Comics: The Adventures of Apocalypse Al ~ Issue 2

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: Sid Kotian

Color by: Bill Farmer

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics

(4/5 ★★★★☆)

(Cover A by Sid Kotian and Bill Farmer)

The Plot:

Aided by Ultimate Darkness, Al continues her search for Francis Walther, the guy who currently have the book of keys. Her search brings her to the cyberworld. As Ronnie says it, the cyberspace is a place where the supernatural world and the world of the internet mix. Who knew that the internet could be a gateway to the paranormal world.

The Good:

This 2nd part of the 4 part miniseries is definitely a nice read. Injecting the internet to be a gateway to some paranormal world is a nice move. This is the first time that I had seen this idea be used in a comic book.

The 4 page preview of Dream Police at the end was a nice closing for this issue.

The Bad:

We are still left hanging as to why imps suddenly appeared and chased Al down the road.

The Verdict:

This is an enjoyable 2nd issue from Apocalypse Al. However, I might not recommend it that much. Personally, it just felt to be an average type of story. This issue had fallen short for my enthusiasm for this series.

"I love L.A. Beverly Hills on one side, demonic creatures on the other. Sometimes it's hard telling the two apart." - Allison "Al" Carter

More of Apocalypse Al can be seen at:

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

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

Comics: The Woods ~ Issue 3

Story by: James Tynion IV

Illustrated by: Michael Dialynas

BOOM! Studios
(5/5 ★★★★★)

(Cover A by Ramon K. Perez)

The Plot:

Adrian's group encounters a green gigantic monster bear dinosaur in the woods. Stranger things occur as the insect bite in Calder's arm begins to emit pheromones which had led the monster to them in the first place. Crazy bugs soon emerge from the inflammation and emitted more pheromone gasses to the group. The issue ends with the group seeing an Aztec temple.

The Good:

This issue gave us a lot of crazy stuff. Pheromone releasing bugs that are almost the same size as a cat? That is really intense. Imagine if that was a mosquito ready to suck on your blood. It sure does beat going to the hospital and having a blood donation.

Aside from the strange creatures, a lot of scenes also took place at Bay Point Preparatory High School. The struggle for control and order has emerge, which is seen through the disassemble of the student body.

This ensuing tension was greatly given to us by the creators of The Woods.

The Bad:

One can't just wait to get hold of the next issue in order to know what happens next to the group.

The Verdict:

The 3rd issue of The Woods reveals to us that even after being abducted by aliens, the evil nature of man shows. As Bay Point Preparatory High faces dictatorship and the group in the woods struggle for survival, the instinct to live surpasses among other things.

The Woods just gets more exciting as we ponder for the connection of the Aztec temple in all of this.

More of BOOM! Studios can be seen at:

http://www.boom-studios.com

Comics: The Adventures of Apocalypse Al ~ Issue 1 (Cover Review)

Retailer Exclusive Preview Edition Cover: Sid Kotian and Bill Farmer

Cover A: Sid Kotian and Bill Farmer

Cover B: Ryan Sook

(Preview Edition Cover, Cover A and B)

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: Sid Kotian

Color by: Bill Farmer

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics

I included the cover used for the retailer exclusive preview edition of this issue. The only thing that I didn't collect was cover C made by Ryan Sook. That cover is mostly the line art of cover B which was made by the same artist.

The retailer preview and cover A basically have the same illustrations made by the same artists. This cover features Al and a few characters from the 1st issue. It is a simple and a bit ordinary cover for an issue #1 comic.

Cover B, made by Sook, has a little more story in it. It features the destruction of Los Angeles as all sorts of creatures emerge from below the depths of the earth.

I would choose to have the standard cover A for the first issue of Apocalypse Al. The illustrations in cover A surpasses cover B. This is because of the better representation of the comic that deals with the end of the world in a humorous way.

"I love L.A. Beverly Hills on one side, demonic creatures on the other. Sometimes it's hard telling the two apart." - Allison "Al" Carter

More of Apocalypse Al can be seen at:

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

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

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

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

Comics: Ten Grand ~ Volume 1

Trade Paperback

Collects Issues # 1-6

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: Ben Templesmith and C.P. Smith

Letters by: Troy Peteri

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics
(4/5 ★★★★☆)

(Cover by Ben Templesmith)

This is the first collection of the series that J. Michael Straczynski has offered to us from Joe's Comics.

Ten Grand Volume 1 collects issues # 1-6. The story centers on Joe Fitzgerald, a former mob enforcer. This first volume contains stories that begins and ends with his encounter with an angel. It starts with his deal with the angel taking care of Laura and ends with him freeing another angel trapped in the planes in between heaven and hell.

The volume uses the original edition "A" cover of Ben Templesmith as the opening page for each issue. Aside from the story, it also contains the alternative covers of issues # 1-6 and a look at how the cover of this volume was made.

I'll start first with the good things that I had seen with this volume in comparison to the singles it collects. Typos such as the one in page 3 of issue #5 has been corrected. This is regarding as to who needs to hold the door open for the portals to heaven and hell amongts angels and demons. An art change in some panels was also seen. It can be found on page 98 of the volume wherein the transition from earth into the planes in between heaven and hell have changed from Templesmith's into Smith's art. There was also this nice art after issues # 3-5 that was placed, which wasn't used as a back cover for the singles of said issues.

Now, that the good things are done, let us go to the things that I didn't like with this volume. First is seen on the table of contents. In here a typo is already seen with regards to the issue number. The only thing that they had gotten right was for Blood Oath. Next, if you got the singles of issue #1 compare that to the one in this volume. It could be seen that the colors had become a bit lighter. This goes on for issue #2, since the colors had returned to its original state in issue #3. This lighter tone decreases that dark vibe that one could get from reading this series. That is really a downer, since this started on the very first issue of the volume.

There are a lot of ups and downs with this first 6 issues that are compiled in volume 1 of Ten Grand. The story looks great until it got to the issue entitled "See Me". The story kind of slowed down for me at that moment. The change in the artist also felt so wrong. Smith has done some nice illustrations for Ten Grand but it is still Templesmith's art who I prefer to be seen. Well let us just see how Smith's art will fix itself for the next issues of Ten Grand as Joe Fitzgerald continues to fight for Laura amidst the battle between angels and demons. Overall, this volume is still worth buying.

"Love is the only thing worth dying for. I should know, I've done it plenty of times." - Joe Fitzgerald

More of Ten Grand can be seen at:

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

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

Comics: Afterlife with Archie ~ Issue 3: Sleepover

Story by: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Illustrated by: Francesco Francavilla

Rated: Teen+, Violence and Mature Content

Archie Comics
(4/5 ★★★★☆)

(Cover A by Francesco Francavilla)

"This Is How The End Of The World Begins..,

LOCKDOWN.

Archie, Reggie, Betty & Veronica and the

few survivors of the Riverdale High Halloween

Dance Massacre have made it to Lodge Manor

and are safe and sound...for now. But with one

of their ranks infected, how much longer can

the survivors avoid their fate and keep from

becoming part of the zombie horde?"

It has been a fun ride with the previous issue as the gang rushes to flee Riverdale High and seek security in the Lodge Mansion.

In the 3rd issue, the story is mostly told in the perspectives of Hiram Lodge. A lot of things we're seen in the life of the family of the Lodge. They tell of the beginning of Lodge Industries in Riverdale. Even the determination of the gender of the first child of Hiram and Hermione Lodge by two spinsters, who are just Sabrina's aunts, were narrated. A lot of Riverdale characters were seen to be zombified in this issue, with the addition of two new ones from Archie's gang that sought safety in the Lodge Mansion. This issue ends with a zombie bark for Archie in his house.

"Fine, let's have the "We're-safe-in-here-it's-INSANE-for-you-to-go-out" conversation instead." - Betty

This issue continues the nice pace that the first 2 issues had set up. This time it gives the zombie apocalypse view on the different insights and emotions of the other residents of Riverdale. Sacasa and Francavilla really had superb skills in telling this story. One can really feel the diversity of the personalities of the different residents of Riverdale. From the scared Veronica up to the worrisome Hiram, they really had done a good job in telling their story. Another example is seen on the panels wherein Nancy and Ginger are riding on a motorcycle. On one panel it shows the ambitious and happy escape which is contrary to the other that depicts the realistic and worrisome escape from Pop Tate.

From The Vault: Chilling Adventures In Sorcery ~ Horripilate Host

Illustrated and Story by: Dick Giordano

The story is about the show Creeper Features that is shown every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. It is hosted by Sedgewick. This short comic follows his story of evil especially whenever the cameras has stopped filming. Later on he gets his punishment after reading some pages from a Demonomicon book.

This is a nice story from the vault. It is the kind of stuff that would be great to be read as a closing short story after every issue of Afterlife with Archie.

Overall, this 3rd issue of Afterlife with Archie has been an exciting read. Let us see what happens to the confrontation in store for us between a dog and his owner.

More of Afterlife with Archie can be seen at:

http://www.afterlifewitharchie.com

Comics: The Adventures of Apocalypse Al ~ Issue 1

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: Sid Kotian

Color by: Bill Farmer

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics
(4/5 ★★★★☆)

(Cover A by Sid Kotian and Bill Farmer)

"I have to move fast, if I hesitate even a second longer, I'll lose focus and be trapped forever in this... this... toilet!" - Allison "Al" Carter

This is another goodie given to us by Joe's Comics in partnership with Image Comics. It centers on Allison "Al" Carter, a private investigator specializing in the end of the world, or more specifically preventing it.

In this 4 part miniseries, it starts with the almost end of the world. This is brought about by summoning the eater of the worlds with the use of the seal of Balthazar. Luckily Al prevented the world from ending too early. A case is later given by Mike Rose, a former investigator, in which the end of the world is at stake. This time it is due to the possession of the book of keys by an individual wanting to open the doorway to hell. As Al encounters a prophet, dreamscape, Mister Abernathy and even Ultimate Darkness, who knew Los Angeles could be any more dangerous as demonic creatures roam Beverly Hills day and night.

Straczynski couldn't possibly resist in giving us stories that involves doorways to hell. As Joe in Ten Grand goes to it and Al in Apocalypse Al tries to prevent it from opening, I'd say this doorway might once again appear in the future stories that Straczynski will write. As for the illustrations of Apocalypse Al, they are well made by the two artists. They really contributed a lot in making Apocalypse Al a funny story that deals with paranormal investigations major in apocalypse.

On the back cover of the comic, I like the idea that the artist had done by having 3 vertical panels at the back of Al. In these panels, Max Rose, the former investigator; Max, the prophet; and Ultimate Darkness were drawn.

The only thing that I just don't get is that Al was seen to be wearing boots before entering dreamscape. However, as she exits it she is seen to be wearing what she calls as sensible shoes.

So far, I am really excited for the future issues of Apocalypse Al. This is a nice deviation from the dark stories backed up with heavy thoughts and feelings that Straczynski gives us in Ten Grand.

"I love L.A. Beverly Hills on one side, demonic creatures on the other. Sometimes it's hard telling the two apart." - Allison "Al" Carter

More of Apocalypse Al can be seen at:

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

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

Others: DC Entertainment Graphic Novel Essentials and Chronology 2014

As I've said before, one should regularly check your local comic bookstores such as Comic Odyssey. Thus, I was able to get this DC Essentials for free.

Mainly this contains DC's most popular and highly successful series from Batman and Watchman up to Fables and Sandman of Vertigo. This contains a comprehensive list of the other comic titles out there in the market waiting to be touched upon by a new reader.

Never forget to check out your local comic bookstores for any surprises, freebies, new comics and other announcements that they might have. You'll never know what could be in store for you.

www.comic-odyssey.com

Comics: Ten Grand ~ Issue 6: See

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: C.P. Smith

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics
(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

(Cover by Ben Templesmith)

"I killed my father. It was my first hit." - Joe Fitzgerald

The previous issue started with a new illustrator of Ten Grand. New imagery of the series was presented as Joe walks down the road to hell. As the story gets deeper and nearer to the gates of hell, Joe finds himself lost and confused as his memory is strangely wiped clean of the events that occurred in his life. Most especially events that involve Laura.

In this sixth issue of Ten Grand, we are shown how Joe normally operates as a button man for Mr. Antonio. Along the way he met the angel Jehoel, who was said to be the Liege Commander of the Seraphim. This issue concluded with Joe's memory finally restored.

This issue tones down a bit from its regular climactic feel. Towards the later half of the story it somehow became poetic. As for Smith's illustrations, I could say that it was weird seeing Joe's ear on the scene wherein he just entered a random room to evade his enemies. It's strange that his right ear appears swollen. For the fight scene between Jehoel and a Seraphim, personally it was quite confusing. I just can't follow what is happening other than the fact that both of them are fighting against each other with Jehoel winning it. On the other side, the funniest thing that Smith made was the splash page wherein Joe was seen to be having this weird expression as soon as he realizes that he's holding a sword in flames.

There's just a little thing that I've noticed on Templesmith's cover. He drew Joe on the cover with an appearance of a halo on his head. I'm not sure if this is a foretelling of things bound to happen in the future.

Overall, I would say that the story slowed down for this issue. Despite having angel Jehoel, Mr. Antonio and a peek at Joe's childhood, it still didn't hyped me up while reading this issue. I guess the only thing worth seeing is the return of Joe's memory. Other than that, I personally could just skip this issue. Mostly it is worth buying for the nice graduation message made by Straczynski written on Joe's Counter. The 4 page preview of the 1st issue of Apocalypse Al is worthy to be read as well.

"Love is the only thing worth dying for. I should know, I've done it plenty of times." - Joe Fitzgerald

More of Ten Grand can be seen at:

Joe's Comics: www.studiojms.com

Image Comics, Inc.: www.imagecomics.com

Comics: Alex + Ada ~ Issue 1

Illustrated and Story by: Jonathan Luna

Story by: Sarah Vaughn

Rated: T+ / Teen Plus

Image Comics
(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

I only have the digital copy of this comic, which I got for free when Image Comics made the digital version of some Issue #1s free to be downloaded. Alex + Ada is just among those that were available.

The story is set in the future wherein most technologies are controlled by our thoughts. It was seen that from the moment we wake up, we can just think and command in our heads for our alarm clocks to shut off. This is true to the other gadgets such as lights, phones, and even cars. All of this is seen as the story follows Alex, a 27 year old who is celebrating his birthday. The issue concludes with him finding a huge box, a gift from his grandmother, in his living room. Upon opening it, he finds a female android inside.

This is a nice simple story that is set in the future. From this issue, I guess the main plot of this series will be regarding a man's love to his gadget. So far it looks interesting. The best part would be the comic's cover wherein Ada, I'm guessing that's the name of the android, is drawn to be wearing a veil on her head. However, when looked upon more closely, it can be seen that it is just part of Tanaka Corporation's wrapping of their product. The cover looks amazing since it appears to be a marriage scene.

More of Alex + Ada can be seen at:

Image Comics, Inc.: www.imagecomics.com
www.jonathanluna.com

www.savivi.com

Comics: The Woods ~ Issue 1

Story by: James Tynion IV

Illustrated by: Michael Dialynas

BOOM! Studios
(5/5 ★★★★★)

(2nd Printing Cover)

This is my first review on a BOOM! Studios comic and I'm glad to say that this is a great opening story for The Woods.

The story initially takes place in Bay Point Preparatory High School in Milwaukee, WI. It starts by introducing the main characters. We are started off with two close friends Karen Jacobs and Sanami Ota, the Vice President of the student council. Then to Calder Macready, who is later hunted down by the two friends for his streaking performance. This chaos then went on to the hallway which disturbed Maria Ramirez, the President of the student council, and John Beaumont, the school principal. The streaker then ran over to Benjamin Store and Isaac Andrews. The scene then leaves the streaker and focuses on Isaac where he went to Adrian Roth, a genius, who is found busy in the computer room. At this moment the whole school body sees a blinding flash of light before darkness suddenly falls upon them. The entire school body is then enveloped by chaos due to the horrors brought about by an attack of bats from a dead tree up to Carrie Hill being devoured by a winged beast in the chemistry lab. This issue ends with a group of five students making their way into the woods to search for the truth of the sudden abduction of their school in this alien territory.

 

Once again, I say that this is a nice 1st issue for The Woods. The cover, even though it's the 2nd print that I got, remains to be an eye catcher. Just wait till you get to read it. Surely you'll be eagerly wanting to know and get your hands on the next issue of this alien abduction themed story from BOOM! Studios.

"This is what you need to understand. No one is coming for us." - Adrian Roth

More of BOOM! Studios can be seen at:

http://www.boom-studios.com

Comics: Afterlife with Archie ~ Issue 2 (Cover Review)

Cover A: Francesco Francavilla

Cover B (Variant): Tim Seeley

Cover C (2nd Printing Variant): Francesco Francavilla

(Cover A, B and C)

Story by: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Illustrated by: Francesco Francavilla

Rated: Teen+, Violence and Mature Content

Archie Comics

Yes I'm a fan of this series that's why I decided to collect the different variants of every singles of Afterlife with Archie. As long as they are not more than $10 or Php. 500 for each variant cover. The first two covers for Afterlife with Archie #2 were sold last November 20, 2013. The 2nd printing was released shortly on January 1, 2014.

The covers made by Francavilla, cover A and C, were nice. Interestingly they both have Jughead say EEAARRCHIEE!

The variant cover, cover B, made by Seeley is the best one for this issue. It shows a chest view of Archie in which most of the colors were just plainly gray scale colors with splatters of orange-colored blood in some areas.

If you are keen on following this series but without any interest in collecting all the different variants, I suggest that the variant cover made by Seeley, cover B, is the best choice to have as a single. It just gives a more silent thought on the story for this issue. I guess I may prefer it that way unless they make another variant cover in which the scene that involves an apple is the one drawn.

"This Is How The End Of The World Begins..."

More of Afterlife with Archie can be seen at:

www.afterlifewitharchie.com

Comics: Free Comic Book Day: FUBAR 2014

(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

This is just one among the 2014 Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) sponsored comics that I had gotten. Its interesting plot of the involvement of zombies that the U.S. had encountered in their action of killing Osama Bin Laden is definitely a head turner for this comic. It contains two stories namely The Ace of Spades and Zero Dead Thirty.

The Ace of Spades

Story by: Chuck Dixon

Illustrated by: Jeff McComsey and Steve Becker

Rated: Mature Content

FUBAR Press

This story tells of the two operations done in pursuit of Sadam Hussein. Operation Urgent Surprise and Operation Red Dawn were carried out in Adwan, Iraq under the leadership of Captain Kuber. The search was done on one of Sadam's Palaces. Mike, one of the U.S. soldiers on board for the operation uses a deck of cards to identify important individuals surrounding Sadam, who was assigned to the ace of spades card. He had captured Doctor Ahmet Hafeez, a nine of hearts for the deck, who was identified to be involved in the creation of bio weapons. Little do they know that they will set loose all hell in that palace.

The first story is a good introduction on how zombies could have come about in this fictional accounts of the steps undergone in the occurrence of Sadam's death. It includes the use of biological weapons in the event that a palace is suddenly seized by the U.S. military forces. It strikes a thought on the possibility that zombies might have been included in their development of biological weapons since that idea would never reach the top officials. Thus, in return would create an exchange of little or none of the existence of such absurd weaponry that would be briefed to the military.

Zero Dead Thirty

Story by: Chad Lambert

Illustrated by: Jeff McComsey

Rated: Mature Content

FUBAR Press

The second story is a shorter one compared to the first. This time it involves the pursuit of Osama bin Laden. He is codenamed as Geronimo in Operation Neptune Spear that was conducted in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The search for every room was done until it ended with a man in a turban being killed. Identified by a woman and a child in the same room that the guy that was just killed is Osama, the U.S. navy seals reported back that Geronimo is K.I.A. However, after a few moments, a reanimation occurred that lead to one of the U.S. seals to decapitate the body of Osama. Thus, reporting back that Geronimo is K.I.A. again. This story ends with a speech from the U.S. President Barrack Obama.

I could say that I got lost in some of the dialogues here whenever someones asks about Osama. The initials repeatedly used to ask if Osama is the one dead on the floor or where is his head is often U.B.L. I just don't get the letter U. Well anyways, it gives a literal perspective from a piece of the speech delivered by Pres. Obama by saying that they had cut off their enemy's head.

This FCBD 2014 comic from FUBAR Press is an enjoyable one. From what I've learned from the contents of this comic is that FUBAR mostly creates fictional histories that involves zombies. Well that concept fitted nicely in this event in our history. Mostly the things that got me confused was from the second story. There's a strange thing that I've noticed with regards to the ones worn on the eyes by these U.S. pursuit team. They have these four ocular lenses that I really can't place on what the two additional oculars are for since the human body only has two eyes. Well aside from those stuffs from the second story, everything was an enjoyable read for me.

It is still a good thing that these are just fictional accounts of our history. If these accounts had indeed happened, it might have been FUBAR for us if zombies are now used as a biological weapon.

More of FUBAR Press can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Zombie FUBAR"

Twitter: @fubarpress

www.fubarpress.com

Comics: Ten Grand ~ Issue 5: Nothing Interesting Ever Happens In Heaven

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: C.P. Smith

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics
(4/5 ★★★★☆)

(Cover by Ben Templesmith)

Previously the story ended with Joe discovering that Laura has been taken away from the place they perceived to be heaven. This prompted him to rush right away to one of the places where the planes of earth and hell nearly overlaps. Rescuing Laura did not only meant he must be quick, but he must also continue to stay alive. For that 5 minute deal with an angel must have already been cut off.

This issue gives us the picture of another popular place that is known as "the one in between." Joe encounters the "Lost", Howlers and his deceased self. A resemblance of Charon, from the Greek mythology, makes an appearance in which he ferries Joe to the other side of the river. A river whose current depends on how adventurous or tame our life has been. After crossing the river, Charon then points to Joe two roads that leads to heaven. The very long road and a very short one in which Joe had picked to go to. This issue ends with him forgetting his prime purpose of crossing this plane that overlaps earth and hell.

There's a cool but weird stuff that was used by Joe in this issue which is called as the "Hand of Glory." It appears to be a hand. However, its fingertips are dozed with either icing or wax based on the illustration. Then its very tips are seen to be in flames. This thing reminds me of the hanaukkah lamp that the Jews use. Of course the difference is that it uses 9 candles and not a hand.

This issue turns out to be the beginning of a change in the art of Ten Grand. Personally, I didn't like the art used in this issue since it reminds me of Samurai Jack, a cartoon series from Cartoon Network. I guess the cool thing that the new illustrator of Ten Grand has done was the splash page depicting a Charon-like figure surfing the boat with Joe on a river in which large waves have crazily appeared.

The story continues to be interesting as small bits of Greek mythology even made its way into this issue. Its only the art that I don't like that much. It just doesn't feel good for me even though the timing of the change in the art style is coincidentally good, since there was a change in the surroundings that the main character is roaming on. We will just have to wait and see for what is in store for us as Joe looks for Laura. Especially now that he has forgotten her. Till then "Surf's Up!"

"Love is the only thing worth dying for. I should know, I've done it plenty of times." - Joe Fitzgerald

More of Ten Grand can be seen at:
Joe's Comics: www.studiojms.com
Image Comics, Inc.: www.imagecomics.com

Comics: Afterlife with Archie ~ Issue 2: Dance of the Dead

Story by: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Illustrated by: Francesco Francavilla

Rated: Teen+, Violence and Mature Content

Archie Comics
(5/5 ★★★★★)

(Cover A by Francesco Francavilla)

"This Is How The End Of The World Begins..,

Turn out the lights, the party's over.

The zombie outbreak has reached the halls of

Riverdale High and the bodies are beginning

to pile up.. Can Archie, Betty & Veronica

escape the carnage and find a safe haven to

make humanity's last stand or will they,

too, join the ranks of the undead as

a truly eternal love triangle?"

Jughead down and a lot more to go. The previous issue was a fast and well packed story in the sense that the bestfriend of the leading character in a story is the first to turn into a zombie. Normally, in the routine way of story telling, that does not happen at the very start of the story. But it works perfectly in this comics.

In this 2nd issue, two perspectives of the zombie apocalypse in Riverdale are told. One takes place in Pop Tate's Diner, where Mr. Jones infect that area. On the other hand, the main event happens during the Halloween Party at Riverdale High. Another one from Archie's friends dies in this issue which was beautifully illustrated by the artist. After the death of that character "twice", chaos soon followed at the gym which lead to the search for a safety at the Lodge Mansion by the remaining group from Archie.

"I'm done playing Brokeback Riverdale with you." - Ginger

This is another good zombie apocalypse meets "a famous set of story" that is well crafted by the writer and the artist. Especially for the artist in creating the page that re-enacts Snow White's death with the scene only showing the apple rolling off her hands. What's more fun and enjoyable in this series is that there is an additional short story at the end which they called "From the Vault: Chilling Adventures In Sorcery." This was said to be formerly published under the title "Chilling Adventures In Sorcery." These short stories will be included starting with this issue and later on for the upcoming issues of Afterlife with Archie.

From The Vault: Chilling Adventures In Sorcery ~ Cat

Illustrated and Story by: Gray Morrow

The story was just okay. Although it would be recommended that this part to be read only if you are looking for something to do. Well this short story is just an add on for the Afterlife with Archie comic anyway.

Needless to say, this comic, Afterlife with Archie, is highly recommended due to the great story told by Aguirre-Sacasa and illustrations that were drawn remarkably by Francavilla. One can't just wait to find out who is still left alive by the time Sabrina is back in the story.

More of Afterlife with Archie can be seen at:

www.afterlifewitharchie.com

Comics: Ten Grand ~ Issue 4: A Hole In Heaven

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: Ben Templesmith

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics
(5/5 ★★★★★)

(Cover A by Ben Templesmith)

"Angels can't enter hell unless a demon holds open the door, and demons can't enter heaven without an angel's say-so." - Joe Fitzgerald

Previously the story ends with a hole in heaven that led to Laura's capture and transfer of residence to hell. The one and secured place that Joe thought was safe for Laura has now been infiltrated. It is now up to him to find and rescue her from whoever is keeping her captive.

"The thing about denying someone their voice in this life is that it tends to come out in death." - Joe Fitzgerald

In this issue, Joe wakes up from a nightmare of something bad happening to Laura. After speaking to the soul of Julie, from one of his previous cases, he learns and gets the confirmation that not only Laura is missing but the angel whom he had made a deal with is also gone. With no time to spare, Joe goes to a place called "The Club" in which it is one of the places that has a doorway to where the planes of earth and hell nearly overlaps. Armed with objects he had gathered, he makes a move past entities that guard the gate to that doorway. Who knows how much time he has left in order to get Laura.

The story gets better as Joe moves on and crosses from our plane into that of hell. Both the art and story never fails us in this issue. This issue also tells of how strong our human determination is as we pursue the different trials in life that each one of us needs to conquer. This is still a great series that has an angels and demons themed love story.

"We're more RESILIENT. Takes a LOT to destroy a human spirit." - Joe Fitzgerald

More of Ten Grand can be seen at:

Joe's Comics: www.studiojms.com

Image Comics, Inc.: www.imagecomics.com

Comics: The Adventures of Apocalypse Al ~ Issue 1 (Retailer Exclusive Preview Edition)

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: Sid Kotian

Color by: Bill Farmer

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics
(4/5 ★★★★☆)

"I love L.A. Beverly Hills on one side, demonic creatures on the other. Sometimes it's hard telling the two apart." - Allison "Al" Carter

I got this comic by chance while shuffling through a box of new comics in Filbar's in Festival Mall, Muntinlupa City. I was so amazed to have found this comic since I know that it would not be out in the shelves till next month (February 2014).

I bought this comic for the same price it will be sold by comic bookstores. It was also to my amazement that they had sold it to me since it was a retailer's copy, which I failed to notice on the front cover due to my surprise in finding this a month in advance. But still, it is a keeper since it would be a rare opportunity for me to just suddenly buy this off the shelf of a comic bookstore.

The difference with this retailer exclusive preview copy from the issue to be released next month is that the contents are not colored. It is only the front and the back cover of the comic that is colored by the artist. It really teases a lot by giving a preview on the art and the story of this new comic with the color being left out. In this preview I could personally say that this looks interesting. One could get the feeling that this might be a bad choice, but I think this might be due to the lack of color that it has.

I'll do the review for the story after I get a copy of the comic with full color next month. So far I'd say that you should try to browse this preview copy in a comic book store nearby. Try to buy it if they would allow you. But if they won't, well just browse through it and you might get interested in following this new series from Joe's Comics.

More of The Adventures of Apocalypse Al can be seen at:

Joe's Comics: www.studiojms.com

Image Comics, Inc.: www.imagecomics.com

Comics: Ten Grand ~ Issue 3: Dark And Terrible Things

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: Ben Templesmith

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics
(5/5 ★★★★★)

The story continues after Debbie's death due to her act of jumping off a building. This act was made after a demon possessed her. This event also led to Joe's death as he tried to save her. The only difference soon after was that he came back alive but Debbie didn't.

In this issue, Joe finds Sarah, Debbie's sister, unfortunately on the same county morgue. An interesting object, which he calls as a soul-stone is shortly introduced that has the capacity to talk with a dead body's residual soul. However, amidst this tool, it only left him a dead end. Thus, clues for this case were closing one after the other. The story of how Joe and Laura had met was told in this issue. It was told that they had met after Joe incurred an accident while doing his job as a button man. The issue ends with Laura being pulled out of the place that both of them considered to be heaven due to the safety it gives to both her and Joe. After being unconscious for some time, Laura then awakens in front of the person, who is responsible for her death, in a place Joe last expects her to be in.

The art and story continues to be impressive. There's just a typographical error on the 2nd page on the part wherein it narrates the previous events that occurred in the 2nd issue of Ten Grand. This 3rd issue was well told most especially by Templesmith in his illustrations, wherein the emotions of the characters can already tell the story without many lines needed. My favorite panel in this issue would be the part wherein there are three illustrations of Joe and Laura in a single page. In the middle, which is also the largest scene, shows them to be at the beach. The lower left scene shows them having a meal while on the other side shows them to be in a car. This illustration of love is a good page made by Templesmith. This issue continues to show a story of love beyond death, amidst the presence of angels and demons. It still is one sweet love story.

"Love is the only thing worth dying for. I should know, I've done it plenty of times." - Joe Fitzgerald

More of Ten Grand can be seen at:

Joe's Comics: www.studiojms.com

Image Comics, Inc.: www.imagecomics.com