Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Logo of The Spectrum
Friday, March 29, 2024
The independent student publication of The University at Buffalo, since 1950

A week in ink; issue No. 3

Brightest Day: "The Flash No. 5"

Police scientist Barry Allen is in deep trouble. He is, without a doubt, in more trouble than a police officer has ever been in before.

He's been charged for murder, but not in the 21st century.

Issue No. 1 started the series with Allen's return to the police force with high tensions around the precinct. He is called to action almost immediately, as the body of Mirror Monarch lies lifeless on the streets of Central City. While investigating possible leads, he is confronted by time-traveling Rogues,a coalition of diverse super-villains and doppelgangers.

Issue No. 5 contains stunning artwork by Francis Manapul and a phenomenal murder-mystery plot by the incredibly clever Geoff Johns. "The Flash No. 5" is a true pleasure to read because of the epic confrontation between the Rogues and their 25th century counterparts, the Renegades. This confrontation turns deadly as Flash is smashed into a three story tall mirror containing the sinister Mirror Lords.

In the story's dramatic conclusion, the Flash faces the 25th century judge who will determine whether it's life or death for the lightning-quick super hero.

This series continues to be a fantastic re-imagining of the Flash universe, which continues to surprise and amuse its readers. It is a must-buy for all the lightning and crimson hero lovers in the comic book universe.

Shadowland: "Moon Knight No. 2"

The Shadowland comics have thus far been thoroughly entertaining. From a darker side of Daredevil to Moon Knight's evil body double, they have kept many Marvelites engulfed in reading.

In "Moon Knight No. 2," Marc Spector endures incredible hardships because of his refusal to kill in the name of his god, Khonshu.

As it turns out, gods don't like being told no. In a decisive strike, Khonshu creates a dark entity of Moon Knight, sending the clone after Spector's pregnant wife and causing her to lose her unborn child.

As rage consumes Spector, he is left with little choice and must now confront Khonshu's evil avatar.

This entire Shadowland series has been visually appealing, but there has always been something darker about the Moon Knight series. The sepia tone flashbacks provide excellent graphic contrast to the dual tone black and white the franchise is known for.

This series is bloodier than most of its DC counterparts, this issue especially, as readers see Spector's wife beaten within an inch of her life. However, some panels contained in the comic are absolute eye-candy.

Plot twists abound, as Khonshu chose his evil avatar wisely, targeting a character from one of the many shady areas of Spector's life. For those looking for a bit of Moon Knight revelry, this issue is perfection.

The Walking Dead No. 77

For decades, zombies have been used to shock and amuse their audience while demonstrating how human-like the mindless horde can be.

Issue No. 77 is all about the boiling over of relationships, repressed anger and the struggle of living the everyday life that the survivors of the zombie apocalypse must endure.

More so than any comic series, The Walking Dead is a social commentary on how humanity must coexist through all its flaws in order to continue living.

Series author Robert Kirkman's group of survivors tells this story like no one else ever could, and with each passing issue his series improves on its lore. This issue is an exceptional piece of work, as every relationship is strained through the loss of one of the group's members.

Human emotion literally bleeds through the pages of The Walking Dead, making every black and white panel come alive, preferably not literally.

This critically acclaimed series is definitely worth a read-through before its television debut on Oct. 31 on AMC. Until then, however, this series is a mandatory read for comic book junkies and fresh ink lovers alike.

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com


Comments


Popular









Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Spectrum