Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: Comics, Conquest Comics, Drew Rausch, Edward Scissorhands, entertainment, idw, image comics, jim zub, John-Paul Bove, Kate Leth, Legends of Baldur's Gate, Max Dunbar, oddly normal, Otis Frampton, tim burton

Live From The Comic Shop! Returns With Edward Scissorhands, Oddly Normal, And Legends Of Baldur's Gate

By Christine Marie Vinciquarra

In times past, Hannah Means-Shannon ran the weekly column Live From The Comic Shop! at Conquest Comics in Bayville, New Jersey. Editorial duties shut that down, but now a new champion has arisen from among Bleeding Cool's writers, Christine Marie Vinciquarra, to give it new life. Three cheers for Christine!

Despite the miserable rainy weather in Bayville NJ, I find myself in the second happiest place on earth today: My local comic book store, Conquest Comics. I'm currently surrounded by a colorful group of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collectibles, and a few new releases. On to the reviews!

Edward Scissorhands #1 from IDW Publishing, written by Kate Leth, with art by Drew Rausch was my most anticipated release for the week. Being a huge fan of all things Tim Burton, I was excited to see where this story would go twenty years after the beloved movie. It can be tricky when books like this are released, because people tend to worry that it will ruin the memory of the movie, instead of enhance it. However, that's not the case here. Edward Scissorhands #1 is charming, with a hint of the dark and twisted. Not only do we get to find out what Edward has been up to, we also get to meet Megan, Kim's granddaughter. We are able to experience how Kim's life after lying to the town to save Edward has affected her and her family over the years. Personally, I adore the scenes with Edward. Leth and Rausch portrayed him as kind and innocent as he was in the movie. Staying true to a character's personality is something that I always appreciate. The plot definitely has a lot of potential and a perfect amount of suspense to keep you wanting more. I am very intrigued by Edward's new friend Eli, and I think you will be too.

Oddly Normal #2 from Image Comics, written, illustrated and colored by Otis Frampton is my latest addiction. I absolutely love this main character. After reading issue #1, I was immediately hooked by Oddly's narrative voice. It's very easy to feel sympathetic for her character and what she's going through. I think we can all relate on some level to a character that can't meet her parents' expectations and therefore just wants to be left alone. At the end of the first issue, Oddly finds herself in a world of trouble when her wish that her parents disappear comes true. I couldn't wait to find out how the story would continue in Issue #2. Frampton certainly knows how to illustrate these magical scenes in a way that takes the story to a higher level and keeps the pace intense. I felt the panic and anxiety that I imagined Oddly was feeling as I read. Even with the addition of her Auntie, who says some whimsical things, the plot doesn't slow down for a moment. Oddly learns that what she's done is much more serious than she anticipated, and she must leave her home. Can you guess where she goes? Be sure to pick up Issue #2 of Oddly Normal to find out how this fantastic issue ends.

I have to confess that I had no previous knowledge of this comic's existence before it was handed to me today. I'm not sure if there have been other Dungeons and Dragons comics in the past, (I'm sure there have), but Legends of Baldur's Gate #1 from IDW Publishing, written by Jim Zub, with art by Max Dunbar, and colors by John-Paul Bove is the first one I've read. This is an action-packed comic filled with some pretty cryptic creatures. Main character Delina, is a strong willed admirable female that finds herself in the wrong part of town. But don't let this Wild Mage fool you, she can take care of herself, especially when she uses her magical powers. My favorite part of this comic was witnessing her summon the comical character, Minsc. He wields his sword with fury, but says some pretty amusing things while he does it. Beyond the fight scenes, an intriguing plot is revealed in which Delina confesses to needing Minsc's help finding her brother. I have no doubt that this dynamic duo will be successful, but will run into some trouble along the way. They are an amusing pair. I do hope to find out more about why Minsc keeps calling Delina, Neera though. Perhaps there is an epic backstory behind that. Overall, I think this comic has tons of potential. I look forward to spending more time in Baldur's Gate and witnessing more adventures.

Well, it has been an exciting Wednesday here at the comic shop filled with positive reviews! To finish off my Live report, I'll share co-owner Pete's pick of the week! Even though he didn't read the book yet, he is looking forward to reading Deathstroke #1 from DC Comics, written and penciled by Tony S. Daniel. Due to his recent exposure being in the Batman video games and being on the Arrow TV show, Deathstroke is the hero to watch.

I'll be back next week with more reviews, and maybe some meatloaf? (Because one of the owners has never had it before…he will remain nameless.)

Conquest Comics is located in Bayville, NJ. You can find out more about their awesome shop @ conquestcomics.com or follow them on Instagram @ConquestComics.

Christine Marie Vinciquarra is a writer and bibliomaniac with a love for all things creative. Some of her favorite things include: Batgirl, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Saga, Game of Thrones (the books and the show), Johnny Depp, and all things Disney. She spends her weekends feeding her competitive side while she plays tabletop and/or video games with her husband and friends. She is currently working on a series of young adult fantasy novels. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @AWritersWay or on her blog writerchristinemarie.wordpress.com.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!

Stay up-to-date and support the site by following Bleeding Cool on Google News today!