Books of 2024: Quarter 3

Thanks to some new hobbies I actually didn't get much reading done these last three months, so you know, a shorter list.

Monstress Vol. 1: Awakening by Marjorie Liu

Set after a devastating war between humans and Arcanics (appearing usually as half-human/ half-animal hybrids), Maika Halfwolf puts herself in chains to humans harvesting Arcanic body-parts in order to find answers to her past - as well as the monster hiding inside of her.

I heard of this comic awhile back, and after reading an Image comics re-release of issue one for a dollar, I thought I might give it a try. The art style is definitely different from anything I've seen, which is also helped by the steampunk-ish setting to give the story its uniqueness. From the one issue I'd read prior to picking up this trade paperback, it was a story about a young Arcanic (I guess called monsters by humans) looking for answers to the mysteries of her past. The trade obviously goes further, introducing more of the world, including the humans seemingly powered by the parts stolen from Arcanics. I liked the rest of the world-building as we learn more about the separation of the two different civilizations, as well as the different powers which exist on both sides. I'm always a fan of "a monster hiding inside"-trope, so when it is revealed that Halfwolf has something ancient inside of her body, well, that got me further interested in the story. As interesting as the premise was, however, maybe it's just because of what was going on while I was reading this, but I'm not too interested in continuing with the rest of the story just yet. Maybe I'll give it another go another time, just not right now (as I mentioned, I fell behind with a lot of reading).

The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country Vol. 1 by James Tynion IV

The Corinthian, a walking nightmare (literally) reflecting the worst of humanity, again roams the Waking World. He is haunted by the memories of his former self - a monster who once escaped The Dreaming to hunt humans before being unmade by Dream of the Endless. As this new Corinthian goes about his tasks, he finds a new nightmare haunting the Waking World - The Smiling Man - one which may not be a creation of Dream's. Intrigued by this new development (as well as with the other entities involved), he'll attach himself to an art student, Madison Flynn, to investigate.

A brand new story set within The Sandman Universe starring its most beloved serial killer, written by one of today's best horror writers - what more could you ask for? Like most other "Sandman" stories, the art style and aesthetic perfectly captures the way one might see the world in that moment when you can't quite tell if you're awake or still asleep. An intriguing start to a new series, I'm easily drawn in when the protagonist is a "bad guy" though, in the case of this version of The Corinthian, he is probably more of a "necessary evil." The story starts strong with the killing committed by two entities on behalf of an unknown benefactor to cover-up a mystery - so that definitely has to draw you in, right? How much do you need to know? Probably at least a little bit. I only read a few of The Sandman trades (not sure how many issues that amounts to) but I did watch the Netflix adaptation which helped me to follow along with some of the backstory/callbacks. Luckily, the story also provides enough flashbacks of information for a reader not as well versed into The Sandman lore all without being a drag to those who may already know the story. Though Volume One only collects the first six issues, the story does introduce A LOT of characters, surprisingly even one only appearing in the sixth and final issue of the volume (why introduce a new character right at the end?). Ending with The Corinthian and Flynn setting off together, I'm curious to see where the story might go.

Stray Dogs by Tony Fleecs

Sophie awakens in an unfamiliar house surrounded by unfamiliar dogs with no memory of how she got there. Her new house, though, has everything she could possibly want or need, all provided for by their loving Master. Despite all this new paradise offers, she'll soon realize instead something terrible has happened. Her Lady gone, Sophie will need to convince the other dogs of their Master's cruelty before something terrible happens to them - a herculean task as the dogs can barely remember what happened the day before.

I picked this up used from Skull-Face Books on one of my trips to sell off my old books. Thanks to another comic I'm reading, I heard about the writer's previous work, "Stray Dogs," and decided to pick it up. For six collected issues, it's a very quick read (I got through the entire trade in one lunch break). I think this was due to not only how compelling the story and tension was (what happened to Sophie's Lady? How will they solve this mystery? How will they escape? Doggies!) but also because there wasn't much dialogue/reading as many of the panels used images and actions to convey the story instead (which also definitely drove me to quickly flip to the next page to find out what happens next). That dogs were the main characters of the story added another element to the typical suspense story knowing about a dog's attention span and their heightened sense of smell and, of course, not being able to communicate verbally with humans.

The story starts the tension with Sophie arriving at an unfamiliar home after a trip to the vet for a Bordetella shot (which I think is a routine vaccine for dogs that frequently interact with other dogs), so I wasn't sure if this was going to be a true-suspense story or simply a misunderstanding, you know, because she is a dog. When they introduce the possible murder of Sophie's Lady and her kidnapping, I just thought, "Oh shit, well let's see what happens next." This dark turn definitely revved the tension and hooked me into the story until the bloody ending, and the equally beautiful epilogue.

Feral #1 - 5 (first story arc complete) by Tony Fleecs

As a rabies outbreak spreads, house cats Elsie, Patch, and Lord find themselves in the woods surrounded by ravenous, infected wildlife. The trio will need to team-up with other found cats to not only survive in the wild, but to avoid infection, or being outright killed by humans stalking the woods. Will they be able to make it back to the shelter of their home and people? And, if they do, will they be the same after this journey?

Finishing the first arc of Feral, I was initially interested in this suspense story as it was told uniquely from the house cats point-of-view, and it coming from the acclaimed writer of Stray Dogs, which (at the time) I'd only heard great things about. This series (like many others, I'm realizing), I should've waited for the collected trade paperback. The first two, two-and-a-half issues really held my attention, but then it started to wane. It honestly wasn't until the last issue that my interest once again peaked (especially when the one cat is killed right in front of Elsie), but, with the price of comics, I don't think I can justify spending $5 an issue on this series, especially with so many others I'm reading.

I Heart Skull-Crusher #1 - 5 (first story arc complete) by Josie Campbell

In the American wasteland, one sport is beloved by the masses (or else) - Screaming Pain Ball - a brutal game in which competing teams can score points by sending a ball through a goal, or by killing their competition. No one in the wasteland is a bigger fan of the sport - or its biggest star, Skull-Crusher - then Trini Wastelander. When it is announced that the winner of a tournament will win a spot on Skull-Crusher's team, she'll put together her own rag-tag team to compete against some of the most brutal, dangerous, and oddest amateur teams in the American wasteland to achieve her dream.

A brutal, post-apocalyptic sports story featuring wacky characters, a protagonist with a heart of gold, and crazy skills and abilities. If any of that appeals to you, then pick-up this series! The game of Screaming Pain Ball is just as brutal as it sounds with players trying to stab, slice, poison, and bludgeon each other to death all while trying to send a ball through a hoop. Trini Wastelander is a perfect protagonist with her up-beat and positive personality that makes you want to cheer her on, and the lows she'll fall into when she sees her dreams fading away (while speaking with the skulls of her parents) will make you want to cry. And the twist ending to this first arc - to see all of Trini's hopes and dreams laid out in front of her (along with the secret kept hidden by her hero) - oh, it's so good.

Dawnrunner #1 - 5 (completed) by Ram V.

Nearly a hundred years ago, a portal opened over Guatemala and the Tetza fell through. To shield the people from these ever-changing behemoths, humanity walled-off the area so none would escape. To combat the Tetza, they built giant, mechanized armors known as Iron Kings. Anita Marr is the most famous, most accomplished pilot in the world, but even she has never piloted an Iron King as advanced as Dawnrunner. Utilizing a newly-developed system, Dawnrunner fuses with the pilot within to create a single, complete being. Unknown to the developer, this new technology also merges Marr with the ghost of one of the first-ever pilots, both of them looking to protect the ones they love. Together, they'll seek to unravel whatever secrets Dawnrunner hides, as well as defeat the Tetza threat.

Touted as a Kaiju/Mecha story combined with the toy industry, Dawnrunner is a story re-imagining others in the genre such as Pacific Rim a hundred years later if humanity had fought the monsters to a sort-of stalemate, and now the Military Industrial Complex uses these battles to create celebrity pilots and new mechs for the masses to cheer on. The artwork is beautiful (not expected from the usual mecha story) and I even went out of my way to spend more for a "virgin" 1st issue (the cover art isn't marred by the comic's title, issue number, or anything else added by the publisher). As mentioned, the story has a background sort-of Go, Go Loser Ranger - vibe with the "good guys" using these mechs and pilots as celebrities and broadcasting the battles against the monsters for people to watch and cheer to make them feel safe and justify their companies' position in society. The main focus of the story, however, is the relationship between Anita Marr and Dawnrunner and the ghost within. Despite Marr's status and accolades, the one person she feels she has failed to protect is her own daughter dying of a disease brought over by the Tetza. Through their relationship, she'll learn that not only can she not save everyone, but the weight of it all doesn't have to rest solely on her shoulders as well.

The Boy Wonder #1 - 5 by Juni Ba

With Batman away, a demon plagues Gotham City - snatching those off the street that people won't miss. Except Batman's heirs - The Robins - do take notice. Damien Wayne, Bruce's legitimate son and the newest of the Robins, will team-up with each of this brothers to not only stop these kidnappings but also to reconcile his past and find his place within his new family.

Having only recently gotten into "Batman"-lore over the last couple of years, I'm really interested in the character of Damien Wayne, Bruce Wayne's son trained all his life to be an assassin and coming to Bruce to unlearn everything he'd been taught. When I read the pitch of The Boy Wonder being an exploration focused on Damien Wayne's search to find where he fits within his new family - especially amongst the others who've held the Robin mantle - well, I was definitely picking-up this series. Over the five issues, Damien's story is told as a fairytale by a hostage caught in a botched bank robbery - the framing plays a big role in the last issue. Each issue/tale focuses upon Damien's relationship with the people in his life who shape the Robin he tries to exemplify but also those who shaped his past as he tries to live up to the high standard his father, The Batman, has set for them all. The story gets emotional as Damien compares himself to his fellow Robins - at first seeing each as a rival to his birthright before realizing that none of them see him in the same light but rather as part of the team, the family. The story, of course (it is still a Batman story), has its share of action as Robin seeks to track down a demon kidnapping people from the streets of Gotham City. Overall, a great, short series and a captivating look  into Damien's mind as he continues to search for his place within his family.

Marvel's Blood Hunt (Red-Band version) #1 - 5 (completed) by Jed McKay

When the sun is blotted out across the globe by the explosion of Darkforce into the atmosphere, an enemy of not only Marvel's mightiest heroes but of all mankind attacks - Vampires. Led by a team of uniquely powerful vampires, The Blood Coven as well as a traitor from within, they'll rampage across the globe, slaughtering all in their path, and even put Marvel's superheroes on their heels. Regrouping, The Avengers and any other remaining heroes will need to devise a plan to put a stop to the vampire assault and make the sun rise once more.

A Marvel event bringing together a bunch of titles and heroes, "Blood Hunt" brings Marvel's supernatural into the spotlight with a global vampire assault. The main series, "Blood Hunt" focuses on The Avengers as well as a few other popular characters like Miles Morales' Spider-Man, and those associated with the supernatural such as Doctor Strange and Dracula. Of course, like with all major events, there are other titles associated with it which can be bought separately (if you're not as cheap as I am). It's always really cool to see a bunch of characters working together to defeat a giant enemy. These five issues had its share of twists and moments that made me gasp, such as the reveal of the traitor within the heroes' midst. Despite premiering in this series for the first time and taking down a bunch of The Avengers, I did feel like The Blood Coven was a bit under-utilized overall, especially once the true Big Bad was revealed (perhaps they're being saved for Marvel's new "Blood Hunters" series?). One of the biggest reasons for picking-up these issues were the "Red Band" versions which I'm happy to say I bought all five issues in, and the graphic violence didn't disappoint. Of course, they can't take the gore too far (this being a Marvel comic after all), but it did go further than I would've expected. All in all, a pretty good read and which will actually have consequences in future Marvel continuity (Doctor Doom is the new Sorcerer Supreme?!).

Blood Hunt: Blood Hunters #1 - 4 (story arc complete) by Various Writers

A collection of eight short stories involving other Marvel characters caught in the vampire assault, and one over-arching story putting together a misfit team of future vampire hunters known as The Blood Hunters. A few stories of note include Man-Wolf protecting his father J. Jonah Jameson and other citizens of New York City from a vampire attack; Bruce Banner awakening in-captivity, held by a group of vampires who've tasted The Hulk's blood; and Doctor Doom efficiently patrolling his country of Latveria to protect its citizens. Across all four issues is the story of the formation of The Blood Hunters: Dagger, Elsa Bloodstone, White Widow, and Hallow's Eve, a team tasked with hunting down vampires while trying to cure those they can still save. It was an interesting read overall, though, of course, filled with one or two weirder stories, such as The Hell Cow. I always enjoy these little side stories which branch off of the main storyline just to show how other people are handling the situation. Though most are shows as either one-shots or perhaps to tie into other stories from The Marvel Universe, the formation of The Blood Hunters team looks to be a prequel to the upcoming release of The Blood Hunters storyline which Marvel has released as of the time I'm writing this.

Strange Academy: Blood Hunt #1 - 3 by Daniel Older

Like the rest of the planet, the sky over New Orleans mysteriously goes dark and the vampires begin their assault. The students of Strange Academy, on a walking tour of the city, repel their attacks thanks to their magical abilities, and return back to the Academy. Overhearing a controversial plan discussed between their teachers, the students decide to set out on their own to find the powerful Darkhold. Instead of an ancient grimoire filled with dark secrets, however, the kids find the tome transformed into a (still very powerful) young boy. As The Darkhold easily defeats each of the students, Pio reveals her secret - that she is actually a vampire - and briefly incapacitates The Darkhold. Surprised by Pio's sudden transformation, the students allow The Darkhold to escape. Searching the streets of New Orleans, the students finally locate not only The Darkhold but Professor Agatha Harkness, the witch who transformed The Darkhold so she could sneak off with his power. Will the students be able to convince The Darkhold to join them in stopping the vampires' assault? Will they find a way to do so without killing their new friend Pio in the process? And what plan does Dr. Doom need their assistance with?

I honestly wasn't going to buy these when they first came out, but then Dr. Doom and the Strange Academy kids made an appearance in the main "Blood Hunt" storyline, and so I needed to know what was going on. Digging through a box of back-issue comics to find them, unfortunately, I wasn't able to locate the first-printing of the first issue, but I got a second printing which is good enough to read. Sure, with the supernatural afoot, it would be smart to include The Strange Academy, but it doesn't quite feel the same without Skottie Young at the helm of his creations. It was a pretty fun read, overall, especially seeing the kids again and their powers. I really like the kids, and really hope they become more popular in the future ... mostly because I'm also hoping to eventually pick-up a "Strange Academy #1" in a CGC 9.8 as I'm now a loser who collects comics.

Blood Hunt: Jubilee #1 by Preeti Chhibber

Arriving too late to stop Sonal from being bitten by a vampire, Jubilee takes her to The Forgiven. Having once been a blood-thirsty vampire, it was The Forgiven, a group of vampires who refuse to drink human blood, who helped her manage the hunger and showed Jubilee a better way forward. Together, the group will try to survive the endless night while a trying not to give into the force pulling at them all to join with the rest of the vampires and feed.

A featured one-shot in Marvel's "Blood Hunt" event, this story shows Jubilee, a former vampire herself, grappling with the task of protecting humans from vampires while also knowing the vampires can also be victims of their own circumstances. First off, didn't originally intend to buy this issue when I heard about it, but then I found out about Jubilee's interesting history as a former vampire, I wasn't interested in the other comics released that week, and I saw the Peach Momoko cover. It was pretty cool to see Jubilee as the main character since, growing up, the cartoons always pushed her more to the background with her "firework powers."

Blood Hunt: Magik #1 by Ashley Allen

Traveling alone in the winter woods, Illyana Rasputin is captured along with a couple of children by vampires using humans for sport. Setting her free to be hunted like a fox, the hunters become the hunted when she reveals she is actually Magik of the X-men. As she recalls the story of her namesake, she'll slaughter the vampires and free the people, revealing what one can do when they've been forged by true monsters.

Part of Marvel's ongoing "Blood Hunt" event, this book finds Magik living up to the heroic namesake she was given as she hunts down vampires preying on humans. An enjoyable read, I'm also going to be a fan of the "hunter becomes the hunted" reversal trope and it was really cool seeing Magik reveal her power - and that giant sword. Not being too familiar with the X-men, obviously I don't understand what exactly is Magik's power (is she a mutant? magical?) but it was really cool seeing her portrayed in "The New Mutants" movie and in the "Strange Academy" comic series. This being a one-shot, I expect Marvel to release a collection of these stories eventually (or perhaps thrown into an omnibus with the rest of the "Blood Hunt" event), and that's how I originally expected to read it. Then, I saw this Peach Momoko cover variant ... and, well, I bought it.

Ghost Rider: Final Vengeance #1 - 6 (story arc complete) by Benjamin Percy

Parker Robbins aka The Hood aka the current Spirit of Vengeance continues to grow his control over Chicago's underworld using his newly acquired powers, all in an effort to provide for his estranged family. Meanwhile Johnny Blaze (the previous Ghost Rider) and Zeb arrive in Chicago drawn to Zarathos, the Spirit of Vengeance, as its power still lingers in Blaze. At their inevitable confrontation, Robbins falters, condemning his soul to Hell in order to save his family. Blaze and Zarathos are reunited once more into the Ghost Rider, forced into doing Mephistos' bidding once again.

When the story was pitched as an introduction to a brand new Ghost Rider, one willing to use the Spirit's powers to the fullest, I was pretty excited to see what an antihero would do with the power, maybe a true villain even. Once they reintroduced Blaze though, I kinda figured this would end with Blaze once again bearing the Ghost Rider mantle, reclaiming his powers. Honestly, these six issues felt like reading the unnecessary Bleach "Full-Bring arc". If you were just going to give the main character his powers back, then don't take them away in the first place. Umm, all in all, this story felt kinda "meh". It was interesting to see Robbins using the Spirit's power to seize control of Chicago's underworld, but knowing the power would ultimately return to Blaze made it feel anticlimactic.

The Infernals #1 - 5 (completed) by Ryan Parrott and Noah Gardner

 

 

Abraham Morgenstern is the Antichrist, the son of Satan born on Earth to bring about the end of days, and he is dying. Having overseen a globe-spanning criminal enterprise in his Father's name, he is forced to choose one of his misfit children to takeover: the short-tempered Nero, the secretive Jackal, or the youngest (and childish) Baphomet. To takeover the empire and their father's (and grandfather's) legacy however, the dysfunctional trio will need to complete a single job which both Hell and Heaven have a stake in. And they'll need to complete it together.

The Antichrist is dying (cancer of all things) and his legacy must be passed along to one of his dysfunctional, nepo children - what a great concept! And, to draw me in further, I liked the weird art style and the great covers (covers are such a draw to getting me to buy a comic book). Most Antichrist stories focus on The Antichrist taking over the world for Satan. I liked this idea that, since he is human, The Antichrist could simply die before his purpose is complete from something as common as cancer. And, he is The Antichrist, of course his children wouldn't be as "adjusted" as a typical adult should be. What I really liked about this story (besides the artwork) was the family dynamic between Morgenstern and his three kids - it is an interesting take on the lives of those who grew-up surrounded by actual evil. There is, of course, the End-of-Days dynamic including angels and their influence to gain an edge in the upcoming war. All that said, maybe a comic I would've waited for the trade paperback release since it appears to be a short, five-issue series, and (as mentioned), trades are much easier to resell if you don't plan to re-read the story again.

Briar #5 - 8 (story arc complete) by Christopher Cantwell

Still on the run from her wicked godmother Grendrid, Briar and the rest of her group seek to make a name for themselves as heroes by helping the people of the land. Despite her best efforts, when a whole town is swallowed into the earth, Briar can't help but suspect her godmother may have been right - that her very existence could bring about the destruction of the world - and she should've been left to sleep. Caught, separated, imprisoned, and broken in their own ways, each will need to once again find their own pride and resolve to escape and mount their assault to save their land.

I really didn't expect another set of issues to this story after a long hiatus from the first four issues. I really liked this dark fantasy take on the Sleeping Beauty story. Briar and her group continue their quest to overthrow Briar's godmother and free the land from her rule. At the same time, each member of Briar's group must confront some uncomfortable fact about themselves. Though the story does expand the world a bit more, I really enjoyed the internal look at each of the characters to see what drives them to their goal. The end of the arc sets up a confrontation between Briar and her godmother, so hopefully it won't be a long time before we get that story.

The Sacrificers #7 - 11 (story arc complete) by Rick Remender

Aided by his new, godly powers, Pidgeon sets off on a quest for revenge against the gods who've ruled over them, taken from them, and given nothing in return. After her escape, Soluna finds herself low and on the run while housing an unknown entity of death. Picked-up by Pidgeon's family, she'll discover the lengths her father will go to get her back.

The Sacrificers second story arc continues Pidgeon's rise against the gods as well as Soluna's disillusioned fall from its lofty heights. Pidgeon, now possessing power of his own, mounts his own crusade against the gods who demand a yearly sacrifice but appear to be nothing more than figureheads (yeah, it is another anti-authority story from Remender similar to Deadly Class and Napalm Lullaby). Though Pidgeon's quest sits as the main plot, I really enjoyed Soluna's journey as she sees the world below that her godly parents rule over. Maybe I just like the story of despair, the fall as it juxtaposed nicely with Pidgeon's rise (like Quentin Coldwater and Julia Wicker's alternating stories in The Magician King). Though I could see the story lasting as long as Remender's Deadly Class saga, I could also see it ending in the next story arc too.

The Spectacular Spider-Men #5 - 7 by Greg Weisman

Trapped within an illusion preying upon their deepest fantasies, Peter Parker and Miles Morales aka The Spectacular Spider-men, must fight their way past robotic clones of their loved ones - and even each other - to discover who (or what) is behind the disappearances of the other regulars at their local coffee shop.

After spending some time believing each other to be robot clones, The Spider-Men finally confront their real foes. In these three issues, Parker and Morales display their teamwork as they battle multiple enemies as well as an AI that knows everything about them. As great of a battle as it was, I'm curious to see the aftermath coming in the next issue as those trapped in the illusion are freed.

Nights #7 - 11 (story arc complete) by Wyatt Kennedy

Vince and Gray begin their relationship while trying to discover more about what Gray actually is. Marcus gets a handle on the monstrous hound hiding within him, and is finally able to pursue a relationship with a lost love. Matt, coming to terms with his death, reconnects with some old friends and decides to begin his life anew.

Honestly, the biggest reason I'm still reading this one is because it is still on my Pull List over at Other Realms. Some of the concepts I still find interesting like Gray being possessed by a conquistador spirit and Marcus hiding a monster within him, but the rest of the story feels lackluster.

Deadpool #1 - 5 (story arc complete) by Cody Ziglar

While Taskmaster trains Ellie to discover the extent of her healing factor, Deadpool goes in search of Death Grip and his cult. Upon learning their location, he and Taskmaster launch an assault on their hideout. With the Muramasa Blade a part of him, Death Grip cuts Deadpool off from his healing factor. Luckily, Ellie and Princess arrive in the nick of time to save the day.

As interesting as a death-worshipping cult taking on the unkillable mercenary might sound, this entire arc felt more like a set-up for the next story arc of Deadpool possibly trying to regain his healing factor while Ellie and Princess join the mercenary business. Maybe it is just because of the movies, but I was really hoping for more jokes even though putting in as many as the movies include would be overkill in the comic format (there's only so many word bubbles you can fit into a panel after all).

Portals (part 3 of 3)

"Acknowledged," was all I said before entering my own command codes. A flashing light in the top corner of my visor blinked, waiting for the final command to activate. A waypoint also popped up, pointing me to the same spot I'd originally emerged to face down The Destroyer. Spinning, I dodged the wreckage of a car launched at me before flying back down to the street, my armor landing with a rattle.

The Destroyer met me there, his fist already pulled back and ready to hammer into me. "So, you've finally decided to die," he said with an obvious strain in his voice.

Despite the fist ready to drive me into the ground and my suit barely holding together, my focus was still on the waypoint blinking six-inches behind him. Perhaps The Destroyer really was tired from fighting a battle against superhumans then jumping into a gauntlet of lethal forces pulled from across multiple realities? Or, maybe, he just didn't expect me in my battered armor to charge head-first toward certain death? Either way, my shoulder connected with enough force to push him back three, four, now five inches. "Boosters to max!" I ordered, feeling a surge as my jet pack and thrusters expelled everything they could give against the strength of the monster's frame. Anxious, I watched the suits power levels drop to 9%, 8%, 7%. Finally, at 3% remaining, The Destroyer finally budged and the waypoint in my visor changed from a blinking red to a solid green. "Activate Plan Omega!"

A distant hum filled my ears as something in the air shifted. My suit wrapped its arms around The Destroyer and pinned itself to the street, ejecting me in the process. I took a moment to lay there, breathing heavily, my body covered in sweat and racked with pain. I tried to replay the fight in my head as best I could, not just this one but all the ones before, hoping there might've been another way for this battle to end. It was the nearby rumbling that brought me back to reality as The Destroyer wrenched his way out of my temporary anchor, wrecking my suit in the process.

"I don't know what your plan is, but I do know getting out of the armor that's keeping you safe is a bad idea," he said stomping over to me with a sadistic smile on his face.

I decided to lay back down. "Go ahead and kill me. Do a jig on my corpse. I don't care anymore because whatever you decide, you won't escape what comes next." The Destroyer loomed over me, his bulk casting a shadow over my face as he blocked out the sun. The darkness didn't last long, however, as a green glow soon radiated from the north, south, east, west, and even directly above us.

"What is this?" he said, turning to watch as the light spread from each point. It took a second before he realized the green light spreading from one point would soon reach the light spreading from another - and that was all the time Plan Omega required. He zipped away toward a gap between the converging lights, but he wouldn't make it. Plan Omega already factored his fastest speed to position us in the very center of the bubble, and he was moving noticeably slower thanks to the battle we fought. Soon enough, the bubble was complete. A ripple at its wall and a low, dull tone confirmed it had trapped The Destroyer. Screams and cries confirmed I'd also doomed everyone in the city along with him - not just those still hiding in the partially demolished buildings and those still trying to get out to the evacuation zone, but even those sitting safe in the shelters at its edge. I'd doomed us all.

Sitting up, I cradled my head between my knees as the world around me trembled and shook. The wind blew with a fury, swirling, trapped with nowhere to go, until suddenly it simply ceased. A high-pitched buzz drove a spike into my ears, a precursor to the thunderous boom of the reality anchors breaking. A scent I'd never realized was there grew overwhelmingly strong until it just disappeared, and I knew, whatever it was, I'd never smell it again. The glow of the bubble amplified brighter and brighter until it emitted a blinding flash, and the world we knew vanished.

Once I was sure the city had settled into its new place, I slowly rose to my feet. Peeking from windows, a few civilians poked their heads out while a couple braver ones even ventured out to the street or up to the rooftops. Around us, the city was more or less in the same state as when the portal cut the city off from its place in our reality. No, I corrected, no, from "their" reality. Though I couldn't see it, I knew what lay beyond the city limits was a wasteland few would survive crossing.

A fist grabbed me by the shirt and lifted me off my feet, into the air, high above the city below. "Where did you take us?" demanded The Destroyer, his face inches from my own.

I smiled. "A different reality. A reality where you can't hurt those people anymore." Twisting as much as I could without breaking his grip and becoming a stain on the ground, I took in the apocalypse around us. "Welcome to my home, to a reality where you won."

Seeing the confusion on his face, I continued. "All of our nation's might, every nations' might, the might of every single superhero on the planet. Nothing could stop you. You were The Destroyer. You became a conqueror, a butcher. The living embodiment of a massacre. My team and I built a machine to escape to another reality but in the end, I was the only one that got away. I swore I'd never come back, sealing off these coordinates forever. Then you appeared on my adopted home. I thought we might have a chance this time with my experience. But after our first fight, I knew it would end the same way. So, I built a device to trap you and unlocked the coordinates back here." Defeated and my confession given, I hung my head hoping he would just drop me.

Instead, we floated to the nearest rooftop where the monster set me down. "So, what happens now?"

I felt a disturbance in the air, a quake in the ground, the dread of an impending doom. "Now, we wait."

Wow, that was fucking long. You made it to the end, huh? Why put yourself through that? Unless you skipped the other parts and just jumped right into the last bit, in which case, wow, you're dumb. I mean, who fast-forwards through a movie to watch the credit. Oh well, you're here now, unfortunately (for both us). So, based off of the Reddit Writing Prompt "Forbidden realities exist, places too hostile to support life. But your enemy is too strong so you destroy the restrictions on your teleporter," or something like that. Honestly, it appeared months ago and I started writing months ago, but you know all of my excuses by now. The biggest challenge was the ending. I like the story ending with the line, "Now, we wait," but it's the lead-up to it that I feel is lackluster, especially compared to the fight scenes and the portal's activation which happened just before. What I was also uncertain about was the length of the fight scene, as providing details to four different portals and their effects felt very long in the writing process (not sure how it reads as I don't read this trash). All in all, I really liked writing this one as it gave me the chance to think about other dangerous realities and what can come from them. It was always my intent for the story to end the way it does, although I really did think about stopping when The Traveler opens the portal to the zombie reality (I didn't think about the zombies infecting the living superheroes until I started writing the scene). As I always say, hopefully I can keep up with regular posts (if not once a week, hopefully every other week ... or at least once a month). Luckily, I do have a couple stories I've been sitting on, so hopefully I can simply jump into them to keep this going.

Portals (part 2 of 3)

 Already prepared, I opened another hole in his path, this one just big enough for three people to walk through. And they did, or rather fell through. At first it was just one or two bodies at a time which The Destroyer simply batted aside. But then fell three, four, six at a time. A wave of bodies falling like a crashing wave, and pummeling him back to the street below.

Lifting himself from the sea of human flesh, he shouted, "What is this? You're dropping corpses on me now. Did you open a portal to a graveyard?"

Shaking my head as I closed the portal, I said, "Maybe you've forgotten or simply didn't know, but there's more than just this universe to test yourself against. Do you remember the zombie outbreak from a few years ago? I opened a portal to a reality where it spread, uncontrolled and unstopped throughout the planet."

The Destroyer twitched as one of the living corpses broke its teeth on his skin. Grabbing it by the hair, he threw it against a building with strength I'd only seen displayed by The Shield. Before its body could shatter against the wall, however, three more had latched themselves to my foe, uselessly trying to sink their teeth into his skin. "This was a mistake. Another tactic to delay the inevitable," he said, annoyed, as me smashed skulls with ease.

I shook my head again, doing my best to repress the horror I'd just unleashed. "You also made the mistake of leaving some of my friends alive." At that perfect moment, the hand of Extendo wrapped around The Destroyer's throat while his body lifted itself off the ground a block away. Without any bones to break, it took The Destroyer a few minutes to loosen the hero's grip, enough time for an army of regular zombies to bury him up to his shoulders in their rotting flesh. It also gave The Zappp's corpse time to cut a path to the villain, lightning sparking erratically from his body as he sent nearly a billion volts of electricity into The Destroyer.

Over the zombies' endless groans, I heard The Destroyer scream in pain and couldn't help but smile. Electricity doesn't care if you can take ten or twenty or a hundred punches to the face, you're still going to feel it when it enters your body. More and more superpowered zombies rose up to hunt down the lone living body within two city blocks. Guilt found me then, and I rose higher into the air, high enough I could no longer see the faces of the monsters I once called friends.

Even with the zombie horde against him, The Destroyer still managed to push back the tide. A bestial roar cut through the noise, and broken corpses scattered into the air. A sedan crushed Lady Dice. A light pole pierced through a dozen zombies, including the Brothers Wolf and Fox.

Then he was hit by a bus into a storefront, if a bus could travel at mach one. "I knew he wasn't invulnerable everywhere," I said to myself as I watched a zombified Shield smash The Destroyer out the otherside of the building. I also didn't think the superhero could move that fast, but perhaps it was because of the zombie virus coursing through him and nullifying the body's natural limiters. The Destroyer rained down blow after blow onto the zombie, but The Shield no longer felt pain. Only the hunger. That's when The Shield's teeth bit down. Despite his amplified abilities, it still wasn't enough to break The Destroyer's skin. It was enough, however, to crack the bone beneath, a sound I could hear through my suit's honed senses.

Though I would've enjoyed seeing The Destroyer beaten by the man he'd himself beaten just a few minutes earlier, The Shield's speed was taking them both out of the battlefield and into the evacuation zone where more available bodies packed into shelters waiting for the battle to end. Dropping back twenty-feet above the street and the zombie horde below, I activated a sonic beacon and waited. A few seconds later, I heard the sounds of destruction as The Shield made his way back to me, the sonic noise emitted by my suit calling to him. Shutting down the emitter, I launched myself high above the city just as The Shield crashed through another building with The Destroyer still in his hands and mouth.

Above the city once more, I opened another rift large enough to cover the entire area I'd dropped the zombie horde. From it spewed a fire the likes of which this universe had never seen before. The concrete, asphalt, and steel beneath simply liquefied, then evaporated. The tangled mass of undead turned to ash under the immense heat. Even The Shield, my friend transformed into a monster by my own hand, only survived for a second or two before vanishing forever. The Destroyer, no longer restrained, fought his way out of the tower of flames to emerge like a devil from The Pit.

Burnt. Smoldering. Hurt. Exhausted. My enemy looked upon me, his confidence and bravado replaced with a hatred and fury I'd never seen in any opponent I'd faced over the years. "Fires from Hell?"

I shrugged, pausing for a moment to savor the image before me. I thought I might actually win, that perhaps I could do it without Plan Omega. "If Hell is real, I haven't found it yet. That was just the flames of a universe where every single sun exploded at the same time."

Seeing The Destroyer straighten his back and launch himself at me, I knew, once again, I couldn't win. Our fight raged on. Though my best hope was I could fight him to a stalemate and perhaps he'll simply retreat as before, I knew, slowly, I was losing ground. Blow after blow he struck against my armor. I continued opening portal after portal to other realms and realities hoping against all odds that from one might appear something more dangerous than the man seeking to conquer the universe. Openings to planets wrapped with crushing gravity. Tears to a still-forming universe, a swirling chaos storm of battering winds and super-heated lightning. He survived them all and kept on swinging.

Through the pandemonium of battle, I heard the alert blaring in my helmet, and the flashing light in my heads-up display. "Is it finished?" I asked, dodging another punch.

"Sir, all of the machines' limiters have been deactivated, the nexus points are set-up across the city, and the coordinates have been entered. Plan Omega is ready to activate," came the voice of my assistant from my underground laboratory.

Portals (part 1 of 3)

 I stepped through the portal from my laboratory just in time to watch Earth's strongest hero plummet thirty-feet to the pavement in front of me. At least, I assumed the height as The Destroyer floated thirty-feet above me. Standing at the epicenter of a massive battle, the city looked like a war-zone with no building within two blocks still standing, and the ones just outside a ruin of their former selves. Vehicles of all sorts crushed and strewn about as if by a titan's tantrum. What remained of Earth's superheroes, and even some of its villains, lay as broken shells clinging to life through ragged breaths, if they breathed at all. Worst of all were the bodies, so many bodies, and the silence which death brings.

"Come to join your friends lying at my feet?" came The Destroyer's voice from above. Besides his usual all-black bodysuit emblazoned with a white skull within a red-and-yellow explosion on his chest, he'd added a few more accessories. No, not accessories - trophies. Around his wrist, he'd clasped one of Midas' golden armbands. On his head sat the No Throne King's crown. Tied to his belt was the robotic head of Mechanika Man, it's usually bright eyes now dark. Finally, tied around his neck and draped over his shoulders flapped the tattered cape of The Shield. Motioning to the scattered heroes around us as he drifted lower, he added, "I merely meant to break, maybe maim, though I can get carried away."

Ignoring my enemy for a moment, I knelt by my friend's side. Automatically, the scanners inside my helmet began analyzing the extent of his injuries. The Destroyer had broken over half the bones in The Shield's body, and even driven a chunk of metal into his chest. Through the pain, The Shield's eyes finally focused on me just as my visor lifted off my face. "Professor," he struggled, "Adam, we did ... our best to ... for you. Please. Whatever it takes."

"That's what I'm afraid of," I replied as his eyes closed. Lowering my visor, I stood to face The Destroyer. A quick scan showed, once again, him to be human, mostly, except for traces of elements and even DNA not found on this planet, not to mention the nearly invisible and completely unidentifiable aura radiating off of him. Even after all these years, I haven't been able to figure out where The Destroyer came from, how he got his powers, or, unfortunately, how to defeat him.

"So, it appears those mighty heroes decided to put all of their hopes into The Professor and his gadgets." He paused for a moment, looking over my unfamiliar white-and-gray suit. "Is that what you've been doing while I beat your friends to a pulp - trying on a new suit - because I have to say, I'm not a fan. Perhaps it'll look better after I add some of your blood to it."

I shook my head. "It's experimental, actually, the suit I wore when I first arrived to this planet, of course with a few upgrades. You might not know, but before I developed all of my gadgets, they called me 'The Traveler'."

Charging forward, The Destroyer shouted, "I don't care where you came from, you'll still fall like the rest before my feet."

"That's part of the reason," I said, pointing a finger above his head as my suit's thrusters shot me backwards. "The other reason is because I arrived through a portal like this one." Above The Destroyer's head, a green light ripped a hole in reality, and gallons upon gallons of water fell through, crushing him beneath its weight. Ten seconds of the weight of the ocean was enough to drop him to his knees. I shut down the portal and zoomed in to deliver a kick to his face. Even with the weight of the metallic suit and the thrusters' speed behind it, my foot barely moved his head. 

Growling, The Destroyer turned to face me. "Did you think that would do anything? You merely caught me off-guard with that water trick."

Hiding the pain of equivalently kicking a boulder with my barefoot, I jumped back and hovered a foot off the ground. "Well, if dropping a ton of water from the ocean's depths wasn't enough, how about a lava bath in one of Jupiter's moons," I said, pointing at the ground under him. Another hole opened and dropped the villain into a sea of magma waiting below along with a ton of water which sent a curtain of steam, obscuring his fall.

A few seconds later, with the haze as cover, The Destroyer flew back across the portal, and launched me into the sky with a fist. Despite my armor, he still managed to knock the wind from my lungs. I think I may have even blacked-out for a second. Luckily, my thrusters kicked in, slowing me before I could smash into any buildings. "Armor partially compromised," came an alert as I noticed the small crack in my chest.

With a smirk, the enemy tossed aside a few of his ruined trophies, including the now deformed robotic head and partially-melted crown. Besides that and a few holes in his suit, he appeared unharmed, spinning slowly just to make sure I noticed. "So, The Traveler is what they called you? Because you can open portals to anywhere in this galaxy." He put his finger to his chin, feigning some mental calculations. "Seven seconds, though. That's your weapon's weakness. It must take your portals that long to close or else you'd have trapped me on Io. And with my speed, seven seconds is just too long."

Dog Day

 

This is Candy. She's fifteen years old. She has brown fur with a white-tipped tail and a black mark on her tongue. We got her from The Humane Society, so, you know, she was relatively cheap compared to buying other dogs, and while that's not a breed, it is the only dog I can afford. No, I've got no idea what breed of dog she actually is.

Most of Candy's days start at about 5:00am, sometimes earlier, when she starts barking to let me know she needs to poop and eat. Just a constant, steady, three-round Bark, Bark, Bark until I can assure her I'm awake. Yes, I do manage to drag myself out of bed around that time, too, as she refuses to eat breakfast after 7:30am, maybe 7:45am at the latest. Her morning walk ranges from traveling to the end of the street or maybe around the corner and up the next street - however long it takes for her to drop her morning poop. The mornings I've woken up late for work and don't have the time to take her out, she's voiced her displeasure by refusing to eat until she does poop, once, right at my feet.

Most days while I'm out at work, Candy spends her days keeping to herself as there's no one around to keep an eye on her. This includes activities such as roaming around the house, sleeping on her blankets or in her grave, sorry, the pit she dug, and taunting the other dogs with her freedom while occasionally displaying her dominance by shitting in front of their kennel with her usual satisfied grin. 

On the days when I do find myself at home, either because it's the weekend or I've got a day-off from work, I'd be able to keep her in the cooler garage to hang-out, which just means she'd plop herself down to sleep while I'd either read or wrote pieces.

 

With as many as I bought, Candy never really cared about toys, getting bored of balls or frisbees pretty early in life. Unless it's food, she doesn't care.

 

On one of these days, once a month, would come the dreaded bath. Even at 15 years old, with arthritis in her joints, she still fights me at bath time. Whether it be refusing to get into the tub or trying to escape once in, she is always looking for an exit to avoid the inevitable. She can't even get in or out of the tub without assistance since she can't jump nor lift her legs high enough, but that still doesn't stop her from trying (and scrapping her face in the dirt when she trips).

When she was confined to the backyard, I'd come home, park my car, and open my car door to the sound of Candy's cries for freedom. Looking down the side of the house, I'd see her looking back at me, waiting for me to come back there with her leash for her afternoon walk. Once she was allowed to roam, however, I'm now greeted with a headbutt as she tries to push past to the street behind me once I open the gate.

Older, obviously, our walks go slower as she no longer tries to run from random spot to random spot only to stop suddenly to smell ... whatever it was she was smelling. Her first lap around the block usually goes at an even pace as she uses the time to refamiliarize herself with the neighborhood, sniffing and peeing at all the usual spots while I play either PokemonGo or Monster Hunter Now and (sort of) keep an eye on traffic (there aren't sidewalks). After a lap, it's time for a water break and, maybe, lying down on the pitching screen for a belly rub before heading back out.

 

 

The second lap (which, 90% of the time, is never a full lap) requires more attention on my part as this is when Candy is more likely to try to eat random objects off the ground, not all of it food, or edible. Thanks to her experience and old age, she no longer tries to fight me though when I want to take things from her mouth. No, instead she simply falls over, daring me to stoop down and pry her prize from her mouth while looking like an asshole who shoved my dog to anyone else watching.

Finally tired, Candy plops herself down on a mess of sheets and towels ... and passes out. Honestly, this didn't happen when she was confined to the backyard all day, so I guess doing laps around the house all day really tires her out. I like to think she uses that time to not only rest, but to allow me time to play with the other pups. She does announce when she wakes and is ready to eat - meaning playtime with the other dogs is finished - by, still from a lying position, barking. A constant, steady back which will last as long as it takes for me to collect any toys and exit the kennel, then assure her that her food is on its way.

Her food? Once she got a taste for the wet stuff, she never went back. Unfortunately, my wallet can't sustain her fancy palate, so she gets a mix of canned and dry food, which works best for my budget, her chewing issue (as in, she doesn't), and her poops which get too watery when she eats only canned food. Candy is however very particular about the process in which she eats. I'm not sure how it started, or why she wants it this way, but she never goes right for the food in her bowl. Instead, I have to lure her to it with the exact same food but served on a spoon. Yeah, exactly like feeding a baby by playing "Airplane." I've gotta entice her to eat the exact same food she eats everyday by tempting her to first lick it off a spoon before she says, "Yes, this is acceptable," and sticks her face into her bowl. After dinner, I'd leave her to lie down and rest, knowing I'll be called back later in the night.

Always at around 9:00pm, she'll start calling for attention. Typically, it's just to get me outside to watch her drink water, or sometimes to poop, before she lays back down as if she simply requires an audience. I don't know why she likes to have someone around when she poops, but her "drinking water" quirk is definitely my fault. Back when she was younger at one of her vet visits, the vet told us Candy was suffering from dehydration which is crazy since she always has water in her bowl. From then on, I was forcing her to drink water whenever she had the chance. In fact, one of the very few commands she learned (as I am, in fact, a shit trainer) was "Drink Water," to which she would lap up at least a couple tongues of water (or more if she was actually thirsty).

I put Candy to sleep on March 16th, 2024. Wow, umm, I wrote out all that other stuff about her day in one go, off-the-cuff, but that one line just stopped my pen as my eyes started to water. Umm, okay, so I put Candy to sleep on March 16th, 2024. She would've been 16 years old this month. Despite starting like any other, I think she might've known something was going on. For one, it was the only time I can remember she handled a bath without issue. No fighting, no fidgeting. I got her into the tub and she stood calmly for her bath. I let her walk around the rest of the day except when I kept her in the garage for a bit. There, she decided that since I was scratching her, she might as well lie down on my feet where she dozed for a bit. As cute as this sounds, I was crouched in a kinda uncomfortable position, and needed to pee, but ... I mean, you can't move when an animal falls asleep on you, right?

Then, it was time to go. Again, surprisingly, she didn't give me too much trouble when getting into my car. Usually it takes a couple of tries to get her into the passenger foot-well of my car, but this time she simply settled into the spot and waited for us to go. My sister and I got her to the vet on-time only for them to tell us they didn't have an appointment for Candy. Hearing that, part of me thought about throwing Candy back into the car and driving away, but we waited and they figured out the scheduling issue. Inside, after fitting Candy with a catheter for the drug administration, they let us spend some time with her to say goodbye before letting her go, which, of course, is never long enough. 

If you're curious, the "sleep process" involves three different injections to stop your pets heart. Pretty simple, right. Well, it was at this point that Candy decided to live up to me being her owner. As I said, it's a pretty simple process, but, if you know me, I can always find a way to make things harder than they should be, and Candy chose that moment to keep the tradition going. So, Candy got the first injection, and, instead of circulating through her system, it just stopped and bubbled in her leg. "Huh, she doesn't appear to be getting sleepy," I thought as the vet had this look that said, "Huh, that's not supposed to happen." The vet needed to bring in another person to help take Candy out of the room and get the issue resolved.

Finally, the vet brought her back into the room, gave her the final two injections, and then Candy was gone. The vet let us stay in the room to sit with Candy for as long as we needed. It felt comforting to hold her head in my hands the same way she would sometimes fall asleep in them, and to say, for one final time, "Okay, you be good," as I walked away.

 

Patron of Structure

I sat patiently, hands clasped in front of me, as the developer's representative and his assistant spoke amongst themselves. Between us, on the large table, lay my designs for the city's new hospital.

"Honestly, I'm not trying to challenge your genius, Mr. Weaver. We're all truly happy not only to have a building designed with your brilliance, but also for you to take time to come all the way here to present it to us. I'm simply hoping you might explain the reason for the seven, umm, eagles jutting out at these corners?" said Mr. Miller as he pointed to the tower schematics.

"Griffins," I said, then, seeing the look of confusion, added, "they're griffins, not eagles. You can tell from the lion paws."

"Right, griffins. Well, the investors are wondering if they're necessary to the overall architecture and aesthetic. Based on our calculations, removing them from the plans completely would save us several thousand dollars in time, material, and artistic consultation and design." Next to him, Ms. Bell silently pulled a sheet of paper from a folder - an estimated budget report.

I immediately slid the paper off to the side without even looking at it. "Well, first, you can eliminate the costs of any additional consultants you think you might need. You'll find I've already included the exact specifications for each individual griffin."

Keeping my eyes on Mr. Miller, I pulled a worn, hardbound book from my bag, several pages marked with post-it notes of various colors. "As for their importance, well, I was hoping you and your company, your investors, and the city would already know the answer to that. We are building this city a new hospital, after all, and what better way to connect it to the city's history than through the Griffin family. Seven generations they committed to ensuring the well-being of the city's citizens, responding to plagues, outbreaks, food contamination, poisonings, riots, drug overdoses, and the like." Turning to a marked page after every disaster, I then slammed the book shut. "So, imagine my surprise to see a lack of memorials dedicated to their family's service."

I could see Mr. Miller nodding along as I read off the Griffin family's achievements, the smile on his face growing as he realized how he could not only sell this vast idea to his investors but also the general public (connecting with one's roots was very popular right now), but I still needed to be certain he used these exact plans. Keeping my eyes locked on Mr. Miller's, I called to Him. "Zonoraphesteus," I said in my thoughts, and instantly I felt a firm hand grasp my shoulder, present yet invisible.

To anyone else, Mr. Miller's eyes were still locked on my own, though I could see them drift ever so subtly as if also looking at someone or something just behind me. "Yes, you're absolutely right, Mr. Weaver. We should be more connected with the city's past and what better way than through the Griffin family, pioneers in the medical field."

"Um, Mr. Miller," said Ms. Bell with a rising venom in her voice, "Are you sure you don't want to discuss this further. Our investors, not to mention the tax payers, might not be too happy with agreeing to Mr. Weaver's every demand. Perhaps just one or two of these... griffins would suffice instead?"

"No, no, no Ms. Bell, we're going to go with Mr. Weaver's designs exactly as drawn," he said, dismissing her words and packing his papers. Ms. Bell followed suit, still staring angrily at me. "Thank you again for your time, Mr. Weaver, and for reviewing your designs with us, personally." As he shook my hand, he leaned in and whispered, "So, just between you and I, how do you come up with these designs? I've seen pictures of the plans and designs you've submitted to other cities, and they're fabulous. But this one, and to include the griffins, and all on such short notice, it's all just too brilliant."

"Well, to be honest," I replied in an equally conspiratorial tone, "it just comes to me in my dreams." We stared at each other for a bit before both letting out a chuckle.

"Very funny, Mr. Weaver. Thank you again for your time." Mr. Miller again shook my hand and the left the room, followed by Ms. Bell who paused a few seconds to give me one last glare.

Both of them out of the meeting room, I collapsed back into the chair. "Okay. Looks like we got them onboard with Your design," I said to a seemingly empty room.

"Very good. I'm once again happy to say you've fulfilled your part of our bargain," said a silent yet booming voice I still wasn't certain I was hearing with my ears on in my mind. Across from me in the seat Mr. Miller vacated formed a shadowy figure in the shape of a human being. "Though you did call upon My power, so perhaps I should be thanking myself," said Zonoraphesteus.

I leaned back in my chair, hoping to appear relaxed. "You said to ensure they built it exact. I assumed it best to pull on some of the power lent to me to get the job done."

The shadow appeared to lean forward, fingers steepled. "Yes, an acceptable strategy," He said, then nodding to the book, added, "What was your plan if either of them had asked for a closer look at your empty prop?"

I watched the book detailing the Griffin family's history vanish back to the nothingness I'd conjured it from. "Well, I guess I would've tried really hard to fill it with words," I said with a smile.

"You won't be able to talk your way out of every problem, my acolyte. You'll need to get dirt on your hands one day." Zonoraphesteus shadowy form leaned back in his chair. "Perhaps another deal, and I could grant you such power?"

I shuddered at the thought, shaking my head. "Thank you for the offer, but I'll pass. I'm truly thankful for the visions You send to create these beautiful plans. I know You're only using them to keep Your rivals, gods or what not, from entering this world You want so much, but I'm only in it for the money it brings in. So, I think we should stick with our current pact."

I felt His gaze upon me for a moment before shrugging his shoulders and vanishing, leaving me alone in a, hopefully, empty room.

"So, who are you working for really?" came a familiar voice from behind me as I exited the building. Turning, I found Ms. Bell with her glare still in her eyes.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm just a freelance architect, as you know, Ms. Bell. Your company reached out to me for a design." It was her tone, though, more than her eyes, that prompted me to continue cautiously walking away.

"No, no, no. Both you and I know the Griffin family never existed, at least not as the people of this city may remember. People they were not, but actual, majestic beasts from mythology. The seven of them driving my Patron from these lands millennia ago and back to his realm where he still waits. I've worked too hard this last decade to rid this city of its griffin iconography and allow The Nerparchter a foothold back into this world." Above her toxic gaze, another set of glowing red eyes opened, then narrowed. A sickening miasma radiated off of her, so strong I could've sworn it was visible. Most terrifying, though, were the large daggers which formed in her hands - gold ceremonial handles and green, crystal-like blades glinting in the streetlights. "That same silver tongue you used to persuade Mr. Miller won't stop your death."

"Oh shit," I said, my attempt to slink away turning into a full sprint down the street. "Zonoraphesteus, I may need some of that combat power You're always talking about. You wouldn't want to lose Your acolyte, would You?" I turned down the next street, cutting between car sitting in rush-hour traffic before turning down a narrow alley.

An amused laugh filled my mind and sent a cold shiver down my spine. "Hmm, did you not already decline My previous offer just a moment earlier? No, I think I shall allow you this opportunity to prove yourself. While you have been surprisingly successful, you are still but one of My many tools operating in this realm, a tool which appears may need to be honed."

Frustrated. Angry. Scared. Abandoned. I continued sprinting, turning blindly down random streets and alleys hoping to escape. "You piece of -" Unfortunately, most human beings (including myself) will be stopped in its tracks by a brick wall smashing their face. Luckily, for me though, a brick wall stopped me in my tracks, and from finishing outburst.

A minute later, Ms. Bell turned the corner with murder in her eyes ... and the tools to get it done in her hands. Thirty feet behind me stood a solid, imposing brick wall preventing further retreat. I raised my empty hands. "I'll give you one chance to renounce your patron and leave this city. Your patron may eventually catch-up with you, but at least if you take my offer, you'll survive the night."

A predator stalking her prey, she came at me slowly, deliberately, watching me for any motion I may make to escape. Twenty feet away, she stopped. A wind cut through, shaking loose bricks and spilling dust onto the two of us. "I'll be rewarded handsomely for not only taking your life but furthering The Nerparchter's plans for this city,"  said Ms. Bell, her daggers radiating an eerie, sickening glow. Seeing the motes of dust and dirt sprinkle around us, she took a quick glance at the building we were standing within. "So, an acolyte of Zonoraphesteus, a being of structure and law, decides to make his last stand in this decrepit, run-down building. How fitting, almost poetic."

Lowering my hands, I shook my head and smiled. "You've been here for a decade at least yet know so little about this city. Abandoned, yes, but there are no dilapidated buildings on this block. In fact, we're standing at the very spot they're going to build my hospital."

Her hands lowered slightly as her eyes again scanned the building. "Impossible. The Knight Building isn't missing any walls. How can we be inside without entering through a door?"

My smile grew wider. "I'm an acolyte of Zonoraphesteus, a god of structure. I simply 'persuaded' the walls to open for us." Raising my hand, I added, "Speaking of which, thank you for your assistance. You may return to your form once again."

Above Ms. Bell, loose bricks rumbled before dropping like a theater curtain on the closing act, crushing her beneath its weight.

"Hmm, very clever, My acolyte." I heard the voice of Zonoraphesteus in my head. "Perhaps you are worthy of more power. Continue with your project and service, and it shall be granted."

Based on the Reddit Writing Prompt "You receive visions of grand building designs. After the completion of your latest one, your Patron reveal itself." My first idea for this story was simply the first conversation between the architect and the Patron, showing the architect learning about his new role or something like that. I'd gotten started, maybe a third of the way through before abandoning it as it got boring to write. Deciding to do a bit more with the idea, I had the architect already knowing he was doing the Patron's bidding, and then put an antagonist seeking to stop him. One of the issues, of course, was how to insert all of the backstory/ context to understand the deal into this short piece (or it was supposed to be short), especially with Reddit's comment character limit (Note: I went over it by a lot, couldn't edit it down to fit a single comment box, then just gave up and posted it in three comments). So, obviously, I'm once again (for the whatever time this is) trying to get back into writing again (preferably on a more consistent basis), so let's see how this goes. Also, if you found this, wow, you are dedicated ... or just really bored, because I didn't share this one. Honestly, not my best work, and thus not worth being shared. I just wanted to get something done, and really, that's one of the parts of writing I struggle with (and I think others do too) - knowing when to stop and finish. Everything can be edited, tweaked, worked on just a bit more (just ask my suicide note), so it's really important to know when to just stop (usually through setting a deadline). As for this particular story, as I mentioned, I'm not really happy with it, but I did like the idea. A while back, I had an idea for an urban fantasy story involving a wizard who couldn't use magic in the traditional way, so maybe this character could be added to that story.

Books of 2024: Quarter 2 (comics)

 

 Okay, so that last one ran long, so now here's the comics

Kill Your Darlings #5 - 8  by Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan

 

 The reason for the witch's assault on Rose and her fantasy world is revealed, their pasts' entwined thanks to an accident committed by Rose's mother. Rose, Elliott, and a fraction of Rosewood's subjects escape before the witch Eleanor transforms them and their land into horrors. Years pass as Rose attempts to master her magic and abilities while she and Elliott kindle a romance. Finally, Rose and Eleanor confront each other in a final battle for control over this fantastical realm and its inhabitants. In victory, Rose spares Eleanor's life, recognizing she too is also a victim of the trauma dealt to her. Despite learning all she could from the witch's tome, Rose is unable to reshape the land back to what it once was. Her attempt, however, opens a doorway back to reality, thus merging the two worlds instead. Though she leaves the world of the fantastical, Rose continues to help others battle the monsters that haunt them.

The conclusion of this great series, one of the best of the year! (note: now that I'm kinda in the community, I've been hearing folks say that indie comics are the best they've ever been, so that makes sense). First off, I know I don't talk about art too much, but I loved it - the pretty art combined with the horror/revenge theme of the story. It also took me a while to notice (and makes me glad I continued to by these in single issues rather than a collected trade paperback), but each issue has a wraparound cover, which you don't always get despite being really cool.

The backstory and connections between Rose's family and Eleanor the witch is revealed and ... that just felt kinda "meh" for me. I was expecting the evil to simply be a monster born from the same world that Rose's fantasy land exists in, but this explanation makes more sense based on the title of the story, and also with the conclusion as well. These last four issues have had great callbacks, including Rosewood's treasure, The Hidden Flame, and even Rose's sword, Francine. I loved the pacing of the story, not dragging on for too long as some stories might, and even providing just a quick single issue for backstory instead of dragging that out too. I enjoyed Rose's journey from just a happy child to abandoned teen to a strong and confident woman in her final battle where she makes the tough choice. The clashing juxtaposition of cute/cuddly fantasy characters with the horror that could have very well been Rose's fantasy world was great and kept me hooked early on in the series, and was given an even deeper meaning once Rose's family history was revealed.

Avengers Twilight #1 - 6 (complete) by  Chip Zdarsky

Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, has joined with an underground Defenders movement to free America from its totalitarian government. Joining him are a rescued Tony Stark, a brand-new Hawkeye, a re-summoned Thor, and an out-of-hiding Ms. Marvel. They've discovered the new Avengers protecting America are merely projections, a fabrication created by The Red Skull to bring America under his control. Encased in armor with James Stark (Tony's son) at his side, he's launched an attack on the US government. The Defenders set out to protect the country and stop The Red Skull's plan, confronting the Nazi's ultimate weapon (and the reason for H-Day itself) - a collared and controlled Hulk.

As I mentioned after reading issues #1 - 4, I was really interested in the premise though having the combined villainy of The Red Skull and Ultron be the driving force behind the totalitarian government Captain America is fighting against feels like a kind of a let-down. I was really hoping this series would see Captain America fighting against an America he no longer recognized, making it a discussion about America itself. The ending itself was superb, especially with the death of Bruce Banner/The Hulk, a mercy-killing freeing him finally from his curse. I also felt proud seeing James Stark attempting to rebuild after his error in judgment siding the a masked Red Skull in his attempt to takeover America. Overall, this felt like a good series, kind of reminiscent of DC's The Dark Knight Returns series featuring an older Bruce Wayne once again taking on the mantle of Batman - an older man outside his prime looking to restore order to a world that had left him behind.

Marvel GODS #4 - 8 (complete) by Jonathan Hickman

Continuing along with tale of the supernatural and the Powers above, ie Gods, the following issues involve individual stories, each connected with Wyn's journey. Dimitri, on a quest go find his parents who disappeared into another reality, gets caught-up with another supernatural group before disappearing himself. Aiko, on a quest to right a wrong, deals with several gods of many tiers before getting caught in a trap herself. Wyn, having humiliated one of these gods, losses a piece of his life before bearing witness (a hundred years later) to the end of a war between gods (and the destruction of an entire pantheon). Having witnessed all that he has in service to The Powers That Be, Wyn journeys through time, evaluating his life, only to arrive at his wedding day to witness his own marriage to the love of his life - a love he would eventually give up because of his duties. For being a loyal Avatar, The Powers That Be offer him a choice - to continue serving as he has, or make a change with could have ramifications throughout the Marvel universe.

As confused as I was through the first couple of issues, I think I started to get the hang of it through these last few issues. Perhaps it was because these issues were more of one-shot stories and were a little easier to follow than before, although they did feed into the overarching storyline. As I also mentioned, I'm always a sucker for stories of the supernatural, higher beings, and of course those "names"/"titles". I really loved the issue focusing on Aiko attempting to fix her mistake by making deals with gods only to be screwed over at the end - it was really cool to see her quest amongst higher beings. Also, (hopefully), as a very, very new comic collector, I'm really hoping that there is some sort of continuation with these characters only because we see the first appearance of The Powers That Be in GODS #8, making it sort of a Key Issue as long as the character gets popular enough for other collectors to care. Since I was just talking about is, I've heard some rumors that Wyn's ultimate decision might actually affect the rest of the Marvel Universe, so I'm just going to keep the results in mind as I keep on reading comics.

The Bloody Dozen: A Tale of the Shrouded College #1 - 6 (complete) by Charles Soule

 Finishing up this arc of "The Shrouded College" universe, the Hill family has repelled their attackers only to find themselves confronted by the vampires they were sent to retrieve. Despite George Hill's attempt to kill the vampires and return his family to safety, he is betrayed by Glory, his own granddaughter and the newest addition to the vampire clan. The remaining survivors are sent to the dark side of the moon to wait for the time when The Shrouded College calls upon them to act.

The second series from "The Shrouded College" universe, a story about family and addiction, the story ultimately serves to further establish new characters, new rivals, and the reach of The Shrouded College. Other than that, it falls flat on its conclusion as I hoped it might do more to either connect to the first series, "Hell to Pay," or set-up an upcoming third arc. I've definitely seen this type of problem with other "sequels" and "Volume 2" stories that leave too much out of their ending knowing they've got another story on the way. However, since these stories aren't connected in a traditional sense (by main character, usually), I'd hoped for a more defined ending rather than one that simply puts its characters in a "holding area" until needed. That all said, I mean, I still love this idea and I'm still going to pick-up the next story arc, though maybe I should wait for the trade paperback release.

Quick Stops Volume 2, issues #1 - 4 (complete) by Kevin Smith

It's the 35th anniversary of the creation of Mooby, the cartoon cow which has spawned books, a fast-food franchise, and even an entire theme park. For the anniversary, Kayla interviews Mooby's creator, Mrs. Nancy Goldruff about the mysterious origin of Mooby's creation. What follows is a tale of debauchery involving drugs, lust, deceit, greed, and, ultimately, murder - a tale which Mrs. Goldruff has kept secret for 35 years, and still plans to through a ritual Satanic sacrifice. Will the truth be told to the world, or will Mrs. Goldruff keep her dark secret secure for a little longer?

Coming back with another story from his Askewneverse, Kevin Smith presents the creation story of Mooby, the cartoon cow featured as the fast-food mascot of Mooby's in "Clerks 2" and the golden cow in "Dogma." Unlike the first volume of short-stories presented in "Quick Stops Volume 1," "Volume 2" gives a longer, connected story across its four issues. I liked that the entire volume was connected to present a longer story, especially for a "character" that has appeared in multiple movies. I was a little scared that because they are all connected and I didn't want to put such a short run on my pull-list, I might not get the full set and miss out on the story. The last volume was a set of unconnected short stories, so if I missed an issue, I wouldn't be missing part of the story. And, I think only one of the shops I frequent even carried it.

As for the story itself, I was kinda disappointed with it. The story itself was enjoyably shocking through the first two issues, but it started to feel played out after that. If, perhaps, most of the story was contained in the first two, two-and-a-half issues of the story, I think they could've adjusted the last two issues to make it better. Like the last volume, I hoped to see more of the Askewneverse characters make cameo appearances. Because of the Satanic sacrifice at the end, I was really hoping to get maybe an appearance by God or the Metatron, played respectively by Alanis Morissette and Alan Rickman in "Dogma," so that feels like a missed opportunity.

Washed in the Blood #1 - 3 (complete) by Kevin Roditeli and Rob Cannon

Imagine you are called upon to become the messiah of the worst god to ever exist. That's exactly what happens to young Kralex when Cold, the god of guns, calls upon him after the ritual suicide conducted by the rest of the cult leaves him as the sole survivor. With Colt insulting him, urging him to kill, Kralex will take all of the accumulated weapons to look for help. What he finds will eventually drive Colt from his head and leave him in peace.

Note: So, I finished this awhile back and forgot to do a write-up about it, and it was particularly weird and I fell behind in writing (as usual), and I don't feel like going back to getting everything correct. With that said, here we go. As I mentioned, I'm not exactly sure how accurate all of this is (but who really cares as no one is reading this anyway, at the very least not this story). It was a really weird three issues. I liked the art, which definitely added to the story, and I liked the premise when I read it, but as I read the execution of it, well, that's where the story lost me. If I remember correctly, the whole thing starts with a group of gods trying to resurrect themselves into existence (or something like that) by getting people to worship them or their ideas. Colt (as he is later called) is a real asshole, insulting Kralex almost every chance he gets which seems counter to the idea of resurrecting himself through worship. Sorry, it was just so strange. It does mention early on that this is a parody, I think, of gun culture in America, and I'm hoping I understood it but maybe not. This is one that I really should've waited for the trade paperback version instead of buying individual issues as it's easier to off-load.

Ultimate Spider-Man #4 - 6 by Jonathan Hickman

 Focusing more on the relationship between Peter Parker and Harry Osborn, the two discuss their current fight against crime, including how they got into the crime-fighting scene. More is revealed about how and why Osborn chose to take-up the Green Goblin mantle. Finally, the two attempt to take on an enhanced Kingpin only to retreat. Plus, Parker does the unimaginable - revealing his secret identity to the rest of his family.

If there's a comic series you should be reading right fucking now, it is this one! Look, Spider-man is such a popular character, everyone should at least be a little familiar with the character, and the new Ultimate Universe is its own universe not connected to the main universe so you don't actually need to know a lot about the Marvel comic in general. It's such a good story. In these issues, we spend a lot more time focusing on Parker and Osborn's relationship as they go on a dinner date with their respective partners, Mary Jane and (holy shit!) Gwen Stacey. Harry reveals how his company was forced into The Kingpin's (and thus, The Maker's) orbit, and how he got his hands on the Stark/Stane Technology he uses. Finally, in (I think), one of the only fights in these three issues, we see the two team-up to take on The Kingpin - and lose. Of course, it couldn't be that easy, and it does help to set-up some new villains to be introduced. But, when was the last time you read a superhero comic and had to wait a couple of issues between battles while still be hooked on to the story? And, of course, seeing Parker no longer keeping his identity secret from his family - it's such a huge shock compared to his other, primary Marvel universe counterpart (is it 616 that's the main one?). The story for this series has been great so far, and Marvel made the smart choice choosing to start its new Ultimate universe with such a popular character with so much potential. And, yes, I'm still buying variant copies which look cool but will never pay-off in the future.

 

Ultimate Black Panther #1 - 5 by Brian Edward Hill

With The Maker now trapped in his City, his lieutenants are starting to branch out to maintain their hold on the world. In the African region, Ra and Khonshu have moved to secure the region, killing everyone in their path. In Wakanda, T'Challa, his queen, Okoye, and his sister, Shuri, debate how to handle this new threat while still protecting Wakanda's secrecy. Outside the kingdom, Killmonger and Wind-Rider fight back against The Maker's minions. After an attack on his people, The Black Panther sets out alone to not only conduct reconnaissance but also fight back against this threat. Meeting with the vigilantes/freedom fighters, T'Challa will discover a new element (the antithesis to the Vibranium so precious to his kingdom) and the true reason for Khonshu and Ra's conquest.

The second series in Marvel's new Ultimate storyline Ultimate Black Panther picks-up in the African region and focuses not only on Black Panther T'Challa but also the pain Khonshu and Ra who have joined The Maker's council. So, first off, I've never been a big Marvel comic book reader as I've mentioned before. That said, I was surprised Marvel went with Black Panther as their next hero for this new Ultimate universe as I didn't think Black Panther was as popular as many other characters they could've gone with. Following the success of "The Black Panther" movie and to give a story set someplace outside of the Americas where Ultimate Spider-man is set, I understand why you'd choose the character. Of course, like other Ultimate Universe stories, it is interesting to see the tweaks in these characters thanks to The Maker's influence. Luckily, besides The Black Panther movies, and The Moon Knight Disney+ show, and the X-men movies, I really don't know a lot about the characters established here. T'Challa wrestling with his responsibilities as a king and a warrior definitely gives the story a different feel than Ultimate Spider-man and Ultimate X-Men in case you might think Marvel is simply re-skinning the same stories. Honestly, I almost didn't pick this one up, not because I didn't want to, but because issue one was completely sold out when I got to both the stores I frequent. Luckily, I found a second print to get me started and then I got it on my reserve list after that.

Ultimate X-Men #1 - 4 by Peach Momoko

Starting highschool is stressful enough for loner Hisako Ichiki, but when a shadowy figure begins stalking her, things only get worse. Blaming her for the death of her friend Tsubasa, the ghost attacks her, forcing Hisako's mutant abilities to reveal itself to protect her. Fellow classmate, Mai Igarashi not only witnesses Hisako's transformation, but also reveals powers of her own, and the two become friends as the ghost continues to haunt Hisako. A horror story set in Marvel's new Ultimate Universe, what new powers and abilities will be revealed, and will Hisako perhaps put together her own team to fight back against this mysterious figure?

So, I was definitely interested in this series not only because it is a part of Marvel's new Ultimate universe, but also because it is helmed by Peach Momoko who does both the writing and artwork. I don't know much about her story work, but I'm really fascinated by these water-color style drawings. I've picked-up several comics simply because she did the cover art for them, including one issue of I Hate Fairyland. Like the other two Ultimate series, the story is set in a world changed by The Maker's influence. Unlike the other series though, the focus is not on superheroes but rather feels more like a Japanese Horror manga with a shadowy, unknown force haunting Hisako (and, perhaps soon, her other mutant classmates). Side note: Shadow King from Legion? It's an interesting read so far as Hisako and her classmates explore their powers (without the traditional X-men to look after them) while a ghostly presence lurks. Also, check out these variant covers

Just because I think it should be addressed, I have heard chatter that the series is facing some backlash amongst X-men fans as the series doesn't depict the traditional superhero story nor the classic X-men characters. To that, I don't think it should. First, The Maker would've found a way to neutralize Cyclops, Jean Grey, and your traditional X-men team from the start, because, well, because he would. Secondly, if you developed powers no one understood, it should feel like a body-horror story probably closer to FOX's poorly-received "The New Mutants" movie which had more of a horror-theme. Besides, if you want superheroes, jump into Ultimate Spider-Man or just wait for The Ultimates to be released (it's coming).

The Spectacular Spider-Men #1 - 4 by Greg Weisman

Keeping their identities secret and battling super-villains. Not a lot of people can relate to the trials and tribulations of superheroes. Luckily, Peter Parker and Miles Morales have each other to not only help save the day as Spider-Men, but also to hang out with as just friends with a unique bond. While the two simply want to hang-out as Parker and Morales once a week at a coffee shop, of course, life isn't always so simple for your friendly, neighborhood Spider-Men. When the two discover their fellow shop patrons not only acting strangely but also disappearing, the two will need to set-off together to solve this mystery.

I wasn't sure about picking-up this book, but I saw the shiny, foil variant cover sitting on the shelf, and just decided to see what it was about. It's a pretty fun read so far. I love seeing Parker and Morales play off of each other, not only in their tactics but their dialogue (just the bit about trying to figure out what to call each other was hilarious). As mentioned, the two end-up investigating the disappearance of fellow regulars at the coffee shop they frequent, and of course, get pulled into the trap: an illusion giving you whatever you desire most. That said, what I didn't expect was Parker's fantasy to be a life with Gwen Stacey, his first love interest killed off by the Green Goblin as I always expected his true love to be Mary-Jane Watson (perhaps because that's the one I'm just most use to seeing). The series is good so far, and as much as I was hesitant to pick it up, I'm glad I did.

Ghost Rider: Final Vengeance #1 - 4 by Benjamin Percy

 Having left the body of Johnny Blaze, the Spirit of Vengeance looks to take a new host, one more willing to utilize ALL of its powers unlike its former master. Thanks to a mystical ritual, the Spirit is called to Parker Robbins, aka The Hood. With his new powers, Robbins sets his sights upon the criminal underworld of Chicago, not to clean it up, but to claim it for himself. Can Blaze get back on his feet in time to regain his power and put a stop to Robbins' plan?

The One Hand #1 - 3 by Ram V and The Six Fingers #1 - 3 by  Dan Watters

Detective Ari Nassar is about to retire from the Neo Novena Police Department after a prestigious career which includes arresting The One-Hand Killer - twice. Gruesome murders famous for their severed body parts and unsolved, blood-painted ciphers always signed with a bloody handprint, Nassor managed to catch both killers whose motives remain unknown to this day. Unfortunately for Nassor, just as he is about to walk out the door for the last time, he catches wind of another murder committed in similar fashion - the killer had yet again returned. Back on the hunt, how many will die before Nassor once again catches this mysterious killer? And what other secrets will Nassor discover about Neo Novena before he is through?

Archeology student Johannas Vale is very much in control of his life. That control begins to unravel though after he commits a brutal murder using the M.O. of Neo Novena's most notorious serial killer, The One-Hand Killer. Having no memory of how he did it, Vale will set himself on a path to discover what buried impulses might drive a man to commit such an act - and if they may be urged upon the citizens by the city itself. At least, as long as he can stay a step ahead of the detective who caught the last two killers.

This was such a cool read so far The One Hand series following Detective Nassor as he tries to catch a new killer while in The Six Fingers series, Johannas Vale attempts to figure out why he is subconsciously committing these brutal acts while trying to not be caught. It's a cat-and-mouse game between two different, connected series. Besides the chase, both protagonists also find something possibly more sinister hiding within Neo Novena's foundations itself, as if the city may be more than it appears. The issues were also being released one week after another so the reader would see Detective Nassor gather clues in The One Hand, and the following week witness Vale on the run in The Six Fingers. It was really cool and an interesting way to tell stories using the comic-book medium. If you're a fan of murder-mysteries and don't mind violence and mutilation (body parts are severed and sculpted into artistic works) then I definitely recommend picking-up this series. Unfortunately, comics are expensive and it's harder to resell "floppies," so I opted to stop after these six issues to instead pick-up the collected edition whenever it is released (at least bookstores are more willing to buy collected versions for cash or preferably store credit).

 

Batman and Robin #8 - 10 by Joshua Williamson

 The ending to the Man-Bat arc! With Flatline in town, she and Robin team-up to stop her sister from selling an array of arms seized from various Gotham supervillains. Meanwhile, Batman and Shush team-up to stop Man-Bat from spreading a virus throughout Gotham. Damian discovers his former mentor as in fact infiltrated the high-school and is set on teaching him a lesson. Batman and Robin manage to not only stop Man-Bat's plan, but also safely trap the bats he was using to spread the virus. Their mission solved, the two enjoy a meal together as father and son, only to be interrupted by someone believed dead.

I'm really liking this series, especially the Bruce and Damian Wayne relationship - enough so, in fact, that I may actually go out to find more of the earlier issues such as the introduction of Damian Wayne/Robin. Of course, Batman and Robin take down Man-Bat and foil his plans, but what I was really surprised by was the reintroduction of Flatline. She was interesting to see in the "Lazarus Planet" event now being haunted by Ra's Al Ghul, and now reintroduced as a possible love interest for Damien, a boy not quite in touch with his feelings or understanding social norms. As I mentioned when I first started reading, what I really hoped to see were instances of how these heroes live their normal, everyday lives (what makes them people), included with the crime-fighting, and I'm happy to say we're still getting that. Issue 10 puts an end to the Man-Bat story arc and sets up a new villain - finding Bane on Dinosaur Island (who apparently killed Alfred? I should look into that).

The Outsiders #6 - 8 by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly

The Outsiders true mission is revealed and the team sets out to discover what exactly is "reality". Instead, they discover a place where characters go to ... not die, but simply exist after they are erased. Not finding the people she lost, The Drummer finally reveals her true identity as Jakita Wagner of Planetary, an organization of archeologists dedicated to uncovering the world's secrets.. Oh, and she's also from another reality. Fed up, Kate Kane leaves The Outsiders only to be caught up in a curse which only her old team can solve - a cursed gun left behind by Jonah Hex.

Continuing with a much more meta romp through the comic universe, The Outsiders explore not only the place where characters go when they've been passed over by the comic book industry and even go through different versions of the DC universe caused by real-world mergers as well as crisis-storyline events - referencing real-world markets and popularity of characters. If you like these types of meta stories but without the Deadpool/She-Hulk 4th wall breaking shenanigans, then take a look at this one. Also, included is the return of the newest Century Baby, Jenny Crisis, so I'm curious to see if she might play a bigger part in DC's overarching plan for its comics (she's the embodiment of the century, after all). I'm really liking this new kind of superhero/archeology story as the team looks into the secrets of the DC universe, perhaps even looking for a way to stop another crisis event.

Deadpool #1 - 3 by Cody Ziglar

Deadpool is going back to what he knows best - killing a lot of people for money. Lost and heartbroken, he decides to open his very own mercenary-for-hire business, pulling in The Taskmaster to his team along with his own symbiote-dog, Princess. Their first job, however, is interrupted by "The Touch," a cult obsessed with death, and their leader, Death Grip, who has set his sights on finally killing the unkillable mercenary. While Wade goes off to deal with Death Grip, he'll entrust his daughter's safety (and training) to Taskmaster.

Obviously, I picked this up because of the movie hype, but also because I've never read a Deadpool comic. The first issue definitely satisfied what I was looking for - violence and blood, fourth-wall breaks, and jokes (I was not expecting the "Chainsaw Man" reference in the first issue).

After all that though, the next book kinda fell flat. I mean, how do you keep the stakes high when you can't be killed? If they had introduced the Muramasa Blade and its fusion with Death Grip a little earlier (maybe cut out the whole "starting a mercenary business" plot), I think it would've maintained my interest more. Honestly, halfway through the third issue, I thought I might stop reading as the story wasn't quite maintaining my interest. However, after seeing The Taskmaster taking on Deadpool's daughter as his protege and rumors that she might become the new Deadpool (if Marvel does kill his character), well, now I'm a little curious to see how the rest of the story goes. That said, there's no way Marvel is killing off such a huge character, ie moneymaker, so who knows what they'll do at the end of this story.

John Constantine Hellblazer: Dead in America #4 - 6 by Simon Spurrier

Continuing his group's trek across America on his way to find Dream's missing sand, they arrive in a town to assist in Swamp Thing's resurrection. With the land barren however, they'll need to uncover the town's hidden secret to not only begin its healing but also to bring Swamp Thing back. They'll continue to meet with others along the road procuring more tales/stories from people in America. Eventually, the trio hunting Constantine makes themselves known to him when they attempt to stop his journey.

Still on his journey but with a new objective, John Constantine and company continue their trek across America. Honestly, in regards to the plot, I don't really care about that part anymore. What I really like about this series so far has been Constantine's journey and his critique on America has he travels its roads and meets its people. It could also be the time between the issue release dates (and the amount of comics I'm reading) that I'm forgetting what exactly happened. He'll meet with people trying to hide a secret held by an entire town just to keep up the appearance. He'll meet with myths and legends, both native to the land but also those considered "invasive" by the false narratives which have taken hold in its people.

Actually, overall, my draw to this series has been those one-off adventures, the unique and interesting individuals Constantine meets which make the story feel alive and new. Each of them, in their own way, could be viewed as a snapshot of America - who are its people, what is its history, etc. I've got no plans to stop collecting the individual issues, though, if I had another chance, I think it would've made a better read as a trade paperback as reading the story over a few days might make for a better read than what I'm doing now.

Carnage #6 - 8 (complete) by Toruun Gronbeck and Venom #32 by Al Ewing

Having (possibly) eliminated his former host, Carnage spring his trap on Flash Thompson and the Anti-Venom symbiote to take them both off of the board. To attain godhood though, Carnage will have to kill a god. With the King in Black, Eddie Brock in hiding, Carnage will need something to lure him out into the open. Luckily, he's found the perfect bait - Eddie's son and the current Venom host, Dylan Brock! But, with a war coming, Carnage will need weapons, one perfectly suited to his goals.

Concluding this latest arc and helping lead into The Venom War event, Carnage has put his nemesis, Flash Thompson and Anti-Venom on the ropes, as well as collected an assortment of followers. Umm, honestly, I think I jumped into this series too quickly without knowing not only the current history of the Carnage symbiote (I'm still confused by its split with Cletus Kasady) but also Venom and the King in Black event (which I heard was pretty good), because I've realized that as much as I love the Carnage character, I don't really care about this current iteration. I loved the "Maximum Carnage" event as Spider-Man attempted to find a non-lethal approach to stopping a villain who is beyond redemption. Maybe it is that I just don't like this godhood-obsessed Carnage vs the serial-killer I remember him being. I think for now I'm going to stop at this point and maybe I'll pick it up later. Note: I'm still looking to score an "Amazing Spider-man #361 - the first appearance of Carnage (plus, have you seen that cover!).

The Displaced #1 - 3 by Ed Brisson

When a sinkhole devours an entire town, the survivors are left to pick-up the pieces of their lives. They are left further distraught when the sinkhole hot only disappears, but everyone outside the town appears to have forgotten entirely about the town and the people who once lived there. As the survivors try to simply stay alive in a world that has forgotten about them, they also learn they must stick close-by each other lest they risk simply vanishing from existence as well. Will the survivors find a way to make the world remember them again? And, is there a chance the people who were lost to the sinkhole are still alive?

This was such an interesting concept, I had to pick it up despite trying to cut down on how many comics I was buying weekly (this is getting out of hand). So far, the first three issues have been full of science-fiction greatness. The idea of the world simply forgetting about a group of people who could vanish at anytime if left alone. That all said, I think I'm going to stop collecting these as individual issues and instead buy the collected trade paperback when it is eventually released. It's not that I don't enjoy the story thus far, but I read a way to save some money is by going the trade paperback route, which I can buy easier used and also sell easier than individual issues.