Review: The77 Issue #3

I got my issue #3 of The77 through the door today, so here's a quick spoiler free run through of the stories.

The issue I got came with a great cover by Ade Hughes featuring the characters from 'V', which is the opening story to this issue.  There is also a beautiful variant cover by 2000AD droid Paul Williams. 'V' part 3 Created by Steve Bull and Ade Hughes (SpaceWarp) both expands the world our heroine Anat now finds herself in and adds another layer of intrigue.  Who are her rescuers and what is their 'tech'?

'GRID' Introduces us to a top assassin who just wants a quiet drink Created by Dave Heeley and Neil Sims.  I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes, Neil sims art complimenting Dave Heeleys script perfectly. 

'The Screaming Hand' The third instalment by Kek-W (2000AD: Deadworld, Fall of Deadworld) and Conor Boyle (Hook Jaw)  I think this has been my favourite episode of the story so far, lots of action and lovely artwork from Conor Boyle.  Definitely one for a read through when the series ends.  Wouldn't be out of place in 2000AD.

'The Cell' part 2 by Bambos Georgiou (The Real Ghostbusters, ACES weekly) and Andrew Sawyers. Andrew, like Neil Sims, has been a real breakthrough star of The77 his art here has amazing energy and use of colour. The story from Bambos gives us a look at a very violent,  dystopian future. It's probably my age but I will have to go back and read issue 2 as I'm a bit lost as to what's going on in the story.

'Trackless Depths' part 1/3 Strange things are stirring in the water around a Victorian Clipper. Created by Dave Bedford (Trompe la Morte ) and Ben Macleod (2000AD).  This story has so many elements I love.  Some very nice greyscale artwork which only adds to Dave Bedfords excellent atmospheric script, I just wanted the story to continue! Look out for a great cameo appearance from a certain shark fisherman too.

'Matilda Atkins and the Amulet Of Destiny' created by Michael Powell (The Last Man The77 #1) and Sarah 'Milmo' Millman (Speed Demons - Rebellion's Tammy & Jinty) This is a nice one and done story that I wouldn't say is aimed at me.  But it would be a perfect story for younger comic lovers or anyone who feels out of place in the world. I know Sarah Millmans work from her indie comic series NPC Tea, her clean lined style and great use of colour is perfect for this tale. 

'Division '77' part 3 - Created by Dave Heeley and Sinclair Elliott the future war fan favourite story continues. Could there be mutiny in the ranks? Some nice story building without losing the action we love.  This is followed with a Division 77 pin-up page from Andrew Sawyers.

'SGT Shouty of the Moon Force!' In space everyone can hear him shout'! Created by Lew Stringer (BEANO, Combat Colin, Brickman, Oink!)  Well this is always a one page delight that always takes me right back to my days of reading the Beano. We get some background on the Sarge and his nemesis here, I enjoyed Lews artists impression of a previous event in the story. 

'Forgotten Reality' Created by Anna Everts and Phil Elliott a one off story that in other, lesser, anthology comics might be called a future shock, so no spoilers here.

'Undertow' Created by Joe and Jeremy Dunn.  In my review of episode one of this story I said that I was left underwhelmed.  I was promised that episode two would alter my opinion and yes the guys have followed through on their promise. I really enjoyed part two as our hero heads off on a quest that leaves us with trouble brewing.

'Gut Crawlers' part 2 Essential workers doing the Galaxy's dirtiest job. Created by Dan Whitehead and Paul Williams. Illustrations for part 2 have been taken over by Filippo Roncone and a cracking job he does too.  This conclusion to the story gives us a little more insight into the newest crew member and how she came to be working with the gut crawlers, leaving it open for development. 

'Martian Law' Created by Brendan Wright.  I really wasn't a fan of episode one of this story but I have to admit it's growing on me now.  Brendan's art is colourful and full of energy bringing life to the crazy Martian world he has created.

'Skate Worm' in 'The Frack off !' by Conan. Art by Morgan Gleave.  Another outing for the rebellious worm with attitude as he saves his skate park from destruction.  For me the line work on Morgans artwork came across as a little heavy and lost some definition on the characters. Possibly something to do with reproduction?

'Penny Pentagram' part 3 London's grooviest Paranormal detective by David Thomas (WP Comics, Night Hunters, Avatara) and Jon Roydon (The Lost Graveyard). I'm really trying to like this Buffy-esque character but sadly the story just doesn't do anything for me. But that's an anthology comic for you, not everything is going to hit home for everyone.

This issues Standouts, for me, were Trackless Depths and The Screaming Hand I was really pleased that the Undertow guys lived up to their promise of more to come too.

If this is your first dip into the world of The77 and you enjoyed it I'd definitely recommend grabbing the first two issues while you can. 

Review: Rok, Killing Moon, Knockout & Tigerstyle

With work commitments ramping up, as we prepare for Covid Strikes Back (I work in a hospital), and having a 6 month old baby my free time has been in short supply of late.  But I've tried to cram in some reading whenever I can.  In the spirit of my reading here are a few whirlwind reviews of what has been in my hands recently.

Firstly Rok The God, what can I add that hasn't already been said about this one, not much I guess, but here goes anyway.  If I'm honest, I only bought Rok of the Reds to placate my guilt at asking John Wagner to sign so many things when I met him at ICE Birmingham.  

Now, if like me, you think a football comic isn't for you then think again.  I'm not a massive sportball fan but I loved Rok of the Reds and that feeling carried on here too.  John Wagner and Alan Grant give us a brilliant story as you might expect from two such experienced writers.  Sci-fi, action, humour, football it has the lot wrapped up in a script that shows these two have not lost their edge and are obviously enjoying working on this creator owned project.  Showing how an "all ages" comic should be done.

Dan Cornwell is a favourite artist of mine I have a great Hammerstein and a beautiful commission of John Wick, gifted to me by my wife, hanging in our house.  Again he's given his all for Rok.  As you might expect, we get some stunning splash pages but I enjoy the minutiae he crams into his panels. Look in the background of pictures for the hidden details and Easter eggs.  

Verdict: Comic perfection, peerless writing and an artist at the top of his game. A book that welcomes you in on the first page and keeps you entertained to the last. 5 out of 5

Next up Killing Moon from the guys at Pigdog Press, written by Chris Denton, art by Neil Bhuna Roche and colours from Darren Stephens I've played a bit of DnD in the past and some parts of this swords and sorcery story reminded me of campaigns played with friends. The mix of assassin, sorcerer and grizzled fighter make for a great ensemble cast who bounce off each other.  What is also nice is the humour that runs through the book, not enough to distract from the story but perfectly balanced with the darker elements.

I liked the addition of the history of Killing Moon along with an original black and white strip, as much as I loved the colour work by Darren I'd like to see the modern KM in black and white too. We are also rewarded with an awesome Killing Moon gallery, with contributions from artists such as Matt Soffe and 2000ADs newest Dredd artist Steven Austin.

Verdict: I backed the Kickstarter for a digital copy but I'm betting this looks even better in the flesh. Great, stories and characters but also brilliant value for money. 4 out of 5

Finally Knockout and Tigerstyle, written by Fraser Campbell and art by Adam Falp.  This is a love letter to the bronze age of all-action pulp comics.  I've previously enjoyed Adam's work on the excellent, Atomic Hercules comics. They were never short of action but Fraser has given him a workout here with a script that sees every page filled with some top drawer stuff.

The story sees Knockout, a former boxer with a right hook that can put holes in walls, team up with Tigerstyle a martial arts master streetfighter, to takedown Harlems underground fight scene. I won't say more as I don't want to give any spoilers but you are in for a treat if this is your style of comic.

Verdict: I just love the energy of this comic, I've not really read much bronze age stuff but I'm going to try and find some now. 5 out of 5

All in all some great reading, check them out if you can.