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November 2017
Company: Zenescope
Availability: Maxiseries. Issue 8 due out in September
Price: 3.99
Grimm Fairy Tales
Volume 2

Although this tale was told in volume one early on, Snow White is revisited in #2.7. The volume one story was around then Nexus Guardian Sela Mathers, and how it turned out she was Snow White. With the cover, one would assume volume two, which is about Legacies, it seems, would be about new Nexus Guardian Skye, Sela's daughter. Not so.
In Joppatowne, Maryland, Jackie White turns out to be the key player. Seems she went to a fair to see something interesting and is thrust into a twisted version of the fairytale... With the appropriate costume change. She comes face to face with the dwarves... Who look downright evil.
Skye gets involved only because she's asked by Shang to pick up a new student. Our aforementioned Snow White of this tale. She meets the aunt who is *sarcasm* a real ray of sunshine *end sarcasm* yet sends Skye in the right direction.
Now at the fair Skye begins a search for the girl, asking fairgoers if they had seen her. One girl, who turns out to be a not so nice gypsy that is part of the latest villainous cult of the Grimm Universe points Skye in the right direction... A costume change later, Skye is in the same forest... Where she faces those same "deranged dwarves" (her words) Jackie fell victim to. A skirmish, chase, and charge later, Skye finds victim and villainess who has Skye's book. Skye is given a choice that in all reality for any heroine worth her salt isn't much of one, and the Nexus guardian gets them out of story and back to reality. The old gypsy returns the book as the"Order of the Tarot" (latest baddies) is finished with it. Turns out, the fair might not have been there all along.
Back in the school, Skye debriefs with Shang who has faced this order before and catches back up with the friend from the first page who is now watching tv and drinking coffee.
Volume two has had it's moments throughout these first seven issues of heavy blood, but there was very little excessiveness in this story. It was also one of the better retellings... Up there with #2.1, which retold Red Riding Hood with a bit more bloodshed. As I watch to see Shang and Skye match wits fully with the latest villains, I have to wonder why this kind of storytelling can't be more frequent. The series as a whole would probably get a C-, but, as I said... This was good storytelling.
~B.

October 2017
Company: Zenescope
Availability: Check local comic shops for the two volumes encompassing the 12-issue maxiseries.
Robyn Hood: I Love NY

This series was Robyn's last completed arc, as a new 6-issue miniseries hit the shelves beginning in July.
I Love NY centered around Robyn's life after the marriage of her friend Marian at the end of her ongoing series and started out with her working on a new arrow just to core an apple to eat. Seems she had been idle in the months following being Maid of Honor at said wedding. This lull wasn't going to last long as before she knew it, she was in pursuit of a grown man who stole a school bag from a young teen girl named Gabby. After apprehending him the goodol' fisticuffs route and returning the bag, she learned this was all about drugs. Deciding to get involved one last time, Robyn starts investigating and learned it's delivery by drones from seemingly innocent drummers on the stoop of a brownstone. This time, the archer means business with the point of an arrow. Unfortunately, their friends have guns and it's a regular shootout. Arrow triumphs over bullet and NYPD are left to clean up the mess. Enter wheelchair bound Commissioner Julia Gingrich, a long time ally of Robyn's who confronts her when she says it was a one-time deal. Robyn had to be either in or out. Nottingham Investigations reopens... But first Robyn makes a date at a library.
In #2, people are disappearing around the five boroughs, and a teen boy is the latest kidnap victim. A substantial reward is put up for his safe return, but the lizard creatures who kidnapped him weren't looking for a ransom. Robyn begins an immediate investigation, asking the right questions and in at least one case paying for the privilege of getting the tip. Seems only one man knows the truth, but because of the story (he tells Robyn) about his own encounter, no one believes him. On the way to meet him, Robyn meets one with only one thing on his mind when he sees her (or maybe he's that crass with all the ladies)., who pretends to be who she seeks. Following the lead from the correct Big T sends Robyn to the sewers, two face-offs, and the latest kidnap victim. A surprising twist awaits at the end of the story, for two characters.
BFF Britney Waters, Red Agent, guests in #3 as Robyn is hired to get pictures of a cheating hubby at a highborn adult club where Red is on the trail of a notorious sex trader. Of course, when the two meet they fight, it's a comic book, heroes do that. Pick up volume 1 to see why, though. Robyn learns the truth of why she was really sent to the club... And she's not happy. With Red's help ata NY pier, she shuts down the ring, once and for all.
Robyn faces highborn clown creatures in #4 who are targeting children for undisclosed but obvious sinister reasons. You thought Robyn was violent in the previous chapters, you'll be surprised (or maybe not) as the badass archer is at possibly her angriest. When this issue first came out, I played her in a Have Your Character Answer a Question, so feel free to reread that post after checking out this chapter of volume 1.
A vampire, more specifically avapor lord, supposedly extinct, is the bad guy of the month for issue #5, and guest Hellchild, is called in to help Robyn go after him after he kills a pack of werewolves. The investigation into finding him leads to getting directions from a boatload of vampires, or specifically one, who gives them a warning. The criminal will bite one of our intrepid crime fighters before seemingly being brought down by the other... But trouble awaits Robyn on her return to Manhattan. (Read to find out what)
Issue #6 finds Robyn on the wrong side of the law, accused of a crime she didn't commit (again, read to see what), and she is faced with answering a lot of questions over and over. Meanwhile, a troubled highborn youth commits a crime and is brought to the same precinct. Where Robyn hadn't been evasive (but did get angry), the youth kind of is, and spots a way to exact mayhem in an attempt to escape. He proves he's guilty of what he was being charged with (but the reader would already know that), when he tries to lift a familiar (to GFT Oz fans) piece of evidence, causing a massive transmutation. It's Robyn to the rescue, despite how she had thus far been treated by New York's finest. Unfortunately, it's too late for many, including her own interrogating officer. The victory comes by sheer force of will, and quick thinking instead of Robyn's normal MO.
Liesel Van Helsing guests as the vapor lord in a new body and more dangerous look made a return engagement in #7 (volume 2) To find out why a vampire huntress and not the vampire is used, I again implore you to read #5 in volume 1. It's winter now in New York, and snow is falling as this vampire baddie is back on his killing spree. It's subways to Grand Central Station to the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, where the battle ends... And again, a heroine's blood is shed. Thanks to Helsing, however, the last vapor lord is at last finally on ice,
In #8, a different kind of hunt, this one for sport, takes place, and our heroine is the prey. Katana-wielding Masumi is the guest and the bearer of the news. What's worse... She was used by the hunter, a supra-neutralizing astral reaper, or snare, to corner his prey in her own apartment. With it being her own turf, the New Yorker leads a merry chase ending with the snare's defeat... But bombshell... Robyn was never the archer of the target according to the hunter's last words... And Robyn keeps the weapon.
Robyn is having second thoughts about the life she leads and is reminiscing on the Roosevelt Islandairtram, unaware of her latest upcoming adventure in #9: Saving a man from a demon who has taken over his mask. The creature shows itself only after the hold is broken, and for once the impossible (when it comes to Robyn) happens. Read that chapter of volume 2 to learn what.
A Highborn locks himself in the Statue of Liberty, the storm of the century rages, and we get another glimpse into Robyn's past in #10. Robyn has to use her gray matter to get out of this one as she races past defeated police to the scene. There's something wrong with armed guards throughout that she has to go through to get to the guy. Seems Battery just wants to be put down because his powers are too much and out of control. Robyn wants another solution, and we again see the compassionate side of the kickass girl in green. A solution is discovered and at a high cost (but not her life), Robyn once again saves her beloved city.
Throughout the previous ten issues, the actual main villainess has been plotting a revenge, that comes into play at the end of issue #10. As issue #11 begins, Robyn has reached the end of her rope as her original destiny continues to seem to thread its way through her, and her friends and loved ones live. She feels it's inevitable and hers only as the villains make their move, and the woman who wants Robyn dead, and why, is fully revealed. As part one ends, destinies clash and Robyn barely escapes with her life.
The conclusion of the story started in #11, and of the maxiseries arrives in #12. Robyn returns home to find her apartment engulfed in flames, she knows who's responsible for this latest arson, and intends to end it, especially since one of herneighbors doesn't make it. Robyn sets up a new home in an abandoned restaurant once owned by the drug dealers from #1. We see a different Robyn, yet. As determined as ever, but this time... "Nobody else gets hurt". Her words. The Commissioner, there to visit at Robyn's request finally agrees to let Robyn do this alone, although Robyn is requesting some heavy favors including actually shutting down the subway system around Grand Central Station! The final showdown between her and the villainess take place in the famous NYC landmark, and at the platform. It is there Robyn learns destinies can change. Read it to see for yourself.
If it weren't for the last page snippets of what was happening elsewhere, these issues could easily be stand alone. Well, except for the last two, which were parts one and two of the same story. Although I love the character and the concept, as a whole, this series was a little too violent and bloody at times for my tastes. Robyn, you may be myfavorite, but to be fair, I have to give I Love NY a C+. But that's me... Someone else might give you a higher grade.
​
by unknown author

August 2017
Back to the Future

Company: IDW
Frequency: Monthly
Price: $3.99
This is an epic series with the occasional self-contained story, which I am going to review this month. I recently read #20, which is part two of the current epic. Since I promised the last completedone, that would be issue #18, the self-contained story Stowaway to the Future.
John Barber and Bob Gale continue their excellent story writing with this latest adventure. Coming off the epic five-part Who is Marty McFly? which introduced the character of Professor Marcus Irving, we find Doc Brown and him fixing the Delorean together in Doc Brown's garage/lab in "present day" 1986 Hill Valley. The conversation is about the phrase "no big deal" that we tend to say both to men and our girlfriends. Well, the girls will agree with Doc, as he says that taking the phrase at face value (as Irving does) is "naive." He then recounts to Irving his own experience.
Scene shifts to 1893, showing Doc working on his time train so he can show his whole family the wonders of time travel. He needs a way to get the train to have enough room to reach necessary speed (88 mph). Verne wants to play but finally explains Clara wants him. Excited, Doc rushes to her, only to be presented with a gift. It appears Doc forgot their anniversary! Clara seems to understand. Going so far as to say "It's not important." We know what that means, right ladies? Off Doc flies to the future (October 2017) to get Clara the perfect gift, and this is where the title comes in. Verne has hidden himself aboard the Delorean! He leaves the car with an old friend he does business with in regards to the hovering ability.
After getting enough (he hopes) to levitate the train, it's off to the second part of his journey to the future. Verne has to see this, too. Especially since they're giving out chocolate, and kids are dressed up for trick or treating. While Verne has the time of his life, getting free candy for his "authentic costume," Doc makes his way to a familiar shop. When the fun of exploring gets old (quickly, it's a 20 pg story), he realizes he's lost in the future.
The scene shifts to the bad guys (and one girl) who intend to get their own freebies. But they can't get access to the store they chose without a kid. Guess who they spot? With smooth words, the woman leader now has a kid.
Meanwhile, Doc is back to the Delorean and finally learns he had a stowaway.
Verne learns the gang just wanted to use him to get the store's drug supply (sic, future pharmacy), especially when he's used as a hostage. His quick thinking turns him from victim to hero, and he is reunited with Doc where the gang said he'd be, although they didn't really know Doc.
Back to 1893 and both anniversary presents are finally revealed (no. Read the issue), and we cut back to present day (1986) which has scenes throughout the story, and Professor Irving has one last thing to say before going to see his own lady friend.
All in all, this single issue story, bridging the gap between epics, was one of my favorite reads in recent memory of a series that is in the lower third of my top 35. I'm going to start giving grades to these, and in my opinion, this gets an A. It's up to the quality expected from the BttF franchise.
​
by unknown author

July 2017
Damage Per Second

Company: Marvel
The four part arc entitled Damage Per Second, reads more like a cautionary tale towards all online gamers, and the rest of us with e-mails, actually.
The story opens up with four heroes of "The Iron Guild" preparing to do battle against a boss. When it's finished, with the Guild winning of course, the half-orc hero receives a splendid new sword. The troll congratulates her, and then mentions something he ought not to have known in the first place.
Cut to our heroine, Kamala Khan, gasping in total confusion and surprise, bringing her "non-sister in law" running. Kamala sidesteps the question, acting like it's no big deal, and then spends quite a while tracing the ISP address to find out who plays the troll.
Once she confronts the suspect as Ms. Marvel, she learns a shocking discovery. He hadn't battled with them, as he opened a Doc.X file. Ms. Marvel decides to try to sort things out at her favorite haunt, The Circle Q, the convenient store she used to hang out at when Bruno worked there. Before she can get there, she is first attacked by a runaway SUV, then a crane. Once she stops both, she demands answers. Going into her haven was a mistake, as all the closed circuit TVs in the store start showing the troll. End chapter one.
Chapter two opens at school, supposedly the next day. Kamala is late for class, but the attention isn't on her. It's on another girl entering with her. Apparently her boyfriend promised to keep some very personal stuff secret and didn't. Kamala soon realizes it's this other girl's secrets being spilled, and not hers--not yet. At the cafeteria during lunch, a little meeting happens with the girl named Clara who gives a startling revelation. A troll was behind it. That night Ms. Marvel goes hunting again, this time at a construction site, where again she comes face to screen with a big blue and meanie. Now, she wants a face-to-face showdown. The troll obliges with another twist: the female foreman of the construction site. A battle and arrest later still leaves Kamala with too many questions, especially when it turns out the foreman appears to have been set up. A phone call later, troll to Kamala, and the mystery of what is revealed. She's been asking the wrong questions. The troll IS the Doc.X virus. End chapter two.
Issue #16, chapter three, opens with who created the virus, what it was supposed to be, and the search for the sap that would open the file. Here's where the warning is clearly spelled out on why one should never open a strange file, no matter where it may come from.
The troll wants our heroine to download him into SHIELD computers or else. I'll let you read the "or else" yourself. Kamala almost does it. Going so far as taking him to SHIELD HQ! Kamala can't do it, so she warns Zoe about the consequences. Zoe, in turn, teaches our heroine a thing or two about bravery. Meanwhile, Ms. Marvel reaches out to her ex-bff, now in Wakanda, for help. Without really doing much but explaining the program... He comes through for her again, possibly for the last time. The mystery of defeating Doc.X is solved. End chapter.
The final chapter begins like the second. A school day. Only this time, Zoe bravely faces her storm. A very moving moment happens on page four and first panel of page five. Sorry, I'm giving enough spoilers with this review.
Ms. Marvel calls together the actual guys she has role-played with for a meeting at The Circle Q. There, she expounds the plan on how to defeat the bad guy. By rewriting his programming in 12 hours, unfortunately, Ms. Marvel loses track of time; there's one more hurdle before he shows himself. The last panel, with the cell phone with a red screen, may mean there could be a sequel... The irony is, this may be a work of fiction, but there's a lot of truth in what it said and warned about the internet. We should all take heed.
In two months, I PLAN to review a surprise hit from IDW. Back to the Future: The Series. That gives you a head start, y'all. Check it out before I talk about the latest completed arc from that exciting comic book!
​
by Naughtygirl