Punk Rock Jesus #1

Punk Rock Jesus
Written/art by Sean Murphy


Action Ash
As the latest Vertigo title to hit the shelve, Punk Rock Jesus is just what the doctor ordered as far as Vertigo titles go. Unlike their other titles of late this book comes straight from the old school. Irreverence - Check, Indie sensibilities - Check, Anti-religious sentiment - Check, and all rendered in the scratchy brilliance that is Sean Murphy's art.

Brief plot summary - A company named "Ophis" has funded a famous geneticist to clone Jesus Christ using the shroud of Turin, for the purpose of impregnating a virgin who is chosen through an audition process. This is all for a reality TV show that will follow the pregnancy and then the child as he grows up to be the second coming of Jesus. Also, an  uber violent ex IRA member has been hired to be the head of security for the project. Shit is clearly about to get real!

Being primarily an artist does not hinder Sean's ability to plot out an engaging story. This book seems very well thought out and seems to have a good few sub plots, however not too many and handled well so you don't find yourself getting lost. Then you have the themes of blind faith, the moral issue with cloning, the moral issue of bringing a child into the world with such a big responsibility already thrust upon it and of course cold blooded corporations willing to do anything for money.

The art is a masterclass in stark black and white storytelling, all done with a tremendous amount of detail.  Murphy's use of shading and shadow is an art form in itself, the extremity of which, in certain panels, calls to mind German expressionism. At times it seems slightly manga influenced (I mean that in the best possible way) especially during the action. The fact that it's in black and white seems to help exhibit Murphy's already impressive talent for drawing facial expressions.

Clocking in at approximately 30 pages it is well worth the £2.65 ($2.99) cover price.Technically, there's been no punk yet but I'm more than willing to stick around and see where that will come in to it.

5 Ex-IRA members breaking placards upside old men's heads out of 5

Super Geil!

I tell you what, that Thor is ASTONISHING, isn't he?

Astonishing Thor #1

Written by Robert Rodi
Art by Mike Choi

Action Ash
I do love a bit of cosmic nonsense. It's been a while since Thor has been allowed to "get cosmic" (Yeah, I just invented that), having been fairly earth based in recent years. That has now been rectified.
Astonishing Thor is an epic tale of a god on a mission, starting with Thor beating up a tsunami and ending with a visit to Ego the living planet. Brilliant!

Although harkening back to a silver age style story, Astonishing Thor is told in a serious manner that drags you in and makes you feel you have begun to witness an epic in the making. As there are quite a few Thor mini series out at the moment (that will ready to be released as trades about the time the film is released. Coincidence? I doubt it), I expected this to be an OK attempt at money grabbing, but I have been proven wrong. It seems that Mr Rodi wanted to tell a good story about every one's favourite thunder god. I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've read anything by Robert Rodi, and I would definitely read more.

On the aesthetic side of things, this book looks fantastic. Choi has out done himself and made it look and feel epic. From the sensational splash pages to the detailed flashback sequence, Choi has helped create immensely beautiful visuals with which to tell Rodi's star spanning story with.

At the back of the comic, I am told the next issue isn't until January, which feels like a long time to me. More importantly, will January's issue keep up the epic cosmic standard set by this first issue? Well, I guess we won't know until January.

This is exactly the type of story I think Thor needs right now. A truly great addition to Marvel's modern mythology.

4 and a half Norse gods giving natural disasters a beat down out of 5

Morning Glories

Morning Glories#1
Written by Nick Spencer
Art by Joe Eisma

Action Ash
I've got to be honest, I'm still not entirely sure what this is about. Six kids start at a prestigious boarding school, where things aren't quite what they seem...

That's all I can really tell you. I know it seems like a fairly bare description but I honestly don't know what else to say. I read 44 pages of well drawn, beautifully crafted and thought out comic book and I can't really tell you about it.

What I can tell you is it's brilliant!

Such an enjoyable read and great value for money. You could call it a sci-fi mystery/Teen drama story, that, although hasn't revealed much of it's overall plot, probably has a lot to offer to it's audience. This issue is mainly for introducing the main characters I suppose, and this task can sometimes be a tough one to do well and keep the readers attention. However this is handled beautifully, and the cleverly woven in comedy elements help Spencer to achieve this in a way that makes you feel like you know them without giving away too much of their history.

Visually impressive without being too flashy and in your face is the best way to describe the books artwork. Subtleties like facial expressions and mannerisms are portrayed with skill and movement and action equally so.

From its explosive beginning to its cliffhanger ending this is an extremely enjoyable ride. This is a book that proves that comics don't have to be about superheroes, ninjas, or crime to be interesting, fun and worth reading.

Plus, it has an amazing cover by Rodin Esquejo.

5 exploding chemically doused blackboards out of 5

Super Geil!

Swap Shop MASSACRE!

Swap Shop Massacre! Two reviews for the price of one! In this feature we nominate each other a comic to read and review. The idea of this is to read something we wouldn't necessarily buy and give you lucky people our irredeemable opinions on them.
Let the Massacre begin!

The Flash #1

The Dastardly Death of the Rogues

Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul

Action Ash
My first thoughts on this comic (after the erection had died down a bit) were "This is really nice!". The artwork of Francis Manapul is unique yet it echoes the same playful charm that Scott Kolins brought to the Flash on his run of the series. Central city is a hectic place to live and you really get a feel of that through the art, the detail of the backgrounds allowing you to see the citizens going about their daily lives in the hurried manner that they're used to. Also, and most importantly for a Flash comic I suppose, Manapul's depiction of speed is great. Using the old school technique of speed lines (and plenty of them) and a few after images of the Flash really gets the job done.

The story is fun and light hearted and begins with a cool little chase that is an awesome way to start off a series. It kept my attention and has a cliffhanger that makes me more than curious about the next issue.

The only thing I want to know is, what about Wally West? Personally, I think Wally is the best Flash. He's more interesting than the goody two shoes Barry Allen and I started reading Flash comics because of him. Now Mr Allen is back from the dead, are they just gonna sideline West and hope suckers forget him? They better not *shakes fist*

All in all 5 skid marks out of 5. Super Geil!

Valhallahan
Like Ash, "My Flash" is Wally West, having been introduced to the character through the DC animated universe and through comic books that were written when I was actually alive. Unlike Ash, I’ve not really been following the Wally West’s adventures aside from the odd cameo in things that are actually good. So did this bold new/tired old direction win me over?

I didn’t like the book quite as much as my esteemed co-reviewer, for a start, my jeans remained un-tented, but I didn’t hate it. I do totally agree about the art, it has a real energy, particularly the kinetic opening chase which is masterfully conveyed. The story left me a bit cold though, it was a nice breeze through the new status quo of the old/new/old Mr Flash-Man, but I don’t really care that much, and you can’t make me, Johns!

Three (rusty) skid marks out of five