Comic Book Review: American Gods #1 - Dark Horse Comics

"Shadows"
Story and Words by Neil Gaiman
Script and Layouts by P. Craig Russell
Art by Scott Hampton

"Somewhere in America"
By P. Craig Russell and Lovern Kindzierski

Shadow Moon is preparing to be let out of prison.  He has a wife waiting for him at home an a job working with his best friend.  Things seem to be looking up for Shadow but there is a storm coming.

I am a big fan of the "American Gods" novel by Neil Gaiman and I was happy that the adaptation to comic book worked as well as it did.  It has been a few years since I have read the novel but reading this comic book brought back those memories and makes me eager to, not only read more of the comic, but to also watch the upcoming "American Gods" live action series on STARZ.

One of the things I find fun about reading adaptations is seeing how similar or different characters look.  When reading a novel, I tend to get a picture in my head and it is interesting to see another person's interpretation turns out to be.  Most people came out very similar, other than Mister Wednesday.  Not a huge deal, just different than what i pictured.  I am sure the STARZ series will be full of surprises in that respect.

The art itself looks good throughout this book.  The art especially shines in the "Somewhere in America" mini story(something else that is in the novel).  I am a big fan of  Lovern Kindzierski's colors as I have reviewed a number of books that he worked on.

I received this comic book in the Comic Block subscription box and you can read my review of the entire box here.  Let me know your thoughts on this comic, the novel, or how you think the television series will be.  Place your comments in the section below or find us on social media.

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Comic Book Review: This Damned Band #6 - (2016)

Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Tony Parker
Colors by Lovern Kindzierski

The sixth and final issue of This Damned Band has the band playing a stadium show that looks to be their last.  The deal with the devil has been made but is there a way out for Mother Father?

This Damned Band was one of my most anticipated series of the year.  At Phoenix ComiCon 2015, I made it a priority to attend the Dark Horse panel.  The panel featured many known names in the comic book industry including Rafael Albuquerque, Alex de Campi along with the creators of This Damned Band; Paul Cornell and Tony Parker.

This Damned Band came from the mind of Paul Cornell and he was paired with the incredibly talented artist Tony Parker to tell this tale of sex, drugs, rock n roll and devil worship.  Hearing the passion and excitement in their voices as they talked about this comic book series made me want to read it right then and there.  But alas, it was not being released that day.

I was in my local comic shop the day before This Damned Band was released and was able to add it to my pull list.  I enjoyed every page.  The art is fantastic, the story is great and reading this book as a documentary being filmed in the 1970s was such a fun ride.

The final issue was absolutely incredible.  Paul Cornell concludes this story in a way that makes sense with the characters.  I say this, but it is not in a way that comes off as predictable.  I'm looking forward to getting all six issues and reading them all in one sitting in succession.

Tony Parker and Lover Kindzierski continue to wow the audience with eye popping visuals.  This Damned Band, as a series, has multiple artistic styles within each book.  Issue number six was great as our locations are on stage at the stadium and also a trip to Hell.  Hell had a fun yet eerie look.  I love the use of the different art styles to show what is going on within different realms.

This Damned Band is a true testament to what each of the people that worked on the book is capable of within their respective craft.

 Paul Cornell is an amazing writer.  From television to comic books, you know you will be reading or watching true quality.  If you see Cornell's name on the cover of a comic book, it's more than likely worth picking up.

Tony Parker is an artist that shows he is remarkably capable of many art styles.  He also shows such great detail panel after panel yet is capable of keeping the focus on the characters and their facial expressions.

Lovern Kindzierski puts together colors in a way that vibrant yet, when the mood calls, can feel dark.  It's a mix that can prove difficult but Kindzierski makes it look so effortless page after page.

This Damned Band is $3,99 per issue which I feel is a fair price.  I would recommend purchasing this series at your local comic book shop.  Waiting for the trade paperback isn't fair to yourself.  Plus, buying comic books is the best way to show support for artists and writers.  Comic book sales are one of, if not, the first metric a publisher will look at when looking to continue working with artists and writers.

What are your thoughts on This Damned Band?  What other comic book series' would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please leave your comments below or contact @MaskedBlogster on Twitter.

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Comic Book Review: This Damned Band #5 - Dark Horse Comics (2015)

Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Tony Parker
Colors by Lover Kindzierski

The band is on their way to a huge stadium show in Texas.  The mystery of why so many groupies have left the band or have gone missing is still looming.  A lot is happening and a big reveal at he end!

This Damned Band is not written the way a lot of comic books are.  A documentary crew is following the exploits of the group as they go on tour, hang with groupies and do hallucinogenic drugs and seeing the devil.  Those sentences were just in case you haven't been keeping up on this series.  If you haven't, I recommend that you get yourself over to your local comic book shop and pick up these five issues before the sixth and final comic book comes out.

The characters are definitely on edge in this issue.  With the missing groupies, with the band playing what might be their final show together and with the potential sacrifice at this concert...  Okay, I might be giving too much away there.  Paul Cornell is building up something big with this issue, especially with the aforementioned reveal at the end of this issue.

How cool is the cover to this book?  Actually all covers have been awesome as they are reminiscent of rock concert posters.  I like how this particular cover prominently displays "This Damned Band" and includes the writer, artist and colorist as the opening act.  Ticket price is the cost of the comic book.

Tony Parker and Lovern Kindzierski are working like a super-team in this series.  Parker is putting so much into every panel yet making it look effortless.  There is so much detail in the backgrounds but none of it feels overly "busy."  This can be a tough task as you want detailed artwork but you also want the focus of the panel to be in the right place.  Tony Parker has been absolutely stellar in that department.  If that wasn't incredible enough, Lovern Kindzierski adds colors that work page after page.  The colors add a wonderful amount of detail to Parker's work.  Look at the paisley dress worn by the Alice.  Absolutely remarkable.

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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Comic Book Review: This Damned Band #4 - Dark Horse Comics (2015)

Written by Paul Cornell

Art by Tony Parker

Colors by Lovern Kindzierski

The band is part of a hostage situation inside the French mansion.  Everyone seems to have different agendas as we continue the tale of "This Damned Band."

Artistically, this is one of the most fun series in comic books today.  Tony Parker is able to blend different art styles into each of the books of "This Damned Band" and visually, it all works.  The detailing of the backgrounds are absolutely fascinating.  Paul Cornell's storytelling, which goes from what is actually happening to what is happening in a mind altered way is depicted amazingly well by Parker and Lovern Kindzierski.  Kindzierski's colors are truly remarkable.  

Cornell is giving just enough of a glimpse into what is going on with the band members and other characters within this story to keep you wanting more.  This is a six issue series so I highly recommend picking up the previous issues as well.  "This Damned Band" includes storytelling at its finest along with artwork that fits better than most in comics today.  Issue four continues the tale and would not make much sense if you don't read the first three.  Make sure you ask your local comic shop to get those issues for you.

Also, take a look at all of the covers.  They are reminiscent of rock band posters and album covers from the 1970s.

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Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.