Comics
Review: “Invincible” #111
“Invincible” is one of those books that I always meant to read, but never got around to. Once it passed the 100-issue mark, I thought all hope was lost. However, this issue marks the beginning of a “bold”, “startling” new arc that is supposed to appeal to both new readers and horror fans, so I thought I’d jump in to see what all the fuss is about. Although not entirely an introductory issue, “Invincible” is a violent ride that does not let down.
WRITTEN BY: Robert Kirkman
ART BY: Ryan Ottley
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: May 21, 2014
Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley want to make this arc an easy access point for new readers, which is no easy feat for a book that is over 100 issues into its run. They don’t waste time running through exposition, but rather attempt to present you with the new world that both the reader and the character find themselves in. You get the bare bones of what you need to know in the first few pages, but it isn’t enough. As far as I can tell, Invincible is in a new dimension and must stop Rex, a robotic force of nature, before he ruins everything. There is also another villain manipulating from a space station, but I have no idea who he is. While I was never entirely lost, I was never fully aware of what was going on either. I hope Kirkman manages to slow the pace a bit in the next issue now that the hooks are in place.
They also waste no time getting to the blood and violence. The opening sequence is as ruthless as any “Walking Dead” issue, and the best part is it doesn’t feel out of place in the superhero world they’ve created. Kirkman’s quick script balances tight actions sequences with important talking head conversations. Just when the dialogue verges on too much, he pulls the rug out and goes for ultraviolence. I mean, this stuff is brutal. It’s rare for a comic to be able to surprise with a page turn, and Kirkman pulls it off wonderfully several times in this issue alone. But, what Kirkman does best is balance the violence with emotion. The violence is harsh, but it affects the characters deeply.
Ryan Ottley delivers the artwork like a pro. It is evident that he has been drawing these characters for over 100 issues because the confidence in his line work shines through in every panel. There is not a single misstep, bad line, or awkward expression. He draws interior backgrounds as well as he does giant space stations. The paneling is also stellar, allowing the action to flow with the speed that Kirkman’s script demands.
While I have never read a single issue of “Invincible” prior to this, I will definitely be reading more. The book mostly delivers on what it promises: a new, bloody start for the series. Let’s just hope I’m not entirely lost by the end of this arc.
Comics
‘Curse of the Where Wolf’ Bites Into August Release With Trio of Werewolf Theatrical Screenings [Exclusive Preview]
Larry Chaney‘s hairy misadventures are continuing in the sequel graphic novel Curse of the Where Wolf from creative team Rob Saucedo, Debora Lancianese, and Jack Morelli, and its author is celebrating with a trio of horror’s greatest werewolf films.
The Curse of the Where Wolf hits shelves on August 7 from Encyclopocalypse Publications.
That coincides with the launch of a theatrical screening event in Houston, Texas, featuring a trio of seminal werewolf flicks turning 45 this year: The Howling on August 7, Wolfen on August 14, and An American Werewolf in London on August 21.
Each screening features a “werewolf in film” presentation as well as a book signing from Where Wolf author and River Oaks Theatre artistic director Rob Saucedo.
In the new graphic novel, “Being a werewolf sucks. Reporter Larry Chaney wanted to be a hero. Instead, he became a werewolf. Now, caught between incredible new powers and a desire to eat everything (and everyone) in sight, Larry must find a cure for his curse. Or die trying.”
“With Where Wolf, I wanted to tell a whodunit set in a furry convention, so the story was pretty contained within a very specific setting and genre. With Curse of the Where Wolf, I wanted to celebrate everything I love about the possibility of comic books. Curse of the Where Wolf is a funny book, in every sense of the phrase, but it’s also an earnest look at a person’s struggle to become a better version of themselves, especially when the alternative is to become a literal monster,” Saucedo says of Curse.
The original graphic novel was previously serialized as the first webcomic hosted on Fangoria before being collected by Encyclopocalypse Publications in 2023 and has already been optioned for film, podcast, and television development ahead of launch by producers James Fino (“The Freak Brothers” for Tubi, “Rick and Morty” for Adult Swim) and Charles Horak (First Date for Magnolia Pictures).
Expect Larry to find himself in even weirder situations in the 362-page full color sequel; Saucedo has provided Bloody Disgusting with exclusive art pages from the upcoming graphic novel that showcase lupine humor.
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