Image Round-Up - November 6th 2013

The Image Round Up column aims to get some words down on Image Comics book published for the week. This weeks reviews are handled by Ricardo Guajardo and Hansel Moreno. They'll be dropping non-spoilery reviews the day before the books are available so you can best make up your mind on what to buy tomorrow. We offer this service because Image has been putting out some amazing content lately and it will be nice to shine a light on every single title they produce. This week our intrepid team looks at Alex + Ada #1, Drumhellar #1, East of West #7 and Fatale #18.

This week the team decided Drumhellar #1  is the Book and Cover of the week! Read Hansel's preview for more info!


The reviews are graded according to the following scale:

Must Read. -- Do not miss this hot piece of comic action!
Buy It. -- For memories sake.
Check It. -- This is a toss up. Up to you really.
Byrne It. (skim it on the rack). -- Look at it but don't leave with it.
Avoid It. -- Steer clear.

Alex + Ada #1 

Written by Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn

Art, Designs & Letters by Jonathan Luna 

Ricardo Guajardo: If anyone else told me the premise of this comic, I would said it sounds too wacky to be taken seriously. However, the sci-fi elements and the talent implored me to give it a second look and I have to say it certainly has some potential to be an entertaining series down the line.

Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn bring a lot of personality to the cast as the dialogue seems more down to earth and feels fresh compared to other comics that feature dialogue heavy comics. The main character's troubles felt very sympathetic as every reader could relate except the settings help it stand out as it takes place in futuristic society. The art style is impressive for its smooth designs as it gave the characters a unique feel that grabbed my attention. 

One note that I must point out is that this is a set up issue so not a lot goes on but it's intention is to make the reader relate to the main character until the story picks up in the last couple of pages. This is not a critique at all but merely setting up the expectation for other readers that might have a different outlook for this book. Overall I was intrigued by the potential and felt this can be a very interesting read next issue. 

Verdict: Buy It. 

Drumhellar #1

Story, Art and Colors by Riley Rossmo
Script by Alex Link
Letters by Kelly Tindall

Hansel Moreno: Riley Rossmo and Alex Link, the duo behind Rebel Blood, are back with an new ongoing comic. 

Drum Hellar is a paranormal detective that is drawn to the supernatural. This issue introduces quite a few characters, Drum (our lead), Harold (his familiar/aide? who is a ghost. Also a cat), Padma (his ex/ less than willing helper) and a varied cast of other creatures.

Riley is both on art and coloring duties and he is going all out. We have some of Riley's dark and messy art that is a Rossmo staple in his work along with some beautiful brightly colored scenes. It is refreshing to see some one working their art muscles to a new level. Take note of all the different facial structures of the people in a certain diner scene.

Alex and Riley have penned a funny and engaging mystery that rapidly opens up and pulls you in. In style, it is born and bred Riley's, however the story telling involved reminds me of more of Mind The Gap and Morning Glories. High octane mystery with more questions than answers that eventually (hopefully) lead to a huge pay off.

Verdict: Must Read!

East of West #7

Written by Jonathan Hickman
Art by Nick Dragotta
Colors by Frank Martin
Letters by Rus Wooton

Hansel Moreno: In this futuristic western Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta have Death facing off against the rest of Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Civilizations have risen both in support and against the end of days. Death has thrown aside his duties for a higher calling. Possibly love, maybe not. With Hickman at the helm it is too early to tell.

The grotesqueries in this comic continue to increase, both physically and psychologically. Dragotta creates some stunning images as the Horsemen continue their crusade and Death searches for answers. Their is a bit, well quite a lot of back story in this issue. Dragotta and Frank Martin beautifully distinguish these moments with a quieter and more serene art style and color palette. It is the beauty of the complete work being so much more than the sum of its parts.

Hickman, Dragotta, Martin and in no small measure Rus Wooton suss out this tale slowly and majestically. A vein is explored for and issue and forgotten for a few, we backtrack and flash forward.  Who we thought was meaningless is raised to near messiah proportions. Hickman has quite the body of work but the East Of West Team is clawing deep into my heart. I hope they don't rip it out.

Verdict: Must Read!

Fatale #18

Written by Ed Brubaker

Art by Sean Phillips

Colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser 

Ricardo Guajardo: If there is one thing I love about this comic, it's the aura of mystery. I suppose this mysterious attraction can be compared to the main cast thier attracted to Jane, the "Fatale" star in this comic series. Nothing good could ever come with being around Jane as she brings all sorts of trouble along, as evident from the last issue's cliffhanger. As the bodies pile up, so does the suspense of what happens next. 

Ed Brubaker continues to bring the quality titles after successfully debuting Velvet last month (pick that comic up too), developing the cast very well despite the predicament they fall in. Sean Phillips follows the chaos up with sex, murder, and suspense. The colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser is astounding as the colors blends the destruction into one lovely comic package, this colorist is an underrated talent that is sure to make this a trio to be noticed for the series run.

If you are waiting for anymore positive reviews, please stop and go hunting for back issues as this has been among Image Comics consistent titles along with Saga and The Walking Dead. It certainly can be held to that high regard due to the creative talent involved and the top notch storytelling as well. It has become the few comic titles I have no doubt can bring me to look forward to reading.

Verdict: Must Read!

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