Dark Horse Previews Picks: December 2020
Above-the-Board Recommendation:
Post York
The polar ice caps have melted and flooded New York. Regular citizens try to survive in makeshift communities, while the elites live it up on the fringes. The story’s protagonist is one of the former and he’s just concerned with living from day to day. Until he encounters a mysterious woman and a trapped blue whale, both of which promise to upend his current life. “Post York” comes to us from creator James Romberger, best known for his Vertigo graphic novels, “Seven Miles a Second,” “The Bronx Kill” (with Peter Milligan), and “Aaron and Ahmed” (with Jay Cantor). All of these are works grounded in real life, distinguished by the artist’s exaggerated and expressive style. That he’s taking on a post-apocalyptic story here is a noticeable departure from these works, yet it’s also one that I’m curious to see how it pans out given his considerable talent as an artist.
Overwatch: Tracer — London Calling: It could be just me, but I’m feeling that the time to launch an “Overwatch” miniseries was two or three years ago. These days, the hero shooter feels like it’s a little bit past its prime. Or maybe Dark Horse is putting this out now, ahead of “Overwatch 2” which will revitalize the franchise! Assuming Blizzard doesn’t cock it up. Which is something no one would have thought possible two or three years ago. Anyhow, this is about Tracer helping omnics in London who are having a rough go of it. It’s from writer Mariko Tamaki and artist Babs Tarr, which is a solid enough creative team. I’m sure they’ll deliver a story worthy of the source material. It’s just too bad that I really can’t bring myself to care about said source material.
Critical Role: Vox Machina — Origins III #1 (of 6): The “Critical Role” franchise keeps rolling on. Vol. 2 is out, but I have yet to be able to find a way to pick it up at a discount. That should happen before this miniseries is finished. I hope.
Afterlift: The Eisner-winning, for “Best Digital Series,” ComiXology Original gets a print edition from Dark Horse. Rideshare driver Janice Chen picks up some otherworldly passengers and finds herself targeted by their pursuers as well. While the solicitation text states that her day is going to hell, I’m pretty sure that should be “Hell.” This comes to us from writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Jason Loo. While an Eisner win doesn’t automatically guarantee quality in my book, it’s at least a little reassuring that Zdarsky got an award specifically for this and not “Best Writer.” Seriously, he shouldn’t have been nominated in that category after giving us “Spider-Man: Life Story.” No, I’m still not over the nomination or that comic.
Blade of the Immortal: Deluxe Edition vol. 2 HC: Just keep ‘em coming…
Dragon Age: The First Five Graphic Novels: Is exactly what it says on the tin. Collects “The Silent Grove,” “Those Who Speak,” “Until We Sleep,” “Magekiller,” and “Knight Errant” in one paperback volume. It’s a tempting offer, even though I’m reminded that the one of these that I own, “Magekiller,” was just alright. And it was written by Greg Rucka. I want to say that I’ll keep my eye out for this, but it’ll likely just slip out of my mind after I’m done writing this.
Final Fantasy XV Official Works HC and Limited Edition HC: The regular edition HC costs $40, while the Limited Edition will set you back $200. With the page count between these volumes is the same, according to the solicitation, what does an extra $160 get you? A case with an acrylic art display and weathered journal. I liked the game, but not nearly enough to consider picking up the Limited Edition if that’s all they’re offering.