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Writer: Tate Brombal (story with James Tynion IV) / Artist: Chris Shehan / Boom! Studios
From everything that we know, we know that Aaron and Jace probably aren’t getting a happy ending. And if they do somehow manage to get one, it will come at a considerable cost and will still be bittersweet. As the saying goes, those who hunt monsters must take care not to become monsters themselves, and House of Slaughter walks us through exactly what it takes to become a “Slaughter” in truly stunning fashion.
House of Slaughter #2 opens with Aaron confronting Jace, which in turns causes a cascade of memories to their days at the titular location. Brombal writes the two central characters with such care. He does a really fantastic job of showing how these two bonded and how that bond informed so many of their actions going forward. Furthermore, while there are several moments of tenderness in the comic, there are just as many gut-wrenching instances of true horror that Shehan capitalizes on.
The nonlinear storytelling of the issues works in the creative teams favor as it allows for a natural unveiling of certain details and connections between incidents. The story feels like an actual memory. One thought leads to another leads to another, and suddenly you have traversed several planes of your mind, and there is a sense of unnerving ethereal-ness. Starting with the confrontation of Aaron and Jace and then reconstructing the first real moment of connection and schism is such wonderful narrative construction.
Brombal loves these characters but does not shy away from putting them through an absolute wringer of emotions, all while deftly expanding on the different elements of Tynion IV’s Something is Killing the Children-verse. Seeing the ceremony and ritual from this perspective continues to flesh out the world and keeps you anchored to the chilling narrative. And Shehan does a spectacular job of matching that tone with the stunning visuals that pivot between kind and visceral.
I want more. I want the rest of the mini-series to be out already. House of Slaughter is shaping up to be a stellar contribution to the mainline series and an equally stellar stand-alone entity that tells the enthralling tale of Jace and Aaron. I am 100% onboard and ready for the next chapter.
9.4 “Totems” out of 10
Enjoying House of Slaughter? Check out BNP’s other reviews here.
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The post House of Slaughter #2 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Writer: Tate Brombal (story with James Tynion IV) / Artist: Chris Shehan / Boom! Studios
From everything that we know, we know that Aaron and Jace probably aren’t getting a happy ending. And if they do somehow manage to get one, it will come at a considerable cost and will still be bittersweet. As the saying goes, those who hunt monsters must take care not to become monsters themselves, and House of Slaughter walks us through exactly what it takes to become a “Slaughter” in truly stunning fashion.
House of Slaughter #2 opens with Aaron confronting Jace, which in turns causes a cascade of memories to their days at the titular location. Brombal writes the two central characters with such care. He does a really fantastic job of showing how these two bonded and how that bond informed so many of their actions going forward. Furthermore, while there are several moments of tenderness in the comic, there are just as many gut-wrenching instances of true horror that Shehan capitalizes on.
The nonlinear storytelling of the issues works in the creative teams favor as it allows for a natural unveiling of certain details and connections between incidents. The story feels like an actual memory. One thought leads to another leads to another, and suddenly you have traversed several planes of your mind, and there is a sense of unnerving ethereal-ness. Starting with the confrontation of Aaron and Jace and then reconstructing the first real moment of connection and schism is such wonderful narrative construction.
Brombal loves these characters but does not shy away from putting them through an absolute wringer of emotions, all while deftly expanding on the different elements of Tynion IV’s Something is Killing the Children-verse. Seeing the ceremony and ritual from this perspective continues to flesh out the world and keeps you anchored to the chilling narrative. And Shehan does a spectacular job of matching that tone with the stunning visuals that pivot between kind and visceral.
I want more. I want the rest of the mini-series to be out already. House of Slaughter is shaping up to be a stellar contribution to the mainline series and an equally stellar stand-alone entity that tells the enthralling tale of Jace and Aaron. I am 100% onboard and ready for the next chapter.
9.4 “Totems” out of 10
Enjoying House of Slaughter? Check out BNP’s other reviews here.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram!
The post House of Slaughter #2 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Writer: Donny Cates / Artist: Ryan Ottley / Marvel
It’s an understatement to say that any follow-up to Al Ewing’s immaculate Immortal Hulk series has a tall task. Still, the job needs to be done and if anyone can bring wild ideas to a comic book, it’s usually in good hands with Donny Cates. Cates and Ryan Ottley lead this new run on Hulk, offering up some pretty interesting ideas and nonstop action. Hulk #1 is promising. This new start to the Hulk sets up an intriguing look at the dynamic between Banner and Hulk’s relationship and his place in the Marvel universe. Let me tell you, it’s a hell of a concept.
We’ve seen many versions of the Hulk – as a hero, with Banner’s intelligence, as an agent of vengeance, and so on and so forth. But what about Banner? He’s usually the tortured soul trapped in his own body. His condition as the Hulk often overshadows that he’s one of the top minds in Marvel. Now, we’re seeing Banner that’s just as angry as the Hulk and in full control. He’s using that intelligence to trap the Hulk in his mind and use the Hulk’s body as he sees fit.
It’s a story that asks the question – What if Bruce Banner was the villain? This book is all rage and fury and Banner like we haven’t really seen before. I like it. Sure, Banner has been determined before and used the Hulk as a weapon but now, he’s angry in a way that he’s lashing out. A sharp contrast to the meek version of the character who just wants his nightmare to end. Cates and Ottley have made Banner downright ruthless, and it’s scary.
So scary that the rest of the Marvel heroes have taken notice. The worst part is that nobody knows what he wants. One thing that I’ll say that this issue makes apparent is that Bruce Banner can do anything on this Earth without the Avengers questioning his every action. It’s sad how little faith or trust they are willing to have in Bruce and the Hulk. I hope that distrust is addressed sometime down the line.
Hulk #1 is a winner. Cates is looking to explore a side of Bruce Banner we haven’t seen before. Meanwhile, Ottley delivers with bombastic visuals and a detailed look at the new state of Bruce Banner’s mind. I’m looking forward to seeing how Ottley illustrates what the inside of Bruce’s mind palace looks like. This might sound strange but what works best about Cates and Ottley’s opening Hulk issue is that it largely ignores what’s come before. It doesn’t pretend that the events of Immortal Hulk didn’t happen, but it moves on from them, not letting its narrative be shackled to it. There’s no point. Instead, it focuses on setting up the new status quo of Banner and the Hulk, giving readers something they want to come back to.
8.5 Broken Hulk Busters out of 10
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Writer: Mairghread Scott / Artist: French Carlomango, Jorge Coelho, Jacques Salomon, Francesco Segala / Boom! Studios
One of the first long pieces of fiction I ever read was the novelization of Magic: The Gathering’s Ice Age. It centered around Jodah, Archmage Eternal, a character who didn’t make it into cardboard until many years later, but the point stands that I do owe a nontrivial part of my love of speculative fiction to Magic, and I’ve been digging the recent comic additions to the universe. As such, the latest Master of Metal one-shot definitely spoke to me.
Tezzeret, the planeswalker artificer from Esper, is mechanically and thematically one of my favorite characters. Ambitious and adept at both social and actual engineering, he is a brilliant antagonist who has met his foes directly and indirectly, and any sort of insight into his character is always welcome in my book.
Master of Metal is a collection of four, interconnected one-shots that showcase different aspects of the character. Mairghread Scott does a fantastic job of writing a perfectly sinister and charming tone for Tezzeret and puts him through a veritable gamut of situations. We get a little bit of backstory, a little bit of long-term scheming, a little tinkering, and a little bit of a lot of the future conflicts to come. It’s a fun read that covers a lot ground in the 40-pages, maybe to the point where I would have enjoyed having it to be a two-parter to give it a little room to breathe, but regardless, Scott captured what makes the character and the universe so interesting.
Big props need to allocated to Francesco Segala, who helped unified the coloring of the three artists. All of the illustrations from Carlomango, Coelho, and Salomon were visually delightful, but it was Segala who helped ensure a standardized style that welded the story together. Like with the other Magic comic, the artists have a lot of fascinating set pieces to work with, and they make use of the different fantasy elements in the sandbox.
Master of Metal manages to walk a fine line of being an independent story that also has clear ties to the mainline universe. It is a fun and welcome read and makes for a great villainous story that vest our interest in the world. If you like the character, you can pick this up and enjoy getting some glimpses into Tezzeret being Tezzeret, and if you like the world, you’ll be very happy with all the different elements and callbacks in play. Magic comics continue to fill a neat little niche in my week to week reading, and I hope if you have a passing interest, you support the multiverse.
8.8 “Simulacrums” out of 10
Enjoying Magic? Check out BNP’s other reviews here.
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The post ‘Magic: Master of Metal #1’ Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Looking for cool, unique toys? Check out our list of the best toddler ride-ons!
In case you hadn’t noticed, toddlers are constantly moving. They never stop. So give them access to toys that let them drive, scoot, ride, and otherwise get their zoomies out through play with ride-on toys! Now, I’m sure you’ve seen some of the ho-hum ride-on options available in every store. But did you know that there are some crazy cool ride-ons available? I mean, a ride-on AT-AT from Star Wars?! A “Mini-Farthing” version of a Penny Farthing bike (all the rage in the 1870s)? Marvel, DC Comics, and Disney? Plus, replicas of real world vehicles? There are so many options to geek out over!
Check out the list below, where we round up 16 of the coolest, most unique ride-ons toys for toddlers!
Pop Culture
Are you a DC comic lover? Let your child channel their inner Batman with this two-in-one ride-on Batmobile. The ride-on seat converts to a raceway ramp for the included toy Batman and Joker cars. Then, they can stow them safely on the dashboard as they race away to their next adventure.
Lights ‘N’ Sounds Spidey Plane
I don’t know about your kid, but mine can’t stop talking about Spidey and His Amazing Friends. If your kid loves the show too (or you’re just a Marvel nerd), check out this great Spidey ride-on plane. It features fun sounds and flashing lights, with different light patterns on the spinning propeller in front. Plus, it’s great for younger kids, with a push bar on the back for help from a parent.
Bring back the original ride-on toy–that is, a hobby horse attached to a broomstick– with this handcrafted SiSu the Last Dragon stick dragon head. SiSu is the lovable last dragon from Raya and the Last Dragon, and your little one can ride her all around the house! Oh, and if you’re into adult-sized dragons to ride, check out this Avatar ride on stick dragon from the same seller.
While this ride-on will take work on your part, the end result is the ultimate nerdy ride: a Star Wars AT-AT rocking horse. This woodworking pattern is made for beginners, and includes a tool list, diagrams, and patterns; everything you need to create this masterpiece. According to the artist who created it, “If you can operate a scroll saw and a power drill, then you can make this rocker!”
Disney geeks and Vespa fanatics be advised: Kid Trax makes a Vespa mini-scooter with a Minnie Mouse dot pattern. It’s also available with a Disney princess theme, if you prefer. Your toddler can be zipping all over the neighborhood in style. My only question is: why doesn’t this come in my size?
Buzz Lightyear My First Ride-On
This adorable ride-on is perfect for helping Space Ranger cadets aged 1-3 learn the nuances of traveling through interstellar space (aka, zooming around your ENTIRE house). With lights and music, and a pair of the delightful 3-eyed aliens, your little cadet will be blasting off to infinity and beyond!
Replicas
If you’re crazy for classic cars, you’re going to flip over this pint-sized battery-powered Chevy Bel Air. Available in baby pink or baby blue, all your kid needs is a cool pair of shades to complete the look. Then, watch as they cruise down the sidewalk in this chrome-accented classic ride-on, revving their engine with the built-in sound effects.
Children’s P5 Hawk Replica Airplane
Are you a pilot (or just an aviator at heart)? If so, you’ll have this handcrafted ride-on plane. It’s modeled after the iconic P-5 Hawk biplane. Featuring a spinning propeller and available in 24 different finishes, this toy is simply amazing, and it’s built to last; with its dowel-joined assembly and all-wood construction, your child may hand it down to their own children!
Available in two sizes, the PonyCycle Giddy Up horse is the perfect gift for the budding equestrian in your life. It features realistic sounds and cleverly engineered kid-powered movement. And maybe it’s just me, but the brown one looks a lot like Epona from Ocarina of Time. So, whether you’re a Zelda fan or just a horse lover, you’re sure to love this toy!
Little Tikes Cozy Ice Cream Truck
For a great twist on the classic red Cozy Coupe of our childhoods, check out the Little Tikes Cozy Ice Cream Truck. This fun truck adds a new dimension of play to the original cozy toddler vehicles. Let your child enjoy the ride-on action and set up shop selling ice cream to every “neighborhood” in your house and yard!
For an in-depth list of Little Tikes toys, be sure to check out our list of the best Little Tikes outdoor toys!
Fans of all things old school will love this vintage-inspired Penny Farthing balance bicycle for children. Its absurdly large front wheel and tiny back wheel are sure to inspire joy, while the handmade leather seat, wooden handles, and hammered metal accents make this toy a treasured collectors item as well.
Unique
Albott Ride On Sand Digger Excavator
Got a young engineer in your life? This sandbox digger isn’t just some fake bulldozer ride-on. This rig will actually help your little one dig and build! At the beach, the park, in the sandbox, or in the garden, your child is about to discover the basics of construction. Just how big a hole can they dig? Let’s find out!
Kiefer the Forest Dragon Crochet Pattern
I know I’m not the only nerdy parent who loves to crochet. If you do too, you must check out this award-winning pattern for a life-size baby forest dragon! With a wingspan over five feet and a nose-to-tail measurement of eight and a half feet, your child can ride on a dragon’s back with this amazing pretend-play prop. And if Kiefer isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, don’t worry, this seller has other dragon patterns available in their shop.
Ever seen a truck pulled by a T-Rex? If not, now’s your chance. Your little paleontologist can ride in style with a T-Rex towing them along. Fun fact: a T-Rex could run up to 17 MPH! But don’t worry, this kid-powered ride-on only travels at the speed of your child.
Growing up, I loved carnivals and arcade games, so I was stoked to see that I could bring a piece of the carnival home with a ride-on bumper car! It comes in six colors, features joystick controls, and is sure to lead to hours of fun. Cotton candy not included.
As far I’m concerned, this ride-on is the perfect choice because it includes a ramp to ride down! Your kids will love zooming down the 6-foot slope. You’ll love that it packs up nicely, as the ramp and car fit inside the base which has rear wheels, making it a cinch to move. It’s like they designed it with parents in mind! Spoiler alert: They did.
The post Best Toddler Ride-On Toys appeared first on Geek Baby Clothes.