Comic Book Review: Constantine the Hellblazer #10 - DC Comics (2016)

"Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic"

Written by Ming Doyle & James Tynion IV
Pencils by Travel Foreman
Inks by Joseph Silver
Colors by Ivan Plascencia

John Constantine is in a place worse than Hell; Faerie.  He needs to escape this land and get back to Earth-world in order to stop the demon Neron from destroying humanity.

Ten issues in and this has been a fun ride.  Constantine has been everywhere and he's had to use his wits, along with snarky replies, to get through all of the awful situations he finds him in.  I like when art imitates life, as the evil demon Neron, with his terrible hair and all wishes to "Make Hell Great Again."

I am also a fan of John Constantine's inability to have a relationship due to his lifestyle.  More accurately, I like how this comic series shows what a detriment to others it can be to be involved in Constantine's life.  The tragedy of the story is incredibly compelling as Constantine has a charisma to him, but he can be downright despicable toward people and it's mainly because he needs to be for their safety.

Travel Foreman is in charge of pencils for this issue which definitely works, especially in the realm of Faerie.  Constantine the Hellblazer is an absolute incredible value with excellent writing, wonderful artwork and a price tag of only $2.99.

What are your thoughts on Constantine the Hellblazer?  What other comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please comment in the section below.

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Comic Book Review: Batman #49 - DC Comics (2016)

"Super Heavy"

Written by Scott  Snyder & James Tynion IV
Art by Yanick Paquette

Bruce Wayne is coming to grips with who he really is and Alfred is more than hesitant to allow him to become Batman again.

This book was far beyond what I had originally thought it would be.  I figured Ol' Bruce would remember he was Batman and it would be time to suit up and shake off the rust in a tussle with Mr. Bloom.  This incredible writing team put something far more interesting together.  Fans of previous versions of Batman will be nostalgic as they read this comic book.  You realize Batman isn't just a guy in a suit.  He represents so much more.  More than any normal man can handle.  Issue number 49 tells this tale extraordinarily.

Yanick Paquette was put to task with this issue as there are so many looks that had to be given to Batman.  This must have been an absolute fun challenge.

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

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Comic Book Review: Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 - DC Comics / IDW Publishing

Written by James Tynion IV
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

Expensive equipment is being stolen from laboratories all throughout Gotham.  Batman doesn't seem to know who is responsible but feels there may be someone new in town.  Conversely, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are in Gotham City making attempts at stopping the dreaded FOOT Clan from stealing equipment and hurting people in laboratories.  It seems Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have a similar plan, but they don't know each other so what happens when they meet face to face?

I received this first issue of the six part mini-series in the Comic Block Subscription Box(click here to read my review of the entire box!).  I thought this sounded like a fun crossover but was initially not going to purchase the book.  This first issue was more about giving us a reason that these characters would meet each other and giving a bit of each seeing a piece of the other's world.  I have to admit, seeing TMNT vs one of Batman's villains is kind of cool.

I'm curious to find out where this mini series is heading.  Six issues is a fairly decent amount of time to develop a decent story line.  James Tynion IV has me confident that this could turn into something fun.

I like how Freddie E. Williams II draws the Ninja Turtles.  The action shots look great and I am looking forward to seeing more.  I'm not as sold on the Batmobile but then again, everyone has their own preferences about the coolest vehicle in comics.

What are your thoughts on Batman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?  What books do you think Maskerpiece Theatre should review next?  Please leave your comments below.

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Comic Book Review: Constantine the Hellblazer #6 - DC Comics(2015)

Written by James Tynion IV & Ming Doyle
Art by Riley Rossmo

John Constantine is back in New York City after his encounter with his ex-girlfriend turned ghost-killer in the United Kingdom.  Constantine hates being alone and decides to take the Ghostbusters route and taking all kinds of ghostly jobs.  John also has been thinking of the handsome man he met back in issue one.

This book was a bit of a let down after the story line that went through the first five issues.  I'm assuming it will be a book that we look back on and say, "that's where it started."  With that said, this was not a bad comic book. It was quite good and really delved into the psyche of John Constantine and his motivations.

Riley Rossmo's artwork was on display incredibly well in this issue.  Rossmo was able to put together some wonderful panels with all kinds of demons and monsters with Constantine taking all of the odd jobs he was working.  The jobs felt like they could have been spread out into multiple books.  This is why I am thinking there is another big story line coming up as opposed to a monster of the month type of book.

Again, I love the writers of "Constantine the Hellblazer" even if this wasn't my favorite book.  I'm looking forward to seeing where everything goes from here. "Constantine the Hellblazer" is available now and the cover price is only $2.99.

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