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Review – We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1

23rd June 2021

Review – We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1 Publisher – Boom! Studios Writer – Al Ewing Artwork – Simone Di Meo Color assists – Mariasara Miotti Letters – AndWorld Design Introduction Interesting is the first word that comes to mind when reading We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1. In fact, for his first creator owned series, author Al Ewing presents an interesting idea; What if the gods were real, but they were…well you get the idea from the title. The premise was definitely enough to attract my attention and this first volume may be one of the most interesting comics I have read this year. Story and writing Like many sci-fi epics, this story takes place in the future. Humanity has colonized space but resources are depleting and the human race is close to dying out. Of course, the gods are here to save us, but not through divine action. Instead, their large celestial bodies are left drifting through the cosmos so that humanity can harvest their bodies just to stay alive. I’ll admit, it’s a unique take on the overdone ‘gods and humanity’ trope. At the heart of this story is the crew of the autopsy ship, Vihaan II. Led by captain Georges Malik, who is obsessed with being the first human being to set eyes on a living god, even if it means putting his crew in danger. Malik is willing to travel to the farthest reaches of space to achieve his dream, all while a rogue agent with a personal vendetta hunts him down. It’s an interesting premise and their is a lot to juggle. Nevertheless, Al Ewing is in his element with a story as grand as this. Ewing, a star writer for Marvel, brings his distinct style to create a melancholic and deeply beautiful tale that tackles larger themes such as god, religion and death. Even with such large themes, Ewing manages to deftly interweave a narrative that also focuses on world-building to make a grand Jack Kirby-esque space opera that pushes the boundaries of its own genre. For such a bold story, this first volume is so close to being perfect. While it rightfully focuses on world-building and introducing us to the characters, it unfortunately leaves little room for character depth. By the end of the volume, you know very little about these characters, with the exception of Malik. Granted, the characters are the least interesting part of this story, but I would have liked to have understood the crews motives more. Art With a story as grand and cosmic as this one, the art work really needs to match. Luckily, Simone Di Meo absolutely delivers. In fact, it’s not wrong to say that his illustrations are the biggest stand out of this first volume. With color assists from Mariasara Miotti, the vibrant art work pops off the page and will easily grab your attention. Di Meo creates immaculate designs for the details of the ships and gives some awe-inspiring illustrations of deceased celestial bodies floating among the stars. I also adore the use of color in this story. Di Meo and Miotti work with striking neons and pastels that really match the cosmic tone of the series. Honestly, from start to finish, the look of this book is stunning and polished. Final thoughts Overall, We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1 is a fantastic read. The writing, art, and colors are a powerhouse that brings to life this grand cosmic story. It’s a top notch story that showcases the talent of Al Ewing. Now if future installments focus on the characters as much as the premise, then WOFTWTD might shape up to be one of the best modern sci-fi comics. If you enjoyed our review of We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1 then leave us a comment below. [yasr_multiset setid=1] [yasr_visitor_multiset setid=1] Buy tickets for BGCP Comic Con in and around Glasgow Scotland – BUY TICKETS Check out all of our Comic, Movie, Television and Videogame Reviews HERE and our Podcasts/Interviews HERE If you want to be part of the BGCP community, Join us on Discord, Twitter, Instagram etc then click HERE www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com

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Star Wars: The Destiny Path

4th May 2021

Review – Star Wars: The Destiny Path Written By Charles Soule Illustrated & coloured by Jesus Saiz & Arif Prianto Published by MARVEL Comics Released in November, 2020 SUMMARY Star Wars: The Destiny Path is a 2020 tie in comic set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back & Return of The Jedi, filling in the gaps and answering the questions of a galaxy far far away. Written by Charles Soule and illustrated by Jesus Saiz. With the Rebels on the run from Darth Vader on Cloud City, leaving behind a hand and a Han, it’s up to Luke, Leia & Lando to locate Han Solo and strategize their next move against the Empire. With power and confidence not on their side, there is only hope for our ragtag Rebellion and the intel of one Lando Calrissian. ART Firstly, Saiz’s art style is bombastically classic looking, especially in dog fights. Conversely, his work during the more sombre and expositional scenes gives the titular characters emotional depth and focus, really capturing the likeness of each beloved character. Solid work! Equally, Arif Prianto and his team of colourists throughout present a galaxy of colour variations and combinations that allow each new planet, setting and character to shine independently with identifiable palettes. WRITING What could just as easily serve as simple filler between episodes, instead unexpectedly opens up a whole new dynamic dimension within the saga. With interesting character developments for fan favourites as well as brand new characters, there is so much to love about this comic! The most notable of these character developments is the internal conflict of Luke as he reflects on the shocking revelation of his relation to Daddy Darth Vader. It’s a primary story beat that is surprisingly brushed over by Lucas. With it being a 2020 release set during the original trilogy, fans will be happy to see some recent additions to the story from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and The Mandalorian, as well as some PTSD flashbacks to Order 66. It’s incredible how many surrounding plot strings Soule binds together! Crucially, the balance of light and dark is more akin to a pendulous potentium as we learn more about the aftermath of the Death Star’s destruction and the remnants of its humanity within the Empire. In a never-ending war of two factions, there is no peace. OVERALL In conclusion, Star Wars: The Destiny Path is an exciting and audacious addition to the old saga that bridges the dominant favourite film to the first finale through new and expansive lore. Outside of the main story itself, the comic makes for a dramatically fresh take on the deeper Hero’s Journey. Some minor details disrupt the continuity of the films but hell, if Lucas can take leaps in the plot between films, then Soule can take liberties when trying to fix them! Furthermore, a benefit of Lucas leaving out a lot of detail between films is that these gaps can be filled by a wealth of new writers, more often than not with a blissful nostalgia for the galaxy before them. This destiny is far from fulfilled but the path is clear and promises a masterclass in balancing the new and old. [yasr_multiset setid=1] [yasr_visitor_multiset setid=1] Let us know in the comments your thoughts on Star Wars: The Destiny Path, what your favourite episode of the franchise is and of course, May the Fourth be with you! Also check out my review of Star Wars Doctor Aphra: Fortune & Fate from earlier today! Buy tickets for BGCP Comic Con in and around Glasgow Scotland – BUY TICKETS Check out all of our Comic, Movie, Television and Videogame Reviews HERE and our Podcasts/Interviews HERE If you want to be part of the BGCP community, Join us on Discord, Twitter, Instagram etc then click HERE

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Review – The Predator (2018)

22nd June 2021

Review – The Predator (2018) Directed by: Shane Black Written by: Shane Black & Fred Dekker Produced by: John Davis & Bill Bannerman Starring: Boyd Holbrook, Sterling K. Brown & Olivia Munn Release Date: September 12th 2018 (UK) Introduction Recently, I decided to go back to go back re-watch Shane Black’s The Predator for review. This is a film that you can look at in a couple of different ways. You can either look at it and take none of it seriously; in which case this is a fairly fun, if extremely dumb action sci-fi romp. Or you can take a bit more seriously, – which I think the moviemakers want you to; – in which case it is an all-over-the-place mess that is unbearably cringey at times. Direction The main problem here is that I am not sure how the director wants us to take this film because the tone is all over the place. Some of the film’s characters play it totally straight and other are clearly just having a laugh with the ridiculously cheesy material they have been given to work with. Cast The cast are generally okay, but it is as if they are all working on totally different movies. Boyd Holbrook, Alfie Allen and Olivia Munn are taking the whole thing pretty seriously and playing it straight, Meanwhile, everyone else around them plays it comically and the clash of tones never really sits well throughout the movie. On paper, I should have loved this film. I am a long time Predator fan, I love the original and I think that Predators is a solid sequel too, (let’s not mention Predator 2.) I am also a fan of Shane Black and you are telling me that the guy responsible for the Lethal Weapon movies, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys is making a Predator movie? That sounds awesome! Unfortunately though, it really isn’t. VFX Additionally, the VFX in the film is also pretty inconsistent. At times some of the effects look okay, but at others the CGI is painfully obvious. Strangely, it is particularly poor on The Predator himself. The CGI makes him feel really weightless and oddly light and floaty, which is kind of the opposite of how the Predator is supposed to look as he moves around onscreen. The whole ‘hunter becomes the hunted,’ trope used in the movie actually serves as an appropriate metaphor for what this series has become. The once king of action sci fi is now on the back foot and being outdone by bigger, stronger competitors. Thus, try as he might, by comparison the OG hunter can’t stand up to it’s superior successor. Conclusion In summary, this not the best Predator movie by a long shot, but it’s definitely not the worst either. There are some laughs to be had and some cool kills sprinkled through the film. However, there are definitely better action/sci fi movies that have dropped in the last few years that are far more worthy of your time. [yasr_multiset setid=2] [yasr_visitor_multiset setid=2] If you enjoyed Dan’s review of The Predator, you can check out what he thought of Fantastic Beasts here. Buy tickets for BGCP Comic Con in and around Glasgow Scotland – BUY TICKETS Check out all of our Comic, Movie, Television and Videogame Reviews HERE and our Podcasts/Interviews HERE If you want to be part of the BGCP community, Join us on Discord, Twitter, Instagram etc then click HERE www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com

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Review – Upgrade (2018)

26th May 2021

Review – Upgrade (2018) Directed by: Leigh Whannell Written by: Leigh Whannell Produced by: Blumhouse Productions Starring: Logan Marshall-Green, Michael M. Foster & Betty Gabriel Release Date: August 31st 2018 (UK) Prior to the release of Upgrade, I wondered what Leigh Whannell could do out with the Horror genre. He is perhaps best known for writing the first 3 Saw movies, (AKA the good ones,) and the Insidious trilogy. I think it is fair to say that he has proved himself as a titan in that genre at this point. However, I always wondered what it would be like to see him expand to another style. In a similar way that we saw James Wan do in the last decade. Well this is it. Upgrade is a Sci-Fi movie that doesn’t follow the most unique concept in the genre, but does it in such a fresh and fun way that it works incredibly well. Upgrade also does a really good job at making you feel some genuine emotions of sadness and pity, something that I really didn’t expect to get from a movie like this. When it comes to the action and violence in the movie, Upgrade embraces it’s B-movie inspiration and gives us some awesome grisly practical effects along with some cool action choreography to go with it. There are some elements to the plot that may seem bizarre to those not familiar with the more campy side of this genre. The movie also does slightly feel like a video game at times. However, I don’t feel that this is to the movie’s detriment and instead, actually adds to the fun ride that the film is taking you on. I also like the way that the movie ends. Although the reveal of who the big bad was going to be is seen coming from a mile away, what happens afterward was really surprising and pretty bold and risky. It seems like the film is going one direction. A direction that would have been a really poor, cliché ending for a movie like this. Then it goes in totally the opposite direction. Expectations are subverted and the film ends on a genuinely unexpected note. Whether you like the ending or not, the guts that it took to pull it off deserves some praise. Overall, Upgrade is a really fun watch. It has its high octane action sequences as advertised in the trailer. However, it also has some surprisingly tender, heartfelt moments to go along with all of the stunts and gore. It is definitely worth a watch if you are a sci-fi fan looking for a thrilling, bloody good time. [yasr_multiset setid=2] [yasr_visitor_multiset setid=2] If you enjoyed Dan’s review of Upgrade, check out what he thought of Venom here. Buy tickets for BGCP Comic Con in and around Glasgow Scotland – BUY TICKETS Check out all of our Comic, Movie, Television and Videogame Reviews HERE and our Podcasts/Interviews HERE If you want to be part of the BGCP community, Join us on Discord, Twitter, Instagram etc then click HERE

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Review – Marvel’s Alien #1

22nd December 2025

Review – Marvel’s Alien #1 Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson Art by Salvador Larroca & Guru-eFX Published by Marvel Released – March, 2021 SUMMARY Marvel’s Alien #1 is the debut of a brand-new comic series written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and brought to you by Marvel (thanks to Disney). The year is 2200. Weyland-Yutani employee, Gabriel Cruz, is sent home after a lifetime of servitude to the controversial company so he can reunite with his family. All the while, he battles a recurring nightmare of his haunted past with help from a counselling Bishop android. Back on Earth, he finds that home life comes with its own haunted past. ART The hyper focused art style and dynamic colour palettes of modern Marvel comics lends itself beautifully to the Alien franchise. With Larocca nailing the crucial queues of fear that arise in the presence of a Xenomorph and Guru-eFX showcasing a different kind of virtuosic darkness in their varied blends of colour and shading, the artwork in this comic will be embedded in the minds of all who dare to take a peek. Despite being a mostly dormant R rated comic to begin with – focussing more on the tense setup of Alien as opposed to the guns-a-blazing Aliens, we do see droplets of the crimson rain in a few panels that is sure to pour as the series continues. In the mean-time, there is more than enough dripping horror squeezed out of this one comic. WRITING First and foremost, the opening monologue immediately reminds you that this is not for the faint of heart. This isn’t just a thrilling comic, this is a flashback to your first paralyzing experience of Xenomorphobia. You’ll be reluctantly turning pages with a sweated palm over your eyes. The dialogue throughout comes off naturally with great readability and emotion, especially between main characters. I believe every word and relate to every breath. Without revealing too much, Johnson has set up a twisted twisty plot with characters you are actually going to care about which is a welcome inclusion. Personally, I love all the characters in the franchise, Covenant is my favourite of the films! With the potential for emotional attachment, there is sure to be added tension when stakes are raised. OVERALL Don’t let the combination of Alien and Disney sour your appetite just yet, this series is shaping up to be an absolutely dramatic and traumatic addition to the Alien franchise. From parasitic corporate politics to pseudo-sexual scenes of symbolism, the themes of the franchise are all on show in Marvel’s Alien #1. Finally, and most importantly, we have a new cat mascot in the Alien lore! His name is Stubs and his fur is black so witches will adore him and I would die for Stubs. I need a Stubs & Jonesy spin-off series on Disney+ ASAP! While you’re at it, add the Alien Queen to the list of princesses. She’s earned it! [yasr_multiset setid=1]

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