Comics: We're Back, Baby!
by Dee. 12/1/2021
Hello friends! As I've said before, no one really ever truly dies in comics. It's been over a year since I've written a comic review, and I've missed it. Let's get into it, shall we? From After-Shock Comics My Date with Monsters, from DC Pennyworth, and from Marvel Comics I have selected Darkhold Wasp.My Date with Monsters (After-Shock Comics): This book has an interesting premise: how about we weaponize dreams? Nothing can go wrong, right? Cue the story of the fallout seven years after the fact. Written by Paul Tobin and illustrated by Andy MacDonald, this is a unique look at what happens when nightmares are made reality, and the hassles of parenting and dating.
In order to stop her daughter's nightmares, our heroine needs to fulfill her daughter's dream: for Risa to find true love. So while this could be a premise for a zany rom-com, its focus is definitely more on the cynical, horror side and the world-building backstory.
I'll be interested to see how this story develops, as my curiosity is piqued.
Pennyworth (DC Comics): Hey kids, it's everyone's favorite butler, Alfred Pennyworth. We are four issues into the series, and Alfred has been reflecting on his past as an agent of MI5. This is interspersed with a current hostage situation in which Alfred finds himself. Since his life is flashing before his eyes, he's remembering a particular mission involving a Russian government secret project able to manifest weapons on its body. The plot thickens and more layers are uncovered in pursuit of the mission.
Scott Bryan Wilson's writing is very entertaining. There are funny asides and references to the current villainous roster, which is a real treat for Batman fans, and reminds me of the 90's movie "True Lies". The past memories are drawn in cool blues, jarring reds and deep shadows, while the present has more neutrals and peach tones. Artist Juan Gedeon keeps the action moving with dynamic illustrations, and delivers a tight story.
Darkhold Wasp (Marvel Comics): This is part of the Darkhold event series, in which the heroes are driven insane by the Book of the Damned. Why oh why would someone willingly read this tome? In order to enter Cthon's (*cough* not Cthulhu's) realm and fight for the fate of the Multiverse. For more groundwork, you might want to pick up the Darkhold Alpha one-shot. So far, Scarlet Witch has recruited Iron Man and Blade, and now it's Janet Van Dyne's turn. Janet's "Dark Side" costume is pretty awesome looking, which you can see on Cian Tormey's design cover B.
Fortunately there is a traditional background summary at the beginning of most Marvel books for those of you who are only familiar with the Ant Man movies re: Janet. I do have to give a trigger warning for domestic violence. There are flashbacks to Hank Pym's awful treatment of her before she had left him, this time with a much bloodier result. Writer Jordie Bellaire (this is her Marvel debut title!) and artist Claire Roe deliver a difficult story of identity, relationships, and the pressures of superhero life.
Release Date: December 1, 2021.
That's it for this month, I'll see you soon,
Dee