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Review: “Five Ghosts” # 7

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“Five Ghosts” #7 brings more pulp flavored goodness with the promise of another riveting adventure, a protagonist who never fails to amuse, and a supporting cast that chew the scenery whenever they can. All of which is brought to life by Chris Mooneyham’s incredible pencils.

Frank Barbiere and original artist Chris Mooneyham reunite this month to bring the first chapter of “Lost Coastlines” an adventure that sees Fabian entering the world of swashbuckling pirates and mysterious islands. Another thrilling adventure begins in one of the best series of 2013.


WRITTEN BY: Frank J Barbiere
ART BY: Chris Mooneyham
PUBLISHER: Image
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: November 27, 2013

The five ghosts that inhabit Fabian Grey come together to make him the ultimate pulp hero. The thought that he may lose said powers at any moment makes him all the more alluring, and the fact that he blindly lusts to toil with the dreamstone yet again makes him a little daft. It’s a recipe for disaster that’s impossible to resist.

As the issue begins we’re treated to Fabian at rest, if you want to call it that. He’s still hard at work, but not like we’re used to seeing. He’s actually sitting down. Sebastian interrupts his work with the delivery of a package, and we’re off on another adventure.

The set up is intriguing enough; yet, Barbiere makes the choice to flesh out some supporting cast for this new adventure. We’re introduced to Jezebel in the grandest of fashions. Barbiere’s script introduces the sultry cat-burgler in quite possibly the best sequence of the issue.

If you forgot the majesty of Chris Mooneyham’s work, then you’ll immediately remember his charm upon Jezebel’s jaunt through Barcelona. It’s an incredibly well paneled sequence of her abilities and intellect. Mooneyham hits full stride with something as subtle as a flashlight falling from a limp hand. Only to show off even further on the next page as he intelligently displays Jezebel’s ability to crack a safe.

He briefly dips his toes into pirate-infested waters inside a run down bar during his introduction of Asif Quintano. Something that I’m sure we’ll see more of as the arc continues.

The issue is light on the action but still moves with near flawless pace. The relevant details of the oncoming adventure are laid out on the table, and the complicated history of Fabian and Jezebel is established. Never trust a cat burglar I say, but we’ll see. Right now she’s all he’s got.

The set up for the next issue and the remainder of the arc offer a tantalizing tease at what’s to come. Fabian’s charm will only get him so far, and his inability to see the inherent danger in pursuing the dreamstone only adds to the intrigue of the character. Is he really that naïve? Does he believe redemption lies in the revival of Silvia?

These are questions only Barberie can answer, and I’m sure he will. In the meantime the promise of a swashbuckling adventure has just begun and I can’t wait to see more.

Rating: 4/5 Skulls.

It should also be noted that Barbiere’s pulp bro Fabain Rangel Jr and Ryan Cody have a fantastic Doc Unknown backup in this issue. Rangel does a fantastic job at quickly introducing his protagonist for the uninitiated. Cody’s art is clean and echoes Bruce Timm’s work on Batman: The Animated Series. The story kicks into high gear almost immediately and serves as the perfect pulp dessert after the main course.

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‘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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