Comic Review: Zodiac #3 (3 issue series) from Zenoscope

Zodiac (3 issue series)

Writer: Joe Brusha

Artwork: Daniel Mainé

Colors: Jorge Cortes

Letters: Taylor Esposito (of Ghost Glyph Studios)

April 24, 2019

As the War of the Grail wages, Merlin the Magician looks to give himself an advantage by using his deadliest assassin of all time to eliminate his biggest threats in the Order of Tarot. Logan Patrick O’Connell spent his adult life ridding the streets of drugs using his own deadly methods until a mistake drove him from his home in Belfast, Ireland. Once O’Connell met Merlin, his life was forever changed and he began on the path to vengeance. Thus, Zodiac was born.

Zodiac #3 (of 3)

Writer: Joe Brusha

Artwork: Daniel Mainé

Colors: Jorge Cortes

Letters: Taylor Esposito (of Ghost Glyph Studios)

Editor: Chion & Design: Christopher Cote

Zodiac has come to the Big Easy under orders from his master, Merlin the Magician, to eliminate targets from the Order of Tarot. But along the way he’s been haunted by memories of his past and the death of his sister at the hands of a drug addict. With Tarot using the drug trade to fuel their operations and corrupt humans at the same time the, mission has now become personal for Zodiac and he will stop at nothing to destroy Tarot’s operation, even if that means burning the entire city to the ground.

Zenoscope comics have some amazing artwork. It is bold, it is beautiful, it is full of boobs! Yes, you read that right. Zenoscope is famous for its kick-butt (emphasis on the butts) buxom females. That doesn't really appeal to me. So when I saw the covers for the 3 issue series Zodiac I did a double take. Is that a sexy kick-butt man on the cover? Yes, it is...and I was all over it.

I love the premise of the story. Merlin (yeah, that Merlin) turns vigilante Logan Patrick O’Connell (Yes, he is Irish) into his personal assassin against the Order of the Tarot. Unfortunately, I discovered the Zodiac series at issue #3, the last issue of this arc. But I wish I had started from issue #1 cause I really liked Zodiac. It is the comic version of my favorite movie genre. Blow'em up action. Zodiac would probably make a pretty good movie...as long as there's a cheese factor.

If you are a fan of the typical Zenoscope comics you are still in luck! There are BBBB (butts, boobs, beautiful, bold) variant covers with women on them. And Zodiac issue #3 has the sexy Tarot bad girl, The Devil. Complete with horns and a tail.

Here is a variant cover of issue #3...

4 "BBBB" Sheep!

SharonS

Comic Review: Ripleys Believe It Or Not #2 from Zenoscope

Ripley’s is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a two-part graphic novel series being published through Zenescope. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

Ripleys Believe It Or Not #2

November 14, 2018

Writers: Oliver Kaplowitz, Howard Mackie, Ben Meares, Dale Mettam
Art: Marcelo Basile, Deivis Goetten, Fred Harper, Lucas Meyer, Moy R, More...
Colored: Marcelo Basile, Robby Bevard, Jorge Alberto Cortes, Ceci de la Cruz, Roberto Epps, More...

Cover Artist: David Siedman

Zenescope Entertainment

Genres: action/Adventure, Fantasy
Page Count 52 Pages
Age Rating 12+ Only
More fantastic tales straight from Robert Ripley himself, told by legendary talents and rising stars alike! 48 pulse-pounding pages of magic and mystery featuring Howard Mackie, The Legend of Stingy Jack, Tony Isabella, The Inexplicable Winchester Mansion, and much, much more! Even when you see it, you won't believe it!

I’ve been a fan of Ripley’s Belive it or Not for years. I’m not kidding, I used to watch episodes then go to school and start talking to my friends about all the weird but true things I’d seen. Of course, my friends were less than interested in anything that didn’t have to do with makeup or boys so I was pretty much on my own there.

Now Ripley’s is in comic form and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Zenescope is bringing some of the most captivating and unforgettable stories to life with writers Howard Mackie, Victoria Rau, Ben Meares, and more. I enjoyed the straight-to-the-good-stuff style of writing in this issue, there wasn’t a lot of droning on and on about things that weren’t relevant to the story and while the stories were kept brief, they were no less interesting. I found myself turning to Google to look up some of these stories just because I wanted more information.

As for the illustrations, they were on point for sure and each artist made sure to emphasize the important parts of each odd but true tale. I had just as much fun looking over the artwork as I did reading the story. Fans of Ripley’s Believe it or Not will enjoy this new take as will people who just like to read strange but true stories. The added benefit is that there are some great illustrations to go with the stories.

Sheep Rating: 4 ½ Sheep

Adria Reyes

Comic Review: Ripley's Believe It Or Not #1 from Zenoscope

Ripley’s is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a two-part graphic novel series being published through Zenescope. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

Ripley's Believe It Or Not #1

Writer: Howard Mackie, Fox Kavanagh, Dale Mettam, Victoria Rau, Ben Meares
Artist: Hakan Aydin, Daniel Maine, Marcelo Basile
October 3, 2018
Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment
A 48-page anthology of some of the most phantasmagorical oddities in the Robert Ripley collection, written, illustrated by an equally mind-blowing mix of comic book legends, rising stars. You'll have to see it to believe it!
"A Tale As Old As..." (THE REAL STORY OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), written by Howard Mackie and illustrated by Hakan Aydin
"I've Been Working On The Railroad" (PHINEAS GAGE, THE MAN WHO SURVIVED A RAILROAD SPIKE THROUGH HIS HEAD), written by Fox Kavanagh and illustrated by Daniel Maine
"The Ride Of His Life" (THE DEAD MAN WHO WON A HORSE RACE), written by Dale Mettam 
"Mother Nature Blew Her Stac more

The real inspiration for Beauty and the Beast, the cat that predicts death, the miraculous survival and personality change of Phineas Gage, and more are featured in part one of Ripley’s Believe It or Not and I had so much fun with each story! I actually remembered Phineas Gage’s story from a documentary many years ago and it was pretty neat to see an illustrated retelling of his story and they’re pretty accurate too if they photo of the real Phineas is anything to go by. 

Deivis Goetten, Daniel Maine, Pat Broderick, and more talented artists create lively illustrations that enhance your experience and fit in perfectly with each writers’ quick, to the point retelling of some of the weirdest, eeriest, and downright fascinating stories ever told. While each story is short, they’re just enough to satisfy a craving for something that seems out of this world. I enjoyed each one like the dork I am. So if you were a fan of the show, then definitely pick up this illustrated version ASAP.

Sheep Rating: 4

Adria Reyes

Comic Review: Oz #2 (Zenoscope)

cover A

Oz #2 
Scripts: Joe Brusha
Pencils: Rolando Neto
Cover A: Scott Campbell
Publisher: Zenescope

Available on: July 3, 2013

Trapped in Oz and hunted by the armies of the fallen Wicked Witch of the East, Dorothy finds allies in Glinda, the good witch of Oz and the lion Thorne. Together they embark on a quest for the veridian scepter, an artifact that can both free Oz from the tyranny of the Wicked Witch, and also send Dorothy home. All that stands in their way is the Wicked Witch of the West and her army of deadly warriors, flying monkeys and demon dogs.

Judy Garland she ain't, but Dorothy Gale is stuck in Oz and the Wicked Witch of the East wants her dead--and her not-so-little dog, too.

This time, instead of those snazzy slippers from the story, it looks like the coveted item is a wand. The Veridian Scepter to be precise. Think "one ring to rule them all" type of power, except used to knock off bad guys instead of empower them. It's been scattered into three pieces, and now Dorothy has the handle, which seems pretty darned powerful all by its lonesome.

covers B, C, D

With this second issue, the stakes are a little clearer and things are beginning to make sense. I wondered if this might be a cheesecake version of The Wizard of Oz, but there's a much bigger picture going on and things are already diverging from the much beloved source material.

What's not gone is the trek towards the Emerald City, which has Dorothy teamed in a fellowship with the Witch of the North, Thorne (the considerably uncowardly lion-man), and some Munchkins with a mean streak. Now, going off to do battle, you would think Dorothy would need some kind of armor or whatever, since her schoolgirl outfit just ain't gonna cut it. Well, think again, as her wardrobe has been refined to resemble something more akin to what a Vegas stripper might where. Sexy, sure, but not exactly functional.

I will say the character designs for the lion and the scarecrow are pretty cool, though. And the story is building a bit of steam, but I'm going to hold off until the third issue to see just how excited for this series I should get.

3 1/2 Sheep

Guest Reviewer: Gef Fox 
Wag The Fox

Comic Review: Godstorm by Pat Shand

Godstorm 
By: Pat Shand

Zenescope

The Highborn Gods of old have been biding their time, waiting for the right point in human evolution to make their return. Some have waited with nothing but good intentions and the desire to help the people of earth. But not all the deities from the past have such altruistic plans. One fallen god has set her sights on a much loftier and more sinister goal...the enslavement of all mankind.

In the annals of history, it's unlikely Zeus ever won a "father of the year" award. Just a glance at his greatest hits in Greek mythology conjure the image of a god with serious personality disorders. It's not unreasonable to cast him as an envious, lascivious, vengeful, paranoid tyrant. Who can relate to that these days? Outside of politics, that is.

Godstorm transports the gods of Greek mythology to present day, with Zeus sitting alone in his mansion overseeing the lives of his offspring as they live out mundane existences unaware of their true history. Zeus, living as a wealthy CEO, Gregor Brontios, is full of regret for his mistakes and sets in motion the awakening of the other gods, as a kind of final reckoning, with one demi-god in particular as a pet project.

Enter Julian. The childhood friend and hired muscle for a young and ambitious crime boss out to take over the city. But Julian's best friend has succumbed to greed and malice, ordering him to do more and more violent things to further his ambition. And Julian is having second thoughts. When old enemies catch him at his weakest, Zeus serreptiously intervenes, essentially activating Julian's godlike powers, all while Aphrodite watches in the guise of a prostitute.

Julian's role in the coming battle of the titans may not be so noble though, as he is the human embodiment of Zagreus, a rage-fueled conqueror with serious daddy issues. And once he realizes his potential, Zeus has his hands full.

The graphic novel is a collection of the first few issues of Zenescope's Grimm Fairy Tales presents Godstorm series, and despite this series picking up from the beginning there seems to be some pre-existing canon. Fortunately, there's isn't anything omitted to prevent enjoying the story as a whole. And the cheesecake aspects that I've come to expect from much of Zenescope's comic book line are considerably diminished--though Hecate is decked out in insanely skimpy battle armor. Oh well.

Godstorm #0 / Godstorm #1(variant)

Some of the dialogue feels stilted, but the motivations of some characters, particularly Julian, feel uneven in spots. There's an ungodly amount of action, with one epic encounter after another, giving the book a bit of a modern-day Clash of the Titans feel. It has a lot of promise, but just falls a bit short of reaching the mountain top of awesomeness. If there's a Godstorm Vol. 2 any time soon, it'll be interesting to see if it can build on what's been laid out in this volume.

3 1/2 Stars

Guest Reviewer: Gef Fox

Wag The Fox: a den for dark fiction

Comic Review: Alice in Wonderland (ARC) by Raven Gregory

Alice in Wonderland (paperback trade: issues #1-6) ARC
Writing Raven Gregory

Artwork Robert Gill

Colors Jason Embury
Publisher: Zenoscope

Releases: Dec. 11, 2012

Decades ago, a girl named Alice was sacrificed into the horror-filled realm of Wonderland but her terrifying and awe-inspiring experiences there have been shrouded in mystery.

The one thing known is that her time spent in a world full of insanity left her a broken adult. However, her courageous will to survive is what ultimately saved humanity. Now the story of Alice’s visit into Wonderland is fully revealed and the truth of the terror will be told in full! From Raven Gregory, Ralph Tedesco and Joe Brusha, the same minds behind Grimm Fairy Tales and Return To Wonderland comes the newest series that Zenescope fans have been waiting for. What every Zenescope fan has been waiting for is finally here! Follow Zenescope back down the rabbit hole and find a world of madness like you have never seen before!

As I checked out an ARC of this graphic novel, I was struck by two things: 1) Alice wears even scant attire in the book than she does on the cover; and 2) What do the Grimm Brothers have to do with Alice in Wonderland? 

Well, maybe the whole "Grimm Fairy Tales presents" schtick is just a brand with Zenescope. Still, I didn't see a single mention of Lewis Carroll in the credits for this book at all, which struck me as a little weird. Granted, I doubt a stodgy 19th-century Brit would want his name associated with something so salacious. 

I digress, aside from the initial premise of Wonderland, with plenty of winks and nods, Raven Gregory and company have created a universe much more dark, violent, and sinister than the cruelest moments of Carroll's fairytale. I've seen a fair share of re-imaginings of L. Frank Baum's Oz universe, but not a lot with Wonderland. Maybe I haven't been looking hard enough--or at all. 

Raven Gregory, Joe Brusha, and Ralph Tedesco have created an intriguing twist on the mythos. These first six issues have Alice striking a bargain with the Jabberwocky as a child, tricking her into remaining his slave in Wonderland while a piece of her is sent back to the real world with a piece of the Jabberwocky inside her. Skip years ahead to Alice all grown up--and apparently unable to find any clothes that fit--and the White Rabbit comes to her rescue ... sort of. 

issues #1-6

The White Rabbit frees her, but she finds Wonderland might be even more dangerous outside the clutches of the Jabberwocky. It seems several parties are at work against her, including a Cheshire Cat that looks more sabretooth tiger than house pet, a Mad Hatter that makes Hannibal Lector look like Humanitarian of the Year, and not one but two sadistic queens (Hearts and Spades). 

While the characters are a psychotropic roll call of the classics, the viciousness seems all new. Oh sure, there was some allegory and social commentary in the classic literature, but that's been set aside apparently for a carnival ride of carnage and titillation. Actions scenes are presented in all their gory goodness and ramp gradually until they come to a head in one gigantic standoff between Alice and the Jabberwocky in her final effort to get home. 

All in all, the story epic in scale and sped along at a brisk pace, especially towards the end. The artwork got too gratuitous at times, though. I mean, depictions of women in comic books can get a little ridiculous and downright insulting at times, but I don't think it's quite so unapologetic as in this series. I don't mind a little cheesecake now and again, but there are points where it distracts from the story being told. And what I wanted most from this book was the story. Perhaps it's provocative for the very sake of being provocative. Who am I to judge? 

If you can get past the porn-star attire of Alice and the other female characters in this book, there is a pretty good story to be read. And, hey, if you love cheesecake, then you'll love this.

3 Sheep

Guest Reviewer: Gef Fox
Wag The Fox a den for dark fiction

About the author:

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona Favorite Zenescope Character: Calie but I'm bias:) 
Favorite movie: Identity 
Nickname: Panda 
What superpower would you want?: flight 
In a past life you were: a fluffy cloud In your next life you'll be: an actual raven 
favorite band: Korn 
Guiltiest pleasure food: Doritos 
Pets: Two dogs named Zombie and Wacko