Grand Comics Adventure!
352449
The first reason to read Grandville Be'te Noir is Detective-Inspector LeBrock. The second reason is Bryan Talbot's amazing art and story (think James Bond meets Wind in the Willows meets 19th century art history conspiracy theory).  And the third reason is the afterword.  Amazing that all this is packed into one graphic novel!  But Talbot never ceases to amaze me with his uncanny ability to mix history, action, humor and marvelous art.  And if you're still pondering the purpose of French satire in the world of comic art and politics, in the wake of the Charlie Hedbo massacre, this book will have even more meaning.  Whether you're a fan of Bryan Talbot or just great comics, Grandville Be'te Noir is a treasure!  Plus, many thanks to Dark Horse for continuing to publish beautiful graphic novels at affordable prices.
3056332
This got me into comics again!  Beware: once you finish this book you will want to continue the series!  Batgirl and the new Batwoman run are so superb, they are what comic books should be.  Thank you DC, you took a gamble and made solid gold art and entertainment!
4858769
This is anthology at its best. Varied genres and artists. Solid stories and storytelling. There's something here for everyone. Gary Scott Beatty, Bill Bryan, and James Lyle have done a fantastic job all around with special kudos to Gary for being the mastermind of this whole package. Keeping up the good fight for quality comics!
258614
I really enjoyed this latest adventure taken by Bob and his sidekick llama. It was action-packed adventure on steroids! Using the 'Pop Up Book' as a interactive, living treasure map was an extremely creative use of imagery that fascinated me and cracked me up at the same time! I can't wait for the next adventure! Way to go, Mr. Caldara - once again, your off-the-wall sense of humor has delighted and entertained!
4564346
This is a really nicely drawn comic book that can entertain any child! The story is really fun and captivating, and was pretty interesting too! I would recommend this to anyone who likes comics, as the storyline is pretty interesting too. Won't add spoilers but there's a twist near the end. Greatly made! Would get the sequel!
4726440
Cimarronin is the third in a series of comics that extend the 'Foreworld Saga', begun with the 'Mongoliad series' of novels, both forward and backward in time to seek out the origins and the future of the Shield Brethren and Shield Maidens first found in those novels. The way this has been done is through stories like this one, in prose, audio, and graphic form, called 'sidequests'. Some sidequests, like the first of the 3-issue comics, Symposium, directly address the secret history aspects of the Foreworld universe, which is almost, but not quite the same, as ours. Others, like Scott James Magner's Hearts of Iron, tell more obliquely related tales that hint at the secret history in which the Shield Maidens and Shield Brethren play an important part since ancient times. Yet others, like Mel Odom's The Sword of the Scholar, simply take the most exciting elements of the Foreworld, the incredible prowess in martial arts demonstrated in these stories, and take the reader on a roller coaster ride of swords and intrigue. Cimarronin, written by Neal Stephenson, Foreworld 'showrunner' Mark Teppo, historian Charles C. Mann, and martial arts expert Ellis Amdur, and just as expertly illustrated by Roger Sammelin, would seem to embrace all of the above. I say 'seem to' only because Cimarronin is being presented digitally in serial form, one issue every three weeks, so how much of the Foreworld backstory really gets told depends on the next two issues (one reason I'm impatient for the weeks to go by!). And the serial format extends in a way even further, as a cliffhanger ending is promised in the third issue to whet reader's appetites for another three-issue go-around in the world of Cimarronin . Since it is a serial, I won't spoil even this issue's contents, other than to say that it's protagonist, the ronin Kitazume, doubles as awesome samurai and careful detective. And you'll see from the beginning that the adventure he's headed on literally changes his life. Buy it now and the next two issues come at no additional cost, automatically delivered like other Kindle serials. If you are a Foreworld fan you probably already have. If not, try it out and you may become one.
2963390
Found this book on Free Comic Book Day last year & thanks to a recommendation from a friend, I've loved it since.
This is a great series, tons of fun w/ a dark & twisting edge.  Cullen Bunn has chops & is destined to head towards the Big Two before long.
This book harkens back to the comics of yesteryear with quirky, animated art from Brian Hurtt that Pops!
For the amazon discounted price this is a steal.
A Great Read.  Also it's a Western but with Magic!?  COOL....
1812572
I really enjoyed RESONATE#1. The comics anthology is a wonderful thing. It showcases a variety of talent and stories. RESONATE#1 does not fail to deliver really fun comics and you get nearly 100 pages worth. This debut issue had both well-written stories as well as really good art. In a sense, it kind of reminded me of the old WARRIOR comics (published in the UK), as well as the variety of genres presented in Golden Age anthologies. There's plenty of science fiction, superheroes, and espionage. You will not be disappointed. If the publisher ever decided to release this series in print form, I would be a regular reader.
3214779
If you like The Red Hulk, Punisher, Deadpool, Elektra, and Venom, then you will LOVE this new comic series!!!! Lots of guns and action, Bad guys-gone-Good, and twists to keep things interesting!
3868355
Adrian King has produced an epic adventure that will captivate you and keep you hooked from beginning to end. Join Thanos & Roman, the titans of the universe, as they come to Earth in search of the infinity stone that has been hidden from them. You will find yourself laughing from the humor at some moments and at other moments you will be in a state of suspense with epic battles.

This comic is sure to give you everything that you are looking for in a comic from believable depictions of conflict between the titans and people on Earth. This is sure to become a favorite because it is a fun, action packed, fast paced read that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

The rich and colorful graphics will draw you into the story. This is definitely a comic that you cannot go wrong with as it is sure to please.
1276186
A silly fun read for kids! I love the art and the story was very entertaining. I can see myself getting into this type of comic. Who would have thought!

Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through NetGalley for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
4420417
ComicWorm Speaks!

Defenders of Ultramar by Graham McNeill

****

The Story: Discover one of the fiercest fighting Chapter in the Universe: The Ultramarines 4th Company. Sergeant Learchus must take twenty-five new recruited Battle Brothers on their first engagement, as they embark on an investigation of the lost patrol ship Guillimans Honor. What was a routine mission becomes much more when 4th Company, encounters one of the Imperiums deadliest enemies!

The Good: Its the freakin Ultramarines! We get to see the Adeptus Astartes in full-color action. What more could one ask for? To actually see visual representations of Marneus Calgar, Sergeant Learchus, Judd Clausel, and an Ork Gargant is a real treat for any fan of Warhammer 40K.

The artwork is superbly crafted, with a keen but not overwhelming attention to detail. When reading, one can feel the action and the gunfire and the zeal of the Ultramarines when battling the fearsome Orks! The Orks are a very fun villain in the Warhammer 40k Universe, with their fairly cartoonish appearance and their ramshackle technology. There is no clash of ideals, no chaos, just a no-holds barred, shoot-em up adventure, with all the bullets and explosions anyone could want.

While there are definitely some serious moments, the whole story is a ton of fun and pretty straightforward, and thats okay. Not every story needs subtlety. Its okay to just have fun.

Blood and Guts are practically a hallmark of Warhammer 40k, but this time around it does not go all out, save for one scene with corpses chained to the front of an Ork war machine. This is a wise choice by the creative forces behind this work as going all out could turn off newcomers to the franchise.

The story also provides the reader with small amounts of background information, such as Space Marine terminology, which really helps put what is happening during action sequences, such as the differences between devastator and terminator squadrons.

What makes this story so good in the end is not just the action but the characters. Learchus demonstrates great wisdom as a leader and demonstrates the concern for the common man that is always so touching to see from the Astartes. This is Learchus story and to see him grow into a Captain from beginning to the ending is a great story.

The Flaws: The first major flaw about this graphic novel is when and where it takes place. The story directly references events that take place in the Ultramarines novel series also by Graham McNeill, those events being Captain Uriel Ventris and Pasanius Lysanes violation of the Codex Astartes and subsequent exile to the Eye of Terror. ComicWorm knows about these events but the common reader might not, so it makes the setup of the story a little confusing.

Another problem with the formatting is a common problem that comic series have: the use of different artists for different chapters, no pun intended. While they thankfully keep the character appearances and overall aesthetic consistent, it is a little jarring to see the art take a different direction with every new phase of the story.

Another problem with consistency is the portrayal of 4th Company Chaplain Judd Clausel. While physically, he looks pretty much the same in every chapter, the artists at times, overlook a key detail. In Warhammer 40K, it is a known fact that Chaplains of the Adeptus Astartes wear black armor and in some chapters Clausel is portrayed as wearing blue armor with little to separate him from other Ultramarines. It is not that big a deal but it is one of those things that can irk a member of the fan base and irks can add up. Its important to get details right.

Sometimes the characters can come off a little flat at times but that kind of exploration is not really needed in an action story such as this.

Final Verdict: Defenders of Ultramar is a terrific comic and definitely a worthy addition to anyones personal Black Library. ComicWorm hopes Learchus gets a novel of his own someday.

Four out Five Stars

thecultureworm.blogspot.com
96076
Holy crap, it took me forever to find this! I found this when looking for suggestions for webcomics with an LGBT theme and I binge read the whole comic in one afternoon. When I learned it was available in book format, I had to have it, but the supply of the first printing was all sold out everywhere, so I was thrilled to see it come back (I emailed the creator and they told me to expect a second printing not long after I sent said email). It's an absolutely wonderful story with well-developed characters, a conflict steeped in reality, lots of humor and a little fan service. The artwork is all hand-drawn and it's GORGEOUS.

The story revolves around a young man (I want to say he's probably early to mid twenties) named Amal who manages to alienate himself from his very traditional Indian family by not only calling off his arranged marriage, but coming out of the closet on the same day. He crosses paths with a young vagrant named TJ and the two of them set out on a spontaneous road trip to achieve their respective goals in the same town. While the two boys have somewhat different personalities, they bond pretty quickly. We learn later on that TJ is also gay and that his sunny personality hides a bit of a dark secret he's been carrying with them for the entire trip.

I don't want to go into extraordinary detail that might possibly lead to spoilers, but what I will say is the conflict Amal faces is sort of resolved and the ending is such that it brings the story to a conclusion, but also feels open like there could be more to it. Not because I think it will be continued, but maybe so the reader can use their imagination to figure out where the story goes next. It's not meant to be a start-to-end tale, but just a single chapter in the lives of two people. Plus there's some bonus material included in the omnibus version of the series.

Overall, it's a fantastic read and there's nothing I can complain about. The characters are likeable and some folks can most likely relate to them too. The situations they find themselves in are just kooky enough to be in a comic, but just believable enough to actually happen in real life. The whole thing reads like a really good indie flick and frankly, I think it would make a great movie in the right hands. I'd highly recommend this book to everyone, whether you're doing what I did and looking for a gay-friendly comic or just looking for a good read in general. For those who might be more skeptical of the romantic content if gay love stories aren't quite your cup of tea, it's not porn and doesn't constantly slap you in the face with sex. The romantic aspect is there (and there are definitely some things in the book that only adults should see/read), but it's more subtle.

It's touching, it's funny, it's dramatic, it has a nice pace and it's believable. What more can you ask for?
784296
This is one COOL COMIC!!! Thank You Mark Millar and Brian Hitch!!!
2362385
I have been reading this series since it came out, and the trade paper has some awesome extras! This is a great way to get the first story arc in a collected form. The characters are written to really live in the story and the art is a feast for the eyes. It's easy to become attached to the furry little fighters and follow the saga unfolding. I can't wait for the summer arc! This series has rocketed to a special place in my library.
2349235
The storyline gets better and better! Fun writing and perfect art!
2639374
I bought Saga: Volume One on a whim. You see, I love Booktube and had seen many bookshelf tours where readers had this comic book named "Saga". I looked into and immediately ignored it; I mean, it had a woman with wings on it and a man with horns.

The f word?

But my curiosity got the best of me, so the very night it was delivered I started it and the next day I finished it, and I'm so glad I did!

Saga: Volume One is the first portion of an inter-galactic story of forbidden love, being on the run, and awesomeness. This comic book had me laughing so hard I cried, cringing, and staring at the page with my jaw on the floor. I don't know how such emotions can be created in a comic book, but they were and I'm glad!

Now, this comic book is not for those under 18! This book has some seriously risque stuff and some flat out crude things that will scare young eyes! You've been warned. But beyond that, I HIGHLY recommend this comic book series!

I will definitely be reading Saga: Volume Two.