Starve #1

Writer – Brian Wood
Artist – Danijel Zezelj
Colours – Dave Stewart

Gavin Cruikshank once had the high-life and left it all behind many years before. Fate comes calling though as the former show he created called Starve still has him under contract. So with a return to television imminent, it now brings back all the thoughts and feelings he put aside including those for his wife, his rival and his daughter. The latest title to premiere from Image Comics starts out a little unassuming but as the story moves along, Brian Wood and Danijel Zezelj immerse you in this futuristic world of the haves and have-nots, where the markets have crashed and the line between rich and poor have been drastically delineated. Gavin is not a very likeable character when first introduced. He enjoys his vices a little too much; he is a little uncouth, a little rude and quite standoffish. Come the end of the book you start to like the guy though as he has decided to fight for what he has lost, to get it all back and crush those who stand against him. It is always a good watch or a good read when your hero or leading character has to fight his way back up from the bottom and this book is no exception. The artwork by Zezelj is good, perhaps some of the best he has ever done and with the muted palette by Dave Stewart it gives the book a bit of a moody atmosphere. For his part, Wood has created something that has never been seen in a comic book before and if the advertised premise comes to fruition, of which there is no doubt, this book will only get a whole lot better. With shades of science-fiction, action and drama, this new title is one worth picking up.

4 out of 5

Gotham Academy #7

Writer – Becky Cloonan, Brendan Fletcher
Artist – Mingjue Helen Chen

Gotham Academy returns from hiatus with a story featuring Maps and new student Damian Wayne. It is a fun tale that sees our heroine get herself into trouble though this time she is not alone as Damian gets dragged along as well. Becky Cloonan and Brendan Fletcher pull out all the stops to tell an incredibly entertaining story without its lead character present and the result is perfect. Damian’s mannerisms and characteristics are down pat and it is great to see him have fun with Maps for the day, or at least as much fun as he can possibly have. Above all, you have to love Maps. Aside from Olive, Maps is the character that really seems to be the heart of the book and without her as both friend and comedy relief, it just would not be the same. The craziness all starts when Maps and Damian get their hands stuck together, seemingly by magic and cannot separate them no matter what is tried. All that remains is to find the magic quill that might have been the culprit and to somehow fix their little problem. What is most hilarious is that Maps is having the time of her life while Damian seems to be mostly annoyed. Another moment that brings a smile is the infatuation that grows on Maps’ part as she soon believes that Damian could be Batman. New to the book is Mingjue Helen Chen who takes over at least for this issue, but she keeps up the excellent standard started by Karl Kerschl with that great animated style that suits this book to a T. While it was great to see Maps in a solo tale, a return to the ongoing plotline, mystery and intrigues that take place at the school surrounding Olive will be welcome. This is definitely one of DC’s finest books.

4.5 out of 5