Comic Review 231 // Scooby-Doo Team-up, Volume 3

2022 brought many new and exciting changes into my life, things like my Youtube channel and cutting back on drinking along with scooby-doo. I did not realize how much I had missed the cartoons until watching some with my kids. Now I find myself drawn to comics, especially crossovers. And have found them to be a wholesome series. Time for volume 3 which shows the Flash on the cover so I assume we are in for some fast action.

Title: Scooby-Doo Team-Up, Volume 3

Author: Sholly Fisch

Illustrator: Darío Brizuela

Blurb: The gang's all here! Scooby-Doo and his friends are teaming up with the most unlikely superheroes to save the world, solve mysteries and eat some Scooby Snacks!

From the ocean's depths to the heart of Africa, Scooby and the gang must investigate the deadliest threats imaginable! That is, with a bit of help from DC's greatest superheroes. The team is ready to take action and get a little help from the Flash, Aquaman, Shazam and more!

An all-ages series that collects SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP #13-17.

Format: 128 pages, Paperback

Buy on Amazon with my handy little link.

Review

These titles hit pretty well with their wholesome adventures. Easy reading and very light, they are great to enjoy with the kids. As an adult reading them, I like that they sometimes make fun of themselves, which is a sign of a great writing team and editor.

Overall every story had its highlights and was funny. Aquaman beat the rest, playing up to Fred not being the sharpest tool in the shed. He constantly kept trying to take off character breathing masks while underwater, much to the comedy of the reader but frustration to the characters.

The weakest story sadly goes to Scooby and his Super Dog pals; though fun to see all these characters, the story just missed the mark for me. Definitely wouldn't upset a young reader but jarred with this old man!

Overall give it a go. You are never to enjoy a comic!

 

Let's Play Warhammer 40k: Space Marine - Episode 11 - Death in the Family

Okay, this episode has broken me! Titans, plague drones, chaos cultist psykers, storm bolters and the heartbreaking ending. I can't do it anymore. Send positive vibes and therapy money, lol.

Watch the rest of the series here: Full Playlist, then hit like and subscribe.

Book Review 223 // Jacqueline Ess: Her Will and Testament by Clive Barker

Something a little different this week. I've wanted to change up my reading of late and move beyond sci-fi. With this in mind, I started reading and reviewing some of my other loves - horror.

I am a big horror fan, especially the classic stalker-style or cosmic horror versions. But before diving head first into some classic titles, I wanted to visit some short stories. And where better to start than a Clive Barker tale.

Title: Jacqueline Ess: Her Will and Testament

Author: Clive Barker

Page Count: 35 pages

It can be found in Clive Barker's Books of Blood (amazon link).

Review

The story is straightforward and almost too simple in its direction. With it being written in 1984, it is a testing point for his later works and set his style for otherworldly body horror in motion. I could also be wrongfully incorrect and made up that fact.

Our lead character, Jacqueline, could be more likable. Though she is a strong-willed, independent character, she suffers from a weak back story. The title begins with an attempted suicide from which she is saved by her husband. The reason why she tried it is unknown, and we are just left with a character suffering from "nobody understands me" issues. This lack of understanding hinders the reader from bonding with the character as we should. This is an issue Barker fixes in later tales, so we can put this down to a lack of experience.

Following the suicide attempt, Jacqueline is sent to therapy, a place she does not want to be. To make matters worst, her doctor is shit! He is condescending and toxic, blaming her for wanting to commit suicide for attention and saying she is failing in her womanly duties. This helpful behaviour triggers a hidden power within Jacqueline, where she can manipulate human flesh with her mind. As she images the Doctor with breasts, we read has his body warps and starts producing breasts. Unfortunately, Jacqueline can't control these powers, and the doctor ultimately ruptures from the inside out!! Realizing her power, Jacqueline starts to practise and manipulate the world around her, and we join her on this life-changing adventure that ultimately leaves a pile of bodies behind.

Her time as a rich man's mistress was a highlight of the tale and definitely helped show character growth. While the ending was sad and depressing, it definitely rounded out the story.

Overall a solid read. Had its faults, but it gave me plenty to write about, so altogether a win.

Audio Review 118 // Hunger by Andy Smillie

There is something about Flesh Tearers that I love so much. They are basically World Eaters that didn't swing over to Khorne. And before anyone gets angry in the comments, I know they are a Blood Angel successor. This week I got to listen to a Gabriel Seth story, and damn, was it brutal.

Title: Hunger

Author: Andy Smillie

Blurb: A Flesh Tearers audio drama

Aboard the confines of an ancient space hulk, the Flesh Tearers engage in a brutal struggle against a horde of alien genestealers – and their own nature. Can Gabriel Seth manage to stave off the Black Rage long enough to survive?

READ IT BECAUSE

It's a fascinating look at the monster within the man as Andy Smillie once again shows his mastery of what makes the Flesh Tearers tick.

THE STORY

Aboard the confines of an ancient space hulk, Seth and his Flesh Tearers engage in a brutal struggle against a horde of alien genestealers and their own natures. A hunger drives these warriors of the Blood, one matched by their alien aggressors. Hope remains while the Flesh Tearers can hold onto their honour, but what is the truth that lurks at the heart of this derelict ship and will Seth manage to stave off the rage long enough to discover it?

Review

The short version of this review - Angry man wages war against hungry aliens, and I loved it!

Overall this is a simple story of the flawed Flesh Tearers entering a Space Hulk and drifting through space to fight the cosmic terror of the Tyranids. The quality of the performance was high and the storytelling was great.

The thing that makes me most enjoy the Flesh Tearers is the fact that they don't hide what they are: brutal killers. This is viewed as a flaw by many, but I see it as them being their truest form. What was truly unique in this tale was how the Space Marines themselves seemed more terrible and alien than the actual aliens they were fighting. Questioning who is the real monster in the story, the creatures fighting due to their nature or the Space Marines fighting as the only way to find peace?

It was a great listen and it is back on my to-be listened-to list again as I want another go at it.

Imperium Magazine Issue 14 - Secure the Supply Drop - Review & Battle Report

Imperium Magazine Issue 14 - Secure the Supply Drop is the next installment as I run all 80 Battle Reports from the Warhammer 40,000 Imperium collection from Hachette Partworks and Games Workshop.

This will all be a part of the Imperium playlist: YouTube Playlist. Hit the subscribe button! to not miss out.

So for each issue, I will bring you a fully painted battle report. Using that issues figures (if they have some) and rules. As well as a quick overview of the magazine. Got any questions, please do ask!

Imperium Magazine Issue 14 - Comes with the first set of terrain in the series. Once built and completed, they will be used in the battle report, which sees 5 marines vs 10 necrons!

The series is 10-4 to the Necrons; this game will also swing in the Necrons' favour in my opinion.

Hope you enjoy it and will follow. Cheers!

Comic Review 231 // Star Wars Kanan - The Last Padawan

 

I saw this title at the library and knew I had to read it. Who didn't love Kanan in Rebels? Such a broken character, trying to relearn how to trust. This title will give us some real insight into the character.

Title: Star Wars: Kanan #1 - The Last Padawan

Author: Greg Weisman

Art: Pepe Larraz & Mark Brooks

Blurb: In Star Wars: Rebels, Kanan Jarrus is a cocky, sarcastic renegade fighting the Galactic Empire alongside the ragtag crew of the Ghost. But years before, during the Clone Wars, he was known as Caleb Dume, a Jedi Padawan training under Master Depa Billaba. Neither master nor apprentice ever suspected that their “loyal” Clone Troopers would turn on them upon the issuing of Order 66 — the Emperor's directive to execute all Jedi. How did Caleb Dume escape the Jedi purge? How did he learn to survive on his own after his master fell? And how did he become the man we know as Kanan Jarrus? What can a Padawan do when being a Jedi makes him a target? Join young Caleb for a tale that bridges the years between the Clone Wars and Rebels!

COLLECTING: KANAN 1-6

Format: Comic Book - 144 pages, Paperback

Buy now on Amazon

Review

Big Rebels fan here, so I was going into this comic with baggage and high hopes. This affects my opinion of the title, and I am only human, so you can't blame me. 

We travel back to a younger Kanan when he was Caleb and a Padawan of the Republic. We finally get to witness firsthand what happened when Order 66 hit (a different version of events compared to Bad Batch). After this, we get to experience the early life of this Padawan on the run and how he changes into the man he becomes.

This is a skin-of-your-teeth adventure, as our young hero attempts to stay out of trouble and avoid detection by the Empire. We meet a Kanan willing to do anything to stay alive one more day, and this character is selfish and mean and hard to like, if I am honest. But in the context of what is happening, I fully understand. Parts of the story were really good, especially how he falls in with Rogue alien characters, whilst others seemed like they needed to be thought out. Two ranking clone troopers hunting the Padawan feels more like a job for a Sergent and a squad of soldiers. Also, it does seem like a waste of resources? I may be overthinking it.

This was, for sure, an enjoyable adventure/coming-of-age read. As a Rebel fan, I enjoyed it; as a Kanan fan, I enjoyed it. You should know the character before reading. Otherwise, you may find the kid blunt and uninteresting in an exciting setting. But if you know Kanan, do yourself a favour and read the comic!

How to Paint Warlord Games & 2000 AD Sláine MacRoth miniature

Following on from the Slaine Starter set unboxing, and the Skull Swords (link: YouTube link) comes my quick and easy guide to painting Sláine MacRoth from inside the box. I use Army Painter Speed Paints over a white primer in this video. Super simple to copy and gives quick results that look great on a tabletop.

But who is Sláine MacRoth? A classic shamelessly stolen off the internet description.

Sláine MacRoth is the eponymous hero of the long-running 2000 AD strip Sláine. His mother, Macha, was a deadly warrior who gave Sláine his first solid food on the tip of a sword blade. The first significant event in Sláine's life occurred when he was seven, and Macha's drunkard husband, Roth Bellyshaker, boasted that she could outrun the king's chariot in a race. The king forced her to run, and she was trampled to death by the horses as Sláine watched. Roth may have made his boast deliberately as a way of getting rid of his wife because she had been unfaithful to him many times and Roth suspected that she was lying when she said that Sláine was his. The usually obtuse and unperceptive Roth was correct about this. Sláine's true father was Duban, a druid who taught Macha magical secrets and liaised with her in subterranean tombs.

When he was sixteen, Sláine was cast out by his tribe, the Sessair, for an unauthorized liaison with the King's bride-to-be, Niamh. He spent years exploring Tír na nÓg in the company of his unscrupulous servant, the dwarf Ukko, and occasionally aided by the druidess Nest.

He eventually became embroiled in a war between earthly mystics, led by Myrddin, and the aliens called Cythrons, who were harvesting humanity's negative emotions. Sláine and his companions (including Calgacus, Mogrooth, Oeahoo, Murdach, Giya, Tlachtga and Pluke) had to strike a decisive blow in the conflict, venturing into the tomb of the dark god Grimnismal. Despite most of them dying, Grimnismal was eventually killed, to the chagrin of the Cythrons' abhorrent leader, the Guledig.

After completing this mission, Sláine finally returned to his people to become their king, leading them against the demonic Fomorians. Blessed by the Earth Goddess, he became a living incarnation of her consort, the Horned God, and eventually the first High King of Ireland.

He later gave up his title (after several adventures in other periods of time as the servant of the Goddess) to Gael, the founder of the Gaelic race. Having lost his wife, Niamh, murdered by the evil Moloch, Sláine eventually left his homeland to find his missing son, Kai, finally encountering him in a travelling circus owned by Ukko. He is currently fighting the evil Drune Lords (a metaphor for the Catholic church and/or the British Conservative Party, depending on how Pat Mills feels this week) with the help of his new companion Sinead.

Slough Gododin, the son of Sláine's dead foe, the Lord Weird Slough Feg, taunted Sláine by saying that he was a "bastard," as Roth had not been his real father, which made him "Sláine Mac Nobody." Sláine responded by using magic to let Sinead possess the ghost of his dead mother, Macha, so he could ask her who his true father was. He was briefly horrified when he thought Macha might have been raped by an El Lord (a supernatural monster from another dimension), which would make him only half-human. However, further questioning revealed that Macha and her lover Duban the druid, had fought off the El Lord together before fathering Sláine, who was pleased to discover that he was the son of a priest of the Earth Goddess who had shared forbidden knowledge with the laity.

I hope you enjoyed the story and will stop by soon for more!

Book Review 222 // Red Shadows by Robert E. Howard

I am rather excited about this short story as it stars Solomon Kane; when the Forgeworld Badab War books came out, it became clear that the works of Robert E. Howard inspired some of the names within the Executioners forces, and Kane's name was used for part of Thulsa Kane, the High Chaplain. So I am excited to see how they compare to each other.

Title: Solomon Kane #1 - Red Shadows

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: The innovative Red Shadows introduces us to the avenging wanderer puritan Solomon Kane, alongside Skull in the Stars and Rattle of Bones. This volume also features The Shadow Kingdom, a masterpiece of dark fantasy, that introduces us to the barbarian philosopher and king, Kull of Atlantis, in a time-forgotten era, and The Mirrors of Tuzun Thune, and some poems published by the “unique magazine” such as The Harp of Alfred, Easter Island, Forbidden Magic, and The Moor Ghost closing the second cycle of strange fiction tales from the up-and-coming Texan writer in the 1920s.

Kindle Edition via Amazon - First published September 19, 1928

Review

As mentioned, this is my first Solomon Kane story, and I was excited to discover his character. He did not disappoint! A dark shadowy figure of vengeance. A true punisher of evil doers and a willingness to get a little dirty doing it. He is a vigilante who doesn't need much reason to hunt down a bad guy. His description reminds me of puritan witch hunters, but he is in no way a good guy, a true anti-hero is the best way to speak of him.

This first tale of Solomon has him hunting down a bandit known as "The Wolf." Solomon's reason for tracking the bandit is the death of an unknown female victim who had escaped the Wolf only to die in Solomon's arms. The hunt last year with us dipping in and out at critical moments to enjoy the adventure with the hero.

We get hints of what is to come for the character, as this seems to be a testing pot of ideas involving Africa, tribal cultures, old gods and ancient religions. As an adventure tale of pulp action, it is a good read. I am worried about where Howard will go with it, as I understand he is a Texan of the 1920s who did not have a great view of the world, so I will be wary of racism within these works.

What are your thoughts on these tales?

Audio Review 117 // Child of Night by John French

Eeek I love a Night Lords story, this legion deserves more books in the series, they also deserve to be more than a side villain. I want to know and see what they have been getting up to. I am hoping this John French tale may give me a little bit of what I crave.

Title: Child of Night

Author: John French

Buy on Amazon.ca (Kindle format)

Blurb: In the dark hive sumps beneath Terra, Chief Librarian Fel Zharost of the Night Lords Legion is being hunted. Having abandoned his insane primarch and brothers many years ago, he doesn’t know what he’s done wrong, but he’s sure he doesn’t want to be captured. What will happen when he discovers that his Legion has fallen into heresy? And where will his loyalties lie?

Learn the fate of the Chief Librarian of the XIII Legion, former servant of Konrad Curze. The first Horus Heresy Night Lords story from John French is both an insight into changes that have taken place within the XIII Legion over the course of the Great Crusade, and a fascinating glimpse into the underworld slums of ancient Terra itself.

Review

Well, I'm not going to lie; that was a short listen. I believe in kindle format it is 15 pages long. Which is a real shame as it deserved more time. But we are definitely treated to great a great story. John French breaks out of the stereotypical Night Lord and gives us someone who doesn't rely on physical pain and torture to become a figure of power in one of the scariest legions.

Chief Librarian Fel Zharost is an exciting lead in this tale. Having been banished from the Night Lords, Zharost had drifted back to the one place he had ever called home - Terra. Here he hid in the slums of the underhives and hid from the wider galaxy. But soon, like many characters, the war caught up to him, and he was chased by Knight Errant. Due to this, we see how the Night Lord legion has changed from the Terran days into the Nostromo era and finally into the Heresy. Seeing how the legion morally rotted away from the inside, becoming a shell of what it once was. It showcased very well that the war isn't just straight bad vs good. There are so many shades of grey it is hard to sometimes tell who is right or wrong. And I feel this is where Malcador and his Knight Errant live, crossing both lines of right and wrong.

The ending is strong and would seem our lead Zharost is going off to join the Knight Errants, I hold hope we will see him again. But it also has me intrigued as to whether he will be a founding member of the Grey Knights.

I hope you enjoyed the review and will check back in soon. Cheers

Blood Bowl 2 League 3 - Spring Season - Union Elves vs Wood Elves

Game five of Blood Bowl 2 League 3 - Spring Season - Union Elves vs Wood Elves Gameplay.

If you want to watch the rest of the season, you best click subscribe and then watch the rest of the season here: YouTube

Wood Elves teams scare me. They are such a fast team that one mistake can give them a breakaway that you don't recover from. That is almost the case in this game, where I was in control at no point. I panicked, and sometimes I was lost to just reacting rather than planning.

If you play this game, reach out; we can have a match together.

Comic Review 230 // Thor and the Warriors Four

I struggle with Thor in the same way, that I struggle with Superman. They lack threat. They are demi-gods and can withstand most things a villain can throw at them unless it is a God-level villain. This is why I am drawn in more by Iron Man, Spiderman or Batman. They are ultimately human and can be easily put down by the bad guy if they are not careful. But the kids enjoy Avengers, and Thor is a part of that, so we had to grab at least one book with him.

Title: Thor and the Warriors Four (collects Thor and the Warriors Four #1-4)

Author: Alex Zalben

Art: Gurihiru, Colleen Coover

Blurb: It's Power Pack's biggest adventure ever as they desperately search for the only other person who can save the life of their grandmother--THE MIGHTY THOR! But first, they're going to need to get to Asgard, and that means joining forces with Frog Thor...And THE PET AVENGERS! This is a journey into mystery that will leave Power Pack changed--forever! COLLECTING: Thor and the Warriors Four #1-4

Buy Now on Amazon

Format: 104 pages, Paperback Library.

Review

Okay, this was a cute, fun read. Very easy to follow along and read, especially for younger kids. You also find yourself grinning away as you read it. So a bit of a win for me. 

But ultimately, it is like many books in this style. We have a quest to save the day/someone. As they travel, they meet friends and overcome obstacles. Gaining life lessons and learning new skills along the way. This can get a bit repetitive but I get it. Talking repetitively the kid called Alex, really started to annoy me with the whole - "This can be explained by Science", you live in a world of Superheroes! Why can't magic exist? The humour is easygoing and childish which is funny at times and the pet avengers were a highlight.

Got kids? Read this to them, enjoy it for the evening and move along. Love silly Thor stories add it to the collection, it is a worthwhile read.

Let's Play Warhammer 40k: Space Marine - Episode 10 - Dying Light

Oh damn, cranked up the action to 11! What the hell? This game just got sweaty. So many Orks, and I finally face off against Grimskull!

Watch now!

What is Space Marine? Well, here is the game fluff.

In Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine, you are Captain Titus, a Space Marine of the Ultramarines chapter and a seasoned veteran of countless battles.

A millions-strong Ork horde has invaded an Imperial Forge World, one of the planet-sized factories where the war machines for humanity’s never-ending battle for survival are created. Losing this planet is not an option and be aware of the far more evil threat lurking large in the shadows of this world.

Book Review 221 // The Shadow Kingdom by Robert E. Howard

It's happening, people! Slaine is slowly converting me over to fantasy. Not completely sure of my reasoning, but I picked up the 860-ish page Kindle book of Robert E. Howard - Conan the Cimmerian Barbarian: The Complete Weird Tales Omnibus. This is a book collecting a lot of short stories, so I will be sprinkling these in amongst the book reviews as some light filler pieces. Enjoy!

Title: The Shadow Kingdom

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: A story of Kull, first published in Weird Tales, August 1929. (wow, that tells you a lot!).

Format: 32 pages, ebook

Buy the whole book on Amazon and read along with me!

Review

A pretty good intro to Howard's writing. Kull, it turns out, is a barbarian from Atlantis. Who has managed to claim the throne of Valusia and is now the crowned King. But soon Kull is discovering it is easier to take a crown than keep it and he learns of a race of shapeshifting reptilian humanoids who are manipulating everyone through guile. A nice build-up to the action and soon we are hacking and slashing like all good Sword and Sorcery stories.

I really enjoyed this opening piece, it was also nice to get an introduction explaining the piece and where it sits within the Conan adventures. It is basically an early Conan draft, building off this idea of a barbarian king and lizardman villains.

You can't help but feel the inner conspiracy theorist come out as you think of Shadow Governments controlling the general population through manipulation and guile. Is this a look into our own future? Hahaha. If it is I welcome our cold-bloodied overlords!

Let me know your thoughts on what many view as a classic.

Audio Review 116 // Bloodquest: Prisoners of the Eye of Terror by Ben Counter

When I discovered I had this title in one of my audio collections, I got super excited! I remember fondly reading the comic, and I even had the metal miniature of Captain Leonatos (sadly now lost to time). Will this audio title bring the heat, I sure hope so.

Title: Bloodquest: Prisoners of the Eye of Terror

Author: Ben Counter

Blurb: Travelling across the daemon world of Eidolon in search of the stolen Blade Encarmine, Blood Angels Captain Leonatos and his battle-brothers are saved from death by another servant of the Emperor, Murius Aquinam. To their surprise, they recognise his name – he fought alongside the Blood Angels four thousand years ago. Can he still be trusted after four millennia in the Eye of Terror, or is he as much of a threat as the servants of Chaos that they fight?

Buy now on Amazon

Review

What a time-travelling memory filled adventure for me. Roughly 22/23 years ago, when I was a fresh-faced sixteen-year-old, I remember reading the epic adventures of a comic called Bloodquest (I need to read that again). It followed a shamed Blood Angel captain and his team, whose goal was to recover a lost relic. Until the relic is found or the group killed, they were to never return to the chapter. Having faced down an Ork leader possessed by a daemon, the team discovers their prize is in the Eye Terror. Here the adventure takes off, and I recommend you go find it and read the tale.

This story is set at about halfway, with only three marines left. Unfortunately, the enjoyable story lacked depth and could have added more to the overall adventures. The location within the title was really well done: the obsidian prison. The place sounded terrible and very fitting for a Daemon world. The idea of it growing open and decaying like a skeleton is a horror-inducing thought. What an amazing-sounding location that should be made into a kill-team board.

The plot was clever enough, with the marines feeling honour-bound to an Imperial Guard Regiment that was believed lost and, upon seeing their flag go to discover their fate. Unfortunately, the plot twist of the story was rather obvious, but the build-up was handled well enough to have you guessing when it would strike.

Bloodquest: Prisoners of the Eye of Terror is a definite buy for the collector and comic-book fan. But a miss if your knowledge of the lore or characters needs to be improved. There are some gems in the rough when listening, but I feel a real opportunity has been missed to expand the series or reignite interest in it. I guess I am on the fence.

Let me know your thoughts.

Let's Play Warhammer 40k: Space Marine - Episode 10 - Dying Light

 

Oh damn, cranked up the action to 11! What the hell? This game just got sweaty. So many Orks, and I finally face off against Grimskull!

What is Space Marine? Well, here is the game fluff.

In Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine, you are Captain Titus, a Space Marine of the Ultramarines chapter and a seasoned veteran of countless battles.

A millions-strong Ork horde has invaded an Imperial Forge World, one of the planet-sized factories where the war machines for humanity’s never-ending battle for survival are created. Losing this planet is not an option and be aware of the far more evil threat lurking large in the shadows of this world.

DEVASTATING WEAPONRY

Experience 40,000 years of combat, evolved. Enhance your vast arsenal as you unlock new weapons, upgrades, armour & abilities through an accessible progression system. This devastating weaponry empowers players to deliver bone-crushing violence and dismemberment to their enemies.

BLOCKBUSTER ENTERTAINMENT

With an Imperial liberation fleet en-route, the Ultramarines are sent to hold key locations until reinforcements arrive. Captain Titus and a squad of Ultramarine veterans use the bolter and chainsword to take the fight to the enemies of mankind.

BRUTAL 8VS8 ONLINE COMBAT

Form your own Space Marine squad or Chaos Space Marine Warband and face off in 8 vs 8 online matches. Gain experience and unlock new weapons and armour to customize the Devastator, Assault, and Tactical Marine classes.

Buy the game via Amazon

Blue Yeti Nano

Sony Alpha ZV-E10

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Comic Review 229 // The Amazing Adventures of Batman: Bane Drain

Can you beat a Batman adventure? I personally was more of a Batman fan than a Spiderman fan. So when I had the chance to pick up some more adventures to read to the kids, I had to grab the opportunity. Based on the cover alone, I have to assume this is a Batman and Nightwing adventure, *EDIT* turns out it was not Nightwing, but a new to me character called Batwing. They are also going up against one of my preferred villains, Bane! Also of note this is more a picture book than comic, but I felt right reviewing under the title Comic Review over Book Review.

Title: The Amazing Adventures of Batman: Bane Drain

Author: Brandon T. Snider

Art: Darío Brizuela

Blurb: Bane is on the loose at a Gotham City baseball game! An extra dose of venom has made him stronger than ever. Can Batman and Nightwing drain Bane of his powers, or will the duo pull the plug on this case? Find out in this action-packed early chapter book for the youngest of readers.

Format: Library

Buy now on Amazon.ca now

Review

Now as mentioned I picked this title out for the kids. But let's be real I wanted to read it too! Aimed at young readers I knew going into it that it would most likely be a light-hearted tale, with some comedy thrown in too.

Surprisingly it was an enjoyable book. It was nice to have Bane in the book along with Batwing a completely new to me character. I am definitely not up to date on the stories.

The story is pretty straightforward. Once more Bane is on a rampage and is seeking out Batman to destroy him, Like I said simple. Of course, Bane causes this mayhem within the Gotham Baseball stadium, and soon Batman realizes he will need assistance if he hopes to weaken and stop Bane. Here enters Batwing, and through the classic "teach-your-kid" a lesson storytelling, we end up with a defeated Bane.

The artwork is what I've come to expect from this age group of Batman, it is bright, clean, and looks like a cartoon you would watch on TV. Batwing is interesting and I need to seek out more about him beyond what google is telling me, he was introduced by Grant Morrison so I can assume he has a lot more depth than we see in this piece.

As far as I am concerned this was a winner, for me personally it has got me intrigued a bit more in Batman once again, whilst the kids really enjoyed the story. At the time of writing this book has been requested and reread many, many times now.

Hope you enjoyed and let me know what you are currently reading.

How-to paint Primaris Spaces Marine Fire Hawks with The Army Painter Speed Paints

How to paint Primaris Spaces Marine Fire Hawks with The Army Painter Speed Paints.

Here's a quick, straightforward how-to paint video showing how I painted a Fire Hawk Primaris Space Marines. The technique is pretty straightforward, and a big pro for me is how quick it is. In no way is this technical this is designed to get paint on models and looks good from 3FT. Now, you can take it to the next level after this and add some great flame details. If you do that, be sure to show them off to me!

Time for some Fire Hawk fluff:

The Fire Hawks have long been a byword for devastation and wrath. In their history, they have seen great victories, bloody deeds and terrible reversals, being one of only a few chapters known to have survived the destruction of two separate home worlds, and being brought back from the brink of extinction many times.

The Chapter itself claims antecedence from the renowned Ultramarines gene seed, although certain defects and variations in the samples held in the archives of the Adeptus Terra speak against this, and the Lords of Macragge have never publicly acknowledged kinship.

The disappearance of the Fire Hawks

The beginning of the end of this chapter came when the Fire Hawks were called to the Crows World subsector in 963.M41 to deal with Dark Eldar Pirates. The entire chapter fleet, as well as the Raptorus Rex, attempted a warp jump from the Piraeus system, 120 light years from Crows World. The space fortress, five ships, over 800 brethren and 2,000 other personnel were expected to reach Crows World within no more than 12 hours. They never arrived.

In 983.M41 the chapter was officially declared lost in the warp and assumed destroyed. The Bell of Lost Souls tolled a thousand times, and it is said that the Emperor himself ordered a black candle to be lit in the Chapel of Fallen Heroes.

Rumours fed by a long line of coincidences have been said by conspiracy theorists to implicate the Officio Assassinorum in the loss of the Fire Hawks' fleet, though nothing has ever been substantiated.

Book Review 220 // Legion of the Damned by Rob Sanders

This took longer to get through than planned. Turns out I am easily distracted, haha. Let's dive into this Space Marine Battles book which I hope will be unique and give some insight into the Legion of the Damned.

Title: Legion of the Damned (Space Marine Battles 8)

Author: Rob Sanders

Blurb: Following the trajectory of a blood-red comet, the berserk World Eaters blaze a path of destruction across the galaxy in its wake. The small cemetery world of Certus Minor appeals to the Space Marines of the Excoriators Chapter for protection, but the force dispatched to deal with this grim threat is far too small, and their losses against the renegades are high. Just as all seems lost, salvation is borne out of legend itself as sinister spectral warriors descend upon this planet of the dead, and the enemies of the Imperium come face to face with those who have already travelled beyond the realm of the living...

Format: 416 pages, Paperback

You're not finding paperback: Kindle edition via Amazon

Review

Okay, this is a review of two parts. Part one is a great story. A violent, bloody, nasty tale about an Imperial Fist successor Chapter called the Excoriators. These are a second founding chapter that can trace their heritage all the way to veterans of the Horus Heresy. They have seemingly fallen on hard times running foul of the Alpha Legion. With a Champions honour in question, we follow our lead as he seeks redemption.

This was a great start, loads of action, loads of Easter Egg lore pieces and Corpus Captain Kersh was a character I could get behind. He is a broken hero and a nice change of pace compared to the usual heroes we read about. The setting is grim, set on a funeral world, about to be hit by the Cholercaust Crusade: a chaotic fleet that is all about Khorne, with the heart of the army featuring World Eaters. The understrength 5th Company led by Kersh is all that stands in their path. Seems like a waste of resources as they are basically fighting for the dead, but that Dorn bloodline is refusing to leave.

The battle for the cemetery world is dark, grim and remarkable. You honestly felt that every blow would be the final straw that breaks their lines. The burying of the living with the dead is so dark and perfect for the setting. This was one of the grimmest dark stories I have read from Black Library.

With me so happy reading this, why am I splitting my review in two? If the book was called Scourge or Excoriators, I would be giving this high praise. Unfortunately, someone decided to call it Legion of the Damned, who, apart from an unexplained camo, appear only in the final chapter. It feels like they messed this one up. Imagine reading The Scourge instead, and in the final apocryphal chapter of the book, when all hope is gone, our surviving Marines are rescued by the Legion of the Damned! How cool of a twist ending would that be? Instead, I spent the whole book waiting for them to show up to be let down ultimately.

So, where do I finally fall with this book? As a stand-alone Space Marine story, I enjoyed it, and I would recommend it. As a Legion of the Damned fan, I am left hollow and disappointed. It feels like click-bait or I guess title-bait? They lured me in with Legion of the Damned and then did the old switch on me. Bad form BL!

I hope this will aid you in deciding if you should read it or not. Let me know your thoughts on this title in the comments below.

Audio Review 115 // Grey Angel by John French

I love this short series following Loken's exploits and the pre-cursor Grey Knights. Also, as it is a John French tale, I have high hopes for a very enjoyable listen. Let's see if it lives up to the hopes.

Title: Grey Angel

Author: John French

Performers: John Banks, Toby Longworth

Buy now on Audible

Blurb: On a distant world of the Imperium, an agent of Rogal Dorn finds himself the prisoner of a Legion whose loyalties may be divided. Shackled and bound, the former Luna Wolf must fight a battle of wits with his captor, lest the course of the Horus Heresy takes an unexpected turn. Will his presence drive his erstwhile allies into the arms of the Warmaster, or will maintaining the status quo prevent another Legion from turning traitor? And just who is the mysterious Space Marine aiding him from the shadows?

A Horus Heresy audio drama written by John French. Performed by John Banks, Toby Longworth and Ramon Tikaram. Running time approx 35 mins.

Review

Hey, I love short stories, but this was relatively short. It truly deserved more time. The plot itself is enticing as the newly spilt Imperium can no longer trust each other. One great example of this is showcased in this title. Fearing the silence coming from Caliban, Rogal Dorn sends forth his agents to investigate and discover where the Dark Angel's loyalties lie.

Now, this title is for lore lovers. If you are new to the whole will they, won't they story of Cypher, Luthor and the Lion, then this piece may well confuse the shit out of you. Especially once you throw the Grey Knights' birth into it! But it is worth the listen if you keep up with it all. I can see why this was bindle with another story and combined they make for a solid listen.

Blood Bowl 2 League 3 - Spring Season - Union Elves vs Wood Elves

 

Game five of Blood Bowl 2 League 3 - Spring Season - Union Elves vs Wood Elves Gameplay.

If you want to watch the rest of the season, you best click subscribe and then watch the rest of the season here: YouTube Playlist.

Wood Elves teams scare me. They are such a fast team that one mistake can give them a breakaway that you don't recover from. That is almost the case in this game, where I was in control at no point. I panicked, and sometimes I was lost to just reacting rather than planning.

If you play this game, reach out; we can have a match together.

I hope you enjoy it and will smash the like and follow buttons. Cheers

Yinyoo in Ear Monitor Wired Earphones

Blue Yeti Nano

Sony Alpha ZV-E10

Kofi

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