Sonata #1
Image Comics
Writer - David Hine & Brian Haberlin
Artist & Cover - Brian Haberlin
Rating - 8/10
The Artwork's pretty tight. There is some interesting experimentation between the character art on the forefront and the background computer art which is being superimposed. There's this photorealistic appeal through this although a little darker then it should be. The story, characters, worldbuilding exposition is the main strength of the book. Alot is offered about the planet and its relationship to other planets, as well as the creatures that dwell within it. People travel from one planet to a less advanced planet to escape war on a one way trip. The creatures live with the humans peacefully until a fraction of more war hungry people decide to set camp. There are some parallels to conquerors and unnecessary exploitation of native cultures and land. Well produced story I'd say.
Ascender #3
Image Comics
Writer - Jeff Lemire
Art & Cover - Dustin Nguyen
Rating - 8/10
The Sequel to Descender Continues to gage my interest. Ten years after technology failed and Magic re-entered the Universe, Andy and His daughter Mila are trying to get offworld before the Dragons and Vampires capture them and turn them. The artwork here really displays Nguyen's skills and how trasformative it can be. The previous series Descender was all science fiction and now it's all fantasy, and he's played both sides so well. If not for the story then it's just fun to see how stylised art can be so versatile.
Farmhand #9
Image Comics
Writer & Art & Cover - Rob Guillory's
Rating - 8/10
From some heavy drama to something a little lighter and horrific. The 100% Rob Guillory's book is actually more fun for me then his previous book Chew (he did the art). His writing has been quite engaging and the mysery of how the grandfather created an organ transplanting farm using organs he harvested out of plants portrayed in his cartoon realism style is visually amusing. In this second arc, former transplant patients seem to be under control of something evil and everything may have been part of his nefarious plans all along! It's a fun book.
The Goon #3
Albatross
Writer & Art & Cover - Eric Powell
Rating - 8/10
Eric Powell's break over the last few years seems to have been a pretty good decision. It feels like he's taken a good creative break and back to full form, he'd finished his main story arc and seemed stuck for awhile. The format's changed to a harder Noiresque Pulp format with full single issue stories instead of longer sparring arcs. The comedy is the most important thing that's come back though. In this issue the Goon battles a Mummy whose being used by mobsters to keep a stranglehold onto their criminal empire.