Cinebook Ltd: MEMORIES FROM THE CIVIL WAR 2

 Authors: Richard Marazano & Jean-Michel Ponzio

Age: 12 years and up
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Number of pages: 56 colour pages
Publication: February 2022

£8.99 incl. VAT

ISBN: 9781849185462

https://www.cinebook.co.uk/memories-from-the-civil-war-2-p-4472.html

As far his men are concerned, Vivian is fully recovered from his accident and long coma. An opinion that is not fully shared by Rachel, the team’s new psychologist … and Vivian’s ex-girlfriend! Personal entanglements aside, the team leader does still have those disturbing apocalyptic dreams – and then there’s that ‘Blue Parrot’ sign that seems to haunt him. A new mission to the Middle East might bring some answers at last … but will they be welcome?

First thing I thought when I saw the cover was "Is that a Sentinel head -where are the X-Men?" 😂 A bit odd I know but it seemed almost taken from one of the movies. The problem with having a visual mind is that you have a lot of images jump up and down at a "trigger".

One thing that puts me off slightly is that all of the art appears to be photo references turned into digital art. Jean-Michel Ponzio's colour work is great. Love it. Some lovely light/dark shading/reflecting going on. But at times the photo art stands out a little too much and just slaps you in the eye. Does this make it a bad book? No because the story is good and the art does do its job (can I mention how the uniforms reminded me of HALO? ).

There are twists and betrayals -or are they  betrayals? and I can't see why anyone interested in sci fi action or just action comics would not like this. I enjoyed it and I've been a real grumpy old bastid recently. My review of the first volume can be found here:

https://hoopercomicart.blogspot.com/2022/03/cinebook-ltd-memories-from-civil-war-1.html

Cinebook tend to publish only the best which spoils people like me but for comic buyers and readers it gives them the opportunity to read good comics and there are none of those coming from the UK at the moment.

Cineboo Ltd: LONESOME 2 - THE RUFFIANS

Author: Yves Swolfs

Age: 12 years and up
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Number of pages: 56 colour pages
Publication: January 2022

£8.99 incl VAT 

ISBN: 9781800440012

https://www.cinebook.co.uk/lonesome-2-the-ruffians-p-4470.html?osCsid=4h47cdkoimk7fg9gmhcc2lhs87

True to his word, Mayor Harper has brought in a Marshall to get rid of ‘Lonesome’, thrown in jail by a repentant sheriff. But it takes more than that to stop the lone rider in his quest for revenge, and he is soon back on the trail of Markham, the mad preacher. 

When a band of Ruffians – pro-slavery vigilantes and sworn enemies of Markham – intercept our hero, an unexpected encounter will provide him with an opportunity to learn more about the mysterious figures pulling all the strings …

This is a series that I am a little "Iffy" on. Good art and a good story but for some reason I sit on the fence over it. If you like Westerns then this ought to be one for you and if you like the old style Spaghetti Westerns then you'll see Clint Eastwood in the lead role. Chases, gun  fights and an ending that will leave you sinking (You will need to buy the book to get that joke but I'm having hysterics and ...well.)

The colour work by Julie Swolfs stands out and it is surprising how many people just take the colour work for granted without thinking how much work went into it or crediting the colourist. 

I enjoyed this and all the twists and little sub-plots but it did not "spark" in me. Perhaps reading parts 1 and 2 together might help? Incidentally, I reviewed volume 1 here;

https://hoopercomicart.blogspot.com/2021/08/cinebook-9th-art-lonesome-1-preachers.html

Buy a copy and see what you think.

HEXAGON COMICS USA / JUNE 2022 RELEASE -GUARDIAN OF THE REPUBLIC & COUNT SAINT-GERMAIN & JOHN MIST

 

GUARDIAN OF THE REPUBLIC & COUNT SAINT-GERMAIN & JOHN MIST

Hexagon Comics USA now offers translations of selected titles from the catalog of this 70-year-old French comics publisher. Books can be purchased on amazon or through the website www.hexagoncomics.com. Retailers can purchase them at a 40% discount from distributor Ingram or from the publisher at the website above.

Story by Jean-Marc Lofficier; art by Luciano Bernasconi; cover by Luciano Bernasconi. 

7x10 

squarebound comic, 

48pages 

b&w. 

ISBN-13: 978-1-64932-141-1. US$9.95

December 1804. Napoleon Bonaparte is about to be crowned Emperor of France by the Pope at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. But the diabolical sorcerer Maleficus plans to assassinate him and take his place. 

Against this sinister plan stand the Marquis de La Fayette, his faithful manservant, Albert Saint-Clair, known as the Guardian of the Republican, and the mysterious Count Saint-Germain, Maleficus' sworn enemy. However, the necromancer is not alone: he has joined forces with the formidable legendary Vampire Countess Addhema. 

To win, our heroic trio have to call on a fourth champion forged in the flames of the Revolution: John Mist, whose hitherto mysterious origins are finally revealed! 

A saga drawn from the most secret pages of French History, narrated by Jean-Marc Lofficer and Luciano Bernasconi.

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Cinebook Ltd: TRENT 7 - MISS HELEN

Authors: Leo & Rodolphe

Authors: Leo & Rodolphe

Age: 12 years and up
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Number of pages: 48 colour pages
£7.99 incl VAT

ISBN: 9781849183970

https://www.cinebook.co.uk/trent-7-miss-helen-p-4471.html?osCsid=u39fdr4l2k3qagu6oi7vknsuc0

It’s the best day of Trent’s life: he is finally marrying the beautiful Agnes, after so many years!

 But there, among the crowd of family and friends cheering the newlyweds, a face from his past casts a pall over his happiness. Other signs eventually confirm it: Miss is back. 

Helen Dorwell – an alluring and mysterious thief and anarchist ... and Trent’s former mistress. With her in town, the honeymoon could quickly turn into a nightmare...

No secret that I've been a fan of this series since it started and this volume has cemented that fact. The plot builds up and guns are drawn as Trent is guaranteed a wedding day that he-and Agnes- are never ever going to forget. Towards the end there I thought things were going to turn out..."bad".

If you have not caught on to the series yet there are some cracking stories and plenty of twists in them to keep anyone amused...and there are Mounties of course! 

Leo, a firm favourite, and Rodolphe produce a fine story and exquisite art while Marie-Paule Alluard blends it all together with some fantastic colour vwork and really this is what a comic/comic album should be.

ALWAYS recommended

NEW COMIC BOOKS RELEASING JUNE 1ST 2022 MARVEL COMICS & DC COMICS PREVIE...

It's all "meh"

On the 25th April I asked (link below):

 https://hoopercomicart.blogspot.com/2022/04/which-british-comic-characters.html

"If you read the Avengers megapost https://hoopercomicart.blogspot.com/2018/01/avengers-assemble-never-to-be-beaten.html then you will have seen some of the classic covers. Here is where YOU come into this. Using old Silver Age -Thomson or Fleetway- British comic characters which cover would you choose to feature them on?

"That simple. List of characters and which cover. Its fun."

Now there are enough British comic readers out there so why am I not surprised that there has been zero response to this? Oh. Wait...I also wrote:

 "...every time I ask for reader opinions or suggestions (since this blog started) the response has been zero." 

Which means that I am not really surprised. 

Would have been nice to have some positive feedback though as that has been lacking in at least a decade.

meh

Cinebook Ltd: MUTATIONS 2 - EPISODE 2

 

Authors: Leo & Corine Jamar; illustrated by Fred Simon

Age: 12 years and up
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Number of pages: 64 colour pages
Publication: January 2022

£9.99 Incl. VAT

ISBN: 9781800440111

https://www.cinebook.co.uk/mutations-2-episode-2-p-4469.html?osCsid=a7bopnrnoigjil7ejtcnjsptt0

Romane has gone to Brazil, hoping to renew contact with Delphis, her dolphin friend, and find an explanation to the ongoing attacks by sea mammals against human ships and ports. Meanwhile, Brahim and Kruger continue their investigations in Mozambique. 

But their enemies, the white supremacists who still run Algapower, and their terrorist allies from the American White Army, know they’re being hunted, and have no intention of being stopped again. A fight for the future of several species begins …

It has not been that long a wait for this one -I reviewed Vol. 1 here:

https://hoopercomicart.blogspot.com/2022/01/cinebook-ltd-mutations-1-episode-1.html

And they certainly pack a lot in. This is the second and final part of the story and I got very confused when I saw "2" on the cover spine. Was I missing something? I went over everything I remembered and it was all in that first book so they ain't wasting space!

The two main characters I grew to love after their previous series, The Mermaid Project, and I still like the pairing. That is not to say that other characters aren't that good as they are and there are some that would be nice to see in their own story, especially in the mixed up world the series is set in.

The artwork and colouring is as nice as you could want it to be and when art and story click you are in for a treat. Armed cetaceans, perilous plane flight, gun fight in the snow and a herd of elephants trampling their way through the snow. No, this is not set in some European safari park! Its all very odd but enjoyable and worth it to get to the last panel. Far more enjoyable than trying to type a review of a rapidly dying PC!

The Mermaid Project and Mutations are both series I would recommend and if you like thriller style sci fi (yes, I wrote "sci fi" again) action then this is where to spend your money!

The Green Skies -The Final Days of Humanity?

 

A4

B&W

124pp

£10.00

https://www.lulu.com/en/en/shop/terry-hooper/the-green-skies-vol-3-part-1/paperback/product-5j4y7e.html?page=1&pageSize=4

It all began in 1987 and the Black Tower Universe has seen alien attacks, heroes kidnapped to be put into the middle of a war of the gods. 

Despite the deaths and losses the heroes -crime fighters, super powered and members of the magical union have come back but now unaware that alien races are escaping through the Sol system and that a mysterious space fleet is heading towards the inner planets, they find themselves trapped or distracted. 

The Many Eyed One is finally coming. 

The Multiversal Council has quarantined Earth and forbidden any to help. 

The evil has spread and there is treachery striking at the very core of Earth's defenders

A4

B&W

126pp

£10.00

https://www.lulu.com/en/en/shop/terry-hooper/the-green-skies-vol-3-part-ii/paperback/product-nj7wqr.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Following on from events in Green Skies V. 3 Part I the Clone Zone Boyz are increasing in number while those who created them, the Vampirons, continue to plot and await the arrival of their 'God' -The Many Eyed One. 

The Druid finds that his physical and mental state are deteriorating and even the Rev. Merriwether cannot help him. 

Shockingly, the Clone Zone Boyz claims someone close to Merriwether and this leads him to team up with two 'unsavoury' characters. 

In space Krii and Tyn hrrn face a seemingly unstoppable enemy. 

On The Moon the Selenites and representatives of other worlds meet and decide that Johnny Apollo, the Z-Man, is the only one who can lead the counter invasion fleet. 

With the enemy striking Mars and then the Moon things look grim for Earth

 A4

B&W

208pp

£10.00

https://www.lulu.com/en/en/shop/terry-hooper/the-green-skies-vol-3-part-iii/paperback/product-kj6r7r.html?page=1&pageSize=4

The gathered Sol Defence fleet is prepared to make its final stand led by Johnny Apollo the Z Man. If it fails to halt the invaders then the doomsday weapon will be detonated and destroy the entire Sol System. 

Meanwhile, unaware of the threat in space, Jack Flash, the Avenger and others prepare for a final show down with the Many Eyed One; a final confrontation they know they do not have the power to win. 

Is this Humanity...the Earths...final day?

Cinebook Ltd -THORGAL 23: THOR'S SHIELD

Authors: Rosinski & Sente

Age: 15 years and up
Size: 18.4 x 25.7 cm
Number of pages: 48 colour pages
Publication: February 2022

£7.99 incl. VAT

ISBN: 9781849184458

https://www.cinebook.co.uk/thorgal-23-thors-shield-p-4474.html

Jolan and his new companions have arrived safely in Manthor’s home. However, harmony isn’t the word yet, and the instructions from their new master don’t help: their next task can only be accomplished if all five of them work together to open a magical gate, but once they’re past that obstacle, only one of them can become the Chosen one – and that by stealing no less than Thor’s own shield! 

Can any of them even do it on their own?

July 2021 was the last time we saw a Thorgal book with I, Jolan which I reviewed here:  https://hoopercomicart.blogspot.com/2021/07/cinebook-ltd-thorgal-22-i-jolan.html

I tend to think after a long gap in receiving books from a series that I will be disappointed. No idea why but it happens. So I sit back and open up the book and...I'm straight into it. The fact that the artwork and intricate scenery is so eye catching helps and then the elements of fantasy and the characters. My biggest question is why has no one ever adapted this into a movie ? I do have a second more obvious question which is why has this never been adapted into an RPG (Role Playing game) or something Dungeons and Dragons like? Just going through this one book the visuals and characters of all shapes and sizes would be perfect!

But, leaving that aside this is a bloody good read. The art and colouring have always worked perfectly in this series and sets up much atmosphere. Having only seen a few Thorgal stories in German to see 23 volumes from the start and how the world of Thorgal has developed has been great fun.

The little "awwww" ending was a nice touch and "The Army That Lives" was just wonderful. Still a recommended series!

Cinebook Ltd -BEREZINA BOOK 1/3

 Authors: Frédéric Richaud, based on the novel by Patrick Rambaud; illustrated by Ivan Gil

Age: 15 years and up
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Number of pages: 64 colour pages
Publication: March 2022

£9.99 incl. VAT

https://www.cinebook.co.uk/berezina-book-13-p-4476.html

ISBN: 9781800440623

1812. After the sort of lightning-fast attack he is known for, Napoleon and his colossal Grande Armee have ridden deep into the heart of Russia. But the Russians have no intention of letting him have his way, and several bloody and inconclusive battles have already taken place – no Austerlitz there. So, when the French finally arrive in Moscow, they’re exhausted, starving, weakened, and fervently hoping they’ll get a chance to rest … and maybe even accept the Czar’s surrender after the fall of his capital … 

"The Great War", "The Napoleonic War" or, if you prefer, one of the first world wars (Seven Years War etc got there first). Whichever you go for I have never really understood the fascination with the conflict. War gamers are fascinated by the sheer number of uniforms and colours while historians like the politics and grand battle set pieces.

Cinebook dealt with the conflict previously with the three volume series The Battle which was excellent and I reviewed it here: 

https://hoopercomicart.blogspot.com/2021/07/cinebook-ltd-battle.html

Oddly the same team worked on this new series and Ralenti and De Cock do fine colouring work. The sometimes cramped panels really give the feeling of there being a huge army on the move and the more intimate scenes and actions work well. The Battle did receive the 2014 Historia Prize for best historical comic and when you see the amount of accuracy in the history, scenes, clothes and uniforms that has gone into this book my guess is that they may get another award?

Certainly a book for readers interested in history or just looking for a good read.

The Horror: Vampire

 

Hexagon Comics - STRANGERS ORIGINS: JALEB

7x10 squarebound comic, 128 pages b&w
ISBN-13: 978-1-64932-130-5. US$12.95.
Stories by Claude J. Legrand; art by Annibale Casabianca; cover by Chris Malgrain.

1. JALEB THE TELEPATH
2. SECRET POLICE 
3. THE GIRL FROM BOULDER TOWN 

Jaleb began in the magazine Futura in 1972, which heralded the “Second Age” of French publisher Editions Lug, introducing an entire range of new characters such as Homicron, Aster, the Time Brigade, Jeff Sullivan, etc.


These were the brainchildren of science fiction writer Claude Legrand, who was influenced by the novels of great masters such as Poul Anderson, Robert Heinlein and Theodore Sturgeon.


Jaleb is accidentally left behind on Earth as a baby by a team of explorers from a Galactic Federation of telepaths. He is found and raised by a couple of Oregon farmers. As an adult, he uses his inherited telepathic powers for good as a private detective, but a chance encounter with a Federation Observer leads him to discover his true origins...


The first three episodes of this ground-breaking series by Legrand and artist Annibale Casabianca are collected here for the first time in English as part of a set devoted to the origins of the heroes who are later gathered together in Strangers.

If like me you spent time trawling old book shops as a youngster -my great find was Bristol Book Centre on Gloucester Road, Bristol. Run by an American lady who used to sing opera- then you would have discovered the Pulps. Apart from completing a collection of Sax Rohmer's Fu Manchu and Doc Savage (long since go to pay off bills) I used to love staring at the pulp covers. As soon as I saw this cover it took me back.

The story was almost like a pulp novel -across between pulps and B movie sci fi/horror. You can see how Legrand's influences show through.  The three stories feature action, mystery and glowing eyes! But after all this time do the stories hold up to time? Yes, no mobile phones or computers and those are elements you could take out of any modern story as convenient plot short cuts. Besides which, if you have Jaleb's abilities you really do not need a computer or phone...after all look at the 1960s TV series The Champions  -here you hide the secret city in the Himalayas is replaced by Jaleb's home world.

This was a fun read and it's a pity more people are not discovering these gems and Jaleb has as much to offer as Wampus....but without the weird look and evil plan!

NEW COMIC BOOKS RELEASING MAY 25TH 2022 MARVEL COMICS & DC COMICS PREVIE...

Mr Dilworth

 あなたの荷物は今日届きました。 また、なぜあなたは決して電子メールに答えないのですか？

Your package arrived today. Also, why do you never answer emails?

Cinebook -WANTED: LUCKY LUKE

 Author: Matthieu Bonhomme 

Age: 8 years and up
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Number of pages: 68 colour pages
Publication: February 2022

ISBN: 9781800440449£10.99 incl. VAT

Riding peacefully along a western trail, Lucky Luke is suddenly ambushed by an unknown assailant. After a quick gunfight, the cowboy loses his mysterious attacker, but happens upon a lone wagon beset by Apache raiders. Another quick fight later, Luke is surprised to find that the occupants of the wagon are three lovely young women! Three sisters on their way to start a new life, and who all find the lonesome cowboy … quite interesting. 

As Cinebook put it:

The funniest of lonesome cowboys is entrusted to stars of Franco-Belgian comics for standalone adventures. Between homage and re-imagining: fresh new twists on an old friend!

The cover immediately made me think of 1970s Spaghetti Western movie posters and it is eye-catching enough. Bonhomme again delivers a good story, action as writer-cum-artist and I love his colour work. 

My overall opinion, as someone who hates constant reboots and messing around with established characters is that I like this. My initial thought that this idea was going to be a bad one soon faded and I like the way it "differs" from the original. It really is a pity that they only ever made one Lucky Luke movie as I think the two stories so far would make great on-screen entertainment.

If you are not tempted to buy a copy you should be. We all need fun right now and why not cowboy fun?

THE EXTRAORDINARY FANTASY ILLUSTRATIONS OF HEINRICH KLEY HD

Cinebook: Lucky Luke -THE MAN WHO SHOT LUCKY LUKE

 Author: Matthieu Bonhomme 

Age: 8 years and up
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Number of pages: 64 colour pages
Publication: April 2022

ISBN: 9781800440630

£9.99 inc. VAT

The Lonesome Cowboy is not having a good day. 

Out of tobacco, arriving at night and under pouring rain in the small mining settlement of Froggy Town, he soon finds himself in conflict with two of the Bone brothers, somewhat infamous local figures. 

Unfortunately, Luke’s reputation precedes him, and when the townspeople ask him to investigate a hold-up in place of the sheriff – none other than James Bone – the tension ratchets up another notch …  

New writer-cum-artist and colourist and I immediately thought "oh damn". However, apart from a slight art style change this was still Lucky Luke.  Nothing that would make any regular reader think "oh, that is not right".

I can't give too much away or what would be the point of you buying this comic album. The cover blurb says it all and with a title that immediately makes any classic film lover think of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (if you've never seen it then do!) how can you go wrong? I have no working scanner so I'll see whether my ancient and semi-working camera can take an image that might make you want to buy this one....

Yes, The Man Who Draws Faster Than His Shadow shot. Face down in the mud as the shootist yells: "I KILLED LUCKY LUKE!!"

Damn

12 out of 10

Cinebook: NOTTINGHAM 1: THE KING’S RANSOM

Author: Vincent Brugeas, Emmanuel Herzet and Benoît Dellac

Age: 12 years and up
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Number of pages: 56 colour pages
Publication: April 2022

ISBN: 9781800440593

£8.99 inc. VAT

 1192. Richard, King of England, hasn’t returned from the Crusades. Rumours say he may be dead, and his brother John Lackland begins moving his pieces to claim the throne, counting on the support – and money – of the kingdom’s sheriffs. Deep inside Sherwood Forest, Marian, young Saxon Lady, tries to convince a family of outlaws to join her in fighting the prince, with the help of a mysterious man in a hood – none other than the Sheriff of Nottingham himself!

I must admit that the story of Robin Hood has had more origins and re-tellings than Batman. I just read what I am sent and Kult Creations Loxley from back in...2013 (?!) was the last I enjoyed. 

Brugeas and Herzet deliver a good enough story but I have been reading about Robin Hood, Robin-in-the-Hood whatever you want to call him since I was a youngster and this is just another re-telling that, in all honesty, just did nothing for me. The artwork was also not enough to tip the balance and I even re-read through this after a day to see if that might change things but, unfortunately, it did not.

Perhaps volume 2 will change my mind? 

Hexagon Comics -Captain Ukraine

 

BENEFIT BOOK FOR THE UKRAINIAN RED CROSS 

CAPTAIN UKRAINE LIVES AGAIN!
Story by Jean-Marc Lofficer; Art & cover by Constanzo 

THE FIRES OF VICTORY 
Art by Vincenzo Chiomenti 

56 pages

b&w 

 US$9.95  

ISBN 978-1-64932-139-8 

This special issue introduces a character who is both new and yet has been part of the Hexagon Universe since 1963: Captain Ukraine!

Nadiya Karine, the modern-day version of this hero, introduced alongside the French Guardian of the Republic in her very first appearance here (in a story by J.-M. Lofficier & Constanzo), is none other than the descendant of Ivan Karine, a Ukrainian Captain from the 17th century, created by Vincenzo Chiomenti, whose exploits were first published in 1963.

The Karine family belongs to the Zaporozhian Cossacks, who were the progenitors of the Ukrainian nation. The first story of this classic series is reprinted here, along with a foreword providing details on this historical, yet still topical, character.

This issue features the Captain Ukraines of the 17th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, united in a common effort to defeat injustice and tyranny.

During these tragic hours, Hexagon Comics stands with Ukraine, uniting past and present by releasing this very special issue, the profits of which will be donated to the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Nice cover homage to Captain America #1 (1940) there. Not engaging in the politics or anything going on but this is a well written comic with good art and bringing another old character into the modern Hexagon age. Guardian of the Republic IS the French version of Captain America and I am getting to like the character more knowing his  past, present and future.

Hexagon Comics are a good read and remind me of the very creative bronze age Marvel. As for the subject matter of this comic and what it is all about...well, if you don't know where have you been.

It's a fun read and supporting a cause. I know there are people out there who collect comics that have covers paying homage to famous Marvel and DC ones so here is another to add to the collection!

Upcoming Reviews

 I have just (I hope) completed a 375pp non comic technical book so if all goes well you should start seeing reviews from tomorrow.

As I have written many times before: no one supports this blog so I ignore the people who ask where the new content is.

Mind you...if you WANT to support CBO and get more content there is a PayPalMe donation box to the right!

Cheers

CSS Books -Super Detective Library

 

Super Detective Library   If you collect Fleetway's pocket Libraries, you'll love this huge batch of over 70 Super Detective Library comics, including these three great Sherlock Holmes titles. Here is just a small selection shown below. Be sure to visit the website to see all the new titles we have in stock.                 (click on the pictures to go straight to the item's page) British Classics and more As ever, there's is always a mixture of new stock to be found every week on the website. Just check the Latest Additions area to keep up with what's new. Here are a few great Classics Illustrated new to the site, including these copies of Great Expectations and The Pioneers with their British-only painted covers!          New CI Title Update Due to an unavoidable delay, our 4 new Classics Illustrated titles will now be released in the beginning of June, with all pre-orders shipping as soon as stock arrives at our office. We're very excited to be bringing these new titles to you, and they are looking very nice indeed. Remember to order your copies here. Look out for more titles coming later in the year!