Preview: Fables Issue 145 Cover Artwork

Here's a peek at two different versions of Fables issue 145. One is the final cover artwork and the other is a work-in-progress version. 

CW iZOMBIE Screen Captures

Olivia loves brains! Here's some screen-captures from the upcoming CW television series "iZombie".

Review: Fables Issue 138

Despite being imprisoned, Geppetto is one crafty individual with a plan up his sleeve.

Review: The Wake Issue 5

The final fate of Lee Archer and crew is revealed! Or is it? The mysteries down below continue!

Review: Fables Issue 134

Bigby Wolf encounters some interesting people in a very special forest, in the afterlife.

Review: Hinterkind Issue 1

A blend of science fiction and fantasy awaits you in this thrilling debut issue! Can our heroine Prosper Monday survive the terrifying world outside of post-apocalyptic Manhattan? 

Review: Trillium Issue 1

Worlds collide when botanist Nika Temsmith from the year 3797 meets up in the present year 1921 with explorer William Pike. Their love triggers the end of the universe.

PREVIEW: Vertigo Comics Hinterkind Artwork

Preview artwork from the upcoming fantasy-adventure series Hinterkind from Vertigo Comics. 

Review: The Wake Issue 3

The action and mystery continues as Scott Snyder and Sean Gordon Murphy deliver some satisfying chills in The Wake issue 3. More details are revealed about the mysterious creature with some unpleasant circumstances for all!

PREVIEW: Coffin Hill Series Artwork

Preview artwork and covers from the upcoming Coffin Hill series from Vertigo Comics. The macabre-filled storylines will debut this October.

Review: Fairest Issue 13

Writer Lauren Beukes' Rapunzel saga reaches it's stunning conclusion. Do we get a fairy-tale ending or bloodshed, to resolve her past, in the final issue of the storyline?

Review: Fairest Issue 12

The saga of The Hidden Kingdom continues, as the history of Tomoko and her journey into our world is revealed! What other secrets will be exposed?

Review: Fairest Issue 11

Writer Lauren Beukes continues to flesh out Rapunzel's tragic time in the Hidden Kingdom. Readers will not be disappointed as further light is shone upon her dark past which has rippling effects today.

Comics: Best of 2012

2012 wraps another exciting year in comic-books. Huge crossover events and relaunches, captivated or turned-off readers. Diversity was also a welcome change! Here's our picks for this year's best of the best!

Review: Fairest Issue 10

Did Jack Horner survive last issue's brutal attack? The story behind Rapunzel's missing children is finally revealed in this emotionally unnerving issue!

Review: Fairest Issue 9

Rapunzel's traumatic journey into her past continues. What terrors and tragedies have made their way back into her life now?

Review: American Vampire Issue 33

The stunning conclusion to the "Black List" saga is finally here. Who survives and who doesn't, will shock you and shake up the lives of our favorite characters!

Review: American Vampire Issue 32

Events have now come full circle for our heroine Pearl and her team. There's a traitor among their ranks as her world comes crashing down!

Review: Fairest Issue 8

A different kind storyline is at hand as Rapunzel heads off to Japan when her past comes literally crashing back at her feet. What's in store for her as well as her Fables comrades in this dark adventure?

Writer Lauren Beukes takes the Fables characters on a thrilling and deadly new adventure, centered around the character Rapunzel, as she travels to the Far East on a personal quest for answers.  Bringing along Jack Horner and his own special talents on this journey as well as her hairdresser, the unlikely pairing of the trio instantly faces trouble on their first outing in Japan. Beukes adds a mix of dark humor and suspense as the writer weaves an interesting story with each scene building up to the climactic ending.  Inaki Miranda's artwork is sufficient in capturing the panels and characters well.  Miranda's work goes full screen on some panels as well. Buekes' depiction and inclusion of Jack Horner adds a perfect balance and mix of dark humor in this deeply personal story.

Furthermore, you'll see some Japan-based pop culture references injected into the story by Beukes. There's a poignant scene in the middle of the issue, that contrasts Snow White and Rapunzel, both of whom never so far apart when it comes to offspring. A tale filled with mystery and suspense involving the Fables is nothing new, but Beukes' debut story in this "Hidden Kingdom" arc, presents itself well and leaves readers hanging on or more.  While new readers unfamiliar with the Fables universe of stories and characters might get lost with the many different scenes, Beukes' writing blends in enough elements to keep both audiences hooked without losing those who are unfamiliar. Furthermore, the story is capped with a tantalizing cliffhanger ending.

Final Verdict: A

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Review: American Vampire Issue 31

Despite a moderately dull issue for the most part, writer Scott Snyder turns up the heat in the latter pages of the ending.  Surprises are in store for one of the characters as Snyder pulls out a blast from the past.

Rather than thrill us with another action filled issue from start to finish, Snyder gives readers some down time in American Vampire issue 31.  We mostly find our protagonists Pearl and Skinner Sweet away from hunting the vampire threats in Hollywood and hunkered down in VMS headquarters.  Of course, after last issue's pulse pounding revelation, Snyder simply glosses over that incident and moves on with the storyline.  Oh, it's addressed by both characters but is left as an afterthought, at least by one of them.

Snyder shows us the true nature of one of the characters but it isn't something we haven't known since issue one.  There's no turning back with this plot element that Snyder has thrown in and the lives of our favorite characters will never be the same after this story arc. That is, if they survive at all.  Issue 31 isn't a complete letdown as Snyder has more surprises waiting for readers at the end of this story.  This issue takes from deep underground VMS headquarters to the far off desert landscape of Los Angeles. It's another shocking plot reveal and will turn things upside down even more.

We've come full circle with the reunion of Pearl and Skinner, so maybe it's fitting and timely that Snyder introduces this new wrinkle and draws in again back to the early issues. Lastly, there's an interesting element that readers should take note of that goes beyond the usual amazing artistry of Rafael Albuquerque.  That is, view each panel and setting carefully because the color work by Dave McCaig is simply remarkable and successfully conveys each scene as the story progresses.  McCaig's work masterfully transports readers from one completely different place to another.

Final Verdict: B

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