Tag: Kindred

A Look Back at The Kindred #2 (1994)

A Look Back at The Kindred #2 (1994)

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back, superhero fans, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Image Comics and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the mid-1990s to examine one of the many tales of the WildStorm universe through The Kindred mini-series.

The Kindred #1 was an entertaining piece of work by Jim Lee’s team. It was a build-up comic book that smoothly sets the stage for the inevitable reuniting of Grifter and Backlash – two former teammates of Team 7 who are also among the most defining heroes of the WildStorm universe – and the dangerous mission to find and rescue IO director John Lynch (who was also part of Team 7) and his assistant in South America. As the story of issue #1 went on, it was clear that elements from the past are creeping up on the characters and IO itself.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at The Kindred #2, published by Image Comics in 1994 with a story written by Jim Lee, Brandon Choi, Sean Ruffner and Brett Booth. Booth illustrated the comic book.  

The cover.

Early story

The story begins with a high-tech aircraft speeding off the coast of South America. Inside, the temporary leader Backlash (supported by deputy Colby) talks with members of the Black Razor team about what the mission is about and what their objectives are. Their goal is to find IO superior John Lynch and his assistant Alica Turner who have been held captive by a mysterious and dangerous bunch called the Kindred.

Upon arrival at their destination, Backlash, Colby and the Black Razors land to start their operation. Moments later, the stowaway Grifter emerges from inside the aircraft and gets spotted by a corporal. Grifter fires at an ugly, human-like monster of the Kindred saving the corporal’s life. Grifter then descends to follow Backlash and the Black Razors…

Quality

Backlash and Grifter (Marc Slayton and Cole Cash) together after so many years apart. They are former teammates of Team 7.

This early, I can say that the entertainment value of this comic book went up really high. It is clearly a nice pay-off to the build-up that happened in issue #1 and it has some notable moments as the storytelling went on.

Without spoiling the plot, the core concept of this series became clearer to me as the story progressed. Apart from the creative idea of having the former Team 7 teammates reunited, there are believable reasons as to why Backlash is leading a team of IO’s armed operative and why Grifter tagged along. Both of them are searching for answers while having different agendas or personal goals. There is also animosity between them which strongly implies something bad happened during their time together with Team 7. John Lynch, who often has been a background or supporting character in previous WildStorm tales (but eventually got a stronger role in Team 7 comics), finds himself cornered by the Kindred whose leader is very aware of what IO has been doing all along. At the same time, IO’s legacy of indiscriminate genetic testing on animal fetuses created a force of not only evil but vengeance. What the Kindred leader mentions effectively blurred the boundary that separates good and evil, and even that of abusers and victims.

By the time I reached the end of the comic book, the stakes and the suspense were raised. The same can be said about the overall fun factor.

Conclusion

The leader of the Kindred is not only evil. He is driven by vengeance and he knows a lot about IO.

Thanks to strong creative writing, The Kindred #2 (1994) is indeed a more engaging and more intriguing comic book. It consistently paid off the build-up that happened in the previous issue, and the creative team managed to keep on building up the suspense and tension as the story went on. Those who love spectacle will enjoy the high amount of action here and artist Brett Booth proved himself to be capable of showing dynamic visuals. Booth has an inspired take on showing Backlash and Grifter in action. I am looking forward to the next issue.

Overall, The Kindred #2 (1994) is recommended.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

A Look Back at The Kindred #1 (1994)

A Look Back at The Kindred #1 (1994)

carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back, superhero fans, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Image Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the mid-1990s to examine one of the many tales of the WildStorm universe as published by Image Comics.

To put things in perspective, Jim Lee’s WildStorm universe quickly expanded after launching WildC.A.T.s: Covert Action Teams in 1992. Other WildStorm properties followed such as StormWatch, Gen13, Team 7 and Wetworks. By 1994, things went rolling with the WildStorm projects and the production team of Jim Lee decided to expand the lore by having key characters Grifter (WildCATs) and Backlash involved in a story told in a mini-series. The said characters are actually former teammates of Team 7.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at The Kindred #1, published by Image Comics in 1994 with a story written by Jim Lee, Brandon Choi, Sean Ruffner and Brett Booth. Booth illustrated the comic book.  

The cover.

Early story

The story begins in New York City. Even as darkness envelopes the city that never sleeps, thousands of its denizens walk the streets in relentless pursuit of their hopes and dreams. One man walks alone and his thoughts are not filled with dreams of the future. Instead, he has nightmares from the past.

The man is Marc Slayton and he knocks the door communicating with Jack. He converts himself into vapor and easily enters the building moving towards Jack. He emerges as Backlash and tells Jack that he needs classified information on an alien race known as the Daemonites. It turns out, Backlash needs Jack’s hacking abilities to bypass the government’s bureaucracy and secrecy.

Suddenly, the armored members of Black Razor emerge behind Backlash…

Quality

Grifter appears in a violent way of helping someone.

I like this comic book. This is a tale that has strong elements of the 1990s WildStorm universe all over it, specifically paramilitary influence and intrigue. As this was released before Team 7 #1 (a tale set in the past), it was the WildStorm creators’ way of getting former teammates Grifter and Backlash together after being separated for a long time. The result is a dangerous mission launched while bringing key elements from the past back for the two heroes to encounter. Conveniently, this comic book added to the pre-release anticipation of the Team 7 mini-series.

More on the plot itself, Backlash wants crucial information about the Daemonites (monsters from space that are ugly, dangerous and capable of possessing people) and it so happens he has been targeted by IO (International Operations) for the mentioned mission. The way Backlash was portrayed involved his past coming back at him, dealing with IO and having to decide to participate or not. Clearly, Backlash here is cornered more than once and it is a sign that something intriguing and dangerous awaits him.

Grifter’s presence here is directly linked with his exit from WildCATs #8. Similar with Backlash, Grifter is in search for answers and he shows no intention of having a friendly reunion with his former teammate. Along the way, you will see the masked gunslinger being more analytical as the plot went on and his determination to find answers is really strong. Grifter here is also a huge risk-taker which is a nice touch.

Speaking of elements of the past, this comic book has some notable connections with other developments and parts of the WildStorm universe. A certain scene here could convince WildStorm fans to revisit the WildCATs mini-series.

Conclusion

Backlash hit hard by Black Razor members.

Considering the way the story was told and the high amount of expository dialogue executed, The Kindred #1 (1994) is clearly a build-up comic book that will eventually lead to the true essence of this mini-series. What I enjoyed the most here was how the creative team portrayed Backlash and Grifter. They are former teammates of Team 7 who each have grudges, personal problems and secrets that could potentially widen the gap between them. At the same time, the creative team succeeded in setting up the threat by showing the violent kidnap of John Lynch (the former leader of Team 7) and the rise of a new enemy who is very driven by revenge. Ultimately, this comic book succeeded in convincing me to read the next issue.

Overall, The Kindred #1 (1994) is recommended.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

A Look Back at Backlash #2 (1994)

A Look Back at Backlash #2 (1994)

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Image Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the wild 1990s and explore a part of the WildStorm universe through a tale of Backlash!  

Backlash #1 was indeed a fun and engaging read with the creative direction spearheaded by Brett Booth who was a co-writer and the illustrator. It built-up Backlash as a major WildStorm figure while also emphasized the concepts from his previous appearances in the Kindred limited series which paired him with Grifter. As seen in issue #1, he freed Taboo and it was clear that she was designed to be a key part of the Backlash series.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Backlash #2, published in 1994 by Image Comics with a story written by Sean Ruffner, Jeff Mariotte and Booth. Booth was the artist.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins with a meeting inside the high-tech headquarters of the W.O.R. (Wildlife Organized Research), a front covering the outpost for the criminal organization called the Cabal. During the meeting, the fall of Helspont was discussed and talk about running the Cabal intensified. Just as it was made clear that a new beginning and new leadership were needed to manage the Cabal, a warlord called S’ryn arrives with the deadly Pike behind him. After briefly overwhelming opposition from a Coda warrior and H’tarh, S’ryn performs a ritual and gets the pledge of loyalty from those who recognized him as the new leader of the Cabal. The stage is set for further escalation between the Daemonites and the Kherubim.

In the city of Chicago, Backlash and Taboo spend time together in an apartment that looks worn down and not so clean. It turns out, both of them are fugitives and they are waiting for Cyberjack to complete his surveillance of the security of a hotel where a celebrity ball is set to happen…

Quality

In the middle of a special event, Backlash and Taboo spring into action as WildCATS’ Jacob Marlowe gets into trouble.

Compared to what happened in issue #1, this story moved at a moderate pace in relation to the new mission which involved espionage and suspense. It’s not the action showcase the previous issue was but rather more moderated as the creators took a new approach to not only tell a new story but also do its own build-up of the Kherubim-Daemonite war and other WildStorm universe concepts. The story is well-written and while there is a lot of expository dialogue and creative explanations implemented, it never felt forced. Along the way, the creative team started implementing crossover elements by having Jacob Marlowe of WildC.A.T.S.: Covert Action Teams as well as established Image Comics figure Savage Dragon (from Erik Larsen) included in the story and even getting involved with the operations that took place.

As for Backlash himself, you will see a little less of him in this tale (compared to issue #1) which is not surprising as the creative team focused more on the plot and had to handle the crossover elements. Backlash did not become a supporting character here and you will see some superhero spectacle from him, particularly in his rematch with a certain villain.

Conclusion

S’ryn gets challenged before he becomes the new leader of the forces of evil.

Backlash #2 (1994) is a fun ride that cleverly combined crossover elements with its own approach on building up the WildStorm concepts, notably the war between the Kherubim and Daemonites. It also shows the consequences of what happened in the 4th issue of the WildC.A.T.S. mini-series particularly within the side of the opposition. As such, this comic book is pretty much a sequel to the said mini-series. At this stage, there was clearly something prepared to entertain readers while maintaining focus on establishing Backlash (note: Marc Slayton was one of the Team 7 members) as a major WildStorm character.

Overall, Backlash #2 (1994) is recommended.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

A Look Back at WildC.A.T.S: Covert Action Teams #9 (1994)

A Look Back at WildC.A.T.S: Covert Action Teams #9 (1994)

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero fans, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we continue revisiting Jim Lee’s flagship title under the Image Comics label – WildC.A.T.S: Covert Action Teams!

Last time around, members of the WildC.A.T.S were split apart in terms of locations as they had their rest-and-relaxation period. While Grifter went away to do something urgent (read: the Kindred comic books), Zealot, Void and Jacob Marlowe’s executive assistant Jules picked up Warblade and Maul using their high-tech aircraft to head on to the Bahamas where an entire cruise ship disappeared with Marlowe, Voodoo and Spartan on it.

Unbeknownst to the WildC.A.T.S flying in their jet, Voodoo, Spartan and Marlowe found themselves as captives of an armored man (wearing a half-helmet) called Entropy inside his domain in an undetermined location. Entropy refers to Marlowe as lord Emp and states that he will suffer from his wrath. Marlowe does not recognize him.

With those details laid down, here is a look back WildC.A.T.S: Covert Action Teams #9, published by Image Comics in 1994 with a story written by Brandon Choi and Jim Lee. Lee did the art with Scott Williams in-charge with the ink work.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins with the partial WildC.A.T.S team arriving in the area of the Bermuda triangle with their aircraft. From their view, there was nothing to spot but Zealot insists that they keep on searching as they must be overlooking something.

Meanwhile, Spartan and Voodoo find themselves in deep trouble as a horde of Daemonites persistently attack them. Already heavily damaged, Spartan keeps on using his energy blasts to hold the monsters off. Voodoo on the other hand is too weak and could not concentrate to help her teammate.

Suddenly one of the Daemonites slashes Spartan’s left arm which neutralizes his energy blast. His body got pierced by one of the monsters which pinned him down, leaving Voodoo completely helpless…

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The WildC.A.T.S on search-and-rescue.

On face value, this comic book looks like another generic or even disposable good-versus-evil story drawn by Jim Lee. In reality, its story has more significance to it and the creators themselves came up with something fresh for WildC.A.T.S fans. Firstly, this is a story about one group of WildC.A.T.S trying to rescue their boss and their two other teammates from Entropy in a location that could not be easily found. Secondly, this comic book puts strong focus back on the Kherubim-Daemonite war which creatively looks back at one of the many events that took place in Jacob Marlowe’s past (which he could not remember at first) complete with implementing a strong fantasy (read: swords and armors) element which gives the story a mixed-genre aesthetic.

The good news here is that the storytelling and visual presentation by the creators are really well done! While the dual approach of storytelling involving both the present and the far past was used in Jim Lee’s past X-Men works with Marvel, the said approach was well executed with WildC.A.T.S which not only expanded its lore further but also developed Jacob Marlowe’s personality even further.

To have Entropy (note: he eerily resembles’ Mantra arch-villain Boneyard in the Ultraverse) as an enraged opposition figure living with a lust for revenge against Marlowe is a smart move and at the same time this adds variety to the kind of opposition WildC.A.T.S have. More on what happened in the past involving both Marlowe and Entropy, the flashback raises new questions about the value and true nature of the WildC.A.T.S’ leader who at this point was a brash manager who wields lots of resources to operate with. The flashback also challenges readers on how to evaluate Jacob Marlowe when it comes to being accountable about his past actions, including the many things he did but could not remember. All of these lead to a really impactful ending that you readers must see.

Conclusion

Meet Entropy, a man with a shared past with Jacob Marlowe.

WildC.A.T.S: Covert Action Teams #9 (1994) is a Jim Lee-drawn tale that has solid depth and a very creative approach to its presentation, specifically its daring and well-executed method of mixing the superhero and fantasy elements. When it comes to the narrative, the creative team succeeded in telling both the present and the past tales followed by connecting them with each other while ultimately telling an overall cohesive tale. This is a Wild.C.A.T.S story that must be read from start to finish, and it is a powerful follow-up to issue #8.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of WildC.A.T.S: Covert Action Teams #9 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $30.

Overall, WildC.A.T.S: Covert Action Teams #9 (1994) is highly recommended.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/