CRYPTOCRACY #1
Written by Van Jensen and drawn by Pete Woods. Published by Dark Horse Comics
Since before recorded history, nine families have controlled and orchestrated society, people and regimes from the shadows. Deeper than the illuminati, they have professed the world's best interest from their viewpoints. But a flaw in one of the family's plans might have triggered a coup from one or several powerful entities who were unknown to even them.
Fascinating premise to this series from Van Jensen, who in one issue packs a lot of information, world building and character development without losing its' readers in unnecessary exposition.
Great art from Pete Woods that skates the line between realistic and cartoony making the various goings-on a lot easier to accept. Woods even makes the quieter scenes dynamic never losing the reader's attention along the way. The coloring (also by Woods?) is flashy but works to enhance the line art.
Another great series from Dark Horse Comics who is proving to be one the most ballsy "mainstream" comics publishers these days.
Available through your local Comic book shop or digitally from Dark Horse Digital: https://digital.darkhorse.com/profile/6831.cryptocracy-1/
SOUTHERN BASTARDS
Written by Jason Aaron, drawn and colored by Jason Latour, lettered by Jared K. Fletcher, published by Image Comics.
Earl Tubb is a beast of old man with unresolved issues. Euless Boss is a high school football coach with no patience for anyone who doesn't want to play his own way. And that's just a sampling of the bastards on display here.
Certainly
a contender for best new comic book series of the last few years, this
southern tale of corruption, murder and football will shake you to the
bone. In the first volume, Here was a man, I have never wanted to kill a
fictional character so much in my life. In the second one, that
character's history comes into light and while my dislike of him is
undiminished, I understand why he is that way. That is one of writer
Jason Aaron's talents: to take us deep into his characters, make us see
what makes them tick.
The story is overflowing with testosterone and the art from Jason Latour sweats from the settings it
portrays. As much as the script shines, the gorgeous drawings are next
level good. Almost a masterclass on minimalist line use. Alex Toth would
be proud.
The issues can't come out fast enough, but you can catch up with the first 3 trade paperbacks here:
MOON KNIGHT: FROM THE DEAD
Written by Warren Ellis, drawn by Declan Shalvey and colored by Jordie Bellaire. Published by Marvel Comics.
Moon knight has always been viewed as the poor man's Batman. A character that has had a hard time holding on to any regular publishing schedule since the 1980s. Many talented creators have taken a stab at him, but the idea of a vigilante afflicted by multiple personalities disorder, a great concept mind you, is tough to realize successfully. While writer Brian Michael Bendis explored that aspect in a run a few years back, it is strangely this iteration written by Warren Ellis that really sings.
Marc Spector rides along (and alone) in a strech limo helping out the police on the more...peculiar cases that they encounter. The multiple personalities aspect is lightly threaded but it just serves as background to this interesting, strangely straightforward take on the character.
Artist Declan Shalvey Take on the character is equally as interesting as Moon Knight never truly wears his traditional superhero costume but rather, impeccably tailored suits that are totally white (brilliantly visualized by a total absence of color on him, except when he takes off his mask. just part of the brilliant color work of Jordie Bellaire).
Unfortunately, the fun only lasted 6 issues but what a ride this was. get the collected edition through here:
