“Valiant Masters: Bloodshot Vol. 1: Blood of the Machine – Introduction” By Kevin VanHook Review

Once, he was the hired killer known as Angelo Mortalli. Now, there is only Bloodshot. Brought back from the grave by the government scientists of Project Rising Spirit, Bloodshot is powered by microscopic nano-machines that can repair all injuries and maximize his physical potential. But the nanites can’t replace his lost memories – or help him shake the feeling that he was once anything but a hero. Atoning for his sins in a world he no longer knows, can the man now called Bloodshot recover the secrets of his past? And survive his deadly first encounters with the likes of the Eternal Warrior, Ninjak and Rai along the way?

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And I’m gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview aims to reintroduce us as readers to the iconic character of Bloodshot but falls short in execution. Despite the potential this preview had, it struggles with narrative coherence and character development, leaving much to be desired.

The story in this preview follows Bloodshot, a super-soldier with nanites in his blood that grant him extraordinary powers. While the premise promises action and intrigue, the plot quickly becomes convoluted and lacks clear direction. The narrative jumps between scenes without smooth transitions, making it challenging for me personally to stay engaged or fully grasp the storyline.

The character development is notably lacking in this preview. Bloodshot, who should be a complex and compelling protagonist, is presented with minimal depth. His motivations and inner conflicts are not thoroughly explored, resulting in a character that feels flat and unrelatable. The supporting cast fares no better, often serving as mere plot devices without contributing meaningfully to the story or the protagonist’s growth.

The writing in this preview, while attempting to capture the essence of a gritty action thriller, often falls flat. The dialogue lacks the sharpness and emotional resonance needed to elevate the narrative, leading to interactions that feel forced and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character development, which had left me personally feeling disconnected from the characters’ experiences and motivations.

The artwork in this preview, though capturing the style of its era, does little to enhance the overall reading experience. The illustrations often lack detail and vibrancy, failing to convey the excitement and intensity that the story demands. The visual style feels dated and does not engage for picky readers as myself, further diminishing the impact of the narrative.

The pacing of this preview is another significant issue I had with this preview. Because this preview had scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it difficult for myself to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression. The lack of a coherent narrative arc further exacerbates this problem, which have left me without a satisfying sense of direction or resolution.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of Bloodshot as a character holds potential for future development. With a more structured storyline and deeper exploration of character motivations, subsequent volumes could better capture the excitement and depth inherent in the premise.

So will I buy and read the full version of this comic book ? I don’t think I will. The main reason behind this is how poorly this preview was very uninteresting for me personally.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Princeless: Book 4 – Be Yourself – Introduction” By Jeremy Whitley & Brett Grunig & Emily Martin Review

Angoisse Ashe, the oft-forgotten middle sister of the Ashe royal family, is locked in a castle deep in the wamp. Not only is her castle guarded by zombies, but the swamp is full of dangerous hazards. Everything from quicksand to goblins to swamp monsters to…VAMPIRES! But does that give Adrienne pause? Unfortunately not, as she and Bedelia dive head-first into their most dangerous adventure yet!

This comic book attempts to continue the empowering narrative of the Princeless series but falls short in execution. While this comic book series is known for its progressive themes and strong characters, this installment struggles to maintain the quality and engagement of its predecessors.

The story in this comic book follows Princess Adrienne as she embarks on another adventure, this time focusing on themes of identity and self-acceptance. The writing itself in this comic book has previously excelled at crafting witty dialogue and dynamic characters, but in this introduction, the narrative feels disjointed and lacks the depth that fans have come to expect. The plot progresses rapidly, with key events feeling rushed and underdeveloped, which has left me personally with little time to connect with the characters or the story.

The character development, a hallmark of the Princeless series, is notably lacking in this volume. Adrienne, usually a vibrant and relatable protagonist, seems to go through the motions without significant growth or exploration. Her interactions with other characters lack the usual spark and depth, making it difficult for me personally to become emotionally invested in her journey. Supporting characters, often a source of humor and heart, are underutilized and do not contribute meaningfully to the narrative.

The artwork in this comic book, while consistent with the series’ style, does little to elevate the storytelling. The illustrations capture the colorful and whimsical world of Princeless but lack the detail and expressiveness needed to convey the emotional weight of the story. The art feels static at times, missing opportunities to enhance the narrative through dynamic compositions and lively character expressions.

One of the critical issues I had with this comic book is its pacing. The narrative moves quickly from one event to the next without allowing time for tension to build or characters to develop. This hurried approach results in a story that feels more like a series of loosely connected scenes rather than a cohesive narrative. I was personally are left with a sense of confusion rather than intrigue, as crucial plot points are glossed over or inadequately explained.

Despite these shortcomings this comic book contains moments that hint at its potential. The themes of identity and self-acceptance are important and relevant, and with more focused storytelling, they could become compelling and impactful. However, the introduction fails to capitalize on this potential, offering little more than a surface-level exploration of its themes.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Bonding #0” By Matthew Erman & Emily Pearson Review

A man, a woman—and their parasites. Marcus has been alone since the loss of his closest friend and has just recently entered into the dating scene, while Laura has drifted in and out of relationships since high school. They meet, they have a great first date, and Marcus almost dies—because the slug-like parasite that everybody carries in this world nearly rejects him, its host. Bonding is a funny, quirky, and honest look at love, in a world where everyone wears their anxiety, not on their sleeves, but on their chest like big ol’ leeches.

This comic book presents an intriguing concept but falls short in execution. While the premise of this comic book promises an engaging narrative, the issue struggles with pacing and depth, which has left me personally wanting more.

The story in this comic book introduces a world where people form symbiotic relationships with alien parasites, a concept ripe with potential for exploring themes of connection and dependency.

The writing in this comic book attempts to delve into this unique world, but the narrative feels disjointed and lacks a clear direction. The plot unfolds rapidly, jumping between scenes without providing sufficient context or development, which has left me confused and disconnected from the story.

The character development is particularly lacking in this comic book. The protagonists are not given enough depth to make their journeys compelling or relatable. Their motivations and backgrounds are only superficially explored, leaving their actions feeling unconvincing. This lack of characterization makes it difficult for me personally to form an emotional connection with the characters or become invested in their outcomes.

The artwork in this comic book, while visually appealing, does little to enhance the storytelling. The illustrations capture the alien nature of the world but lack the detail and expressiveness needed to convey the emotional nuances of the narrative. The art style, while technically proficient, fails to elevate the story or compensate for its shortcomings.

One of the main challenges I had with this comic book is its pacing. The narrative moves quickly from one event to the next without allowing time for tension to build or characters to develop. This hurried approach results in a preview that feels more like a collection of loosely connected scenes than a cohesive story. I was personally left with a sense of confusion rather than intrigue, as crucial plot points are glossed over or inadequately explained.

Despite its shortcomings this comic book does contain moments that hint at its potential. The concept of symbiotic relationships with alien beings is intriguing and, with more focused storytelling, could become a compelling narrative. However, the issue fails to capitalize on this potential, offering little more than a surface-level exploration of its themes.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Holy F*ck: Introduction” By Nick Marino & Daniel Arruda Massa Review

Sister Maria has recruited two horny drug-fueled weirdos to stop the apocalypse. Their names? Jesus and Satan. Can these biblical frenemies help this nun with a gun defeat an army of pissed off mythological gods? Only one thing’s for sure — it’s gonna be a wild ride!

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And im gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview sets out to deliver a bold and irreverent take on religious and mythological themes, but ultimately falters in execution. While the concept of this preview is intriguing and audacious, the narrative struggles with coherence and depth, leaving much to be desired.

The story in this preview thrusts us as readers into a world where deities and religious figures engage in a chaotic battle for supremacy. The creators of this preview create a plot laden with satire and dark humor, aiming to challenge conventional narratives. However, the storyline often feels disjointed, with scenes that lack clear transitions and purpose. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the narrative or connect with the characters.

The character development is notably lacking in this preview. The protagonists, while initially captivating due to their outrageous nature, are presented with minimal depth. Their motivations and personalities are not fully explored, resulting in characters that feel more like caricatures than fully realized individuals. This superficial treatment hinders the potential for meaningful character arcs and emotional investment.

The writing in this preview, while attempting to capture a blend of humor and shock value, often falls short. The dialogue lacks the wit and cleverness needed to elevate the comedic elements, leading to interactions that feel forced and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful development which have left me feeling disconnected from the characters’ journeys.

The artwork in this preview is a highlight, bringing a vibrant and exaggerated style that complements the outrageous tone of the story. The illustrations are bold and energetic, capturing the chaotic essence of the narrative with dynamic character designs and action sequences. The visual style adds an element of visual interest, though it cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

The pacing of this preview is another significant issue I had with this preview. Because this preview has scenes that either drag without adding value or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression. A more balanced approach could improve the overall reading experience by allowing for deeper exploration of both plot and character.

So will I buy and read the full version of this comic book ? I don’t think I will. The main reason behind this is how poorly this preview was very uninteresting for me personally.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“The Secret He Must Claim Vol. 1” By Takako Shigematsu & Chantelle Shaw Review

Elin, the adopted child of a prestigious family, keeps up the facade of a party girl for the tabloids in order to protect her brother. Exhausted by the emptiness of her reality, she gives her virginity to Cortez, an attractive stranger whom she has just met. One year later, after giving birth to a baby, Elin is shocked by her adopted father’s deathbed revelation. She must marry within one year or else her inheritance rights will be transferred to another heir—and this newly appeared heir is Cortez!

This comic book presents a dramatic romance that unfortunately falls flat in execution. While the premise of this comic book promises intrigue and emotional depth, the delivery lacks the necessary elements to fully engage me personally.

The story in this comic book centers around a tangled web of secrets and romance, with a plot that initially seems promising. The creators of this comic book adapts the narrative aiming to capture the intensity and allure of hidden truths and passionate encounters. However, the plot often feels predictable, relying heavily on clichéd tropes without offering fresh perspectives or unique twists to invigorate the narrative.

The character development is one of the key areas where this comic book struggles. The protagonists, while they have the potential to be compelling, are not sufficiently fleshed out to make their emotional journeys engaging. The heroine’s motivations and internal conflicts are superficially explored, leaving her actions and choices feeling unconvincing. Similarly, the male lead lacks the depth and complexity needed to elevate the romance beyond a basic storyline.

The dialogues throughout this comic book tends to be stilted and occasionally lacks authenticity. Conversations between characters often feel forced and lack the natural flow that would make their interactions more believable and engaging. This hampers the emotional impact of key scenes, making it difficult for me personally to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

The artwork in this comic book is competent but does little to enhance the storytelling. While the illustrations capture the elegance of the characters and their glamorous lifestyles, they lack the expressiveness needed to convey the emotional nuances of the story. The art style, while visually pleasing, fails to elevate the narrative or compensate for its shortcomings.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with certain plot developments feeling rushed and others dragging without significant progression. This inconsistency disrupts the narrative flow, making it challenging for me personally to maintain interest. A more balanced approach to pacing could have allowed for deeper exploration of character arcs and thematic elements.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does have moments that hint at its potential. The premise of hidden secrets and the quest for truth offers a foundation that could be built upon in future installments. Additionally, the setting provides a rich backdrop that, with more development, could enhance the romantic and dramatic elements of the story.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“The Fallen Greek Bride Vol. 1” By  Sara Nakayama & Jane Porter Review

After five years of separation, Morgan visits her estranged husband in Greece. Drakon Sebastian Xanthis is a world-class tycoon and owner of a widely successful marine corporation. When they got married five years ago, Morgan couldn’t endure their loveless marriage and fled to America, but now she is caught in a major dilemma. Her father has been abducted by pirates, who are holding him for a six-million-dollar ransom. She has no choice but to beg her former husband for help. Drakon doesn’t hesitate to write her a check. However, seeing him again, Morgan realizes that she is still deeply in love with the gorgeous Greek man.

This comic book attempts to weave a tale of romance and drama but falls short in its execution. While the premise of this comic book  promises intrigue and emotional depth, the delivery lacks the necessary elements to fully engage me personally.

The story in this comic book revolves around a complex relationship set against the backdrop of a luxurious Greek setting. Sara Nakayama adapts Jane Porter’s narrative, aiming to capture the allure of romance intertwined with personal conflict. However, the plot often feels predictable, relying heavily on clichéd tropes without offering fresh perspectives or twists to invigorate the narrative.

The character development is one of the key areas where this comic book struggles. The protagonists, while initially intriguing, are not given enough depth to make their emotional journeys compelling. The heroine’s motivations and inner conflicts are superficially explored, leaving her actions and decisions feeling unconvincing. Similarly, the male lead lacks the complexity needed to elevate the romance beyond a basic storyline.

The dialogues throughout this comic book tends to be stilted and occasionally lacks authenticity. Conversations between characters often feel forced, lacking the natural flow that would make their interactions more believable and engaging. This hampers the emotional impact of key scenes, making it difficult for readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

The artwork in this comic book is competent but does little to enhance the storytelling. While the illustrations capture the elegance of the Greek setting and the characters’ glamorous lifestyles, they lack the expressiveness needed to convey the emotional nuances of the story. The art style, while visually pleasing, fails to elevate the narrative or compensate for its shortcomings.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with certain plot developments feeling rushed and others dragging without significant progression. This inconsistency disrupts the narrative flow, making it challenging for me personally to maintain interest. A more balanced approach to pacing could have allowed for deeper exploration of character arcs and thematic elements.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does have moments that hint at its potential. The setting provides a rich backdrop that, with more development, could enhance the romantic and dramatic elements of the story. Additionally, the premise of personal redemption and rekindled love offers a foundation that could be built upon in future installments.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Zombie Tramp Vol. 2: Introduction” By Dan Mendoza Review

Everyone’s favorite street-walking dead returns! Janey the Zombie Tramp makes a mysterious new friend and together they board an express train to more fetish, gore, and cartoon grindhouse mayhem in the style that fans of the series have come to love! Are Janey’s budding, undead powers enough to see her through another deadly adventure on the Taint Train of Terror?

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And I’m gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview attempts to deliver a blend of horror and humor but ultimately falls short. Despite this preview’s unique premise, it struggles with narrative cohesion and character development, leaving much to be desired.

The story in this preview follows Janey Belle, a former escort turned zombie, as she navigates a world filled with supernatural threats. While the concept of a zombie anti-heroine offers potential for creativity, the plot is often disjointed, with scenes that lack clear direction and purpose. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the narrative or become invested in Janey’s journey.

The character development is notably lacking in this preview. Janey Belle, the protagonist, is introduced with minimal depth, making it challenging for me personally to connect with her or empathize with her struggles. Her motivations and backstory are not thoroughly explored, reducing her to a one-dimensional figure. The supporting cast fares no better, often serving as mere plot devices rather than contributing meaningfully to the story.

The writing in this preview, while attempting to capture a mix of horror and humor, often falls flat. The dialogue lacks the wit and sharpness needed to elevate the comedic elements, resulting in interactions that feel forced and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character development which have left me disconnected from the characters’ journeys

The artwork in this preview is the highlight of this preview. The illustrations are bold and stylized, capturing the chaotic and gritty essence of the zombie genre. The visual style is both dynamic and expressive, conveying the intensity and action of key scenes. While the artwork adds a layer of visual interest, it cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

The pacing of this preview is another significant issue I had with it. Because the scenes in this preview are either drag without adding value or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression. A more balanced approach could improve the overall reading experience by allowing for deeper exploration of both plot and character.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of this preview holds potential for the full version of this comic book. With more focused storytelling and a stronger emphasis on character growth, full version of this comic book could better capture the excitement and depth inherent in the premise.

So will I buy and read the full version of this comic book ? I don’t think I will. The main reason behind this is how poorly this preview was very uninteresting for me personally.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Blind Prophet, Episode 1: A Prophet Is Born” By Joseph Cillo Jr.  & Gabriel Santiago Review

For all the superheroes who never were given a chance… Wondering what’s new in Comic Books? Check out Blind Prophet! Reviews have said things “…The concept is beautiful, the execution mind-bending.” and “It most certainly does not pull any punches…” and “In all honestly this book really shook me up…this book is scary because it could happen.” Pretty extraordinary commentary for a comic book, don’t you think? Blind Prophet is the story of a boy, Daniel Prophet, born blind and autistic, who undergoes an experimental procedure that gives him the ability to peer into the spiritual realm, where demons tempt, and angels defend. Blind Prophet is kind of a blend between the Dead Zone, The Sixth Sense, and the Screwtape Letters. Or, if you want to keep the comparisons to comic books, maybe Daredevil and Constantine. 

This comic book presents an ambitious concept but falls short in execution. At the same time this comic book introduces to us as readers a narrative filled with supernatural elements and moral exploration, yet struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging experience.

The story in this comic book centers on the protagonist, a blind prophet who receives divine visions, setting the stage for a tale that intertwines spirituality with real-world issues. 

The writing itself in this comic book attempts to tackle themes of faith, destiny, and morality. While the concept is intriguing, the narrative feels disjointed and lacks clarity. The pacing is uneven, with moments that drag without contributing significantly to character development or plot advancement.

The dialogues in this comic book often comes across as stilted and lacks the natural flow needed to engage readers. Characters frequently deliver exposition-heavy speeches, which can feel forced and detract from the story’s emotional impact. This approach leaves little room for subtlety or nuance, making the conversations feel more like lectures than natural interactions.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while competent, does little to elevate the narrative. The illustrations are serviceable but lack the dynamic quality needed to bring the story’s supernatural elements to life. Character designs are somewhat generic, and the lack of detail in certain panels can make it difficult for me personally to fully immerse themselves in the world. A more refined and expressive artistic style could have helped convey the emotional and thematic depth the story strives for.

One of the main challenges with this comic book I had is its structure. The narrative jumps between different scenes and ideas without a clear sense of progression or purpose. This disjointedness makes it difficult for readers to follow the plot or become invested in the characters’ journeys. A more focused and streamlined approach could have improved the flow and coherence of the story.

Despite its shortcomings this comic book has moments that hint at its potential. The concept of a blind prophet navigating a world filled with moral ambiguity is compelling, and with further development, the series could explore interesting philosophical questions and character arcs. However, this first installment struggles to fully realize that potential.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Set Sail To Fail: A Suburban Fairy Tales Collection” By Francis Bonnet Review

Set Sail to Fail, the ninth installment in the Suburban Fairy Tales series, promises a whirlwind of adventure, excitement, and a healthy dose of laugh-out-loud humor! Join Little Pig #3 on a chaotic family retreat where he encounters Sir Lambelot, a forgetful hippie sheep. From swapping places with a lookalike pig to embarking on a swashbuckling adventure on the open sea, and even entering a singing competition, the fun and excitement never stops!

This comic book attempts to bring humor and whimsy into the realm of modern fairy tales but unfortunately falls short. While the concept of this comic book holds promise, the execution struggles with narrative depth and engagement.

This comic book aims to offer a series of light-hearted takes on classic fairy tale themes, set against a suburban backdrop. However, the stories often lack the cohesiveness and charm needed to fully captivate picky readers as myself. The humor, intended to be a driving force, frequently feels forced and predictable, leaving the narrative feeling flat and uninspired.

The character development is notably lacking throughout this comic book. The characters, drawn from familiar fairy tale archetypes, are presented with minimal depth or originality. Their motivations and personalities are not thoroughly explored, resulting in figures that feel more like one-dimensional caricatures than engaging protagonists. This superficial treatment makes it challenging for me personally to connect with or care about their journeys.

The writing in this comic book, while aiming for a comedic tone, often misses the mark. The dialogue lacks the wit and cleverness needed to elevate the humor, leading to interactions that feel repetitive and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character development, which have left me disconnected from the stories’ outcomes.

The artwork in this comic book accompanying the stories is functional but does little to enhance the overall experience. While the illustrations capture the basic elements of the suburban fairy tale setting, they often lack the detail and creativity needed to bring the whimsical world to life. The visual style fails to add significant value to the narrative, further diminishing the impact of this comic book.

The pacing in this comic book is another significant issue I had with it. The stories in this comic book either drag without adding substance or rush through potentially interesting moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the progression of each tale. A more balanced approach could improve the overall reading experience by allowing for deeper exploration of both plot and character.

Despite this comic book’s shortcomings the concept of reimagining fairy tales in a suburban setting holds potential for other comic books in this series. With more focused storytelling and a stronger emphasis on character growth, subsequent collections could better capture the whimsy and humor inherent in the premise.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“KANYEN #2” By Everett Christopher Shea Review

In Kanyen Chapter 1, the story jumped into heart-pounding action, introducing Kanyen, an infamous rebel fleeing a merciless government pursuit. We quickly learned of his incredible powers, like summoning sledgehammers and energy balls, which he used to protect himself. Yet, by the end of the chapter, we were left with burning What caused the chase? And what will he do next? Before discovering the answers, Chapter 2 will take us back five years to Kanyen’s high school days. We’ll explore how his friendships, feuds, crushes, and conflicts helped spark his desire to save his people.

This comic book presents a visually ambitious endeavor but struggles with narrative depth and cohesion. While the artwork in this comic book offers glimpses of creativity, the storytelling and character development leave much to be desired.

The narrative in this comic book attempts to continue the story set up in first chapter of this comic book, following characters in a world filled with mystery and potential intrigue. However, the plot quickly becomes convoluted, lacking a clear direction, which makes it challenging for me personally to fully engage. The pacing is uneven, with scenes that either linger without purpose or rush through potentially significant moments, disrupting the overall flow and making it difficult to maintain interest.

The character development is notably lacking in this comic book. The protagonist, who should serve as the anchor of the story, is presented with minimal depth. Their motivations and background are not adequately explored, resulting in a character that feels more like a placeholder than a fully realized individual. The supporting cast fares no better, often serving as mere plot devices rather than contributing meaningfully to the narrative.

The writing in this comic book, while attempting to capture a sense of mystery and intrigue, often falls flat. The dialogues in this comic book lacks the sharpness and emotional resonance needed to elevate the story, resulting in interactions that feel superficial and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character development, which have left me disconnected from the characters’ journeys.

Despite this comic book’s narrative shortcomings, the artwork in this comic book is a notable feature. The illustrations display creativity and ambition, capturing the atmosphere of the story with expressive designs. The visual style is both dynamic and detailed, conveying the intensity of key scenes. This artistic talent is a major draw, offering a visual feast even if the narrative does not fully support it.

The thematic exploration in this comic book while present, is underdeveloped. The story hints at themes of identity, power, and conflict, but these are not thoroughly explored, which have left me wanting more depth and insight. A more focused approach to these themes could enrich the narrative and provide a more engaging and thought-provoking experience.

I Give This Book 2 / 5