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BLACK WIDOW #3 MARVEL COMICS
Kelly Thomson’s story hits an all time high as the true Nat begins to emerge from her perfect life. While Hawkeye and Winter Soldier debate the emotional ramifications of their rescue attempts, Yelena tries a more subtle approach. And thanks to dissension in their ranks, the carefully set plans are upended by the Weeping Lion! All bets are off as the gloves come off. And just how does Nat have a child? This is a great example of storytelling which is only made better by Elena Casagrande’s art. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
GRIMM FAIRY TALES 2020 HOLIDAY PINUP SPECIAL ZENESCOPE PUBLISHING
While the Robyn Hood short story is a cute holiday interlude, lets not be around the bush. We’re here for the eye-popping art highlighting the women of Zenescope’s ever-growing titles. And while we are far from the good old days of the one fairy tale per issue, the artistic levels and diversity of characters has never strayed from the A-List artists. Ans while we will all have our favorites, I must mention that Derlis Santacruz’s Liesel Van Helsing, Eduardo Garcia’s Charlotte Dracula, and Dawn McTeigue’s Belinda are especially stunning. Also search the pages for special shout out art featuring references to A Christmas Story and the Heat and Snow Misers. (And now you have that song stuck in your head … you’re welcome!) All in all, a great way to celebrate the holidays. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
SWING VOLUME 3 TPB IMAGE COMICS
You have to give Image Comics credit for taking chances. Their adult themed line of TPB titles are truly adult in nature. This in itself is a big risk as it has a definate target audience. A while back (when we had the ability to go to conventions) I spent some time with the good folks at Image and they sent me home with their Sunstone and Sugar titles. Swing takes place in the same universe and it is undeniable that creators Linda Sejic, Matt Hawkins, & Jenni Cheung know how to tell a story! The characters are relatable and believable. You may not believe or agree with what they are doing but you can’t help but take an interest in their lives. Yishan Li’s art stands directly on that perfect line between cute and charming and steamy and sexy. The main issue here is that this is a story for a select crowd. I can’t stress this enough, this is a story filled with sex, adult situations, and nudity. But it is also filled with real human emotions and reactions. Read at your own risk. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
