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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Madame Xanadu #15 - DC

This issue wraps up Michael Wm. Kaluta's run on this book. And . . it finishes the story-line with Nimue chasing this killer around New York City. It's set in the 40's, and I believe it's main importance is that it shows Madame Xanadu's presence in the beginning of the Age of Heroes . . the Golden Age. Basically, she's been chasing this guy around that has been murdering men of importance. She's trying to figure out the connection, but it seems to be in the past . . not the present. It seems that these men's forefathers all came to America together. They all took different paths, but they started out on the same track . . running from the inquisitions that were plaguing Europe. So now this guy is basically punishing these men for the sins of their fathers. Which is where Nimue's recollections of the past come in to play. She was also in Spain during the time of the Inquisitions, and had someone very important to her fall victim of their blind subjugation of all that didn't follow their strict, and unwavering code. Although it seemed that each inquisitor interpreted that code to his own benefit, and desire. All the while, supposedly doing the bidding of the Catholic Church. Anyways, it turns out that this isn't a man at all, but rather 'An infernal Djinn, a fire demon of the netherworld . . an Infrit!' With the help of the Sandman, she ends up defeating it . . well, actually capturing it and rendering it harmless. For now. And she also learns that the Sandman is Wesley Dodds. I assume we'll jump forward a little bit in time with the next story-arc. And in that . . Amy Reeder Hadley will be back to interpret the stories of Matt Wagner with her fantastic art. This series has really been a pleasant surprise for me. I really didn't expect to like it as much as I do. I'm looking forward to what the future holds.

Madame Xanadu #14 - Vertigo

Well this issue gives us a little more information into these 3 men . . Colin Shepherd, Abraham Fields and Richard Miller. We also find out how Nimue's memories of the past are connected to her current trials. It seems that all 3 men's families come from Spain, in the 1490's. They were Jew's living in the Catholic country during the times of the inquisitions. In order to avoid unspeakable acts committed on their families and children, then made an unholy alliance with the Cardinal. They would watch for, and report other crimes against the church. One of the families that they turned in, an Arab, had an uncle that was a powerful sorcerer. He vowed to gain vengeance on the men who hurt his family. From that point on, the three families were cursed and pursued by a demon most foul. They fled from place to place . . generation to generation, until the 3 men landed in America . . the land of hope and opportunity. Well, it appears that curse has finally caught up with them. Nimue's memories of Spain, and her lovely Marisol, are around that same time . . a few years earlier actually. So she knows what these families were subjected to . . the atrocities they were confronted with. Now she just has to figure out whether to put a stop to it, or just let the man with the dog complete his mission. I think we know which path she'll choose. Madame Xanadu, on one of her excursions, comes into contact with the Sandman this issue. Remember . . that's also a theme to this story . . bringing Nimue into the Age of Heroes. The Golden Age. Matt Wagner writes a very compelling story here. It's gruesome, but honest. And of course Michael Wm. Kaluta expertly illustrates his work. We only have 1 more issue left in this story arc . . which is sad. But then Amy Reeder Hadley returns with issue #16. I really like this book . . alot.

Madame Xanadu #13 - Vertigo

This is another book that I picked up on a whim, but I've really come to like . . a lot. This issue, Nimue comes in contact with Wesley Dodds. She's still looking into the murder of Colin Shepherd and Abraham Fields. She feels that there are mystical forces at work . . maybe a spell that's been cast, but she can't figure out where it's coming from or how these families are connected. When she goes to see the man whom she believes will be the third victim, Richard Miller she finds out that the 3 men came to America together in '09. They were the oldest of friends, but upon landing in the new land, they began drifting in their own separate directions. I just can't figure out why she's not focusing more of her attention on Al Nar. She knows that he's connected, but does she know that he's the man with the large black dog that she's been warning everyone about? Anyways, Richard goes uptown for a little 'strange', and he comes across Al Nar, and his dog, in a back alley. Luckily he makes it to a taxi and gets away safely. Maybe now he'll heed Nimue's warning. In the background story, Nimue and her mistress Marisol are getting closer and closer to being discover by the Church. It's only a matter of time before they become affected by the Inquisition. I'm just a little confused as to what that story, in 1493, has to do with the current one in 1940. I don't see a connection . . yet. Although I'm sure there is one. Matt Wagner is doing a great job with this book. His stories are intricate and interesting. I like the way he's putting a noir kind of feeling into the 1940 one. Nimue, or Xanadu, is actually kind of turning out to be a skilled detective in this time-period. Also it's a wonderful treat to have Michael Wm. Kaluta doing the art. He's an Icon in the business, and it's great to see his talent utilized on this title . . one that he helped create. This book continues to impress me . . issue after issue.

Madame Xanadu #12 - Vertigo

This book is kind of an indulgence for me. It's not the type of book I would normally be drawn to, but . . I find myself enjoying the stories here. I thought it was really good during the first 10 issues, but now . . now Matt Wagner is joined by Michael Wm. Kaluta. His artistic talent and style are perfect for this book. The star of our book, Madame Xanadu has recently found herself at the dawn of the age of heroes. Although she doesn't know that yet. And she's coming up against some forces that she doesn't recognize. We know the man as Al Nar, but . . we don't know yet what his true nature or intentions are. As this story is unfolding, the good Madame is also remembering her time in Spain in the 1490's. She had taken a partner in Marisol Del Rios. Which is really the only reason she had decided to stay as the country was in the vicious grip of the Catholic Religion. "The church has so villified both the natural and the feminine, folks see a devil behind every anomaly. The land is beautiful but, were it not for Marisol . . I could not long stomach this country and it's despotic religion." I'm not sure what that story has to do with the one Nimue finds herself in currently, but . . I'm sure they're connected somehow. Speaking of Nimue . . I noticed on the new series Merlin, Nimue is introduced this episode. Just thought I'd bring it up. Anyways, as I said, I really enjoy this series, both with the story and art. I find myself looking forward to it every month.

Madame Xanadu #11 - Vertigo

The story around Madame Xanadu is now focused in the 1940's. In Manhattan to be specific. At the end of the last issue she opened her doors to her shoppe, ready to offer her talents to those in need. "Enter Freely and be Unafraid", is the saying on her window. It appears that one of her first cases involves a wealthy socialite who's father has just been murdered. Nimue's involvement becomes necessary when we find out the details of his demise. It seems he was burned alive in his own apartment. We don't learn a lot this issue other than her father was an importer. In the last few months he'd become recluse, after opening his business to one Husam Al Nar. Although, right now, we don't really know what the connection is between this man and her father's murder. However, we see that the circumstances involved in his death brings Nimue's attention to memories from 15th century Spain. It was at the time of the inquisitions and she was living with, and loving, a beautiful maiden named Marisol. Really, this issue just serves to lay the groundwork for the story to come. It's an informative issue, but largely uneventful. However, I assume since it's set in the 40's, Michael Wm. Kaluta has come on board as the penciller. Which is really fantastic, especially considering that the guys in his 60's. The artwork throughout the issue looks incredible. The guy is still an unbelievable talent. And as always, Matt Wagner's story is fantastic. I can't believe in 11 issues we've followed Nimue's travels from the times of Camelot to the 40's streets of New York City. To bring her up to date, we still have 60 years to go. Matt's doing a great job, and it's about time we've seen this fantastic character's life unfolded. She's been around for quite a while, but we've never really known much about her history. Her first appearance was Doorway to Nightmare #1 in 1978. And although she was created by David Michelinie and Val Mayerik, she was initially designed, as far as her look, by Michael Wm Kaluta. So, he has a vested interest in this characters history. Honestly, I think this series gets better with every issue.

Madame Xanadu #10 - Vertigo

This issue brings Nimue up to date on her story, and into the current DC Universe . . . or at least the beginning of the Age of Heroes. It also resolves her story, sort of, with the Phantom Stranger. She's been ready to condemn the Stranger for his inability, or unwillingness, to help in a couple of situations that she's seen him in. She sees his actions as an insensitive response to events that caused misery, heartache and loss of life. He seemed to know what was unfolding, but refused to do anything to alleviate the negative aspects. But then . . then Nimue witness' the birth of the Age of Heroes. Or, more specifically, the death of Jim Corrigan and the birth of the Spectre. I think with this event she realizes that even though she could've stopped a person or 2 from suffering that the overall event was more important than individual responses. Plus, I think she feels a little guilty. "What have I done? Out of spite. Through caprice. By connivance. I . . have unleashed the Spirit of Vengeance on an unsuspecting world!" She's torn. She thought she was doing the right thing, but . . was she acting simply out of her feelings for the Stranger? In the months ahead she contemplates her actions and comes up with a decision . . . "It is not enough to simply gaze into eternity for the satisfaction of my own desires and curiosity. To expiate my past misdeeds, I must offer my assistance to any who have need and all who ask. Finally, this is the path that destiny has chosen for me. The future . . has only just begun." And that's when she hangs up her sign . . 'Madame Xanadu - enter freely and be unafraid'. I thought these first 10 issues were a fantastic 'origin' of one of DC's most enigmatic mystical characters. I mean, she's been in and out of several 'magic' stories over the course of the DC history, but she's only ever really had 1 issue to herself. And that was way back in the 70's. And who better to write this tale than Matt Wagner? He really did a terrific job with this story. Plus we got introduced to the new talent of Amy Reeder Hadley. She also did a fantastic job. But . . that's not the end of the story. There's still more to tell, and next month Matt is joined by Michael Wm. Kaluta on a new 6 part story. I can't wait. So far I'm thoroughly impressed with this title.

Madame Xanadu #9 - Vertigo

Another fantastic issue by Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley. Amy really creates a fantastic feel to this book. And I love the way Matt is intertwining pretty much all of the DC Universe into the Madame's course of existence. We find out this issue that she's very close friends with John Zatarra. By the way we've moved into the 20th century, and Nimue has emigrated to the United States as has so many other Europeans. However, after 50 or so years, she's still upset about the last meeting she had with the Stranger. She's concocted a binding spell with one of the hair of Merlin's beard that she keeps in her satchel. The world is on the brink of war, but to me the most interesting part or this story is the Strangers most recent encounter with Zatarra. John tells Nimue that the Stranger has contacted him with a warning . . "A new age is dawning . . an age of heroes, with capacities beyond the scope of normal men! He wants our help . . all or our help . . to guide and protect this precarious time. To help make this a truly golden age, sufficient to stave off the gathering clouds of darkness and war!" And with that, we see the beginning of the shift with a local police officer that is doing his best to keep the graft out of his end of town. All we know right now is that his name is Jim. But if I'm not mistaken I believe this is Jim Corrigan, who will eventually become the Spectre. Like I said, I like the way the Matt has had Nimue's path weave it's way through history, and now . . now she stands on the brink of the explosion of the DC Universe. It'll be interesting to see the effects she has on the various aspects of it as it begins to emerge. I really like this book.

Madame Xanadu #8 - Vertigo

I really enjoyed this issue. It was kind of a play on that old question . . . 'If you could kill a brutal murderer before they were born, or when they were a child . . would you?', or . . ' . . . could you?'. Madame Xanadu is in England during the terrorism that Jack the Ripper blanketed the city in. She's desperately trying to find the fiend that's so brutally murdering these women. However, at every turn . . the Phantom Stranger seems to be there to hamper her self-appointed mission. He keeps going on about the drama having to unfold naturally. He also adds that the moment isn't right to bring the fiend down. She's put enchanted bells around town to ring when the abhorrent act is instigated. And she's befriended a woman . . a street-walker, by the name of Mary Kelly. However when the bell starts ringing around Mary's house . . she can't get there in time. She's bewildered by the butchery . . and the Stranger's seeming lack of compassion. He even tries to explain it to her . ."Some months ago, Mary Kelly bedded a man who has roamed for centuries . . . if the child of that fiend had ever reached maturity, he would have become a tyrant such as the world has never known. The depths of his depravity, the scope of his genocides would breach any historic example." Of course he's talking about Jason Blood and his curse . . Etrigan. But this doesn't make her feel any better. She even snags a piece of the Strangers clothes so she can make a doll. 'I capture and abjure you. When next we meet . . I will be ready." I think that Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley are doing a phenomenal job on this series. I picked it up on a fluke, really. But it continues to get better and better every issue. I'm especially impressed by Amy's art. She's doing a fantastic job. This series has some great potential. If you haven't picked it up . . I'm sure we'll be seeing some TPB's soon. Enjoy!

Madame Xanadu #7 - Vertigo

In this next chapter of our heroine . . Madame Xanadu, as she's now calling herself, has come back once again to the isle of Britain. But now it's a whole lot different from when she was here back in the day of Arthur. Now there's a madman running the streets slashing up women. Our heroine is on the trail of Jack the Ripper. And, again, in the course of the mystery, she once again comes across the Phantom Stranger. Although she just calls him the Stranger. As many times as they've crossed paths and she still doesn't know very much about him. Anyways, despite their professions, Madame X still wants to save her fellow sisters. When she finds out that the Stranger also knows what's going on, she's disturbed to find out that he's unwilling to do anything about it. "He will not be stopped. Not yet. This unfortunate soul. So poisoned by his own revulsion's and lusts, is but a plaything of providence. Alas, his actions are a necessary blight to insure against a far greater calamity." I'm not sure what he's talking about, but . . Madame X doesn't find it very amusing, and right now . . finds the Stranger rather loathing. Madame X sets up some traps around town and comes very close to catching him a couple of times. But it's the Stranger who sees his actions and does nothing. However . . he does leave a warning on the wall of the alley . . . "The Juwes are the men that will not be blamed for nothing." Whatever that means. I really like this series. I'm enjoying Matt Wagner's stories. Think he's doing a fantastic job of getting the reader involved with the main character. We've come to like her and care about her. However, I think the real star of this book is Amy Reeder Hadley. Her artwork is tremendous. It's got a certain style to it that's absolutely perfect for this book. I also think that she's improved with every issue so far. We get a minimal of information this issue as it's the beginning of a new chapter, but . . I think this one could be the most exciting yet.

Madame Xanadu #6 - Vertigo

This black & white cover by Frank Quitely must have been the first one commissioned for this book. It's what was in the previews a month ago. But on the actual book, we get this color cover by Amy Reeder Hadley. Sometimes this happens, and normally I would just put the actual cover in the blog. But, this cover is by Frank Quitely. I can't just erase that and not share it with anybody else. Right? Anyways, this comic isn't as flamboyant as the last I read, Jack of Fables, but . . it is just as unique. Matt Wagner is weaving a fantastic tale here. I'm starting to wonder who's really reading the Tarot cards, Nimue . . or Matt? You gotta wonder. Anyways, at the end of the last issue our Madame Xanadu was imprisoned in the cellars of the French government. Eventually she would be forgotten, but without her longevity potions, in the short period of time that she's been here . . her age has begun to catch up with her body . . literally hundreds of years in mere weeks. To be released from her imprisonment, and have her youth restored, she has to call up Death herself. And then, she has to best her in a reading of the cards. All of this leads her to the next stop upon her trip, the rise of the British empire. And, another encounter with the Phantom Stranger. This time though she's not as infatuated with his spirit. This time it seems like she's actually agitated with him for his ambivalence. After he watches the Queen beheaded he bids her adieu. "Again. You just up and leave? Stranger. You are a hypocrite at best and a villain at worst! Truthfully, I can't decide which! Whenever our paths shall cross again . . I will do all in my power to disrupt your questionable cause and your crass manipulations! I swear it will be so!" It'll be interesting to see what happens the next time she comes across his presence. Like I said, I really like the tale that Matt is weaving here. But, what's really got me coming back to this book is the artwork of Amy Reeder Hadley. It's very crisp and clean, and . . . I really love the feel that she brings to this book. I have a feeling this is really just the beginning for her.

Madame Xanadu #5 - Vertigo

This is another book that I kind of picked up on a whim. But, to me . . the selling point is that Matt Wagner is writing it. I think he's just amazing. And the way he has this character, Madame Xanadu, going across the lines of history . . being audience, and sometimes a participant, in history's major events . . is just brilliant. I'm also very impressed by the artwork of Amy Reeder Hadley. I'm really enjoying her style and her crisp clean lines. This time Nimue finds herself in Paris shortly before the revolution. She's a guest of Marie Antoinette. I think she enjoys the opulence, but has to cut her time short when she starts to glean what the future holds for the monarch and the country. We see a little more of her relationship with the Phantom Stranger also this issue. The thing I like about this series so far is the path they've chosen for the story. Obviously were working forward in time to the current Madame Xanadu. However, in the process, were cutting a swath through history, and learning the trials that are going to make her into the woman she is today. At the same time, we get a glimpse of all of these important points in history, and how Nimue played a small role in their outcome. Some with positive results, and some . . . bringing a head to a situation that already exists, because of her 'difference'. As is the result, at the end of this story, with Marie Antoinette. I think the entire creative staff of this book is doing a tremendous job. This is a book that keeps my interest, and makes me wonder what's going to happen next. In the end, that's all I really ask for to make me feel as if I've gotten my money's worth.