit of your guts. Something is slithering and it needs to come out. What a show! -Bretzke

Locke & Key - Head Games #5

Growing growing growing sad i said mean things before hard to review #1′s copulation smoke sex chocolate karlbauer goody goody kyeh kyeh

Groom Lake #2

I take back what I said about Avengers FCBD being inconsequential. This is a partial reprint of G.I. Joe #0 (which I admittedly liked the first time), combined with a stupid simulated fight between Optimus Prime and Megatron. Bummer.

FCBD G.I. Joe / Transformers