Aphrodite IX #9 Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins
Artist: Stjepan Šejic

Will a issue without any narrative be good? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

“DANGERS OF THE DESOLATE ZONE”
The ninth issue of APHRODITE IX finally reveals what the numbering system really means. Plus, Aphrodite XV’s design and build reveals more about Aphrodite IX’s future—and her past—than she could ever anticipate.

Aphrodite IX is a series that I truly can’t get enough off, and though there may be a few series that I say this about Aphrodite IX is one of the few that validate this reason the most. The sheer scope of the series is breathtaking with Aphrodite IX’s struggle for the truth giving a very humanised tone to what is otherwise a tremendous sci-fi series.

Matt Hawkins is taking a bold step with this issue by making it his first issue to have now narrative whatsoever. Now there are many writers who have do this on a regular basis so why dose this class as bold step. It does so as Hawkins is a writer renowned for his tremendous narration, being very outspoken for his reasoning of using it so frequently. Hawkins does however prove that he can write a story void of narrative with this being a smooth flowing exciting and emotional development point for Aphrodite IX. Hawkins also introduces more characters related to Aphrodite IX with the speculation of what will happen next having me more than excited.

Stjepan Šejic never fails to produce immense artwork on this series and his new style has really grown on me over the last few issues. The sheer detail of his art is simply outstanding with the crisp lines and intense layout giving a smooth flow to the story. Šejic also shows intensity in many other forms as besides the layouts the powerful facial expressions and energised action sequences also inject plenty of intensity. Despite all this it’s still the vibrant and glossy colours that I love most about Šejic’s art with this in particular being a plus to his new style.

Hawkins and Šejic continue to give us amazing issue after amazing issue and with this series crawling to it’s finale you’d be a fool to miss a single issue. Highly recommended.

Rating: 9.5/10

Preview

Think Tank #12 Advance Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins
Artist: Rahsan Ekedal

How will the first season of Think Tank end? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

“OUTBREAK,” Conclusion

What will war take from Dr. David Loren?

After twelve brilliant issues the first season of Think Tanks comes to an end. With the world on the brink of World War III the issue gives a very intense and dramatic finale to the first season, with some suspenseful outcomes.

Matt Hawkins produces his best work from this series yet, with this conclusion being very intense and exciting. The pacing of the issue is simply amazing, with Hawkins' narrations being even better than they usually are (and they're usually great as it is). Hawkins also gives some extreme developments, going from a rather casual start to a frantic and impactful finish. The ending of the issue was also very suspenseful and dramatic, having a lot of depth and layers to it. The ending is also very fitting considering the events of the series, and I for one will be anxiously waiting for season two to come.

Rahsan Ekedal also produced some of his best art yet on this issue, matching the immense tone of Hawkins script. The layouts of Ekedal's art has a lot to do with this, as despite usually being amazing, this time they'd be pure gold, giving a dramatic tone whilst also helping with the issues overall pace. Ekedal also once again handled the characters facial expressions perfectly, with David's expressions setting the overall variable mood of the issue, with it at times making the issue more upbeat, and other times making it more grimacing. On top of this Ekedal's inks and grey tones continue to give the perfect finish for his art, and I question whether the move to colours in the second season will be the right choice.

Think Tank season one ends with a bang. We do however have to wait a few months for the second season (this time in colour) but that'll just build-up the anticipation even more. Highly recommended.

Rating: 10/10

Preview

Think Tank #12 is on sale 12th February.

Think Tank Volume 2 Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins

Artist: Rahsan Ekedal

How will David react to being manipulated and lied to? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

"GENETICS" Two months after the flashy and brilliant escape from the DARPA funded military think he used to call his home, slacker/genius Dr. David Loren has willingly returned to his lab to continue his work that he not long ago wished to be no part of. When a weapons designer loses his moral compass, who are the true victims of his creations?

Think Tank Volume 1 was simply magnificent, proving that science can be fun. This volume however takes things a little more seriously, as despite finding time to add fun events, whilst also continuing to show science in an exciting way it does take a very serious step with the overall plot development.

Matt Hawkins continues from where Volume 1 left off brilliantly (actually re-printing the last issue of it as well) showing David's reaction to Mirra's betrayal brilliantly. What I loved most was how Hawkins showed the psychological affect that this had on David, showing that despite his denial he's very heartbroken over the recent events. Hawkins also develops an very interesting new plan for David, moving from pure escape to something much more dramatic. The volume was however not quite as good as the first, as it had a lack of definitive ending to the volume, feeling too much like an interlude. It is still nonetheless a fantastic read.

Rahsan Ekedal also continues to do a tremendous job of the artwork on this series, with the black and white tone giving gritty and deep tone to the story. Ekedal's layouts were also once again extremely impressive, being very dynamic and impactful, as well as helping keep the story at the right pace. Ekedal also handled to the characters expressions brilliantly, with it giving a very emotional and realistic tone to the story (especially with David's expressions). Added to this the fantastic scenery along with his amazing inks and grey tones and it's hard to think of this series without Ekedal's art.

Think Tank takes a very dramatic and serious turn of events, continuing from the first volume perfectly, whilst also setting up the next one brilliantly. It also keeps science fun with the plots being very thrilling and gripping. Highly recommended.

Rating: 8/10

Think Tank Volume 1 Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins

Artist: Rahsan Ekedal

What will happen when scientist David Loren tries to escape from a government facility? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

Dr. David Loren is many things: child prodigy, inventor, genius, slacker... mass murderer. When a military think tank's smartest scientist decides he can no longer stomach creating weapons of destruction, will he be able to think his way out of his dilemma or find himself subject to the machinations of smaller men? Collecting the original series in its entirety, this trade paperback also is jam packed with a complete cover gallery, bonus articles, behind-the-scenes sketches, and more!

Think Tank is a series that I've always wanted to give a try, as despite it having a talented writer like Matt Hawkins at it’s helm, the great reception and intriguing solicitations grabbed my attention. Now that I've finally read it, I can now say that it was in no way a waste of time, proving once more why Top Cow is one of the best comic book companies at the present.

Matt Hawkins' goal with this series has been to make science fun, and he has definitely achieved that. Hawkins utilises science in a subtle yet genius way, as he focuses on the main plot and character development the most, whilst adding some cool science facts and inventions in a way that improves the plot. Hawkins also gives a realistic and energetic tone to this story, having David showing an emotional side whilst also finding the time to be mischievous. On top of this the side cast also adds a lot to the story, with Colonel Harrison proving to be a brilliant bad guy, whilst David's best friend Manish adds some stability.

The artwork in this volume was also superb, with Rahsan Ekedal doing some outstanding work. The sheer detail of Ekedal's art, along with the unique layouts adds a very gritty and dramatic tone to the series, with the lack of colour also adding yet another level of uniqueness. Talking of the lack of colour, this was naturally the thing that I noticed the most, and despite having to get adjust to it, it actually made the series feel more natural, giving more depth to the overall tone of the series. Putting that aside however Ekedal also did a fantastic job of showing the characters emotions, giving yet more drama and realism to the series.

This opening volume of Think Tank has proven to be a exciting tale, as whether you like science or not, the fun and energetic nature of the series, along with it's eccentric main character makes it a must read. Highly recommended.

Rating: 9/10

Aphrodite IX #8 Advance Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins 

Artist: Stjepan Šejic

What will happen when Aphrodite enters Speros? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

Is Aphrodite XV a threat? Or an ally?

Aphrodite IX has easily became one of my favourite series out the now, and is one of the best series' that Top Cow currently publishes. It's futuristic setting matched alongside the brilliant characters and amazing storyline makes this a gripping tale and I'm always left wanting to read more.

Matt Hawkins continued to do a great job with this issue, generating some intriguing development for the current story, whilst also building up more mystery at the same time. What I loved most from the issue was the way that Hawkins built the suspense, as with Aphrodite entering Speros there was always going to be some sort of conflict. Hawkins also continued to build the characteristics perfectly, having Marcus yet again make a background appearance, as well as teasing more about a new character. On top of this there was some amazing action with there also being a tremendous cliffhanger as well.

Stjepan Šejic also doesn't fail to impress with his artwork being as magical as ever. Šejic has proved over the last few issues that he's a very dexterous, going from a phenomenal style to a new style which appeals to me even more with every new issue. Either way the detail is never in question, always being to a high standard, and looking simply beautiful. Added to that the superb layouts and stunning colours and it's hard to think of many artists who are at the same level of quality as Šejic. 

Aphrodite IX continues to be a very entertaining series, with both a gripping plot and breathtaking artwork. I for one can't recommend this series enough and would be a fool not to highly recommend this issue.

Rating: 10/10

Preview

Aphrodite IX #8 is on sale 5th February.

Aphrodite IX #7 Advance Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins
Artist: Stjepan Šejić

Will the adventures of Aphrodite IX continue to be amazing? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

BATTLE OF THE APHRODITES!

Aphrodite IX awoke in a future unfamiliar to her amidst warring civilizations battling over divergent ideologies. In the ruins of this constant strife, Aphrodite has stumbled upon her successor: Aphrodite XV! Will the lethal upgrades of this late-model Aphrodite prove Aphrodite IX’s obsolescence?

Aphrodite IX is a series that I always look forward to. It is the overall suspenseful and mysterious nature of this fine series that keeps me coming back for more, with each issue new issue being truly unmissable.

Matt Hawkins continues to deliver big time with Aphrodite IX, creating yet more amazing build-up and suspense throughout this issue. Hawkins also continues to add plenty of mystery throughout the story, with the overall intensity constantly growing with ever issue. Hawkins also develops the side-stories perfectly, as despite taking away ever so slightly from the overall suspense, he does add much more intensity and depth in it’s place. On top of that the overall character development also continues to impress me, with Aphrodite IX herself constantly growing into an more interesting character. 

The artwork from Stjepan Šejić is once again phenomenal and his new style of artwork is defiantly growing on me. The detail and depth of Šejić’s art is as usual as close to perfection as you will ever see in comics. Despite this however it is still the layouts that impress me the most in Šejić’s art, as they add so much depth and impact to the story. Talking of impact Šejić also adds a lot when it comes to the characters facial expressions, which not only add a lot of emotion, but help enhance the entire story. On top of all this Šejić’s inks and colours also never fail to impress, being extremely vibrant and impactful. 

Aphrodite IX never fails to astound, and whilst Hawkins and Šejić remain on this series I doubt it will ever be disappointing. I’d highly recommend this issue.

Rating: 9/10

Preview

Aphrodite IX #6 Advance Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins
Artist: Stjepan Šejić

I recently read the first volume of Aphrodite IX collecting all the issues prior to this and loved it, and have been looking forward to this issue ever since. The series so far has managed to not only integrate very well with Cyber Force, but has also done a good job of keeping a similar tone to the original series from David Finch and David Wohl whilst still being unique.

Plot

As Aphrodite IX progresses with her life now that she has all her memories, Marcus makes some changes and another upgraded Aphrodite, generation XV tests Aphrodite IX.

Review

This was an amazing issue and a great continuation to the series so far, also being a great jumping on point for new readers. Matt Hawkins does an incredible job of following on from the first volume, and showing how Aphrodite IX copes on her own now that she has all her memories back, as although the issue wasn't necessarily as exciting as the others, it was very interesting and suspenseful, setting up the future of this story perfectly. Hawkins would also do an outstanding job of changing things up a bit, as although some of the changes seemed slightly sudden, they did add a lot more tension to the issue, making it that much more interesting and dramatic.

The artwork on this issue was once again spectacular, as although Stjepan Šejić may have changed his style a bit, it was still mind blowing. It is however hard to tell which style is better as I was a huge fan of his previous style, and although the new version is just as good there is a small part of me that wishes it was like his previous style. Besides that it would once again be highly detailed, with very few imperfections. His layouts would also be amazing, and the main positive I can notice from his new style is that the facial expressions and emotions were much more impactful, having a lot more depth to them. On top of that the colours from Šejić would also be outstanding and his new style is bound to grow on me even more.

This issue would see T'Mark continue hunting down Aphrodite IX, actually locating her. Now this development wouldn't add much new to the series, and would really only be useful for new readers to show that T'Mark is looking for Aphrodite IX. It does however add some suspense to this issue, as although not quite as much as some of the previous developments, it does tease a lot about the eventual meeting between Aphrodite IX and T'Mark. Another thing that I liked about this sequence was that it flowed into the following sequence featuring Aphrodite IX beautifully.

The leader of the Gen, Marcus would also feature in this issue, showing a few changes to his characteristics. Now I have to say that this adds a lot of excitement and interest to this issue, as well as suspense and drama, as although it did feel a bit sudden, it adds a unique twist to the series as a whole, making it much more intense and suspenseful on the whole. I do however feel that this issue hasn't showed enough of this development, but enough to grab my interest, and I'm sure later in the story it will expand into something much more exciting.

We'd also get to see more of the mysterious Aphrodite XV who featured at the very end of the first volume, learning more about her and her connection to Aphrodite IX. Now I won't go into too much detail as to avoid spoilers, but this was easily the best part of the issue, as following the teaser of Aphrodite XV at the end of the first volume, as well as the way the Aphrodite Protocol has been utilised throughout other Top Cow series' such as Cyber Force I was very interested to see this new and advanced addition. On top of that the encounter between the two Aphrodite's would be extremely exciting and has me hooked to this series even more than I already was.

Final Verdict

Although not quite as good as the events from volume one, this was still a spectacular issue which sets up the future of this series perfectly. The new style from artist Šejić would also be impactful, and along with the amazing dialogue and plot from Hawkins this is looking to be yet another brilliant addition to the Aphrodite IX series, and I'd highly recommend it along with the first volume

Rating: 9/10

You can read my exclusive interview with Aphrodite IX writer and Top Cow President Matt Hawkins as well as view the preview for this issue here.

Exclusive Interview with Top Cow President Matt Hawkins

I was lucky enough to get the chance to ask the President of Top Cow and current writer of both Aphrodite IX and Think Tank, Matt Hawkins a few questions about working in the comic book industry as well as the future of his series'.

What influenced you in becoming a comic book writer?

Mainly science fiction writers that write novels not other comic book writers.

What comics or writers inspire you?

Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke all the Sci-Fi greats from the late 20th century. 

How did you get into the comic book industry?

I was hired by Rob Liefeld in 1993 to do PR and marketing work for his company at the time.  I wrote Lady Pendragon in 1995 as a one shot for Maximum Press then later as a series through Image Central.  Been writing off and on ever since. 

How does it feel being the President of  a company like Top Cow?

It's both exciting and terrifying.  I've been doing it for a long time now, so not as daunting as it used to be. 

How do you feel that your run on Aphrodite IX differ from David Finch and David Whol's run?

Mine is a far worse future.  There's wasn't pleasant, but mine deals more with transhumanism and a dystopian future of genetic variation and exploitation and cybernetics.  The book ties in strongly with what Silvestri is doing on Cyber Force.

How does it feel to work alongside such a wonderful artist such as Stjepan Šejić and how easy do you find writer/artist relationships to be?

Stjepan is great one of the best!  His design sense is amazing.  I am one of the few writers that still writes old school Marvel style.  I write the plots first, let the artist put their polish on it, then write the dialogue after.

What do you love writing the most (dialogue, action, character interaction ect.) and what is your favourite genre to write?

Science Fiction definitely my favorite.  I like the plotting the best. 

What do you have planned for the future of Aphrodite IX and this new Aphrodite XV be a major player in the upcoming sixth issue?

I think I just sent it to you so you can read it! 

How many issues of Aphrodite IX do you have planned and will Stjepan Šejić be the artists for the entire run?

Yes and we've planned out at least through 12 hopefully much further. 

I've not been following Think Tank myself but have heard great things about it. What are your plans for the future of that series and when is a good jumping on point in the near future?

We're launching the second season of the title this summer in color, so that would be the perfect place to jump on. 

What do you prefer writing Think Tank or Aphrodite IX?

I like them both. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer about getting into the comic book industry?

Read stuff besides comic books and write every day.  Try to get a job in the industry doing anything and you can segway into creative.

Aphrodite IX Vol. 1: Rebirth is out the now (review here) with Aphrodite IX #6 coming out November 27th. Also Think Tank Vol. 1 & 2 are available now with Think Tank #11 coming out 4th December.

Aphrodite IX #6 Preview

I also hope to have a review for Aphrodite IX #6 up soon.

Aphrodite IX: Rebirth Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins

Artist: Stjepan Šejić

This series has had a lot of positive response so far and with a creative team like Matt Hawkins and Stjepan Šejic it's no wonder. With the release of this volume this week I have been given the chance to review the trade.

Plot

Hundreds of years after a cataclysmic event, Earth is now inhabited by two distinct factions who fight for control, one a collection of genetically enhanced humans known as The Gen, and the other a race of Cyborgs who live in the City of Speros. In the middle of this war is Aphrodite IX who may very well hold the key to ending this conflict.

Review

This was a phenomenal story and one of the best sci-fi comic book stories that I've read in a long time. Matt Hawkins does a terrific job of reintroducing Aphrodite IX, with the first page doing a brilliant job of describing what has happened to the world prior to the story, setting the events up perfectly. He's also add a lot of tone and depth to the story, with the characteristics being handled perfectly. The pace of this story was also very good, being handled perfectly by Hawkins, giving just the right amount of development for each chapter. Hawkins would also add a lot of action to this story, and besides the characteristics and emotion throughout, this would be the best thing about this story, being very intense and exciting, having the perfect sci-fi feeling. On top of that the character interaction, and the overall dialogue of this story was amazing, adding a lot of depth to the story, helping to give it some natural flow.

The artwork on this story was also phenomenal, and as usual with Stjepan Šejić did an outstanding job. I have always enjoyed Šejić's art, having loved it in the likes of Witchblade and Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost, so when I noticed that he was the artist on this series I was very excited about eventually reading it. Anyway, the detail in Šejić artwork as usual was simply amazing, being perfect throughout the story. The layout of Šejić's artwork was also spectacular, being very dynamic and unique, and would add a lot of depth and dramatic impact to the story, also helping it to flow smoothly. Šejić would also handle the character emotions and facial expressions brilliantly, with it adding a lot of tone and depth to the story. The action sequences would also be drawn perfectly in this story, and his painted colours are simply beautiful, adding the perfect tone for the story, helping the artwork to feel even more realistic.

The main character in this story would be Aphrodite IX, a synthetic humanoid that is programmed to assassinate any target their handler assigns them, with her memories getting wiped after each mission. Now I found Aphrodite IX to be a very interesting character, as although I had read parts of the original series by David Finch and David Wohl, I enjoyed this version much more, as she would have a lot more depth and emotion to her. I also liked the idea of her having not being able to remember the missions that she's done, as it adds a bit more mystery and suspense to the story, with her feeling both guilty and innocent.

This story would also feature two warring factions, the first of which are a group of genetically enhanced humans known as Gen, who live on Genesis. The main Gen in this story would be called Marcus, and would be the character that would find Aphrodite IX when she was released from her stasis pod. Now Marcus and the Gen themselves were very interesting, but it would be the interaction between Marcus and Aphrodite IX that would interest me the most, as it would add a lot of emotion and given the nature of the story it would show the awkwardness of their feelings perfectly.

The other faction would be a group of Cyborgs who live on Speros, with Executor Chronos leading their army against the Gen. Now what I liked most about Executor Chronos was that despite being the villain of this story he could easily be seen as the hero from a certain perspective, as although he is very sinister and maniacal, his intentions are in his eyes for the good of his race. I also enjoyed the interaction between Executioner Chronos and his second in command Helen throughout the first half of this story, especially at the very start, as it would do a good job of ease the reader into the story.

Executioner Chronos would also be aided by none other than Aphrodite IX's handler Burch. Now I won't go into too much detail about his role in this story, as to avoid spoilers, but basically he's able to control Aphrodite IX for 20 minutes once every 24 hours. This would be a very interesting development point for this story, and it would add a lot of suspense and intensity to the story, with the sequences involving Burch being very exciting. I also enjoyed the interaction between Burch and Executioner Chronos and that despite being willing to help Executioner Chronos, Burch's main concern was retrieving Aphrodite IX in one piece.

Final Verdict

This is an amazing story and one of the best sci-fi comic book stories that I've read in a long time. Hawkins and Šejić reintroduce the character that David Finch and David Wohl created over a decade ago, in a story that will be enjoyed by both old and new readers of the character. The story is exciting and impactful, having a lot of emotion and depth, also having amazing dialogue and character interaction. Due to this I'd highly recommend this volume as it is simply phenomenal.

Rating: 10/10

Preview