#451 - Re-Reading Batman: The Imposter

I've been meaning to re-read this for a couple of months now, at least since the issues were all released.

After reading through issues one, two and three separately when they were originally released, I really felt by the end that I needed to read them all in one go in order to truly ascertain how I felt about this comic series.

Fortunately, after hearing on a prior episode of the Wednesday Pull List (the Nightwing trade review, I believe), their plan to readthrough the series themselves gave me a bit of a kick up the arse (eager was I to not have my thoughts influenced by 'outside' sources).

So, as I mentioned during some of my prior posts, Batman: The Imposter follows the Dark Knight only a couple of years into his crusade. Having been brutally injured during his night time 'activities, Billionaire Bruce Wayne's alter ego stumbles into the home of Dr. Leslie Thompkins, Bruce's childhood therapist. Unsure of what to do, Thompkins patches up Bruce's wounds before delivering him an ultimatum: See her at the end of each night for a therapy session or she will reveal his identity to the Police. However, this becomes the least the Batman's worries when footage is recorded of an imposter, dressed identically. killing criminals. Now the GCPD, already eager to catch him, redouble their efforts, led by Blair Wong, a cop with a drive equal to Bruce. As a result, Batman must track down this imposter, all the while dealing with the complications stemming from his dual life.

I'm not a big Batman fan, truth be told. I like the character in a general sense and have watched (almost) every film he has (either jointly or solely) headlined but, for me, he's not a character that I would actively seek stories for. Therefore, the arrival of Batman: The Imposter, along with Batman: One Dark Knight, at the end of last year not only had me intrigued (thanks to the concept and the artist attached) but made me wonder if it was worth indulging in a character that wasn't usually my cup of tea (which is strange, given my love of Daredevil, Marvel's poorer, more sightless, Batman).

The Imposter is certainly a comic which hooked me well on the first read and did so again this second time. I enjoyed the main story which Mattson Tomlin put together, that of Batman seeking an imposter. As the series delved more into that aspect of the plot, mainly in the last two issues, I really felt like I was reading a story that had been almost ripped out of the Animated Series and modernised for this time period. There was a lot of interesting aspects that appeared here; like the ziplines and the multiple bikes, which gave it this tremendously realistic vibe that I liked.

However, there was maybe such a thing as too much realism that maybe soured me to the series as I read through it this second time. While I understand, from an in story point of view, that Batman is a villainous character (i.e. a vigilante and, therefore, a criminal) it really felt that nearly every supporting character, from the police to Wesker (not Arnold but his father), were trying to shoehorn that point across. As a result, it not only gave me the impression that Tomlin truly believes that it is impossible to fight power (which Wesker and the corrupt cops maintain) but also that Batman could genuinely be a bad guy whose actions are not entirely selfless. Of course, maybe this would help if the Dark Knight was a little more likable, however, while he sounded like Kevin Conroy when I read his dialogue, I struggled to be invested in this guy who didn't strike me as entirely likable. As a result, I didn't find myself invested in his mission.

For me, the art was much more of a positive, but then that makes sense given that it was Andrea Sorrentino. After Green Arrow and Gideon Falls, I've really falling in love with Sorrentino's work, especially these almost Gravity defying panels which seem to utilise the space on the page perfectly while making a sort of thematic connection. The best example in this series was a double page spread where Blair and Bruce walk their respective missions in as almost reflection of each other, helping confirm that while they walk in the same direction, it's on different paths. Otherwise, I like Sorrentino's style because, like with Green Arrow, it's gritty and grimy and quintessential Gotham City.

In the end though, while I enjoyed reading the Imposter and thought it was, overall, a good read, it's overly realistic vision of the Batman left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. I certainly like what was trying to be done here as a socially relevant Batman is invented to answer questions like 'why doesn't Bruce Wayne spend his money' (Of which, I have to wonder why his parents would place such a caveat on him if not to prevent him to enact change (in a fitting cynical viewpoint). However, by the end, I think I would have preferred a classic Batman mystery with a lot less of this kind of cynicism.

But, despite the flaws I see, I don't regret reading this series, even if the re-read has me convinced that I might not read it again. If Mattson and Sorrentino were to return, I'd certainly be intrigued to see how Bruce would work to reverse the consequences of his doppelganger actions.

Regardless of this though, it's helped me gain a taste for similar Bat stories, which I think might've been the point.

#450 - I am Hexed #1 - 4

I had originally planned to write this blog post at the end of last week, thus ending my 'Kickstarter week' which had already contained my thoughts on Hallowed North, Fairyfare, Vodou Cowboy and Shark of War. However, as I had previously mentioned, time seemed to get away from me.

However, while the week seemed to scoop up anything resembling spare time, my weekend had no such problem with it, as I instead managed to make up for last week's failing and essentially close the 'Kickstarter week' as I had originally intended (albeit a little late)

So, this weekend I read all four issues of I am Hexed, a political thriller created by Kirsten Thompson, Christianne Gillenardo-Goudreau, Amagoia Agirre and Taylor Esposito. This series told the story of Charlotte 'Charlie' Helm, a political operative in Washington DC and a witch, working in a world where witches are commonplace to gain her community equal whites and reduce discrimination. However, when her boss is arrested, Charlie finds herself dragged into the middle of it as Feds and witches alike hunt her down. However, with her ex-girlfriend backing her up, Charlie plans to find out what she's been caught up in and how to get out.

I first came across this series many moons ago back when the first issue was released. Given the chance to write the review for I am Hexed over at Pipedream Comics, I found this to be a riveting read and was really hooked in the journey that Charlie had found herself on. This lead me to pledge on the fourth issue's kickstarter to pick up all four issues.

However, now that I've read it all together (over a couple of nights I will admit), I do find myself wondering what it was that I found so great.

Sadly, as I read I am Hexed, I found the series to be a little bit of a struggle as the plot came across as rather confusing (more so than I remember). While (despite the meandering first issue) the story was full of action and heart and I did enjoy following Charlie, who I thought to be a really captivating and enjoyable protagonist, I struggled to keep up (or maybe, more accurately, keep invested) with each successive issue. I just couldn't understand the reasoning behind why any of this had happened, even at the end when it was finally all explained. I am Hexed did that this real detective story vibe to it which was cool and I liked the narration by Charlie, which reminded me of Burn Notice, but, unfortunately, my lack of understanding made it tough going.

That said, the art was the series' saving grace with me as I truly loved the style that Christianne Gillenardo-Goudreau and Amagoia Agirre used respectively. It reminded me of the styles used by Sarah Millman on NPC Tea and Nich Angell on 7String but with a colour pallette that was so much more vibrant. What I thought really stood out (and I really loved) was rhe depiction of the magic, which really gave me that NPC Tea vibe while seeming to give I am Hexed something of its own flavour.

In the end, though, I am Hexed struggled to live up to the expectations I had set it. Of course, maybe I just wasn't in the right headspace for this series at this point but, as of right now, this was an ok series which bordered more to 'not my thing' than to 'good'.

Although, maybe that will change if I re-read it sometime in the future.

#449 - From my Pull List: March 2022 Comics (well, the first half)

This wasn't the blog post I'd intended to finish this week out on.

After what has essentially been a Kickstarter comic-heavy week where I've managed to read Hallowed North, Fairyfare, Vodou Cowboy and Shark of War on successive days, I had intended to read one last Kickstarter reward; the full four issues of I am Hexed.

Unfortunately, as the week has progressed, time has not been my friend, with less and less of it becoming free as I've moved through the days.

However, I said I was going to post five entries this week and, Gosh Darnit, I'm going to do that ... by talking about the first half of my pull list comics from March (which, in honesty, I've been reading on the sly for the last few weeks).

My first read from the pull list Fantastic Four #41, which carried on the Reckoning War as Reed continued to defend the Shiar, Johnny returned to Spyre in order to face his past and Ben found himself coming across his future a lot sooner than he expected. However, as chaos continued to rage throughout the galaxy, on Asgard a major force of nature is revived to play his part in the battle.

I continue to find myself really enjoying this 'event' (not sure if it counts as a proper event given it's not its own book) as I finished this issue. What I loved were some of the action set pieces that Slott set up, such as Johnny facing Annihilus (although a little reference to their past would've been nice) before inspiring Spyre to help in the fight was awesome to see and a reminder that, for all his faults, Johnny Storm is a passionate character (I mean regarding causes, because we know full well about the other thing). I also loved how Alicia inadvertently saved Ben's life just as he was about to meet his maker and, to cap it off, seeing events transpire resulting in the return of Galactus was awe inspiring (and in no way is it gonna cause trouble later, right?).

To be fair, all of these moments are only awesome to me thanks to the art. I'm loving what Rachael Stott is giving us during her short time on this book (Johnny's determined face in his helmet is a breakout panel for me). That said, it does falter with me in the look of Uatu at the beginning. This isn't my only flaw with the issue as, once again, the comic feels a little bit crowded again story beats wise. Also, where's Sue in all of this? It sure is concerning that a quarter of the book's core characters (particularly the female member) is missing.

Still, despite these flaws, this was another good read and I'm finding myself more and more intrigued about what Slott has lined up to finish the story off.

Next up I read Star Trek: Mirror War - Geordi, a special one-shot away from the mirror War proper which focused on the Enterprise-D's chief engineer as he attempts to escape an Agony Booth while reminiscing of his past and, more specifically, his time at Utopia Planitia (prior to Mirror Broken).

For me, I found this Geordi centric special to be another engaging read as it gave some insight into not just Mirror Geordi's live as a blind man living in a brutal society, but also giving an indication that compassion is a trait which can be found (even if it's probably not encouraged). As with the Data special, the writer has seemingly filled the cracks of the main story with this tale. Mirror War is not a lesser event without this story, but then this story doesn't contradict anything from that. I also liked the references to prior Trek series (in this case Enterprise), which continues to give me that sense of connectedness.

The art was also solid work. Crisp, clean, bright (though maybe a little too much so given the universe), I really enjoyed looking at it. This is especially the case with the panels of the mid-built Enterprise-D, which looks really fantastic in this style.

Overall, this was a good read and what originally made me think it was a fun little add on with Data, I'm a lot more sold on these one-shots now.

And finally I read She-Hulk #2, which saw the Jade Giantess deal with the long lost guest she found at her door. However, as this former Avenger details his life since his death and contemplates what to do next (on an unusually empty stomach), Jen must get back to normal life and her new job before she is fired prior to actually starting. However, as the world seemingly goes on, in a hidden and badly damaged laboratory, an unknown threat seeks the return of of She-Hulk's new house guest.

I thought this second instalment to the new She-Hulk series was a quiet issue compared to the first, but this didn't make it any less enjoyable. What I loved most about it was Jennifer's entire persona through the issue. This is because, despite Rainbow Rowell using the first issue setting her up as someone who is severely down on their luck, this follow up shows that even when her chips are down, she manages to show some real empathy and concern about both her guest and the world at large (as depicted in a great scene involving an ambulance. I even loved how she tagged her work). Otherwise, this was an intriguing issue as the newly returned hero Jen found at her door gave up his backstory (which confused me as he didn't seem to die the way I recall him doing).

As for the art, I'm really getting on board with Roge Antonio's art style (not that I wasn't in the first issue or anything). His artwork in this issue reminds me a lot of the Soule/Pulido She-Hulk run from a few years back, although containing a lot more of the vibrancy and fun from what I know of the Slott run. I honestly think that the style here gives us a balance of the two, probably best exemplified by (again) the ambulance scene (I've just thought, is that an in-joke? Because lawyers are ambulance chasers?!).

I previously said that I felt the first issue lacked a degree of direction but after reading this issue, I'm finding I care less about that. Sure, knowing where the story is going has me intrigued but I'll be honest, I'm just enjoying reading Jen Walters being the Sensational She-Hulk again (I didn't realise how much I missed it)!!

And with that, there ends the first half of the comics from March's pull list. All being well, I'll write something about the other three on this month's list after they have all been released (which, I realise, is also three comics consisting of Fantastic Four, a cosmic-related and She Hulk).

In the meantime though, I have a couple of weeks free so maybe I can try and kind the time to actually read I am Hexed.

#448 - Kickstarter Comics, part 4: Sharks of War #5

Here we are, post four of the week.

With my back catalogue of Kickstarter comics being a lot less than originally thought at the end of the week, I lucked out with a few comics relating to Kickstarters soon to be or currently in progress.

So far this week, my posts have all been opening instalments of  comic series, first Hallowed North, then Fairyfare and then, finally, Vodou Cowboy. Therefore, I thought it only fitting that, at the tail-end of the week, I write about a comic reaching it's end.

Shark of War #5 concluded Ben Lacy's opening arc for the titular fish as the series picks up where issue 4 left off. With the forces of the Coastal Cartel and Dr. Douglas' enhanced Piranha army converging on his location, U.S.S. Gnasher and his allies (including his onboard A.I.) find themselves in the fight for their lives as they attempt to win the day. However, when the dust settles, Gnasher and his friends will find their circumstances completely changed, even as their enemies make plans for much bigger (and possibly badder) weapons.

I must admit, while the concept of Shark of War seemed too silly to me when I first heard of it, after my review of the first three issues followed by reading the fourth I must have to say that the series has grown on me much more than I expected.

Once again, I enjoyed Shark of War and thought it was a quirky and fun action romp, one that, if it was a film, it would be a brainless popcorn flick in the vein of ... well, Sharknado (ironically enough). This final issue continued to display the ludicrousness of the rest of the run as well as it's entertaining and captivating read. Shakespeare this is not, but that didn't stop me from having a whale (pun intended) of a time as I burned through it. I have to admit that this issue is most likely bereft of flaws but, it's Deadpool-esque bizarreness easily helped me miss (or more likely ignore) them save for the lack of a recap page, which I certainly would have welcomed as I racked my brain to remember what previously happened.

Much like the concept and the story themselves, the computer graphical art continues to grow on me to the point that I'm not sure I could expect this series depicted in any other way, as I think that this look really compliments the 'oddness' of the story. By the end, I'll confess that Ben Lacy really turned me 180 on this comic series from my initial thoughts when I first read the title. Sure, it's stupid and crazy, but it's actually much more hilarious and engrossing than I ever would have expected of it.

I'm kinda looking forward to the teased second volume now.

If you fancy checking out this comic series, I'd recommend going to the current Ben Lacy's website (or the current Kickstarter).

#447 - Kickstarter comics, part 3: Vodou Cowboy #1

Day three, blog post three.

It seems I didn't actually have as many comics outstanding as I had initially thought after Hallowed North and Fairyfare.

Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to read a comic which is soon to have a Kickstarter campaign start. As such, I figured, why not!!

So, yesterday I read Vodou Cowboy #1, which I was allowed to check out before it's kickstarter campaign begins. This comic tells the story of Grady Young, a Bokor (Voodoo Witch Doctor) in the old west who arrives in the town of Sweet Root by an old friend when a member of the community becomes possessed by a demon. However, a case of performing an exorcism becomes the least of Grady's problems when he discovers that his being brought to this small town was no more than an intricate ploy to gain possession of his family ring, and the source of his powers, by someone from his past now utilising monstrous abilities. But can Grady outsmart and destroy these dark powers before they destroy this town?

I've always been a fan of a lot of Matt Garvey's back catalogue and while some of his comics haven't resonated with me, the large majority (Chunks, White Noir, Devil in Disguise and many others besides) I've enjoyed immensely. Now, after what feels like a lengthy hiatus of his work, I have say that Vodou Cowboy comfortably fits amongst that majority with another fun story which I found myself griped by. There were some real strengths to this story which really helped me enjoy it, notably the dialogue which (maybe for the first time in a Garvey comic) seems to have lost the British accent in my head when I read it. I don't know if the Cowboy setting helped me hear the words differently but it certainly read as per the location events took place. Also, I truly loved the tone of this issue, which really nicely fit into that kind of Constantine-esque subtle horror/thriller, with no excessive gore or humour that I associate with Matt's books, making this a real growth in his story telling.

The artwork though, is what seals the deal for me with this comic. I absolutely love Arjuna Susini's style in this issue, with a fantastic rough style that reminds me of J. Shiek's work on Hush Ronin or the Alterna book Horrors of the West. As a result, I loved how this issue really felt lived in in an Unforgiven sort of tone. Of course, this is helped to this kind of comparison by Dee Cunniffe's tremendously dour colours, which helped me feel that kind of dangerous and foreboding vibe of the environment which Grady rides into.

In short, I really enjoyed reading Vodou Cowboy's opening instalment and am a little bummed that, because this is an advanced copy, I have to wait after not just one, but two kickstarter campaigns before I can get the second issue (if it comes into being).

If you've read this and are convinced on my thoughts, you should be able to pledge to the Kickstarter when it starts. I suggest following Matt on Twitter to see when.

#446 - Kickstarter comics, part 2: Fairyfare #1

So, day two, post two.

After posting my thoughts on Hallowed North yesterday, I thought I'd read a comic that had been sat in my Google drive gathering dust a little while longer.

So I read Fairyfare #1, a comic from a successful kickstarter late last year by Nick Bryan and Rosie Alexander.This comic follows the story of Phillipa, an employee of Fairyfare, an app which allows you to hire a fairy to make your life easier (for a charitably donated price). However, for Tash, Phillipa's sister, Fairyfare doesn't seem like the fairytale employer they seem as she finds herself wondering if there is a better way to make a difference in people's lives. With that, Tash attempts to find another job in life that is more befitting her until an opportunity that lands in Phillipa's lap allows Tash to regain her magic while discovering the truth behind what makes Fairyfare tick.

To put it simply, I enjoyed Fairyfare. While it took me a minute to get the hang of (the opening is a little confusing), I found the concept to be both unique and something of a relatable journey as Phil and Tash attempt to find their very different places in the world. I thought that Nick Bryan sold those contrasting points of view really well within their respective personas, as Tash attempted to find a way to make a real difference while Phil wants to carve herself a more successful niche. As I read this, I found myself connecting with both of their points of view because, in my mind, who has never wanted to be successful or make a substantial difference in the world (I know I have). Regardless, these core desires of both sisters, coupled with their rather charming personalities, really help make this an engaging comic for me as we reached the end and the meat of the plot started to take shape.

As for the art, this was much like the story in that it took me a minute to get to grips with. As I said before, I'm a big fan of Rosie Alexander's pin up art, with her style and her colours being gorgeously trippy. However, when implemented as sequentials, I found the work to be a different beast and the style to be a tad harder to grasp. That said, as the issue progressed I really got the hand of it and Rosie's work really suited the world in which Phil and Tash inhabit, not just on the magical side but also during Tash's trip through the real world (in the case of her multiple jobs).

By the end of the issue, I found myself truly intrigued about where this series is likely to go next. I can't lie, I'm a little annoyed with myself that I waited so long to read this issue (much like with so many other comics in my library) but, as is the old adage, 'all good things come to those who wait' and I think that is certainly the case here.

Now, if you want to read Fairyfare, I'm pretty confident that you can get it at www.buysmallpress.com.

#445 - Kickstarter comics, part 1: Hallowed North #1

After last week's tremendously poor showing by myself, whereby I only managed to read one comic, the first issue of We have Demons, I felt that I needed to try and up my game for this coming week.

Therefore, I'm planning to write five short blog posts as I burn through some outstanding comics which I obtained through completed Kickstarters, as well as a couple that I was gifted in advance of their forthcoming campaigns.

So, let's get started.

Yesterday I read Hallowed North #1, the digital reward I received for pledging to Jeremiah Espinoza's Kickstarter campaign to make it a reality. Created by Espinoza, J. Schiek and Matt Krotzer, Hallowed North tells the story of Ben, a young man struggling to maintain his life in the face of the monsters which plague his mind. However, while no one else can see these creatures, Ben fears what they can do and makes plans to run from his family and escape the monsters' evil. But as Ben struggles to face his demons, there is an unknown selection of people looking to try and help him in the Hallowed North.

When the Kickstarter first came across my Twitter Feed, I was intrigued by the reference to the comic being very much connected to mental health (something I've always had a connection to myself). However, while Hallowed North #1 certainly delivered some very real, very brutal visions of suffering from mental health disorders and was an intriguing read, it was a little bit confusing.

When it came to the focus of Ben's mental health, I really felt that Jeremiah had wrote a great story, one that was really poignant and authentic, as though he had seen first hand the hell someone can go through. However, the other aspects of the story left me with questions come the final page as I wondered if Ben also had a superpower? Was this a sort of insidious horror story or a genetic/hereditary condition akin to the Darkness (and I mean the Top Cow character, not the band)? What is the purpose of the Hallowed North and why was it so business-like?

Meanwhile, the art was cool. I'm a big fan of J. Schiek's work and while this didn't connect with me as much as Rebecca or his Hush Ronin comic, it was still a solid piece of work nonetheless. I think it was the colours that didn't quite gel with me here although, when working with the pencils, it all gave me this vibe that it was all a dream (or, more accurately, a nightmare).

By the end, I really thought Hallowed North #1 was an ok read. It hadn't properly caught me but it certainly left me intrigued with questions I need answered. That said, I do find myself going back and forth on whether to pledge when issue 2 rolls around. Maybe I'll make the decision when it gets here.

Now, if you read this and want to check Hallowed North out, you should check out Jeremiah Espinoza's website.

#444 - We Have Demons #1

Since my last post, my week has been a decidedly slow one.

Unfortunately, real life has tended to get in the way and, because of this, I've struggled to drum up the enthusiasm (or even the appropriate time) to read almost anything.

A far cry from my plans to read either Those Savage Shores or The Other History of the DC Universe.

Fortunately, while it isn't anywhere near the level of comics I had hoped to read, I was able to make just enough time to read one single issue. 

Thanks to a case of 'it's not what you know but who you know' (thanks Alex) I got the chance to read We Have Demons #1, as a result of the recent review on Pipedream Comics. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Horror/Action comic follows Lam, the daughter of a pastor with little belief in God who discovers one upon her father's death that his deep dark secret which kept a distance between the two is more supernatural than anything she could've expected.

I really enjoyed this issue. It had an air of Hack/Slash to it but felt a little more ... subtle (I really couldn't think of a better word) in its delivery. I liked what Snyder seemed to be doing here, as the story tried to take the concepts of faith and science and kind of meet them in the middle. This seems most evident (well, to me) in the legend of a thousand swords and the material they are made from, an idea which I really liked. It also made me curious as to why Lam's axe didn't do what it was supposed to? Was it because she used her artificial hand to wield it? I do hope there is an answer later on.

Meanwhile, I also loved the art in this issue. I've only ever seen Capullo's art in the New 52 Batman run (the first six issues to be exact), but I thought the style here was so much more colourful and vibrant and ... well, enhanced (although that would make sense if someone's skills were to get better with time). In short and overall, We Have Demons first issue was an excellent read and I am definitely adding the series to my wish list.

And so that's my (very comic-lite) week. The truth of it though is that I'm glad it was just this one comic as the last seven days have been exhausting ones. Hopefully, I can get into a groove and read ... I dunno, a whole 'TWO' comics (talk about ambitious) next week.

However, even if it is one, I have just had a tempting contender for that entry hit my inbox.

#443 - Using the New Comixology (while reading Shanghai Red #1)

It has been two weeks now since the Amazon conversion occurred and the Comixology site we all knew and loved ceased to exist.

In that time, I've seen and heard so much shade levied against the site/app regarding its un-usability.
Now, in that time, I've found the new Comixology to be a bit of a mixed bag. Some parts if it I was able to get on with while others felt truly bad.

However, with us all two weeks I to the new system, I figured I'd read a comic using both the app and the desktop link through the Amazon site to get a clearer picture.

The Comic

To do this, I decided to read the same comic on both readers, Shanghai Red #1, a comic I happened to find going for free on Amazon/Kindle shop/Comixology as I was updating my Comixology wish list (more on that later). Shanghai Red tells the story of Red, a woman who was Shanghai'd and sold into service on a ship. However, three years later, Red leads a mutiny and takes over the ship, as she makes plans to go home an exact revenge on those who took her from her life.

I'd first heard about this series when writer Chris Sebela had an interview on Creator Talks way back when and, upon discovering the premise, thought it was an interesting one. As a result, Shanghai Red has been a comic series which has been on my (very long) wish list ever since I had heard of it.

Well, now that I've gotten to read the first issue, the series proper has certainly had its place on my list shown to be deserved. I really enjoyed the first issue, as it made me think of 12 Years a Slave (if that film had been set on a boat and the ending hadn't been as hopeful). In fact, this is more like what came after the events of that film as Red's time being shanghai'd comes to an end and she sets about finding her family and implementing her revenge. I have to confess, I'm very intrigued after reading this issue as to what the circumstances for her 'imprisonment' were (i.e. how she came to be in the situation) as well as I wonder if her father may have more impact to the story (I've obviously read Spencer and Locke too many times).

Anyway, the art is gorgeous in this issue. I did struggle with it to begin, but it has this kind of Francesco Francavilla crossed with Caspar Wjingaard vibe to it, as it gives off this rather horror look but in an understated manner. Because of this, I really got more on board (a boat pun, haha .... never mind) with Joshua Hixson's art style as it went on until we reached the end where it provides a twisted sort of beauty towards Red's destination, which certainly implied to me that Red's future isn't going to be a pleasant one.

So, circling back around to the beginning, I found Shanghai Red #1 to an intriguing and engrossing read, one which I'm definitely thankful was on my wishlist (I'll have to make it a priority once my backlog has been burned through).

Comixology

So that was the comic I read. Like I said, I read it twice (well mostly), once on both the Comixology app and the Comixology website.

First up was the website/desktop and, I must confess, the rumours I'd been hearing of its dire operating doesn't do the experience justice. To start, you have to access 'Kindle Comics' in order to get to your library. Unfortunately, I've tried looking for it through Amazon and I cannot for the life of me find that part of the site. In fact, the only way for me to get to 'Kindle Comics' is to type in the old Comixology link which directs me to where I now need to go (how long do you think this url will stick around?).

Anyway, when I (finally) made it to the page and into my library (which I initially couldn't find but they've now added a tab) and selected the comic I was going to read. Now here is where I've heard most of the complaints made against this new set up and, boy, does it show. The desktop reader isn't very comfortable to read, laid out on the screen exactly as shown by people on Twitter and beyond. It doesn't fill the whole screen, taking up the equivalent of half. It does have a sort of guided view, but this one doesn't really enlarge a panel, but rather maintains that panels position while erases the other panels to give what you are looking at your full attention. Of course, your full attention doesn't really help if the lettering is too small to read without squinting (apparently there's a pinch and zoom function, but I couldn't work it).

Also, by the end, I found it isn't easy to locate other comics, because the site will look through literally everything Amazon has to sell. I searched for one comic and received a search list where the comics was on the second page.

The App, on the other hand, I found to be a much better experience and was so much more comfortable to use. Looking a lot like the Kindle App (which I've been getting more into over the last year or so), this Comixology App I found to be vastly more improved in its usage when compared to reading off of the desktop. For one thing, improving both the dekstop and the old app, they now allow a filter to switch between read and unread, something I really badly wished for previously. Also, the slides such as finding a book within your library and when finding a page are so much better than the slides on the last version (although I will admit I prefer the old page search function of griding the pages).

The read itself handles in much the same way as the prior version, with the pages filling the entire screen of my tablet whether it is as a page at a time or in guided view. Also, once I was finished, I found that finding the next issue or trade was so much easier to do through the app than on the desktop with it being equally easy to add to the wishlist (at least now that there are wishlists, because initially mine was gone before coming back).

Now, the app isn't perfect; it takes a while to download comics (after having wiped anything you had previously downloaded before the update) and when it comes to exiting a book you are reading to go back to the main library, it is a bit difficult initially. However, I certainly think that all of the good outweighs all of the bad.

So, what does all of this mean? Well, other than the fact that I can go on and on (and on and on), I think it's fair to say that, while I sure agree with the wider world that this 'update' is absolute trash, I certainly believe that it is the desktop access/site that are hit with the majority of the bugs. For me, the App is still an incredibly smooth reading experience (well, compared to the other option) and that it causes me far less stress with my reading than the alternative.

Of course, all of this is just my subjective view. There are still a lot of people who are struggling with this change due to so many problems that came with it, as this article from my pal Alex at Pipedream Comics attests.

Reviews

Speaking of Pipedream Comics, while I've finished rambling on about my thoughts on Comixology and reading Shanghai Red, I also made time to put together a review.

This review was for The Miracles, a new superhero team book from Vince Underwood, Harry Saxon and Joe Glass. Now, I don't know what I expected from this comic, to be honest as I knew Joe to be a fantastic writer through The Pride and Acceptable Losses, but I guess the interview I did with him and Vince some time back had me wondering. Fortunately, my worries were abated as this was a truly great read.

Now, the review (as always) breaks my thoughts down better, but I truly think this is Joe's best work today and, if he wanted to pitch to the big leagues, this is the book to get their attention. This was a seriously engrossing story and one that asked a lot of poignant questions about some very heavy real life situations (naturally including, but not exclusive to, homosexuality and the concept of coming out).

Of course, this isn't a one man show and Vince Underwood's art is truly excellent and is very much a reason why this book is so great. He's kept the great style which he brought over from Elk Mountain and it's a perfect fit for this world. Meanwhile, Harry Saxon's colours more than imbue the tone which Joe was looking for.

I'll be honest, I'm now really, REALLY gutted that I didn't pledge to this at the time. In fact, as I write this, I'm very tempted to get a copy of this for my shelf, because that might just be where it belongs.

And that's my week (well, apart from a couple of rough cover designs I worked on). Next week, back to reading a trade, although at the moment I'm struggling to decide; These Savage Shores or The Other History of the DC Universe?

Maybe I'll get lucky and have enough time to read them both.