In my opinion, Batman has the most engaging cast of villains in modern comics. Every member of his rogues gallery represents a different facet of his character, pushing the Dark Knight to be a better superhero. If Batman didn’t exist, would characters like Joker or Riddler have ever been created? All-Star Batman: Ends Of The Earth, written by Scott Snyder, puts the spotlight on some of the Caped Crusader’s greatest adversaries, as he races across the globe to stop a cataclysmic threat. Continue reading “All-Star Batman: Ends Of The Earth Review: A Look Into The Lives Of Bruce Wayne’s Greatest Enemies”
Tag: graphic novel review
Audubon: On The Wings Of The World Review: An Insightful Look Into The Life Of Birds
Birds are some of nature’s most beautiful animals. They’ve fascinated people for centuries, with one of the most prolific bird watchers being John James Audubon. Considered to be a passionate ornithologist, Audubon was responsible for creating a definitive nature text called Birds of America. Fabien Grolleau and Jeremie Royer decided to capture Audubon’s life in graphic novel form with Audubon: On The Wings Of The World. The duo present a romanticised tale of Audubon that deals with freedom, family and the absolute dedication to an ideal. Continue reading “Audubon: On The Wings Of The World Review: An Insightful Look Into The Life Of Birds”
Death Of Wolverine: The Logan Legacy Review: A Memorable Short Story Collection About Grief
Wolverine is a character that’s been around for a long time, creating relationships that have been good and bad. Enemies like Sabretooth and Mystique have tried to kill him, while allies like X-23 have fought by his side. But when Wolverine isn’t around anymore, how are the lives of his family and enemies defined? Death Of Wolverine: The Logan Legacy asks that question through showing how Daken, X-23, Sabretooth, Mystique and Lady Deathstrike cope with Logan being gone. The graphic novel is written by different people, such as Charles Soule and Kyle Higgins. This gives it the feeling of a short story collection, with each character’s perspective captured through a distinct lens. Continue reading “Death Of Wolverine: The Logan Legacy Review: A Memorable Short Story Collection About Grief”
Son Of Hitler Review: A Rip-Roaring Thriller That Defies Expectations
For many people, World War II doesn’t seem that long ago. Countless lives were lost and plenty of stories have been told that cover Hitler’s evil and Nazi tyranny. You’d think there wouldn’t be any new ways to tell a story revolving around Nazis. Anthony Del Col and Geoff Moore’s Son Of Hitler will prove you wrong. The graphic novel is set in an alternate reality where the British secret service look to stop Hitler by sending his own son to kill him. Violent, entertaining and creative, Son Of Hitler goes off like a firecracker from the very first page. Del Col sent a copy of the graphic novel to The Comic Vault in exchange for an honest review. Continue reading “Son Of Hitler Review: A Rip-Roaring Thriller That Defies Expectations”
Dark Nights: Metal Review: A Comic Event Writing Masterclass
When it comes to comic events, it’s easy to feel cynical about them because of how often they happen. Marvel and DC have got into a habit of altering their universes on a yearly basis, to the point it’s felt as if storytelling has become a money grab, rather than a way of building compelling characters. I’ve felt comic event fatigue before, but there’s something exceptional about the writing of Scott Snyder that keeps me coming back to his stories. Snyder has become the definitive Batman writer, which is why I was eager to pick up Dark Nights: Metal. Here are my thoughts on a graphic novel that nails all the things that makes a comic event worth investing in.
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The Black Monday Murders: Vol 2 Review: Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely
Money is one of the most powerful forces in the world because it gives people the chance to live the life they want to lead. In certain situations it can be treated like a religion, with people doing whatever they can to earn more. Johnathan Hickman focuses on the cult-like effect money has with The Black Monday Murders: Vol 2. The graphic novel is set in a world where different banking firms control the world through magic, blood sacrifice and ruthlessness. A member of the wealthy Rothschild family has been murdered, leading to a brutal war between the firms.
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Daredevil: Born Again Review: A Visceral Look Into The Mind Of The Man Without Fear
Daredevil is one of the most relatable heroes in comics because of his background and believable powers. There have been a number of memorable stories about The Man Without Fear, though perhaps the greatest is Born Again, written by Frank Miller. Born Again involves the complete destruction of Matt Murdock’s life at the hands of The Kingpin. Not only is Daredevil pushed to the brink of sanity, but his mental health issues are exposed in a respectful, tragic manner. With themes of religion, family and overcoming adversity, Born Again is a graphic novel that needs to be read by all comic fans.
Green Arrow: Year One Review: An Exciting Origin Story That Will Leave You Wanting More
Green Arrow is one of those superheroes that people find it easy to connect with because of his beliefs. As someone who stands up for the little guy, Oliver Queen has dedicated his resources to making the world a better place with a bow and arrow. But it took him a long time to become the man he is, as Queen had to learn how to survive on his own two feet before becoming Green Arrow. Ollie’s transformation from frivolous playboy to hardened hunter is chronicled in Andy Diggle’s Green Arrow: Year One. The graphic novel contains themes of isolation, manhood, slavery and the power of nature against urbanisation.
Green Arrow: Crawling Through The Wreckage Review: What Happens When The Rebel Becomes The Man?
Comics can be a valuable source of commentary on political issues, and a character who represents a liberal viewpoint is Green Arrow. Oliver Queen has established a reputation of standing up for the little guy, with various stories delving into his political worldview. One of the best arcs I’ve read that deals with political fallout is Green Arrow: Crawling Through The Wreckage. Written by Judd Winick, the graphic novel involves Green Arrow becoming the Mayor of Star City to make his home a more socially conscious place to live.
STARVE Volume 1 Review: Exploring The Kitchen Warfare Of Celebrity Chef Shows
“Chefs are primal creatures. Always have been. When you see puffed up fools bellowing at their kitchen staff on the cooking shows, this is what I mean, so you tell me: isn’t a bit of intramural kicking far more sane than screaming obscenities at some hapless underling? You recall that one chef on TV who does that? About ready to pop an artery? And when he does and there’s a funeral, who’s going to show up? No one. Because he’s an asshole who shouts at his employees.” – Gavin Cruikshank
We live in a world where reality TV is a popular form of escape for many people, with it extending to the cooking industry as well. Celebrity chef programs are enjoyed by billions because of the competitiveness and the emotional trauma that it causes among the people involved. Some shows are just for fun, while others are designed to push chefs to the edge for the entertainment of the audience. Not only does that say a lot about society as a whole, but it forms a large part of STARVE: Volume 1. Created by Brian Woods, Danijel Zezelj and Dave Stewart, STARVE is about the world’s most famous chef, Gavin Cruikshank, who created a reality cooking show that turned into a morally corrupt arena for the wealthy to dine on illegal cuisine and bastardise the industry. The graphic novel contains a multitude of relatable themes that will appeal to chefs and cooking enthusiasts.
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