“IT’S NOT A LIE, IT’S A SECRET”
Things are moving fast with the Li’l Depressed Boy and his new girl, but can they survive keeping their relationship hidden? Featuring a cover by amazing poet and The Feather Room author, ANIS MOJGANI.

Another chapter in the misadventures of the Li’l Depressed Boy debuts this week with issue #15 written, colored, and lettered by S. Steven Struble with Sina Grace on pencils and inks. Thinks are getting even more serious for LDB and Spike as their relationship reaches a milestone. They’ve had to keep it secret, but all secrets have to get out eventually. Don’t they?

The story opens with LDB listening to music, getting ready, and just being happy. It’s an odd occurrence for our main character. LDB is meeting up with Spike at a diner to celebrate their two month anniversary. Spike and LDB finally make their relationship official with the exchanging of gifts. They go on about their date, but as always work beckons. Back at the movie theater LDB is called in for a performance review. Things go pretty weird as is the LDB way. After exiting the boss’ office and being left with more questions than answers, LDB and Spike go about their usual routine at work. Things have been going so great the past few issues you’d almost expect to hear “Walking on Sunshine” playing as the pages turn. Something finally happens in this issue that makes the record skip a bit.

Struble pens another great installment in the LDB saga. Things have been going so well as of late, I had been advocating a title change to something like the Slightly Depressed Boy. A new development occurs that brings it back to the LDB basics. Grace knocks out another great issue in his consistent string of great issues. It seems like this entire arc has been chugging right along and we’re now at the top of the roller coaster. I can’t wait to see if it’s a long ride to the bottom or we make another climb. Things eventually have to go LDB’s way, they just have to.

Bottom Line: Another great chapter in the LDB story. This emotional driven series is one you should be checking out. It’s easy to relate to LDB and cheer him on as you find him in situations you’ve probably found yourself in. This one has me looking forward to the next issue more than any of the others 5/5

Cody "The Thorverine" Ferrell, Review: The Li’l Depressed Boy #15

Preview pages:

Saga #9
Story by: Brian K. Vaughan
Artwork by: Fiona Staples

The Will finally has a good day.

Saga #9 hit shelves on January 16th!

* This article was compiled while listening to the album EAZY-DUZ-IT by Eazy-E.

Chuckie Valdez, Preview: Saga #9

Vaughn’s script deals with the Marko being mortally wounded last issue.  It gives some time for the reader acquainted with Alana.  Vaughn gives her a lot of character work, giving the reader a sense of who she is as a mother.  While it takes up a small part of the issue, it speaks leaps and bounds to how deep a character Vaughn has created.  The plot doesn’t move along much, which isn’t a bad thing.  Vaughn has always had a talent at writing relationships and human interactions, and the final reveal will give Vaughn plenty of great material to work with.  Marko and Alana aren’t the only focus of this issue though, showing the Stalk and the Will.  While they don’t appear much, it makes this universe feel bigger.  The ever expanding cast is given plenty of time.  Vaughn did a great job of balancing a huge cast in Y: the Last Man.  I expect that once the first arc is over, we won’t see some of the lesser characters as often.

I can already see this book being one of the worst to review, as it’s hard to say great things month in and month out and make it seem like I’m not just phoning in the review.  A thesaurus is going to be needed soon.

Vaughn gives more hints and teases to this new universe.  Having the characters only give slight explanations to what they are seeing and the history of these things engages the reader, as the reader knowns next to nothing about what they are reading.  Thus, the reader is learning along with the character, which makes for a great read.  Many books and movies try this method, but mostly fail.  Vaughn’s universe is much like Star Wars, where it feels lived in, and the reader doesn’t care as much that they don’t know every little detail about what is going on.  I already see a few similarities to Y: the Last Man, like the two heroes traveling and not necessarily knowing where they are going.  While not a bad thing, part of me does hope that Vaughn isn’t going to use the same formula again.  But if it’s going to be this entertaining every issue, I don’t care.

Fiona Staples pencils are as stellar as they have been.  Characters have a great amount of personality in their face.  Alana’s unpleasant look when receiving advice for taking care for her baby is one great panel in particular.  Staples balances creepy and childish well, something that doesn’t seem possible to balance when talking about a kid who isn’t a super villain or possessed.  One thing that I have noticed across these few issues is how the amount of humanity that Staples gives to the robotic species.  While they lack quite a bit in movement and facial features, Staples has them react through motions and the angles of the panel.

If you have been undecided with reading this book, just do it.  An original Brian K. Vaughn series doesn’t come around much, and they are always a blast to read.

Saga #3 gets 5/5.

MrComicBook, ADVANCE REVIEW Saga #3

Fiona Staples & Comic Canuck - Photo credit: Jackson Gee

Canadian comic artist extraordinaire Fiona Staples, who is responsible for the look of Image Comics’ hit ongoing book Saga, took in the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo last weekend. Hit play on the link below and listen to Fiona talk about the wonderful scripts written by  Y: The Last Man writer Brian K. Vaughan, and how the two came to work together on Saga.

Plus, follow Fiona on Twitter @fionastaples. Have fun and keep reading!

Comic Canuck, Saga Artist Fiona Staples at the Calgary Expo

The demand for the debut issues of two of Image Comics’ newest comic book series, SAGA and THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, has been so strong that the publisher has already ordered third printings for both titles.

SAGA #1, the first issue of the new Image Comics series by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, sold out a week before its March 14 in-store date. It got near-universal rave reviews. And yet even Image was caught by surprise when the orders for the issue’s second printing were double the print run. The issue has immediately gone back to press once again, and the third printing (FEB128166) will be in stores on April 25.

The reprint print run for SAGA #1 was more than twice the usual quantity for second printings, but orders from retailers eager to get the critically-acclaimed first issue in the hands of customers kept rolling in, making a third printing necessary before the second printing is even in stores.

“Saga is the kind of comic that you get when truly talented superstar creators are given the freedom to produce their dream comic,” wroteEntertainment Weekly’s Jeff Jensen in his review of the issue.

SAGA tells the story of a young family, caught between two sides in a galactic war, striving to find safety for their newborn daughter. It is a monthly full-color comic book.

The second printing of SAGA #1 will be in stores on the same day as #2, April 11, and the third printing will be on sale on April 25.

THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS the newest Image Comics series by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra also has a first issue that is receiving a third printing after orders for its second printing surpassed the print run. A story in the print and online versions of USA Today and rave reviews accompanied the series debut on March 7.

“The Manhattan Projects is off to a tremendous start, one of the big concept author’s strongest, most inventive opening chapters,” wrote Paul Montgomery in his review at iFanboy.

THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS creates an alternate reality where the real-life project to develop the atomic bomb is just a front to hide far more bizarre government programs. The creative team of Hickman and Pitarra previously collaborated on THE RED WING, also published by Image Comics.

THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #1′s second printing will be on sale on April 4, with the third printing (FEB128156) following on April 18. THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #2 will be in stores on April 11.

Agent Burgos, THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM FOR SAGA AND THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS

The New Series is finally here.

Upon its announcement and initial release, Saga has been receiving universal praise from fans and critics alike, even from Robert Kirkman himself. The book even sold out and a second printing is on its way. Has Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples truly released the start of an epic series?

Image comics have been on a roll and that momentum continues with Saga. Brian K. Vaughn of the critically acclaimed Y: The Last Man returns to write the sci-fi/fantasy epic with highly regarded, Canadian artist Fiona Staples taking care of the artistic duties.  The original story is raw, engaging, filled with emotion and introduces a slew of interesting characters that guides us into this fantastic journey.

There are three separate arcs that are being told of different perspectives, all of which dealing with our main protagonists. Alana and Marco, a fugitive couple on the run, are taking a temporary refuge in a shop while Alana is in the process of giving birth. The narrator is the unnamed (at the moment) child of theirs chronicling their journey of survival to ensure that their baby (she) will be able to grow up and see the world amidst of the warring planet and moon Landfall and Wreath, Alana and Marco’s respective native homes. Prince Robot IV of the Royal Embassy located in Landfall, returns home from two-year tour only to be drawn back into battle. Agent Gale of secret intelligence debriefs IV of Alana and Marco and instructs him to deal with this situation in secret. The Will, a freelancer, is tasked by Vez of the Narrative to hunt down the very same couple as it’s been revealed that Marco’s soon responsible for the deaths of millions if he’s to remain alive.

The multiple arcs are effortlessly weaved together and not a dull moment is present. As the story progresses, it details the war going on and follows the Alana and Marco as they are hunted down by their respected authorities. It’s a tale laced with many themes of love, protection, desire and conviction. The dialog and interaction between the characters feel natural and is easily followed while each feeling and expression is masterfully done by Fiona Staples. You can see the struggle or attitude on the characters faces rather than announcing it. Though the art is graphic at times it’s not overdone, but besides the dialog, it’s another reason why it’s for the mature crowd.

This is a great start for an already hot series. It’s a wonderful, intriguing story coupled with beautiful art that’s going to have many people talking about the series for the months and years to come. Add this to your collection. You will not be disappointed.

Story by: Brian K. Vaughan
Art by: Fiona Staples
Letters by: Steven Finch
Cover by: Fiona Staples
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Muy Mareado!, Review: Saga #1

The first issue of SAGA, the new series from Image Comics by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, has sold out of its first printing ahead of its March 14th release date. The new science fiction series, which marks Vaughan’s return to comics after the end of Ex Machina in 2010 and the highest profile work Staples has done to date, has been widely anticpated since its announcement at the 2011 Comic-Con International convention.

The issue has immediately gone back to press and a second printing (JAN128161) will be in stores on April 11, the same day as SAGA #2.

SAGA tells the story of one family’s survival in the midst of an interplanetary war. Alana and Marko are from opposite sides in the centuries-old conflict, and their newborn daughter’s existence creates complications for both sides of the war.

Advance reviews of the series have added to the expectation that SAGA will be one of the best new comic book series of the year:

“Saga is [as] beautiful and enrapturing as it’s daring and expansive…. With one issue, Saga has already earned its spot as one of the best new comics series of 2012.”
— iFanboy

“This is one of the best first issues I have seen, and will hopefully set a precedent for other comics to follow.”
— Multiversity

“This is your chance to get on board from the beginning, not just of the next Brian K. Vaughan title, but also the next big story in comics. Years from now, when someone asks what’s a good title to hand to someone whose never read comic books before? Saga will be at the top of the list.”
— MTV Geek

“It’s a terrific book, and another sign of the new resurgence at Image Comics. It is a wonderful thing to welcome Brian back to the medium, and a wonderful thing to discover the art of Fiona Staples.”
— Warren Ellis

“Saga #1 deftly establishes entire cultures and presents a wide-ranging cast of characters who we understand almost instantly. ”
— Tor.com

“Saga is full of great dialogue, insane imagination, textured craft, the list goes on. If you don’t want to at least try this comic then perhaps you need to get out of comics. You might be missing the point.”
— The Weekly Crisis

“This is a definite buy if you like Vaughan, wonderful art, or science fiction/ fantasy, as this book has them all. Rating: 5/5″
— Comic Attack

“Blending equal parts Sci-Fi and Magic, Saga is a big budget entertainment extravaganza, one with a chewy, heart-filled center.”
— Top 5 Comics

“The combination of writing and art meets at a level where it is possible for the outside world to fade away. You can float into these stories created by Vaughan and Staples.”
— Why Not Indie

“[Brian K. Vaughan] and artist Fiona Staples have created a promising, ambitious and gorgeous new world that I can’t wait to explore further. Saga blends together big ideas like magic, blasters, robots, intergalactic war with smaller, character-based notions like family, loyalty, honor and hope in one hell of a first issue.”
— Inside Joke Theatre

“Amazing. I would marry this book. I would bear this book’s children.”
— Three Chicks Review Comics

SAGA is a full-color monthly comic book available in comic book stores and multiple digital platforms. The first issue, in stores on Wednesday, is 44 pages long, with no ads.

Agent Burgos, THE START OF AN EPIC SAGA SELLS OUT