THE CRIMSON NUN: FORTIER, THOMAS & BELCHER

Inspired by Ben Dunn's Warrior Nun (a cult favorite of the 1990s), as well as the legend of Joan of Arc and some good ol' Catholic know-how, writer Ron Fortier's The Crimson Nun blazes onto the scene with sizzling action, enhanced with breathtaking artwork by Jesse Thomas and spiffy lettering by Mike Belcher. 

For Fortier's first, Crimson Nun installment, "Rebellion," readers are transported to Paris 1431, on the final day of Saint Joan's life, where she is burned at the stake and her body deposited into the Seine, only to be retrieved through surreptitious means.  

The story then shifts to a mysterious locale in 1938, where the vile Black Cardinal and his creepy acolytes, assisted by their Nazi ally, Agent Dietrich, have crucified the original Crimson Nun, Alicia Smith. It doesn't take long before a bodacious avenger intervenes to save Smith--and Hallelujah!--it's none other than the next-generation Crimson Nun, Gabrielle Cauxvette, who administers combative skills that'll make one's head spin!

Future chapters of Fortier's saga will explain Cauxvette's amazing advent, along with her connection to Pope Pius XI. For now, the initial exploit satisfies as a taut blend of old-world ambiance combined with 1930s intrigue. Moreover, Issue #1 shows that evildoers should take heed or else face the righteous wrath of this striking, holy crusader.  

Be on the lookout for The Crimson Nun #1 from Indy Comics. It's way too great a blessing to ignore!

BEYOND THE STARS #3: THE INTERGALACTIC ADVENTURE CONTINUES

Ron Fortier's intergalactic adventure, Beyond the Stars, continues through Silverline Comics, adorned by three, collectible covers, created by Andrea Bromida, Kevin West, Mickey Clausen, Thomas Florimonte and Rob Davis.

For Issues #1-2, readers were introduced to the Er-Keety, colonists who reside within the Elgin Nebula, for they are the key to quelling the approaching danger. But first the Er-Keety must be located, and to fulfill that quest, a group of Science Warriors is dispatched. Beyond the Stars is their story. 

For Issue #3, Fortier is again assisted by the artistic talents of the aforementioned Bormita and Mike W. Belcher, who now place their protagonists in a strange craft, the Gnik-tu, which is hosted by the spectral Slous. Slous informs the warriors of cosmic creatures called swimmers, and how the heart of one such entity propels the vessel. In turn, this symbiotic link appears to hold the ancillary means to aid the warriors toward their lofty goal. 

Beyond the Stars #3 overflows with heightened mystery and surreal suspense, thus reinforcing the saga as one of the best space odysseys to manifest in years.   

I'm ecstatic that Issue #3 found its funding, for it would've been a travesty if this inspiring, space opera had ended prematurely. It's nice to know, too, that its creators are planning three, additional chapters. 

Beyond the Stars #3's official release is forthcoming. Bizarrechats will post an update as soon as the information becomes available.