SEQUENTIAL SLIME
We’re big fans of comics around here, especially the ones continuing the adventures of our favorite horror movie characters! Here’s the lowdown on what we’ve been reading lately . . .
NEW
BOTTOMFEEDER (EIBON PRESS)
Toxic waste births a mutant fishman from the polluted waters of San Lucifer, and the city’s best hope for stoppin’ the serial rapin’ nightmare from turnin’ everyone into mutilated baby factories for its bloodthirsty spawn is its worst cop, Lieutenant Angell. Appropriately promoted as Humanoids from the Deep meets Bad Lieutenant, this sucker promises the gratuitous goods of an ’80s creature feature with the sexual grit of the grindhouse wrapped in hard boiled noir, and partner – it delivers! Rereleased as a black and white trade collectin’ the original six issues, this is a perfect treat for horror aficionados who’ll recognize characters are drawn after genre favorites like Joe Spinelli, Clu Gulager, and the late Joe Pilato (Captain Rhodes from Day of the Dead) who Lieutenant Angell was written for when Bottomfeeder was originally planned to be a movie. Yup, this sequential sleaze may be the consolation prize for an ambitious flick that never made it off the ground, but that same labor of love is awesomely redirected into this beautiful package of guilty goods that even includes a soundtrack with lines from the comic read by Joe himself!
OLDER
DEATH TO THE ARMY OF DARKNESS #2 (Dynamite)
Ash’s persona is split into five new characters by the Necronomicon, and they all gotta work together in their own comically dysfunctional way to have any hope learnin’ the book of the dead’s weakness for finally bein’ destroyed. Color me impressed, this newest entry in the Army of Darkness comics is provin’ to be a fun read that balances gory action with a nice chunk of humorous interaction ‘mong its cast of oddballs heroes. I’m critical of the creators rehashin’ the same ol’ visit to the cabin in the woods with time travel, and a drop-in by Deadite Linda, but they make up for it with new details to the Necronomicon, statin’ there’s multiple copies of it ’round, and only the original text can be destroyed in order to get rid of ’em all. Lookin’ forward to the next iss’!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #12 (Dynamite)
The final issue in this particular run of Elvira comics, our favorite mistress of the dark faces off ‘gainst Vlad the Impaler one last time, manages to snatch her dark mojo back, and once and for all breaks up the merry band of Renaissance lovin’ dorks who’ve given her so much grief lately. This series has been such a blast to read. It not only holds true to Elvira’s tone and humor but wonderfully develops her as a likable character worth rootin’ for while buildin’ her a world full of super powered friends, maleficent foes, and fantastic locations. I can’t wait to see what these comic creatin’ geniuses have in store next!
DEATH TO THE ARMY OF DARKNESS #1 (Dynamite)
In some alternate dimension or timeline, Ash is once ‘gain attacked by Deadites at the S-Mart and decides it’s time to ask for help. Runnin’ the Necronomicon over to some college egg-head, he learns the book of the dead’s formed some kinda attachment to him. In the hopes of severin’ that tie, cursed hoo-doo words are misspoken, and Ash is split into five new personas in the form of a woman, a dog, a tiny Ash, a skeleton, and a talkin’ chainsaw. For a series I often bash for doin’ the same ol’ same ol’ over and over ‘gain, this is different and weird ‘nough to grab my interest and anxiously await the next iss’. Since my favorite Army of Darkness storyline is Ash’s team-up with the heroes from the League of Light, I’m hopin’ this new gang of Deadite haters will be just as fun and epic with great new twists on the origins of the Necronomicon they’re hintin’ at. As far as the art’s concerned, it’s a bit more on the cartoony side but easy to follow, poppin’ with color, and doesn’t skimp on the backgrounds!
CHARLES BAND’S DEADLY TEN: BRIDE OF THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY #1 (Full Moon Comix)
I guess to avoid rockin’ the boat with Full Moon’s upcomin’ Head of the Family sequel, this parallel tie-in is an unexpected tale followin’ Myron’s bug-eyed brother Wheeler from ‘nother dimension where he’s the wheelchair bound brain of the family seekin’ other doppelgangers like him with time travelin’ tech from the Jack Deth movies. The ol’ west, sinkin’ on the Titanic, gangster shoote ’em ups, it’s really all over the place ’til he catches up with one particular assassin he notices shadowin’ him ‘fore he meets his demise durin’ the tease for events to unfold in the long overdue sequel. An overall fun read, but really only for die hard Full Moon fans and those hungry for more Head of the Family content!
ARCHIE VS. PREDATOR II #5 (Archie/Dark Horse)
So, we’ve arrived at the end of this weird sequel to what was an awesome crossover originally, and it’s just as stupid and humorless as it started. The invadin’ Predators are stopped, some version of Jug and a flat chested Betty are flyin’ through space, Riverdale resets itself, and the Betty and Veronica who survived the first mini-series live happily ever after as tattooed lesbos with their new Predator pal courtesy of the devil. Huh? What the fuck was the purpose of this five part jerk-off? It’s not fun, there’s barely any character to any of it, it’s hard to keep track of who was who from what parallel timeline, and did anyone’s actions carry any real consequence?!
STAY ALIVE (Markosia)
Desperate to save her actin’ career from the shitter, public nuisance Jane Morgan pisses off followers of a controversial app that allows ’em to vote on public figures they wanna see killed by a secret organization of assassins and scores herself a reality TV show following her every move as uKill’s #1 target. Protected by a major network and a stoic bodyguard, Jane’s overnight success depends on her survival, but those odds get a lot slimmer when her provoked stalkers enlist the help of her #1 slasher of a fan. For a graphic horror novel full of everythin’ I want to see – gore, masked killers, last girl action, and boobs – it’s the details in-between that make it a bitter sweet read. While the idea of social media driven violence makes for an interestin’ premise, Jane fails to pull me in as an invested reader with her weak character arc and forced romance lackin’ any significant humility or conscious awakenin’. Luckily, the subtle comedy of it all pulls me right through, remindin’ me of the dark humor found in Death Race 2000 with ridiculous pops of a Tarantino bloodbath. As for the art, it nostalgically reminds me of titles from Valiant Comics’ golden years. The characters are a little stiff with everyone unable to emote beyond dead stares and screamin’, but every page is thoughtfully laid out and packed with fully detailed panels which can be rare to find nowadays.
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #11 (Dynamite)
Elvira’s gotta venture into the heart of a Medieval themed restaurant to get her mojo back from the demon summonin’ yahoos who stole it, but ol’ enemies return to come between her and her inner darkness. Continuin’ to be the most impressive funny book I’m gettin’ my hands on lately, this particular issue could be studied by buddin’ comic writers for its perfection at pacin’. There’s escalatin’ action sequences, character buildin’ breathers, stakes with consequences, mountin’ tension, page turnin’ cliffhangers – it’s got everythin’!
CHARLES BAND’S DEADLY TEN: SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA #1 (Full Moon Comix)
Takin’ advantage of the bowl-o-rama massacre Full Moon fans are all too familiar with, a couple of thievin’ hotties disguise themselves as sorority babes and break into the same bowlin’ alley the followin’ night to empty its safe but accidentally release the same imp whose wishes bring nothin’ but bad luck. Luckily, unfinished business brings Spider back (Linnea Quigley’s first official comic book appearance), and the law-breakin’ trio puts the hurt on the magical mischief maker. As a fan of the original movie and ’80s scream queens, I’m very pleased with this issue. It’s a well paced story full of character and punch, beautifully brings Linnea to life in a medium I can’t believe took 30 years to happen given her popularity, and ends on a great cliffhanger that gets me anxious to see what’s bein’ teased at in the upcomin’ sequel from David Decoteau and Brinke Stevens. Be sure to look for the alternate Funko spoof cover by Screaming Soup!
CHARLES BAND’S DEADLY TEN: NECROPOLIS: LEGION #1 (Full Moon Comix)
On the heels of the newest Full Moon movie by the same name, this prequel comic shares more of the wicked Eva’s backstory, showin’ how she gained her witchy followers and manipulated their village while killin’ in the name of perfectin’ her dark magic. Oh, yeah, and plenty more of Eva erotically feedin’ her flock with ’em monstrous boobs the flick’s well known for. An overall good read with competent art, be sure to look for the alternate Maybelline spoof cover by Screaming Soup!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #10 (Dynamite)
Followin’ her crash landin’ last iss’, Elvira’s newest admirers whisk her ‘way to a secluded hospital and steal her dark mojo with a flyin’ broom to summon their favorite demon. With the help of a macho superhero who ain’t ‘fraid to bust some heads, a purified Elvira’s gotta save her reputation as the mistress of the dark. Another bang-up issue from some top-shelf comic talents, this is an action packed read with just the right ‘mount of dialogue to keep it from bein’ a quick page turner, full of cool new heroes and villains shakin’ things up in Elvira’s world of hokum and horror movies. One of the best horror-related funny books on the shelf!
ARCHIE VS. PREDATOR II #4 (Archie/Dark Horse)
In a nutshell, Predators are still blowin’ the shit out of Riverdale High, Jughead feeds an e.t. dog, and a lesbo Betty and Veronica turn to the devil for help. At this point, I’m just throwin’ my hands in the air like I just don’t care and seein’ where this nutty story goes. Not much else to say.
THE SHAPE OF ELVIRA #4 (Dynamite)
Elvira’s dreams for B movie stardom are sunk as she learns the twisted filmmakers on her newest flick are only interested in matin’ her with fish people to create a new race of deep divin’ air-breathers. Just one problem – their gill man’s really a gill lady! The worst Elvira series from Dynamite, I’m wildly impressed with how they managed to salvage this series in the nick time with lots of unexpected twists and turns that finally broke away from the hackneyed tropes that soured the first three issues which made ’em borin’ and predictable reads. There’s finally some tension, genuine character interaction, and swiftly satisfyin’ wrap-ups to a lot of things presented throughout the mini-series with better art to boot!
CHARLES BAND’S DEADLY TEN: BLADE: THE IRON CROSS #1 (Full Moon Comix)
A tie-in with the Full Moon movie of the same name, this sidebar story takes place right before Andre Toulon’s departure from Berlin in Puppet Master III, and is Blade sneakin’ ‘way long ‘nough to kill a few more Nazis to protect the secret of the Puppet Master from bein’ exploited by world powers. A pretty quick read given Blade doesn’t talk, Shawn Gabborin returns to pen this latest issue of the Puppet Master series he amazingly managed to repair inconsistencies in the movies with and delivers ‘nother hard hittin’ tale of miniature mayhem. Be sure to hunt down the alternative happy meal spoof cover by Screaming Soup!
ARCHIE VS. PREDATOR II #3 (Archie/Dark Horse)
Wow. This series just flew right off the rails ‘gain. Predators continue tearin’ through Riverdale High’s Halloween Dance like wet toilet paper in search of their renegade e.t. who won’t go back to space without a fight, and Archie’s gang are just kinda all over the place brainstormin’ ways to literally save everyone’s necks. In the meantime, for some random reason, saucy versions of Betty and Veronica are lockin’ lips in the school showers while the world blows up ’round ’em. What the hell’s even happenin’ anymore?!
HATCHET: HALLOWEEN TALES #1 (American Mythology Productions)
Dare to enter Victor Crowley’s swamp, and it’s sure to be a Halloween to dismember. A collection of three fatal Halloweens, this is easily one of Victor’s more successful funny book appearances that manages to hit the same dark beats as Adam Green’s films. There’s a melodramatic short ’bout a guy lookin’ to die where Victor slaughtered his girlfriend, a freak show tries forcin’ Victor into the business with gut wrenchin’ consequences, and readers are treated to a really bizarre monster brawl when one of Victor’s victims possesses a pumpkin to become a jack-o-lantern creature he’s gotta tear down. The freak show has the most potential for bein’ a future film, and fangs crossed they include the three boobed lady!
ARCHIE VS. PREDATOR II #2 (Archie/Dark Horse)
Archie-verse doppelgangers are fallin’ all over each other, and once they settle everyone’s a legit version of who they say they are, it’s understood a spaceshipful of Predators are gonna crash Riverdale High’s Halloween party in a violent search for their survivin’ comrade from the first mini-series. This issue finally brings the action that was sorely lackin’ in part one, but still a little heavy on the confusin’ banter among the Archie-doubles. Confusin’, ’cause the doubles are more or less drawn the same and have to be distinquished by their smudgy drawn outfits. This issue also reminds me their weirdo-actin’ Archie is really a Predator in disguise (which I totally forgot!), makin’ me realize I could’ve really benefit from a recap of the first series the comic creators have surprisingly refused to include in these books so far. Well, at least we get a bloody dance massacre with Predators rippin’ folks’ heads off!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #9 (Dynamite)
With her adventure through the bowels of hell behind her, Elvira continues her pursuit to be the new queen of the Bs, but a gang of cult-lookin’ knights need her for summonin’ a demon and send her on a wild broom ride through L.A. Perfectly settin’ up the next adventure with ‘nough mystique to keep it interestin’, this series keeps the momentum goin’ with plenty of action and tit-alizing peeks at Elvira’s talents while beginnin’ to bring in elements from her ’88 flick with the appearance of her punk poodle Gonk. Complimented by fun art that’s beautifully colored, this series excels as a perfect example of a total sequential package that hits on all pistons!
ARCHIE VS. PREDATOR II #1 (Archie/Dark Horse)
Archie, Betty, and Veronica pick themselves up from the wreckage of the Predator’s visit to Riverdale and go in search of “memory lane” to reset the timeline while confusingly runnin’ into doppelgangers from ‘nother Archie-verse. In the meantime, zero Predators ’til the final page. First off, I love the first Archie vs. Predator mini-series. The Riverdale gang is ripe for horrific exploits, and that story just throws ’em into the deep end with girl-next-door Betty Cooper kickin’ ass as the series’ last girl holdin’ her own ‘gainst one of Stan Winston’s greatest movie monsters. This newest chapter of that mini-series, however, fails to capture that same magic as it basically takes the ball and runs some kinda meta-reality angle with the survivors of the last mini-series spendin’ the whole issue referencin’ other alternate Archie realities while lookin’ for memory lane. And while I’m fine with the art in this bein’ as gritty as the rest of the horror themed Archie titles, I miss how the first series was drawn in traditional Archie fashion which I think makes the Predator violence all the better!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #8 (Dynamite)
Elvira’s twisted adventure through hell comes to a talkative conclusion as she finally gets her chance to ask Satan for a pass back to her B-movie lifestyle. While this final installment of what could be called Elvira’s excellent journey through time and hell is wordy to say the least, I’m incredibly impressed with how it manages to keep things lively ‘nough to steer it clear of a borin’ read. It paints Lucifer in a different light, boasts a John Waters reference, and even hints at even more ludicrous adventures on the horizon with horror hostin’s bustiest gal. Take my tokens already, I can’t wait!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #7 (Dynamite)
Elvira’s spin on Dante’s Inferno continues as she hoofs it through even deeper levels of hell, outwittin’ minotaurs, literal biker cops, and office demons for a few words with the head honcho of darkness himself. With lots of monstrous excitement to make-up for the last dialogue heavy issue, this latest chapter of Elvira’s southbound journey strikes that perfect balance of continuous character buildin’ conversations that are threaded through intermittent action scenes that naturally flow into one another. Excellent art as always, and possibly the best horror host tie-in comic ever published!
ARMY OF DARKNESS/BUBBA HO-TEP #4 (Dynamite)
In this grand-finale, Ash and Elvis crash land in Graceland and kick mummified Deadite ass ’til Bubba Ho-Tep’s defeated and the evil’s of the Necronomicon are contained. Overall, this series reads like a shallow beat ’em up video game made into a comic with Ash and Elvis barely havin’ any story ‘tween ’em that’s meaningful. The art’s vibrant and kickin’, and there’s fleetin’ moments of genuine character development that shine through all the violence, but in the end, this is one majorly missed opportunity that needed more of that unique sense of enlightenment found in the Bubba Ho-Tep movie!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #6 (Dynamite)
Elvira’s still hikin’ the pits of hell to ask the big D for a one-way ticket back to the land of the livin’, but hell’s got a lot o’ levels of damnation with even more monsters and demons slowin’ her down. Not the most excitin’ issue in this series so far, but the writer does ‘nough to keep this dialogue heavy chapter sharp and engagin’ with Elvira relyin’ on her charm and personality to win any and all confrontations thrown her way. Amazin’ art as always that manages to capture an epic scale with the minimalist of efforts!
THE SHAPE OF ELVIRA #3 (Dynamite)
In what should be the last issue of this uninspired mini-series, Elvira finally gets a clue her monster movie co-star is a real-deal gill man the filmmakers captured for makin’ romantic B-movies and heroically commits to returnin’ him to his jungle pond. I guess the runnin’ gag is this series bein’ written like a formulaic romance novel from the check-out line at the supermarket, but the humor’s lost without Elvira bein’ self aware of this and providin’ witty commentary at its expense. Still a pretty dull read with art that’s in the same bland boat!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK: SPRING SPECIAL (Dynamite)
So, when ya miss the deadline for a Halloween special, ya just repackage all that hard work as a Spring special! It’s basically Halloween, and Elvira leaves horror hostin’ movies at the drive-in to be a star in Hollywood, aggressively seekin’ out her favorite horror director she thinks can launch her career. The movie makin’ mogul is happy to oblige, but his secret to makin’ movies is castin’ the re-animated dead, and they’re goin’ more and more off script with every scene. This belated holiday special is a little strange to read, ’cause it has so many similarities to The Shape of Elvira mini-series currently bein’ released. Both feature Elvira wantin’ to be a movie star and workin’ with monstrous actors who’re more into their roles than she thinks. The biggest difference is, however, is I think this story’s better with better action and wittier art!
THE SHAPE OF ELVIRA #2 (Dynamite)
Elvira’s new fishy romance “The Heart Is A Black Lagoon” goes into its first day of production, and it’s pretty dull with barely any mystery or conflict to keep things interesting as scenes are happily filmed without an ounce of drama, even when the Mistress of the Dark wakes up from an Aquaman parody to find the monster invadin’ her personal space. Everybody’s easy goin’, complacent, and the stiff minimalist art ain’t helpin’ punch things up either. Only thing more annoyin’ is Elvira still bein’ 2 steps behind readers already knowin’ her gill-man co-star’s the real deal. Thank Craven the next issue’s the last in this uneventful mini-series!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #5 (Dynamite)
Faust’s demon accidentally drags the Mistress of the Dark to Hell, and she bails on that eternally damned melodrama to seek big red himself for a pardon back to her horror hostin’ shenanigans above. Keepin’ up the momentum of the past issues, this Dante’s Inferno themed issue’s packed with well paced dilemmas, progressive story development, and jabs of comedy that make it worth every cent the cover price asks for. The art’s just as kinetic and spectacular as ever with the artist findin’ clever ways to draw epic scenes of Hell with the simplest techniques, and everythin’ ends on a great cliffhanger leavin’ me wantin’ more. Only complaint would be Vlad comin’ back into the picture, but he’s promptly done away with!
ARMY OF DARKNESS/BUBBA HO-TEP #3 (Dynamite)
It’s cover to cover squashin’ and fightin’ as Ash and ’70s Elvis fly the unfriendly skies and throw down with a body hoppin’ Bubba Ho-Tep and his gazillion scarabs. Not a lot of story squeezed in among all the sound effects and gore packed in this thang, but there’s at least one funny bondin’ moment when Elvis offers Ash the chance to replace him which the chosen one humorously entertains. I do get distracted by some weird set-ups in this issue that don’t exactly pay off – the biggest one bein’ Ash almost chainsawin’ a bug through a window which I thought was foreshadowin’ the air pressure suckin’ somethin’ out later, but Ash opens a confusin’ly framed cabin door at the end ‘stead. With one issue to go, this mini-series is provin’ to be more junk food for the brain than anythin’ fun or insightful like when Kurt Russell’s famous movie roles met each other in the Big Trouble in Little Chine/Escape From New York comic crossover!
VAMPIRELLA VS RE-ANIMATOR #4 (Dynamite)
The mini-series no one asked for comes to a close as Dr. West saves the world from an invasion of life sappin’ ghosts from ‘nother world by injectin’ a dead and defeated Vampirella with his new strain of re-agent serum, so she can open a supped up can of whoop ass on the e.t. lovers behind it all. At best, this series is okay. West gets a little lost in Vampirella’s drama, most the characters are flat with one track minds, and the damn artist robs the final issue of its epic scope by skimpin’ on the backgrounds in favor of abstract smudges and darkness!
ARMY OF DARKNESS/BUBBA HO-TEP #2 (Dynamite)
Ash is sucked into another timewarp that lands him on the Vegas strip durin’ the height of disco, and he’s gotta convince a fightin’ fit Elvis to help him stop Bubba Ho-Tep from raisin’ some Egyptian hell with the Necronomicon. Still runnin’ full force with the action from AODBHT #1, this issue is a nice balance of story progression, action, and even has some funny bondin’ moments between the King of B Movies and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll that gives it some genuine personality. The art’s a little peculiar, though, with oddly framed action sequences, and almost every background lookin’ like dumbed-down photocopies filled with blobs of color. Hope they beef up the details of Bubba’s end game next issue!
VAMPIRELLA VS RE-ANIMATOR #3 (Dynamite)
Plans fall apart as Dr. West’s new partner from another planet tricks him into buildin’ a stargate from body parts that opens a portal to her hostile world, and Vampirella regrets thinkin’ an e.t. lover’s spat could turn the tide of battle in her favor. This issue could stand a little less lip and a little more action, but it’s movin’ things forward, throws everyone in situations that builds their character, and gives West a new strain of Super Re-Agent to play with. While I’m enjoyin’ the art, the only criticism I got for it is the lame spread of the flesh bridge which could be a lot more elaborate and horrifyin’!
ARMY OF DARKNESS/BUBBA HO-TEP #1 (Dynamite)
It’s the crossover no one probably thought ’bout, but sure why not? Ash catches word Elvis defeated a soul suckin’ mummy in Texas (which all happened in the Bubba Ho-Tep movie as you know) and sets out to find the King for himself. Of course, those of us who saw Bubba Ho-Tep remember Elvis supposedly dyin’ in the last reel, but it seems the King pulled some kind of switcheroo with Bubba’s fricasseed corpse and faked his funeral. An arrangement Bubba’s none too happy ’bout. Just as Ash finds Elvis, Bubba crashes their karate choppin’ howdy doos and opens a time vortex that hurls Ash into ’70s Vegas. Whoa, mama! There’s still a lot of unanswered questions between the leap from Bubba Ho-Tep‘s end to now (like why he faked his death, who his guards are, or how he got his new digs), but I’m slowly piecin’ these events together and enjoyin’ Vincenzo Federici’s lively artwork!
VAMPIRELLA VS RE-ANIMATOR #2 (Dynamite)
Turns out Dr. Herbert West has re-animated one of Vampirella’s worst enemies she fought back on her homeworld, and this lady of death seduces West to be her king and prepare a freaky army of re-animated spider people to fight Vampirella when she arrives. The action’s definitely pickin’ up in this one with e.t. war flashbacks and the initial beginnin’s of Vampirella’s throwdown with this mismatch beyond the Mexican grave. The black, white, and red artwork’s tight, the story’s escalatin’, and West is keepin’ me on the hook as a character who doubts his decisions in this space opera he’s unexpectedly involved in.
THE SHAPE OF ELVIRA #1 (Dynamite)
An obvious parody of the award winnin’ fish man romance Shape of Water, Elvira’s been hand picked to play the love interest of a similar water breathin’ creature for an upcomin’ movie, but thinks there’s more to her co-star than the extravagant filmmakers are lettin’ on. Gee, ya think?! Given how amazin’ Elvira’s first Dynamite mini-series is, I’m reservin’ judgement ’til at least the next issue, ’cause this was all set-up and no action (‘less you count her slappin’ a prop’s head off). The artwork could have at least made up for this lack of excitement, but even it was pretty dull with a lot of open spaces and stiff character renderin’s. Fangs crossed it kicks into gear next issue!
DOLLMAN KILLS THE FULL MOON UNIVERSE #6 (Full Moon Comix)
Dollman gets a visit from Trancers‘s Jack Deth in this final issue of Full Moon’s first in-house comic, and he warns the 13″ death dealer his total eradication of evil has left the Full Moon universe more fucked up than it already was, and they gotta fix it with some non-sense time travelin’. This ain’t quite the action packed finale I was hopin’ for, but the comic creators wrap this epic story up nicely, tease us with other Full Moon comics that could have happened, and set-up Dollman for even more adventures. Bonus content includes a parody toy ad of Full Moon action figures we bet Full Moon fanatics wish were real!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #4 (Dynamite)
Elvira’s involuntary fling through time interrupts the filmin’ of the Bride of Frankenstein (or a copyright free version of it if you wanna be technical) in ol’ Hollywood, and Vlad the Impaler isn’t far behind as he chases her through a montage of golden age movie sets. Can she finally outsmart him and convince Faust, the fiend behind it all, to zap her back to her own time? Alright, this chase sequence with Vlad is hittin’ it’s third issue and time to put to rest which the comic creators luckily recognize in time. Now, we’re perfectly teased with bigger threats and misadventures for the mistress of the dark in what is still one of the most top-notch fun reads anyone can grab off the comic rack!
DOLLMAN KILLS THE FULL MOON UNIVERSE #5 (Full Moon Comix)
Before things come to a close next issue, Dollman’s gotta take out what movie monsters are left in quick succession. Now armed with the technology used for shrinkin’ bimbos in Full Moon’s Bad Channels, the 13″ cop with an attitude brings creeps down to his level and blows them away ’til he’s visited by a familiar face aimin’ to stop him. Now that several of Full Moon’s A-listers are extinct, it’s time for the second stringers and runner-ups to shine and it’s one awesome throwdown after another with the likes of Zarkorr, Seed People, Gingerdead Man, the Creeps, the Killer Eye, and Ragdoll. The kills are creative and funny, and Screaming Soup! squeezed in more original parody art with a Dungeons and Dragons version of the Full Moon Universe Dollman’s eradicatin’!
VAMPIRELLA VS RE-ANIMATOR #1 (Dynamite)
If fightin’ supernatural predators in one of comics’ skimpiest outfit wasn’t enough work for our favorite bloodsuckin’ e.t., bat shaped thingies warn Vampirella that Dr. Herbert West aka the Re-Animator is stickin’ his nose where it don’t belong in Mexico and raisin’ an infamous lady of death in his pursuit for cheatin’ dirt naps. The best part of this black and white mini-series so far is that it’s a modern tale you can choose to read as a stand alone spin on Lovecraft’s character Dr. West, or as a loose tie-in to the trilogy of movies starrin’ Jeffrey Combs. There’s plenty of action with West sickin’ re-animated plague victims on monks and Vampirella savin’ a gal from a ferocious wolf pack, but this first issue is really more meh set-up than anythin’ else with West and Vampirella narratin’ their separate adventures to themselves. Hope to see more interaction with words than fists next issue!
DOLLMAN KILLS THE FULL MOON UNIVERSE #4 (Full Moon Comix)
Dollman continues his big plan for assassinatin’ every form of evil in the Full Moon universe and next on his list is Killjoy and Batty Boop who he traps in a magic circus for a side splittin’ showdown before settin’ his sights on a carnival freakshow featurin’ the murderous mutants from Hideous! This is Killjoy and Batty’s first official comic appearance, and they’re a riot to read with them tormentin’ a brat pack of young’ns on the wrong side of the tracks. What’s surprisin’ is Killjoy’s design harkin’ back to his look from his first movie as opposed to his most recent appearance in Killjoy’s Psycho Circus. It’s also curious why Batty doesn’t look more like she does in the movies, but I think there might have been some miscommunication between the artist and colorist. Batty’s costume is pure body paint in the movies, so maybe the artist was leavin’ it to the colorist to do somethin’ similar with colorin’ her outfit on? Bonuses inside include a gag ad by Screaming Soup! imagingin’ Full Moon characters as shitty Ben Cooper costumes!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #3 (Dynamite)
Still bein’ chased by Vlad the Impaler in her time travelin’ coffin, Elvira runs smack into Dracula author Bram Stoker and helps him rescue his wife from becomin’ the romancin’ Romanian’s next bride of blood. Three issues in and this series hasn’t lost steam yet as a fun read hittin’ on all pistons with humorous stories that build character and suspense with fluid artwork enriched with wickedly cool color palettes. I highly recommend this series to any and all aspirin’ comic creators needin’ that near perfect example of sequential wizardry at its best!
HATCHET: VENGEANCE #1 (American Mythology Productions)
Victor Crowley gets another chance at sequential horror, and it looks waaay more promisin’ than his last miserable time out. A voodoo mobster’s possessive ego-trippin’ son attempts settin’ up his own criminal operation in Victor’s neck of the swamp and leaves the ferocious bogeyman no choice but to evict his coke snortin’ bikini gun totin’ party the hard way . . . limb by bloody limb! Diggin’ the basic story, praise the artwork for packin’ action and personality in every panel, and comin’ back next issue for the cover to cover bloodbath of visceral gore the Hatchet movies are best known for!
ARMY OF DARKNESS: HALLOWEEN SPECIAL (Dynamite)
It’s Halloween, and Ash is pullin’ double time fightin’ pirate deadites invadin’ Charleston, SC and crashin’ possessed cemetery parties for free beer. I’m actually impressed with the main attraction featurin’ a deadite Blackbeard leadin’ the undead crew of a cursed ship in search of the Necronomicon. The writer doesn’t recycle any of Raimi’s old jokes, the threats feel fresh, and the characters are legitimately interestin’. The second story, however, is waaay heavier on an ensemble of bodies possessed by deadites through a talkin’ board, and we couldn’t care any less ’bout them. Ash only pops in long enough at the end to slash ’em down and get a weak punchline out. Sweet art for both stories and worth the read!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #2 (Dynamite)
Elvira’s adventure in a time travelin’ coffin continues, and she crash lands in the company of Edgar Alan Poe who’s gotta help her get away from a displaced Vlad the Impaler. I gotta hand it to these comic creators ’cause they’re keepin’ up the momentum I loved so much last issue with keepin’ the story movin’, givin’ us characters who bounce off each other in fun ways, and punches of action that’s wonderfully exaggerated by the loose and fun artwork of Dave Acosta. A perfect example of a comic that covers the bases any up and comin’ comic creator can learn from!
ARMY OF DARKNESS/KISS #5 (Dynamite)
Wow, not a lot happens in this issue. We ended last issue on a big cliffhanger just to breeze past all that tension to a quick resolve with Ash and KISS jumpin’ out of the Necronomicon centuries later like it’s no big deal and whip the cult that started this mess to begin with in no time. The majority of the issue is just them yammerin’ ’bout Ash’s path as the chosen one bein’ set right, everythin’ fades the way of the mulligan, and Ash gets busy in the parkin’ lot with a KISS soldier. Art wise, the artist just doesn’t have a eye for dynamic layout which leaves every KISS splash lookin’ like someone’s throwin’ a concert in their backyard with cardboard cutouts!
OLDER
DOLLMAN KILLS THE FULL MOON UNIVERSE #3 (Full Moon Comix)
Dollman ain’t done destroyin’ every monster in the Full Moon Universe just yet and sets his sites on Shrieker, Creepozoids, and all new gang of baddies pickin’ on Dr. Mordrid with dark hoodoo. This is quite the unexpected turn as the series takes liberties bringin’ in original characters for Dollman to blow away with the help of one of Full Moon’s few heroes. It’s even a bigger surprise the point and shoot plot of the last two issues has been replaced with an actual story this time ’round with Mordrid and Dollman havin’ a clashin’ of personalities that leads to a lot of humorous situations on a short adventure full of twists, turns, and tension. The second story drops Dollman into a quickie kill with a Creepozoid for reasons that need no explanation, and double dippin’ with Screaming Soup! provided one of the alternate covers pictured to the left with an additional parody gag inside for a Atari spoof Pupppet Master game.
JEEPERS CREEPERS #5 (Dynamite)
As the Creeper’s first fling with comics comes to a close, he invites his biggest fan back to his place without much of a choice, pages of action and inappropriate touchin’ take place, and we see what exactly happens to folks stripped for spare Creeper parts. Not as much content as I would have liked, but the art’s good, and we’re still explorin’ details of the Creeper the movies could stand to dig into. Kind of sums of the whole mini-series, honestly. Sweet eye candy art, plenty of peeks into the Creeper’s backstory without compromisin’ his mysterious origins, and a decent enough story to keep ya engaged, but could have pit an additional character or two against the Creeper to amp the tension and develop the lead with more of a personality. Fangs crossed for more issues to come!
DOLLMAN KILLS THE FULL MOON UNIVERSE #2 (Full Moon Comix)
Dollman’s on the warpath to destroy every booger on Charlie Band’s IMDB page and sets his sites on Andre Toulon’s puppets and Jeffrey Combs’ twisted half brother, Castlefreak. With Shawn Gabborin, the longest runnin’ Puppet Master comic writer to date, behind the main event, Dollman’s throwdown with the puppets does not disappoint! It’s smart, savage, a little unexpected, and something fans have never seen but always wanted. The Castlefreak story is much shorter in comparison, but has some amazin’ artwork that really packs a visual punch as Dollman makes a quickie execution of him. Bonus Screaming Soup! artwork inside of a fake Saturday mornin’ lineup of Full Moon inspired cartoons!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #12 (Boom!)
The Old Man Jack mini-series publishes its final issue, and I’m pretty satisfied with the endin’! Jack Burton and Lo Pan continue their heavenly brawl at the pearly gates and things go ’bout as I’d expected but with a surprise twist regardin’ Jack’s fate. The art’s as poppin’ as ever with energy, the writtin’ ensures the story’s got character and heart, and it all just leaves me wantin’ more from what’s arguably one of the greatest horror movie tie-in rags on the shelf.
ROBOCOP: CITIZEN’S ARREST #5 (Boom!)
And what could have been a cool Robocop mini-series wraps up in one of the most disappointin’ ways possible as Murphy’s new bff is turned into a duplicate Robocop model, slugs it out with the original future of law enforcement, then joins forces for a quickie wrap-up with the city turnin’ against OCP with a tease for more stories featurin’ this refrigerator duo shuttin’ down corporate powerhouses. As someone who owns, read, and watched every Robocop movie, comic, cartoon, and TV show, I can say with the utmost authority this is one of the worst Robocop stories. Might be harsh given it’s not necessarily a bad story, but it’s just a lot of rehashin’ of past Robocop stories that offers very little new material to be excited ’bout. Hell, they could have at least given Robocop 2.0 a radically new look for Craven’s sake!
JEEPERS CREEPERS #4 (Dynamite)
More action than story, this issue is a flyby read with Devon runnin’ for his life from the Creeper in a maze of caves with snippets of a new flashback showin’ how the Creeper was responsible for the infamous Centralia mine fire of 1962 that Silent Hill is based on. Despite nothin’ progressin’ the story or developin’ Devon’s character, the art is some sweet eye candy that flows effortlessly from page to page and keeps my interest for wantin’ to see what happens next issue.
DOLLMAN KILLS THE FULL MOON UNIVERSE #1 (Full Moon Comix)
Dollman, Full Moon Empire’s 13″ alien cop with an attitude, returns to comics and decides it’s up to him to blow away every bit of evil in Charlie Band’s Full Moon universe beginnin’ with the Demonic Toys and the Stackpooles from Head of the Family. Presented in two short stories, this first issue cuts the bullshit and gives ya exactly what it advertises with monsters and madmen killed ’bout as quickly as they’re introduced without a lot of story to slow things down. But while things are fast paced, there’s still attention to detail as the writers who previously worked on Full Moon’s comics from Action Lab pick up most the characters from where they left off in their separate movies and hint at what they’ve been up to before they’re turned to funny book fodder. As wild as the action is, however, I just hope the creators manage to slip in even an ounce of the character depth found in the most recent Puppet Master comics. A great comic worth grabbin’ off the shelf, (especially for the parody ad Screaming Soup! created for the break between stories), I can’t wait to see more of it!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #11 (Boom!)
As Lo-Pan invades Heaven’s gates with an army of monsters in the name of his evil god, Jack Burton rallies what soul-tiers he can and races to stop them with battle wheels right out of a G.I. Joe toyline! Keepin’ up the excitin’ momentum that saved this mini-series from endin’ in a snoozefest, I’m really diggin’ this trippy version of Heaven the creators dreamed up and think it’s very clever how they throw money wrenches in Jack’s plans despite havin’ an army of angels at his back. With Jack blowin’ away armies of wooly boogers in a supernatural landscape full of warrior spirits and angels, the art in this issue is definitely some of the best I’ve seen yet! Still one of the best horror movie tie-in titles on the rack today!
ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK #1 (Dynamite)
The bustiest mistress of the dark returns to comics, and it’s nothin’ short of entertainin’! While shootin’ a new bloodsucker flick, Elvira’s forced into a time travelin’ coffin by a mysterious figure and randomly drops in on adventures with horror’s most creative minds beginnin’ with Mary Shelley. With whimsical art and engagin’ writin’, this is a perfect example of a light hearted comic that keeps a good pace balancin’ action and story with sophisticated dialogue that’s an effortless and fun read. My favorite new horror tie-in book on the rack and lookin’ forward to pickin’ up the next issue!
ARMY OF DARKNESS/KISS #4 (Dynamite)
The army of darkness gets its ass kicked by KISS and their groupie army of peasants, leavin’ Evil Sheila no choice but to funnel all the Necronomicon’s power into Evil Ash to turn the tide of battle back in their favor. But KISS is more than meets the eye and combines to form one random sword wieldin’ demon-thing to stay in the fight. Not a lot of story in this cover to cover brawl fest, but we do see some new ways to use old tricks like Evil Ash bein’ split into four Evil Ashes so each KISS member can have their turn tradin’ blows on Bruce Campbell’s chin. This series is frustratin’, because it has nuggets of great ideas for this crossover, but I just wish it weren’t against the same ol’ medieval backdrop that’s been beaten to death. This would be waaay more interestin’ to see Ash fightin’ Deadites on KISS’ turf instead!
JEEPERS CREEPERS #3 (Dynamite)
Goin’ all out for an A+ history paper, college boy Devon continues his search for the truth behind the Creeper’s existence and traces his history to the infamous Roanoke Colony that’s become a haven for period piece cosplayers. Previously duped into bein’ psychically linked with the centuries old monster, Devon learns the Creeper is responsible for the disappearance of the Roanoke colony, and the Creeper’s none too happy for the invasion of his privacy. Even though this series is still skirtin’ the actual origins of the Creeper, that’s fine by me so long as we keep gettin’ these frightenin’ flashbacks showin’ what all he did before the events of Jeepers Creepers. While some fans may not like the Creeper talkin’ as much as he does in this story, my only beef with the comic is Devon needin’ some co-stars and the lack of memorable gore. Despite that, however, it’s still a good read that’s holdin’ steady with this fan!
PUMPKINHEAD #5 (Dynamite)
And a big ol’ congratulations to Pumpkinhead for completin’ his first FULL comic run without any cancelations! Yeehaw! Yessir, the demon of vengeance wraps up the beastly brawl with his brothers of sin, slaughters guilty mountain bikers, and begins the dark cycle anew with Agnus reclaimin’ his remains after some senile stabbin’ action of her own. For the most part, this was a great read that expands not only Pumpkinhead’s lore but Agnes origins as well. I didn’t care much for the other characters and the art got iffy at times with its proportions and demon designs, but I would ultimately love to see this made into a Pumpkinhead sequel which I think is a major compliment!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #10 (Boom!)
Jack Burton’s knockin’ on Heaven’s door to prevent Lo-Pan and the Chinese diety who brought hell to Earth from invadin’ the original holy land, but’s he’s not greeted with the welcome he might expect among heaven’s security. Yes! The comic creators are finally shakin’ things up and grabbin’ my interest by both ears again. After so many issues spent against the same hellish backdrop with the story babysteppin’ to the inevitable end, this is the shot in the arm I needed with Jack dropped in this wild lookin’ version of Heaven. Fun storytellin’, witty art, and explodin’ heads continue to remind me why this is one of the best horror movie tie in comics on the rack today!
ROBOCOP: CITIZEN’S ARREST #4 (Boom!)
Robocop lazily blows away sassin’ robots to protect a Detroit neighborhood OCP wants to bulldoze for a brighter future, a bunch of talkin’ heads go blah blah blah, a bomb drops, and scientists cart away Murphy’s newest friend to be turned into a tin can for big business’ version of justice. I hate sayin’ it, but this series is just spiralin’ down the toilet as it completely rehashes plots from Robocop 3 and Robocop: Prime Directives. I mean, Citizen’s Arrest was so innovative at first with the whole idea of people turned against one another through social media apps, but now it’s just a lackluster read treadin’ an all too familiar path that’s beaten to shit at this point. The only savin’ grace at this point is the artwork, but it could still stand to be more energetic with its fight scenes!
JEEPERS CREEPERS #2 (Dynamite)
Diggin’ deeper into the origins of the Creeper, our curious college student’s research takes him to North Carolina where he goes on a vision quest for answers with the help of Native Americans. While he’s trippin’ balls, we learn 1) the Creeper’s centuries old and feared worldwide, and 2) he’s also know as Uktena. Not a bad issue with snippets of new information on one of horror’s most mysterious monsters, I just wish the Creeper did more this issue than go to bed in a nest and supposedly become aware of the student’s hunt for him in his dreams. Still a lot of promise for this series, and it’s already given up more information than Jeepers Creepers 3 did.
ROBOCOP: CITIZEN’S ARREST #3 (Boom!)
If you love a comic full of talkin’ heads with very little action, this is the funny rag for you! Read newscasters and business men talk about what’s happenin’ with the state of Detroit’s transformation into a new tomorrow (didn’t they already do this in at least one version of Robocop?) while Robo talks with his new buddy ’bout directives. Even for a breather issue, this is such a disappointin’ read. Be a bit different if the art and layouts were more dynamic’, but it’s just as excitin’ as readin’ Charlie Brown shootin’ the shit with Linus on that wall in the Peanuts strips. What’s worse is the end teases at OCP buildin’ another damn Robocop which echoes hackneyed ideas from Robocop 2, stories from the Marvel comic run, and the Robocop: Prime Directives mini-series.
A
RMY OF DARKNESS/KISS #3 (Dynamite)
Rescued from the Deadites by KISS and wearin’ their magical make-up to keep his evil side subdued, Ash accepts his timeline as the chosen one has been fucked with and rallies the few remaining peasants with a KISS concert before leadin’ them into battle against Evil Sheila’s army of darkness. As if KISS firin’ lasers out of every orifice wasn’t enough to even the odds, the original Sheila joins the fight and shares her Evil Dead experience that’s all too familiar of an exposition. Alright, the concert’s funny, the make-up’s a clever idea, and we got the Deadite horse back in the picture after it was scrapped from the movie, but I need a little more originality in this thing. Maybe this should be heavier in KISS’s cosmic space drama with their big bads as the central focus of evil. Hell, shoehorn that psycho circus in here somehow!
ARMY OF DARKNESS/KISS #2 (Dynamite)
Relive the first act of Army of Darkness all over again, but this time KISS is there to save Ash’s ass from Arthur’s kingdom which has been totally flipped on its crown with everyone bein’ a Deadite lead by an evil Sheila. Putrid polecats! I swear someone at Dynamite made a bet at some point they could publish the same story for years and only change a thing or two to keep it “fresh” for readers. ‘course every new version of AOD is excusable with the alternate timelines and interdimensional doppelgangers the comics have more than exploited over the years, but fer cryin’ out loud, can we please stop recyclin’ the same movie plot already and dare to chart new territory like that League of Light storyline from years ago?!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #9 (Boom!)
Jack Burton and his gang of heroes are fightin’ the end game to win their world back from the Chinese god who made it hell on Earth, but Lo Pan has his own plans. This should have been the final issue with all the build up to this point, but the creators decided to drag this out with a twist endin’ that’s a little too . . . expected? This may be the first time I’m disappointed in an issue of BTILC and wish it offered more. Be prepared for some of your favorite characters to die!
PUMPKINHEAD# 4 (Dynamite)
I hate to say it, but not a whole lot happens this issue. The whole thing is practically Pumpkinhead fightin’ and snarlin’ to keep Haggis safe from one of his brothers of sin, and cops shoot at a monster that looks like it escaped from a John Carpenter flick. Action packed but not a lot of content that brings anythin’ new to the table we haven’t already seen in Pumpkinhead’s movies or prior issues. The art’s still good, and it’s obvious the artist digs drawin’ monster brawls more than people’s melodrama which can be a little stiff at times.
GINGERDEAD MAN MEETS EVIL BONG# 3 (Action Lab/ Danger Zone)
The heated meetin’ between Full Moon Empire’s killer cookie and sassy bong concludes with a showdown of Toho proportions as they exchange blows like a couple of city stompin’ monsters parodyin’ Iron Man, Power Rangers, Pacific Rim . . . you get the picture. Overall, another fun read that allows fans to see their favorite Full Moon characters go well beyond the budgetary constraints of a movie, and it’s easy an enough to plug anywhere in either series’ continuities. Bonus material in the back includes writer Brockton McKinney’s steps for writin’ these comics from scratch notes to finished script.
PUMPKINHEAD# 3 (Dynamite)
After two issues of build-up, we finally get to see Pumpkinhead fight his demonic brethren of sin! Not a lot of story to get in the way of this monster mash, Pumpkinhead’s latest target conjures these hell boogers as a last line of defense, and even sicks them after Pumpkie’s pimp, Haggis. While most of the monsters are cleverly designed with a pinch of Pan’s Labyrinth here and a hair of Lovecraft there, I can tell the artist must have had a hard time with creatin’ a look for Lust who’s just this naked chick with random insect arms and tentacles stuck on her like a bored young’n’s glue gun experiment on his sister’s doll. I also couldn’t help but notice how he drew some of the supporting characters with these weird squatty proportions which only looked weirder with the colorist usin’ a color pallet from an NES video game.
BUBBA HO-TEP AND THE COSMIC BLOOD-SUCKERS #1 (IDW)
In this sequential prequel to Bubba Ho-Tep, Elvis is still the king before his switcheroo exit with Bruce Campbell and is heavily involved with some top secret government operations pittin’ grindhouse inspired agents against bloodsuckin’ e.t.s. Full of vulgar language, topless chicks gettin’ banged, and unexpected touches of the macabre like a steamboat full of zombie servants, this is everythin’ I could hope for, but I just can’t bring myself to invest in any of the characters or their dilemmas. It’s not a bad comic by a long stretch with thoughtful writin’ and detailed art, but I don’t think I’ll be pickin’ up any more issues for now.
ROBOCOP: CITIZEN’S ARREST #2 (Boom!)
Murphy’s back on line in the nick of time as a friendly neighbor helps him retire from the life of a depressed refrigerator to fight sassin’ drones and app driven robots steamrollin’ low income folks. Robocop has got to be one of the toughest writin’ gigs, ’cause it seems every series likes to rehash the same tired idea; Big bad businesses and their evil robots. It’s a formula that made us fans, but new writers need to shake things up more with dramatically new dangers and different enemies we haven’t already seen countless times in Murph’s cartoons, comics, or TV shows. It just feels like they’re copy pastin’ past stories with only the names and faces bein’ changed at this point.
GINGERDEAD MAN MEETS EVIL BONG# 2 (Action Lab/ Danger Zone)
The Gingerdead Man’s got himself a new semi-shape shiftin’ body of dough and puts it to the test against a gang of vengeful cyborg punks while Ebee’s chastised by the head sheriffs of Bong World. If money were no issue, I’d like to think these comics are the kind of over the top flicks we’d be gettin’ from Full Moon Empire. Writer Brockton McKinney keeps all the raunchy humor from the movies like a naked Gingerdead Man helicopter-cockin’ his way out of a bad situation, but he goes big with interstellar travel, Iron Man parodies, and bringin’ in bad guys that scream weirdo action figures from the ’90s! Worth pickin’ up for the Killjoy cameo alone!
JEEPERS CREEPERS #1 (Dynamite)
The Creeper is reelin’ from what I think is the openin’ flashback scene from Jeepers Creepers 3, and some guy’s lookin’ for answers about him in Mexican temples. A decent start for what promises to be an insightful read, not a lot happens in this issue, but two things are for sure . . . the Creeper TALKS, and he’s got some past in ancient Mexico where folks worshipped him as a kind of dragon god for a period of time. Definitely offers more answers than what Jeepers Creepers 3 gave up! Decent writin’ and artwork, though I really wish Kelley Jones was doin’ more than just alternate covers for this series!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #8 (Boom!)
This epically apocalyptic adventure is gettin’ closer to endin’ as Jack learns his own death can end a Chinese demon’s hell on Earth with it severin’ the entity’s unholy bridge to his reality. Jack believes in options, however, and tries his hand at makin’ deals again which talks him into a much worse situation with one fortunate perk he’s gotta take advantage of. Sadly, not a lot happens in this issue as it’s just a breather of a steppin’ stone to the next (hopefully) more excitin’ chapter in what could be Jack’s swan song. Whimsical artwork as always, but the story needs a lot more punch for my buck!
ROBOCOP: CITIZEN’S ARREST #1 (Boom!)
A new creative team is rewrittin’ Robocop’s distant future, and this time OCP is makin’ a comeback with a new owner usherin’ in a robot police force that responds to citizen’s crime reportin’ apps that gives them cash rewards when the offenses are legit. And is Robocop the sheriff of these deputized tin cans? Nope, he’s been retired to a slum house where he’s forced to stare at his sidearm his program will never allow him to pick up again. I have to hand it to the writer for comin’ up with such a fresh idea that’s not Murphy goin’ head to head with giant Ed-209s or thugs with bigger guns like more recent series have. The story gets me excited, I’m interested in the characters so far, the art’s nothin’ less than engagin’, and I can’t wait to see where this new mini-series takes our favorite cybernetic lawman.
GINGERDEAD MAN MEETS EVIL BONG# 1 (Action Lab/ Danger Zone)
Gingerdead Man runs back to the funny pages and picks his story back up where his first mini-series left off with him splattered like shit all over the sidewalk. Lucky for him, however, a stoner steps in him and brings him to Ebee’s head shop where the evil bong is none too happy to see the killer cookie. After he dispenses of some customers in gore-tastic fashion, Ebee sends his doughy ass to the bong world where he goes to war with candyland minions to reach a wizard for one bizarre wish! I still need to check how this fits in with the continuity of both movie series, but since it’s written by the guy who penned Evil Bong 666 and Evil Bong 777, it feels legit Full Moon Empire and thankfully takes advantage of not needin’ a budget to go crazy with the ideas. The art’s a little too simple for my taste, but it clearly tells the story without any hiccups, so it’s got that goin’ for it.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #7 (Boom!)
Not a whole lot to say about this issue. Jack, Lo Pan, and Wang infiltrate a new corner of hell and fight ghost young’ns and Thunder to rescue Egg and his spell book that reveals how they can defeat the Chinese deity who’s taken over the planet. More like a steppin’ stone to the next chapter of the series with Jack provin’ his worth to the team, this issue has art that’s karate kickin’ off the pages, but the humor’s pretty lackluster.
ARMY OF DARKNESS/KISS# 1 (Dynamite)
Anyone who really knows KISS knows they’ve got this whole convoluted backstory ’bout them bein’ these cosmic bein’s with super powers and what not, but now their origins are linked to the Necronomicon and a bunch of jealous cultists wantin’ their power for themselves. More KISS heavy than AOD in this first issue, the majority of the story is the cultists attackin’ Detroit’s favorite rockers durin’ a concert in the ’80s and sendin’ them back to medieval times. This upsets the timeline and keeps Ash from goin’ to the cabin where he officialy kicks off bein’ the chosen one, but luckily, Merlyn’s ancestor from the 20th century knows what’s up and magically fires Ash’s clueless ass back into the events of Army of Darkness where KISS has been mixin’ things up. The story’s interestin’ enough, we’ve got some new characters which is always refreshin’, but I can’t believe we’re rehashin’ medieval times again, and the art could stand to be a little more excitin’ with the layout. That splash page of Gene on stage was pretty lackluster!
PUMPKINHEAD# 2 (Dynamite)
Alright, this sucker just got waaay more interestin’! The hackneyed revenge story takes a turn for the unpredictable as the folks bein’ chased by Pumpkinhead find Haggis’ witchy sisters and call forth his sin themed brethren to protect them. A little more set-up than gory action, but still well written, nicely drawn, and we pick back up with a little more of that Haggis backstory featured at the end of the last issue that’s got us hooked. Very excitin’ series to be pickin’ up right now.
HATCHET# 3 (American Mythology Productions)
Thank Craven we finally bring an end to this horribly made comic series based on Adam Green’s gore-tastic line of slasher flicks. If you couldn’t have guessed it already, the student film crew are still in Victor Crowley’s swamp, and they all die in messily drawn spasms. ’nuff said. Insultingly simplistic plot with zip character to it, and the rushed lookin’ art is still as atrocious as ever save for some drawin’s of the girls which must be the work of the second artist listed in the credits. Adam needs to protect his property from shitty treatments like this in the future.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #6 (Boom!)
Jack, Lo Pan, and Wang have been captured and comically put through their own individual hells, but with a little ingenuity and elbow grease, they each find their way back to each other and formulate a new plan for reclaimin’ the Earth from the demon Jack released. This is a great issue. The art’s witty and jumpin’ off the page, there’s a bunch of monsters, and the writin’ is firin’ on all pistons regardin’ the humor and the parallels of Jack and Lo Pan’s development as characters who are more alike than they like to admit. Still one of the most dependable good reads on the rack!
PUMPKINHEAD# 1 (Dynamite)
Pumpkinhead returns to comics and hopefully for a complete run this time! While the story recycles the tired ol’ tale of mountain yokels summonin’ the demon of vengeance to slaughter folks who wronged them (in this case, bikers accidentally kill a guy’s young’ns. Sound familiar?), we do get dips into Haggis’ backstory for how she became known as Pumpkinhead’s ghoulish pimp which I think makes for a waaay more interestin’ story. Even better, we get more of the inside scoop on Pumpkinhead’s sinful metaphors for brothers with them bein’ featured in mini-adventures in the back of the issue. I would have loved it if Kelley Jones were the artist on this book despite his silly decapitated head on the cover, but pencil for hire, Blacky Sheperd, proves he’s more than capable for deliverin’ his own awesome visions of horror!
PUPPET MASTER: CURTAIN CALL# 3 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
Action Lab brings its licensed run of Puppet Master comics to a close, and wraps up the series with a possessed Anthony battlin’ Anapa from within while Toulon’s puppets and Anapa’s minions beat each other into woodchips. Tons of puppet violence, touchin’ good-byes, plenty of directions to take the series next, and the author offers an alternative endin’ in script form in the back of the issue for curios fan boys. A terrific end to the best movie tie-in comic on the rack these last 3 years!
PUPPET MASTER: CURTAIN CALL# 2 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
One word sums up this issue, and it’s “FIGHT!” Nothin’ but cover to cover puppet on puppet violence with everyone gettin’ roasted or ripped to pieces with blips of dramatic interruption to help develop Anthony’s story before he starts fightin’ Anapa in his head as a lion puppet man. I haven’t seen action like this since Puppet Master 5!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #5 (Boom!)
Jack and Lo Pan are haulin’ ass to face down the demon of their current apocalypse with help from a resurrected Wang, but their plan of attack is spotty at best and brings them face to face with the Three Storms for help, but they aren’t too thrilled to meet with the gang after their last encounter in Carpenter’s ’86 feature. This series is still a great read with witty art that just leaps off the page with its bold inks and kinetic layouts. This issue has some of the best Jack Burton lines yet, and the Storms’ reactions to Jack and how they died in the movie is hysterical!
HATCHET #2 (American Mythology Productions)
Eager college filmmakers arrive at a topless Mardi Gras and head out to shoot their new horror flick at Victor Crawley’s ol’ place, never suspectin’ he’s real or currently killin’ every trespasser on his property. Putrid polecats, I have no fuckin’ clue what the hell’s goin’ on with the artwork in this luke warm story. It literally looks like the artist couldn’t meet the deadline and left the publisher no choice but to print his thumbnail sketches for page layouts. It’s insultin’ how rushed it looks and even more distractin’ with the occasional polished page popped in. Overall, the story’s decent enough, but they need a new artist!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #4 (Boom!)
Continuin’ their truckin’ ‘cross the scorched backroads of America, Jack and Lo Pan are caught by a roamin’ gang of Max Maxin’ nomads while fightin’ over Jack bein’ responsible for the apocalypse. Brought before the road tribe’s leader, Jack’s ecstatic to see it’s Wang resurrected from the dead, but Wang’s none too happy ’bout the price the world had to pay for their reunion. The artwork continues to jump off the page, the writin’ reads smooth, and there’s still plenty of laughs to be had in this fun series that’s every bit as good as the movie thanks to John Carpenter’s involvement!
PUPPET MASTER: CURTAIN CALL# 1 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
So, instead of wrappin’ up the whole camp cult storyline left danglin’ in issue 20, we’re skippin’ ahead in time with all that stuff already bein’ resolved and focusin’ on Anapa makin’ his next big move for ultimate power. Only a reincarnated Toulon and Anthony have any hope of stoppin’ him and his puppet army which is easier said than done with ass face gainin’ control of Toulon’s own deadly creations. I hate how the creators completely ditch their last unfinished story from the regular series, but love the way this new plot is developin’ with all of our favorite characters from the Puppet Master movies comin’ together in a well thought out clash thanks to uber fan, author Shawn Gabborin. Still the best horror movie tie-in comic on the rack!
ASH VS THE ARMY OF DARKNESS# 5 (Dynamite)
And so ends another Evil Dead story with Ash savin’ Alan Shepherd High’s homecomin’ dance from their Deadite possessed selves and stoppin’ the twisted secret agent behind it all. The art’s simple but kinetic, there’s some nice interaction among characters amidst pages packed with blood sprayin’ action, Ash’s car’s got new tricks, and we’re even given some new villains who aren’t evil copies of Ash . . . sorta. And for those who care, the creators do tie up some loose ends that allow this story to potentially fit into previous continuities with minimum imagination.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #3 (Boom!)
It’s Jack and Lo Pan versus the apocalypse as they travel across a scorched America to dethrone the demon responsible for the world goin’ down the toilet. The first big obstacle they run into is a stretch of highway that manifests wronged ghosts from their past, one of which is Wang who reveals Jack’s original doomsday dealin’s with their demonic target ain’t so accidental. More character driven than action packed, this issue still manages to keep up the series’ fun momentum with Jack and Lo Pan’s comedic repartee. Only thing startin’ to bug me is the artist’s renderin’ of Jack which looks like a character from the stop-motion Rudolph special.
JUGHEAD: THE HUNGER (ARCHIE COMICS)
Archie’s been busy these last few years fightin’ zombies, aliens, and sharknados in his alternate titles, but now he’s helpin’ Betty hunt werewolves in Riverdale thanks to Jughead’s cursed lineage. After collectin’ the Afterlife with Archie series, I’ve come to think Archie’s not the easiest line of comics to follow. Issues never seem to come out on a predictable schedule, stories will start and stop without any notice, and this Hunger series is frustratin’ ’cause we start in the middle of a story with all this exposition that leaves me to believe I missed a whole mini-series I didn’t even know existed. Good stuff so far with Jughead runnin’ away to the circus and Reggie turnin’ killer wolf, but not as fun as the crossover with Predator and not quite as deep as Afterlife.
ARCHIE HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR 2017 (ARCHIE COMICS)
Nice cover, but this is basically a reprint of three old Archie shorts. Two are about Reggie scaring the gang at different costume and Halloween parties thrown by Veronica ’til the tables are turned on him, and the last is one of them toddler tales with everyone dressin’ as rugrat ghosts for another one of Ronnie’s parties. Skip it and just buy the Halloween digest at the supermarket!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #2 (Boom!)
A mortal Lo Pan has tricked Jack Burton into leavin’ his patch of paradise to rescue him from his corner of hell on Earth and proposes they team-up for a cross-country adventure to defeat the demon responsible for their apocalyptic future. Still a great series that hasn’t lost steam with any of its installments yet, the writin’ is fun, the art has whimsy with edge, and I can’t get enough of this crazy world of beasts and boogers Jack has to fight through. Awesome read!
ASH VS THE ARMY OF DARKNESS# 4 (Dynamite)
In this breather issue, we take a break from Deadites and get to know the characters a little better as Ash continues his hunt for evil at Alan Shepherd High School with help from problematic students and a supernatural swat team made in his image. Seriously, with the exception of the cliffhanger endin’, Ash doesn’t encounter one bad booger he’s gotta blow away. In the meantime, however, the writer proves he’s got the chops to make this comic more than mere splatter action with a well paced jugglin’ act that develops a well rounded cast of dynamic characters preparin’ for the homecomin’ dance.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: OLD MAN JACK #1 (Boom!)
Brother trucker Jack Burton returns as an aged wisecracker livin’ the good life and accidentally releases a demon of the east who ushers in a supernatural apocalypse after mergin’ the world of the livin’ with the afterlife. Spared from torment for releasin’ him, Jack is finally stirred from his acre of private heaven when a supposed hottie’s distress call comes over his CB radio, motivatin’ his butt to quest the new hell on Earth and rescue her. I’ve never been disappointed in the BTILC comics, and nothin’s changed with this newest story that’s sure to deliver top shelf entertainment. With creator/director John Carpenter as one of the writers, this first issue is packed with deep Jack Burton quotes, funny twists, and cool explorations of new hells full of all kinds of monsters. Excited to see how this rides out!
HATCHET #1 (American Mythology Productions)
It’s 1985, and a gang of college filmmakers are settin’ out to create the next great slasher flick inspired by their town’s local legend, the boogeyman of the swamp himself, Victor Crowley. To make things authentic, the rag-tag guerilla gag of goobs plan on filmin’ it at Crowley’s old haunt of a home, clueless he’s even real and still butcherin’ trespassers as they speak. A good first issue that delivers well paced laughs and splatter gore with a story worthy of bein’ a Hatchet film in its own right, the art is the only distractin’ thing from time to time with the artist’s understandin’ of anatomy. Half the time the film geeks look like adult heads stuck on youngn’s bodies!
GWAR: ORGASMAGEDDON# 4 (Dynamite)
This rockin’ mini-series performs its swan song in time to advertise the band’s continuin’ adventures in the newest Gwar album bein’ released, and it’s one of the craziest last issues I’ve ever read! Gwar rounds up the last bit of help they need for winnin’ the day and hyper jet their dick shaped time machine to their final fight with Mr. Perfect, the intergalactic bein’ who killed Oderus Urungus. Poster worthy splash pages of insane timewarp antics, a full ship of wonderfully offensive characters, and a monstrous endin’ that doesn’t fail to satisfy. Comes with 3 additional short stories in the back and a few original pieces of Gwar art.
THE HOWLING: REVENGE OF THE WEREWOLF QUEEN# 4 (Dynamite)
It’s the Howling version of Dog Soldiers as this issue unleashes the hounds of war with Marsha leadin’ werewolves and their newly resurrected zombie pack against a small army of unlucky joes. Not a lot of story to get in the way of the plot, and there’s gore galore with some nicely done pages of Swiss cheese wolves tearin’ green shirts limb from bloody limb with explosions and helicopter crashes. And if that weren’t awesome enough, this mini-series wraps up with an unexpected endin’ I’m surprised the creators took because it kinda makes Chris’ involvement pretty pointless if not for Marsha wantin’ revenge for him helpin’ kill her pack.
THE HOWLING: REVENGE OF THE WEREWOLF QUEEN# 3 (Dynamite)
Alright, things are startin’ to come together and this story’s gettin’ interestin’ again! Marsha Quist opens the issue grabbin’ nuts and killin’ porno stars with their own bones, Chris is pulled deeper into government conspiracies coverin’ up the existence of werewolves, they start crossin’ paths now with Marsha wantin’ revenge for her brother’s death in The Howling movie, and there’s a teaser for zombie werewolves next iss’! Much better balance between Marsha and Chris’ stories, “Whoa!” worthy moments of gore, and promisin’ developments movin’ the story forward.
ASH VS THE ARMY OF DARKNESS# 3 (Dynamite)
So, it seems this particular series has difficulty givin’ readers action and story at the same time. After I bitched about the last 1-2 issues bein’ a bunch of splatter brawls without a lot of substance, we’re finally developin’ the story some with the introduction of an elite force of supernatural butt-kickers Arthur and his knights started after Ash left Medieval times. This adds another level of cool stuff to the Evil Dead mythos that could open doors to more possible adventures, but this exposition kind of takes over the issue with Ash just throwin’ down a bit with Deadite haters refusin’ to believe he’s the chosen one they strived to live up to.
GWAR: ORGASMAGEDDON# 3 (Dynamite)
Keepin’ the pedal to the metal, Gwar continues rocketin’ through the timeline fightin’ octopussies and mutant semen durin’ the sinkin’ of the Titanic, Sawborg Destructo in the Renaissance, and fan boys at a tappin’ of Jerry Springer where they finally come mug to pustule mug with the late Oderus Urungus. Still a thin plot without a lot of development, but a fun filthy ride full of jizz monsters, sexual beasts, and total disregard for decency. Includes 2 mini-stories of Oderus and Gwar’s slaves as well as a fan art gallery.
THE HOWLING: REVENGE OF THE WEREWOLF QUEEN# 2 (Dynamite)
This series started out the gate strong, but I’m not quite as impressed with this issue. Sure, there’s full blown werewolf action with Marsha Quist tearin’ through armed men and rippin’ guy’s nuts off while Chris Halloran continues his investigation of forces plottin’ against him, but there’s somethin’ missin’ I can’t put my finger on. Might be Marsha and Chris’ lack of interaction so far and how there’s no one as interestin’ as them in their divided stories so far. Decent art but nothin’ stellar that elevates the story.
ASH VS THE ARMY OF DARKNESS# 2 (Dynamite)
Damn! This series started off on the right foot but is losin’ steam with this latest lackluster entry. Ash and the hormone burstin’ yahoos in detention are now surrounded by the Necronomicon’s evil that’s possessed the entire school buildin’ and that’s . . . that’s it. Sure, the evil finds a new host in the janitor and barfs the school inside out into an M.C. Escher paintin’, but nothin’ really moves the story forward, even with the last minute introduction of a secret organization that’s been keepin’ tabs on Ash. Only memorable moment is the Necronomicon possessin’ a dumpster that eats a fella!
THE HOWLING: REVENGE OF THE WEREWOLF QUEEN# 1 (Dynamite)
After survivin’ the slaughter of her werewolf colony by a TV news team in The Howling (1981), Marsha Quist is back and on the hunt for anyone she can blame for her family’s demise. While she spends half the issue chasin’ Dr. Waggner’s wife (who’s surprisingly not a werewolf) to have a bite, the rest of the story follows Chris Halloran’s turmoil after shootin’ Dee “Dogface” Wallace on live television at the end of Joe Dante’s cult hit. I’m likin’ this so far, but I ain’t in love with it. The art is good but nothin’ remarkable, and I’m missin’ Marsha’s point for goin’ after the wife of the doctor from the movie. Seems like she would have gone after Chris, who’s got the better story so far. Killer covers for a first issue!
GWAR: ORGASMAGEDDON# 2 (Dynamite)
The outrageously barbaric rock band from the Scumdog universe is still ping pongin’ through time and space in a dick-ship, turnin’ the timeline inside out with each historic blood ‘n guts encounter. After violent run ins with cave men, Nazis, Aztecs, and passengers on the Titanic, you might want to pick up your history book for a refresher course! Now that we’re past all the expositions and roll call in the first issue, this next chapter feels less encumbered and a more fluid read. Only critique I got for now is wantin’ to see more distinctive personalities out of each band member. 2 bonus mini comics in the back and fan art.
ASH VS THE ARMY OF DARKNESS# 1 (Dynamite)
Undercover as a substitute teacher, Ash continues his no non-sense investigation at the local high school to figure out who’s been meddlin’ with Deadite forces. Just when he thinks he’s cornered the culprit in detention, Ash suddenly finds himself sloppily dissectin’ Deadite frogs attackin’ from the science lab. So far, this is a fresh take on Ash that I’m diggin’. He’s wagin’ the same ol’ war against Deadites with nods to tired gags from the Evil Dead flicks, but the circumstances and characters help it feel new and fun to see Ash in a different kind of scenario.
GWAR: ORGASMAGEDDON# 1 (Dynamite)
Gwar, one of the wildest lookin’ rock bands in history, returns to comics and assaults your eyeballs with a dirty sci-fi adventure that’s sure to satisfy any hardcore fan! Durin’ their latest concert followin’ the loss of their leader, Oderus Urungus, the band is attacked by intergalactic foes and fight a bloodbath through time and space escapin’ them. The story’s nothin’ sophisticated, and the action gets bogged down at times with sooo many characters, exposition, and non-sense names packed in, but it’s an overall fun read with extra short stories and fan art in the back that make this first issue well worth the cover price. Lookin’ forward to the next issue.
ASH VS THE ARMY OF DARKNESS# 0 (Dynamite)
In this newest reboot/remake of the chosen one, we hit the reset button after Ash blows away an unruly Deadite customer in S-Mart at the end of Army of Darkness. The papers slam him, the public ridicules him, and S-Mart is forced to let him go. With nothin’ better to do, Ash doesn’t mind helpin’ a local teacher who says the unruly shopper was a coworker of hers, infected by an evil that’s still spreadin’ at their school. I first thought it was a bit of a stretch to milk that memorable S-Mart battle for a story, but I’m on board with what the writer’s sellin’ so far. Regardin’ cannon and continuity, this can be read as another alternate dimension/timeline story the other comics have introduced before, or as a prequel to Ash vs Evil Dead, explainin’ why he doesn’t work at the S-Mart anymore.
EVIL DEAD 2: REVENGE OF EVIL ED# 2 (Space Goat Publishing)
So, turns out Evil Ed didn’t know he was attackin’ a Deadite clone of Ash afterall and laughs it off until Clone Ash saws his rotten ass up . . . off page! That’s grade-A bullshit right there. This 2-part blip of a story ends just as bland as it started, and offers very little insight or development in the Evil Dead universe with the most dramatic moment bein’ Clone Ash’s refusal to be an obedient Deadite. Best part in this issue is Ash defeatin’ Dracula after makin’ him question why someone as bad ass as he is would be workin’ with the Deadites.
HATCHET #0 (American Mythology Productions)
A soft introduction into Victor Crowley’s upcomin’ comic series, this comic breezes over events of the first Hatchet flick from the perspective of John Buechler’s character John Cracker, a piss drinkin’ swamprat with a hard on for blow-up babes. While recappin’ Crowley’s massacre of the tourists who visit his home unannounced, Cracker reminds the reader who Crowley is and the stories that surround his infamous legend as a Louisiana slasher. The artwork is a little rough, but the issue serves its purpose as a well written teaser with a bonus black and white preview comic in the back of butt naked vampire chicks in orgies.
ARMY OF DARKNESS/XENA: FOREVER . . . AND A DAY# 6 (Dynamite)
And so concludes what I think is the WORST Army of Darkness comic ever published, and it’s well past time! Xena is still doomed to be defeated by the Deadites unless old man Ash escorts her to the Garden of Eden and stop the one responsible before it even happens. And who’s the villainous mastermind abusin’ the Necronomicon this time? Some lovesick yahoo from the dawn of man who got the hard brush from Adam and Eve and wants the rest of the world to be just as miserable. So, they fight, time’s restored (I guess), the end. I still can’t believe this shit got made. The art is fine and enjoyable, but the writin’ is atrocious and a waste of space on the comic rack!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA / ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK #6 (Boom!)
This hilarious crossover comes to a satisfyin’ conclusion as dopplegangers Jack Burton and Snake Plissken deliver their final blows against Lo-Pan, she-Snakes, magical mega-bomb guitars, and a fuckin’ fire breathin’ dragon! This is one of the best crossovers I’ve ever read, and praise the creators for not takin’ it too serious and givin’ fans a book that feels true to the characters with colorful artwork that leaps off the page! Hunt the individual issues or pick up the graphic novel, because it’s worth it!
EVIL DEAD 2: REVENGE OF EVIL ED# 1 (Space Goat Publishing)
If you recall, Ash took out Evil Ed just as quick as he popped up in Evil Dead 2, but this comic brings ol’ chompers back as if he’s one of Ash’s greatest enemies. Ed is now a head honcho or somethin’ in hell and rallies together the most juvenile line-up of evil from Hitler to Bin Laden to help him get revenge on Ash – er, his magical clone to be exact. You know, I don’t think it’s clear enough if Ed even knows he’s goin’ after Ash’s Deadite copy or not, but I doubt it would change how lame the story is with Clone Ash ridin’ a bus to hell and chainsawin’ his way through Deadites like he’s partin’ the Red Sea with wet farts. Lots of missed opportunities for this to be a bit deeper with Clone Ash’s new romance with Annie bein’ thrown into a little turmoil with her connection to Ed which could have been explored more than the movie allowed. Sequential junk food for the horror soul.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA / ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK #5 (Boom!)
This surprise hit just keeps on truckin’ as Snake Plissken and Jack Burton continue their fight against post-apocalyptic governments and spectre sorcerers. The government comes in possession of a magical guitar from Hell and do their best to rock Snake and Jack’s cross country convoy to death. Jack convinces Lo-Pan to help them fight, and he summons the greatest Snake Plissken that’s ever existed among all the universes which might be more trouble than expected! This issue isn’t quite as funny as the last few, but that’s probably because it has to do a lot of set-up for the conclusion comin’ up next. Enjoyed the return of Lady Snake who’s certainly a break out character!
PUPPET MASTER: HALLOWEEN 1989, THE CREATURE (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
Fans return to the ’80s as a mysterious Scooby-Doo creature sneaks into the Bodega Bay Inn on Halloween and is greeted by a deadly pint size security system of Toulon’s killer puppets. Set sometime between the first and second Puppet Master movie with the last girl from part one as the puppet’s master, this issue is about as speechless as that famous Snake Eyes issue of G.I.Joe. One of the more violent stories with the puppets relentlessly attackin’ this poor misunderstood monster, the endin’ is pretty funny ’cause you see the puppets kind of panic and go overboard with some of their decisions to save face with their master. Worth a look, but nothin’ too incredibly special.
A
RMY OF DARKNESS/XENA: FOREVER . . . AND A DAY# 5 (Dynamite)
This ridiculous story about Ash bein’ flung all over Xena’s timeline now has characters in the comic admittin’ they have no idea what’s goin’ on. Xena’s finally breakin’ out of her deja vu death openin’ we’ve had for 4 issues, and we’re finally clued in she’s fightin’ Deadites. She summons Ash once more, only this time, she time warps an elderly Ash who’s been wasting his life on a S-Mart roof waiting for her to call again. Given she can zap Ash from anywhere/anytime, I don’t get why he’s actin’ like a dog waitin’ at the door for his master to return. And if that weren’t enough, Ash arrives at the wrong time and place again and apparently has a plan we’re not privy too, usherin’ Xena to an island of Deadites on a ship he pulls out his ass. This story’s a fuckin’ mess, and I nominate it for the worst Army of Darkness comic EVER published. So much of this could be fixed if we had some narrator guidin’ Ash through this mess, helpin’ him and the reader to understand what’s even happenin’. I’d also like it if Ash was zapped from one Xena moment in history to the next instead of back to his time in between, and there needs to be some Deadite/time warpin’ bad guy for Ash to fight through all these issues as well!
TIKI ZOMBIE# 3 (New Legend Publication)
The cursed bartender known as Tiki Z returns after a long hiatus and nails ya square between the eyes with 3 new black and white shorts! First up is an adventure on the high moon seas with werewolf pirates, followed by a mysterious woman who can drink any toe curlin’ concoction Tiki Z throws at her, and a veggie tale with J.R. Mounts’ Q. Cumbersome, P.I. huntin’ down a kiwi culprit at Tiki’s lounge. Funny, light hearted, and full of monstrous characters worthy of a Saturday morning cartoon, this is a series for horror fans of all ages. If you haven’t watched it already, be sure to check out Tiki Z’s special animated cameo in our Screaming Soup! review “Deadwest Screams at Pinata Survival Island!”
WOLFCOP# 3 (Dynamite)
After Willie’s dismemberment last issue, Wolfcop (now stuck in his wolf state thanks to witchcraft) hightails it back to his hometown where his buddy will re-spawn, and finds everythin’ in chaos with gangs runnin’ amok and Lovecraft-like monsters bustin’ out on the scene. A little off the beaten path, we’re now seein’ Wolfcop fight whole new levels of monsters that put him at the same level of comic book adventure as the Savage Dragon fightin’ beasts of apocalyptic size. But as we learn, it ain’t nothin’ a bullet can’t beat! This issue also features the return of Wolfcop’s partner from the movie.
W
OLFCOP# 2 (Dynamite)
Still on the run, Wolfcop and Willie spend the night at a brothel that’s more than it seems as a witch tries capturin’ Wolfcop for a pet. Stayin’ the path, this new series continues stayin’ strong with plenty of laughs, monster mayhem, and gore-tastic artwork featurin’ Wolfman fightin’ witchcraft and flaming skeletons!
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WOLFCOP# 1 (Dynamite)
Wolfcop is back and on the run with his buddy, Willie, after the bloody conclusion to his first movie. The horrific duo don’t get far, however, before they’re tanglin’ with cannibal biker gangs and rescuin’ babes from killer hog men! A howlin’ start to what promises to be a great series, the art’s spot on, the story’s has depth without bein’ too complicated, and successfully keeps up the humor from the movie. Worth pickin’ up!
PUPPET MASTER# 20 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
Toulon is horrified to learn his legacy has been twisted into a cult followin’ when he finds a town full of people willin’ to commit their lives to wood, beginnin’ with familiar lookin’ elite guards becomin’ man size versions of Toulon’s puppets! Puppet on puppet violence, ritualistic suicides, and a story fit for a movie sequel, this continues to be the best horror movie tie-in comic on the shelf!
EVIL DEAD 2: RISE OF THE OLD ONES# 3 (Space Goat Publishing)
And this series goes down the shitter as the writers call mulligan! Turns out the whole Cthulhu invasion is just a fantasy for testin’ whether or not Clone Ash and Annie are worthy enough for leavin’ the Deadite mirror world they got stuck in durin’ Cradle of the Damned, and they flunk big time. Despite it all bein’ a fantasy, however, Clone Ash does manage to lose his hand in a lame way and will be wearin’ a chainsaw from now on.
ARMY OF DARKNESS/XENA: FOREVER . . . AND A DAY# 4 (Dynamite)
Xena’s finally figurin’ out somethin’s wrong when summonin’ Ash in her most dire hour, Ash gets the hint he’s supposed to be pickin’ up clues in Xena’s timeline for helpin’ her when she needs it most, and we have a 1940s reincarnation adventure that’s ehhh at best. I’m comin’ to the realization this would have worked best as a one shot special.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA / ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK# 4 (Boom!)
It’s Snake versus Snakes as Plissken is convinced he needs to rescue Jack Burton for his dumb luck to survive their transport of an American treasure with ties to crossroad demons. Lots of fun with interdimensional Snakes that reference other Kurt Russell movies like The Thing, the humor’s consistent, the art is awesome, and I wouldn’t mind seein’ a spinoff series with Lady Snake!
PUPPET MASTER# 19 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
Things just got interesting in this series as a LOT of old faces from the movies return! Andre’s reincarnated as a young boy, the retro puppets are back in action, Blade and the gang are leaving a trail of bodies to find answers to their current problems, Neil’s still working on some big bad plan for the puppets, and Michael from Puppet Master 3 and Legacy has been creating some trouble of his own after all this time. Still THE BEST movie based comic series on the shelf today!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA / ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK# 3 (Boom!)
As if fighting a wasteland of marauders while transporting their favorite singer wasn’t enough of a challenge, Jack Burton and Snake Plissken now have the vengeful spirit of Lo Pan summoning an interdimensional army of Snake Plisskens in all shapes and sizes to destroy them! A fun story with awesome artwork, this crossover expands Snake’s universe while exploring Jack’s dumb luck, and shows us how hot a lady Snake is. Wooo, doggy!
EVIL DEAD 2: A MERRY DEADITE X-MAS (Space Goat Publishing)
Clone Ash is contacted by a damned soul and warned a Santa village theme park has been overrun by Deadites lookin’ to ruin the holidays. This comic’s a quick light-hearted read with little to no tension, however, the chemistry between Ash and Annie continues to be enjoyable, and they fight an ass load of Christmas monsters from deadly bumper car gingerbread men to possessed Christmas trees. Better than the Krampsu crossover!
ARMY OF DARKNESS/XENA: FOREVER . . . AND A DAY# 3 (Dynamite)
I’m just a glutton for punishment with this Craven forsaken series. We once again open with Xena (now a little wise to being caught in some sort of time loop) summoning Ash through space and time, and this time Ash lands himself right in the middle of Xena’s pirate phase, offering his services as a first mate. Just like previous issues, we read some recycled art, recycled plot sequences, and Ash is in and out of another Xena backstory with no bad guy, plot, or fucking point. This better wrap up with one hell of a punch line at the end!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA / ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK# 2 (Boom!)
So, Wang gives the skinny and explains he’s needing Jack Burton and Snake Plissken’s help for a government job transporting items and people of cultural significance out of Cleveland. The art and coloring is amazing and leaps off the page! The story continues to be fun and plausible, and love how Snake and Jack find common ground for helping when they learn their favorite singer is trapped in Cleveland. Off to a great start with this series and hoping they don’t fuck it up!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTE CHINA / ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK# 1 (Boom!)
The crossover no one expected, much less asked for, two of John Carpenter’s greatest creations are pitted against one another, and the story actually makes sense. When a Wang from the EFNY universe tries to magically summon Snake Plissken to his aid, he accidentally pulls Jack through space and time instead. With Jack makin’ enemies with all the wrong people and puttin’ a target on Plissken’s head, Snake’s gotta find his doppleganger quick before anything else can go wrong. Written with the fun of a BTILC book and drawn with the toughness of a EFNY, I’d highly recommend this to fans of either movies!
EVIL DEAD 2: REVENGE OF KRAMPUS (Space Goat Publishing)
Nothin’ epic here. Just a cute little story about Clone Ash chillin’ on the couch with Krampus after a brief Christmas Eve scuffle in a trailer park. We get some insight into Ash’s childhood, and a more light hearted take on Krampus, but this is pretty much a blow-by read. Good but not great.
EVIL DEAD 2: REVENGE OF THE MARTIANS (Space Goat Publishing)
Agents in Area 54 are researching a copy of the Necronomicon and accidentally create Deadite Martians who start bringing the base down with their H. G. Wells war machines. Luckily, Clone Ash is makin’ a livin’ as an uber driver and happens across the mayhem in the nick of time to battle the latest possession problem. I would like to have seen more gore and Deadite Martians in this, with all the loose ends tied up at the end, but it’s still a fun little read that recycles a lot of memorable scenes from War of the Worlds.
EVIL DEAD 2: REVENGE OF DRACULA (Space Goat Publishing)
A goth chick snags the Necronomicon from Clone Ash and uses it to resurrect Dracula, who’s barely out of the coffin before Ash and another demonic force attack him for the book. An easy read you can fly through, there’s nothing too heavy here and not a whole lot if anything added to the Evil Dead mythos. I’d only recommend this to the die-hard fans.
EVIL DEAD 2: REVENGE OF JACK THE RIPPER (Space Goat Publishing)
I was most hesitant to read this crossover, but wow, it’s actually good! Clone Ash is invited to act a bit part in a Jack the Ripper movie, but things get real when the Ripper’s biggest fan uses Deadite spells to merge his essence with one of history’s most infamous figures. The art reminds me of David Boswell’s work, the coloring is excellent, and the story introduces some pretty freaky Deadite tricks and new ways to handle them we haven’t seen before! Worth picking up.
EVIL DEAD 2: RISE OF THE OLD ONES# 2 (Space Goat Publishing)
A Cthulhu-like monster is treating the south like its own personal soul buffet, and Annie and Clone Ash try stopping it with voodoo hoodoo since Annie “destroyed” the Necronomicon in a barrel fire when she thought everything was over after their last adventure. A descent issue, but we’ll have to wait until issue 3 to see if this is a pointless detour from actually fighting the monster or if Annie’s actions will have repercussions as the story continues.
EVIL DEAD 2: RISE OF THE OLD ONES# 1 (Space Goat Publishing)
Annie’s depressed about losing Ash’s magic clone in the mirror world and calls it quits on everything Deadite until Clone Ash climbs out of a field of cow pies to warn her some big Lovecraft evil is coming to destroy the world. This story’s working for me so far. It’s developing a more believable relationship between Annie and clone Ash than I ever felt between Ash and Sheila, refuses to use Raimi’s ideas as a crutch, and really elevates the danger for an Evil Dead adventure with the disturbing Cthulhu-like monster tearing through the Carolinas.
ARMY OF DARKNESS/XENA: FOREVER . . . AND A DAY# 2 (Dynamite)
What the fuck is this damn series about already?!! We recycle the same opening with Xena in trouble and summoning Ash, but this time he punches a time hag in the face and arrives at Xena’s birth. No bad guy, no plot, no story, nothing to defeat . . . just Ash talking to baby Xena and easily returning to his time. Artwork still rocks but fuck this writer for leaving me feeling cheated out a few bucks!
ARMY OF DARKNESS/XENA: FOREVER . . . AND A DAY# 1 (Dynamite)
Xena’s in trouble and summons Ash with a page from the Necronomicon, but sends him to the wrong time and place before the two of them met. They fight for a few pages and then send Ash back to S-Mart, no questions asked. What the fuck is this? Seriously, no bad guy, no story arc, nobody cares to find out why Xena called Ash in the first place . . . it’s just Ash knocking around with Xena then calling mulligan before he goes home like it was never a problem despite his putting up with reliving slave walking days from AOD. I don’t know where they’re going with this or for how long, but minus the artwork, this issue sucks!
ARMY OF DARKNESS: ELECTION SPECIAL (Dynamite)
One of the better Army of Darkness books I’ve read in a long while, this 48 page special pits Ash against politics as the Necronomicon warns him an evil worse that the Deadites is possessing a presidential candidate to manipulate America and take over the world. Ash manages to be written in as a 3rd party candidate backed by gun associations after blowing away a Deadite on national television, and cleverly weasels his way to the other candidates to figure out who’s a Deadite before it’s too late! Excellent writing, there’s familiarity with Sam Raimi’s movies without repeating the same old gags, the story has layers and plot, new characters are introduced, the Necronomicon is humorously talking to Ash again, and we get an ending we definitely don’t see coming!
AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE# 10 (Archie)
So, Josie and the Pussycats are finally brought into Archie’s unexpected fight with zombies, and it sucks! Rather than be an all American garage band of fun lovin’ teens, the creators decide to make the Pussycats a pack of vampires who’ve been in the music biz since the early 1900s. The whole issue is just a bullshit backstory telling their Dickens-like origins as orphans turned entertainers turned vamps and seeing them fly through Great Gatsby references, Charles Manson incidents, and turbulent times of the late 1900s. Why can’t they be normal people in a crazy situation like everyone else and leave the supernatural stuff to Sabrina the teenage witch? I also have to point out the flaw in Josie’s backstory where the people running the orphanage despise her fancy name which is her deceased mother’s name. Josie’s dad dumps her on the steps of the orphanage without a note, so how did the orphanage even know what her name is?!
PUPPET MASTER# 18 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
Anthony is pushed over the edge and commands the puppets on a murder spree throughout the Bodega Bay Inn. Bodies galore, Toulon is reincarnated, Anapa returns, the Retro Puppet Master characters are back, and lucha libres tag team the little terrors in a death match. Still THE BEST horror movie based comic on the rack that gives fans what we want!
ARMY OF DARKNESS: FURIOUS ROAD# 6 (Dynamite)
We weakly conclude this Evil Dead/Mad Max mash-up with a less than exciting battle between Ash and Evil Ash as the Deadites of the apocalypse assault the last plot of holy ground where Dracula’s daughter will banish them with a spell from the Necronomicon. This series has its ups and downs with lots of action and returning characters we’ve grown to like, but the overall story doesn’t feel epic enough for 6 issues, and we need to amp the danger with villains and master plans we haven’t seen a million times already.
PUPPET MASTER# 17 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
The Bodega Bay Inn guests are getting out of line, and the puppets’ young’n boss ain’t gonna take it any more! Lucha libres, drills to the eye, heads chopped in half, attempted rape, Pinhead and Blade tag-team kills, disembowelment, and the mysterious guest from last iss ushers in the gang from Retro-Puppet Master! Superb writing from someone who cares and knows the movies with fluid art, this is still the best horror film based comic on the shelf.
ARMY OF DARKNESS: FURIOUS ROAD# 5 (Dynamite)
After all the blood pumping action blowing up the pages last iss, makes sense this would be a bit more of a breather chapter. The action for issue 6 gets set up as Ash sews Frankenstein back together and chases Dracula’s family to the last temple of holy sanctuary where they’ll make their last stand against the Deadites with the Necronomicon. Ash is probably the best he’s been drawn in this series, and our only gripe is what felt like an unnecessary recap of Evil Dead-Army of Darkness over 2 pages.
MADBALLS# 4 (Roar Comics)
The Madballs finally go head to torso with their arch enemies and conclude the Bizzaro Bowl storyline, we’re given another origin for a familiar Madball character, and wrap everything up with the gang bouncing through a storyboard of mythological proportions. Another great ensemble of art styles that captures the craziness of a treasured brand name, we’ve got a little more than expected G-rated humor lightly peppered with the gross-out graphics and eye popping action we really want. Our favorite part is the work by Pizza Party Printing’s Jimmy Giegerich, and were disappointed there weren’t any behind the scenes articles as seen in the previous issues.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA# 25 (Boom!)
And so, we come to the end of an era. Not too long after the cancellation of the Escape From New York comics, Boom! has decided to completely take Kurt Russell off the comic racks. Drawn by most if not all the artists in the series’ run, Jack’s final adventure is landing feet first in the very adventure that started all his troubles in Little China. With help from Egg, he and Winona maneuver behind the scenes of John Carpenter’s film, revealing their involvement with key moments fans will fondly remember. My only gripe is this final issue feels a little too much like a simple blow by blow retelling of the movie and needed to be waaay more focused on our Jack Burton from the future. Still though, an overall satisfying ending that wraps things up nicely (unlike the abrupt ending for Snake Plissken in the middle of an adventure) and keeps us hoping for a new story in the near future. Truly, one of the best movie tie-in comics worth picking up!
MADBALLS# 3 (Roar Comics)
3 ballistic issues in and holding strong, we pick back up with the Madballs’ Bizzaro Bowl as the Madballs are stranded on an alien planet populated by cute fuzzy balls who want HUGS! The gang must unite against their worst nightmare or never face their true rivals the Torsoids, who’ve gone all Space-Jam super powered in preparation for their encounter! That adventure is then follow by a gritty underground comics version of Madballs meets the Woman Who Ate The Fly, and a handful of cute one page tales spotlighting different fan favorite Madballs in each one. A good mix of art styles, this eye-popping, fly spitting, brain gnawing, toilet diving issue offers a little something for everybody, and gives us more behind the scenes articles on the toyline’s 2007 re-launch.
PUPPET MASTER# 16 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
The Bodega Bay Inn is re-opened for business following Anapa’s defeat, and the newest Puppet Master, Anthony, is keeping mean guests in check with his gang of sneaky toy soldiers patrolling the halls. In the meantime, a mystery man who knows the puppet’s secrets checks in, Camille goes on a murder spree and is recruited for a revenge plan by a resurrected Neil from the original Puppet Master movie, someone’s popping the heads off Anthony’s puppets, and the Toulon’s souls are M.I.A. Writer Shawn Gabborin continues to patch up the film series’ continuity hiccups and never fails to give us the best horror movie tie-in comic on the rack!
SWAMP THING #6 2016 (DC)
So, as if it were an afterthought, the real villain behind Swampy losing his powers isn’t Matt Cable but dum Dum DUM . . . the undying spirit of Anton Arcane! Not that were not happy to see Swampy’s #1 nemesis return to finally possess Swampy’s powers, but for fuck sakes, he needs more villains already. At least he has plenty of allies, because we end this Swamp Thing storyline with an all out attack on Arcane by Phantom Stranger, Spectre, Zatanna, and even Etrigan the Demon! Pretty packed story with lots of DC’s best supernatural characters, but looks like artist Kelley Jones finally lost steam drawing all those vines on Swampy which was pretty disappointing.
SCOOBY APOCALYPSE# 1 (DC)
In this latest dark turn for the Scooby-Doo franchise, comic mastermind Jim Lee envisions our favorite meddling kids solving mysterious . . . in the apocalypse?! Rebooting the whole gang from the get-go, Velma now works for secret scientists who abuse nanotechnology meant for creating peace, planning to genetically rearrange the world into monsters instead. She tries leaking the truth to has-been reporter Daphne and her cameraman, Fred, but is too late as the nanobots begin re-shaping the world, and they’re all trapped in a panic room with a dogtrainer named Shaggy and his talking experimental dog, Scooby-Doo!
PUPPET MASTER# 15 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
As soon as ass-face Anapa shows up, the puppets jump to action and take him down with the help of a golem somebody buried in the cemetery out back in case of emergencies. Golems vs demons, puppets vs puppets, amputees vs wooden women, and puppets who disappeared from the movies without an explanation are re-introduced to the series. Still the best horror movie based comic on the rack!
ARMY OF DARKNESS: FURIOUS ROAD# 4 (Dynamite)
Ash and the monsters of camp Alive make a suicide run for their last ditch plan to take out the Deadites, but shit hits the fan and we say bye-bye to half the cast we spent all that time getting to know last issue. Werewolf biker beheadings, street pizza, Deadite gargoyles, mini-Ashes, Dracula steps up as humanity’s last hope, and Ash plays Moses parting an ocean of Deadites with his chainsaw.
BILL AND TED GO TO HELL# 4 (Boom!)
This newest Bill and Ted story comes to a most triumphant close as they battle the forces of heaven, hell, and Napoleon to save God and the universe. It’s a history nerd’s wet dream with pages of historic figures fighting it out with supernatural forces, Station shows off a new power, Bill and Ted’s sons grow up to be bad-asses, God fits in a mason jar, and Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth have the rematch of the afterlife with a flaming sword/lightsaber duel. Excellent!
AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE# 9 (Archie)
After what feels like a looong hiatus, the unexpected zombie hit continues as we pick back up with Archie leading his pals through Sabrina’s Cthulhu zombie apocalypse while planning his wedding to Betty and deciding what to do with Reggie after he confesses to Hot Dog’s murder. I originally picked this series up for a laugh, but it’s proven to be some of the best work in horror comics I’ve seen with rich characters you can really invest in and art that carries a lot of impact for being so streamlined. Worth picking up!
MADBALLS# 2 (Roar Comics)
Now, this is more like it! We bounce back into slapstick antics with our favorite 80s toys with 2 new shorts featuring wizards and zombies along with the next installment of the Bizzaro Bowl storyline from issue 1 with the Madballs battling their dreaded enemies, the Torsoids. The art is fun, the jokes are juvenile bathroom humor, and we see the Madball Van in full sequential glory with some cool behind the scenes articles in the back!
ARMY OF DARKNESS: FURIOUS ROAD# 3 (Dynamite)
Things go from bad to worse as the Deadites infiltrate camp Alive and start dividing the monster mash inside, forcing Ash and the few remaining survivors to make a suicide run for implementing their plans to defeat the army of darkness closing in around them. Plenty of action and gore, this issue focuses more on Ash’s new teammates so we can get attached to them before their likely slaughter in the upcoming issues. Ash still looks like shit.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA# 24 (Boom!)
Lo Pan goes full evil sorcerer, the 3 storms wreck havoc, everything’s burning down, and Jack finally meets his evil doppelganger in this action packed conclusion to the old time Chinatown story arc. I felt a little cheated by the lack of a throwdown between Jack and his death spell twin, the blocking of the fight sequence got a little confusing, and page 15 could have been laid out a little clearer with Egg’s spell on Lo Pan, but still a fun read with a lot of energy behind the art.
SWAMP THING# 5 2016 (DC)
Matt Cable threatens the world as the new muckman, and everybody from the Parliament of Trees to Phantom Stranger and Deadman come out of the woodwork to tell Alec Holland what a idiot he is for letting it happen. Very little action, but Kelley Jones’ art continues to look phenomenal and happily takes me back to his stint on Batman comics in the mid-90s.
MADBALLS# 1 (Roar Comics)
Madballs are back again, and this new comic celebrates their return with 3 humorous short stories about sports and alien invasions! As a longtime fan of Madballs, I have mixed reactions to this comic. The art is wild and beautiful, practically bouncing off the page, but the stories are a little lackluster. I think they needed to be a bit more like comedy sketches with more POW! behind the punch lines, and ground us a little more in the Madballs’ world before getting flung into the adventure oriented shorts. I’d highly recommend taking notes from the original Madballs cartoons and the Garbage Pail Kids comics from IDW.
GINGERDEAD MAN# 3 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
Concluding the first story of Full Moon’s most recent moneymaker, Gingerdead Man goes all out Game of Thrones on the dope dealing punks who resurrected him, unleashing armies of drug laced mini-gingers, flying candy dragons, and a giant cookie henchman! Way more to offer than most the movies, this has definitely been a comic worth picking up if not for its dark offbeat humor and cartoony gore.
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ILL & TED GO TO HELL #3 (Boom!)
We’re officially passed the nostalgia of rehashing the movies, and are entering totally new territory as Bill and Ted journey through limbo with their historic heroes to infiltrate Heaven after a most bogus takeover by Napoleon. Fun art, epic stakes being raised, and a great surprise at the end that leaves me eagerly waiting for the final issue!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA# 23 (Boom!)
Not much happening in this breather of an issue with little to no humor. Jack’s doppleganger is still asking everyone if they’re Jack Burton, Jack has some deep conversations while Egg gets high off opium, and Chi is tempted by the dark side after Lo Pan learns the future on her cell. Lot of set-up for what I’m hoping will be an adventure filled issue coming next.
PUPPET MASTER# 14 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
This comic keeps on delivering the goods! The ass-face monster, Anapa, manifests in the flesh, takes Camille as his bride, and sets out to destroy Toulon’s puppets and their new master at the hotel. Writer Shawn Gabborin better be brought on to write a Puppet Master movie in the near future, because he knows how to perfectly capture what fans like about the previous films while continuing to develop and expand the Puppet Master’s universe. I still consider this the best horror movie based comic on the rack!
EVIL DEAD 2: CRADLE OF THE DAMNED #3 (Space Goat Publishing)
Deadite Clone Ash and Annie have a blossoming love that transcends the very planes of existence as they continue to plot their escape from the Deadite’s hellish mirror dimension with the help of a Dr. Strange wannabe. This really should have been combined with issue 2, upped the tension with more monsters, and give us a reason to care about the mystery monk already. Pissed the artist jipped us on what could have been a awesomely gory death scene for a horror comic, opting for a lame silhouette kill panel instead.
EVIL DEAD 2: REVENGE OF HITLER (Space Goat Publishing)
This story is as epic as that street fight in Rocky V. Hitler is magically resurrected with powers from the Necronomicon tattooed all over him and starts taking charge of the Deadites. Unable to fight him, the Deadites enlists clone Ash’s help, promising to make him a whole person with no Deadite magic in him. Ash is zapped to Deadite hell, kicks Hitler in the balls, blows his head off, blows the Deadite’s heads off when they go back on their deal, and goes back in his mobile home. The end. Better than rehashing Sam Raimi’s 30 yr old jokes like Dynamite Comics, but come on Space Goat! Good attempt but push yourself more.
EVIL DEAD 2: CRADLE OF THE DAMNED #2 (Space Goat Publishing)
Not much happening this issue. Annie tries sending her captured Deadites back to their hell/mirror dimension, but jumps in with them when it sucks up her magical Deadite clone of Ash. After that, it’s just pages and pages of mediocre art showing them die again and again until a mystery man we may or may not care about saves them with some questionable advice for how to escape. Lot of missed opportunity here with the art and gore, really needed to develop the plot more and move the story along faster, but at least there was an exciting panel with Cthulhu.
SWAMP THING# 4 2016 (DC)
Matt Cable takes on the burden of being Swamp Thing, leaving Alec Holland a new man . . . again. With nothing better to do, Alec annoys Matt with free lectures on being the best muckman he can be, driving the poor guy to take an expected plot turn and become a power hungry vegan abusing his new powers for his vision of world order. Artist Kelley Jones is in full stride now with Swamp Thing’s design (more vines, Kelley, MORE!), deaths so gory it reminds me of Day of the Dead, and damn whoever censored Jones for not showing more of Zatanna dropping the robe!
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ILL & TED GO TO HELL #2 (Boom!)
So, Napoleon’s overthrown the devil, turns Hell into a waterpark, and drops Bill & Ted with their historic heroes into their worst nightmares while he plays Death for the keys to Heaven. Clever rehashing of familiar plots and scenes from the Bogus movie by inserting the heroes from Excellent, this is a fun read with an epic feel that’s proving to be a worthy story, but hopefully we’ll start introducing fresher ideas next issue. Party on.
ARMY OF DARKNESS: FURIOUS ROAD# 2 (Dynamite)
Ash is convinced the monsters are on his side to vanquish the Deadites with the Necronomicon and blows the S-Mart to join their camp “Alive” where Evil Ash leads regular attacks. The story’s developing well with the best roster of characters since the League of Light, but damn if we can’t get away from fucking Evil Ash as the bad guy again! Speakin’ of rehashing old material, the Deathcoaster returns as it was seen in Army of Darkness but really should have been redesigned given Ash is using modern tech to build it now. Really bothered me this was the least cool Bruce Campbell has ever looked in a comic. You can tell the artist is referencing Ash VS Evil Dead for the likeness, but he really needs to work on it! Werewolf bikers, Deadite screening processes, explanations for why monsters and Deadites don’t mix, nuns with secrets, and fruit cake!
GINGERDEAD MAN# 2 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
The neighbors ain’t happy about the noise next door at the abandoned bakery and call the popo to investigate. Instead of chasing off the usual squatters, 2 cops find themselves facing off against the freshly baked Gingerdead Man and his newest recipes for death! Bakery transplants, deep throatin’, face meltin’, drug ragin’, Gingerdead Man cooks up a baked goods army complete with a candy dragon, and you see ’em fuckin’ a dough girl in the backdoor!
ARMY OF DARKNESS: FURIOUS ROAD# 1 (Dynamite)
If you thought this was just going to be a Mad Max parody, you’re only half right! Combining elements from past AOD storylines with some possible influence from the new Ash VS Evil Dead show, we’ve jumped 20 yrs into the future where Ash has failed, and the Deadites rule the wastelands of Detroit. Setting up the mini-series, we’re introduced to Dracula’s daughter, the Frankenstein monster, werewolves, gargoyles, and witches running over demonic forces to reach an S-Mart where Ash is hold up protecting the Necronomicon. Great art, interesting concept, and curious to see how similar to “From the Ashes” and “Long Road Home” this will be. I’m on board for the ride!
PUPPET MASTER# 13 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
Big plot developments in this issue as the gang completes their chores for Anapa, the new puppet master learns Leech Woman’s deepest thoughts are doughnuts, and Blade and Pinhead tag-team kill a couple of psychics. Still one of the best horror movie comic tie-ins on the shelf!
SWAMP THING# 3 2016 (DC)
The first 2 issues must have been a warm-up, because artist Kelley Jones is cooking with fire now! Matt Cable returns with one of Swampy’s more hackneyed plots, offering the muckman the chance to turn human again with the help of guest superhero, Zatanna. Nearly zero action, but pages and pages of Kelley playing with shadows, Swampy’s vines, and Zatanna’s hair.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA# 22 (Boom!)
Burt’s still stuck in the past with Wang’s daughter and might be responsible for sending a young and well meaning Lo Pan down the path of evil?! Perfect package of multiple characters and layered plots that reads like a satisfying graphic novel in a cool 22 pages. We learn lice can be used as a pick-up line, and what’s with the big floating head in the last panel on page 12?
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK# 15 (Boom!)
We’ve waited 20 years to know what happened to Snake in Cleveland, but it’s turning out to be a pretty lackluster shoot’em up story with hobo revolutions and Snake holding the U.S. Constitution hostage with a lighter for a cliffhanger.
GINGERDEAD MAN# 1(Action Lab/Danger Zone)
The fatal cookie is back with a story that could take place anytime after the first movie. Some 80’s cartoon looking punks move their drug business into the bakery Gingerdead Man first rose from, and mix a batch of super drugs, beer, blood vomit, and Gary Busey’s cookie dough ashes with homicidal results. Satisfying body count, puns galore, sweet swearing, and a final splash page your mama better not see!
PUPPET MASTER#12 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
With the exception of Tunneler carving people up like live turkies and Torch burning up furniture, this issue was more exposition, teases, and reveals than anything else. Still one of the strongest horror movie comics out there, and I sing praises to writer Shawn Gabborin for bringing in so many things from the movies that were dropped and connecting all the continuity dots!
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA #21 (Boom!)
New artist and story arc! Jack’s been zapped to old time Chinatown with Wang’s daughter, and they find young Egg Shen to help get them back to the future before Jack’s evil Terminator-like doppleganger takes him out. Interesting look into characters’ origins, and the art’s a little non-conventional but in a good way. Had me laughing out loud when introducing Fancypants Dan!
EVIL DEAD 2: TALES OF THE EX-MORTIS #3 (Space Goat Publishing)
This Ash-less anthology series wraps up its longest running story with Deadite on Deadite violence during a Constantine inspired spell, followed by a quick read about old west bimbos having showdowns with cowboy Deadites, and finish with Nazis going to war with an Egyptian army of darkness after disturbing a tomb. Well done stories, but I’m not feeling enough connection with the source material. Purely buying this for its title alone right now.
SWAMP THING #2 2016 (DC)
We continue Swampy’s battle with the lame ass super zombie that shouldn’t even be a challenge for the ol’ muckman, and wrap up a so-so story with some sweet monster brawling. Beautiful coloring by Michelle Madsen, and some of Kelley Jones’ best artwork I’ve seen in a while. Could stand to add plant vines to Swampy, though, which he doesn’t do until the end of the book. Without them, he looks like every generic hulking mass Kelley draws.
BILL & TED GO TO HELL #1 (Boom!)
Wyld Stallyns fans have the best of 2 movies thrown in a blender when the historic heroes of Excellent Adventure battle the forces of hell from Bogus Journey. Hell sends Bill and Ted’s worst nightmares to kidnap Death so they can learn how to invade heaven, and its up to these pop culture icons to get him back. Lots of familiar faces and jokes from the movies, slick art, decent story, and we find out you can dial a direct line to hell in the phonebooth!
EVIL DEAD 2: CRADLE OF THE DAMNED #1 (Space Goat Publishing)
Space Goat dares to stop rehashing Sam Raimi’s old jokes and brings fresh material into the Evil Dead franchise! But perhaps too fresh . . . After Annie escapes hell with a magically cloned Ash who shares her menstrual cycle, she takes it upon herself to capture fugitive Deadites in . . . cans of cat food? You got to read it to believe it, Scream Freaks!
PUPPET MASTER #11 (Action Lab/Danger Zone)
We finally learn what happened to Camille after the second Puppet Master movie, see a puppet orgy of blood not seen since the original film, and Neil Gallagher mysteriously returns from the grave. Still the best horror comic on the shelves right now in my opinion!
Screaming Soup! 