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Columns

Unlocking This Week’s Vault – February 26th Edition

Jason Jeffords Jr.
February 25, 2020
Columns, Indie, Miscellaneous Comic Book Content, Vault Comics

I fucking love Vault Comics. I named them my “Best Publisher” of 2019 and two months into 2020 I feel the same. So much so, I’m launching this new feature, “Unlocking This Week’s Vault.” By golly are there some great picks this week for Vault Comics! I’ve already been given the chance to read all of these, so when I say go buy them you blindly go buy them.

First off is a horror series I’ve come to adore in every aspect—The Plot. The Plot TPB VOL.1 collects the first four issues of Vault Comics’ horror masterpiece. Something that needs to be said is the speed of the TPB’s release. The fourth issue dropped in January and in under two months we get the TPB. That is one damn fast release. I’ve seen DC/Marvel take half a year just to drop collected additions, yet Vault barely takes two. Quick releases aside, The Plot is fantastic in multiple facets. The team behind it know exactly what they are doing and have been producing one of the best comics I’ve seen in a while. Each issue deserves a reread, so If you haven’t read it, why not? If you already have, then grab this to reread dammit!

The plot of The Plot TPB VOL.1  below.

The Plot TPB 1

(w) Tim Daniel & Michael Moreci (a) Joshua Hixson (c) Jordan Boyd (l) Jim Campbell

In order to receive… first you must give. When Chase Blaine’s estranged brother and sister-in-law are murdered, he becomes guardian to MacKenzie and Zach, the niece and nephew he hardly knows. Seeking stability for the children, Chase moves his newly formed family to his ancestral home in Cape Augusta — which overlooks a deep, black bogland teeming with family secrets.

If you enjoy: ancient evil, great art, amazing pacing, cool shoutouts to other horror stories, gorgeous well thought out/placed art, mystory, and just a good story then The Plot TPB VOL.1 is perfect for you.

Side Note: Before posting this, Leagueofcomicgeeks changed the release to March 4th. Nonetheless, now you know a week early so you can save money!


We’ll stick with horror and go forth with Black Stars Above #4. Although it’s billed as a “horror” it has a completely different vibe than The Plot. That being, more of a cosmic horror akin to H.P. Lovecraft. Hell, it even has a grotesque creature that would most likely be in one of his tales. Yet, comparing the two wouldn’t be fair to Black Stars Above, as it stands on its own with its haunting story and characters. As it takes place in a frozen wilderness I can absolutely feel the cold chill and spine chilling vibes it presents. Also, congratulations to Lonnie Nadler and Jenna Cha on their marrage!

Black Stars Above, so below.

Black Stars Above #4

(w) Lonnie Nadler (a) Jenna Cha (c) Brad Simpson (l) Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

A frozen death searches for Eulalio in the neverending wilderness.

While the northern town is nearer than ever, the infant child under her care is changing, and she must decide if it is a being she can trust, of it it will only bring her closer to the ruins of reality.

If you enjoy: creepy babies, cold weather, beautiful lettering/art/colors, amazing paneling, cosmic horror, creepy woodsmen, tales out in the woods, and a female protagonist then look up at (the) Black Stars Above #4.


Last but certainly not least—Finger Guns #1. I was given the amazing opportunity to check out this new series back in November/December. It’s been a few months so the exact date befalls me. But, holy hell is Finger Guns fucking amazing! The premise alone of two teenagers with emotion bullets that shoot form your fingers is unique. Yet, once you get into the series you see the new series isn’t just about that. Instead, Finger Guns becomes so much more and is one series you need to read if you only start one new series. There is so much to love, and recently I read the second issue and was absolutely blown away. You’ll regret missing out on this breathtaking beginning.

Holster your guns and look below.

Finger Guns #1

(w) Justin Richards (a) Val Halvorson (c) Rebecca Nalty (l) Taylor Esposito

Two troubled teenagers discover they can manipulate emotions by firing finger guns. There will be laughs. There will be tears. There will be uncomfortable teen feelings and angst.

Oh yeah… and chaos.

So much chaos.

If you enjoy: amazing art/colors, gorgeous covers, coming of age, humor, relatable characters, unique stories, fantastic art, and great panel usage then shoot your shot with Finger Guns #1.


As noted the comics seen above are ones I’m already caught up on. Sadly, I don’t have all the time in the world to read comics, meaning I can’t be caught up on all of Vault Comics’ series. Plus, my LCS sadly doesn’t carry much Vault Comics, so I have to wait on Instocktrades. I’m trying to remedy that with my LCS. Yet, in my gut -and in previews I’ve seen- I know these have that Vault Comics qualityx! Nonetheless, I’ll list the four other new comics coming from Vault Comics this week.

I’ve seen a lot of Heathen floating around the internet, and with each piece, I want to read it that much more. The art alone is enough to draw your gaze, while the writing equally draws you in. Heathen follows badass warrior, Aydis and her talking horse and seems to revolve around North Mythology. Writing that out makes me feel weird that I haven’t read it yet. Those are all keywords for me. Alas, the first issue is free on Vault Comics’ website, so check that out if you need more convincing! I know it’s on my list.

Don’t be a Heathen, check out the info below!

Heathen #9

(w/c) Natasha Alterici (a) Ashley A. Woods (l) Morgan Martinez

Aydis is ambushed by trolls shortly after arriving at the godlands. To her surprise, they spare her life and only take her captive. She’ll have to find a way to turn them into allies, or risk failing her mission.

First Glance: Badass Viking female warrior with a unique art style. What’s not to love?

I’ve read part of Wasted Space, the first Volume to be exact. I absolutely fucking loved it! The art/story can be insanely bonkers at times and I’m all for weird space stories. After reading the first Volume I ordered the second. Now I’m just waiting for it to come in. I’m an impatient person, so this wait makes me feel like I’ve been wasting space… Nonetheless, like Heathen, if you need more convincing check out Vault Comics’ website as Wasted Space #1 is included in their “Free First”. Always a pleasure when publishers do this.

Don’t Waste Space not looking at the solicit of Wasted Space #14 below! 

Wasted Space #14

(w) Michael Moreci (a) Hayden Sherman (c) Jason Wordie (l) Jim Campbell

Billy makes his escape from emotional hell and Molly fights a warlock.

First Glance: A space case adventure in a bombastically crazy universe with even kookier characters.

Now let’s delve back into some horror, Cult Classic: Creature Feature. Honestly, Cult Classic: Creature Feature rolls off your tongue elegantly, so why not read it? Tongue rolling aside, Cult Classic: Creature Feature has been called, “a love letter to B-movie madness”, which sounds fantastic! That comparison alone makes me want to read it. But, why should you? You only need to catch up on four other issues and they all look amazing, plus it’s a Vault Comic comic.

Read about the horror down below.

Cult Classic: Creature Feature #5

(w) Eliot Rahal (a) John Bivens (c) Jerrie & Monahan (l) Taylor Esposito

This is it! Not the end, but the finale! And the question we’re sure is on all of your minds is… how the hell are they going to get out of this one? Slater was literally melted to death. A horde of evil skeletons has seized control of Whisper’s streets. The Lake Monster continues to grow unchecked. And Jarrod… is running out of gas.

First Glance: Do the monster mash!

Next up is Magdalene Visaggio’s, Vagrant Queen: A Planet Called Doom #2! This series is a direct follow-up to her previous series, Vagrant Queen. Yet another amazing comic I have on my list to read! This original series did so well that it got a pretty good looking TV show. That aside I remember the original releasing, yet I never picked it up from my LCS. That’s because they never had it! Nonetheless, I plan on picking up the first trade and watching the show once I get the moment!

Don’t doom your planet, read more about Vagrant Queen: A Planet Called Doom #2!

Vagrant Queen: A Planet Called Doom #2

(w) Magdalene Visaggio (a) Jason Smith (c) Harry Saxon (l) Zakk Samm

Some time-warping wackos try to force the crown back on Elida’s head, as an old adversary pays Stelling a visit.

First Glance: Another badass female lead in a galaxy that looks relentless!

Wow, that was a lot just for one publisher in one week and what quality and diversity they have! All four of those comics look fantastic, as one would expect. Thanks for taking a look inside the vault with us and hopefully you find something you like. Hell, I’d be surprised if you didn’t. Now, with the list for this weeks new releases out of the way, what Vault Comic are you looking forward too?

AdventureBlack Stars AbovecomedycomicComing of ageCult Classic: Creature FeatureFinger GunsHeathenHorrorHumorNewThe PlotVagrant QueenVault ComicsWarriorWasted SpaceWeekly

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About The Author

Jason Jeffords Jr.
Contributor

Jason resides in the cold crime-ridden town of Anchorage, Alaska. When he isn't running away from murderers he "chills" at home reading comics/books, watching films/TV, and playing games with his three-legged cat Lucky. Oh, he has also written for websites such as Monkeys Fighting Robots, Comicbookyeti, Multiversity.

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