Horror

Fatale #3

/ / Comics

fatale-3-coverNicholas Lash continues to search for clues into the mysterious woman and the odd circumstances that left him with a vandalized house, the loss of a limb, and a bizarre manuscript that has more truth in it than he originally realizes.

My problem with issue #2 was it was entirely set in the past. This month’s issue not only returns the Nicholas Lash character, but starts him on an investigation which should bring both storylines together.

In the past we see just how powerful Josephine’s pull over Hank is, and when confronted by a deranged cultist from her past, we see her ability to bend men to her will can have deadly consequences. I’m not quite as sold on the corrupt cop storyline, but I’m willing to wait to see how it all plays out.

A very strong issue that doesn’t give away many of its secrets but doesn’t feel like its necessarily obscuring a reveal for another month either. I can’t wait to see where this supernatural noir goes from here.

[Image, $3.50]

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine #6

/ / Comics

btvs-season-nine-6-coverAs Buffy deals with news that’s she’s pregnant writer Andrew Chambliss takes the opportunity to showcase not only the current Slayer’s fears of what a pregnancy might mean but that of another Slayer who went through the same emotions a few decades earlier – Robin Wood‘s mother Nikki.

For a comic book centered around a tiny blond who kills vampires this issue has quite a bit going on. I’m really liking how personal Season Nine feels after Season Eight spiraled so far out of control. And for a comic that I’ve found the art to be inconsistant so far artist Georges Jeanty nails the characters this time around.

Not only do we get flashbacks between Nikki and her Watcher but we get frank conversations between Buffy and Robin, and later between Buffy and Spike. And, although the some might object, I was certainly impressed how the issue of an abortion was not only introduced but discussed.

Even if you haven’t read the first arc of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine, if you’re a fan of the character you should definitely find a copy, especially if you can find the old school variant cover. Best of the week.

[Dark Horse, $2.99]

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Fatale #2

/ / Comics

fatale-2-coverEd Brubaker and Sean Phillips continue their noir horror tale with a second issue that focuses solely on the 1950’s storylines where Hank Raines finds himself falling more and more under the influence of the beautiful Josephine while her husband, Detective Walt Booker, continues his investigation into an occult murder for his own nefarious purposes.

The second issue continues to impress, although I was a little disappointed to find the modern Nicolas Lash story wasn’t woven into the the story.

We get mysterious symbols, betrayal, murder, marital infidelity, forbidden passion, police corruption, secret meetings, secrets, cult members speaking in tongues, lies, and more foreshadowing that monsters in this world are lying in wait just under the surface waiting to strike.

If you have any interest in pulp and noir tales, with a little horror thrown in, here’s a comic you really should enjoy. I would have like more of Nicolas’ story here as well, but I can wait until next month. Worth a look.

[Image, $3.50]

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine #5

/ / Comics

btvs-season-nine-5-coverAfter surviving the Siphon, Buffy starts having dreams of the first Slayer. At first she thinks the Slayer is angry at Buffy breaking the line but she begins to suspect someone is using her dreams for their own purposes.

With the help of Willow Buffy goes back into her dreams to confront the Tinkerbell who was hijacking her dreams and find out what the Slayer really wants from her. Although she gets her answers, the truth will mean the departure of one of her closest friends. But that isn’t the comic’s biggest surprise which comes in the form of a final panel that’s sure to change Buffy’s life forever (and no doubt enrage quite a few fans).

Karl Moline takes over the art from Georges Jeanty but once again we’re left with several panels where the characters only vaguely resemble their on-screen counterparts.

It’s not a great single issue but it does set out a new path for Willow and set up an entirely new challenge for everyone’s favorite slayer. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $2.99]

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Fatale #1

/ / Comics

Fatale #1Ed Brubaker and artist Sean Phillips return to give us a new noir mystery with Fatale. Or story begins with a funeral of Dominic Raines and the introduction of Nicolas Lash and the mysterious woman who will change his life forever.

While performing his duties as the executive of Raines’ estate Nicolas discovers an unpublished manuscript and a group of men who appear to want him dead. Saved by the mysterious Jo, Nic is left with far more questions than answers waking up days later in a hospital with only the manuscript to guide him through the odd series of events he’s somehow become lost in.

I’m unsure how the occult and mystical elements presented in the first issue will work themselves into the story, but as a first issue it’s a great read. The comic is structured to feature story and character, packed with panels (and only a single full-page splash page). You’re certainly getting your money’s worth. Best of the week.

[Image, $3.50]

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