Author: Marcus Orchard

Marcus isn't good at a lot, but he is an expert at replaying Final Fantasy games despite there being a lot of good stuff out there. He also loves comics, board games, and anime. He thinks Chip Zdarsky is a treasure.

The creative team for Scales & Scoundrels left a note at the end of Scales & Scoundrels #11 revealing that the series will end with issue #12. In the letter, the creative team implies that the series may return in the future, which would be welcomed, as the series is acclaimed by both critics and readers. Scales & Scoundrels #12 will conclude the “Rites of Separation” arc, which focuses on supporting character Dorma. Read our review of Scales & Scoundrels #11 here.

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Scales & Scoundrels has been an absolute joy to read since the first issue. Sebastian Girner and Galaad’s fantasy world stands out from others due to simplistic world building and unmatched charm. Following a few quieter issues that emphasized world-building and Luvander’s story, Scales & Scoundrels #11 takes a somber look at Dorma following her brother’s tragic end. “Rites of Separation” is the story of Dorma returning home to deliver news to her parents. Here, Dorma must defend her brother’s actions as well as her own beliefs as she challenges her people’s norms. Girner uses dialogue to naturally progress the…

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Leviathan #1 Image Comics Writer: John Layman Artist: Nick Pitarra Leviathan is a lot to take in. In every possible way, It is fast, wild, and just plain big. It has a big ensemble cast, a big heart, and a bigger monster. Leviathan feels like a natural choice for both John Layman and Nick Pitarra’s next big project, and overall it lives up to the expectations. Ryan Deluca is throwing a party, and unfortunately, there is no more beer thanks to some party crashers. On his way to the store, a giant, Godzilla-like monster suddenly appears and does what…

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Bone Parish #1 BOOM! Studios Writer: Cullen Bunn Artists: Jonas Scharf & Alex Guimaraes While Cullen Bunn isn’t the most consistent of writers, he usually shines with horror titles. With excellent series such as Harrow County and The Damned under his belt, Bunn is beginning to look like a modern master of horror comic books. Bone Parish #1 is a chilling addition to Bunn’s resume. In Bone Parish, a new drug is taking the streets. This drug uses the ashes of the dead to allow the user to experience someone else’s life. The issue opens with someone experiencing the…

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Britannia: Lost Eagles of Rome #1 Valiant Comics Writer: Peter Milligan Artist: Robert Gill Britannia has always felt like an anomaly in the Valiant Universe. While there are multiple Valiant heroes that are scattered throughout different times, Britannia feels the most isolated. Fortunately, Britannia has not been an anomaly as far as quality goes for Valiant, and it looks Britannia: Lost Eagles of Rome will continue the series’ successful run. Lost Eagles of Rome is the third Britannia story and is once again written by Peter Milligan. For those who are unfamiliar with the series, the story takes place…

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Shanghai Red #2 Image Comics Writer: Christopher Sebela Artist: Joshua Hixson The first issue of Shanghai Red successfully established an atmospheric tale of revenge. The reader was introduced to Red, who was shanghaied for years before finally initiating her plan for revenge. While the first issue was a fast and exciting start to the series, Shanghai Red #2 allows the reader to get to know Red while she begins the hunt for those who wronged her. Shanghai Red #2 carries a certain intensity with it that feels different than the previous issue. If each episode had its own theme,…

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Every week there are enough X-Men books to warrant their own review roundup. So, here it is! Mr. & Mrs. X #1 Kelly Thompson has really been on a roll lately. Following X-Men Gold’s messy wedding issue, Thompson turns the magnifying glass on the couple that actually got married: Rogue and Gambit. The majority of this issue recaps X-Men Gold #30 but retells the story from the perspective of the actual happy couple. The first half is just a lot of fun, with a multitude of great character interactions and dialogue throughout the wedding and reception. Thompson has an…

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Grand Blue Episode 1 Studio: Zero-G Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life Stream: Amazon Prime Grand Blue is an anime about scuba diving. Grand Blue is just another anime about a fun group of young people bonding over a hobby that they all love. The first episode introduces the viewer to Iori as he begins his freshman year at Izu University. He anticipates a great college life filled with wonderful opportunities and new friends. As he arrives at his uncle’s old scuba diving shop, he gets hit with the sudden realization that maybe he won’t get his ideal college life. A group…

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Fence #8 BOOM! Studios Writer: C.S. Pacat Artist: Johanna the Mad & Joana Lafuente Fence has been an absolute joy to read so far. In just eight issues, C.S Pacat and Johanna the Mad have managed to create a fun sports drama that rivals some of the best that sports manga has to offer. Fence #8 opens with the beginning of Seiji’s day. The reader gets to learn about the young fencing prodigy as he wakes up, warms up, and works-out before his peers. It’s an excellent look at Seiji’s work ethic, establishing him as a hardworking character as opposed to someone…

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Image Comics has announced that it will be publishing ExorSisters, a new ongoing series by Eisner Award-winning writer Ian Boothby (The Simpsons, MAD Magazine) and artist Gisele Lagace (Ménage à 3, Archie Meets Ramones, Jem & the Holograms, Betty Boop). Image Comics has provided the following synopsis:  “Did you sign a deal with the Devil? Has your fiancé been dragged to Hell? Then Kate and Cate Harrow should be the first ones you call for timely soul retrieval at a reasonable rate! But why are these identical twins so different? Is there a darker secret? Readers will find out when they pick…

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