Comics: The Woods ~ Issue 2

Story by: James Tynion IV

Illustrated by: Michael Dialynas

BOOM! Studios
(5/5 ★★★★★)

(Cover A by Ramon K. Perez)

The Plot:

Previously, the whole Bay Point Preparatory High School was abducted into an unfamiliar planet in a solar system not resident of Earth.

In this issue, it continues to explore the mystery of the planet as familiar earthly problems arise for the Bay Point Preparatory High School Community. This issue ends with Adrian's group, which has been venturing off deep into the woods, encountering a big four red eyed green alien monster.

The Good:

An alien monkey is nicely added to Adrian's group as they dwell deeper into the woods. It instantly becomes attached to Isaac after feeding it with beef jerky. This little alien monster is one cute but scary pet to have around.

The Bad:

Nothing much is revealed in this issue regarding to where they are and what is the reason for their abduction.

The Verdict:

This issue does not reveal much to what we had already known from the previous one. Despite that, the plot is still interesting enough to get you coming back for the third issue. The craziness in this alien abduction themed story can still keep you wanting to know more.

"Can't live in a crazy forest that's trying to kill you without a top-of-the-line stabbing stick." - Calder Macready

More of BOOM! Studios can be seen at:

http://www.boom-studios.com

Comics: Ten Grand ~ Issue 7: And Then The War

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: C.P. Smith

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics
(4/5 ★★★★☆)

(Cover A by C.P. Smith)

"Not all murder is evil...

In the right time, the right place, for the right reason - -

it can be a blessing more profound than any you can imagine." - Jehoel

The Plot:

Previously, Jehoel's escape from an eternity of imprisonment in the place of in-between heaven and hell had led to Joe's restoration of his memories.

In this issue, Joe and Jehoel continues to thread the path to the gates of hell. The very conflict between the light and evil may be bigger than Joe can imagine as he is told of The War. Joe finally reaches the gates of hell with more questions arising regarding whose side is playing on him and for what reason.

The Good:

This issue gives us a nice story of The Beginning, The War, The Fall and The Void. It was a nice take on the war between the good and evil. We were also given a scenery on what would happen to those who opted to question both sides.

There were two splash pages that were incredibly drawn by Smith. The first is the splash page that speaks of The Beginning. The picture was like an infinite cycle of baby angels. The next splash page was the one that shows The Unity, The War, The Fall and The Void. That splash page was really fantastic. It was really beautifully drawn as the happiness and the brightness of the page gets darker as you look down.

The story pulls us back on track of Joe's path to hell as he goes to save Laura.

The Bad:

Even though there are 2 splash pages that I like in this issue, the cover was not appropriate for me. I think that cover would have been more applicable if it was used in Issue #5 of Ten Grand.

I am still bothered by some of the illustrations made by Smith. Mostly these are regarding how Joe's ears were drawn. In some panels they were good. But for the rest, they were really weird. They were still drawn with the ear swelling like it caught a disease. It was just a good thing that Jehoel had long hair so his ears does not need to be drawn.

The Verdict:

The illustrations more or less becomes tolerable after the shock that we got from Issue #5. The story lifts itself once more after the dull moment in Issue #6.

It looks like we are nearing the issue wherein Ten Grand is going to drop the bomb any moment now. This is because of the suspense that is building up in this never ending war between good and evil. This is definitely an issue worth collecting. Mostly because of the two splash pages regarding The Beginning until The Fall of the angels. Straczynski has definitely led us in the middle ground of the great war.

Don't forget that great 4 page teaser at the end regarding Dream Police

"If we cannot win, we can at least deprive them of the victory." -Jehoel

More of Ten Grand can be seen at:

Joe's Comics: http://www.studiojms.com

Image Comics, Inc.: http://www.imagecomics.com

Events: Visprint WIT 2015

Hey! If by some chance that you need some distressing after waves of exams, looking for a reward after graduating or simply just in search of events that consists of meeting with our local authors, well here's a good news from Visprint.

One Mantra Advisory: Cafe Travels

Cafe shops are now a common sight in the city. The popularity of the logo of a mermaid has firmly established that coffee shops are now on a list of places commonly used for meet-ups with friends and family, a place to review and do other school works and basically a place to unwind.

The travel portion of this blog will now also cater in doing reviews on places we spend our time and money for relaxation (and for some to utilize their free Wi-Fi as seen in the sign posted on their glass panels).

Come and take a sip on some of the cafes while reading a book, a comic book or some of our other recommended books as reviewed here in One Mantra. Just don't overdose yourself on those caffeinated drinks.

Comics: Nailbiter ~ Issue 1: Chapter 1: There Will Be Blood

Story by: Joshua Williamson

Illustrated by: Mike Henderson

Colors by: Adam Guzowski

Rated: M / Mature

Image Comics
(5/5 ★★★★★)

"Buckaroo, Oregon has given birth to sixteen of the vilest

serial killers in the world. An obsessed FBI profiler

investigating the town has suddenly gone missing, and

now an NSA Agent must work with the notorious serial

killer Edward "Nailbiter" Warren to find his friend and

solve the mystery of "Where do serial killers come from?""

The Good:

A town that breeds serial killers is an interesting concept that indeed will capture anyone's attention. Add in that catchy name "Buckaroo Butchers" that the media has called these serial killers. The first issue proudly introduces us to the first and the latest serial killer produced by Buckaroo. They are called as the Book Burner and Nailbiter respectively.

The Bad:

The first issue promises us a lot due to its fascinating plot. The worrisome part here is if this comic can continue in keeping its readers from following this series of serial killers.

The Verdict:

This is worthy to be placed in your monthly pull list. A series that does not only involve a serial killer, but it talks more of the town that gave rise to 16 notorious serial killers. That alone would have sent our thrill seeking instinct up and our bets that this is going to be an awesome series.

Just remember not to bite your or someone else's fingernails.

More of Nailbiter can be seen at:

Image Comics, Inc.: http://www.imagecomics.com

Events: Komikon 2015 Schedule

Komikon Inc. gives us some good and bad news as they release the dates for this year's Komikon schedule. The bad news is that Summer Komikon will not be conducted this year. No explanations were given. However, they gave the good news with that bad news. The good news is that the Komikon usually held around October or November will be done for 2 consecutive days this year! No reason nor explanations were also given but it will surely leave us wondering what they have in store for us that led them to conduct Komikon for 2 days.

So far here's the schedule for Komikon 2015.

• Indieket 2015: The Fourth Komikon Grand Independent Komiks Market
• August 15, 2015 - Saturday
• Halls A & B, Bayanihan Center, Unilab Compound, Pasig City

• Komikon 2015: The 11th Annual Philippine Komiks Convention
• November 14-15, 2015 - Saturday & Sunday
• Bayanihan Center, Unilab Compound, Pasig City

More information about Komikon can be seen / asked at:

http://www.komikon.org

Facebook Page: "Komikon"

Twitter: @komikontweets

inquiry@komikon.org