The Batman And Scooby-Doo Mysteries [2024] #7 - DC Comics

THE BATMAN AND SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES No. 7, September 2024

Having revealed the villain of the piece to be the Scarecrow straight from this publication’s ‘get-go’, many a bibliophile will probably have felt Ivan Cohen’s script for Issue Seven of “The Batman And Scooby-Doo Mysteries” spookily read more like an actual serious comic about the Dark Knight’s exploits within Gotham City, as opposed to a children’s tale featuring an animated tongue-in-cheek cartoon franchise owned by the “Warner Brothers”. Indeed, despite Mystery Incorporated answering Commissioner Gordon’s Bat-Signal, much of this twenty-page periodical’s plot focuses upon the Caped Crusader trying to deduce the end goal of Jonathan Crane’s villainous alter-ego, rather than simply throwing a load of juvenile hijinks at the audience in the hope that some of it will garner a guffaw or two.

In addition, the yarn contains an interesting sub-thread which explores whether someone like Shaggy Rogers and his “lifelong companion”, who are seemingly always in a perpetual state of fright, are actually susceptible to the Scarecrow’s infamous fear toxin, or whether the duo are “weirdly immune”. This rather enthralling notion proves to be the key to unlock the murderous Professor of Psychology’s entire plan, whilst simultaneously showing Batman to favour using his brains over brawn whenever he can; “The gas did affect them. But not the same way it affects the rest of us!”

Of course, “Night Of The Scaredy-Bat!” does still contain some overt silliness on the odd occasion, such as when the book covers just what genuinely terrifies the “meddling kids”. Of particular note is poor Fred Jones being pursued by some giant toothbrushes and a jar of floss, due to the ascot tie-wearing sleuth suffering from a phobia of going to the Dentist.

Quite proficiently pencilling all these shenanigans is David Antón Gomis, a.k.a. Puste, who manages to sketch Batman as both a formidable physical specimen, as well as someone who likes to apply his grey matter to a problem when time allows. Furthermore, the artist includes some quite wonderful little touches into the layouts, such as when the Dark Knight liaises with Mystery Incorporated, and brings a tray of donuts for Shaggy and Scooby-Doo to scoff – something the pair impressively achieve within the space of a single panel.

Written by: Ivan Cohen, Drawn by: Puste, and Colored by: Carrie Strachan

Never By Night: Disturbing Passages Into The Unknown - SnowyWorks [Part Two]

NEVER BY NIGHT: DISTURBING PASSAGES INTO THE UNKNOWN, October 2024

Whilst some readers of “Chronicles Of The Occult: Tennison” may simply come away with a disturbing dread of some well-dressed gentleman lurking in the dark shadows of their bedroom, those bibliophiles who decide to peruse this sixteen-page fright-fest more than once should arguably find that Jonathan Chance’s narrative ages like a fine wine. In fact, this is almost certainly one of those tales which actually benefits from repeatedly viewings, as the central protagonist’s belief that ghosts don’t actually exist is clearly shaken to its core when he recalls a childhood terror he experienced alongside his brother.

In addition, the somewhat pedestrian pace to this story will doubtless lull many in its audience into dropping their guard just as the sceptical hero takes them back to a much more disconcerting time - when his adolescent imagination and perhaps a decidedly dangerous manifestation of the undead, completely robs the boy and his family of their happy home. This timing is incredibly well done, as the author completely wrong steps the onlooker into thinking they’ll soon be visiting “England’s most haunted house” for a ‘run-of-the-mill’ encounter with some ghastly ghoul. But are instead transported to a truly terrifying night set in West Sussex some thirty two years earlier.

Just as entertaining as what this yarn depicts though, is debatably what it does not. Indeed, it’s difficult to remember an adventure which leaves so many questions ruminating in the head, due to no afterword detailing just what subsequently happened to the two ‘ghost hunter’s when they finally did visit an eerie rectory, nor how an “open-minded” Henry was convinced to accompany his companion on such a journey in the first place; “Who knows what I will encounter. Maybe I’m just scared under it all. Because if ‘they’ do exist then I may have to face my fear.”

Rather neatly helping imbue this graphic novel’s second offering with a genuine antiquated atmosphere are they layouts of C.E. Zacherl and colours by Zachary Kjoge. Together, these two artistic forces provide a great deal of solemnity to the publication’s proceedings, which well-suit the professional pace of a politely spoken man who clearly takes great pride (and time) in his morning ritual. Furthermore, there’s some wonderful touches in the odd panel which really help sell the unholy nature of young Henry’s visitation, such as the breath leaving the boy's mouth whilst he sleeps.

Written by: Jonathan Chance, Illustrated by: C.E. Zacherl and Colored by: Zachary Kjoge

Doctor Who: The Fifteenth Doctor #4 - Titan Comics

DOCTOR WHO: THE FIFTEENTH DOCTOR No.4, December 2024

As “unmissable” conclusion’s go, Dan Watters’ narrative for Issue Four of “Doctor Who: The Fifteenth Doctor” certainly lives up to its publisher’s boast of being an “action-packed final part.” However, having regaled his audience with some headlong chases down the numerous corridors of a claustrophobic wine cellar, as well as witnessing the titular time traveller whack an almost endless supply of valuable bottles with a baseball bat, the British author rather disappointingly has the all-powerful Sommelier simply pack his bags up and meekly depart, rather than be bested by anything spectacular the Time Lord might have conjured up.

Indeed, the sense of anti-climax as Rose Sunday simply threatens to smash villain’s flask containing “the scream of Toraji, the living sun as it collapsed into a white star” unless he surrenders is truly palpable, and genuinely must have left many a Whovian wondering what the whole point behind this mini-series was - apart from a speculative cash-grab. True, the sudden departure of this comic’s central antagonist does then provide the writer to pen an endearing origin story for poor little Maria and her cuddly teddy bear. But as twenty-two page periodical’s go, the vast majority of its readers were probably not expecting the main threat to be defeated just half-way through; “Get out of here. Take your collection and leave.”

Also making matters even more sugary sweet than they needed to be is how this book deals with the apparent deaths of “two timid little cockroach aliens”, who were cold-bloodedly murdered by Earth’s last shoppers when they exposed the extra-terrestrials to a planet-wide solar storm. Ruby’s grief at their demise should generate plenty of sympathy, as it touches upon what monsters Mankind can become when people are scared. Sadly though, such a message is ruined, or at least greatly diminished, by the Gallifreyian taking his upset companion ten years into the future, and showing her that rather than be killed by the Sun's particles, the two Cankaranka were actually able to fly to safety.

Quite possibly this comic’s biggest asset therefore lies in the artwork of Kelsey Ramsay, who does a top job of imbuing the fifteenth incarnation with all the dynamic energy shown by actor Ncuti Gatwa on the small screen. In addition, along with colorist Valentina Bianconi, the London-born illustrator does a super job in turning the Sommerlier’s scream cellar into a truly terrifying location to navigate – especially when being relentlessly pursued by an army of emotionless Cybermen.

The regular cover art of "DOCTOR WHO: THE FIFTEENTH DOCTOR" #4 by V.V. Glass

Conan The Barbarian #17 - Titan Comics

CONAN THE BARBARIAN No. 17, January 2025

With “Titan Comics” boldly proclaiming Issue Seventeen of “Conan The Barbarian” to be the beginning of a new story arc for the heavily-muscled Cimmerian, many a fan of Robert E. Howard’s sword and sorcery adventurer were probably expecting something a bit more pulse-pounding than Jim Zub’s “Fangs And Foolish Thieves”. Sure, the twenty-page plot taps into one of the character’s most memorable partnerships by having him accompany Bêlit, Pirate Queen of the Black Coast, to the Port of Prosperity for some much-needed rest and recuperation. But considering that over half the book subsequently just covers the pair drinking, dancing and love-making, there isn’t arguably much to either entertain this title’s long-term readers, or attract any new ones for that matter.

To make matters slightly worse though, when the Canadian author does eventually decide to inject his tale with some much-needed action, a fair few within the audience debatably won’t be able to shake the notion that the writer has somehow slipped one his unused plot-threads for “Dungeons & Dragons” into the mix. Such a notion is genuinely hard to ignore, with the powerful pair suddenly being attacked at night by a quartet of incompetent robbers whose party consists of a nimble thief, axe-wielding fighter, bull-necked thug and classic, double-bladed rogue; “Oh, look, my dear -- Visitors. What kind of fool wears any eyepatch they don’t need?”

Unfortunately, even the resultant skirmish isn’t especially convincing, with the ill-fated foursome supposedly able to match skills – albeit temporarily – with a Conan and Bêlit who are already warned of their approach, and have had time to arms themselves appropriately. In the novels, the Cimmerian would likely as not have brutally dispatched all of his attackers with great aplomb, especially as he’s initially able to ambush them in the darkness. However, Zub would have his audience believe the warrior would actually struggle to take out the aforementioned rogue, and implausibly then lose out to a Gunderman’s double-handed axe – at least until he is able to stop the big man’s blade literally with his bare hands..?

Danica Brine’s layouts are certainly far less bemusing as this publication’s penmanship, thanks largely to the "death-defying” illustrator’s style being somewhat reminiscent of the late, great Carmine Infantino. Indeed, it would be interesting to see just how well the GLAAD Award-nominee’s panels held up to scrutiny if inked by someone like legendary embellisher Terry Austin, rather than just being coloured by “Jumping” Jao Canola.

The regular cover art of "CONAN THE BARBARIAN" #17 by Roberto De La Torre

Lynx #5 - G-Man Comics

LYNX No. 5, August 2024

Tackling the rather enthralling (and arguably disconcerting) question as to whether a known child killer should “face the justice system or street justice”, Rik Offenberger’s narrative for Issue Five of “Lynx” quite understandably contains some deadly serious set-pieces. True, the American author does inject this comic with the occasional moment of humour, such as when Mateo Martinez wishes he owned an actual ‘Lynxmobile’ with which to drive into action. But the central theme ensures that much of what takes place within its twenty-pages is delivered with plenty of gravitas and solemnity.

For openers, the relationship between the colourfully-costumed Federal Agents and Police Department appears to be as prickly as a reader might expect, especially when the titular characters are authorised to take over a local officer’s investigation. This tension is so well-written its palpability quite literally leaps off the printed panels, and it should come as absolutely no surprise to the audience that the disheartened cop turns to some distinctly shady help in order to rectify the situation; “Mascaras Asesino is killing kids in the neighbourhood and you’re drinking coffee. I don’t want your money, and we aren’t friends.”

Equally as well penned though is debatably the handling of Hombre Pinata, who considering is dressed like a walking, papier-mâché container crammed full of sweets, is completely convincing as the resident vigilante who is determined to ensure that Columbia Height’s latest mass-murderer doesn’t slaughter any other adolescents. In fact, Jorge Pérez’s colourfully-costumed alter-ego, and his no-nonsense ‘rule of law’ will doubtless resonate with many a bibliophile whose own faith in their judicial system has taken a bit of a battering.

Undeniably doing their part to help Offenberger sell the sheer brutality of “Retribution” are Alan Faria and colorist Teo Pinheiro, who together provide this publication with plenty of beguiling visuals, including somehow imbuing the aforementioned Senor Pinata with all the physical heft of a genuine neighbourhood heavy. In addition, it will be difficult for some in this comic’s audience not to wince when Pérez attacks “the man who killed Ricardo Tapia’s daughter” with a barb-wired baseball bat, and quite literally puts the sports accessory right through Asesino’s torso.

The regular cover art to "LYNX" #5 by Alan Faria

Nightwing #106 - DC Comics

NIGHTWING No. 106, November 2023

Whilst neither Nightwing nor Batgirl really “sail the high seas” in this twenty-two page publication as “DC Comics” solicitation suggests, it doesn’t mean for a second that Tom Taylor’s storyline is any less riveting. In fact, “The Crew Of The Crossed” still contains an abundance of swashbuckling saltiness with which to ensnare the audience’s imagination, and keep them utterly hooked as they’re plunged neck-deep in the mysteries of the Quartermaster’s enigmatic Hold; “Oh, it’ll be worth it. This is beyond anything you’ve ever seen. We’re talking generations of wealth in one -- It’s gone.”

Furthermore, this pirate-flavoured periodical also provides plenty for the adrenalin-junkies out there, courtesy of a pulse-pounding set-piece which sees the titular character and Barbara Gordon’s more sedentary alter-ego chasing down an ambulance through the busy streets of Bludhaven. Such a headlong dash could easily have become a somewhat typical affair as seen in many a comic book. But such is the Australian author’s skill that he imbues Dick Grayson will plenty of panache as he holds a polite conversation with his distant lover whilst simultaneously battering a pair of overconfident body-snatchers.

Similarly as successful as this tome’s penmanship is its pencilling, with Stephen Byrne providing its layouts with lots of shadowy subterfuge and secrecy. Indeed, considering that Ruben Blüd’s costume simply consists of the former Captain wearing a sailor's sou'wester and waterproof jacket, the actual character generates a spellbinding air of ambiguity which makes him utterly convincing as the pivotal protector of an ancient secret society, who seemingly knows the location of several highly sought-after safes.

Far more tongue-in-cheek, though potentially just as deadly for Nightwing as this comic’s main tale, is Michael Conrad’s short “Breakfast For Dinner”. Initially dealing with Richard just teaching Cassandra Cain how to make his famous pancakes in her flat's kitchen, this somewhat harmless undertaking may well be seen by some bibliophiles as something of a ‘filler’. However, throw in a well-dressed, professional assassin who plans to kill Grayson just as soon as the right moment presents itself, as well as two incarnations of Batgirl, and this tale contains some unexpected bite which should cause most Bat-fans to promptly visiting their local book shop to ensure they've pre-ordered a copy of its next instalment.

The regular cover art of "NIGHTWING" #106 by Bruno Redondo

Never By Night: Disturbing Passages Into The Unknown - SnowyWorks [Part One]

NEVER BY NIGHT: DISTURBING PASSAGES INTO THE UNKNOWN, October 2024

Opening up this “newest annual event read” with a twenty-three page trip down into the murky depths of a small town’s dirty, disused garden pond, Jonathan Chance arguably seems able to conjure up the atmosphere of Rob Reiner’s 1985 teenage boy drama movie “Stand by Me” combined with a healthy dose of bone-tingling terror. Indeed, despite many in the audience probably guessing the future fate of poor Arthur Rogers, having earnestly promised the murderous monster he encounters that the lad won’t ever return to tentacled gestalt’s deadly abode in Fairhaven, there’s still plenty of narrative and grisly-goings on to enjoy inside “If I Never Come Back.”

For starters the story’s first half, which depicts three children bravely forgoing an over-packed swimming lido for an ill-advised dip in a fenced off pool, contains everything a fear-fan would want from such a familiar horror setting - including the so-called protagonists being so busy goading one another to dive in that they never truly appreciate why none of the other locals have never thought of visiting the same place. In addition, once one of them finally makes the plunge, the storyline solely focuses upon the youth scrambling for a solution to his dire predicament on his own, courtesy of his supposed friends quickly leaving him to potentially a fate worse than death; “I’m sorry Arthur.”

This bargain with the devil beneath the water's surface is then subsequently explored, as the incredibly lucky survivor risks a fleeting visit to the completely renovated municipality some thirty-two years later so as to settle things with his former pals. As aforementioned, it’s pretty transparent that somehow the now bespectacled father of two is going to somehow inadvertently enter the dread beast’s submerged lair once again, so the writer’s skill comes with him wrong-footing the reader in predicting just how this catastrophic confrontation will occur.

Definitely adding plenty of gratuitous physical mutilation to these published proceedings is Dell Barras, whose pencilling quite wonderfully captures both the wide-eyed innocence of youth in the trio of boys, whilst simultaneously showing a former victim of the skull-faced water creature getting his head squished flat with a multi-suckered appendage. Admittedly, some may struggle to realise that the beast rises to the surface during its early conversation with Arthur, as that sequence isn’t perhaps as clearly sketched as some might like. But there’s no doubting overall that the illustrator does a good job in drawing the hair-raising events as they transpire, and quite unnervingly captures the stark terror on the central character’s face when he realises that he is once again nose-to-nose with the entity that has for so long haunted his thoughts.

Written by: Jonathan Chance, Illustrated by: Dell Barras, and Colored by: Davi Comodo