Review: The Black Hood #6
Writer: Duane Swierczynski
Artist: Howard Chaykin
The Black Hood has returned from a brief hiatus, and this month he’s Chaykin in to a rehab clinic! Get it?
Yes, Greg has checked himself into a rehab clinic in sunny California. Despite the bright setting, the subject matter remains rather dark. Our anti-hero gets caught in a situation in which someone thinks a killer is after them. The path the story takes is anything but shocking, yet still makes for an enjoyable read.
If you miss the pencils of Michael Gaydos, fear not because he will return with the next issue. Howard Chaykin does a fine job as interim artist as everything has a great “shine” to it. That’s best way I can describe it as of this moment.
This issue seems to be a standalone story, but we can’t rule out it possibly having ramifications in the future. With that being said, it is a fairly decent jumping on point for new readers. Still, I highly recommend going back and reading the first arc if you enjoyed this. Quite frankly, this may be the best issue of the series to date.
Score: 9/10
-Eric Joseph
Review: The Shield #1
Writers: Adam Christopher and Chuck Wendig
Artist: Drew Johnson
The Shield, the latest offering from Dark Circle Comics, has FINALLY hit stands. Scribes Adam Christopher and Chuck Wendig have taken on the task of recreating the patriotic Golden Age superhero for the modern era. Not only is the titular hero now a woman, the origin is entirely new with much enigma surrounding it.
The book starts off by thrusting the reader right into the action. It has somewhat of an Assassin’s Creed vibe and is brought to life via the superb pencils and inks of Drew Johnson. Our valiant heroine does some Tory ass kicking before finding herself in a sticky situation. Right after that, we abruptly find ourselves thrust into the present. It’s quite possible that the creators wanted us to feel just as disoriented as the amnesiac hero who is still somehow alive in our era, but the transition was entirely jarring. I even checked to see if I somehow skipped a page.
Another thing that put me off a little was the fact that our protagonist, an amnesiac girl from colonial times, (mostly) talks with a rather modern lexicon for some reason. We get the impression that she’s died many times over the years and loses her memories (only to seemingly regain them during action scenes) but retains her experiences kind of like muscle memory. At least that’s how this reviewer adequately describes it. Gripes aside, it is a very decent book.
What’s contained in this debut installment is one of those broad concepts that’s hard to contain in one issue. This could very well be a story that will read better when collected into a trade paperback. Let’s just hope that the folks at Archie can keep this book on schedule to retain momentum and it doesn’t go AWOL as Afterlife with Archie and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina have done.
Believe in The Shield.
Score: 7.5/10
-Eric Joseph
Review: Jughead #1
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Penciller: Erica Henderson
The second title in the rebooted Archie universe arrives in stores this week. Much like the flagship book, Archie, Jughead makes a rather strong debut. The titular character happens to be the best written in the new continuity, which certainly helps because a lot of critical eyes are sure to be looking upon this book.
Erica Henderson’s artwork is rather striking and kind of conforms to the tone set forth in the flagship book, insofar that it breaks from that “traditional” Archie look. However, Jughead is indeed its own beast, so you need not worry about a retread. Whereas Archie has a bit more drama injected into it these days, Jughead is more so a comedy through and through.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t some major developments. There is a huge change in Riverdale High’s status quo, establishing a new nemesis of sorts for Mr. Jones. This issue does a great job of laying groundwork on that front and gives readers a reason to come back next month.
Also included is a reprinted story from Jughead #1 (1949).
As I intimated earlier, this title has a classic feel yet seems surprisingly fresh. Longtime Archie readers will feel right at home, while new ones will have plenty to enjoy. Oh yeah, there just may be a burger or twenty.
Score: 8/10
-Eric Joseph
A Podcast For All Seasons: S2E9 – Rise of the Villains
We’re back from a short break with a new episode! Gotham season 2 is underway and we talk about the “Rise of the Villains,” especially Jerome Valeska, the possible Joker. The recently announced Resident Evil 2 remake is also discussed.
Multiverse Entertainment 
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