Comics (2238)
This is a dark, dark issue. Willow’s magic use has been hinted at trending towards darkness a few times now; her increasing confidence in herself that trends towards cocky coupled with the black eyes and veiny visage are the hallmarks of her Dark Willow persona that fans will recognize. This issue take us deep into her mindscape, having finally given into the magic instead of resisting it. Dark Willow meets Dark Phoenix is probably pretty on the nose, but *shrug* it’s apt.
I haven’t written a lot of reviews recently, and I haven’t read a lot of comics recently (a sad admission!), but a year or so ago writer/artist Richard Fairgray asked me if I’d like to read a graphic novel he had put together - a memoir that he wrote over lock down. Without hesitation, I said, “Absolutely!” It was literally the first time we met in person. It turned out to be Octopus. I told him he had to publish it. I can only imagine anyone else who had read it probably told him the same thing. I am thrilled that he’s moving forward with a Kickstarter campaign (which is launching this week) for the project.
“A group of major historical figures from the late 19th and/or early 20th centuries teams up to fight something fantastical” is a surprisingly common premise in comics. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. I’ve reviewed several titles in that vein over the years, such as Real Science Adventures Volume 1 and the always fun Boston Metaphysical Society series. I’d happily read a hundred other comics with that premise, as well. There are so many different historical figures to choose from and so many different directions a story like that can go. Of course, it helps when the comic in question is compelling and well-written— which The InSpectres certainly is.
Issue #3 explores the fallout of Kenny’s wish in an attempt to help Ted. Of course, in a warped version of wish fulfillment, the wish resulted in Ted being arrested as a suspect for the disappearance of Skunk.
Reimagining one of the most famous German children's books of all time and pumping new blood into its unnerving figure of moralistic punishment, the recently released Shockheaded Peter - Part One is the start of a planned 3-part horror-fantasy graphic novel of “marvelous retribution and dreadful delight.”
With Jordan reanimated and the law closing in, things are getting pretty hot for the brothers and their associates. With the “mongrels” running amok, too, a lot is set to go wrong and gory.
Previously, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Scoobies assembled to take on Hungrus and save Buffy. Willow’s increasing magic use was becoming an issue of concern and contention.
It’s all come down to the Big Damn Finale! What is this finale? The best denouement for this series in which we see the crew move forward and wrap up our Jayne-centric story in a poignant way. With loose ends to wrap up with delicate diplomacy between the different factions on Requiem and farewells to say, things are tenuous in a much quieter way.
Picking right up where it left off, Specs #2 examines the aftermath of a monkey’s paw wish that, obviously, went very wrong. With a mere wish, Kenny and Ted wished the school bully out of existence, which is pretty horrific if you think about the people who might actually care for Skunk, bully or not. The horror is not lost on the two best friends as they struggle to move forward, all the while feeling like Damocles’ sword might be hanging over their heads. In a fateful wish to help his friend, and probably to help himself, too, Kenny makes a wish that will change their lives forever.
