tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69072172011-10-25T23:47:28.546-04:00Graphic Novel ReviewsBrindrodnoreply@blogger.comBlogger161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-81853082660265900382011-10-25T23:29:00.005-04:002011-10-25T23:47:28.556-04:00

Review by Brian GrindrodThe first original graphic novel release in a decade by Frank Miller has been the focal point of much controversy since its release. This 10 x 13 landscape book was initially conceived as a Batman story that would pit the character against Osama Bin Laden and al-Qaeda as the artist’s response to the events of September 11, 2001. In other words, a propaganda comic book

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-58318301956398974472009-04-20T01:45:00.005-04:002011-10-24T22:06:35.536-04:00

Firestorm The John Ostrander Eraby Brian GrindrodFirestorm is the brainchild of writer Gerry Conway and artist Al Milgrom which made its debut in March 1978 in his self titled series. After a mere five issues, the title was cancelled alongside many others in what has now become known as the DC Implosion. The character was given another chance at his own series in 1982 with Conway at the helm.

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-7436664210790944722009-04-20T01:42:00.005-04:002011-10-24T22:10:51.839-04:00

Fourth World Spotlight Review - Cosmic Odyssey by Brian GrindrodJack Kirby’s Fourth World is the most underdeveloped and under-rated property that The King has ever created. For forty years, the characters known as the New Gods that features one of the most powerful villains in the DC universe in Darkseid has never been able to sustain a title for more than 28 issues despite having three spin-off

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-5653208982212658852009-04-20T01:35:00.009-04:002011-10-25T12:32:36.311-04:00

Captain America: The CaptainReview by Brian Grindrod The year is 1987. Steve Rogers is forced to resign as Captain America but not before PTL Evangelist Jim Bakker admits to an affair with Jessica Hahn. Oliver North, Jr. tells congressional inquiry that higher officials approved his secret Iran-Contra operations. Admiral John M. Poindexter, former National Security Adviser, testifies he

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-57178780292096233092008-07-05T23:48:00.005-04:002011-10-24T22:22:40.306-04:00

BATMAN: STRANGE APPARITIONSWritten by Steve Englehart and Len Wein; Art by Marshall Rogers, Terry Austin and Walter SimonsonReview by Brian GrindrodDuring the late 1970s, DC managed to entice writer Steve Englehart aboard on Detective Comics. At Marvel, Englehart had repeatedly proven his skills and imagination on titles such as Avengers, Captain America and Incredible Hulk. Teamed up with

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-3460189085007979642008-07-05T23:35:00.005-04:002011-10-24T22:28:37.164-04:00

BATMAN: TALES OF THE DEMONArt by Neal Adams, Irv Novick, Dick Giordano and others; Cover by Neal AdamsReview by Brian GrindrodWhile most of the material was originally published during the early 1970s, none of it appears outdated or lackluster; a testimony to Dennis O'Neil & Neal Adams' vision of comic book storytelling. This trade paperback edition also includes stories that first appeared in

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-1143918458245813952006-04-01T14:06:00.003-05:002011-10-24T22:34:06.311-04:00

Review by Brian GrindrodDC Comics' Identity Crisis has been acclaimed by critics and fans. The rationale for its success can be attributed to the following main reasons;1) an engrossing plot line that is skilfully written2) beautiful art work3) a gripping story that has impact on the charactersThe pacing is over-the-top while the passion of the characters is felt with emotions running high in

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-1143917666903766882006-04-01T13:52:00.003-05:002011-10-23T20:26:35.734-04:00

Review by Brian GrindrodBrian May and Roger Taylor could have taken any singer that could accurately imitate Freddie Mercury's vocal range to perform their vast repertoire. However, it is the legendary Paul Rodgers that embarked with them to sing their classics as well as some of his which he recorded with Bad Company & Free.Rodgers does not emulate Freddie Mercury in stage presence or vocal

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-1143818671422124682006-03-31T10:23:00.002-05:002011-10-24T22:35:46.756-04:00

Review by Brian GrindrodEver wonder what kind of world we would be living in if the American War for Independence failed? Perhaps ponder what would modern music sound like had Elvis Presley never walked into Sun Record Studios? We are only limited by our imagination when we conceive about such possibilities. With Ministry Of Space, Ellis invites the reader to an alternate reality where England

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-1143817708743248792006-03-31T10:07:00.003-05:002011-10-24T22:47:17.885-04:00

Review by Brian GrindrodThe Dirty Dozen are about to get their position usurped as the most efficient fighting division. Adventures In The Rifle Brigade marks the debut of a new British Commando Unit that has all the wits and charm of the Monty Python team. Written by Garth Ennis, who has turned murder and gore on titles such as Punisher and Preacher into a side splitting laugh fest, this book is

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-1143817503466152512006-03-31T10:03:00.002-05:002011-10-24T22:47:39.113-04:00

Review by Brian GrindrodEnnis keeps it straight and simple. No need to know all the intricate details about Thor's continuity. No need to buy all the Thor back issues by Walt Simonson to make heads or tails of the story. No need to buy a bloody Marvel Encyclopaedia hardcover to get background info on Asgard, Don Blake and the Thunder God's supporting cast. And screw Beta-Ray Bill's horse face

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-1143817143816722542006-03-31T09:57:00.002-05:002011-10-24T22:47:00.668-04:00

Review by Brian GrindrodWelcome Back, Frank is an appropriate title for this edition. Garth Ennis restores The Punisher to his former greatness. No more spiritual redemption nonsense. No more hypnotic spells or amnesia to turn him into a madman. This epic depicts the essence of Frank Castle: an urban vigilante who kills evil men and women.While Ennis does bring his black humour from DC's Hitman

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-1143816998248401002006-03-31T09:55:00.002-05:002011-10-24T22:54:20.390-04:00

Review by Brian GrindrodLongbow Hunters forever changed the US comic book industry with its graphic novel format. With the series' mature, sophisticated and finite story arc, comic books finally gained a level of much needed credibility and acceptance from the public as well as the media. With landmark projects such as The Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen, DC Comics drastically altered the

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-1143816892197752302006-03-31T09:53:00.002-05:002011-10-24T22:56:58.193-04:00

Review by Brian GrindrodThe Wolverine: Blood Debt edition collects issues #150 to #153 of the ongoing series that was published in 2000. A four part story arc that is written and pencilled by Steve Skroce. Silver screen connoisseurs will undoubtedly recognize the name. Skroce formed part of the storyboard designer staff of 1999's blockbuster hit, The Matrix. Skroce not only delivers awesome

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-1143816765751602132006-03-31T09:51:00.002-05:002011-10-24T23:00:29.366-04:00

If you need a crash course as to who Jack Kirby is and his contributions to the comic book medium, it is too long to list. Suffice to say that after revolutionizing this art form with Marvel Comics, Kirby signed on with DC to write, pencil and edit three interlocking titles which became known as "The Fourth World". Tales of God like beings who wielded both the forces of darkness and light in the

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907217.post-1143816630209109362006-03-31T09:47:00.002-05:002011-10-24T23:06:07.676-04:00

The Enemy Ace: War In Heaven trade paperback will please old time fans of Hans Von Hammer and DC's war titles of yesteryear. Undoubtedly, those who worship Garth Ennis will also find it to their liking.At 46 years old, Hans Von Hammer a.k.a. The Hammer Of Hell due to his fantastic World War I military record is called upon by the Nazi regime to join the battle against the Russians. Von Hammer

Brindrodnoreply@blogger.com0