Fangoria #349 March

Here's a list of the ghoulie goodies you can expect this issue of Fangoria:

PREVIEW: “LOST SOUL” As strange as “The Island of Dr. Moreau” is, a new documentary reveals the even more bizarre behind-the-scenes saga.
FEATURE: THE MUSIC OF “HOWLING II” Director Philippe Mora and composer Stephen W. Parsons recall punking out for the werewolf sequel.
PREVIEW: “LORD OF TEARS” Owl be scaring you when you watch the viral-breakout indie Brit chiller.
INTERVIEW: JOEL SOISSON The “Prophecy” and “Feast” producer has also gone through all kinds of “Hellraiser.”
PREVIEW: “WYRMWOOD” Zombies literally drive the narrative in the Australian action/horror synthesis.
PREVIEW: “THE LAZARUS EFFECT” The age-old quest to cheat death gets a modern update in David Gelb’s fear feature.
FEATURE: “OLALLA” Filmmaker/actress Amy Hesketh faced another trial by fire while telling of a bloodsucking brood.
INTERVIEW: DARIO ARGENTO The Italian maestro looks back on his ’80s gems “Phenomena” and “Tenebre.”
INTERVIEW: CLAUDIO SIMONETTI As part of a new Goblin, the movie musician went back to some old sounds for “Phenomena.”
INTERVIEW: LUIGI COZZI Argento’s contemporary took a break from his own films to provide “Phenomena’s” optical-FX magic.
INTERVIEW: SERGIO STIVALETTI Murders and a mutant were part of the FX wizard’s first Argento assignment.
INTERVIEW: SERGIO MARTINO His résumé presents traces of all kinds of violence, from carnal to cannibalistic.
PREVIEW: “ACROSS THE RIVER” A quieter kind of Italian horror is showcased in Lorenzo Bianchini’s fest favorite.
FEATURE: VHS YES While they await the leap to digital, we look at some weird and wonderful titles to track down on tape.
INTERVIEW: TODD LINCOLN Opening a “Gorgeous Vortex,” the director reveals the secrets of his “V/H/S: Viral” addition.
INTERVIEW: MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER The “Criminal Minds” star looks into a very different kind of case suffused in “Suburban Gothic.”
PREVIEW: “FINAL PRAYER” The UK horror movie a.k.a. “Borderlands” is now scaring Stateside viewers.
INTERVIEW: LESLEY-ANNE DOWN A bloodthirsty “Countess” and mysterious “Nomads” have been among her co-stars.
MINIFEATURE: “CRAZY BITCHES” You can’t live with ’em, but you can kill ’em in Jane Clark’s horror/comedy.
INTERVIEW: SPIKE LEE He’s courted controversy again with his crowd-funded vampirism romance “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.”
FIRST RITES The “Creepers” of youth
MONSTER INVASION Previews of “Solid State” and “The Whispers”
THE VIDEO EYE OF DR. CYCLOPS Reviews of the “Blacula” double feature, “Starry Eyes,” Criterion’s “Don’t Look Now” and others.

WWII American Infantry

During WWII the American Infantry was the heart and soul of combat.  Often referred to as 'Dog Soldiers' the American Infantry were the ground troops that went from village to village, hill to hill, enemy emplacement to enemy emplacement and slowly and meticulously pushed the Japanese and Germans back to their own borders.

Italeri presents a model kit consisting of 50 unpainted miniature figures ready to be painted, prepped and positioned to take part in your own mock battles and campaigns.

Figures consist of riflemen, bazooka firers, machine gunners, radiomen, mortar launchers and more both in standing, kneeling and prone positions. 

Easy to detach and with Italeri's handy paint guide on the back of the box, matching the proper military colors is a snap!

Your Blueprint For Life

It’s hard enough trying to sort out your life, goals and ambitions away from God, yet it can just as difficult if you are saved and ignore his advice.

Nelson Books presents author Michael Kendrick’s new book: Your Blueprint For Life: How To Align Your Passions, Gifts and Calling with Eternity In Mind.

Too often we as humans become so focused on what we want out of life that we ignore the fact that we are God’s creation and our purpose is to glorify him and seek his will for our lives.

In the book Michael Kendrick lays out a simple plan on how to follow our passion and use our talents to praise and glorify God at home, at work and in every aspect of our lives.

He advises to listen to God, seek his will and dare to dream big.  God has only the best intentions for our lives and if we study his word and apply what we have learned God promises to take us places beyond our wildest dreams.

This is not ‘health and wealth’ and ‘name it and claim it’ advice.  It is a careful examination and explanation on how to put God first in all that we say and do.

After all, who better knows what we need that the one who created us?  

Ford Police Car

“Watch your speed.”  “Make a complete stop.”  “Stop!  This is the police!” “Hands up!”

Sound familiar?  It should. Those are words often spoken by policemen.  ‘Serve and Protest’ is their mission and without them crime would run rampant.

And what better way to chase down crime than in a police car?  In this case a Ford Police Car.

Revell Models presents its latest SnapTite Build & Play model: a Ford Police Car.  

Complete with police insignia, red and blue lights and plenty of chrome the Ford Police Car snaps together in a flash with no glue, paint or decals necessary. 

The white police cruiser body pops into place on its chassis, the wheels snap and turn and before you know it you’re chasing the bad guys with a model any novice can put together in 15 to 30 minutes! 

Harlock Space Pirate

From Ketchup Entertainment comes the DVD of the computer animated Harlock Space Pirate.
Inspired by the popular classic Anime series the Harlock full-length computer animated movie looks into the past and origin of the infamous pirate and his fellow scallywags.

For 100 years Harlock has placed 100 bombs that when detonated will turn back the galactic clock.  His hope is to return Earth and its people back to an earlier version before the Gaia Coalition placed the Earth under quarantine.

Their reason: to stop the influx of humans returning to Earth and straining its natural resources.  Or so they say.

The real truth is one that when revealed shocks all except those in on its sinister secret.

Harlock takes on board a young human who wants to join his crew.  He accepts the young man but all is not what it seems.  Is he friend or foe and what is his agenda?

As Harlock returns to Earth to set the final bomb the Gaia Coalition does everything in their power to stop him in order to guard their secret and maintain their power.

Fans of the original series are sure to love this lavishly and impressively animated feature.  Fantastic character, equipment and environment designs coupled with stunning visual effects make Harlock Space Pirate a classic!

Previews, April

COMIC BOOKS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

Archie #1 l ARCHIE COMICS

Providence #2 (MR) l AVATAR PRESS

Strange Fruit #1 l BOOM! STUDIOS

Justice Inc.: The Avenger #1 l D.E./DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

Swords of Sorrow #2 l D.E./DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide Volume 45 SC/HC l GEMSTONE PUBLISHING

Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out Cinestory l JOE BOOKS

The Lion of Rora GN l ONI PRESS

Pandora of the Crimson Shell: Ghost Urn Volume 1 GN l SEVEN SEAS PRODUCTIONS

Evil Dead 2: Beyond Dead By Dawn #1 l SPACE GOAT PRODUCTIONS

21st-Century Tank Girl #1 (MR) l TITAN COMICS

Tokyo Ghoul Volume 1 GN l VIZ MEDIA

Fragments of Horror: Junji Ito HC l VIZ MEDIA

BOOKS

Al Parker: Illustrator, Innovator HC l ART BOOKS

The League of Regrettable Superheroes l COMICS

An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg Draws Disney HC l DISNEY

Doctor Who Diary 2016 l DOCTOR WHO

CALENDARS

Darth Vader & Friends 2016 Wall Calendar l CALENDARS

DC Bombshells 2016 16-Month Wall Calendar l CALENDARS

Doctor Who Special Edition 2016 Wall Calendar l CALENDARS

The Fantasy Art of Frank Frazetta 2016 Wall Calendar (MR) l CALENDARS

The Legend of Zelda 2016 16-Month Wall Calendar l CALENDARS

Olivia: Bettie Page 2016 Wall Calendar (MR) l CALENDARS

Vintage Marvel Comics 2016 12-Month Wall Calendar l CALENDARS

The Walking Dead 2016 16-Month Wall Calendar l CALENDARS

MAGAZINES

Marvel Fact Files Special #7: Ultron l EAGLEMOSS

Ace Magazine #4 l COMICS

Ultimate Spider-Man Magazine #4 l COMICS

Star Wars Insider #158 l STAR WARS

TRADING CARDS

Topps 2015 Pro Debut Baseball Trading Cards l TOPPS COMPANY

Topps 2015 Archives Baseball Trading Cards l TOPPS COMPANY

Marvel Avengers Silver Age Trading Cards l RITTENHOUSE ARCHIVES

DC Super-Villains Trading Cards l CRYPTOZOIC ENTERTAINMENT

APPAREL

Daredevil: “Gargoyle” Charcoal T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR

Robocop: “Future Of Law Enforcement ED-209” Navy T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR

Star Wars: “Free Han Solo” White T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR

Godzilla: “Aircraft Carried” Light Navy T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR

Wolverine: Test Subject 10 Heather T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR

Marvel: Weapon Plus Rogers Navy T-Shirt l PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE WEAR

Superman: Fly T-Shirt l GRAPHITTI DESIGNS

Harley Quinn: Slime T-Shirt l GRAPHITTI DESIGNS

TOYS & STATUES

Ant-Man: “Pym Technologies” Black T-Shirt l ANT-MAN

Ant-Man: “Ant Head” Red T-Shirt l ANT-MAN

Avengers: Age Of Ultron: Ultron Bust Bank l AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

Firefly: The Legacy Collection Action Figures l FIREFLY

Aliens: Power Loader Deluxe Vehicle l ALIEN

Evolve: The Legacy Collection Action Figures l FUNKO

Living Dead Dolls: The Creature from the Black Lagoon Doll l HORROR

Batman 1966: Robin Maquette Diorama l BATMAN

Fantasy Figure Gallery DC Comics Collection: Harley Quinn Statue l BATMAN

The Legend of Zelda: Link On Loftwing Statue l VIDEO GAMES

IMPORT TOYS

Avengers: Age of Ultron: Iron Man Mark 43 ArtFX Statue l KOTOBUKIYA

Attack on Titan: Eren Yeager 1/8-Scale PVC Figure l ATTACK ON TITAN

Godzilla 2014 Spitfire Edition S.H. Monsterarts Figure l GODZILLA

Hello Kitty Chogokin Figure l HELLO KITTY

Metal Gear Solid 2: Solid Snake Figma l METAL GEAR SOLID

Movie Realization Star Wars Figures l STAR WARS

Injustice Gods Among Us: Superman S.H. Figuarts Figure l SUPERMAN

Sword Art Online: Gal Sinon PVC Figure l SWORD ART ONLINE

TMNT: Donatello PVC Figure l TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

COLLECTIBLES & NOVELTIES

DC Heroes: Harley Quinn Head Bank l DC HEROES

Fabrikations Star Wars: Darth Vader Soft Sculpt Plush Figure l FUNKO

GAMES

Magic the Gathering TCG: Dragons of Tarkir l WIZARDS OF THE COAST

D&D Attack Wing Wave 8 l WIZKIDS/NECA

DVDS & DIGITAL MEDIA

Patlabor: The Movie l ANIME

Ninja Scroll (MR) l CLASSIC ANIME

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust l CLASSIC ANIME

Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts l ANIMATION

Halo: Nightfall l HALO

Keeper Of The Clown

Back in the early and mid-1980s I worked for an ad agency.  It was my job to come up with catchy slogans, interesting graphics and ad campaigns guaranteed to bring our clients money.

It was small agency and somehow we managed to squeak by.  No one ever became wealthy but we managed to keep a steady string of clients.

Every ad executive hopes to create that one 'special' ad campaign that sticks with people.  It's rare and often unexpected when one does occur.

I mentioned all this because John Cherry and I have a great deal in common only I never made the big time-John did.

He and his partner created a character that would go on to star in several movies, have his own Saturday morning children's TV show, star in several specials, have guest appearances at hundreds of live events and be the subject of a merchandising money maker.

I'm talking about Ernest P. Worrell, the bothersome neighbor of Vern (whom we never see) who became a nationwide phenomenon and much-beloved figure in homes across the globe.

Actor Jim Varney perfected the bumbling, boisterous and yet lovable Ernest persona to perfection.  An accomplished stage actor, Jim became so associated with his Ernest character fans often couldn't separate the two.

Pulled from obscurity to star in a series of local commercials the Ernest character caught on and before long was the star of thousands of commercials. 

He became so popular that people would call TV stations to find out when his commercials would play.

In Keeper Of the Clown My Life With Ernest, John Cherry  writes about the rise of Ernest and the machinations that took him from a local celebrity to a star of the Silver Screen.

Jim Varney's unconventional and wild lifestyle is never glossed over.  Mr. Cherry includes all the blemishes and warts and yet, he never passes judgment on Jim.  You can tell he cared a great deal about him and shows it by being perfectly honest about his virtues and vices.

Sadly Jim Varney passed away in 2000 from lung cancer but he never lost his sense of humor right up to the end.

Jim was only 50 years old when he died.  He would be 65 if he had lived and there is no telling what other comedic moments of genius he would have created.  Knowhutimean?

The Extreme Magic Opener

OK, OK, I get it.  I can hear it now from fellow collectors, "Why in the world are you reviewing of all things a bottle and can opener?"  "What has it got to do with collecting?"

Well, duh!  As a collector and all around nerd I tend to sequester myself in my own little collector cave and grab food now and again.  Comic books, books, toys, trading cards, video games, games-we're talking major junk food junkie here.  Sodas, canned foods-you get the drift.

And what better way to open these assorted goodies?  The Extreme Magic Opener of course!
Shaped like a yellow soda bottle The Extreme Magic Opener can open just about any food or liquid container.  No really!

Just flip it over and there are a can opener, small, medium and large plastic screw off caps grippers and a metal caped bottle opener.

Extra added goodies include a magnetic back for securing to a refrigerator and with its smooth ergonomic design it takes all the strain and pain out of opening containers.

Use it at home, work or play-it's the perfect opener!  

Kill Me, Darling

Mike Hammer has turned into a drunk.  For over three months he's been on a bender existing on hard booze, cigarettes and very little food and sleep.

He's lost his secretary and fiancée Velda. She walked out on him with nary a  goodbye and leaving no explanation as to why.

One of his best policeman friends was found murdered in a shady part of town.  Mike is down-so down that he's let his health decline, his private investigation business flounder and alienated many of his friends. 

All but one-a tough New York cop who wants Hammer to investigate his fellow officer's untimely death, go after Velda and clean up his act.

Reluctantly at first but after his bull dog stubbornness kicks in Hammer starts his slow progress back to top form.  He gives up booze and cigarettes and tracks down Velda in Miami.

What he finds upsets him.  Velda has taken up residence with a Miami mobster.  But why?  Is there a connection between her disappearance and the death of his cop friend?

Mike is about to find out and when he does it places Velda and himself in great danger.  But Mike has been down that road before.

Max Allan Collins has taken a long lost Mickey Spillane Mike Hammer transcript, fleshed it own and presents a new hard boiled detective and crime thriller that is pure Mike Hammer: lots of danger, fisticuffs, gorgeous dames and chase scenes.

It's time to put the 'Hammer' down courtesy of Titan Books!

Doctor Who: New Adventures With The Ninth Doctor #1

It's here!  Doctor Who: The New Adventures With The Ninth Doctor #1 stars the Ninth Doctor who reintroduced Doctor Who after too long an absence to TV viewers.

The Ninth Doctor successfully brought Doctor Who into the 21st Century in a brand new TV series from the BBC complete with exciting new stories, spectacular physical and visual effects and a whole new cast of characters.

The new show reinvigorated the Doctor Who franchise garnering millions of fans around the world and setting in place one of the largest merchandising behemoths in modern history.
Now, the Ninth Doctor has his own comic book series from Titan Comics and it, like the TV series, is packed with loads of aliens, danger, excitement and adventure.

Join the doctor, Rose and Captain Jack as they travel the universe encountering danger and intergalactic threats.

In issue #1 the Doctor and his companions were planning on visiting one of the Doctor's favorite planets.  Only when they get there everything is destroyed.

Beamed aboard an alien spacecraft the travelers are questioned and interrogated by a large armor wearing alien.

They manage to escape only to find themselves under attack by another alien race.
Just as they make their escape in the Tardis the Doctor and Captain Jack realize that Rose is not with them-but where is she?

Doctor Who: The New Adventures With The Ninth Doctor is brought to readers by the creative team of Cavan Scott and  Blair Shedd.

The story if brilliant, the art stunning, the coloring exquisite and...do you get the feeling I like this book?  Pick up a copy, you will too-I guarantee it.

The Complete Series Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

“Golly!”  The United States Marines will never be the same.

 

Jim Nabors stars as the lovable, innocent goof, former filling station attendant and mechanic, Gomer Pyle in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

Longtime Andy Griffith show fans remember Gomer as the local yokel that became so popular that the actor that played him, Jim Nabors, was offered his own spin-off TV series.

Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. ran for five seasons on CBS 50 years ago!

The premise of the story was simple but brilliant. Gomer joins the Marine Corps.  While there he meets and infuriates his sergeant Vince Carter.  Along the way Gomer manages to get in some of the most precarious and ridiculous situations often involving his Sergeant.

Coincidentally, Andy Griffith, who Jim Nabors guest starred on his show, got his start in Show Business when he starred in the stage and film versions of ‘No Time For Sergeants’, where he played a very similar character as Gomer in a nearly identical situation.

Although Gomer’s Sergeant appeared rough and gruff you could sense that he had a soft spot in his heart for Gomer-although he would never admit as much.  Eventually they became friends-of a sort.

Follow Gomer as he turns the U.S. Marine Corps upside down and tests the nerves and mettle of his Sergeant, the top brass and his fellow marines. It’s classic comedy at its best.  “SHAZAM!”

The CBS/Paramount DVD collection also includes some Special Features including commentaries by Jim Nabors and Ronnie Schell, a very special Lucy clip, Jim Nabors on The David Frost Show and as an extra added bonus a whole hour with Jim Nabors.  There’s even the Pilot Episode.

WWJD: What Would Jesus Do The Journey Continues

Once again John Schneider plays the Drifter-a mysterious figure who arrives at a small town and tries to set right troubling times for a select group of people.

This time the Drifter helps a wayward youth and his brother choose the right path, assists a pastor whose faith is waning to rally the townspeople to help to rebuild its church and lifts up a woman’s faith and spirit who has married into a broken family that need to be healed and reunited.

Cinedigm presents the sequel to the much-beloved WWJD: What Would Jesus Do in its newest chapter in its spiritually uplifting DVD release.
A special ‘Making of’ featurette is also included.

The Hobbit The Battle of the Five Armies

Warner Bros. presents the final film in the Hobbit Film Trilogy that sets the stage for The Fellowship of the Ring.

In The Battle of the Five Armies Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD Combo Pack follow Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Thorin Oakenshield the Dwarves of Erebor as they reclaim the mountain and fortune of their ancestors.

Unfortunately they also unleash the wrath of the Dragon Smaug who takes vengeance of the nearby village of people-laying waste to the town and its people.

It forces the Dwarves, Elves and Men to make a choice, fight amongst themselves or unite to stop Sauron.

Join the adventure and excitement as Bilbo Baggins takes part in the events that ultimately lead up to the final battle with Sauron and the fate of the Ring and the entire population of Middle-earth.

Extras include featurettes on the making of the film, spotlights on key moments and cast, behind-the scenes sneak peeks and the final farewell to the cinema presentation of the land of Middle-earth and its inhabitants.

Consumed by dragon lust, Thorin Oakenshield and his army of Dwarves, begin to act irrationally and Bilbo is forced to make a hard decision that threatens to destroy all of Middle-earth-that is before the return of Sauron, the Dark Lord does.

Star Trek, Dexter, Matlock and Petticoat Junction

Every episodic TV series has its share of clunker and good episodes.

There are those instances when certain episodes become classics or as Bill and Ted would say, "Most excellent!"

CBS/Paramount presents four new DVD collections spotlighting the crème de la crème, best of the best, top drawer and most loved episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series, Dexter, Matlock, and Petticoat Junction.

Any episode starring the intrepid Captain of  the star ship Enterprise: Captain James T. Kirk guarantees plenty of action and drama. 

Several episodes have obtained 'cult classic' status amongst fans and Captain Kirk's Boldest Missions delivers each and every one.

Look for The Corbomite Maneuver, The Conscience of the King, Balance of Terror, The City on the Edge of Forever, Mirror, Mirror, The Doomsday Machine and Return to Tomorrow.

Kirk battles, loves, laments and blusters his way through each exciting episode. Extras include featurettes on the making of a good captain, the Captain's Log, Kirk's Legacy and an introduction by William Shatner and Joan Collins.

The most shocking episodes of Dexter, the serial killer serial killer are sure to raise a few eyebrows and turn a few stomachs.

Discover why Dexter garnered so many fans in this unusual TV series starring a cold-blooded killer.  Dexter slices and dices his way through his origin, awakening, coming of age, and more.  There's also the premiere episode of Penny Dreadful included at no extra charge.  

When an actor or actress strikes it big starring in a successful TV series it can change their life.  When they star in two successful TV series it's rare.

Andy Griffith starred in his own self named series as a small town sheriff.  Several years later he gained more fame as the good old boy, down-home Southern lawyer with big city smarts and savvy: Ben Matlock.

Uncannily intuitive and bull dog tenacious Ben Matlock was not afraid to tackle the most difficult and dangerous of cases.

Along with his daughter and fellow associates Ben doggedly pursued justice, despite the personal cost.

Twelve episodes showcased Matlock at his best and Matlock Greatest Cases has them all.
It was a simple premise for a TV series.  Three lovely daughters of the owner of The Shady Rest Hotel proved to be more than eye candy.

Charming and heartfelt stories showcased small town wit and wisdom coupled with homespun humor.

The show would go on to garner a loyal viewership and ran for several years.

Some of the best episodes from its earliest time happened in the 1964-65 season.  What better way to meet the residents of Petticoat Junction than in this eight episodes collection?

The Avengers and The Beatles

From Thunder Bay Press comes two brand new releases that Pop Culture lovers are sure to...love.

If you're an old-time comic book collector like myself or a newbie brought into Marvel Comics by the recent movies-specifically The Avengers, then author Peter A. David (longtime Marvel scribe) would like to introduce you to the original members of The Avengers comic book created back in the early 1960s by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

This period of The Avengers history has always been by my favorite and the original members top my list.

I'm talking about four of Marvel's top dogs, chief characters, top of the heap, bonafide classic and mainstays of Marvel Comics: Captain America, The Hulk, Thor and Iron Man.
It's no coincidence that each have starred in multiple movies.

Peter A. David delves deeply into the long and illustrious history of each character beginning with their formation as Marvel Comics' second super group (after the Fantastic Four).
Each chapter provides plenty of historical and fascinating text, recreations of original art, full page illustrations and cover and interior page recreations.

As an extra added bonus, special slipcase inserts contain some very special art and recreations of memorabilia and other seldom seen art pieces.

Marvel: The Avengers Vault invites readers in as it opens it massive doors to reveal the history and legacy of The Avengers.


At about he same time The Avengers were revolutionizing the comic book scene a certain mop head quartet musical group from England was transforming the Rock and Roll music genre around the world.

Of course I'm referring to The Beatles the famous musical group who transformed popular music and the world.

Author Nancy J. Hajeski invites readers to take a journey through time and space as she crafts a tale of the long and productive journey of The Fab Four with Here, There and Everywhere The Beatles.

From their early days in Liverpool to their eventual breakup and subsequent solo careers the book lovingly chronicles the lives of John, Paul, Ringo and George and the often rocky (but never dull lives) as the world's most beloved and sought after musicians in the 1960s and their popularity as individual musicians.

Full color and black and white photos track the unbelievable and exciting lives and careers of the most famous Rock and roll group in the world: The Beatles.

If you "dig" The Beatles then it's best your 'tune-in" to this book.  It's "groovy!"  

The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction #718, March/April

NOVELLAS

What Has Passed Shall In Kinder Light Appear

NOVELETS

A Residence for Friendless Ladies

The Mantis Tattoo

SHORT STORIES

Things Worth Knowing

La Héron

This Is the Way the Universe Ends: with a Bang

Last Transaction

Little Girls in Bone Museums

A Small Diversion On the Road to Hell

How to Masquerade as a Human Before the Invasion

A User's Guide to Increments of Time

Bilingual

DEPARTMENTS

Publisher's Note

Editorial

Books to Look for

Musing on Books

Films: The Faults in Our Stars and Ourselves

Coming Attractions         

Curiosities

CARTOONS

Bill Long, Mark Heath

COVER

David A. Hardy for "What Has Passed Shall In Kinder Light Appear"

Guardians Team-Up #1

OK, I admit it.  I enjoy Brian M. Bendis’ writing,  I get a kick out of the Guardians of the Galaxy (especially after seeing the film) and I’m a big fan of Marvel Comics’ Avengers (no matter who is a member.)  

 

And it’s true that Guardians Team-Up #1 delivers all three.  But the main reason I bought this issue (and the next.) is because of who is drawing it.

I absolutely love Arthur Adams’ art!  I’ve followed his career since his early days from his first illustration in DC Comics’ directory of characters where he drew Dolphin to his break-out hit Longshot from Marvel Comics.

Once again Arthur proves his incredible drawing  talent in a brand new story packed with so much detail and crisp clean lines that (according to the book’s credits) no inker was required.  Scans were actually taken form his pencils!  Now that’s tight control.

Is there anything Arthur cannot draw?  Aliens, women, vehicles, environments, visual effects and killer page layouts-he does them all--and very well. Feast your eyes and take in every detail.  I know I am. 

Whatever you do, do not miss this (and the next) issue.