B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Devil’s Engine #1 by Duncan Fegredo

As soon as I saw the smoking cyborg demon, ‘The Devil’s Engine’ tagline made sense to me. If the devil’s engine was a living breathing thing, I’m pretty sure that mechanical maniacal monstrosity would be a fair representation of it. It almost looks like Hellboy, had he discovered steampunk in his rebellious years. Anyway, the different shades of red with the ominous plumes of smoke and fire engulfing the background really do it for me. That train better get up to speed, or else it’s totally screwed! Another wonderful job by Mr. Fegredo.

Scalped #58 by Jock

Maybe it’s the pearl necklace and earrings, but with that combo and the representation of her nose and mouth with the graveyard motif, it really reminds me of some of the Mexican skull art, only with flesh instead of bone.  It’s a beautiful design, and wonderfully executed, but something about it still gives me the willies (only slightly). There’s a great use of color too, with the pinkish tones highlighting her eyes and the left side of her face. It says ‘graveyard’, ‘sunset’, ‘she worries’ to me. This being Scalped, all three are definitely a possibility.

Glory #26 by Ulises Farinas

Once again, I’m completely astounded by the level of detail Ulises Farinas puts into his covers. Every one I’ve seen illustrated by him is poster-worthy, for I find myself just in complete awe with his attention to detail. You can’t just quickly flip past a cover like this; like a fine wine, you must take it all in to really appreciate the amount of effort put into it. Bodies of all races, sizes, and species strewn across the battlefield and beyond; an entire kingdom conquered by a badass named Glory, and she’s coming for you the reader next…if you don’t buy this issue! Wonderful stuff, without even realizing it my hand made a dash for my wallet.

Dancer #1 by Nic Klein

Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today

-Elton John, Tiny Dancer

Fury MAX #2 by Dave Johnson

My favorite cover of the week, hands-down. Johnson strategically placing everything we need to know about this issue in the outline of a sexy French babe. Wearing the images like a dress, almost. Somewhere out there on the runway, Donatella Versace was just inspired for her spring collection (I didn’t even know she was a Nick Fury fan!). Beautiful and sexy, how every cover should be, Dave Johnson proves once again with ease why he’s the best.

In this special episode I interview both Chad Cicconi and Shawn Gabborin of Action Lab. We discuss the release of the Fracture TPB, what’s on the horizon for volume two, and comic geekiness in general.

Higher Earth #1 (Cover C) by Frazer Irving

First things first; I love the cooler colors popping-off the warmth of the circle behind them. This sword-wielding duo had me at ‘hello’ when I first saw the press release for this series a few months ago. I’m a big fan of Irving’s dynamic style, and the background images have their own story to tell as well to the careful observer. The positioning of the characters feels intense as they make their way up, up, and away! Fantastic cover to start things off with, and I love the overall intensity of this image.

Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand #5 by Dave Johnson

Reminding me of the movie posters from days long gone, this cover does a superb job at capturing the look and feel of the time period. The protagonist, Lobster Johnson, firing his way through an army of undead ghouls, while the villains are highlighted front and center. It may just be the layout, but I love that there’s no panel borders keeping everything separate. The images are the boundaries themselves. It all flows together smoothly, and really captures your attention. Another job well done by the Reverend Dave Johnson!

Mystery In Space #1 by Mike Allred

So that’s where Tobias Fünke has been hanging out! Actually, the more I study this azure alien, the more it slightly reminds me of a cosmic Dr. Manhattan of sorts. The theme being space and mysteries and the combination of the two, I really enjoy the inclusion of the toy robots and rocketships. Forget whatever psychic waves or transmissions you’re picking up; there are some awesome retro toys floating right next to you! Play with them already! Great job to Mr. Allred, for this cover is truly…out of this world.

Wolverine #306 by Chris Samnee & Javier Rodriguez

I think the main thing that draws me to this cover is just how outright bizarre it is. As if the floating decapitated head with blood dripping from the nostrils wasn’t enough, let’s make it look like Logan’s having some sort of brain lobotomy by actual-yet-freaky brains. Don’t even get me started on the inconvenient location for that cabin! Overall the image is simple and effective, and absolutely intriguing. The veins/tentacles of the brains are enough to make your skin crawl, and the blank stare from Logan is the cherry on top. Great job Mr. Samnee, you sick bastard!

In this special episode I’m joined by Art (TV Division), Dommy (The House-Dwarf) and Matt (Duke of Douche) to discuss the first five episodes of Game of Thrones season two. We cover The North Remembers, The Night Lands, What Is Dead May Never Die, Garden of Bones, and The Ghost of Harrenhal. We also discuss the differences in George RR Martin’s novel A Clash Of Kings, so spoilers abound!

Dial H #1 by Brian Bolland

If there’s something strange, in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Brian Bolland! The thing I love about Bolland is that his style is always so consistent. Everything from the incredibly detailed characters, to the natural shine gleaming-off all skin. The creature in the top-right corner is particularly disturbing to me, with the long and pointy fingers. Reminds me slightly of a character in Locke & Key, which leaves me wanting a Bolland / Rodriguez team-up really badly. The dude is a master, as this cover clearly demonstrates.

Daredevil #12 by Paolo Rivera

Va-Va-VOOM! Oh Mr. Murdock, you naughty boy. Then again, I can see how having that special sense would come in handy on the dating scene. Fake, or natural? Matt Murdock is on the case! I just simply enjoy the mixed styles, with the radar-sense intertwining with the sexiness of the situation. “Here comes Daredevil” indeed!

Mind The Gap #1 by Rodin Esquejo & Sonia Oback

If there’s one thing I’m a sucker for, it’s vibrant colors mixing together. And to have them mix in someone’s hair?! Why aren’t girls rockin’ this ‘do’ yet?? I totally would if mine were long enough. I think it’s the rosy nose and pink, slightly-parted lips that completely sink their hooks into me, having me completely embrace this cover. Esquejo and Oback really knocked this one out of the park, and it’s just a complete joy to stare at (but not in a creepy way).

Spider #1 by Francesco Francavilla

My favorite cover of the week, hands-down. I don’t feel the need to explain my pick because it’s from the extremely talented Mr. Francavilla, and I’ve exhausted my thesaurus when it comes to praising him this week. So sit back, soak this masterpiece in, and thank whatever gods you worship that people like Francesco Francavilla exist in the world.

X-O Manowar #1 by Esad Ribic

When Ribic was on art duties with Jonathan Hickman’s Ultimates, I wasn’t that much of a fan of the slight shift in his art style. With his return to covers like this one though, he’s instantly won back my heart once more. With the faint illuminating glow from the electric sword, to capturing the intensity of the fight in facial expressions and body movement, Ribic does a superb job illustrating this cover. It helps get me pumped to read this new ongoing series again from Valiant; Esad Ribic leading the way with style!

In this special episode I interview the Creative Director for Action Lab Entertainment, Dave Dwonch. We talk about the upcoming Double Jumpers, his hit webcomic Space-Time Condominium, and more great stuff coming soon from Action Lab. WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT!

Written by Andrew Dabb

Created & Illustrated by Sal Abbinanti

145 pages, $19.99

Ever since I first covered Atomika back in 2009 (warning: facial hair), I’ve still been getting e-mails and comments from all over the world asking when volume two is going to come out. Ladies and gentlemen, I now can safely inform you that volume two has arrived in all its Red God glory.

It’s been a long journey for Sal Abbinanti and company, but now the second and last volume of the series has finally been released. While the first volume focused on Atomika battling gods of old and new and being the ultimate savior of Russia, we find this second volume taking a darker turn for our unyielding protagonist. His oldest mentor and divine leader Arohnir places the fate of Atomika’s son Chernobyl in jeopardy, while at the same time giving off the feeling of betrayal with an ulterior motive of sorts. This is a situation Atomika has never been placed in before, and now he has to go on a journey of self-discovery, trying to figure out if he’s truly a god, or in fact a monster.

I was fortunate enough to get a commission of Thor done by Sal at this past Emerald City ComiCon, and immediately it became one of my favorite pieces I collected that convention. When Sal illustrates a page, he really puts his heart and soul into it. There’s a gritty intensity that’s abundant in his work, and I can see bits of Bill Sienkiewicz and Jack Kirby flowing through his storytelling. Some of the double-page spreads are just completely mind-blowing, that it takes you a few minutes to really enjoy the page and take it all in.

Also in this volume are all the covers, back covers, and pin-ups of issues 7-12, by some of the biggest names in the comics industry; Eric Powell, Gene Colan, Simone Bianchi, Simon Bisley, Glen Fabry, Bill Sienkiewicz and many more.

It’s been a wonderful journey, and I feel the need to go back and re-read the first volume and this one in one sitting, and truly engulf myself in this perilous world once more. The story of Atomika’s rise to power, and the beings he has to battle throughout his quest leave me with a marvelous feeling of astonishment, for I’ve never experienced anything like it before. I hope one day that Sal is able to collect both volumes in an over-sized edition of sorts, but until then, I highly recommend you head over to UniversalOutpost to pick-up your copy today.

In this special episode, I review ten different #1 issues from all over the comics spectrum! Comics include Pins N Needles #1 (Website), Rebel Blood #1 (Image), Tales To Suffice #1 (Website), Glory #23 (Image), Double Jumpers #1 (Action Lab), Sanctuary #1 (SLG), The Secret History of D.B. Cooper #1 (Oni Press), Morningstar #1 (Optic House), Fracture #1 (Action Lab), and The Almighties #1 (Website). There’s a little something for everybody this episode. Spoilers!

This episode has been brought to you by Crazy Mary!

Quite the mind-blowing selection of comics this week! Pick Of The Week goes to Brandon Graham & Farel Dalrymple for Prophet #24 (Image). Fast Five picks include Batman #8 (DC), Rocketeer Adventures 2 #2 (IDW), Amazing Spider-Man #684 (Marvel), The Manhattan Projects #2 (Image), and Wonder Woman #8 (DC). Spoilers!

Fables #116 by Joao Ruas

This cover reminds me of what my childhood fantasies consisted of; Calvin & Hobbes re-imagined. The zig-zag lines are first thing to catch my eye, popping on the muddled yellow background. Then to have the boy and mechanical tiger in the foreground in light grays? Beautiful. So many images to study in this cover, that I can’t help but smile at the end result. For a title like Fables, this is the perfect cover to hook the readers with, informing you what to expect on the inside.

Uncanny X-Force #24 (Variant) by Julian Totino Tedesco

Immediately A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte came to mind, and it’s very cool homage when you add superheroes into the mix. I especially chuckled at the presence of Hulk, and how he’s looking the wrong way.

The Secret History of D.B. Cooper #2 by Brian Churilla

For such a trippy and exciting comic, comes the perfect matching cover for it. This cover tells you all you need to know about this series, and the psychedelic mayhem that ensues on the inside. The several different elements competing for your attention works marvelously, all entwined together in an explosion of  chaos and colors. This cover is a drug, and I never want to stop chasing the white rabbit because of it.

Wolverine and the X-Men #9 (Variant) by Alex Maleev

My favorite cover of the week, hands-down. Alex Maleev does a brilliant job producing such a gorgeous piece of abstract art fit for any museum, and yet it’s a variant cover for a comic book. The smudges, the different tones, all just simply stunning. I love the slimmer Thor, the simplistic Iron Man, and the James Dean-esque look of Captain America. I want this framed on my wall, pronto.