mheronime: February 2008 Archives
Review by Michael VanceSojourn: The Berserker's Tale, Volume 6/ $17.95 and 172 pages from Checker Book/words by Chuck Dixon; art by Greg Land/sold at book and comics shops, and at www.ckerbpg.com.
Reprinting issues 31-34 and a prequel of the comic series, Sojourn, this collection of epic fantasy in the tradition of Lord of the Rings has its heroes and heroines traveling to the land of the Iskani, a race of ice trolls, to confront a monster. Ultimately, their quest beyond defeating this creature is to find and destroy the undead sorcerer, Mordath, who threatens to once again conquer their world. Their cast of beautiful warriors and ugly monsters do so with the melodramatic flair of all well-written and well-drawn fantasy adventures.
What mean thee by "melodramatic", oh wise and verbose reviewer? Art thou being sarcastic in a pseudo-clever way? What, me? Pseudo-clever?
I meaneth, er, mean that most of the characters seem to pose heroically instead of stand, walk, and lay about like real, dirty, exhausted soldiers, and often speak in grand phrases that would take Shakespeare some time to compose. As one example: "Many lifetimes since I have felt the sting of battle—smelt the sour copper stench of blood in my own nostrils."
Yep, I used that "smelt the sour copper stench of blood" just yesterday, while shaving.
Are you suggesting this book is not worth reading, oh sage reviewer? Nope. Every genre has its touchstones, its stylistic nuances that separate it from other genres. Epic fantasy needs big situations, big settings, big characters, and big plots to be epic fantasy instead of say, a western or a situation comedy. So the only worthwhile question is: does Sojourn do it well? I'd say it does it very well indeed. Sojourn is recommended for readers who enjoy epic fantasy. MV
Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com.
Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection and Toy and Action Figure Museum? Go to fourcolorcommentary.blogspot.com & www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCARtM5BvvU.
Editorial by Mike HeronimeDescriptions by Midtown Comics
ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN #9
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist:Jim Lee
Manufacturer / Publisher: DC
Description: "The Dynamic Duo: yellow-bellied? Green Lantern tries to convince Batman & Robin to fall in line, but the pair takes him to school�in color theory!"
Editorial: I don't know why I keep buying this series. I really like Jim Lee's work and I really like Frank Miller's work and I really don't like what they've been doing together. These guys just don't seem to be right for each other. Lee is just too slick for Frank's grit. When everything looks crappy and edgy, it helps lines like "I'm the goddamn Batman." Not so much so in this run with Lee's art.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #35
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist:Various
Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel
Description: "THE NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA FIGHTS FOR THE HEART OF HIS COUNTRY IN A CITY GONE INSANE! Last issue was just the tip of the iceberg, as the Red Skull's master plan kicks into motion, and chaos begins to take hold of the US, with only one man to stand in its way, but is he up to the task? By Harvey and Eisner Award-Winning Best Writer Ed Brubaker with art by master storytellers Steve Epting and Butch Guice!"
Editorial: This has been an amazing run. I can't believe Bru brought back Bucky just to use him to replace Cap. And I really can't believe that I'm buying into the whole deal. And liking it. I can't wait for the next issue. This series is as good as Lost in terms of the anticipation factor.
CRIMINAL 2 #1
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist:Sean Phillips
Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel/Icon
Editorial: The barkeep from the last series of Criminal is getting his day in the sun in the issue. I guess he was an ex boxer mixed up with some criminals probably. It is the title of the book, right? Don't know what else to expect other than total noir goodness. If you think Brubaker's take on Captain America is amazing, it can't hold a candle to his love affair with crime noir fiction. Read it to believe it my good people.
KICK ASS #1
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist:John Romita Jr.
Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel/Icon
Description: "The greatest super hero comic of all-time is finally here. Have you ever wanted to be a super hero? Dreamed of donning a mask and just heading outside to some kick-ass? Well, this is the book for you--the comic that starts where other super hero books draw the line. KICK-ASS is realistic super heroes taken to the next level."
Editorial: I really liked Mark Millar's "Wanted" all the way up until the ending. If that makes me a whiny bitch, well what can I say. But if Kick Ass is going to be like Millar's other creator owned stuff, I gots to check it out!
MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #5
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist:Sean Phillips
Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel
Description: "This is it, the brain-eating, limb-wrenching climax to the sinister sequel of the runaway hit series! The fate of what's left of the human race hangs in the balance as the Civil War between the Marvel Zombies comes to its shattering�and sickening�conclusion!"
Editorial: Obviously the first volume of Marvel Zombies wasn't a winner just because of the story. This concept is totally extendable as a series into innumerable stories. The second volume has been a gas, much like the first one. There's just something creepy about watching your favorite heroes become some repulsive villains and then become heroes again? We'll see.
MOUSE GUARD WINTER 1152 #3
Writer: David Petersen
Artist:David Petersen
Manufacturer / Publisher: Archaia Studios Press
Description: "The Black Axe Celanawe and Young Mouse Guard Lieam dig into the snowy landscape for shelter during an ice storm, and the horrible weather leaves them with fewer supplies than before. The Guard mice Saxon, Kenzie, and Sadie — trapped below the surface in the weasel homeworld of Darkheather — upset the nocturnal inhabitants there. Saxon takes drastic measures and gets carried away!"
Editorial: Probably one comics most charming series, Mouse Guard delivers excitement, humor and drama in a way that makes you not even question why you care so much about the fate of a few field mice. It's easy to love this series. All you gotta do is pick one issue to find out why.
Review by Mark AllenAdam Among The Gods, published by Aazurn Publishing, 32 pages, $3.99.
Whether it be in a movie, a novel, a t.v. show or a comic book, fictional paradises generally end up falling short of utopian ideals. It's the same with Aazurn Publishing's "done-in-one" story, Adam Among The Gods.
For the uninitiated (Welcome to you, by the way.), "done-in-one" means a single story in a single issue. No need to buy multiple issues, or multiple series, for that matter, to see dangling plot lines resolved. A rare phenomenon in the world of comics of which I'm quite fond.
Writer Gary Scott Beatty takes readers on a tour of a world in which the "perfect" human has been engineered. No more sickness or old age, and little to no need for doctors and medicine. Paradise! Yeah, right.
From the get-go, Beatty gives us characters with whom we can sympathize, be it the doctor who sincerely wants to help humanity by improving upon it, the radicals who want to reclaim personal individuality, or Adam, the less-than-physically-perfect object of worship for so many. He also provides an engaging story at a crisp, but not rushed pace, with a satisfying conclusion....all in one issue.
As the saying goes, "And, wait 'til you check out the art!" Artist James Lyle is one of those individuals who makes you glad there is a visual medium called "comic books." His clear, bold lines and well-defined figures lend just the right "scrubbed clean with Clorox, but something nasty still lurks beneath the shine" look needed for this futuristic story in which all is well, as long as you don't look too close.
Lyle also handles striking contrast in amazing fashion, which he proves when Adam discovers..., WHOOPS! Let's just say that Adam discovers the shocking truth beneath the shine.
Adam Among The Gods is worth seeking out. It's recommended for older teens and up due to some disturbing imagery. It can be pre-ordered from Aazurn Publishing through your local comic book shop.
Mark Allen
PRESS RELEASEDenver artist Daniel Crosier AKA "The Wood Guy" Signs With Blue Water Productions Inc.
Daniel Crosier, the artist that has gained recent notoriety as Denver's "The Wood Guy" due to his unique approach of illustrating comic book covers and interiors on wood, has recently signed a non-exclusive contract with comic publisher, Blue Water Productions Inc. To learn more about Crosier visit www.thothengine.net.
Blue Water Productions Inc., based in Washington State, is best known for printing Ray Harryhausen Presents, titles based on concepts from classic films such as, "Clash of the Titans" and "Seventh Voyage of Sinbad".
Crosier's art will be featured in a new limited series entitled, Bartholomew of the Scissors. The series, written by Chad Helder, will feature Crosier's illustration created on pine panels using wood burning techniques and graphite.
Crosier comments on signing with Blue Water, "I think it's great. Thing are happening very quickly for me and I'm very appreciative my art's been well received. I'd like to thank Blue Water for giving me this opportunity." To learn more about Blue Water Productions visit www.bluewaterprod.com.
Crosier's signing comes on the heels of the completion of his first comic venture that he authored and co-illustrated from publisher, Pandemonium Comics headed up by Mike Heronime. Sons of Soil, also features Crosier's illustration on wood technique. Sons of Soil is available for purchase at www.pandemoniumcomics.com. The comic is based off of Crosier's feature length screenplay by the same title which intertwines multiple short story horror vignettes with colorful back woods characters.
Review by Mike HeronimeThis month, Pandemonium Comics features "Dark Dallas," the crime noir story that takes place in one of the nation's most crime infested cities, Dallas, Texas. Written by Eric Robinson with art by yours truly, "Dark Dallas" hit the retail shelves of Zeus Comics in Dallas this week and instantly attracted the attention of Dallas' biggest lifestyle magazine, D Magazine.
During his weekly pilgrammage to the comic book story, D Magazine Editor Trey Garrison found this month's issue of Pandemonium Comics too good to pass up. And good enough to mention on D Magazine's blog, Frontburner. Trey's response to "Dark Dallas" is just an early indication of how popular this title is becoming. It went on the shelf at Zeus two days ago (prior to Wednesday, the day of the week that new comics are available) and half of the issues had already been sold. It's highly likely that this comic book will completely sell out of Zeus by the end of the day today with Wednesdays being Zeus' highest traffic day of the week.
Don't despair, though. You can buy a copy of "Dark Dallas" by clicking here.
You can read Trey Garrison's blog entry for "Dark Dallas" by clicking here.
And you can learn more about Zeus Comics by clicking here.
Editorial by Mike HeronimeDescriptions by Midtown Comics
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #551
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Artist:Salvador Larroca
Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel
Description: "Jackpot! Spidey vs. the Police! Menace! Triumphs, twists, turns and tragedy pack these two issues by Marc Guggenheim and Salvador Larrocca. And would you believe...Spider-Man sued? (Hey, that's what we get for having a former lawyer write these things...)"
Editorial: I really like being able to read these Spider-Man stories each week. This is very cool. Right now Spider-Man is having to tussle with The Menace. A new Green Goblin looking character. And Jackpot, who appears to be Mary Jane in costume, is running around with old web head. It's good stuff. And so far, I'd have to say Quesada's decision to turn Spidey's world upside down has been a good one. It's not really going backward. It's going forward. It will be interesting to see how they will ultimately resolve this detour on the road of Spider-Man.
HULK #2
Writer: Jeph Loeb | ||
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Artist:Ed McGuinness | ||
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Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel | ||
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Description: "After last issue's shocking murder, there's evidence on the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier that will bring down the killer. So...The Hulk is going after it � and might bring down the Helicarrier instead! The one person standing in the Hulk's path � Iron Man! Also, the return of the LAST person you ever expected to see! Game on! " |
IMMORTAL IRON FIST ONE-SHOT GREEN MIST DEATH
Writer: Matt Fraction |
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Artist:Various |
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Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel |
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Description: "Mothers, lock up your daughters when we revisit the continuing adventures of that dashing rogue, Orson Randall, the Golden Age Iron Fist! The last time we flashed back to the life and times of Orson Randall, in the much fan-loved and critically acclaimed IMMORTAL IRON FIST ANNUAL, readers unlocked several secrets affecting Danny Rand, the Iron Fist of today. Now get ready for more! We promise you spine-tingling chills, ass-kicking action and pulp-fiction adventure like you�ve never seen, featuring gorgeous flashback art by Mitch Breitweiser, Chris Brunner, Russ Heath and Lewis LaRosa! Orson Randall goes head-to-head again and again versus none other than�the endlessly mystifying and unstoppably powerful Prince of Orphans! How will their battle through the ages echo in the life of Danny Rand?! You bet your kicked butt it has everything to do with the kung fu tournament of death unfolding in the pages of IMMORTAL IRON FIST!!" |
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #114
Writer: Greg Pak |
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Artist:Khoi Pham |
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Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel |
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Description: "In the wake of WORLD WAR HULK, the Mighty Avengers are hot on the heels of unrepentant renegades Hercules and Amadeus Cho. Driven into a mindless berserker rage by Ares, Herc has become the critical piece of Cho's plan to utterly destroy S.H.I.E.L.D. What is Cho's master plan to wipe out the spy agency...and is he willing to get Herc killed to do it? Guest-starring the Champions of Los Angeles! Yes, seriously. " |
PROGRAMME #8
Writer: Peter Milligan |
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Artist:C.P. Smith |
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Manufacturer / Publisher: DC/Wildstorm |
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Description: "Max�s attempt at tackling the Soviet super-humans head-on meets with disastrous results as the Dolls prepare for their next strike on American soil. The chaos of their assault is starting to spread through the country, as a race war in the South is about to ignite. Will the presence of Senator Joe further complicate things?" |
RUNAWAYS #29
Writer: Joss Whedon |
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Artist:Michael Ryan |
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Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel |
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Description: "The Runaways find themselves in the middle of a super-powered gang war in 1907! To make matters worse, two figures from the Runaways� past show their faces. Mr. and Mrs. Yorkes don�t believe that the Runaways played such an innocent role in their daughter�s death. Heads will roll! Part 5 (of 6)" |
SPIRIT #14
Writer: Sergio Aragones - Mark Evanier |
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Artist:Mike Ploog |
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Manufacturer / Publisher: DC |
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Description: Join the new SPIRIT creative team of writers Sergio Aragones & Mark Evanier (Groo the Wanderer) and Mike Ploog (Abadazad) for a case of murder! A string of killings is plaguing Central City�and the Spirit � with Commissioner Dolan � is on the case! |
ULTIMATE HUMAN #2
Writer: Warren Ellis |
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Artist:Cary Nord |
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Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel |
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Description: "Continuing the ultimate clash between Iron Man and the Hulk! The grey goliath is in full smash mode as he rampages through a Stark facility designed specifically to hold him—and all that stands between him and total destruction is the gleaming gladiator called Iron Man! Unfortunately, in the mad rush to stop the Hulk, Tony Stark has jumped into a suit of armor that happens to have no weapons systems! That’s bad news for Tony—and worse news for the world! The dream team of writer Warren Ellis and artist Cary Nord unleash the no-holds-barred fight between machine and monster!" |
UMBRELLA ACADEMY APOCALYPSE SUITE #6
Writer: Gerard Way |
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Artist:Gabriel Ba |
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Manufacturer / Publisher: Dark Horse |
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Description: "Welcome to the jaw-dropping, action-packed, dramatic conclusion to The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite. As the world lingers on the brink of complete annihilation, this dysfunctional fighting team must put their issues aside as they attempt to save planet Earth." |
Review by Mark AllenBatman: Animated, published by Harper Entertainment in 1998, 164 pages, $29.95.
As a long-time comics enthusiast, the only thing that excites me as much as exceptional comics or comics-related material is a great coffee table book ABOUT exceptional comics or comics-related material. Thus, I present to you Batman: Animated. Although nearly a decade old, the book covers one of the most successful animated franchises ever, Batman: The Animated Series. No surprise that it’s directly inspired by one of the most recognizable comic book characters in history. This is not the only reason the book is worth mention, however.
The brainchild of Paul Dini and Chip Kidd, as rabid a couple of Batman fans as you would find in any comics shop, the book is filled with some of the behind-the-scenes history of the program’s origins, early character sketches and studies, story boards and background paintings, as well as information on actors and actresses that voiced the characters, the orchestrated music which graced the program, and photographic documentation on much of the mountain of merchandise inspired by the program. The book puts into perspective the impressive pervasiveness of the program’s influence on society. Additionally, considering the fact that the animated series presented a much greater portion of society than just comics fans with one of the purest, most honest and essential versions of Batman as has ever been seen anywhere, the importance of such a book becomes clear.
If I were given one wish for the book, however, it would be interviews with key individuals involved with the series. Writers, artists, even actors, some of whom were fans of Batman comics and proved it with the level of enthusiasm they brought to their roles. The book is still a gem, however, and worth seeking out.
Batman: Animated is recommended for fans of the animated series , as well as those interested in television history and production. You can still find it in some comics shops, as well as online auctions and retailers.
Review by Mark Allen
Editorial by Mike HeronimeDescriptions by Midtown Comics
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #550
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Artist:Salvador Arroca
Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel
Description: "Jackpot! Spidey vs. the Police! Menace! Triumphs, twists, turns and tragedy pack these two issues by Marc Guggenheim and Salvador Larrocca. And would you believe...Spider-Man sued? (Hey, that's what we get for having a former lawyer write these things...)"
Editorial: Last week, we were treated to a new writer/artist team without skipping a beat. This is good stuff kids. There's no telling how long it might last, though, so get in while the gettin's good.
ATOMIC ROBO #5
Writer: Brian Clevinger
Artist:Scott Wegener
Manufacturer / Publisher: Red 5 Comics
Description: "An anomaly in Italy leads ROBO to a secret Helsingard lair filled with memories of battles past. But behind the ""end boss"" doors, protectors have awoken. Is this the end of ATOMIC ROBO and his famed Action Science League?"
Editorial: This Hellboy-inspired serial gets better with each issue. This is the kind of comic book that answers the question, "Why can't comic books just be fun anymore?" with "Why the hell not?" People hate it when I answer a question with a question so just pick up this book and don't ask so many questions.
BPRD 1946 #2
Writer: Mike Mignola - Joshua Dysart
Artist:Paul Azaceta
Manufacturer / Publisher: Dark Horse
Description: "The first case of the fledgling Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense�a post-WWII investigation into the Nazis� occult research�turns deadly for U.S. forces as Professor Bruttenholm probes deeper into Project Vampir Sturm. With lives at stake, Bruttenholm enters an uneasy alliance with the leader of the Russian occult team�uncovering a secret as terrible as any plot of the Third Reich. Adventure, horror, and mystery in the finest Hellboy tradition."
Editorial: Paul Azaceta's art is amazing. Which makes picking up this BPRD series and extra treat since it's already got Mike Mignola and his BPRD crew for starters. This time around, Mike takes us back to WWII where Bruttenholm has left Hellboy back in the states to join forces with his Russian counterparts to explore the depths of Hitler's obsession with the occult. Nazis? Russians? Hitler? Bruttenholm? Lobster Johnson's sure to make an appearance. What more do you want?
CAPTAIN MARVEL #3
Writer: Brian Reed
Artist:Lee Weeks
Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel
Description: The mystery of Captain Marvel's presence in our world deepens as the first signs of a Secret Invasion are revealed! Brian Reed (New Avengers: Illuminati) and Lee Weeks (Daredevil) continue the winter's most surprising mini-series.
Editorial: I've been a huge fan of Captain Marvel since his costume was green and white. I wasn't too keen on the Death of Captain Marvel although I thought it was well done. But all of the iterations since have been very disappointing. Especially the Return of Captain Marvel. Until now. The first issue of this run blew me away. The art was particularly amazing. And Brian Reed's story has been particularly intriguing. I'm glad they've brought back this Captain from the dead.
FANTASTIC FOUR #554
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist:Bryan Hitch
Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel
Description: "MARK MILLAR! BRYAN HITCH! Need we say more? All right, we will! Who is Mrs. Fantastic? And how will her return into Reed�s life rock comicdom�s First Family? Also, get ready to meet the Invisible Woman�s brand NEW super-team! This issue kicks off a year-long storyline that will make FANTASTIC FOUR �The World�s ULTIMATEST Comic Magazine!� Promise!"
Editorial: Mark Millar has talked in interviews about how this is going to be a love letter to Stan and Jack. And then he says that this run won't have anything to do with Stan and Jack's run. According to Millar, he and Hitch are planning to reinvigorate the FF and turn them into a top ten book again. And though I haven't read the first issue yet, I have every reason to believe they're going to do it, if the Ultimates is any indication of the kind of excellence these guys are capable of. Now let's just hope that these guys can keep this book on schedule.
NEW AVENGERS #38
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist:Leinil Francis Yu
Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel
Description: "The break up! CONSPIRACY, PARANOIA, BETRAYAL may have taken their toll on the Avengers newlyweds Jessica Jones and Luke Cage. After the shocking turn of events at the end of last month's NEW AVENGERS ANNUAL, has Jessica Jones turned her back on THE AVENGERS? Who better to help tell this story than Alias artist Michael Gaydos returning to Marvel for this special issue. Guest-Starring the Mighty Avengers. WHO DO YOU TRUST?"
Editorial: I started reading this title again when Leinil Francis Yu came on board. But it's been Bendis' marvelous storytelling that has kept me coming back for more. Now that we're heading into Bendis' next big event (the Skrull invasion), I'm not going to miss an issue. And the best part? Yu's still delivering the goods on the art.
You can buy these great comics online from Midtown Comics or, if you're in Dallas, be sure to drop in on Zeus Comics to pick up your copy of these great books.
Review by Mike HeronimeCaffeine Dreams, Issues 1 & 2. Published by DWAP Productions (dwapproductions.com). Art by Todd Harris, Chris Sogovac, Nick Kunin, Mulele Jarvis, and Astra Price. Written by Dale Wilson, Mark Allyn Stewart, and Geoffrey Thorne.
Caffeine Dreams is an anthology series presenting a variety of stories by different artists and writers. Thematically speaking, these stories have very little in common. Issue 1 includes a story about a young couple that spot a well-hidden alien spacecraft, a second story about an apocalyptic holy war lead by the ruthless Padre Juan and overseen by an angel and demon with repressed sexual urges for one another, and a third story about a hallucinating gamer who is trying to incorporate his girlfriend into his brotherhood of video game playing friends.
Issue 2 has equally diverse stories. The first story is a tale about the end of the human race and the Frankenstein inspired beginning of a new race of man. The second story is a Hyborian Age story about a hard land with a tradition for defeating adventuresome warriors. And the third story is about a pair of hitmen who share an easy going friendship as they go from one contract hit to the next.
Among these six stories are some shining moments. The art of Todd Harris in the story titled "Tradition" is well executed with a genuine flair. His attention to anatomy reminds me of Gil Kane and his wispy treatment of his landscapes creates a believable atmosphere of foreboding. Chris Sagovac's Padre Juan is also a very cool creation. Sporting a stovepipe hat that would make Lincoln jealous, Padre Juan has all the makings of an iconic villain. And Mark Allyn Stewart's "To Rule in Hell" is a visionary story about the last of a race of immortals who has created a new race of man. The language and detail of Stewart's story make it easy to accept what would normally be a hard story to swallow.
One story in particular, "The Assassination," is noteworthy for both it's art and script. Mulele Jarvis delivers the most finished and consistent series of pages in either of these two issues. The easy going, casual approach to the rendering of the characters is in lock step with the happy-go-lucky tempo of Dale Wilson's script. The only problem with this story is the same problem shared by all of the stories of Caffeine Dreams — it's unfinished.
In the case of "The Assassination" the character development aspects of the story have received a lot of polish. Unfortunately, we are never told anything about the targets of the hitmen, those responsible for the contracts, or their connection to their own assassin who shows up at the end of the story like a deus-ex-machina to clean up a story that wasn't able to find its direction. By leaving these characters unconnected to the rest of their world, it produces a sailing-without-a-rudder effect that might be typically associated with senseless violence.
I'm sure that Dale Wilson can easily imagine a story that takes the characters of "The Assassination" deeper into their world to find greater meaning and purpose as storytelling devices. But that kind of deep diving takes time to develop and space to tell it in.
Unfortunately, Caffeine Dreams' short form approach isn't providing the space necessary for more developed stories. It's a problem seen in all of the stories in these two issues. "To Rule in Hell" is a deeply conceived story that lacks the dialog and character development moments that would make it complete.
Todd Harris' "Big Ships" pencils show promise but are too unfinished to be published in their current form. Backgrounds are just sketches and even the line quality of the pencils is too inconsistent to be accepted as the sustaining visual approach for this story.
"On Becoming a Monster" suffers from large gaps in the events of the story that would help to better establish the opposing characters and the events that drive their actions. These gaps make this story difficult to follow and understand.
Perhaps the greatest failing of Caffeine Dreams is the lettering and word balloons. Poor font choice, overly large and horsey point sizes, and over use of multiple fonts combined with ill-crafted word balloons create a distraction to the reader by drawing so much attention to themselves and away from the story. The lettering problem contributes to the overall sense that these books were rushed — produced too fast for their own good.
Taken as a whole, Caffeine Dreams shows promise as a comic book that can deliver a series of interesting, entertaining, and diverse stories. It enlists some talented artists and inventive writers who appear to be at the beginning of their game. With time and direction, Caffeine Dreams can become the kind of book that readers will look forward to with eager anticipation. To get there, the creators of Caffeine Dreams will need to be committed to finishing their work before they go to press. It might take more time to complete an issue. It might mean publishing fewer stories in order to give the good stories the space they need. It might mean being more selective when choosing stories to publish. But for now, Caffeine Dreams is a comic book with a potential that is equal to its challenges.
DWAP Productions is involved with a comic book and entertainment collective called The Antidote Trust (theantidotetrust.com).
Review by Michael VanceRobotika: For a Few Rubles More #1/ $3.95 and 35 pages from Archaia Studios Press/words by David Moran; art by Alex Sheikman /sold at book and comics shops; info at www.archaiastudios.com.
The first issue of a comic book series is similar to a first date. It's impossible to learn everything about the object of one's initial interest, but if the packaging isn't right and there's not enough that's intriguing, there won't be a second encounter, you can bet your sweet bippy.
Prepare to bet your sweet bippy (and your hard earned cash) on a second date.
Robotika is the second miniseries of a title that reads and looks a lot like the movie Mad Max if it had been set in Japan, filmed like the Western classic High Noon, and written by a streamlined H. P. Lovecraft (the master of subtle horror).
Intriguing? You betcha.
Throw in a little pseudo-science from the pulp magazines of the 1930s.
Robotika is sorta like a techno-western sushi comic book. Ah-so-yippee-ki-yi-ya!
Its reality-based art is heavily influenced by Japanese and European comic art as well as by the home-grown American variety, and it just doesn't get much better.
In addition, I applauded the restraint used when dealing with violence, nudity, profanity, and perversion in the first series. I clap heartily again.
However, the promotional blurb on its website says a member of an elite bodyguard protecting the queen is "sent on a mission to recover a stolen invention that, in the wrong hands, could trigger a bloody civil war".
Well, that's why you'll need a second date. Not much of that is in the first issue, but it sure made me want to read the second one. And maybe sing: "Do not forsake me, oh my darling…geisha".
Robitaka: For a Few Rubles More is highly recommended.
Michael Vance
Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at
www. mainenterprises.ecrater.com.
Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection and Toy and Action Figure Museum? Go to fourcolorcommentary.blogspot.com & www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCARtM5BvvU.
Review by Mike HeronimeNobody told me about this movie. I never saw a trailer for it. I never saw it listed in theaters. No commercials. No reviews. Nothing. The fact that a movie about the true story of physical evidence of alien life has somehow escaped my attention makes me think "possible conspiracy to conceal the truth." Conspiracy or not, it's definitely a crime that this wildly entertaining movie isn't getting more props.
Alien Autopsy is the true story about two guys from England who come to the United States to try to make a fast buck. They're chasing down vintage Elvis content to resell when they come across a guy with black and white film footage of an Elvis performance. They buy the footage cheap and a little while later, the guy that sells them the footage comes back to them with another proposition.
So, one of the two friends goes with this guy to his Florida home to find out what he's got that is so great. There he screens a film made by the guy while he was in the military during WWII. It is a film of a government run alien autopsy. Apparently, the military had acquired a dead alien in New Mexico (Roswell) and were cutting it open to learn more about it and they grabbed this guy because he was a military cameraman and had him shoot the whole thing. Twelve copies of the film were made and as a result of typical government efficiency, he ends up in possession of one of the copies. Now, (which in the movie is 1995) he wants to sell it to this British wheeler dealer for $30,000.
The Brit doesn't have the money so he borrows $30,000 from a Russian gangster who loves crop circles and is interested in acquiring a copy of the film. The Brit does the deal and gets the film. Only one problem. Ever since they opened the film canister in Florida, the film has been deteriorating. By the time the Brit gets the film, it appears to be completely ruined. He freaks because he is sure that the Russian is going to kill them. So these two guys do the only thing they can do. They get their friends together and stage an alien autopsy and film it. The Russian falls for it. The boys are in the clear.
That's when they get the bright idea to show the film to other people. One thing leads to another and all of a sudden, their film is being watched and accepted as the real McCoy on television stations all over the world. The whole time, they are on the brink of being exposed as frauds. But somehow luck stays on their side throughout the whole ordeal.
This story is fascinating because it's true. Hysterical because it's so crazy. And entertaining because it's so surprising. If you are one of the few people that have seen this movie, pat yourself on the back. And tell a few more friends about it. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a huge favor and go rent it tonight. And if you know anything about this movie that everyone else should know, please leave a comment for the rest of us.
Editorial by Mike HeronimeDescriptions by Midtown Comics
ABE SAPIEN THE DROWNING #1
Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist:Jason Shawn Alexander
Manufacturer / Publisher: Dark Horse
Description: "A century ago, paranormal investigator Edward Grey fought and destroyed a powerful warlock off the island of Saint Sebastian. In the early 1980s,�the B.P.R.D.�s newest agent was sent to retrieve the warlock�s remains. But Abe Sapien is ill prepared for the supernatural forces that block his way. Written by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, and featuring the haunting art of Jason Shawn Alexander (Damn Nation, The Secret, The Escapists), Abe Sapien: The Drowning�s the story of Hellboy and B.P.R.D. mainstay Abe Sapien�s first solo adventure."
Editorial: I love everything that Mike Mignola does. His Hellboy universe is one of the coolest in comics. And Abe Sapien is an awesome character. I'm thrilled to see Mignola expanding his line of titles. And even more thrilled to see Jason Shawn Alexander handling the art chores on this one.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #549
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Artist:Salvador Larroca
Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel
Description: "Saddle-up Spider�fans as the thrillingly thrice-monthly adventures continue! In this issue, meet the villain from the fifth Spider-Man movie today! Marc (Wolverine, Blade) Guggenheim and Salvador (newuniversal, Uncanny X-Men) Larroca bring you the next great Spidey Villain... MENACE! But that's not all! The mysterious JACKPOT makes her ""Brand New Day-Debut!� Plus the mystery of the Spider-Tracer Killer deepens. Not nearly 'Nuff said!"
Editorial: Last month's three issues of Amazing was pretty excellent. I know a lot of folks are none too happy with Joe Quesada's moves with Spider-Man. But so far, the new issues and new reality are working out pretty well. Probably because I'm a Silver-Age Spidey fan, I'm not as displeased as others. But the truth of it is, the whole thing could get turned upside down again by this time next year so there's no sense in getting your panties in a bunch. And if you're not reading the series, then you have nothing to gripe about. Pick up this issue and see for yourself.
SCUD THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN #21
Writer: Rob Schrab
Artist:Rob Schrab
Manufacturer / Publisher: Image
Description: "After ten years, Scud the Disposable Assassin RETURNS! The series ended on a cliffhanger with our robot hit man agreeing to destroy the world. Creator ROB SCHRAB (MONSTER HOUSE, THE SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM) vows to conclude this indie gem in a four-part mini-series. Everyone comes back, but does everyone survive?"
Editorial: Proof once again that there are plenty of non-superhero comic options. I'm a fan of good Indie comics and a huge fan of robots. So how can I resist a robot hit man? Obviously, I can't. I'm getting it.
TWELVE #2
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist:Chris Weston
Manufacturer / Publisher: Marvel
Description: "The Twelve time-lost Mystery Men of World War II adjust to the reality of life in the 21st century. But where do you go, what do you do, when everybody you knew is either dead and buried or in old-age homes, and the future you thought you were fighting for turned out to be radically different from what you imagined? "
Editorial: There seems to be a number of these throw-back stories out there right now. Dynamite Entertainment had one out last week that featured the original boomerang throwing Daredevil and a cast of other long-forgotten super heroes from WWII. Frankly, I've been racking my brain to remember whether I picked up the first issue of Twelve. Obviously it wasn't THAT memorable if I did. But I can't help it. I've liked these stories ever since the Justice league of America went hunting for the Seven Soldiers of Victory way back in the seventies. Since then, Alan Moore made this nod to nostalgia popular with his Watchmen. And recently, Agents of Atlas, Dr Thirteen, and Nextwave have all demonstrated how cool it is to dredge up old characters and re-ignite what made them cool to begin with.
You can buy these great comics online from Midtown Comics or, if you're in Dallas, be sure to drop in on Zeus Comics to pick up your copy of these great books.
PRESS RELEASEWe've always read a lot of comic books here at PositiveBrand. Marvel, DC, Image, and Dark Horse plus a whole host of independent and small press labels like Fantagraphics, Boom, Dynamite, Archaia, and others. Maybe it was a backlash to all of the multi-title crossover, mega-event stories that Marvel and DC are so obsessed with (read that as financially-driven). Or a reaction to much of the unapproachable, inconsistent, or obscure stories produced by the indies. Or simply an outcome of our own strengths and weaknesses as a publisher.
At any rate, we came to the conclusion that what comic readers don't need is neither another costumed superhero nor a grossly introspective autobiography in sequential art form. What comic readers could use are some good stories that have a beginning and an end with a lot of excitement, adventure, drama and humor in between. And all within 22 - 24 pages.
And that's why nearly every issue of Pandemonium Comics will be a One-Shot title. The story in each issue will end in each issue, making it a cinch to pick up one of our comic books and enjoy its goodness without having to pick up a bunch of back issues to learn about the characters. Or feel concerned about when the next issue is coming out so you can find out what happens next.
Some of the stories that we are publishing this year will follow this approach to the letter, including Sons of Soil, The Vanishteer, Ramblin', Earth Base One, and Angel of Death. Other stories we're publishing will still be produced as standalone, One-Shot issues but we will bring the characters back for future stories, including RoboPlanet, Grave Mistakes, and The Arena.
We also have two titles that will be continuing stories. Dark Dallas is a pulp murder mystery that will continue for four to five issues before it concludes. Each of these issues will be released every three to four months. The Silencer is an ongoing story that will be presented in each consecutive issue of Pandemonium Comics in four to five pages with each issue. It's scheduled to last for seven issues.
Beginning in March, Pandemonium Comics will also feature an ongoing comic strip titled Elwood and the Purrfessor. And we have plans for later in the year to turn the short lived online comic, Dead Elvis and the Witchdoctor into an ongoing comic strip as well.
The one thing that will be consistent from issue to issue is the Pandemonium Comics brand. It's your sign for a great comic book story by talented artists and writers without any of the baggage that you're used to carrying when you pick up a comic.
You can learn more about our different stories, read online previews, buy printed copies, see our publishing schedule, and download cool stuff at PandemoniumComics.com.
Pandemonium Comics is not a replacement for PositiveBrand but rather is simply published by PositiveBrand. Much like Wildstorm is published by DC or DC is published by Warner Bros. You can still go to PositiveBrand.net for the latest news on comic books, movies, video games, and websites, plus you can purchase back issue comics, exclusive t-shirts, and read online comic books and serials.
PositiveBrand was started in December 2004 to provide an alternative voice to the comic book community and an alternative path for comic book creators to gain a foothold in the industry.
Review by Mark AllenTimeFlyz, published by Zondervan Publishing, 160 pages, digest-sized, $9.99.
Imagine you are shrunk down by a band of cyborg flies and taken on a grand adventure through time to stop an evil time-traveling spider from kidnaping geniuses from our past. I know, I know, you hear that every day, right? Well, in case reading that leaves you at somewhat of a loss, you might come close to imagining what young Laurel is feeling as you read "Turtle Trouble," the story in volume two of TimeFlyz, from Zondervan Books.
Despite this being the second volume of the property, I got over feeling lost quite quickly with well-done catch-ups on the story so far, as well as recaps on identities of characters. This is important, as readers are bound to simply stumble across this book in some bookstores, as I did. Thanks very much to writer Ben Avery for making the story accessible, and those characters interesting.
The best word I can come up with to properly describe the art of Adi Darda Gaudiamo is "fun." Some may claim that's too simplistic. But, isn't "fun" what we want our comic books to be? The very essence of Manga, which seems to be Gaudiamo's style, is whimsy and light-heartedness, both of which the artist accomplishes in superior fashion. No wonder he has met with so much success in his native Indonesia.
Another attractive feature of TimeFlyz is that, unlike many comics dealing with Christianity, it doesn't bludgeon readers with religion. It is mentioned sparingly, yet in a powerful way at an appropriate place in the story. In other words, it's not forced, but fits nicely into the situation. That's hard to do, folks, and Avery is, again, to be commended for his ability to pull it off.
TimeFlyz is recommended for all readers who enjoy fun, uplifting stories. So give it to your kids, grand-kids, or nieces and/or nephews when you're done.
Find it at comics shops, online auctions, some online retailers, and at www.zgraphicnovels.com.
Mark Allen
