Writer: James Tynion IV
Artists: Lisandro Estherren, Patricio Delpeche
Color Artist: Patricio Delpeche
Letterer: Simon Bowland
Text Page Designer (Thessaly Special): AndWorld Design

Reviewed by Steve J. Ray

Summary

The second volume of James Tynion IV’s take on The Sandman Universe, Nightmare Country: The Glass House is finally here!

This gorgeous hardcover edition includes all six chapters of The Glass House and the one-shot Thessaly special. The dust jacket art, featuring the Corinthian, and the main cover, with the King of Pain, are both by Reiko Murakami. Also collected are all the main and variant covers.

New York artist, Madison Flynn, has been murdered by the re-animated corpse of her best friend, Kelly (AKA “Kells”). Now, the reborn Corinthian, along with Madison’s spirit, are both on the trail of the deadly duo behind Kelly’s murder, Mr. Agony and Mr. Ecstasy.

The two rogue nightmares killed Madison, and others because they could see a new nightmare, The Smiling Man, during waking hours. More troubling still, this nightmare was seemingly not a creation of Dream. To add even more fuel to the fire, it seems that Agony and Ecstasy had been commissioned to commit these murders by Desire, Dream’s younger sibling and frequent adversary.

Madison has been granted new flesh by Death of The Endless, at her brother Dream’s behest. Neither one seems to know of Desire’s involvement at this moment in time.

Positives

Nightmare Country‘s back! Thankfully Lisandro Estherren, Patricio Delpeche, and Simon Bowland have returned, alongside James Tynion. This issue cleverly picks up exactly where volume one left off, adding new characters to the tale and, by the end of the book, bringing back yet another huge presence from Neil Gaiman’s original Sandman run. We also meet another old “friend” from the classic “The Doll’s House” saga, again.

There are still people out there who have also seen The Smiling Man, and we can only wonder how long it will be before Agony and Ecstasy will be on their trail. Add a whole ton of supernatural intrigue, clubs that no one should want to be a member of, and the return of Kells, and this is one super-loaded graphic novel!

It may be hard to believe, but the art and colors by Lisandro and Patricio have actually improved since volume one. This book looks amazing, and Madison’s new form made me very happy indeed. The nods to the first arc are wonderful, and the love for the entire Sandman Universe, as created by Neil Gaiman, is palpable.

Simon Bowland also continues to impress with his letters, particularly when they clearly differentiate humans from angels, demons, and Endless.

James Tynion is sick, twisted, and terrifying. Great work, sir… keep it up. The saga of Kels and Max is as dark a love story as I could ever dream of and features a set of circumstances beyond my wildest imaginings. How does he even think this stuff up? Kelly’s just the sweetest… entity/ghost/spirit and I’m sure the undead deserve love too, right? Of course, when her beau, Max, discovers who she was and what she did; cats, pigeons, cans, and worms will be all over the place.

Kelly’s one of the residents of “The King Of Pain”, a nightclub that links our plane to Hell itself. This is the place where the richest, and those in their employ, can cater to all their most twisted needs and desires… or should that be Desires? Of course, we now know that Agony and Ecstasy, the evil duo who killed Kelly and forced her to kill Madison, were working for Desire of The Endless, one of the younger siblings of Destiny, Death, and Dream.

The addition of Thessaly as a main character opens up a world of storytelling possibilities that this exceptional creative team is grasping with both hands and running with.

Never in my wildest imaginings could I ever have believed that love between an undead girl and a mortal man could feel beautiful and real, but Max and Kells are so brilliantly written and drawn that I can’t help but root for them. Thessaly has always been infuriating, and now that she knows who’s been pulling the strings, even hers (from waaay back in the original Sandman series) I know that sparks are going to fly. Will she and Daniel’Dream cross paths?

Seeing Azazel, The King Of Pain, Dream, and his siblings in this book always makes me happy, so this book ticked a lot of boxes.

The creeping horror continues to unnerve and disturb, in the most delicious and entertaining ways. Is the Corinthian going to revert to type? Is he really working with Madison and Dream, or with the demon Azazel? Knowing the mind of James Tynion, I think we’ll get an answer somewhere between those two extremes that will both surprise and delight us.

All the breadcrumbs James Tynion’s been dropping since Nightmare Country volume one are starting to bear fruit, including the huge bombshell that closed the story. Dream has become embroiled in the events occurring in this series, so I can’t wait to witness the fireworks when he discovers that, once again, one of his younger siblings is neck-deep in the whole mess. In fact, it looks like they’re the one who’s behind the whole scenario.

I’ve been following Dream and his siblings since day one, so seeing them honored and homaged in great new comics makes me very happy indeed.

The secret of the Smiling Man has haunted readers for close to two years now and the story of Madison Flynn has been a source of terror and delight the entire time. Seeing her, The Corinthian, Max, and Kells get swept upon by a wave of demons, serial killers and the whims of The Endless has made this series feel closer to Gaiman’s classic than any other spin-off/follow-up that’s come before.

The power that Dream displays in this collection is nothing short of awesome. The way he handles both his creations and his various enemies is unbelievable. Tynion’s take on Daniel is perfect; he’s got the will and determination of Morpheus, but an edge and confidence that the original Dream never possessed.

First, let me say straight off the bat, that Thessaly is a horrible person. However, she’s a fascinating, deep, and extremely complex character. I’ve followed her story since her first appearance in issue #32 of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman (1991). She’s gone from being a terrifying, bigoted, and ultra-powerful witch in “A Game Of You“, to Dream’s lover, magical avenger, and force of nature in her more recent appearances.

James Tynion has a real grasp on the character and is finally showing us her past in Nightmare Country: The Glass House. By doing so, he lets us see some of the moments that made and forged her. The brilliant part is that all of this fits in with what we’ve already seen of her over the decades, honoring what her creator has already told us about her while adding more flesh to the bones of her history. I must also laud the way James creates new side characters that I immediately fall in love with. They’re all so flawed, human, and real!

Maria Lovet is a wonderful artist who gives readers a Thessaly as great as the one drawn by her co-creator, the inimitable Colleen Doran. The art in the chapter starring Thessaly is gorgeous; simple, clean, atmospheric, and, dare I say it, magical. This great story works both as a follow-up to The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country #6 and as a chapter in the ongoing saga of Madison Flynn.

Yes, the writing, art, and Simon Bowland’s lettering in this book are (as always) first-rate, but I think I need to name guest creators AndWorld Design (AKA Deron Bennett) as the MVP of Thessaly’s tale.

I love experimental comics, and DC has been spoiling us recently with issues that tell a story as one continuous 20-page image, an entire story seen from one character’s POV, and the incomparable DC Black Label horror series, The Nice House On The Lake (also written by James Tynion). This chapter contains entire pages dedicated to text and art that are so seamlessly intertwined, that the reader’s left wondering whether the artist, colorist, or letterer was responsible for the final result. With this story, I finally have my answer.

The tale features several text pages, but they’re so lovely to look at that you’d be completely justified in calling them works of art. Some look like ancient scrolls, others like pages from a storybook, and yet others like a movie script (the scroll pages are featured below).

AndWorld didn’t just letter these pages. No. Just like the way they did in TNHOTL they imagined and executed the designs, created the textures, and provided the color. As usual, I’ve been left in awe. I cannot understand people who don’t see comics as true literature or art, because, for me, they’re the perfect marriage of both.

Negatives

How long until the final volume? Aaaaarrrrgggghhhh!

Verdict

The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country: The Glass House closes with style and power. James Tynion’s foray into Neil Gaiman’s world of dreams and nightmares has never disappointed, and with the final act of this incredible dark fantasy/horror coming in 2024, a clash between Dream and Desire (and possibly Despair too, if the cover for the final chapter’s anything to go by) is edging ever closer.

A war is coming, and I can’t wait. The final chapters of this tale are tantalizingly close, but still just beyond our reach. I will wait, however impatiently, as I know what’s coming will deliver a story for the ages. This book gives readers the perfect close to this arc while leaving us all begging for more. Like the winter season itself, the wait will be a long, cold one… but one I believe will ultimately be worth it.

I’ll see you all again in dreams.

Review Copy Courtesy of Penguin Random House. Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment.

The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country: The Glass House Collected Edition is available now from all good book and comic retailers: ISBN 9781779520722

The post Book Review: Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country: The Glass House – Collected Edition appeared first on DC Comics News.

Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Lisandro Estherren
Color Artist: Patricio Delpeche
Letterer: Simon Bowland

Reviewed by Steve J. Ray

Summary

The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country: The Glass House #6 closes the latest volume of the title with style, and power. James Tynion’s foray into Neil Gaiman’s world of dreams and nightmares has never disappointed, and with the final act of this incredible dark fantasy/horror coming in 2024, a clash between Dream and Desire (and possibly Despair too, if the cover for the issue’s anything to go by) is edging ever closer.

Positives

The secret of the Smiling Man has haunted readers for close to two years now and the story of Madison Flynn has been a source of terror and delight the entire time. Seeing her, The Corinthian, Max, and Kells get swept upon by a wave of demons, serial killers and the whims of The Endless has made this series feel closer to Gaiman’s classic than any other spin-off/follow-up that’s come before.

The power that Dream displays in this issue is nothing short of awesome. The way he handles both his creations and his various enemies is unbelievable. Tynion’s take on Daniel is perfect; he’s got the will and determination of Morpheus, but an edge and confidence that the original Dream never possessed.

The art, colors, and letters by Lisandro Estherren, Patricio Depeche, and Simon Bowland are a delight. Estherren’s pencils, painted over with water-color style hues make this series look and feel ethereal, and dream-like. Just like the Sandman books of the 90s, this series doesn’t conform or fit in with what fans may feel comics should look like.

Bowland’s letters are stunning. Just like the legendary Todd Klein, Bowland creates voices for his characters, making them all feel individual and unique. Believe me, comparing any letterer’s work to Klein’s is about the highest praise I can give.

Negatives

A war is coming, and I don’t want to wait. The final chapters of this tale are tantalizingly close, but still just beyond our reach. I will wait, however impatiently, as I know what’s coming will deliver a story for the ages.

Verdict

The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country: The Glass House #6 gives readers the perfect close to this arc while leaving us all begging for more. Like the winter season itself, the wait will be a long, cold one… but one I believe will ultimately be worth it.

I’ll see you all again in dreams.

Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment

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Writer: Dennis Culver
Artist: Chris Burnham
Color Artist: Brian Reber
Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Reviewed by Davydh Tidey

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #7 is a book I’ve been excited about yet simultaneously dreading for some time now. Keep reading; it’s a positive review, I promise. 

The final issue of this series has everything you could possibly want and have come to expect from this bombastic, exciting, heartbreaking series. This is one for the fans. 

Positives

This is it, the final execution. The DP, Flex Force, the ‘Brotherhood of Evil or whatever’ and our new (but instantly recognizable) players on the field are all where they need to be for the final grand plan. Everything’s coming together, just as our villains planned. 

Except, well, they’re the Doom Patrol… and you can never account for the Doom Patrol. 

This series has never been shy about referencing old-school DP, bringing back characters from classic runs like there’s no tomorrow. From Grant Morrison and Rachel Pollack all the way through to Gerard Way, there’s a deep mythology to draw from, and that’s being done to full effect. Even Lotion is here, I love Lotion!

Not to say that there aren’t some new and surprising characters along the way, giving us an ending and a setup for Vol 2 that just can’t be ignored.

Speaking of that ending, all I’ll say is, never play cards with Dennis Culver, his poker face is pretty incredible. 

Culver has achieved something really special with this series. From sources old and new, he’s created a story that not only moves the DP forward as both people and as a team but he also reconciles their pasts and helps them face the future with a newfound strength.

Wherever they end up next, these characters are forever changed, and Unstoppable Doom Patrol will always be influential for them. I’d love for this series to continue forever, and I have no doubt we’ll be getting that Vol 2, but its legacy will last far longer than that. Not many creators can say that for the characters they’ve worked on, and all praise for this run is well deserved. 

This series would not have been the same without Chris Burnham and Brian Reber’s amazing artwork. As I’ve said before, the thick, dramatic linework and bold colors really make this book special and give it one of the most unique aesthetics on the shelves. Maximum effort has been put into every panel and every page of Unstoppable Doom Patrol, and it shows. Similarly, Pat Brosseau’s lettering has always been unique and distinct adding so much to the style of the book, I couldn’t not mention it for the final issue. 

Negatives

Zero. Zip. Nada. 

This was the ending we needed and deserved. I just don’t know if I can deal with waiting for Vol 2!

Conclusion

Here it is, the end of the ride. Unstoppable Doom Patrol #7 wraps up an unforgettable series for the team and closes the book on one of the best DC series of the year. 

With the renewed popularity of these characters, it’s inevitable that we’ll see them all again, in some way, shape, or form. I sincerely it’s in the form of an Unstoppable Doom Patrol Vol 2, because Culver, Burnham, Reber, and Brosseau’s interpretation of these characters has become one of my favorites. 

The Doom Patrol will return.

Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment

The post Review: Unstoppable Doom Patrol #7 appeared first on DC Comics News.

Writer: Dennis Culver
Artist: Chris Burnham
Color Artist: Brian Reber
Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Reviewed by Davydh Tidey

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #6 marks the beginning of the end, and the team’s going out with a bang! We get the debut of the Flex Force, shocking discoveries, and the surprise return of a major power, this issue has it all!

Just watch out for the crow… it’s more than it seems.

Positives

The team seems to have finally found some peace in this issue; everyone’s working together well, the leadership struggle’s been resolved, and with the new inclusion of Flex Force the Doom Patrol seems to be stronger than ever.

We also start to see a return of the characters that the DP has helped previously in the series, like Psylo-Simon from the Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate story, or Starbro from the epic Fast and Furious-esque Unstoppable Doom Patrol #3.

The Flex Force team’s entirely built from these rescued metahumans, or the ones that wanted in anyway. It’s a clear show of just how far the Doom Patrol team has progressed in these issues. They want to help, and, for once, it’s actually working. They’re making a difference for their people.

Of course, in true Doom Patrol fashion, when the $#!+ hits the fan, it hits HARD.

Hopefully, you’ll remember your DP history for this one, because oh BOY there are some really deep cuts here. The deadlier villains of the Doom Patrol’s rogues gallery are out in full force here, with a team-up that seems to put the “stoppable” back in Unstoppable Doom Patrol.

Dennis Culver deserves so much praise for his work with this team. Taking the Doom Patrol to a place they’ve never been before, one of actual relevance and effectiveness, was never going to be easy, but Culver has risen to the challenge wonderfully.

The character work and character focus in this series is second to none in modern comics, in my opinion, and really drives home that these reluctant superheroes are characters that need to be used, not left on the shelf for years. The DP may not be well-liked among other superheroes, but their motivations are pure, and they’re not ones to be messed with.

Also… THAT ENDING. AH!

Chris Burnham and Brian Reber deliver some of the best art of the series in this issue. The whole training scene with Flex Force, the eventual descent into a brawl, and again THAT ENDING are all wonderful pieces of work on their own, but as a whole they make some of the most interesting-looking comics on sale today. I need more comics from these two, please!

Negatives

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #6 is the second to last issue, and I’m upset by this at a base level.  It’s almost over. Boo-Hoo, I say.

There is still a light at the end of the tunnel for that, though. Check out our interview with Dennis for more info on that… 

Conclusion

Unstoppable Doom Patrol has been, without a doubt, my favorite current DC comic release since issue #1 came out. I know that I’m inherently biased when it comes to these characters I’ve known and loved for many years, but to me, this book is so much more than the sum of its parts. With the care and attention that has been put into these stories, it’s hard to deny that the creative team is doing their best work here.

I will miss you sorely when you’re gone, DP. At least I have one more issue to keep me sane. Relatively.

Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment

The post Review: Unstoppable Doom Patrol #6 appeared first on DC Comics News.

Writer: Pornsak Pichetshote
Artists: Jeff Stokely, Craig Taillefer, Javier Rodríguez
Color Artist: Miquel Muerto
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Reviewed By Steve J. Ray

Summary

The Sandman Universe: Dead Boy Detectives -Collected Edition is finally here, and Charles and Edwin are back! Who? You may ask. Worry not, dear reader, I’ll have you caught up before you can say, Thessaly.

Charles Rowland and Edwin Paine first appeared in the now-classic The Sandman #25 (April 1991). They were created by Neil Gaiman, Matt Wagner, and Malcolm Jones III during the brilliant “Season of Mists” story arc (Volume 4 of the Sandman graphic novels series, which is reprinted in Book Two of the lovely new set of collected editions).

This vintage tale saw Lucifer give up his throne and relinquish the key to the gates of hell. The underworld was then emptied and the dead once again roamed the Earth. Death of the Endless had a tough time rounding up the denizens of hell and both Charles and Edwin, rather than move on, decided to stay on Earth and solve supernatural crimes.

A lot more has happened in one-shots, crossovers, a mini-series, as well as in an ongoing Dead Boy Detectives series, over the years, but that’s all everyone needs to know, in a nutshell. Oh, and the characters have appeared in the HBO Max TV series Doom Patrol too.

Positives

If you’ve read The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country, you’ll know that it ended in a cliffhanger. This issue follows on directly, making the two stories almost feel like one. Another Sandman character, the witch Thessaly, made an appearance at the end of Nightmare Country, and she plays a part in this book, too.

Eisner Award-winning writer, Pornsak Pichetshote (The Good Asian, Infidel), has woven a tale of horror and dark magic that gripped me from page one. His use of Thai folklore and legend is fascinating and engaging. His resumé speaks for itself, as he’s written Swamp Thing stories for DC, TV’s Cloak & Dagger for Marvel, and many other horror comics and books. As a writer of Thai-American heritage, his insight into Asian supernatural lore is refreshing and intriguing.

In the story we meet three Thai ghosts; Melvin, a Snake Ghost, Jai, a Hollow-Backed Ghost, and Tanya, a Mother Ghost. Having died between the 1970s and the present the three were taken care of by the Thai “Ghost Doctor”, Dom. The main antagonist in the book is a fourth ghost, the deadly Krasue. This monster is a normal human woman by day, but at night her head and spine detach and fly around the city, hunting down helpless victims. I know… right?!?

Our heroes are also attacked by a horde of mutilated ghost babies (known as the Kumanthong), who are both stomach-churning and heartbreaking. Pornsak Pichetshote’s scripts are textured and his imagination is wonderful. Dead baby ghosts are terrifying, but the fact that they may also have feelings makes them all the more tragic.

Edwin and Charles have an unorthodox relationship, and we’ve seen that. The fact that these are ghosts with feelings and emotions elevates the intensity of events and makes the characters so much more relatable.

I’m totally into this mythology. Thai culture and spiritual beliefs are brand new to me and I find them fascinating. The way the new ghosts only appear at night makes Charles and Edwin’s work harder, and the book that much more fun to read. This adds a whole extra layer of tension and drama to the proceedings.

Pichetshote’s tale is part whodunnit, part thriller, and 100% horror. The best bit is, that while every cast member is dead, they’ve all got more spark, humanity, and personality than some folks that are still alive. The script is great fun to read and every character has their own strengths and characteristics, making them fascinating to follow.

The art by Jeff Stokely and Miquel Muerto (what a great name for a color artist working on a horror book) is lovely. The characters and colors are quite bright and punchy, and even though the visuals are quite simple-looking (in a good way), this makes the grotesquery of the gore and horror that much more powerful. This story’s brand new, yet it looks and feels like it would fit in my 1990s Sandman library effortlessly. Muertos’s lovely colors make the art shine and don’t overshadow or smother the subtle line work.

From chapter two onward, the creative team is joined by inker Craig Taillefer, who does what any great inker should do; finish the penciller’s art in a way that highlights both artists’ skills, but doesn’t wash away the penciller’s style. Yes, the visuals in this book are fairly cartoony in style, but the skill is in the storytelling, the characters’ faces, and the deep, rich backgrounds.

Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou had already impressed me with his excellent work on Sword Of Azrael, so I knew the lettering on this book would be great too. Yay, me… I was right! His ghost text, sound effects, and chapter headings are simply gorgeous. From little notepads showing us what the characters are thinking (nope I really don’t miss thought bubbles at all), to ghostly dream speak, and big loud, almost manga-style arguments between the characters. All of his work is stellar.

We have a guest artist drawing all but the final page of chapter four, the brilliant Javier Rodríguez. I’ve been following this artist’s work since the late 90s when he worked for the publisher Ediciones La Cúpula. He was one of many artists working on the wild and whacky title El Víbora, published in my native country of Spain between 1979 and 2005. American comics fans may primarily know him as a color artist, from titles such as Batgirl: Year One for DC, but this guy can draw! His work on this chapter is lovely, and I would dearly love to see even more of his art across DC in months and years to come.

This book raises so many fascinating questions. If ghosts are already dead, how can they be “killed”? Pornsak Pichetshote’s written one hell of a tale, not just because of the haunted goings on, but also because of all the wonderful semi-autobiographical touches he adds, due to being a Thai-American. Honestly, this book is great.

The Sandman Universe: Dead Boy Detectives isn’t just a horror story either, as we also get some amazing social commentary. Shootings in schools, bullying, racism; all these topics are handled in this book. The best thing is that Pichetshote’s not smacking us around the head with politics, he’s doing what all the best writers do and uses fiction to hold a cautionary mirror over fact. Why is it only children who seem to be capable of learning and wanting change? Have all adults truly just given up?

The fascinating glimpse into ghosts from across the globe, the re-introduction of three favorite characters from Neil Gaiman’s legendary Sandman series, and the horror and humor they all bring have been an absolute delight. I know that’s a weird thing to say about a horror comic, but it’s true.

Negatives

None. Whether you only know Charles and Edwin from this book, or if you’ve followed their adventures for decades, writer Pornsak Pichetshote has you covered. With every chapter, we learn more about our heroes.

Verdict

I’ve learned about new mythologies, felt scared, laughed, and had my heart broken. As a lifelong comics fan, this is the kind of series that proves the validity and power of the medium. It still upsets me when people put comics down, particularly when there are great stories like Dead Boy Detectives on the shelves.

The entire Sandman Universe has always been built on diversity and representation; both in its cast of characters and in the depth of stories it’s always told. The creative team behind Dead Boy Detectives is honoring that legacy and building on it beautifully.

Sandman Universe: Dead Boy Detectives delivers everything I love about comics. Great characters, next-level threats, humor, scares, and thrills. The fact that it also educates while it entertains is a huge bonus. While this is a brilliant horror story, it also sheds light on life, love, and the problems faced by the children of immigrants.

This terrific book collects all six issues. It also presents the main and standard variant covers before each chapter, and has a nine-page gallery with all the other variant covers at the back of the book. For anyone wanting to know or read more about The Sandman Universe, there’s also a four-page reading guide.

The post Book Review: The Sandman Universe: Dead Boy Detectives – Collected Edition appeared first on DC Comics News.

Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Lisandro Estherren
Color Artist: Patricio Delpeche
Letterer: Simon Bowland

Reviewed by Steve J. Ray

Summary

In this month’s The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country: The Glass House #5, we see several puzzle pieces finally falling into place.

Thessaly’s protecting Madison, in her Dream-given cat form, and Max. Both are on the run from the evil angel and corrupt millionaire behind the nightclub that doubles as a gateway to hell. Meanwhile, The Corinthian has infiltrated the club, in an effort to liberate Kells, Max’s undead girlfriend.

Positives

I’m wondering whether you’re reading this review without having enjoyed any issues of this remarkable series. Why? Because the last paragraph should have your head swimming and asking yourself, “OK… what?!?” I’m also asking myself, regularly, why more people aren’t reading this title, because it’s consistently fantastic.

All the breadcrumbs James Tynion’s been dropping since Nightmare Country #1 are starting to bear fruit, including the huge bombshell that closed issue #5. Dream has become embroiled in the events occurring in this series, so I can’t wait to witness the fireworks when he discovers that, once again, one of his younger siblings is neck-deep in the whole mess. In fact, it looks like they’re the one who’s behind the whole scenario.

I’ve been following Dream and his siblings since day one, and seeing them honored and homaged in great new comics makes me very happy indeed. Lisandro Estherren and Patricio Delpeche keep taking us into a world that feels like it’s come out of our darkest dreams. The art’s creepy, yet beautiful, and the colors are spooky and ethereal. All put together, these comics stand out from the crowd. This is intelligent, psychological horror at its finest.

Never in my wildest imaginings could I ever have believed that love between an undead girl and a mortal man could feel beautiful and real, but Max and Kells are so brilliantly written and drawn that I can’t help but root for them. Thessaly has always been infuriating, and now that she knows who’s been pulling the strings, even hers (from waaay back in the original Sandman series) I know that sparks are going to fly. Will she and Daniel cross paths?

Seeing Azazel, The King Of Pain, Dream, and his siblings in this book always makes me happy, so this issue ticked a lot of boxes.

Simon Bowland keeps up the class, too. His lettering is as elegant, essential, and perfect as the script and the art. I can feel the heat coming from those candles as I hear them light up.

Negatives

I WANT TO SEE DREAM AND THESSALY CONFRONT THE ENEMY! AAAARRRGGGHHH!

Of course, this is just me being selfish and impatient.

Verdict

I’m sure that it will come as no surprise that I loved Nightmare Country: The Glass House #5. Everything about this title just works for me, and I leave every issue wanting more. The only trouble is, I  don’t want to wait.

Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment

The post Review: Nightmare Country: The Glass House #5 appeared first on DC Comics News.

Writer/Artist: Sina Grace
Color Artist: Chris Peter
Letterer: AndWorld’s DC Hopkins

Reviewed by Steve J. Ray

Summary

Sina Grace (Iceman, Ghosted in L.A.) has always been a writer/artist whose work I’ve enjoyed and admired, and Superman: The Harvests Of Youth isn’t just one of the best things he’s ever produced, it’s become one of my favorite YA books and Superman stories… ever.

DC’s range of Young Adult Graphic Novels are some of the finest books out there. I haven’t been a teenager for over thirty years, but these volumes make me feel, think, and are always super entertaining.

This story is, at its heart, one about ordinary people. Yes, everyone knows that Superman is far from ordinary, but that’s part of the magic and power of the character. As Clark Kent, although he’s handsome, smart, and talented, all he wants to be is an ordinary guy. Superman is all about protecting the “ordinary”, the innocent, and those who need his help.

Positives

Let’s be honest, if we had powers like Superman’s, would we use them in the same way he does? Or would we be more like the pitiful super-powered deviants that populate the pages of stories like The Boys? Superman’s greatest power isn’t his superhuman strength, his ability to fly, or the ability to shoot heat beams from his eyes. No. What makes Superman great and inspirational is the way he uses his special abilities to protect and aid those who have none.

Sina Grace gets this. Superman: The Harvests Of Youth gives us a young Clark Kent, a teenager still trying to find his place in the world and learning to use his gifts. When tragedy hits Smallville he learns that, even with his amazing abilities, he can’t save everyone. We may have read tales like this before, but seeing real teenagers with real problems and all the pressure they face – with the future Man of Steel as one of them – makes this Superman story feel all the more grounded and real.

Of course, having a story based in Smallville means that we get to see all the classic residents of this wonderful mid-western town; Lana Lang, Pete Ross, Chloe Sullivan, and Ma & Pa Kent. All of them are pitch-perfect in this book, but the addition of brand new characters Gil Stockwell and Amy Buenaventura (great surname, get your Spanish phrasebook out) adds to the uniqueness and power of this book.

Sina says in his afterword:

There’s no denying that Clark Kent and the people of Smallville are amongst the most iconic in pop culture, so the importance of getting to write and draw a story about Superman’s formative years was not lost on me.”

He goes on to say:

Who are these people in real life? How much will they resemble previous interpretations of the past? What makes my perspective unique?”

Having read the book, all I can say is, “Sina… you nailed it.”

The dialogue is fresh, realistic, and modern, the character designs are perfect and timeless, and the surprises and twists are next level. As soon as we see the teenage Lex Luthor certain expectations are raised. Of course, young Lex clearly showcases some of the characteristics of the man and villain he will eventually become, but the real antagonist of the book is a massive surprise. In fact, the term antagonist may not be the best one to use in this case. The real enemy here is humanity and the way people treat each other, the “villain” of the piece just uses all of that in the worst ways possible.

Sina’s writing and art are terrific throughout, and the storytelling is absolutely sublime. Just check out the facial expressions and love displayed by Ma and Pa Kent in the pages above. What’s amazing is that his work is elevated even further by the gorgeous warm, subtle color palette employed by the brilliant Chris Peter. The earthy, natural tones in this book enhance and add to the atmosphere. Somehow, even in the powerful action scenes near the end of the story, everything feels grounded, and real. Just the fact that we get bronze/copper-toned robots, instead of the usual chrome/steel deal is a huge plus. Nice work, Mr. Peter.

AndWorld Design is one of the finest lettering/design studios in the comics industry, and the work by DC Hopkins in this book is exemplary. There are very few sound effects in this story, in fact, most of the lettering is made up of character dialogue. However, the design choices made by Hopkins and Sina Grace are completely on the money. Where we do get sound effects, they look like part of the art, rather than big, hyper-flashy special effects. In fact, in places they look like Sina may have just drawn them in himself. Also, the choice to have lower-case font dialogue throughout the book really works and adds to making everything feel like conversation, rather than melodramatic exposition.

In short, every member of this creative team has knocked it out of the park.

Negatives

This is just nit-picking. Some of what happens in these pages (and I hate the fact that I’m typing this) goes against what we know to be Superman canon. However (and I love the fact that I’m typing this) I DON’T CARE! These people feel real, the emotions hit home, and we’re being shown the ugly side of society in a way that doesn’t feel preachy or heavy-handed. This is the kind of book I want every teenager and young adult to read; not just because they need to know that they’re not alone, but because this book is fun and one of the best Young Superman tales I’ve ever read.

Verdict

Superman: The Harvests Of Youth is a wonderful story. For me, it ranks with John Byrne’s original Man Of Steel, and Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s Superman For All Seasons as one of the finest tales of Clark Kent’s formative years. Please, do not sleep on this book, buy a copy and share it.

Review Copy and Cover Art Courtesy of Penguin Random House. Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment

Paperback
$16.99
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ISBN: 9781779511058

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Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Lisandro Estherren
Color Artist: Patricio Delpeche
Letterer: Simon Bowland

Reviewed by Steve J. Ray

Summary

After a brief (but brilliant) interlude last month with Thessaly, we return to The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country: The Glass House #4, exactly where we left the previous issue.

While the Corinthian enters the King of Pain nightclub (the demon Azazel’s portal from Earth to Hell) Madison and Max are confronted by the witch Thessaly. We witness murder, and mayhem, and get a visit from a tall librarian plus a final page cameo that left me jumping for joy!

Positives

This issue has it all. There’s enough intrigue, subterfuge, and plotting that we’re making wild guesses at to what’s going on, while James Tynion slowly drops breadcrumbs, red herrings, and guest appearances to leave readers clamoring for more.

No, we still don’t know how or why Desire is involved, whether the Corinthian’s turning back to the dark side, nor what the Angel and the Hollywood producer are planning, but boy are we along for the ride!

The addition of Thessaly as a main character opens up a world of storytelling possibilities that this exceptional creative team is grasping with both hands and running with. The art by Lisandro Estherren and Patricio Delpeche continues to inspire and delight, particularly when we get to see the true power of the forces of darkness at play on page five of the book, as one of Max’s work colleagues is on the receiving end of a particularly sharp spell… The use of color on this page is truly phenomenal, contrasting the prelude and aftermath of the event beautifully.

As always, Simon Bowland’s use of design and innovative text fonts and balloons, for the supernatural characters of the book, are wonderful.

Negatives

I’m only calling this a negative because I’m selfish. Guys! You cannot close the issue with a cameo of that significance! I mean, seriously… this is (exquisite) torture!

Verdict

The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country: The Glass House #4 had me gripped from start to finish, and this entire series has consistently been great to read, and amazing to look at.

I honestly believe that issue #5 will be a Dream come true for some… myself included.

Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment

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Writer: Dennis Culver
Artist: Chris Burnham
Colour Artist: Brian Reber
Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Reviewed by Davydh Tidey

After the therapy session we saw last issue, Unstoppable Doom Patrol #5 puts us right back into the action, going up against the evil corporation using the newly-discovered metahumans for profit. The Lazarus Rain has changed so much about the world, but even it can’t stop the slow trudge of capitalism. 

Also, someone let Niles Caulder out into the field. This can only go well, I’m sure.

Positives

This series really only goes from strength to strength and the latest issue’s no exception. This chapter turns the classic evil corporation trope on it’s head and delivers a fairly thought-provoking message about the dark side of superpowers; someone will always try to use them for profit, in sometimes horrifying ways. 

The issue also addresses the rather large elephant in the room; Niles Caulder. While he’s no longer the Chief, the former Doom patrol leader’s still around in an advisory capacity. This, obviously, presents its own dangers, particularly with him being the direct reason for the accidents that created the Doom Patrol in the first place. The new Chief seems to have a handle on him, but who knows what he could do next and how he could influence things, and who he could put in danger to prove another theory? The situation’s tenuous, to say the least. 

This issue also does something rather unique for Niles Caulder, as it has him admit that he was wrong about something. We’re shown a side to this immoral, arrogant character that we haven’t seen before; genuine remorse and owning his mistakes. 

I know I asked for more Niles Caulder, Dennis, but DAMN, I didn’t expect this! 

Along with humanizing the inhumane, Dennis Culver delivers another amazing issue here. Caulder’s characterization is nailed, giving us all the flaws of the man while still progressing him forward and showing genuine development.

Elasti-Girl and Robotman still continue to struggle with being professional in the field, but deliver the results in spectacular fashion anyway. The relationships between characters in Unstoppable Doom Patrol have always been a highlight, each one is unique and well thought out. Cliff doesn’t talk to Rita like he does with Larry, and Larry doesn’t talk to Beast Girl the same way he talks to the Chief. All of this makes the dialogue so natural and easy to buy into, I love it. 

It’s lovely to have Chris Burnham back with Brian Reber on the art, as I’ve sorely missed his dynamic feeling action and unique facial expressions. The pages with the “new superhero” are equal parts thrilling and horrifying, and I’ve come to expect nothing less from this art team and this amazing book in general.

Negatives

This is a very small gripe in the grand scheme of things, but I’d really like to see Beast Girl’s character developed a little further. We’ve seen her touching origin story, and as the lead character in Unstoppable Doom Patrol #2, but I’d love to see more from her and get more of a real sense of her character. 

Apart from that, this series only has two more issues left?! Boo! I’ll miss it sorely when it’s gone. 

Conclusion

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #5 is a really great distillation of what this whole series has been about; overcoming your past and pushing forward. This issue made Niles Caulder face his demons, but the whole series feels like it’s been about addressing trauma and past mistakes, while also helping as many metahumans as possible. It’s a positive, and relatable, message for people of this generation. Your past doesn’t define you. 

I have nothing but love for this series, and this issue is no exception. 

Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment

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[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Studio: Warner Brothers
Starring: Xolo Mariduena, Bruna Marquezine, George Lopez, Belissa Escobedo, Raoul Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, Damian Alcazar, Adriana Barraza, Elpidia Carillo
Director: Angel Manuel Soto

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

A mysterious scarab of alien origin bonds with new college graduate, Jaime Reyes giving him powers and abilities he has to learn to control.  With his family behind him, he learns about the Blue Beetle legacy and that of the scarab and the history of Kord industries and a sinister plot to take over the world.

Positives

Like so many things that are good, Blue Beetle is a lot of fun and has a lot of heart.  And, the heart leads to the fun.  That heart can be found in the cast as well as the story that relies on the idea family.  The movie gives us two families, the Reyes family and the Kord family, and they couldn’t be more different.  However, it’s the intersecting of these two families which brings about Jaime’s turn into the Blue Beetle.

The cast brings these families to life, and there isn’t really a weak performance in the lot.  Xolo Mariduena turns in a great job as the lead and it’s easy to imagine him in future appearances as Jaime Reyes.  He brings energy, believability and the right amount of self doubt.  The rest of the cast is equally good.  Mariduena has a real chemistry with Bruna Marquezine who plays Jenny Kord.  George Lopez’s Rudy is the humorous outlet, but he also has a genuine emotional connection with his nephew Jaime.  Susan Sarandon, while a well known experienced actress for nearly five decades fills the villain role of Victoria Kord effortlessly.  

While Jaime’s family rallies around him, Jenny’s aunt, Victoria has no redeeming qualities and is literally out to get Jenny, pushing her closer to the Reyes family.  This contrast is subtle, but a well executed use of the family theme.  The importance of the family shakes out differently than in most superhero fare, Jaime’s family knows his secret and it becomes essential to Jaime’s character.

Positives Cont’d

The presence of the Kord family in this movie is more than just an Easter Egg for comic book fans.  Ted Kord is the second person to use the Blue Beetle moniker in the comics, (although there are arguable two separate Dan Garrett characters, making Ted the third!) and his shadow looms large throughout Blue Beetle.  Victoria is Ted’s sister and Jenny is his daughter, and we learn that Ted is missing.  The filmmakers do a great job of incorporating the Blue Beetle legacy into the story and Jaime’s turn as the hero.  It would have been possible to make a Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle film and ignore the history of the character, but making it integral to the story goes a long way for comic fans.  The appearance and use of Ted’s Bug ship is absolutely fantastic, as well.  Well done!

I’ve never been one to get hung up on CGI to the point that it’s going to ruin a good story and character if not done well.  There isn’t a moment in this film that seemed the least bit wonky.  This summer’s The Flash (even if it was purposeful) had   lot more questionable CGI oddities.  Additionally, using a practical suit for Meriduena works really well.  He has a real presence in scenes that just feels better than a full CGI character.  He’s able to interact more believably with other characters especially in the action scenes. 

There are some real stakes in this film as Jaime’s family is imperiled and not all of them survive.  There is some nuance to Victoria Kord’s muscle, Carapax, and you won’t believe what Nana was doing in her teenage years!  Additionally, there is a throwback feel to some of the film that in-story seems to stem from Ted Kord’s turn as the Blue Beetle.  The music by Bobby Krlic gives a Stranger Things vibe and at the same time the script leans even harder into the family theme in the thrid act.  Jaime’s family (and Jenny)  exhibit the same kind of camaraderie and commitment to each other that we’ve come to expect from Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Eleven.  

There is a great deal of world building in this film that is tied to Jaime’s family, their personal stories as well as Jenny Kord and her father’s heroic legacy.  La Palmera City feels unique, as well.  While Blue Beetle ostensibly takes place within the DC Universe, the film is far enough removed from what we already know about that world that it feels like its own place.  One of the reasons it works is that Blue Beetle is not an original DC character.  He has a long comic book tradition going back to the Golden Age with his debut in Mystery Men Comics #1, August 1939.  DC bought the character from Charlton Comics in the mid-1980’s.  It makes sense that he has his own world, and it’s not hard to imagine the other Charlton Action Heroes popping up along side Jaime- take that Watchmen!

Negatives

It would be easy to start rattling off inconsistencies with the comic book, and the most glaring is the absence of Jaime’s friends Paco and Brenda.   This may bother some fans, but the connection to the Blue Beetle legacy feels like a more important comic book aspect to get right.  Along the same lines, when Jaime is first introduced in the comics, he lives in El Paso, TX.  The movie gives us a fictional city, La Palmera City.  It’s first appearance in the comics is Blue Beetle: Graduation Day #2, and it seems to come from the movie.  DC has a long tradition of fictional cities, but La Palmera City, while supposedly in Texas feels like Miami, and seems to inform the feeling of Hispanic influence on the city.

I’ve spent time in both Miami and El Paso, and the feeling of the cultures is very different.  Jaime’s family is identified as Mexican and some of the slang used in the film is recognizable as such.  Yet, the city itself looks and feel like Miami which creates a bit of an inconsistency in the representation in the film.  You know it’s supposed to be Texas and a Mexican immigrant family, but it looks and feels more like Miami and Cuban culture.

Some will say there are derivative elements to Blue Beetle, but comics have been doing that for years.  The uniqueness in Jaime’s story comes from his heritage, family and the legacy of the Blue Beetle which he will hopefully get to investigate in another outing.  Furthermore, this film gets these familiar elements right and makes them fun and enjoyable.  The tease in the early credits scene is expected, but still exciting.

Verdict

Even if you feel like you’ve seen some of this before, Blue Beetle is a fun film that is done well.    Blue Beetle has something unique to offer in its use of the family theme which gives it a lot of heart.  It’s a significant step up from recent DC movies and genuinely comes across as the start of something new and exciting.  

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