Madame Xanadu #25 - Vertigo

This issue the sensory overload . . the theme of the story, is hearing. In it we see an ad-man, from the early 60's, who's in the prime of his career. His name is Spencer, he's got a beautiful life, and a lot of promise. But then one day . . he starts hearing people's innermost thought. Their vile disgusting and seldom spoken thoughts. At first he thinks he's hallucinating, or someone is playing a joke on him. But it keeps happening over and over, and the actions and thoughts that are expressed . . well, lets just say that they aren't things that someone would joke about. Somehow Madame Xanadu becomes tuned in to Spencer's trauma, and tries to help him. But he's a structured man, a common sense kind of guy . . it's hard for him to buy in to all the 'hoo-doo' that she's suggesting. Plus, when she talks about him being the target of an imp, and the black-magic stick she wants him to wave whenever he hears the voices . . 'You actually think I'd shake a rattle at my clients?! At my boss?! They'd haul me away in a straight-jacket!' But then he starts hearing the voices in his one place of solace . . his home, from his wife. He tries using the stick, but it's to late. In the eyes of the world . . I'm sure he appears to be a homicidal maniac. The issue ends with him hiding from his wife . . with a big knife. ' So apparently, Nimue is after this imp that's intent on causing sensory overload in humans. This is turn forces them to act out of character, and in line with the imps intentions. I hope she catches up with him soon. The next sense is smell. It'll be interesting to see how Matt Wagner can turn olfactory overload into a horror story. Which is essentially what he's creating here. I thought this was another great story, and concept by Matt Wagner. We have a new penciller this issue, Laurenn McCubbin. I don't know that I was thrilled with the art, but . . it fit the time-period of this story perfectly. Plus, with it's crisp lines and bright colors it was a perfect opposite to the dark theme of this story. I don't know that it would've worked under different circumstances, but here . . I liked it. The cover was by Mark Buckingham.

Hellblazer #269 - DC

We don't get a whole lot of answers this issue, but . . we do get to see a whole lot of interaction between Constantine and Shade. It all starts out with a kiss. But I don't think it's meant to be romantic. I think Shade kisses John so that he can taste what it is that's inside of him . . the magic that appears to be making him go crazy. And I know that doesn't make it sound any better, but . . I guess it's just the way Shade's magic works. Anyways, from what we see this issue . . I think it all comes down to love and loss. I think John is being attacked because there's someone else that's in love with Epiphany. Specifically, I think it's Carew. I think . . and this is just my opinion . . I think that Carew is attacking John, not necessarily because of the way John feels about Epiphany, but because of the way Epiphany feels about John. I think he's trying to diminish John in her eyes. I think that's why his first act . . the part that's really got him upset, and apparently when he blacked out, is when he attacked Epiphany. He really doesn't remember it, but . . he seems to remember the emotions, and after-effects. And I think that all this other stuff that's happening to him is to stop him from putting all the pieces together. But, like I said, that's just my take on the story. The other reason I'm thinking this is because after John and Shade kiss, there seems to be a tension between them, for this entire issue, because of a girl that John kissed in thier past that Shade fancied. I think that was an issue far enough in the past that it wouldn't even be recognized if it weren't for all the emotions bubbling just below the surface . . the emotions that Carew's spell seems to be bringing out. I think Shade got a taste of that and doesn't realize how it's actually affecting him. Anyways, the issue ends with John and Shade finally making it to Epiphany's apartment, and finding out that it may already be to late. Peter Milligan writes a great story, and seems especially adept with this character. There's a lot of emotions written in to this one. I can't wait to see how it all sorts itself out. Once again, Giuseppe Camuncoli did a good job with the art. And we get another beautiful cover by Simon Bisley.

Madame Xanadu #24 - Vertigo

Well this next chapter in Madame Xanadu's saga is called Extra-Sensory. Madame Xanadu's story has moved up to the 60's . . 1963 Harlem, to be specific. And it appears that she's going to be coming across some some people with extra-ordinary skills. This issue there's a young woman in Harlem who one day, all of the sudden, starts to see how people are going to die. Actually, what she sees at first, she can't explain. There are people with maiming, stabbings, and all manner of bloodied messes. She's freaked out at at first, until she realizes that she's the only one seeing them. Finally, one day, she decides to follow one of her visual victims. She sees him in the crowd and follows him until she sees him walk out into the street . . right in front of a moving bus. His body ends up mangled in the same manner that she first saw it. Anyways, one thing leads to another, and she ends up going to see Madame Xanadu. She tells her that she's seeing visions of the future and that they're warnings of some sort. There's something coming up that she'll be able to fix but she wouldn't have known without these visions. As it turns out she ends up saving her mother and sister when she comes homes and envisions them burnt up. She finally talks them into leaving the house for a couple of days, and when she returns . . she finds the apartment building on fire. I'm sure this will all be building towards something. I just don't know what it is yet. Next issue it looks like the story has something to do with the sense of hearing. It seems that as Madame Xanadu's story progress', she runs into more and more of the characters in the DC Universe. Now that she's in the 60's, she should be running in to all kinds of them. I wonder if that will have any impact on how this story moves along. Anyways, I thought it was another good issue by Matt Wagner, with Marley Zarcone doing the art this issue. Also, a cool cover by Mark Buckingham.

Hellblazer #268 - Vertigo

John just seems to be sinking deeper and deeper into this cesspool of insanity. However, he did have a lucid moment last issue where he tried to contact Shade . . the changing man. He didn't show up yet, but . . the invitation is out there. However, we do find out this issue that he is indeed being set up. There are 2 orderlies that always seem to show up when he needs subdued, and they also give him his medications. After thinking about taking off his arm, he once again has a lucid moment and lures them into the room so that he can steal their keys. After he bolts, one of the orderlies calls somebody to tell them, 'He's out.' But John just ends up in one of the surgery rooms and once again tries to remove his arm. 'I'd move faster without this arm attached to me. This alien thing weighing me down. Don't know how I've lived this long with something so abhorrent glued to my shoulder.' But after trying, he decides to go for a smaller sacrifice . . his thumb. He wakes up in the surgery ward, not remembering what happened. But then he notices the piece of his thumb missing. The doctor tells him, 'I'm afraid it's bad news. Your thumb. We tried to graft it back onto your hand . . but it wouldn't take. Your blood kept acting strangely, you see. Congealing then . . changing . .' Which is when John becomes really agitated. 'That'll be the demon in my blood. Where is it? My thumb. WHERE IS IT!?' We see one of those orderlies walking out with it like he's just garnered some prize. Meanwhile, while all of this is going on, Shade has made contact with Lenny Shapiro. Apparently she's someone that he's used before. And through her, he finally makes contact with John. He also makes contact with one of the guys in the ward with John. The issue ends with him going out into the courtyard to find Shade in, of all places, a tree. 'Thank you, Lenny. All right, Constantine, kiss me. You called me. You pleaded with me to come. Now kiss me. The mouth, please.' And Epiphany has a bit of trouble with her ex, Carew. Really, he just makes an appearance, but I'm wondering if he might be the guy behind all of this, because of John's involvement with her. I don't know. Hopefully we'll find out next issue. Now that Shade is involved. I love Peter Milligan's stories in this book. He's already a fantastic writer. But on this title he seems to let his inhibitions out. This character seems to have that effect on a lot of people. And Giuseppe Camuncoli is the perfect artist for this series. He really brings a great feel to this book. Also, don't forget about the Simon Bisley cover . . fan-frikkin-tastic!

I, Zombie #1 - Vertigo

This is another one of those books that I ended up picking up just for the heck of it. I looked at it, but was concerned whether it was worth taking the risk for $3. I didn't even notice that it was one of those first issues for a $1 things. But then in my usual E-Bay travels, I found the Darwyn Cooke variant cover for 99 cents. So I bought it. What the heck. Right? By the way, I'm still looking for a run of Joe the Barbarian on E-Bay. My guy only orders like 2 copies of each. I didn't even realize that it was up to issue #6 already. I figure it'll show up on E-Bay sooner or later. Anyways, I have to say . . I thought this issue was interesting, and fun. The main character is Gwen Dylan. And she lives and works in this little unassuming town of Eugene Oregon. But, come to find out . . and obviously, from the cover . . she's a Zombie. But not your typical Zombie. We don't know all the details yet, but . . it seems that if she eats some brains at least once a month, the physical conditions of her affliction are staved off. For the most part she looks pretty normal. Also, I guess, if she doesn't eat some brains she loses her own memories. So, to fulfill this need, without raising to much suspicion, she works and lives in a cemetery. Obviously she can't hide her job, but . . no one actually knows that she's been living there also. And to top this off, her best friend appears to be a ghost of a young whom that's probably buried here. We don't know all the details yet. We're just kind of introduced to the character this issue. There's a hint that there's other creatures of the night living in this town also . . werewolves, vampires and who knows what else. And we find out at the end of this issue that by eating someones brains you take on their memories. Apparently for the week following thier consumption. So this latest guy that she's eaten was murdered, and he wants her to find his killer. I thought it was an interesting story with a neat premise. Chris Roberson did a good job of introducing us to this character, and keeping her concerns and beliefs relevant. I also enjoyed Michael Allred's art. To tell the truth, I'm not a big fan of his. Although I did like his work in Static-X. And maybe it's because of my experience with that book, but . . I think his style fits this story and character perfectly. It's a quirky, off-beat story. Just like his art. I imagine that I'll pick up at least an issue or 2 more . . just to see if it can hold my interest. Plus . . it's just nice to read something that's different. Something out of my usual comfort zone.

Madame Xanadu #23 - Vertigo

I have to apologize . . I was a little rough on Amy Reeder Hadley's art in the last issue or 2. I don't know why, but I never realized that the only issue I really had was with the way that she was drawing John. But then it dawned on me . . John isn't really human. He's just pretending to be. So I'm thinking . . she drew him that way on purpose to show us that he wasn't quite the 'real deal'. I don't know why I didn't think about that sooner. I guess I was just being nit-picky. So, anyways . . Sorry! Amy, I'd be happy to have half your talent. You've done a great job with this series . . keep up the good work! So . . in this issue's story, Nimue ends up taking down her sister. As she fighting her, trying to match spell for spell, it dawns on her . . 'I must appeal to her wrath. Her contempt. Her arrogance.' In other words, she has to get her to let her guard down and underestimate her sister. Which is pretty easy to do, especially in the case of sibling rivalries. Anyways, long story short, she has a lock of Betty Reynolds hair, and uses it to take away the shell that Morgana is now inhabiting. She can call the displaced spirit back to it's rightful home. And now that this threat is over, John decides that it's time for him to leave town. I also think that Nimue came into contact with Aquaman this issue. We don't really see him, but she was saved in a manner similar to his. I like Matt Wagner's stories here. I like the way that Nimue is kind of taking us on trip through the history of the DC Universe . . from her unique perspective. And I like the character that Madame Xanadu is turning out to be. I have a feeling that this book will be around for quite a while to come.

Hellblazer #267 - Vertigo

John's kind of gone off the deep end here. I don't know if it's bad mojo or bad magic. Or maybe he's just taken to many hallucinogens. But whatever the case . . he thinks, and sees, the city disappearing . . piece by piece. Almost as if there's some giant invisible demon biting off chunks of it. He thinks it's because of Epiphany. He thinks that she's mucking about with his noodle a bit, because of the way he treats her. But nothing he does seems to be helping. He's put wards on the walls of his room. Hell, he's even painted it on his face. But he just can't get the nightmare to stop. In fact, I would've thought it all a dream except that he talks to his mate Chas, and in turn he talks to Epiphany. So if he is having a dream, it's a waking dream. And one that only he can see. Anyways, he visited Epiphany the night before because he started to notice that something was wrong. He was agitated and rather paranoid. He doesn't remember it, but he beat her up pretty badly. The next day as the affects increase he can't help but think of her. He feels guilty, but . . he's also convinced that she's somehow involved. But now he doesn't know if it's her doing the actions, or someone trying to get to her. Or maybe . . keep her away from him. Whichever way . . he worries about her safety. The episode leaves him tied to a bed in a mental facility. But you know John, even in his diminished state he can't help but try to throw a wrench into things. So he starts using the people in the hospital around him, and he reaches out for . . Shade, the Changing Man. I'm not sure what he's going to do to help him, but . . he's pretty intent on getting his attention. I think Peter Milligan does an incredible job with this book. I've been thrilled with every one of his story-arcs, and . . if you look back over the last year or so, all the separate chapters are interconnected. It's like a bit jigsaw that we're gradually being shown the picture. After Simon Bisley's run at the art, Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini are providing the visuals now. This is an excellent title. Anyone that's not reading it . . doesn't know what they're missing.

Madame Xanadu #22 - Vertigo

Nimue is trying to stop her sister Morgana from whatever nefarious scheme that she's currently up to. J'onn J'onzz is also on the case with her. He's that rather plain looking guy on the cover. He hasn't revealed his true nature to her, yet. But . . she has seen that he has extraordinary abilities. All she really knows for sure is that his powers are not mystical in nature. Anyways, Morgana is trying to obtain 3 relics that will supposedly grant her the level of power that she once held. These objects include, the War-Helm of Mordred, the spearhead with which Mordred slew Arthur, and the Philosopher's stone. For some reason she wants to herald a new age of warfare and destruction. Why does it always come down to that? They either want to save the world, or destroy it. There's no in-between. She's already got enough power that she's got herself set up as the mistress of a church that worships dark power. They think that they're worshipping Satan, but actually Morgana is just manipulating their emotions so that they'll do whatever she tells them to. The problem is . . she gets bored and loses focus very easily. Anyways, Nimue and J'onn follow some of her congregation back to the church to confront Morgana. But I think Morgana always anticipates her sisters meddling . . she's prepared for them. The issue ends with them trapped in a ring of fire. Madame Xanadu, Nimue, is currently moving through the age of heroes. She's already encountered a few of them. But she has no idea just how many of them will be popping out of the woodwork very shortly. I enjoy Matt Wagner's stories. And I think Amy Reeder Hadley is a terrific find. Unfortunately, this is one of those books though that it's hard to pick it up in the middle of a storyline. If you're not following it, my suggestion is to just read the TPB. You'll be entertained.

Hellblazer #266 - Vertigo

I was a little lost on the purpose of this whole story . . I think it's a British thing, but it appears to me that it's a fight for power between the Conservative Party and the Tories. John uses his usual magiks and mysticism to win the day here . . the slight shift of hand and misdirection. But . . what I took out of the story was that he was trying to be something that he wasn't anymore. At one time he was like kin to Faeces McCartney and the whole punk revolution. They fought for the same thing, and were moved into action by the words and deeds of Margaret Thatcher. And their idol was Sid Vicious. So when Faeces comes to him saying that his effigy of Sid has been possessed by what he believes to be Sid's soul . . of course John has to go and help. He dresses and poses like one of the Punks, because the only lead they have is that the Conservatives are recruiting them out of a local pub. When he provokes a fight between him and Epiphany's new boyfriend, the person watching is intrigued by his handling of the situation. When he's taken to meet the Party, he realizes that this whole thing revolves around some old souls taking up residence in reanimated corpses . . in an attempt to try to gain some power. He introduces them to Faeces effigy, hoping that when the soul realizes he's not who he thinks he is . . he'll get mad and destroy all the other wayward souls. Which he does. But John tells Faeces that this is only the tip of the iceberg. There's a whole bunch more of these characters out there. And right now . . John's to tired to deal with them all. I think jumping back into this lifestyle, John got a taste of what he felt when he was young and lived it the first time, but . . he also realized that he's not young anymore. And he's already played that game once . . when it was relevant to him. But now . . now it's time for someone else to take up the charge and find their own reasons for retaliating against an oppressive regime. He's got other battles that he feels are important, and that's where he needs to focus his attention. I think he's finally decided to cut the strings between he and Epiphany also. It's flattering to have someone young, and attractive around who idolizes you. But . . since he can never do anything about it, and the temptation is driving him crazy . . it's best just to pull the plug and put 'er down. He's just going to hold Epiphany back from whatever she can be. And he's going to wear himself out trying to keep up with her. It's a no-win situation. Besides . . I think Epiphany just reminds him of what he already lost . . Phoebe. Anyways, I don't know if that's what Peter Milligan's story was actually about, but . . that's what I took out of it. So, to me . . something that prompts that much thought in this little cranium, can't be all bad. I'm just joking. I really enjoyed the story. Peter is brilliant. And of course it was even better because Simon Bisley did all of the art. I've been fan of this book for a long time. And this is a good example why.

Madame Xanadu #21 - DC

I had some mixed feeling about this issue. Basically . . Madame Xanadu has caught up with the heroic age in the DC Universe. She knows of a few of them around, but hasn't met any of them face to face. However, she is friends with one Mr John Jones. I'm not sure if he's a cop in this time period, or just a PI. But he comes to Nimue every now and then for direction when he's particularly stuck on a case. Anyways, he shows up at the good Madame's house shortly after her sister, Morgana, tries to bring it down on top of her. He helps her out, and then doesn't waste any time asking her for help. The case he's following involves some kind of cult, and a group of mobsters that are bringing in rare antiquities for another group. John knows their drop-off points and times, he just doesn't know what they're up to. And after some digging, Nimue discovers that his case, and her sister are intimately connected. So now they just have to find out what she's up to. Now, I'm going to get a little critical her, but . . don't get me wrong, I still liked the book. I think Matt Wagner is doing a great job with this character, and acclimating her to the world as she moves through it . . decade, by decade, by decade. And I still think Amy Reeder Hadley is an exceptional talent. However, on this issue . . I'm not sure what happened. I don't know if it's because of the inker, or maybe Amy is having a hard time keeping up with a monthly title, but . . there were some panels in that looked pretty . . amateur. I don't know any other way to put it. I thought maybe it was just the way she was drawing John. To me it seems most evident on his character. But . . some of the gangsters look pretty choppy also. I don't know. I don't want to dwell on it. Everybody has their ups and downs. I think Amy is very talented, but . . maybe her and Matt need to figure out a way to have a different artist do a few of the pages every issue. You know . . like the flashback scenes, or whatever. Anyways, I like this book. I was just a little disappointed this time.

Hellblazer #265 - Vertigo

I have not doubt that this story is a piece of work. It's going to be a big deal in the time to come. But right now . . I honestly have no idea what's going on. Well . . that's not entirely true. I can figure out kind of where everything is coming from, but . . I just don't know how it's all connected. Basically, there's a political group in England . . the Conservative Party. It's trying to cause unrest in the city through random acts of violence. And it's using angst driven teens . . mostly punk rockers, to perform it's acts of insolence. Somehow this connects to John because he used to be one of those punk-rockers. An old friend of his, Faeces, and also a punk-rocker, contacts him. He's got a cult kind of thing going called the Vicious. Obviously they worship Sid Vicious. Anyways, he's got this shrine built, with a mannequin that does bear a bit of resemblance. But the most important parts of it are the items that he's acquired that were actually Sid's. He's got his biker boots, the syringe he killed himself with, and the knife he supposedly used on Nancy Spungeon. And Faeces swears that Sid is inside. Well . . John isn't in a drug-addled state, so . . obviously he doesn't believe it. However, when he approaches, he does seem to be psychically attacked by something. He doesn't know if it's Sid, or just some demon, but . . he does know that it's to dangerous to be left in the hands of these losers. Anyways, back to the political thing . . as I said, the old men who are running this operation are using young kids to do their dirty deeds. And one boy in particular, James, seems to be in charge of managing these unruly kids. They come face to face with John before this is all over . . and kick the crap out of him. But . . I think that was John's intentions. I think he wanted to get a feel for who he was facing, and that was the best way to do it. We get a glimpse of the old men's faces on the final panel. They appear to be either very, very old . . or they're the living dead . . zombies, or resurrected corpses or whatever. John thinks he knows who he's facing, but . .I don't know that he really does. And other than the political angle, I don't know what these people are really after. Obviously the punk angle is a misdirection, but why? Luckily this is only a 2 part story, so . . next issue everything should come together and be resolved. Like I said, this is most likely a classic in the making. Especially with Peter Milligan and Simon Bisely involved. I just hope that it makes more sense after reading the second part.

Hellblazer #264 - Vertigo

This issue wraps up John's story in Mumbai. He's been chasing after this Colonel whom after death turned in to a demon. It appears a local Sadhu, a shaman, in his younger years had put a curse on this man before he died. He knew how evil he was and was trying to make sure that he paid for his sins. So . . the Colonel hooks up with a local Bollywood producer and has him bring him young females as sacrifices. I'm sure the guy was just scared, but . . he didn't realize that with every sacrifice the Colonel demon was becoming stronger and stronger. Anyways, this Sadhu had summoned John to Mumbai to help take care of this demon. In return he promises to try to help reunite John with Phoebe. John probably could've figured this out on his own, but Epiphany shows up to offer her help and support. John doesn't want to involve her, but . . she does have certain talents. So while John is being questioned by the local police, Epiphany comes up with a concoction to draw out the demon. John's done this before, but this time . . this time Epiphany has learned it's weakness. It appears that there was a battle with the Sepoy's where the Colonel turned tail and ran. Leaving all of his men at the mercy of the enemy. However, since he survived, he lied about the story and ended up getting full honors for bravery. That's the chink in his armor. John confronts him with that memory, the Colonel lets his guard down and John strikes freeing all of the lost souls that the Colonel has collected . . the source of his power. The Sadhu does fulfill his promise, but . . Phoebe channels herself through Epiphany. 'J . John . .? Wh . . what you are doing . . it is . . wrong . . I . . I need to move on. Y . . you're stopping me . . I am dead. Let me go . . get on with your life. I must . . .' So . . the story kind of has a happy ending, and . . it doesn't. The Colonel has been vanquished, but . . Mumbai remains pretty much unchanged. I'm sure there's other demons out there. And for now John is going to leave Phoebe behind. I'm sure until he gets another glimmer of hope somewhere. And he's still clueless as to how Epiphany really feels about him. That, or he's scared to death of her father. It could go either way. I really liked this story by Peter Milligan and Giuseppe Camuncoli. I thought they did a great job with it, and it fits right in with the rest of the Hellblazer stories, or . . urban legends. The cover is by Simon Bisley, whom apparently is returning next issue to do the interiors. This really is a good book. If you're not reading it, you should give it a shot. There's lots of TPBs out there to whet your whistle with.

Madame Xanadu #19 - Vertigo

This issue takes us way back in time in Nimue and Morgana's story. Back to when they were just adolescent girls running amok in the woods. Granted they're probably hundreds of years old, but . . they look to be in their pre-teens. In this story of evolution, man never stepped foot on the Earth until Atlantis sank and their people were welcomed onto the lands by the magik folk. Also it's interesting to note, that at this time Nimue was actually more progressed in the magic arts than her elder sister Morgana. It wasn't until 'man' showed up that Morgana started getting curious, and mischievous with their lives. To her they were just playthings. Much like an ant-hill, or the insects of the forest. As time passes on, she begins to play with their lives and futures more and more. But it isn't until they begin to develop weapons that she really becomes enthralled. That's when she starts taking her games to a whole new level. And then . . then on the horizon . . here comes the Roman Empire. Oh what delicious fun she's going to have here. So far our story here has brought us into the age of heroes. However, I think Matt Wagner wanted to take us back and show us just where Nimue came from. Plus I think he wanted to define the relationship between her and her sister Morgana. Personally, I think he's a genius. There's just limitless possibilities with this character. All the various ages and times that she's lived in . . there's just no limit to the amount of stories that can be told. Well . . no limit except Matt's own imagination. Which I would guess that we've barely tapped in to yet. Joelle Jones and David Hahn provide the art for this issue. It has a very whimsical and mystical feel to it. It was perfect for this story. I think this book is another one of those hidden treasures. But don't take my word for it. Pick up a TPB and check it out. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Joe the Barbarian #1 - Vertigo

Hey . . this is something completely different, and it's by Grant Morrison. So . . I had to give it a shot. Plus . . it was only $1. How could I resist. This particular issue doesn't really tell us much though. It fills us in on some of the main character's background, but . . it's really just the very beginning of the story. It seems Joe Manson is this pretty normal kid. However, he recently lost his father in the war. He misses him, but . . he also blames him for everything he and his mother are going through. Anyways, he spends most of his time alone in his attic bedroom. Until one day, after nodding off, he wakes to find that his room has been transformed into some type of fantasy environment. And the inhabitants are all of the various toys and action figures he has strewn about his room. And really . . that's all we've got. We don't know the 'hows' or 'whys' or really what's going on . . yet. But it looks like this is the beginning of Joe's fantastic adventure. Sean Murphy provides the art, and . . it is perfect. By the way, on the Vertigo information page, there's an article by Sean where he talks about his inspirations for this series. If you get a chance, you should read it. It's interesting. Anyways, as with everything that Grant touches . . there's a ton of potential here. I have no idea which way Grant is going with this, but . . I'm sure it'll be more than interesting. Also, this is going to be done as an 8 issue mini-series. I thought this was an interesting issue. But . . the proof is in the pudding. We'll just have to see where it goes from here.

Hellblazer #263 - Vertigo

Peter Milligan only gives us bits and pieces of the puzzle this issue. John is in India right now. He's enlisted the aid of this mage to help him get Phoebe back, but . . the mage has asked for some help in return. It seems there's a demon hunting the streets of Mumbai, and he's taking the lives of wanna-be Bollywood starlets. Which is really no coincidence, because he has a casting director working for him. Anyways, this demon is the incarnation of an old reprobate who used to run in the circles of the rich and elite in India, Colonel George Burke of the White Hussars. It seems he had a sadistic appetite even when he was a live, but it's been made worse by his acclimation of power. Anyways, Epiphany ends up in India also. It appears that the mage sent a dream to her. He told her that she should come here looking for John. However, the casting director was in love with one of the victims that the demon has chosen. He tries to save her, to barter with the demon, but he ends up killed in the process. So that means, the demon is loose with no one to control, or guide it. Things are about to get ugly in the streets of Mumbai. As always, Peter is writing an interesting story here. And Giuseppe Camuncoli is interpreting it with his unique style of art. It's supposed to wrap up next issue, so . . I can't wait to see what happens. By the way . . beautiful cover by Simon Bisley.

Madame Xanadu #18 - Vertigo

Another great issue by Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley. Nimue has been confronted by her sister, Morgana. She's finally become powerful enough that she's been able to cast a spell that has allowed her to not only possess the body of an innocent, Mrs Reynolds, but also to transform it to her own likeness. Nimue is beside herself because she doesn't know how she didn't sense Morgana's impending arrival. Had she been able to do so, she might have been able to protect herself and the world better. As it is, she's left in a reactive position to her sister's imposing presence and power. The whole issue she tries to get Morgana to talk about why she's chosen to come here . . and why now. But she's not getting any answers. Either she's hiding something, or she just doesn't want to give away to much of her plan, or goals, ahead of time. For someone who likes to talk . . especially about themselves, she seems rather tight-lipped about letting Nimue know why she's returned. Finally she brings her own house down up on her. As Morgana strolls out into the New York City atmosphere, Nimue is caught under the rubble of her own shelter. She tries to appeal to Morgana, but . . Morgana's already forgotten about her. Meanwhile, on the theme of Nimue arriving into the 'age of heroes', we see the Martian Manhunter, in his Police Detective identity, trying to stop the arrival of the magical trinkets that this Mister Delucia is trying to obtain. But he's not making a lot of progress. I like this book alot. I can't believe we're up to issue #18 already. This book has really kept my interest the entire run. If you aren't reading it, I'm sure it's out in TPB form by now. Give it a shot. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Hellblazer #262 - Vertigo

Peter Milligan does a fantastic job with this character. I really like the feel that he gives to John. Not to mention the Simon Bisley cover, and the Giuseppe Camuncoli art. Anyways, last issue John arrived in Mumbai and was almost immediately attacked by some sort of demon. In the beginning of this issue, on of John's old associates comes to his aid, Sadhu. Well . . that is to say . . he showed up, and the demon left. We find out the the demon was actually once Colonel Burke of the White Hussars. 'He is an evil and callous old bugger, his head full of racism and sexual vileness.' Apparently he put him in a dark place, after the colonel did some unspeakable things to a Dalit many years ago. There he festered and grew terrible until a Bollywood producer got a Fakir to release him. Like the demon, the producer also lusts after young Indian women. Anyways, this issue is mostly about John and Sadhu trying to set a trap for him, and bringing us the story of the Bollywood producer. Sadhu promises to help John with Phoebe once they vanquish the demon. Like I said, I think Peter is doing a great job here. I really dig his stories. And I love the humor and ego that he writes into John's character. I hear there's talk of another Hellblazer movie. If so, I hope Peter at least consults on it, if he doesn't write it. This is a great series. You should really pick it up . . if you aren't.

Madame Xanadu #17 - Vertigo

Madame Xanadu has moved into the 50's or 60's now. There hasn't been much magical activity in the last decade or so, ever since the end of World War II. But, she's concerned about her friend, Betty Reynolds. So she's starting to look into things that may be affecting the magic ripples. She following a group called the Church of the Midnight Dawn. They appear to be satanists, but . . their leader, Fred Hanson, seems to be collecting money for some type of artifact that they want. Actually it's 3, and they're very specific when the turn over the list, and the money to someone connected with the mob. This is how the good Madame comes in to contact with one Detective Jones. We'll come to know him better as the Martian Manhunter . . but not for years. Anyways, her friend Betty seems to be going through some sort of Transubstantial Possession. That's where something possesses a person . . not only their thoughts, but their body as well. Everything about her has been changing over the last few weeks . . hair color, eye color, frame . . even her teeth. It isn't until the end of this story that we find out that she's actually being posessed by Nimue's sister, Morgana . . Morgaine le Fey! The crap's about to hit the fan now. Matt Wagner has done a terrific job with this book. It's hard to believe that he's taken such an insubstantial character from the 70's and enriched her with all of this intricate history. And although I'm a huge fan of Michael Wm Kaluta's art, I'm glad that Amy Reeder Hadley is back on the book. She's grown so much since the first issue of this book. Her style has really helped to define this character. I enjoy reading this book every month.

Madame Xanadu #16 - Vertigo

Finally . . Amy Reeder Hadley is back on the pencils this issue. I'm not taking anything away from Michael Wm Kaluta's run . . he's a fantastic artist. But . . this series started out under Amy's, and Matt Wagner's vision. And as the series went along you could definitely see improvement in her work. She's a talented artist that really seems to be coming into her own. So . .I'm just glad to see her back on the title where she got her spotlight. She definitely deserves it. This issue, Nimue, or main character has moved just a little farther ahead into the late 50's. Our story follows a young woman, Betty Reynolds. Her life is normal until one day things start to change. First . . she seems to be having a gravity problem. She can't keep her skirt down, then her hair, and then she floats out of bed. Next she starts going through physical changes. She notices her face looks a bit different. Her naturally blond hair begins to switch to auburn. She's losing weight, gaining height and her bodily features have become more accentuated. Even her finger-nails are growing faster. And they're hard as diamonds. She's 39 years old. How could her body be going through this much change, this late in life, and . . this fast. Finally . . she begins expelling bugs. Bugs seem to be coming from he mouth whenever she opens it. It start out with flies, but then moves on to moths, bees, cicadas, crickets and dragon-flies. It isn't until she starts spitting out cockroaches that she decides to try to seek some help. Doctors can't do anything, and her husband suggests a psychiatrist. Finally her friend Joanie tells her of a friend, also with an unusual problem, that sought an unusual solution. Which leads her to the doorstep of Madame Xanadu. We don't know exactly what's going on here, yet. But Nimue seems genuinely concerned about her new client. 'Why does her case stir such echoes in my heart? Why do these magics bear the scent of . . familiarity?' I have a feeling this has something to do with the good Madame's journey through the DC Universe, but . . I honestly have no idea what, or who Betty could possibly be. This one will be just as much a surprise to me as anyone else. I love the work Matt and Amy are doing here. I can't wait to see where this one goes.

Hellblazer #260 - Vertigo

Man . . it's to bad Simon Bisely can't stay on this book forever. Well, I know that would never happen. But a few more issues would be nice. First of all we get this fantastic cover by Simon. Then on the inside . . Simon does a bang-up job with the art. I kind of expected it to look like his stuff from the various Lobo books he's done. But . . this had a completely different feel to it. But cool, none the less. Anyways, Peter Milligan's story here is called the Long Crap Friday. John is already be chased by the police for Phoebe's death. Now he's being chased by a gangster too . . Terry Greaves. His daughter is/was Epiphany. So, since it looks like she's dead too . . Terry wants to rip his intestines out. Actually he want to turn him into meat-pie and sell him in the old east end, to tourists. John is ready to skip the country and go to India, where he thinks that Charles will be able to help him. But before he can get out, Terry gets John's mate Chas and is torturing him, with promises to kill if John doesn't return. John comes back and does a little voodoo that brings Phoebe out of her little trance . . or coma . . whatever. So now that Terry's happy . . as long as Epiphany's condition doesn't change . . John is once again trying to get off to India and see if his friend Charles can help him bring Phoebe back. And yes, by back I mean . . back to the land of the living. It's a long shot, but John still thinks he can do it. These last 2 issue have been fantastic. The next 4 issues are going to be the India storyline. Peter will again be writing, with Giuseppe Camuncoli doing the art. This is a great series. You should check it out . . if you aren't.