Before we come onto gay dogs, I wanted to let you know that Hip Hop Family Tree would always be on this list, if I read it on time. I dedicate time to reading that comic because it is almost encyclopaedic in detail and I savour every panel of it. I am generally behind on it and read it when I can devote proper time and attention to it.
Moving onto something completely different was this weeks issue of Island. Onto produces a NSFW online comic which is often often pornographic in nature. I was actually quite impressed with the story in this issue as it tackled homophobia and freedom of expression in a very impressive manner. The art is quite beautiful and I would generally say homoerotic but the characters can be quite androgynous, especially as dogs. It almost blurs the lines between male and female deliberately but the straight characters are more aggressive and less effeminate, which undoes the initial intentions. The art is lovely throughout and the piece was well written. I then decided to have a look at more of the webcomics and was a little taken aback at the cruder pornographic nature to it. In fact that seemed to be the central premise which disappointed me. Perhaps I should’ve have read a few more strips but I lost interest rapidly. Sadly that impacted on my enjoyment of this but in reflection, Id still recommend it. Unfortunately the rest of the magazine was less interesting, with the only other highlight of Gael Bertrand’s beautiful artwork, but senseless story. Overall it is just not worth the £7.99 stated on the cover. I wont take up too much of your time but the Old Man Logan stories are beginning to bother me. Not only do I find the young Jean and Old Logan and odd combination but at least it is a rapport worth exploring that has not happened to any real substance yet. And then his solo issue was quite base in its intentions; bad guys hurt me, I hurt bad guys. All very disappointing. I always felt Matt Murdock’s love in all of his incarnations but Soule’s Daredevil seems to be devoid of it. Perhaps it the almost robotic directive to save everyone or the fact he has now become a prosecution lawyer. As with all changes, you have to give them a chance and leave them if you have to…
Marvel Codes
Daredevil #3 – THMQE52V0YEI
Old Man Logan #1 – THMIETYCVF75
DC
Grayson #16
I never stop having fun with this comic. I loved the panel by panel take down of Spiral agents, in all sorts of locations and situations. The dialogue is clever and witty and there is some obvious eye candy for the ladies, which I must remark was rather well drawn.
Marvel
Spider-Woman #3 – THMB2XKHFVJR
Check out my entry for Aaron Meyer’s Honour Roll! http://www.comicosity.com/the-honor-roll-january-27-2016-releases/
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #3 – THMGJ7PJD2XV
What surprises me is how slowly Reeder/Montclare is developing this story, in that the rapport between dinosaur and girl is not just an instant pet loving one. The way in which Moon Girl uses her friend to rescue schoolchildren is inventive and sweet. Combine that with lovely art and you have a wonderful comic.
the unbeatable Squirrel-Girl #4 – THMWPA88DV91
There is a sincerity and honesty to this book which makes something like fighting Doom realistically absurd, but so entertaining. Doreen’s determination to do good is so strong that it brings fearlessness in the most threatening of situations. That is key to the book as the more ridiculous it becomes, the more enjoyable it is to read.
Independent
Monstress #3
There is something about this book that makes it quite enthralling. The story and opposing factions seem confusing but the artwork is just breathtaking. The characters are all beautiful in appearance and the costumes and environments are equally stunning. You almost don’t need to read the words.
The Spire #6
The movement from the central city to the parlay makes for a very interesting change of pace and set up. The relationships between the Spire and the dwellers of the Nothinglands is quite intriguing and completely unrevealed at present. But Sha is deep undercover and is picking apart the origins of the entire Spire.
Deadly Class #18
I tweeted this earlier this week:
Despite this the artwork, page compositions and panelling are just brilliant and worth recommending alone.
East of West #24
The origins of The Message are cruel and upsetting but of utmost importance as we see every faction receive their own human skin scrolls. It is fantastic imagery and also quite refreshing to see all parties involved in a single issues. Seeing Death and the other horseman was great considering how long it has actually been.
Southern Bastards #13
What an amazing opening few pages. I have never seen american football depicted so tensely and powerfully. Aaron combines some history with the present game to show the loss of Boss’ defence coach, and how he dearly he misses him. The art was gloriously rough and Euless has more integrity that you would ever want to give him credit for.
Chew #54
There are bad times ahead and this is yet another build up issue. It teases once again the image that has been haunting us since the end of #50: Tony hold his dead lover in his hands. What is scary is that it deliberately tries to point the finger at Savoy, which is clearly a swerve. Only time will tell.
The Fuse #17
Once again another great issue of deduction and reasoning. The whole environment of the Fuse as this melting pot of the lost, poor and desperate is well rendered. Both characters are well written and respond as you would expect, we just need to find out who did it that’s all!
Outcast #15
I think I must have recommended every issue of this so far. It is brilliant horror with Kirkman taking his time to develop a story based around a broken man and the devil. We haven’t quite worked out who is who yet, but the sympathy gathers more so now for our protagonist than ever. Azaceta is sublimely scary on the artwork.
House Of Flying Scalpels 