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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the END AFTER END Vol. 1: At the Moment of Your Death by David “DB” Andry, Tim Daniel, and Sunando C Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Buy on Paperback and Kindle.  Find it on Goodreads and Books2Read.

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on THE BLUE FLAME: The Complete Series by Christopher Cantwell & Adam Gorham Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About the Book

A cosmic action adventure for fans and readers of Watchmen, Strange Adventures, and Hawkeye, The Blue Flame tells the story of a blue collar working man/DIY vigilante/cosmic hero, who must defend Earth with an answer to the question: “Is humanity worth saving?”

Repairman. Vigilante. Cosmic Hero.

The Blue Flame is a cosmic hero. The Blue Flame is a DIY vigilante that fights crime on the streets of Milwaukee. The Blue Flame is a blue-collar HVAC repairman named Sam Brausam.

In the wake of a horrific tragedy, the boundaries of the Blue Flame’s identity blur even further. Now, before a universal trial, the Blue Flame must prove that humanity is worth saving. But in order to do that, Sam Brausam has to save himself. Can he? An odyssey for answers at the heart of the universe.

Collects the entire ten-issue series.

“The Blue Flame …is a triumph” -- SYFY Wire

"A perfect 10." -- Comics Bookcase

“…one of the most thought-provoking stories in comics all year.” – SYFY Wire

"...a vital modern superhero story." -- Comicbook.com

“With a rich, multifaceted narrative (it touches on, among other reference points, Birdman and Strange Adventures), the book is a gripping exploration of why people become heroes, and what that ultimately means in every sense (logistical, emotional, philosophical, etc.)” – AIPT

“…an intriguing and rich read…” – Comics Bookcase

“The Blue Flame … is a supremely confident, deliberate, and interesting comic. Every element of craft in this book is not only well-done but deployed in a way that serves a greater unified narrative, one that gets at the heart of the intersection of the fantastic and the tragic. It’s brilliant work. 10/10.” – Comics Bookcase

“If you like brilliant art and clever storytelling this is one to pick up.” – Comic Watch

“The Blue Flame … presents a crisscrossing narrative that pays homage to Silver Age comics and sci-fi serials, setting up a mystery that crosses time and space. Comic fans old and new should give this title a read, as it presents classic tropes in a fresh new way. [It] has also raised a set of questions that will keep readers … hooked.” – But Why Tho?

“… a compelling narrative …” -- Gate Crashers

My Review

I saw THE BLUE FLAME as a cross between John Carter and The Watchmen when reading "The Complete Series," which consists of all ten issues. There are two plotlines: one takes place on Earth, focusing on Sam Brausam, a repairman turned vigilante, while the other is set in space and involves the superhero Blue Flame being captured by aliens and put on trial.

Christopher Cantwell has masterfully created a superhero story with depth and vulnerabilities. The narrative focuses more on the consequences of acting as a vigilante. For those who haven't read THE BLUE FLAME, I'm trying to avoid giving away too much, but the first issue has a huge shock that establishes the Earth plot and is one of the most realistic superhero portrayals. Earth is more of a character-study drama, so don't anticipate much action. The interstellar setting includes more of what you desire from a superhero story: action—excellently emphasized by Adam Gorham's colorful artwork.

THE BLUE FLAME is best read as an omnibus since the storylines play out better read at once. Near the end, the two plotlines eventually converge, but I couldn't help but question whether Sam imagined the intergalactic trial to cope with his trauma. At any rate, that's how I perceived it.

For mature superhero lovers seeking more than the usual hero vs. villain story, THE BLUE FLAME is a must-read. It's undoubtedly worthwhile reading. ╌★★★★★

About Christopher Cantwell

In addition to writing comics (THE BLUE FLAME, IRON MAN, ANGEL, UNITED STATES OF CAPTAIN AMERICA, DOCTOR DOOM, SHE COULD FLY), Christopher Cantwell is a veteran TV writer and producer, having co-created and the show ran AMC’s HALT AND CATCH FIRE. He currently also serving as co-Showrunner for the TV adaption of PAPER GIRLS by Brian K. Vaughan for Amazon and Legendary Entertainment. 

Follow Christopher on Twitter.

Buy on Paperback and Kindle.  Find it on Goodreads and Books2Read.

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the MINDSET by Zack Kaplan & John J. Pearson Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the BARBARIC by Michael Moreci and Nathan Gooden (Illustrations), a "Blog Tour" hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About the Books 

BARBARIC VOL. 1: MURDERABLE OFFENSES 

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Owen the Barbarian has been cursed to do good with what remains of his life. His bloodthirsty weapon, Axe, has become his moral compass with a drinking problem. Together they wander the realm, foredoomed to help any who seek assistance. But there is one thing Owen hates more than a life with rules: Witches.

Welcome to the skull-cracking, blood-splattering, mayhem-loving comic brave enough to ask: How can a man sworn to do good do so much violence? Hah! F***ing with you. It’s just…BARBARIC.

Collects #1 to #3 of the multi-part series.

Buy on Paperback and Kindle. Find it on Goodreads and Books2Read.

As one of Entertainment Weekly’s “10 Best Comics of 2021,” Barbaric – featuring Owen the Barbarian and his bloodthirsty companion Axe – returns in a whirlwind of blood, humor, and mayhem with an evil demigod, vampires, and rampaging monsters!  

Hailed as one of the best comics of 2021 by Entertainment Weekly, Thrillist, Screen Rant, and more, bestselling BARBARIC returns with its second explosive volume!

When a foe from Owen's past returns, he embarks on a bloody mission to succeed where he once failed and kill a malevolent demigod. Which suits Axe just fine, considering he hasn't gotten drunk on god blood yet! Meanwhile, Owen's former barbarian comrade, now a timid vampire, gets cold feet about a life of violence. But in the world of BARBARIC, where orcs, giant spiders, and devil bats roam the land, and doing good is full of gore, is there any other way?

For fans of BRZRKR!, The Witcher, Conan the Barbarian, Red Sonja, Heathen, Rat Queens, and Dungeons and Dragons!

Collects the second three-issue miniseries (Axe to Grind) and the special one-shot standalone (Harvest Blades)!

It’s just … BARBARIC!

From writer Michael Moreci (Wasted Space, The Plot, and Revealer) and artist Nathan C. Gooden (Brandon Sanderson's Dark One, The RUSH, Vampire: The Masquerade)!

‘One of the “10 Best Comics of 2021…” Barbaric took only three issues to establish itself as a first-rate comic.’ - Entertainment Weekly

‘One of the “Best Comics of 2021…” It's a funny, gory, weird comic with stunning art in muted colors.’ – Thrillist

‘One of the “Best Comic Books and Graphic Novels of 2021…” the “excellent…violent, expletive-filled fantasy epic Barbaric never holds back… It’s bloody spectacular.”’ - Screen Rant

My Review

The first panel contains nudity, and I immediately concluded that this graphic novel is for adults. Then there is the gore, and there is a lot of it. My former teenage self, now nearly 42 years old, giggled with pure delight. 

Yeah, the BARBARIC series is a gory good time that includes some surprising dark comedy. When I mention "comedy," I mean that there were instances when I laughed uncontrollably. Even if it might not be to everyone's taste, BARBARIC will appeal to those who enjoy swords and sorcery with lots of horrors. 

Who in their right mind would have believed that Owen would be the name of a barbarian? Yet Owen, our protagonist, was cursed by three old witches, and they gave him the option of spending all of eternity in hell or being forced to assist those in need if he chose to come back to life. Guess which option Owen chose; as a result, he has become an anti-hero, cursed to save the world, and willing to kill anybody who stands in his way. Oh, and there's an evil, blood-hungry axe that can converse with him. 

Overall, reading the first two volumes of BARBARIC was a blast. It's the ideal gruesome mayhem I didn't even realize I needed. The artwork is stunning, reminiscent of Frank Miller. BARBARIC is a cross between The Witcher and Conan the Barbarian, with one notable exception: it's humorous. —★★★★★

About Michael Moreci

Michael Moreci is a bestselling comics author, screenwriter, and novelist. His original comic works include The Plot, Curse, Barbaric, Wasted Space (all for VAULT COMICS), the upcoming Creepy the Snowman Middle-Grade graphic novel – with his two sons – for WONDERBOUND, Roche Limit, and more. He's also written canonical stories for Stranger Things, Star Wars, Hack/Slash, and the DC universe. Additionally, Moreci's first movie, Revealer, premiered in Fall 2021 and he's in pre-production on a second film.

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