Sheep Comic Review: Walking Dead #102 part 6

The Walking Dead #102- Something to Fear part 6

Creator, Writer: Robert Kirkman

Penciler, Inker, Cover: Charlie Adlard

Gray tones, Cover Colors: Cliff Rathburn

SPOILERS BELOW!

Previously in #101 Something to Fear Part Five:

Following Glenn's death (yes...I said that right), Rick and the rest of his group bring the body to be buried at the Hilltop. While Maggie and Sophia stay behind to pursue a better life, Jesus joins Rick, hoping to learn more about Negan. But when they return to Alexandria, they discover that Andrea has successfully repelled a Savior attack on the town...and taken a prisoner.

First and Foremost I believe we need to take a moment of silence in remembrance of a dear friend we lost to a brutal act of violence. Glenn, our dear friend, has been there through thick and thin and was always there to be walker bait in a time of need. Glenn was selfless, great friend, would have surely made a great father to him and Maggie's child; he stepped up to care for Sophia and proved he's a loyal companion. With that said- rest in peace Glenn, for now you are free of the daily suffering and free of being walker bait. May your piece of heaven be zombie-free dear friend.

R.I.P. Glenn #1-#100

(Lights candle, bows head, sheds a tear, and has moment of silence)

In book #102 we're starting to deal with the aftermath of Glenn being murdered by Negan, the rest of the community is just now finding out and we're seeing how folks are dealing with his death. Which we see the original group is having the hardest of times, especially Rick, since Rick feels like he has to protect everyone. Rick is not taking the death very well and Glenn's death leads them to the realization that they possibly cannot take on The Saviors and that they must fold and give in to the Savior's demands (which is they expect 50% of food/ammo/etc that the group has on a weekly kind of basis).

The community does not like the idea of just giving up, letting the hostage go, and giving into their demands but I think we've all come to know Rick well enough to know there's other intentions behind this. With Eugene possibly being able to make ammo and Jesus from Hilltop going all sleuth on the Saviors, there's clearly something cooking here that Rick is being secretive to the others about and I can't wait to see how it'll unfold.

I give Something To Fear Part Six 3.5 rotting sheep heads
Guest Reviewer: Bunni Darling 

Sheep Comic Review: Revival #2 by Tim Seeley

Revival #2

Story By: Tim Seeley

Art by: Mike Norton

Design by: Sean Dove

Previously in Revival #1:

“For one day in rural central Wisconsin, the dead came back to life. Now it's up to Officer Dana Cypress to deal with the media scrutiny, religious zealots, and government quarantine that has come with them. In a town where the living have to learn to deal with those who are supposed to be dead, Officer Cypress must solve a brutal murder, and everyone, alive or undead, is a suspect.”

Revival 2, first I have to say the cover is quite humorous in my opinion and of course, the artwork and details are well done. I love how the priest (who: Spoiler- later we find out is really just a fraud) is nonchalantly drinking an, what I’ll assume is a “victory beer” while standing over his “revived” client with a cross. Guessing by the restraints on her wrists and feet and the cross in hand, this is an exorcist of sorts that didn’t work out (of course, when do they ever really work out?). We later find out what really happened and the situation in whole is pretty humorous. The artist Craig Thompson did a lovely job creating this cover and it made me giddy to turn the pages and see what happened here.

ALSO! Newsflash! I don’t remember if there’s a soundtrack for volume 1 but I suggest checking out the neat soundtrack for volume 2! It’s listed on the credits page but you can also find it here: http://sonomorti.bandcamp.com . It’s the perfect soundtrack to listen to while reading the book; too bad more comic books don’t do this kind of thing? Or do they and I’ve just been in the dark until just a moment ago!? Anyhoo I give the soundtrack 2 rotting thumbs up.

Ok back to the book; we get to see a nice amount of action, more questions and fewer answers about what is really going on under the surface of the story, and there’s a nice bit of humor balanced with the drama and blood. It’s a nice follow up to volume #1 and keeps your interests and it makes me look forward to the next one and seeing how the story unfolds and more about these “revived” folks.

I give Revival #2 4 "sucker punched" Sheep

Guest Review: Bunni Darling

Revival of the week: Ding! Ding! Ding! It’s a lucky girl, it’s psycho granny from volume #1!! She was so wonderful at dying not once, not twice, but now three times if my math serves me right! She clearly has the smile only a sightless person could love.

Comic Review: Harvest: Volume 1 of 5

Harvest: Volume 1 of 5
Co- Creators: A.J. Lieberman (writer), Colin Lorimer (artist)

Letterer: Brandon Destefano

On Sale: Aug. 01, 2012
Rated: M for mature

Image Comics

Human traffickers. Rogue medical teams. Yakuza run organ mills and a six year-old drug fiend. Welcome to Dr. Benjamin Dane's nightmare. His only way out? Bring down the man who set him up by reclaiming organs already placed in some very powerful people. If Dexter, ER and 100 Bullets had a three-way and that mind blowing tryst somehow resulted in a kid, that kid would read HARVEST. Medical Grade Revenge.

Harvest is a bold, new series by Lieberman and crew. It’s filled with beautifully done, in your face graphics and is a great read for anyone who likes a side of blood with their story time. Perhaps side of blood is too little, it’s pretty much an entrée of blood (which is beautifully done by the way) and this is only the first of the series.

This really was a very interesting first entry and it’s one you might have to read a couple times to find any hidden clues and such as to how the story will unfold. Harvest is a mix of horror, crime thriller, and medical drama. It is filled with blood, shady characters you wouldn’t want to meet while under the scalpel or in a back alley, organ stealing, and crime lords. The book grabbed my attention with the intriguing cover and then wouldn’t let go of its grip until the last page, it’s a well thought out and intelligent thriller.

With main characters including a junkie surgeon (who is like what I would imagine if “tiger blood” Charlie Sheen had been a surgeon) whose vices are hookers and drugs, you just get the feeling that we haven’t seen this doctor hit rock bottom yet. You get the feeling that he might have thought he was as low as he could get, but I’m guessing in the black market organ harvesting business life could prove him wrong. He’s a huge train wreck waiting to happen and well…I’ve bought my ticket and popcorn- bring it on Lieberman!

I’m also highly intrigued by the vulgar, crazy eyed boy in the cape and how his story will unfold- he’s got all the fixings to be a total creeper! Haha

I give this exciting new series 4.5 organ-less sheep

Guest Reviewer: Bunni Darling

Sheep Comic Review: Revival #1 by Tim Seeley

Revival #1
Story by: Tim Seeley

Art By: Mike Norton

Cover By: Jenny Frison
Price: $2.99

On Sale: July 11, 2012
Image Comics

“For one day in rural central Wisconsin, the dead came back to life. Now it's up to Officer Dana Cypress to deal with the media scrutiny, religious zealots, and government quarantine that has come with them. In a town where the living have to learn to deal with those who are supposed to be dead, Officer Cypress must solve a brutal murder, and everyone, alive or undead, is a suspect. A beautiful "farm noir" that puts a new twist on the zombie genre, created by NYT Bestselling author TIM SEELEY and acclaimed artist MIKE NORTON.”

Our story takes place in a quaint town in Wisconsin you have the small time cops working with the big guys at the CDC, trying to figure out how bodies have been reviving. Our lead character Officer Dana Cypress is a divorcee with a young son, working full time as an officer and dealing with the strange events happening in her town. We’re given a quick introduction to some of the characters we’ll be seeing throughout the series; ranging from the local police enforcements, the CDC liaison, the townies, a zorse (half zebra half horse), and one elderly woman I would not want to take care of at the nursing home. Seriously…she’s missing a few screws…and teeth.

The book is delightfully graphic, quite a nice bit of blood for the first book out the gate- after all what zombie story could be told without death and blood? There seems to be perhaps some more supernatural forces at work in the series also, a mysterious creature that even after reading, I honestly have no idea what it could be. I’m looking forward to seeing how it ties into the story and what the heck is out there in this rural world that we’re just being introduced to.

Final thoughts: I think it’s definitely worth checking out, it’s definitely a different take on the zombie genre, the graphics are enjoyable, the storyline keeps your attention, and well- the dead are being revived by forces unknown- what’s not to be loved about that!?

Rule # 59 for the dead reviving:

Keep all pliers and scythes away from religious zealot grandma!! By all means!

Rule #2- If grandma becomes revived- double tap that b#*ch!

I give Revival 4 Zeep (zebra sheep) heads

Guest Reviewer: Bunni Darling

Sheep Comic Review: The Walking Dead #100

Walking Dead Volume 100- Something to Fear Part Four

Creator/Writer: Robert Kirkman

Penciler/Inker: Charlie Adlard

Editor: Sina Grace

Previously:

The group mourned the loss of Abraham. Glenn convinced Maggie to move to the Hilltop. Rick recruited a small team to inform the Hilltop community of Negan's attach, suspecting the timing would work in his favor. He was wrong.

First off congrats to Robert Kirkman and crew on making it to the big 100! That's a great milestone, hopefully many more to come! Second off- HOLY CRAP. That's seriously about all I can think right at this moment! haha Kirkman and crew did not let down for the big 100.

They've been building the tension with the Something To Fear story arc and in Part Four (#100) we are finally introduced to the newest bad guy in town, named Negan and is the leader of The Saviors. Negan is this foul mouthed, leather clad rockabilly demented a%*hole, who clearly is power tripping and evil. Sad thing for Rick's camp is that Negan's camp is way more twisted (so it appears....although if you've been keeping up with the books you know Rick and his camp- especially Rick, are pretty twisted mofos themselves) and has way more muscle than Rick and his camp have. Negan basically has a psychopathic army at his disposal.

Now without giving too much away for those who haven't read it yet...Rick and some of our beloved characters are in a van on their way to the Hilltop, when they get a midnight surprise while enroute. Also a character we've all grown to love on the show and in the book meets a terrible demise. That's all I'm going to say...that and I'll admit there was some kind of liquid substance that came out of my eyeball. Could have been my allergies or it could have been the brutal death, not entirely sure- all I know is I didn't see it coming and it's hella sad yo.

With that said the cover for Part 4 (out of 9 covers they created for the big 100, which I'm including and as you can see there are some pretty awesome covers!) is a hint as to what weapon does the dirty deed and that all this tension building paid off and #100 does not disappoint. While saddened, I'm excited to see the next story arc and see where it takes our fearless leader Rick and his beloved camp. I'm hoping our one armed bandit channels his inner Rambo and goes bat sh#! crazy on The Saviors.

I give Something To Fear Part Four 4.5 battered zombie sheep brains

Guest Reviewer: Bunni Darling

Zombie Kill of the Week Goes out to our girl Michone and her trusty katana!

(By the way who else is geeking out over Michone joining the show in season 3!?)

Sheep Comic Review: Mind The Gap #2

Mind the Gap #2

Written by Jim McCann

Art and Covers by Rodin Esquejo and Sonia Oback

Variant Cover by Francesco Francavilla

Released: June 27, 2012

Image Comics

Last issue's THREE cliffhangers are answered here, leading to even more questions surrounding the attack on Elle Peterssen. A new person is introduced, but are they friend or foe? And Elle quickly finds that the situation she is in has rapidly gone from a 10 to 10,000!
The anxiously awaited ongoing mystery deepens as the web of suspects and lies spreads.

Where we left off:

"Elle Peterssen, a young woman from an affluent New York family, was attacked and left for dead on the 50th St. subway platform. Inches from death Elle slipped into a coma. As word spread among her family, friends, and doctors, it became clear that this was no ordinary mugging- Elle was targeted. By whom and why began to sow seeds of distrust among everyone in her life, causing fights and warning those responsible to start covering their tracks. Only Elle holds the key to solving the mystery. However, Elle is trapped in a place called The Garden, a sort of space between life and death. And she's not alone..."

"The Garden is filled with the minds and spirits of others hovering near death or in a coma, waiting to pass on or awaken from their sleep. Among them is the charmer Bobby Plangman, a young sophisticated man who helps guide Elle through this new "world". Ella has much larger problems, not only has she been left an amnesiac, learning about herself from what she hears others say, she quickly experiences a very strange experience when she touches the body of a dying man. Meanwhile, a hooded figure continues to carry out orders given by a mysterious source. No one knows who it is, for whom the person is working, or when they'll strike next. Only this is certain...Everyone is suspect."

In #2 the mystery unfolds some more and we're given the pleasure of spirits inhabiting bodies, mysterious texts messages, a nicely illustrated explosion, and Elle meeting someone in The Garden who might be able to unlock some of the mystery to why she was attacked. Overall I think the illustrations are beautifully done; really enjoy the different point of views and perspectives Esquejo and Oback give the readers, they really pay attention to the little details. This is a series where you have to pay attention to the little details because there's Easter eggs planted to give you some clues as to what is happening.

With their illustrations and McCann's writing they all do a great job of painting this vivid and mysterious story for us. In #2 McCann does a really nice job with balancing the different intertwining story lines, which is important considering all the characters that the readers interact with. I'm enjoying the ride McCann and crew are taking us on and if you're into mysteries now is as good as ever time to give this series a looksie.

I give Mind the Gap #2 4.5 hooded sheep.

Guest Reviewer: Bunni Darling

Comic Review: The Walking Dead #99-Something to Fear part 3

The Walking Dead #99-

Something to Fear part 3
Story by:Robert Kirkman

Art:Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn

On Sale: June 20,2012

Genres:Horror, Zombies

Series:The Walking Dead

Image Comics

"SOMETHING TO FEAR" CONTINUES!
The unthinkable happens, as we all gear up for next month's monumental issue 100!

Previously in The Walking Dead #98, Abraham was murdered in cold blood by Negan's Saviors during a supply run with Eugene. There was a tense standoff at the Community gates, and the Saviors ultimately retreated. Rick had no immediate plan of action following the standoff.

Over the course of the "Something to Fear" arc the tension has been building between the Saviors and the Community and we've yet to see the puppet master behind the Saviors. Judging by the motley crew that makes up the Saviors I can only imagine how delightful Negan shall be. Book #99 is more tension building than anything, I'm sure Kirkman and crew are building the suspense so by the time we get to #100 (The big 100! Woo!) it's just going to snap and rain down some crazy delicious drama and gore (fingers crossed at least).

I for one am excited to see what unfolds because at the end of #99 we find Rick and some of the Community leaving the safety of their compound while the nasty Saviors are hidden watching and waiting for dawn to attack. Will Rick and crew make it back in time before the attack? Will Carl finally get to take off that damn head bandage? Rick and Andrea!? Will we finally get to see this baddie Negan we've been constantly hearing about? Questions, questions- tensions are building and I don't know about you, but I'm ready for something big and bloody!

There was minimal zombie killing going on in #99, but this friendly game of baseball made for Zombie Kill of the Week (care for an eyeball with that?).

R.I.P. Abraham Ford, you and your glorious 'stache will be missed.

3.5 Sheep

Guest review by: Bunni Darling

Sheep Movie Review: Chernobyl Diaries

Chernobyl Diaries (2012)
Horror: released 5/24/2012
Directed by Bradley Parker

"A group of six young vacationers who, looking to go off the beaten path, hire an "extreme" tour guide. Ignoring warnings, he takes them into the city of Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, but a deserted town since the disaster more than 25 years ago. During their exploration, they soon discover they are not alone."

This movie takes place at the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster site where, in 1986, approximately 45,000 people were evacuated within 3 days after the Nuclear explosions, but don’t forget the 100,000 + others that were living within 30 kilometers of the radiation site. It was considered one of the worst nuclear power plant accidents in history and still stands untouched after all these years.

I'll admit I went into this movie with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised, not saying I loved it, but it wasn't a total let down. When the movie starts we're introduced to 4 strapping 20 somethings (Natalie, Amanda, Chris, and Paul) and they're in Europe visiting the wild, carefree brother Paul. They're set to go to Moscow (compared to where they end up going....they should have stuck with Moscow) and it is there Chris wants to propose to Natalie. From this point on there are so many freaking flags that even Bill Engvall got tired of handing out the signs to all the parties involved. I had to suspend my belief that people were really this ignorant to the warning signs, but it's a horror movie so I suppose bad decisions are a MUST.

Before the "tour" starts two other young hippies join them and they load into the van and away they go on what will be the worst vacation ever. They're stopped at the gate leading to Chernobyl and not allowed in due to maintenance (by now this is like the 4th sign of *go back!*) and of course Paul wants his tour damnit! So Uri the tour guide has other means to access the area, in which they pass, oh like 3 other signs of "shouldn't be here!".

The movie stayed true to the mood of the setting and you really got a sense of the creepiness of the whole disaster and how everything was left untouched when everyone disappeared. I'm a sucker for abandoned, dilapidated buildings so I really loved the scenery and the beauty of its creepiness and character. This horror movie is more about having the horror part off camera, so for those who are squeamish worry not, there's barely any gore. As for the actors I thought they did pretty well with the material given to them, if anything they've all got their crying and screaming down! Especially that Zoe, she's got a blood curdling scream.

The movie is decently paced and I really enjoyed the last 10 minutes (not just because it was ending) where they threw in a nice little twist that tied it all together. The ending is grim and really, as a horror fan, I prefer it that way.

So with that said I give Chernobyl Diaries 3 mutant sheep heads.

guest reviewer Bunni Darling

B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth -The Transformation of J.H. O'Donnell (#93)

~~~SPOILERS~~~
B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth- The Transformation of J.H. O' Donnell (#93)

Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense

Writer: Mike Mignola, Scott Allie

Artist: Max Fiumara

Colorist: Dave Stewart

Cover Artist: Max Fiumara

Genre: Horror, Action/Adventure

Publication Date: May 30, 2012

Format: FC, 32 pages

Price: $3.50

UPC: 7 61568 19500 2 00111

BUY: DARK HORSE COMICS

Free Preview

Twenty-four years ago, Hellboy took mild-mannered Professor O’Donnell to the secret library of a recently dead necromancer. Since that day, O’Donnell has been the Bureau’s expert on the powerful ancient forces intent on ending the age of man. Find out what O’Donnell saw in this supernatural thrill ride.

* From the pages of Hellboy.

It’s all going to Hell in 2012!

In this episode from Hellboy we are given a glimpse into Professor O' Donnell's past and what lead up to his current state of disarray and manic behavior. As usual we are given some great art work and visuals along the way, where Fiumara's talent brings life to Mignola and Allie's stories.

When Professor O' Donnell enters the scene he looks disturbed by something and is ranting on about ancients walking the earth (after all he is the expert on powerful ancient forces who want to rid it of man) to a colleague and is demanding to see Dr. Corrigan. We get a hint that perhaps Professor has a few bolts loose when the colleague mentions it's time for medicine. From there on we're taken back through time to see when Hellboy takes a then mild mannered Professor to a secret library of a dead necromancer on behalf of Bruttenholm. It is during this, what is supposed to be an easy mission, that things of course go awry and the Professor witnesses some incredible events on behalf of an occult.

I for one enjoyed the scenery that was used to create the Necromancer's home and library, it has this beautiful Victorian-like creepiness to it that helped set the scene for the events about to unfold for the Professor. The details such as the cob webs, skulls, the ancient books, and old paintings make for neat objects to look at while you're investigating the libraries alongside the Professor.

The book goes from, "aww poor fella, he looks insanely stressed" to "well look at this beautiful house and awesome library" to "Um, professor- I don't think that's the best place to be" to "Aww yeah! Hellboy taking on a mummified ancient looking bull" to "WTH is happening!?" to "ok, I understand why the Professor acts the way he does" to "....WOW, didn't see that coming". So there you have it; it took me for a fun ride, graphics were nicely done, story was well written and paced, and it certainly earns the 4 necromancer sheep heads for the numerous crazy events that take place.

Guest Reviewer: Bunni Darling

Hellboy smackdown of the week:

Aww Yeah! Take that you crazy bull! Fist meet Face.

Movie Review: Battleship - a double review

"Milton Bradley's enduringly popular strategic board game makes the leap to the big screen in Hancock director Peter Berg's epic sci-fi adventure pitting an international naval fleet against an army of invading aliens. When the two forces find themselves evenly matched, each must rely on strategy and cunning in order to emerge the victor. Taylor Kitsch and Alexander Skarsgard head-up a cast also featuring Liam Neeson, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, and Tadanobu Asano."  Directed by Peter Berg.

Who knew a board game of pegs could conjure up such a vision! And a fun one at that. The graphics and CGI effects were grandiose and (in my opinion) nicely done. There was one bone I had to pick, and it seems so silly but it bugged me; the shark they show in the water when panning down to show how deep the alien mothership was planted. Out of all the CGI work done, they throw in a terribly fake looking CGI shark. Shark aside; the movie has its tender moments, its funny moments, and it does a nice job of balancing the CGI action with the human scenes.

There are a little bit of man candy for the ladies, yes girls, Skarsgard and Kitsch get shirtless! Woo! For the men you have Brooklyn and her Deckers, and if you like silver foxes, there's Neeson who is in full Neeson-not-to-be-messed with mode. He is one boss man whose feathers I would NOT want to ruffle, that disapproving stare alone...understandable why Kitsch's character has trouble confronting him about situations. In a sea full of men I felt Rihanna held her own and did pretty well as Petty Officer Cora 'Weps' Raikes. The character I really liked (besides Kitsch's abs) was Jesse Plemons as Boatswain Mate Seaman Jimmy 'Ordy' Ord (who wins the award for having the longest title, yay Ordy!). Ordy was the most expressive and had the good lines. I felt he was one of the more genuine characters.

At one point I thought I was watching Titanic (you'll know the moment if you decide to see movie) and was waiting for some heartfelt tender moment between Captain Nagata and Kitsch's Lieutenant Hopper, alas I was let down when no such moment occurred. However worry not; there are tender moments for those who want more than just blowing up action. Such as during the 11th hour when the fleet returns to shore, hopefully to recruit the battleship (and museum) The USS Missouri. Cue awesome classic rock music! On board we find a crew of bad ass veterans who are ready to curb stomp these ridiculous aliens once and for all! In my opinion these fellas steal the rest of the show with their one liners and go-get-em' attitude. Of course it's the seniors who have to come save the young whipper snappers because someone (not you Kitsch!) decided to press some kind of button to unleash some outrageous alien war.

Yes, the fact that they made such a movie based off a board game (where the pieces are always getting lost and of course, you're barefoot walking around and oh! hello game piece that's now impaled into a foot!) at this capacity is pretty crazy. It's a far out concept but you know what... I thought it was a fun summer movie. I wouldn't give it an Oscar nod or anything, but it's a great way to beat the summer heat and get to see some $%@! blown up!

I give it 2.5 alien sheep heads

Sharon’s thoughts: 

I pretty much agree with everything Bunni said. I was thoroughly entertained for 2 hours. The special effects are heart thumping (the man effects are too <G>) and the music score is rocking! My problem was with the dialogue. OMG, so cheesy! I had to roll my eyes at some most parts, but it was with a smile on my face. This is like all those 1990’s Tom Cruise movies. You know, Top Gun and Days of Thunder? My husband was quite pleased with it. If you like action movies then this is one you don’t want to miss. Come ready to smile, roll your eyes and yell “BOO-YAH!”

I am being a little nicer and giving it 3.5 BOOM Sheep!