Angela: Asgard’s Assassin #6

Writer – Kieron Gillen, Marguerite Bennett
Artist – Phil Jiminez, Stephanie Hans
Inker – Le Beau Underwood, Scott Hanna
Colours – Romulo Fajardo

With this sixth issue, Kieron Gillen, Marguerite Bennett, Phil Jiminez and Stephanie Hans among others, wrap up the current adventures of Angela’s ongoing series before heading into Secret Wars and they do so without compromising the story. It is even left on a great cliff-hanger that promises more to come so hopefully that materializes otherwise it would be quite a large tease to leave the readers with if there is no resolution in sight. As it was, this book did deliver the goods as it saw Angela throw the little Surtur baby into the engines of Heven and with good reason as the last thing anyone wants is Surtur invading the ten realms and ruling all and so thus the whole reason for Angela’s quest since the beginning of the series. The Odinson of course is just a little peeved about the way the whole thing went down, but as Angela sees it, she has now repaid all her debts, those to Heven and to Asgard and as she now regards herself as free. But not all is as it seems as the revelation of who Sera really is comes to light and with the telling of that story, Angela realizes that she now has further debts to pay and if she is to have any sort of peace, they must be paid in full. The artwork is as good as ever as Jiminez and Hans send Angela off in style and if this title is to start up again, having them on board would definitely be welcomed. Going hand in hand with that artwork has been a compelling story that has kept you hooked from the first and it was not something that was expected for this particular character but with the talent on board, you had to know going in that it would be good. All in all, a great series worth reading for those who enjoy Thor’s family of books from Marvel or for those that just like quality storytelling.

4 out of 5

Harrow County #1

Writer – Cullen Bunn
Artist – Tyler Crook, Owen Gieni

Harrow County represents the latest effort of horror from Dark Horse and Cullen Bunn and it is good to say that the book does an excellent job of it. Starting things off with the burning of a witch is always a good way to establish what you are in for and nails down that tone for what is to come. Of course, said witch curses everyone present and it is a curse that will follow them through the years and will affect their children when they come of age. Bunn introduces us to a young girl named Emmy who has been having strange dreams of late and if she only knew that they would be the precursor to an evil from her father’s past, perhaps she would say something instead of keeping them to herself. From there, the book is almost tranquil as we see the life that Emmy and her father have out on the farm until she starts seeing things that may or may not be there. The story by Bunn is not exactly a new one as there have been tales about witches and curses and the like before, but Bunn gives it not only an air of eerie menace, but of innocence as well and changes it enough through the mood of the book to make it highly captivating. The real star of the show though is the artwork by Tyler Crook who really brings the story to life with an old-fashioned storybook feel, at least that is until the horror starts. Harrow County receives a perfect start from everyone involved and ensures you will come back for more.

5 out of 5