Nick The Sidekick (Family Comic Friday)

Welcome to another round of Family Comic Friday. We’re all about superheroes and sidekicks this week. First we’ll be reviewing Dave Whamond’s Nick the Sidekick. Then we finish out our preview of the 2018 Free Comic Book Day offerings. Our final title this year stars one of my all-time favorite character: The Tick!

So let’s get started first with a look at the week’s review title, Nick the Sidekick.


Nick the Sidekick
Written and Illustrated by Dave Whamond
Published by Kids Can Press

Young Nick has superpowers. He can hear extremely well. The youngster is super intelligent and his detective skills are second to none. Unfortunately, the superhero he’s been paired with has no idea about any of this.

Instead, Nick’s partner, Super Fantastic Guy thinks that his sidekick can fly and do it very fast! Plus, Super Fantastic Guy thinks his sidekick is named Rick. Oh, and Super Fantastic Guy always steals the spotlight from his sidekick, too. Did we mention Nick hates to be referred to as a sidekick?

That is all about to change when Nick stumbles upon a plot to rob the local bank. Now, it’s his time to shine and maybe the diminutive hero with get a chance embarrass his aloof partner in the process…

Dave Whamond’s story of an under-appreciated sidekick is one that I think Robin, Tonto and Arthur would all relate to and enjoy. The Oddrey creator takes the stereotype of the comic book sidekick and makes it funny and refreshingly new. I did think a little of the humor got awfully silly but for the recommended reading age of readers in grades 1-4, I guess it’s to be expected. However, the first 40 pages of the 48-page story wasn’t full of toilet humor, so it just seemed out of place for it to occur when it did.

The artwork was very good. I liked the sketch work for Nick and Super Fantastic Guy. Being an easy reader graphic novel however, the panels were huge. For an older reader of graphic novels, it’s a format that takes some getting used to. It’s extremely appropriate for the book and the age group it’s aimed at. It’s just odd at first, like when you wear a new prescription of eyeglasses for the first time.

I’m not sure if this is it for Nick the Sidekick or if this is set to become a new series from Dave Whamond. I would be okay either way as the ending of this story was a fulfilling one but I too would be interested to see more adventures starring Nick. If there’s more to come, I just would hope to see the storytelling be a little more balanced. If the adventures of Nick are supposed to be more serious, then I don’t want to see a large segment of really silly things happen to Super Fantastic Guy at the end of every story. I can maybe forgive it this one time. But, I would quickly lose interest if the ending to every Nick the Sidekick adventure was to go the way of Captain Underpants.

A good young reader graphic novel that is appealing to its core audience but is in need of little self control at the end.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

This review was concurrently published on Outrightgeekery.com.

---

The Tick 2018 Free Comic Book Day Edition

Writer: Jeff McClelland
Artist: Ian Nichols
Published by New England Comics Press
Release Date: 5/5/2018
Rating: All Ages

Foretold by Ben Edlund himself, in the now-legendary 1980's Tick trading cards set, comes a tale you never expected to read! Wandering into an ancient village on a one-eyed horse, The Tick must make a stand against dark magic, enemy hordes, incredible beasts and the unknown itself! His reward: ACTION! (And also a mysterious jewel the size of a truck.) From a lost Ben Edlund plot comes a story of swords, sorcery, and... spoons?!

Avengers: Infinity War

Considered the greatest superhero crossover event in cinematic history, the mad Titan Thanos finally makes his much heralded arrival into the Marvel Universe.

Thanos has a theory that over-population of the universe will result in the destruction of all life in the cosmos. He's tried in the past to wipe out 50% of the population of all inhabited planets, but he and his army of murderers are getting the job fast enough. Thus, in order to get the job done quicker, Thanos sets his sights on acquiring all six of the Infinity stones. 

Thanos already has two of the stones, making him the most powerful being ever. Now it's up to the combined forces of Avengers, Guadians of the Galaxy, a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and Wakanda's finest to stop the villain from using his specially made gauntlet to it's fullest potential and destroying half of all life in existence with a mere snap of his fingers.

I'm not going any further with the synopsis of the film. It's too early in the movie's release and people are having fits about spoilers. But I don't know what's worst- those who want a complete media blackout of info about Infinity War or the reactions of those who have seen the film.

Apparently, there's been episodes of mass crying fits and need for comfort and consolation. Some people have taken to Twitter claiming to have become severely depressed from watching the movie. I was not one of those people. Though I will say that I am shocked that Disney actually let Marvel pull off what they did.

Avengers: Infinity War is both superior and grossly lacking to the previous Marvel Cinematic entry Black Panther. In terms of a story with compelling drama, brains, and passion, then Black Panther is the victor. But as both a special effects marvel and laugh riot, then Infinity War wins. It also has a lot of surprises, but you'll have to watch it for yourself to catch them all. But again, I don't want to spoil anything. 

A fun 2.5 hours of superhero fighting and feuding. Not the greatest Marvel movie ever made but at least it ain't no Thor: Dark World either.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Vinegar Teeth #1

Story by Damon Gentry and Troy Nixey
Art and Letters also by Troy Nixey
Colors by Guy Major
Published by Dark Horse

When Brick City’s best detective, Artie Buckle, is forced to partner with an inter-dimensional being named Vinegar Teeth, it looks like a match made in Hell. However, being paired with a creature with uncanny abilities and a scariness factor set to eleven might just have it’s advantages- like taking a long nap during surveillance. Things are looking up for this unlikely partnership, which will be put to the ultimate test as Brick City appears to be infested by a horde of possessed townsfolk!

Vinegar Teeth is an odd mix of Eric Powell’s The Goon, HP Lovecraft’s Cthulhu, and Will Eisner’s The Spirit. A buddy cop adventure at heart, this book is extremely spastic. The story goes all over the place with super fast explosions of dialogue. If Damon Gentry and Troy Nixey weren’t using the screwball comedies of the 1940s as inspiration for the way Buckle spouts off gibberish like a machine gun with a stuck trigger, I would be very surprised. Things are so chaotic, I actually had to re-read several pages more than once to crack the code to what the main character is trying to say.

Troy Nixey’s artwork is very avante garde here like Batman 100’s Paul Pope. That’s not a bad thing as I like Pope’s pre-World War II German influenced art style. Troy Nixon’s imitation of it works here, especially since nothing in Brick City is as it seems. Having a bloated monster, with some seriously sour BO and tentacles are long as telephone poles, be the new hero of Brick City is about as bizarre as you can get.

I really have no idea where this new series from Dark Horse Comics is going to go. It’s very strange and kinda silly. I generally have a rule with TV shows that I also apply to new comic book series- never end at just one! Since the first episode or issue is sorta like the pilot, there’s kinks to be worked out. Some of these rough spots will probably disappear in the second helping. Plus, it’s really hard to establish a complex storyline with all new characters in just 24-pages.

I’m not completely sold with Vinegar Teeth just yet. But I am willing to give it another try before I hold final judgement.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Dark Fang Volume 1: Earth Calling

Story: Miles Gunter

Art / Cover: Kelsey Shannon
Published: May 9, 2018
Age Rating: Mature 

A product of the true Count Dracula, Valla is a reluctant vampire. To prevent succumbing to her blood lust, Valla decides to reside in the deepest depths of the ocean where she partakes of some of the freshest sushi on planet earth. A man eater, Valla befriends the other predator of the sea- the shark. 

For decades, her life is far from perfect, but it is sustainable. However, one day, a mysterious black entity invades Valla's sanctuary, killing her shark friends. Enraged, Valla heads to the surface, vowing revenge of those who destroyed her ecosystem.

The vampire discovers that over a century has passed. The black death was the result of an oil spill. But oil is a big money business. To destroy the industry will cost money! What can a alluring vampire do to raise the funds to become a feared eco-terrorist?

The answer will surprise and seduce you!

This Image series by Miles Gunter and Kelsey Shannon (Scooby Apocalypse) was great. It takes the classic vampire trope and updates it for the technology heavy 21st century. 

Bastard Samurai's Mile Gunter adds ecology to the story. But he while he makes the issue thought provoking, Gunter does a great job not making it preachy. Plus the insane twists he adds to the lobbyists funding the oil industry and manipulating the governments of the world are brilliant! I'm hooked on this series! It's like Image got it's fangs in me and won't let go!

A horror story that entices with stunning artwork and unimaginable creativity; this is a series not to be missed when it drops in stores later next month!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Dark Fang, Volume 1: Earth Calling debuts in stores and digital media on May 9, 2018. 

Lumberjanes #49 (Family Comic Friday)

Welcome to Family Comic Friday. This weekly column highlights comics and graphic novels that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It's my hope that the books featured not only opens the young readers in your life up to the world of comic books but the joy of reading as well.

This week is all about girl power as we’ll be reviewing the latest issue of Boom! Studios’ award winning series Lumberjanes! Then in our penultimate preview of the 2018 Free Comic Book Day releases, we check out the anthology one-shot Comic Friends Forever, featuring creators such as Hope Larson and Shannon Hale.

Let's get started with my review of …

Lumberjanes #49

Written by Shannon Waters, Kat Leyh

Art by Dozerdraws

Published by Boom! Studios

Lumberjanes is the title nobody thought would or could ever get made. The series was created by the team of Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooklyn A. Allen and Noelle Stevenson. These women comic creators saw a lack of material for girls aged 10-13 on the market- especially made by women.

Working with the publisher Boom!, this creative team was able to book an 8 issue miniseries and turn it into a global phenomenon that next month will celebrate it's historic 50th issue!

Lumberjanes follows a group of 5 campers who are spending their summer at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types summer camp. Using their unique talents and endless spirit of adventure, the girls notice some strange things going on in the nearby woods. Weird stuff, like three-eyed foxes and an old woman who transforms into a bear.

Over the past 48 issues, the secret behind these supernatural occurrences has been building up to the 50th mega issue that promises to reveal something.

Now you might be asking why am I reviewing a book that promises to let several cats out of the bag in the very near future. Well, for one thing, this issue reads like a very good starting point. The entire camp is stuck inside the mess hall thanks to a monsoon outdoors. Having all of the main and supporting characters in one place offers new readers a chance to really explore the various personalities that occupy the camps.

A couple of the campers discover a hidden tunnel that runs under the camp. While yes it adds to the overall mysteries surrounding the camp itself, a new reader doesn’t have to have read the previous 48 issues of this series to understand just what is going on. Sure, it helps. But it’s not required.

I want to talk a minute about the artwork and that’s going to lead into a controversial aspect of the comic book. The book is illustrated by German artist Dozerdraws. The artist gives amazing life to each and every character in this book. But there was something about one of the Lumberjanes named Jo that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. So, I did a little research into the character.

Jo is a transgender girl. The child of a gay married couple, Jo a male transitioning to a girl. In no way am I condemning the character or the book. I think Lumberjanes is a good series for children, especially girls. But I add this information because not all parents and guardians may feel that the subject matter of sexuality and gender is inappropriate for their child.

One reason I started doing Family Comic Friday almost a decade ago is one day I was at a comic book store and a frustrated mom went up to the clerk. With a copy of Hellblazer in her hand, she asked if it was appropriate for her 8-year old son. The clerk responded with two thumbs up. ‘Hellz yeah!’, he crooned.

It was at this point I realized that some parents have no idea what comics are age appropriate for their kids, much less nieces, nephews and grandkids. So when I review a comic, I base my score on storytelling, art and editing- not content. But I do feel that I need to let all parties involved know of anything that might be considered controversial or even a little too grown up for the recommended age group. Ultimately, when it comes to letting a child read any book I review, it’s ultimately up to the parent or grown-up to decide. But perhaps, by my reviewing of this series, I might encourage some families to begin a more open dialogue on gender and sexuality.

In terms of my rating, I give Lumberjanes high marks. The storytelling was flawless, though I wish that some of the characters names were given earlier on. In terms of the artwork, it was really good. So good, that I thought one of the characters was really a boy and I was right! I give Dozerdraws high praise for not trying to make Jo look any different than they did. To do so would have hidden Jo’s true persona and I think that in a nutshell is what Lumberjanes is all about- being true to yourself!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Lumberjanes #49 was released in print and digital media on April 25, 2018.

Comic Friends Forever

Written and Illustrated by Hope Larson, Ben Hatke, Shannon Hale, LeUyen Pham

Cover by Vera Brosgol

Rated: All-Ages

Release Date: May 5, 2018

Comics friends forever! First Second presents an amazing Free Comic Book Day anthology that celebrates kids comics, girl power, and the amazing work of creators Vera Brosgol, Hope Larson, Charise Mericle Harper, Ben Hatke, and Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. Don't miss out on this comic filled with the power of friendship that's great for every kid reader in your store.

This review was published concurrently on Outrightgeekery.com.

Defenders of the Earth #4

Mandrake the Magician is the focus of this, the final issue of Defenders of the Earth. 

When Mandrake attempts to train his apprentice Kshin, the mage accidentally frees a forgotten adversary. Meanwhile, Rick Gordon and Jedda go on a date, only to run afoul of Ming the Merciless' newest band of ice warriors. 

Everything is set-up for a climatic battle in issue #5. There's even a blurb for a 'To Be Continued' in the very last panel. Yet, a fifth issue was never to be. 

The reason for the sudden cancellation is both very clear and also a bit of a mystery. The quality of the stories had slumped after a nearly flawless first issue written by Stan Lee. The cartoon in which this comic was based was sporadically scheduled on TV at best! Plus, some of the major characters were mostly forgotten. 

Yet, like I said, this issue promised an issue #5. Plus, on the back cover, there's an ad for fans to subscribe to this series. It just doesn't add up. Unfortunately it was a trend for Star Comics titles to just up and disappear. 

No matter how successful the titles might have been, Marvel never really could get retailers to commit to ordering titles from the all-ages imprint. Plus, somebody at Marvel never could manage to snag long-lasting licenses. (Other examples of this issue were then flops/ now cult hits Animax, Silverhawks and Chuck Norris Karate Kommandos. 

A good story that for one reason or another will never be resolved. I am so glad I got to find these issues for cheap at a Con. A great blast from my past. It was fun while it lasted.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Defenders of the Earth #3

The Phantom and his daughter Jedda return to Africa to follow-up on reports of massive snow storms in and around his kingdom. There he is greeted by his estranged brother. Angered by being passed up as the next Phantom, the brother has discovered a helmet of demonic power that gives him mastery over the elements. Will the Phantom renounce his title of the 'Ghost Who Walks' in order to save his people?

Finally, The Phantom gets a chance to shine in this issue that delves somewhat into his origin and history. But the writers have given the Phantom so many powers that he never had in the comics, including a brother. So, is this really the Phantom from the Sunday Comics?

I liked that Ming the Merciless wasn't the main villain in this issue. I think, had it been given a longer chance in publication, if Ming was the only baddie, it would have got boring quick. Obviously, as Ming seems to be only villain mentioned in a lot of the research I have done on this franchise, boring plots was just another factor that caused this series to not have a very long shelf life. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.