superhero – Page 46 – Author Carlo Carrasco

A Look Back at X-Men Adventures #2 (1992)

September 9, 2020September 8, 2020carlocarrasco

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.

Having read lots of X-Men comic books, I should say that I always find the Sentinels (first appearance in The X-Men #14 in 1965) to be more memorable as enemies of Marvel’s mutants. On face value, they only look like oversized, human-like robots but I always find them to be formidable opponents of the X-Men. These machines are not only built with sophisticated technologies, they are able to push the X-Men to their limits during battle.

These anti-mutant robots, by the way, were ranked by IGN at #38 in their Greatest Comic Book Villains chart. Long before that, the Sentinels were the featured anti-heroes in the classic X-Men comic book storyline Days of Future Past and it was no surprise that they were also featured in the 2014 movie X-Men: Days of Future Past.

And then in the early 1990s, the Sentinels were shown in the first episode of the X-Men animated series on television. The said series was also adapted into an “as seen on TV” comic book series by Marvel called X-Men Adventures.

This brings me to this look back at X-Men Adventures #2, published in 1992 by Marvel Comics with a story by Ralph Macchio and drawn by Andrew Wildman.

Early story

The story begins with Morph suffering from a nightmare. As he emerged from the vision, he finds himself with Storm, Beast and Wolverine. Together they work to infiltrate a federal government facility which houses the Mutant Affairs Department. Outside the walls of the facility, Rogue Gambit and Cyclops watch from a distance. Cyclops fires his optic blast at the vehicle that just dropped reinforcements that he believes were sent to stop their teammates.

Storm and her teammates break through a door instantly pushing off the security personnel followed by Beast knocking an additional guard. At the room containing the computer, Beast begins to access key information their team has been seeking…

Quality

Let me start with the storytelling. As an adaptation of one of the early episodes of the animated series, this comic book does a fine job of recapturing its essence complete with a nice balance between plot, exposition and spectacle. Considering the fact that the animated series was aimed for children, it’s quite intriguing to see the TV episode carrying really heavy themes – apart from the prejudice the mutants suffer from – like top federal government operations, expensive defense and weapons programs, government intrusion into people’s private lives, attempts to require minorities to get registered, etc. Those themes also made it in this comic book which made it feel like it was part of the mainstream X-Men comics of the time.

Compared to the first episode as well as its literary adaptation, this one emphasizes the Sentinels as tools of the government as part of their very expensive program to seek and monitor mutants among their citizens. Mutant Affairs director Peter Gyrich is clearly the villain who has no super powers but has the resources of the federal government and their authority to take action on mutants he perceived to be dangerous.

On the visuals, Andrew Wildman performed a solid job making each page look interesting and detailed enough. While his drawings made each character recognizable to me, it is in the spectacular scenes where he really shines. Wildman’s drawing of the Watcher on the final page of the comic book, however, looks laughable.

Conclusion

*Andrew Wildman’s dynamic drawing of the X-Men in action.*

While X-Men Adventures #2 is not exactly a literary classic, it is indeed a very solid adaptation of one of the earliest episodes of the animated series of the 1990s. It succeeded on telling a compelling and enjoyable story even though it emphasized the above-mentioned serious themes. As for the iconic Sentinels, this one succeeded in explaining what they are and their place in Marvel’s universe is.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of X-Men Adventures #2 (1992), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $8 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $26.

Overall, X-Men Adventures #2 (1992) 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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

A Look Back at Prototype #12 (1994)

September 7, 2020September 5, 2020carlocarrasco

Apart from the in-depth storytelling, spectacle and solid characterization consistently delivered by writers Tom Mason and Len Strazewski for the Prototype monthly series of the Ultraverse, I also enjoyed their implementation of corporate intrigue. In fact, the storytelling in issues #7, #8, #9, #10 and #11 also showed corporate intrigue gradually building up leading to something. Without spoiling the story too much, what happened in issue #11 showed a clear change of direction involving Prototype pilots Jimmy Ruiz and Bob Campbell complete with something brewing at Ultratech.

Will the payoff of the corporate intrigue build-up be realized in the next Prototype issue? We can all find out together in this look back at Prototype #12, published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story written by Tom Mason and Len Strazewski, and drawn by Roger Robinson.

Early story

The story begins at the Ultratech tower in New York City. At the lobby, Felicia Campbell gently knocks the guard out with an injection and takes control of the security desk to allow Bob Campbell/Ranger and Jimmy Ruiz/Prototype (wearing a “goofy” outfit) to come in and, together, they move to the basement for a certain need (of Jimmy) – the Prototype armor.

Suddenly Ultratech’s newest hire Prototype Mark III fires a blast at Ranger’s back pushing him down and surprising both Jimmy and Dr. Campbell. The dark-armored Prototype Mark III introduces himself to Jimmy as his replacement and states: Ultratech has somebody man enough to do what it takes!

With Bob Campbell beside him, Jimmy recalls that Prototype Mark III was one of the trainees that his boss Leland often flaunted in front of him. What Jimmy finds hard to believe is that one of the trainees was actually placed into an actual Prototype suit…

Quality

Once again, the creative team delivered the great stuff with storytelling, twists, spectacle and suspense all with a high level of quality. This comic book suggests that careful planning on plotting, characterization and intrigue were done by Tom Mason and Len Strazewski with a good amount of care and timing. As for what I mentioned earlier, I do confirm that the payoff for the corporate intrigue build-up has been realized big time and I should state that this comic book’s ending is very powerful (and also enticing for reading the next issue). This one is a smash hit!

*This is only a few of the many action scenes that worked nicely with the in-depth story.*

Conclusion

Prototype #12 is indeed great, worthy of serving as the anniversary issue (the two words stated on the cover) and as the climax of the first year of its series. For the most part, the series told events of not one but two Prototype pilots (the current one Jimmy Ruiz and the past one Bob Campbell) who eventually got together just as the series’ direction took a solid turn reflecting the changing interests of Ultratech. This one is definitely one of the best Ultraverse comics published in 1994 and it surely proved that the storytellers were not afraid to take risks or move against conventional storytelling (as far as armored superheroes go). Lastly, this comic book encouraged me to look back at issues #0 and #1.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Prototype #12 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the comic book costs $8.

Overall, Prototype #12 (1994) is highly recommended!

+++++

A Look Back at UltraForce #2 (1994)

September 2, 2020February 25, 2021carlocarrasco

Some time ago, I wrote and explored what would happen had superheroes been real and got involved with government leaders and the corporate media. Considering what has been going on for some time now, I hope that more readers would read the article and realize the conspiracy between political parties and corporate media is real and even dangerous. Did you even notice that in America, the Left-leaning media outlets have been distorting the facts about the riots involving the Marxist movement Black Lives Matter and the violent Antifa group? Also, did you notice that the liberal media distorted the meaning of the words peaceful protesters? Being a former local community print media publication journalist myself, I know why media outlets (whose owners and managers willingly get involved with those who wield power) would distort the news and insult the public’s intelligence. Really, the truth is that objective, truthful, responsible and professional journalism is shrinking.

Enough with the sickening news wave of negativity magnified by corporate media. It’s time to examine the superhero-government-media conspiracy followed by a fantastic conflict within the Ultraverse in this look back at UltraForce #2, published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story written by Gerard Jones and art by George Perez (breakdowns) and John Statema (finished pencils).

Early story

The story begins with UltraForce member Ghoul visiting a place within the woods. He stops at a huge grave site of the Exiles and tries to communicate with his former teammates but to no avail. He only got glimmers from them. After expressing himself to nobody, he walks away.

Shortly after, UltraForce composed of Hardcase, Prime, Prototype, Ghoul, Pixx, Contrary and Topaz meet with US President Bill Clinton, US Senator Bob Dole, UN’s secretary general Boutros-Ghali and Blackrock of the press in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC. As they discuss important matters together, Atalon makes his move against the civilized world…

Quality

*The interactions between the members of UltraForce are richly written.*

To start with, this comic book is a build-up type of story containing lots dialogue, exposition and explanatory pieces with not too much spectacle. That’s not to say this is a boring issue, in fact it still remained quite engaging to read. The very wordy script for this comic book was written with care and there were efforts made to keep the story cohesive even as it grapples with all the details for explaining. What the writer presented not only explained what is happening and why the world is being threatened by Atalon and his forces from underneath, the script also took its time in presenting the characters struggling with each other’s views while providing key moments that add some development to the personality of some of the characters (example: Prime’s interest in Chelsea Clinton reflected not only his teenage self but also his first encounter with her during the Prime monthly series). As far as storytelling goes, it succeeded in helping me understand the huge event transpiring and justified why UltraForce as a team is needed. When you think about it, Prime, Hardcase and Prototype already have major affairs of their own (especially when you read their respective monthly series) but Atalon is a major threat that requires the three to work together (along with Pixx, Ghoul, Topaz and the ever scheming Contrary).

More on the conspiracy between the superheroes, the government leaders and the corporate press, this comic book is more relevant than ever today even though superheroes do not even exist in real life. I like the moments when Contrary wanted access to government files which drew a strong reaction from Bill Clinton who in turn is being watched carefully by opposition leader Bob Dole. For his part, Hardcase expressed that his team does not want any power struggle between ultras and the government. And then Bob Dole stressed to Prototype that he works for Ultratech and said: I take it that you are a defender of the rights of the private sector?

Of course, the highlight of the writing is the dynamic interactions between the UltraForce members when they are on their own and struggle to work together due to their respective differences. The dialogue is very rich.

When it comes to visuals, this one is rather unique because it has breakdowns by the legendary George Perez with finished pencil work by John Statema. It’s not a pure Perez art work which is obvious but still I recognized the characters and there is still a high level of visual detail all throughout. Still a solid looking comic book!

Conclusion

*This is a clever way of doing exposition…Bill Clinton learns more about Topaz and Ghoul but only the readers get a visual presentation.*

Never mind the fact that it lacked spectacle, UltraForce #2 is still compelling to read mainly due to its strong writing, the memorable interactions between the characters and emphasis of the crisis that justifies the presence of the team complete with impact on the world. Not only that, this comic book event went the extra mile to emphasize crossing-over within the Ultraverse by including The Strangers (check out The Strangers #4 and Hardcase #4 for reference).

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of UltraForce #2 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $8 while the near-mint copy of the limited edition costs $12.

Overall, UltraForce #2 (1994) is highly recommended!

+++++

A Look Back at Batman versus Predator II #2 (1995)

September 1, 2020August 31, 2020carlocarrasco

When done right with the comic book format, fantasy crossover concepts can become very entertaining and memorable. Such was the case with the comic book Batman versus Predator II: Bloodmatch #1 which I enjoyed reading a lot.

Now we can find out if the creative team behind that memorable comic book could maintain the high quality of fun and engagement in this look back at Batman versus Predator II #2, published in 1995 by DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics with a story written by Doug Moench and drawn by Paul Gulacy.

Early story

The story begins in the forest outside of Gotham City. A fake use of the Batman signal was lighted there by the Predator which was meant to lure Batman into a potential trap. As soon as he arrived, Batman believes that his old ally commissioner James Gordon bought a portable Batman signal meant to call him to a crime scene far away from the urbanized areas.

Expecting to see Gordon in the woods, Batman sees a tree with several men’s heads hanging each with a net. He realizes that the Predator lured him into what he calls the hunting ground. Batman is correct as the Predator, standing nearby, unleashes a weapon to attack him…

Quality

*This one really looked out of place in this comic book.*

A pretty good crossover comic book. When it comes to storytelling, the comic book starts paying off the anticipation built up in issue #1 by presenting Batman in an early encounter with the Predator which, I must say, was smartly handled complete with key references to the previous Batman versus Predator crossover series from the early 1990s. What happened in the said encounter between the two pop culture icons will make you reflect about what you know about Batman and the Predator. Given how the story turned out, clearly the encounter (which was quite beefy) served as a sign of what is more to come between Batman and the Predator (or the race of Predators). The Huntress meanwhile has a slightly reduced spotlight which is not surprising but she still proved her worth in the conflict. When it comes to presenting the respective views of Batman and the Huntress, I admire the use of narration boxes (instead of the traditional thought balloons) which added depth to the story.

Meanwhile, there is a subplot about an assassin from Asia who came all the way to America for a key transaction. However, this subplot (which does not even look like it’s related to the Batman-Predator conflict) ended up looking like filler.

Conclusion

*An action-packed encounter between the Dark Knight and the warrior from outer space!*

Batman versus Predator II #2 (1995) is almost as good as issue #1 but its first, action-packed encounter between the Dark Knight and the warrior from outer space alone makes it worth collecting.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Batman versus Predator II #2 (1995), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy costs $30.

Overall, Batman versus Predator II #2 (1995) is recommended.

+++++

A Look Back at Prototype #11 (1994)

September 1, 2020August 30, 2020carlocarrasco

Hey fellow superhero comic book geeks and Ultraverse fans! Welcome back to my continuing retrospective of the Ultraverse through the Prototype series of comic books published by Malibu Comics. Last time around, Jimmy Ruiz (Prototype) was not prominent as the comic book focused more on Ranger (the previous Prototype piloy Bob Campbell actually) who took on a group of terrorists with some help.

As such, we can see what happens next with this look back at Prototype #11, published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story by Tom Mason and Len Strazewski and art by Roger Robinson.

Early story

The story begins with Glare, an old nemesis of Prototype. As it turns out, he was revived by some scientists in a high-tech facility of the sinister group Aladdin. The green-skinned Glare breaks free from the restraints and starts causing some damage. He is driven by revenge against Stanley Leland, Ultratech and Ranger (Bob Campbell).

Meanwhile on the street of New York, Jimmy Ruiz (Prototype) and Bob Campbell are together. Jimmy, who is not even using the powered suit of armor, released a lot of energy while floating off the surface causing a major public disturbance. Afterwards, Bob decides to help his Prototype successor…

Quality

*Bob Campbel in his Ranger powered suit of armor.*

Let me start by confirming that the storytelling is very good. In fact, the high quality of writing was maintained and judging from the presentation of having Jimmy Ruiz and Bob Campbell together in a full issue (note: they got together only in the late stages of issue #10), it seems that Tom Mason and Len Strazewski had things planned out in an organized fashion. The result is having the two Prototype pilots not only together but getting involved (in a pretty believable way) in response to a rising danger. To make things clearer, this is NOT the anticipated superheroes-set-aside-their-differences-to-work-together-to-solve-the-problem type of story.

Bob Campbell still got plenty of the spotlight as Ranger and his battle with Glare is a lot of fun to read. Jimmy Ruiz meanwhile is developed even further. I also like the scenes that emphasized the difference between being an ultra and a tool of Ultratech which affects Jimmy.

Conclusion

Prototype #11 is another enjoyable and compelling Ultraverse comic book to read. Its own story is indeed special and worthy of being an Ultraverse 1^st birthday issue (as marked on the cover). Clearly this comic book marked a bold new direction of storytelling just as the two Prototype pilots are finally together.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Prototype #11 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the comic book costs $8.

Overall, Prototype #11 (1994) is highly recommended!

+++++

A Look Back at Prototype #10 (1994)

August 28, 2020August 27, 2020carlocarrasco

Without spoiling the story, the ending of Prototype #9 (1994) proved to be enticing for me to continue reading what happens next. As such, I went on to read the next issue.

Once again, we take another journey back into the Ultraverse in this look back at the comic book Prototype #10, published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story by Tom Mason and Len Strazewski, drawn by Roger Robinson.

Early story

The story begins at the top of the Statue of Liberty in New York where a police helicopter flies and its personnel see a few people hanged. Suddenly the head of the Statue of Liberty blew up which turned out to be the act of a terrorist group called Terrordyne. Terrorydyne’s leader Karl is determined to cause chaos and let the mainstream news media magnify their message of fear. By occupying the Statue of Liberty, the terrorists insists that it will down anything that violates their so-called airpace and territorial waters.

Meanwhile, news about Prototype’s (Jimmy Ruiz specifically) departure from Ultratech reaches previous Prototype pilot Bob Campbell. As a result, the city of New York does not have a full-time ultra of its own. Bob makes a move to take centerstage with his armor (Ranger).

Over at the headquarters of Ultratech, top executive Leland talks with Donovan, the new Prototype…

Quality

No surprise, the quality of the writing done by Len Strazewski and Tom Mason is pretty high but the big difference is that the spotlight was focused more on former Prototype pilot Bob Campbell (who was absent from the last issue) and the corporate sector with the terrorist act compelling them respectively.

While issue #9 was mostly about Jimmy Ruiz and his personal development while returning to his old community, this comic book brings back the spectacle (lots of action-packed scenes here) and the corporate intrigue big time! Bob Campbell is clearly the protagonist in this story and what he does here will make you interested to learn about his history as the previous Prototype pilot when he was still the one valuable employee of Ultratech.

While the story is enjoyable, I should say that terrorist leader Karl is pretty hollow as the villain and there is nothing interesting in him.

Conclusion

Do not let the nice cover fool you. Prototype #10 is an enjoyable read and the way its presentation was handled, it showed signs that careful planning was made by the creative team as the comic book (focused more on Bob Campbell and the corporations) served nicely as a companion piece to issue #9 which was more focused on Jimmy Ruiz.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Prototype #10 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $8 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $26.

Overall, Prototype #10 (1994) is recommended.

+++++

Wonder Woman 1984-themed Xbox One X game consoles announced and a movie-related comic book is coming!

August 27, 2020August 26, 2020carlocarrasco

With DC FanDome now past us, it’s time for Wonder Woman fans as well as any fun-loving moviegoer to look forward to the release of the much-awaited Wonder Woman 1984 which Warner Bros. confirmed will come out only on cinemas. As of this writing, the movie directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Kristen Wiig is slated for an October 2, 2020 release in America even though there are concerns that movie theaters and cinema chains are far from operating normally (note: to allow moviegoers to fill each seat side by side) due to the current pandemic. I personally would not be surprised if the movie studio decides to delay Wonder Woman 1984 into 2021.

Before the anticipated theatrical opening of the movie, Microsoft made an announcement that pleasantly surprised me – they will give away not one but three models of Wonder Woman 1984-inspired Xbox One X consoles which is done in part of the anticipation of the movie.

*Three Wonder Woman 1984-inspired Xbox One X consoles.*

In an Xbox.com article written by Microsoft’s general manager of games marketing Aaron Greenberg, collectors can expect the Wonder Woman golden armor Xbox One X console (reflecting the gold eagle armor of the Queen of Superheroes), the Wonder Woman lasso of truth Xbox One X console (inspired by Wonder Woman and her famous lasso) and the Barbara Minerva (Cheetah) Xbox One X console (reflecting the antagonist played by Kristen Wiig).

According to Greenberg, fans will have the chance to win the Wonder Woman lasso of truth Xbox One X console by simply liking or retweeting the Xbox sweepstakes tweet on Twitter. This has to be done within the period of August 25 until September 17. There are rule to follow, take note.

Greenberg further wrote: We can’t wait for “Wonder Woman 1984”, Warner Bros. Pictures’ follow up to the DC Super Hero’s first outing, 2017’s record-breaking “Wonder Woman”. Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah. Set to open in theaters in 2D and 3D in select theaters and IMAX, it will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is rated PG-13. To learn more about the upcoming film, visit wonderwomanfilm.com.

The article ends with the following note: Please note, that all the Xbox is for display ONLY, not gameplay. Prize and the successful bidder will also get a standard Xbox One X.

For the newcomers reading this, Xbox One X is the high-end version of the Xbox One console. Released in late 2017, the Xbox One X is currently the most powerful video game console in the market although finding one is challenging as manufacturing has ended clearly to make way for the next-generation Xbox Series X console (and avoid causing confusion among consumers).

It sure is nice that Microsoft and Warner Bros. agreed to do a cross-promotion of their respective properties. There are a lot of Xbox fans among superhero enthusiasts and there are some comic book readers who play video games. Personally, I’d like to see Microsoft and WB someday come up with a limited edition Wonder Woman-themed Xbox Series X console if possible. Also when it comes to superheroes, I prefer Wonder Woman over Spider-Man anytime!

More on exciting stuff for Wonder Woman fans, there will be a comic book that will tie-in with the movie titled Wonder Woman 1984 #1 and it will be released on September 29, 2020. It’s cover was drawn by Nicola Scott.

*Cover art for Wonder Woman 1984 #1 done by Nicola Scott. She did a good job capturing the likeness of actress Gal Gadot.*

According to the official press release, Wonder Woman 1984 #1 is a 32-page one-shot comic book that will link with the upcoming movie which involves Wonder Woman 1984 associate producer Anna Obropta and comic book veteran Louise Simonson involved in the writing with illustration done by Bret Blevins.

The first story follows a failed burglary attempt that causes a hostage situation at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. As such, Diana Prince/Wonder Woman leaves the teenage tour group so that she can save the day. The odds are against her as there are ten gunmen involved and not much time to spare.

The second story written by Steve Pugh and drawn by Marguerite Sauvage, is a 1980s flashback. There is a reckless mastermind who made the ultimate power move by stealing the Lasso of Truth from Wonder Woman. As such, Diana and Steve Trevor have to get the lasso back before it’s too late.

Since the pandemic and community lockdown took place months ago, I have not bought any comic book – old or brand new – ever since. I’m not certain if copies of Wonder Woman 1984 #1 will make it in my place as the nearest comic book specialty store remains closed. Still, I’m interested in the comic book and here is hoping it will turn out good.

In ending this, posted below is the latest movie trailer of Wonder Woman 1984. Also if you are interested about the literary history of Barbara Minerva/Cheetah and her rivalry with Wonder Woman, read my retro review of Wonder Woman #9 (1987).

For more Wonder Woman-related articles and features, visit www.CarloCarrasco.com and search Wonder Woman.

+++++

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. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

A Look Back at Prototype #9 (1994)

August 27, 2020August 26, 2020carlocarrasco

Hey comic book fans and geeks! Do you enjoy reading comic books about armored superheroes that are not connected with Marvel’s Iron Man? The Ultraverse has an armored figure in Prototype but the big difference is that the said character is owned by a large corporation called Ultratech which in turns hired a young man named Jimmy Ruiz to pilot it. Oh yes, Jimmy Ruiz is actually the second person hired to pilot Prototype as his predecessor Bob Campbell was let go with one arm less.

Let’s revisit the Ultraverse by taking a look back at Prototype #9, published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story by Len Strazewski and Tom Mason with art done by Roger Robinson and Jeff Whiting.

Early story

Set a short time after the hard battle between Prototype and Arena, the story begins in a secret facility somewhere in New York City where three armored figures engage in an intense session of flight, attacks and performance. The session is closely monitored by people watching from the observation deck. As it turns out, the session is actually a test for the three persons – two men and one lady – who applied to become the new Prototype which is the result of what happened at the end of issue #8. Among the three, Donovan Jones was accepted as the new Prototype which Ultratech’s Stanley Leland confirms.

Over at Brooklyn, Jimmy Ruiz (Prototype) meets a lady from his past after paying respect to someone who was about to get buried. She tells him that since he left their old neighborhood, the local gangs have gotten worse. A short time later, the Prototype pilot meets an old gang he personally knows…

Quality

*Jimmy Ruiz and the gang from his past.*

Let me start with the storytelling. This comic book is more about Jimmy Ruiz out on his own without the armor than it is about Ultratech and its high-tech interests. Bob Campbell’s not even in the story. That being said, this is pretty much a character-driven piece focused on Jimmy Ruiz as a person than as a hero and I should say that Tom Mason and Len Strazewski did a good job developing his character a lot. The writing is pretty lively and the writers pulled the right moves to define Jimmy Ruiz as a believable human being. There was that notable moment when after Jimmy returned to his old community and spends time with the old gang he personally knew, he realizes how much he has and how his perception changed. By the time you reach the end of the story, you’ll get to know Jimmy much better.

Conclusion

Prototype #9 is a character-driven comic book that succeeds in defining the personality and development of Jimmy Ruiz who is just one of two main characters in this series (which emphasized the struggles of two different persons involved with piloting Prototype). It lacks spectacle but that does not make this a boring comic book. Apart from Jimmy Ruiz, the corporate focus on Ultratech is short yet very intriguing.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Prototype #9 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $8.

Overall, Prototype #9 (1994) is recommended.

+++++

A Look Back at Hardcase #14 (1994)

August 17, 2020August 16, 2020carlocarrasco

Hey comic book geeks and superhero enthusiasts! Are you ready for another trip back to the Ultraverse through the stories of Hardcase? Before getting there, I should state that the last Hardcase comic book I reviewed ended in a very intriguing way.

To find out more what followed, here is a look back at Hardcase #14, published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story written by the late James Hudnall and drawn by Steve Carr.

Early story

The story begins with Tom Hawke/Hardcase wondering if he is turning insane. He went through a lot lately such as getting targeted by Aladdin for elimination, learning that a portion of Linda’s brain was taken by Aladdin via operation, and his new lover Choice (who has the mentioned part of Linda’s brain in her) just vanished in front of him and Lela Cho/Tech (of The Solution) who seated near him.

Lela tries to calm him down and shares to him that she herself went through a whole lot of trouble which made her form her team. Hardcase is concerned that Choice could be in danger already. Lela reminds him of what happened during their time on the moon. She states that there is something out there, a flat world. Hardcase speculates that someone from out there could have taken Choice away…

Quality

Compared to issue #13, the storytelling in this comic book went back to build-up tension and suspense for future developments waiting to happen. When it comes to characterization, you will find Hardcase being without a partner for the first time since the early issues of the series. This also resulted some short but notably dramatic scenes that further developed Hardcase’s personality. As this was written by the late James Hudnall, there is more crossing-over between Hardcase and a few members of The Solution which is pretty good creative move.

When it comes to the art, Steve Carr did a good job visualizing the characters. His art is a radical change from that of Kelly Krantz in issue #13.

Conclusion

*Picking up from where issue #13 ended.*

To put straight, Hardcase #14 will appeal to fans who don’t mind the lack of action (like issue #13) for as long as the Hollywood hero became more prominent and his personality developed further. If you are wondering what happened to Choice, you’ll have to search elsewhere in the Ultraverse. Also there is continued build-up behind the scenes setting up gradually (yet again) the inevitable rematch between Hardcase and a certain nemesis from the past.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Hardcase #14 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $14 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $13.

Overall, Hardcase #14 (1994) is recommended.

+++++

A Look Back at The Strangers #8 (1994)

August 15, 2020August 13, 2020carlocarrasco

Hey comic book geeks and Ultraverse fans? It’s been almost two months since I last reviewed a comic book of The Strangers which had a nice crossover involving Prototype and in outer space no less! Crossovers within the Ultraverse were well done and nicely planned by the creative people at Malibu Comics.

If you want to find out what followed next, then you’re in the right place as I’m about to present a look back at The Strangers #8, released in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story written by Steve Englehart and drawn by Rick Hoberg and Steve Shroce.

Early story

The story begins with the Strangers having arrived back on Earth, safe and sound. As Lady Killer greeted “happy landings” to her teammates, Grenade recalls what they had done recently…stealing the rocket from the powerful J.D. Hunt. They were greeted by lots of people at Edwards Air Force Base in California and immediately the nosey journalists ask them repetitive questions.

A man confronts them and tells them to come with him for a debriefing. As the encounter was about to turn into a conflict, a uniformed official (who was granted control by the commander of the base) intervenes and took sides with the Strangers. According to him, the Night Man just prevented two murders from happening on the base. He then grants the Strangers possession of the rocket…

Quality

As with the previous issues of The Strangers, this one unsurprisingly had a well-organized story structure which was brought to life by the illustrators and others who worked on the visuals. While it is a fact that the Strangers just got back from a misadventure in outer space, the suspense and excitement never faltered once they returned home. When it comes to character development, the one who stood out was Yrial whose wisdom and loyalty got tested when a chief from her tribe told her to return to them since her teammates learned the secrets of their powers. Of course, the team trusts her a lot and don’t want to lose her. Once again, the Strangers find themselves at odds with Yrial’s people and how the story was presented here is great to read.

Conclusion

The Strangers #8 is a solidly fun comic book. Its pace to keep the reader engaged, entertained and in suspense never faltered one bit. At the same time, this comic book had some fresh ideas and twists that are worth reading.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of The Strangers #8 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $4 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $10.

Overall, The Strangers #8 (1994) is recommended.

+++++

	#LGBTQ on What To Watch On YouTube Right…
	#sciencefiction on What To Watch On YouTube Right…
	#blogpost on What To Watch On YouTube Right…
	Gaming Channel on What To Watch On YouTube Right…
	AI Channel on What To Watch On YouTube Right…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: