Review: Crossed Special 2014

Crossed Special 2014 - Avatar Press

Crossed special 2014 hit the stands just last week. One of the scariest horror comic books on the market today only becomes more terrifying with each issue. Imagine a world gone completely mad, violence is the norm and sex is played out in immoral, hysterical, vicious acts of depravity. Now imagine this happening in a prison filled with maniacs, serial killers and rapists

Crossed special 2014 is that issue. The disease enters the prison via a new prisoner. The guards don’t suspect anything, the prisoner was normal in transport, but something evil happened on his ride to jail. Our prisoners face remains covered until he reaches his destination and is revealed, with his mouthed taped, guards have no idea what they have on their hands. Not to give away details, but soon the disease is spread, spread viciously. What happens in that prison is unspeakable.

With Halloween around the corner Crossed Special 2014 and the popular on-going series Crossed: Badlands is sure to get you truly spooked, looking over your shoulder, ready for the best time of the year.

 - barbie66

White Dragon Comics is proud to offer a large selection of Horror comic books. From Demonic to humorous stories of horror you’re sure to find something to tickle your senses. Get your Scare on today at: 
http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Series Review: Lazarus

Lazarus - Image Comcs

Lazarus, from Image Comics, is one of those comic books you start reading and wish it was a novel instead of a monthly book, because it's so good you do not want to wait a whole month for the next issue.  Lazarus writer Greg Rucka has another huge Image Comics hit on his hands. Rucka is backed up by the amazing artwork of Michael Lark. Lark has the ability to catch the mood of Rucka’s characters. The detail in Lark’s artwork clearly define the images, showing the division between family and non-family members, kind of like the differences between Lords and their peasants.

Lazarus begins with an explosive bang, the main character Forever Carlyle in the thick of action. It seems Forever has met her end… or has she. The first two pages effectively prove that she may be more technological than natural, in that she cannot suffer the most human fate of all: death. In her regeneration, she becomes more like a Terminator than a specialized soldier. However, she's arguably the most humanized member of the Family so far; for instance, her doctor deems her emotional response to death unusual and she shows hesitation to kill later on in the issue.

Forever has had only glimpses of her family since her birth. The head of the family, her father, has kept Forever separate from the family, while she completes her training, in hopes of maintaining control of her.

The Carlyle family is one of several families that rule within their world. Reminiscent of mafia crime families. And all families have a Lazarus. Each Lazarus is raised believing they are a descendant of that family, making them loyal to the family, but what happens when a Lazarus finds out the truth? This is that story.

Join Forever Carlyle on her quest to find out the truth. Look for Lazarus and many more original series in White Dragon’s Image Comics section.

http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Series Review: Empty Man

Empty Man - Boom Studios

Empty Man is one of the eeriest comic books I have read in quite some time. From the opening scene, a flashback to a religious revival meeting, set in a converted gas station in Arkansas, there was a sense of uneasiness. The pastor, Reverend Markoff, speaks of healing and faith before a small congregation of veiled women, vacant children, and men in overalls. A bizarre image on the back wall and a bible with a trio of overlapping triangles pointing downwards, add a sense of foreboding, creepiness and an unsettling atmosphere. Empty Man jumps ahead five years (the story timeline jumps throughout) where a brutal, mysterious “disease” called The Empty Man has plagued and terrified the country.

This is where are two main characters are introduced; Special Agents Jensen and Langford of the FBI-CDC are investigating the latest incident of Empty Man. This is shown in gory, suggestive detail in a shocking quick-cut of panels while being narrated by Detective Langford. Langford spares no expense giving the reader details of the gruesome history of the disease and provides insight on just how uneasy the country has become in the aftermath of the incidents.

Empty Man is reminiscent of a good horror film, creepy, terrifying and just plain strange. I have to say I enjoyed the story, but was not a fan of the flashback scenes, at least not at first. Flashback scenes, in my opinion, tend to make the beginning of a story a bit confusing. But as I continued reading, they became an integral part of the story. In the building of this story, the artwork becomes crucial; artist Vanessa Del Rey does not disappoint, her style brings the book eerily to life. It may seem a little rough around the edges, but by drawing the book full of shadows, it creates the effect that something could always be lurking somewhere in the darkness.

Overall, I enjoyed the first few issues and look forward to reading more.

- barbie66

http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Series Review: Outcast by Robert Kirkman and Paul Azaceta

Outcast - Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment 2014

Image Comics and Robert Kirkman’s Skybound imprint are a match made in heaven, together they keep turning out one hit after another. The newest Skybound Comics title to reach mega-hit status is “Outcast”.  Written by Kirkman, himself, with art by Paul Azaceta, it is clear from the book’s opening, unnerving scene that Kirkman’s aim is to keep you on the edge of your seat with your pulse racing and your heart pounding.

The main character, Kyle, is plagued by a demon – maybe – or something else, something worse. This particular demon calls him “Outcast”; tells Kyle it needs him; it has been following him all his life, possessing his loved ones and trying to pull Kyle back; but back to what?

Kyle’s mother the demons first victim – maybe – is portrayed as being abusive, beating Kyle horribly as a child; or was she saving him, saving him from something meaner and more sinister. His wife, Allison, is a possible second victim. And then there’s Kyle’s young daughter, beaten up so badly that she almost lost her life; Kyle was blamed, but did he do it or is she the demon’s third victim?

Kyle and the local Reverend join forces to try to defeat this evil. Will they be successful? Will they destroy the demon? And what is or who is the “Outcast”?  Find out. Pick up your copy of Robert Kirkman’s newest #1 hit, “Outcast”, at White Dragon Comics today!

- barbie66

http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

What To Read.... What To Read....?

Great Over-looked Titles at Your Comic Book Store

So I was sitting here contemplating what Comic book I should review this week; there are so many new titles, where to start? This got me to wandering around the store looking at all of the great stories available, both new and old. Looking them over again, I found many interesting things in titles that I previously overlooked; some, after seeing them, I remembered, “Oh Yeah! I wanted to check that out.” That's why, instead of writing a review today, I am writing about some featured comic books that you’re not reading, but probably should be. 

Some DC titles include: Adventures of Superman, Futures End and Katana.
Adventures of Superman showcases new Creators each month with original tales of the Man of Steel.

Futures End, DC's game-changing weekly comic, jumps into the future of the DC Universe. Find out what changes for our Heroes and Villains five years time will bring about?

Last, and of course not least, Katana brings us a new kind of hero, a Japanese samurai, whose sword steals the essence of those it slays and stores them inside. Pretty Cool so far, right!

Marvel has some great overlooked titles: Daredevil and Savage Wolverine, to name just two.

Daredevil comes at you hot and heavy with this brand new re-launch. Writer Mark Waid had this to say, "We’re about to change literally every aspect of Matt Murdock’s life. Every aspect." Cool!
Savage Wolverine tells stories of Logan’s past with each new arc by a different creative team. What can I say but, “Expect lots of brawls and babes, and maybe even a few brachiosaurs.”

Dynamite has been really pounding out the hits, as well.

Their most overlooked book is Chaos.  This is an essential must have, Really One Sweet comic! Dynamite has revamped the Chaos Universe and has brought together Evil Ernie, Chastity and Purgatory for the first time in years; these three are headed on a collision path with each other and they meet up, the sparks will fly!!! This book is set to have spin-offs of its major characters, Chastity being the first (and is selling fast) followed soon by Purgatory and Evil Ernie. I can’t say enough about this title, if you’re not reading it, you really should be!

Image, Dark Horse, Avatar Press and a few others are next. But, because this post is starting to get a little long, I’m just going to list the titles of some really great over-looked comics for these last few publishers for now, and promise to get more in depth with them in a future post.

Here We Go:

Image Comics: Death Vigil; Manifest Destiny; East of West; Savage Dragon; Dream Police

Dark Horse: Dark Horse Presents; Eerie; Ghost; Creepy

Avatar Press: God is Dead; Hero Worship; Crossed

Boom Studios: Empty Man; Evil Empire; KaBoom! Comics (Tons of Fun, Kid Friendly Titles!)

Valiant Comics: Archer & Armstrong; Bloodshot; Harbinger; X-O Manowar

These are just a few of the many titles you’ll at White Dragon Comics, just take a moment and browse through your favorite comic book store and see what you might be missing!


http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Review: Chastity #1

Chastity #1 - Dynamite Comics 2014

Dynamite Comics has always been kind of in the background, with some good story-lines and decent art; that is, until now! 

With the release of their newly acquired, re-vamped Chaos Universe, they have elevated themselves to greatness

.

Dynamite’s Chaos comic book universe is slowly re-introducing the readers to some popular long-lost characters, like Chastity, Evil Ernie, Purgatory and Lady Demon.

The first spin-off from the Main Chaos series brings us Chastity and I have to say she is becoming one of my favorite characters thus far. 

When we meet Chastity, she is just an average every-day teenager, with an overbearing parent. Her mother, a former Olympic medalist, has aspirations for Chastity; she sees a world famous gymnast in her daughter and pushes her to perform.  Chastity was on her way to fulfilling her mothers dream when a terrible accident occurred, forcing her to give up her gymnastic career, which further resulted in the loss of her mother’s affection.

Without the attention of her mother, Chastity turns to books as a for companionship. She becomes caught up in the latest craze: Vampire books, specifically a popular Vampire book series called “The Blood Rose”. The book becomes an obsession for Chastity’s and when she is given the opportunity to meet the writer, she jumps at it. This meeting turns into a lot more than Chastity could have expected and her world will never be the same again.

This is a well-written book and the artwork is phenomenal. I highly recommend Dynamite’s Chastity. Pick up a copy today, you will not be disappointed

- barbie66


Find all of Dynamite Comics' Chaos comic books, and much more at White Dragon Comics: http://www.superherocomicbooks.com/chaos-comic-books

Welcome to Chaos! Review of Chaos #1

Chaos #1 - Dynamite Comics 2014

The Horror Heroes of Chaos return, and Dynamite Comics has them. 

Evil Ernie, Chastity, The Chosen and Purgatory are all back and connected in a string of events that can only have one outcome: Total Chaos!

Chaos #1 is the launch of a new universe featuring tried and true characters. Writer Tim Seeley starts the all-new Chaos Universe with the reintroduction of Evil Ernie, Purgatory, Lady Demon, and Chastity. All of these characters are set to star in their own spin-off in the near future, but first they must work together in a common cause.

The Chosen kids (The Omen) are raising the dead in search of Evil Ernie, Chastity is revolting against 

Purgatory and Ernie, well Ernie is just doing what he does best, killin’.

Each of these characters has individually witnessed visions of the world’s impending doom, and rush headlong into conflict. Some desperately wanting to avert a nuclear holocaust, out of self-interest, while the others just want to raise some hell.

In the words of publisher Nick Barrucci, “So begins the return of the Chaos Universe on an epic scale; the resurrection of fan-favorite boogeymen and femme fatales amidst a violent, apocalyptic upheaval.”

I highly recommend that you get on board!

 - barbie66

You can find Chaos! #1 and all the rest of Dynamites Chaos Universe comic books at White Dragon Comics: http://www.superherocomicbooks.com