Comics

Atomic Robo and The Ring of Fire #1

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Atomic Robo and The Ring of Fire #1Released first as a webcomic and later picked up by IDW for print publication, the first issue of Atomic Robo and The Ring of Fire deals with the present-day fallout of Tesladyne being branded a terrorist organization (see Atomic Robo and The Savage Sword of Dr. Dinosaur) and Atomic Robo‘s Old West adventures (Atomic Robo: The Knights of the Golden Circle) after being lost in middle of Dr. Dinosuar‘s timebomb and presumed dead by all but a handful of his most trusted scientists.

Sadly, our title character only makes the briefest of appearances here (and he’s certainly seen better days) as the first issue picks up events two years after the disappearance of Atomic Robo with the small band of Tesladyne scientists searching for their missing boss.

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Godzilla in Hell #1

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Godzilla in Hell #1Written and drawn by James Stokoe, Ishirō Honda‘s creation is sent to Hell (literally) in the first issue of the new series. Without a single word of dialogue, Godzilla in Hell #1 chronicles Godzilla‘s fall deep into the Earth and the monster’s run-in with a variety of nightmarish creatures.

The reasons for Godzilla’s fall aren’t explained. What is the heroic kaiju doing in Hell of all places? Whatever the cause for the monster’s new surroundings, it’s obvious from this first issue that Godzilla has his work cut out for him as his continued descent into Hell continues.

The setting does allow for any number of bizarrely-designed threats Godzilla might encounter. Although I like the look of Godzilla here, his desolate surroundings and nightmarish antagonists don’t do much for me. Readers more geared to horror comics are likely to get far more out of both the first issue and ongoing series than I will. Still, despite not explaining how he got there, Stokoe delivers a brand-new type of Godzilla story fans of the creature may appreciate. For fans.

[IDW, $3.99]

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Usagi Yojimbo #147

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Usagi Yojimbo #147“The Thief and the Kunoichi” comes to a conclusion as Usagi and Chizu make the best of Kitsune‘s plan to sell Inouye’s secret treaty back to the merchant. The warriors decide to use the time and setting of the transaction to their advantage by destroying a secret shipment of Ginseng Inouye is counting on to help fund his underhanded dealings.

Usagi Yojimbo #147 continues to force Usagi in between the two women and into the role of peacemaker which leads to a humorous farewell with both women that leaves the rabbit ronin all but speechless. The end of the arc also provides plenty of action as Usagi and Chizu work to cut a wide swath through the merchant’s soldiers and provide Chizu a measure of revenge (even if it did mean having to save Kitsune’s life).

The unusual threesome provided by Stan Sakai proved to be a great way to relaunch the ongoing series after it’s lengthy hiatus. Usagi is back and, if this arc is any indication, the rabbit ronin will have his hands full with whatever fate has in store for him next. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $3.50]

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Doctor Fate #2

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Doctor Fate #2Khalid Nassour‘s rocky journey into becoming the DCU’s new Doctor Fate continues as he stops fighting the Helm to learn a bit about where the knowledge of power it offers come from as well as save his father from a traffic accident caused by the minions of Thoth who demand a blood price our young hero is unwilling to pay.

Two issues in I’m still on the fence about Nassour as Fate. There’s certainly plenty of room for Nassour to grow into the role, and I like the character, but Doctor Fate has always been one of the most powerful magic users of the DCU and it looks like some time before Nassour will ever truly command that much knowledge or power. I also have to wonder about previous Fates. Did they exist in the DCU after the New 52 relaunch? If so, are they living or dead, and might we see someone like Kent Nelson show up as potential ally or rival? Given how shabily DC relaunched its characters without answering basic questions about their backstories I have to wonder if they’ve even considered these questions. Until they do, and until Nassour truly grows into his role as the new Dr. Fate (complete with costume, please), I’m likely to stay a bit wary of this title. For fans.

[DC, $2.99]

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Arrow Season 2.5 #10

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Arrow Season 2.5 #10Oliver and Roy‘s journey to Lian Yu proves fruitful as the pair get the blood sample they need from Slade Wilson in order to fight the latest Mirakuru-powered madman with a grudge against Oliver walking the streets of Starling City.

The issue does offer another confrontation between Oliver and Slade, while teasing Ollie’s return with Thea to the island in Season Three’s “The Return,” but given his continued imprisonment in the A.R.G.U.S. facility his appearance is rather short and mostly uneventful.

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