Free Comic Book Day Part 2

Handsome J and I decided it would be fun to do a tour of comic book shops in the Phoenix, AZ area on Free Comic Book Day.  As the day was quickly approaching, we decided it may be in our best interest to, rather than go together, we should divide and conquer.

My first destination was actually a comic book shop that both Handsome J and I ended up going to.  The difference is, we went at much different times.  Jesse James Comics in Glendale, AZ had a special midnight opening and they had multiple guests and plenty of comic books to giveaway.  I did not get an ooportunity to get pictures of all of the guests but I was able to strike up a conversation with Jeremy Clark who had a table set up and he was actually on a recent podcast with us.  Funny addition to this story, I ended up Jeremy Clark at three different destinations.  He's super talented and a pleasure to chat with.

Jesse James Comics had some great giveaways.  Those who arrived and were wearing wristbands received a special pack of free comics, including an exclusive to Jesse James Comics edition of Youngblood #1.  Once inside the shop, the twisting and turning line also brought shop-goers to ten more free comic books.  Two were comic books from the branded Free Comic Book Day table and then eight more comics from the specially chosen stacks of comics.  They were actually really cool comics and I picked up a few I had been meaning to read(X-Men '92 #s 1-2 and Jessica Jones #s 1-3 to name a couple).

I also was able to add some other books to my collection as most of the recent back issues were only $1.00 each.  I was able to pick up #1-5 plus the Rebirth issue of Justice League of America for just a dollar per issue.  This will be an annual destination for sure.

I got about three hours of sleep and then we got the family ready and it was time to head to our next destinations.  Next up was Samurai Comics in Mesa, AZ.  This is the must-attend event of Free Comic Book Day in Arizona.  This feels like a miniature Comic Con there are artists and writers galore.  The event is put on by ACME, the Arizona Comic Mini-Expo.  As far as free comic books go, attendees were limited to three unless they brought a school ID or library card, then you could get five.  The manager of the shop, Justin, does an incredible job orchestrating this event.

 Samurai Comics is the place where I bought my favorite item.  Tim Seeley,who currently works on the Nightwing comic book for DC Comics, was signing autographs and selling books and artwork.  Mr. Seeley had a stack of comic book boards that were from lesser known works and didn't generally have a ton of action.  The thing is, it's original art so I couldn't pass up the price.  I did not see anything with tentacles so I went with a page featuring a pimp.  I liked that there was a close-up of a hand holding the cane.  This is the type of artwork that aspiring artists should observe.

Next up was Gotham City Comics in Mesa, AZ.  The line went through the back entrance and brought you into the store.  The back entrance has a really cool painted wall.  You actually enter through the TARDIS.  There was no limit on comic books that I know of.  The attendees were incredibly polite and nobody seemed to be grabbing at everything and they really just picked up what intrigued them.  I picked up a few comics that I did not get from the other shops and said "Hello" to Jeremy Clark as he was set up at a table here as well.  Gotham City Comics had a bit of a scavenger hunt as they partnered with the local businesses.  There were live bands on the street and the atmosphere was fun.  We had another stop to make so we left the hunting to the other patrons.

Our final destination is a favorite of Maskerpiece Theatre.  Fantastic Worlds Comics in Scottsdale, AZ.  We recorded a podcast at Fantastic Worlds Comics recently and I was able to chat with the owner, Bill, for a few minutes.  I found out that the shop had a huge line in the morning and the folks that work at the shop could barely get through the door.  Since I arrived in the afternoon, there wasn't a line but there was a steady flow of patrons that were eagerly taking advantage of the sales.  There did not seem to be a limit on free comic books here either but you could tell many people had already come through.  They did have a few good issues left so that was nice.  My daughter did incredibly well as Fantastic Worlds is the most kid-friendly comic book shop I have ever been to.  Every time I am at Fantastic Worlds Comics, I see an interaction with a child that you can tell makes a young person's day.  This is the shop for the lifetime collector.  Fantastic Worlds Comics is also the place to go for key issues of comic books.  Free Comic Book Day was an incredible time to go as most of those issues were 30% off.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot.  I know the picture is small, but yes, that is Jeremy Clark in the photo.  He was setting up his table But I didn't interrupt him.  I didn't think he needed to be bothered by me for a third time in twelve hours.

That was our family outing across that started out in the west valley of Phoenix, AZ late at night and ended in in Scottsdale.  We had a lot of laughs, met some incredible people, chatted with old friends and walked away with a whole bunch of comics.  The countdown has begun for the first Saturday in May of 2018.

What did you do for Free Comic Book Day?

Follow Maskerpiece Theatre:
Website: abnormalentertainment.com/maskerpiecetheatre
Facebook: /MaskerpieceTheatre and Fan Page
Twitter: @Maskerpiece -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt
Email: maskedblogster@gmail.com
Instagram: maskerpiece_theatre 
Pinterest: /abnormalpodcast/maskerpiece-theatre/
RSS Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/MaskerpieceTheatre
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/maskerpiece-theatre/id647535985?mt=2
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=35990&refid=stpr

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can support our show  and Abnormal Entertainment on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: Spawn #27 - Image Comics (1995)

"Cursed"
Story by Todd McFarlane
Art by Todd McFarlane and Greg Capullo
Color by Steve Oliff and Olyoptics

Spawn is doing some soul searching in the alleys of New York City.  While Spawn is contemplating life, a new person is joining the fray of those that a serving a higher power.  This is all going on as Terry and Wanda are trying to figure out who has been making Terry's life difficult.

I received this comic book in the Comic of the Month Club subscription box.  It's a random number but all in all an enjoyable comic book.  Todd McFarlane's Spawn is one of the few Image properties that has stood the test of time.  Image Comics is much different than what was introduced more than twenty years ago.  Spawn continues to thrive however.  Comics, toys, the HBO series, the movie and another movie coming soon has kept this unlikely hero relevant in the superhero world.

Issue number 27 was a lot of fun to read.  I had only read much earlier issues of Spawn previously but I watched the entire HBO series a couple of times so I was able to fill in some of the gaps(provided it follows somewhat closely).  Everything seemed to progress well and left me wanting to read the next issue.

The art looks beyond incredible in this book.  Todd McFarlane is one the all time greats and he is accompanied by an artist that has become a superstar in his own right; Greg Capullo.  Every panel is a joy to look at and flows with the story amazingly well.

What are your thoughts on Spawn?  Which Image Comics originals are your favorites?

Follow Maskerpiece Theatre:
Website: abnormalentertainment.com/maskerpiecetheatre
Facebook: /MaskerpieceTheatre and Fan Page
Twitter: @Maskerpiece -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt 
Instagram: maskerpiece_theatre 
Pinterest: /abnormalpodcast/maskerpiece-theatre/

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: Demonic #1 - Image Comics(2016)

Written by Christopher Sebela
Art by Niko Walter
Colors by Dan Brown
Created by Robert Kirkman & Marc Sylvestri

Demonic is the story about Scott Graves, a police officer who has a secret past with what seems to be a cult.  There is a call that seemed like a regular domestic disturbance but it was far from the usual.  This sets the story in motion and we find out how difficult Graves' life is.  He has a daughter who is mysteriously ill and he finds a way to make her better with the help of a demon named Aeshma.  Getting help from demons usually comes at a price and now Scott Graves must kill for Aeshma.

This book was impressive, especially for a first issue.  The writer, Christopher Sebela, did a wonderful job of introducing characters and has me curious where things are going to go.  It's nice to see some of the side characters get some lines within the panels.  Scott's wife Jamie who knows about the cult, is shown as a concerned wife who keeps her husband on a short leash.  Graves also has a partner named Dani Fischer and she knows plenty of Scott's secrets(including their affair together).  I don't think Fischer knows about the cult however.  The character that Scott is most protective of is his daughter Lucy who has had health issues.  The character that interacts with Scott the most is Aeshma.  Only Scott can see her and she proves to be quite influential on his actions, especially when it comes to Lucy's health.  Also, the word Novo come up a lot.

I really like Niko Walter's art in this book.  There is a lot of character interaction and the body language is on point.  There is also some gore in this book as well.  It 's definitely not for the kiddos but it is incredibly enjoyable.

One more thing that I liked about reading this comic book; there were words to read.  I like when there are panels filled with dialogue.  You get your money's worth when you purchase this issue of Demonic.  With a cover price of $2.99, it's definitely a great value.

What are your thoughts on Demonic?  What comic books are you reading?  What other books do you want Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Were you expecting this to be a review of a book about the game from the movie "Grandma's Boy?"

Follow Maskerpiece Theatre:
Website: abnormalentertainment.com/maskerpiecetheatre
Facebook: /MaskerpieceTheatre and Fan Page
Twitter: @MPTheatre2015 -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt 
Instagram: maskerpiece_theatre 
Pinterest: /abnormalpodcast/maskerpiece-theatre/

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: Kill or be Killed # 2 - Image Comics (2016)

Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Sean Phillips
Colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser

Dylan is looking for a target as he must kill someone tonight or he will be the one that dies.

Ed Brubaker writes some of the best crime stories today.  I like that this story incorporates elements of a supposed otherworldly type of character.  The main character Dylan is having a hard time believing there is a demon that is keeping him alive as long as Dylan kills on a regular basis.  The first issue has Dylan wrestling with this idea but after some real injuries, our main character becomes more of a believer.

The second issue is all about Dylan not only looking for someone to kill, but also a murder weapon.  This search makes Dylan think back to his past and he is able to find a gun and also bring up a memory that helps him find the right type of person to kill.

Sean Phillips works with Ed Brubaker pretty regularly when it comes to these crime stories and that is wonderful for us; the readers.  Sean Phillips is a magnificent artist whose style captures the grit of the story and gives the best visuals that can be laid down on a page.  The art captures the essence of what the story is about.

I am really enjoying "Kill or be Killed" so far.  I like that we don't truly know if the demon is real or not.  I also like that the main character is going through a lot of emotional issues and that this killing is seemingly making Dylan feel cathartic.  There are only two issues out so go out and get them.

What are your thoughts on Kill or be Killed?  What other comic books do you want Maskerpiece Thatre to review?  Please contact us and let us know.

Follow Maskerpiece Theatre:
Website: abnormalentertainment.com/maskerpiecetheatre
Facebook: /MaskerpieceTheatre and Fan Page
Twitter: @MPTheatre2015 -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt 
Instagram: maskerpiece_theatre 
Pinterest: /abnormalpodcast/maskerpiece-theatre/

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: Jupiter's Legacy 2 #1 - Image Comics - (2016)

Written by Mark Millar
Art by Frank Quitely
Colors by Sunny Gho

Jupiter's Legacy 2 continues to tell the tale that started in Jupiter's Legacy.  I really enjoyed the beginning of the original Jupiter's Legacy but, due to untimely releases, I ended up not continuing to read the series.  There are enough comic book series that come out monthly(or at least when the company says it's coming out).  I received this book in My Geek Box and you can read my reviews for their subscription service at HelloSubscription.com

Mark Millar is a fantastic writer.  Many of his comic books get turned into movies(Wanted, Kick-Ass, Kingsman), even though they are much different than the books.  I could see Jupiter's Legacy as a comic book that would translate well to the big screen or, an even better place, on the small screen via Netflix, HBO or some other service that would allow the amount of adult language, violence and blood.

I was glad that the inside cover of Jupiter's Legacy 2 came with a synopsis giving the reader a glimpse into what happened previously.  This is an excellent story filled with corruption and people wanting power that they feel they deserve.  It also includes heroes that would challenge this new authority and the people they reach out to for assistance surprises everyone.

Frank Quitely is a wonderful artist.  He is amazing with peoples' faces and projecting the emotion incredibly well.  Sunny Gho's colors work remarkably well and add the right amount of depth panel after panel.  Jupiter's Legacy 2 had multiple variant covers.  I received the cover by Rob Liefeld.

Follow Maskerpiece Theatre:
Website: abnormalentertainment.com/maskerpiecetheatre
Facebook: /MaskerpieceTheatre and Fan Page
Twitter: @MPTheatre2015 -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt 
Instagram: maskerpiece_theatre 
Pinterest: /abnormalpodcast/maskerpiece-theatre/

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show on our Support Us page.

Sex Criminals: Vol 1 - Comic Book Review

Sometimes a story comes along that gets a lot of buzz. It could be positive or negative and it's up to the readers or viewers to decide on the legitimacy of the buzz. "Sex Criminals" by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky is one of those stories. So let's dive in and take a look at "Sex Criminals" in this comic book review...

The basic premise is simple. Girl orgasms, time stops. Boy orgasms, time stops. Boy and girl orgasm together, time stops and they rob banks. This isn't an overly complicated introductory volume. The issues collected here are filled with dialogue and exposition setting up this world, the characters, the situations & challenges. Both Fraction and Zdarsky have masterfully crafted a story that could be ordinarily boring and lackluster as the readers are tested by having to endure set up after set up. Instead, the amount of fun I had reading this story was surprising. 

The simplest concept of being a teenager and suddenly discovering what "self pleasure" was, is told well. It's universal. That first moment, probably some shame or confusion, of realizing something could feel so good and you did it to yourself. This story explores the emotional and psychological journey that people experience as they grow and sex becomes less mysterious and more about connecting. However in this story, the mystery remains a bit longer because sex and orgasms are natural but stopping time is not. The relationship that develops between the two protagonists is near perfect and the humorous dialogue and banter is such a treat I found myself laughing out loud as I read page after page.

The story is also split between multiple worlds. We have the present story which takes place in the here and now. The flashback sequences which are used to shape and mold the world this story takes place in. Finally, the world that exists while time is frozen. The first two appear almost identical which is fine because it looks great but the world that exists while time is stopped was my favorite. The colors that run across the page to create this futuristic, rainbow like, dream sequence was spectacular. 

Outside of the mainstories there is a plethora of sexual images. I was reading this comic at a local spot I frequent and drew some humorous attention as page after page had some piece of sexual something. Perhaps it's porn on the television, a glowing dildo baton used for combat, a vibrating gun, hand drawn sex positions, two lovers who just orgasmed and now lay breathless but not wordless, a fleshlight that also has a taser in it, there's so much sex it's R rated and I loved it. I couldn't stop laughing at how creatively the story and art all dealt with this world of sexual adventures and misconduct. 

If you get the chance and appreciate sex jokes, you will LOVE this first volume. The characters are relatable, stories entertaining, art work splendid and jokes a plenty. It's adult, inappropriate, thought provoking & humorous. I loved it. Go buy "Sex Criminals Vol 1" at your local comic book shop and tell them Maskerpiece Theatre sent you. 

Comic Book Review: The Goddamned #4 - Image Comics (2016)

Written by Jason Aaron
Art by r.m. Guera

Cain has been captured and is being crucified by Noah.  While up on the cross, Cain is having thoughts about what he should be doing with this life that won't end.  He speaks with a child that reminds him of what he needs to do.

I'm glad The Goddamned is back.  It seems like it's been a while since this book was last out so I had to jog the old memory bank to remember what was happening in this series.  It didn't take long and this book sets up the next one quite nicely.  Issue four still has the violence and cursing and plenty of blood but you can see that there will be plenty more in the upcoming issues.

r.m. Guera is such a great choice to draw The Goddamned.  There is a level of grittiness and brutality in this book that is unwavering and the art matches astoundingly.  The Goddamned is not for the squeamish so be ready for it.  The comic book is only four issues in so you can still catch up.

I got the variant cover by Skottie Young(pictured).

What are your thoughts on The Goddamned?  What other comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please comment below or find us on social media.    

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: The Holy Terror #2 - Image Comics (2002)

Written by Jason Caskey
Art by Phil Hester

The cursed wrestling mask seems to have taken over Max's mind as he attempts to figure out what is going on inside his head.

I really enjoyed issue one but issue two was absolutely awesome.  This is a fun series.  Lots of violent professional wrestling action plus the mask taking over Max's actions have been amazing to read and see.  Jason Caskey puts in the right amount of all of these elements.

Phil Hester did amazing work with this comic book.  He must have had a blast drawing all the wrestling holds and bone jarring clotheslines.  This book is an absolute pleasure to not only read but enjoy the art.

What are your thoughts on The Holy Terror?  What other comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please leave your comments below or find us on social media.

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: The Holy Terror #1 - Image Comics (2002)

Written by Jason Caskey
Art by Phil Hester

Max, a professional wrestler who is having a tough time getting


Okay, so there's much more going on than just wrestling.  There is an ancient evil and it's ready to take over.  This is an extremely fun book.  Horror, wrestling and all kinds of other violence.  Jason Caskey wrote an excellent story to get The Holy Terror started.

This is a book I had to find after I was chatting with the penciller of this book, Phil Hester, at Phoenix ComiCon a couple years ago.  He had art boards from comics he had drawn in the past and I ran across a page from The Holy Terror.  I had to have it and Hester told me more about the story and I was ready to find it.  Phil Hester has an art style that is unique and I really enjoy and it definitely fits The Holy Terror.

What are your thoughts on The Holy Terror?  What other comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please comment below or find us on Twitter @MaskedBlogster or @MPTheatre2015

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: The Discipline - Image Comics (2016)

Chapter One
"The Seduction"
1: Venus and the Satyr

Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Leandro Fernandez
Colors by Cris Peter

Melissa is a woman who is having some issues in her life.  She does not get along with her sister very well and she is basically in a sex-less marriage.  Melissa meets a man named Orlando and her whole world changes.

This is not a book you gather around the family and read together.  Sex, violence(through sex) and a whole lot of things that are left to be explained.  The Discipline was a great read and definitely left me wanting to read what happens next.  Peter Milligan has got this book off to an incredible start.  I like the focus on the main character Melissa and how we are made to understand her feelings.  While we may not agree with how she is going about her life, there is an understanding.  The other main character, Orlando, is still a bit of a mystery and that's what makes him very intriguing.  I look forward to seeing where things go with him.

The art from Leandro Fernandez is magnificent.  The scenes that he is tasked to draw had to be a ton of fun to work on and every page looks superb.  The colors from Cris Peter fit the feel of the book remarkably well.

What are your thoughts on The Discipline?  What other comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please comment below or find us on Twitter @MaskedBlogster or @MPTheatre2015

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: The Goddamned #3 - Image Comics (2016)

"Before the Flood" - Issue 3

Written by Jason Aaron
Art by rm Guera

Cain continues on the quest to help a woman find her son who has been captured by Noah's murderous caravan.  We are also given flashbacks to Cain's childhood when the Earth, while no longer considered Paradise, was much more beautiful than it is presently within the book.

Cain shows he has a heart but still a distaste for God.  Like the previous two books, there is plenty of violence and harsh language.  This is a brutal book and I look forward to reading every bit of it.  Jason Aaron is wonderful when it comes to story telling and has a fantastic way of keeping you enthralled and anticipating the next issue.

rm Guera's artwork is tailored to this bloody brutality.  The story and art go remarkably well together.  I highly recommend picking up these issues from your local comic shop before everyone else finds out how good they are.

What are your thoughts on The Goddamned?  What other comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to read and review?  Please leave your comments below.

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: Paper Girls #4 - Image Comics (2016)

Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Cliff Chiang

The girls are still on the run and have taken to the sewers with their new found allies.  Allies may be a strong word as not all of the girls trust the teenage boys, but they have little choice with Erin suffering from a gun shot wound.

The pace of Paper Girls feels so fast although you do not get very far.  Page after page I find myself flying through this series eager for what is going to happen next.  Brian K. Vaughan is doing a splendid job of keeping the readers' interest as well as keeping you in suspense of what will happen next.  Each book is left with a cliff hanger and now I'm looking forward to issue five.

Cliff Chiang is such a superb selection as the artist for Paper Girls.  Facial expressions are clearly a specialty for Chiang who, in each panel, tells Vaughan's visual story incredibly well.  There are multiple characters in Paper Girls and the importance of each person's face conveying what is going through their mind is paramount.

Paper Girls is only four issues in and each issue is only $2.99 each.  I highly suggest getting on this ride before it really takes off.  I don't think you will regret it.

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: Paper Girls #3 - Image Comics (2015)

Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Cliff Chiang

The girls are at Mackenzie's house and Mac is trying to get the gun away from her mother when there is an accident.  On the way to the hospital, the girls meet a visitor from elsewhere.

Paper Girls continues to add surprises to each issue.  Issue three has plenty of times that make you scratch your head wondering where this story is heading.  Who is the mysterious man at the beginning?  Who are the beings that the girls met in issue one?

A lot of questions but we still have good character development.  Brian K. Vaughan makes the most out of the limited amount of pages to use banter between the girls and demonstrate each of their personalities.  This tale takes place in the 1980s so there is a bit of nostalgia.  During Erin's dream/hallucinating experience she is ice skating with President Ronald Reagan.

Paper Girls is three issues in and I still have no idea what's going on.  That is actually a very cool thing.  I'm impressed by what Vaughan is doing, hooking the audience in and making us all wonder what direction he is taking Paper Girls.  Cliff Chiang's art is fantastic looking with this story and is capturing the eighties extremely well.

Are you reading Paper Girls as well?  What do you think of the review?  What other books would you like us to review for Maskerpiece Theatre?  Please leave your comments below.

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

Battle Hymn Vol 1 - Trade Paperback Review

Battle Hymn, Farewell to the First Golden Age (Vol1) 

Written By: B. Clay Moore

Art By: Jeremy Haun

The year is 1944 and the first gathering of hero’s commences to help stop the second World War. The Americans are beginning to wage a brand new form of specialized war fare in recruiting individuals with unique abilities. We meet a new crop of hero’s who all bring something particular to the group and each has a skill set the United States Government prizes… or so we think. 

There was so much that happened in this origin story. It’s a collection of the first five issues and what a fantastic read. Sure, some of the characters are similar to popular characters from other comic book stories or share similar powers. Once you are able to get past that and enjoy the personalities of these new characters the story develops into something new that feels fresh. 

The deviousness and cruelty personified by certain characters is matched by noble and upright characters who stand for certain values otherwise missing in this story. It’s a spy thriller meets action comic and it’s superb. I’m not surprised this hasn’t been turned into a movie yet; however, I am surprised I haven’t heard anyone considering this for the big screen. This story is primed for film. The relationships between characters, clashing personalities and goals, espionage and combat are all front and center. This first volume literally has it all. There’s even a robot that can ignite things and people on fire and a fish/man thing that is super strong and intelligent! 

I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this initially, to be honest. I picked it up because it looked like a familiar story with a unique twist and was it ever enjoyable. I finished volume one and was upset I didn’t pick up any additional volumes. If you’re looking for something familiar but different this is a fantastic collection to read. If they made this first volume as a Netflix film I’d be happy. It begins strong and ends with a twist and keeps you guessing throughout. Great read. So much fun. 

Click here to listen or right click and choose "Save As..." to download.

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: The Goddamned #2 - Image Comics (2015)

Written by Jason Aaron
Art by r.m. Guera

Noah continues his quest across land with the animals he has collected in preparation for the flood.  Cain finds an unlikely ally as he looks for something that can possibly kill him.

I loved the first issue of The Goddamned and issue two continues the awesomeness.  Cain is continuing his travels across what looks like a barren wasteland.  He meets a woman who has lost her son to Noah's group and he is reluctant to assist.

The action is absolutely brutal.  If you like comics that are overtly violent, than pick up the first two issues of The Goddamned.  Jason Aaron is authoring a bloody tale that doesn't show any signs of letting up on the ferocious barbarity.

What are your thoughts on The Goddmaned review?  What other comic book titles would you like to see reviewed by the staff at Maskerpiece Theatre?  Leave your comments below.

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: Sons of the Devil: Book 1 - Image Comics/OSSM Comics (2015)

Written by: Brian Buccellato

Art by: Toni Infante

This review isn't about one individual issue, but rather the new trade paperback that collects the first five issues of "Sons of the Devil."   The TPB is actually being released today, November 25th, 2015.  Even better than that, this first volume is only $9.99.  A pretty awesome value for sure, so let's get to the synopsis and review.

Travis grew up as an orphan, having anger management issues and not really knowing anything about where he was born or his parents.  He's about twenty six years old now and doing what he can to keep a job, girlfriend and overall out of trouble.  Trouble seems to find Travis however, and he is slowly learning his past as it seems his past is looking for him.

Brian Buccellato(Flash, Detective Comics, Justice League) is crafting a story that gets more and more intriguing with each chapter.  Each chapter, while focusing on present day Travis, includes a flashback and something that is going on in the darker reaches of one man's world.  There's always something to look forward to as each chapter ends in a way that makes you want to read next one.  The flashbacks to the commune from 1989 and the evil that is happening today that Travis is not yet aware of, truly make "Sons of the Devil" an intriguing story.  Be sure to pick up this TPB today and grab the rest of the comic books(issues 6 - current).

The art of Toni Infante looks remarkable with this story,  Infante captures facial expressions so well and the gritty feel to the line work is so fitting to Buccellato's creepy tale.  The colors are wonderfully blended into this story as well.  Travis' eye colors are important and the other colors do not take away from it.  

There are also bonus stories within the TPB of another character.  I won't get overly into it as I do not want to spoil too much "Sons of the Devil" but I will give a little:

"Parker"

Written by: Jennifer Young

Art by: Ryan Horvath

These stories offer more back story on a character that is introduced within "Sons of the Devil,"  It is fantastic that these stories are a part of the trade paperback, adding even more to the value of this book.  

"Sons of the Devil" is on my recommended reading list.  Whether horror is or is not your thing, "Sons of the Devil" is so well crafted that it's hard to put down.  There are characters that you are able to connect with right away.  You will also find out the characters have an intertwining relationship and it's incredibly well thought out.  To do what Buccellato has done in five chapters without it feeling forced, is truly masterful writing.

A big thank you goes out to Siike Donnelly for reaching out to us here at Maskerpiece Theatre and allowing us to preview "Sons of the Devil" and making it possible for this review to be available to everyone on the day it is released.   

You can read more of my blogs/reviews here on Maskerpiece Theatre and also on http://cinemaheadcheese.blogspot.com/

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Comic Book Review: Paper Girls - #1 - Image Comics - 2015

Paper Girls #1

Writer: Brian K. Vaughn 

Artist: Cliff Chiang

Four girls in the mid 1980s are delivering newspapers on what appears to be Halloween night. Two of the girls have a run-in with a group of three “people” dressed in some strange garb speaking a language they don’t understand.  These individuals steal the walkie-talkie, I mean CB radio, and now the four young ladies are on the hunt.

In looking for these individuals, the girls find something strange in the basement of an abandoned house.  This is where the story takes a very odd turn…

As often found with new Brian K. Vaughn books, they do not seem to end the way you might think and it leaves you wanting to read the next issue.  This holds true with Paper Girls #1 as the end leaves you scratching your head as to where this book is heading.  I don’t want to give away too much information as I highly recommend purchasing this book.  With a $2.99 cover price, why not? 

Cliff Chiang’s art is exactly right for this story.   The look of this book flows so well with the dialogue and story direction. The interactions between the girls are just enough to give you an idea of their individual personalities and allows for a nice foundation for future issues.  

Please support our show by clicking the links to our Sponsors.

Comic Book Review: The Fade Out - Issue 1 - Image Comics

“The Fade Out”  Issue #1

Written By: Ed Brubaker

Art By: Sean Phillips

Synopsis:

Charlie Parish, a Hollywood screenwriter, wakes up in a bathtub after an evening of revelry with the Los Angeles celebrities of 1948. Confused as to his whereabouts and how he arrived in a bathtub are all pieces to a smaller puzzle he’s about to discover.  Charlie is slowly piecing together the events of the previous evening when he stumbles upon a dead body in the room next to the restroom where he woke up. Scared and alone Charlie must decide who he can talk with about this discovery but more importantly he has to live with the fact he was inebriated and incapacitated in the room adjacent to where the murder took place.  Some dialogue occurs that details more specifically what occurred that evening before he blacked out and he meets with Phil Brodsky, head of studio security, to discuss matters further. Charlie leaves the meeting feeling better about the situation but shortly after makes a startling discovery that could make him person of interest number 1 to the police investigating the murder, if they ever find out. 

Opinion

I feel reading a well written period piece is always enjoyable. Add the drama and intrigue of a murder mystery to this post World War 2 Hollywood story and now you have a winning combination. The characters are written so well that even though we are meeting them for the first time in this story it feels like we have known them much longer. The art captures each emotion the characters express and feel so accurately that as I read the story I was completely swept away into this world being created. By the end of the issue when a startling discovery is made I couldn’t wait to read the second installment in this series and it didn’t take long for me to decide this will be a story that will be in my collection going forward. I also love the first page that gives you an introduction to each character important to the issue you are about to read. 

Two thumbs up with a wink and smile. 

Click here to listen or right click and choose "Save As..." to download.

Please support our show by clicking the links to our Sponsors.