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Review: ‘Abe Sapien’ #4

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Coming fresh off his debut arc in his new ongoing, Abe Sapien continues on his journey of self-discovery in the two-part “Abe Sapien: The New Race of Man”. After the last horror-filled arc ended with an intense confrontation and massive battle, this issue dials it back a notch, but really pushes forward the development of the plot and subplots.

WRITTEN BY BY: Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
ART BY: Max Fiumara
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
RELEASE DATE: July 3rd, 2013
PRICE: 3:50

The book starts off as an intense nightmare. After having been killed, Agent Vaughn is violently reminded of his demise before stirring to consciousness. This side of the story lasts but a few panels before Abe Sapien takes over for the rest of the book as he journeys to the Salton Sea to see one of the areas affected by the giant creatures plaguing the Earth. Though this arc is focused on the evolution of humans and not that of Abe, we see that old habits, like prejudice and ignorance, are still prevalent.

John Arcudi writes an intense tale, using Abe’s inner dialogue to elaborate on the events that had taken place during his coma. In the last arc we saw him confused and fleeing from the B.P.R.D. Now that he has plan of action, Arcudi is able to zero in on this aspect of the tale. The pacing is slow, but there are some interesting philosophical parts dispersed throughout the dialogue that make the slow ride inconsequential. I find it very interesting to see Abe’s interactions with other people, especially following the events last month.

Max Fiumara showcases his skills in this book in the detail and precision of the images in each panel, but I think the most significant part of his work is the differences with his brother Sebastián. In the previous issue, where Sebastián took the drawing role, the images were much more sketchy, similar to Mike Mignola’s style. Max, on the other hand, has a very clean look to his illustrations with hard precise lines. I’m not knocking one or the other but Max’s style of art is tailored to fit the book.

This series is one of my favourites of the year, and I can’t wait to see where Abe’s path takes him in coming issues.

4.5/5 Skulls

Reviewed by – GreenBasterd

Comics

‘The Wicked Trinity’ – Preview New Archie Comics One-Shot Inspired by ‘The Craft’ [Exclusive]

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From Sabrina’s Magical World, Bloody Disgusting has learned this afternoon that Archie Comics will be releasing brand new one-shot comic The Wicked Trinity this coming June.

You’ll be able to meet The Wicked Trinity in the 32-page comic on June 12, 2024.

In The Wicked Trinity, “Sabrina’s magical nemesis Amber Nightstone and her sidekicks, Jade Kazane and Sapphire Gill, are intent on becoming the most powerful witches in the world. Isolated from so many around them, the three have formed a coven based on their individual needs for vengeance and true freedom.

“But when there is some dissent among the ranks, their small coven is threatened to be obliterated from within.”

The Wicked Trinity features a script by Sam Maggs, art by Lisa Sterle, colors by Ellie Wright, letters by Jack Morelli, main cover by Lisa Sterle, and variant cover by Soo Lee.

Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante tells Bloody Disgusting, “When Editor-In-Chief Mike Pellerito came up with the idea of the Wicked Trinity—Amber Nightstone, Jade Kazane, and Sapphire Gill—I was immediately intrigued. I even had the good fortune to work on the script for Jade and Sapphire’s first appearance in last year’s SABRINA ANNUAL SPECTACULAR comic for younger readers. What I especially loved about these magical teens is that they could seamlessly transcend from classic-Archie stories into more mature, even horror stories. I was eager to start developing their world with a modern sensibility, taking cues from the great work of Kelly Thompson and Veronica Fish on our SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH series, and Sarah Kuhn and Carola Borelli on our recent DARKLING one-shot. Inspired by series like Charmed and films like The Craft, I knew there was so much potential to build up this coven in a story that beautifully blends magical fantasy with horror.”

Writer Sam Maggs previews, “Real witches writing real witches—that’s how we do things over at Archie Comics! I was named after a famous witch—Samantha from Bewitched—and so I grew up absolutely obsessed with everything witchcraft, devouring every book series I could about teen witches. That makes WICKED TRINITY a dream project for me. The power and energy of teen girls is absolutely unmatched (just look at the engine behind fandom culture) and being able to harness that metaphorically for a story like this is such a delight. Everything I write focuses on the power of female friendship, and this story is no exception. And what’s better than a morally grey female character? I struggle to think of anything. Cat familiars, maybe? Also, I’m totally a practicing witch now. So maybe if you read this, you’ll find yourself imbued with magical powers, too.*

Artist Lisa Sterle adds, “I can’t wait for people to be re-introduced to The Wicked Trinity! Witches, fashion, and Archie Comics; this is truly a magical trifecta and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to put my own personal stamp on this. I love to create stories in which girls find their own power, both from within themselves and through their friendships and coven. If you’re a fan of my Modern Witch tarot, you’ll find this comic just as magical.”

Exclusively check out the two covers for The Wicked Trinity one-shot comic below!

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