Tag Archives: comic book

Suicide Squad: KtJL Does a Traversal Move Into The Comic World

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” but GENERALLY better…by YOU. How  would you redeem this better than Rocksteady? : r/SuicideSquadGaming

 

Rocksteady Studios, the studio behind the Batman: Arkham game series, Gotham Knights, and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, has an unofficial comic book tradition. Every time one of their new Batman games is released, there will be a prequel comic explaining some more shadowed part during the game or how the characters got to this point of entry in the game. While Rocksteady isn’t the instigator of this endeavour nor do they treat these comics as canon material, DC Comics always takes advantage of a new game release set in the Batman world to produce more comic materials in sync with it.

True to their tradition, DC Comics are publishing an official prequel to the Suicide Squad: KtJL, titled Suicide Squad: Kill Arkham Asylum. It will have five issues written by John Layman, and art by Jesús Hervás, which tells the story of how the inmates are in a fight against each other to run the asylum. The first issue is already out since February 06th, 2024.

The game Batman: Arkham City has a prequel comic book by Paul Dini and Carlos D’Anda, and the same is true with Batman: Arkham Knight, which features the story of how the Arkham Knight came to be in Batman: Arkham Knight: Genesis.

In these Batman games, the comics and their characters are closely intertwined with the stories gamers get to play through and immerse themselves in.

While not part of the Suicide Squad: KtJL game per se, reading about a potential situation of what happened before and how these four inmates (Harley Quinn, Boomerang, Deadshot, and King Shark) found themselves to be under Amanda Waller’s thumb to save the world from aliens might just be what is needed for a richer immersive experience. Rocksteady Games have a precious habit of being quite true to the comics in their games, so completing the gaming experience with a comic would make a lot of sense—and could be a blast!

Why not jump into the Comic Elseworld of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, then?

 

Sources:

Suicide Squad: Kill Arkham Asylum | Comic Trailer | DC

SUICIDE SQUAD: KILL ARKHAM ASYLUM #1

BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT – GENESIS

My own Batman: Arkham City comic book

Rocksteady Studios

How I Use Plottr to Outline My Stories

Please note some of these links are affiliate links. If you buy the product, I will receive some percentage of the sale but at NO additional cost to you. I only vouch for products I either LOVE or USE in my own life. Thank you.

 

Introduction

In 2019, I was lucky enough to be one of the first people who knew about Plottr. I was there in 2021 for their big update. And to this day, I still use the software Plottr to outline my stories and series.

 

What is Plottr?

 

Official Plottr Black Logo

 

Plottr is a subscription-based software (now app as well) that allows you to outline both novels and series, as well as to keep track of your characters’ timelines and items, locations, and much more.

You can check it out here.

 

How do I Use It?

 

Plottr Square Banner V2

 

Well, first of all, I found a “trick” to outline any type of stories I want. Screenplay? Sure! Comic book? No problem! Novels? Absolutely!

But how?

Let me tell you something first: When I started using Plottr, I had trouble making sense of how to actually outline the whole book and the characters’ timelines in something cohesive and intuitive directly into the software. But at the same time, I was deep into studying the Save the Cat method for both my screenwriting (Daphné and Philip) and other stories.

You can see where I’m going with this, huh?

So, one day, I figured “Why not?” and began creating “Chapters” with the beats’ names—this way I knew where to head to and which beat to hit next. Then, I created scenes to expand the chapters. I got through a lot of my Rise of a Heroine story like this!

Nowadays, you can purchase the Save the Cat method in Plottr as an add-on. While I do have it, I prefer creating my own. It suits me better and I can tweak it like I want; however, theirs is an excellent resource and/or starting point to customize your own.

I am now outlining the whole series of Rise of a Heroine (you can add covers to the books in your series in Plottr! Neat!), a comic book, and a novella.

Anything is possible!

As long as it’s for plotting and outlining. Otherwise, you might be at the wrong place…

 

In Conclusion

Plottr is definitely one of my top softwares to work with as an author/writer—and it was right from the start. Sometimes, it just needs a bit of customization to really grasp the tool, but once you do, you’ll get a-plotting with Plottr in no time!

Don’t forget to check it out here for more info: Plottr

See you next post, lovelies!

A Horror Comic Anthology: Texas Horror

Now, finally, another great comic book arrived.

Now, let me just…

Comic Book GIFs | Tenor

Yes, let me just read it please.

So, I was fortunate enough to get an insider's look at Texas Horror by David Doub and Halo Toons (writers), and several artists such as Dominic Racho (art), Daniel Chan (letters), Terry Parr (art), Diego Garza (art), and Miguel Ángel Hernández (art).

This comic anthology has everything: diversity, LGBTQA+, horror, gore, humour… Name it! The drawing styles are different from story to story, which renews your attention, and there's one you'll like for sure. 

As we all know, the pandemic makes it hard on everyone. However, conventions are an important part of making a comic book for creators; they help sell copies, spread the word about them, and generally get the connections and funds required–but where are the conventions now?

Exactly, none (or very few) is happening lately. So, ingenious creators turned to crowdfunding. After all, the public gets to read those comics, so a little contribution to the artists and writers can go a long way. If you want (and can) to help publish Texas Horror, please visit their Kickstarter page and make a contribution to receive benefits such as a copy of the comic book upon release: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/demonsinthedarkness/texas-horror

Read below for my review of the insider's look I was offered.

Thank you for reading and helping, loves! Please share and boost as any help will be useful. 😉


The first story I decided to read was Demons in the Dark, written by David Doub, art by Dominic Racho, and letters by Daniel Chan.

I really enjoyed this story. It was dark, gruesome, poignant, and emotional. I understand what these kids are going through; been there, suffered that. There's a lot of diversity, whether in regards to ethnicity and sexuality! Kudos for that, champs! Also, I rather enjoyed the moral of the story, it was touching. A bit too on the nose, maybe. But the characters are right: Anger hurts yourself, not the others. Plus, I thought the comic was too short. That’s a compliment.

On the negative side, sometimes the story felt rushed or cramped… again, I’d have preferred it to be longer. But it’s because it was good! Lastly, the drawings are detailed but the characters are supposed to be teenagers… Honestly, I thought for a few pages they were adults, or teachers, and then I debated the fact. Until it was made clear by their playing cards at the cafeteria they were teenagers…

The second story was Mask it or Casket, written by David Doub and art by Miguel Ángel Hernández:

That one was… hilarious, honestly. The names and the cynical & weirdo humour are perfect! I laughed a lot in the preview. But this comic can also be poignant as there’s a difficult family situation in the story, and the topic is about “masking”, something that is very current. Also, the drawings are both cute and pop with colours. They seem “light”, if drawings can have weight… it’s like you could cut them out and move them around like paper toys. That nice! They remind me of the latest Archie Comics, the newest issues. A different style, but that’s the vibe I get from this story. Finally, the horror looks to be ramped up… dangerous. Awesome!

The third story was Aerobicide Blockbuster, written by David Doub and art by Terry Parr:

The most beautiful and colourful of the stories! It’s so bright it pops, and I love the matte effect of the main character, blue-haired Sheri Ken (nice name there…, like a Shuriken!) This story was undoubtedly SO WEIRD, so upside down, with hints and allusions to old horror movies! So confusing, but so funny, and entertaining. I loved the nods to the classics, seriously! Honestly, I want to read the rest! Trust me, you’ll be surprised, too.

As for the other comics, the drawings look gorgeous to me, and they’re quite detailed (End World Escape, Luna Vino) and very cute (Kitchen Witches)! The stories sound very intriguing, and I wish the creators the best to publish Texas Horror Comic with YOUR help through their crowdfunding campaign.

Don’t forget to support them here to get a copy and bonuses: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/demonsinthedarkness/texas-horror

Please share this post, and talk about it on social media. Every bit helps!

Thank you, loves.

I hope this comic entertains you as much as it did me.

Love,

Catherine

Isola Volume 1: A Book Review

by Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl, Msassyk

Amazon.com

Amazon.ca

Comixology

Indigo

B&N

Image Comics (Publisher)

Goodreads

LibraryThing

WorldCat

Genre: Comic books, Graphic Novels, Magic, Fantasy, Spiritual, Adventure

Pages: 136

ISBN: 9781534309227

Format: Paperback

Publication date: October 30th, 2018

Publisher: Image Comics

Type: Comic book

Collects Issues: #1-5


*A special thanks to Edelweiss+ and Image Comics for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

The Blurb:

Isola Vol.1 is a fantasy and adventure comic book series brought to you by renown Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl (Gotham Academy creators) and MSASSYK (Gotham Academy colorist).

Olwyn, Queen of Maar, has been changed into a gorgeous black-and-blue tiger thanks to an evil spell. Accompanied by her loyal Captain of the Guard, she will travel far and wide to reverse it in hopes of finding Isola, a mythical island also known as the land of the dead.

Embark with them on this grand and surprising quest! Be ready for beauty, brilliant colour choices, spirituality, and an emotional journey you won’t regret.

Introduction:

When I first lay eyes on this comic book, the colours and strange animals in this adventurous scene caught my attention. I’ve got to admit I’m a real sucker for bright and/or thematic colours. Also, Isola? What does it mean? Such a beautiful word! Did you see the glyphs that represent an unknown fictional language? As a polyglot and language lover, this appealed to me!

Then, I read the summary. A queen, stuck in a tiger’s body, travels the world with her Captain of the Guard to reverse the curse placed on her? Fantasy and adventure? Plus, a queen as a main character?!

There was no other choice: I had to read this book.

Thanks a lot, Edelweiss+ and Image Comics!

The Positive Sides:

Since I have several positive points, I figured it’d be nice to present them in a… bullet list, yay!

  • It is INSANELY GOOD! (see other points)
  • I love the colour themes and contrasts! They add a lot to the story and the emotions, mostly.
  • Gorgeous drawings. There, I said it. They’re a beautiful mix between American and Japanese comics (manga), which is simply lovely.
  • Speaking of drawing, the depth techniques the artists used resulted in amazing effects! The characters and important items somehow look closer to the reader than the background itself. It’s mesmerizing, honestly.
  • As for the characters, their facial expressions are great and quite believable!
  • The Queen, dear Olwyn, I love her (I hope that’s clear) and she looks AWE-FREAKING-SOME as a human! I love her skin colourit’s a surprise but a very pleasant one at that.
  • Also: LGBTQ+ representation, YAY! This time, it’s lesbians, yes! FANTASTIC *throws confetti*! It’s so rare in general and even more in comics! Excuse me while I sit there squealing about this oh-so-cute relationship in Isola.
  • Did I tell you about my emotions while reading this work of art? No? Here I come: AH, my emotions! The story tugged on them so hard I feared for my safety. And damn, how I love Olwyn and Rook (her Captain of the Guard)!!!
  • There is tension and a hella lot of mystery. The story’s also mystic and spiritual (in terms of these characters’ beliefs, not ours).
  • Animals play a big part in this story (the ever-present fox is awesome!) and it’s so refreshing.
  • Last point but a very important one to me, the symbols of unknown languages (at least to us) are just woooow. As a polyglot, let me tell you they excited me!

The Negative Sides:

Hmmmm… None?

Perhaps the fact that the story is sometimes confusing due to a lot of spirituality and flashbacks involved, but really, it’s not off-putting. But then again, it fits the story… This is not a negative side per se, only a small confusion.

In Conclusion:

Seriously? If this were an attraction at a park, I’d stand in line again after every. damn. time. I get off it. I genuinely loved Isola! All-in-all, I want to KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS STORY! I’ll be damn sure to read the rest of the series and subscribe to Image Comics newsletter just to know when each issue is out and all that jazz. Count me in as a big fan!

On this joyous note, I give Isola a rating of *gasps* 5 out of 5! (I swear I would give it more if I could, like 10 out of 5, but hey!)

If you want to learn more about the artists, you can visit their Web sites: Brenden FletcherKarl Kerschl, Msassyk. Their book is featured on the publisher’s Web site. You can also add Isola Vol.1 to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.