Off The Pages - A Review

 

Off The Pages

by

Alejandro Gonzalez

A Review

Off the Pages is one of the few books I have reviewed that I have a hard time recommending. Its language and violence would require an ‘R’ rating if transformed, as is, into a movie. Though written for a teen audience, I would have a difficult time offering it to the teens in my life. The characters were sometimes hard to follow - at times, making me wonder whether the story was covering the good guys or the bad guys.

The one redeeming quality was as a commentary on the 2016 or 2020 elections - where Obama had a literal role in the plot and Trump had a virtual role, though never being named specifically. I can only give the book two stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Superman: The Oz Effect - A Review

Superman - Action Comics:

The Oz Effect

Deluxe Edition

by

Dan Jurgens

A Review

Superman is back!

Take that from a sexagenarian who grew up with Superman during the Silver Age of Comics. He has matured, he has married Lois Lane, they have a son named Jon – but it was good to see some of the old, familiar characteristics of one of my favorite superheroes of that era.

In the current story, Superman (aka Kal-el on Krypton) meets a man claiming to be his father, Jor-el. The truth of that claim is never quite resolved, but it is the conflict between Ka-el and Jor-el that takes up most of this book. With the exception of missing the departure of Supergirl from Krypton (was she dropped from the modern age stories?), the story fits well with the traditions with which I was raised.

The colors are bright and attention-getting. I would not expect a 21st-century artist to imitate the work of those who lived through the 50’s and 60’s; such is the case, As the attached clipping may show, occasionally I was caught a bit off guard.

It was fun for this old man to catch up with a story that he followed as closely as possible as a child and a young teen.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

The Soul Stealers - A Review

The Soul Stealers

by

Shane Logan

David Rodemerk

A Review

I was in the barbershop for my bi-weekly haircut.  On the side table was a copy of a new comic featuring the unveiling of Hal Jordan as the new Green Lantern. It was the first and only time I remember seeing the initial issue of a brand new comic character. That was at least until I met Shane Logan the co-creator, artist, and letterer, of this new line of super heroes featured in The Soul Stealers.

Shane was our waiter at lunch one afternoon. As we chatted, he discovered I was a book-reviewer; and I discovered that he was the author of a brand new comic book. We traded contact information and I walked away with the first issue of his new endeavor.

I was with some fear and trepidation that I opened the cover – left bare except for a title so the  author could personalize the issue for the purchaser. My free copy did not warrant personalization. For the most part, I was pleasantly surprised. The comic’s artwork was entirely black and white; a choice made for both artistic reasons (it is a nice touch) and for economic reasons – the cost of printing colored comic is almost twice the cost of printing a black and white one.

The storyline has the feel of a super hero story – four heroes to be exact. Their predecessors had lost their lives to “The Shepard” and his “Flock.” Through the use of  genetics and technology, the new generation of heroes were able to reclaim the lost powers and then some. Working

together, the new “Freedom Four” had hopes of defeating The Shepard and his minions.  But first … (sorry, but that would be giving away the story). That story does draw the reader in and as he or she begins to empathize with the plight of our new heroes.  


This first issue is not yet a graphic novel, but it is a great first chapter.  This reader wants more and the author has promised more – including color if there is interest. More details and a copy of the first issue can be had from the author by contacting him at spl.ink.artwork@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/splink.artwork.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the author for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.