Planet Of The Apes [2023] #4 - Marvel Comics

PLANET OF THE APES No. 4, September 2023

Entirely set upon a besieged ocean liner “one hundred miles east of New York”, it is hard to imagine just how a writer could better stir up an almost overwhelming sense of injustice within their audience as David F. Walker does with his narrative for Issue Four of “Planet Of The Apes”. For whilst Exercitus Viri’s merciless armed assault upon Juliana Tobon’s precious passenger ship doesn’t succeed in its mission to wipe-out the world’s last sizable population of apes in captivity. The terrorist’s attack does still cause the sea vessel to be “strewn with blood and death”.

To be honest though, this palpable hostility in any reader towards the irrational anti-simian group is generated well before this comic’s disconcertingly high kill count is even hinted at, and arguably starts with the book’s opening panel as the gas-mask wearing, holier-than-thou pirate leader arrogantly declares that “the human race is depending on us” just as his soldiers’ raid begins. Indeed, the conceit of these fanatics as they mercilessly gun down unarmed chimpanzees is genuinely distressing, and doubtless caused many a bibliophile to involuntarily cheer once the monkeys begin successfully fighting back against the smaller boats surrounding their transportation.

Equally as inspiring as the “award-winning” author’s penmanship however, are Dave Wachter’s layouts, which add a tremendous amount of dynamic and emotional energy to the chaotic scenes breaking out around the ambushed U.N. Peacekeeping force. At one point it shockingly appears to be all over for Tobon, and the illustrator takes this moment to pencil some serious determination upon the faces of the enraged primates as they realise that it is now or never if their species are to survive another day; “No one was giving orders, Everything the apes did – every action they took – they did on their own.”  

Far less pulse-pounding, but just as enthralling, is this publication’s secondary story “The Smartest Gorilla In The World”, in which Walker depicts a now talking Pug realising his band of simians in France need to visit the country’s surviving zoos and animal preserves to protect their inhabitants. Well-drawn by Andy MacDonald, this five-page tale is somewhat sensitively told by having a human prisoner suddenly realise that the Exercitus Viri’s propaganda is wrong and that his captors are neither animals nor savage.

The regular cover art of "PLANET OF THE APES" #4 by Joshua Cassara & Dean White

Dune: House Harkonnen #7 - BOOM! Studios

DUNE: HOUSE HARKONNEN No. 7, July 2023

Taking a somewhat more measured approach to their storytelling than the frantic dash through numerous people, places, planets, and proceedings of this mini-series’ previous instalments, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s script for Issue Seven of “Dune: House Harkonnen” should have maintained the interest of many within its audience upon its release in July 2023. True, the twenty-two-page periodical still slightly suffers with its authors' attempt to absolutely cram as many different politically-based shenanigans as they can within its cover. But the fact that the reader can now ponder upon the various events for a good score of panels every time, at least allows the characters and incidents upon Arrakis, Geidi Prime and Ginaz to increasingly generate an aura of intrigue and excitement.

Foremost of these insights into the “feudal interstellar society” is arguably Gurney Halleck’s decidedly dangerous attempt to escape imprisonment in the Harkonnen slave pits by inciting his savage guards to beat him close to death, and then using his stay at the prison hospital to stow himself away inside an off-world bound cargo of razor-sharp crystals. Well-paced and packed with plenty of tense moments as the unbroken bondsman risks all for his liberty, the talented minstrel’s plight should cause the odd bibliophile to actually hold their breath in case the noise gives the character away to his brutal overlords.

Similarly as heart-stopping and overwrought are the actions of the Ixian rebellion, as they desperately smuggle in weapons and a message from Prince Rhombur Vernius - the planet’s rightful ruler. Again the writers do a tremendous job in making even the most innocuous of daily tasks on the occupied sphere super-edgy, with every citizen encountered suspected of either being a loyalist saboteur or a Tleilaxu spy.

Undeniably the biggest contributor to this comic’s success though has to be the pencilling of Fran Galan, who quite beautifully imbues this publication’s incredibly numerous cast with as much dynamic emotion as a figure upon a printed page can muster. Whether it be Liet’s utter heartbreak at losing the woman he loved to his best friend and departing to “be alone with his thoughts”, or Duke Leto Atreides’ desperate attempt to reconcile with his long-time concubine only to find Kailea more hostile towards him than ever, the illustrator does a fantastic job in bringing each and every character to vibrant life.

The regular cover art of "DUNE: HOUSE HARKONNEN" #7 by Raymond Swanland

The Return Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 [Part Two] - DC Comics

THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL No. 1, December 2023

Opening this anthology book’s second half, Karl Kesel’s "The Metropolis Kid" is probably the comic’s most touching tale, courtesy of a twelve-page script which focuses upon just why Superboy convinced Perry White to believe in him despite the adolescent’s arrogant bravado and cockiness. Indeed, the Ontario County-born writer does a first-rate job in depicting the shades-wearing Kon-El as a well-meaning metahuman, who whilst happy to hog the limelight from a local fire’s real first responders, arguably does so with the best intentions at heart – and even attempts to later make up for what the youth sees as his mistake by flying a replacement skateboard to his “favourite grommet” when the original is blow apart by an errant shot from Bloodsport’s LexCorp-produced firearm.

Nobly assisting the penmanship for this story, especially once the narrative turns in favour of a much more action-packed shoot-out between the genetically-engineered Kryptonian clone and the villainous Robert DuBois, is Tom Grummett, whose energy-packed fight scenes add plenty of “Blam Blam Blam” to the duo’s sadly short-lived confrontation. Furthermore, Superboy’s co-creator appears very good at depicting Bloodsport’s facial horror at discovering that the “microscopic coating of Kryptonite” on his bullet-tips has no effect on the wannabe Man of Steel.

Finishing off “this special that’s sure to be a classic in the future” is "Betrayal" by Dan Jurgens. Initially focusing upon the Daily Planet’s mistake of publicly stating “Superman Is Back” in the guise of Hank Henshaw, this tale eventually moves on to Metropolis’ modern-day problem with the mass-murdering cyborg as he almost effortlessly defeats a combined assault upon him by Superboy, Steel and the Eradicator; “I was afraid this’d be over by the time I got here. Not that I’m hoping for rampant destruction, death, and mayhem, you understand.”

Essentially a somewhat sentimentally sweet apology by the newspaper’s Editor-In-Chief to the genuine Justice Leaguer, this yarn’s already quite palpable sense of drama is debatably doubled once the Phantom Zone-bound antagonist discloses he’s simply seeking a means to reincarnate his dead wife and friends, rather than “create a new Engine City.” Such motivation genuinely causes something of a dilemma, as no reader will understandably forgive Henshaw for “incinerating seven million men, women and children.” Yet, the former Astronaut’s current desire to simply resurrect his ‘loved ones’ is a much more reasonable incentive, and one many a bibliophile might sympathise with.

The regular cover art of "THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL" #1 by Dan Jurgens

Sgt. Flag #2 - G-Man Comics

SGT. FLAG No. 2, May 2023

In many ways a straightforward no-holds barred scrap between the titular character and Pteranodon-like super-villain Omicronbie, Rik Offenberger’s script for Issue Two of “Sgt. Flag” still manages to provide the ex-sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps with some enjoyable development. In fact, “Virus” seems to show a genuinely remorseful aspect to the ordinarily arrogant special agent’s personality, whether it be his sorrow at seeing the grotesque, crucified corpse of a dead comrade-in-arms, or slightly tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement as to Christopher Squires’ comprehensive clean-up operation following the hero’s most recent mission; “Sorry, didn’t know you were so touchy about the kid.”

Equally as intriguing as Rob McFarlane’s growth though, is the brief insight into the sadly short-lived career of Mister Mystery and the mask-wearing operative’s decidedly deadly first encounter with his eventual murderer. Looking somewhat like an amalgamation of the Green Lantern and Riddler, the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) operative’s special abilities are surprisingly never shown on the printed page. However, even in this comic's fleeting flashback, the predominantly jade-coloured character should still create a few exciting possibilities as to his crime-fighting capabilities in the mind of the more imaginative bibliophile.

Ultimately however, Offenberger’s “love to letter to my favourite Nineties’ comics, with all the macho action that made them famous” succeeds thanks to its breathtakingly frantic finale in which Flag appears to be repeatedly cornered by his would-be-killer, only to snatch up yet another well-placed firearm or grenade. This chase sequence, claustrophobically contained within the gung-ho G-Man’s rental home is absolutely captivating, and will surely force any reader encountering it to hold their breath quite literally until McFarlane has smashed through the building’s upper-floor window and subsequently blown it sky high with a spectacularly 'loud' splash-page explosion.

Of course, adding much of the dynamism to these marvellous moments is Gilbert Monsanto, whose phenomenal pencilling really adds a dangerous raw edge to both Rob’s attitude and belligerent behaviour. The former chief instructor for Whilce Portacio’s comic creation school in Manila makes it crystal clear with his sketching that a foul-mouthed Sgt. Flag is purely out for revenge, and cares little for the chaotic collateral damage his hot-headed plan will cause – except perhaps the non-return of his security deposit.

The regular cover art of "SGT. FLAG" #2 by Mike Gustovich

Moon Knight [2021] Annual #1 - Marvel Comics

MOON KNIGHT ANNUAL No. 1, December 2022

Undeniably containing plenty of spooky shenanigans, courtesy of a script which is chock-full of Werewolves, Vampires and super-heroes, Jed MacKay’s penmanship for this annual must have pleased the vast majority of its audience upon its release in October 2022. But whilst the Canadian writer does a sterling job in setting up a seemingly no-win situation for the titular character as he faces arch-nemesis Jack Russell in a supposed battle for Diatrice Alraune’s life, some of the contrivances which need to occur for the Darkhold’s prophecy to occur and subsequently fail are a little hard to believe; “I’ve come a long way from Malibu, Marc. I realised that this curse wasn’t about me.”

For openers, Marlene’s accusation that her daughter’s abduction at the hands of the original Werewolf by Night is all Moon Knight’s fault is a bit far-fetched, considering she is the person who bought the young girl back to America from the safety of France because “I thought we would be okay.” Sure, the adolescent was kidnapped by lycanthropes in order to impel the Fist of Khonshu into a ‘final’ showdown with the Legion of Monsters member. But none of the events depicted within this thirty-page tome would ever have taken place if the woman hadn’t unwisely chosen to attend her ex-husband’s funeral and brought Diatrice with her.

Furthermore, if all the former West Coast Avenger had to do was wait until “the terrestrial alignment or whatever is over” for Russell’s plan to fail, then why didn’t he do just that once Yehya Badr informed him about the prediction’s crucial planetary orientation.? Instead, this publication’s protagonists recklessly smash a silver-laden automobile straight through the front door of Jack’s hideout, violently wade into a pack of werewolves and resultantly repeatedly risk the girl’s life before she testily admonishes them herself once the configuration is over.

Happily however, those bibliophiles able to overlook these quibbles should still find this comic to be a rather enjoyable, pulse-pounding publication, largely thanks to some prodigious pencilling by Federico Sabbatini. Indeed, the Italian illustrator’s ability to sketch Spector’s shrouded alter-ego smacking both Russell and his fur-covered cronies about is one of the highlights of this book, alongside Khonshu’s evil-looking shadow as the Egyptian deity urges Hunter’s Moon to cold-bloodedly kill Diatrice once he finds her.

Writer: Jed MacKay, Artist: Federico Sabbatini, and Color Artist: Rachelle Rosenberg

The Return Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 [Part One] - DC Comics

THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL No. 1, December 2023

Arguably reading more like a memorial to the unconscious, hospital-bound editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet than the actual Man of Steel, this Thirtieth Anniversary Special for “The Return Of Superman” certainly still captures the audience’s attention by having Cyborg Superman shockingly attack S.T.A.R. (Scientific and Technological Advanced Research) Laboratories for no discernible reason. However, Henry "Hank" Henshaw’s treacherous assault upon the advanced scientific research facility is sadly soon side-lined in favour of several authors simply penning a series of short, character-focused yarns that individually target the “Four Supermen [who] Rose To The Challenge” of replacing Kal-El following the Kryptonian’s apparent death over three decades ago.

First up is “Speed!” by Louise Simonson, which depicts John Henry Irons’ armour-encased alter-ego battling a carload of laser cannon-carrying criminals, who unwisely decide that Metropolis’ recent blackout is the perfect opportunity for them to stake their claim on a local block of hapless residents. Prodigiously pencilled by Jon Bogdanove, this fast-paced fight fest is visually somewhat reminiscent of Frank Miller’s more recent art-style and resultantly crackles with raw energy as Steel tackles a pair of toastmasters in front of a cheering crowd; “Bet this’ll stop the bad guys the next time they show up around here!”

Slightly more thoughtful is Jerry Ordway’s “…He Had Me Thinking He Was Superman…”, a twelve-page investigative piece that centres around Perry White’s first encounter with the utterly merciless Eradicator, and shows that the elderly reporter can still ‘follow his nose’ to a good story whenever the opportunity arises. Indeed, in many ways the ancient extra-terrestrial vigilante takes a back seat to the newspaperman, as Lois Lane’s boss not only intercepts the analogue radio wave used by the tale’s arms traffickers. But also interviews enough bystanders to determine where the much sought after weapons shipment is being loaded.

Equally as enticing with his illustrations as his penmanship, the American author/artist does an excellent job of selling some of this one-shot’s contrivances to his audience by repeatedly sketching White as a savvy-headed individual who knows just where and when to be to get a scoop. Furthermore, this yarn’s layouts perfectly portray Eradicator’s machine-like, emotionless pursuit of justice and inhumane willingness to prosecute evil-doers far beyond what is acceptable to Metropolis’ Police Department.

The regular cover art of "THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL" #1 by Dan Jurgens

Blowtorch: Bad Roads #1 - Page1 Comics

BLOWTORCH: BAD ROADS No. 1, November 2023

Described in its solicitation synopsis as “the bare-knuckled, rough and tumble, gritty, bloody crime thriller you’ve been waiting for”, Alex De-Gruchy’s script for Issue One of “Blowtorch: Bad Roads” definitely lives up to its promise of being an utterly uncompromising twenty-two-page periodical packed full of savage violence and edge-of-your-seat shenanigans. In fact, arguably ensnaring something of Derek Kolstad’s neo-noir action franchise “John Wick”, this comic should captivate its audience’s attention just as soon as the ex-military mercenary’s sport utility vehicle is stolen from a petrol station and its owner menacingly vows to track the thieves down.

Delightfully though, Alfred Paige’s mask-wearing creation doesn’t simply wade into the local criminals’ hideout all guns blazing as some less well fleshed out characters might do, and instead initially bides his time watching his opponents – even when the gang’s leader mercilessly cuts the throat of one hapless fellow hoodlum who unwisely was stealing drugs money from him; “Make sure they weigh him down enough, I don’t want his bones ever seeing the light a’ day.” This patient approach makes the subsequent firefight all the more genuine and believable, especially when its generated by the C.H.E.S.S. operative understandably thinking that a helplessly bound boy in a wooden shed is probably a prisoner, rather than the boss’s disconcertingly loyal lad.

Of course the big pull for any perusing bibliophiles is the insane action which occurs once Blowtorch heads for his pilfered vehicle and starts gunning down anyone foolish enough to get in his way. Rather excitingly, this exchange of bullets does not go all one way either, as Richard encounters much more resistance than he was anticipating. Indeed, one of this book’s best moments comes after the cold-blooded killer is back in the seat of his beloved SUV and attempting to make an unsuccessful drive for freedom.

Equally as good at pencilling as De-Gruchy and Paige are story-telling is Igor Kurilin, whose black and white panels add a distinctly dark and foreboding night-time ambience to the publication’s layouts. The illustrator proves especially good at capturing all the last second decision-making that takes place within the former soldier’s mind, as events increasingly grow out-of-hand due to more and more of Conroy’s heavily-armed minions congregating upon his progressively perilous position outside a farmhouse.

Creator: Alfred Paige, Script: Alex De-Gruchy, and Art: Igor Kurilin