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Graphic Novel Review: Brooklyn Blood by Paul Levitz, art by Tim Hamilton

Brooklyn Blood by Paul Levitz, art by Tim Hamilton

Dark Horse, 2018

ISBN-13: 9781506706306

Available:  Paperback, Kindle edition, and comiXology edition

 

Afghanistan vet Billy O’Connor returns to his hometown of Brooklyn to work as a detective. He tries returning to his routine, but his PTSD  haunts him. His hallucinations worsen over time and concern his partner, Hasan. When they begin investigating a strange homicide case, O’Connor experiences what he chalks up to as PTSD, but it turns out to be something more. The case turns into the hunt for a serial killer, one who is making human sacrifices to raise a demon from the depths.

Readers who enjoy a good Lovecraftian noir should pick this up. Brooklyn is gritty, and the cops and detectives fit perfectly in this environment. O’Connor tries to come to grips with his inner demons and disturbing hallucinations throughout the investigation, when he discovers there may be more to his experiences than he or his partner think. O’Connor also must confront his own racism. Seeing the horrors of war in Afghanistan, he has a skewed view of anyone “other”. Hasan thankfully doesn’t pull her punches when she confronts him about his words or actions. While there is nothing overtly gross or terrifying, young readers might find this disturbing. Teen readers may find this a great read.

This volume collects all sixteen chapters which were originally serialized in Dark Horse Presents Volume 3 #17-#22 and #24-#33!”

Contains: racism, some blood

Recommended

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

Posted on January 19, 2019 by , Reply

Graphic Novel Review: Army of Darkness/Xena Warrior Princess: Forever and a Day by Scott Lobdell, art by Elliot Fernandez

Army of Darkness/Xena Warrior Princess: Forever and a Day by Scott Lobdell, art by Elliot Fernandez

Dynamite Entertainment, 2017

ISBN-13: 9781524103514

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition, and comiXology ebook

The Army of Darkness/Xena Warrior Princess: Forever and a Day storyline opens with Xena holding her wounded life companion, Gabrielle, after her army has been destroyed by the ultimate evil. The only recourse she has is to use a page from the Necronomicon that Ash gifted to her to use in a time of ultimate need. Ash heeds the call (I mean, he has no choice since the portal sucks him in, right?). Ash has to put aside his need for some sugar from fellow S-Mart employee Amber until he can solve Xena’s problem, especially when he discovers she doesn’t remember him—over and over again. The problem gets compounded every time Xena uses the sheet to call him back. Ash’s time travel disruptions are damaging the time loop and may destroy it altogether. What is causing the timeline to screw up, and can Xena finally get it together enough to trust this traveler from the future?

I’m a sucker for anything with Xena or Ash. Lobdell is able to keep the tone of the both Xena and Army of Darkness well throughout the entire run. Ash is still the womanizing, chainsaw-wielding fella, and Xena retains her edge and sharp wit. I loved seeing them take verbal potshots at each other. Gabrielle was definitely the voice of reason when they needed it. The artwork was fantastic, too. I read another review that said Xena was too cheesecake, but I really don’t see it.

If you enjoyed any of the other Army of Darkness crossovers, you should pick this up. I enjoyed the hell out of it. What more can I say? Hail to the King, Baby… Recommended.

Contains: some blood, and, of course, Deadites

 

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

 

Posted on April 26, 2018 by , Reply

Graphic Novel Review: Straitjacket by El Torres, art by Guillermo Sanna

Straitjacket TP

Straitjacket by El Torres, art by Guillermo Sanna

Amigo Comics, 2016

ISBN: 9788416486199

Available: Trade paperback (direct from Amigo Comics), comiXology ebook

As a child, Alexandra Wagner ritually murdered her twin brother, Alexander. She was subsequently institutionalized and believes she protects the real world against “The Outer Darkness”, with the help of her brother on the other side. The doctors and hospital orderlies don’t believe her, of course, chalking up her cryptic words and gestures as simply signs of her insanity. Who could believe the ravings of someone diagnosed with mental illness? Dr. T. certainly doesn’t until she attacks and kills another patient, and the orderly dispatched to restrain her swears she disappeared right in front of him. The good doctor returns home after a long day, only to find Alex waiting for him.

This is the second series I have read by El Torres. He is a great storyteller, weaving impossible stories where the supernatural intrudes in the real world in fascinating and disturbing ways. Sanna’s artwork adds the perfect horrific atmosphere for Alex’s story. The art is primarily black and white, with sprays of red to indicate certain things to the reader, like identifying which realm certain creatures or characters are in or setting the mood.

If you like horror that explores the concepts of death and madness, you need to pick up Straitjacket. Highly recommended.

Contains: blood, gore, madness, nudity

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

 

Posted on March 2, 2018 by , Reply
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