My 'Take' On: Hybrid Bastards! The Collected Edition Hardcover From Archaia Entertainment!     - Above Photo:  The Dust Jacket to: Hybrid Bastards! Collected Edition - by Tom Pinchuk & Kate Glasheen. - At the Left: The Logo for Archaia Entertainment LLC.

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3263:

This is the final blog on my series of posts for what turned out to be 'Archaia Week' at ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com!

I've already blogged this week about: The Secret History - Books Ten & Eleven, Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard #2 (of 4), The Killer - Modus Vivendi Issues 3 & 4, and Fraggle Rock Vol. 1 The Collected Edition. As you can see from the titles alone, Archaia Entertainment definitely covers a LOT of genres in publishing!  Kudos to those at this company for electing to doing so!

I happened to visit Archaia Entertainment's booth at the 2010 Comic Con International: San Diego in July of this year. (Thanks again, Dale Wilson, for turning me on to this booth!) 

I suggest that if YOU are at a comic con that they are exhibiting at, to stop and take a look at their titles.  There is a LOT of good reading there for sure! I've already posted earlier blogs before this week on some of those titles and series, as seen here.

Today's post is on a different comic book series that has been collected and printed in a hardcover format. Here is what this comic book series is about, per the promo on it:

HYBRID BASTARDS!
Written by: Tom Pinchuk
Illustrated by: Kate Glasheen

Zeus is a god, and he has a reputation, a reputation based on a simple truth: he’s a cad. An unrepentant, philandering cad, and it’s been driving his wife Hera nuts for years. One night Hera reaches her limit, and in a passive-aggressive act of revenge, she places a spell on Zeus, a spell that causes him to fall in lust with every inanimate object in sight. It was a night Zeus doesn’t remember, but he’s a god, after all, and so his seed took root, and eighteen years later, his unnatural hybrid bastards are wandering the world: misbegotten creatures. Quirky oddballs. Nature-defying fusions of man and inanimate object. The hybrid bastards were born in a practical joke of mythic proportions.

But Zeus is a god, and he has a reputation, one that he wants to protect, so those hybrid bastards—evidence of a most embarrassing infidelity—have got to go. And go they do, hunted down by his goons. All except a motley crew: COTTON, a smarmy cloth patchwork; CARMINE, a timid automobile; COREY, a self-loathing apple; WALTER, a belligerent stack of bricks; and PANOS, their gallant would-be leader. This pack of hybrid bastards refuses to go quietly. Through schemes both ingenious and idiotic, they will force their negligent father to acknowledge them and, just maybe, do right by them. That is, if their own squabbling doesn’t defeat them first.

Hybrid Bastards!
A three-issue series in which writer Tom Pinchuk and illustrator Kate Glasheen take Greek mythology in a decidedly different direction.

(Next is the Promo For the Collected Edition Hardcover)

Collecting the mini-series that takes Greek mythology in a decidedly different direction, the HYBRID BASTARDS! hardcover includes a bonus story and pin-ups by talented guests. .

(W) Tom Pinchuk  (A) Kate Glasheen (Cover) Kate Glasheen. 

Retail Price $17.95 U.S.  Page Count 104 pages

Format: hardcover with dust jacket, 6.625" x 10.25", full color. Mature Readers (series contains Graphic Violence and Adult Content).

So what is 'My Take' on this Collected Edition  of the comic book series?

I didn't see this comic book series when it was first published. Plus I wasn't aware of earlier works by Tom Pinchuk or Kate Glasheen.

Having said that, I found that once again, Archaia Entertainment has put together into a striking hardcover format, another comic book series.  The format of this book is very fine in its compilation, and the added features make owning this book for fans of the series, a special printing.

However, as always, I've got to be honest on 'My Take' in reviewing this Collected Edition. 

I found that the background research for this storyline to be a very interesting one.  It is definitely a project for 'mature readers' as the topic is a different side of the Greek Gods as mentioned in the promo blurbs above.

The story as written is pretty good, if you are into that historical era, and can appreciate a current updated adapatation taking that topic and running with it as the central theme.

My only 'problem' with the contents of this book is that the artwork is somewhat 'over-powering', and doesn't mesh as well in readability for me on this presentation.

The artist's style on its own is outstanding, if you can appreciate art that is somewhat in an 'underground comix' style, yet updated for the 2000s. 

I found reading the collected edition a little harder than most items that are sent in for possible review.  That's because of the placement of panels, the word balloons seemingly being placed so as not to affect the art, and the flow of the story because of the art layout.

For me, an illustrated story should mesh smoothly between the written word and the illustrations.  I found myself being caught up in looking at the art, and getting sidetracked from the story being told. I do realize that this is a 'collected edition' of an earlier printed comic book series, and again want to state that the compilation into this hardcover format was done beautifully.

Maybe that's what it is...It's more of an art book for me than a comic book series  or  a story in graphic novel presentation style.  Nothing wrong in that, but I read for pleasure, and blog for business purposes.

I did find that the added story 'The Family Tree' produced by both creators to be a better meld of storyline and artwork for me.  Maybe this is like when I was first introduced to Jim Steranko's artwork in the 1960's.  I could see potential there in his artwork, which became full blown in just a few short years.  But at first for me, it was a little disjointed from the stories being presented.  I grew to appreciate his artwork and visual storytelling, and a very fine mix was soon established.  And you know where HE went in the comics industry!

There's some additional pin-ups by other artists in a special section.  Interesting pages of what others could possibly do with this concept.

Plus a short 'sketchbook' section by Kate Glasheen. Where you can see her artwork without the word balloons.

Plus one last short story, 'Cure For The Common Foe'. Which shows me that this writer / artist team can combine for a very well presented illustrated story!

The book ends on an 'Afterword' by Tom Pinchuk. A fitting end to this Collected Edition!

As stated before in this Blog...I don't post negative reviews, as it takes way too long to post a blog in this format. I liked the concept, the storyline, and the artwork.  Just that I personally had a harder time reading this series because it just didn't meld perfectly for me.  However I can appreciate what was presented here in this Collected Edition Hardcover. 

Thus my 'comic book grade' for this publication is a VERY FINE / VERY FINE PLUS  (VF/VF+) 8.25 on a 10.0 comic book grading scale.

Here is the link to Archaia so that YOU can purchase the Collected Edition.  If they are sold out, then try this link via Amazon: Hybrid Bastards!

Here is the Facebook Fan Page for Archaia, which I suggest YOU 'like' also to keep up with what this publisher is presenting next.

My thanks to Archaia for bringing this series to my attention!

PLUS: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over 3,260 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 1,990 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet...I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

Note: Our online comic book shop carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items at the link seen below.  

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

---

 

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:   Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013   ComicBooksCircus.com - It's Under The Big Top Of Comics! Click the Above Circus Tent to See Our Current Listings!

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today... I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! Plus I have a chapter in a new book coming out in December of 2010, that is pictured above, "Gotham City 14 Miles"!  Click here to become a 'Fan' of the GC14M Facebook Fan Page! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. Please Note: I have reached the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so it might be a while before I am able to accept your request. Just send a message along with the invite that you saw my Blog!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that! The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer. NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

 

My 'Take' On: Fraggle Rock: Vol. 1 Collected Edition Hardcover     - Above Photo:  The Front Cover's Dust Jacket to Fraggle Rock: Vol. 1 Collected Edtion Hardcover. - At the Top Left: At the Archaia booth during the Comic Con International: San Diego.  My first intro to this collection.  - At the Bottom Left: The Logo for Archaia Entertainment LLC.

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3262:

This must be 'Archaia Comics Week' here at ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com!

That's because this is the fourth blog in a row this week on a publication published by Archaia Entertainment!

Those earlier blogs from this week, plus archived blog posts on Archaia publications are easy to find, as seen here via this link.

However, I haven't blogged about this title before, in fact I wasn't familar with the characters at all before reading this book. Sure, I was familiar with Jim Henson's Muppets of course, Miss Piggy, Kermit and the others, but had never seen at all, an episode of 'Fraggle Rock'.

Here is what this publication is about, per the promo on it:

Fraggle Rock: Vol. 1 Collected Edition Hardcover

Collects the spectacular first three issues of Archaia and The Jim Henson Company's FRAGGLE ROCK comic series, featuring work by a talented mix of newcomers and indie superstars! Includes all the activity pages contained in the single issues and, as a bonus, Fraggle Rock content from the Free Comic Book Day issue is included as well!

(W) Adrianne Ambrose, Nichol Ashworth, Jeffrey Brown, Bryce Coleman, Katie Cook, Leigh Dragoon, Sam Humphries, Grace Randolph and Heather White. (A) Jeffrey Brown, Katie Cook, Michael DiMotta, Joanna Estep, Whitney Leith, Jeremy Love, Jake Myler, Fernando Pinto and Jeff Stokely. (Cover) Jake Myler.

Retail Price $19.95 U.S.  Page Count 112 pages

Format: hard cover with dust jacket, 8" x 8", full color. All Ages, (contains content suitable for all ages).

So what is 'My Take' on this Collected Edition Hardcover?

Starting with the book's Dust Jacket: Cute illustration! If I was already a fan of Fraggle Rock, I would definitely have picked up this book up to browse through it because of the cover.

Inside Credits Page: I recognized several names, so there is some cross-over from cartoonists I already was aware of.

Table of Contents: Although the individual sections were itemized by page numbers...There were NO page numbers on the actual interior pages for quick access?!

Foreword: Good intro by Karen Prell, the pupeteer of Red Fraggle.

The Residents of Fraggle Rock section: Man, am I glad that there were character illos / bios here!  It helped me out immensely to get a head start on the stories!  Great idea to place this near the front of the book!

Then the individual stories start...

'A Throne of My Own' - Which is a good introductory story for me to first find out about the Fraggles.  The writer, Heather White, outlines the story well, and the artwork by Jeff Stokely is in a style that I find liking immediately.  Good introduction to the characters in a story format.  Which made me want to read the next story...

'Time Flies' - Story and art by Katie Cook.  I've blogged about Katie before, (as seen here). I've seen Katie at a few comic cons before, and also have her as a 'Facebook Friend'.  Saying that, I find the story she both wrote and illustrated was also a fun read!

There are nine additional stories. Plus a cover gallery, activity pages, and for those that are interested on more about the creators that are involved with this collection of stories...there is a section on "About the Creators".  Which is good reading for a person like me that likes to know about the creators of comics.

I found that I could identify the characters, the activities they were involved in, and additionally found myself enjoying the stories that were set forth in this book.  All this on characters I had not known before sitting down and reading this book. So I believe that this book would be even better for those readers that are fans of the characters already! 

Thus my 'comic book grade' for this publication is a VERY FINE / NEAR MINT  (VF/NM) 9.0 on a 10.0 comic book grading scale.

Here is the link to Archaia so that YOU can purchase the book for yourself or for a friend who has kids that enjoy Fraggle Rock.  Being printed in a hardcover format, this book would make a good Holiday Season Gift!  If it is not available for sale there, then I suggest you use this link: Fraggle Rock Volume 1 !

Here is the Facebook Fan Page for Archaia, which I suggest YOU 'like' also to keep up with what this publisher is presenting next.

My thanks to Archaia for bringing this hardcover book to my attention!

PLUS: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over 3,260 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 1,990 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet...I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

Note: Our online comic book shop carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items at the link seen below.  

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

---

 

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:   Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013   ComicBooksCircus.com - It's Under The Big Top Of Comics! Click the Above Circus Tent to See Our Current Listings!

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today... I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! Plus I have a chapter in a new book coming out in December of 2010, that is pictured above, "Gotham City 14 Miles"!  Click here to become a 'Fan' of the GC14M Facebook Fan Page! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. Please Note: I have reached the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so it might be a while before I am able to accept your request. Just send a message along with the invite that you saw my Blog!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that! The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer. NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

 

My 'Take' On: The Killer - Modus Vivendi Issues # 3 & 4 (of 6) From Archaia!     - Above Photo:  The Front Cover of Issue #4 of The Killer - Modus Vivendi! - At the Top Left: The Front Cover of Issue #3 of The Killer - Modus Vivendi! - At the Bottom Left: The Logo for Archaia Entertainment LLC.

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3261:

Continuing my little 'mini-series' this week of comics that were at the Archaia booth during the 2010 Comic Con International: San Diego are two issues, (out of six in the mini series) on 'The Killer - Modus Vivendi'. 

I've already posted a few blogs on some of the creators and the comics / graphic novels  that have been published by Archaia as seen here.

Today's post is on one series that I haven't blogged about yet.  That's because I hadn't read the first two issues in this series. It's always harder to review an issue or two of a series that has already started, and has a definite end in sight.  In this case, the 'End' would be the sixth and final issue of this mini-series.

However, like I've mentioned earlier this week, some series are worth blogging about, even if I hadn't read the start of them. That's why I'm going to mention this one today.

Here is what this series has as an opening blurb:

The Killer Returns

"It was my only chance to save my skin... play one side against the other, give myself away to no one, or else I was dead. In other words, I was alone... almost.  As usual.  Alone in my skin and bones, like everyone else.  Alone with my will to make it out alive."

Here is what Issue #3 is about:

In the third installment of 'Modus Vivendi' the Killer finds himself in Cuba, in reluctant pursuit of his next target. The Killer is not one to have his strings pulled however, especially by men he's never met fact to face.

In an effort to maintain his way of life, the Killer allies himself with a beautivul Cuban agent who aims to protect the man the Killer is tasked with killing.  The water's about to get even murkier.

(W) Matz  (A) Luc Jacamon (Cover) Luc Jacamon.

Retail Price $3.95 U.S.  Page Count 32 pages

Format: saddle bound, 6.875" x 10.25", full color.

Please Note:  Mature Readers!  (Series contians Nudity, Graphic Violence and Adult Content).

This is what Issue #4 is about:

The action heats up in part four of 'The Killer: Modus Vivendi'.  The fix is in.  The Killer is looking to end his dealings with the Americans and in a fashion far more considerate of human life than he is accustomed to.  It's a done deal. Money in the bank.

But the job isn't always done when it's done.  A violent attack and a chance encounter reveal something dangerous below the surface. A lurking monster.  A deadly killer. 

Note: Credits and other info same as for Issue 3.

So what is 'My Take' on these two issues in the six volume mini-series?

I've already mentioned how I don't like coming in to mini-series that have already started.  Kind of like watching a TV series that has already had a few episodes into the 1st Season, or one that already has had a complete first season.

However, I noticed that this series was being translated from another language into English. That intrigued me!

So I gave issue #3 a try to see if it would grab my attention...

Considering I was coming in on a continuing story, the splash page of #3 eased me into the storyline.  Good job by the writer / editor on easing in a new reader to series this way!

The panels were laid out so consistently that it was easy to read, and I didn't mind that I had missed what had happened so far. 

The art and colors blended well, and I found that the characters presented in this issue were ones that I could follow without knowing all the background on them.

I'm glad I had #4 on hand to read. 

The front cover is striking, and would get my attention at my LCBS's wall for new comics! The nudity is somewhat tastefully rendered, and the graphic violence does make the 'MR' rating mean what it says...

All too soon issue #4 also had those words..."to be continued".

I found that this would be a good mini-series to read, and I'm wondering about how soon at TPB compiling all six issues would be published... Personally I enjoy reading 'floppies', the single issues, but in this case giving this series as a gift to a friend who enjoys graphic novels entered my mind...

I'm suggesting that if you are into this genre of reading, that this series has a lot to give.  I'm kinda curious how the series ends, as the back cover of both issues state 'The Killer Returns'.  So possibly there was an earlier series??? 

Anyways...For Now...My comic book grade for these two issues in a six issue mini-series is a VERY FINE PLUS (VF+) 8.5 on a 10.0 comic book grading scale.

Here is the link to Archaia so that YOU can purchase the single issues.

Here is the Facebook Fan Page for Archaia, which I suggest YOU 'like' also to keep up with what this publisher is presenting next.

My thanks to Archaia for bringing this series to my attention!

PLUS: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at the 3,260 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 1,990 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet...I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

Note: Our online comic book shop carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items at the link seen below.  

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

---

 

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:   Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013   ComicBooksCircus.com - It's Under The Big Top Of Comics! Click the Above Circus Tent to See Our Current Listings!

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today... I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! Plus I have a chapter in a new book coming out in December of 2010, that is pictured above, "Gotham City 14 Miles"!  Click here to become a 'Fan' of the GC14M Facebook Fan Page! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. Please Note: I have reached the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so it might be a while before I am able to accept your request. Just send a message along with the invite that you saw my Blog!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that! The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer. NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

 

My 'Take' On: Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard #2 (of 4) From Archaia!     - Above Photo:  The Front Cover to Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard #2 (of 4). - At the Left: The Logo for Archaia Entertainment LLC.

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3260:

As mentioned in yesterday's blog...I met several creators at the 2010 Comic Con International: San Diego in July at the Archaia booth.  I've already posted a few blogs on those creators and the comics / graphic novels so far in this Blog, as seen here.

However, I didn't see anything about Mouse Guard there at the booth, even though it is one of their best known titles.

So I'm glad that the above shown publication was sent to me for possible review.

I haven't blogged about Mouse Guard for a while, even though I have found the concept to be a good one.

Here is what this publication is about, per the promo on it:

Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard #2 (of 4)

Inside the June Alley Inn, located in the western mouse city of Barkstone, mice are in the midst of an enthralling tall tale-telling competition.  In this issue, Gene Ha (Top 10) and Lowell Francis chronicle the legendary exploits of Worley, a stubborn mouse banker who stumbles upon danger...and a mink!  Legends of the Guard is a continuing anthology series with artists and storytellers handpicked by David Petersen.  Featured in this issue are tales by Gene Ha, Sean Rubin (Redwall) and David Petersen.

(W) Lowell Francis, Alex Kain and David Petersen  (A) Gene Ha, Sean Rubin, and David Petersen (Cover) David Petersen.

Retail Price $3.50 U.S.  Page Count 24 pages

Format: saddle bound, 8" x 8", full color. All Ages.

So what is 'My Take' on this issue #2 of the series?

Long time readers of this blog will know that I find anthologies to be very hard to review.  That's because when there are three stories in an anthology comic, the odds seem to be that one story will be good, one okay, and the other not so good. 

However, I didn't find that in this issue.

Starting with the Front Cover:  I found that it was a sharp idea for the creator of this concept to illustrate the front cover.  Thus keeping a 'tone' or 'house style' of artwork being presented to the buying public.

The Inside Front Cover was laid out very well.  Giving the casual browser the credits as to who did what in this issue, and enticing the browser to thumb through the pages before purchasing.

First Story - 'Potential' - Art by Sean Rubin, Story by Alex Kain. There wasn't that many words in this story, either text or dialogue.  Mostly action...But the artwork made up for the lack of additional copy. The writer kept the storyline close to the title of the story.  I liked this first presentation. 

Second Story - 'The Shrike and the Toad' - Art & Story by Terry Moore. Quick tale...very quick!  Only two pages.  But it got the tale told!

Oh...In between the stories are additional pages by David Petersen linking the stories together.

Which is why the Third Story seemed to be part of the additional pages.  If it wasn't for the change in lettering, I wouldn't have noticed that quickly.  The third story's title was 'Worley & the Mink' - Art by Gene Ha, Story by Lowell Francis.  This tale was illustrated with much darker colors, thus changing the tone of the publication.  But it didn't make the storyline that much darker, no 'grim n gritty' here. 

The Inside Back Cover features what is being presented in issue #3 of this series.

The Back Cover is just a continuation of the Front Cover's illustration.  No text, copy, or promo blurb here.

So...here's what I think of this publication.  I really can't call it a comic book, due to the odd size, 8" x 8", and indeed, I don't even have a comic bag / board to insert this into after reading it. 

Thus I figure that the publishers are attempting to make this more 'mainstream' to entice non-comics readers to pick it up, borowse it, and realize that it is an 'illustrated booklet', not a 'comic book'.  Nothing wrong with that, just that it is harder to bag / board it after reading for safekeeping as it is a paper product without a soft cover or hardcover to protect it.

As stated earlier, I like the concept of Mouse Guard.  I usually am not totally satisfied with 'anthology' presentation in comics, TPBs, or graphic novels.  However, this anthology issue, #2 of a projected 4 issue series, was so self contained, that I didn't feel I missed the point of the series by not reading the first one.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this publication.

My only concern is the format it was published in, an 8" x 8" soft cover paper publication. That may be my background as a 'collector' where after reading something, I bag and board it until I pull it out again to re-read. I had to dig out a magazine bag and board to insert it into for safekeeping. 

Thus my 'comic book grade' for this publication is a VERY FINE / NEAR MINT  (VF/NM) 9.0 on a 10.0 comic book grading scale.

Here is the link to Archaia so that YOU can purchase the issues in this series.

Here is the Facebook Fan Page for Archaia, which I suggest YOU 'like' also to keep up with what this publisher is presenting next.

My thanks to Archaia for bringing this series to my attention!

PLUS: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over 3,255 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 1,990 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet...I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

Note: Our online comic book shop carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items at the link seen below.  

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

---

 

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:   Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013   ComicBooksCircus.com - It's Under The Big Top Of Comics! Click the Above Circus Tent to See Our Current Listings!

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today... I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! Plus I have a chapter in a new book coming out in December of 2010, that is pictured above, "Gotham City 14 Miles"!  Click here to become a 'Fan' of the GC14M Facebook Fan Page! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. Please Note: I have reached the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so it might be a while before I am able to accept your request. Just send a message along with the invite that you saw my Blog!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that! The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer. NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

 

My 'Take' On: The Secret History: Book 10 - The Black Stone & Book 11 - Nadja   - Above Photo:  The Front Cover of The Secret History Book Eleven: Nadja! - At the Top Left: The Front Cover of The Secret History Book Ten: The Black Stone! - At the Bottom Left: The Logo for Archaia Entertainment LLC, Publisher for this Series.

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3259:

I met several creators at the 2010 Comic Con International: San Diego in July at the Archaia booth.  I've already posted a few blogs on those creators and the comics / graphic novels so far in this Blog, as seen here.

However, one series that I haven't blogged about yet is 'The Secret History'.  Not that it was an oversight...It's that I usually don't blog about series that I've come into reading that are more than halfway through.

However, I'm going to make an exception with this one. That's because I really 'dug' what was going on in Books Ten & Eleven!

Here is what I missed in Books One through Seven, and is being presented here to help You  as well catch up as to what this series is about:

The Secret History:  Books One through Seven

Four immortal brothers and sisters entrusted with ivory cards in the dawn of prehistory by a dying shaman, and told never to use the cards together. Four immortal brothers and sisters, four archons, leaping through time, consumed in an epic struggle to influance and shape the history of Western civilization. From Moses’ challenge to the Pharaoh to the origin of the Grail myth; from the Pope’s extermination of the Cathars to Nostradamus’ travels in Italy; from the Spanish Armada and the Great Fire of London to Napoleon’s conquest of Egypt; and finally to the Angel of Mons appearing over the trenches of World War I: a secret occult history of the world told in seven chapters.

Here is what Book Ten is about:

The Black Stone - 1926: Curtis and Lawrence try in vain to recover the black ivory, but the Road to Kor is closed to them thanks to Ibn Saud, the new master of Arabia. Meanwhile, in the Soviet Ukraine, Itzhaak fights alongside the partisan anarchists, and then flees to Siberia. He moves along the Tunguska River, on the same track followed 17 years earlier by Rasputin, with Baron Sebottendorff on his trail.

(W) Jean-Pierre Pecau  (A) Igor Kordey (Cover) Manchu & Olvier Vatine.

Retail Price $5.95 U.S.  Page Count 48 pages

Format: perfect bound, 6.875" x 10.25", full color.

This is what Book Eleven is about:

Nadja - 1940: WWII is underway. While Curtis, in command of a squadron of Spitfires, is plunged in full into the Battle of Britain, the Archons attempt to combine forces to fight against the men of William of Lecce.  But it seems the Fifth Archon is about to win the game and bring Europe under his yoke!

Note: Credits and other info same as for Book Ten.

So what is 'My Take' on these two volumes in the twelve volume set?

Since I received only books Ten & Eleven for possible review, I was a little hesitant to read these first.  So I stuck them toward the bottom of my 'To Read / Possibly Review Stack'.  Which is why this review is a little late in going to press.

However, the two covers really intrigued me.  First because I enjoy reading history, and second because the artwork and the promo text on the back of each of these volumes really grabbed my attention!

I wasn't disapppointed in either volume.  Yes, it was a little tough to pick up what had happened in prior volumes...But with placing the fictional storyline into a well documented historical storyline...well...I was hooked!

When I say well documented, it is also full of references that are spelled out in sidenotes as to times, places, and people.  Very well researched and I enjoyed reading the fictional characters being inserted in with historical characters to have interaction with.

The interior artwork flows very well, even though on some pages there are heavy text dialogue balloons.  

The colors mesh well with the illustrations.  The whole period piece is represented well in both volumes. 

I really became involved with the story and have noted to myself to look at the other volumes in the future. 

My comic book grade for this publication is a VERY FINE / NEAR MINT  (VF/NM) 9.0 on a 10.0 comic book grading scale.

Here is the link to Archaia so that YOU can purchase either the single volumes or the collected works so far.

Here is the Facebook Fan Page for Archaia, which I suggest YOU 'like' also to keep up with what this publisher is presenting next.

My thanks to Archaia for bringing this series to my attention!

PLUS: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over 3,255 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 1,970 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet...I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

Note: Our online comic book shop carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items at the link seen below.  

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

---

 

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:   Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013   ComicBooksCircus.com - It's Under The Big Top Of Comics! Click the Above Circus Tent to See Our Current Listings!

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today... I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! Plus I have a chapter in a new book coming out in December of 2010, that is pictured above, "Gotham City 14 Miles"!  Click here to become a 'Fan' of the GC14M Facebook Fan Page! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. Please Note: I have reached the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so it might be a while before I am able to accept your request. Just send a message along with the invite that you saw my Blog!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that! The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer. NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.